\kO
A
E. M. I IAN cm K
PAST AND PRESENT
OF
Allamakee County
IOWA
A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and
Achievement
By
ELLERY M. HANCOCK
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME I
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKL PUBLISHING COMPANY
1913
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
38679
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
R 1914 L.
FOREWORD
The history of a community must be composed largely of the biography of a
few people, and, as such, may seem to some trivial and valueless. But the nation
is made up of similar individuals, and the life and character of the mass goes to
make the history and character of a world-power for good or evil to the human
race. Hence the local history is not unimportant. In submitting the following
pages to the public the writer is aware of their incompleteness as a history, and
begs the lenient judgment of the reader. After an arduous research for facts
and dates the futility of an attempt at completeness in a work of this character
has been pressed home upon him ; but he cherishes the belief that as regards the
statement of facts the work will be found generally correct and reliable. Any
errors discovered should be brought to his attention, that they may be noted for
future correction. If he has succeeded in presenting the chief points of our his-
tory in a readable and entertaining manner, and has collated the reminiscences
of others previously published or written at divers times in a form suitable for
preservation and reference, he has accomplished the task assigned him.
In this connection full credit should be given to those who have rendered
valuable assistance in the work, among whom should be prominently named A. M.
May, Ellison Orr, and Jas. T. Metcalf. The published papers of Judge Dean,
D. B. Raymond, J. S. Bryson, T. C. Medary and others have been liberally drawn
from ; and the members of the press have generally assisted willingly, the files
of the Standard, Democrat, and Mirror, having been of especial value. The
Postville history is based chiefly on the painstaking work of A. R. Prescott in the
old county history, while assistance has been freely given by Wm. Shepherd,
Geo. S. Tuttle and others. The Lansing sketch written by Dick Haney thirty
years ago, has also been utilized, with his permission, as also the interesting con-
tributions to the Lansing Mirror by Mrs. Martha T. Hemenway and Miss Fanny
Hemenway. Assistance is also acknowledged from B. F. Thomas and N. A.
Nelson of that city. Numerous others have generously responded as called upon,
among whom may be mentioned! .'O. Larson arid Mrs". M. A. R. Bellows, of the
early settlers, and R. W. Erwin in his cU scripticn of the iron mine.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
Page
Early Dawn g
CHAPTER II
Encroaching Civilization 17
CHAPTER III
THE ABORIGINES
Black Hawk War 36
CHAPTER IV
CIVIL GOVERNMENT
County Organization 44
CHAPTER V
Allamakee County 47
CHAPTER VI
The Old Mission 55
CHAPTER VII
EARLY COURTS
First Terms of Court k 69
CHAPTER VIII
GEOLOGY OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
The Stratified Rocks yy
Iron Hill 99
Geological Character 99
CHAPTER IX
AGRICULTURE AND MANUFACTURES
Agricultural Society 108
Farmers' Institute 112
5
6 CONTENTS
Page
CHAPTER X
POLITICS
Vote for President 114
Vote for Governor 115
Secretary of State 115
CHAPTER XI
COUNTY OFFICERS
State Legislature — Senate 125
State Legislature — House 126
District Court 1 27
Circuit Court 128
CHAPTER XII
THE COUNTY SEAT
Some Other Early County Affairs [42
CHAPTER XIII
THE COUNTY PRESS
Journalistic Adventures of Late T. C. Medary, by Himself, in 1890 147
Local Affairs — A Digression 1 52
The Craft Again 1 54
( )ff to the Front and After 155
In Conclusion 157
Another "Country Editor." — Jas. T. Metcalf 161
Others of the Fraternity 165
CHAPTER XIV
The County Bar 171
CHAPTER XV
COUNTY SCHOOLS
School Townships 183
Independent Districts '. 183
Summary of the Annual Report, 191 1-12 [86
CHAPTFR XVI
PUBLIC UTILITIES
The Standard Telephone Company 1S7
< Hher Telephone Companies 188
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paid Railway 191
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway 191
United States Express Company 192
Wells Fargo & Co. Express 192
Western Union Telegraph Company 192
Upper Iowa Power Company 192
CONTENTS 7
CHAPTER XVII Page
A Dark Chapter IOc
CHAPTER XVIII
THE PIONEERS
Judge Dean's Narrative 206
D. B. Raymond's Recollections 213
North of the Oneota 218
CHAPTER XIX
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION
Center Township 227
Fairview Township 233
Franklin Township 237
French Creek Township 245
Hanover Township 246
Iowa Township 251
Jefferson Township 257
Lafayette Township 263
Lansing Township 267
Linton Township 271
Ludlow Township 273
Makee Township 274
Paint Creek Township 277
Taylor Township 288
Union City Township 301
Union Prairie Township 305
Waterloo Township 307
CHAPTER XX
HISTORY OF WAUKON
The Shattucks 313
Name 318
Waukon in 1858-61 321
County Officials 321
Municipal History 323
City of the Second Class 326
Waukon's Financial Condition — Spring of 19 13 328
Fire Department and Fires 331
Public Utilities 334
Railroad 335
The Waukon Schools 341
Early School History 341
Allamakee College 348
The Press 352
Postoffice 354
Public Library 355
Financial Institutions 355
Churches 361
Grand Army of the Republic 376
Spanish War Veterans 277
Women's Clubs 378
Old Company "I" 378
Captain Nichols 385
8 CONTENTS
Page
Fraternal Societies 386
Some Waukon Pioneers — One of the Maine Families 394
A Typical Pioneer 396
Other Pioneers of Waukon and Vicinity 401
Some of the F. F. Allamakees 406
CHAPTER XXI
HISTORY OF LANSING
Recollections of 185 1 416
Lansing in 1852-53 420
City Government 422
The Water Supply 423
Fire Department 425
Lansing Schools 426
Churches 430
The Press 44°
Financial Institutions 441
Fraternal Societies 443
Postoffice 446
Public Library 449
Military Company 449
Railroad 450
Some Lansing Pioneers 452
Pearl Button Industry 466
Early Business Items 467
CHAPTER XXII
POSTVILLE AND POST TOWNSHIP
Public Schools 477
Municipal 479
Churches 48/
Early Sunday Schools 49°
Fraternal Societies 49°
Public Library 491
City Park 491
The Early Professions 491
Postmasters 492
Postville Business Directory 1882 492
Militia Company 493
Newspapers 493
Banks 494
Brick and Tile Manufactory 497
Some Old-Time Voters 497
An Ancient Autograph 498
Early Villages 498
CHAPTER XXIII
ALLAMAKEE IN THE CIVIL WAR
Iowa Regiments 501
Extracts from Diarv of Corp. F. E. Hancock of Company B 510
Shiloh Battle Field' 527
Illinois Regiments 558
Missouri Regiments 558
Wisconsin Regiments 559
Chronology 561
HISTORICAL
CHAPTER I
EARLY DAWN
The "dawn of history" appeared, for what is now Allamakee county, and
indeed for all of Iowa, when Marquette and his companions floated from the
Wisconsin into the broad expanse of the Mississippi river, on the 17th of June,
1673, two hundred and forty years ago. This is true even if it be admitted,
as seems now to be fairly well established, that two French fur-hunters had
preceded them down the Wisconsin by fourteen years or more. Nothing ap-
pears to have come of their explorations until followed up by those of others,
more responsible, and under authority that might utilize their discoveries, for
the settlement and civilization of the regions thus opened up.
