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Full text of "History of Tama County, Iowa. Its cities, towns and villages, with early reminiscences, personal incidents and anecdotes and a complete business directory of the county"

HISTORY 



OF 



TAMA COUNTY, ^^ 



lO'VV^^. 



ITS CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES 



WITH 



EARLY REMINISCENCES. PERSONAL INCIDENTS A-iD ANECDOTES, 



AND A COMPLETE 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF THE COUNTY 



BY SAMTJEL D. CHAPMAN. 
\ 



PRINTED AT THE 

TOLEDO TIMES OFFICE. 
1879- 



THE N"W v:j:^k 
PUBLIC LIBRARY 

341870A 

ASTOR, LENOX AND 

TILDBN FOUNDATi.t>NS 

R 1927 h 



PREFACE. 



It is now nearly two j'ears since I conceived the idea of pub- 
lishing a History of Taina County. After I submitted my plan 
to a number of old settlers who approved of the same and encourag- 
ed the enterprise, work on the proposed publication was at once be- 
gun. In order to test the enterprise a practical canvass of Tama 
City, and Toledo, was made and in three or four days time over 
two hundred subscribers were secured, and I was thus encourage 
ed to continue the work and solicit subscriptions from those living 
in other towns and in the country. 

Of the magnitude of the work I then had no conception. I was 
of the opinion there were yet living, many of the old pioneers frora 
whom information could be obtained without difficulty; l)ut in 
this I was greatly mistaken. Few indeed, are tlie number, as 
many are dead, while othei's have left the , County, Since the 
projection of this work, quite a number more have been called to 
their final resting place, from some of whom we expected to obtain 
much valuable information. "Man proposes and God disposes." 
The interviews were never had, and now their lips are hushed 
in death, and no more will their stories of pioneer life be listened 
to with interest and pleasure by those gathering around their 
hospitable firesides. 

The author has labored under many adverse circumstances in 



PREFACE. 

the prosecution of the work. Without a dollar in his pocket or 
to his credit, without material assistance of any kind from any 
source, he began the compilation of a work that lias required 
nearly two full years to complete. 

As previously remarked, the difficulty in securing information 
was far greater than anticipated; especially has this been the 
case with regard to dates. In order to learn the dates of the set- 
tlements, several weeks were spent in visiting and interviewing 
old settlers, besides writing many letters to those who had form- 
erly lived in the County and were supposed to be cognizant of 
the facts in the case. The conclusions arrived at are satisfactory 
to my mind, and will be to the mind of any who will take the 
same trouble to obtain the knowledge. The same care taken to 
learn the exact time in which the settlements were made, has been 
taken to verify every fact given. That errors may creep in, how- 
ever guarded one may be, cannot be doubted; but I believe they 
will be few indeed. 

Although in the compilation of the work much time has been 
spent, and therefore it has been quite tedious, yet it has not been 
unmixed with pleasure. Many days and nights have I spent in 
listening to the stories of the old pioneers; ever hearing some- 
thing new; now laughing and then crying, as the ludicrous or the 
pathetic was narrated; and then in the study of the character of 
our fathers and those of the present generation, time with me has 
slipped quickly by. 

And now, at the close of my labor, I cannot lay down my pen 
without returning thanks to the many kind friends who have 
assisted me in obtaining information, and have encouraged me 
from time to time with words of cheer. 

My work is now done, and it is presented to you with the hope 
that it may please; that its errors you will kindly overlook, and 
that you will be well repaid in its pursual. 

Yours with respect, 

SAMUEL D. CHAPMAK 

TAMA CITY, IOWA, SEPTEMBER Ist, 1879. 



CONTENTS, 



CHAPTER I. 

First settlements-Name of County-Home of the Red man-Beauty of 
Praine fire-Clian-ed scene-Location of County-First white set- 
tler-Trouble with Indians-A rapid increase of settlements-Wel- 
come-New liomes-State and County Roads-County survey- 
First originn I entry-Attachment to BeutonCounty-First election- 
First County officers-First term of District Court-Number pres- 
ent-Cases -Apjjointment of Commissioners to locate County seat 
-Selection-Erection of Court House-First jurors-First jury 



trial . 



CHAPTER II. 

1857-61-Murder of William Stopp-Excitement-Arrest of Olleslaugh- 
er-Escape-Hardships-Home on the prairie-Difference now and 
then-Long winter-Big snow storm-Great suffering-Wild game 
tor tood-People froz.m to death-Eirst Board of Supervisors- 
Fust session-Old camp grounds of Sac and Fox Indians-Old sel- 
lers 



-23. 



.2-1—30. 



CHAPTER HI, 

Home life and amusement-Exterior Description-People Industrious 
Clothing Worm-Home manufacture-Drudgery of women-lnfli - 
ence of the Bible-Cultivation of flax, cotton and wool-Seasons of 
fun-Quilting bees-Corn huskings-The little brown jug-Drink- 
iiiS universal-Hunting-House raisimr-Election davs-Kind 
hearts-Neighborly acts and universal love 31_3g 



CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IV. 

state and County roai Is— Marengo and Fort Dodge road— Toledo— Set- 
tlements in the timber and along tlie streams— Most convenient 
route— Distant marliets— Trade and bartering— Marketing— Hard- 
ships while off to marlcet-Stores among the settlers— Home mai'ket 
—Railroads 37—40. 

CHAPTER V. 

Geography of the County— Distance from east to west and north to 
south — Principal streams — Surfaceof the County — Waler powers — 
Mills— Timber and Prairie— Resources of theCounty— Geology— In- 
teresting study — Stone and coal — Its formation — Lime stone — St. 
Louis lime stone — Surface deposits — Lar;:e quarries 41 — 46. 

CHAPTER VI. 

Railroads- Charter obtained— newspapers— The iron Iiorse— Great ex- 
citement over railroad— Friends of the road at work— Opposers — 
Monev raised— Chicogo and Northwestern railroad— Its appear- 
ance 47—50. 

CHAPTER Vn. 

Old settlers' society— Sincere friends— Hospitality— Surroundings of 
pioneer life— Many incidents — Society organization— First meeting 
—Its officers .51-53. 

CHAPTER Vni. 

Sac and Fox Indians— Two distinct tribes— Indians at Green Bay— 
Their stay— Poweshiek— In Kansas— Return— First Indian agent 
—Murder of a Pawnee— Arrest of Black Wolf— Inquest— Black 
Wolf discharged- -Man-an-wan-e-ka — The reservation—Personal 
property— Annual payments — Their loye for their old home 54—58. 

CHAPTER IX. 

Township Histories— First settlement — Their organization— Interrest- 
ing incidents- Murder in Wiiiskey Bottom— Big Indian scare- 
First Births — First marriage — First deaths— First school taught — 
^ Township officers— Connelly murder-Drowning of Mr. Horton and 
^ son— Hog raising on shares— Union Grove— Lost Child 54—94. 

I CHAPTER X. 

Tlesources of the County— Extent of territory— Improved Lands— Un- 
> improved Lands— Grains— Meadows— Timber laud— Hoses— Cat- 
^ tie— Mules and asses— Sheep— Swine— Apples— Orchards— Peaches 
~ Pears— Cherries— Grapes— Small fruits — Assessment of the County 



( 



(^f»NTENT8. 

for isro 95—10:-!. 

CHAPTER XL 

Teinporaiicf — Prohibitory law — Voti's oasf-KirsI \vl:i ;!;fy — Teniix'r- 

aiiCL' spiH't'hes — TeiiiiJ 'i aiices urj^anizations 11)4 — KiH. 

CHAPTER XII. 

Old and new Court Rouse — County jail---Buii(liii^ of tlie new Court 
Housi' — Its descrii)tion — Huliu\n.<;- ot the jail — JJi'Scriptioii — (.'ounty 
officers 107—110. 

CHAPTER XII 1. 

Prairie pirates and erimiiial records — A conihiiiatit)n of outhivvs — Ad- 
venlurous criiuinais — Life on the frontiers— Good liorses unsafe 
property — Colts stolen — 'IMie iirisnners— Airest <jf the Bunker 
boys — llanjiiiiK of the Bunlver boys — Perpetrators escape — Snialfs 
arrest— 11 is'trial and acquital— Felter uuirder— Mulligan murtler— 
Kobecheck murder- Meshek murder— Taylor murder 111—115. 

CHAPTER XI Y. 

Tania County aj^ricu Itural societies — First fair lield— Display of products 
Fair at Toledo — Tama County auriculturai soci 'ty— Traer district 
agricultural society 110—119 

CHAPTER XV. 

The first year of tlie great rebellion- Patriotismprevails— Love for the 
old flag — Bombardment of Ft. 8umpter — Hoav the news was receiv- 
in Tama County — The Coun ty aroused— Quick response to the call 
of the Presiiient — Meetings held throughout the County — Organi- 
zation of companies for the tenth regiment — Their ileparture — May 
God bless you — Old and young desire to enlist— Battle field — Many 
vacant chairs now to be seen — Sleeveless coats now among us — x\id 
from the County — Close of the rebellion — Krturn of the boys in 
blue— Thanks be to the father of ail 12(J— 150 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Biographical — J. C. Vermilya — Charles Mason— Abram Tompkins — 
West Wilson- Joseph H. Scott— James B. Merriit— J. G. Hull- 
Hon. S. S. Mann— Hf)n. W. G. Malin— John W. Fleming— Maj. T. 
S. Fre. — Or, IL Welton— Jacob W. Lamb— Anthony Wilkinson- 
lion. \\ iliiam llartsock—D. C. Lamb— -lames 11. Brooks— George 
11. Warren— Nathan C. Wieting— Frank E. Sniith— Hon. Gamaliel 
J aqua 151 — 174 

CHAPTER ^Nl\. 

Newspaper enterprise.s— Tribune— Transcript— Republican— Chroiucle 



CONTKNTS. 

— W«eUly Ledger — Ial)Pia!—ImIepen( lent— Times — Union — Citizen 
—Uerakl—l'ress—Deniocriit— Star— People's Fiieiul— Keporter— 
Albiua of Pen Ait--Cli;.|.er 175—181 

CHAPTER XYIIL 

Religions Influence — Attending worship — In]irovemeiit in dress ai!<l 
appearance — First reli;-'ions organization — First minister — First 
quarterly ineetin.t;--Mel!iti(list E[)iscopal Ciiureli of Toledo — M. E. 
Church uf Tama City--M. E. Church of 'Irai-r— M. E. Church of 
Montour — M. E. Church of Dysart— M. E. Church of How ard town- 
ship— Salein J^resbyterian Ciiurch— Toledo Church— Rock Creek 
Church — Dysart Churcii— Tranquility Ci.urch — Congregational 
Church uf Tdledo — Montour Church — Trai-r Ciiurch — Baplist Church 
of Tanr.i City— Baptist C;iurch of Tdl.-do—i'nited Presbyterian 
Church of Traer — Christian Churcli of Toledo- -Catholic Church of 
Tama City-Ciielsea and OtterCreekChurches-Union Church — Fre-_- 
vvill Baptist of Toledo—United Brethern Church of Toledo.. United 
Brethern Churcii of Badger Hill. .Church of God 183. .192. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Educational — Progress of the C(funty — The school houses — First 
subscription schools-— First schools opened in the County-— First 
school house paid for out of the public treasurj- — School statistics 
— enrollment during 1878 — Number of school houses in the C<iunty 
— Cost — Expenses — X(jnual Institute 193 — T.Mi 

CHAPTER XX. 

Poor farm— Proposition submitted to the Board— Election — Proceed- 
ings of the Board — Cost of the Poor farm — Location— Farmer's Mu- 
tual aid company — organization — Otticers — Political — Party lines 
distinctly drawn — Anti-.Monopoly jiarty — Democratic — Greenback- 
Republican 197— 2< 0. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Toledo'-First cabin— Changes— Organization— Location— First sale of 
lots — Fir.st business building — Business opened — Future— Incorpor- 
ation — Election of oliicers — Improvement -Financial standing — 
Railroad privileges— Public buildings— School building— Officers- 
Business directory 201—2^2. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Tama Citj- — Name — luka — Founding- Original owners of the land — 
First settlers — Its growth — incorporations — Fir.st Mayor — 
Societies — First election of officers— Union— School building — Hy- 
draulic works— Irish and his plans — Winter of 1873-3 — The persist- 
ant efforts of tht^ people— Company organized — Cajtital stock — Its 



CONTENTS. 

officers— Progress— Its completion— Grand jubilee— The roasted ox 
Till' event of tlie day— Tlie dam— Race— Keservoir—Buikliead— 
Tail race— IJnsiness directory 32:5 252. 

CHAPTER XXIJJ. 

Traer— Its situation— Railroad— First business— Park— Incorporation- 
Officers. —I'ublic scliools— Religious— Fine dwellings— business 
blocks— Business directory 2:53— %8. 

CHAPTER XXIA^ 

Montour— Location. .Original owners. . First Business. .Organization . . 

Officers. .Public schools. .Business directory 269. .276. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Dysart. .L(.cation. .Name. .First train. .First business. .Educational. . 

K ligious.- 37Y. .282. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Chelsea. .Location. .First election. .Officers. .The town. .Public school 

. . Business directory 283 28t} 

CHAPTER XXV n. 

Small towns in the County. .Indiantown. .Business. .LeGrand Station 
. .Monticello. .Business. .Waltliam. .Irving. . Haven. . Helena. .Bad- 
ger HilL .Business. . Union Grove 287. .293. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Miscellaneous.. Frank Fiahm & Bro. .Joshua Leonard. .John Wild . 
William W. MunsonHW. A. McAnulty..S. E. Wilson.. L. P. Dins- 
dale & Son. .Thomas Shunn . .Andrew JMcCosh 294. .296. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY, 



CHAPTER I. 

FIRST SETTLEMENT— ORGANIZATION. 

The first settlement of Tama County of which we have record 
was in the spring of 1849. Previous to this t.me the county was 
fna Ttate of unbroken wilderness, the ho.ne of the red-n,en, 
whorotldat will over its broad prairies, engaged .n occupa- 
"onsTe uhar to their race. No one, save the old settler, or one 
who h'ad visited the far West can fully realize the beauty of the 
r,untry at that tiu.e. Tradition has it that Tan.a County 
wis amed after Tan.a,* the wife of Poweshiek, one o, the 
CheHt the Sac and Fox tribes, who resided here when the 
hi pioneer sought ati>ture hon.e and brought with h,,n the c,v 
Lat ons of the East, and if by this it was n.eant to bestow the 
name of "beautv" upon Tama County the effort has not been 
Lt Nowhere'within the limits of the State could >t be surpass- 
ed for beautiful scenery, groves, prairies, meandering strean.s and 
carpets of flowers and verdure. 

Dividing the Couutv m.rth and south, we had upon the north a 
broad prairie extending as far as the eye could reach, the tall grass 
gently undulating like the waves of the sea. tpon the south the 
*Tama, beautiful, lovely. 



li HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

giant oak, the stately elm and the usetnl hickory, seemingly 
piercing the very heavens, stood as faithful sentinels over their 
entire surroundings. No fallen timber or undergrowth of any 
kind obstructed the passage; the annual prairie fire making a 
clean path for all. 

A prairie on fire! Have you ever witnessed one? The siirht is 
magnificent indeed. A correspondent to the "Philadelphia 
Enquirer" on a visit to this State, while traveling up the Missis- 
sippi, described in glowing terms the scenery on that "Father of 
Waters", and thus graphicly sketched a prairie on fire: 

"Whilst enjoying the sublimity of the scene, night threw her 
mantle o'er the earth, and the sentinel stars set their watch in 
the skies, when suddenly the scene was lighted by a blaze of 
light illuminating every object around. It was the prairie on fire. 
Language cannot convey, words cannot express to you the faint- 
est idea of the grandeur and splendor of that mighty conflagra- 
tion. Me thought that the pale queen of night disclaiming to 
take her accustomed place in the heavens, had dispatched ten 
thousand messengers to light their torches at the alter of the set- 
ting sun, and that now they were speeding on the wings of the 
wind to their appointed stations. As I gazed on that mighty 
conflagration my thoughts recurred to you immured in the walls 
of a city, and 1 exclaimed in the fullness of my heart:" 

"O fly to the prairie in wonder and gaze, 
As o'er tlie grass sweeps tiie niaynificent blaze; 

The world cannot boast so romantic a sight, 
A continent flaming, mid oceans of light." 

How changed the scene now. The timber in many places has 
been cleared away, and bountiful farms appear in its stead. The 
broad prairies have been shorn of their nati\'e beauty, and the 
hand of man has endeavored to excel in their decoration. The 
iron horse now courses over the prairie and through the timber 
where once only the trail of the red man was known. Yillae-es. 
towns and cities appear where only the wijrwam was once seen. 
All this change has taken place in twenty-nine years. What will 
the next twenty -nine years bring? Who can tell? 

Tama is the fifth Ct)unty west from the Mississippi, the fifth 



HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 15 

north from tlie south line and the fifth south from the north Hne 
of the State, occupying a central position; containing an area of 
720 square miles; 47C,000 acres of land. With its soil, its tim- 
ber and beautiful scenery, it possesses many attractions of which 
her citizens may justly feel proud; and has many reminiscences 
of tlie past to which she can refer with feelings of great pleasure. 
History affords no worthier example of greatness than the lives 
of adventurous pioneers, who, for the sake of independence, 
weathered the storms of adversitv and buffeted the cold winds 
of a perilous life, in order to provide comfort and homes for their 
families. 

To the pioneers of Tama County belongs a share of this praise 
for they worked nobly and fought manfully until civilization 
reached them through time and immigration, and the natural re- 
sources of the County. 

As before remarked, the count}^ is about equally divided be- 
tween timber and prairie, the northern tiers of townships being 
mainly prairie, while the southern is largely timber. When we 
reach the descriptions of townships, we shall notice this matter 
more at length. The County is bounded on the nortli by Black- 
hawk and Grundy Counties, on the east by Benton, on the south 
by Poweshiek and on the west by Marshall. 

To Isaac Asher belongs the honor of the first settlement, about 
one-half mile west of the present site of Indian town, in the west 
part of the County. Mr. A. settled first iu Marshall County, on 
May the iSth, 1847. but the beauty of Indian township, Tama 
County, attracted his attention, and in the spring of 1849, he 
permanently settled in Tama County with his wife and eight 
children, and was the first white settler in the County. He 
broke the first sod and planted the first crop of corn.* 

When the family of Ashers approached their present home 
thev were met bv the Indians, who lived near, and who were 
painted and dressed for war, and demanded that the family re- 
turn and not attempt to go on; but after a long council of both 
parties, they were permitted to settle peacefully. 

*Mr. Asher has gone to his loner home, but his wife still survives and is the 
oldest white female resident of the County, being the first white woman here. 



16 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY 

Tlie next white fumilics that scttk'd in Tanui Couiitj, were 
those of Anthony, Robert and William Wilkinson, wlio came 
from Coshocton County, Ohio, and permanently located in 
what is now Salt Creek township, on the 12th day of 
Octobei', 18-10. They were accompanied by their mother and 
three sisters, xinthony and William had been soldiers in the 
Mexican war and liad just i-eceived their land warrants, and in 
due time located the same. Their brother Robert purchased 
land near them in the same township. The Ashers and "Wilkin- 
sons were the only settlers in lS-19. 

In June, 1850, Alexander Fowler and Isaac Smith, with their 
families and Tobias YanDorn, a single man, settled in York 
township and commenced improvements on their lands. 

R. A. Redman came into the County October 30th, 1850, and 
settled near the present site of Tama City. At the same time 
^Y. L. Brannan, S. J. Murphy. J. H. and AV. T. Ilollen, and J. 
Unbarger came in renuiining a short time, returning to Marengo 
during tlie winter months. 

In the summer of 1851, Eli Daily, Anthony Bricker, John 
Daily and families settled west of the Iowa River in Indian Yil- 
lage township, while David D. Appelgate and his brother Levi, 
settled north of them in what is now Carlton township. 

In the fall of the same year Christopher and D. F. Bruner 
and families settled on Deer Creek in what is now Howard town- 
ship. Peter Overmire settled in Toledo township and built the 
first cabin in that township. About this time Norman J. 
Osborn and family settled in n(jrthern Tama on AVolf Creek, in 
Perry township, near the present site of Traer, while Daniel A. 
Dean and his two sons, Ira and Julius, single men, settled in 
what is now known as Buckingham township; Samuel Giger and 
family settled in Howard township; Geo. Carter and William 
Blodgett settled near the present site of Tama City; Wm. Tavlor 
and Xewell Blodgett settled near Indiantown, wliile in the spring 
of the same year Eli Chase settled near what is now Tama City. 

In this year, 1852, other settlers came into the county and cast 
their lots among those already, upon Tama County soil. In the 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 17 

luoiitli of June, John Connell and his brother Joseph, W. D. 
Hitchner and Jonas P. Wood settled in what is . now Perry 
township; John C'onnell niakini: his first original entry (»f land 
on the 3d day of July, 1852, at Dubuque, Iowa. In the spring of 
this year James Laughlin and family settled in Carlton township, 
north and east from Indiantown; James A. Willey settled in 
Salt Creek township; John C. Yermilya, James H. and T. W. 
H(jllen his brother, and Miron Blodgett also came in the spring of 
this year and settled in south-western Tama, iikwhat is now Tama 
township; John Poss, Tallman Chase, William Schamerhorn, Solo- 
mon Ilufford and families settled near the present site of Toledo. 
The next spring, B. AV. Wilson, T, Skiles and one or two others 
with their families settled in Pichland township south of the 
Iowa Piver, and Wm. Cruthers and family in the fall of this year 
settled north of the river in the same township, while Ed. McKee 
and Pilev Van Dorn and families settled still further north of 
them, in what is now York township, near Salt Creek, a tributary 
of the Iowa Piver. 

Isaac Butler, AVashinirton Abbot, J. 11. Yoorhies and Wm. 
Martin settled near Indiantown during this year, in Indian Yill- 
age township, thus increasing the population of the count}- and 
giving )iew neighbors to those who came first. 

Every new face was welcomed with hearty good will and the 
kindest assistance rendered. The best lands were pointed out, 
while they gathered from far and near to assist in raising the log 
cabin, which was to shelter them and to mark the place of the 
new liome. 

The year 1853 witnessed the connng of a still larger number of 
piosieers and their families. Early in the spring A. B. Hancock 
and family settled in what is now Otter Creek township, and later 
came Abram Tompkins an old soldier of the Blackhawk war and 
located his land, also John Bishop and family who settled in tlie 
same township. These were the first settlers in that township. 
On June 16th, Joseph Powell, Xathan Fisher, and Levi Ilaworth 
and families settled in what is now known as Carroll townshi23, on 
one of the branches of Salt Creek. In the same spring John 



18 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

Reedj, G. W. Free, Franklin Davis, AVilliani llillinou, James 
L. Walkup, Henry C. Foster, and Robert Foster, and families 
settled near the present town of Toledo, while Jra Taylor and his 
brother Giles, settled in Perry township. Ira Taylor entered his 
land this year, on a part of which the present town of Ti-aer is 
located. In September of this year Thomas A. Graham and 
his brother James and Z. T. Shugart and families settled in York 
township, while in the winter George Williams, Levi Marsh, and 
families settled near the present town of West Irving; James 
Cronk, Allen Dingee, Geo, Yoorhies, and families settled near 
Indiantown; David Miller, Benjaman Ilammitt, Jacob Reedy, 
and families settled in what is now Howard township near Deer 
Creek, and commenced their improvements. 

In the year 1854, the emigration increased steadily. Joshua 
Biirley, Thomas Ev^erett, Wm. Stoddard and families settled in 
what is Columbia township, south t)f Tama City, and south of 
the Iowa River. They were followed shortly afterward by a 
great many others, all the various settlements receiving reinforce- 
ments. 

A state road had been laid out by the legislature running from 
Marengo to Fort Dodge, through the south side of the Count}', 
on July 9th 1853, and during the year 1854, a mail route was 
established froni Marengo to ISIarietta in Marshall County, and 
J. D. Smith, n(;w a resident of Richland township was mail carrier. 
In January of the year 1854 a p(»st-oliice was established and 
Anthony Wilkinson made post-master, his commission bearing 
date February 27th, 1854. About the same time a post office was 
established north of the Iowa River near the present site of 
Tama City, with James H. Hollen post-master, his commission 
bearing date December 28d, 1854; said state Road mail route and 
post offices being the first in Tama County, gave material assist- 
ance to the setllers on the south side of the County, and north of 
the river, while it also helped those residing in the central part 
of the county. 

Tama Count}' was surveyed by A. L. Brown and his assistants 
in the years 1843-4-5 and 6. The first oi-iginal entry of land Mas 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 19 

made by Koah Dean on section 15, Salt Creek township, Maj 
loth 181S. The next entry was made by Horace N. Atkinson, on 
section 30 Tama township on May 18th 1848, and now partly 
occupied by the Sac and Fox Indians. 

At this time in her history, Tama County was attached to 
Benton County for Election, Judicial and Eevenue purposes. 
On the loth day of ]V[arch, 1853, the voters of Tama County pre- 
sented a petition to the County Judge of Benton County, asking 
for a separate orgam'zation, which was duly granted and an order 
issued tor holding an election on the first Monday of May, 1853. 
Due notice was given and the election was held and returns made 
to Benton County, showing the following result: 

Tallman Chase, County Judge; David D. Appelgate, Clerk of 
Dis.rict Court; Norman L. Osborn, Sheriff; John Huston, Prose- 
cuting Attorney; Wesley A. Daniel, County Surveyor; David F. 
Bruner and Anthony Wilkinson received the votes for School 
Fund Commissioners, but the office was not filled, they failing to 
quality. At the first session of the County Court, held on tlie 
first Monday of July, 1853, at John Huston's house, in Indian 
Village township, David F. Bruner was appointed to the ofiice 
of Treasurer and Recorder until the August election of that year, 
and qualified by giving bonds as required by law. On the 7th 
day of July, 1853, Noah Myers was appointed School Fund 
Commissioner, until the ensuing election, to fill the vacancy and 
was duly qualified. This being only a temporary organization 
and election, only a part of the officers qualified until the regular 
election, which was held on the first Monday of August, 1853, at 
which election the following officers were elected: 

J. C. Yermilya, C(junty Judge; John Ross, Treasurer and Rr- 
corder; Franklin Davis, Coroner; W. A.Daniel, Surveyor. Nor- 
nian L. Osborn, who was elected Sherlft" in May, 1853, did not 
qualify within the time fixed by law, and was appointed to the 
office July 7th, 1853, by the County Judge. At this election there 
were 72 votes cast and the Board of Canvassers were John Hus- 
ton, Robert Wilkinson and Wm. Boohr. At this election the 
voters had three voting precincts. Those residing in Howard 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



. An„ „,et at the house of Reziu A. Redn.an, and that town- 
T : Tth" lection organized legally, and con.pnsed 
ship was at th, eee ^ ^,^ ,^,„„,,,i of Colnn.bia, T«- 

wl,at is now n,c uded "-^^1-- J g,,, Creek, York 

,ed„, Howard, Carr not eeU, ^ ^^^^^^^ _^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ 

and Onejda The el c ^ ^^_^^ ^^^^^^^^^ .^^ ^,, .^j^ ^„^. 

'""r ,! ' iTnow 1 e ownSups of Highland, Indian Village, 
pnsed what i. now the t ^^ of Buckingham 

Carlton, Sprn.g Creek and L nc<.ln. 1 organized 

township met at the house o. Nonua L. ^^ysU^:^^'^^, 
„at township, wh,ch -'^-^_^;'-'„'; ;„,,„;•;,. At an 
^''*''''°ttatTiru;eorw: Murty,^u.thelstMo,,da,■ of 
f ri'; Ca^U, .wnshipwas organized and eontained all 

T' Ttf mL Village township as stated, north of the Iowa 
that part ot Ind.an V ■ 8 ^^^^_^^, ^^ „,g,„„,d, 

rr:l: !u :rpar; of Sa. creek township ,.ng ...!> «. 



"'ire tuition was held on the 3rd day of April 185i, when 

r,f votes showed that Noah Myers was elected Sch..ol 

a canvass of votes .1k> y„^„ D,ai„age Conunrs- 

Fm,cl Comni.ssroner, and Antliony , ^_ 

Tl,.. Ttoard of Canvassers at this eitcuou w 
sioner. ihe Boaru oi ^ , 7 T m,no-art The next 

V ;k« Benianian Hamnntt and Z. 1. bhugait. l 
Verunlja, «"y^"" ^ „,. August, 1854, and a can- 

''^'^ZT es s owed te following officers elected: John 

^rZ^^ election was held on the 2Bd day of October, 1854, on 
A speml ^ ^„, ,,,,,p IVon. runnh.g at large 

the question otdistiaimn ^ proposition and 49 

There were 90 votes cast ui tavoi ot uie t h 

.Ht Total one hundred and tifty nine votes. At t e gen 
against it iotal oi ^ ^^^ ,,^ ^^^^ ^.^^l,^^,„g 

eral election held on the 1st IVionUc y f ^^ p^ohibtion, 

1 J 4-1.0 t'Prohbtorv Liquor L,aw. rui piv-"" ■> 

resv:::"::';--- ^- -es., thus ..owing thefeel. 
SrS°u,S;r i^ct^ oi'S'i^rt „.„». at .„, oou„.y seat. 



HISTOKV uF TAMA COUNTY. 21 

a term of court to be liolden at the house of John C. Venuilj-a,* 
and on Frichu' tlie 15 day of Septemher, 1854, at 11 o'dock A. 
M., coui't was duly opened. Tlie Hon. Wni. Smith, sole presid- 
ing jndii^e. There were present, in attendance on tlie court, 
David D. Appeigate, Clerk; xilford Phillips, Prosecut'ng Attor- 
ney of said county, and INfii-on Blodgett, Sheriff. There wei-e 
three civil cases on the docket. First, Rezin A. Redman vs. 
j^oah Myers, School Fund (^)mniissioner, and Robeit Carter, for 
writ of rnandanius and injunction: Second, Jacob W. Appei- 
gate vs. Mary A. Appeigate, petition for divorce: Third, An- 
drew D. Stephens vs. Noah Myers, School Fund Commissioner. 
All of these cases were continued. David D. A[)pelgate was 
Clerk and Miron Blodgett Sheriff. 

In the fall of 1853, Hon. James P. Cai-lton, District Judge of 
the fourth judicial disti-ict appointed Joseph A[. Furgeson, of 
Marshall county and R. B. Ogden, of Powesheik county, com- 
missioners to locate a seat of justice for Tama county. The_y 
met at the house of John C. Vermilya on Octoher 20th, of that 
year and proceeded to examine a location for a site. They first 
examined a quarter section near Bruner's mill, in Howard 
township, which was thought to be too far north. They finally 
examined and located the town on the present site, it being on 
the south-west one fourth of south-east one fourth and west one- 
half of south-east one-fourth of south east one-fourthand southone- 
halt of nortli-west one-fourth of south-east one-fourth of section 
fifteen. After the countv seat was located the christening it with a 
name was necessary. It was however agreed that, that honor 
should be confered upon the oldest person present, and it ticcord- 
ing\j fell upon Mr. Adam Zehi'ung, who in love with Toledo, 
Ohio, near which he once resided, named it "Toledo " 

The next step taken was for the erection of a Court House. 
The contract was let to T. A. Graham for the sum of thirteen 
liundred dollars. In due time the house was completed and was 
used for this purpose until the erection of a new one in 1866. 

*A small loa; r-abin located about onohalf niih^ east of the invscnt site of 
Tama City, on section 2(5. This house vvas used as a tavern, clerk's office and 
court licuse. until the erection of a court house at the cctunty seat. 



22 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



This building still stands on the east side of the public square and 
is occupied by Jons & Tode as a meat market. The Court House 
was finished according to contract, and District Court convened 
therein for its second term on the twenty second day of May, 1855, 
Hon. Wm. Smith presiding Judge. The first criminal case was 
at this term, it being tiie State of Iowa vs. Thomas Evert, on a 
charge of larceny. Alford Phillip, appearing as Prosecuting At- 
torney. The case was discharged on motion and bond exhonora- 
ted. This case was brought on appeal from James H. Hollen, 
Justice of the Peace to the District Court. At this term of court 
Timothy Brown, Esq., now of Marshalltown, was admitted to 
practice. At the May term following, in 1856, T. ^Y. Jackson, N. 
C. Wieting. and E. B. Bolens were admitted to practice at the Dis- 
trict Court, at which also appeared as practitioners, I. L, Allen 
and Noah Levering who had previously become residents of 
Toledo. C. J. L. Foster and J. W. Mclvinley practicing attor- 
neys, had at this time removed from the county. Mr W. II. 
Stivers, who is still a resident of Toledo and an able practitioner, 
came to the town in the month of August of this year. 

The first grand and petit jurors were empaneled at the 
second term of the District Court, and were as follows: 
C. B. Slade, H. Van Vliet, Giles Taylor, Josei)h Jack, W. H. 
II. Hill, John Freemer, Henry Stokes, G. P. Yocum, James H. 
Hollen, William Blodgett, J. W. Appelgate, H. E. Kich, T. A. 
Graham, P. McRoberts, and Jonas P. Wood. 

The petit jury were G. Smith, J. D. Gettis, T. Marshall, 
N. Bates, E. W. Daily, J. H. Vanhorn, J. II. Yoorhies, 
L. Olney, John D. Spohr, J. A. AVilley, M. Mitchell and N, Fisher. 
J. L. Carter was sworn as bailiff*. The first naturalized citizen 
was Gotlieb Waggoner, who received his final papers from Judge 
Wm. Smith on May 2()th, 1856. The first will probated was the 
will of James Hatfield, deceased on the 2Tth day of November 
1854, m the county court by judge J. C. Vermilya. The first 
letters of administration M-ere issued to Nathaniel E. Horton, 
October 23rd, 1854, and Amos Hatfield was the first guardian ap- 
pointed by the county court, on November 27th, 1854. 



IIISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 23 

Tlie first jury trial was the case of Eli Innman vs. William J. 
Booher, on note and book account. The jury consisted of George 
Smith, J. D. Gettis, Thomas Marshall, Nathan fisher, Norton 
Bates, E. W. Daily J. II. Yan Horn, J. II. Yoorhies, L. Olney, 
J. D. Spohr, J. A. Willey and M. Mitchell. Said jury being 
duly sworn, after hearing the argument of counsel and charge of 
the court, retired in the custody of A. S. Curtis, sworn as bailiff. 
The jury rendered its verdict, finding tor the defendant a judg- 
ment, and assessed the amount of his recovery at five dollars. 



CHAPTER XL 

1857-01. 

From 1857 tolSGl there was no event in the hi:jt()ry of Tama 
County calculated to arouse any particular excitement among her 
citizens, save the incident of the murder of William Stopp. 

The settlers of tliat day pursued the even ten':)r of their way, 
endeavoi-ing to make for themselves and families a home in this 
unhroken wilderness. Their little trouldes were settled by a 
fair fight and a friendly drink afterwards, and no hard feelings 
were entertained. 

A short time previous to the time of which we write, a German 
by the name of Olleslaugher and a nian named Bntler, who had 
more than an ordinary education and attainments and a profes- 
sional lawyer, came to this County and settled on the farm now 
owned by J. W. Flennng, in Grant township. If reports are 
correct, they were of an overbearing and quarrelsome nature. 

William Stopp, a young man of but fourteen summers, from 
Cincinnati, Ohio, accompanied them to this County. The three 
occupied a small cabin on section 23. Both of these men drank, 
and caroused and at times cruelly abused the boy. One severe 
cold night, nearly in the dead of winter, they stri):>i)ed the boy 
and gave him a shameful beating then thrust him under the 
floor of their cabiu into a snuxll cellai-, where he died before 
morning from the effects of the cruelty received from the in- 



HISTORY OF TAIMA COUNTY. 25 

fui'iated men, and exposure to the severe cold. It was but a 
short tiuio het'ore the news spread over the euiire neighborhood 
and a crowd of excited people at once proceeded to the scene of 
murder. In due time both Olleslaugher and Butler were arrested 
and placed under bonds. On the 23d day of May, 1857, the 
grand jury found a true bill of indictment against these men and 
the same day they were brought before the court. A change of 
venue was asked and granted to Johnson County. The case was 
tried at Iowa City, but they finally escaj^ed their just punishment 
throue:h some lack of evidence and informality of the law% 
Shortly after they left the County, leaving the whole matter a 
raistery at that time, as to the true facts in the case, and their 
object in dealing so foully with the boy. But some time sub- 
sequent to their trial it was ascertained by the attorney fen' these 
men that the boy St(,)pp, who at the time of the murder was 
about fourteen years of age, was to fall heir to a valuable proper- 
ty in Ohio, when he became of age, and that Butler had succeed- 
ed in securing the legal guardianship over him, and without nmch 
doubt removed with the boy to Iowa to accomplish what was ac- 
complished, using Olleslaugher for the purpose, as the gravest 
charges, the last severe beating and exposure was done directly 
by him but with the approval of Butler. 

During the winter of 1S5G and 7 the settlers experienced some 
long hardships. But all managed to live and had good cause to 
be thankful that it was not worse. The young men and women 
of this day have little knowledge of what a pioneer life consisted. 
Away out upon an almost boundless prairie, alone to experience 
the rough and rugged frontier life, deprived of tlie pleasure of 
close communication with old friends and perhaps parents, it 
was dreary indeed. But how different it is now; however far 
the distance they can be communicated with in a few moments. 

The recollection of these hard winters and severe snow storms 
are vividly impressed upon the mind of more than one old settler, 
and especially the rememberance of the horrors of that long win- 
ter, 18)7, will never be obliterated while their lives will last. 
The snow began to fall on the night of the first of December, and 



2G IIISTORV OF TAMA COUNTY 

continued falling for a number of daj-s, until it reached an avei-- 
age depth of about two feet, drifting in places as liigh as eigh- 
teen to twenty feet. Great suffering was experienced in conse- 
quence. The settlers relied for their daily wants upon the small 
crop which they were enabled to raise the ])revi()us season, 
and the wild game which was abundant a1 that time. The great 
depth of the snow was a barrier to all travel, anc] it may well be 
imagined the suffering was eTeat. 

o or? 

The snow remained on the ground fv)r about three months and 
during this time some of those who were exposed to the cold 
froze to death; others narrowly escaped with their lives. A Mr. 
Crampton and wife, who had been visiting at Mr. Greenlee's, in 
Perry townshi:j, on returning home one Sunday afternoon, a dis- 
tance of probably half-mile, were over taken by a severe snow 
storm, lost their way and perished in the cold. The next day, 
being still stormy the neighbors found her in the forenoon about 
three miles from home and found him late in the afternoon about 
seven miles from home, with her shawl wra})ped about him. 
There were convincing evidences that he had carried her for a 
half mile or more after she was unable to walk. He probably 
took her shawl to save his own life, after he found she was dead. 
In the same storm of December 21st, William Randolph, now 
a resident of Richland township, then living in Carroll township, 
left his home for the timber to procure a load of wood. On his 
return he had proceeded but a short distance when caught in a 
snow storm and it was with great difficult}' that he arrived safely 
at home. We have heard him remark that several times while 
out that night he thought he would be compelled to give up, lie 
down and die. The snow in many places had di-ifted so jnuch 
that his team could not get through, and he was compelled to 

effect a passage by raking it away with his hands. 

We have little doubt that many weary ones during tl^at long 
winter, sighed for the comforts of the "Old home'\ but notwith- 
standing its dreariness and the suffering of the people, very few 
became disheartened. We find them in the spi-ing as deterniin- 



i 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



27 



ed as e\'or to procure for themselves a home in this truly beauti- 
ful country. 

In 1860 a Board of Supervisors were elected under an act of 
the eiirhtli General Assembly, consistiiiii: of a member from each 
civil township in the county. On the 7th day of January. 1851, 
the Board held their tir-st meeting-, at the Court House in Toledo. 
On motion made by A. C Marston, J<tnathan Peterson, of Car- 
roll township, was elected Chairman />/v> tem^ after which P. L. 
Sheruum, of Geneseo township, was elected permanentChairman. 
liules were adopted for the government of the Board, and Imsi- 
)iess at once proceeded with the following named persons respond- 
ing respectively: 

Anthon}' Bricker, Indian Village township; Wesley Daniel, 
Buckingham; Turner Forker, Richland; William Gallaglier, Ji-., 
Howard; B, A. Hall, Toledo, now of Tama; Robinson Johnson, 
Highland; Lucius Ivibbee, Carroll; A. C. Marston, Spring Creek; 
G. G. Mason, Oneida; Mefford Mitchell, Otter Creek; Jonathan 
Peterson, Carlton; S. C. Rogers, Crystal; P. L. Sherman, 
Geneseo; J. W. Southwick, Perry; T. S. Talmage, Clark; the 
member from York township being absent. 

At this meeting of the Board no business of importance was 
transacted, and it would be unprofitable as well as unnecessary 
to present in detail the numerous orders, reports, resolutions, etc. 
Among so many men, their proceedings partake a good deal of 
the nature of a lei^islative body. There are always some cool 
business heads, as well as a good many "glib-tongues". Some 
of them are practical, industrious workers, others ai"e ot the 
'•loud-mouthed" order and always ready to make a speech of 
volatile import, more to be heard than for real j)ractical use- 
fulness to their constituency and the tax payer. This is in nowise 
derogatory to their chai'acter as men, they can't help it. It has 
always been and always will be so. In the Congress of the United 
States, in State legislatures, a few do the work, while others do 
the talking. This is neither romance nor elaboration, but solid 
history sustained by facts as old as any civilized government. 

Eight years had come and gone since the independence ol Tama 



28 HISTORY or TAMA COUNTY. 

County was recoouizetl. In tliese years the wild prairies, first 
the home of the red ni:ni, had l)een rechiced to fanii tilhifi;e, and 
evidences of weaUh, intelligence, conifoil and retinenieiit were to 
be seen in every direction. Indian trails had m\en wav to State 
and Comity roads. Yillao-es, eliurehes and school houses had 
sprang- uj) on the ''old camp grf)unds" of the Sac and Fox and 
tiieii" kindred trihes, natives of the beautiful valley of the 
Iowa River and its tributaries. Claims upon which the hearty 
pioneers had settled long before the County Surveyors had 
disturbed the grasses and flowers that grew in great profusion 
with Jacob's staff and chain, as they re-surveyed townships and sec- 
tion lines, and established section coi-ners, had been proved up, 
and with a guaranty from Uncle Sam, the occupants were mon- 
archs of all they surveyed. In peaceable possession of their 
land and their homes, the out-laws expelled from the County, tiieir 
lands rich and productive, the people of Tama County can well 
afl^'ord to be joyous and happy. What if their pioneer da3'S were 
often full of hardships, toil exposure and want; the worst is over. 
Those years of trial have'bronght them comfort and ])lent3', and 
the future is bright with hope and full of promise. Since then, 
1861, seventeen more years have come and gone, each of them 
adding to the population, wealth and intelligence of the people, 
until Tama County has come to rank among the richest and most 
populous in the great State of Iowa, a proud monument in the 
memory of the brave and heroic pioneers, who settled here first. 
The f )llowing are lines written by an old settler, which we con- 
sider ver}^ appropriate. 

Of all the dear hopes among men, 

Tlu'se are the sweetest in life; 
A hope for salvation— and then 

A home — for my cliild — for my Avife. 

Coming ont from tlie distant east 

Out from the ocean's strands, 
Away from old Ohio's beech. 

Out from the blue-grass lanil, 

Cominji down from the sunny slopes 

Of Virginia's mountains. 
The rocl^y dales of old Vermont, 

Massachusetts' fountains, 



^ 



HISTORY VF TAMA CkUNTY. 29 

See — here a man, and there a man 

From ulen. ami dell and bay, 
Witli oxen, wajion, jjun and liounds, 

All westward take their way. 

And now beside a gi'assy mound, 

They're tentinff on the screen: 
The tliin blue smoke, wht^re they are camped, 

Above the trees is seen. 

The iii.Lflit is gone; the early inorn 

Salutes the eomingday: 
In dreams last night new hopes were born! — 

Aj]:ain they're on their way I 



With faces to the setting sun 

Their loved ones left behind; 
Their hope, their aim, their object one, 

Each, in each heart enshrined; 

For nature's wish in every heart. 

Though often it may roam. 
Is still to have some hallowed gpot 

That heart may call "Sweet Home. 

Then, what was toil, or. what was strife, 

To sturdy souls like those 
"Who saw the forest vield new life 

And blossom as the rose. 

Who saw the. nrairies robed in green 

Put on new life again! 
League after league their lands were seen. 

In waves of golden grain. 

They heard the red man's barbarous yell — 

Triumphant roll along. 
But soon the hill-top and the dell 

Broke forth in Christian song. 

And where the little cabin stood. 

Half hid by shady bough, 
Stands towering up above the scene 

The stat*^Iy mansion now. 

And where the dark blue smoke arose. 

From camp-fire's burning brands. 
Queen City of the pioneers 

Toledo, in beauty stands. 

And, so in pride we gaze upon. 

Her spires and her domes. 
We'll not forget the hands that raised 

Our humb'e childhood homes- 



l|f 



30 IIISTOKV OK TAMA COUNTY. 

But, as llic (lays .i:rinv old and die; 

As siinimi'rs oonie and yo, 
C)iir licarts return to oilier scenes. 

Of thirty years ai;o. 

To sugar eanij) where boiling down 
The garnered sap, again. 

We listen to the deep niontlied hound 
Close followed by the men. 

Cry long and loud upon the track 
Of some poor wounded deer. 

Whose doom is sealed— the rifle crack! 
Ah! hear the hunters cheer. 

The chase is done— the trophy won; 

And br<^akfast waits at dawn; 
Tis syrup stored— in thin scrapcnl gourd, 

"Corn bread" and roasted fawn. 

No days are there like early days, 

No real joy since then; 
Time robs us of our happiness 

As we lose faith in men. 

O blessed spots! O by gone years. 
O'er you our old hearts yearn, 

And as our eyes grow dim with tears, 
To sadder scenes we turn. 

To grassy mounds, long years o'ergrown. 
By thickets and by thorns. 

Where, precious dust, our loved' ones own. 
Sleep till the coming morn. 

Many of the pioneers. 

Are camping en the shore 
Of death's dark deep, whose tide of years 

Will wake them never more! 

Though some remain, their locks of grey 

Admonish us that still 
They're drifting from us day by day, 

Adown life's sunset hill. 



CHAPTER III. 

HOME LIFE AND AMUSEMENTS. 

The manner and customs of our fore fatliers are always fraught 
with peculiar interest, and read of with pleasure and profit by all. 
If we compare the pleasures of the times of our fathers with those of 
to-day, and the customs of those days with our own, we are apt 
to regard those of the past in an unfavorable light. But by out- 
ward appearance alone, things cannot safely be judged. Many 
thmgs are inwardly beautiful which outwardly ai)pear the re- 
verse. 

We have not yet given a description of the dwelling of our fath- 
ers; so here it goes. Imagine a home about sixteen feet square, 
seven and a half feet high, built up with large round or square 
logs, and covered with roof boards, held on by huge weights 
and poles, the cracks in the walls filled with nnid, which would 
occasionally fall out, when the wind would whistle through the 
door, (for there w^as but one) made of rough boards, with a wood- 
en latch, the string of which always hung out, a sign of welcome 
to the weary traveler, and the kind neighbor, and you have the 
exterior, except that upon one side there was a small window, 
large enough for a sash containing six, eight by ten lights, some- 
times with glass in them, but often covered with greased pa])er. 
In the interior, you will find ujion one side the huge tire place, 
large enough to contain a back-log as heavy as anj- man would 



32 lllbTUKY UF TAMA CULiVTY 

ciuv til carry, and lioldiiiii,- c'iioii!;'li wood to suuply an onlinarv 
stovt' a NW't'k, on either side arc iiu^'c pot.s and kettles, and over 
all a mantle, on wliicli stands the tallow-di[) to iiive lii;lit to all 
who are in the lionse, but which will liai'dly compare with the 
gus jets of this day; tlie "little brown jnii',''' which was not so lit- 
tle either, and in many cases well tilled with a liquor which teto- 
tlers decline; in one corner the large bed, for the (dd folks, un- 
der which the trundle-bed for the younger members of the fanuly; 
in another corner stands the old-fashioned large spimiing wheel 
with a smaller one by its side; in another the pine table on which 
three times a day the fo(»cl of the family was placed, and which 
was rapidly taken therefrom by the individual members thereof; in 
still anothei' may be seen the cumbersome loom; over the door 
hangs the ever truthful ritie with powder horn, ready for instant 
use; while around the room are scattered a few splint botton)ed 
chairs and three legged stools; a rude cupboard, holding the glass 
and queensware composes the furniture — everything of the sim- 
plest and rudest manufactm-e. And yet these homes, simple and 
rude as they were, were inhabited by a kind, true liearted people. 
They were strangers to mock modesty, and the traveler seeking 
lodging for the night, or desirous of spending a few days in the 
community, if willing to accept the offerings of iionest hearts, al- 
ways found a welcome. The ])eo|)ie were industrious from dire 
necessity. All who were old enough were usefully employed.. 
(Mnldivn were enured to t(»il and labor and the lot of the 
women was hard indeed. Upon them devolved the }3reparation 
of the daily food, oft from a very scanty larder; they were re- 
quired to weave the linen and woolsey, prepare the Hax and wool 
with their own hands, niakijig almost the entire wardrobe of the 
family, some really doing it all. It was a life peculiarly li'ying 
and wearing to them, yet they bore it with patience and endur- 
ance. 

The fandly bible was another article found in almost every 
home, and the minister oi the gospel appearing, the two served to 
turn the thohghts of the people in the right direction. To these 
influences we ascribe in a great measure the prosperity of the 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 33 

Coiintv, and the better moral sentiment that has usually prevailed, 
Witliout such influence nicn would he bai'barians. Closely allied 
to this influence is a desire for knowledge that nuist be appeased. 
We therefore And the school teacher following closely in tlie walk 
of the minister, and schools were established in every neighbor- 
hood where a sufficient number of children could be brought to- 
gether to warrant tlie services of an instruct(>r. 

The cultivation of flax was an important item with many of the 
early settk^rs, while sheep raising was hardly ever neglected. 
The entire clothing of many families was manufactured from 
these staple sources into cloth by the prudent and tireless house 
wife. 

The flax was, after pulled by the women, and after the seed had 
been thrashed out, spread on the grass to rot, and when rot- 
ted sufficiently was bound in bundles and dressed; that is, the 
flax and tow were separated. Scarcely any crop, while growing 
was more beautiful than the flax. From one-half to two bushels 
of seed was sown on an acre, and the crop amounted to about two 
hundred pounds. 

Great trouble was experienced for many years in the raising 
of sheep, on account of tlie great numbei of wolves that infested 
the country, but notwithstanding this, enough wool was secur- 
ed for home use. One article largely manufactured, was called 
"linsej'-woolsey." It was made of equal parts of cottcm and 
wool, and colored according to the taste of the manufacturer. 
The exquisite shades and delicate colors shown in the dress goods 
of to-day were not observed in those times, our mothers being 
content with good, solid colors. 

There were few houses where the large and small spinning 
wheel and the cumbersome loc)m were not found, together taking 
up more room than all the rest of the furniture. Having all 
these implements, and matmfacturing so much of their own cloth- 
ing, our fathers and mothers were almost independent of the 
rest of the world. To-day all this is changed. The buzz of the 
little spinning wheel, the whir of the larger ones, and the monot 



34 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

onous click of the loom are heard no more. They are banished 
to the attic or given over to destruction. 

"While our fathers and mothers toiled hard, they were not averse 
to a little relaxation and had their seasons for fiui and enjoyment. 
If they did not receive the oft repeated visits of the theatrical or 
minstrel troupes, the vronderfid magician, or the man with the 
"intelligent ants," they yet contrived to do something to bi'eak 
the monotony of their daily life and furnish them with a good 
heartv lauojh. 

Among the more general forms of annisements was the ''quilt- 
ing bee," the corn husking, or corn shucking, as generally call- 
ed in this country. Oui- young readers will doubtless be inter- 
ested in a description of these forms of annisements, where labor 
was made to afford fun and enjovment to all participating. 
"Quilting-bee," as its name indicates, was where the industrious 
qualities of that busy little insect that improves each shining 
hour was exenq^litied in manufacturing quilts for the house-hold. 
In the afternoon the ladies for miles around gather at the appoint- 
ed place, and while their tongues would not cease to play, their 
hands we/e busily employed in nuiking the quilt, and a desire 
was always manifesied to get it out as quick as possible, for then 
the fun would begin. In the evening the gentlemen came, and 
the hours would then pass swiftly by in playing some iioisterous 
yet innocent game or in the dance. Corn-husking was where both 
sexes united in the husking. They usually assembled in a large 
barn which was prepared for the occasion, and when eacli gentle- 
man had selected a lady partner the husking began. When a 
lady found a red ear she was entitled to a kiss from each gentle- 
man present; if a gentleman found one he was allowed to kiss 
every lady present. This feature of the general programme was 
particularly enjoyable, and a source of unlimited fun and frolic. 
After the corn was all husked the floor was cleared, the old \iolin 
brought out, tuned up, and the merry dance began, usually last- 
ing until broad dav lio-ht. 

"The little brown jug" spoken of as having a place upon the 
mantle, was often brought into requisition, it affording a means 



HISTftRY OF TXMX COCXTY, 



35 



of enjoyment that nothing else c(jukl supply. No caller was 
permitted to leave the house without an invitation to partake of 
its contents; not to so invite was a breach of hospitality, not 
to be thought of for a moment. It was brought out upon many 
occasions and freely dispensed to old and young alike, with- 
no thought of danirer. It was a thing of prime importance in all 
the assemblages of men at log rollings, corn Uuskings, house rais- 
ings, etc. 

It seems a great wonder to us that tlie entire County was not 
devoted to drunkenness for in the early settlement of all its parts 
the same universal custom prevailed. No one then seemed to 
think there could be danger. Now and then a drunkard was made 
but he was more pitied for his misfortune than for his want of 
manhood or self-control; it was not the use but only the abuse of 
it that seemed wrong. It was thought impossible to work with- 
out it, and it was therefore always present and the driinken broils 
occasioned by its use were soon forgotten. 

Hunting was a favorite pastime for the men. Game was killed 
more however, tor amusement than to supply the wants and ne- 
cessities of their families. 

House-raising furnished another occasion for assemblage and 
enjoyment. Buildings were then made ot such massive timber 
that it required a large force t>f men to erect them, which was 
done solely by muscular power, all the appliances of modern in- 
ventions for this jiurpose being entirely ignored if not unknown. 
On these occasions liqu(jr was always free to all present. These 
raisings were usually important events in every neighborhood and 
people from far and near came to witness and enjoy them. Log 
rolling was another mode of useful recreation. When a man had 
felled the timber on a considerable s^ace of ground, covered as it 
was with a large growth, it was impossible for him, without aid, 
to sret the losrs together so as to burn them. He therefore made 
a los rollino; and invited all his nei^-hbors, who came and with 
good will and strong muscles, biought the legs together. The work 
ended with a good supper and a social good time. 

Election days were observed as holidays. The men came to 



36 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

town, voted, (Imiik whiskey, smoked, swore, whistled and f'oui>ht, 
all for a little fun. 

Look as we iiiav upon the questionable amusement of the early 
times, we knoM^ that kind heai'ts, nei<»;hl)()rly acts and miiversal 
good will for all mankind was a genuine passion and therefore 
we forbear all critieisms. 



CHAPTER IV. 

STATE AXD COUXTY ROADS. 

The late and more fashionable customs of society had not vet 
penetrated these regions. The bonnets and shawls worn by our 
mothers were not cast aside after the h"rst season's wear, but con- 
tinued to do service as long as they could be kept whole. Our 
fathers did not aspire to bniadch.th suits or beaver hats, but 
were contented with home-spun jeans and felt or straw hats. 

When the County was organized there were no public roads 
running through it, the tirstbeinif the old State Eoad which 
was laid out in July, 1853, from Mareny(j to Ft. D(»dj;e and run- 
ning along the south sidp of the Iowa Iliver through Tama 
County. In August of the same year the A. D. Stej)hens and 
Hardin County State Road was located, also in December of that 
year a State Road running from A. D. Stephens' place to Indian- 
town was located north from the Iowa River and proved a great 
benelit to the County. Early in the year 1854, a Road was locat- 
ed from J. H. Hollen's place near the Iowa River, running in a 
northwesterly direction to James Laughlin's, in Carlton town 
ship. In May,' 1854, 'tire' HatctViawk and Toledo Road was 
located by the way of Toledo and Buckingham into" 'Miackhawk 
Gotmty,^ arid al^(>ad from i^ruiiei-'s Mill^in Taledo tov<^nship, to 
Salt Creek, was located in July, .1854. • v. f^n-^ -vAfM 
;T(>ledb,' at this tune, was the most impoftanrpr^lllt? in the 



^^ mSTUKY OF TAiMA COUNTY. 

County. As the County became settled new roads were laid out. 
More than four-tiftlis of the entire expenses of the County, we 
believe, during the first few years of its existence, were for this 
purpose, lioads were not then run on section lines as now but 
were located as thought best for the convenience of the people. 
The brcjad prairies were open in every direction, and a road 
running across them at any angle would hurt nobody, but on the 
contrary would be convenient for all. If one had intimated at 
that time tiiat these prairies would soon be dotted over with 
frame houses, barns, school houses and churches, he would have 
been thought a tit subject for an insane asylum. This no douljt 
seems strange to our young people and late settlers in the 
County, but at that time the conclusion arrived at seemed reason 
able. In the first place, the question of fuel had to be taken in- 
to consideration. As coal had not been discovered within 
a reasonable distance, wood had to be procured. In the second 
place, timber for building |)urposes was required. Railroads 
were uidviiown and himber could not easily be imported. T'or 
these reasons our fathers settled in the timber, or on its border, 
where they could obtain material for tlie erection of their houses, 
and fences for tiieir lands, and fuel for their tires. 

The nearest and most convenient route from settlement to 
settlement was sought, and survey(jrs were so instructed to locate 
roads. It mav be thought that a great saviny; could have been 
made to the County by locating the roads as they are now run, 
but whether these changes were made wholly for the c-)uvc!nieuce 
and saving of time to the people now, is a question we are not 
prepared to discuss. 

The Cedar Rapids and Eldora State Road, by way of Wolf 
Creek settlements was located in July, 1855, also, a road from 
Vinton to Newton via. Toledo, in June, 1855. This shows the 
enterprise and determination of the people to liave the County 
open to travel and free communication. Although her streams 
were poorly bridged, yet they were passable at times and indicat- 
ed the routes to market and to settlements. 

Next follows the location of Mail Routes to different pohits. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUXTY. 39 

One Miiil It')ute was establislied tliroiigli Ndrtlierii Tama from 
Vinton to Alliion, in the s])i-iii^ of 1857, wliieli ^ave them better 
Mail facilities. Toledo was reached in due time in the year 
1854. 

In coming to a new countrv the settler has, through necessit_y, 
to depend npon a distant market. This was a great dr«iw back 
to the pioneer. The drst year's provisions had about all to be 
purchased, as they could not reap any i)eiietits from their crops 
until tlie second year. The nearest market for the Tama 
County settler was, at that time. Cedar Rapids, Muscatine and 
Iowa City. It would take about one week to make the trip. It 
was customary for the old settlers to take turns in going to mar- 
ket; when one would go he would bring supplies for the whole 
neighborhood, and in due time another would return. Thus they 
would do until they had harvested and marketed their crops, 
then the future would look brighter and m(»re promising. 

Many would resorr to means of trade and Ijarter. A. would 
trade B. Hour for its value in meat; B. would trade C. a yoke of 
o.\(;n for a horse; D. would trade E. a half dozen hogs for a cow. 
Many were the traits to which the ]»eople were led to make both 
ends meet, and numerous laughable incidents are narrated of the 
crooks and turns that were made — incidents that are laughable 
tons now, but were serious matters with the poor frontiersman. 
Notes were given payable in property, and often it would seem 
imi)Ossible for the debtor to meet his obligations. Some holders 
would hold their notes without attempting to collect them, with 
the hope that better times would come and the giver he able to 
pay the money. Favors and accommodations were tendered by 
one neighbor to another, all working harmoniously together, 
sharing the last morsel and making room for one more weary 
one to rest on their cabin floor, permitting no one to go away 
without full}' sharing their humble but generous hospitality. 

Great hardships and sufferings were endured on many trips to 
market; sometimes they were made in mid winter. Frozen 
limbs frequently attested their exposure and sometimes death. 
The anxiety of those who remained in their cabin awaiting the 



40 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY, 



return of those who were out, soiuetiiues became painful fn.n, 
suspense and frequently their worst ft-ai-s wei-e realized. But 
such good feelings as were shown to one another never have been 
excelled, and the strongest band (.f sympathy existed. To re- 
fuse a favor was unknown, but to render one was the first impulse 
of their Jiearts. 

Alter a few years stores were opened among the settlers and 
better facilities were offered to purchasers of home necesities. 

Not until the fall of 1862 did the settlers of Tama County 
receive the benefits of a home market and realize the advantage 
of a Railroad. When the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad 
reached Tama City, then luka, it opened a transportation to 
Eastern markets and established a home nuu-ket for the produc- 
ers of Tama County, 






CHAPTER V. 

PHYSICAL QEUGRAPHY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

This lai'o'e and excellent County is twenty-four miles from east 
to west and thirty miles from north to south making twenty full 
t(-)wnships of land, containing therefore, seven hundred and twen- 
ty sections, or square miles. The principal stream in Tama 
County is the Iowa River, a bi'oad flowing, swift, l)ul)l>ling, danc- 
ino; stream whicii enters the Countv near the north western corner 
of Indian Ydlage township, and crosses in a south easterly course 
and enters Benton County a little nortli of the southwest corner. 

The face of the County along the river is alnnipt, rough, broken 
and timbered. In only a few places do the prairie vistas open 
down to the water's edge, affording glimpses of the broad, un- 
dulating plains, which open so wide bey<3ud, that the blue of the 
sky and the green of the rolling sward, seem to mingle in a far 
off blending. 

Three miles west of Tama City a dam is built across the river 
which furnishes water fu' one of the l)est water ])owers in the 
State to which we will again refer in another chapter. Thei'e ai'e 
also o-ood dams across the river at Grav's mill in Indian Villao-e 
township and at Crenshaw's mill in Richland township. Dams 
might be constructed at many other points on the river within 
this County and a supply of water power Ijeput into use, unlimit- 



42 



lllSTuKV (IK TAMA (,'nllNTY 



ed ill exrciit. Iiideed, sucli a streuia as the Iowa River, t'wi' waU r 
powers, is hard to find, and some day it will enrich all this part 
of the State with its mills, manufactories, factories, foundries, and 
niaciiine shoi)s. Other, but smaller streams, run throu<»ii difler- 
ent parts of the County, the princi])al ot which is Otter Creek, 
raising near the center of the County, and ruiuiing in a southerly 
course conti-ibutes to the Iowa. Salt Creek upon the east side 
of tlie County, runs in a southerly course and eniptie's into the 
Iowa. Sugar Creek upon the west side of the County, and Deer 
Creek rising in Spring Creek township, flowing in a south- 
erly direction emptying into the Iowa, also Richland Creek, 
rising in the southeastern part of the ('omity running east empt- 
ies into the Iowa. While the north part of the County is well 
supplied with Wolf Creek, or Big Creek, as it is sometimes known, 
which flows directlv across the Countv in an irreu'ular course and 
passes on into Benton County entering into the Cedar River. 
The country is rough, and more or less rolling, in close prox- 
imitv to all these streams, and is covered with a fair ofrowth of 
tindjer. None of it could be called veiv heavv tind)er, and some 
of it is brushy barrens. Still, all these streams with a few isola- 
ted groves, furnish a fair sup])ly of wood for fuel and other nec- 
essary uses. 