However, this was but the first faint glimmering of the dawn. Although
other fur-traders and the Jesuit missionaries soon began to follow the course
pointed out by Radisson and Marquette, a century elapsed before a white man
trod the soil of Allamakee, so far as any known record shows; and another
half century before any sign of permanent occupation. Three or. four genera-
tions of the native occupants enjoyed undisturbed the hunt and other rude
pleasures of their wild life, except as these were from time to time exchanged
for the more savage joys of the warpath, in struggle with adjacent tribes for
the possession of choice hunting grounds.
There can be no doubt that the explorers mentioned were the first Euro-
peans to look upon the rocks and trees of Allamakee, as the majestic bluffs along
our southern shore-line were well within their range of vision as they emerged
from the mouth of the Wisconsin river. We were situated at the earliest gate-
way to the Northwest; but partly because of our rugged and forbidding "coast-
line," and partly because the natural routes of travel were along the larger
rivers, the first explorers passed us by both to the north and south. As the tide
of exploration was thus directed to our very doors as it were, it will be of
interest to look back and trace the progress of these explorations which de-
veloped the Wisconsin river route as the most natural channel of emigration to
the regions west of the upper Mississippi, as the Ohio river was to the regions
further south, and Lake Superior to those of the far north.
In 1608 Samuel de Champlain, who was called the father of New France,
made a permanent settlement at Quebec. In 1615 he had pushed his explorations
to the banks of Lake Huron, and missionary stations were soon after established •
among the Indians of that name.
9
Vol. I— 1
10 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
The first European to enter the upper Mississippi valley appears to have been
Jean Nicolet, an explorer and interpreter for the merchants of Quebec, who
visited Green Bay in 1634-35, and there met the Winnebago and Mascoutin,
and made a treaty with them in the name of France, in an assembly of four
or five thousand. He related his discoveries to the Jesuit priests, and from the
translations of their writings these facts have but recently been established. It
has been inferred by some that he visited the Mississippi river; but after a
careful study it has been established that he went no further than up the Fox
river to the Wisconsin portage.* It is interesting to note that this first estab-
lished route of Nicolet. by way of Green Bay, and the Fox and Wisconsin rivers,
continued for more than two hundred years to be a main path of exploration,
travel, and commerce, to the West and Upper Louisiana.
The zealous Jesuits, frequently accompanying the licensed traders, were
the reporters of what they discovered, though they were not usually the first to
visit the new regions. In 1641 Fathers Jogues and Rambault arrived at the out-
let of Lake Superior, the falls of St. Alary ( Sault Ste. Marie), where they met
a band of Pottawottomi fleeing from the Dakotas, "who lived to the west of the
falls about eighteen days' journey." Two adventurous French traders, by name
Radisson and Chouart, the latter often called Groseilliers, passed a year or two
among these warlike Dakotas. or Naudowessi (Sioux), in 1654-55, but their
place of staying is not clearly established, the best authorities locating it at the
Isle Pelee, or Prairie Island, (at or near the head of Lake Pepin). Winchell says:
"If we are to accept the implication of Radisson himself, he had apparently been
011 the Mississippi and had seen the country far toward the mouth.
There is great difficulty however in accepting this assumed trip down the Mis-
sissippi, and some authorities have rejected it as fictitious. If we consider,
however, that Radisson * * relates what was 'tould' him by some people
that he met. we may perhaps attribute some of his discrepancies to his imperfect
manner of narration." But it appears probable that these explorers sailed down
the Wisconsin and discovered the Mississippi in 1655 (or 1659), and that they
ascended the latter river to Prairie Island, where they spent about a year, and
returned by the same route.
Keyes says : "The first white men actually to view the 'Great Water' and to
set foot upon what is now Iowa soil appear to have been Pierre Radisson and
Medard Groseilliers. * * * In the .spring of 1659 f they determined to
visit the Mascoutins, or Fire Nation, and passing up Fox river crossed the
portage to the Wisconsin, and sailed on down into a greater river. Here are
Radisson's own words: 'We went into ye great river that divides itselfe in 2,
where the hurrons with some Ottonake & the wild men that had warrs with
them had retired. There is not great difference in their language as we weare
told, against those of the forked river. It is so called because it has 2 brandies.
*Father Paul Lejeune and Father Bartholem-y Vimout, 1640-1642. — X. H. Winchell in
"The Aborigines of Minnesota," published by the Minn. Hist. Soc. 191 1. and Charles R.