As previously remarked the County is about equally divided 
between prairie and timbered land, the former is composed 
of a soilcoinisted of the richest prairie loam. In all parts of the 
State where the counties are prosperous Tama will rank 
among the foremost in agricultural resources and in the elements 
of material M^ealth. The amount of farm pi-oducts usually raised 
and sold is enornious. The real resources of the soil are not 
yet half developed, but when they shall bo more fully, and the 
vast comparatively untouched water powers of the Iowa 
River and its tributaries shall be utilized, this County will attain 
a degree of prosperity which will place it foremost in that rich- 
est portion of the Bi-airie State lying between the Mississippi 
and the Missouri rivers. 



HlsiOliV (»F TAilA CULNlY. 43 

CrEoLDGY 

The ^\M)!()j;v of T;i;ii;i ("oiiiity is of :i liiulily iiiterestiiii; t-liar- 
Mctei- jind to scliolars ir will l>t' (.'special !y v;iliial»k'. Altlioiiu'li, as 
yet coal and miiu-ral li.ive not been (liscovei'ed in payiiiu' (juatiti- 
ties in the County, yet coal exists, and stone has been found not 
only aloiiii; the rivei' banks, but in the blurt's in the northern part 
of the conntv. Stone can be tbuud in abundance in Lincoln and 
Geneseo townships and in Fifteen Mile and Six Mile Groves 
while in the southwestern part of Indian Village township can 
be found large quari-ies of stone, from all appearance inexhausti- 
ble. This stone is of ])ecnliar formation, and belongs to the suh- 
carbonifennis limestone of the lower series, divided into tiireo 
classes, St Louis limestone, Keokuk or Kinderhook limestone, 
and upper and lower Burlington limestone. The solidity and 
compactness of the formation renders it susceptible of the highest 
polish. The beds are some twelve feet in thickness consistitig of 
thi'ee layers divided as follows; 

1st. Thin bedded sandy limoston j, 3 feet; 2nd. Thin bedded 
oolitic limestone, 4 feet; 3rd. Heavy bedded irregular limestone, 
gray, with bluish tinge, 6 feet; and below this will be found thin 
beds of carboniferous limestone from S to K,' feet. 

The Keokuk or Kinderliook limestone is largely composed of 
fine grained, yellowish sandstone. 

The Burlino;ton limestone formation consists of distinct calca- 
reous divisions which are separated by a series of silicious beds. 
These beds consist of light grayish or yellowisli layers of sili- 
cious shale and chert to<i:ether with nodular masses (jf Hint, the 
whole mixed with a smaller proportion of calcare<nis matter. It 
afi'ords much valuable material for economical purposes, but 
which is confijied, however, entirely to its stone. It is sehlom 
that it affords anything suitable for ashlar, but for the jmrpose 
of common masonry it is excellent, as it endures ex})osure t<» the 
atmosphere and frost without appreciable change. Good lime 
can be made from it, but the greater part of the lime is made 
from the upper division, l)eeause it usually |)roduces whiter 
lime. The upper division furnishes excellent rpiarry rock 



44 HISI'OKV <.|- TAMA COUNTY. 

wluTrvcr it is exposed. The ro-k is :ilso strong' and endures ex- 
posure well. The color of sonii; por.ions of this division is so 
nearly white antl its texture somewhat crystaline, that the i)urer 
]Meces resemble marble. Although the area occupied by the 
outcro])s of this formation in the County, is comparatively small, 
yet the fossil remains it presents are of the most remarkable 
character and profusion. The only remains of vei'tebrates which 
the formation has afforded, are those of fishes and snails which 
are numerous in some localities. 

The St. Louis limestonie formation, as it exists in Tanui County 
consists of three tolerably distinct sub-divisions, principally de- 
pendent on lithological character. They are nmgnesian, arena 
ceous and calcareous. The first and lowest consists of a series 
of yellowish gray, more or less magnesian ami usually massive 
lavers. The second is a yellowish or liu'ht grav, friable sand- 
stone. The third or upper divisicui is principally composed of 
light gray compact limestone, sometimes uniformally bedded, luit 
it often has a concretionary ami even a brecciated character. It 
fui'nishes excellent material for (piieklime even when it is so 
concretionary and brecciated that it will not serve a good [)urpose 
for building material, and is usually too soft for any practical 
use. It contains a o:reat manv fossils a'>d is very attractive. 

At Indiantown, in this County, the sub-carboniferous forma- 
tion appears, commencing at the water's level of the Iowa River. 

No. 3. Soft irregularly bi'ddcd, Mai^nesiiin liincstoiH', passiiic; up into purer 

and more re.Ljulariy bedded liuiestoue 40 feet 

N ). 3. Li'^lit ^ray oolitic limestone, in heavy layers 15 feet 

No. 1. fellowisli. slialy, fine j^rained sandstone 30 t et 

The .'iurface de[)osits to which the name of Drift is applied, has 
afar wider distribution than any other surface deposit. It meets 
our ej'es almost everywhere, covering the earth like a mantle and 
hiding the stratified rocks from view, except where they have 
been exposed by the rem()\al of the drift through the erasive act- 
i on of waters. It foims the soil and subsoil of the greater part of 
the State, and in it alone manv of our wells areduir, and our for. 
ests take root. Occasionally it is itself covered by another de- 



HISTOKY OF TAMA CUUXTY. 



])(isit; iis tor c'.\uiii])le, the bluff (k']>osit. in wliieh case, tlie latter 
tonus the soil and suhsoiL The (ii'it'f is coniposed of ehiv. sand, 
i^ravfl aiul honlders, ])i"oniiscuonsl}' intermixed, without stratitiea- 
tion or any other rei>uhir arraniieiuent of its material. 

The clay dril^ which is alvvavs present in greater or less pro- 
portion, is always inii)ui'e; alwciys tinelv distributed throughout 
tlie whole deposit, l)ut not uiifre(]nently, ii-rigular masses of it 
are seperated from the otlier mateiials. Its color is usually yel- 
lowish from the ])ei'oxyd of iron it contains, and which when it is 
bui-ned into liricks give them a red color. 

The sand of the unaltered drift is seldom seperated from the oth- 
er nuiterials in any degree of purity, but it is not unfre(juently 
the case that it exists in excess of the others; and in some cases 
small accumulations <u- ])ockets of it are found, liaving a consid- 
erable deo-ree of nurity while the gravel is derived largely from 
rocks that are more or less purely silicious, but occasionally they 
are found to be of granite omposition. 

So small a ])ro})ortion of Tama County is occupied by the coal 
m.easures that it can hardly be enumerated among the more im- 
})ortant of the coal counties, thouii'li coal deposits have been 
found in Xorthern Tama, and it is not improbable that other dis- 
coveries of it may yet be nuide in other portions. 

At Montour, near Indiantown,. bed No. 2 is well exposed ami 
is extensively quarried f>r lime, as it is also at tiie last 
named place. Near LeGraiul, in the eastern pait of Marshall 
County, and only a few miles west of Indiantown, No. 3 of the 
preceding section is well exposed, showing a thickness of al)out 
f>rty feet from the leyel of the Eiver; No. 1 and 2 do not ap- 
l)ear they having ])assed beneath its surface by a westernly dip, 
aided by the stream. The ex[)osure here is composed most en- 
tirely of light brown or buff colored limestone, more or less nuig- 
nesian, and in some of the more calcareous layers a slight tenden- 
cy' to oolitic structure is seen. Some of the layers are cherty 
but a large ]:)artof it is cpiite free from silicious matter. 

The stone is hugely cpiarried for various ])urposes, and the 
finer layers, which frequently have a beautitul veiniug of per- 



4(3 UiSTOKY OV TAMA OOUNTY. 

oxyd ..f iron, are wroi.o-ht int.. onui.uental and useful objects, 
and it is known in the nnirket as Iowa Marble. Several (.ther 
exposures of the Kinderlux.k beds are known in Tanui and Mar- 
shall Counties, one by 11. S. Dickson and one by David Houghton. 
Those first mentioned are the principal ones. 

In this County the oolitic member is well exposed at several 
places where it 'is quarried and used for the nuinufacture of hme 
of excellent quality. It has been proposed to manutactnre tins 
oolitic stone into table tops, mantles, etc., but although it may 
be made to receive a fair polish and its oolitic structure gives it 
considerable beauty it is feared that the well known tendency 
of all oolitic limestone to become fragmentary, will be loun.l to 
render it worthless for such purposes. However, that near 
Montour and Indiantown promise to prove valuable for such 



uses. 



CHAPTER YII. 

KAILROADS. 

In 1865-6 the subject of a railroad was extensively agitated in 
this County. A charter had been granted by the State for the 
buildino- of the Iowa Central railroad, running from St. Louis to 
St. Paul via. Toledo. At this time N. C. Wieting, the present ed- 
itor of the '^Toledo Times.'' was publishing a paper in Toledo call 
ed the "Iowa Transcript." This sheet was the only Republican 
paper in the County, and was edited with considerable ability by 
its proprietor. Mr. Wieting, a whole souled jovial fellow and a tal- 
ented man. In the tiles of his paper, now in possession of the 
County Auditor, R. C. Mclntire, to which wc had access, we 
found \iumerous articles favoring the proposed route. During 
the days of railroad excitement it was a constant and earnest ad- 
vocate of the road and did much in influencing the people m its 

favor. 

As already stated, the people of Tama County, at that tune 
were determined to have a north and south railroad, ihe age 
was progressive, and they were determined to keep up with the 
times. Excepting the east and west road, the prairies were trackless 
but thev should remain so no linger, come what would they were 
bound to have a north and south railroad. A railroad! what an 
invention! What a blessing! See yon iron horse; with his nostrds 
breathing fire, his long and shaggy mane, of thick murky smoke, 
streaming far behind, while in his might and strength, with his 



48 lUsrnKV OF TAMA CUlXTY 

train i". tlie rear, lie coiiu's coiirsiiii;' tlir;iiii;li yoii neck nf tiiiilicr; 
iu.)W ovci' that creek, iii>\v across ilu' |)i'airie, now ai;'ain in timlier, 
nutil in lialt'tlie time it lias taki-n us to write it here he is in To- 
ledo, broiii^'ht n|) all standing' with his l]iMt;'ht o1' haclu'lors and 
babies, married men and mules, ladies and live stoek, diw g'oods 
and duteh. Oh! wluit a rnm])us, wliat a din. Jiut still what a 
thing a railroad is. We imagine we heard the people ot the 
County saying what is to be done in regard to the proposed i-oad. 
The time for stopj^'ng to consider the policy of such an enter})rise 
has passed away; and the benefits to be derived Irom such means 
of communication are held to be too self-evident to need any addi- 
tional argument advanced in their favor; f)rwho, say we, cannot 
see in the advanced price of land, in the advantageof a ready mar- 
ket, in the increased facilties of communication, in the spread of 
general intelligence, in tlie cheapened and quickened mode of 
transportation, a sufficient inducement to wish such an underlak- 
ing success, and say tliat its benefits are beyond dispute? AVe 
must awake from our stu})or; measures must be taken for the se- 
curing of stock and having the County become a st(Jckholdei' to a 
liberal amount; of getting individuals, who need only the solicita- 
tion of some active? friend of the road, to become deeply interested 
in its completion. Then, friends of the road, be up and doing; 
farmers of Tama County, our interests are at stake, see that you 
neglect them not; merchants and mechanics, your w^elfare, too, is 
bound up in this scheme — with it will come your prosperity, 
without it you must lose immensly. Then, again say we, let us 
all at work. Let our undertaking zeal and determined efforts 
ishow that we desire what we need and must have — a railroad. 

Meetings were held for the purpose of creating more intei'est in 
the proposed railroad at Toledo at stated times, when some big 
man would address the citizens of the County upon this im|)ortant 
subject. Committes were appointed to confer with the directors 
of the road, etc. and after a time the work began in earnest. Men 
interested in the I'fiad at once began the canvass in various parts 
of the County, nn^king speeches in nearly every school house, 
church, and log cabin. The opponents of the road were nf)t idle 



IIISl(»i;v OF TAir.V ColINTV. 49 

in the meantime, iunl u-iod cvorv moans in their power to intluenco 
the jK^opleaj^uinst it, hnt iiotwitlistiindiiigthis considerable iiniount 
of ni;)ne\' was iMised and tlie grading; began, along the proposed 
line. After expending some $30,000 in the enterprise, nearly 
completing the grade trom Toledo to the n(jrthern boundarv of 
the County, the people of Marshall county thinking they would 
like to have a north and si)nth road influenced the head men to 
change the route and give them the road. When this scheme 
came up work suspended, time passed awa}', and still no road. 
Its friends were ahnv)st in despair, and its enemies jubilant. The 
soothing phrase, ''I told you so," was repeated over and over again 
to the friends of the road until it became almost monotonous. 
We have only to say, Tama County did not get the ]:)roposed 
north and south railroad l)ut Marshall County did. 

In the winter of 1802 three years before the north and south 
railroad was ]^roposed the iron horse first made its appearance in 
tlie County. AVe refer to the Chicago & North Western Railroad, 
then known as tlie Cedar Rapids & Missouri. Without dis- 
paragement to the others, this can be said to be the chief road 
passing through the County; its volume of business being larger 
and its facilities far greater than its competitors. Tama County 
subscribed hberally to aid in its construction, and no better invest- 
ment has she ever made. There has been returned by the road 
in the shape of taxes, far more than the subscription. By its aid 
the resources of the County have been developed to an extent that 
one can scarcely realize. Tcnvns have sprang up along its line 
as if by magic, farms have been o])ened and factories have been 
set in operation, employing hundreds of hands, and the wealth of 
the East has been poured into our laps. Who would have thought 
that we would almost tlonble our population in ten years. In 
less than that length of time the population had not tmly doubled 
but nearly trebled. We will ventui-e to say, to-day wo have 
four times the population we had then, and is constantly increasing. 
This road passes through the southern portion of tlie County 
while upon the north the Paciiic Division of the Burlington Cedar 
Rapids & Northern Railrorul passes through a good portion of 



50 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

the Coiintv, ij:ivin<i; iiortliern Tama an outlet east. Wliile Toledo 
lias an outlet by a branch railroad runninc; to Tama City, 
a distance of two miles and one-half, which was constructed in 
the year 1871, and known as the Toledo & North-Western, Rail- 
road. 



CHAPTER VII. 



OLD SETTLEES SOCIETY. 



Oh I a wniulprful stream is the river of time, 

As it runs tlinmijh the realm of tears. 

With a faultless rhythm, aud a musical rhyme; 

And a broader sweep, ami a surge sublime. 

As it blends in the ocean of years. 

U. T. Taylor. 
It is not strauge that among the pioneer settlers of any new 
countj a deep seated and sincere friendship should spring up 
that would grow and strengthen with their years,. The incidents 
peculiar to life in a new country, the trials and hardship, priYa- 
tions and destitutions are well calculated to test, not only the 
physical powers of endurance, but the moral, kind and generous 
atti'ibutes of manhood and womanhood. They were times that 
tried men's souls and bring to the surface all that there maYbein 
them of either good or bad. / As a rule there is an equality of 
conditions that recognizes no distinction; all occupy a common 
leYel, and, as a natural consequence, a brotherly and sisterly feel- 
ing grows up that is lasting as time, for a "fellow feeling makes 
us wondrous kind." "^ 

With such a community, there is a hospitality, a kindness, a 
bencYolence and charity unknown and unpracticed among the 
older, richer and more densely [populated commonwealth. The 
very nature of their surroundings teaches them to feel each 
other's woes, and to share each others joys. An injury or a wrong 



nil lllsrolJV (IF TA^iA CMI'XI'V. 

ninv \)c igiHired, but a kiiidlv, uciicroiis, .-iiid cliaiMtabk' a(t is 
never i'oi'gotten. The nieiuorv of old as.sociiitiniis and kiiu \y 
deeds is always fresh. IJavcu h-cks niav l)leiich and wiiiten; lull 
i-oiiiid cheekes fade and hollow; Ihe tii'c oi' intellij^enc e vanish 
from the oi'gans of vision; the bi'ow heeonie wi'inkled with care 
and age; the erect form bowed with accumnlating ^-ears, hut the 
true friends of the lonL"" ai»:o, will be remembered as long as 
life and reason endnre. 

The surroundings of pioneer life arc well calculated to test the 
true inwardness of the human heart. As a rule, the men and 
women who tirst occupy a new country, who gx) in advance to 
open and prepare the land for a future peo])le, are bold, fearless, 
self reliant and industrious. In these respects, no nuitter from 
what remote section or countr}^ they may come, there is a similar- 
ity of character. In either education, religion or language, 
there may be a vast difference, but inil)ued with a common pur- 
pose, the founding and building of houses, these differences are 
soon lost by associations, and thus they became one peoi)le, unit- 
ed by a common interest. No matter what changes may come 
in after years, the associations are never ol-literated from the 
memory. 

Many interesting incidents occured during the days of early 
settlers of Tama County which if had been properly preserved, 
would be of benefit to poserity, and it is a matter of regret that 
the formation of the ^K)ld Settlers Association" has not been 
cotitinuouslv maintained in TamaCountv. The presence of such 
associations in all the Counties of our common country, with 
well kept records of the most im])ortant events, such as dates of 
arri\als, birtlis, marriages, deaths, removals, iiativity, etc., as all 
can readily see, would be the direct means of preserving to the 
literature of the country the history of every community that, to 
future generations, would be invaluable as a record of reference 
and a ready method of settling important questions of contro- 
versy. Such organizations would possess facts that could not be 
had from any other source. Aside froju their historical import- 
ance, they would serve as a means of keeping alive and further 



HISTuKV «)F TAMA COUNTY. 53 

ceinc'iitiiigold lVic'iRlslii])s, and ivuewing among the ii eiitbers as- 
sociations tliat were necessaiily interi'ui)ted bv the innovations of 
increasing jxtpiilatioii, cultivating social interconrse and creating 
a charitable l)and for snch of tlieir old members as were victims 
of misfortune and ad\ersity. 

Actuated b}- the purposes suggested in the precedii!g pai-ag)'apli 
the pioneers of Tama C.'ounty organized a society in 187'i, that 
was known as tlie ''Old Settler's Society of Tama County, Iowa." 
The first formal meeting was held in the city of Toledo, at the 
Court House, October ITih, 1ST2. Eeziji A, Eedman was 
chosen Chairman and Thomas A. Graham, Secretary. At this 
meeting s[)eeches were made by jnany of those wliofelt an inter- 
est in such an organization. Such business as seemed neces- 
sary was transacted, and the meeting adjourned to meet Octo- 
l)er 2-ith. At this meeting the organization was made complete. 
Constitution and by-laws were adopted, wlierein any ]K4-son who 
having been a resident of the County fifteen years, coukl become 
a membei'of said Association by signing a record ke])t for that 
purpose by the Secretary of the Association. 1'he time fixed for 
holding their aiinual meetings was the second Wednesday of 
each year. The following officers were elected: 

Anthony Wilkinson, Pi'esident; D. D. Appelgate, Secretary; 
Fraidv Davis, Treasurer; Th(.mas S. P^'ce, David F. Iji'uner, W. 
IT. Stivers and John T. Ames were appointed a connm'ttee to 
compile a history of the early settlements of the Count}'. 

The last meeting of the Old Settler's Associ;ition was held at 
Traer, October 9th, 187S, whei-e many of the old settlers of 
Tama County gather(;d, and pai'ticipated in a fine time. 



CHAPTER VIIL 

SAC AND FOX INDIANS. 

These Indians were Ibruierly two distinct nations and resided 
near the waters of tlie St. Lawrence. They Hved together and 
were considered one people, tliong'h they kept np some cnstoms 
among themselves calculated to maintain a seperate name and 
language. 

The Fox Indians moved to the West and settled in the vicinity 
of Green Bay, on lake Michigan, but becoming involved in war 
with the French and neighboring tribes, were so much reduced 
in number that they were unable to sustain tliemselves againsf 
their hostile neigbbors. 

The Sac Indians had been engaged in a war with tlie Iroquois, 
or Six Nations, who occupied the country which now compasses 
the State of New York, and had became so weak that they were 
forced to leave their old hunting grounds and move to the West. 
They found the Fox tribe, their old neighbors bke themselves, 
reduced in number by the misfortunes of war, and from a matter 
of necessity, as well as sympathy, they miited their fortunes to- 
gather and became one people. The date of tlieiremnjigration 
from the St. Lawrence is not definitely known. Father Henne- 
pin speaks of the Fox Indians being at Green Lay in 1700, 
which was at .that time called the Lay of Puants. 

Just how long they remained at Green I^ny is not knoM'n, but 
we do know that before the white man claimed the beautiful lands 



HISTORY OF TAMA C(»U.\TV. 55 

aloiiM' tlic I<i\v;i K'i\cr, llii- ]\riis(|ii;ikii' l);iii(l (»f tlif F;:cs i.iicl F<>^•(■s 
had their favorite huiitiiii;' grdiiiid hert', and aekiio\vledy-ed no 
liiji'lier auth(jritv than that of their renowned chief, Powesliielc* 
All were removed, however, with the rest of the Sacs and Foxes 
to their new home levoi.d the IMissonri. After remainin"; in 
Kansas a wliil*.' they ceded all their lands, in the _ycar 1859 and 
1860 to the government for the lands now occupied as a reserva- 
tion for the original tribe. Three hundred and seventeen Indians 
of this tribe, after their remo\al, returned to Iowa and settled in 
Tania County and here received the misnomer of "Musquakie. " 
The Government permitted tliem to remain and by virtue of an 
act passed, March 2nd, 1867, tliey were permitted to receive 
their share of the tribal funds, which is the interest only on the 
amount due them from the Government for their lands. 

In August, 1865, Leander Clark, of Toledo, was a])pointed to 
act as their agent, and remained in that position until relieved 
by F. D. Garrety, U. S. x\., under the late regulation transfering 
the Indian Bureau to the War Dei>artment. Mr. Garrety was 
succeeded b}' Rev. A. R. Howbert, and in April, 1875, Thomas 
S. Free became agent for the Musquakie band and still remains 
in that ])osition. 

Since Mr. Free has been agent, active steps have been taken 
for the advancement of the Indians in education and farming, 
besides many other ways. In August, 1875, a school house was 
built, at a cost of $1,2U0 in which scliool is kept. Mr. A. B. 
Somers is employed as tlieir instructor. There is not a regular 
attendance at school, but the school house is kept open and every 
opportunity improved to teach them, and remove the prejudice 
existiuii-bv reason of their reliiiious belief against education. 
Books have been distributed among them and in this irregular 
manner some of them have learned to i-ead and write. The 
Instructor resides in the second story of the scIk.oI buildir"- aid 
gives his entire time and attention to the jidvancement of his 
subjects in agriculture as well as education, and carefully attends 
to the sick and infirm. The prejudice against the school is caus- 
ed by the Chief and head men, who are opposed to it and the 



5() HISTORY OK TA^rA (ioUN'l'V. 

joiiui^' men lire governed by their (lisa|»])r(>\al under tlieii- ti-il»al 
relations. Still many have advanced in learniiiii,' the English 
language and the requirements of the law, i-egarding payments 
of debts, crimes, trespasses, petty misdemeanors and to acce]>t 
as true the manner in which the law in such cases is applied to 
the wJiites. 

In a retrospective view of the tribe, while residents of the 
County we can recall bnt one marked scene of violence. This 
occured upon the morning of June 13th, 1874, resulting in the 
murder of a Pawnee Indian, ^\e give it as given by the "Tama 
Citv Press" of June 19th, 1874. 

"On Saturday morning about 11 o'clock our usually quiet city 
was thrown into some excitement t)ver the intelligence that a 
fearful tragedy hail been enacted at the Indian camps, about 
three miles west of Tama City. After learning that there was 
scmie foundation for the I'umor we repaired in company with an 
Attorney, a Physician and a Contractor, to the scene of the 
tragedy. As near as we could learn, the facts were about as 
follows: 

On the morning of the 12th inst., four Pawnee Indians camo 
to the camp of the Misquakies, and remained all day and the 
night of the 12th. On the next morning one of them, while 
but a few steps from the wick-i-up was approached from behind 
by one of the Musqnakies called "Black Wolf," who drew a re- 
volver and fired three shots. The first entered the back of the 
head, and passing through the brain lodged under the skull in 
front; the second one passing into the base of the neck })assed 
u]»war(l toward the head, and came to the surface near the right 
ear, and the other was merely a scalp wound. The last two 
wounds were not necessarily fatal, l)ut the hrst one bore unmis- 
takable evidence of the intention of him who held the fatal 
weapon. At the first shot the PaM'nee went down, and the other 
two nnist have hit bin: wliile in the act of falling. When wo 
reached the camp, the Pawnee had been l)uried, and here, not 
feai-ing a dead Lidian, we had no necessity for the ])rofessional 
assistance of either of the gentlemen who accompanied us. S(jon 



lilSTORY OF TAMA CuUNTY. 



57 



after, the Coroner. Deputy Sheriff, Indian xVg-ent and several 
other parties appeared upon the scene, and the dead Pawnee was 
resurrected, brouglit to Tama City, together with his murderer, 
and on Saturday evening an inquest was held by E. M. Beilby, 
Coroner." 

When it was proven that Black Wolf did the bloody deed, a 
warrant was issued and delivered to Deputy Sheriff Bartlett who 
arrested him and lodged him in jaiL Black Wolf remained in 
jail until Febuary 18th, 1875, when he was discharged, the wit- 
nesses failing to appear against him. 

The Cliief is Man-an-wan-e-ka, a son of the noted Chief Powe- 
shiek, in honor of whom one of our Counties, is named. He 
is alxtut 50 years of age, rather intelligent looking, but a man of 
few words, and highly esteemed by his pe()i)le. He is a strict 
tetotalei', savs he never drank anv whiskev, and talks temper- 
ance to his people. Wa-ka-mo is the second or subordinate Chief 
and the pride of the tribe. He is about 60 years of age, stands 
six feet high, and has a large and powerful physical structure. 
He has a keen eye, a quick intellect, but cannot talk English witii 
ease. The Interpreter, Sow-on, is a good looking middle aged 
man, and speaks the English language lluently. There are also 
some others who take seats in the council whenever any business 
of importance is to be transacted. 

The reservation belonging to the tribe is located in Tama town- 
ship, on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, three miles west 
of Tama City, and intersected by the Iowa Eiver. They have 
692 acres of land, which they have purchased with their annuities 
and it is held in trust for their use and benefit, and upon it 
they pay taxes. They have, by estimate, about 150 acres of land 
under i)low, 60 acres in tame grass, and the balance is wild grass 
and wood land. The whole tract is under fence, most of the 
fencing being of good and substantial make. Their chief crop is 
corn, but they raise potatoes, beans, onions, tobacco, squashes, 
and other vegetables in cpantities to meet their wants. The tribe 
numbers 345, one hundred and sixty-four males and one hundred 
and eio'htv-one females. There has been seven births and three 



58 llIsroKV OF TAMA OOI'NTY 

deaths during last year. Their persmud property is estimated 
at $15,000, consisting hirgel}' of ponies which is their ideal of 
wealth. They receive annually from the Government the sum 
of $11,174.66, as Annuity under treaty relations. 

The strongest local attachment exists among them for their 
present home, it being the home of their fathers. They cannot 
forget the past with all its associations and will never consent to 
remove from their present place. They have from the earliest 
days been friendly to our settlers. The}' are a peaceful, honest 
and contented people, posessed with a good degree of moral 
character and have a bright out-look for the future. 



CHAPTER rX. 

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES. 

This chapter we devote to brief histories of eacli township in 
rder as organized — Giving date of organization — P'irst settlers — 
township officers — Interesting incidents, etc. It will be noticed 
hat Tama County was organized at an early date, into three 
ownsliips, namely; Indian Village, Howard and Buckingham, 
,nd bounded as in Chapter 1, Page 20. AVe will notice in particu- 
ir the townships as they are known at present, treating them un- 
er their respective names. 

INDIAN VILLAGE. 

This township derived its name from the large mnnber of 
ndians, living in the vicinity of old Indiantown, at its organiza- 
ion. 

The first settlement effected in the township was in the year 
849 bv Isaac Asher. E. W. Dailv, X. J., A. J. and M. Blodi^ett, 
I. Chase, J H. Voorhies, E. Stump, P. Eouse, A. Dingee, J. 
Jronk, W. Murty, I. Butler, P. Helm, X Huston, S. B. Dunto)i, 
. Jack and T. D. II. Wilccjxen were among the early settlers, 
oming in at an early day and improving farms in various parts 
f the township. 

The Iowa Piver passes through this township almost diagonal- 
r, in a southeaster! 3' direction, and along its bank will be found 



00 IIISTOKY OF TAMA COL NTV. 

one mill known as tlio Tndiantowii Flourini;' Mill, wliicli was 
establislit'd ill 1855 by Fisk. lit'lin A: Ciray, now owned aii<l 
operated by (Jliarles (iray, who boa^-iit their interest in lS5(i. 
This townshij) has pt'eidiar ad\anla_i;es ovi-r the adjacent ones, 
iroin the fact that a larg-e body of timber lines tlie bank of the 
river in its coarse through the township, and alst) troiu the 
amount of stone to be found here. The bliifl's thi'ough this sec- 
tion contain abundance of rock for building and other purposes. 
The quality of this stone and its extent are spoken of in a pre- 
vious chapter. It contains three towns. Orford, now Montour, 
ludiantown, (which is known asButlerville,the nameoftheP. Office) 
about two miles a])art, and Le Grand Station, located on section 
18. The country is fine; the bluifs in general are of gentle ascent 
and timber and water ])]entiful, making it a highly productive 
township. 

The towiishi}) was organized in 1S53 with William Taylor, E. 
"W. Daily and L. Appelgate as Trustees. The first election was 
held at the house of E. W. Daily on the first Mcmdayin August, 
1853. The township contains several stone quarries and lime 
kilns, from which stone are taken and lime made in abundance. 

At an early aay an exciting shooting affray took place in 
"Whiskey Jjottom" — -so called from the imniense quantity of 
whiskey sold there by one Itouse, and the roughness of the peo- 
ple. The old settlers well remember its character. The shooting 
took place between a Samuel Keed and one Scamerhorn, and re- 
sulted in the killing of Heed. It a])[>ears from the facts we ciin 
gather regarding it, that be^veen this Reed and Scamerhorn a feel- 
ing of jealousy existed in regard to a girl that both were wooing. 
These two men in company with five or six others, were tui'key 
liunting. After proceeding some distance the party seated them- 
selves on a log, when they 8ei)arated a little while after this a re- 
port of a gun was heard and upon examination it was found that 
Reed was dead, having been shot com])letely through. Scam- 
erh(n-n was indicted, but the crime was not fastened upon him, 
owinir to the fact that sufficient testimony could not be had to 
convict the prisoner. 



HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 61 

The first iiiari'iau,';.' \vas 8. JJavidsdii and Miss A. Aslier. July 
18tli, 1850, xhvvc vears before the Count v was organized. 

The iirst school was taiiiilit b\ C. J. Stevens our present Conn 
ty Clerk, at linhantown in 1856. 

The Iirst death was Mariah JJiodgett in 1853. 

The first l)irth was Maiy M. Bhxlgett, March -tth, 1853. 

But little w^as done in the settlement of the townshij) until the 
completion of the Chicago ct North Western Railroad, wh/Mi. in 
a shori time nearly every quui'ter was occupied. 

The tcAvnship is well improved and has li^ung w^i'thin its boun- 
daries some of the most enterprising farmers in the Coniuy, 
among whom we many mention J. L. Magee, X. J. Blodgett, 
W. C^ Salshury, S. Strain, A. B. Taplin, R. M., A. C. and 
Charles Tennj^, 

Below wmU be found the names of those who have served in 
the offices of Justices, Trustees, and Clerks, from tlie organiza- 
tion of the townships to the ])resent. 

Justices: — W. B. Munil)row, II. Welton, J. W. Wyman, B. 
W. Fellows, C. J. Stevens, G. H. Hall, 1. Butler, A. Dingee, 
P. Helm, J. B. Motiitt, J. M. Preston, L. Appelgate, J. H. 
Stevens. 

Clerks:— A. L. Range, T. P. Smith, T. R. Oldham, C. D. 
Torrey, A. J. Dingee, 11. CI. Wallace, B. F. Fellows, E. Taplin, 
J. H. Voorhies, D. D. Appelgate. 

Trustees:— R. E. Tewksberry, S. D. Tyner, J. Paxton, E. Gar- 
rison, C. and R. M. Teimy, J. M. Mills, J. Abbott, J. Smith, 
A. B. Taplin, J. Dunn, T. D. H. Wilcoxen, H. G. Wallace, 
M. and N. J. Blodgett, B. W. Fellows, P. Helm, R. T. Arm- 
strong. C. Gray, G. Blake, C. J. Stevens, A. C. Tenny, J. Moore, 
J. Bradley, F. Hollingshead, E. Rnggles, J. S. Townsend, A. 
Dinsee, M. Dunn, W. Taylor. E. W. Dailey, J. Jack, L. Appel- 
gate, A. Bricker, I. Asher. 

HOWARD. 

This township was organized with boundaries as in the year 



62 IIISTOUV OF TAMA OUl N I'Y 

1854, br.t aftei'vvards divided \\i\n w'ww tdwiisliips (sec \ydiXi.- iJi!) 
leaving it us now known in the thiid tier of town^lnps Ironi the 
north line und second tVoui the west line of the (Joniity. 

The t(jwnsliiit is |)rin('ij);dly prairie, thougii contaiuina; consider- 
able timbei', some of which is voiw heavy in the south westei-n 
portion, and along the streams in the west and eastei'n pai't. C'hi-is- 
tian P>nnier has the honoi' of being the first to settle here; he built 
himself a cabin on section thiity-three in the spring of 1852, 
near tl>G. present village of Monticello. iSaniuel and -Jacob Giger, 
E. Moler, Il^A. llundals, J. lieedy, K. Ray, J. llartmaii, F. 
Spade, H. Ilowdjsliell E. Blake, E. JVIyers, A. Ilarbangh, D. 
Miller, B. Haniniitt, G. Zehrang, P. and L. Otterman, Wm. 
Gallagher, M. Hill, S. Speer, S. Bird, J. Strain, C. K. Ward, A. 
Leonard, W. C. Granger, J. Davis and B. C Fi'eet can also be 
numbered with the first settlers, all good and industi'ious farm- 
ers, the most of whom are still living in the same neighbor- 
hood in which they first settled. 

With regard to products, the township will favorably com] )are 
with any other in the County. In stock "it ranks nnnd:)er one. in 
intelligence and business enterprise second to none. Being the 
home of so many good industrious farmers, this is not to be won- 
dered at. 

The township is well watered by Deer Creek and its tribu- 
taries, passing through a good portion of it. 

There is one village in the township, Monticello, a name given 
it by C. B. Ward a resident of the place, it being the name of the 
town, and home of ex-President Thouuis Jefierson, and has borne 
the name to this day. For descriptiiui the reader is refered to 
another chapter. 

The townshi]) contians one flouring Mill, establislied in 1.S54-, 
by Christain Bruner, now owned and operated by Bruner & 
Beedy, located in the southwest part of the township on Deer 
Creek, also one Cheese Factory, with W. C. Granger as proju-ie- 
tor, which was established in 1878. 

The first marriage was a double wedding. Mr. AV. T. Ilollen 
to Miss. Sarah Bruner, and Mr. Joseph Davis to Miss. Bebecca 



IIISTOHV OF TAMA CdLXTY. 63 

Hruiier, S.'[)teiiri)(,'r IVrli, ]S,">1-, l>. lI,iiu.iKl"t, ;i .lii4i;-c' of the 
Pfucf. offii'icitiiig. 

The Hr^t school Wiis taught on seetioii 2IJ, hy ]\[is.s. Skiniu'i", in 
1854. 

Thc^ first death was, IkMijiuuan l''i';iiikliii, smi <»t' D. F. and 
Cathiirine BnimT. on Se'iittMiiber Idth. 1S."J;'. 

The Methodists wei'e the iirst i-eligions denomination. A 
Metliodist NLinister named (xamin. ju'eached tlie Iirst sei'mon at 
Christian Bniner's house in 1S5 !. Since that time there has 
been a churcli buihling erected. Tlie denomination is in a i)ros- 
pc'roiis condition. 

We compile tlie following list of o!}i,jers from the Clerk's 
l)ooks. 

Jadke.<<: B. ITammitt. (\ R Ward. R. Ray. J. Fay. W. C. 
Granger, B, Rhodes, J. Stone, 11. Duiui, W. Guilford, J. Ri- 
dei-, G. Burke, J. Gray, C, Baxter. II. Snodgrass, E. Car- 
penter, A. Wliitely. 

Clerics: D. F. Bruner. R. R.iy. J. IT. Granger, J. W. Rider, 
E. S. Beckley, D. K. Gallagher. C. C. Granger and S. W. 
Ilawke. 

Trustees: — W. (\ Morrison. J. Ross. F. Davis, S. Giger. W. 
C. Granger, D. N. Ilil], C. R. Ward. .1. St.me. J. Fay, D. Miller 
J. Reedy, F. Iloman, II. Parker, M. R >-is, J. Fuller, P. Otterman, 
R. Rav, G. W. McCollister, A. Harbangh, J. II. Tindall, G. 
Burke', E. D. Rice, II. McAiiidty, J. T. McC(n-niaek, II. 11. With- 
ington. (J. T. Jones, J. Gray, L A. Richards, J. IT. Giger. 



BUCKINGHAM. 

This is one of the oldest settled townships in the County, 
having been organized in the year 1853. To Da\id Dean, and 
his two brothers belong the honor of the first settlement, they 
having built their cabin on sections 33 and •i'l, in the year 1852. 
But a short time after these gentlemen settled hei'e A. M. Dun- 



64 HISTORY OK TAMA COUNTY. 

kle, Mr. Springiuire, Pat (^iscv, tiinl Jolin ('(Uinelly," came in, 
all settliiii!; in the vicinity <>'f l?!ickliiu;liain. From this (Lite the 
iiiiniigTati(^ii incrcasedquite nij)idi_v. A hir^'c mimber of thetirst 
settlers still reside in the township, and nearly all ha\e tiiie farms 
and are prominently identified with the history of the township, 
and Connty, 

Biickinghani township is principally prairie, thoui>li haviiiii; in 
it considerable tindjer along the streams and southern part. The 
land is of good qnality, and in it aie some of the best farms, the 
finest residences and most substantial improvements found in the 
County. As a stock producing township it ranks among the best. 

Here is the home of J. T. Ames, Esq., one of the largest far 
mers and hog raisers in the County, He has caiTied away from 
different Fairs in the State many blue ribl)ons. D. and S. Ewing, 
O. Gravatt, J. V. B. Green, J. W. Fleming and A. Cummiugs 
also devote a great deal of labor and attention to this branch of 
industry and are now heavy farmers, 

The southern part of the township is watered by Twelve Mile 
Creek and on the east it is watered by Rock Creek audits tributa- 
ries, 

*Froni some of the early settlers and the records of Taiua County we gatlier 
tliis stran.i>e history of Mr. Connolly's life. As shown by the testimony of his 
son at the preliminarj' examination. He nuirdcred his wile on llie l.'jtii of March, 
1859, by strikin.y; her a l)lo\v on the head, and tindinsr lier dead he hurried lier for 
a few days under the straw and coarse niaiinre ill his stable, and then removed 
her one evenin,l,^ by his son's aid :ind burrietl lier on the farm of Mr. T. F. Clark 
A few years afterthe son's wife becoming dissiitisiied with Connelly's treatment, 
disclosed enough of the transaction to lead to his arrest, on a warrant issued by 
N. Fisher J. P. of Toledo and by whom, after Iiearing tlie evidence of the case he 
was held to ai)])ear before the next District Court for inoictment and trial . He 
was placed in the custody of coristable H. C. Foster at the close of the trial, who 
took him home with him that evening, intending to start with liini the following 
morning for the jail at Marion, in Linn County. 

Wlien it was nearly dark, and while Connelly and Foster were seated near the 
open door in th front room of the latter's house, Connelly asked for a drink of 
water. Foster went back to his kitchen, got the water but when he returned 
there was no Connelly tliere to drink it nor has there been to this da}^ 

Foster immediately reported to the town his loss, and the people turned out to 
assist in tlie search, but could not find him in the darkness, nor have they ever 
since in the day light. The residents of that time speak (jf it as a very singuhir 
escape. 



HISTORY OF TAMA C >UNTY. 05 

The township was oro-anized in A]>ril, 1853, and comprised 
what is now Crvstal. (xenesef), Perrv, Clark and Grant townships. 
(see page 20) The first election was held on the iirst Monday 
in April, 1853. 

In 1855 the town of Bucking-ham was founded and named after 
ex-Governor Buckingham of Connecticut. The land on whicii 
the town is situated belonged to G. Lyman and the Connell 
brothers, purchased by them of West Wilson, Esq., who entered 
it in July. 1853. Dr. H. C. Stanley opened tiie first store, and 
afterwards sold to D. Connell. Others came and the little 
Western Village soon crmiprised four stores, two blacksmith shops 
one shoe shop, one wagon shop, one tin shop, two churches, one 
large school house, post office and se\'eral dwellings; but no 
sooner had the town realized success than it was plucked in the 
l)ud l>v the founding of Traer in 1873, within three-fourths of 
a mile, which attracted the attention of all business and the town 
of Buckingham was soon a dilapidated ruin, to be no more. 

Mr. Hoj'ton, an old settler of the township, and S(jn while 
crossing Wolf Creek, near tlie present home of W. K. Snow, 
tlien known as Indian Ford, was drowned. It seems that they 
had been working on the opposite side of the creek from the 
house, and in the evening when returning found that the stream 
had swollen to a great depth, and that the only way for them to 
cross was by swimming. Their team, which consisted of four 
yoke of oxen, was driven into the water and by some cause, both 
Tlorton and son were thrown troni the wagon into the water and 
drowned. The bodies, which had been carried down stream a 
considerable distance were soon recovered. 

The first marriage in the township was Mr. Harrison Hill to 
Miss Charlotte Helm, the fall of 1864, by John Connell J. P. 

The first death was a son of M. Spade, in August, 1853. 

In 1855 Leander Clark erected a Saw Mill on Wolf Creek, 
near W. K. Snow's present residence. 

The following is the list of township Justices, Clerks and 
Trustees since the organization of the township. 

Justices: J. Coniiell, D. Dean, T. K. Shiner, L, Clark, J. C. 



6t) UISTOKY OV TAMA CULNTV. 

AVi>()a, (J. Ga.y, N. Keed, (f. Joujiui, W. T. V. LiuUl T. 1.. Drew, 
E. M. Uughcr, W. W. BUuu-hanl, P- II. Mason. 

6Y6^/'/('.v,- J. P. Wooil, J- B. L)(!:ui, li. T. Uasinu, W. A. Dan- 
iels, O. (ii-avatt, B. lv)ljerts,, B. F. Thomas, J. Kiiigoi-y, J. M. 
Winn, A. N. Bates, B. L. Keeler. 

Tntstees: i). Dean, N. J. Osborn, S. Dunkle, I. Tavlor, J. L. 
AVood, T. K. Shiner, II. Smith, C. Gay, H. C. Green. J. T. 
Ames, J. B. Ilankison, E. Mnrdoek, A. Gordon, D. S. and W. 
T. V. Ladd, R. Connell, J. Kingery, D. C. Underhill, M. S. 
Belkna|>, II. A. Owens, A. Antram, A. Wood, U. E. Davis, 
O. Gravatt, A. (ynmmings, J. PhllUits. 

EICIILAND. 

The soutliern poi-tion of this townsliip is prairie land and con 
tains some ot the finest farms in the County. The Northern 
and central part, along the Iowa River and Richland Cri.;ek is 
somewhat broken and is principally timbered land. Its 
lirst settlement was in 1852 and the iirst house built on section 23 
by A. P. Kich. 

The township is well watered, and is tine farming land. 
Richland Creek passes through the centi'al p(X-tlon of the town- 
ship emptying into the Iowa River on section 13, and on the 
north it is watered by the Iowa River rumiinsj through the entire 
township, furnishing living water at all seasons of the year. 

The township was orjj^anized in the year 1854. It lies in. town- 
shij) 82 north, range 14 west, of the 5th, P. M. 

G. B. Dnnnells, J. Heath, Thomas Skiles, II. Davenport, 
Thos. and J as. Marshall, E. Deeter, I. Walters, J. M. and C. E. 
Ramsdell, J. D. Smith, H. Day and others were among the 
first settlers of the township. 

The township was named after Richland Ci-eek. 

James Hanna taught the first school in the year 1855 in a 
small log cabin, on section 22, whicli had formerly been occupied 
by TI. Davenport as a residence. 

The first marriage was Elias II. Price, and Miss Sarah Ilattieki 



HISfitKY OF TAMA COUNTY. t)7 

Itciiiij' united ii: the ''holy baiids of wedlock" on the >>Oth. day of 
May, iSo.j, [>y S. B. lliatt, a Justice of the Peace. 

The lii'st death was Jas. il.itiiehl, who died in the year 185i. 

There are two vilhiges in the township, Helena and Enreka. 
For sketch of tliese towns the reader is refered to the history ot 
the towns. 

The township has one Flouring mill, situated on the Iowa 
River at Helena, which w;is estahlished and run by E. Deeter 
until the year 1863, when it changed hands to 13. F. Crenshaw 
its present owner. 

The Chicago & Xorth-AVestern Railroad passes through the 
northern part of the township coming in on section 5 and passing- 
out on section 12. 

No better improved farms ai'e to be found than in Richland 
township, and herein live some of the most wealthy and honor- 
ed of our citizens. Their hospitality is unbounded, the latch 
string always hangs out and the weary traveler finds a hearty 
welcome- 

Justlees:--T. Marshall, C. Ilanna. IS". F. Taylor, W. Bale, C. 
Homan N. B. Iliatt, G. Ilollenbeck, L. II. Beadle, 1). Forker, 
A. H. Hisey, T. A. Bonrner, J. B. Louthan, II. Sabin, H. Cory, 
F. II. Ramsdell. 

Trustees: — E. Deeter, J. Ramsdell, J. Flathers, U. B. Hiatt, 
J. B. Lonthan, A. Wilkinson, H. L. Barnes, J. AY. Iliatt, L. II. 
Beadle, P. Rich, H. Davenport, E. Ilatlield, A. Ilattield, I. W. 
Graham, G. Reed, C. Barns, J. W. Clem, T. Forker. H. Clay, 
H. Sabin, 8. Gould, G. Ilolleidieck, J. Gray, J. F. Cram, L. 
Coolidge, J. J. Huston, O. McKeen, G. W. Bale, E. A. and C. 
A. Fhnt, J. Smith, J. Iliatt. 

Clerks:— :i. Marshall. C. Homan, J. Iloag,' N. F. T^iiylor, R. 
M. Clem, S. Lewis, T, A. Hopkins, A. Beadle, S. Jackman, II. 
Sai)in, J. F. Cram. 

SALT CREEIv. 

« 

Salt Creek township is the south eastern township in the 



6S IIIST'IHV OF TAHrA CorNTY 

Comity, aixl lies in eighty-two iioitli, tliirtec!! west. Jt eoiittiins 
two towns, Chelsea and West Ir\iiii;-. 

This township has a tine growth of tinihei' along tlie hanks of 
the Iowa River wiiich erosses it in a south eastern direction, en- 
tering into Benton County. Along tiie course of the river the 
land is r.mgh and l)rokeu. Witii this exception tiie surface 
is of a general undulating character. It contains some of the 
finest tracts of land in the Count3^ Salt Creek, which meanders 
through the County some forty-seven miles enters the Iowa River 
in this township near the southeast corner, on section 3(>. The 
Chicago tk, Northwestern Railroad passes througli the township. 

AVith the exception of Indian Village, this is the oldest settled 
township in the County, and was first settled hy Robert, Anthony 
and William Wilkinson, who came in the year 1849. G. Mc- 
Chambers, R. W. Wilson, J. A. Willey and L. Marsh, were also 
old settlers coming in at an early day and improving farms. 

The township was organized in the year 1856, and named after 
Salt Creek. 

Tlie first school was taught by Mr. Howard. 

The first birth was a son of Wm. Wilkinson's in the year 
1851 and died the samej'ear nuiking the first death. 

The first marria^-e was G. McOhambers to Miss. A. Lux, 

x\t West Irving, there is a grist mill which w;h built in 1871, 
by Fitz, Barrett & Kenner. At an earlier day there was a saw 
and grist mill owned and oj)erated by G. S. Williams in the same 
place. 

The following list ot townshij) ofticers we compile: 

Jii>itlo(;f<: II. Loomis, A. Hale, L. McCliensey, J. W. Taylor, 
A. J. Stewart, W. Benson, D. yV. Stevens, C. R. Smith, E. E. 
Vickery, M. Smith, J. Hutchison, W. H. Graham, T. Roach, G. 
McChambers, H. II. Williams, C. C. Coats, T. Finch, J. Gitz 
and S. Smith. 

Clerhr. B. Pearson, H. L. Smith, C. S. Barton, J. Collister, 
W. P. Forsyth, E. E. Vickery, S. Hopper, J. H. Ross, E. A. 
Stockon, W. Camp, S. Smith, J.'Shaler. 

Trustees: A. J. Stewart, L. Johnson, A. Kile, T. G. Arbutli- 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



69 



Dot, S. Dudley, A. Wilkinson, J. Roberts, H. H. Williams G. 
Crittenden, C. E. Conell, P. D. Smith, A. Wolf, A. J. We^ el, 
B. Rector, M. Smitli, R. Wilkinson, E. Hancox, J. Fitz, S. C 
Bailey, P. Spence, S. Prill, T. Park, A. Hall, L. Marsh, H. W. 
iSearls, B. Collins, J. A. Willey, S. Miles. 

CARLTON. 

Carlton township lies in township 8-i north and range 16, west. 
The land is prairie and timber. The timbered portion atfords 
abundance of fuel for the consumer. The prairie portion is 
fine and productive. 

The Urst settlements were in 1851-2, and the first cabins were 
built on section 30, by Anthony Bricker, Levi and D. D. Ap- 
pelgate, who entered their lands, and opened their farms. In 
the Southwestern part a settlement was founded in the year 1853, 
now known as the Dobson Settlement. Li their part of the 
township are some fine farms, the land being of good quality. 
The Dobsons, J. S. Ilaynes, J. S. Lewis, D. Gray and Wm. 
Conant came in at an early day, entered land and opened 
farms. 

The township was named in honor of Judge Carlton, Judge 
of the 4th Judicial District, of Iowa who is w^ell known by many 
in the County. 

Carlton township was organized in the year 1854, and the first 
election was held at the house of Wm. Murty, on the first Mon- 
day of April of the same j'ear, 

Silas McClain has the honor of having taught the first school in 
a small log cabin erected on land owned by Anthony Bricker. 

Rev. J. S. Mason of the Presbyterian denomiration, preached 
the first sermon in the township, at the housf of J. Laughlin. 
In the 3'ear 1865 a church was erected, known as the Rock 
Creek Church and now has 40 members. The church is in good 
standing with Rev. James Stickle as pastor. 

Justices: S. Dobson, A. Bricker. G. Rider, W. Krause, H L. 
Dobson, T. L. Dunn, C. E. Heatli, R. Parker, J. Craig, M. Bab- 



7U HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

cock, R. Baiin, J. X. Chambers, T. M. Mu Igett, J. Rose, 
W. G. Dobson. 

Clerks: H. L. Dobson, C. E. Heath, S, Strong, T. L. Dnin^ 
J. (h'aig, E. (). Bowen. 

Trustees: J. Lamm, S. Ricker, (x. Laughlin, A. Donaldson, 
B. Chirk, G. Finch. R. Fay, F. Ilollingshead, J. Peterson, W. 
Conant, S. Dobson, J. Filloon, G. B. Rider, T. M. Mndgett, S. 
Strong, S. Mvers, R. Parker, C. Bratt, H. L. Dobson, J. 
JJonahlson, S. Berry, D. Gray, L. Myers, J. Rokes, C. Dobson, 
L. N. B. C. Burt. A. Mericle. 

GENESEO. 

Geneseo township lies in 86 north, and 13 west. Is well w-at- 
ered by Wolf Creek, or Big Creek, which takes its rise in the 
north western part of the County. This flows almost east across 
the township coining in on section 30 and passing out on section 
2-i; with its several tributaries it affords plenty of water for all 
purposes, and drains the township sufficiently, while along its 
banks can be found abundance of timber. Stone can be found 
in this township near the timber, of which there is sutticient for 
all necessary purposes. The township consists of a fine farming 
surface: the soil rich and productive. 

J. Hill and J. Riley, were the first to settle in the township, 
coming in and taking claims in section 2^1-. N. Spencer, G. Buss- 
ler, J. Tedford, L. and T. F. Clark are also among the old 
settlers who improved farms in different parts of the township. 

The township has within its limits one town — Mooreville, a 
name given it by G. E. Moore, who established a Flouring Mill at 
that point about the year 1870. The first store was opened by 
Wm. Davidson, who after doing business a number of years re- 
moved to the town of Dysart and engaged in business at that 
point. Mooreville to-day has one store and post office with C. A. 
Williams & Bro. Proprietors, one flouring mill operated hy B. 
«fe A. Bruner, and one blacksmith shop, by Bugbee ife Barns, 
who established it in 1878. 

S. Slade, taught the first school in the fall of 1856. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



71 



The Urst marriage was A. Goodparter to Miss Mary Plill, 
April 3Uth, 1854. 

The Urst deatli was James Riley wiio died in the year 1855. 

The first birth was Louisa, daughter of J. and C. Riley in 
1854. 

The townsliip was named by N. Spencer, it being the name of 
a township in Xew Y<»rk where he formerly resided. 

The township was organized February 5th, 1856. Application 
made by Nathaniel Spencer. 

The land is of good quality. In the township are many fine farms 
and farm residences and the most substantial buildings found in 
the County. As a stock raising township it ranks among the 
best. In number and quality of hogs and cattle they excell. M. 
Casey, T. F. Clark, A. McElhinney, J. Riley, L. D. and G. W. 
Hill, and H. Wager, are among the heaviest farmers. 

COLUMBIA. 

Columbia township lies in township eighty-two, north, range 
•fifteen, west, and is watered in the north by the Iowa river. 
Along through the Southern and Central portion, Richland Creek 
and its various tributaries drain the township. The Southern part 
of the township is principally prairie land, while the portion lying 
between Richland Creek and the Iowa River is quite rough and is 
more or less timbered, though containing some fine farms. 

The first settlement effected in this townsliip was in the 
year 1851. Eli Chase was the first settler, erecting a cabin on 
section 1. Wm. West, E. and H. Morrison, T. Evert, Wheaton 
Chase, an old Indian interpreter for the Sacs and Fox Indians, 
J. Burley, J. Waltz, R. Metz and Wagoner are settlers number- 
ed with the first. The most of these men are yet living, or liave 
decendants living in this township, all, we believe, well-to-do 
farmers and excellent business men. 

The township was organizedFebuary 5th, 1856 and the first elect- 
ion was held at the house of J. Burley for the purpose of elect- 
ing township officers. 



72 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

The first scliool tHn*i;lit in the towiisliip was in a h><2,' cabiii on 
section 16 by Elvira O. Stoddard in the year 1855. 

The iirst death was Martha Cliase, daughter of W. and E. A. 
Chase. "* 

First birth was a son of E. and N. J. Chase, March 1st, 1853. 

The iirst marriage was Mr. Jolm A. Carlton to Miss Sarah A. 
Stoddard, in tlie year 1855. 

Tlie following is a list of township officers since its organiza- 
tion. 

Jastiees: J. D. Gettis, W. Stoddard. G. W. Morrison, W. T. 
Ilanley, I. Toland, J. Jlfe, M. Bostwick, J. Roads, J. Yates, 
J. A. Eshbaugh, J. C. Biirley, F. Sanborn, S. Wilkinson, T. M. 
Malin. Win. Cory. J. H. Fee, W. Hartsock, C. Spire, L. Stod- 
dard, W. F. Eshbaugh. 

Clerks~L. F. Stoddard, C. J. Rhoads, Wni. Cory, W. G. 
Malin, C. Spire, A. P. Leavitt, D. E. Peek. 

Trustees— G. W. Morrison, J. W. Coe, J. D. Gettis, G. H. 
Stoddard, J. Trowbridge, W. M. Voge, J. Waltz, W. Stoddard, 
J. Fife, H. L. Biggs, S. J. Cady, J. Croskrey, J. Hoag, J. Cory, 
J. Ross, I. Toland, H. Cory. N. Randolph, T. M. Malin, S. C. * 
Babb, W. E. Eshbaugh, B. C. Berry, II. Bissell, J. G. Sanborn, 
J. Stokes, T. Trowbridge, A. Zehrung, W. G. Malin, L. Cary, J. 
Duffey, L. Sexton. 

CRYSTAL. 

Crystal, one of the finest agricultural townships of the County, 
joins Spring Creek upon the east, Perry on the west and is bound- 
ed on the north by Grant, on the south by Howard. 

Wolf Creek flows directly through it from west to east and 
with its numerous tributaries renders it well watered. Ahmg 
Wolf Creek there are several fine groves of natural timber, while 
numerous large and beautiful plantations of trees add to the 
scenic efi^ect. 

The township was formed in 185T by an order issued by J. C. 
Yermilya, then County Judge, to J. S. Bishop directing him to 



HISXOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 73 

call an election. It was a separation from Buckingham township 
and the formation of Crystal. The lirst township election was 
held at the residence of Nelson Felter on the lirst Monday in 
April, A. D. 1857. The townsliip was named by Mrs. C. L. 
Davis from the Crystalline purity of the air. 

Nelson Felter and family were the first settlers in the township. 
They removed from Cook Co., 111., in 1854 and settled upon 
section 15. A rude log. house 16 by 18 feet was erected upon the 
banks of Wolf Creek in which the family resided several years, 
enjoying health and happiness. 

Their rude home was open to all travellers and many a weary 
searcher found shelter with them. 

In the course of a few years a number of families had settled 
around them, among whom we mention J. S. Bishop, V. Shultz, J. 
W. McCune, A. Quinn, M. Martin, Robert Wylie, A. D. Hoag, 
J. S. Townsend, C. L. Davis. These settled in various parts of 
the township, each erecting a rude cabin or rail pen poorly roofed 
and without floors as a tempoi-ary shelter. The lirst child born 
was Lyman Felter. 

The first school was taught in the Bishop school house by Miss 
Nettie M. Cyrenus. 

Religious meetings were first held at the house of J. S. Bishop by 
an itinerant Methodist preacher. In the year 1856, a society was 
organized called theSalem Presbyterian Church, with Robert Wylie 
and J. S. Townsend as ruling members. The Society has been in 
prosperous existence to the present time. The number of mem- 
bers enrolled at its oi-ganization were 15, at present the member- 
ship numbers 66. The first minister was Rev. W. J. Lyons. A 
Sunday School was organized about the same time with D. 
S. Dickey as Superintendent. 

The township cemetery was largely laid out upon one of the 
highest and most beautiful hills in the vicinity. It is well cared 
for and contains some tasteful monuments. The land was do- 
nated by C. L. Davis. 

The first burial was a little daughter of J. S. and P. Bishop. 

Many amusing incidents and experiences of the early settlers 



^^ HISTORY OF TAMA UOUMTY 

inio-ht l.e o-iveii did space permit we give only the following-: 

Live stock and provisions were exceedingly scarce among tlie ear- 
ly residents and many schemes were resorted to in order to make 
the limited supply go ronnd. Gilbert McMiHen had a number 
of nice young hogs but was without corn; one day Jas. \ ertrees 
.umetohim and proposed that as M. had plenty of hogs and no 
corn while he had corn and no hogs, they combine and raise hogs 
uv>on the sliares, he would take the shoats and iatten them and 

^•ive M. one half of the pork. 

^ Theproposal was accepted and Yertrees accordingly took home 
two of the shoals. In about a week he killed one of these and 
according to contract divided it, splitting it from the nose to the 
end of the tail and sending home one half to M. As the side ot 
pork was not much thicker than a board it suddenly dawned upon 
M. that there was something tiiin about the contract as the time 
of '^feeding out" seemed decidedly sliort. 

Crvstal postotiice was established in 1868, and at the same 
time^i store was built by Jan>es Aitchinson. It is now owned 
and kept by J. M. Foster. - 

There is also a blacksmith and wagon sliop at the same place 
owned by J. S. Gethinaiu and another in the south west corner 
<.f the township owned by Frank Frohm who has also a hotel 
and dancing hall which is quite a resort for the Gernuva settlers. 
Crystal township is noted for the number of its hue stock. 
West AVilson has a lari>-e herd of thoroughbreds and grades 
while many others are entering more or less extensively into the 
business of tine stock i-aising. 

There are n.anv heavy tax payers among thefarmers ol Crystal. 

Men who, although they came to the country with limited means, 

'have acquired wealth and a competence by honest hard labor. 

We have space to mention only J. S. Townsend, Peter and Thos. 

Whannel, and West Wilson. 

We ^••lean the followino- orficers from the Clerk's books. 
JusUees:-^. Wylie, W. Wilson, J. S. Bishop, W Guilford, 
O. J. Puce, P. J. Hall, J. B. Wylie, J. A. Plunk, A. Wheatley, 
G. McCune, W. McTurk, P. Quinn. 



HISTORY OF' TAMA COUNTY. 71 

Clerks: — J. S. Towiiseiul, J. S. Bislio}), W. Wilson, J. A. 
Bowdle, R. J. Hall, G. McCuue, J. D. Hall, W. Wilson, J. R. 
Felter, A. Wheatley, N". W. Morton. E. Lynde. 

Trustees:— i. W. McCune, II. Wjlie, O. Burriglit, N. Felter, 
R. R. Xliaiiibers, C. L. Davis, J. Vertrees, L. Loupee, G. Mc- 
Millen, O. J. Rice, P. Quinn, J. Morton, S. Reed, J. S. Town- 
send, R. J. Hall, R. Crawford. J. B. Hill, G. McCiine, J. B. 
Wvlie, J. B. M. Bishop, T. Wliannel, W. McTurk, O. P. Jones, 
J. Black. 

TAMA AND TOLEDO. 

We speak of these two townships connectively from the fact 
that they were orit;-inally one, and c<Mitinued so until 1808, when 
they were divided, the North two-thirds assuming the original 
name, Toledo, and the South one-third that of Tama, in respect 
of Tama City. 

The original township was organized Feb. llrth, 1856, on ap- 
plicati(jn made by T. Brown, and lies 83 north 15 west, and is about 
equally divided between prairie and timbered land. William 
Blodgett was the first settler erecting a cabin on section 26, in 
the year 1851, now in the Tama division. In this same year R. 
A. Redman, J. C. Vermilya and G. Carter came in and improved 
farms, also W. L. Brannan, J. Unbarger, S. J. Murphy, J. H. 
and W. T. Hollen came in remaining but a short time. Bran- 
nan, Unbarger and Murphy, i-eturned to Marengo, durhig the 
winter, while the Hollens returned to Indiana, and in 1851 came 
back to Iowa, stopping that winter in Marengo and in the spring 
of 1852 removed to this County, settling on section 27. Nu- 
merous others we njight mention as old settlers ]»ut will not stop 
to make note. 

The growth of timber in various parts of the township is of a 
thrifty and heavy growth ofrlitlerent varieties, such as cotton wood 
white and red oak, elm, hickory, etc, furnishing plenty of stove 
wood. The harder varieties are manufactured into lumber and 
other necessities to a considerable extent. The prairie land 



76 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



affords the best of tillable soil and iiunierous are the boniitiful 
farms. 

The Northern portion or Toledo township, is watered by 
Deer Creek and its tributaries and the Iowa River passes through 
tlie Southern part or the Tama division, affording- good water 
facilities. We mention elsewhere the usefulness of these 
streams in affording power for manufacturing purposes. In 
this respect the township is far superior to any in the County. 

In 186S the voters of the Southern one-third part of Toledo 
township, which included Tama City, presented to the Board of 
Supervisors a petition requesting that the South third of Toledo 
township be set apart as a new township to be known as Tama 
township. The reasons urged for this division by the petitioners 
were that they would be much better accommodated with township 
officers, and it was also understood that it would to a great ex- 
tent tend to allay the unpleasant strife between the two towns 
of Toledo and Tama City, growing out of their rivalry. The 
petition was accordingly granted and the division made. 

Each of the townships, after the division, rapidly increased in 
population and wealth. The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad 
passes through what is now Tama township, entering on section 
36 and exiting on 19. 

The only incident of public interest occuring in the township 
was in the year 1865; some of our readers will remember the ex- 
:-itement it caused. It goes by the name of ''The Great Indian 
>care." From a participator we dean the following in re- 
ard to it: Jt appears that some little difficulty had occured be- 
tween the Indians and a Mr. Roberts, who had settled on the Indian 
Reservation. Two of the Indians having been to town and in- 
dulged in "spirit water"or"fire water" as they call whiskey, were 
on their way back feeling quite boisterous and noisy. On com- 
ing to Croskrey's house, where a d^ghter of Mr. Roberts was 
staying, asked for shelter. The Indians talked excitedly, 
and frightened the girl, who secretly escaped through tlie back 
door, ran home and told her folks that the Croskrey familv had 
all been murdered in their beds, and that the Indians were going 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. Y7 

to make a raid upon the town "tliat nio;lit. This soon spread 
throuo:hout the nei<jrhborhood and town and in tliree hours time 
the wliole vicinity was in arms. Under tlie stern diciphne of Capt. 
W. H. Stivers pickets were sent out, reconnoitering parties were 
dispatched and the quiet shimberer was called out to meet a 
formidable imaginary foe, whose mercy was blood, and glory, 
scalps. Forces were di-illed during the h^ng and weary night 
and muskets, rifles, swords, daggers, pitch-forks, scythes, and 
all else of a destructive character were in great demand by the 
panic-stricken citizens. While the slow and monotonous tramp 
of the guards and the stern command of the officer as he made 
his usual rounds, carried still greater fear to the hearts of those 
who were already quaking. After watching and waiting with 
loaded muskets and poised sw')rds through the long night, reason 
began t<^) assert its place, and lo, and behold upon examination 
the family of the Croskreys were found sleeping soundly, unharmed 
and unmolested. Near by were seen the stalwart frames of the 
Indians who were charged with such a bloody crime during the 
night, stretched at full length upon the floor sleeping oft' the effect 
of the over draught of "firewater." It is unnecessary to say 
that the armed forces returned to their homes sleepy but wiser 
men, and the Indians, when they came to learn of the trouble 
and anxiety they had caused to the great white man, naturally 
enjoyed the joke as much as an}- one. 

The first marriage in the township was Mr. G. Wear to Miss 
(Mary Eush, in 1854. 

The first birth was W. T., son of J. H. and E. A. Ilollen, on 
February 5th, 1853, and who died the same year making the 
first death. 

The first school was taught at Toledo, by whom we are un- 
able to learn. 

The first religious denomination was the Methodists. Eev. 
David Peterfish preached the first sermon in the year 1853. 

The following is a list of those who have served in the respec- 
tive offices of Justices, Clerks and Trustees in Toledo towmship 
since 1864, the previous records having been destroyed. 



78 



HISTORY <»F TA.ArA ('(.lUNTY 



Jvstices:—^. Fislier. D. F. Eriiner, I. B. Talniage, E. Ilar- 
moii, G. S. Bailev, G- Raines, IL Bradsliaw, N. C. Weitiiig, S. 
M. Bei-i-'er, J. W. Stewart. 

ClerJcs:-~\Y. E. Rogers, L. Allman, J. T. Gary, J McGlaskey 
W. Rickli.-ff, ,]. T. Sweat, G. L. Bailev, J. W. Stewart. 

Trustees:~^V. Hillmon, T. McClelland, A. Ilutlord, A. J. 
Wheaton, W. F. J.,linston, I). Stmior, K Lewis, L. Wells, F. 
Davis, A. LaDow, D. Arb, W. Guiliord, H. Galley, J. Riiies, 
J. Q. (lark, T. J. Sweat, T. A. Graham, W. Wade, J. S. Moore 
A. T. (^hui-chill, K. Dexter, N. Fisher, J. M. Cauiery, A. 11. 
Sterrett, J. W. Rogers. 

GiHcers of Tama township: 

JiMlceH:~'K. Harmon, J. I>nrge, M. A. Newcoml), J. 11. 
Ilollon. A7. L. Brannan, G. D. Sherman. Ghas. McClnng, W. T. 
(;ai'ter. 

OleA-s:~A. M. Batchelder, E. ^^. Mereliant, A. W. Gnernsey 
0. F. Moreland, A. IT. Smith, W. II. Ahlhrecht, Thos. William- 
son, E. L. Garmicliasl. 

Trustees :~R. W. AVells. J. Fife, N. G. Wheaton, N. Lewis, 
R. II. Ryan, B. A. Hall, W. Gallagher, C. B. Bentley, W. P. 
Barker, L. Mereliant, G. llollei.beck, W^ Ilartsell, J. Mclvinney, 
J. Brice Jr., J. II Demiis, J. Bnrge, W. E. Newcomb, T. Bi-iee. 

OTTER GREEK. . 

This IS one auKMig {he liuest t(.wnshipsin the Gounty and lies in 
83 north range U west The Iowa River runs easterly, south of, 
but near the sontlu-ni boundary of this township. Otter Creek 
runs through its \\'e;-;tern side, bearing however gradually south 
easterly as it approaches the southern part and leaves the town 
ship near its south east corner. The bottom lands of these two 
streams are very rich and com].>o,se nearly one third of the town- 
ship. The remainder of the township is nearly equally divided 
between high rolling ])rairie and bbiff land, the latter having 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 79 

considerable timber and is nearly as well settled up as the other 
parts of the township. These bluff lands of* our County as they 
are called, are by no means barrens, as some of our eastern read- 
ers might suppose, but when brouglit u^ider cultivation are very 
productive; generally not quite as good for corn but better for 
wheat than the rolling prairies or bottom lands. The}" consist of 
high roliiuff lauds, sonietmes hillv, covered with hazel brush and 
sometimes intermingled with small trees, and some with large 
timber. This description of bluff lands is true of all in tlie 
County. 

The first settlement effected in this township was in the year 
1853. A. B. Hancox, was the first settler, erecting his cabin on. 
section 36. A. Tom].)kins, Robert Carter, S. Lake, N. Lewis, C. 
Powell and IL Riddle, were among tlie early settlers, coming in 
at an early day and taking up hind. 

The township was organized February 5th, 1856, and the fe*st 
election was held at the dwelling house of A. Tompkins, on the 
first Monday in April of that year. 

JNo better improved farms are found, than those in this town- 
ship. The people are all of the industrious class, and are con- 
stantly adding to their wealth. C. E. Hayes, T. Barlow, D. C. 
Lamb and A. J. Tjder are among the leading farmers and 
stock raisers of the township. 

In this township we find one church of the Catholic denomina- 
tion, erected about the year 1875, located in the north eastern part 
of the township. 

The first school taught in the township, was in a log cabin on 
section 19. Miss Harriet Hatfield, teacher. 

The hrst birth was Sumner Tompkins, son of A. and A. M. 
Tompkins, who was born March 26th, 1855. 

Tlie first death was Mrs. Robert Carter, who died March 20th, 
1851, 

Tlie first marriage was Mr. Logan McChesney to Miss L. A. 
Hancox, in the year 1854- by A. LaDow. 

Those servhig in the offices of Justices, Clerks and Trustees 
are as follows. 



80 • HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

Justices— II. S. Cloud, D. Rnsk. G. Pickett, N. Lewis, J. U. 
Brooks, A. Lane, J. J. and A. M. Stalej, E. M. Stevens, S. M. 
Uan-is, M. Mitchell, O. Biidlong, li. Jacobs and W. P. Sotli. 

T/'usiees — M. Mitchell, A. Tompkins, J. H. Vorhies, J. Stak^y 
S. M. Harris, J. Higti:ins, L. Carniichael, A. Baker, E. A. Burn- 
ham, C, M. Reed, J. U. Brooks, A. Spaldine;, A. Sheldon, A. J. 
Tyler, A. Johnston, S. Stivers, J.. L. Jackson, G. McGee, M. W. 
Yarner, M. Hunt, J. P. Evans, J. M. Haves, W. Wick, J. Far- 
ley, E. P. Smith, W. A. Dowd, A. Kosta, T. J. Iloadley, C. 
Cross, O. Ferris, 

Clerks~U. C. M. Wells, J. J. Staley, J. L. Jackson. D. C. 
Lamb, J. J. Stevens, A. M. Stailey, M. Mitchell, N. H. Bidvvell 
and W. P. Soth. 

PERRY. 

The township Avas organized in the year 1858, ar.d the first 
election was held April 5th, of the same year for the purpose of 
electing township officers. 

Peny lies in townsliip 84 north, 14 west and is one of the 
wealthiest townships in the County. The township is nearly all 
prairie though containing some line timber along the banks of 
Wolf Creek and its tributaries. 

The first settlement made in this township was in the year 
1852. N. L. Osborn came in at this date and erected his log cab- 
in on section 10, now owned by Giles Taylor. Still a little later 
in this year came N. Nash, Y. Carpenter, J. P. Wood, John and 
James Counell, W. D. Hitchner, L. E. Wood. Robert and Dan- 
iel Council, all settling on the north side of Wolf Creek around 
the village f»f Buckingham. These were all the settlers during 
1852. A few additions were made in 1853, namelv Ira and Giles 
Taylor and families, Mr. Spade, and Q. Helm. After this, imi- 
gration increased rapidly; the year 1854 witnessed the arrival of 
a number too large to einmierate, all of whom improved farms in 
the township. 

The township is well watered bj' Wolf Creek passing through 



HISTORY OF TAMA OOUNTY, 



81 



the northern portion, and on the south hy SaU Creek and its 
trd^utaries, which afford advantages in stock raising. Tiiere 
are many excellent farms and the farmers are nearly all well-to- 
d > men. J. G. Safely, James and Peter Wilson, Wm. Spi-ole 
and H. A. Hartshorn are among tlie heaviest farmers. 

The township lias contained two towns, Traer and West Uiiion, 
we speak of the former in another chapter. The latter, formerly 
known as Charlottsville and later West Union, was laid out in 
1855. Mr. Hester opened a general stock of merchandise, and 
other enterprises, though on a small scale, were started but soon 
all were gone. The location was a beautiful one, and it seemed 
that nothing but success would attain her growth but she soon 
fell and now nothing remains to tell of her past. This place 
was located near the north east corner of the present town of 
Traer. 

The first marriage in the township was Mr. Nott to Miss M. 
Taylor, in 1853, Rev. S. W. Ingham officiating. They after- 
wards moved to Kansas wliere Mrs. Nott died in 1876. The 
second marriage was Kev. S. W. Ingham to Miss Cynthia Tay- 
lor a sister of the first bride, in the spring of 1851. Rev. D. 
Petterfish officiating. 

The first birth was in the family of Mr. W. D. Ilitchner, a 
daughter, America, born December 1st, 1852. 

The first school in the township was taught by Miss Rachel 
Wood in the summer of 1851, and the first school house was 
erected in the old town of Buckingham, in the spring of 1856. 

The first post office was at Yankee Grove with S. Klingaman 
as Postmaster. 

The first Sabbath Scliool was organized in 1853, at the house 
of Mr. Osborn, with Mr. Story as Superintendent. 

Below is a list of those who have served in the various town- 
ship offices: 

Jmtiees:—J. W. Southwick, J. Wilson, J. A. Stewart, A. 
Kile, Q. D. Hartshorn, J. R. andR. McCormack, W. Sprole, A. 
Pratt, R. G. Mcli^tire, W. Rogers. J. Fowler, W. T. V. Ladd, 
O. T. Brainard, M. B. Higby, D. Connell. 



82 UISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY 

Clerks:— (}. W. Bradley, A. Kile, J. Wilson, W. W. Leekius, 
G. Frank, 1). Park, M. L. Seauums, S. M. Elwood, C. C. Col- 
lins, W. II. Bowen. 

Trustees: — W., II. C. aiui J. Stokes, J. W. Southwick, H. 
A. and Q. D. Hartshorn, J. L. Gralumi, II, Beatty, L. E. Wood 
Q. Wilson Sr., W. Sprole, C. Loop, A. McCorniack, G. Taylor, 
r. Wilson, S. Everett, H. F. Gaston, J. T. Everett. M. Heath, 
A. Law, A. McCosh, G. Townsend, J. T. Evans. 

SPRING CREEK. 

Spring Creek township lies between Lincoln on the north and 
Carlton on the south, Crystal on the east, and Marshall County 
on the west. 

Wolf Creek in the north and central part. Deer Creek, 
in the southern portion of the township, place Spring Creek 
among the most favored townships in the County in regard to 
water courses. The soil is rich and very productive the surface 
being o:entlv rollin<>' and well drained. 

Lying somewhat remote from the railway lines, which traverse 
other sections of the County, Spring Creek township relies only 
upon State and County roads for its thorouglifares; it contains 
no laro-o towns, but can boast of some of the finest farms in 
Central Iowa. 

The lii'st settlement in the township was made by L. S, Fred- 
cricks and Wm. A. Bywaters, who employed a workman named 
Cha])maii to erect a'cabin and improve certain lands in the vicin- 
ity of a large gro\'e, now known as Union Grove, in the fall of 
185o. In April, 1854, they brought their families from Jackson 
County and entered their new home in tlie grove, jointly occupy- 
ing for the time a small cabin 14x15. Thos. Jukes also came 
with them and soon after came E. L. Kuns and family, Clias. C, 
Knowles, Oscar Hill, J. G. Hull, Wm. B. and O. King, N. C. 
Knapp, and others, all of whom set to work improving farms, 
enjoying the free and unconventional life of tlie pioneer, with its 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 83 

hardships and ])rivatioiis on the one hand, and its freedoin and 
njorrv-niakiniii:, on the other. 

The beautiful o-rove wherein the tirst settlement was made, and 
which still stands in its primitiv^e vigor and beauty, obtained the 
name of ''Union Grove" from the unity which prevailed among 
the first settlers in its vicinity, while the towhship derived its 
name from the numerous springs wliich rise in the grove and feed 
the various water courses in the township. The grove is to-day 
very beautiful, and standing in relief amidst the prairie farms, 
would make a pleasant summer resort. 

At a term of the County Court of Tama County, held on the 
10th day of March, 18'^8, a petition was presented by W. Bowen 
signed by himself and others, praying a division of Carlton town- 
ship, on the t(nvnship line between township 84 and 85, foi'uiing 
a new township to be known as Spring Creek township, which 
was granted and it was (u-dered by L. Clark, County Judge, that 
the first electon in the new township be held at the house of W. 
B. King, on the first Monday in April of the same year, for the 
purpose of choosing township ofiicers. 

At present there are two villages in the township — Spring 
Creek and Badger Hill, with a post oflice in each thriving vil- 
lage. 

Miss Mary Wylie, now Mrs. McClain, taught the first school 
in the township, in a building erected in the grove on land leased 
of W. B. King. 

For tlie most part the lives of the earlier settlers of this town- 
ship were devoid of those stirring and often times deplorable in- 
cidents which serve to enliven pioneer life and to give coloring to 
frontier scenes, for although their lands were then wild and un- 
broken these settlers found themselves by no means upon the 
frontier of civilization, settlements having already been formed 
at no great distance upon each side of them. 

During the prevalence of the uiost severe storm in their early 
experience. Win. Merrill, attempting to visit the home of one of 
his neighbors, lost his way, became bewildered, and remaining in 
the storm nearly all night narrowly escaped freezing to death. 



84 mSTOEY OF TAlVfA COUNTY, 

A little soil of John and Nancy Ililey vvandeivd away from 
home one Septend:)er day 1808, and was lost in the brush a litth.' 
south of Union Grove, while his mother was gathering' plums in 
the grove. The alarm was given, people through(jut the town- 
ship turned out en-mass to join in the search, and the child was 
tracked by keen scented hounds to the banks of a small stream, 
where the trail was lost, and the search was linally abandoned as 
fruitless. In the earl}' spring ';he remains of the h^st child were 
found near the creek, by Mrs. Mary Blakely, who is still a res- 
ident of the township. 

Among the heaviest tax-payers in Spring Creek township at 
present may be mentioned Messrs J. G. Hull, S. S. Mann, Wm. 
Merrill, H. Merrill, II. J. Jackson, S. Berry, A. Allard and 
Hess bi'others. 

Riding along the highways of the township over the rich 
rolling land which constitute the home stead of the larger farm- 
ers, ones attention is attracted by the appearance of large and 
elegant residences, notably those of S. S. Mann, S. Berry, and 
A. Allard, 

A plot of ground in the grove, purchased of Wm. Merrill, has 
been devoted to cemetery purposes by the citizens; and the 
grounds are well laid out and kept very neat. 

Religious services are held at stated intervals in the various 
school houses in the township. 

Spring Creek post office is located at Union Grove, wherein 
various branches of business are conducted, as follows. 

One store established by Jos. Schichtl, in ISTI:, who carries 
a general stock* and does a thriving trade. 

One blacksnn'th shop, owned by Martin Schichtl, who purchas- 
ed it of a Grange Association to whom it had been sold in 1874 
by W. B. King, who established it in 1872. 

A barb wii-e establishment, operated by J. Ivnns and Yince 
Schichtl. 

The second post-office and village, was settled by a small col- 
ony from Wisconsin, the Badger State, who gave the settlement 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



85 



the luiiiie it bears, in honor of their native State. Business is 
conducted according to the foHowing representations: 

Hess Bros, proprietors of a dry goods and grocery store, estab- 
lished in 1874. P. G. Hess, post-master. * 

H. Galloway, blacksmith, business established in 1874. 

Flouring Mill, operated by Myers & Wescott, established in 
1871. 

J. P. Gage, proprietor wagon and repair shop, established in 
1877. 

A commodious church edifice was completed in the spring of 
1879 by the United Brethern Society. 

The following township officers we compile from the records. 

Justices— J. Mitchell, W. B. King, S. V. R. Kelley, G. M. 
Finch, V. S. Bartlett, W. Bowen, 6. N. Knapp, S. Day, E. W. 
Thomas, R. Yeoman, S. S. Mann, L. Horn, W. H. Holstead, G. 
C. Wescott, R. Reich mann, A. C. Marston, A. Benson, W. C. 
Bunce, W. O. Pond, J. Schichtl. 

Clerks— W. Bowen, A. A. Benson, A. T. Willard, G. C. Wescott 
W. H. Holstead, W. Shattuck, B. Smith, C. French. 

Trustees— J. G. Hull, C. N Knapp, R. Jackson, A. C. Mars' 
ton, W. L. Smith, Y. S. Merritt, E. L. Kuns, O. King, T. Baker, 
J. G. Hull, G. M. Finch, J. Yettey, W. Mei-rill, L. Horn, A. 
Bartholomew, C. W. Hiatt, C French, A. C. Marston, W. Sharp, 
A. Bates, G. W. Hess, W. Overnn're, H. Merrill, A. l^enson, 
W. Shattuck, H. Holstead, S. W. Berry, W, O. Pond, R. Yeo- 
man, G. Wescott, R. Smith. 

YORK. 

York township, east of Otter Creek and south of Oneida, lies 
in 83 north and 13 west. A good share of this township is prai- 
rie, witli timber along the banks of Salt Creek and tributaries. 
In the eastern part of this township the land is beautiful 
and verj' fertile. The western part bordering on Salt Creek 
is quite broken, and is mostly inhabited by Bohemians who by 
hard work have succeeded in opening out some line farms. 



86 HISTORY C»F TAMA COUNTY 

The first settlement eftected in this township was in the year- 
1851, by W. R. Van Doran, who came in at this (hite and erect- 
ed a small cabin on section 22. E. McKern, I. Smitii, Alexander 
Fowler and families came in shortly after and erected cabins in 
other parts of the township. The first land entered in the town- 
ship was bj Z. T. and L. H. Shugart, in the year 1853. These 
gentlemen still lemain on the land holding the original deeds. 

The township was organized April 1st, 1856, and the first 
election was held at the house of J. R. Graham, and named by 
him it, being the name of a township in which he used to reside in 
New York. 

The first marriage was Mr. Jacob BrunertoMiss Susan Ashby, 
February 17th, 1856, by J. C. Vermilya, County Judge. 
The first death was Mrs. C. Edmonds, April 22d, 1859. 
The first child born in the township was a son of W. R. Van 
Doran, in the year 1854. 

The township contains one town, Waltham, located in the 
north eastern part on section 3. There are two grist 
mills, one at Waltham, established in 1856 and opperated by S. 
Lewis, and one about the center of the township on Salt Creek, 
known as Bruner's Mill, established in 1873. Tlie township also 
has one church. 

The first school was taught in 1854 on section 14. The teach- 
ers name we were unable to learn. 

The products of the townsiiip are such as are common through- 
out the County. In horses, cattle, h(\gs and other stock it ranks 
second to none. Here are the homes of W.White, L. H. Shugart, 
J. Peck, S. Overturt; M. H. Pierce, J. Kessel, J. llervert and J. 
Scrable all of whom for a number of years have turned their at- 
tention to fine stock. They also have as fine farms as can be 
found in the County. 

Justices— J. R. Graham, E. Robinson, O. T. Brainard, R. O. 
Rogers, J. Sale, J. B. YanAuken, J. Holt, J. Townd, V. Kessel, 
G. Foster, H. L. Smith and B. Cady. 

Tritstees—S. Overturf, G. W. Selvey, J. Edmonds, J. R. Gra- 
ham, J. J. Garrison, B. Twogood, J. Lighbody, S. Dykeman, S. 



HISTOKY l)F TAMA CUUXTY. 87 

F. Eccles, S. Miles, A. Ma.-on, L. B. Dodd, J. Holt W. Ash- 
ley, C S, Barton. W. Alexander It. and H. Itogers, J. Yount, J. 
D. Hutchinson, T. Weaver. J. 11. Shugart, II. L. Smith, P. L. 
Wintersteen, F. Beneisch, J. Scrable, E. M. Cauipton, V. Kes- 
sel, J. B. YanAiiken, Y. Ilervert, B. Brown, C. Mason. 

Clerks — Z. T. Shugart, J. Allen, G. W. Selvey, H. L. Smith, 
J. T. Cobb, C. Mason, S. J. Bear, D. W. \Yintersteen, A. Rog- 
ers, B. A. Peek, M. II. Pierce. 



CARROLL. 

This township lies in S-i north, li west, and is bounded on the 
north by Pcrrv, on the east by Oneida, on the south by Otter 
Creek and on the west by Howard, and is about equally diyided 
between timber and praii-ie land, the southern portion is broken 
and hilly, while on the north it is principally rolling praiarie. 
The soil is of a good quality and the farmers are among the best 
in the County. Within the past ten years great iniproyements 
haye been made. The old log houses haye given place to the 
stylish modern residence; straw sheds to large frame structures. 
Eyerything betokens a change fcr the better. 

This is a good stock section and considerable attention is given 
to this branch of industry. 

Its lirst settlement was in 1853. Levi Haworth, Nathan 
Fisher and Joseph Powell coming in at this date and improving 
farms on sections 21, 22 and 23, in the southern part of the 
township. Then a little latercame E. Fee, Adam, Andrew and Asa 
Wise, N. Harmon, L. Ivibbee, Wm. Hines, Wm. Randolph, 
John Collins, John Cox, F. Bates and J. L. Stewart, all improv- 
ing farms in different parts of the township. In the year 1857, 
a petition signed by N. Fisher and others was presented to 
the County Judge, J. C. Yermilya, praying for tlie organization 
of a new township to be known as Carroll. The petition was 
granted and the first election was held at the dwelling house of 
N. Fisher, for the purpose of choosing township officers. 



88 HISTORY OF TAMA (JOUNTY. 

The first marriage was that of Mi-. A. Ilaworth to Miss E. 
Fee, in the year of 1850. 

The lirst death was Samuel Eaikn', wlio died in 1855. 

The iirst birtli was EH, son of Levi and V. Ilaworth, April 
25th, 1855. 

Tlie first school was tanglit by Miss M. A. Fisher, in the year 
1854. 

Rev. D. Pettei'fish, preached the first serm(m at the house of 
N. Fisher, in the summer of 1853, Mr. Petterfish was of the 
Methodist denomiiuition. 

The township is watered bv Salt Creek and its tributaries, 
rendering it a well and plentifully watered townsliip. 

Justices: — T. McEitree, E. Bailey, ^V. Eandolph, N. Jarvis, 
N. Harmon, W. A. Fee, S. Doolittle, 11. Bailey, II. C. Foster, 
G. M. Fee, A. Wise, C. B. Qnintard, J. Fowler, A. M. Smith, 
J. C. McNeil 

Clerks: — IST. Harmon, W. Randolph, A. Maiden, S. Doolittle, 
J. 11. Crawford, J. and A Wise, L. II. Powell, J. M. Smith, 
J. Roberts. 

Trastees:~E. I^'ee, L. Ilaworth, J. Powell, A. Wise, J. Col- 
ins, T. McEitree, N. Jarvis, J. II. Fee, W. L. McNeil, A. 
Childers, R. Morrow, A. M. Smith, II. C. Foster, A. C. Cochran, 
J. T. Surface, G. B. Lawon, L. Powsell, N. Ilai-mon, J. O'Neil, 
F. A. Belt, A. L(xler. R. Foster. 

CLARK. 

Clark township was organized October 9th, ISGO, and the first 
election was held at the house of David Torrence, "November 
6th, of the same year. 

The township lies in range 85 north, and 13 west. It is a 
fine body of land, entirely prairie, and nearly all available for 
cultivation. The soil is very fertile, and at this time there is 
scarcely a foot of land, but what is in use. 

The first settlement made in this township was in tlie year 
1855. A. Parmenter, C. Linger, W. Leach, D. Torrence, J. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 89 

Moss, N. Miller, T. S. Talnmge, A. Boy Ian, and G. W. Bradley 
were the iirst settlers. The township made no special growth 
until about the time of the completion of the railroad. There 
being so much prairie that it seemed a perfect barrier to the set- 
tler. Where was the timber for fuel and fencing to come from."* 
was the propounding question of the prospector. But soon the 
question was solved; the Pacific Division of the B. C. R. & N. 
Railroad penetrated the township and fuel and fencing was no 
longer a question of d()ul)t for all necessities were supplied by 
the advantages which a railroad afford a new country. Mr. A. 
Parmenter was the Iirst to settle on the open prairie on 
section 1, in 1855. Now there is hardly a quarter in the whole 
township that is not under cultivation and Clark ranks 
among the best townships of the County. 

The first marriage was Mr. N. Perkins to Miss M. Moss, m 1859. 

The iirst school was taught by J. Parmenter, in 1862. 

The first birth was a daughter of Mr. Boylan, in 1859. 

The first death was a wife of Newton Miiler, who was caught 
in a prairie fire and burned to death while returning home from 
one of the neighbors, in 1857. The full particulars of her death, 
we were unable to learn. 

Dysart, of which we speak in another chapter, is located in 
this township. 

The following we gather from the records. 

Justices: — II. Frank, H. Colderwood, J. W. Crissmaii, S. F. 
Everett, S. Ilanlin, B. F. Thomas, 11. Shaffer, D. Torrence, T. 
S. Talmage, S. L. Cochran, P. P. Wench, S. R. Hunt, J. A, 
Parmenter. 

Clerks:— Q. W. Bradley, D. Torrence, T. S. Talmage, (). M. 
Haney. 

Tmstees:~J. Moss, C. linger, G. W. Wiseman, T. S. Tal- 
mage, S. R. Hunt, D. Torrence, G. W. Bradley, N. Miller, 
P. P. Wench, T. L. Cochran, E. Converse, S. F. Everett, J. 
Enderton, IT. Colderwood, M. D. 'Bonney, B. F. Thomas, J. 

Dysart, D. Puckett, S. R. Yeoman, L. L. Wheeler, J. T. Con- 
verse, A. Sewall. 



90 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY 

ONEIDA. 

This township Wiis orcjanized October Dth, 1S(!(), and lies in 
84: north and 13 west, with Clark townslii]* on tlie north, Benton 
0(nnity on the east, York township on the sonth, and Carroll 
on the west. It contains some very tine prairie land and abund- 
ance of timber. 

Oneida is watered by four tribntaries to Salt Creek. No town- 
ship in the County is any better supplied with water.. It has four 
streams flowing entirelj' through the townshij:) into Salt Creek 
which passes On through York and Salt Creek townships and 
empties into the Iowa River. 

The farming |)ortions are I'icli and pr.xhictive, and- extensive 
farming is a predoniinijjit feature of iinhistry in the township 
while stock raising is not neglected in the least. 

A. Fowler, was the tirst white settler in the townsliip, coming 
here and settling on section 20, in the year 1852. Also among 
the eai'ly settlers were W Kruthers. J. M. Hull, J. Harden, W. 
Fowler, D. C. Twogood and G. O. Mason, all opening farms 
in various parts of the township. 

The tirst marriage was Mr. II. Hull, to Miss E. J. Kerns, in 
1857, J. C. Vermilya, County Judge, otliciating. 

The first school was taught l)y Miss Hannah Thompson. 

Below will be found a list of township olHcers from its organiza- 
tion exce])ting 18(17, of Mdiich there is no I'ccord. 

Jastiaes: — G. G. Mason, B. Terpening, F. K. Morgan, J. - 
II. Rushton, M. B. Sapp, C. J. Wiles, A. Antlnmy, W. 
Mowry. 

Clevis: ~l). C. Twogood, J. Thomas. J. K. Bull, W. Mowry, 
W. W. Wiles. 

Trustees: — B. Dickerson, R. Teipening, J. B. F. Hill, J. 
Hardin, J. M. Hill, A. Heath, F. K. Mowry, W. W. Moss, N. 
Huft; J. (I Wiles, F. K. Morgan, J. H. Burris, W. D. Dean, 
W. Fowler, A. Cady, M. Sapp, I. E. Babcock, O. A. Turpeuing. 



HISTOEY OF TAMA COUNTY. 91 

LIKCOLN. 

Lincoln township occupies the extreme noi'tli-west C(M'iier of the 
County^ It is bounded on the north and west b^' Grundy 
County on the south l)y Spring Greek, on the east by Grant town- 
ship. It has various small streams, the Little Wolf being the 
largest, all running in a south-eastern direction, and empties into 
Wolf Creek, in Spring Creek township, near the Badger Hill 
Flouring mill. Fifteen Mile Grove lies in Lincoln, about three 
fourths of a mile south of the north-west corner, and covers an 
area of some tifty acres with as nice timber as can be found in Iowa. 

On the 5th, day of June 1861, a petition was presented to tlie 
Uoard of Supervisors of Tama County, signed by voters of town- 
ship 86, Eange 16, praying for a division of Spring Creek, town- 
ship and the organization of anew township to be known as Lin- 
coln township; petiticjn granted, and iirst election ordered to be 
held on the second Tuesday in October, 1861, at the house of 
Joseph Prescott, when and where township officers were to be 
chosen. 

Lockh-nrt Wilbor was tlie first white settler within the limits of 
the present township. After him came J. and G. Prescott, and 
families, from Black Hawk County, in 1855. Not having either 
house or permanent shelter of any kind to move into, the settlers 
were forced to make their wagons and tents suffice lor domiciles 
until a loo- shantv could be erected. While the labors of house 
building were progressing, night after niglit were these pioneers 
listeners to the howling of ravenous wolves, until sleep came to 
deaden the unwelcome sounds upon their senses. 

Their homes were- finally reared beneath unbrageous trees in 
the still beautiful Fifteen Mile Grove. Greenwood Prescott still 
remains a citizen of the township. S. Y. E. Kelley and family the 
Henrys and the Lewises are also old settlers. :, 

Lincoln township remained comparati\ ely unsettled until about 
the year 1870, when a German colony began settling within its 
b(M'ders, and to-day it is thickly populated by a good class of 
German citizens. 



92 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

The first school house built was on land in Fifteen Mile Grove 
donated by G. Prescott, and tlie first school was taught by a 
daughter of W. B. King. 

Early settlers used to claim that this grove was fifteen nides 
from no where. It has been the scene of various misdeeds, 
and upon one occasion the corpse of a man was found in the 
grove, having marks of violence which indicated foul play. 
^ In the year 1876 Stephen and Henry Wilson erected a store 
and are now carrying a line of groceries etc. successfully. 

A blacksmith shop has been in operation here for a number of 
years. There is an excellent stone quarry in the grove. 

The following is the list of the township ofiicers as shown from 

the clerks' books. 

Justices--^. C. Henry, S. V. R. Kelley, J. and G. Prescott, 
A. C. Brockway, R. Dick, S. II. Baldwin, A. W. Stover, J. I. 
G. Cold. A. E. Stewart. 

Clerks-J. Prescott, S. V. R. Kelley, A. C. Brockway, J. F. 
G. Cold, C. II. Baldwin. 

Trustees-S. C. Henry, S. Y. R. Kelley, G. and J. Pi;escott, 
F C Kelley, H. J. J. Jentzen, D. M. Wane, J. W. Henry, G. 
C Henry W. C. Thomas, J. Linn, A. Stoner, J. Rodtnan, 
K. Cowan! J. Dick, A, Eldridge, R. Way, C. H. Baldwin, D. 
B Hammersley, A. C. Brockway, D. H. Lambury, R. Dick, G. 
M. Baldwin, C.:Siek. A. E. Seward, S. Robinson, M. H. Reh- 
der, F. E. Kook, J. Daugliesh. 

HIGHLAND. 

Highland township is one among the finest in the County for 
agricultural and pastoral purposes and lies in township 82 north, 
ranoe 16 west and the extreme southwest corner of the County. 

/ B. Merritt has the honor of settling first in the township, 
who came here in the year 1853, from Livingston County, New 
York, and entered land on section 16, wliere he still resides. 

The next settlers of this townsliip were Samuel Clark, Jacob 
and John Korns, David Babb, Arthur and Quincy Mansfield, all 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 93 

of wlioiu settled upon then- new prairie farms and soon made 
comfortable homes for themselves and families, and may now he 
found on their old homesteads reaping the results of their early 
frontier labors, except David Babb who died in 18T8. 

The first birth was that of James Hull, second, WiUie Merritt. 

First uiarriao-e was Marv Babb to H. J. Reed, at the residence 
of David Babb. 

The first death in Highland was that of Willie Merritt. 

The first school in the township was taught by Miss Lucy Clark 
of Grinnell, in the fall of 1861 in Central school house. 

The first religions meeting in the towmship was held in the 
dwelling house of Jacob Korns by Bishop Long, of Pensylvania. 

This township was organized October 9th, 1860, and the first 
election was held at the house of James Adair, on JSTovember 5th 
ISOO, for the purpose of choosing township officers. 

The oifieers sinee its organization as shown by the clerks books 
were as f Jlows. 

Jmtices.'—S. J. Aldin, A. Mansfield, C. W. Moffitt, A. N. 
Boyneer, E. Phillips, F. M. Clark, D. Babb, B. Crofutt, J. B. 
Merritt, W. Stewart, E. L. Fish, C. A. Wilson, 11. J. Vosberg. 

Clerk.^: — R. Johnson, E. M. Poyneer F. B. Sanborn, A. IL 
Cowles, D. E. Wing, 

Trustees: — J. Korns, A. Mansfield, D. Babb, J. B. Meiritt, 
L. T. Leach, J. G. Cronk, J. Roberts, C. W. Moffitt, F. M. 
Clark, E. B. Moffitt, L. Snyder, IL L Reed, J. Ramsey, R. 
Johnston, J. II. Smith, H. Winders, O. A^aiidyke, IL J. A^os- 
burg, V. and E. L. Fisli, D. E. Wing, V. Smith. 

GRANT. 

Gi-ant township was organized in the year 18G8, and named 
in honor of ex-President Grant. The township lies in 80 north 
range 15 west. 

The first record we have of its settlement was in the year 

1857, when Conklin, and Cornelius Ga^', came and built their 

cabin on section 25. Soon after Evander Murdock built on sec- 
tion 23. 



94 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

The townsliip is prairie witli timber along the streams which 
intersect it at different parts. It is well watered by Twelve 
Mile and Four Mile Creeks and their tributaries, which afford 
advantages to the township as a stock raising section. 

Tlie beautiful little grove known as Five Mile Grove in this 
township, was the scene of the horrible murder of the boy Stopp, 
at the hands of one Olislaugher, of which we make mention else- 
where. 

We give the following list of township ofiicers. 

Justices: — W. Kline, T. Weir, C. Fleming, W. C. Seeley, 
J. R. Davis, J. Stanley, J. McCreath, A. Mitchell. 

Clerks:— :S. C. Fleming, W. Evans, P.. H. Dodd, W. Mitchell. 

Trustees:— V^ . Kline, J. H. Scott, J. Stanley, A. Mitchell, J". 
Young, L. P. Dinsdale, E. S. Bennett, J. Leonard, P. Whannel, 
J. Wilson, J. Nichols, G. Maron. 



CHAPTER X. 



KESOURCES OF THE COUNTY. 



"We propose in this chapter to give a short summary of sncli 
matters as will show clearly the business and resources of Tama 
County. To the thoughtful and intelligent reader these items 
will be invaluable and we coniniend thtm to the capitalist as 
showing truthfully the situation at present. By a careful obser- 
vation will be seen; first, the extent of our territory; second, the 
availiable proportion; third, the varietj^ of its productions; fourth, 
its value as a stock County; fifth, extent of manufactories; sixth, 
openings for capitalists. 

The reader will notice that we date our calculations in the year 
1875. from the fact that then the last census was taken, from 
which, only, we were able to obtain the facts in regard t<> land 
productions etc., though during the progress of this chapter we 
will give a table, showing the assessment of Tama County of this 
year, 1879, and which will give a portion at a late date. 

Extent of teekitoky. — Tama County is 24 nn'les wide 
and 30 long, having within its boundaries twenty full Congres- 
sional townships of thirty-six square miles each, making a total of 
720 square miles or 455,182 acres. 

Impeoved lands. — These are such as are cultivated, or enclosed 
in fence and used for meadows or pastures as well as plow lands. 



96 HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY 

According to the census <,>f 1875 there were 255,182 acres under 
cultivation. 

Unimi^koved lands: — -The unimproved kind as shown by tlie 
census of 1875, is 90,222 acres. The greater portion of this lias 
been brought under cultivation since then and is considered as 
valuable as any in the County. 

Wheat: — Wheat is most exteusivelj- raised in the Comity. 
The average yield per acre compares favorably with an}' County 
of the State. In lier earlier days the wheat crop far exceded 
that of now; the qualitj' was of an excellent grade and gave 
full weight. The acreage of 1875 was 97,013 and the yield, 
1,437,907 bushels. Of late years the farmers are turning their 
attention more to stock raising and as a natural consequence corn 
is being more largely raised and wheat less. 

Corn: — Among the products of Tama County as well as gen' 
erally in the United States, corn is a profitable cereal being the 
needed article for stock. Tliere were during the year 1875, 
72,251 acres of corn tilled in this County, with a yield of 2,842, 
859 bushels. This amount was mostly consumed within the 
County. 

Oats: — This needful and essential cereal is undoubtedly one of 
the farmer's most useful productions. The soil and clinuite 
of Tama County is especially adapted to this plant and it grows 
with thrift and hardiness. The yield is large, the price fair, 
making it a profitable production for the producer. According 
to the last census, 1875, there were 13,574 aci'es sown to oats 
and a yield of 384,469 bushels reaped therefrom. The crops 
since 1875 have been good and of excellent quality. 

Bakley: — This cereal is not so extensivelv cultivated as those 
previously mentioned, although among the Germans of the 
County it is raised to a considerable extent. The yield is large 
and the growth is hardy and thrifty. The price is good although 
not profitable enough for the farmers to give it a special at- 
tention. 

Rye: — This article is nt)t cultivated in large quantities owing 
to the low market price, thc)ugh the soil and climate of Tama 



HISTORY OF TAMA Ct)UNTY. •*! 

Comity is suituble fen- its growth. Large qiuu.tlties could be 
raised" within tlie Connty and marketed, "did the prices compen- 
sate for the hibor. 

Buckwheat:— Large quantities of huchwheat are raised in 
this County by some of our farmers, but n<»t sufficient attention 
is given to its cuUure to make it a leading producti(m. 

Potatoes and other vegetables: — The productions of the 
o-arden are not to be over looked. Among these are the differ- 
ent varieties of vegetables so needful to tlie cellar, such as tlie 
potato, cabbage, turnip, bean, pea, radish and other minor arti- 
cles all of which are peculiarly adapted to Tama County soil 
and grow with thrift and hardiness. The potato is cultivated to 
a remarkable extent throughout th e County. Tlie Early Rose, 
Peach blow, Red and White Nechannock all grow thrivingly and 
pi-oduce large cpiantities. Many of our farmers are making this 
a speciality and find it a very profitable business. The demand 
is constantly large, and prices good, both 'at home and abroad. 
Another favorable feature of the potato raising in Tama County 
is that the o-i-owth is so hardy and healthful, and the chmate so 
especially adapted to tliem that they keep with full assurance 
and safety. The Peachblow especially possess this feature; 
being equally as good in the spring after keeping all winter as in 
the fall when first taken from the earth. It is not particularly 
so with the other varieties although they keep well through win- 
ter though do not retain that freshness which they possess in 
the tall. Cabbage is another vegetable that is raised to a large 
extent but only for home consumption. The other articles which 
we have enumerated are grown in every part of the County with 

profit. 

Meadows:— The culture of tame grass has become a prominent 
feature with our farmers. The various tame grasses grow in 
Tama soil as if by magic. There is but little labor needed in 
raising it and the remuneration is good. The demand is large, as 
larue quantities are needed to winter the vast number of cattle 
throuo-hout the County. The last census give 15,123 acres as- 
sii^ned to the cultivation of this article, producing 10,169 tons. 



08 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY 

III (lifFerciit parts of tlie County, wild grass is harvested to quite 
an extent. In the 3'ear 1S75, as shown i)y the hist census, 27,- 
6G7 t()i:s were harvested. The natural or wild grass is very nu- 
tritious and frives that nourishment needed by animals. 

Timber land: — Tama County has within her boundaries some 
as line timber as there is in the State. The natural growth 
covers 18,282 acres, and the planted timher 1,589 acres, making 
a total ot 19, 871; all of which is in a growing condition and af- 
fords the advantages needed to a prosperous population in the 
wa}' of fuel and other necessities. 

Horses: — According to the census of the year 1875, the last 
taken, there were 10,419 horses in the (Jounty. Tlie character of 
the horse has been greatly iuiproved in the past few years. Some 
have been im[)orted from England, France and other countries 
at a large expense. Previous to this, all breeding horses were of 
common stock, and the venture to secure a better breed 
was a new era in horee raising in the County. Colts by these im- 
portations were sold as high as one hundred dollars each, and we 
have known yearlings to sell from one hundred and fifty to two 
hundred dollars each. There is an increasing demand for import- 
ed horses and the breeding of this better class is becoming a 
source of revenue to the County. All our best larmers are mani- 
festing an interest in the business and we believe the time will 
soon come when Tama County will rank iirst among the 
principal counties in this and other States where the raising of 
fine horses has been made a s])ecialty for j-ears, and where a 
greater revenue is derived than from other stock. The ques- 
tion, will it pay to raise the best class of horses^ has been 
fully and satisfactorily answered in the affirmative. It costs no 
more to raise a good horse than a poor one, and the rcnumeration 
is more than double. Many car loads are shipped from this Coun- 
ty each year. 

Cattle: — -In cattle culture Tama Countv is fast takino; a lead- 
ing position. The thousands of acres of excellent pasture laud 
well watered, and the immense quantities of corn and fodder raised 
afford the farmer such advantages that cattle can be raised and 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY, 99 

marketed at a good profit. For some years past Hon. James Wil- 
son, his brother Peter, West Wilson, L. P. Dinsdale. L. Car- 
niic-liael and Andrew JTickson have been devoting their time to 
the improvement oftliis class of stock and are among Tama Conn- 
ty's lieaviest stock dealers. All these gentlemen have herds 
that are a credit to the County, and are constantly adding to 
the number, variety and quahty of their stock. They have 
some tliat cost tlieni hundreds of dollars each, and wliich ai'e of 
]nu-e hh)od and undoubted pedigree. AVe can say in I'cgard 
to cattle what we remarked in relation to horses, it costs no more 
to raise tlie best class than it does the poorest, and the jirofit is 
much greater. According to the last census tliere were 28,589 head 
in the County. Many of this number, of course, weie milch cows. 

Mules and asses: —Notwithstanding these animals will do 
niDre with the same amount of cai-e, they do not appear to be a 
favorite with our farmin"; coramunitv, there being onlv 579 head. 
The average value, at which they are assessed, is i^50 each. 

Sheep: — There has been a heavy decrease in the number of 
sheep in Tama County during the past few years, cansed 
by the low price of wool in the general markets. During the 
war, wool growing was a most profitable business and largely en- 
gaged in by (>ur farmers, but the price of woollen goods has 
decreased greatly and the profit realized so small, that other 
business is now much more remunerative. In 1875 we h;,d in 
this County only 4,851 head of sheep. 

Swine:- — This class of stock has received more attention li'om 
our farmers than any other, and has generall}- been the most piof- 
itable. The American nation seems "lioggishly irclincd,"' and 
the price ruling the markets has been such as to tempt our 
farmers to invest extensively. None seem to abandon the busi- 
ness of raising swine. The quality of hogs has been great- 
ly im])roved within the past few years by the introduction ot 
the English I3erkshire, Chester AVhite, and Poland Ciiina. Fi'om 
these and other varieties crosses have been obtained which have 
pr<>ven even more profitable to fatten than the thorough bi'eds. 
J. T, Ames, A. J. Willey, and others have done niucli Jo iin- 



udi to im- 

3418?0A 



1(10 IIISTORA' OF TA^NFA Ct*UNTY. 

prove this class of stock ami deserve the credit of the wliole 
County. 

The large yield of com, tlie readiness with which the hog fattens, 
and the market price affords abundant compensation to the farm- 
er (►r stock raiser. During the ])ast yeai-s there have been thous- 
ands of hogs shipped from this County and according to the a?_ 
sessors' books of 1ST5, there were 32,98i hogs. It must be borne 
in mind that the assessments are made from the first of January, 
when there are a less assessable number than any other month of 
the year. The assessment figures will never, therefore, show the 
exact number, for many pigs that are not assessed before the next 
yearly assessment, are shipped to the markets. 

Orchards: — As a County grows older, the more extensive her 
orchards and abundant her fruit crop. Tama County now ranks 
among the foremost fruit growing Counties of the state, — both in 
regard to the quantity and cpiality of the fi'uit growing. In 1875 
we had 32,239 trees bearing in the County. This includes ap- 
ples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, etc., of which we realized 
9,555 bushels of fruit. There were besides this 153,035 trees not in 
bearing. , 

Apple: — The greater part of the land devoted to the cultivation 
of fruit is used for raising this variety, the principal kinds grown 
being Jeannette, Winesap, Ilambo, BellHower, Ben Davis, Jona- 
than, Red Astrachan, Red Streaks, Red June and Early Harvest. 
These are now considered standard. At present there are thous- 
ands of bushels I'aised in this County eacli year, and the amount 
is constantly increasing, the ijreater number of trees hardlv yet 
reaching maturity, while additions are made each year. During* 
the fall of 1876 there were shipped form the County hundreds of 
bushels. The aijple crop is generally sure eacli year, the growth 
is thrifty and healthful. A good price is generally realized from 
this fruit, and it is found to be of profitable culture. As the 
orchards become older, the averase will be greater. 

Peaches, pears and plums: — There has been sonie little dif- 
ficulty in growing tliese fruits owing to the severe cold, but as 
the County becomes older, with close attention o-iven the different 



101 

HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. ^^^ 



frnits they are grown to a considerable extent and with a good 
profit. Phuns^are especally grown with thriftness and the qiiah- 
ty is comparatively good. 

Cherries.— The principal varieties of this excellent fruit are 
the EnohshMorella, Early Richmond, and May Duke, the two 
former\eing superior to tlie latter and raised with less difficulty. 
The yield is usually large and of a superior quality. 

Grapes.— This fruit is becoming one of the staple products of 
the Ccnintv. The yield, generally being very heavy where the 
proper care and attention is given. The market is good and at 
prices that make its culture profitable. The varieties mostly 
cultivated are the Concord, Delaware, Fartford Prolific, Isa- 
bella and Clinton. The manufacture of wine from the grape is 
found quite renmnerative and is being entered into quite exten- 
sively by fruit growers. 

Small fruit:— The small fruits cultivated in this County are 
the currant, gooseberry, blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry, 
all of which yield well and are found quite profitable. The quali- 
ty of each is good and are grown in abundance. The cli- 
mate and soil seems to be specially adapted to them. There 
are some who give their especial attenion to the culture of small 
fruit and find it a remunerative business. 



ASSESSMENT OF TA- 

Tilt' followini,' table shows the Assessinpiit of the Comity by Townships 
the purpose of tlie tax levy the Board of Supervisors ordered tliat the as- 
The table is ;i very interesting' one if carefully studied. 




a 



(ilMlCSCO 

C'lii k 

oiiuidii 

York 

iSalt Crt'i'k 

DtUkillLTlKllU 

I'crry..'; 

<';irr()ll 

Ottrr Creek 

Kichliuid 

(Jnuir 

Ciysfill 

IIow;ir(l 

Toledo 

Tiunii 

Coliiinbiu 

Lincoln 

Spriiisr Creek... 

rurltoii 

iiidiaii Vill ■jxe.. 
Ili'.'li and. . ... . . 

<'lii-!sea 

Traer 

Toledo City 

Tama City 

Montour 

Totals 



•il 
2-Z. 
22 



14 



.O'.I.T; 

.41l7i 
,5ll:ii 
,lS3i 
;Jiri 
3(!0; 
InS 

!>r4i 

7:^3; 
U<.)iV. 
733; 

78.5i 
loTJ 

.5s!r 

718. 
430 
433' 
334' 
452 ( 
4r>ir, 

rm: 

475: 

73-r 

2\» 



8 01 

8 S-ii 

9 37; 
8 87 i 
8 (17; 
t» 11) 

8 9(i; 

8 39; 
8 92; 

8 3(1 ; 

(i 70! 

7 57; 

8 5r, 
n 265 
12 34' 

7 fn) 



9 37; 
8 14; 
7 63 

7 35; 

8 15! 
13 84 ; 
32 09; 
fi5 .57 i 

20 ()(•,; 

28 33 






^ 














— 


> 











































zj 






c-> >, 










au 






t^ 










•f, 






















" 


l5 


Z) 


a? 


























. — 


a 


,-'. 


u. 


1"^ 


.— 


—■ 








C3 




ci 








L^ 


"A 


> 


a 


> 


^ 


> 





165,91)3; 

18."),4I8' 
19;f,480; 
201,349, 
200.44(1; 
189.018; 

18.761i 
183.303; 
202,221 
191.729; 
141.245.; 
158.841! 
188.510: 
1(13.651! 

77.210; 
172.975; 
20 ,-.301; 
1(1.5.798; 
174.217; 

Hi.4'.ri; 

181.805! 

8.087; 

15.243; 
8.2(13; 

14.(18(1: 
6.176' 



4.529 
34.305 

2.2.55 

4.440 

405 

1.3;3 



2.195 

1.310 
4.310, 

1.3(14 

4,90(1 

1.5.918! 
(1(1.790: 

il.5.(;a0| 
1(14.033 

32.054' 



i.:iti; 

925 
1.200 
1.30i; 
1.324 
1,.505 

1,(174; 

832; 
1.389: 
1.143 

980 
1.510 
1 'SOS 

816; 

33(1 
1.2S2 

887; 

962; 
1.027i 
1.458; 
1-223; 

103; 

ml 

121! 
2331 
189' 



14.108 

10,226 

12.212 

14.214 

15.0.35 

1.5.380 

15.075 

7.948 

14.044 

10.458i 

10.529, 

1(1..^3ill 

13.4(11; 

9.04(1 

4.7H5 

13.41 4! 

10.248 

5. ,'^38 

9 (100 

13.888 

10.129 

1,2(18 

1.5.38 

1 3.53 

2.476 

1.738 



572 
.500 
488 
.593 
544: 
498' 
489. 
445' 
741; 
534- 
441; 
5.30 

651, 
393; 
192: 

4(17; 
421; 
610; 

591 i 
.582; 
495 i 
.59; 
191 
14(1 
1771 
109' 



1(1.850 
15,125 
14.424 
19.543: 
17,7401 
15.380 
14.340 
11.730 
18.880 
14.8; 

1,580 
13.183 
19.103 
11.424 

3.570 

16.3.59 

13 1.- 

10.018 

14,938 

1.5.2.38 

12.601 

1.920 

6.095 

8.613 

4.361 

;.785 



9 

27, 
40; 
28; 
15; 

13; 
23; 

20; 

27; 
31! 

46; 



350 

1.040 

1.517 

1.040 

595 

430 

710, 

690' 

7501 

1.170 

1.360 



38; 1.3701 



12: 

9; 
lOi 
15; 

67; 
56; 
2!; 

9; 

13j 

q! 
6l 



380 
307 
47o, 
6951 
2.6-M| 
975 
760; 
2ti7 
515 



215 
60 



.£3 

'Jj 
40 



14 
39 
29 

26 
28 



10 

58 

230 

134 

101 

14 

215 

1:20 

86 

2S 



45.5.29 2 8 26 3.753.094 455.6 27 25.240 254.8.50 11.469 318,895 542 18.360 1 



12 

7 
192 



I ? 



MA COUNTY- FOR 1879 



iuid Towns as miule by the Assessors tliereof. In equalizing- it for 
sessmentbe reduced iive ])er cent on Toledo and Lincoln Townships, 







ao 










OJ 
















a 


03 


o 








3 


,3' 


3 




S 


cj 


s 


C3 




■yj 


> 


l^ 


^ 











V 



I3.S 









1 U. X 


K 


1 ' — ' 


«— 












=3 


o 






1.^ 
22 


s " § 

•Jj 


3 >> 


Person 
operty 


>5 


go 








0) — ' 


«£ 


H^ 




CS O 


o 




o 




S 




O 


::_, - "^ 


O 


P 


p 



14 
30 
25 
40 
19 



40 
230 
134 

T» 

30 ' 
131 
100 

(it) 

24 



3.4i(3 
1.552; 

1.T21 
l.WT) 
2.0S0~ 
2.434' 
2.70 1'; 
l.(;42: 
3.:i37; 
2.407; 
1,'.)42( 
2.445' 
3.0S4' 
1.153 
439 

2.030; 

2.715 

3.110 

2,0 IS 

S.C'tO, 

3.00S 

241; 

<)lf 

17-2 

138 

377 



4,207 

3.4(12 

2.842, 

3.3 U» 

3 353 

4.H25 

4.7S7! 

2.068 

3.794 

3.551 

2.77() 

.3.91(i 

5.420 

2.1.30 

740 

4.022 

4.810 

4.848 

3.324 

2.75(i 

3.929 

.33^; 

123 

367 

287! 

495 



12 
42 
B 
26 
12: 
27: 
13i 

15;. 

30 



26 
40: 
36; 
4: 
15: 

13! 

20; 

37j 

12: 

11; 

f8' 

71 

8-J 

35 



1.060 
250! 
860; 
385; 
6li0i 
540 J 
24 J 
755! 

740; 

600; 
796; 
900; 
1301 
490; 

190' 
386; 
680; 

385; 

297 ;■ 
1.220 
2,024 
2,093 

740 



l.l'OO, i 

12.905; 175; 

.5.50; i 
850; 



6.325 
6.030: 
I..500: 
3.275' 
5.963': 
6.020' 
2.870, 



1,S00; 590; 



905' 
330! 

240' 
380: 



410 

7251 



I 



3.n' \ 

S.793 3.600 

525; ■ ! 

/ 464; I 

i \ 

5.100' 75 

23.155' I 

28.162 i 

lS.4--.-9 2.525 

9.()7.~. 



4.075: 
510; 

\ 

2.785! 

1.756' 

9..507! 

3.525; 

495; 

T5; 

3.472' 

2,265' 

3,196: 

2.50; 

1.513; ! \ 

22.750' 880 \ 

47.455 1.605 2(i.. 575; 
15.374 600 8,728 
12.438 ' ' 



5 2.. 528, 

100 8.487! 

( 200; 

5()0' 290 

; 908 

', 400; 

'': 42I 

\ 1,225; 

100 l,141i 



440; 



340; 

50; 



50 



82 



216.118 
279.318 
226.1.39 
247.615 
249.740 
232.3.5S 
3K6.865 
20ri.022 
24!I.1'J5 
228 837' 
172.497 
19--.5o3 
2!; 1.820 

19,-; is; 

75.0S() 
2('9,471 
2;JS.815 
199.114 
20'i.887' 
207.3.55 
208.87'2 

3.5.104 
141.368 
244.861 
237.835 

67.172 

1.020 48,377 76.316 16.(i77 "106.31 8 6.965 163.424 5,795 .35.3l}3T047 40.372" 1 .045.342 5^254-07-3 



100 
20 



495; 

851! 

523! 

312; 

'. 96i 

105: 
87; 

772! 

1,4.59; 

94! 

590; 
3.360; 
9,684; 
4.159 
1.664' 



4.5.686; 
50:595 
32.9.59; 
44.01 1 ' 
44.^54; 
42.935! 
38.581 i 
22.719' 
43.904 
.34.913; 
26.252! 
39.691; 
42,000 
.3.5.1365 
13.n66 
36,496 
31.511; 
31,9.52! 
32.670i 
38.354; 
2S.0r,7! 
11.(99! 
59.335; 
120.998: 
59.116; 
28 942' 



CHAPTER XT. 

TEMPEliANOK. 

Tama County, like all other organized territory has had its 
Tenii)erance revivals, its seasons of drunkeness and seasons 
of soI)riety. As stated in the tii-st part of this work, one of the 
first acts of the settlers was the prohibiting of intoxicating liquors, 
and at the general election held on the 1st Monday in April, 1855, 
the following votes were cast on the Prohibitory Liquor Law. For 
Prohibition, one hundred and sixty-three votes, and against Pro- 
hibition, one hundred and twenty-six votes; thus showing the 
feeling of the sertlers on this important question. At this early 
day a great many drank; not to do so in the eyes of this class of 
peoj)le was to set yourself above your neighbor and become his 
judge, a state of things which was not to be encouraged. As 
near as we can learn the lirst barrel of whiskey was brought to 
the Comity by a man named Rouse living on Whiskey Bot- 
tom. It was from this circumstance that Whiskey Bottom 
obtained its name. Notwithstanding, we are told that whis- 
key in those days was very pure, it made a surprising number of 
drunkards, and when the Washingtonian movement swept over 
the country it is not to be wondered that this County was 

struck by the huge wave and driven along with the current. 
Occasionally strangers would appear in the various settlements 

I'roclaiming themselves missionaries of this great and powerful 



HISTUKY OF TA^iA COUNTY 105 

movement, secure some scliool lionse or log cabin and give tlio 
people a temperance lecture. After a while a temperance organ- 
ization was effected to cany on the temperance work, and known 
as the Sons of Temperance, an organization wliicli was at that 
time being extensively introduced all over the country. This 
was a secret organization, composed of males eighteen years old 
and upwards. In a short time this oi-ganization had its divisions 
all over the County; a very strong one existed in T(jledo, 
at the time. A good work was accomplished by them, the effect 
of which will last throughout eternity. 

Other organizations have existed at different times and in dif- 
ferent places, each endeavoring to accomplish a special work. 
For a mnnber of years past, in our villages and large towns, the 
temperance men have either put forward recognized temperance 
men for the local otiicers and voted for them as such, or have 
been content to vote direct upon the question of license or no 
license, allowing the political parties of the day to nominate such 
men as they chose, while pledging them to carry (Uit the will of 
the people as expressed at the ballot box. 

Although intemperance exists aniong us to an ordinary extent, 
in common with the rest of the country, we know it has greatly 
decreased within the last twenty years. We do not believe that, 
according to the population, there are one-fourth as many druidc- 
ards in our midst as there were at an early day. This leads us 
further to declare that we do not believe the eff'orts put forth by 
temperance people have been a failure in times past. That 
organizations have lived and flourished for a while and then gone 
down, prove nothing. All these organizations are but human 
instrumentalities, and are brouHit forth bv the necessities of the 
hour. Their design is to accomplish a certain purpose apparent 
at the time. It is not to be expected that they will be as enduring 
as the hills, or like the church, so strong that "the gates of hell 
shall not prevail against them". If they accomplish a good 
work for the time being, well enough. If it is found there is a 
radical defect in their organizations, necessitating change, let it 
be iriade, and let us not imagine^ because they are defective and 



106 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

Imve not aecomplislied all tlie good their most sanguine support- 
ers anticipated, that notliing has been done. All over the coun- 
try can be found sober, honest and good men, who but for the 
efforts put forth by the means of soine temperance organization 
that has ceased to exist, would now fill a drunkards grave. Then 
we would bid God speed to every effort of temperance men and 
women, knowing that as temperance increases our country will 
become more and more prosperous. 



CHAPTER XII. 

OLD AND NEW COUBT HOUSE AND COUNTY JAIL. 

As previously remarked Tama Coimtj during the first term of 
District Court was without a seat of Justice, therefore, the first 
session was held at the dwelling house of J. C. Yermilya, County 
Judge, where the proper steps were taken for the erec- 
tion of a Court House, whereby a contract was let to T. A. Gra- 
ham for the building of the same, for the sum of $1,300. Lot 
2 in block 5, in Toledo, was selected for the site, and in the latter 
part of the year 1854, the Court House was completed, and the 
second terra of Court was held therein. 

The house was a commodious frame building two stories in 
hight and answered the purpose for which it was built until the 
people realized the need and necessity of a larger one. The 
old building was disposed of in the year of 1866. 