Keyes, Ph. D.. in "Annals of Iowa." Jan., 1912, "Earliest Explorations of Iowa Land."
tWinchell says they returned to Xorthern Minnesota in the early spring of [655 by the
south shore of Lake Superior, suffering famine and frost, to an appointed rendezvous with
the Sioux, when they met to celebrate the feast of the dead, in the early spring, and after
six weeks passed directly back to Chequamegon Bay, on Lake Superior.
.4
VIEWS OF WAUKON IN 1869
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 11
the one towards the west, the other toward the south, wch we believe runns to-
wards Mexico.' " There is no doubt that Radisson and his associate entered the
Mississippi river and gazed out upon the high bluffs of Iowa land at 'about
where McGregor now stands. * * * Thwaites is of the opinion that the
west branch of the forked river, as Radisson calls the Mississippi, may have
been the Iowa river. Richman, in his sketch of 'Mascoutin, a Reminiscence of
the Nation of Fire," considers it the Upper Iowa river. There appear to be
good reasons for believing it was really the Missouri river. Raddison's informa-
tion on this point was manifestly hearsay.
The news of the great river conveyed to Canada by Nicolet and Radisson
created great enthusiasm, both among the traders and the missionaries who ever
followed closely upon their heels in their zeal for new fields of labor. An
expedition was fitted out from Montreal in the spring of 1660, but was attacked
by the Iroquois and dispersed with some loss of life.
Not until 1665 was further progress made in western exploration, when
Father Pierre Claude Allouez coasted along the south shore of Lake Superior
to La Pointe, on Chequamegon bay, where he established the mission of the
Holy Ghost, near the present Ashland, Wisconsin. Here he wrote about the
Dakotas, who dwelt to the west, toward the great river called Messipi, and this
appears to be the first mention in literature of the name "Mississippi." In 1669
the renowned Marquette succeeded Father Allouez, who about this time estab-
lished the mission of St. Francis Xavier on the west shore of Green Bay, and
soon after returned to Sault Ste. Marie, although he "longed to visit the Sioux
country and see the great water the Indians called the Missi Sepe."
In 1665 also. Nicolas Perrot left the east and spent several months with
the Pottawottomies around Green Bay. In the spring of 1666 he entered the
Fox river and visited the Outagamies, or Foxes, who dwelt above Lake Winne-
bago.
Perrot was a very active agent for the French Crown throughout the north-
ern region then known, and was the authority who summoned the chiefs from
fourteen tribes to Sault Ste. Marie in 1671 to celebrate the formal taking pos-
session of all the country along the lakes and "southward to the sea," by the
erection and ceremony of consecration of a large cedar cross. Alongside of the
cross a cedar column was also erected, marked with the lilies of the Bourbons.
Thus, says Bancroft, "were the authority and the faith of France uplifted in
the presence of the ancient races of America, in the heart of our continent.
Yet this daring ambition of the servants of a military monarch was doomed to
leave no abiding monument — this echo of the middle age to die away." Allouez
and Joliet were among the fifteen Frenchmen present on this occasion.
It was now well known that a great river to the west ran southwardly, but
it was not known whether it flowed into the Gulf of Mexico or, as they hoped,
into waters leading to China. Soon after this, Father Jaques Marquette and
Louis Joliet, the latter as agent for the French government, were given authority
to make an expedition for the purpose of solving this question.
Starting from St. Ignace, a mission station at the straits of Mackinaw, on
the 13th of May, 1673, these two distinguished men, with five boatmen and two
birch-bark canoes, coursed along the north shore of Lake Michigan and Green
Bav, and found there a welcome at the mission of St. Francis Xavier established
12 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
by Father Allouez four years before. Continuing their journey, they paddled
up the Fox river to the portage, launched their canoes in the waters of the Wis-
consin, and on the 17th of June, 1673, emerged from that river upon the broad
bosom of the Missi (great) Sepe (river, or water), "with a joy I cannot ev-
press," writes the devout Marquette in his journal. Marquette named it "Con-
ception River," because of the day on which it was discovered, and it appears
by that name on a map which he drew after returning from the expedition,
printed in some of the earlier histories, and the original of which is said to be
still preserved in St. Mary's College at Montreal. He says, "the river is narrow
at the mouth of the Wisconsin, and the current slow and gentle ; on the right is
a considerable chain of very high mountains. It is in many places studded with
islands." He found "ten fathoms of water; its breadth is very unequal, some-
times three-quarters of a league and sometimes narrows to three-arpents or two
hundred and twenty yards."
They did not stop here, but proceeded on their journey south. As they passed
down the river and the banks became less precipitous the country appeared to
them more promising, and occasional herds of buffalo were seen grazing on the
prairies. It is to be presumed that they made their camp on the western bank
at times, but no record of any stop or landing is made until after eight days
they approached the extreme lower corner of the state, where they first saw
Indians, and stopped for a few days in a village of the Illinois tribe, who at
that time occupied most of the present Iowa.
Continuing their journey, at a point near the present city of Alton, Illinois,
they were startled by the sight of a painting of a monstrosity in human form,
high up on the face of a cliff, which was attributed by Marquette to the work
of the evil one himself, and he would have destroyed the sacrilegious picture
could he have gained access to it.
[This is mentioned here to show that there were several "painted rocks"
along the course of the upper Mississippi. This one is said to have remained
until 1850 or later, when the rock was quarried out for building purposes. — Ed.]