During the year 1865 the people of Toledo and vicinity, agitat- 
ed the question of a new Court House. At a meeting held in 
Toledo, there was a Court House Association, organized and 
the following trustees were chosen: W. F. Johnston, Wm. H. 
Harrison, D, D. Appelgate, T. A. Graham, N. C. Weiting, and 
G. R. Struble, with A. J. Free as Secretary. The question of the 
erectioJi of a new Dburt House was settled, and the Association 
advertised for bids upon the plans and specifications submitted. 
The bid of P. B. McCullough of Toledo, Iowa, was adopted, and 



c 



It'S ni^TUKY (.»F TAMA COUNTY. 

tlu' coiistructioi) was begun by liiiii, but, failiii<;- to Ull contract, II. 
n. Ik'ldcii, agreed to liiiisli it under the contract. Under Mr. 
Bolden's charge the building was finished at a cost of something 
over !B22,00O (»f whicli tlie County paid abonnt $5,000. 

THK nUILDING AND SUKKOUNDINGS. 

The buil(h'ng is a tine structure centrally located in Toledo 
City on the Public Square, and pi-esents a picturesque spectacle, 
approached from any direction. The ground on which it is situ- 
ated is beautifully decorated with trees of different kinds, and in- 
:h)sed by a tasty and substantial fence, affording the citizens of 
Toledo a beautiful park suitable for out-dooi- gatherings. 

The building is one of neatness and constructed after modern 
style, two stories high and covers an ai-ea of 45x72 feet. The 
material of which the nuiin part is constructed is brick. The 
basment is stone, giving it a solid and sure foundation, the 
upper stories are of an excellent quality of brick. Tlie whole 
building is roofed with corrugated iron. 

Thei-e are two entrances to the main building one from the 
north and the other from the south. The structure is surmount- 
ed by a fine belfry which rises from the centei-. From this 
belfry a sublime view can be obtained of the surroundings for 
miles around. A large hall passes through the entire building. 
The first floor is very systematically ai-ranged into different de- 
partments and occupied as oflices for the various officers of the 
County. Each department is furnished with all the necessities 
that are needed to make them commodious and comfortable. 
The large fire and burglar proof safe in each office and vaultrender 
the keeping of all recoids and funds secure and safe. In the 
south end will be found a laige stair-way leading up into the 
second story and Court Room. This room throughout is well 
seated and furnished whicli make it comfortal)le quarters for its 
occupants. Besides the Conrt Room there is a large and com- 
modious gallery, a jury room and a hall at the entrance. 

Farther up is the belfry reached by a stair-way running from 
the second story. The building, surroundings and conveniences 
are referred to with no little degiee of pride by tlie people of 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 109 

Toledo and Tama County. We pass from this public enterprise 
to that of the 

COL'XTY JAIL. 

This biiildiiio' is a fine two storv brick structure, and stands 
30x34 feet on the giound and ei'ected under the supervision of 
David Stoner, of Toledo. 

The ui)per story is oecuijied by the jailor and contains six 
pleasant j-ooms. The lower storj-, or the jail, contains a largo- 
wrought iron cage, 22x25 with sleeping apartments for the con- 
finement of the prisoners. The outer door, leading from the 
dwelling to the jail, is also wrought iron, and the inner one is a 
grated door. The entire building is covered with an ir(>n roof. 
A neat fence surrounds the lot on which it stands, which adds 
much to its general appearance. The jail was first occupied in 
the latter part of ISTO, and from that time there has been over 
three-hundred prisoners confined therein. Sheriff Austin took 
possession of the dwelling on the eighth day of Januar}', 1874. 
The building stands on the corner of Broadway and State Streets, 
opposite the northeast corner of the Court House square. 

Below will be given a full list of officers filling the various 
County offices. 

e/?<f7^i".s.'— Tall in an Chase, J. C. Yermilya, Leander Clark, 
John Allen, T. F. Bradford, T. A. Graham," Maj. T. S. Free. 

Clerics of District Court: — D. D. Appelgate, L. B. Blinn, 
C. J. Stevens. 

Sheriffs:—^. L. Osborne, M. Blodgett, W. Garner, H, C. 
Foster, T, Murry, H. A. AVilliamson, K. Dexter, R. E. Austin. 

School Fund Commissioners: — N. Myers, D. F. Bruner, L. S. 
Fredrick. 

Surveyors: — W. A. Daniels, C. Irish, J. P. Wood, II. Jacobs, 
C. W. Iliatt, W. II. liolstead. 

Treasurers: — D. F. Bruner, J. Boss, T. J. Staly, A, J. 
Wheaton, J. H. Struble, T. Schaefier, D. Forker, L. B. Blinn. 

Recorders: — D. E. Bruner, T. J. Staly, A. J. Wheaton, 
J. H. Struble, J. Yeiser, J. B. McClaskey, T. S. Free, J. B. M. 
Bishop. 



11() JIl!>T'>KV <»K TAMA COUNTY 

('"/■oners:— F. Davis, ('. Olnev, T. \V. .lackson. I. J. AVilkin?, 
X. Fisher, M. A. Neweoinb, G. W. Cowles, E. M. Bielby, 
J. C. Kendricks, 

County SajpinHutendents: — W. Helm, J. RamsdcU, T. L. 
Dtnviis, J. R. Stewart, T. llurd, A. li. Sterrett, A. H. Brown. 

Bt'preseiitatives: — J. Connell, T. W. Jackson, Jas. Wilson, A. 
Tonii)kins, W. CI. Malii;, G. Jaqua. 

AiulUors:—^ . 8. Free, A. J. Bowdle, R G. McTntire. 

Supervisors: — L. Clark. G. Jaqua, A. ]S". Poyneer, J. lianis- 
dt'll, S. W. Ilutton, J. AV. Lauderdale, T. F. Clark, H. II. 
AVithinotoii, J. Dysart, E. M. Teniiy, T. Forker, J. M. Youiiijj, 
J. A. Willej, A. Wilkinson, I. Toland. G. W. Morrison, W. 
Cory, M. B. Sapp, C. W. Dobsoii, J. Peterson, W. Conant, A. 
Donaldson, C. Bratt, P. L. Sherman, J. Wilson, J. J. Keeler, 
L. Ivii)bee, P. McRoberts, S. Doolittle, J. Powell, W. JVIerriU, 
C. W. Knapp, W. T. Willard, G. M. Morehouse, A. C. Brock- 
way, W. C. Thomas, G. Prescott, S. H. Baldwin, S. C. Rogers, 
J. S. Townsend, C. C. Guilford, T. S. Talmage, H. B. Clemans, 
J. W. Fleming, W. F. Johnston, D. D. Appelgate, G. Jaqua, 
W. T. Y. Ladd, K. Johnston, A. M. Poyneer, T. Hufford W. 
Gallagher, E. S. Becklsy, M. Mitchell, K. Lewis, A. Tompkins. 
A. M Stayly, A. C. Tenney, A. Bricker, J. B. Dresser, G. W. 
Selvey, Z. f. Shugart, L. B. Ladd, IL L. Smith. 

Tama County is in the eighth Judicial District which com- 
prises Linn, Cedar, Jones, Johnson, L^wa, Tama, and Benton 
Counties. The following is a list of the Judges and Attornej^s 
serving in the District and Circuit Court. 

Hon'. AVilliam E. Smith, G. J. Cook, W. E. Miller, N. W. 
Isbell, C. H. Conklin, N. M. Hubbard. J. A. Rothrock, Hon. 
John Shane, A. Phillips, N. C. Wieting, L A. Allen, C. R. 
Scott, W. G. Tiiompson, Milo P. Smith. 



CIIAPTEE XIIL 

PEAIRIE PIRATES AND CKIMINAL EECORD. 

Tama County Las Lad comparatively few marked scenes of vi- 
olence and crime, wLicL is a good tiling to record, altliongL in 
early days tliere existed in tLis and adjoining Counties a combin- 
ation of outlaws, Lorse thieves, counterfeiters and murderers, 
tliat fastened tLemselves upon tlie country of tlie Iowa Elver 
valley and Nortliern Tama, previous to 1S60. 

About tbe confines of Amriean civilization tlierc Las always 
Lovered, like scouts before tlie marcL of an invading army, a 
swarm of bold, enterprising, adventurous criminals. TLe broad, 
untrodden prairies, tlie trackless forests, tLe rivers unbroken by 
tlie keels of commerce, furnisLes admirable refuge for tLosc 
wLose crimes drive tliem from companionsLip witli tlie Lonost 
and law-abiding. Hovering tLere, wLere courts and civil pro- 
cesses could at!"ord but a weak bulwark of protection against tlieir 
evil and disLor.est purposes and practices, tlie temptation to pray 
ii])on tlie comparatively unprotected sons of toil, ratlier tlian to 
gain a liveliliood by tlie slow process of peaceful industry. Las 
proven two strong to be resisted. Some of tliese reckless cliar- 
acters sougLt tlie outskirts of advancing settlements for tlie ex- 
press purposes of tLeft and robbery; some because tLey dare not 
remain witLin reacL of efficient laws; otliers of limited means 
but ambitious to secure Lomes of tlieir own, and witL Lonesty of 
purpose, excLanged tlie comforts and protection of law afforded 



llli HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

l)v tlic old settled and populous districts lor lite on tlie iVontiers, 
and not linding- all that their fancy jtainted. were tempted into 
crime by a})i)arent immunity from jjuuishiuent. In all new 
countries the proportion of the dishonest and criminal has l)een 
greater than in the (jlder and better i-eii'ulated conjmunities where 
courts are permanently established and the avenues of escape 
from ])unishment for wrong doing more securely guarded. This 
was notablv and i particularly the case in the early settlement of 
Tama and surroiujdlng Counties. 

At the time of which we write, a strong and well organized 
band of desperadoes held almost undisputed and unobstructed 
dominion throughout this whole region of country and very few 
of the honest settlers were fortunate enough to preserve all 
their property from being swept into the nieslies of the net-work 
these land pirates had spread around them. Good horses and 
their equipments were the most easily captured and most readily 
Concealed, and consequently the most coveted by the outlaws as 
well as the most unsafe property that early settlers could own. 

Owners of fast or really good horses neyer presumed to leave 
them unguarded for a single m'ght unless the stable was doubly 
locked and barred, and a faithful dog either left within the stable 
or at the stable door, and oft times the owners w(uild sleep in 
the stable with their trusty litles 1)y their side, while man}' 
never thought of going to his stable or W(^od pile after night-fall 
with(7Ut his gun. 

Among this gang of cut-throats were the Bunker boys, Charles 
and William. These men wore the representative characters of 
the gang. The operations of the gang extended from one end of 
the country to the other — from Texas up through the Indian ter- 
ritory, Arkansas, Missouri, and Iowa, to Wisconsin; from the 
Ohio Kiver, at Pittsburgh, through tlie State of Ohio, Indiana, 
Illinois, and Iowa, to the Missouri River, as far as civilization 
extended. Their hands and depredations were directed against 
society everywhere, and thev prayed upon the substance of hon- 
est toilers, merchants, and buisness men, with reckless and da 



HISTOKY (>F TAMA COUNTY. 11 



9 



iiig impunity, sparing no one who was not in some way allied 
with their plunder stained combination. 

In 1860, a gentleman hy the name of Small, a resident of Polk 
County had three valuable colts stolen from the prairie just east 
of the city of DesMoines, which by the way was not much of a 
city at that time. And when Mr. S. missed his colts, he procured 
the assistance of Constable Seaman, of the same County, and 
started on the trail, which they followed to the residence of the 
Bunkers, in Hardin County, where they very sc»on found the 
colts. Advancing to the house, the pursuers were met by the 
mother of the Bunkers who barred their waj', ax in hand. At 
length, and without violence, an entrance was effected and one 
of the boys arrested. Securing him they kept guard until day- 
light when another Bunker came in slight, and after a long; chase, 
he too, was captured. Tlie colts were haltered and the party 
started for DesMoines. While in Tama County thev were ioined 
b}- a man named Klingaman. and as the story goes they propos- 
ed tc> liang one of their pris<mers until he should reveal tlie names 
of his partners in critne. They had succeeded so far as to sus- 
pend liim in mid air,— without howevei', intending to continue 
the process until he was dead — when the other Bunker sprang 
away and started for freedom at a rushing gate. Klingaman and 
Seaman started in pursuit, leaving Small to take care ot the aerial 
Buid^er. Small became so much interested in watching the ]>i!r- 
suit and flight that he forgot to lower the body and bv the time 
Klingaman and Seaman returned with the recaptured brotlu r, 
the first was as dead as a smelt. As a matter of precaution, and 
to prevent his telling tales, the other Bunker was submitted to 
tUe same strangling process, and with the same result. Thus 
both bodies were left, suspended on a Tama Countv tree, in what 
is known as "National Grove" in Perrj' township. They were 
found hanging soon after and the perpetrators gone. Klinj-aman, 
so says our informant, was drowned the next spring, near Helena, 
in the Mississippi river, having fled to that point to escape justice, 
and Seaman and Small were arrested shortly after, but escaped. 
The former was never seen or heard of afterwards. Small, after 



114 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

piissino; several years in the Rocky Mountains returned to his 
farm ami family in Polk County. In 1S77, Small was arrested 
at DesMoines,"by Deputy Sheriff, Wm. E. Appelga':e, and again 
escaped from custody but afterward gave bond for his appear- 
ance at the February term of Court, 1878. At this term he was 
tried and found guilty of murder in the first degree. A new 
trial was asked, and granted by Judge Shane. At the February 
term of District Court, 1879, the case was dismissed. Small 
paying all costs of prosecution. 

As already stated murder has been rare in this County, yet 
occasionally we are shocked with the announcement of a terrible 
murder connnitted in our midst. It would be folly for us as a 
historian, to recall these bloody deeds one by one as they were 
committed, therefore we will only speak of a few. 

On the morning of the Sth day of October, 1866, the alarm was 
ffiven that Abrani Felter. a resident and farmer living in Buck- 
ingham township had murdered his wife. Friends of the de- 
ceased at once gathered and an investigation was made, when it 
was discovered that she had been killed while in a (piarrel, from 
all appearance with an ax at the hand of her own husband. An 
inquest was held upon the body by the coroner, and after ex- 
amining the body and carefully investigating the matter the Jury 
returned a verdict that the deceased came to her death by vio- 
lence and unlawful means by the hands of her husband, Abram 
Felter, who was immediatly arrested and comnntted to jail. 

On the twenty -first day of February following, the Grand Jury 
of the County found a true bill of indictment against him for mur- 
der in the first degree. The case being called he w\as tried found 
guilty and sentenced to the penitentiary at hard work for life. To 
da}', from all reports, Felter is serving his time in comparatively 
good health. 

Frank Mulligan shot and killed- a man named Garvey in a 
saloon owned by G. Mence, in Tama City, then known as Juka, 
February loth, 1869, while in a drunken row. The Grand Jury 
found a true bill of indictment against Mulligan for murder in 



HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. llo 

the second degree, and lie was sentenced to one year's hard work 
in the penitentiary, and the cost of prosecution. 

Thomas Robecheck, and Josepli Prusha, Bohemians, were 
neighbors Hving in Otter Creek township. A feud had existed 
between them for some time which resuhed in the murder of 
Prusha. Meeting on the 26th of July, 1875, the day the murder 
was committed, a quarrel ensued, with the above result. Prusha's 
body was found by the road side shortly after. Robecheck 
was arrested and indicted at the September term, ISTo, for 
willful murder. The trial resulted in a verdict of guilty, and 
Robecheck was sentenced to the penitentary at Anamosa, at 
hard work for sixteen years and the cost of the suit. 

On the 9th day of July, 1877, Martin Meshek shot and killed 
Constable C. S. Whitely, a highly respected resident of Carroll 
township, who was trying to arrest ^Leshek for assault and battery. 
In this case Meshek was arrested, and at the September term of 
Court, 1877, the Grand Jury found an indictment against him for 
murder in the first degree. He was tried, found guilty and sen- 
tenced for the term of ten years. After the sentence was pro- 
nounced the attorneys for the defendant asked for a new trial 
which was overruled and the case was carried to the Supreme 
Court, where a new trial was granted at the June term, 1879. 
The case will probably be disposed of at the next term of Dis- 
ti-ict Court. * 

The cases of Wm. Taylor for the shooting of Perry "Wheaton, 
September 14th, 1878, and that of W. H. Houd, for the murder 
of J. L. Smith, Aug. lith, 1878, were called up and diposed 
of at the last term of District Court. Taylor being sentenced 
to penitentiary for ten years, wdiile Houd was sent for two 
years. The last and most foul is the murder of Michael Straka, a 
Bohemian, August 29th, 1878, by the hands of some unknown 
villian for the sum of 8250. At this writing the murderer is still 
at large. 

There are other cases of murder an<i crimes of which we might 
speak, but we will leave the matter. 



CHAPTER Xiy. 

TAMA COUNTY AGKICITLTURAL SOCIETIES. 

In 1856 a few citizens of tliis County interested in Agricultural 
and Mechanical Arts met in T(jledo for the jnirpose of effecting 
an organization having for its object improvement in the agri- 
cultural interest of the County, and on September 25th, of this 
year a Fair was lield. The display of different products of the 
County was fair both from iield and garden. The stock was 
a fine show and manifested the interest Tama County farmers 
took in this creditable pursuit at so early a date. This Fair 
proved a success in almost every particular, and it was determin- 
ed that renewed efforts should be made to make the society 
eflicient and permanent, but their zealous efforts tailed and the 
organization, after holding two ortliree more Fairs ceased to exist. 

From time to time Fairs were held at different parts of the 
County, witliout a permanent organization until a Fair was es- 
tablished at Tama City in 1866, of which we will speak again. 

We cannot well help drawing a comparison between the Fairs 
tlien and now. At that time, although they were spoken of as 
being successful, the entries were few indeed in comparison to 
what are now made each year. Blooded stock then was scarce. 
No such fine herds of cattle as are now owned and exhibited 
each year by L. Carmichael, Andrew Jackson, the Wilsons and 
others; no such droves of hogs as J. T. Ames and others show; 
no improved horses like those of M. and J.Wylie's, W.McGowan's 
Dr. W. Corns' and J. H. Hollen's to carrv off the ribbons. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



117 



Theiloral hall at an early day would blush if placed side by 
side with the buildings now owned by tlie Societies and tilled 
each year to overflowing. 

As already stated, the first agricultural society at Toledo ceased 
after a few'years. No <jther organization of the kind existed at 
that place until tlie year 1873. On July 12th, of this year at 
one o^clock p. m., A. J. Wheaton, West Wilson, T. A. Graham, 
L. B. Nelson, A. ^Y. West, W. H. Stivers, N. Huff. J. Reedy, 
P. Lichty and others, met at the Court House in Toledo, for 
the purpose of organizing the Agricultural Association of Tama 
County. West Wilson was called to the chair and W. H. 
Stivers was chosen Secretary, pro tern. Remarks were made by 
various persons and the feasibility and importance of tlie pro- 
posed organization discussed. Articles of incoi-poration of said 
association were duly adopted, agreed upon and placed on record. 
The next meeting held on the 19th, a tract of land on section 15, 
belonging to F. Davis was purchased for the fair grounds. P. 
Lichty, J. S. Townsend and D. F. Bruner were appointed a 
committee to prepare and fence the ground, while N. Huff, E. 
Taplin and J. O'Niel were appointed a committee to prepare the 

trotting track. 

The tirst annual meeting of the association was held on the 1st 
2nd and 3rd days of October, 1873. The officers were as fol- 
lows: Presideiit, A. J. Wheaton; Vice-President, West Wilson; 
Secretary, W. H. Stivers; Treasurer, L. B. Nelson. The fair 
proved a success in every respect as every one will testify wh<. 
visited it. Yearly exliibitions were held upon the grounds from 
the time of organization of the society until 1878 when by some 
cause the society failed. 

TAMA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

The people of Tama County interested in agriculture and the 
improvement of the same, met in Union Hall, luka, now Tama 
City, on August 4th, 1866, for the purpose of discussing the 
question of organizing a County fair. The meeting was called 
to order. A large number of delegates from different parts of 
the County were present and rhe issues discussed with consider- 



118 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



able interest and length. JS^otlilng detiiiite was determined upon 
until the next meeting, held on the 18th of the same month, 
when the organization was made complete with Judge Sals- 
bury of Indiantown, President; West Wilson, of Crystal, Vice- 
President; John Ramsdell, of liichland, Treasurer; and A. M. 
J>atchelder, of luka, Secretary-. Articles of incorporation were 
drawn up and adopted. The tirst fair was held on the 10th and 
11th days of the following October, and proved a success. Since 
that time fairs have been held each year on the grounds, with 
increased success. The grounds are well adapted for the pur- 
pose and are situated within the limits of Tama City, at the 
time of the oi'ganization of the society known as luka, and are 
the finest and most convenient in the County. The officers and 
Board of Directors for the present year, 1879, are as follows: 

President, L. Carmiehael; Vice-President, W. G. Malin; Secre- 
tary, C. H. Kentner; Treasurer, B. A. Ilall; Trustees, B. F. 
Swanton, A. B. Taplin, J. H, Plollen, Wm. Earnest and Wm. 
Cory. These men are all tried and true, and will work with a 
will to make the Society a credit to the County. 

TKAER DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

This society was organized at Traer, February 28th, 1874, and 
given the above name. At a meeting of the society, March llrth, 
1874, the following officers were elected for that year: Presi- 
dent, West Wilson; VicePresident, J. U. Steer; Secretary, G. 
Johnston; Treasurer, J. T. Wild. The first fair was held Sep- 
tember 10th and 11th of the same year. The operations were 
a grand success, both in attendance and financially. From year 
to year the society has given a good exhibition at their grounds. 

The ensuing officers were men of energy and have done all in 
their power to make the fair a successful and beneficial exhibi- 
tion to every farmer in the County. 

Every citizen of the County should take an interest in the 
exhibitions of the aiflferent societies in the County and use his 
utmost endeavors to make the annual meetings successful. 
Nothing tends more to incite farmers to actionthan the comparison 
of their stock or the products of their labor. We attribute in a 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNT'S. 



119 



great uieasnre the advanced steps taken by oui- people in the 
improvement of line stock and the growth of the various pro- 
ducts to these exhibitions. 



CHAPTER XY. 

WAK HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

We now take up the interesting liistoiy of Tama County dur- 
ing the hite war and note with ])i'ide tlie active part she took for 
the riglit during tlie stirring events of the four long years 
when the dark clouds threatening the destruction of our Union 
hovered over her, each and every one hoped, even against hope, 
that the}' would pass away and that peace and prosperity would 
continue to reign, hut such was not the case. 

On the twelfth day of April, 1861, the enemy, who for weeks had 
been erecting their batteries upon the shore, after demanding of 
Major Anderson a surrender, opened lire upon Fort Sumpter. 
For hours an incessant cannonading was continued; the fort was 
weakened, provisions wei-e almost gone, and Major Anderson 
was compelled to haul down the old flag, that flag which had 
seldom been lowered by a foreign foe, was trailed in the dust 
by the hands of a local enemy. Oh! how the blood of patriots 
boiled when they learned of the outrage. No where was 
greater indignation manifested tiian in Tanja County. Partisan 
feelings, which before had existed were swept away, and 
the language of the immortal Douglass, verifled, in wliich he 
said ''but two parties can exist, patriots and traitors." 

"When the President issued the call for 300,000 men, Tama 
County responded without delay; seemingly all were ready to go 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 121 

forth ill defence of their couutry. Meetings were held in vari- 
ous parts of the Couuty, participated in hy all parties, then 
known as patriots, and resohitions were adopted setting forth 
in the strongest tprnis inidying devotion to the Union. About 
the 12th of Angust, ISfU, a conipanj^ numbering one-hundred 
men was organized at Toledo, and the following officers elected: 
A. Stoddard, Captain; T, B. Martin, First Lieutenant; T. W. 
Jackson, Second Lieutenant. The names of the company are 
given elsewhere. 

As the coinpain' left Toledo, for the place of rendezvous, hun- 
dreds of people were present and many were the tears shed and 
the hearty "God bless you," given over the departure of loved 
ones. But there was not one of that whole number who would 
have had anj^ one of the departing boys turn back. Shortly 
after this company had left W. H. Stivers and L. Clark organized 
companies and were oft" to the "seat of w^ar. Another company 
was also organized and sent out under the command of John A. 
Staly as Captain, A number of Tama County young men also 
joined a cavalry company raised by Tama, Marshall and Story 
Counties. W. P. Hepburn, of Marshall County, Captain, Paul 
A. Queal of Story County, 1st Lieutenant, Wm. IL Stoddard of 
Tama County, 2nd Lieutenant. 

In addition to these there were a large number of enlistments 
of men for old companies whose ranks had been decimated 
by disease and bullets during the war. Grey headed men, who 
had almost reached their three-score years and ten, and boys not 
yet out of their teens went to the camp and through the most 
urgent solicitation were accepted. Neither old agenorj'outh kept 
them back, and when rejected from either cause or from physical 
inability, would insist on being received, believing themselves as 
capable of doing a soldier's duty as many who had already 
gone. Hundreds of as brave men as ever handled a musket 
or drew a sword went out from this County, some never to re- 
turn. In many homes throughout the Countj^ we find the 
vacant chair, and witness tlie mournful look of th(jse ever watch- 
ing for one that cometh not. Upon the streets day by day we 



12l> history (»F TAMA COUNTY. 

meet those wearing Jirniless sleeves or walking in a way that tells 
])hiiiil_v that the sound of the foot-step is not made by flesh and 
111 me. Inquire the cause and we shall probably learn that while 
charging the enemy at Vicksburg, Shiloh or elsewhere, a cannon 
ball deprived them of a limb or arm. But no word of com- 
plaint do we hear; the only regret expressed being that it was 
not possible to do more for their countrj'. 

While they were away upon the tented field, the patriotic 
men and women at home were not idle. The County officials 
at a meeting called August 5tli, 1861, passed a resolution allow- 
ing the sum of live dollars per month for the relief of soldiers' 
families, and an additional sum of two dollars per month for each 
child under twelve years of age. During the entire four years 
of war, we thiidc but little actual suffering was experienced by 
any at home on account of the absence of their providers who 
were away serving their country. 

Occasionally word would be received of the gallant conduct 
upon the battle field of some company from this County, and 
although hearts were made soi-e by the fact that the blood of 
many had been shed, yet all rejoiced that none failed to preform 
their duty. 

Time passed, and the rebellion was bi'ought to an end and 
peace was proclaimed throughout the land. All over the 
country the shouts went up from loyal hearts, and as our "brave 
boys in blue" returned the joy increased. The long struggle 
was over, the sacrifice made, the Union saved and Tama 
Count}' did her part. Now thoso, that are left are gathered at 
home and occasionally relate to us the scenes of those terri- 
ble times, and our hearts almost cease to beat as they describe 
the battles in which they were engaged, and tell us how 
the strife raged the fiercest, where so niany'of their brave com- 
rades fell, or how one bv one in the drearv prisons or in the hos- 
pitals, passed away from earth tiiose who but a short time previ- 
ously were full of health and hope. But amid all this we have a 
saved country, and should we not be thankful to tiie One Ruler 
of all that it was in the power of man to make the sacrifice by 
which all this was accomplished? 



HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 123 

♦ OUR BOYS IN THE FIELD. 

If time and space allowed, gladly would we follow our boys 
to the tented field and recount the individual acts of bravery of 
each, but this we cannot do and can only speak in general, giv- 
ing a short descripticjn of such regiments as were composed part- 
ly of men from this County. 

Our soldiers, we find are as modest as brave, and not disposed 
to volunteer information for publication, so what we do give 
is gathered from the records. The lirst in order will be 

Company C — Tenth Iowa. 

Company C was organized at Toledo and assigned to the 
10th Iowa Infantry, with Colonel N. Perczel, commanding, and 
was mustered into the service of the United States on the 6th 
da}^ of September, 1861, under proclamation of the President, 
bearing date July 23rd, 1861, at Camp Fremont, Iowa City, with 
Albert Stoddard, Captain. The company was first ordered into 
rendezvous at St. Louis, Mo., where they were uniformed and 
equipped for the service. The company participated in skirmishes 
and battles at Bloomlield, Mo., resulting in the dispersion of 
the rebel force under the command of Jeff Thompson; Charleston 
Mo., January 8th, 1862, where four of our boys were wounded, 
A. Myers, A. II. Kellogg, C. Maholni, and A. Tice. On the 
13th and 14th, Sexton, Mo., was captured resulting in the evacu- 
ation of Island No. 10, and on the 7th and 8th of February. 
Tiptonville, Tenn. was taken, capturing between five and six 
thousand prisoners, and then came the memorable battle of 
Corinth on the 3rd and ith of October. In this battle John M. 
Stebbins, second Sergeant was killed, A. M. Roberts and Wesley 
Randall wounded; Randall died from the effects of the wound, 
November 8th, 1862. This battle lasted two days when the 
enemy gave way. Skirmishing and fighting were indulged in at 
Farmington, luka, Grand Gulf, and Holly Springs. At Missionary 
Ridge, Wm. E. Appelgate, G. W. Guilford, J. Newport and 
Melvin Rhoads were wounded. The long seige at Champion 
Hills, and Vicksburg came next, resulthig in the retreat of Joe, 
Johnson from Champion Hills and the capture of Vicksburg, but 



124 1118TUKV nK TAMA OUUNTV. 

not liowi'viT, witlioul lioavy losses. At these Ini'ttles J. B. ILin- 
eox, A. J^xidka, C. J. llerrick. C. W. Teck, P. Kausey, J. C. 
Rouse, aiici U. Vati Jloni, were killed. J. W. Govver, V. P. 
Gray, ,1.11. Laniier, J. K.Lux, T. S. P>rennoii, B. Duiihar, 
N. P. Stevenson, W. Appellate, C. L. Bailey, G. W. Guilford, 
A. II. IlaniKin and C. Moisner wounded. There was fighting 
and skirmishing at Mission Ridge, Decatur, Savannah, Cohunbia, 
Fayettville and Cox's Ih-idire, but without bad result. 

On the 28tli of September, 1804, the non-veterans were mus- 
tereil out of the service and in August, 1805, the veteran volun- 
teers were nmstered out of the service of the United States at 
Little Rock, Arkansas. There were one-hundred men in the 
company from this County, and during the war, or from the time 
of mustering in until the compauj- was mustered out, the causu- 
alities were eight killed, twenty-six wounded, nineteen died. 

Company G — ^Fourteenth Iowa. 

Company G, 14th Iowa, was organized at Davenport, Iowa 
and was mustered into the United States service at Davenport, No- 
vember 2nd, 1801. The company contained fifty-eight men from 
this County, with Wm. II. Stivers. Captain, who resigned Jan- 
uary 24th, 1862, and the following day George Pemberton, ofSoctt 
County, was elected captain in his stead. At the battle of Shi- 
loh, August 0th, 1802, the greater part of the company were taken 
prisoners of war, after figlitiug Itravely and nuiintaining their po- 
sition from morning until 5 o'clock in the evening. The captured 
were as follows: Wm. Gallagher, S. Eccles, P. Wilson, B. F. 
Thomas, J. A. Pope, James Fox, B. Brennon, J. Burright, M. 
Clark. R. F. Clark, E. Dykeman, J. B. Edwards, R. Ritch, J. R. 
Felter, W. L. Goit, M. L. Grubbs, I. Ilunnicutt, W. Heath, G. 
Hate, J. II. Luke, D. Miller, J. R. Myers, J. E. McCune, J. B. 
Overturf, E. Stokes, D. Southwick, J. B. Wiseman. II. II. 
Williams and D. S. Young, while E. G. Oldroyd, II. Loomis, 
and J. Miles, were wounJed. At the battle of Pleasant Ilill, La., 
Arpil 9, 1864, after a severe fight the enemy was defeated but 
not however without loss. Here 1st Lieutenant J. A. Shaidclin, W.S. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 125 

Townsend and H. Spangler fell mortally wounded; G. W. Bates 
J. B. Edwards, W. Heath, and J. 11. Wilkins, wounded; E. Kern, 
J. Morton, and G. Loucks Jr., captured. At the battle of Tup- 
elo and Town Creek on the 14th and 15th of July, 1864, the 
enemy's lines were broken and their men so terrified that their 
officers ct)uld not rally them to make a stand, although trying it 
several times. The rebels were defeated with comparatively 
small loss, Elijah Gallion being the only one wounded in the 
fight from this County. On the 8th, day of May, 1864, at the 
battle of Bayou De Glaize, Gideon Hate was wounded slightly in 
the left leg. The company participated in the battles of Corinth, 
Fort de Russey and numerous other battles. 
The company was mustered out of service Nov. 16tli, 1864, at 
Davenport, Iowa. The casualties were three killed, nine wound- 
ed and ten died. 

Promotiojsts. — Wm. H. Gallagher 2nd Lieutenant, November 
2nd, 1861, 1st Lieutenant, Jaimary 25th, 1862, Captain, January 
Tth, 1863; S. F. Eccles 1st Sergeant, November, 2nd, 1861, 2nd, 
Lieutenant, January 25th, 1862; J. A. Shanklin 2nd Corporal, 
October 9th, 1861, 1st, Sergeant January 29th, 1862; G. A. Wal- 
roth 4th Sergeant October 8th, 1861, 1st Sergeant November 2nd 
1861; W. Breese 4th Corporal December 14th, 1861, from 
private; J. A. Pope 6th Corporal, October 10th, 1861, from 
private; J. Gaston 8th Corporal, October 6th, 1861, from private. 
J. H. Stevens Surgeon, commissioned Aug. 19th, 1862. 
• W. H. Stivers, Captain Nov. 2nd 1861, commissioned Nov. 
4tli, 1861, resigned Jan. 24th, 1862; W. Gallagher, 1st Lieuten- 
ant Jan. 25th, 1862, from 2nd Lieutenant, missing at Shiloh, 
April 6th, 1862, Captain Jan. Tth, 1863. 

Company E — Twenty-fourth Iowa. 

This company was raised in Tama and Iowa counties, with 
Leander Clark as Captain and mustered into the service of the 
United States by Capt. H. B. Ilendershott, U. S. A., at Mus- 
catine, Iowa, September 17th, 1862 under proclamation of the 
President bearing date July 2nd, 1862, Colonel E. C. Byam, 



126 HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

C'Miuuaiuler. The company while in tlie service participated in 
some severe battles and skirmishes, such as the battles of Port 
Gibson, Cedar Creek, Champion Hills, Mansfield, Winchester, 
and VicksburiT. At Port (.libson, 1st serojeant John Rokes was 
wounded. At Cedar Creek on the 19th, of October, 1854, James 
Rokes, M. Mitchell, and R. T. Shelley were taken prisoners, and 
R. Filloon, M. Mink and A. J. Boberts, wounded. Next came 
the battle of Champion Hills, which resulted in the defeat of the 
enemy, but not with out loss. In this battle G. H. Stoddard and 
John Gross were killed while in action and F. Verner, A. J. 
Lamm captured, and William Ililhnon was wounded, dyinc^ 
five da3''S after from the effect. At Mansfield, J. Wande and W. L. 
Conant were captured, while S. R. Rushton was wounded and 
captured. 

On September 18th, 1864, company E. took part in the battle 
of Opequan or Winchester. At this battle the enemy was entire- 
ly routed and driven pell mell from the field. W. Dobson was 
captured, J. Pass and E. Bruner wounded. The company par- 
ticipated in closely contested fights and skirmishes at Jackson, 
Fisher's Hill, Sabine Cross Roads, Alexandria and other places. 
S. S. Dilhnan, 1st Lieutenant was killed September 19th, 1864. 
There were in the company from this County sixty-six men. 

Promotions. — Leander Clark, Captain August 21st, 1862, 
Lieutenant Colonel January 1st, 1865. Major James 
Rokes, 2nd sergeant August 18th, 1862, 1st Lieutenant by com- 
mission, September 20tli, 1864, Captain, November 19th, 1864; S. S. 
Dilhnan, 2nd Lieutenant August 21th, 1862, 1st Lieutenant 
April 4th, 1863; E. S. Edwards, 1st, Corporal from private, Oct- 
ober 3rd, 1862. 

The causualities were four killed, seven wounded, and twelve 
died. 

The company was mustered out of service at Savannah, Ga., 
July 17th, 1865. 

Company F — Twenty-eighth Infantry. 
Company F. was mustered into the service of the United States 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 127 

by Capt. IT. B. Hendersliott, U. S. A., at Iowa City, Oct. 10th, 
1862, under proclamation of the President of the United States, 
bearing date July 2nd, 1862, John A. Staly, Captain. The com- 
pany while in the ssrvice participated in the battles of Sabine 
Cross Koads, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Champion Hills, Win- 
chester, Opelousas, Port Gibson, Helena, Vicksburg, Jackson, 
and numerous other battles and skirmishes. At the battles of 
Sabine Cross Roads or Mansfield La., April 8th, 1864, 
Adam Jack, and S. Ilarlacher were killed while Colonel 
John Connell, John H. Scott, J. Hart and F. Schaffer wounded. 
At the battle of Fisher's, Hill L. Loupee and J. Behenneck ^ were 
wounded. In the battle of Cedar Creek, Oct. 19th, 1864, E. D. 
Beckley, H. D. Fuller, J. M. Hanmiitt, J. Young, J. H. Davis, 
S. W. Myers J. Wood were wounded, and E. W. Bunce and J. 
Chess were captured. May 16th, 1863, atthe battle of Champion 
Hills Company F. was in the thickest of the fight and the officers 
and men conducted themselves like veterans. After a few min- 
utes of hard fighting the enemy was driven from the field in con- 
fusion. At this battle Samuel W. Hammitt, B. W. Russell, 
David Shelton, T. Southers, J. A. Knapp and George Williams 
fell mortally wounded; J. W. Hiatt, Wm. Nixon, S. W. Ar- 
buthnot, C. Godfrey, H. M. Miller, G. A. Moss and J. E. Rock- 
enfield were wounded. While J. Blair, J. Chess, John Wilson 
and Capt. John A. Staly were taken prisoners. It is said that 
Capt. Staly and his men disputed the advance of the enemy in 
a very efficient and highly successful manner. Another severe 
engagement ensued near Winchester, Va., on the 19th day of Sep- 
tember, 1864, where both officers and men stood boldly forth in 
defense of the old flag, and did their duty nobly. Wounded, J. 
Crawford, W. Hanna, S. Bruner, J. B. M. Bishop, F. Sheldon, 
H. A. Read and C. W. Sipes; captured, W. Nixon, W. Grubbs, 
E. S. Beckley and J. Young. At Opelousas, La., W. By waters, 
W. Grubbs and S. W. Myers were captured while in action, and 
at the battle of Port Gibson, P. H. Mason, J. Myers, and J. L. 
Fitzgerald were wounded. At Helena, Ark, B. F. Brennon, F. M. 
Conner and D. Shelton were captured, and S. G. Clark was 



128 HISTORY OK TAMA COUNTY. 

wouiitlt'd. while J. W. Fiiithors was captured at Jackson. 

The 28th Iiitaiitry contained 130 men from this County, and 
the casualties were eight killed, twenty-six wounded and twenty- 
one died. 

Promotions. — Theodore Scliaeffer 1st Lieutenant Aug. 8th, 
1802, Captain Jan. l;3th, 18G1:; J. S. Furguson 2nd Sergeant, 1st 
Sergeant, November 1st. 1862; D. W. Emerson 7th Corporal, 
November 1st, 1862, from private. W. A. Daniel from assist- 
ant Surgeon to Surgeon, December 21st 1864; H. IT. "Weaver otli 
Sergeant August 8th, 1862, 1st Lieutenant January 13tli, 1864; 
J. H. »Davis 4th Corporal, August 5th, 1862, appointed 1st Lieu- 
tenant; C. P. N. Barker 2nd Lieutenant, March 10th, from pri" 
vate; B. W. Wilson Lieutenant Colonel, April 7th, 1863, from 
Captain, Company B. 

The regiment was mustered out of the service at Savannah 
Georgia, July 31, 1865. 

Tama County was represented in nineteen regiments aud lifty 
companies. There were forty-two men killed in battle, ninety- 
one wounded and eighty-three died a natural death while in the 
service. 

On the following pages may be found a statement taken 
from the reports of the Adjutant General of the State and re- 
vised by some one familiar with each regiment and company. 
We have tried to make it correct and reliable having spent many 
weeks in the work of compilation. 



Tama County Volunteers. 



Asst. 



Assistant. 

/ djt Adjutant. 

Capt Captain. 



qqjji Commissioned. 

Cor Corporrl. 

Qyj Colonel. 

Cav ■ ■ • -Cavalry. 

Captd Captured. 

j)}g Discharged. 

jjon Honorable. 



ABBREVIATIONS 

Lt Lieutenant. 

j]j_ o Mastered out. 

HI. in Mustered in. 

Maj Major. 

Pi-i Private. 

P[.Q Promoted. 

Res Resigned. 

Ser Sergeant. 

ipffjjjg Transferred. 

-^'(i Wounded. 



¥ei]tli Ii\fkiitiy. 



Company C 
Albert Stoddard Capt., Sep 6th, ISrtl, Com SeptiMth '61, m in Oct. 27th '64. 
T. B. Martin 1st Lt, Sep 6th '61. Com Sep 24th '61, res June 26th '62. 
G. H. Conant 1st Lt June 2Tth '62 from 2d l.t, killed at Mission Ridge. 
T.W.Jackson 2d Lt Sep 6th '61, Com Sep 24th '61, proAdjtSep 24th '61. 
G. W. Couant 2dLt Oct 21st from 1st ser, pro Jan 2Tth 62. 
Wm. n. Stoddard 2d Lt July 31st m in June 2Tth from pri Capt '65. 
G. H. Conant 1st asst ser Sep 6th '61, pro 2d Lt, Oct 31st '61. 
John M Stebbaig 2d ser Sep 6th '61, killed Oct 4th '62 at Corinth, Miss. 
K. Dexter 3d ser Sep 6th '61,- hon dis Feb 21st '63 at Davenport. 
L. B. Nelson 4th ser Sep 6th '61, dis Aug 23d '62 at St. Louis. Mo. 
Dorson Chase, 4th ser July 31st, 61 dis Feb. 13th 62 from pri at Birds Point. 
J. W. Jones 5th ser, Sep 6th '61. 



180 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

Frank W. Crosby 1st Cor, Sep Gth '01, pro Quarter Master, Sep 31st '61. 

.1. H. llancocx '2d Cor, Sep Otli'Ol, killed May Kith '63 at Chanii>iou Hills, Miss. 

Win. J. Ciirson 3(1 Cm; Sep (itli '6!, lion dis Sep 27th "Oa at St. Louis. 

A. Davis 4tli Cor. Sep Utli "(U. 

John n. Lux oth Cor, Sep 6th '01, 

X. V. Cray Oth Cor, Sep Cth '61, wd May lOtli '63 at Champion Hills, Miss. 

Joseph Kellof^Lj Cor, July 31st '01, from private. 

Anj,'cllo Myers rtli Cor, Sep Oth "61, wd Jan 8th '62, near Charleston Mo., hon 
dis July 25th '62. at Corinth Miss. 

N. P. Stei)henson Sth Cor. Sep 6th '61, wd May 16th '63, Champion Hil Is, Miss. 

E. A. Jeffreys Cor, July 31st '61 from private, lion dis at St. Louis Mo. 

C. L. Palmer niuscian, Sep Oth '01. 

C. W. Woodward musician, Sep Oth '61. 

Wm. Watts wagoner, Sep 6th '01. 

J. W. Ai)pelj;ate pri, July 3lst '01, m in Sep Sth '01. died April 24th '63 at Mem- 
phis, Tenn. of small pox, 

Wm. Appellate pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61, wd May 16th '63 at Champ- 
ion Hills, Jliss, and again Nov. 25th '63 at ilissionary Kidge, Tenn. 

Charles IJaileypri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6tli '61, taken prisoner June 25th '62, 

O. Baldy, pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep Oth '61. 

Truman IJixby pri, July 3lst '61, m in Sep Oth '01, died at Mound City 111. Nov. 
27th "61. 

Thomas Brannan pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61, wd May 10th '63 at Cham- 
pion Hills, 

Charles Bunce pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61, hon dis at St Louis. 

E. B. Jiailey pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep Oth '61. 

Joseph Budka pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep Oth 61, killed May 1st '63 at Cham- 
pion Hills, Miss, in battle. 

Wm. H. Bryon pri, July 3Lst min Sep 6th '61, died July 26th '62 at Clear Creek, 
Mississippi. 

Dorson Chase pri. July 31st '01, m in Sep Oth '01, pro to 4th Sergeant. 

Eli Clark pri, July 31st '01, died of disease at Fannington, Miss. May 30th '62. 

Thomas Clem pri, July 31st '01, m in Sep Oth '01. 

J. W. B. Cole pri, July 3lst '01, m in Sep OMi '61. 

James Cimnor pri, July 3lst '61 m in Sep 6th '61, transferred Feb. 15th '64 to 
invalid corps. 

n. I). Crosby pri. July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61. 

Benjamau Dunbar pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61, wd May 16th 63 at Cham- 
pion IHlls, Mississip))i. 

James Fairbank pri, July 31st '01, m in Sep 6th '01, 

A. J. Filloon pri, July 31st '01 min Sep Oth '61, wd May 6th '64 at Vicksburg, 
Miss, and (lied July 25th 'ftS at Milliken's Bend, La, of typhoid fever. 

Thomas S. Free pri, July 31st m in Sep 6th '61. 

Geo. W. Guilford pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61, wd May 16th '63 at 
Champion Hills and again Nov 25th '63, at Missionary llidge, Tenn. 

Andrew Goodwin pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '01. 

Geo. M. Gray pri, July 31st '01, m in Sep Oth '61, died at Cape Girardeau Nov 
2d '61. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNT'S. 131 

T. Griffin i>ri, July 31st 'GI, m in Sep Btli 01, lion (lis Jan Sth '(« at St Louis. 

A. B. llannuu pri, July 31st 'ol, ni in Sup Otli 'Gl, wd May Kith 'G3 at Cliaiu- 
pion Hills. 

Soloninn llaworth pri, July 31st "Gl, m in Sep Gth '61, hon dis Dec 8tii '63 at 
Mound City, 111. 

J. P. Henry pri, July 31st 'Gl, m Sep 6th '31. hon dis at St. Louis, Mo Dec Sth '62 

C. J, Herrick pri, July 31st "61, ni in Sep (Jth'Gl, killed May IGth '63 at Cham- 
pion Hills in battle. 

Peter Hl.ii:;;ins pri, July ;Ust '6L, m in Sep Gth "Gl. 

John Hilhnon pri, July 31st 'Gl m in Sep 6th 'Gl. 

13. F Howard pri, July 3Lst 'Gl, ni in Sep 6th '61, 

AVni. T. Iliatt. private, July 3lst '61, m in Sep Gth '61. dis November 2Sth '6'3 at 
Davenport. . 

E.A.Jeffreys, private, July 31st 'Gl, m in Sap Gth 'Gl, lion dis Oct 2;M, '6:3 St, 
Louis. 

A. H. Kelloss,' pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep Gth '61, wd Jan Sth 6:M near 
Charleston Mo. and lion dis Xov 30th '63 at Cairo, 111. 

James H. Lorlmer pri. July 31st '61, ra in Sep 6th '61, wd May 16th '63 at Cham 
pion. Hills. 

Thomas Laufthlin pri, July 31st "61, m in Sep 6th 61. captured Dec 13th '61, on 
the Caiio and Fulton R, K. and died Jan 2-3d '03 a i)risoner of war. 

Jacob Lux pri, July 31st '61, ni in Sep 6tli.'61, died March 37th '63, near Madrid 
Mo. of typhoid fever. 

Henry Levin pri. July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61, transferred Dec 1st '63 to 
invalid corps, 

Cyrus Maholm pri, July 31st 'Gl m in Sep 6th '61, wd Jan Sth '63, near Charles- 
ton Mo. 

GeoMcCall pri, July 3Lst "61, m in Sep 6th '61, hon dis at Davenport, Iowa 
Oct 1.5th '63. 

JasperMisner pri, July 'fist '61, m in Sept Sth '61, transferred July 35th "61 to 
invalid corps. 

M. i\L Myers pri, July. 31st 'Gl, m in Sep Gth '61, died May 18th '64 at Madison, i^ 
Ind of disease. 

Geo. Newport pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61, died Dec 3d '61 at >iIound 
City llospital 111, 

S. D. Newton pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep Gth '61, wd Nov 35th '61 at Mission- 
ary Ptidffe, Tenn. 

F. Omwake pri, July 31st '61, in in Sep 6th "Gl, hon dis Feb 1st '63, St Louis. 

C. W. Peck pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep Gth '61, killed May 16th '63, Cham 
pion Hill, Miss, in battle. 

H. R. Push pri. .July 31st "Gl, m in Sep Gth '61, died "of disease, Birds Point 
Jan loth "63. 

Phillip Ramsey pri, July 31st "Gl, m in Sep 6th '61, killed in battle at Cham- 
pion Hills May 16th '63 

Wesley Randall pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6tli '61, wd Oct -Ith '63 at Corinth 

Miss and died Nov Sth '63. 
Wm. W. Reed pri, July 3lst '61 m in September 6th '61 
Jacob Reinig pri, July 31st '61, m in September 6th' 61, 



l;)L* HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

M. Khoados pri, July 3lst, '61, m in Sep, 6th '61 wd Nov. 25tli '63, Missionary 

RiilKc, Tcnn. in the hand. 
.). II. Richardson pri, .July 31st '61, ni in Sop, 6th, 61, 
A. M. Roberts pri, July 31st. '61, m in Sep. 6tli '61 wd Oct. 4th '62, Corinth, Miss. 

in the shoulder. 
J. C. Ifouse pri, July 3l3t '61, m in Sep 6th '61 killed May 16th '63 at Champion 

Hills, Miss, in battle. 
Konband pri, July .31st '61, ni in Sep, 6th '61 died Noy. 15th '63 at Davis Mills 

Miss, of aec'idental shot. 
John Sawyer pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep. 6th '61. 
J. H. Smith pri. July 31st '61, m in Sep. 6th '61. 

James Smith pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep. 6th '61 died at St. Louis, Mo. 
E. A, Southard, pri, July 31st '61 m in Sep. 6th '61 hon dis, Feb 3d '62 at Birds' 

Point Mo. 
E, M. Stevens pri, July 31st '61, ra in Sep 6th '61, hon dis Nov 11th '64 at Car- 
tersville Ga. 

E. N. Stevens pri, July 31st '61. m in Sep 6th '61, hon dis Feb 5th '62 at Birds 

Point. Mo. 
Wm. H. Stoddard pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61, pro to 2d Lieutenant 
June2Tth '62. 

F. Tice pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61. 

A, Tice pri July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61 wd in action near Charleston, Mo, 

Jan 8tli '62, 
S. W. Tompkins pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61, died at St Louis. May 24th 

1862. 

James Turner pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61, hon dis .Jan 29th '62 at St. 
Louis, Mo. 

N. Van Horn pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep. 6th '61 killed May 16th '63, Cham- 
pion Hills. Miss, in battle. 

Geo. Van Riper pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61. 

Samuel Walker pri, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61. 

James Walton pii, July 31st '61, m in Sep 6th '61, wd May 16th '63 at Cham- 
pion Hills, 

Wm. W. Yarham pri, July 31st, 61, m in Sep 6th '61, 

James Young pri, July 31st '61, m in. Sep 6th '61, dis Jan 24th '63 at St. Louis. 

Jost'pli Kello,2;g pri July 31st '61 m in Sep. 6th '61. 

James Newport pri July 31st '61 m in Sep. 6th '61 died at Mound City, 111, 

Chas. D, Bailey pri, Sep 11th '61, m in March 1st '62, joined from Co D, 
D. B. Mason, pri. Sep 11th '61, m in Marcli 1st '62, joined from Co D. 
VanBuren Rugs, pri, Sep 9th '61. m in March 1st '62, joind from Co D, died 

Clear Creek Miss. July 14th '62. 
Charles T. Davis pri, Sep .5th '61, m in March 1st '62, joined from Co D died 

May 12th '62, at Toledo, Tauja County, Iowa. 
M. B. Myers pri, Sep 7th '61, m in March 1st '62, joined from Co D hon dis at 

Corinth. Oct 2Hth '62, 
Luke Camp i)ri, Feb 14th 62, m in March 1st 62, died Aug 37th '63 at Vicks- 

burg, Miss. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 133 

Wesley Camp, pri, Feb Uth '62, m in March 1st '63, hon dis Feb 20th '63 at 

St Louis, Mo. 
£. Es'aiis, pri, Feb 1-tth '62, and lion dis at Davenport May 6th '64, 
H. R. Free, pri, Sep 2d '62, enlisted for 9 mo. dis at Corinth Oct 31st '62. 



J^oui^teei|tli Ir^faritry. 



Company G. 

W. H. Stivers Capt, Xov 6th '61, com Nov 4th '61, resigned Jan 24th 63. 

Wm. Gallagher 1st Lt, Jan 2.5 '62 from 2d Lt. missiuR at Shiloh April 6th '62, 

S. F. Eccles 2d Lt, Oct 9th '61, m in Jan 2.5th '62 from 1st Ser, prisoner at Shiloh 

died at Madrid, Ga Aug 26th '62. 
Simon F. Eccles 1st Ser, Oct 9th '61, m in Xov 2d 61, pro to 2d Lt Jan 2.5th '62. 
J. A. Shanklin 1st Ser, Oct 9th '61, m in Jan 25th '62, from 2d Cor, missing at 

Shiloh. 
G. A. AValroth 1st Ser, Xov 9th "61 from 4th Ser, dis at Danville, 3Iiss, August 

20th "62. 
E. G. Oldroid 3d Ser, Xov 8th '61, m in Xov 2d -61, wd April 6th '62 at.Shiloh, hon 

dis June '63.at Toledo. 
G. A, Walroth 4tli Ser, Oct 9th '61, m in Xov 2d '61 ,pro to 1st Ser, hon dis Aug 

20th 1862 at Danville, Miss. 
Peter Wilson 1st Cor, Oct 9th '61, m in Xov 2d '61. 

B. F. Thomas 3d Cor, Oct '61 m in Xov 2d "61, captd April 6th '62 a. Shiloh. 
John Maholm 4th Cor, Oct 9th '61, m in Xov 2d '61, hon dis April 25th '63 Benton 

Barracks, Mo. 
Wm. Breese 4tli Cor, Oct 9th '61, ni in Dec Uth '61, from private. 
J. A, Pope 6tli Cor, Oct 10th '61 from pri, captd April 6th '62 at Shiloh and died 

July 11th "62 at Mound City of fever. 
John Gaston 8th Cor, Oct 9th '61 from pri. dis at Corinth July 17th '62. 
James Fox musican, Oct 9th "61, m in Xov 2d '61, captd April 6th '62, Shiloh. 
L. Brannan pri, Oct 9th '61, m in Xov 2<.l '61 captd April 6th '62, Shiloh. 
L. Bowen pri, Oct 9th '61, m in Xov 2d '61, died of measles at Benton BaiTacks 

Dec 22d '61. 
J. Burright pri, Oct 9th '61, m in Xov 2d "61, captd April 6th '62, at Shiloh, Tenn 

trans Sep 3d '63 to invalid corps. 

C. Burright pri, Oct 9th '61. m in Xov 2d '61. 
S. Burright pri, Oct 9th '61. m in Xov 2d '61. 
S. Clark pri, Oct 22d '61, m in Xov 2d '61. 

M. Clark pri, Oct 9th '61, m in Xov 2d 61 captd April 6th '62, at Shiloh. 

R. F. Clark pri, Oct 9th '61, m in Xov 6th '61, captd April 6th '62 at Shiloh and 

died May 1.5th '62, at Mobile, Ala. 
E. Dykeman pri, Oct 9th '61, m in Xov 2d '61, died July 19th "63 at Columbus,Ky. 
J. R. Edwards pri, Oct 9th '61, m in.Xov2d '61, captd and wd April 9th '62. 
Charles Edwards pri. Oct 11th '61, m in Xov 4th '61, 
R. Fitcli pri, Oct22il '61, m in Xov 2d '61, captd April 6th '62, at Shiloh, dis Dec 

'62 at St Louis, Mo. 
J. R. Felter pri, Oct 22d '61, m in Xov 2tl '61, captd April 6th '62 at Shiloh, Tenn. 



l;}4 HISTORY OF TAlVrA COUNTY. 

M. (inihbs itri, UctUlli "(il, in in Nov :3(1 '(U, cniM April Otli 'tW at Sliiloli. 

John Gaston pri, Oct Otli 'Ol, ni in Nov 2(1 '01, pro to Sth Cor, dis July ITtli '03 

at Corintli, Miss. 
Win. L. Goit pri, Oct Uth "01, ni in Nov 2(1 "(51, raptd April nth 'Kl at .Shiloli, (lis 

Dec '02 at St. Louis, 
J, Hunnicutt pri, Oct 12th '(51, in in Nov 2d '61, captd April Oth '()2, at Sliiloh, 
Geo. Ileimlick pri, Oct (Hh '01 m in Nov 2d '61. 
G. Iliatt pri, Oct Uth '01, ni in Nov 2d '(>1, captured May 6th '01, at Sliiloh and 

wd :N[ay 18th '64, at Buyan DeGlaize, La. 
A. Kello^'i,' pri, Oct 22d '01, m in Nov 2d '61, dis at Corintli Miss, July Sth '62. 
J. II. Luke pri, Oct 9th '01, in in Nov 2d '61, captd April 0th '02, Sliiloh, 
Henry Loomis pri, Oct 9th '61, m in Nov 4th '61, wd April 6th '62 at Sliiloh and 

dis Au<;ust 2.")th '02. 
J. .Miles pri, Oct !)th 'til, ;n in Nov 2d '61, wd April 6th '62, at Shiloh. 
David Miles pri, Oct 9th '01, in in Nov 2d '01, captured April 0th '62 at Shiloh, 

died May 27th '62, at Montgomery, Ala, while a prisoner of war. 
J. R. Myers pri, Oct 9th '61, m in Nov 2d '61, captd April 6th '62 Shiloh. 
J. E McKuiie pri, Oct, 9t!i '61, ni in Nov 2d '62 captd April 6th '62, at Shiloh, died 

August 9tii '(Wat ^^acon, Ga, while a prisoner of war. 
J. B Overtnrf pri, Oct 9Lh '61, in in Nov 2d '61, captd April 6th '63, at Shiloh, dis 

March 27th '62 at St Louis. 
L. Powell pri, Oct 9th '61, in in Nov 2d ^61, dis Feb 5th '61 at Davenjiort. 
J. A. Pope pri, Oct 10th '61, m in Fov 2d '61, pro to 6th Cor, captd April 16th '02, 

at Shiloh, died July 11th '02. Mound City 111. of fever. 
E. Stokes pri, Oct 29th '01, ni in Nov 2d '61, captd April Otli '62 at Shiloh, dis Nov 

Sth '62 at St Louis. 
D. Southwickpri, Oet29tiroi, ni inNov2d'02, captd April 6th '62 at Shiloh, 

died Aug 20th '62 at St Louis. 
J. B. Wineman pri, Oct 29th '61, in in Nov 2a '61, captd April 6th '62 at Shiloh. 
II. II. Williams pri, Oct ;Mth '01. m in Nov 2d '61, captd April 6th '62 Shiloh. 

D. S. Young pri, Oct 20th '61, m in Nov M '61, captd April 6th '62 at Shiloh, 

dis April 7tli '63. 

E. S. Young pri, Oct 12th '01, in in Nov 2d '61, dis April 0th '62, at Cincinnatti, O. 
David Zehrung pri, Oct 12th '61, m in Nov 2tl '61, captd April 6th '62, dis March 
31st '63. 

T ^YeI|ty- 5^oiii'tl\ Iiif ai^tiV. 

Company E. 

Leander Clark Capt, Aug 21st '62, m in Sep 18th '61. Maj June 9th '64. 
S. S Dilhnan 2nd Lt, Aug 21st '62. m in Sep 18th '61. 
James Rokes 2nd Ser, Aug 18th '62 m in Sep 18th '62, 1st Lt Sep 20th '62, Capt 

Nov 19th 1864. 
M, Mefford 4th Ser, Aug 21st '62. m in SepaSch '62. 
J. S. Edmonds 1st Cor, Aug 21st '02, m in Aug 28th '02. died Sep 22d '63. 
E. S. Edwards 1st Cor, Aug22d '61, m in Oct 3rd '01 from pri. 
T. N. Perkins 3d Cor, Aug 21st '62, m in Aug 28th '62, died April 21st '63 Helena, 

Ark, of disease. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



135 



Geo. W. Stoddard nth Cor. Aug 21st '02, m in Aug 28th '02. killed May 10th '63, 

Champion Hills, Miss, in action. 
J. H. Lewis 7th Cor, Aug 21st '62 m in Aug 2Sth '62. 
G. Alexander pri, A ug 21st '62 m in Aug 28th '62. 
E. Bailey pri, Aug 21st '62. m in Aug 2Sth '62. 
Wni. W. Beatty pri. Aug 2l3t "62 ni in Aug ;28th. '62 died at Keokuk, of disease Nov 

13th' 62. 
.7. W. Conant pri, Aug 18th' 62, rn in Aug 28th 62, captd April 8th '64 Mansfield, La 
J. \V. Coe pri, Aug 22d "62 ni in Aug 2Sth '62, 

S. Dykeman pri, Aug 21st "02, ni in Aug 28th '62, died July 8th '63 St Louis, Mo, 
A. J. Dew pri, Aug 21st '62, m in Aug 28th '62, died May 12th '62, St Louis, Mo. 
W. Dobson pri. Aug 22d "62, in in Aug 28th '62. captd Sep 19th '04 Winchester, Ya 
E. S. Edwards pri, Aug 22d '02, ni in Aug 28th 62, pro first Cor Oct 3d 62, trans 

Dec loth '63, to invalid corps. 
li. Filloon pri, A.ug 21st '62, ra in Aug 28th '62. 
A. H. Feeler pri. Aug 21st '62, ni in Aug 2*ith '62. 
W. Gowerpri, Aug 21st '63 ni in Aug 28th "62. 
Geoi-ge Hillmon pri, Aug 18tli '62, m in Aug 28th '62, wd May 16th '63 Champion 

Hills, Miss in action, died May 21st '63. 
George Ilemsteadpri, Aug 18th '62, ni in Aug 28th '62. disFeb 20th '63 Helena, Ark 
Wm. J. Knight pri, Aug 21st '62 m in Aug28tli '62, died June 18th '63 near Vicks- 

burg, Miss. 
D . W. Laughlin pri, Aug 21st '62, m in Aug 2Sth 62, dis Jan 21st '63 St. Louis, Mo. 
J. A. Lannn pri, Aug 21st '62, m in Aug 28th "62, captd May 16tli '63 Champion 

Hills, Miss. 
G. W. Louthan pri, Aug 21st '63, m in Aug 28th '62. 

N. B. Loomis pri, Aug 20th '62, m in Aug 28th '62, dis Feb lOth '63 Helena, Ark. 
M. Mink pri, Aug 21st 62, m in Aug 28th '62, Avounded Oct 19th "64 Cedar Creek, 

Ya severely in left thigh, died Dec 7th '64, Winchester, Ya, of wounds. 
John Mubeah pri. Aug 20th '62, m in Aug 28th 02, 

L.Mitchell pri, Aug 22nd '62 m in Aug 28th '62 died Sep 1st '6.3, Jefferson Bar- 
racks, Mo. 