The party proceeded on down the river arriving at the mouth of the Arkan-
sas river in July, where the Indians they there met informed them that in ten
days more they could reach the mouth of the Mississippi. They were now near,
or below, the point where the unfortunate De Soto had discovered this river
in 1 541, one hundred and thirty-two years before. Having determined that the
great river emptied into the Gulf of Mexico instead of into the Pacific ocean,
on the 17th of July the voyagers set out on their return. It was a different
proposition, pulling up stream, and upon arriving at the mouth of the Illinois
river they gladly availed themselves of the guidance of the Indians up that
stream, and the Desplaines, and portage to the Chicago river, whence they pro-
ceeded along the shore of Lake Michigan to the mission at Green Bay, where
they arrived before the end of September. Marquette's strength was exhausted
and he remained here for the winter to rest. But he was thereafter an invalid,
and although he once more resumed his work his death took place May 19, 1675,
on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The following year his bones were re-
moved to St. Ignace and interred beneath the floor in the chapel there.
The next recorded visit of Europeans to our vicinity was that of Father
Hennepin, in 1680. He was a member of the party of Cavelier La Salle who had
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 13
undertaken an expedition to the mouth of the Mississippi, by way of Lake
Michigan and the Illinois river, and was constructing therefor a large boat at
a fort he had built at Peoria, Illinois, which, after the failure of this first attempt
was named Fort Creve-Coeur. Of the four priests in his party, it seems that Hen-
nepin was the least popular, and La Salle conceived the idea of sending him to
explore the head-waters of the Mississippi. Father Hennepin accepted the mission
with no good grace, but started in an open canoe with two companions, Accan and
DuGay, in the last days of February, 1680, amply provided with presents for
the Indians, as well as provisions, guns and ammunition. They fared well until
the 12th of April, when, landing at a point now supposed to be at or just above
Prairie du Chien, to roast a wild turkey, they were made captive by a large war
party of Sioux, and taken to their homes in the region of Lake Mille Lac in
northern Minnesota, reaching there in May. Here the three were adopted, each
by a different chief, and so separated from each other. In the summer the
Indians determined on a buffalo hunt, and Hennepin, disgusted with Indian life
and the semi-captivity which had deprived him not only of his liberty but of his
stock of goods brought along for presents, of which his captors had nearly
despoiled him, told them that a party of Frenchmen were to meet him at the
mouth of the Wisconsin river, in the summer, with a new supply of goods and
thus obtained permission to go to meet them at that point. Hennepin asserts
that La Salle had promised this, but the statement is questioned, especially as
Hennepin's mendacity was later established by a book of travels he published
upon his return to France.
Hennepin and his companion, DuGay, started down the river, arriving at the
falls on St. Anthony's day, in honor of which event he gave them the name which
became permanent. Long before reaching the Wisconsin, however, they met a
party of the Sioux who had outstripped them to that destination and found
no Frenchmen there ; and they returned with the Indians to the site of St. Paul,
where they had heard there were five more white men awaiting them. They found
them to be Daniel Greysolon DuLhut (Duluth), and four companions, who had
been two years among the far-off lodges of the Sioux, and other tribes to the
north, exploring under the patronage of the Canadian governor, having entered
that region by the way of Lake Superior. At the approach of autumn the entire
party, eight in number, started upon their return to Canada, by way of the Wis-
consin river. At its mouth they found no traders and no Indians.
From this time on the visits of traders and travelers to the Mississippi by
the Wisconsin river route became more frequent. In 1683 Nicholas Perrot was
sent to the Iowa and Dakota Indians to establish friendly alliances ; and it is
supposed that it was about this time that he established Fort St. Nicholas on the
Mississippi river just above the mouth of the Wisconsin and a short distance
below the present city of Prairie du Chien. (Keyes, in Annals of Iowa, Jan.
1912.) He also established a post on the west side of the Mississippi near the
site of Wabasha, Minnesota, called Fort Perrot. And in 1685 Fort St. Antoine
on the east side, at the mouth of the Chippewa river.
Salter, in his "Iowa, the First Free State in the Louisiana Purchase," p. 30,
says: "The Indian trade of the upper Mississippi centered at the mouth of
the Wisconsin river, where trading posts were established, some of them on
the west bank of the Mississippi. Thence traders and missionaries went up
14 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
into the Sioux country or down the Mississippi, or followed a long path to the
Missouri river overland, which was marked on English maps as the 'French
Route to the West.'" And at page 17: "Perrot was the first trader with the
Indians upon the Mississippi, and made several establishments: one among the
Sioux near Lake Pepin, another near the mouth of the Wisconsin, probably
in what is Clayton county, Iowa. The latter had his Christian name. It was
Fort St. Nicholas. * * * While thus engaged. Perrot was commissioned
by the governor of New France, Denonville, to take formal possession of the
upper Mississippi. * * * This was done on the 8th of May, 1689, at Post
St. Anthony, a few miles above La Crosse. De Bois Guillot, commandant at
Fort St. Nicholas, Le Seuer, and other witnesses were present."
In 1689 Baron La Hontan entered the Mississippi from the Wisconsin, Octo-
ber 23, and journeyed up the river. His accounts of his experiences, like Henne-
pin's, are not regarded as fully trustworthy. In this year the French are supposed
to have had a trading post near the mouth of the Wisconsin, but if so it was soon
abandoned.
In the spring of 1693 Le Seuer first came down the Wisconsin to go to the
country of the Sioux, where he lived at different times for seven years. There
appears no record of settlers at Prairie du Chien until 1726, when one Cardinell
came as a hunter and trapper and located there. The Outagamies had a good-
sized town there in 1736. In 1755 the French established a military post at
Prairie du Chien, and a number of families settled there. That entire region
passed into the possession of the English in 1763, when this post seems to have
been abandoned.
This brings us down to the time of Captain Jonathan Carver, an English
officer who traveled a great deal among the Indians in the years 1766-67, and
who obtained from them an immense tract of land in northern Wisconsin,
extending along the Mississippi from the lower end of Lake Pepin to and includ-
ing the site of St. Paul. This was shown on many of the old maps as "Carver's
Tract." Carver died in London in 1780. His heirs gave quit-claim deeds to these
lands, and the purchasers endeavored to have the claim confirmed by the L nited
States Government, but it was finally rejected in 1823.
Captain Carver wrote a very interesting book entitled "Travels Through the
Interior of North America, for more than Five Thousand Miles, by Jonathan
Carver, Captain of the Provincial Troops in America," but its publication was
delayed by the British government for over ten years, he says because of the
information it might convey to the Americans in that disturbed period. While
some of his stories are improbable, his descriptions of the country and the
natives seem to be on the whole reliable, except when speaking of the geography
of the country beyond his personal observation, when the dense ignorance of
those days in this respect is exhibited. He says in introduction :
"What I chiefly had in view, after gaining a knowledge of the manners, cus-
toms, languages, soil and natural productions of the different nations that
inhabit the bank of the Mississippi, was to ascertain the breadth of that vast
continent * * * and facilitate the discovery of a Northwest passage, or a
communication between Hudson's Hay and the Pacific ocean. * * * But
that the completion of the scheme I have the honor of first planning and attempt-
ing, will some time be effected, I have no doubt." ( !) Hut this is prophetic:
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 15
"To what power or authority this new world will become dependent, after
it has arisen from its present uncultivated state, time alone can discover. But
as the seat of empire from time immemorial has been gradually progressive
towards the west, there is no doubt but that at some future period, mighty king-
doms will emerge from these wildernesses, and stately palaces and solemn temples
with gilded spires reaching the skies, supplant the Indian huts, whose only deco-
rations are the barbarous trophies of their vanquished enemies."
And here is some information that might be "valuable to the Americans:"
* * * "four great rivers take their rise within a few leagues of each other,
nearly about the center of this great continent, viz. : the river Bourbon, which
empties into Hudson's Bay ; the waters of the St. Lawrence ; the Mississippi ;
and the river Oregon, or the river of the west, that falls into the Pacific ocean
at the Straits of Annian."
Captain Carver set out from Boston in June, 1766, and arrived at Fort
Michillimackinac in September, and Fort La Bay, at southern extremity of
Green Bay, September 18. On the 15th he arrived at the great town of the
Winnebagoes; launched his canoes in the Ouisconsin, October 8, and on the 15th
entered the Mississippi. About five miles from the junction of the rivers he
observed the ruins of a large town, evidently the old town of the "Ottigamies,"
before mentioned, and says :
"This people, soon after their removal, built a town on the bank of the
Mississippi, near the mouth of the Ouisconsin, at a place called by the French,
La Prairies les Chiens, which signifies the Dog Plains ; it is a large town and
contains about three hundred families ; the houses are well built after the Indian
manner, and pleasantly situated on a very rich soil, from which they raise every
necessary of life in great abundance. I saw here many horses of good size and
shape. This town is the great mart where all the adjacent tribes, and even
those who inhabit the most remote branches of the Mississippi, annually assemble
about the latter end of May, bringing with them their furs to dispose of to the
traders.
"The Mississippi at the entrance of the Ouisconsin, near which stands a
mountain of considerable height, is about half a mile over; but opposite to the
last mentioned town it appears to be more than a mile wide, and full of islands,
the soil of which is extraordinarily rich, and but thinly wooded."
In all the preceding accounts of the early explorations along the Mississippi
we have not found a mention of any landing upon the Iowa shore, north of that
made by Marquette. But upon leaving Prairie du Chien, Captain Carver tells
us : "A little further to the west, on the contrary side, a small river falls into
the Mississippi, which the French call Le Jaun Riviere, or the Yellow river.
Here the traders who had accompanied me hitherto, took up their residence for
the winter. I then bought a canoe, and with two servants, one a French Cana-
dian and the other a Mohawk of Canada, on the 19th proceeded up the Missis-
sippi." This indicates that the traders were now accustomed to making their
home at Yellow river periodically, thus establishing the first temporary settlement
in Allamakee county ; and as Carver makes no mention of meeting any white
inhabitants at Prairie du Chien at this time, it is quite probable that the French
had abandoned their post on the east side of the river after that region, with
Canada, had passed under the control of the English three years before. It is well
16 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
established that the present settlement of Prairie du Chien was begun in 1783,
by Mr. Giard, Mr. Antaya and Mr. Dubuque; and not until the summer of 1786
was the fort formally surrendered by the British to the United States. It is to
be regretted that Captain Carver does not inform us as to how long the French1
men had frequented Yellow river; and when and how it had become known by
that name. It is noticeable that he also makes no mention of the Painted Rock,
a few miles above.
The greater part of Captain Carver's narrative relates to his travels and life
among the Indians, with entertaining accounts of their customs and beliefs, and
has no particular connection with our county's history.
CHAPTER II
ENCROACHING CIVILIZATION
The foregoing reference to Mr. Giard at Prairie du Chien leads naturally
to a notice of the "Giard Tract" just west of McGregor. Although it lies just
outside our borders it is interesting to us to know that this was the second parcel
of land granted to an individual, in the state of Iowa, that of Julien Dubuque
being the first, in 1788. In 1795 the lieutenant governor of the Spanish province
of Upper Louisiana granted to Basil Giard this tract of 5,760 acres. In fact it
seems that this was really the first, of the Spanish grants, as that of Dubuque
in 1788 was only a cession from the Fox Indians, and was not confirmed by
the Spanish governor until 1796. It is possible that the grant to Louis Honori
Tesson, at Montrose, in the southeast corner of the state, was made in the same
year with that of Giard, but it is generally stated to have been in 1796. The
settlements at Giard and Montrose did not then become permanent, as did that
at Dubuque. They were abandoned and resettled after the Indians were removed.
On the other hand, the grants to Honori and Giard were confirmed by the United
States, while that to Dubuque was not confirmed. The first United States patent
in Iowa was issued to the creditors of Honori, February 7, 1839 ; and that to the
assigns of Basil Giard (in his own right) July 2, 1844, signed by John Tyler,
president.