0. JS". Mason pri, Aug 20th '62, m in Aug 28th' 62, 

S. W. McGee pri. Aug 19th '62 m in Aug 2Sth '62, pied at Muscatine. Oct 281 h '63. 
C. F. McGee pri, Aug 15th '62 m in Aug 28th '62, trans April .30tli '64 Invalid corps. 
John Misner pri. Aug 20th "62, m in Aug 28th *62. 

J. Pass pri. Aug 21st '62 m in Aug 28th '62 ^vd Sep 19th '64 Winchester Ya. 
Henry Philips pri. Aug 21st '62 m in Aug 28th '62 dis Aug 23rd '63 Corinth, La. 
S. R, Kushton pri, Aug 20th '62. ui in Aug 28tli 62, wd and captd April 8th 'iH 

Mansfield, La. 
J. M. Snow pri, Aug 21st 63, m in Aug 20th '62. 

E. O. Thomas pri, Aug 20th '62, ui in August 28th '62. dis Feb 20th '03, Helena 

Arkansas for disibility. 

1. Yorhes pri, Aug 21st '62, m in Aug 28th '62. 

F. Yernier pri. Aug 21st '62, ra in Aug 28th '62, captd May 16th '63 at Chami.ion 

Hills. Miss, 
W. T. Wliber pri, Aug 21st '62, m in Aug 2.8th, dis Aug 2.3d '63, Charlston, La. 
E. Brewer pri. Marcli 28th "64 m in April 18th '64, wd Sep 19th '63 at A\,^inchester. 



136 HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

Vii trans Ajtiil 9M\i 'ti5 to veteran reserve corps. 

\V. [.. Conaut pri, Jan ist '(U, ni in .Jan 'i8tli 'C4, captd April Stli '64 at Mansfield 

1. Donald \n'\, .Ian 5th '04, m in Jan 28th '(54. 

K. II. Fiiicli i>ri, Jan :r.(l '61, ni in Jan ;2Stli '(U. 

J). (>. (iarilner pri, Feb 'ililh 'M, ni in Mareli lllh 'W. 

M. Harris pri, Jan 5th 'tV4, m in Jan 28th '(54, died June 30th 'M, on hospital boat 
on the Mississippi Iliver, 

B. C. Hayes i-ri, Feb 2'.»tli 'W, ni in Mareli 11th '(>4. 

A. B. Kiiij;lit pri, Jan 1st '<U, ni in Jan 28th "64. 

A. T. l\in^ pri, Jan 1st '("4, ni in March 22d '(>4. 

W. S. Kiii<4 pri. Jan 1st "M, ni in Jan 28tli '(U. 

J. Lamm pri, Jan oth W^, m in Jan 28th 'W, died in hospital at New Orleans 
May lltii 'f4, 

H. .Merrill pri, Jan 1st 'W. m in Jan 28th '64, 

(;. Parcher pri, March Rlst '64, ni in April ISth '64, died Sep 28th '64, at Cen- 
tral ia, 111. 

A. J. Roberts pri, March 3lst '64, m in April 18th '64, wd Oct 19th 64. 

Philip Khoads pri, Jan 1st, 64, ni in Jan fJ8th 64. 

Allen Mason pri, Jan 5tli t>4, m in Jan 5th 61, dis May 30th 64. at New Orleans. 

A. A. Swarthoiit pri, March 31st 64, m in April ISth 64, died before reaching the 
company, 

E. S. Beck ley pri. Jan Sth 1864. 

E. Granger pri, Jan 1st 1864. 

James Young pri, Jan 1st 1864. 



¥AYei\tY-5{igtl) Tiif^i)tr: 



Company F. 

John A. Staley Capt, August .5th '62, m in Oct 10th '63, com Oct 10th '63. 

T. Schafifer 1st Lt, Aug Sth '62, m in Oct 10th '(?3, com Oct 10th '62, Capt company 

F. Jan 13th '62, 
J. Myers 2d IJeutenant, Aug 13th '62, m in Sep nth '63, com Oct 10th '62, died 

Aug 14th' 63, at Helena, Ark. 
(1. G. Edmond 1st Ser, Aug Sth '63, m in Sept 15th '62, Appointed Aug loth '63, 

2d Ser Nov 1st '62, 
J. S. Ferguson 1st Ser Aug 3th '62, m in Nov 1st '62, from second Ser, wd and 

capttl April Sth '64. at Sabine Cross Roads, dis July 28th '65, at Keokult. 
Louis Lo))ee 3d Ser, Aug 13th '62, m in Sep 15th '62. 

J. Casey 4th Ser, Aug 14th '62. in in Sep 15th '62, appointed Auir 1.5th '63. 
H. A. Weaver Ser, Aug Stli '62, m in Sep 15th '63, appointed Oct 15th '63, taken 

prisoner Aug 20th '62. 
J. W. Hiatt 1st Cor, Aug 15th '63, m in Sep 15th '62, wd :May 16th '63 at Champion 

Hills, died at same place of wd June 7th '63. 
J. W. Fielding 2d Cor Aug 13th '62, died Oct 24th '63. New Orleans La. 
W. Nixon 3d Cor Aug 15tli '63. m in Sep 15th '62, wd May '6th '63, Champoin 

Hills, captd Sep mil '64, Winchester, Va. 
J. H. Davis 4th Cor, Aug Sth '63 m in Sep 15th '63. 



. HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTS. 137 

P. H. Mason .-);h Cor, Aug 13th '62, m in Sep 16th '64. wdMay 1st '63, Tort Gibson, 
Miss, tnuis Apri 12th '(>4 to invalid corps. 

John Myers 6th Cor, Aug 15tli '62. ui in Sep 15th '63, wd May 1st '63 at Port Gib- 
son, died Aug Utli '63 Helena Ark of disease. 

B. F. Iliibbart Ttli Cor, Aug 15tli '62. ni in Sep 15th '62,dis Jan ?3d '63, Mound City 

D . W Emerson 7th Cor, Aug 7th '62, m in Nov 1st '63, from pri, died March 19th 

'6:3 Helena Ark. 
J. S. Bishop 8th Cor, Aug 15th '62, m in Sep 15th '62, died Sep 8th '63 at Penna 

Landing La of disease. 
S. .1. M. Bear, Musician, Aug loth '62, ni in Sep 15th '63. dis April 23d '63 Helena. 
J. Spiiidler musician, Aug 14th '62. 

J. B. Daily, wagoner, Aug 15th '62, m in Sep 15th 62, dis April 23d '63, at-Helena. 
S. W. Arbutlniot pri, Aug 15th '62, m in Sep 15th '62, wd May 16th '63 at Champion 

Hills, dis Feb 8th '64, at St Louis. 

E. W. Bunce pri, Aug 15th '62, m in Sep 15th '62, dis Oct 16th '64, Cedar Creek, Va 

A. L. Babb pri, Aug loth '62, m in Sep 15th '62. 

W. Beal pri, Aug 11th '62 m in Sep 15th '62, dis April 24th '63, St Louis, Mo. 

B. F. Brannan pri, Aug 5th '62 m in Sep 15th '62, captd Dec 39th '62, Helena, Ark 

trans May '64 to invalid corps. 
John Blair pri, Aug 9th '62, ni in Sep 15th '63. 

N. Bywaters pri Aug 15th '62, m in Sep 15th '62. captd Oct 34th, 'aS at Opelousas. 
J. S. Brants pri, Aug 13th '62, m in Sep loth '62, dis Aug 17th '63 at Memphis. 
J. Behonneck pri, Aug loth '63, m in Sep 15th '63, wd Sep 2rM '64 at Fishers' Hill. 
J. Chess pri, Aug 15th '63 m in Sep loth '62 captd May 16th '63, Champion Hills, 

Miss, also at Cedar Creek, Va, Oct 19th '64. 

John Chess pri, Aug 15th '62. m in Sep 15th '64, dis Nov 8th '64, at Camp Russell. 
J. Crawford pri. Aug 15th '62, m in Sep loth '62, wd Sep 13th '64 Winchester, Va. 

C. C, Collins iiri, Aug 14th '62, m in Sep 15th 62. 
P. Cass pri, Aug 15th '63, m in Sep loth '63, 

S. G. Clark pri, Aug 13th '62, m in Sep loth '62, wd June 10th '63 at Vicksburg. 
O. T. Clark i)ri, Aug 14th "62, m in Sep loth '62. 
L. D. Campbell pri, Aug 12th '62, m in Sep 15th '62. 

F. M. Conner pri, Aug 13th '62, ni in Sep 15th '62, taken prisoner Dec 39th '63 at 

Helena Ark, dis April 1st '64 New Orleans, La. 
B. F. Davis pri. Aug 15th '63, ni in Sep loth '62, dis March 3d '6:3 at Helena, Ark. 

D. W. Emerson pri, Aug 7th '63 m in Sep 15th '63, pro to 7th Cor Nov 1st '63, died 

March 19th '63 at Helena. 

E.J. Eldridge pri, Aug 14th '63, m in Sep 1.5th '63. 

J. Fonts pri, Aug 13th '62, m in Sep loth '62. 

D. Frun pri. Aug 14th '62 m in Sep Loth '62. dis Jan 14th '62, St Louis. 

J. L. Fitzgerald pri, Aug loth '63, m in Sep 15th '63, wd May 1st '63 at Port Gib- 
son, Miss. 

J. Freeman pri, Aug 9th '63, m in Sep 15th '63, died May 11th '63 on James' plan- 
tation. 

G. C. Freeman pri, Aug 14th '63, m in Sep 15thr63. 

J. W. Flathers pri, Aug loth '62, m in Sep 15th '62, captd July '63 Jackson Miss. 

J. Freedle pri, Aug 15th '62, m in Sep 15th '62. 

T. S. Finch pri, Aug 1.5th '63 m in Sep 15th '63, died Feb 6th '63 St Louis. 



138 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.- 

D. E. Finch pri, Aug 14tli '02, m in Sep 15th '(«, (lis Feb U»th '(« at St Louis. 

A. S. (Jodfivy pri. Aug mtli '(«. m in Sep lotli 'IK, died Aug lotli 'IS. 

Will, (inihb vu-i, Aug l-^jtli "O-i, ni in Sej) 15tli "(Vi, eaptd Oct ;Wth 'ft?, Opelousas, T.a. 
missing Sep 19th '64. Winchester, Va. 
J. C, Ilopldns pri, Aug lotli '02 m in Sep lotli '52. died .Ian 20th 'CM, on st(>auier 
Emma, near Cairo. 

J. Ililhiian pri, Aug 15th 'fi2, in in Sep 15th '62. 

S. Uolaclcer pri, Aug 15tii "(Q. m in Sep 15tli '62. Sabine Cross Roads. La. 

J. D. Hutchinson pri. Aug 11th '62, ni in Sep 16th '62. 

S. W. Hanimitt pri, Aug lltii '62, m in Sep 15th '63, killed Jlay 1611". '63, Cham- 
pion Hills, Miss, in battle. 

\y. Hamia pri, Aug 9th "62. m in Sep 15th '62. wd and captd Sep 19th '64, Winches- 
ter. Va 

J. Hart pri, Aug 14th "62 ni in Sep lotli '62, captd April 8th "64. Sabine Cross 
ing. La. 

John Hate pri, Aug loth "62, m in Sep 15th '62. died April 18th '65, Savannah, Ga. 

H. Hate ]n-i. Aug 9th .62. m in Sep 15th '62. 

A. Jack ]iri, Aug 15th '62, in in Sep loth 62, killed April 8th '64. 

L. A. Kirk i>ri, Aug 12th -62, m in Sep 15th '62, dis April 6th '63, Memphis. Tenn. 

A. Kosta pri, Aug otli '62, m in Sep 16th '62. 

S. W. Myers pri, Aug 15th '62, m in Set 15th '62, captd Oct 24th '63, Opelousas, La 

R. Metz pri, Aug 15th '62, m in Sep 15th '62. 

H. M. Miller pri, Aug 14th '62, m in Sep lotli '63, wd May 16th '63 Chamiiion Hills 

Miss, died June 7th "63. of wounds. 
G. A. Moss pri. Aug 14th '62, m in Se|) loth '62, wd May 16th '63 Champion Hills, 

Miss. 

C. L. McXair pri, Aug 15th "62. in in Sep loth "62, died Jan 22d '63, Helena, Ark. 

D. Nance pri, Aug 14th '62, ni in Sep 15th '63, died June 3nth '63, St Louis, Mo. 

J. B. Xicod"nnu pri, Aug 15th '62. m in Sep loth '62. died Aug30th '64 Washing- 
ton, D. C. 

P. P. Xungenser pri. Aug 15tli '62, m in Sep loth "62. 

J. B. Reed jiri. Aug 15th '62. m in Sep 15th '62. died April loth "63. Helena. Ark. 

C. M. Reed pri, Aug 15th '62, m in Sep lotli '62. 

Win T. Richardson pri, AugUtli "t)2. m in Sep loth '62. dis April 4th '63, Helena. 
Ark. 

B. W. Russell pri, Aug 7th '62. in in Sc)) l.-)th "62. killed May 16th '63, Champion 

Hills. Miss. 
J. E. Rock-cntield pri, Aug loth "62, in in Sep Loth '62 wd May 16th '63, Champion 
Hills, Miss, dis Oct 21st '63, at Keokuk . 

C. W. Sipes pri, Aug 13th '62, m in Sep 15th '62. missing Sep 19th '64 Winchester. 
I. Spindler pri. Aug 13th '62, m in Sep 15th '62. 

F. Schaeffer pri. Aug 14th. "62, ni in Sep Loth '62, captd April 8th '64 at Sabine 
Cross Roads, La. 

D. Shelton pri. Aug U)th '62. m in Sej) 1.5th '62. taken prisoner Dec 29th "62 captd 

Dec 29th '62 at Helena, Ark, killed May 16th '(K. Champion Hills. 
F. Sheldon pri. Aug 13th '62. m in Sep 1.5th '62, wd Sep 19th ,64 at Winchester.Va 

died Xov 14th '(>4, at Philadelphia. 
J. H. Scott pri, Aug 14tli '62, m in Seii loth "62, wd and captd April Sth '64, at 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 139 

Sabine C: oss Roads, La, dis May 2:^111 '65. 

T. Southern pri. Aug atth '63. ni in Sep lotii '62, Icilled May 16th 'm. Champion 
Hills. 

J. A. Snap pri, Aug Utli '6-2. ni in Sep lotir6-2, killed May 16th '63, Champion 
Hills. 

Wm. Taylor pri, Aug 13th '63. m in Sep 15th '62. 

W. W. Vandorn pri. Aug 15th Vtt. m in Sep 15th '63, dis Dec Stli '63 Benton Bar- 
racks, Mo. 

D. Way pri, Aug 13th '63, m in Sep 15th 63, dis June 18th '63, Milligan's Beud. 

G. Williams pri. Aug 15th '62, m in Sep loth '62, killed May 16th '63 at Champion 
Hills. Miss. 

H. J. Williams pri. Aug 9th '62, m in Sep 1.5th '62, dis March 1st '6i, New Orleans 

John Wilson ]pri. Aug 15th "63. m in Sep 15th '62, captd May 16th '62, at Cham- 
pion Hills. 

J. Wood pri, Aug 15th '63. m in Sep 15th "63, wd Oct 19th '&4 at Cedar Creek, Va. 

J. Bain Pri, Dec 3f)th (iS. m in Jan 3.Sd '6i. 

E, M. Bielby pri Jan 1st "(M, m in Feb 3d '64. 

E. S. Beckley pri, Jan 8th 'W, m in Feb 2d '64. missed Sep 19th '64 Winchester. 

G. W. Br iciver pri, March 35th '64, m in April 6th '64, died Aug 1st '&i, at St Louis 

J. B. M. Bishop pri. Feb 13th "64, m in March 1st '64, wd Sep 19th '64, Winchester. 

S. Bruner pri, Feb 33d 'f>4 m in March 1st '64, dis Oct 3d '6-::. 

Wm. C. Crawford pri. Feb 13th '(>4. m in March 1st '64. 

J. A. Davis pri, Feb 11th '64, m in March 1st '64, wd Oct 19th '64 at Cedar Creek. 

J. Davis pri, Dec 3.3tl '63. m in Jan 2.3d '64, 

H. D. Fuller pri, Jan. 33d '64. m in Feb 33d '64. wd Oct I9th Cedar Creek. 

E. Granger pri. Jan 1st '64, m in Jan 1.5th "64. 

A. H. Hisey pri. Feb 3d '64, m in Feb 3d 'M. 

J. M.Hammittpri. Feb nth '&4, m in March 1st "64, wd Oct 19th '64 at Cedar 

Creek, Ya. 
W. Heyer pri, Feb .3d "64, m in. Feb 3d 'U. 
X. Miller pri' Feb 29th '64, m in March 16th '64 
C. J. Mover pri. Feb ITth '64, ra in March 1st '64. 
H. T. Miller r-ri. Feb 11th '64 m in Marcli 1st "64. 
S, B. O verm ire pri, Feb 11th "64, m in Marcli 1st "W, 

A. D. Olney pi i. Jan 1st "W. m in Jan 19th '(>4. dis Aug 1st '64, Xew Orleans. 
A. J, Plumer pri. March 24th '64, m in April 6th '64, 
H. A. Ptead pri. Jan 5th "64, in in Jan 3.3d '64. 
J. Reedy pri. Jan 15th '&4, m in Jan -iSd '64, 
J. Young I'ri, Jan 3d 'W. m in Jan 19th '64, wd Oct 19th '64, at Cedar Creek, Ya 

died Oct 3<>th, '64. Marti nslnirg, Ya. 
G. F. Crawford pri, Oct 1st '(>4, in in Oct 1st '64, 



3^oiirteer|tl| Ii)lai]trv 



Company A. 

J, Luke 3rd Ser, Dec 1st '63, m in Dec l.st '63, from Com G. 

L. B. Hartman oth-Ser, Dec 30th '63, m in Jan 2.3d '64, from Com G, 



14(» HISTORY OF TAlSrA COUNTY. 

J. \V. >rclv(>l)frts "ril Cor, Jiiu 2(1 T4, in in Jan -.i^'yd 'M, from Co G. 

C. F. AlexiiiidiT pri, Jiin KKli '<>4. in in Feb 31st 'M, from Co G \vd April Otii 'iVi 

Siiiloh, Tenn. died July Idth 'M. of wounds. 

J. C. Barrett pri. Dob M '04. in in P\'b Sd '(W, from Com G. 

II. S. CiinniiiKbam pri, Feb 21st '(U, m in Feb 25th "(14, from Co G. 

E, Gallioii iiri, ?el) IStli '04, m in Mareli 1st '(54 from Co G, wd July lotb'fM, Tupelo 
Miss. 

P. E. C.reenlicf pri, Fel) lUli '04, m in Fel) 25th 'CA, from Co G, 

(Jeo Helm i)ri, March 31st '04, m in April 9th '04, from Co G. 

M. C. Ingham pri, Jan 23d '(54, m in Jan 33d '64, from Co G. 

.1. W. Kres.son pri, Dec 30tli '03, m in Jan 23th '04, from Co G. 

J, M. Lefler pri Jan 26tli '()4, m in Feb 4th '04, from Co G. 

W. Leach ))ri, Jan 4th "04, m in Jan 2.M 'M. from Co G. 

J. Mills pri. Dee 1st '03. m in Dec 1st '03, from Co G, wd April 0tirG2,Sliiloh, Tenn 

J.Morton pri, Dec 21st "03, Jan 23d 'M, from Co G wd and captd .\pril 9th '&4. 
Pleasant Hill, La. 

J Manerth i)ri. Jan .5th 'tU, m in Jan 33d '64, from Co G cajitd April 9th '64, Pleas- 
ant Ilill, La. 

D. Mos-enberjier pri. Jan 4t!i "W, m in Jan 3.3d, '04, fi om Co G. 
J. llosenberLfer iiri, Fel) 3d '04, m in Feb 3d '64, from Co G. 
W. Rogers pri, Dec 3:?d 'e:^,m in Jan 33d '64 fiom Co G. 

A. Reins i)ri, Jan 4th '04, m in Jan 23d '(>4, from C;o G. 

G. W. Shiner pri, Jan 1st '64. m in Jan 23d '64. from Co G. 

W. Spear pri. Jan 4th "ii4, m in Jan 23d '(54, from Co G. 

C. Vimpanyin-i, Dec31st '(5:^, m in Jan Tth"(>4, from Co G. captd April 9th '04, 

Pleasant Hill. 
P. B. \Villey i)ri .Ian .5th '04, m in Jan 23d '(54, from Co G. 
J. II. Wir!cinspri,Dec3I.st'63, m in Jan 18th'64, from Co G, wd and captd April 

9th '(54, Pleasant Hill, La. 
Geo, Yarham pri, Dec 30th '(53, m in Jan inth '04, from Co G. 



^iftl) li\ilii\tt 



Company D, 

L. D. F. Lewis 0th Cor, July Tst '(51, m in July 1.5th '01, 

M. Carter pri, July 1st '01. m in July 1.5th '61. 

A. 1). Eaton pri, July 1st '61, m in July I.5th '61, dis July 24t]i '(«, Clear Creek Miss 

Will. L. H. Jack pri. July 1st '(51, m in July 15th '(51, dis at Syracuse, Mo, Jan M 

'63, 
John O. Mathews pri, July 1st '01, m in July 15th '01. 

F. E. Strong pri, July 1st '01, m in July 15th '61, wd Sep 19th '03, luka. Miss. 

Riley Wescott ])ri, July 1st '(51, m in July loth '01, 

David Sullivan pri, Jan 3rd '(52, killed at the battle of Iiika Sep 19th '63. 



Eighth Ii\fai\tiV. 



COMPANY D. 
Henry X. Tohmpson pri, Aug 14th '01, m in Sep lOtli '61, wd ftnd captd April Otii 



HISTORY OF TAMA Ot»UNTV. 141 



'(«. atSliili.li. Teiui. 
John S, Hopkins jui, Auij 14th "'U, 



j\[ii\tl\ ii)fai\tiy. 



Company G. 

James H. Sipe 1st Corporal, Au^ 13tli 'Gl, in in March 11th '62, wd May 23d '62, 

ati^icksburg. Miss. 
James H. Sipe pri, Au<,' 12th '61, m in Sep 24th "61, March 28th '62, 
G. B. Sharp pri, Sep 18th "61, in in Sep 24tii '61. 

Samuel Sharp pri, Sep 18th '61, m in Sep 24th '61, wd March 7th '62 at Pea Kidge, 
Joseph Vincent pri, Aug 18th '61, III in Sep 24th '61, killed in at battle at Pea 

Ptidge, March 7th '62, 



¥ei)tli Ii]far(try. 



Company K. 

T. Walter Jaclcson Adjt com, Sep 24th '61, 1st Tit Company C. res April 25th 'iVi. 
Frank W. Crosky Q M S Dec :31st '61, wd O.-t 4tli '62 at Cdniith. Miss. 
J. W. Paxtonpri Feb 2.-,tli '62. 



¥ei(tl( Ii\far\tiy. 



Company B. 

W. H. Huff pri, July 23d '64, m in July 23 64, 
J. W. Porter pri Aug 2.3d "61, m in Sep Otli 61. 



Yliitteeiitli Iiifki)tiy. 

Cj!Ti).iny G. 

Pt. Billingharn pri, Sep 27th '61, dis Jan21st '62, 

James Millage pri, Sep 27th '61, in in Oct 2Sth '61.died at Corinth July 2<ith '62. 

Ward I^. Sherman pri. Sep 27th "61, 111 in Oct 28th '61, Adjt Sep 14th 'M, ninth 

cavalry. 
G. B. Sharp 1st Lt company G Jan 1st .65, 

Sjiglitli IiifaiitrY. 

Company G. 

S. A. Dobson 7th Cor, Aug 12th '73, m in Aug 27th '62. 
E. P. Allen pri. Aug 11th '63, in in Aug 27th "63 wd May 2Stl! 'M. 
Wm. E. Appelgate pri. Aug 15th "63. in in Aug 27th '63. 
John Lewis pri, Aug 25th '63, refused. 



\4'J, lllsioKV OF TAMA CoCNTV. 

.!. 1). I'lillfi- pi-i, Oct isih "ii:"-, 111 ill Nov:'.!)lli ■<;;. 

Ocmpr.ny G. 

!■;. K. Mt»rse pri, Sep!3Stli '(K, m in Sep37tli '<53. 
'I'lidiuas Miirpliy in'i, Sep 'iUli 'fi:^ m in Sep^Mtli '«o. 
,). Kiiy i.ii. Oct I'.illi "la. 111 in Oct lOUi '(«. 
Ii. Hobertsnn i)ri. ()ct24tli '(!:!, ni in Oct '34tli '(«. 
O. Walls ini.Ofl :'4l Ti:;, in in Octr.d "do. 



Yentl) IiifaiitiV. 



Company D. 

II. I.. i!i.i;i;- 8th Cor, Sep I'Jlh '02, ni in Sep ;iSth '01, died May Itttli "Oo, Ciuunpion 

IlilLs, Miss. 
P. Daily wasigoner, Sep otli "Ol, ni in Sep 28tli 'ul, from pri, (lis Jan 36tli '5'2. 
('. L. Haiiey ])ri, Sep 11th ■('.1, in in Sep 28th 'Bl. transfered to Co C, Mnreh 1st '02. 
Ceori;(' IJuciianan jn'i, Aii'^' 18th "til, in in Sep 2Sth '01. 
David Cleiueiit pri, Sep 18th 'lil. ni in Sep 28th 't>l, dis at St f.onis Oct 12tii '02. 

C. T. Davis pri, Seji 5tli '01, in in Sep 28th '01, trans to Co C, .March 1st '01. 
V. Daily ])ri, Sep 5tli '01, ni in Sep 20t]i "61. 

Francis Fee pri, Sep i:-)th '01, in in Seti 28rii '01, killed May lOth '03, Char.i]iion 

Hills, Miss in battle. 
J. II. Fee pri, Sep 10th '01, ni in Sep 2Stii '01, \vd :May KJth '05, Clianipion Hills, 

Miss. 

D. B. Mason pri, Sep 0th '0'. ni in Sep 20th '61, trans to Co C March 1st, '02, 

B. K- , Myers jiri, ni in Sep 28th "01. 

D. N. Reedy jiri, Sep 18tli '01, ni in Sep ;iSth '01. died at Birds Point, Dec 24th '02, 
V. P.. Paiji.u pri, Sep flth '61, ni in Sep 28th '61, trai.s to Co C, March Ist '02. 
,1. Walnint pri, Sep 9th '61, m in Sep 28th '61. 
J. L. Croskrey pri, Feb21st '02, 111 in Feb21st ■(')2. trans Feb l.^tli '04. Champion 

Hills, Miss to inv corps, wd May UUh 'Oo, Champion Hills, Miss. 
(!. M. ('ooi>er pri. Feb 10th '62, m in Feb 10th '02. 
Heiirv Cooix'r pri, Feb 10th '02, ni in Feb 24th "02, wd Oct 4tli '02. Corinth Miss. 

dis Ajn-il 1st '03, Memphis, Tenn. 

C. Arnold pri, Feb 20th •02, m in Feb 20th '63. 

W. J. Newiiort pri. Feb ITtli '02. ni in Feb ITth '02, 

J. F. Bartlett pri, March 10th •(«. m in March loth YK, ilied Jnly 0th '62. 

5^oi^ty-gever|t1i TiifaiitiV. 

Company G. 
John Linsday pri. May 4th, '64, ni in June 4th 64. 



HlSIOi.'V <.|.' I'AMA Ci.i .\T'\ I4y> 



\\. D. WiHi.niis pri, May 4Ui, "04, in hi June -itli, M. 
J. Williams pri. May 4tli, 'W, lu in June 4lli, (H. 



I(igl)t Artillery 



Clias. Auiiivss sth Cor, Oct "Ust. '('>■'>, ni in Nov '.itli (3:^, 
S. J. Chapman i)ri, Nov (itli.'fiO. m in Nov 0;',i (W. 
G, A. WtiiifV pri. Nov r.tli 'i;.''., m in N:)v Dtli, CS. 



^iv^t Ca\'aliV. 



Ccin.::iny H, 

West McDowell pri, Any; :^lst. "(U, in in Aug 31st, 64, 
Peter Qniun pri, Au.^; :]lst 'M. m in Auj^iilst CA. 
J P Ross pri, .Jan 1st 'W, m in Jan 1st, M. 
John Wilson pri, Aug aist 'W, m in Aug 31st &4. 

Secoi]d dkvhlrv. 

Ccmpany H 

W. TI. Anderson pri, Ft'i) 3il. "(U, m in Feh Hd, r>4. 
J. A. Anderson pri, Feb 3d, '&4, ni in Feb Sd, 64. 
A. Heath ])ri, Feb 3d '64, m in Feb od (U. 
,r. Long pri, Jan 18th TA. ni in Feb M (H. 
E. Pearson pri, Jan 24th '(U. m in Feb ;;d (14, 
.James Rogers pri, Feb 3d '(U, m in Feb 3(.l (;4. 



^edoi(el Ii(far(Uy. 



Company !. 
J. G. Uowen pri, Jan 26th 'C4, m in Jan 2(51)1 64. 



¥welftl) Tiifar^try 



Company E, 

n. H. Crowlinrst pri, Feb 26th '64, m in March I8tb 'W. wd at Tupelo, Miss July 

14th '<U. died at :Memphis Tenn. Aug 3d "(W. 
.M. Copeland pri, Dec 2fith '(>4. m in Dec 26tb '(i4. 
W. C. Shafer. pri, Dec 26th '64, m in Dec 26lh "(U. 



14^ lllS|iii;v nl. TAMA <'t>lIN IV. 

Thirteenth Infantry. 

Company & . 

W. (i. lJ;iti!.s pri, .I;m -Itli "•"'l, ni in .Ian 2'>.[ "(U, Co u.iknown. wd Ai)ril '.»tli "Ct. 
,}. nrick pri, Jan 5th "lil. in in .Jan 2:'.d '(U, Co nnknown. Dii-d .July ;ilst '(U. 
E. KtM-n pri, .Jau4tli (U, ni in Jin iM '(U, rep )rt'(l wd a:\d, tMptd April '.(th'f.l. 
J. 11. Tlinnr.is i)ri. .Ian Lst Ml, m in .Ian '3;{d tU died April I3tli (54. 
Wni. .S. 'I'ownscnd pri, Dec 2:5d '08, ni in ,Jan 2^k\ '^54. killed in action April Otli '04 
Wni, Wadi^ pri. Dee ±n\u 'i'>^, m in Jan 23d, '64, died April 1st '64. 

Tenth Infantry. 

, Company C. . 

Wui. II. Stoddard 1st Lt, com Xov3t)th '63. 
J. II. Larimer Ser, Feb 1st 'o4, m in Feb 1st '64. 
V. P. Gray Ser, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64. 
J. K. Lux Ser, Feb 1st 'Mm in Feb 1st '64. 
J. M. Ilillmon Ser, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st, '64. 
\. M. Roberts Ser, Feb 1st 'tU, m in Feb 1st '64 
J. II. Ilichardson Cor, Feb 1st '64 m in Feb 1st '64. 
Thos. S. Brannan Cor, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64 
J. II. Smith Cor, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64. 

B. J. Uowara Cor, Feb 1st '64, m in ^eb 1st '64. 

C. L. Bailey pri, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64. 
E. B. Bailey pri, Feb 1st '(54, m in Feb 1st '64. 
Thos Clem pri, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '(54. 

.1 . \V. B. Cole, pri Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '64, 
G. W. Gnilford pri, Feb 1st '64, m in Fell 1st '(54. 
P. Pij,"j;ins pri, Feb 1st '61, m in Feb 1st '64. 
C. Maliolm pri, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '61. 
S. D. Xewton pri, Jan 1st ' 64, ui in Jan 1st '64. 
M. Rlioads pri, Feb 1st '64, m in Fei) 1st '(54. 
John Sawyer pri, Feb 1st '(54, m in Feb 1st '64. 
E. M. Stevens pri, Feb 1st '64, m in Feb 1st '(54. 
U. P. Stevens pri, Feb 1st '(54, m in Feb 1st '64. 
S. Walker pri, Feb 1st '(U, m in Feb 1st '(i4, 

Forty-Seventh Infantry. 

Company E. 

C. L. Bailey 1st Lt, May 24th '(U, m in Jnne 4th "(54. 

J. D. Jackson 1st Ser, May 20th '(>t, m in Jnne 4th '64. 

Denton Caniery 3d Cor, May 23d '64, m in June 4th '64. from 4t.h Cor June 4tli. 

O. II. Cobb -1th Cor, May 14tli '64, m In June 4th '(W from r,th Cor. 



IlItSKiiiV <>i' TAMA ru['^TV. 



145 



Joliii Ahlricli |ni. Miiv :3l.sl "lU, :ii in .luue Uh '('4. 

L. Alliniui pri. .M.iy l'-!lli 'lU. m in .Iunc4tli '(U. 

,1. I}. M. Bear pri. .May KUli 'M. in in .lune 4tli "lU. 

V. M. liriclccr iiri. May ICIh '(54 ni in .linic 4tli 'i'A. 

II. A. BiUR^e pri. May :](lth '(U, ;u in June 4th HU, died at Helena Ark. Au,L;ust Ttti 

'64. 
.7. F. Cull' pri, May !»tli 'H4 ni in .June 4tli '(J4. 
R. M. Cofiiii pri. May 11th 'ti4 ni in June 4tli 'B4. 
J. C. Flathers pri. May 28(1 '(54, ui in .June 4th *04. 
W. F. Ililinion pri, May i)tli 'W ni in June 4th '(i4. 
G. M. Hall pri, May 9tli '64, ni in .June 4t!i "(M. 
G. K. Hershey pri. May loth ■64 ui in June 4tli '84. 

.S. E. Hall pri, .Alay 13th '64 m in June 4th "64 died at Helena Ark, July Ist '46. 
K. Lotzeidiizer pri. May 33d '64 m in June 4th '(J4. , 
W. McLawiy pri, May 20th '-'U, lu in .hme 4th '64. 

H. W. Nunsesser pri. May 19th '64 ui in June 4th '64. 

L. Park pri. May 2:M "64 ni in June 4th '64. 

W. Rittenhouse pri. May '.itli '64 ni in June 4th '64. 

O. H. Stewartpri. May loth "64 m iu June 4th "64. 

C. f^olenian pri, May 9th '64' ni in June 4th "64. 

C, E. Sullivan pri, May li^tli '(>4 in iu June 4th '64, 

L. H. «toddard pri, :May 14th '>U \n in June 4tli "134. 

J, y. Vancureu pri, May KJth ■()4died at Helena, Ark, Auj^U!st2od "64, 

F. A. Vancuren pri, May 12th '64 m in June 4th '64 died at Helena Ark. Au^ 
12th '(>4 

A. Zehruns pi"i, May 2:;d 'i'A m in .rune 4th '64. 

Ninth Cavelry, 

Company K. 

J, n. Brush pri. Oct 6tli '63, m iu Oct 30th '63. 

Tenth Infantry, 

Company P. 

J. X. Paxton pri, Feb 2.5tli '62, m iu Feb 2oth VW, 

Jacob Yeiser pri, Aug 22d '61, ui iu Sep 7th "61, \vd Nov 2Sth '63 Missionary Ridge 

Tenn, dis Nov 23d '64, Chatanoo.ija Tenn. 
J. C. Kollosg pri, Feb 20th '62, ni in Feb 2Ut!i '62, (lis Sep ITtli '62. St Louis, Mo, 

Tenth Infantiy. 

Company H. 

1). H. Anderson pri, March IGth "62. ni in March loth '62. 



I4i\ IllSldlv'V (IK TAMA coixrv. 

S. SlircfVfs pri, .Maicli loth 'tW, in in M;ircli lOtli 'tW, \\d 2ilay Kitli "(iS, C'liainiiioii 

Hills, Miss. 
IJ. F. Zcllcr pii. Feb '(Vt, HW, in in Feb :34tii '(Vi, (lis Sep '02, Corinth, Miss. 
II. F. Strain pri. .Vus^JStli 'CI. in in Sep 7th '01. died Feb Tth '02, Birds Foiiit, 
W. Strain pri, .Vug 2Stii '01, in in Scj) Ttli "01. 

Tenth Infantry. 

Company K. 

V. Ilcrrini^ton jiri. Jan oOth '02, in in Jan SOtli '02, trans Feb 15th '04, to inv corps 
J. N.Faxton pri, Feb 2ith '02. 

Eleventh Infantry. 

Company B. 

B. C. Stevens iiuisician Sep 18th '01, m in Oct 1st '61, died June 30th '63, 

Twelth Infantry. 

Compan3' £■ 

S, J. Crowliurst pri, Get 1.5th '01, m in Oct 20th '01, Avd at Ft Donaldson. 

C. B. llayward pri, Oct 21st '61, ininOct2(Jth '61, dis May 10th '62, Pittsburg 

Landing, Tenn. 

Sixteenth Infantry. 

Company I. 

n. Sipe pri, Dec 17th '01, m in March 24th '62, wd Sep 19th '02, luka. Miss, dis 
March 10th '03. 

Eighteenth Infantry. 

Company K. 

B. F. Smith \n-\, July 7tli '02, in in Aug 6th '63, captd April 13th '64, Poison Creelt 
Ark. 

Twenty-Eighth Infantry. 

Company B. 

B. W. Wilson Capt July 34th '02, in in Oct 10th '03, Com Oct 10th '&5, 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY 147 

J, M. Brotlu'is 2(1 Cor Au.ulth "02, ui in Aii« IDtli '62. 

B. Wi!lciiis8tli Cor An- 7th 'G2, 

G, Critteiid<>ii wa.i^oiier. Auj>; 19th '62, ni in Aug 19tli '62. 

N. Devore pri, Aii<> l!»th '62, m in Au- .Dth '62, dk'd Aii<i27tli '63, Corinth, La. 

A. Felter pri, Aii<j;6tli '62, ni in Aii^ 19tli '62, wd May 16tli '63, Clianipion Hills, 

Miss captd .Sep 19tli ,64, Winclu'ster, Va. 
H. M. Howard pri, Aiijr I5tli '62, ni in Au<i; 19th '62, died April 3rd '63, Helena, 

Ark. 
E. D. Howard pri, Aug 19th '62, ni in Aug 19th '63, died Jan 15th '63, Vicksburg 

Miss. 
G.T. James pri, Aug 12th '62, ni in Aug 19tli '62, wd May 16th '63, Champion 

Hills, Miss, died Aug 18th '63, Corinth. La. 
G. R. Walton pri, Jan 5tli '&1, m in Jan 5th '64, wd Oct I9th '64, Cedar Creek, Va. 

Twenty-Eighth Infantry. 

Company I. 

C. ]', N. Barker pri, Aug loth '<>2, m in Sep lOtli '62. 

Seccnd Cavalry, 

Company B. 

Wm. F. Eshbaugh buglr. July 30tli '61, m in Aug 19th '61, captd Boonsville, Miss 

July 1st '62. 
T. J. Cady farr, July 30th '63, m in Oct 15th '61, from pri, wagoner July 3lst '61, 
Wm. F. Burley pri, July 30th '61, m in Aug 31st '61. 
Wm. Paxton pri. July 30th "61, m in Aug31.,t '61, killed in skirmish Monterey, 

April 39th '62. 

Fourth Cavalry. 

Company E. 

A. spade pri, Sep 24th '61, m in Nov 33d '61. 

J. J. Toland pri. Oct 1st '61, m in Nov 23d '61, died West Plains, Mo '62. 



Sixth Cavalry. 



Company A. 

T, C. Williamson pri, Dec 1st '62, m in Dec 1st '63, 

Sixth Cavalry. 

Company H- 

J. Hunter 3d Cor Sep 36th '63, m in Jan 31st '62 



14.S lf|S|(H;^ "!■ TAMA (MM NTV. 

IJ. Sli-\.-ll-^ s:i(fli'l t'l-MUli •Vi, III ill Nn\ lUll "IW. 

(.", S. S;iii1mmii wauHiicr. OiM 1st "(W. in ih Nov Isl '(13. 

.1. Middlctim in'i, Nuv 1st "tVi, in in ,l;iii IHlii "(W. 

Sixth Cavalry. 

Co:upa,'ii7 I- 

A. X. I)o(l(I ini, 0>-t :]Ist T)i>, m in PVl) 2(1 '(i:!, 

S. A. Lewis ))ri, Sep ;:rtli '(W, in in Feb :^(l N!3, 

W. A. Mori-aii prU Scp^Tth •(«, nt iu Fob 3(1 '63. 

S. I'.'ck pri, Sep 3Ttli "<W, in in Feb 3(1 '(«. 

J. A. T\V(>;i;ood pri, Sep 2~th '63, in in F(^b 3(1 '(i3. 

O. A. Tcrpeiininii- pri, Oct 3Sth '()3, ni in Feb 3.1 r,?:. 

II. Teri)enningi>ri, Oct3Sth 'O'i, m in Feb 3d '03. 

Tenth Infantry. 

Company D. 

G. W. Buchannan pri, Feb 1st "(U. in in Feb 1st '04-. 
J. N. Paxtoii pvi. Feb 3(Hii ■f;4, m in March :U)tb 'W 



Tenth Infantry. 



Osnipa:G.7 H. 

D. II. Anderson pri, March 12th '(J4, in in ?*Iarch 13tli '64. 



Twelth Infantry. 



Company B. 

S. J. Crowhiirst Cor, Dec 25th 'C4, m in Jan .5th '61. 



Fourteenth Infantry. 



(Company G-„ 

J. II. Luice pri, Dec 1st '6":;. iii in Dec 1st '0:5, pro 5th Cor Jnnt^ Iftt'(>4, 
J. Mills pri, Dec 1st 'O:^, ni in Dec 1st '63, 



Fifth Cavalry. 



Company I. 

Jonii Mathews pri, July 1st '01, ni in July 15th '63, Yet Feb 8th '64, tr«)m CoD, 



UISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 140 

B. U, Miutiii jiri. .Iiiiic :i4tli "CI, ni in July 15th "61, vet Feb 0th 'W, from Co (i. 
J. G. Martin pri. .Iiine'iltli "tSl. in in .July lotli '61, vet Jan 5th 'C4 from Co G. 

Twenty-Fourth Infantry. 

Compa..n7 D. 

E. A, Buriihara pri, Feb 26th '04, m in Marcii llth '64 

TwGnty-Seventh Infantry. 

Company D. 

N. Unti jiri, Fel-, '?Oth *i>4. m in Marcli IGth "64, dis Dec 8th '64. 
J. B. Vanauken pri. Feb 2<5tli '(M, m in April 6tli '64, 

Sixth Cavalry. 

Bompany P. 

A. A. Myers 1st Ser Sep 15tli 'i\:l. ;ii in Dec '2'tli "Oi, dis ,Iidy 2."illi 'i'4. 

B. B. LaDf)W rM Ser Oct 2:M '62, m in Nov 27tli '(S. 
J. .Smith 5th Ser Xov 13th '62, m in Nov 27th '62. 

D. Riiscnberjrer 3d Cor Nov 13tli '52, m in Nov 27th '62. 
.1. O. Beadle (Itli Cor Oct 9tli '62, m in Nov I5th '62. 

C. Roberts teamster Oct 2nt]i ■02, m in Nov22d "62. 

W, G. Armstronji pri, Oct Dtli '62, m in Xov 12th 'fd, kUled Sep 3d '6:? White Stone 

Hills D,T. in battle. 
W. H. Alden pri, Oct ISth '62, m in Noy 12tli '62. 

M. D. Betts])ri. Oct 9th '62. m in Nov 17th '62, died Sep Sth '62, D. T. of wds. 
J. Cunningham ])ri, Nov 14th '62, ni in Nov 17tli "62. 

E. Davis pri, Oct 9th '62. m in Nov 14tli "62. 
T. Everett pri, Oct 12th '62, m in Nov 12th .62. 

F. Eshbaujili pri. Oct 9th "62, m in Nov 12th '62. 
A. Feddin<>: pri, Nov Stli '62, m in Nov 18th '52. 

G. Fox pri, Nov 1st "62. m in Nov 14th '62. 

.J. Galasi)ie iiri. Oct 19th '62, m in Nov 17th '62. 

S. Hal left pri, Oct 4th -62, m in Nov 17th "62, 

F. Hubell pri, Nov lOtli '62, m in Nov 27th '62. 

W. Hubell pri, Nov 13th '62, m in Nov 27th '62. » is Nov 31st '64, Ft Eandall, D T. 

J, Keubn pri. Dec 6th '62, m in Dec 15th 'R2. 

J. Kerns pri, Nov 13th '62, m in Nov 27th '62. 

L. D. Knight pri, Oct 28th (K, m in Nov 12ih '62. 

N. McKune pri, Dec 4th '(YZ. m in Nov I2th '62. 

J. Muddel pri, Nov 14tii "62, m in Nov27tii '62. 

A, Palacheclv pri. Nov I3th "62. m in Nov 27th '62. 

E. A. Riciiards pri, Nov 25th T)2, m in Nov 29th '63, 



15t» HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

S. StiDii',' pri, Oct 'iiitli '(«. Ill in Nov ITtli '63, died June 8tli '(55, Crow Creek D T. 

15. K. .Suiihorn pri, Oct 9th ''22, m in Nov ITth '«3, 

.1. Shiilcrpri, Octl8th'02, ni in Nov l.'itli 'O'i. \\d Si'i> nd '(K. Wiiite Stone Fliils 

1)T. 
J. .Snlliviin pri. Nov 1st 'fW, in in Nov 13tli '6J. 
J. Giiainpron pri, Oct 4tli '63, in in Nov Titli '63. 



CBAFTEK XVI. 

BIOGRAPAPUICAL. 

J. C. Yeniiilya, first Judge of Tuuia Comitj, is a native of 
the State cf Delaware and was l)«»rn on tlie lltli day of Septeni 
ber, ISO?, his parents being Edward and Joanna, (^Eight) Ver 
niilya. When but about six months of age his parents emigrated 
to New York setthng in Putman County where they remained 
until 1818 when they emigrated to Indiana, and settled 
in Jackson County. Shortly after settling here his father and 
mother both died, leaving young Verinilya with but little means, 
nothing but a common school education, no home, to do and 
provide for himself. With a good will and a strong constitution 
he determined to learn a trade and immediately went to workasa 
hatter which business he followed eight years, when he went to 
fanning. In 1852, Mr Verrailya came to Tama County and en- 
tered land on section 26, in Tama township, and commenced to 
improve the same, which business he has followed ever since. 

Mr Vermilya was elected to the office of County Judge in the 
year 1853, and was the first one in Taina County. This office 
he filled with honor, and from that date has held a high reputation 
over the County as a man who is strickly honest, and one who 
works for the best interest of the commuuity in which he lives. 

Mr. Vermilya was first married in the year 1823 to Miss Cath- 
arine Murphy of Jackson County Ind., with whom he lived twenty 



152 



IKSTOKY (IF 'I'AMA CorxiY 



tJiive years wlit-ii she passed to the other shoiv, one chilil afcnm- 
paiiied \wv. After the death of his first wife he married a Miss 
Mary Aim Carter, by whom he Had f >nr childi'en, two or vvlioiu 
are dead, the other two ai-e maiTie(K one is the wife of J. G. 
Strong of Grundy Center, the otlier the wife of A. L. I>rooks, 
of Tama City. In 1S70 his second wife was carried off !)y disease 
leaving Mr. Vermilya again to mourn the loss of one whom lie 
loved and cherished. Mr. Vermilya was again married to Miss M. 
A. Carpenter, with whom lie is still living. His farm is located 
ab(Mit one mile north east of Tama City upon wliich he has made 
some line improvments. His house and out bnildina's are amono- 
the best in the County and Mr. Vermilya in his old age has a 
ha])|)y home with all the enjoyments of life. 

CUARLlvS MASON. 

Few men are better known in York townshij), than the sub- 
ject of this brief sketch — Charles Mason— who fora.peri(»d of 
sixteen years has made his home on section three. His parents 
were natives of jSTew York, where Charles their son, was born 
in Oneida County, December 28th, 1S2!). Here he remained until 
eight years of age when his father and family moved to Marshall 
County. Indiana. After remaining a number of years in this 
State, he emigrated to Illinois, where he remained until the year 
1865 when he settled in this County in York townsliip. ^Ir. Mason 
now owns one of the finest farms in Tama County, consisting of 
two hundred and twenty acres in sections two and tliive all uiuler 
cultivation, with tliel)eautiful little village of Waltham on part 
of ir. This town was layed out by order of Mr. Mason in the 
,year 1868 by H. Jacobs, containing about fifteen acres. His house 
is h)cated upon a slight elevation facing the south and is surround 
ed by a beautiful grove together with a fine orchard coverino; 
about four acies. In tliis grove we find the American and Euro- 
pean larches, furs, chestnut, iron wood ami sevei'al varieties 
of cherries, both wild and tame pears, peaches aiu] the white and 
yellow willow, which makes it very beautiful and attractive. 
In his garden, lie I'aises large (pnintities of small fruit consisting 



HisToKY OF ta:ma CuUJSTV. 153 

of EiisselPs Great Proliiic, AYilsoii's Albany and niaiiy other kind 
of strawberries, all kinds of grapes, raspberries, etc, and is suc- 
cessfully raising the hacklel)ui'V which is a very rare fruit in this 
County. Mr. Mason is what we may call a "willow man" be- 
lieving that they are the only successful hedge to be used in this 
country. His entire tarm together with the edges of sloughs are 
surrounded by the white willow which besides making a splendid 
fence, beautities the place and gives it a neat appearence, while 
for about twenty or thirty feet upon the inside he has tame grass 
and clover sown maknig it very convenient in cultivating the 
lields. 

In 1850 when but twentv one years of age he led to the hv- 
menial alter Miss Mary Ann Thompson. Today lie has a family 
of nine cliildren, two boys and seven girls. TTis oldest son 
Albert Mason, is married, and be.^ides carrying on his own farm 
assists in carrying on that of his fathers. 

ABKAM TOMPKINS. 

The subject of this sketch is a native of New York, having 
been born in that State September 23rd, 1811. His praents K. 
and Catherine (Brown) Tompkins were also of the same State, 
and in very limited circumstances, so poor, in fact, that their son 
was only permitted to attend the common subscription schools, 
from the time he was five years of age until he was old enough 
to do for himself 

Tlie father of Abram Tompkins was a God fearing man. and 
an earnest christian, one who endeavored to bring up his children 
in the "fear atid admonition of the Lord," and when his son was 
yet an infant he carried him in his arms to the Sabbath School. 
Here and at the family alter, was sown the "good seed of the 
word" which in after j^ears bore fruit, and we trust will continue 
to bear by the hundred fold. 

After living at home until he was twelve years of age Abram 
decided on leaving home to seek his own fortune. He did not 
leave the vicinity of his old liome immediately, however, b;it 



I "'4 HISTOHV OF TAMA C!()UNTY. 

liiivil III llic lu'ii^lihoriiii;- rnnncrs, cui'iiiiii;" cnoni;"Ii to supply 
liis wants luul sjivc a little t'oi- a raiuv day. 

Ill 1831 he left the IState of New York and went to Michia'an 
where he enlisted in the Black ihiwk war as a [)rivate and after 
receivini«: his dischari;-e returned and was united in niarriaa'o 
Noveiuher 2(»th, is;!:',, to Miss Mary A. Eatin, by whom he had 
ten children: (f. W., l)orn in 1S35 and died at St. Louis in 1802; 
(\ ^[., now livino- in Kansas, born January 1-ith 1838; B. T,, 
now livino; in Iowa County, this State, was born January 2nd 
1840; Catherine J.., born January 22nd, 1842: S. M., born March 
ItUh, 1844; A. E., born June 30th, 1846; M. T., born October 
18th, 1848; Z. A. E., born Decenii)er 19th, 1850; Sumner, born 
March 26tli, 1855; Z. E., born July 12th, 1857. 

Shortly after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins wisely came to 
the conclusion that the advantages enjoyed in that State was not 
such as they desired and therefore determined to seek a home 
and fortune in a better country where the advantages would be 
greater. They came to this County in the year 1853, when all 
was a blank wilderness and have lived to see it "blossom as a 
rose". 

Abram Tompkins is a large man of s[)lendid appearance, 
pleasant and agreeable in his intercourse with fi-iends and neigh- 
l)oi-s. In the family circle, he is kind to his children, strict in 
discii)line and teaches each member to know that his yea means 
yea, and his nay means nay, from which can be no appeal. In 
business with the world his word can always be relied upon, his 
pro:u;s-s always being held sacred, and invariably carried out to 
the letter. He is a good friend and neighbor, living at peace 
witli all men and a liard working farmer 

In 1859 Mr. Tompkins received the nomination for Represen- 
tative in the Iv)wa Legislature and was triumphant. In this ca- 
pacity he served his constituent j in a faithful manner, attending 
closely to the business for which he was elected and afterwards 
retired from office bearing the Imirels that none but the faithful 
can bear. Taking all in all Mr. Tompkins is a man possessing 



TFISTORY OF TAAFA COUNTY. 155 

sncli qualiHc'iTions as to i)liice hiiu high in the niches of the 
history of Tama County. 

WEST WILSON. 

AnioHii' the early ])ioneer settlers, and one who has watched 
the gTowth of this populous County from a mere wilderness of 
hut few inliabitants to its pivsent proportions, and has seen ittake 
its place among the most important of Iowa's Counties is the 
])erson which heads this sketcli. Mr. Wilson is a leading farmer 
and stock raiser of Crystal township. He was born in 
Ayrshire, Scotland in the year 1820. His parents were James 
and Jane (Lusk) AVilson, who were both natives of that country. 
He had very little opportunity for education in his early youth 
butaccpiired afair education at the common schools being at the 
same time eno-aijced in aidinir his father to carry on the farm. 
LeaviiiiT Scotland Mr. Wilson emigrated to ('onnecticutt where 
he remained until the year 1S56, when he came to this State and 
settled in Crystal township, Tama County, on section 13. He 
has a beautiful farm consisting of six hundred and sixty-six acres, 
the most of which is under cultivation and pasture. Of late 
years Mr. Wilson has been paying considerable attention to the 
raising of fine stock and now he has a large number of the best 
blooded cattle. Mr. Wilson, besides carrying on this immense 
farms, is engaged in the grain business at Traer, where he handles 
thousands of bushels annually through his elevatcn* and ware- 
houses. He is also interested in a lumber yard at Morrison 
Grundy County. In all the various changes of an active life Mr. 
Wilson has gained the I'espect of a large circle of friends and 
the contidence of the communitv. 

JASPEK H. SCOTT. 

This «;entleman is a native of Ohio havino; been born in Ilia'h- 
land C(.)unty of that State, in the year 1820, and when but two 
years of age came with his parents to Columbus O. where they set- 
tled upon a small farm. His mother died when he was small 
leaving a family of six children. Jasper being the youngest, was 



15t) HlS'lUKV UK TAMA (Ji)UNTV. 

Ixmiul out to one of the neiglibors. who was poor and coukl not 
iX'wv him such advantages as tliey desired, he only having- been 
permitted to attend the common subscription school; which w<is 
all the means of education that he enjoyed, but natural good 
sense and a determined will have in a measure overcome every 
dithculty in tliis respect. 

When Jasper leached his 16th year, boy that he was, decided 
on leaving his adopted home and henceforth to do for himself. 
In his twentieth year Mr. Scott was married to Miss E. Hawkins. 
Tiie young couple though poor in this world, but rich in faitli, 
and with a will and determination to dare to do, shortly after 
mariaire moved to Illinois and settled on a small farm in Ogle 
County, where tiiey rem.uned until the year 1859, when Mr. Scott 
and family moved to this County settling in Grant township 
where they have since resided. 

As a citizen Mr. Scott stands high in the estimation of tlie 
communities in which he has lives or resided, being a good 
neighbor and a kind hearted, benevolent num, one who would 
be well received and trusted implicitly by stranger and friend. 
In 1840 he united with tlie Methodist Episcopal Church; up 
to the present time, a period of thirty-eight years, has ever been a 
constant member of that branch of the Christain Church. We 
believe it will be written of him in that great day like one of old 
"Me hath done what he could.'" No better epitaph could be 
placed upon the mi>uiimentof any one than this. 

JAMES B. MERRITT. 

One of the leading aiul most highly respected farmers of High- 
land township, as well as the first settler, is James 13. Merritt, 
who was bom in Orange County, New York, on the 5th day of 
Aug., 1S14. His father Daniel M. Merritt was a farmer. James 
spent the first nineteen years of his life at home attending 
school and helping to can-y on the farm, after which he left his 
parents and learned the mason trade, at which he worked until 
the year 1855, when he came west and settled in this County, 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. li> i 

Iligliknd township. As already stated Mr. Merritt, was the 
tirst settlor in tlie township. Withf)ut neighbors, with nothing 
but the tail piairie grass iuv niiks around, and the prairie 
Wolves to sing hiin to sleep night after night, for a number of 
3'eai-s still i-einaining making for himself and family a home in 
this beautitul township, which to-day is thickly settled. 

His tarni is located near the center portion of the township 
and is nearly all under cultivation with all the conveniences of 
the modern farmer. In the year 1839, Mr. Merritt was married 
to Miss Laura Wing of Shram, Litchiield Co., Connecticut. Since 
their marriage lie has been blessed with ten children, three of 
whom are still living and hold a high position in society. 

• 

J. G. HULL. 

J. G. Hull, a pioneer settler in Tama County as well as a lead- 
ing farmer, is a native of New Yoik, and was born in Rensselaer 
County and town of Burling, on the 29th day of October, 1815. 
Here J. G. was reared, receiving a common school edcuation and 
at tlie same time assisting his father to carry on the farm. 

In the year ISo-l he removed i'rdm that state and settled in this 
County, on section 13, Spring Creek township. He was among 
the first settlers in the township hauling his tirst load of lumber, 
provisions etc., from Waterloo, a distance of nearly forty 
miles. Mr. Hull still resides upon his f;u-m, located^ upon tlie 
beautiful stream r)f Wolf Creek where lie has all the conveniences 
necessary for a comfortable and happy home. He has always 
been a straight- forward, scjuare dealer, early securing and steadi" 
ly retaining the confidence of the community. He has seen 
this County slowlv expand from a mere wilderness to a thicklv 
settled and prosperous Count}^, and never shown anj- backward- 
ness in trj'ing to encourage its growth and assist in its prosperity. 
He has served in the various township offices, and has proven 
himself prompt, perfectly reliable and very efficient. 

In the year 1845, he was joined in wetllock with Miss J. L. 
Thomas with whom he lived until 1873, when Mrs. Hull died. 



loS lllSKniV OF TAMA (JUUJSiTY. 

HON. S. S. MANN. 

The subject of this note was born in Sussex County, New Jersey 
December 13tli, A. D., ^^S0, and moved to Delaware County, 
Oliio with liit^ parents in tlie fall of 1834. He was raised on the 
farm and inured to liai'd toil. Received a normal and academic 
education and afterwards studied for the profession of law, but 
owing to the deleterious effect produced upon his constitutional 
health from sedentary habits he abandoned the idea and never 
nuule application for admission to practice. During many con- 
secutive years subsequent to his twentieth year he worked on 
the farm during the spring, summer ajsd fall months and taught 
school during tjie winter. 

On April 6tli, 1852 Mr. Mann started on a six months journey 
from Columbus, O., with an ox team across the plains to the 
ijolden lands of the Eldorado of the far west. Arriving at 
the mining camps in Navada, on the South fork of the Eula 
River on tlie 6th day of Oct., 1852. At that time it was a great 
undertaking because it was a long tedious, tiresome and heart 
sickening journey. His return was in the winter of 1855, on 
steamers, by way of the Isthmus of Panama. 

In the spring, of 1865 he came viewing through Iowa. After 
traveling by foot and stage from Gelena 111., arrived, on March 
7th, at an uncle's by the name of John Mills, twelve miles North 
of Cedar Rapids. Through his uncle's solicitation and the loan 
of ahorse Mr Mann was induced to view Tama Countv, coming 
by the way of Yankee Grove, G. Taylor's and Mr. Felter's, the 
latter living about nine miles farther west and up Wolf Creek 
from Mr. Tavlor's. From these gentlemen he learned of Union 
Grove and to visit it was the desire of our tourist. The journey 
to the grove was one which is often experienced by the frontier 
traveler. The prairie over which the traveler passed was beauti- 
ful, and was the pleasure grounds of the deer, antelope and oth- 
er species of quadrupeds. Our tourist was led from his road by 
the desire to give the wild deer a chase whicli he per-chanced to 
meet and when he realized his whereabouts he was in the 



iLISrOrtli' UF TAilA COL'S i'Y. lo'i) 

darkness of the western horizon without shifter or cvt'ii ucoinpan- 
ion; but soon he came to a small lou- ca])in in Union CT-rovc and 
on inquiry found it to he tlie home of a liospitable pioneer, Air. 
Fredricks\ whose lionse he had sought through tlie (hirk and 
stormy night, 

Mr. Mann piircliased the land he now lives upon of tlie Gov- 
ernment, on the 15th day of January, A. D. 1855, situated near 
Union Grove. Since that time he has added thereto 210 acres 
making in all 530 acres. On this land he ^ has erected a tine, if 
not the finest tiirni residence in the County, at a cost of §5,000. 
He is the architect of his own fortune; never expecting anything 
from any man only that for which he gives a full and satisfactory 
equivalent. Through economy and incessant toil he has manag- 
ed to keep out of debt. 

Mr. Mann was married in his 21st year, on the 15th day of 
August, A. D., 1851 to Miss Sarah Allen, of one of the ni<ist re- 
spectable families of Muskingum County, Ohio. lie emigrated to 
Jackson County, Iowa, in April. 1856, and was elected to the 
ofHce of Magistrate two consecutive terms. lie moved into this 
County and settled on the land where he now lives, in the spring 
of 1866. Was elected to the office of Magistrate and served two 
terms. 

On Januarj^ 19th, A. D., 1877, he met with the sad misfortune 
of loosing an affectionate and confiding companion. 

He was nominated as representative in tlie State Legislatm-ein 
the fall of 1877, by the National Greenback and Democratic 
parties jointly. He made a strong and vigorous campaign and 
althougli ran against eleven-hundred majority it was reduced 
nearly seven-hundred He has always been found a defender of' 
the interests of labor. 

HON. W. a. MALTN. 

The subject of this sketch was born in BellnKtntCounty, < )]iio, 
March 7i;h, 1833. His youth and early manhood were spent in 
his native County, his time being employed chiefly as a farm 
laborer. 



KJO lllsroUV OF TAMA (JUL-NTY. 

His c'diicatioii was such as tho common schools of tlie State 
affi>i-iK'(l at that time. 

At tlic ..utbreak of tlie rebellion lie enlisted as a private soldier 
under Captain Frank Askew. Tlui eomjianv was assigned, 
a place in the loth O. V. T., then forming at Mansfield, Ohio. 

He was with his regiment in all of the campaigns of Guell 
and Rosecrans, commanders of the army of the Cumberhuid, 
and was sliglitly wounded at the battle of Shiloh, and severely 
wounded at the battle of Stone River, and at Chickamauga. At 
the latter place he was taken prisoner, and conveyed to Rich- 
mond, from thence to Anderson ville, Savamiah and Milan suc- 
cessively. At the latter place he was released on parol after hav- 
ing been held a prisoner of war fourteen months. Returned home 
and was discharged from the service at Columbus O., Jan. 12th, 
1865. 