Giard occupied this farm until Louisiana passed from Spain to France and
from France to the United States, and there were three cabins thereon in 1805,
when Lieutenant Pike ascended the Mississippi and planted our flag on the bluff
at McGregor, since known as "Pike's Peak.'' Running through this tract is a
small stream first known as Giard creek ; but its name was later changed to
"Bloody Run,'' the story of the change being as follows:
"In 1823 the commandant at Fort Crawford detailed men to cultivate a public
garden on the old Giard farm, under direction of Lieut. Martin Scott of the
Fifth Infantry. He was fond of shooting, and took his dogs and gun every morn-
ing, got into his little hunting canoe, and spent the day in shooting woodcock,
which were plenty about there, and other game, and returning in the evening
would boast of the number that had bled that day. After a while this gave the
creek the name of Bloody Run, which it still bears. The name suggests to
strangers the idea of a sanguinary battle having been fought there, but it was
derived from the hunting exploits of this Lieutenant Scott. He later served with
distinction in the Mexican war, and, as Brevet Lieut. Col. Martin Scott he was
killed in the hard fought battle of Molino del Rey, in 1847."
17
18 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Another version of the derivation of Bloody Run is as follows (as related in
Fonda's Recollections) : "It was years ago, before the English were guided to
and captured Prairie du Chien, and before the traitorous guide hid himself in
a cave in Mill Coulee, when Prairie du Chien was inhabited by only a few
French families and Indian traders, that an event occurred which gave to the
coulee wherein North McGregor is now built, the name of Bloody Run. A
couple of traders lived on the prairie and as was the custom with those extensively
engaged in the fur trade, these two traders had their clerks, or agents, whom
they supplied with goods to dispose of to the Indians. Among others were two
who had lived with their families in Bloody Run. Their names were Stock and
King. The latter's wife was a squaw of the Sauk tribe, while Stock and his wife
were English, and both families lived on a little bench or table land about a mile
and a half from the mouth, on the north side of the valley.
"The clerks had sold a quantity of goods to the Indians on credit, who were
backward in paying. Among those who had got in debt was a Sauk chief, Gray
Eagle. He had been refused any more credit and would not pay for what he
had already obtained. This made King impatient, and he told his wife that he
would go to Gray Eagle's village and if the chief did not pay he would take his
horse for the debt. His wife told him it would be dangerous to treat a chief
in that way and urged him not to go ; but he said he had traded too long with the
Indians to be afraid of them, and started to collect the debt. On his way to the
village he met the chief, unarmed, riding the very horse he had threatened to
take. Approaching him he dragged the chief off, gave him a beating, rode the
horse home and tied it before the shanty door. Soon after his wife rushed into the
cabin and said Gray Eagle was near at hand with some of his people. King went
out to meet them but had scarcely passed the door when a bullet from the rifle
of Gray Eagle pierced his brain. Mr. Stock, the remaining trader, persisted in
refusing the Indians further credit, which so enraged them that they shot him also
shortly after. After this last tragedy the survivors of these two families removed
from the old claim and for years no other white man lived in the valley."
In 1805 Lieut. Zebulon Montgomery Pike, U. S. A., was ordered by Gen.
James Wilkinson, then commanding at St. Louis, to make an exploration of the
head-waters of the Mississippi. He sailed from St. Louis August 9th, with
one sergeant, two corporals, and seventeen privates, in a keel boat seventy
feet long, provisioned for months. From his journal, and letters to General
Wilkinson, we learn that on September 4th they passed the "Ouisconsing" (Wis-
consin river) after breakfast and "arrived at the Prairie des Chiens about 11
o'clock, took quarters at Fisher's (captain of militia and justice of the peace)
and were politely received by him and Mr. Frazer." On the 5th, looking for
a suitable location for a fort, "ascended a hill on the west side of the Mississippi,
and made choice of a spot which I thought most eligible, being level on top,
having a spirng in the rear, and commanding a view of the country around."
This hill has since been known as Pike's Peak, at the present city of McGregor.
Sunday, September 8th, "we sailed well, came 18 miles and encamped on the
west bank." September 9th, "embarked early ; dined at Cape Garlic, or Garlic
river, after which we came to an island on the east side, about five miles below
the river Iowa (Upper Iowa), and encamped. Distance 28 miles."
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 19
The expedition spent the winter exploring the sources of the Mississippi, and
was from April 16th to the 27th on the return voyage along the eastern shore
of Iowa. April 17, 1806, "arrived at Wabasha's band at 11 o'clock." April 18th,
"Departed from our encampment very early ; stopped to breakfast at the Painted
Rock ; arrived at the Prairie des Chiens at 2 o'clock, and were received by crowds
on the bank."
Lieutenant Pike noted the settlements of Giard, Dubuque, and Tesson, "the
only white people then in Iowa."
The location of "Cape Garlic, or Garlic river," mentioned in Pike's journal,
has not been identified ; but old settlers say there were several places along the
river where so much garlic grew that butter made there was unfit to eat because
of the garlic taint, notably so at a distance above Harper's Ferry, say about
Ryan Creek. But from the time, and distance traveled, as mentioned in the
journal, Pike's Garlic river must have been further north, perhaps Village creek
or Clear creek.
In the observations, in the appendix to the journal, Pike says: "From the
village (Prairie des Chines) we have on the west side, first, Yellow river, of about
20 yards wide, bearing from the Mississippi nearly due west; second, the Iowa
river (Upper Iowa) about 100 yards wide bearing from the Mississippi about
northwest. From the Upper Iowa river to the head of Lake Pepin the elk are
the prevailing species of wild game, with some deer, and a few bear." * * *
"The Reynards are engaged in the same wars and have the same alliances as
the Sauks. * * * They hunt on both sides of the Mississippi from the Iowa
river of that name above Prairie des Chines. They raise a great quantity of
corn, beans, melons, the former in such quantities as to sell many hundred bushels
per annum."