He emigratL'd to Iowa in tlie fall of 1805, settled in Tama 
County and engaged in tarming. Was married in Jan., 1868. 
Was placed in nomination by the Anti-Monopoly party for the 
office of Representative in the State Legislature in 1873, and elect 
ed a member of the 15th General Assembly of the State of Iowa. 
Was renominated in 1875, and defeated by the Republican candi- 
date. He was nominated by the Greenback party for the office 
of State Senator in 1877, and again defeated. 

He still resides where he lirst settled in the state, four miles 
south of Tama City. 

JOHN W. FLEMINO. 

.lolm W. Fleming was born in Mitlin, County Pennsylvania 
Januai-y 12th, 1837. His parents were John and Mary (Wills) 
Flenn'ngs natives of that State. They were poor yet rich in 
faith and in their intercourse with the world ever endeavored to 
observe the golden rule. His father was a farmer, and when 
John was but 18 years of age he left home that he might learn 
the carpenter and cabinet business. P\)r a number of years he 
followed his chosen trade acquiring considerable skill in tlie work 

His education was limited to that of common schools; poverty 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY, 161 

was the obstacle that prevented him from becoming an eminent 
scholar. John was not that kind to 3'ield to trifles but im- 
])roved every spare moment in acquiring knowledge. 

On February loth, 1866, Mr. Fleming was married to Miss 
Jane E. Fleming, his cousin, and in a short time after maniage 
moved to this County, settling on land belonging to his father in 
Grant township, where he remained until after the death of his 
father. May 25th, 1868, when he removed to Buckingham town- 
ship settling upon a farm formerly occupied by P. Wilbur, near 
the town of Traer. He is well known to all residents of the 
County especially the older settlers, and enjoys the respect and 
confidence of all alike. Like the rest of the family, in politics, he 
is a Democrat of the old school, the principles of that party arc 
dear to him. Although never attaining any special prominence 
in political affairs, yet Mr. Fleming has been chosen at different 
times to represent his community as Supervisor, and other offices 
within the township. In every position he has endeavored to 
preform his duty faithfully. 

MA.r. T. S. FREE 

Among those who have been prominently identified in the his- 
tory of Tama County none deserves more honorable mention than 
Thomas S. Free. He was born in Ohio, were he resided with 
his parents until the spring of 1853, when his father and family 
came west and settled in this County, near Toledo. At this time 
Thomas was a lad of but thirteen, and coming to a new country 
where schools were ''like angels visits" few and far between, liis 
opportunity for education was somewhat limited. Though by hard 
work he managed to keep himself at school, and in 1860 entered 
the Iowa State University. While attending school the Pres- 
ident issued his call for one liundred thousand men to go to 
the front. Mr. Free, was among the first to respond to this call 
and immediately left school, came home to Toledo, and in Aug 
ust 1861, enlisted in company C, lOtli Iowa as a private, and was 
immediatelv off for war. While in the service, we can safely say 



l(i:2 IIISTOUY OK TA:\rA CulNTV. 

lliat not iiiaiiy vouiii^ luen were ])roir.ott'd to positions of honor 
us was Mr. Five, lie was tirstappointed Serii^eant jMajor, of the 
10th Iowa, afterwards, in order, to lirst Lieutenant Adjutant and 
Major of the 4:l»th U. S. C. 1. Served on stall" duty, as Judge Ad" 
vocate of the district of Mississippi, afterwards assigned to duty 
by order of the Secretary of war, as Assistant Inspector General ol 
the State of Mississippi. Discharged Man-h 22d,186(), after being in 
the service of the United States over live years, engaging in all 
the battles with the loth Iowa, up to the battle of Champion 
Hills, besides numerous others. 

Two years after, Mr. Free, returned home he was elected 
to the office of County Judge which he tilled with honor. And 
afterwards the office of County Auditor two and one half terms 
For a nuinbei- of years Mr. Free, has been in active law practice 
and is now, lu-side.-; doing a large I)usiness at law, acting as 
T'nited S ate Indian Agent for the Sac and Fox Indians, which 
appointment dates back to 1875. Mr. Free is liberal, enterpris- 
ing, and consequently successful, and stantls among the leading 
men of the County. 

DR. H. WELTON 

Was born in the State of Connecticut, town of Walcott, New 
Haven County, and while quite young, become a member of the 
i'lpiscopalian Church. Here he resided with his parents until 
rlu! year 1814 when they moved to Ilarperslield, New York, 
Delaware County, where they remained until the year 1817, when 
they again moved going to Austinburg, Ashtabula County, Ohio. 
After a few vears his father chanii^ed in relijj-ious belief to that 
of the Methodists and became a class leader. His house was 
a house of plenty for ministers, which gave his son Hiram an op- 
])ortunity to inform himself concerning this branch of the Church 
of Christ and together with the religions decipline of his parents 
their son was taught the salvation of his soul. 

When Hiram was 18 years of age he left home and spent three 
.years traveling in New York and Connecticut, and retimed 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 1^3 

home to Oliio. After a few years Hiram thoiiglit there was 
work for him in the vineyard of the Lord and accordingly devoted 
several years to this work. 

In 1855 he moved to Coles Connty 111., and remained sever- 
al years near the head of the Little Wabash, six miles west of 
Mattoon. In the year 1857, moved to the State of Iowa and set- 
tled in Carlton township, Tama County, on section 34. 

Mr. Welton has always been a hard working man, and is now 
carrying on a large farm, at the same time following the profes- 
sion of a doctor. By economy and energetic labor he has placed 
himself in comfortable circumstances, so that in his declinmg 
years he can pass cpiietly along, and wlien the summons shall 
come he can answer "here Lord am I.'' 

.TACOB W. LAMB. 

Among tlie successful young men of Tama County may fairly 
be placed the name of Jacob W, Lamb. It will be generally 
found that similar cases lead to like i-esults in whatever branch 
of human activity a man's genius and enterprise may be employ- 
ed. The essentials ot success are courage, patience and persever- 
ance. Success brings honor in every honest occupation, and 
when it is achieved by a young man it adds new pleasure. 

Tne subject of this sketch was born in Columbus, Ohio, in. 
1849, and is the son of D. C. and Rebecca (Walters) Lamb, who 
came to Tama County from Ohio, iu the spring of 1856 when 
there were few inhabitants and but little expectation that Tama 
County would be what it now is. Jacob's early life was that of a 
farm boy, and he attained only a common school education until 
1869, when he developed a taste for study and the acquirement of 
knowledge and shortly after entered the Iowa State University, 
where lie remained six years, receiving his degree of Bachelor of 
Philosophy, June 30th, 1875. xVfter receiving his diploma his 
ambition led him to choose law for his profession, and to this end 
commenced his studies in the law department at Iowa City, re- 
maining one year, June 20th, 1876, he received his degree of 



164 



HISTORY OF TAMA GOUXTV. 



bachelor of Law, and was admitted to practice in all the courts 
of the State at the State House in Des Moines. From that date 
Mr. Lamb has been in the law practice at Toledo, Tama County 
Iowa, and has built up a fiae business. His office is located on 
High Street over W. A. Fee's dry goods store, where he has 
nicely fitted up rooms and a large library. Mr. Lamb is known 
as a man of sterling integrity, decided character and untiring en- 
ergy, and has every proniise of a prosperous and honorable 
career. 



ANTHONY WILKINSON. 



One of tlie oldest families in the County is that of the Wilkin- 
sons—living in the south eastern part. Although none have ever 
occupied high official positions, they still have traits of character 
which distinguish them from others and are as highly respected 
as any living in the County. Anthony Wilkinson, with his par- 
ents, emigrated to this County in 1849, having left his native 
country in 1834. He was born in Ireland, Donegal County on 
July 28th, 1817. He resided with his parents until he was 14 
years of age then left and went to Maryland. Here he obtained 
a situation as clerk in a dry goods store, serving a number of years 
and from there went to Coshocton County, Ohio, and was appren^ 
ticed to the carpenter trade which lie learned and followed until 
tlie spring of 1845, when he went south and while there enlisted 
in the Mexican war, was taken prisoner by the Mexicans at En- 
cornation, and lay in captivity eight months; was liberated at 
Frankford. In 1849 he came to this State, stopping at Iowa 
City. Anthony and two brothers purchased an ox team and wag- 
on, laid in a supply of provisions and come to Tama Countv, 
and settled in Salt Creek township. Here they entered a tract 
of land in section 20, and immediately set to work making for 
themselves a home. 

In 1851, he returned to Ohio, and was married to Miss Sarah A. 
Grraham, by whom he had seven children. The members of the 
family all fill honorable positions in society. 



HISTORY OF TAMA OuUNTl 165 

Anthony Wilkinson is a self-made man in every respect. With 
a ver}' limited education obtained,trom a common school, but with 
a determined will and strong heart and hands, he has pressed 
forward t)vercouiiiig every obstacle that arose in his way. How- 
ever great the difficulties with which he ma}' be surrounded, he 
knows no such word as fail, and his example is worthy of emula- 
tion by the 3'oung men of to-day without a cent of capital. 
Through his own individual exertions, he has amassed a sufficient 
amount of this world's goods to enable him to live at ease until 
called away to join the loved ones that have gone before. He 
has always been a hard working, industrious man, having excel- 
lent physical powers and being capable of great endurance. 

Farming has been the principal occupatio.i of Mr. Wilkinson, 
and in this work he has been eminently successful. Through hard 
work and careful management he has from time to time added to 
liis possession, until he now owns as nice a tract of land as can 
be found in Tama County. For many years he has devoted con- 
siderable attention to raising line stock and in this has met with 
the same good success as in other operations of the farm. Al- 
though he may not have obtained the pronjinence of many others, 
Anthony Wilkinson is well known through out the County espe- 
cially by the older settlers, while none know him but to respect 
the sterling worth of his character. 

HON. WILLIAM HARTS0(;K. 

Early biographical history is largely tilled with the struggle of 
farmer's sons in procuring an education and laying the foundation 
for future usefulness. The brief History of Willian Hartsock, is 
aline illustration of what self-reliance can accomplish under dis- 
couraging circumstances. He was born in Knox County, Ohio 
on the 20th day of May, 1825, his parents being Henry and Ama 
(Cox,) Hartsock. They were both natives of Pennsylvania, and 
moved into Ohio at an early day, settling in Knox County, upcui 
a farm. When Williatn was twelve years of age his father real- 
izing the fact that an old settled country is not the place for a 



!(!<! IIISTOKY (»F TAMA CoL'NTy. 

pttor man. very wisely concluded to cniigTate to lilinois and 
settlein Green County of that State. William remained with his 
])arents upon the farm, aiding in clcarin^• and cultivating- it, hav- 
ing only educational privileges of very inferior district schools dur- 
ing the winter months until the year 1841, when lie came to this 
State and settled in Johnson County. Here he renuiined until the 
year 1S53, when he sold out and moved to Keokuk County, and 
settled upon a farm. 

While a resident of Keokuk County Mr. llartsock made many 
friends, and in the fall of 1867, was elected by the lu'publican 
party to the office of Representative by a large majorit}-; a position 
which he lield one term, giving satistaction to liis supporters. 

In the spring of 1870, Mr. llartsock and family came to this 
County and settled in Columbia township. Since that time he 
has been engaged in farming. 

Througliout his life he has maintained a hiuh standing; as a man 
of high moral tone, and in his habits have been strictly temperate 
and moderate having used neither tobacco or intoxicating liquors. 

Mr. llartsock, was first married to Miss Catherine E. Ileaton, 
with whom he lived until Nov. 24th, 1868, when she died; and in 
1869, he was married to Mrs. A. A. Bio-^s, a widow, who is his 
present wife. Mr. llartsock has a happy home with all the con- 
veniences of the modern farmer. 

D. C. LAMB. 

Among the early settlers of Tama County is D. C. Lamb a 
heavy farmer and stock raiser of Otter Creek township. Ohio is 
Mr. Lamb's native State having been born in that State on the 
4th day of March, 1820. He remained there assisting his father 
in business and attending school until the year 1841. When he 
had attained a majority he quit home to attend school at Grand- 
ville, Ohio. Here he remained for several years after which he 
followed teaching. 

In 1844 Mr. Lamb was married to Miss Rebecca Walters, with 
whom he lived until the year 1863, when she was called away 



HISTORY UF TAUX COUNTY. 107 

bv dentil. Four vears al'ter this Mr. Lamb was again married; 
Miss Mary 8lienlieit became his wife with whom he isnowUviiig. 

In 185f), Mr. Lamb came to this Conntv and settled in Otter 
('reek to\vn*^liip wliere he has a beautiful farm of over one thou- 
sand acres, the most of which is under improveninet. 

Such farmers and citizens as Mr. Lamb are a credit to any 
County and with pride we note the success which he has attained 
through ec(jnomy and good management. His dealings with 
men are of a strictly luniest character, which has attained for him 
a wide and creditable reputation, such that none but the honest 
and upright can boast. 

JAMES H. niiooKS. 

James TTaq^er Bi-ooks comes of good ])atriot!c iigiiting stock, 
both grandfathers were in the revolution. llis grandsire Har- 
per was a colonel; his grandsire Brooks a private. His parents 
were James Brooks, farmer, steamboat owner and contractor, 
and Mary Harper, industrious, well-to-do people residing at the 
time of the son's birth on the 3d of April, 1S29, at Conneaut, 
Ashtabula County, Ohio. His father was a private under Gener- 
al Harrison during the second contest with the mother country. 
James Harper made Ashtabula County his home until past age, 
although he was absent, more or less, nearly every year after 
sixteen. He tinislied his education at KingsVille Academy, in 
his native County. 

In his seventeenth year his father sent him to Illinois with two 
thousand sheep, the only assistance lie had was a hoy one year 
younger than himself. His eighteenth year he spent mainly on 
the farm at home. 

During the seasons of 1848 and 1849 he acted as clerk on the 
steamer Ohio, owned by his father, and run on Lake Erie. 

In the spring of 1851 Mr. Brooks moved to Kane County, 
Illinois; there farmed for three years, then took a contract on the 
Chicago & Northwestern railroad, furnishing the ties and some 
other wood-work for the track fi:om the Junction to Dixon. 



lOS HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

In the spnn<2; of 1856 he removed to Iowa, settling in Otter 
Creek township, Tama County, alternating between tanning and 
i-ailroading for ten or eleven years; most of this time, when off 
the farm, he was an employee rather than a contractor. 

In the spring of 1866 Mr. Brooks moved his family into the 
new village of Tama City, then springing up on the Northwest- 
ern railroad, two miles south of Toledo. He went on the Union 
Pacific railroad and spent fourteen months there as a contractor, 
in company with Lewis Carmichael, tlie work done being largely 
between the Black Hills and Ogden. The operati(jns of Mr. 
Brooks at this period were very successful. 

Since leaving the Union Pacific Mr. Brooks has done some 
heavv work on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad in Monroe 
County, Wisconsin, on the Baraboo division. 

Meantime he was also fanning, merchandising and banking, 
mainlv by proxy, and, strange to say, making a success of every 
branch. He has a thousand acres of land in this Count}^ all 
under good improvement, most of it cultivated by renters. He 
is of the firm of Brooks & Holmes, dry goods merchants at Tama 
City; the business being managed principally by his partner, 
Ryland A. Holmes, a promising young man, son of Rev. O. A. 
Holmes. This firm was formed two years ago, and is one of the 
largest and best in the place. 

Mr. Brooks has been in the banking business for seven 3'ears, 
aad is of the firm of Brooks & Moore at Traer, Tama County, 
and of Brooks & Moo/e Brothers at Reinbeck, Grundy Count}', 
both places on the Pacific branch of the Burlington, Cedar 
Rapids & Northern railroad. 

Mr. Brooks has great energy and pluck, usually pushing his 
business rather than allowing his business to push him. He has 
kept all the irons in the fire, but let none of them become over- 
heated. 

Laterly he has let others assume most of the laboi, and hav- 
ing a competency, he lives very much at his ease. He has one 
of the most delightful residences in the County, located in a two 
acre lot most tastefully embellished. The house alone cost 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 169 

twejity-five thonsand dollars, and the entire hoiiiestoad, as it 
stands, must be wortli nearly twice that sum. 

Mr. J3r(j(tks was in earlv life a wliiir: since 1S55 he has been 

tJ CI? ' 

a repu'olican ; is verj- decided in his political sentiments; is ready 
to help a worthy friend to office, hut has no aspirations himself 
in that direction. 

His wife was Miss Harriet Hartshorn, of Erie County, Pennsyl- 
vania. Mai-ried at Meadville on the 5th of December, 1850. 
Both are active members of the Baptist church, tilling their 
places and generously responding to the calls and requirements 
of the church, and of religious charitable objects generally. Few 
kinder hearted men live than James H. Brooks. He not oidy 
pities the poor and unfortunate, but is always ready to help them. 

Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have had two children, but lost one of 
them. Arthur Lee Brooks, their only living child, has a family, 
and is managing the h(jmefarm, paying particular attention to the 
stock department. He is energetic like his father, a hard worker 
and a young num of sterling worth. 

GEOKGE H. WARREN. 

Among the younger class of men whose names appear in this 
book is George Henry Warren, who was born in Withing- 
hani, Vermont, on the IStli of December, 1814. His parents 
"were Linus Austin Warren, a well-to-do farmer, and Sophronia 
Parker, both indu'^trious. leligious and much respected people. 
They had live chihlren. three boys and two girls, and stmve to 
bring up all of them carefully, early instilling into their tender 
hearts the pure principles of Christianity. George was the fourth 
child. His parental grandfather. Deacon James Warren, moved 
from Conway, Massachusetts, to Withingham at an early date, 
settling in the wilderness, and residing in that town until old 
age, dying at Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, where he lived a 
short time. The maternal grandfatiier of George H. was Captain 
Samuel Parker, of Whitingham, a revolutionary soldier, who, 
was detailed for special service under General Washington, with 



]7l> IirSTOUY (»F TAMA COUNTY. 

uhoiii lu' \v:is ji favorite. Bi)tli the Warren and Parker families 
were reiiKirkal»le for their streno-th and lono;evity. 

Mr. Warren had a pleasant home, atfectionate parents, a love 
for books and an oiiortimity to u-rutify it. He preferred mental 
to physical labor, and for that reason some of his bucolic associ- 
ates called him ''lazy," and that annoyed him; it was, perhaps, 
the sole grief of childhood years. He had so much literary am- 
bition that at fifteen he was prepared to teach, and commenced 
liis first district school. For three years he taught during the 
winter and studied in the summer. 

At eij-hteen he entered the old and famous academy at Shel- 
burne Falls, Massachusetts, paying his way by teaching a part 
of each day, while carrying on a regular and full course of studies 
At nineteen, owing to mental overwork, his health began to de- 
cline, and lie gave up the idea, fondly cherished, of going through 
P.i'own I'nivei'sity. lie became teller ( f the Shelburne Falls 
National Bnuk, and soon afterwards cashier of the same. Prior 
to this period he had been lookhig to the law as his profession, 
but relinquished this hope and made up his mind to be a banker. 
In the winter of 1868 he resigned his position i i the bank at 
Shelburne Falls, came to Tama City and carried on a private 
banking business until October, 1871, when the First National 
Bank of Tama City was organized, of which institution he has 
since held the position of cashier, and has managed its business 
with a great deal of clerical and executive ability. 

Since 1874 he has given a great deal of attention, and all the 
energy at his command, to the developement of the water-power 
on the Iowa river at Tama City. He is deeply impressed with 
the importance of encouraging manufactures at the west, as a 
hand-maid of railroads in embracing the true interests of all 
classes. The watei'-power enterprise, started here in 1874, has 
proven a grand success, several manufactories being already in 
operation. In 1875 he formed the Union Plow Co»^'pa:./, which 
bids fair to become one of the most successful enterprises in the 
interior of Iowa. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTS. 171 

He joined the Freemasons in Mussachusetts in 1867, and took 
the chapter degrees at Tama City, in 1870. 

He has been a member of the Baptist church since ten 3'ears 
of age, and has been accustomed from youth to make every busi- 
ness enterprise, project or charge of any kind, a subject of espe- 
cial prayer He is convinced that his petitions have been an- 
swered, and evidently believes his Heavenly Father regards the 
minutest as well as greatest interests of the trusting one's life. 
He is a Sunday School worker and aims to make liimself useful 
in many ways. 

Mr. Warren married his wife at Shelburne Falls, Massachu- 
setts, on the 14th of April, 1866, she being Miss Kate Louise 
Gardner, only child of Joseph W. Gardner, a celebrated cutlery 
manufacturer of England, and is a man of wealth and high 
standing. Mrs. Warren is the mother of two children. 

NATHAN C. WIETING. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Decatur, 
Otsego County, New York, June 8th, 1828. He is of German 
decent, his grandparents coming from Germany to the United 
States during the Revolutionary war. He is eldest son of John 
C. and Catharine Wieting, whose family consisted of nine chil- 
dren. His father was a farmer, and his son Nathan remained 
a*^^ home working on the farm until he was nineteen years of age, 
when he commenced teaching school to enable him to complete 
his studies at a Seihinary near his home, in which manner, al- 
ternating in teaching and attending school, he spent his time un- 
til about February, 1856. On the 10th day of April 1856 he 
came to Toledo, and cast his lot with the early settlers of this 
County, and has had an unbroken residence since that time. At 
the first term of the District Court after his arrival he was ad- 
mitted to the bar of Tama County and formed a partnership 
with T. Walter Jackson, in Toledo. At the fall election in 1856 
he was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the County under tlie 
old law, and served during his term. In politics being an ardent 



172 HISTOUY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



liopublicaii, he si^-iied the tirst call lor party orgaiiizaiioii, and 
assisted in the orgaiiizatioii of the party in 185(5. 

In the fall of ISoS he became ])ro}»rietor of the ''Toledo Tri- 
bune" and changed the name to the '-Iowa Transcript" and ably 
conducted its columns until the fall of 1806, when he retired 
from the editorship of the sanie. 

He was married to Miss Emily 11. Muckler, of Toledo, on 
December ith, 1858, and has one son, John Guy Wieting, born 
July 6th, 1873. 

In the spring of 1867 he entered into the mercantile business 
in Toledo and, continued in the same until the fall of 1876, 
when he closed out his business. In January 1878 at the solici- 
tation of many prominent Republicans he purchased the "Tama 
County InjKlependent'^ and changed the name to "Toledo 
Times" also the politics of the paper and is now conducting the 
same as a Republican organ in full sympathy with the princi[)les 
of the party. The paper is one of the permanent institutions of 
the County, edited and owned by one who has watched the 
growth and progress of our County for years, and who has been 
fully identified with the interests of the people and as an editor 
shows a continuous series of more years in the County than 
any editor among us. 

FRANK E. SMITH. 

While it is true that some men inherit greatness and others 
have greatness thrust upon them, a large number are architects 
of their own fortunes. The man of this stamp, self-reliant and 
courageous, building on principal and not on pedigree, start out 
with the idea that God helps those only who help themselves. 
He who has faith in his own powers, who isdilligent in his call- 
ing and has his heart in his work, is on the road to success. By 
this direct rout the subject of this brief notice reached his present 
high position as book-keeper, and to a good degree, business man- 
ager in the Toledo City Bank. He is a native of Ohio, and was 
born in that State in Seneca County town of Republic, on the 17th 



TIISTOEY or TAMA COUNT'S. 173 

day of May, 1848, and is the son of G. G. and A. Z. (Cov^ey) 
Smith. Jlis father was a mechanic and farmer. 

Frank E. remained at home with his parents attending school 
until the year 1864, when he ({uit home and went to Sandusky 
Ohio, and eidisted as a private in the 191st Oliio, and wenttothe 
armv — thonii'h but sixteen years of at^e, hv his earnest soHcita- 
tion he was permitted to enter, after which he was with his regi- 
ment from 1864 until the close of the war. 

In the fall of 1865, Mr. Smith emigrated to this State and set- 
tled in Garden Grove, Decatur County, From that time to 1867 
he spent his time attending school and teaching. During the 
next four years he clerked for D. & A. B. Stearns, and in 1871 
he attended the Commercial College at Pittsburgh, graduated 
and received his diploma. During 1S7'2 he was book-keeper for 
the firm of Boyle, Woodbury & Boyle. In 1873 he taught the 
Intermediate Department of tlie school at Garden Grove. He 
lived ill Garden Grove until the year 1874 \4^heii he moved to To- 
ledo, Iowa, where he remained in the Land and Loan office of 
Nelson & Barker, as book-keeper, until May, 1878, when he relin- 
quished his position in that office to accept the place of assistant 
cashier of the Toledo City Bank, of Toledo Iowa. In so doing 
he gave up one of the best clerkships in the County, and one 
which he filled for several 3'ear8. The proprietors of the City 
Bank have good reason to congratulate themselves on securing 
the services of so competent an assistant. In his business trans- 
actions he has shown himself to be a man of first-class business 
qualifications, and an indefatigable worker. As a book-keeper 
he has earned the enviable reputation of being one of the best 
in this part of the State. His books are models of neatness and 
accuracy. 

HON. GAMALIEL .JAQUA. 

The suiiject of this brief note is a native of Ohio, and was 
born in that State, Preble County, December 30th, 1828. His 
parents were both natives of New York and emigrated tf» Ohio 
at a very early day settliifg upon a farm. 



174 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

Gaiimliel remained at home with his parents assisting in tann- 
ing and attending district school until eighteen years of age. At 
this age he had acquired a sufticient amount of knowledge to 
make scliool teaching his business during the winter months, 
attended school during the summer until he had attained his ma- 
jority Mr. Jaqua was appointed County Examiner of teach- 
ers of Preble County, Ohio. This position he tilled with honor 
to himself and the County. Shortly after this he was elected 
County Superintendent of public schools, and tilled the office for 
several years. 

In the year 1856, Mr. Jaqua emigrated to this State and locat- 
edin Buckingham township, this County. For a number of years 
after locating; here, besides attending to the duties of his farm, he 
was engaged in teaching the Buckingham schools. 

In the year 1866 he was elected a member of the Board of 
Supervisors tilling the office for a number of years giving satis- 
faction to all, and be^des this Mr. Jaqua has tilled several of the 
various township offices. 

In the 3^ear 1875 Mr. Jaqua was elected a member of the 
House of Representatives by the Republican party, and tilled 
the office two terms, to the satisfaction of his numerous friends 
and supporters. 

Since Mr. Jaqua has been a resident of this County, he has 
gathered about him a host of friends and has proven himself in 
the eyes of tlie people, an honorable and valuable citizen. His 
farm is located about one mile north of Traer, where he has one 
of the iinest and most convenient homes in the County. 



CHAPTER XYII. 



NEWSPAPER ENTERPRISE. 



A history of the County without mention of its newspapers 
would be incomplete — like the play of Hamlet with the part of 
Hamlet left out. We therefore make mention in our history of 
such as were easily obtainable. The first paper in the County 
was 

Tfte Toledo Tribune. — Tliis paper was established in the 
year 1856, the first issue making its appearance April 21st, with 
M. V. B. Kenton, editor. In politics it was independent, though 
leaning somewhat toward Republicanism, and in size was a ^ix 
column folio. Mr. Kenton remained connected with the paper 
only a short time, when he disposed of it to H. T. Baldy, and T. 
W. Jackson, and returned to Ohio, from whence he came. 

The paper had a growing circulation and the merchants of 
the town done all in their power, in the way of advertising, to 
make it a success. On August 23d, 18G5, the paper passed into 
the hands of George Sowers, now one of the proprietors of the 
"Marshall Times" and E. B. Bolens, who run the paper until 
Oct. 28th, 1858, when the paper again changed hands to N. C. 
Wieting the present editor of the ' 'Toledo Times" who changed 
its name to the Iowa Transcript. After publishing but a few 
issues, Mr. Wieting disposed of one half interest to J. T. Staley. 
The paper was run with good success for a number of months 



176 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY, 



under their management when Staley disposed of his interest, 
and J. F. Farley became partially interested, remaining but a 
short time. In Nov., 1S66, Mr. Wieting removed the office to 
Belle Plaine, la., where he disposed of it shortly afterwards to 
Nixon iSc Yarham who after running it about eight months sold it 
toS. S. Farrington, who published it for a while; theii the material 
passed into the hands of D. H. Frost, the present proprietor of the 
£elle Plaine Union where no doubt some of the material is 
used to this day. 

The Tama County RepuUican.—T\\\^ paper was established 
at Toledo in 1867, by J. T. Rice, who published it a short time 
when J. T. Stewart bought an interest. Stewart however did 
not remain connected with the paper very long. He disposed of 
his iiiterest, and on July 17th, 1867, M. B. C. True became inter- 
ested. The pai)er was run under the management of these gen- 
tlenum but a few months, when Mr. True became sole proprietor. 
In 1870 Mr. True leased the office to Warren Ilarman, who 
changed its name to the Toledo Chronicle, and run the paper 
untilJan. 1st, 1874, when J. B. Hedge, its present proprietor, 
bought the office of Mr. True. AVe now iind it in the beginning 
of the year 1878, alai-ge nine column paper tilled with interesting 
aiuj profitable reading matter, and with an advertising patronage 
that betokens prosperity, and that the family of its edi- 
tor can have and enjoy a little more than the bare necessaries of 
life. 

The Chronicle has lately added to its office a new job press, and 
now boasts of doing its work a little faster and a little better than 
its neighbors. The job office is complete, and work of all kinds, 
from a visiting card to a mammoth poster or a large book, can 
be printed in the best style. Mr. Hedge is determined not to be 
out-done in any way, and will not rest until he is in advance of 
all his neighbors in that wliich goes to make a first-class printing 
office, and a neat readable paper. It is Republican in politics. 

Orford Weekly ZerZ_(7er— Established in the year 1868, and 
was the first paper pubfished in the town of Orford, now Montour. 
It was edited and published by W. M. Patrick, and was a lively 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 17T 

little paper, well printed, and an honor to the town. The first 
few issues show that its editor was very sanguine of success. Of 
course no paper could live in as small a town as Montour was then 
and naturally met the fate of the frog in the fable that endeav- 
ored to swell its proportions to the size of an ox, .and in doing so 
burst itself; we therefore learn that in a short time it ceased to 
exist. 

The Tama County Liheral. — A nine column paper established 
during the campaign of 1872, and run in the interest of the Demo 
cratic party, with L. G-. Kinne as editor. This paper was print_ 
ed at Marshalltown, and had only an existence of 5 or 6 months. 
Its editor, Mr. Kinne is one of the best local and plitical writers 
in the State, and while it existed done good work for the party. 

The Tama County Independent. — This was an Independent 
eight colunjn paper established by R. Reichman. July 4th, 1874, 
it made its first appearance. It supported the anti-monopoly 
party, and contributed largely to the election of the candidates on 
that ticket iu Tama County, that tall. Mr. Reichman managed 
the paper up to August 1st, 1S77, wlien it went into the hands 
of S. W. Grove, now editor of the Tama County Democrat 
who leased the ofiice and run it a few months, when it again pass- 
ed into Mr. Reichman's hands who shortly after sold the ofiice to 
N^, C. Wieting. The ofiice of the Pennmans Heljp^ owned by 
Mr. Will Clark, was then united with it and a partnership formed 
by Messrs Wieting ife Clark, and the name changed b\' them 
t(t the Toledo Tlm,es. After the orfice passed into 

Messrs Weiting & Clark's hands it was largely restocked with new 
type, etc., and to-day is a forty-eight column quarto always 
clearly and neatly printed. It enjoys a large circulation, and is 
a welcome visitor in man}' a home in the far west, where it is 
eagerly read by former inhabitants of this County. The propri- 
etors claim to have three hundred subscribers more than any 
other paper in the County and to be unexcelled in any class o* 
job work. 

The chief feature of this paper is its excellence as a local and 
family newspaper. Nothing is ever permitted to appear either in 



178 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

its editorial or advertising columns wliicli may not be read by any 
family circle or at any fireside. It has a good advertising patron- 
age and stands on its own merits. It is well known for its short 
and spicy pai-agraphs, and is more widely quoted from than any 
paper in the 43ounty. In politics, Republican. 

The Tama County Union.— By Cyrus B. Ingham, was estab- 
lished in the year, 1866, the first issue making its appearance 
April 26th, of that 3'ear. It was devoted to home interests, liter- 
ary, agricultural and general news, free from party cliques. This 
paper was the first one pubHshed at the town of luka, now Tama 
City, with C. B. Ingham and C. E. Heath, editors. The follow- 
ing tnotto appeared under its head. 

•'O seize on truth where'er its found, 

Anions your friends, anionj? your foes, 
On christian or on Heatlien Kiownd, 
The plant's divine where'er it grows". 
The paper was a six Column folio, and while under their man- 
agement met with good success, both in advertising and in circu- 
lation. In the first issue appears the names of many who are 
still in business in Tama City. Among them we can mention 
Thomas Murray, dry goo.ls; M. C. Murdough, agricultural im- 
plements, dry goods etc; James Bi-ice Jr., groceries; Thomas 
Whitaker, produce dealer and Wm. Corns M. D. The paper 
was conducted by them some two years then went into the hands 
of W, G. Cambridge, who changed the heading of the paper to 
The Tama Citizen, and enlarged it to an eight column paper. 
During his management the paper was well supported, having a 
■good circulation both in the County and out. After running the 
paper until the latter part of 1875, Mr. Cambridge stopped issu- 
ing it on account of ill health, and a few months after the 
material was sold to F. J. M. Wonser, and on October 8th, 1875, 
the paper was enlarged to nine columns and issued under the 
head of The Tama Herald. The paper at present is managed by 
Mr. Wonser, he being the editor and proprietor, and receives 
good support both at home and abroad. From time to time Mr. 
Wonser has added to the material new styles of type, until 
now he owns a very fine ofiice. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTl . 179 

The Tama City Press. — In consequence of the expression of 
the political views of the Rejniblican papers in the County, the 
Democrats in Tama City and vicinity were desirous of establish- 
ing a Democratic paper, and S. M. Chapman, father of the pub- 
lisher of this work, was persuaded to embark in the enterprise, 
and under the above name the first number was issued, January 
1st, 1874. 

After publishing but a few issues the paper was turned over 
to J. B. Spafford and W. S. Mesmer, who issued it for a number 
of months, but, on account of want of capital these gentleman 
soon withdrew, and the paper went back into its iirst owners 
hands, who again resumed the responsibility of publishing it. 
He afterwards sold an interest to S. W. Grove, the present edi- 
itor of the Tama County Democrat., and the paper was en- 
larged to a six column quarto, published every Friday morning by 
Chapman & Grove, with good success having a large circulation 
and advertising medium, until in the latter part of 1875, when it 
passed into the hands of J. B. Chapman, son of S. M. Chapman; 
who run the paper, making it one ot the official papers of the 
County, until the latter part of 1877, when the material was sold 
to J. G. Strong and removed to Grundy Center. 

The Tama County Democrat. — This paper is published every 
week by S. W. Grove. The first issue made its appearance April 
12th, 1878. The paper is a six column folio, well printed and 
newsy sheet. Its editor, Mr. Grove is a spicy local writer and his 
paper is read by many. In politics it is Democratic and works 
for the advancement of tliat part^^ Connected with the office is 
a job department, from which is turned out good work. 

The Traer Star. — This paper was established at Traer in 1878, 
by Elmer E. Taylor, and its first issue made its appearance May 
1st, of that year. It is a five column folio, filled with interesting 
and profitable reading matter, and with an advertising patronage 
that betokens prosperity. Its editor though young in years, is a 
public spirited and enterprising young man, and deserves suc- 
cess. 

The People's Fciend. — We have been unable to find a copy of 



180 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

this i)aper, or learn any special information in re<i'ard to it, fur- 
ther than it was i)iiblished by an erratic genius, who knew more 
about "table-tipping" than running a newspaper. The Friend only 
lived a few months, the people of Chelsea and vicinity failing to 
render it the neccessary aid to keep it before the people. 

The Dysart Reporter. — This is a seven column folio established 
in 1878, byT. N. Ives, and is the first paper published in the 
town of Dysart; the first number of which bears date of March 
20th, 1878. Its editor and proprietor, Mr. Ives, is publishmg one 
among the finest papers in the County, is well printed and is an 
honor to the town. It has a good advertising patronage and a 
laige circulation for the time it has been in existence. It is an 
Independent advocator. 

Tfte Penman'' s Help. — This paper was established at Toledo, 
in March, 1877, and is devoted to the interests of penmen, and 
penmanship, by Will Clark. In April, 1879, the name was 
changed to Album of Pen Art, improved in appearance and is 
now an eight page semi-monthly, a well printed and edited sheet. 
Mr. Clark informs us that its circulation extends to thirty-two 
States of the Union, as well as to Canada, New Brunswick and 
Nova Scotia. 

The Traer Clipper, — Was established by Bernard Murphy, in 
1874. Mr. M. being a fine editor and a printer met with good 
success and his paper was liked by all. He had a good advertis- 
ing patronage, and d(me much in building up the place. It was 
an eight column folio, and made its first appearance, January 1st 
1874. Mr. M. managed the paper until August 16th, 1876, when 
it passed into the hands of Averill Bros & Beatty, who enlarg- 
ed it January 1st, 1877, to nine columns and printed it all at 
home. In the fall of 1878, Averill Bros bought Beatty's inter- 
est and published the paper in their own name making it one 
of the official papers of the County. 

Like many other newspapers, the Clipper has had its ups and 
downs, its seasons of prosperity and seasons of adversity, but it 
continued to toil on looking forward to the better day coming 
until the night of December 24th, 1878, when from some cause 



HISTORY OF TAiVIA COUNTY. 181 

it was destiw-ed by tire. Its proprietors though somewhat dis- 
couraged soon liad new presses and material on iiand. The pa- 
per continued under their management until July, 1879, when it 
passed into the hands of Hon. James Wilson, James Morrison, 
and R. H. Moore, the present managers. 



CHAPTER XYIIL 

KELIoHOUS. 

In seeking a new home at the present day the question is al- 
most invariably asked as to what are the religious iniluences in 
the community to which it is desired to emigrate. A communi- 
ty in which the school house and the church find a special recog- 
nition will always be selected in preference to tlie one in whicli 
tliese are not found. Men of the world recognize the fact that 
educational and Christian institutions are the hand-maids of gen- 
eral thrift and prosperity. Improvements in the manners, tastes 
and moral status of the people, follow closel}' the preaching of 
the gospel. The following, says Ford in his history of Illinois, 
and it is the same everywhere: 

"As to the practice of attending church on Sunday, I am con- 
fident that it produces these efiects, the improvement in dress, 
manners, etc. I have observed very carefully in the'course of 
thirty-five years spent upon the frontier, that in those neighbor- 
hoods where the people habitually neglect to attend pubhc wor- 
ship on Sunday, such improvements rarely, if ever, take place. 
In such places, the young people feel no pride, and do not desire 
improvement. Tliey scarcely ever throw aside their every-day 
rough apparel to dress up neat and clean on Sunday. 

On that day the young men are seen with uncombed hair, un- 
shaved beards, and mashed linen, strolling in the woods hunting. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNT'S. 182 

1 

or on the race course, or at a grocery* contracting Laltits of in- 
toxication, or lounging sullenly and laj'.i'ly at home. The young 
women, in ap])earance, dress, manners and intelligence, are the 
tit companions for their brcthers. Sunday to them brings no 
bright skies. ■ no I •gladness, no lively or cheerful tlioughts, no 
spirits renovated by mixing in the sober, decent, .quiet, but gay 
assemblage of youth and beauty. Their .week of labor is not 
cheered b}' anticipations of the gay and bi-ight ftte with whidi it 
is to close. Labor through the week is to them a drudgery, and 
is performed with surliness and grudgery, and their Sabbaths ai'e 
spent in heedless, sleepy stupidity. The young people of both 
sexes are without selt-respect and are conscious of not deserving 
the respect of others. They feel a crushing and withering sense 
of meaness and inferiority, minoled with an envious maliornitv 
towards all excellence in others who exhibit an ambition for im- 
provement. Such iieighborhoods are pretty certain tu breed up 
a rough, vicious ill-mannered and ill-natured race of men and 
women." 

The early settlements of this County were es])ecially blessed 
in respect to religious influences. The sound of the hammers 
used in the erection of the lirst cabius had hardly died away be- 
fore the minister of the gospel made his appearance. As record- 
ed elsewhere a few families settled in the neighborhood of the 
presenttownof Traer inl852; here Rev. S.W. Ingham, a Methodist 
minister, in May, 1853. effected the first religious organization, at 
the house of Normon L. Osborn. in Tama County and preached 
the first sermon at that time. This organization was called the 
Tama Mission, with Ira Taylor as class Leader. Their first 
quarterly meeting was held on November 26th. 1853 at the house 
of Zebedee Rush, near Toledo. Thev built the first church in 
the summer of 1857 at Toledo. 

Elder Ingham is still a resident of this County and is a hard 
working, zealous Christain, who has sp'ent much time in laboring 
for his Master. For man}' years he traveled from settlement to 
settlement in this County, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
He was instrumental in orga)iizing many of the Methodist 



184 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

churches in this Coutity and his name is held in greatful reinem- 
berance by all who has had the pleasure of foi-anng his acquaint- 
ance. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

While other denominations lagged in the work, the Methodist 
have pushed boldly on, holding their meetings in public halls, 
school houses, private dwellings or any place where the people 
could be brought together to hear the proclamation of the gos- 
pel. Whatever may be said of the religious views of this de- 
nomination its zeal is to be commended, and the fact that its 
members are zealous workers. 

The first church was built in Toledo, at a cost of nearly $3,200 
and a membership of thirteen. The church from that time to 
the present has been in a very prosperous condition and at this 
writing, February 12tli, 1879, its members number one-hundred 
and twenty. The^church building a few years ago was partially 
rebuilt and refitted at a cost of $1,500, and now the members 
worship in a vast and commodious chapel. 

The pastors in charge, since 1857, have been Revs. D. H.Peter- 
iish, W. N. Brown, S. Dunton, C. Babcock, J. J. Kelly, S. W. 
Ingham, B. Swearinger, D. C. Worts, D. H. Mallory, S. A Lee, 
J. S. Eberheart, E. N. Earheart, F. M. Roberts, W. B. Frazelle 
and the present pastor H. H. Green, who is now serving his 
third year here. The church stands upon the corner of Broad- 
way and Ohio Streets, and in connection with the church is a 
beautiful parsonage, in the same yard, built of brick, two stories 
high, with eight fine rooms, wardrobes etc., which is occupied 
by the pastor. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF TAMA CITY. 

The first meetings of this branch were held in luka, at the 
old school house in the north part of town. These meetings 
were conducted by Rev. D. M. Mallory. In 1865 a societ}^ was 
organized with the following members: W. T. Hollen and wife, 
Mrs. M. Soleman, F. J. M. Wonser and wife, J. W. Mclntire 
and wife, C. King and wife, L. Merchant, and Mr. Grist. The 
next year a church structure was erected in the north west part 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 185 

of town on the corner of Eightli and Seigel Steets, at a cost of 
S4,200. It was a good frame bnilding, thirty feet wide and tifty 
feet long, with a baseu.'ent which was used for school purposes. 
In 1S62 the building was renioved from this site to its .pres- 
ent location on the corner of State and Sixth Streets. After tlie 
building was moved it was rebuilt and refitted at a large expense 
and nowisa large and commodious place of worship. The growth 
of the society has been moderate, and at present the membership 
numbers one hundred. The following are those having served 
as pastors: Revs. D. M. Mallory, J. Todd, R. M. Wade, A. 
Critchfield, J. G. Wilkinson, M. T. Smedley, L. CatHn, E. S. 
Bargelt, S. B. Warner, and the present pastor is B. C. Barns. 
A good Sunday School is held in connection with the church, with 
Mr. Mahana as Superintendent, and an average attendance of 
one hundred and forty. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF TRAER. 

This Church was organized in 1853, with a small membership, 
at Buckingliam. After which services was held in the school 
house, at Buckingham until the year 1868, when a church house 
was erected. This denomination continued to hold services at 
this place, building up the cause and doing a good work for the 
master until the year 1871:, when the church was moved to Traer. 
After the church was moved it was greatly improved, and to a 
good extent rebuilt, and now the people of Trear and vicinity 
worship in a fine church house, with Rev. M. H. Smitli, as their 
pastor. The present membership is about one hundred and 
twenty. There is a fine Sunday Scliool in connection which num 
bers about one hundred and fifteen scholars. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF MONTOUR. 

In the year 1854, this society was organized at Indiantown, by 
Rev. S. Dunton, an old pioneer preacher. Services were held in 
the school house at Indiantown, until the town of Montour was 
located where it afterwards met. From this date services were 
held in the Town Hall until the year 1874, when a church 
house was erected at a cost of $3,000. The building is a fine 
frame structure thirty-two feet wide and sixty feet long. On July 



186 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

26tli, 1874, it was dedicated l)y the Rev. J. W. Clinton. The 
Church is now in good standing with a membership of forty- 
seven and Rev, S. N. Howard, pastor. In connection with the 
it there is a tine Sninhiy School with an average attendance of 
eighty. L. I3ingham, Superintendent. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF DYSAKT. 

This organization is also quite old, it being organized before 
the town was laid out. When tlie town was established, the 
denomination having no church, services were held in a wagon 
sliop in the north west part of the town. In the year 1874. a 
church was erected and dedicated by Rev. E. Holland, as- 
sisted by Rev. A. R. Shinner. A good Sunday School is held in 
connection with the Church. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF HOWARD TOWNSHIP. 

This society has been in existence foi- a long time, and 
until quite i-ecently has been without a house of worship, hold 
ing their services in the various school houses of the township. 
At present the people of this township have a neat and commodi- 
ous house of worship, with a fine Sunday School in C(mnection. 

PRESBYTERIANS. 

This eminent respectable bodj^ of evangelical christians were 
the third to establish its cause in this County. 

A sufficient number of former members of this body having 
settled in Crystal tf)wnship, in the early part of the year 1855, it 
was determined to effect an organization, and the Rev. W. J. 
Lyons, of Blackhawk C<iunty, was invited here for that purpose. 
A meeting was called at the house of J. S. Townsend, where he 
organized the first Presbyterian Church in the County, with fit- 
teen members. Mr. Lyon continued laboring with this congre- 
gation for some years preaching frequently in vai'ious parts of the 
County. 

Although not an aggressive b<Kly, the Presbyterians in this 
County have continued steadily to grow, until they now num- 
ber several hundred. In the order of their organization we ap- 
pend sketches of each congregation, begiiming first with Salera 
Church of Crystal township. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COnNTY. 187 

SALEM CHURCH. 

Tlie Presbyterian Church of Crystal townsliip was tlie first of 
that denoniination in the County, and was organized in 1856, 
tliree years after the County was organized. The organization 
took place at the residence of J. S. Townsend, who is yet a resi- 
dent of the township. At this time fifeen persons became 
members of the societj*. Services were held at different places 
in the neighborliood each Sunday, for a number of years until a 
church building was erected and given the above name. The 
society at this writing is in a prosperous condition, with Kev. 
James Stickle as pastor. The membership at present numbers 
fifty-six. 

TOLEDO CHURCH. 

This Church was oi*2;anized about the vear 1859, with fifteen 
members, by Rev. L. Dodd. In the year 1862, ahouseof worship 
was erected at a cost of $1,600. From time to time the church 
has been repaired and refitted until now it is a neat place of wor- 
ship. This organization is also under the care of Rev. James 
Stickle. The present membership is fifty-two. A large Sunday 
School is held in connection with the society. 

ROCK CREEK CHURCH. 

At an early daj^ services were held at the residence of James 
Laughlin, by Rev. J. S. Mason, although no permanent organi- 
zation existed until a church building was erected in the year 
1865. This church is located in Carlton township, and is known 
as, the Rock Creek Church. The present membership is forty. 
A good Sunday School is in connection with the Church which 
averages about thirty members. 

DYSART CHURCH. 

The Presbyterian society of this place was organized at Yan- 
kee Grove, Benton County, in the year 1860. When the town 
of Dysart was established the congregation changed its place of 
worship to that town. In the year 1873 a church was built at a 
cost of $3,000, which was dedicated by Rev. S. Phelps, assisted 
by Rev. D. L. Hughes, who has labored with the congregation 
from that time to the present, and is a well known and well edu- 



188 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

cated minister of that denoiiiination. A Sundav School whicli 
avoraofes about forty ineinbers is in successful opei-ation with the 
Church, and has Rev. Mr. Huglios as Superintendent. 

TllANQUILrrY CHURCH. 

This churcli is located in the south western corner of Perry 
township in a fine Scotch settlement. In the year 187^-5, the 
congregation erected a frame church at a cost of about $1,200, 
and was dedicated by Rev. L. Dodd. A. Sunday School is con- 
nected with the Church which is in successful working order. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF TOLEDO. 

The first Congregational Churcli of Toledo was organized in 
December, ISSi, with eleven members. Three years after, a 
fine church was erected on the corner of East and State Streets, 
30x45, with a large basement which for a number of years after 
wards was used for school purposes. It was in this basement 
the publisher of this work learned to read and write. The build- 
ing when completed cost $3,000. The first pastor, Mr. Wood- 
ward was among the pioneer ministers of the County, and did 
much to estal)]ish the good cause here. It is but a few years 
since this eminent minister passed to the other shore, and left 
many sorrowing hearts and the seed of his good works which 
liave sprung up a monument to his name. 

The meiubership, at present numbers seventy-five. In con- 
nection with this is a prosperous Sabbath School. 

MONTOUR CHURCH. 

The Congregational Church of Montour was organized at 
Indiantown, June 10th, 1855, by Rev. T. M. Skinner, with the 
following members: J. M. Bradley and wife; J. E. and O. Cun- 
ningham, Mrs. Abbott, Miss. Lucy and Carolina Helm and J. 
Moore. Services were held in the school house at this place un- 
til a church building was erected at Montour,in 1868, when the 
society clianged their place of worship to the new building. The 
society now numbers sixty-two members. Rev. C. C. Adams is 
the present pastor, and also superintendent of the Sunday 
School which is a good one. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



189 



TRAER CHTJRCH. 

In 1857 llie settlers of this part of the County, feelinej the need 
of divine worship, obtained the assistance of Rev. J. H. Lpton, 
a minister of this denomination who labored with them for two 
years, and was followed by Rev. Emerson who remained until 
September, 1863, when he was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Roherts 
who labored with the Cf^ngregation for a number of years. In 
1866-7 a church was built an Buckingham, which cost about 
$5,000 and was dedicated in June, 1867, by Rev. D. Myers. 
When tlie town of Traer was established the church was moved 
to that place in September, 1874. After the building had been 
moved and fitted up Rev. C. II. Bissell became pastor and still 
remains with the congregation. The membership at present is 
about one-hundred. 

BAPTIST CHUECH OF TAIVIA CITY. 

Tin's society was organized in 1869 by Rev, L. L. Gage, with 
the following members: L. Carmicliael and wife. Miss Ella 
Carmichael, J. H. Brooks and wife, J. H. Lewis and wife, C. R- 
Veber and wife, J. Herbage and wife, S. W. Cole, G. H. War- 
ren and G. E. Maxwell. The next year, 1870 a fine brick church 
building was erected on the corner of State and Seventh Streets, 
forty feet wide and fifty feet long, at a cost of $6,000. The 
house at present is in good repair and aflPords a neat and commo- 
dious house of worship. The membership is now one hundred 
and fifty. The following persons have served as pastors since 
the organization: Revs. L. L. Gage. T. W. Powell and the 
present pastor Rev. O. A. Holmes. Mr. Holmes has labored 
with the congregation nearly nine years. He is a zealous chris- 
tian and is doing much for the cause of Christianity. In connec- 
tion with the Church is a large Sunday School that has an aver- 
age attendance of about one hundred and twenty-five, with G. E. 
Higley, Superintendent. 

BAPTIST CHURCH OF TOLEDO. 

The first Baptist Church of Toledo w^as organized January- 18th, 
1856, with fourteen members, by Rev. G. G. Edwards. About 
the year 1860 a church house was built at a cost of nearly $2,000. 



190 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. , 

At present there are eighty persons in full connection with the 
Church, with Rev. IT. A. Brown as their pastor. Mr. Brown 
lias been at the head of this society ever since the year 1865 and 
his labor in Toledo has been blessed with the richest tokens of 
divine favors. 

UNITED PBESBYTERIANS AT TRAEK. 

In the year 1878, this denomination erected one of the finest 
churches in the County. The building is a brick structure valu- 
ed at $7,000. A very tall and beautifully proportioned steeple 
arises from the front end, towers far above the surrounding build- 
ings and within hangs an immense bell. The audience room is 
neat and commodious, well furnished and artistically painted, 
with a capacity of seating several hundred people. The present 
pastor is Rev. Livingston. 

CHRISTAIN CHURCH OF TOLEDO. 

This organization was effected in 1865, and had six membei'S. 
Rev. A. Cordner as pastor. In the following year a good frame 
building was erected at a cost of about $1,700. The various 
pastors employed by this congregation from time to time have 
been Rev A. Cordner, E. J. Stanley, A. II. Mulkey, J. A. 
Wilson, O. li. Derry, L. Lane and the present pastor Rev. A. 
Cordner, of Tama Citv. The present membership is about six- 
ty-five. A good Sunday School is in connection with the church, 
averaging about forty scholars. 

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF TAMA COUNTY. 

Five congregations exist in this County, viz; at Toledo, Tama 
City, Chelsea and two in Otter Creek township. In these con- 
gregations there has been a special effort made to build up their 
cause, and at present there are over one hundred and fifty fami- 
lies, at an average of five persons to the family, making seven 
hundred and fifty members in connection with their Churches. 
The first society was organized at Toledo, with twenty members. 
In 1861, a church was built at the same place, and now the mem- 
bership is over one hundred. 

TAMA CITY CHURCH. 

The Catholic Church of Tama City was organized in 1874, by 



HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 191 

Rev. Fatlier McCabe, and the following year a fine clmrch was 
built in tlie northeast part of town, where services are held every 
two weeks. Hev. Mr. McCabe officiated for about three years 
and was succeeded by Father O'Tarrell who remained one year. 
The present pastor is Rev. Father Meagher. The church finan- 
cially is in good condition; the whole property is valued at $5,000 
The average attendance in the Sunda}^ School is about eighty. 

CHELSEA AND OTTER CREEK CHURCHES. 

These congregations are officiated over by Rev. Father 
Zleipsic. The churches are well attended and good Sunday 
School in connection. 

UNION CHURCH. 

This Church was built at Eureka, in the year 1866, by the 
people of Richland township, and given the above name. As 
its name signifies it was not built for one special denomination 
but holds its door open for all that are of the true christain re- 
ligion. 

FREE WILL BAPTISTS OF TOLEDO. 

This societv was orgamized in 1865, and this same vear a church 
building was erected. For a while the Church was quite pros- 
perous having a large membership, but at present the member- 
ship is but thirty. There is no regular pastor at present. 

UNITED BRETHERN OF TOLEDO. 

In the year 1873, this society was organized at Toledo, l)y 
Elder M, Bowman, who preached the first sermon. In 1874 a 
magnificent church edifice was erected on Church Street near 
the business portion of the town, at a cost of nearly $6,000. 
Many interesting and profitable meetings have been held at this 
church. The present membership is sixty, with Rev. J. P. Wil- 
son leader. A large Sunday School is held in connection with 
the Church which is in a prosperous condition. The following 
named persons have served as pastors: Revs. M. Bowman, C. 
Ivephart, M. R. Drury. 

BADGER HILL CHURCH, 

This Church was organized October 22nd, 1877, and in 1879 



102 IIISTOKY OF TAMA OOUNrV. 

a fine chnrcli building was ereeterl at that point. Tlie attend- 
ance is large. 

CHURCir OF OOD. 

The Church of God was organized at West Irving, October 
13th, 1877, and a church building was erected the same year at 
a cost of about $2,000, and is beautifull}' located. The mem- 
bership is large. 

There are other temporary: organizations which we might men- 
tion, butjspace will not permit. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The progress in this County is nowhere better illustrated than 
in connection with our public schools. In the early day good 
schools were like "angels visits, few and far between" audit was 
considered very fortunate indeed if an opportunity was offered 
for obtaining even the rudiments of a common school education. 
A person competent to teach the three branches commonly 
and sarcastically spoken of as "Reading 'Riting and 'Rith- 
metic," could seldom be obtained. Some of the few scattered 
settlements could not afford to employ a teacher, and were there- 
fore compelled to do without, or send their children through the 
timber, or across the prairie to some more fortunate settlement 
where a school was in operation. The writer is personally ac- 
quainted with some who were sent a distance of four to six miles, 
walking the entire distance, morning and evening, of each day, in 
order that they might avail themselves of the opportunity of ac- 
quiring a little knowledge of their mother tongue, and thus tit 
themselves for the duties of life. How different now, in every 
township there are from seven to nine schools in successful oper- 
ation; competent teachers are employed, many of whom have 
spent years in fitting themselves for their vocation, and who make 
teaching a profession, by preparing themselves as thoroughly for 
this work as the lawyer, doctor, or divine are presumed to do. 



194: HISTORY OF TAMA COL'NTY. 

In tliose (lays a log house or sluiiity was erected, on some of 
the settlers land probably 10x12, with but one window, a suuiU 
door way, cut thix>ugh the logs at the most convenient place for 
the teacher and scholars to come in at, while the furniture consist- 
ed of slab seats for the scholars, a three legged stool and a hazel 
oi- hickory rod for the teacher. As for books, but few were needed 
the less the better; as the teacher could get along the more read- 
ily. The walls of the school room were decorated by the artistic 
hands of the scholars, with drawings of tlie teacher, instead of be- 
ing hung witli such beautiful and instructive maps, as are now 
found in all our school buildings. 

Instead of the beautiful specimens of penmanship now-a-days- 
set tor children to copy, teachers were then employed who 
in many instance, could scarcely write their own names. Altogeth- 
er in the light of to-day, the schools of twenty and twenty-tive 
years ago were very dreary afiairs. 

By law the sixteenth section of every township was to be used 
for school purposes, but there being little or no sale for land, and 
the government price of $1.25 per acre, being all that could be 
realized from its sale, the income to be derived from them, am- 
ounted to but little. Subscription schools, therefore, had to be de- 
pended upon. 

Among the fii-st schools opened in the County, was one in 
Buckingham township, in the summer of ISoi, and taught by 
Mrs. Rachel Wood. The first school house paid for from the 
public treasury was built in the spring of 1856. From this time 
f )rward the people began to avail themselves of the privileges of 
the school law, but not until the last few yeai-s was any remark- 
able progress made. 

The school statistics of the County are an interesting study. 
"We find there are, between the ages of five and twenty-one years, 
7,379 persojis. There were enrolled during the year 1878, 6,067 
pupils in the various schools, shc^'ing that 1,712 of the number of 
those of school age, were kept altogether from the schools; but 
notwithstanding there are but eight females and seven males. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 195 

between the age of twelve and twenty-one tliat are unable to read 
or write. 

There are 172 school lionses having a total value of $139,538, 
There was raised for all school i)urposes during the year 1878 in 
tax, and from other sources $86,360.46 of which $23,736.40 were 
paid teachers; $14,^02.13 paid for school houses and sites; rent 
and repairs $5,085.65; fuel $4,730.77; records, dictionaries and ap- 
paratus $244.82; insurance $356.60; janitors $773.43; for other 
purposes $3,960.13; on bonds and interest $2,327.05; and some 
other expenses which added to the above will inake a total ex- 
penditure forschool purposes of $53,416.98 with a balance on hand 
of $32,943.48. The average wages paid male teacher out side of 
Tama City, Toledo, Traer, Dysart, and Montour, are about $30 
per month, and female teachers $24.37. The highest salary paid 
any male teacher was $111.10 per month, tlie lowest salary, $25. 
Tlie highest paid any female teacher was $50 "lowest $20 per 
month. The number of first grade certificates granted during 
1878, were ninety-four; second grade 19'8; third grade 86; There 
were 278 applicants for certificates, of whom 157 were females. 

There are now some fine schools in Tama County, among 
which are the graded schools of Tama City, Traer, Toledo, and 
Montour all of which are in line operation and doing much for 
the cause of education, and many young gentlemen and ladies 
have graduated from these institutions, who are now occupying 
honorable positions in life. The public schools at Toledo are 
under the management of Prof J. J. Andrews; at Tama City, 
Prof. F. B. Gault; at Montour, Prof. W. H. Black, and at 
Traer, Prof, W. H. Brinkerhoff. All of these gentlemen are 
men of rare educational ability, and are doing much in their indi- 
vidual schools for the education of the young and are making Tama 
County's graded schools as fine as any in the State of Iowa. 

In the year 1878 a fine school house was erected at Dysart and 
ere long this school will rank with the rest. 

THE NORMAL INSTITUTE. 

In 1874 the Normal Institute of this County was organized at 
Toledo, for the benefit of those engaged in teaching, by Prof A. 



106 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

II. Sterrett. This year the Noniuil Institute opened August list, 
by order of II. A. Brown, County Superintendent, in the public 
scliool buildin<^ at Toledo, continuing until September 7th, with a 
fine corps of teachers consisting of Profs, J. J. Andrews, W. II. 
Black, C. A. Wessell, F. B. Gault, and Mrs. A. N. Sterrett. 
The institution has a valuable reputation and great pains are tak- 
en to make it a thorough work, and of lasting benefit to 
the teachers. 



CHAPTER XX. 

POOK FARM, farmers' MUTUAL AID COMPANY AND POLITICAL. 

Ever since the organization of the County, the unfortunate, the 
inlirin and the poor have been generously and humanely provid- 
ed for by the County under the management and direction 
of the County Supervisors. When the management of County 
affairs passed into the hands of Supervisors, they with the 
township Trustees became agents for the care of the poor with 
power to provide for their wants, and supply them with all need- 
ed necessaries. The accounts foi which were submitted to the 
full Board at stated periods, duly audited and ordered to be paid 
out of the proper funds. 

At the general election 1875, the proposition was submitted to 
the voters for the purchase of a poor farm and the erection of 
necessary buildings, etc. At this election, the proposition pre- 
vailed by a large majority and the Board of Supervisors proceed- 
ed to purchase, of A. J. Wheaton, a tract of one hundred and fif- 
ty acres of land on section two, township eighty-three, range fif- 
teen, and pay therefor the sum of $6,750, to be paid out of the 
Poor Farm fund as follows: $500 upon the execution and deliv- 
ering of a good warrantee deed from A, J . Wheaton and wife, to 
Tama County, Iowa, and $3,125, on or before the first day of 
March, 1877, and $3,125 on or before the first day of Novem- 
ber, 1877, and the County Auditor was authorized to draw 
warrants on the Poor Farm fund to pay for said farm as above 



198 HISTOKV or TAMA rOFNTY. 

Stated. The contract for i-e-iuoddlinii' and enlarging tlie building 
was awarded to the Tama Ihdraulic and Bnildejs Association 
of Tauia City, for §4,084. (55, while Kent and Conklin, were 
the architects. The entire bnihling is in height two stories; 
the an^hitectural design is modern and very neat, giving the build- 
ing an apjjearance of beauty and comfort, with an eight3'-four 
foot front, and large wings u[)on the nortli and west. Upon the 
second floor, or sleeping department, are twenty pleasant rooms 
with closets, wardrobes and halls, while the first floor contains 
the dining hall, a large and pleasant room, situated in the south 
east corner with a large kitchen u])on the west; and upon the north 
comieeted with a large hall leading from the dining room and 
kitchen, ai'e the rooms occupied by the overseers, Mr. and Mrs. 
Cliilds. This appartment contains a pai'lor or sitting room, 
several bed rooms, with wardrobes etc., making it a pleasant 
home for its occupants, while in the entire building there are 
thirty-six rooms. 