Early in 1814 the government authorities at St. Louis fitted out a large boat,
having on board all the men that could be mustered, and dispatched it up the
Mississippi to protect the upper country from the British. Upon reaching Prairie
du Chien the men commenced putting the old fort in a condition for defense.
Not long after Colonel McKay descended the Wisconsin with a large force of
British and Indians, and captured the fort after a determined resistance. It is
said his utmost exertions were required to prevent an indiscriminate massacre of
the Americans by the Indians. Upon the establishment of peace in 1815 the fort
was evacuated by the British. In 1816 the United States troops took possession
again, and the old fort was rebuilt.
In 1817 Major Stephen Ft. Long, U. S. topographical engineer, kept a journal
of a voyage to the falls of St. Anthony from Prairie du Chien, afterwards printed
in the Minn. Hist. Collection, Vol. 2, 1889, in which he says :
"Wednesday, July 9. — Passed Yellow river on our left, about two miles
above. It is navigable for pirogues, in high water, about fifty miles ( !) from its
mouth. About a mile further up, of considerable size, called Painted Rock.
Passed a prominent part of the bluffs called Cape Puant. The circumstance
from which it derived its name was as follows: The Sioux and Puants (Winne-
bagoes) were about to commence hostilities against each other; and a large party
of the latter set out to invade the territory of the Sioux and attack them by
surprise. But the Sioux, gaining intelligence of their design, assembled a supe-
rior force and laid in ambush, waiting for the Puants to land on this side.
20 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Immediately after their landing the Sioux rushed down from the bluffs, attacked
the Puants in a small recess between the two promontories, drove them into the
river and massacred the whole party. Just above this is Garlic Cape, remarkable
from the singularity of its appearance. In shape it resembles a cone, cut by a
perpendicular plane passing through its apex and base. Its height is about four
hundred and fifty feet. A little east of its base is a fine spring. The valley of
the river in this part is almost entirely occupied by the river which spreads in
some places to the width of three or four miles, giving place to numerous islands.,
some of which are very large. The bluffs are generally between four and five
hundred feet high, cut with numerous ravines, and exhibiting other signs of being
the commencement of a very hilly country. The wind failed about n A. M.,
and we had to row the rest of the day. Encamped on the head of an island about
sunset. Distance 28J/ miles.
"Thursday, July 10. — Our companions in the birch canoe encamped on the
same island about four miles below. The weather was calm this morning. Got
under way at sunrise, and came six miles before breakfast, during which we
caught five catfish and one drum. A favorable wind rising, we set sail. Passed
Little Ioway river coming in from the west. There is a small village of the
Foxes about three miles up this river, consisting of five or six wigwams. The
river is navigable in time of high water about fifty miles, and at all times a little
above the Indian village. Its current is generally rapid, but not precipitate.
Passed several Sioux lodges or wigwams on our left, at which there was a small
war party of ten or twelve. As soon as they saw our flag they hoisted the
American colors, and we returned the compliment by discharging a blunderbuss,
upon which they fired two guns ahead of us. Finding we were not disposed to
call upon them (for we had a very fine wind), six of the young warriors, very
fine looking fellows, took a canoe and waited on us. We slackened sail to enable
them to overtake us. When they came up, their chief warrior gave me his hand,
and a few commonplace remarks passed between us. I gave him some tobacco
and a pint of whiskey, and they left us apparently well satisfied."
Major Long reached St. Anthony's Falls on the 17th, and started on the
return trip the same day. Reaching the northeastern point of Iowa, the journal
continues :
"Monday, July 21. — Floated last night; made very little progress on account
of bad winds. Met twelve canoes of Fox Indians on a hunting tour from the
Upper Ioway river. There were three very aged squaws with them, one of whom
was entirely blind. She was busily engaged in twisting slips of bark for the
purpose of making rush mats. This labor, notwithstanding her blindness and
great age, she performed with much expedition. Passed Painted Rock on the
right of the river, nine miles above Prairie du Chien. It has obtained this name
from having numerous hieroglyphics upon it, painted by the Indians. These
figures are painted on a cliff nearly perpendicular, at the height of about twenty-
five feet from its base. Whenever the Indians pass this cliff they are in the
habit of performing certain ceremonies, which their superstition leads them to
believe efficacious in rendering any enterprise in which they may be engaged
successful."
The trip was made from Prairie du Chien to St. Anthony's Falls and back in
thirteen days.
EXCURSION STEAMER WHICH BURNED JUNE 25, 1910. THE HULL OF WHICH LIES
IN THE BOTTOM OF THE RIVER IN BAD ANE BEND. ELEVEN HUNDRED
PERSONS WERE SAFELY LANDED. ONLY TWO LIVES BEING LOST.
RIVER SCENE NEAR POSTVILLE
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 23
In 1820 an expedition under government authority was dispatched to explore
the head-waters of the Mississippi, proceeding by way of Lake Superior and
returning down the Mississippi to Prairie du Chien. Henry R. Schoolcraft, a
scientist who by this and other explorations became famous, was attached to this
expedition, and from his narrative we quote the following regarding the home-
ward journey:
"At four o'clock in the afternoon (August 4th) we reached and landed at
Wabashaw's village (near Winona). It is eligibly situated on the west shore,
and consists of four of the large elongated Sioux lodges, containing a population
of about sixty.
"At the rapids of Black river, which enters opposite our encampment, a
sawmill, we were informed, had been erected by an inhabitant of Prairie du
Chien. * * * By the hour of three o'clock the next morning the expedition
was again in motion descending the river. It halted for breakfast at Painted
Rock, on the west shore. While this matter was being accomplished, I found
an abundant locality of unios in a curve of the shore which produced an eddy.
With the increased spirit and animation which the whole party felt on the pros-
pect of arriving at Prairie du Chien, we proceeded unremittingly on our descent,
and reached that place at six o'clock in the evening."