The building is built upon a high elevation and stands in 
a beautifully decorated yard, enclosed by a neat and substantial 
fence. From this point a fine view of the surrounding country 
can be obtained. The farm is w(dl fenced, and stocked in good 
style, and has all the latest impi-ovements. No doubt, ei-e long, this 
will be a self supporting institution. January 1st, 1879, Tama 
County was supporting twenty-six paupers at thC' Poor Farm, 
under the supervision of A. Child, who tocdv posession De- 
cendjer 1st, 1876. 

THE farmers' mutual AID COMPANY 

This company is a County organization formed for the purpose 
of protecting its members against loss of property by fire or light- 
ning. At a meetins: held at White Pigeon School House in 



"!=) 



Carlton township, March 11th, 1873, a company was organ- 
ized known as the Farmers' Mutual Aid Company of Tama 
County, Iowa, offering insurance to all in the County, with the 
exception of towns and houses in the inunediate vicinity of towns. 
The business headquarters are at Toledo. 

March 11th, 1873, L. F. Ham mitt was elected President; D. 



HISTORY OF TA]MA COUNTY. 



199 



n. Patterson, Secretary and Saniuol Giger, Treasurer. Tliese 
gentlemen served one year, wlien their successors were elected. 

The company has been in successful operation from the time of 
its organization, and on December 31st, 187S, it was carrying- 
risks to the amount of $1,032, 141. 00 which speaks well for the 
organization. In the year 1878 the company paid losses to the 
amount of $1,816.55. Total expense for the year, including the 
expenses of running the company, losses paid etc., $1,992.51. 

This is a home institution and one that should meet the approval 
and support of every inhabitant of Tama Count}^ Persons wish- 
ing to carry insurance can do so in this company much less than 
in other companies, and by doing so support a home institution. 
The present officers are Franklin Davis, President; D. McCor- 
mick, Secretary; J. B. M. Bishop, Treasurer. 

POLITICAL. 

Politically, Tama C(ninty has always been classed auK^ng the 
Republican Counties. During the exciting Presidential campaign 
of 1856, party lines wei'e distinctly drawn. The Bepublicans re- 
mained in p(.)wer, lilling the various County otiices, until 1873, 
when the anti-Monopoly party sprang into existence and by 
uniting with the Democrats, they elected all their ticket but one 
officer. In 1871-, there was a triangular fight; three parties 
in the field. Democratic, Republican, and Independent, the or- 
ganization known as the anti-Monopoly party having been aban- 
doned or merged into the Independent. About seven-eighths 
of the regular vote was polled, the Republicans for most of the 
Count}^ offices being successful. In 1876 success in \'ariiius 
States gave the Democracy increased hope and being thorougldy 
organized came out under the old name. Certain abuses in the 
administration of the civil service of the country gave the party 
a chance to demand a change, and under the cry of "Reform" 
they went into the canvass with a determination to win, and 
joined in a union ticket with the third party wdiich was now 
known as the Greenback party. 

TJie tickets M^ere good ones. The union ticket elected their 
candidate for Sheriff and the Republicans the balance. 



200 HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

For the past few 3'ears in conseqnense of closeness the differ- 
ent canvasses have been very warm, and in general men of un- 
questionable pers(Mial character liave been' ^nominated, each 
party trusting tlie ])ersonal ])opularity of its nominee would in- 
sure success. 



CHAPTER XXL 

TOLEDO. 

When Peter McRoberts erected his log cabin near the present 
site of the school building on tlie corner of Green and Carlton 
Streets in Toledo, little did he think there would spring up 
around it a busy little city with all its various industries. Time 
in its unceasing round brings many changes, and the wild prairie 
land, with its beautiful flowers waiting tlieir sweet perfume 
upon every breeze, is now dotted over witli home-like residences, 
fi-oiii the lowly cottage to the stately mansion. Elegant build- 
ings, tilled with products gathered from the entire world, surround 
a beautiful temple of justice, while the S(mnd of the hammer 
and hum of the machinery are heard upon every hand. 

Having a population which entitled them to the benefit of tlie 
act which authorized the organization of counties, in the year 
1S53 the citizens of Tama County petitioned for an organization and 
in the fall of this year, Hon. James P. Carlton, District 
Judge, of the Fourth Judicial District, appointed J. M. Furger- 
son of Marshall County and JR. B. Ogden of Poweshiek County, 
commissioners to locate a seat of justice f )rtliis County. They 
met at the house of J. C. Vermilya, on October 20tli of that 
year and proceeded to choose a suitable location. They first 
examined a quarter section near Bruner's Mill, adjoining Monti- 
cello, a village in Howard township, but not receiving sufficient in- 



203 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



ducement in donation of lands, tliey concluded to look farther. 
The next place tlioy examined was a part of the farm sur- 
rounding the residence of Mr. Franklin Davis, a half mile north 
of its present northern boundary. The location being a very fine 
one they offered to take less land for its location here than they 
demanded before. Mr. Davis not being inclined to donate any of 
his land for that purpose, thy next came and located it upon its 
present site, receiving donations in land tor that purpose as pre- 
viously described in a former chapter of this work. 

The first sale of lots in the town were made very soon after (and 
quite a nvniber resL'rved for donation, ) from which was realize.] a 
a large sum of mi)ne_y. The erection of ousiness and d.velling 
houses immediately commenced. In the fall of this year John 
Zehrung erected the lirst store building in the place, on the lot 
now occupied by J. W. Coe as a shoemaker and harness sho]). 
The building was a small frame affair about 18x20. The stc^ck, 
says our informant, contained in that store was a wonder to be- 
hold^ A conglomeration of almost everything that could be 
thought of in the mercantile trade, and still added to its mess 
was the post oftice in the same rojm. John Nixon and Lewis 
Merchant shortly after erected a building to be used for o-eneral 
trade. About this time a Mr. Mitchell opened a tavern a little 
south of E. E. Stickney's present hotel. This was a snuxU log 
house with but two or three rooms and they poorly furnished. 
The culinary department was well represented with various wild 
meats and good wholeson^e food. 

As time ])assed the place rapidly increased and every one was 
looking forward to a l)right future. During court week the set- 
tlers would gather hi the town, and of course, as it was custom- 
ary in those days upon the frontier to drink, many would indulge, 
just for a little fun. 

In 1866 the town of Toledo was incorporated as a city of the 
tliird class, and at the first election the following gentlemen were 
chosen f.r officers: Mayor, W. F. J(»hnston; Recorder, S. C. 
Rogers; Marshal, S. O. Bishop; Attorney, A. Stoddard; Assessor, 
A. 11. Lawrence; Treasurer, Trustees, D. D. Appel 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 203 

gate, N. Bates, W. II. Harrison, G. W. Free, Sr. and L. Wells. 
Tliese gentlemen were elected for the term of one year. It 
has now been thirteen years since its organization, and in that 
time no city of its size has made more permanent improvement 
and none enjoy a better repntation. Its credit has always been 
at par and its bonds wonld doubtless command a premium. This 
shows conclusively that the financiering of the city fathers has 
been excellent. A glance at the list of officers given in this 
article, will show a good reason for this state of affairs. 

Notwithstanding tlie city has never been ])rodigal in its expen- 
ditures it has yet never been niggardly. Improvements are con- 
stantly being made. During the past year, (1878) several fine 
buildings have been erected, and numerous other minor improve- 
ments such as decorating yards, erecting street lamps, etc. which 
add large!}- to the beauty of the place. There is also a well or- 
ganized fire department. It has so far in its existence been very 
fortunate in escaping the ravages of the lire fiend, but there is 
always danger and that danger we can say, is well guarded 
against, with an excellent and well conducted fire company, 
with an engine and a large amount of hose. The town also has 
built three very large cisterns and an unusually large well, to use 
in case of fire. 

The sanitary condition of the citv has alwavs been excellent. 
The Board of Health, has always consisted of the best physi- 
cian, representing various medical schools, with the Mayor as an 
ex-orhcio member. 

In rehition to the financial standimj: of the citv, we mav •'■'^av it 
never has to go abroad for aid, capitalists at home are ever ready 
and willing to advance all that is needed. 

The town is not on an}' direct railroad, but connected with the 
Chicago & Northwestern by a branch roai running from Tama 
City, two and one-half miles south, operated by the Northwest- 
ern company. This gives an outlet for transportation and 
tends to make Toledo a good trading -point. No town in the 
County can boast of finer public buildings. Among which \Ve 



204 HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY, 

moiitioii the Court IImuso, Public School building, business blocks 
jail, cliurches, etc. 

The new school house, built in 1ST8, is the pride of the citj, 
It is a large and handsome structure, with accommodations for 
about eight hundred pupils. It is situated on the corner of 
Green and Carlton Streets, and known as the Toledo Public 
School. When completed and furnished it was estimated to 
have cost about $20,000. It is 71x72 feet on the ground ex- 
clusive of the old part or wing. It is three stories high, besides 
the basement, and is built of brick, with a stone foundation. 
The lirst and second floors contain three school-rooms each. 
There is also a room in the tower for the Principal in which is 
kept tlie apparatus. The third floor contains a large hall, which 
is used as a society room, or other purposes as may be seen fit. 
There are also on the first and second floors good roomy closets 
or wardrobes provided with hooks for hanging clothes, packages, 
etc. The basementis fitted up for a play room with the exception 
of a room large enough for the fuel. 

The entrance is made at the tower, through two large double 
doors, and also another at the end of the wide hall extending 
through the building from north to south. The stairs leading to 
the second floor are double, one flight on both north and 
south side of a small hal! running east aud west. Tiie roof is 
entirely covered with slate and tin. The rooms and halls are all 
wainscoted with Georgia pine — a specie of ]»iiie which is almost 
as hard as oak. 

The school is now made up of six departments First, Second 
and third Primary, Intermediate, Grammar, and High SchooL 
This is a matter in which the citizens of the town take an special 
pride. For many years there has been employed by the Board 
of directors none but teachers with first class certificates. On 
the completion of the school building in the fall of 1878, Prof. 
Andrews, who has been in the employ of the Board, took charge 
of the schools in the new building and since that time he has 
made some changes for the good of the school. The course of 
study has been as thorough as in any of the academies of the 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 205 

State. Prof. Andrews still continues as superintendent and has 
succeeded in a perfect organization of every department, giving 
entire satisfaction to the people. 

The fL)liowing is a complete list of those filling the various 
city offices from its organization up to the present year 1879: 

1866.— W. F. Johnston, Mayor; S. C. Rogers, Recorder; S. 

O. Bishop, Marshal; Treasurer; A. Stoddard, Attorney; 

A. H. Lawrence, Assessor; D. D. Appelgate, N. Bates, G. W. 
Free, Sr., L. Wells, Wm. H. Harrison, Trsutees. 

1867.— P. B. McCullough, Mayor; T. S. Free, Recorder; S. O. 
Bishop, Marshal; J. H. Struble, Treasurer; T. J. Rice, Attorney; 
T. H. Graham, Assessor; J. N. Springer, E. Gallion, Geo. W. 
Free, C. G. Buttkereit, J. S. Moore, Trustees. 

1868. — J. ]^. Springei', Mayor; J. R. McClaskey, Recorder; 

R. C. AVilson, John Thede, Marshals; Attorney, Silas 

McClain, Assessor; Geo. W. Free, Jr., H Galley, P. G. Wiet- 
ing, J. Q. Clark, D. Stoner, Trustees. 

1869. — II. Galley, Mayor; J. D. Newcomer, Recorder; John 

Thede, Marshal; Wm. H. Allen, Treasurer; Attorney; 

Silas McClain, Assessor; C. C. Guilford, C. G, Buttkereit, Smith 
Newcomer, L. Clark, L. B. Xelson, Trustees. 

1870. — Alford Phillips, Mayor; J. D. Newcomer, Recorder; 
C. S. Bailey, Marshal; A. J. Free, Treasurer; C. 11. Crawford, 
Attorney; Wm. Reickholf, Assessor; W. N. Brown, W. H. Har- 
rison, J. N. Springer, N. C. Wieting, C. W. Hyatt, Trustees. 

1871. — Alford Phillips, Mayor; J. D. Newcomer, Recorder; 
C. S. Bailey, Marshal; L. Wells, Street C(jramissioner; A. J. Free 
Treasurer; L. G. Kinne, Attorney; J. H. Struble, Assessor; C. 
W. Conant, R. H. Frazee, H. Galley, L. B. Nelson, N. C. 
Wieting, Trustees. 

1872. — L. B. Nelson, Mayor; J. D. Newcomer. Recorder; W. 
E. Appelgate, Marshal; Luke Wells, Street Commissioner; H. 
Galley, Treasurer; G. H. Goodrich, Attorney; C. W. Conant, 
Assessor; J. Q. Clark, L. G. Kinne, A. J. Free, Benj. Stone, 
P. G. Wieting, Trustees. 

1873. — L. B. Nelson and L. G. Kinne, Mayors; G. L. Bailey, 



20(5 HISTOIIV ("F TA:\rA COUNTY. 

Rec'dnler; W. E. Appclijate. Marshal; N. C. Wieting, Street 
Coiiniiissioner; Smith Newcomer, Treasurei-; J. W. Willett, At- 
toriu'v; AV. II. Aldeii, Assessor; J. Q. Clark, P. G. Wietijig, B. 
Stone, J. G. SaUev, C. W. Coiiaut, Trustees. 

1.ST4:.- — Thomas S. Free, Mayor; Geo, L. Bailey, Recorder; 
B. I>. Iloiighkirk, C. S. Jerome, Marshals; J. H. Bates, Street 
Commissioner; Geo. M. Berger, Treasurer; J. W. Willett, At- 
torney; E. M. Bielby, Assessor; J, G. Satley, R. IT, Frazee, C. 
W. Conant, W, C. Walters, K Fisher. Trustees. 

1875. — D. D. A])])elgate, Mayor; TL S. Bradshaw, Recorder; 
J. IT. I)ates, Marshal; J, IT. Bates, Street Commissioner; ('. E. 
Olney, Treasurer: J. W. Willet, Attorney; E. M. T3ielby, As- 
sessor; David Arh, G. IT. Goodri^-li, W. X. Tlrovvn, S. Stig(;r, 
P. G. Wietiiig, Trustees. 

187^. — E. C. Ebersole, Mayor; II. S. T]radshaw, Recorder; 
J. W. Coe, W. IT. Blakely, Marshals, J. IT. Bates, Street Com- 
missioner; C. E. Gluey, Treasurer; M. Austin, Attorney; O. F. 
Elmer, Assessor; G. M. Berger, IT. Galley, J. M. Camery, J. S. 
Moore, S. Stiger, Trustees. 

1877.— E. C. Ebersole, Mayor; J. W. Willett, Recorder; J. IT. 
Bates. Marshal and Street Commissioner; A. IT. Sterrett, Treas- 
urer; H. S. Bradshaw, Attorney; (). F. Elmer, Assessor; J. S. 
Moore, L(mis Loujjee, J. M. Camery, D. Spaytli. Jas. B. Hedge 
Trustees. 

1878.— L. G. Kinne, Mayor; T. E. Smith, Recordei-; J. TT. 
Bates, Marshal; A. IT Srerrett, Treasurer; M. Austin, Attorney; 
O. F. Elmer, Assessor; J. Q. Clark, G. M. Rogers, IT. Wagner, 
B.Stone, J. S. M(jore, Ti-ustees. 

1879. — L. G. Kinne, Mayor; II. J. Stiger, Recorder; E. J. 
Cannon, Marshal; C. E. Olney, Treasurer; M. Austin, Attorney; 
E. M. Biell)y, Assessor; W. C. Walters, L. Loupee, R. S. Clark, 
B. Stone, II. Wagner, F. Junker, Trustees. 

Tlie following are amoni!; the leading business men of the 
place. 

Dr. II. ^Y. Boynton., PhysiGia?!. and Sicrgeon. — This emi- 
nent ])liysician is one (>f Toledo's sucessful men, and is having 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 207 

a successful practice in iiiediciuc and surgery. By close study 
and thorough pi-actical demonstrations he has attained that skill 
which marks him master of his profession. He can always be 
found at his residence on Church Street, Toledo, Tama County, 
Iowa. Below will be found a short but creditable biography of 
his pi'ogress through life. 

Mr. Boynton is a native of the State of New York. He came 
to Iowa in the year 1861, and in the same year 'began the study of 
medicine and surgery in the office of Dr. John Conaway, a 
prominent physician of Brooklyn, Ptjweshiek County, Iowa. 
In August, lS<i3, he left his studies, went to Iowa City and enlist- 
ed for the war as a private in tlie 28th Iowa Infantry, Yolunteers, 
which was fully organized in barracks at Camp Pope awaiting 
orders to move south. Shortly after enlistment he was promot- 
ed to Hospital Steward of his regiment, which position he lield 
until the regiment was discharged at the close of the war. Af- 
ter discharged from services he pursued the study of medicine 
and surgery until he graduated at the Albany Medical College, 
New York, December 2-Ith, 1806. Immediately after finishing 
his studies he returned to Iowa where he practiced his profession 
nearly four years at La Porte City, Iowa, then moved to Toledo, 
Tama County, Iowa, in 1870, where he has since followed his 
profession with ability and suceess making Surgery a speciality. 
In 1872, he was ajipointed United States Examining Surgeon for 
Pensions for Tama C(junty, which appointment he held until he 
resigned in 1876, on account of temporary absence from the 
County. He is a member of tlie Iowa State Medical Society and 
President of the Tama County Medical Association. 

J. W. Kreminah, Boots mid Shoes. — This gentleman has been 
a resident of Toledo but a short time coming here in 1878, 
and yet by energy, good management and skillful work has 
already built up an extensive business and has gained a good 
name for integrity and is classed among the liberal merchants of 
the city. He is located on Broadway, where he has one of the 
neatest stores and stocks in the town. He is a practical work- 
man, having followed the trade since a boy, and meets with a 



208 HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

larii'o patronage from all classes of citizons in custom made goods 
of wiiich he makes a speciality. 

J. M. Camery cjfe Son^ Hardware and Agricultural linjple- 
■)yienU.—\\\ 1870, these gentlemen established themselves in 
Toledo, and during the past nine years have met with more than 
average success. Their machinery in which they deal consists of 
all kinds of farm implements, Deere &Co's., plowsand cultivators 
Keystone plows, Buckeye seeders, tbrwhich they are agents. They 
also handle all kinds of field and garden seeds, and are doing an ex- 
tensive business in hardware, carrying one of the largest stocks 
in the County. We may also say in this branch of their busi- 
ness they handle the best quality of goods. Store at the corner 
of High and Main Streets. 

Ilomer 8. Bradshaw, Laio and CollecMon Office. — For the 
past eight years the above named gentleman has been well known 
to the citizens of Toledo, and vicinity, and in fact, over the entire 
County. In the year 1871, Mr. Bradshaw came to Toledo from 
Mechanicsville, Iowa, where he had been employed for a number 
of years as principal of the public schools, and engaged in the 
practice of law; since which date he has been having a compara- 
tively good practice and has proven himself of more than average 
legal ability and is now ranked am<jng the leading practitioners 
of the County. His office is in Nelson & Barker's Real Estate and 
Loan office, wdiere lie has a good hbrary. He has a legal knowl- 
edge that only can be attained by close study and large prac- 
tice. 

B. Stone., Grocer etc. — This gentleman's success goes to show 
what may be attained by the majority of persf)ns if they are in- 
dustrious, persevering and enterprising. Mr. stone has been in 
this city for a great many years, and since 1872, in the 
grocery business, during which time he has been cautious 
and careful, and always attending to the wants of his cus- 
tomers, ever striving to please those from whom he receives 
patronage. This is tlie correct method of conducting busi- 
ness, in our opinion, and has proven successful in most cases 
when closely followed. It has, however, in the case of Mr. Stone 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTl . 209 

as to-dav lie is rewarded with a large and growing business. 
Store on the corner of High antl Broadway. 

W. W. Souster, M. D. — One of the leading and largely pat- 
ronized medical practitioners of Toledo is the above named gentle- 
man. He practices Homo^pathy fully believing that this system 
of practice is the right one for the successful treatment of the vari- 
ous ills which liesh is heir to. His business was established in 
this city in 1873, shortly after graduating. Since this date he 
has succeeded in securing a large proii table practice being a gentle- 
man of acknowledged ability and well educated in the medical 
profession. He enjoys the confidence of the community in which 
he resides and follows the profession of his choice and we niay 
say truthfully that it would be difficult to find a more genial, and 
social gentleman than Mr. Souster. Office over Mr. Stigers drug 
store. 

William. Reickhoff^ Ahstracter. — This gentleman is one of 
Toledo's most respected citizens, and one who has the confidence 
of the people in business transactions. He is classed among the 
oldest inhabitants, having resided in the place since 1862. For 
a number of years after Mr. Rieckhoff came to Toledo he was 
engaijed at blacksmithino; which business he followed until 1872 
when he sold his shop and engaged in the law and real estate 
business. In the fall of 1875, began al)stracting and still con- 
tinues at that business. Mr. Rieckhoff has a fine set of abstract 
books, and any one wishing anything in his line will do well io 
call (^n him at his office in Toledo. 

Bailey ds Austin^ Attorneys at Law and Loan Agents. — Al- 
though the above firm has not been established as long as some 
others in the city, yet all will admit that each member has become 
popular and proven himself well posted in the intracacies of law. 
The former gentleman is well known in the County having resid- 
ed in the vicinity of Toledo for a great many years, while the latter 
has resided in Toledo since 1874:. They form a valuable co- 
partnership, and we have no hesitation in saying that they are 
classed among our most reputable lawj-ers. They do a general 



210 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

practice, bat from wliat we can learn, Mr. Austin has principally 
siiown his aptitude for criminal law. 

H. Galley^ Dry Goods. — One of the foremost dry goods houses 
ill Toledo is that conducted by the above gentleman, on the 
south side of High street. It was established in ISTl, and since 
then has held a leading position. Mr. Gallej" handles all kinds 
of dry goods and notions, oil cloths, upholstery goods, boots and 
shoes. In every article he holds a leading position, and 
has become well known for his line quality of goods. Mr. Gal- 
ley is one of the oldest settlers of Toledo settling here in 1858, 
and ever since that date has been in the dry goods trade, and is 
well known all over the County as a straight forward and honor- 
able citizen and tradesman. 

G. 11. Goodrich, Attorney at Law. — In 1800 this gentleman 
came to Tama County from Essex County, Mass. and in the fol- 
lowing year established business at Toledo. From that time he 
held an extensive practice, both at Toledo and various other 
towns in the Countv, until afew weeks ago when he moved to Mar- 
shall County, and settled in Marshalltown. Mr. Goodrich, is a well 
educated gentleman and thoroughly understands law in all its 
branches; his gentle manners and reliable character makes 
it very pleasant to do business with him. Persons wishing any- 
thing in his business will do well to call upon him. 

J. N. Springer., Drugs and Medicines. — The above named 
gentleman has now been in our inidst for fourteen years and has 
been in the drug business since 1870, and has become one of our 
permanent business men. He is located on High Street south 
of the Court House where he has l)uilt up a large and increas- 
ing business. Drugs, medicines, perfumeries, toilet goods, fancy 
articles, cigars, tobacco are among his stock, and in which he does 
a large business. Mr. Springer is also a practicing physician 
and is well known throughout tlie County, as one of our best 
read and educated physicians. 

Henry 'Wagner., Harness Manufacturer. — For the past ten 
years this gentleman has been well known to our citizens, having 
been a resident of Toledo during that time, hence takes rank as 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 211 

one of our leading business men. Since 1S72, he has been in 
business, and is the largest manufacturer and dealer in harness, 
collars, trunks, valises, ladj's side saddles, horse brushes etc., 
of any firm in the County. He is a practical workman, and. 
during his business career has distinguished himself for selling a 
good quality of goods. All persons will do well to call upon Mr. 
Wagner when in need of any thing in his line at his store on 
High Street. 

T. K. Armstrong^ Drugs and Medicines. — Every dispenser of 
drugs should, to om- mind, be a cautious and well educated person 
to avoid the very serious and often times fatal mistakes that may 
occur by incompetent individuals. In the above named 
gentleman, Toledo has a cautious dispenser of medicines, and 
one whose education eminently qualifies him for this position. 
Mr. Armstrong has been a resident of Toledo since 1860, and 
from that date has been in the drug business. He deals in the 
best goods and is practically and well known as a leading dis- 
pensing druggist. His store is located on Broadway, east of the 
Court House, where he may always be found ready to wait upon 

J. S. Jfoore, Photographer. — This gentleman came to this 
County and settled in Toledo in 1857, which makes him one of 
Toledo's old settlers, and one who, since becoming a resident, has 
done nuich for the building up of the town. In 1860 he estab- 
lished himself in tiie above business in which he still continues, 
giving entire satisfaction to all his patrons. His work is of the 
finest quality and it is really a treat t(j take a look through his 
gallery, examining the various specijnens of work on exhibition; 
whether a card photograph or one of life size, excellence is written 
thereon. Those desiring this class of work should call and see 
specimens and learn prices. Gallery, on Broadway just north__ of 
E. E. Stickney's Hotel. 

Smith (& Lee. — An indispensable institution that deserves 
favorable mention is the store of Messrs Smith & Lee. These 
young gentleman are an important acquisition to any community. 
Both are graduates of Cornell College and are men of culture and 



212 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

gooi] citizens. In connucrciiil circles tliey stand high. In their 
chosen vocation they have met with the success that good busi- 
ness ability, fine address, and fairness in dealing always secure. 
Their stock of miscellaneous books is large and select, while their 
stock of school books, blank stock, stationery, inks, &c., includ- 
ing the celebrated "Red Line Series" of school blanks, are com- 
plete in every particular. 

The city and country schools and County stationery supplies 
are procured of this finn. In their news department is constant- 
ly found all the leading daily and periodical publications. 

Their stock of boots and shoes is unequaled by any in the 
County. It is select and first-class in every particular. Tiiey 
nuike a specialty of fine goods and always have on hand the 
leading brands of goods for ladies, gentlemen, and children. 

W. S. f/ohnston <& Co. — On High Street, is located one of the 
oldest dry goods houses in Tama County, being established in the 
year 1858, by Galley & Johnston, who managed the business ten 
years when Mr. Galley sold his interest, and Wesley Johnston, 
and C. C. Guilford, became interested. After the firm changed 
hands it done business under the firm name of W. F. Johnston 
& Co, until the spring of 1879, when it passed into the above 
named gentleman's hands. The firm now consists of W. S. 
Johnstod, and J. A. Owen. Who are both young men of good repu- 
tation and during the present proprietors ownership, we are hap- 
py to state, that they have not allowed any of the former pres- 
tige of the store to wane, but have rather increased its former 
business. They keep a full line of staple dry goods and dress 
goods, making a specialty oti fancy goods, notions, embroideries, 
laces, etc. 

Appelgate c& Zeland, Attorneys at Law. — Among the oldest 
practicing attorneys, and honorable citizens of the County, we 
can mention D. D. Appelgate, of the above firm, who became a 
citizen in the year 1851. When Mr, Applegate, first came to the 
County he took up a claim twelve miles north west of Toledo; 
worked his land till the fall of 1854, when he moved to a place 
near where Toledo now stands, he having been chosen County 



HISTOKT 0¥ TAilA COUXTY. 213 

Clerk, which office he lield by re-election from May, 1853, to the 
first of January, 1869, making a faitliful and efficient officer. He 
has also held other prominent offices, that of Supervisor, Mayor, 
and member of the Scliool Board at sundry times, being quite ac- 
tive in educational matters and in whatever tends to the mental 
or moral good of the community. In 1868, was admited to the 
bar, and law practice has since been his business. After being 
alone one year he became the partner of L. G. Kinne, this firm 
continued from November, 1869, to December, 1876, when Mr. 
Kinne retired after which Mr. Appelgate practiced alone until 
September 1ST8, when S. C. Leland, became his partner. Since 
that time they have been doing a good collection business as 
well as court practice, and in all respects they are safe, true and 
reliable men, and are both respected and honorable citizens. 
Office on High Street. 

Winn <& Free^ Ahstraxters^ Land and Loan Agents. — The 
abstract business now owned bj^ the above gentlemen was estab- 
lishrd in 1866 by Lawrence & Free, consequently their books 
which cost between three and four tiiousand dollars are very re- 
liable. Abstracting is a business, the importance of which the 
people in general do not fully understand, and still it is one that 
is very important to those bunng and selling real estate. It gives 
a condensed historj^ of all recorded transactions in any manner 
aff'ecting the title thereto, and when written out in a proper 
form shows all conveyances, mortgages, bonds, leases, tax 
deeds etc., all of which can be filed away for future reference, so 
that the purchaser of a piece of land is perfectly safe in buying 
and selling and in many cases avoids an expensive law suit. 
These gentlemen also carry on a land and loan office in which 
they are doing an extensive business. 

A. J. Bartlett., BaJcery and Confectionary. — This business 
was established by L. Wentz in 1874, and conducted by him with 
good success until March 1st, 1879, when it changed hands to 
the above named gentleman, who after taking posession refitted 
the building and added lai'fj'elv to the stock and now he has one 
of the finest stocks, and doing as large business in his line as any 



214 HISTORY OF TAMA C(»UNTY. 

one in the town. Mr. Bartlett, besides carrying on the bak- 
ery, which is conducted by the skillful hands of J. T. M. Glenn^ 
carries a full line of confectionaries, cigars, tobaccos, nuts, etc., 
which he sells with small profits. Mr. Bartlett is a young man 
who was raised in Toledo and is well known, as a straight for- 
ward business man and there is no doubt that he will meet with 
unbounded success. 

Stiokney House, E. E. Stickney Proprietor. — This hotel has 
been under the management of tliis gentleman for a nunjber of 
years. He became sole proprietor in the year 1874. Since then 
he has remoddled and refitted it at a great expense and now his 
hotel ranks witli any first-class hotel of the County. The liousc' is 
located south of the Court House on Broadway, where all trav- 
elers and those wishing board and lodging will find a neat and 
comfortable stoping place, and one of those jovial good landlords 
who has had years of experience in hotel keeping and who al- 
ways makes it pleasant for his patrons. 

L. 11. Cary^ Physician and Surgeon. — Among the physicians 
who hold a prominent position in the profession of medicine, we 
mention L. H. Cary whose office is at his residence on Main 
Street south of the public square or Court House. He has practiced 
medicine for the past twenty-five years, having graduated at 
Willoughby Medical College, Ohio, and after graduating attended 
a course of studies in New York City. Since locating in Toledo 
in 1858, he has met with success, especially when we take in 
consideration the great nuinber of practitioners in this place. 
He is recognized as one of the reputable, permanent and leading 
physicians of the town. 

Struble cfc Kinne., Attorneys at Law. — It is an acknowledged 
fact that the legal profession is well represented in Toledo, its 
talent being above the average in a city of two thousand irdiabit- 
ants. One of the most prominent and most thoroughly educated 
firms of this County is the above, whose establishment dates 
back to November, 1877, since which date the firm of Struble & 
Kinne has had a large and profitable practice, and has proven to 
numerous clients, and in fact, to the entire County their legal 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 215 

ability. Tlie firm is composed of G. R. Struble and L, G. 
Kinne, the latter has been a resident of Toledo since 1869, hav- 
ing come here, from Mendota, La Salle County, Illinois, where 
he had been in active practice for many years. Since becoming 
a citizen of Toledo, Mr. Kinne, has done much for the upbuild- 
ing of the place, and donating liberally to everj^ good enterprise 
whereby the town or County would be benefitted. He is an act- 
tive worker in poHtics and for the past few years has had a 
large influence in the Democratic organization of the County, 
and has made many warm friends in tliat party. The former, 
Mr. Struble, is an old settler in the place. He came from Ches- 
terville. Morrow County, Ohio, to Toledo, in the year 1857, since 
which date he, also, has been in active practice, and has made 
many fi-iends throughout the County. Mr. Struble politic- 
ally, is a Republican and in 1870 was appointed by the Gov- 
ernor to the office of Circuit Judge, which office he filled with 
honor giving satisfaction, to all and discharging his duties faith- 
fidly as an officer. 

We regard this firm as one of the strongest and most success- 
ful law firms in the County. They are located upon the south 
side of High Street over the Toledo Saving Bank, in rooms be- 
longing to Mr. Struble. Their Library is one of the finest, larg- 
est and most complete in the city and numbers over one thousand 
volumes. They are not only well educated lawyers but honor- 
able and reliable gentlemen, with wh(»m any legal business may 
be safely placed, as they rank among the leading professional 
men of the County. 

Stoner dc Jones, Hardware. — The business of these o'entle- 
men has been established many years and owned and ably con- 
ducted by A. Bartlett until February, 1879, when it passed into 
the hands of the above named gentlemen. Ever since that time 
they have taken a leading part in the hardware trade of this 
Countv. Their store is located on Broadwav, and is laro-e and 
well filled with first-class goods consisting of every article kept in 
a first-class hardware store. These gentlemen are among the 
leading merchants of the city, and have established a name and 



216 IIISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

trade of wliicli tlicy may I)e justly proud. Mr. Stoner is an old 
settler in the place and Air. Jones is a young man formerly of 
Mar^halltown, Iowa. 

Louis. Slrrie., Clothier. — Among the important institutions of 
the town worthy of special mention, is the clothing establishment 
of L. Sime, on the corner of Broadway and High Streets, in the 
Toledo House building. This business was establislieil in 1877 
by Sime & Solomon, and conducted by them until March 10th 
1879, when Mr. Solomon sold his interest and moved to Tama 
Cit3\ Since Mr. Sime . became sole proprietor lie has added 
greatl}'- to his stock of clothing and now carries a full line of 
ready made clothing, liats and caps, boots and shoes, trunks, 
valises, etc. which he offers cheap. 

Stivers c6 Bradshaw ,_ Attorneys at Law. — This firm is compos- 
ed of W. n. Stivers and C. B. Bradshaw, the former has been 
a resident attorney of Toledo since the year 1856, and the latter 
since 1867. In speaking of these gentlemen we can say that 
they compose one of the strongest law lirms in the County, and 
since its establishment their business has constantly been on the 
increase. In regard to Mr. Stivers we can truly say as the au- 
thor of the United States Biographical Dictionary sa^^s in an 
article referring to him. "One of the best examples of a self- 
made man in the State of Iowa, is Wm. H. Stivers, who never 
went to school ten weeks after twelve vears of age, who worked 
at the blacksmith trade until twenty-six years old and wli > is Aow 
a leading man at the bar of Tai'ia County. Mr. Stivei'S besides 
being a prominent attorney, has since residing in the city done 
much for the building up of the place and always donated liber- 
ally to every good enterprise. The same can be said of Mr. 
Bradshaw. Their office is located on High Street over H. Wag- 
ner's harness shop, where they have nicely fitted up rooms and 
a splendid library, 

B. L. IGiajyp., Grain and Stock Dealer. — This gentleman has 
been a resident of Tama County since 1866, settling in Otter 
Creek township, upon what was known as the Staley farm. When 
Mr. Knapp came to the County he brought with him a large herd 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 217 

of sheep, intending to go into that bnsiness but owing to the 
cold winters shortly after disposed of his herd of sheep and went 
to farming. Since 1877, besides carrying on his farm he has 
been engaged in the above bnsiness at Toledo, since which date 
he has been doing a large bnsines alwaj's paying the highest 
possible price for grain and stock. 

J. A. Merritt, Attorney, at Lavx — Although his business 
is classed among the most recently established in the city, yet all 
wnll admit that Mr. Merritt, has become popular and proved him- 
self well posted in the intricacies of the Law. In the first place, 
he has good natural ability and having studied under the guid- 
ance of experienced attorneys, is a well qualified young lawyer 
and has already gained a gratifying success. Mr. Merritt is well 
known, having been raised in Highland township, and is respect- 
ed by all who has formed his acquaintance. His office is on High 
Street over Clark Bros, store. 

H. T. Baldy, M. i>.— The oldest physician in Toledo is Henry 
T. Baldy, a graduate of the Rush Medical College of Chicago, 
and a man of good reputation both personally and professionally. 
In 1851 Mr. Baldy located at Toledo, where he is still found in 
good practice. His calls are both numerous and profitable ex- 
tending over the enti%B County. Tlie Ooctor is well known in 
nearly every township, and the respect shown him is as wide as 
his acquaintance. He is kind to the poor and has ridden hun- 
dreds of miles to administer to their necessities without expecta- 
tion of any compensation. Years ago he was very active in 
politics, but of late years has done but little more than vote. In 
1856 he published the 'Toledo Tribune," the first paper in this 
County, and in which he published the first delinquent tax list in 
the County. Since locating in Toledo, Mr. Baldy has been very 
active, enterprising and useful to the place, and has donated 
liberally to every good enterprise. His office is at his residence 
on Broadway Street, Toledo. 

L. Loiipee^ Blacksmith. — This gentleman came to Toledo fiom 
Cass County, Michigan, in the year 1865, and established him- 
self in the blacksmithing business. His shop is in the northwest 



218 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

parr of town near tlie depot. Since locating here he has suc- 
ceeded in bnikling up a large run of custom in all branches of 
business connected with the blacksmith trade. Mr. Loupee is a 
fine workman and we take pride in recommending him to the 
public, and if you have any thing in the shape of blacksmithing to 
be done he is the man that can do it in good style. 

Union Stoner, Confectionaries. — This gentleman established 
business in this city in the year 1877 and is well known as a 
young man of high reputation and good business talent. He 
carries a line stock of goods consisting of every article in the con- 
fectionary line, cigars tobaccos etc., and commands quite an ex- 
tensive trade in Toledo and surrounding country. His store is 
located upon the south side of the public square on High Street, 
where he may always be found ready to wait upon patrons in 
good style, and when you buy goods of him you will get your 
money's worth. Give him a call. 

IngersoU dh Fisher, Blaoksiniths. — This firm is composed of 
G. W. IngersoU and H. L. Fisher, the former of which has been 
a resident of Tama County since 1868, and the latter since 1867. 
In the year 1873, these gentlemen estabhshed business together 
in the shops formerly ocaupied by W. Brt^brook and continued 
together until 1877, when Mr. IngersoU, disposed of his interest 
and moved to Tama City, where he remained until 1879, when 
he bought back one half interest. At present Messrs. IngersoU 
& Fisher are doing business under the old firm namt', and are 
giving satisfaction in all branches of their business, which consists 
of all kinds of blacksmithing, carriage and wagon making, to- 
gether with aJl kinds of reparing. Gall and see them. 

Stoner (kEmmerling, Painters.— \'i\\\\Q year 1876 these gentle- 
men established themselves in the above business at Toledo open- 
ning a paint shop on State Street where they are doing all kinds 
of "painting. They are skilled house, sign and carriage painters 
as their work plainly shows. Mr. Stoner has lived in Toledo 
since a'mere boy and is known to be a man of sterling worth. 
Mr. Emmerling came here in 1876 and has since been a member 



HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTl . 219 

of the above firm. He is a promising young man of good busi- 
ness qualifications. , 

Ehersole *fe Willett^ Attorneys and Counsellors at Law, Tama 
City and Toledo. — E. C. Ehersole, Toledo, Office in Galley & 
Johnston's block. West rooms, {Second floor. J. W. Willett, 
Tama City, Office Eront rooms, over First National Bank. 

These gentlemen do a general law and collection business in 
the State and Federal Courts. The firm was established at To- 
ledo in August, 1873, and at once entered upon, and has since 
maintained a good and growing business. Both members have 
devoted themselves exclusively to the ligitimate practice of the 
law, and have refused to divide their attention with speculations 
out side of their professions; and their course in this respect has 
justified them, for few firms have in the same length of time built 
up so fair a reputation and business so flourishing. Their of- 
fices are always open during business hours, their motto being 
"Business first and pleasure afterwards." They have been lor 
three successive terms the official attorneys for Tama County, 
and are now serving tlieir fourth term in that capacity. For the 
better accommodation of their clients, they have just recently, 
May 1st, 1879, opened an additional office in Tama City, at 
which place all business pertaining to the South part of the 
County will hereafter be transacted. 

E. C. Ebersole, was born at Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland Coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania, October 18th, 1810; was educated at Otterbein 
University, Ohio, and Amherst College, Mass., graduating at 
the latter institution in 1862; served in the Union Army; was 
several years Professor of Mathematics in Western College, and 
afterwards President of that institution; was two years one of the 
Professors of Ancient Languages in the Iowa State University. 
After five years private preparation was admitted to the bar at 
Iowa City, in 1870, and at once entered upon the practice there. 
Kemoved to Toledo in 1873, where he has resided ever since, 
and been twice Mayor of that City. 

J. W. Willett, was born in Mercer County, Illinois, in March, 
1846. Served in the United States Navy during the late civil 



220 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

wai-. Received a coininercial education and graduated at Pough- 
kec'[)sie, New York, in 180S. Came to Toledo, Iowa, in February, 
1871, and entered upon the study of law with Messrs Stivers & 
Satley; was admitted to the bar in 1872, and has remained in 
the practice ever since. 

BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 

Groceries. 

O. F. Elmer, Broa Ivvay and High St. B. F. Page, State St. 

B. Stone. Broadway and High St. C. W. Conant, High St. 

W. C. Walters, High St. 

Dry Goods. 

J. W. Youngman, High St. Clarke Bro's High St. 

W. S. Johnston & Co., High St. W. A. Fee, High St. 

H. Galley, High Street. F. Salasek, High St. 

Clothing:. 

Louis Sime, High Street. 

Confectioneries. 

U. Stoner, High Street. A. J. Bartlett, High St. 

Drugrs. 

T. K. Armstrong, Broadway Street. J. N. Springer, High St. 

S. Stiger, High Street. 

Agrricultural. 

Camery & Son, High Street. 

Harness. 

H. Wagner, High Street. J. W. Coe, State Street. 

Attorneys- 
Stivers & Bradshaw, High St. Appelgate & Leland. 
T. S. Free. Bailey & Austin. 
J. W. Stewart. G. Raines. 
Ebersole & Willett. Struble & Kinne. 
J. W. Lamb. 
H. S. Bradshaw. W. Reickhoff. 

Furniture. 

D. Arb & Co. High St. 

Alsstractors. 

Winn & Free, High St. William Reickhoff, High St. 

Justices. 

J. K. McClaskey, High St N. Fisher, High St 

Flioto^raplier. 

J. S. Moore, Broadway. 
W. Hayes, Broadway St. 



Tailor Shop- 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY 



221 



W. W. Souster. 
H. T. Baldy. 
J. N. Spriiifier. 

.Stiekney House. Broad waj'. 

M. Reuscii, Broadway. 

J. W. Kreiiieiiak. IJroalway. 



Pliysioians. 

W. II. Boyntoii. 
J, 11. Fletcher 
I.. H. Cary. 

Hotels • 

Toledo House, Broadway aud ni;^h 

Shosmakers. 

J. Junkers. Broadway. 
J. \V. Coe. Siate Street. 

Painter. 



Stouer Jc Eninierliu;;-. State Street 

Soots and Slioss. 

Smith & Lee, llif>li Street. 



Bookstores. 

Smitli & Lee, IIi;;!i Sr. 

Post Offics. 

Express. 

Banks. 



Papers. 



T. W. Xash, Hi.uh St. 

Mrs. E. L, Dilhiiau, 

Smith & Lee. 

Toledo Savings Bunk. High St. 

Chronicle. High St. 

Album of Pen Ait, Broadway. 

C.W.Miller, High St. 

Mrs. E. B. Coats. High St. 
Mrs. E. Xash, High St. / 

Nelson & Barker. Tligli St. 
Winn &Free. High St. 

K. H. Frazee, Higli St. 

Fisher & Ingersoll. High St. 
L. Loupee State St. 

A. J. Hassell, Higli St. 
Stoner & Jones, Broadwaj'. 

E. E, Ramsdell, High St. 

Jons & Tode, Broadway. 

Livery. 
McGee, Appelgate & Ross, Main and High Streets. 



Toledo City Bank, r.ioailway 



Toledo Times. Broadway. 

Dentjsts. 

S. G. Bruner. High St. 

Millinery. 

Mrs. E. J. Cannon. Hiuii St. 
Mrs. A. M. Reynt)lds, State St. 
Loan Agencies. 

Yeiser & Sterrett, Hi^h St. 

Jewelry. 

B'acksmiths. 

Wm, Ferris, High St. 
Ct, W. Lacy & Son, State St. 
Hardware. 

Camery &Son. High and Main St. 

Flour and Feed. 

E. Irish, Church St. 
Meat Market. 



222 IlISTOKV OF TAMA COUNTY. 

Lumber. 
C. 1). Terry & Co. J. P. Ik'nry et Co. 

Grain. 
.1. L. IJraeken. 

Coal. 
W. C. Walters. C. D. Terry & Co. 

Carpenter Shops. 
Stoner & Bielby, H. B. Belden. 

L. Mathews. 

Barber Shop, 
y. J. Wilson. 



CHAPTER XXIl. 

TAMA CITY. 

When the beautiful town of Taina was first laid out it was call- 
ed luka,* but soon changed to its present name Tama City. 
In 1862, at which time the extension of the Cedar Rapids and 
Missouri, now known as the Chicago & N(.rthwestern Rail- 
road reached this point, it was first founded and being for 
a considerable time the terminus of tiie road, the place was soon 
established in the minds of men of good judgment, as one destin- 
ed at an early day, to be what it has since proven, a town of no 
inconsiderable importance. 

At this time, B. A. Hall and J. II. Hollen were virtually 
monarchs of all the}' surveyed, being the only residents, and 
each possessing large and finely located farms. Of the latter 
the railroad company purchased a tract of land; Mr. Hollen also 
generously donated several acres to secure the location of the 
station on the spot where it now stands. Among the first 
who came here for the purpose of establishing themselves 
in business were Col. C. K. Bodfish, M. C. Murdough, and W. P. 
Browne. Mr. Bodfish engaged largely in the shipment of grain 
and produce, and also opened a dry goods and grocery 
store in a small frame building, wdiich stood on the lot now oceu- 
13ied by the First National Bank building, owned by Mack & 

*So named iu commemoration of the battle of luka, Mississippi, in wiiicli 
many of tlie brave boj's of Iowa participated. 



22-1 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

Little ar.d was known as tlie pioneer business building; of the 
town. Tliis building was also used for a long time as a hotel; 
and, says our infoi-niant, it was kept rather on the European plan, 
as meals only were furnished its patrons, who obtained their lodg- 
ing principally in the storerooms where not more than "four-in-a- 
bed" were ever allowed. Two grain warehouses were soon erect- 
ed, which shortly after were occupied by M. C. Murdough and 
C. B. Barnard, and tilled for months to their utmost capacity, 
which at last proved inadequate for handling the increasing ship- 
ments and P. K. Hayden commenced the erection of an eleva- 
tor, which was a great benefit to the town. Shortly after finish- 
ing the building Mr. Hayden disposed of his interest to Wm. P. 
Browne who continued its management until the fall of 1865, 
when he sold out to Messrs. J. D. Merritt & Son. In 1872 this 
elevator together with one owned by C. H. Kentner was destroy- 
ed by fire, but shortly after new ones were built. 

Mr. Murdough, came here from Toledo, and engaged exten- 
sively in the shipment of grain and live stock, and in the follow- 
ing year 1863, erected the building now standing on the 
corner of Sei^eland Third Streets in which he commenced the drv 
goods and grocery trade, and still continues at this busines. 
To the gentlemen above mentioned is due a great degree of 
credit, for by their unceasing efforts and enterprise, the town to a 
large extent is what we see to-day. 

The growth of the town was very rapid. The railroad being 
completed and the people accustomed to pushing things through 
with lightning speed, and as the sound of the locomotive's whistle 
could be heard in the distance, they began to pour in; and by the 
time the merry call of the conductor's "all aboard," was heard the 
town was fairly alive, and the spirit of "Young America" seemed 
to pervade every citizen of the little village, and dreams of future 
growth and greatness pervaded the minds of all. A class of cit- 
izens came to the village full of perseverance and grit, and a deter- 
mination to make the town one of the best in the State of Iowa. 
The city at present is a flourishing manufacturing and commer- 
cial town, of nearly two thousand inhabitants, located one-fourth 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTS. 225 

of a mile north of the Lnva River, surrounded on all sides by a 
reinarkabh' rich ami productive countr3^ 

The city was incorporated in 1869, having for its iirst Mayor. 
M. A. Kewcomb. From this date the phice advanced in all 
those natural interests that go to make up a thriving city, yet 
nothing in particulai" occured in its liistorj' until of late years to 
attract those from the over crowded east to its advantages to any 
remarkable degree. Time passed, however, and the city became 
supphed with good schools, churches, line streets, public build- 
ings etc., together with one of the linej^t water powers in the 
State of Iowa. Afterwartls Tama City began to attract special at- 
tention and since the year 1875, her prosperity has been enccjur- 
aging to the inhabitants. 

The water power above spoken of propels quite a number of 
mills and manufactories, yet not half the available power is util- 
ized. On either side of the race many others factories 
might be erected and conducted with })rotit, especially as 
great inducements are being offered by the company, to those 
wishing t(^ locate here. During the past few years many and var- 
ious kinds of enterprises have been established and it has been 
abundantly demonstrated b}^ their success that this is a desirable 
point to locate. The city is situated in the midst of a very fertile 
agricultural region and draws a retail trade for many miles, while 
the products of her manufactories are being extensively shipped 
over a large portion of the west. 

Among the line buildings of the city, we refer with pride to 
the residences, of J. LI. Brooks and L. Carmichael, located in 
the northwestern part of the city, each erected at a cost of many 
thousand dollars; the Harmon House, Murdough's block, the 
First National Bank building. Bank of Tama, Empire block, 
First Baptist and Catholic Churches and Public School buildings. 

The various benevolent and reformatory societies are well rep- 
resented, there being nourishing lodges of Masons, Odd Fellows 
and United Workmen. All of these organizations have as neat 
lodge rooms as any in the County. Tama City has many live 



22r) HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTV. 

iirnis in her midst of which special nieution is made further on 

in this chapter. 

At an election held July 23d, 1S69, for or against the adop- 
tion of a city Charter, there were polled 105 votes tbr, and 5 
against the proposition. At the tirst annual election for city of- 
Hcers, held at the office of F. J. M. Wonser, September 4th, 
1S69, the following named persons were elected: 

M A. Newcomb, ]\Iayor; James II. Brooks, Thomas Murray, 
James Brice, Jr., S. W. Coles, and J. B. Spafford, Trustees; 
G. W. Walton, Recorder. Since 18G9 the officers have been 

elected as follows: 

Mayors.-Y.. Uurnion, J. B. Spafford, W. II. Tiffany, C. II. 
Kentner, M. Bostwick, E. G. Penrose and O. H. Mills. 

Trmtees.—\.. Carniichael, O. Parks, C. II. Kentner, A. W. 
Wells, J. P. Smitli, P. H. Ryan, G. W. Coles, O. J. Stoddard, 
S. Patterson, P. Harris, J. F. Ilegart, L. Merchant, C. P. 
Palmer, H. Soleman, E. Parks, S. M. Chapman, S. Bruner, J. 
McClung. B. Thompson, C. L. McClung, B. F. Crenshaw, M. 
Bostwick, C. Roman. O. II. Mills, E. G. Penrose, G. V. Good 
ell, J. H. Smith, Wm, Cummings, W. Blodgett, D. W. Bressler 
T. Vhitaker, W. A. Sharp, G. W. Ingersoll, G. E. Higley, R. 
Forker. The present Councilmen are H. Soleman, W. II. 
Cummings, E. G. Penrose, T. H. Bruhn, B. Thompson, and 

F. B. Ramsdell. 

Treamrers.—Q^. H. Warren, J. D. Laudi, M. Levi, L. Car- 
niichael, James McClung and F. P. Holmes. 

Recorders.^^. L. Bracken, G. E. Maxwell, B. W. Homan, 
P. H. Moore, J. McClung, W. Maxwell, G. D. Sherman, F. N. 
AVarren, and the present T. E. W^arren. 

Marshals.-^. Day, W. T. Hollen, T. Avery, J. F. Ward, 
D. W. Bressler, P. Harris, L. V. Kellum. The present Mar- 
shal is W. L. Brannan. 

TAMA CITY UNION SCHOOL BUILDING. 

This building was erected in 1769, at a cost of nearly $20,000. 
It is located in the north-eastern part of town and stands in the 
center of a beautifully decorated yard, comprising a whole block 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 227 

and is enclosed bv a neat and substantial fence. The architec- 
tural design is plain throughout, yet neat and well proportioned. 
The plans ware drawn by Mr. Geoige Kline, oi' Marshalltown. 
The brick work was done by G. H. Clark, and the carpenter 
work was done under contract of Thomas Horsefall and George 
Crabtree. The building is in height three stories, with a finely 
proportioned belfry surmounting the main part, in which is 
placed a bell weighing about 700 pounds. The foundation is 
built of stone, while the main walls are built of red brick. 
The building c mtains five rooms which are used for school pur- 
poses besides recitation and library rooms, closets and halls. 
The main enterance to the building opens into a large hall from 
the west: from this hall a stairway leads to the second and third 
stories. The building is capable of accommodating with con- 
venience, seven hundred pupils. In addition to this, the city has 
■ two other buildings, used for school purposes. The city of Tama 
deserves great credit for the erection of this building which 
is a line one indeed. With a nil corps of efficient teach- 
ers in every depaitment; with a school board alive to the best 
interests of education, the schools of this place will rank with any 
in tlie County or State. The following named gentlemen have 
served on the School Board since 1870: B. A. Hall, L. Carmichael 
F. J. M. Wonser, S. W. Cole, C. E. Heath, T. Parks, C. E. 
Hibbard, S. Patterson, H. Day. J. B, Tims, A. Cordner, J. Mc- 
Clung, B.F. Crenshaw, J. B. Spafford, R. H. Ryan, J. H. Hollen, 
A. W. Guernsey, W. E. iSewcoinb, C. B. Bentley and E. G. 
Penrose. The present Board consists of J. Nicholson, J. W. 
Coburn, E. G. Penrose, W. E. J^ewcomb, C. B. Bentley and 
A. Cordner. 

TAMA CITY UYURAULIC WORKS. 

Many years prior to 1874, Charles Irish, then a citizen of this 
County, while surveying in company with J. 11. Hollen, in the 
bottom near where the water works has since been constructed, 
made the discovery of the fact that there w^as fall sufficient in the 
river to render possible an extensive water power. His plan was 
to dam the river near where the present dam is; bring the water 



228 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

alono; tlie base of tlic bluffs and use Deer Creek as a tail race. 
This was before tlie town was laid out and consequently before 
there was any special reason for extending the work to its pres- 
ent limits. P)Ut the undertaking was too large for the ability of 
those then interested, and nothing was done with it. For many 
years, after the town had been established the water power was 
a subject that enlisted a good deal of attention from the people; 
not only in Tama City, but for many miles in the surrounding 
country. In Tama City and vicinity water power improvement 
excitement would break out every once in a while, and spread its 
eru])ti()ns thnjugh the vicinity; meetings were called, resolu- 
tions adopted, committees appointed, petitions drafted and great 
flames inaugurated for this purpose. And indeed, it seems al- 
most a pity that after so much time, money and labor spent in 
this direction, the efforts were not rewarded as the majority of 
the people hoped. 

Time passed and nothing of any consequence done until the 
winter of 1872-3, when the matter was brought promptly before 
the people. The services of Mr. Irish, now of Iowa City, were 
secured for the purpose of making a survey. The result of Mr. 
Irish's examinations was to establish the fact that by a sufficient 
out-lay of means, Tama City could have a water power second 
to none in the State, and scarcely equaled by any in the West. 
He recommended the construction of the works entirely upon 
the south! side of the railroad track as the most possible plan, 
which a more thorough examination subsequently proved to be 
the best course to pursue. 

As time passed the opposers of the water power, 
were not idle, but used every means in their power to influence 
the people against it. But the presistent efforts of the company 
were not to be blasted and the work was finely accomplished by 
their efforts and expenditures, and to-day, Tama City has large 
manufacturing establishments and extensive railroad communica- 
tions with the commercial world. 

G. II. Warren, who had been instrumental in securing the sur- 
vey by Mr. Irish, had become possessed of the idea that the 



HISTORY C'F TAMA COUNTY. 229 



power could aiui would be improved, and while others were 
faithless and inditferent in regard to it, he, with that persistence 
and determination so characteristic to him, continued his ef- 
forts to keep the project hetore the people. Finally Mr. D. B. 
Sears, of Eock Island, a man of large experience in hjdranhcs 
both in Indiana and Illinois, whose judgement in a matter of this 
kind is entitled to all respect, was invited to Tama City to ren- 
der his judgement in relation to it. He came, and was at once 
impressed with the feasibility of the undertaking and was enthu- 
siastic in his expressions of confidence in it. A t,this instance, 
Mr. J. D. Arey, an hydraulic engineer of Illinois, was engaged 
to make a thorough survey and plat of the contemplated work, 
which he at once proceeded to do; fully corroborating the survey 
made by Mr. Irish, and disclosing the fact that with the comple- 
tion of this work, Tama City would have a magnificent water 
power at her door of at least one thousand horse power, which 
would make it one of the best manufacturing towns in the West. 
A company was at once organized under the general laws of 
Iowa, for the purpose of improving and utilizing the power of 
the Iowa River at Tama City, with a capital stock of $100,000; 
the following gentlemen constituting the company: 

B. A. Hall," President; G. H. Warren, Secretary; Thomas 
Murrav, James McCluug, John Ramsdell, Lewis Merchant, 
M. C. Murdough, B. A. Hall and Eli Harmon, Directors. At 
the very first these men had to face the unwelcome and stub- 
born fact, that . about $100,000 would be required to carry the 
work through. Of course it was a giant undertaking tor so 
small a town as Tama City, even though assistance was rendered 
by the citizens of the surrounding country. But the same in- 
domitable persistence of which we have before spoken, upon the 
part of Mr. Warren and the directors, soon secured stock enough 
in cash and property subscription, to justify letting the contract 
for the entire work, which was inmiediately done to Mr. D. B. 
Sears and Mr. M. C. Orton, the latter of Sterling, Illinois, and 
the former of Rock Island, Ilhnois. The services of Mr. Arey 
were secured as engineer. 



2^'^ HISTORY OF TAilA COUNTY. 

The confidence of these gentlemen in the enterprise is shown 
in t]ie fact, that though they were strangers, and in no way inter- 
ested in tlie destinies of the town, the former invested $15,000 
in stock, and the latter, Mr. Arey, took his entire wages in the 
same. These men afterwards sub-contracted the entire earth 
work to Messrs. Judd and Joslin, who sub-let parts to otliers; all 
pushed their work on rapidly. 

The work was completed the first of November, 1874, and on 
the thirteenth of the same month a grand celebration was given 
on the fair grpunds at Tama City over the completion of the 
works. The Tama City Press had the following to say of the 
jubilee: 

"Friday, the 13th, was the day set for a jollification by the 
people over the Water power prospects, and large numbers of 
the good friends of Tama City came in from neighboring towns 
and country, determined to partake of the roasted ox, and join 
in the general festivities. 

The immense reservoir in front of town had commenced filling 
the evening before and on Friday a broad sheet of water lay 
there, sullenly tossing and surging under the prevailing heavy 
winds, like a very lake, indeed. 

Many were present from abroad; scjme of the speakers expect 
ed were, for one reason or another, deterred from coming, but 
when the throng assembled witliin the fair ground there were ex- 
cellent and encouragiTjg speeches made by Rev. G. F. Magoun, 
President of Iowa Cc^llege; Hon. James Wilson, M. C; E. A. 
Chapin, Esq., editor of the Marshalltown Times, and others. 
Rev. O. A. Holmes read a Historical Essay and O. H. Mills, Esq. 
read that which the Inter- Ocean Reporter styled ^ The event of 
the day" — a first-rate poem. 

Then after music by the Cedar Rapids Cornet Band, and the 
Tama City Brass Band the people repaired to Floral Hall, en- 
larged and well fitted for a dining room, and ate roasted ox and 
cake, and chicken fixin's, and drank hot cofi:*ee and tea, till hun- 
ger and thirst were things of the past and the possible future 
only, and not at all of the present time. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 231 

Taken jiltogetlier, notwithstanding the veiT nnfavorable weath- 
er, the people who came were well contented and Tama City 
enjoyed a new evidence that the masses ot her neighbors in town 
and country, take pride in her enterprise, and rejoice over her 
success." 

"How the Water came down, at Tama," b}' O. H. Mills; read 
at Tama City, iS^ovember 13th, ISTl, on the occasion of the 
grand jubilee at the completion of the Tama Hydraulic Works: 

You've uiulijubtedly heard of tlie "Falls o' Lodore!" 

How the water came down with a rush and a roar— 

With a dash and a bound— a lull and a swell: 

Sucli circles and whirls — 'tis a wonder to tell! 

But the way it cu^l(^s down through the '•Tama Hydraulic" — 

(The name seems an odd one, but that's what tliey call it.) — 

Is another, a different, and separate fall; — 

(It can't fail to remind of the "Raging Kanawl." 

On the river, at "The Narrows," 'twas oftentinu-s said: 

"Were the water only here, 'twere twenty feet head!" 

But how could we get it?— the project seemed rash; 

'T would take months of hard labor, and mountains of cash! 

But a handfull of men whose watchword was "Pluck!" 

Who never by trifles were hindred or "stuck," 

Said, "The work must be done, whatever's to pay. 

The funds shall be raised and the ditch dug straightway," 

So a meeting was called, to have a good talk; 

But little was said, but Lord! how the stock 

Of the "Tama Hydraulic" was taken that night! 

And the water (to the brave) seemed plainly in sight! 

There were men who wei-e poor and of money liad none. 

Said; "We'll work on the ditch, and when it is done, 

Just give us our time, be it ever so small, 

And stock we'll receive in this "Hydraulic Fall." 

And one had a farm — he made us a deed: 

"Here, take my broad acres, the work must proceed!" 

There were cattle and horses, they all were put in: 

In fact, all we could spare was put into "tin." 

And good Taina City, the mother of all,— 

Woman-like, she wanted a good "waterfall!" 

She wanted the hum of machinery to hear; 

She wanted factories and mills by her side to appear; 

She wanted more thrift, more labor for all; — 

So she expended twelve thousand in this "Hydraulic Fall." 

Unheeding the jeers of the doubting ,and wiseacres too. 
With a might and a will we've put the work through; 



232 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

We've clamniod the broarl river with wood and stone; — 
A s^lovidus old j;uard-Iofk, 'ti.s finished and done. 
We've eut throush tlie hills, and filled up the sloiislis, 
And made a rn^ged, hard bank for the water to use. 

We've got a nice lake as clear as the sky, 
Whose blue waves forever will danee merrily 
And uuike our hearts glad, our souls to rejoice, — 
For they spealv with a sure, unmistakable voice: 
" 'Twas that watchword of yours— that gritty word. "Pluciv!" 
CTis worth a million sucli words as '"Fortune!" and '•Luek!")— 
'T was that union, that might, that effort sii cere, 
That make us so happy in our cosy banks here. 
And the whirl of my wheels will lie merrier still; 
I will factories build, and a glorious mill; 
And business shall come and nestle by me.— 
I'm a nice little lake, and happy I'll be!" 

So forget all your troubles and now we'll rejoice, 
And make the air ring with jubilant voice; 
United we were— still "Union" is our song;— 
Tliat's how the water in the Hydraulic came down! 

The dam is built across the Iowa River at a place called the 
"Narrows," three and one-half miles west of Tama City, with a 
head of six and one-half feet added to the natural fall of the 
river, which between the town and the dam is sixteen feet, 
giving a head of twenty-two and one-half feet. There are seven 
miles of back, water above the dam; three miles of canal; and 
forty-seven acres of reservoir; thereby giving an immense storage 
of water, practically a pond often miles in length. Of course the 
volume of power attained under these conditions is immense. 

The race has an average width of near one hundred feet, and a 
a sufficient depth to carry at low water, nearly all there is in 
the river. For about the first mile it is dug in the natural 
ground. The rest of the way it is made bj^ heavy banks of earth, 
which at the lower end of the race are about seven feet high. The 
inside of the banks are thickly set with water willows, which ef- 
fectually prevent the action of the water from reducing them 

The reservoir covers forty-seven acres of land, mostly within 
the town plat of Tama City. The water in this reservoir, when 
full, will average about six feet deep. The banks are made of 
earth, very^ heavy, about seven feet high, and like those of the 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 233 

race are set with willows, wliicli are growing luxuriantly. This 
reservoir having water running constantly in and out, having no 
shallow water, and being within a few rods of the business por- 
tic»n of the town, forms one of the most attractive features of the 
place, and is used largely for a skating, boating and fishing 
park. 

Bulk-head and aqueduct, are substantially constructed of tim- 
ber and piling, at a great cost, and control the high water, letting 
into the race and reservoir no more than is wanted at any time. 
The aqueduct is constructed for the purpose of carrying the wat- 
er over Deer Creek, and is arranged with waste gates on each 
side by which the race can be drained without letting water into 
the reservoir. 

The tail race is about thirteen hundred feet l<mg, and thirteen 
feet deep — even with the bottom of the river. On both sides of 
it, for its entire length, are the building lots, commodiously laid 
out for any kind of factories, being about three hundred feet deep. 
Land for a rail road track across the ends of all the lots, on the 
west side of the tail race is reserved. 

If time and space allowed we would love to do honor to all 
those who have contributed to this result, but where all have 
done so well, such a service is impossible. We can and should 
say however, that the members of the Board of Directors have 
been untiring in their efforts, and have displayed business tact 
and administrative ability, such as to justify the confidence repos- 
ed in them by the company. But it is just to say, as the author of 
the Biographical Dictionary of the United States says in an arti- 
cle referring to this work "-of all those who have labored for the 
accomplishment of this work, Gr. H. Warren is deserving of the 
highest credit. It is safe to say, only for Mr. Warren it would 
not have been undertaken, and no one but he would have carried 
it through. It is his strong faith, his dogged persi-^tence, that did 
it. Some men do not know when they are defeated, and will 
always manage to turn a defeat into a victory, such a man is G. 
H. Warren." 

The work is done, tried and proven a success, and there are 



284 HISTORY (>V TAISFA COUNTY. 

alroiiily largo inamifactoi'ies i-im by this vast power; among which 
wo can lueution the Paper Mill, the Hydraulic Flouring Mills, 
tlie Union Plow Company's Foundrv and Machine Shops, Wind 
jVIill and I'ump Factory, Sash and Door Factory, Pearl Barley 
Mills, Manufacturers and Builders Association's Sho])s and Butter 
tub Factory. The present oliicers are B. A. Hall, President; 
<jr. II. Warren, Secretary; B.A.Hall, J. Kamsdell, F. E. Eamsdell, 
L. (Jarmichael, T. Murray, (1. E. Higley, J. McOlung, and 
Directors. 

Among the live and most entei-prising iirms in the cit}' we 
would call attention to the following: 

J^. (jr. Penrose., Hardware. — This gentleman first est.ablished 
himselfin business in this city in iSTiJ, and is the largest and 
most reputable and successful hardware merchant in the city, 
and holds a position for business integrity, above an average 
character. In 1872, Mr. Penrose came here from Grand Junc- 
tion, Greene County, and engaged in Ivasiness; he has been oper- 
ating here ever since, and has exhibited disthiguished energy and 
enterprise in business. He has increased his trade until now it 
extends throughout the County. He is neatly located in a large 
brick building at the corner of Third and McClellan Streets. It is 
one of the finest and largest in the city, being 25x76 feet, two 
stories above the basement. T!ie entire lower fioor and base- 
ment is occpied by his business. Each de})artment is filled 
with an admirable stock of goods consisting of the various articles 
belonging to the trade. These are purchased direct frou: first 
hands and therefore he is enabled to successfully compete with 
any in the County. General shelf and lieavy hardware, carriage 
and wagon stock, Burnett's steel and barbed wire, iron, stone, 
tinware, euttlery, wooden and willow ware, is found in his im- 
mense stock. Mr. Pem-ose has always taken a deep interest in 
tlie up-building of the city, and but few if any enterprises of 
merit are started unless aided by him. He was Mayor of the 
city in 1878, and is at the present time serving as a member of 
the City C<mncil to which oflice he has been several times elected. 
He is classed among our esteemed and leading business I'len. 



HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 235 

lie is also a ineni1>er r)fthe School Board and is doing all in Lis 
power for the advancement of educational interests of the 

city. 

James M. Burge^ Cigar Manufacturer. — This gentleman, 
since establishing himself in tliis choice business has met with 
splendid success, which has been his marked feature, and the 
line cigars issuing from his manufactory ineet with an extensive 
sale. This arises from the fact that the prcjprietor has become 
thoroughly acquainted with the tobacco trade, and understands 
the quality <if leaf to perfection. He manufactures quite a number 
of different brands, each and all are of choice tobaccos. Mr. 
Eurge also has in connection with liis factory a retail depart- 
ment, in which he keeps all oi the best brands of chewing and 
smoking tobaccos, pipes, pipe stems, and in fact, everything 
pertaining to the smoker's wants. Factory and retail rooms on 
Third Street, Tama City. 

2Iojdison £oshvi.el\ Carpenter. — Mr. Bostwick is an old settler 
in this Count}' and has made Tama City his home a large portion 
of the time. Carpentering is- his chosen trade, and he is one 
among the best in the County. He has been Mayor of this city 
several terms and has held other offices of trust and proven him- 
self a man who d<jes more thinking in private than talk in pub- 
lic, and can always be relied upon for prompt attendance and 
sohd work in business aflairs. He has the best interests of his 
community at heart. His parents were natives of Con- 
necticutt. Madison was born in the year 1812, his parents were 
poor and consequently his education was somewhat limited, en- 
joying only such as a common school aifords. While yet quite 
young, Mr. Bostwick concluded to learn a trade, and immediate- 
ly went to work with a Mr. Leet, a carpentei*, of Middletown, 
Penn., with whom lie continued until he had accomplished his 
aim. On December 18th, 1833, he was married to Miss Amanda 
Griffis, by whom he had four children, three boys and one girl. 

Mr. Bostwick continued at the carpentering trade, in Penn- 
sylvinia, until the death of his wife, when he sold his property 
there and came west; spent sometime in Wisconsin and af- 



236 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

terwrti-ds came to this County. Since he came to Tama City he 
has been eng-a^ed in contracting and building, Mr. Bostwick is 
capable of doing any work in his line, and isever wiUing to work 
at a reasoiuible price, beheving in tlie motto "Live and let live." 

Bostwick House. — This house was erected by its owner M. 
Bostwick, in the year 1868, and since that date has been a pleas- 
ant resort for the traveler. The house is located on corner of 
State and Fourth Streets, two blocks from Chicago & North- 
western depot. The building is frame, large and commodious. 
Mr S. Russell has the house in charge and commands a large 
patronage. 

C. C. Harris i& Bro.., Painters. — This firm opened business 
in this city, in the month of April, 1878, in the building known 
as the "Pioneer building of the city," located on McClellan, 
Street, now owned by S. C. Brown, and have been doing a 
thriving business in house, sign, buggy, wagon and oriuimental 
painting. The work turned out of their shop gives evidence of 
skillful workmen. They came here from Pennsylvania where 
they followed the same business, and came well recommended. 
They have had over twenty years of experience in this business. 
These are good reliable gentlemen and work left with them will 
promptly receive attention. 

G. Ho man., Steam Saw and Flouring Mills. — In 1868, these 
mills were established by Bodfish, Honuin & Co. In 1869, they 
changed hands to C. K. Bodfish & Co.. in 1871 they passed back 
into Mr. Homan's hands who assumed their management to the 
present time. The flouring mill is a large structure, two stories 
and one-half high, and is equipped with superior machinery, hav- 
ing three run of stone, which enables him to manufacture large 
quantities of tliat excellent quality of flour which is so widely 
known throughout this section. Since Mr. Honian took charge 
of the mills he has done an extensive business, and has added 
largely to the value of them. He is a prominent citizen of Tama 
City and takes an active part in the up building of the place. 

Thom,as Whitaker, Produce dealer. — The above named gentle- 
man ranks among our oldest citizens, having been a resident of 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 237 

Tama City since the town was located. Mr. Whitaker came to 
this place from Toledo and established himself in the produce 
business, and from the earliest period he has been constant- 
ly engaged in buying and ^shipping all kinds of produce, for 
which he pays the highest possible price. His store is located 
on the corner of Fourth and McClellan Streets, where you can 
always find him ready for a bargain. Mr. Whitaker is a proper- 
ty owner and a successful business man, 

E. H. Priee, House Contractor. — It is very important in a 
town the size of Tama City, that every business be well repre- 
sented and that the public should have pointed out those who are 
known to be reliable. In undertaking this task we take pleasure 
in saying that the above named gentlenuui has proven 
himself an experienced workman and in all branches of his busi- 
ness he ranks among the first. Mr. Price is among the old set- 
tlers of this County, and is nicely located in the Empire Block, 
on Third Street, where he manufactures wood work for wagons, 
sleighs, and I'epairs all kinds of implements. He has also a steam 
planing mill in his shop where all kinds of turning is done in 
any slia])e required. 

L. A. Graves^ Harness Manufacturer. — Evei-y manufactory is 
of advantage to a city, therefore ought to be encouraged by each 
citizen in every possible way. The above gentleman's institution 
is no exception to this rule, as it sends out wares over a large 
territory. Mr. Graves is a practical workman of life-long expe- 
rience and after working at the trade in this city from 1875 to 
1877, he began on his own account. He is located on Third Street 
near tlie post oflice, where he manufactures and deals in all 
kinds of liglit and heavy harness, saddles, collars, whips etc. 
Mr. Graves is building up a large business and is deserving of 
success. He is honorable and always among the first to help for- 
ward the enterprises of his growing city to the full extent of his 
ability. He is also interested in the harness business at Union 
Grove, managed by L. V. Kellum. 

William Richards., Boots and Shoes. — The subject of this 
sketch has been a resident of Tama City since the year 1872. 



238 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



Durini,'' this time he has been in business and gained a good name 
for integrity; and is classed among the liberal merchants of the 
city, while the stock is not as extensive as some others yet it con- 
sists of an excellent assortment of boots, shoes, gaiters, slippers 
and rubber goods etc. He is a practical workman, having been 
brought up to the trade and meets with a large patronage from 
all classes of citizens. In ready-made goods as well as in his cos- 
tom department he makes a specialty. 

JohnF. Hegardt^ Meat Market. — This gentleman is among the 
old settlers in the place, and conducts an extensive meat market 
on Third Sti-eet where he does a very creditable business. During 
the time he has been identified with the city he has done much to 
develop its interests. Mr. Hegardt deals in hides, tallow, krd, 
fresh and salt meats, oysters, fish and game in their seasons. He 
is well known by nearly every one in the County, respected by 
all and has a large trade. Few men in the city have a firmer 
hold upon the good will of the people, than Mr. Hegardt, and 
when in nomination for office he invariably runs ahead of his 
ticket. 

John NbGholmn^ Dentist. — Every one will concede that it is 
of great importance to have pointed out a thorough practical dent- 
ist and one whose reputation is above reproach in faithfully at- 
tending to dental operations. In pointing the public to John 
Mcholson, we have no hesitation in saying that he is a well 
experienced dentist of more than average ability. He is lo- 
cated on the corner of Third and McClellan Streets, over Penrose's 
hardware store, where he has nicely fitted up rooms and every 
appliance known to the profession of dentistry. He has had 
years of experience and stands high in his profession. 

TIT H. Hawk, AgriGultural Implements. — This gentleman 
established himself in Tama City in 1877, and during the past 
two years has met with good success. The machinery in which 
he deals consists of all kinds of farming implements, from a hoe 
to a threshing machine. He is agent for the Champion Eeaper 
and Mower, Wood's Mowers, and J. 1. Case's Threshing Machines, 
a great number of which have been sold from his dopot on the 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTl . 239 

south side of Third Street where those wishing any kind of farm- 
ing implements may rely on good bargains. 

W. H. H. 7//b'//i?/,-First having received a scientificand literary 
education studied law with Judge Tiffany, and F. C. Beeman, 
of the city of Adrian, Michigan, and at the Ann Arbor University 
likewise. He was admitted to the Supreme Court of JSTew York 
held at Syracuse, to practice as an attorney at law and solicitor 
in chancery in all the Courts of that State, and, he is also, admitted 
to practice in all the Courts of Ohio and Iowa. He has been 
practicing in said Ccmrts for the last twenty-four years and has 
always sustained a fine reputation as a gentleman of good char- 
acter, sound legal ability and strict integrity. He came to Tama 
City in the year 1870, and is one of the most reliable and success- 
ful lawyers in Tama County. He has been Mayor and City Attor- 
ney of Tama City, and we insert the following sentiment as 
expressed in the Martindale United States Law Directory. "We 
take pleasure in recommending W. H. H, Tiffany, as a gentle- 
man of sound legal ability, assiduous, reliable and of strict integ- 
rity, fine reputation and good character and competent to attend 
to any business intrusted to his care. He refers to 

G. E. Maxwell, Cashier of the Bank of Tama; C. J. Stevens 
Clerk of^the Court; G. H. Warren, Cashier of the First National 
Bank of Tama Cit^', Iowa." 

J. L. Bracken & 6b., Grain and Stock Buyers. — This com 
pany has been in existence since the year 1869, at Tama City, 
buying and shipping grain and live stock. From the formation 
of the company thej^ have always sustained a good reputation 
for honorable and fair dealing and have always paid the highest 
market ])rice for all kinds of grain and live stock. In 1875 J. 
L. Bracken, besides doino; business at Tama Citv, commenced 
operations at Toledo. Since that date he has taken a leading 
position in the grain and stock trade at that point, and has ship- 
ed many hundred car loads to the Eastern markets. 

Mr. Bracken is thoroughly allied with the interests of his 
places of business and since doing business here has gained a 



240 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

j^oodly number of friends and the confidence of the community 
as a successful business man. 

J. T. Flathers^ Meat Market. — Tiiis gentleman came to Tama 
in 1877, and has since been a resident of this city, and engag- 
ed in one line of trade — that of a market for the sale of fresh 
meat, fish etc. He also handles live poultry, hides, tallow and 
everything kept in a first-class meat market. From the first he 
secured a good run of custom, which has never forsaken him 
and never will as long as he remains at its head. In his private 
business he exercises the same general care of all details, and 
therefore has been very successful. Call at his market on Mc- 
Clelhui Street. 

J. T. Matsrm, Bakery.— ''OU Reliable City Bakery." We 
have headed this gentleman's notice as the '"Old Reliable" bak- 
ery of the city from the fact that it was established by him in 
1865. Although we head it bakery, simply, yet this is by no 
means all in which he deals as he keeps one of the nicest stocks 
of confectioneries and family groceries in the city. His store is 
situated on Third Street, where Mr. Matson, and his most oblig- 
ing and respected clerk W. H. Ahlbrecht, stand ready to wait 
upon their customers. Owning the store, and being so well 
known in the business, he has peculiar advantages, and offers in- 
ducements which are not lost sight of by the purchasing public 
as his large trade testifies. 

William Corns., M. D. — One of the leading, most success- 
ful and largely patronized medical practitioners in Tama City, is 
the above named gentleman. He located in this town in the 
year 1865, shortly after graduating at the Keokuk Medical 
College, and since that date has had a growing practice. He 
loves surgery, studies science onn aTnoreimd is a progressive man. 
He is a member of the Iowa State Medical Society, and was its 
Vice-President two or three years. His standing among the 
medical brethern of the State is excellent. He is at present exam- 
ining surgeon for pensioners. Office on Third Street. 

J. H. Eastin., Tailor.— li\ 1876, Mr. Eastin, caine to Tama 
City and established himself in this business and since that date 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTl . 241 

lie has held a reputation tor honorable and square dealing 
of a very high character, and his many r'riends and customers 
constantly keep him busih' engaged in the niaiiufacture of cloth- 
ing and such other articles as are adapted to his business. Per- 
sons wishing anything in his line will do well to call on him at 
his shop on Third Street, over J. B. Tims' groceiy store, wliere 
he is always found ready to wait upon his customers. 

C. ^y. Snyder., Furniture. — The above named gentleman is 
one of our best known and respected citizens. He established 
his present business in 1874, and being a practical man, with an 
indomitable perseverance, has succeeded in nuiking it one of the 
most extensive and successful houses in this County, and one 
that will always hold a prominent position in the turniture trade. 
All kinds of furniture, from the most superb to the ordinary, are 
kept on hand, or manufactured to order, and sold at lower prices 
than the same can be purchased in Tama City's competing towns, 
as the proprietor is a practical workman and buys for cash only. 
In his sale rooms, <jn Third Street, there is every style and varie- 
ty of furniture. Mr. Snyder has constantly on hand a large 
and complete stock of undertakers' goods. In his business trans- 
actions he is prompt and courteous. 

Bank of Tama. — This bank has been in successful operation 
since 1871, and is one of the representative institutions of the 
city. It is a private bank, with stockholders who are responsible 
and reliable men. The business is conducted by able and com- 
petent men and since the time of its establishment it has been a 
great advantage to the place. It has a high reputation with those 
who know the bank and its officers. The capital stock amounts 
to over ^100,000. Lewis Carmichael, an old settler and one who 
has been a promoter of so many enterprises of this vicinity for 
the past eighteen years, is President and his sons, E. L. and 
Charles are conducting the business; the former is cashier and the 
latter assistant cashier. These young men are both apt and com- 
petent scholars and have that business ability which insures suc- 
cess. Their father, besides attending to his duties ia the bank is 
an extensive railroad contractor and stock raiser." He came to 



^^-^ HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

this C.Minly in ]8G7, ami ^vas one of the first to own property in 
Ttuna City. He is identified with the first public impi-ovements 
and JKis numifested hiuiself in all interests of the town. The 
bankin- house is situated on Third Street, and is one of the fin- 
est in the town. It is twenty-five by sixty feet, two stories hi^h 
and built (,f red brick, with a beautiful marble front. The inside 
IS systeujatically arranged and artistically finished. 

Mills dd Guernsey, Attorneys at Zavx~One of the most 
prominent and most tiioroughly educated law firms of this place is 
the above, whose establishment dates from November 1st, 1878. 
Since this time they have met with abundant success, and 
proven to numerous clients their legal ability. They have hac: 
years of experience and each are ch.se students fully posted in 
the various decisions of the higher courts, and competent to en- 
gage in difficult contests with their opponents. Their office is on 
the south side of Third Street where tliey have neatly fitted 
np rooms and a large and well selected library. 

W. D. Worrell, Grooer.—This young gentleman has been a 
resident of Tama City for a number of years and is constantly 
advancing in business capacity. He came here with his widow- 
ed mother from Marshalltown, Iowa, and found employment on 
the water works, then being built, as teamster; but his aspira- 
tions were for a higher sphere in life and soon he was in the 
employ of W. G. Caiubridge, editor of the Tama Oltizeru as a 
printer. But soon his attention was directed to the mercantile 
business, and he procured a situation in the large hardware es- 
tabhshment of E. G. Penrose. Hei-e he remaim^d three years, 
gmng his entire attention to the tinner's trade and clerkship in 
the. store, and commanded the highest respect of both his em- 
ployer and customers. After a short vacation and prospecting 
tour through Southern Nebraska and Kansas, he returned home 
and entered into the produce trade, but soon bought one-half in- 
terest in the grocery store of A. B. Dubbs, and for months the 
establishment was carried on under the firm name of Dubbs & 
Worrell, but finally Mr. Dubbs sold his interest to Mr. Worrell, 
and now he is sole proprietor of a fine stock of groceries and 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 243 

queensware, witli a deservedly large trade. Mark tlie progress 
of an enero;etic, wide-awake vonno- man. 

C. D. Terry c& Co.^ Limiher Merchants. — In almost ever}' 
department of trade and manufacture, Tama City offers induce- 
ments to home patrons and those <jutside her borders, and the 
lumber business forms no exception to this rule. The above 
named gentlemen established themselves in the lumber business 
in this city in 1S69, having been principally managed by C. D. 
Terrv, and B. F. Hill. About two vears ag-o they became sole 
proprietors. Ever since its establishment it lias been a popular 
yard, and posessed advantages that all could not compete with. 
They are wholesale and retail dealers in lumber of all kinds. 
They also handle coal, mixed paints, mouldings etc. They paj' 
strict attention to their business interests. The yard is located 
on State Street, where they always can be found ready for 
business. 

T. A. Bristol^ Jeweler. — On Tliird Street near the post offir-e 
is located the above gentleman. Mr. Bristol is a practical jewel- 
er of many years experience, ancl is well posted in the business. 
He has met with good success during his business career in this 
place. He keeps a large and well selected stock consisting of 
the latest styles, in fact, everything kept in a first-class jewelry 
store. An especial feature of his establishment is the repairing de- 
partment where all kinds of cleaning and repairing isdoneto per- 
fection. The vvhr)le is presided over by Mr. Bristol, and all 
work is guaranteed by him. His prices are reasonable. Give 
him your patronage. 

First National Banh. — It is necessary in times such as we are 
now passing through that the public should have pointed C)ut 
those moneved institutions which are sound and on a sure founda- 
tion. And in order to arrive at an intelligent conclusion in re- 
gard to the soundness of any such establishment, one of the first 
and most important things to be considered is how the man- 
agers have conducted their own affairs. If after due considera- 
tion we find these managers men of reputation and well tried 
characters, and who have managed their own affairs with large 



244 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

success, then we may reasonably conclude they are the best per- 
sons in any coiinnuiiity to care for one's funds and watch over 
depositoi's' interests with caution and care. After this brief in- 
troduction, we would say that among the solid and respimsible 
institutions of tliis kind is the FirstNational Baidv, of Tama Citv, 
It was organized in 1S71, and stands to-day strong in its own re- 
soruces and doing a large business. The bank is neatly and con- 
veniently fitted up, and provided with vaults (jf recognized 
strength. The Yale time Safes are used. 

The present officers are, B. A. TIall, President; G. H. Warren 
Cashier; Y. N. Warren, Assistant Cashier; E. Ruggles, C. E. 
Covell, A. J. Tyler, C. E. Hayes, J. Brice, Jr., J. L. Bracken, 
J. Ramsdell and B. A. Hall, Directors. Mr. Hall is one of the 
oldest residents of the city and has been one of the active devel- 
opers of the place. He has contributed liberally to almost every 
enterprise of the city, and has been a leading business man, de- 
serving of the liighst praise The same may be said of Mi-. War- 
ren, a banker of recognized ability. 

Hall c& Carmichael^ HardvHvre. — Since April, 1879, this firm 
has been established in the hardware business. They carry 
one of the largest and finest stocks of shelf and heavy hard- 
ware in the County. They also deal extensively in farm imple- 
ments. In connection ^vith tlie hardware is a large and well 
equipped tin shop where all kinds of tinware is manufactured. 
The firni is composed of B. A. Hall and H. T. Carmichael, his 
son-in-law, a young man of line business qualifications. The 
store is located on ecjrner'of Third and McClellan Streets. 

Brooks cfc Holmes^ Dry Goods. — One of the very foremost 
dry goods houses in Tama City, is that conducted by the above 
firm on Third Street. It was established in 1875, and since then 
has held a leading position, and to-day stand among the most ex- 
tensive dry goods houses in the County. In addition to general 
dry goods they make a speciality of clothing, boots and shoes, 
hats and caps, upholstery goods and window draperies. In these 
articles they hold a leading position, and have become well 
known for their fine qTialitv of goods, but above all for their ac- 



HISTORY OF TAAIA COUNTY. 245 

curate representations. All the advantages of a business edu- 
cation and of iSnancial abilities are possessed by this firm. The 
firm consists of J. H. Brooks and F. E. Holmes; the former is 
one of our oldest citizens and respected by a host of friends, 
and the latter is one of Tama City's most valuable young men. 

Sole/nan Bros, Livery and Feed Stahle. — On the corner of 
Fourth and McClellen Streets is located one of the finest and 
most popuhir livery barns in the County. The barn was erected 
in the 3'ear 1877 by Henry Soleraan, who assumed the manage- 
ment of it until March 1st, 1879, wiien J. F. Solenum, his 
brother, bought one-half interest in the business. Both take an 
active part in the business and are running a creditable livery. 
Mr. H. Soleman, besides being in connection with this barn, is 
proprietor of a large drug store and agricultural warehouse. 
He is a thorough business man and knows just how to turn the 
irons to keep them from burning. 

Z. Solomon, Clothier. — This gentleman has been identified 
witli the leading business men of Tama City since April, 1879. 
Since this date he has been largely engaged in the clotliing 
business at his store room on Third Street, where he carrys a fine 
stock, consisting of clothing, hats and caps, trunks, valises and 
gentleman's furnishing goods, all of which he sells very cheap. 
Mr. Solomon is well known over the County as a man who is 
strictly honest, and of fine business qualifications, and we have 
no hesitation in pointing the public to him for good bargains in 
clothing etc. 

HydrauliG Flourhtg Mills. — Tliese mills are operated by a 
company composed of B. F. Crenshaw. F. B. and E. E. Rams- 
dell. The former of whom came to this city in 1869, while the 
Kamsdells are old settlers, having came to Tama County in 1853. 
Ever since these gentlemen have been in the city they have tak- 
en rank among the active workers of the place, giving much time 
and money toward the various valuable enterprises that have 
arisen, in order to make the citv what it is to-dav, — one of the 
most prosperous and best known in the country. Iii 1875, ; the 
Hydraulic Flouring Mill was erected by Mr. Crenshaw at a cost 



246 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

of about $12,000 and managed by him until December 1876, 
when he sold it to F. B. Ramsdell. In the fall of 1877, 
E. E. Ramsdell. his brother, bought one-half interest. Under 
the firm name of Ramsdell Bros, the mill done a large business 
shipping a great deal of flour besides supplying home markets. 
March 1st, 1879, Mr. B. F. Crenshaw, the founder of the mill, 
bought back one-third interest. Since that date the mill has been 
running under the Arm name of Crenshaw & Ramsdell, and is 
doing one of the largest businesses in their line of any mill in 
Tama County and we will venture to say, so long as the mill is 
managed by these gentlemen their business will cotistantly in- 
crease instead of diminish. Tlie mill is a large frame building 
60x-15, three stories high, and is equipped with superior machin- 
ery, with three run of burrs of the latest and best improvement 
which enables them to manufacture a splendid brand of flour. 
Mr. Crenshaw is also proprietor of the Helena Flouring Mill, which 
is also doing a large business, and manufacturing a splendid 
quality of flour. 

The Paper Company. — J. Ramsdell, President; T. A. Hop- 
kins, Agent; H. E. Ramsdell, Secretai-y. For a city so new as 
Tama and with a population of only about two thousand inhabit- 
ants, it is surprising to find so many mamifacturing institutions, 
and yet there is room for more, all meetiiiir with success as 
those in operation demonstrate. Among the mixst recently or- 
ganized institutions may be mentioned, in this department of our 
work, the Tama City Paper Mills, located on the water power 
addition south of the Hj^draulic Flouring Mills and under the su- 
pervision of A. Everhart, an old paper mill man of Milan, Illinois. 
These mills have now been in existence but a few months, yet 
being conducted by intelligent gentlemen and located in the "'City 
of enterprise," with railroad facilities for distributing goods, we 
need not wonder at their successful career. Already they are 
shipping paper of all sizes and weights over a large area, and re- 
ceiving assurances from buyers that while their paper is of the 
finest quality it gives general satisfoction. The machinery and 
general equipments ot this establishment are all of the most ap- 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



24' 



proved kind wliicli, with the shipping facilities and financial ahil. 
itv of the proprietors, assnres their continued success. The \>n>- 
prietors are all old settlers in this County, J. Ramsdell, and his 
son H. E. Ramsdell having come to the County in 1S53, and 
T. A. Hopkins came in 1855. They are li]>eral enterprising and 
successtuL and stand among the leading business men of the 
city. 

A. L. HmcaA'd, Butter Tu^> Factory. — In IST^n this busi- 
ness was established in this city and since then has been liberally 
patronized. Mr. Howard is located upon the water power addition 
where he manufactures a full assortment of all kinds of goods 
pertaining to the butter tub and cooper busiiiess. Mr. Howard 
is shipping his productions over a large portion of this State and 
his work gives satisfaction, and his prices are in accordance 
with the times. He employs quite a number of hands and is work- 
ing up an extensive business. 




COMPANY. 



This com])any was incorporated, August 31st, 1875, by a num- 
ber of our leading capitalists business men and public spirited 
citizens, many of whom are well versed and practical mechanics, 
and full v alive to the wants of the western farmer. It is one of 
the most resjionsible and promising institutions of TamaCity, and 
the persons connected with it are sufficient evidence that it has 
facilities to otiei- in its line of a o-ratifvini' character. It o-ives 
employment to from thirty to forty hands, among who we can 
mention A. E. Axtel, foreman of the machine shops; J. 
Ballhouse, foreman of the blacksmith department; D. W. Rising, 



24:8 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 



foreman of tlie wood room; Geo. Richards fomidryraan; and 
C. D. Williams and G. W. IIap«,^ood painters, all of whom rank 
among the best in the State. These works are of valne to the 
city, and add to the wealth of the place by sending out its 
manufactures, receiving funds for the same which are princi- 
pally distributed at home. This advantage to the city and its cit- 
izens however is of no greater advantage than its valuable imple- 
ments are to farmers, for from this manufactory issue some of the 
most practical in use. Among its notable farming implements 
may be mentioned the improved steel plows. These are made of 
the best patent steel, extra hardened and in the most thorough 
manner possible with special reference to scouring, ease of draft, 
durability, and are fully warranted in every way, shape and form. 
The Fearless Sulky Plow attachment is without doubt one of 
the finest and best improvements now before the public. Any 
kind of a plow having either an iron or wooden beam can be used 
with it. It has the advantage of any otlier sulky and much 
lighter and more simple. They have also perfected a corn plow 
to be attached to this sulky which saves the purchaser from ten 
to fifteen dollars on a corn plow. This attachment is an excel- 
lent thing. 

The Prairie Corn Sheller is one of the neatest and most com- 
plete shellers now in the market; it is both simple and durable. 
As this machine is manufactured at such alow price, m.any farm- 
ers throughout the country are using them, and in every case 
they give satisfaction. 

Another valuable and labor 
saving machine of their man- 
ufacture is the Wauchope Gra- 
der. This machine is almost 
U indispensable, and is receiv- 
ing commendation wherever 
used. A co]-respondent to the Western Stock and Farm 
Journal of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, under date March, 1879, says 
the following of this gradei" 

"Now comes the fug of war, to describe one of the f^-eatest 




HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 249 

inventions of modern times, the Waucbope Grader. This ma- 
chine is so constructed tliat it will plow the ground and carry 
the dirt by means of an elevator to the center of the road. By 
this means a turn-pike is built at a cost of only about twenty- 
live cents per rod. It is constructed on the same principal as a 
header for cutting grain, and it is S(j strongly built that it rarely 
gets out of order, and so arranged that two men and eight horses 
can run it with ease. It is not onlv a successful road grader, but 
equally as valuable as a ditcher. The testimony of of the Win- 
nebago xSwrnw/^ is to the point as follows: "■Thy Wauchope 
Road Grader, which has just been purchased by the trustees of 
this township built a piece of road, the length of which is sixt3^ 
rods; the average width of grade sixteen feet; de} th of grade 
eighteen inches. The road is neatly turnpiked and has a ditch- 
on each side nine feet in width. The time occupied in the work 
was about four and one-half hours. Eight horses and two nun 
did the work. The machine is warranted to build eighty rods 
of road a day, 'and we are satisfied that it will do it, and well too'. 
Under the old system, road building has proven both expensive 
and unsatisfactorv. With one of these gi-aders we should have 
good roads with a good deal less expense than we formerly paid 
for having, what in most cases were mere apologies for public 
highwa}^^s. We are satisfied that the investment in a Wauchope 
Grader by our township is a good one. It will handle more earth 
than a dozen teams with scrapers, and handle it in better shape. 
It will work anywhere that a team can go. The grader is so 
built as to be adjusted to loading wagons where earth has to be 
hauled a distance, and it will keep fifteen to twenty wagcns busy 
at a short range, to haul awa}- the dirt which it can dig. It 
needs only to be seen to be appreciated, and we think it a got)d 
investment for every township." 

We could quote hundreds of such testimonials as the above 
from various papers in the State where the Wauchope Grader has 
been used, but as its reputation is established it is not necessary. 
Since the organization of the company in tlie spring of 1S7T, 
hundreds of these machines have been sold in various parts of 



250 HISTORY OF TA.MA COUNTY. 

the State, and the demand is constantly increasing. The rapid 
introduction of this machine in Iowa is somethina; surprising. 
In 1877, onl}^ about tifty were sold to townships. This year 
(1879) nearly the whole force of the Union Plow Company — 
about thirty men, with the best of machinery — have been unable 
to till the orders. 

Mr. G. E. Iligley, the Superintendent, who has been connected 
with the company since January, 1877, came here from Spring- 
field, Mass., where he had been for a miinber of years superin- 
tending one of tlie largest wood ware establishments in the 
city. He thoroughly understands his business and is a gentleman 
who has made many warm friends since coming to Tama City. 
The same can be said of Messrs. Warren and Houghton. The 
maimfacture and warehouse of tliis company are located on the 
water power addition and extensive and well equipped for the 
manufacturing of these and other machines, besides doing repair- 
ing of all kinds, and we advise those not acquainted with their 
manufactures to investigate or send for catalogue, price list etc. 
The officers are G. 11. Warren, President; A. L. Iif)ughton, Sec- 
retary and Treasurer; G. E. Higley, Superintendent. Each of 
these names are sufficent in themselves to inspire confidence in 
the responsibility of the institution. 

Beyijarnan Thompson^ M. D. — One of the most successful and 
leading physicians and surgeons in central Iowa, is Benjaman 
Thompson of Tama City. He graduated at the Eclectic Medical 
C(jllege of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the year 1870, and 
shortly afterwards came to Tama CitA' where he has since resid- 
ed, and has successfully built up a large and extensive practice. 
Mr. Th(;mps(ni is a man of sterling worth and takes an active 
part in the up-building of the town and community in which he 
lives. He is a man of ability and has a thorough knowledge 
of medicine and surgery. His pleasant ways and maTiners and 
sympathetic speech gains the respect of his patients. His office 
is in p.. M. Coffin's drug store. 

Mafiana & Co., Wind Mill Maniifaotnrers. — The above com- 
pany estabUshed themselves at Tama Citv in May, 1879, and 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 251 

since that time have become known as men of sterling worth. 
The demand for the valuable and indispensable machines which 
they mainifacture is constantly increasing. Although they are 
of recent invention, they have been thoroughly tested and tried 
and have stood the test in every case. For a number of years 
Mr. JVIahana, the patentee, assisted by others, manufactured the 
machines in La Moille, Bureau County, Illinois, l)ut their ambi- 
tion was to introduce them in Iowa, and after manufacturing 
at Lyons this State, a considerable length of time, came to Tama 
Oity, where we find them thoroughly in the work and manufac- 
turing these valuable articles for the farmers of this County. 
The neatest, simplest, most substantial and consequently 
the cheapest machine that has come under our observation, is the 
Lnproved Rival and Eureka Wind Mills, invented and manufac- 
tured by Mahana & Co. There is less machinery about them 
than any mills in use. They have a revolving post and the 
wheel is securely attached to this post, both revolving together, 
while the tail is hung by hinges on the opposite side of the 
post, and the self-regulating operator is secured by a T lever at- 
tached to the tail and connecting with the post. Any person can 
see how perfectly simple this is. Here are secured certain re- 
sults; easy running with light winds; will take care of itself in a 
gale; keeps u]:» unifoiin siroke in all winds; will stop when trough 
is full, but will resume pumping when more water is needed. 
This latter fact is an interesting one, and want of space forbids 
our going into details. Tlie manufacturers wan-ant to do as good 
work with this mill as can be done by any higher priced machine. 
The cost of the Rival is only a trifle and we advise our read- 
ers to see this admirable piece of machinery, and see it operate 
before buying. The company also manufactures barbed wire. 

We must not pass this sketch by without mentioning the med- 
ical ability of Mr. J. R. Mahana as a doctor. He is a graduate 
ofHannemaim Medical College, of Chicago, and has been a prac- 
ticing physician for the past eight years. Mr. Mahana will con- 
tinue practicing medicine at Tama City, and will doubtless be- 
come one of its leading and prominent physicians. He is a man 
of good medical knowledge and ability. 



252 



HISTORY OF TAMA COU>fTY. 



Business Directory. 



E. G. Penrose, hardware. 
Brooks ife Holmes, dry goods. 
Thomas Murray, dry yoods. 
C. Iloiuan. Flouring Mill. 
E. 11. Price, wagon shop. 
E. A. Graves, harness shop, 
W. F. Sterling, boot & shoe store.- 
J. F. Hegardt, meat market. 
C. C. Harris. & Bro., painters. 
C. L. McClnng, painter. 
Thomas Brice, grocei". 
J. Brice Jr., grocer. 

B. Thompson, doctor. 
J. Nicholson, dentist. 

S. W. Grove, DEMOCKAt. 
H. Soleman, agricultural, 
Cleveland Bros., & Gilbert, furniture. 

E. II. Coyle, restaurant. 

G. B. Alden, Photographer. 

Ebersole & Willett, lawyer. 

G. D. Sherman, Justice. 

AV. E. Nevvcomb, broom factory. 

Putli Bros, clothiers and tailors. 

J. n. Easton, tailor. 

L. H. Braniian, Pacific Hotel, 

M. Bostwick, Bostwick House. 

J. M. Burge, cigar manufacturer. 

Bank of Tama, E. L. Carmicliael Cah'r 

C. H. Kentner, grain and stock buyer. 
Mrs. S. P. Barrett, Millineiy. 

W. H. r'nnnnings, blacksmith. 

R. M. Coffin, druggist. 

Wonscr Bros., books, stationery. 

J. Morrison, oysters and billiards. 

G. Voss, saloon. 

P. Peterson, barber. 

Soleman Bros., livery and sale stable. 

C. H. Kentner, insurance. 

F. N. Warren, insurance. 
Paper Mill Company. 

A, L. Howard, butter tub factory. 
Manufacturers & Builders Association. 
Rhoads & Homan, builders, 
H. Page, drayman. 



Carmiehael & Hall, hardware. 

J. D. Laudi, dry goods. 

M. C. Murdougli, dry goods. 

Crenshaw & Ramsdells, Flouring Mill. 

M. C. Wilson, wagon shop. 

W. Richards, boot & shoe store. 

J. C. Mathews, boot & shoe, shop. 

J. T. Flathers, meat market. 

Williams & Hapgood, painters. 

W. D. Worrell, grocer. 

Tims & Jackson, grocers. 

T. H. Bruhn, grocer. 

Wm. Corns, (h)ctor. 

F. J. M. Wonser, hekai-d. 

W. H. Hawk, agricultural. 

C. W. Snyder, furniture, 
J. T. Matsoii, baker. 

F. A. Bristol, jeweler. 
W. H, Tiffany, lawyer. 
Mills & Guernsey, lawyers. 
A. W. Guernsey, Justice. 
J. P. Hixon, broom factory. 
Z. Solomon, clothier. 

A. Mathern, & Co.. brewers. 

E. Harmon, Harmon House. 
Delmonici) House, Mrs. Felstead. 

First National Bank, (Jeo. Warren, Cah'r 
. H. Day, grain and stock buyer. 
Mrs. M. Ingham. Millinery. 
Thomas Whitaker, produce dealer. 

D. Clement, blacksmith. 
H. Soleman, druggist. 

B. F. Crenshaw, flour and feed. 

F. Wilrodt, saloon. 
Rheimer, saloon. 

R. M. Coffin, express agent. 
M. C. Murdough, livery. 
Mills & Guernsey, insurance. 
Union Plow Company. 
Cleaveland Bros. & Gilbert, blind, door 
and sash factory. 
Pearl Barley Mills. 
A. Wiseman, drayman, 
Thurston & Garish, printers. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

TEAER. 

This town is situated in the northern part of Perry townshij), 
on the south half of section ten, and surrounded by a country 
which in fertility of soil is not surpassed in the State of Iowa. 
The whole country for many miles around is dotted over with 
some of the finest and best improved farms in the County. The 
place was laid out on the Pacific bi-anch of the Burlington Cedar 
liapids & Northern Railroad, in the year 1873, at which time the 
extension reached this point, and being for a considerable length 
of time the terminus of the road the place was soon established, 
on land owned by Giles Taylor, and J. L. Bull. 

On the 27th day of July, 1873, the iron horse first made its 
appearance in the place. To-day it has a population of nearly 
two thousand inhabitants. The same year J. P. Smith of Tama 
City, came to the place and opened a lumber yard, and built the 
first building on the town plat. Sliortly after A. M. Batchelder 
and J. G. Strong erected a store building and opened a stock of 
druo's; from that date the work of building the new town was viffor- 
ously pursued. The music of the saw and hammer was heard 
on every hand. During that season a large number of buildings 
were erected and the population increased so rapidh' that 
hotel accommodations in manv cases could not be secured and 



"^■^ HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

people were compelled to resort to barns, store rooms etc., f(,r 
lodging. 

The town is kid out with streets running east and west, north 
and south, and stands upon the south bank of Wolf Creek, in a 
mitural growth of timber. In the south eastern portion of the city 
IS found one of the nicest parks in the State, which is used by the 
citizens for gatherings of all kinds, and a summer resort. This 
park is surrounded by a neat board fence, with a heavy growth of 
elm, oak and maple trees, making it beautiful and' attractive. 
In 1875 the place grew so rapidly tiiat it became necessary to in- 
corporate it as a city. Accordingly, meetings and an election 
were held for the purpose of choosing officers, which were as fol- 
lows: Mayor, Giles Taylor; Recorder, W. H. Bowen; Trustees, 
J. Morrison, T. II. Greelis, A. Mitchell, J. R. Smith, A M 
Batchelder, and L. Ladd. A tew days afterwards the Board met 
and adopted such ordinances as were thought for the best inter- 
est of the place. 

With reference to public schools the citizens have always taken 
a special pride and not without cause. From the report of the 
Superintendent of Schools of that place we gather the information 
that they are in a very flourishing condition, the general avera-e 
in deportment, attendance and study being better than in any of 
the schools with which we are acquainted. The graded system 
was adopted on the completion of the new building in 1877, and 
has worked to the satisfaction of every one. The following nam- 
ed gentlemen compose the present Board of School Directors- 
E. D. Langley, W. W. Wilson, C. G. Johnson, G. W. McClary, 
O. A. Clow, — . 

There are four religious denominations having organizations in 
this place, viz.. United Presbyterian Church, on Walnut and 
fourth Streets; Congregationalists, Walnut Street; Methodist 
Episcopal Church, Walnut and Main Streets, and the Advents. 
All have good comfortable church edifices. 

_ A better class of dwelling houses are shown in this town than 
in many of its size in the State, while among her business 
houses are some fine ones, among which we can mention the 



\ 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 25^ 



banking house of Brooks & Moore, the Brooks House, Seaver & 
McCl^ry's block in the business portion of the town and the 
Pubhc School building. Taking all in all Traer in all branches 
of business is probably ahead of any town in the County. To 
the first settlers of the place belong the most praise for what we 
see to-day. 

There are numerous business firms in the place worthy of 
special notice, among whom we mention the following: 

Smith & Edwards, Dry Goods, Clothing and Groceries.— 
This firm is composed of two as energetic and live business men 
as can be found in central Iowa, S. P. Sm^th, formerly of But- 
ler County, Iowa and L. II. Edwards, of Waterloo, who estab- 
lished business at Traer, in the year 1875. Since that time tiiey 
have been doing one of the largest dry goods businesses in the 
city, and have made many warm friends and gained the re- 
spect and confidence of every one in the community. Their 
store is located on the corner of Wahiut and Second Streets, 
where they carry a full and complete line of dry goods, groceries 
clothing, boots and shoes, all ' of which they are selling very 
cheap. All the advantages of business qualifications and finan- 
cial ability are possesed by this firm. Give them a call. 

MoCornaok Bros., Lumher, Coal and Farm Implements.— 
The above named gentlemen have been residents of Tama 
County since the year 1865, locating in Perry township, where 
they remained upon their farms until Traer was founded, 
when they estabhshed themselves in the above business, and 
from that date have carried a full stock of the best farm machin- 
ery, together with a large stock of lumber and coal which they 
are selling very cheap, and their trade is greatly increasing. 
Their office and yards are located upon the west side of Walnut 
Street, between Second and Third, where they are always found 
ready to wait upon you. These gentlemen, since becoming resi- 
dents of the County, by honest and square dealing, have gained 
the confidence of the public and hold a large trade. 

James Fowler, Attorney at Zaw.—ln 1856 this gentleman 
cauje to Tama County and settled at Toledo. For a number of 



250 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY 

years cr until Truer was established, he was engaged in various 
kinds of business, part of the time farming and part of the tniie 
he was engaged in the mercantile business at Toledo. In 1873, 
when Traer sprang into existence he moved to that point and en- 
o-aged in the law business, since which time he has had a large 
practice and met witii the average success. Mr. Fowler has a 
nice office over Brooks & Moore's bank, where he has a tine large 
library and nicely arranged rooms with all the conveniences of 
a hrst-class law office. 

Porterfield Bros., Dry Goods. -T\n^ firm is composed of 
S. M. and D. A. and W. S. Porterheld, who came to this pomt 
from Vinton, Iowa, in 1873 and established business. Since which 
time they have, bv honest and tair dealing, built up a large trade 
in ail kinds of staple and fancy dry goods, clothing, hats, caps, 
boots and shoes, valises, etc. To-day this llrm stands among 
the most extensive dry goods houses of this section. In addition 
to their business at this point they carry on a large business at 
Reinbeck, Grundy County, which was established in 1877. 
Each member of this firm is esteemed among the best of Trear's 
citizens, and as business men they are perfection. 

W. D. SeotU M. i>., Surgery a Specialty.^ Among the most 
successful practitioners of Traer, we may mention the name of 
W. D. Scott, who has been a practicing physician of the place 
since November, 1877, and who, since that date, has met with 
more than ordinarv success. Mr. Scott is a graduate of Hahne- 
man Medical College of St Louis, and since graduating has been 
in active practice both before and since settling in this County. 
He loves surgerv, studies science, and is a prospective mau. Mr. 
Scott ranks a^mcmg the best educated physicians and surgeons of 
the country and his practice is constantly increasing. Office m 

OrtchikVs building. 

Moses Simon, Clothier.— A business career of five years will 
either bring a man to the front or send him far to the rear. Ill 
business there can be no middle ground for a man to occupy, he 
must either go forward and keep ahead of the times or be dis- 
tanced in the race by his more enterprising neighbors. 



HISTOKY OF TAMA COUNTY. 257 

Day by day we see dropping out of sight those who were once 
thought to be enterprising business men, but who neglectful of the 
opportunities presented to them, failed to secure that success 
which seemed to be within easy reacli. The gentleman whose 
name heads this item has been a resident of this city and has 
been in active business, and has become identified with its growth 
and prosperity. Although a good business man, and one that 
looks closely to his own interests, he yet does not allow his mind 
to become wholly absoi'bed in these matters, but in other things 
in wliich the people are interested he takes an active part, and in 
this way he has brought himself into notice and secured the affec- 
tion and good will of thousands throughout Tama and surround- 
ing Counties. But it is as a business man we have to deal with 
him in this article; as remarked it has been five years since he 
first began business in this city. His first location being at the 
corner of Main and Second Streets. Here he remained for some 
three years or until December 23d, 1878, when his stock was 
consumed by fire. Mr. Simon's loss at this time was very large 
as nothing whatever was saved with the exception of one or two 
show cases and a few other articles. But instead of becoming 
discoui'aged, as doubtless many would have done, he renewed his 
energies and in six days after burning out he had a new stock of 
goods on hand and ready again to supply his many customers. 
His store room at present is located on Second Street near 
Brooks & Moore's bank. Here he occupies a very large and neat 
room in which he lias displayed the nicest stock of gentlemens 
furnishing goods that can be found in central Iowa. In this de- 
partment he designs to carry a line of the best goods and his rep- 
utation for keeping superior goods at extremely low prices are 
made known far and wide, and his trade is constantly increasing. 
Ml'. Simon, besides carrying on the clothing business at Traer 
and Dvsait, where he has a branch store and doing a large busi- 
ness, is agent for the Hamburg American Packet Co, North 
German Lloyd, the Inman and Wliite Star Line of Steamships. 

O. O. Collins^ Furniture. — In 1855, this gentleman came to 
the County in company with his parents from WashingtonCounty, 



2oS 



IXlSTOKi' OF TAMA COUNTY. 



Iiidiiina, iiiul settled in the soiitlieni part of Perry township in a 
small o-i-ove which was afterwards named in honor of his father 
L. B. Collins, and is still known as Collins' Grove. Here the 
sul)ject of this brief sketch remained helping to carry on the farm 
until 18<)2, when he enlisted in Company F 2Sth Iowa, and went 
to war. After returning he worked at hire for a luunber of years 
or until July, 1861), when he engaged in business for himself, at 
-Bii-kingham carrying a general stock of merchandise etc. In 
1S73, wliQu Traer sprang into existence Mr. Collins moved to 
that point and engaged largely in dry goods building up an ex- 
tensive trade; continued until September lst,1878, when he bought 
a fine stock of furniture, in this business he still contiimes carry- 
ing one of the largest stocks in the city. Mi". Collins^ furniture 
rooms are located on Second Street, where he handles and mauu- 
tacUires all kinds of furniture, which he sells at lower prices than 
the same can be purchased in Traer's competing towns, as 
the proprietor owns his manufactory and buys for cash. Those 
needing anything in his line should not fail to call and examine 
his stock and prices. 

Bo2ven c& Illgly, Land, Loan, Insrirance and Collection 
Agents.— "WxQ above business was established in the year 1874, 
by W. II. Bowen, who came to this place from Cedar Rapid*^ 
and was conducted by him with good success until January, 1878, 
when M. K, Iligby became interested, after which the firm was 
known as Bowen & Higby. Since the latter date it has been 
conducted in a profitable manner and to- day stands among the 
leading agencies of this kind in the Northwest. They do a large 
business in land, insurance and collections, while they make loans 
a specialty, intact the latter business has increased so in the last 
few years that nearly their whole time and attentit)n is devoted 
to it in .M'der that they may be fully prepared to give all 
desired information and advantages to patrons. Their ofiice is 
located on Second Street, in Orchilds' building. Call and see 
them. 

Dennh {£; Amrlll, Agricvltural Lmplements.—.KnKMvy the 
very foremost agricultural implement firms of this County stan.ls 



HISTORY OF TAMA COrNTY. 259 

tliiit of Dennis & Averill, whieli was first established in the year 
1860 at Tama Cit}', having been coni[!osed of the present mem- 
bers since 1872. The Urm is composed of J. B. Dennis and J. C. 
Averill, the former of whom has been a resident of Tama County, 
since 1866, coming to Tama City from Napoleon, Ohio, and 
the latter came to the County in 1871, from Ilighgate Sj)rings, 
Vermont. In 1873, besides carrying on a large business at Tama 
City, a branch house was established at Truer under the manage- 
ment of J. C. Averill. Until 1877, these gentleman conducted 
business at both [)laL-es, selling thousands of dollars worth of 
goods annually; in 187-1, the firm done over one hundred 
and twenty-five thousand dollars worth of business which speaks 
well for it. In the spring of 1877, the business at Traer had so 
increased that it required the services of both members of the 
firm and J. 13. Dennis sold the interest at Tanui City 
and moved to Traer, Since the latter date the firm have carried 
a first-class stock of farm implements of all kinds, field seeds, etc. 
They have given the best inducement in prices and terms. There 
store is located at the corner of Second and Main Streets. 

Brooks (is Moore, Bankers and ColleGtors. — The banking firm 
of the above named gentleman has been in existence since 1873, 
and is one of the representative institutions of the city. Ever 
since its organization the business has been conducted by R. II. 
Moore, who has been identified with the leading spirits of the 
city since that date, and while he may not have fallen in with the 
views of all, yet has been liberal in ]>romoting those enterprises 
which l>e believed intended to enhance the interests of Traer. Ilis 
entei-prise soon exhibited itself after his advent in aiding and 
liberally donating to all good enterprises. The erection of the 
present banking house, which is located on the corner of Walnut 
and Second Streets is the finest in the city, and com])ares with 
any in Iowa. The firm is composed of J. H. Brooks and H. H. 
Moore; the former of whom has been a resident of the County 
since 1856, coming liei-e from Kane County, Illinois, and settling 
i]i Otter Creek township, where he resided upon his farm until 
the spring of 1866, wlien he moved to Tama City. Mr. Brooks 



260 HrSTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

is OHO of T;ima\s most liiglily osteeined citizens and besides rail- 
road contracting he is engaged in farming, merchandising and 
banking, mainly bj' proxy, and strange to say making a success of 
every branch. The latter, \i. II. Moore, has been a resident 
of the County since 1867, coming here from Mercer County, Penn- 
sylvania. Mr. Moore for a numl)er of years after coming to the 
County made his home at TamaCity and vicinity, teaching school 
during the winter seasons, while in the summer he was engaged 
at farming, or whatever honorable employment he could obtain 
until the year 1871, when he received a situation in the banking 
house of Carmichael, Brooks & Co., where he remained until busi- 
ness was established at Traer, when he was sent there in charge 
of that bank. To-day Mr. Moore besides owning one half inter- 
est in the business is largely interested in a bank at Reinbeck, 
Grundy Connt}^, where they are doing a large banking business 
under the charge of his brother G. T. Moore. But to return to 
the bank which under the supervision of R. H. Moore is one of the 
most successful institutions in the place, whose prosperity and 
high standing at home and abroad gives tone and character to 
the city, ever stands ready to accommodate its numerous 
customers. The banking house was erected in 1878, is 
especially constructed with a view to convenience and safety, and 
it is conceded that no bank in the County is more secure or eleg- 
antly and convenient!}' fitted up. Its furniture is heavj' carved 
hard wood, while its vaults are built up from the solid stone and 
provided with "time locks" thus making them doubly secure. 

J^. A. I^issell, Dentist. — The dental rooms of this gen- 
tleman are located over the post office, where he has nicely ar- 
ranged rooms and is prepared to do all work in his line. Mr. Bis- 
sell is a graduate of the Boston Dental College, and has been in 
practice since 1875. From that time until 1877 he practiced in 
Independence, Iowa, where he had a large practice and stood 
well in his profession. During his four years career in Traer he 
has secured a large practice from the leading citizens, which 
go to prove the high position he has attained. Mr. Bissell 
does good work and guarrantees satisfaction to all. 



HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 261 

Newoortib & 6'w?.S', Harness Matrnfacturers. — This linn is com- 
posed of M. A. Newcoiiib and his son A. G., both have been 
residents (jf this County for a great many years. For a number 
of years after coming to the County tiiey i-esided at Tama City 
whei'e they were engaged in l)nsiness. In 1874 they estabhshed 
business at Ti-aer, since whicli date they have held a leading posi- 
tion in the harness business, and their trade extends for manv 
miles into the country. Besides doing repairing of all kinds they 
manufacture and deal in all kinds of harness, saddles, bridles, 
whips, collars, brushes, blankets, trunks, valises,etc. Their stock 
is lirst-class and it will pay you to call and examine prices and 
goods. 

Brooks Ilouse^ W. TF. Ecans^ Proprietor. — Many towns of the 
size and attractions of Traer lack in hotel accomodations for the 
traveling ]>ublic, which, to our mind, is one of the greatest draw- 
backs to the prosperity of any city. As in many other respects, 
Traer is alive to this important fact, and through the commenda- 
ble enterprise of a number of its leading citizens, who now lay 
claim to having hotel accommodations to meet all necessary de- 
mands for some time to come. In 1875 the Brooks House was 
erected on the corner of Second and Walnut Streets, and named 
in honor of J. 11. Brooks, of Tama City. The House is built of 
red brick, two stories high, with a basement. The house has all 
the modern improvements and conveniences. W. W. Evans, 
the proprietor, has been a resident of the County since 1859, 
coming tiere from Rock Island, Illinois, and setthng in Grant 
township, remaining until 1873 when he move<i to Traer and en- 
gaged in the hardware business. In 1878, he took charge of the 
Brooks House, and now Mr. Evans may lay claim to keeping the 
largest, cleanest and best hotel in the city. 

George Sloss i& Son^ Flouring Mill. — These gentlemen are 
proprietors of one of tlie oldest flouring mills in the County, be- 
ing estabhshed about the year 1856, by W. W. Leekin. In 1875 
Mr., Sloss and liis son became sole proprietors of the mill and 
have since refitted and remoddled it at a great expense, and now 
they have a fine one and turn out an excellent quality of flour 



262 HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 

for wliicli tliev have a laro^e demand. The mill is located on 

V CD 

Wolf Creek, and is so arranged that it can be run either by wa- 
ter or steam making it very convenient. Mr. Sloss has long been 
a resident of this County and has numerous warm friends; since 
being a resident of Traer he is classed among its most valuable 
citizens. 

D. D. Corniek, Llverxj. — In 1876 this gentleman came to 

Ik 

Traer, from iiuchaiman County and established business and 
has since had an encouraging run of custom. He has some as 
fine rigs as there are in the Count3\ IJis livery and feed stable 
is located on Walnut Street north of the Brooks House, where 
he is prepared to furnish his many customers with as fine rigs 
as could be wished. He is a credit to the town and esteemed a 
valuable citizen. 

C. F. Buhmann^ Cigar MinufaGturer. — The cigar manufac- 
turing establishment of the above named gentleman was estab- 
lished in 1874. Mr. Buhmann came here from Wynona, Minen- 
sota. Since establishing business at Traer he has succeeded in 
building up a large trade both in wholesale and retail, and in 
every case his cigars has given entire satisfaction. He mannu- 
factures splen<lid brands of cigars, among which are the celebrat- 
ed Belle of Traer, My Own Brand and the Tama Chief, for all 
of tliese tliere is a large demand. His store is located on Second 
Street where he carries a full line of all kinds of tobaccos etc. in 
connection with his manufactory. 

Batchelder, <& Free, Drmggists. — This fii-m is composed of 
A. M. Batchelder and A. J. Free, the former has been a resident 
of the County since 1864, first residing in Tama City, and the 
latter has been a resident since 1853, comino; here from Colum- 
bus, Ohio, and settled near Toledo in company with his father's 
family. In 1873, when Traer sprang into existence Mr. Batch- 
elder established business at that point, in company with J. G. 
Strong. After a few years Mr. Strong sold out and G. T. Jones 
bought an interest. The firm of Batchelder & Jones continued 
until November, 1878, when Mr. Free bought Mr. Jones' inter- 
est and the firm iu\me changed to Free & Batchehlci-. During 



IIISTOEY OF TAJVIA COUNTS. 263 

the past six years it has held a leading position and commanded 
an extensive trade, but never in its history has it been as popular 
as at the present time. The}^ carry a full and well selected stock 
of everything in the drug line, paints, oils, etc. With its varied 
stock and well arranged apartments the store of Free & Batchel- 
dei- is one of the best in the Countv and does honor to its ener- 
getic proprietors. Besides carryhig on the drug store they are 
interested in the pop business; in this article ihey are having an 
extensive wholesale and retail trade. Their store is located ou 
Second Street and their pop factory is on Main Street near the 
depot. 

Galley (& Newcomer^ Drg Goods. — In 1874 business was 
established at this point by the above named gentlemen. The 
firm is composed of H. Galley and S. Newcomer, the former of 
whom is one of Ta7na County's oldest settlers and a leading dry 
goods merchant of Toledo. The latter is also an old settler of 
of the County formerly of Toledo, but now supervising the busi- 
ness of the above firm at Traer. Since this store has been es- 
tablished it has held a leading position in the dry goods trade of 
that place. They handle all kinds of dry goods but make a spec- 
ialty of custom made boots and shoes. They have the exclusive 
agenc}' in that place for the celebrated C. N. Fargo & Co. and 
the Miller & Co. boots and shoes, of which they claim their equal 
is not in Traer. Call on them. 

J. H. Se(jnei\ Livery Feed and Sale Stahle, — In 1876, this 
gentleman etablished himself in this business at Traer and since 
has been doing a large and paying business in the place. He 
turns out some fine rigs at reasonable prices. Mr. Segner for 
the first two years after locating at this place, besides running 
the livery barn was also proprietor of the Brooks House where 
he became well acquainted and made many friends all of whom 
speak of him as an honorable and valuable citizen. His livery 
barn is located but a few doors west of the Brooks House, where 
persons wishing accommodations in his line will get the best. 

Seaver&. Mc Clary., Bankers and Dry Goods. — At the corner 
of Second and Main Streets is located the large dry goods and 



2(J4 mSTOKY OK TAMA COUNTY. 

bankiiio- lioiiso of the above ikuiichI geiitleiueii, wlio established 
business in the fall of 1S7-1. Since that date they have gained a 
high re]>utation. The fine dis])hi,y of (h-y goods, notions, carpets 
clotliing, boots and shoes, hats, cajis, etc. is immense. From 
the tirst they ado])ted the cash sj'stem, both in buying and selling. 
]>y this nieajis they secure goods at bottom prices and sell the 
same as cheap as Chicago retail houses. Their store is the finest 
iind most attractive in the town, and connnands a trade among all 
classes. In 1S75, i)esides carrying on the dry goods business, 
the Banlv of Traer was established by them. During the time 
it has been in existence it has done a regular banking and collec- 
tion business, and has been of great advantage to the city. This 
department is under the supervision of Mr. Seaver, while Mr. 
McClary takes charge of the dry goods. Jioth these men came 
here from Jefferson County, Kansas, and since being resi- 
dents of Traer have became well acquainted, highly esteemed 
and are good representatives of their respective positions and hold 
a high reputation as business men and citizens. 

J. T. Welds Hardware and AgriGidtural. — But a short time 
after Traer was founded the above named gentleman established 
business at that point. Since that time he has carried a full lin3 
of shelf and heavy hardware, stoves, tinware and agricultural im- 
plements. His store is located on Second Street, near Brooks 
and Moore's bank, where he has one of the largest and most 
complete stocks in the city, Mr. Weld has been a resident of 
Traer since 1863, coming here from Pecatonica, Illinois, where 
he had been in business. Since a resident of Traer Mr. AVeld 
has become one of that city's leading hardware merchants and 
has established a n