This would indicate that Mr. Schoolcraft either found another Painted Rock
way up above the Minnesota line, or he got his notes mixed as to where they
breakfasted, as they made eighty or ninety miles that day if they traveled from
the Black river to Prairie du Chien. In two or three other places he speaks of
Painted Rock, but only in connection with its many large and fine specimens of
unios and other fresh water shells, not definitely locating it. Upon a very early
map we find a "Paint Rock creek" laid down in Minnesota, but apparently put
on at random as to relative position with other streams.
In the same year, 1820, three Mackinaw boats loaded with wheat, oats, and
peas, passed up the river for the Selkirk colony. And in 182 1 Lord Selkirk
purchased a number of cattle at the Prairie, and hired men to drive them to the
Red River of the North, under the charge of J. B. Loyer. After looking at a
map of the country, Loyer "proceeded west to the high lands, and by taking
frequent notice of the north star succeeded in striking within five miles of the
point of destination."
This route taken by Loyer may have been pointed out to him by the Indians.
At any rate it appears likely it was along the ridge on which the military road
was opened twenty years later by Monona and Postville, or possibly to the north
of Yellow river, in either case a course which would lead to the avoidance of
large streams. This seems to have been a usual route of travel in later years,
as in the case of an early mail carrier in 1832. In May of that year James Halpin,
a soldier in the United States army, was detailed to carry the mails between
Prairie du Chien and Fort Snelling, by order of Col. Zachary Taylor, then in
command at Fort Crawford. He traveled most of the time on foot, and con-
tinued the duty for one year. The time spent in going and returning was four-
teen days, the distance between the two posts being near three hundred miles,
he said. He crossed the Mississippi at Prairie du Chien, and traveled on the
western side, doubtless far inland, as he says there was no stream of any conse-
quence to cross except the Upper Iowa, until he reached the St. Peter's river
24 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
near Fort Snelling. There was no shelter, cabin, or tent for him on the route,
but sometimes he would come across an Indian encampment, where he was
always well treated ; but he seldom found the encampment a second time in the
same place.
To go back to Lover. He was said to be a natural pilot, and became skilled
in guiding the early steamboats on the upper river. The first steamboat in these
waters, according to D. S. Durrie, Wisconsin State Librarian, writing in 1872,
was the Virginia, which appeared in 1821. It was a small stern-wheeler, and a
man with a pole was stationed on the bow to aid in steering. It proceeded to
St. Peter's, or Fort Snelling. with Lover as pilot. There is some disagreement
as to the year, but Colonel Brisbois says it was in 1821. Judge Lockwood wrote
in 1856: "Until the year 1824 it was believed that a steamboat could not come
up over the Des Moines and Rock river rapids. But in the spring of that year
David G. Bates brought to Prairie du Chien a very small boat called the Putnam,
and proceeded to Fort Snelling. In June following, boats of a much larger
class came over the rapids, and went to Fort Snelling with supplies for the
troops." Mr. Durrie says: "In 1823 Count Beltrami came up the river on the
steamer Virginia (118 feet long and 22 feet wide) in the month of May, and
stopped at Prairie du Chien." Another writer declares that the Virginia was
the first boat, in 1823, and the Putnam the second, in 1824.
In 1823 J. C. Beltrami, a judge of a royal court in Italy at an earlier date,
made a journey to the sources of the Mississippi, and in 1828 published an
account of the journey, with a map of the river. With him was William Clark,
of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-6, afterwards governor of
Missouri territory, and Lawrence Taliaferro. Indian agent among the Sioux.
The account says of that portion of the voyage pertaining to the borders of our
county, and vicinity :
"The Owisconsin river is the principal channel of the fur trade carried on
by the savage countries by way of Michilimackinak and the lakes with Canada
and New York, of which Prairie du Chien is a considerable entrepot. *
Nine miles above the Prairie, at a point where the savages pay their adoration
to a rock which they annually paint with red and yellow, the Mississippi presents
scenes of peculiar novelty. The hills disappear, the number of islands increases,
the waters divide into various branches, and the river extends in some places
to a breadth of nearly three miles. * * * The vigorous fertility of these
countries imparts strength to the grass and brushwood. Once a year the Indians
set lire to the brushwood, so that the surface of the vast regions they traverse
is successively consumed by the flames. It was dark, and we were at the mouth of
the river Yawoha (upper Iowa), the second of that name, when we saw at a
distance all the images of the infernal regions. The trees were on fire, which
communicated to the grass and brushwood, and was blown by a violent north-
west wind to the plains and valleys. The flames towering above the hills gave
them the appearance of volcanoes, and the fire winding in its descent through
places covered with grass, exhibited a resemblance of the undulating lava of
\ esuvius. This fire accompanied us with some variation for fifteen miles."
He gives a "table of short distances" as they were then estimated, some of
which are as follows:
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 25
River Owisconsin to Prairie du Chien 6 miles
To Painted Rock 9 miles
To Cape Winnebegos 18 miles
To Cape aTale Sauvage io miles
To Upper River Yawoha 19 miles
These estimates are evidently made from the windings of small boats, pro-
pelled by sail or human muscle against the current.
In Schoolcraft's "Mississippi River" he gives a table with somewhat shorter
estimates :
Prairie du Chien, American Fur Co.'s house, to Cap-a-1'ail
(the summit, height 355 ft. above the Mississippi).. 32 miles
To Upper Iowa River, island at the mouth 14 miles
To Hoka River (Root River), the mouth 23 miles
The Cap-a-1'ail of these and other early travelers is supposed to have become
the Capoli Bluff of later times. And Cape Garlic, and Cape Puant, previously
mentioned, somewhere between Harper's and Heytman's.
In 1826 the troops at Fort Crawford were transferred to Fort Snelling,
leaving the former undefended. The Winnebagoes became very insolent, and
in the following spring and summer frequent murders were committed by them,
so that the settlers took refuge in the old fort. In March, 1827, as narrated by
Tudge Lockwood, a halfbreed by the name of Methode, with his wife and five
children, "went up the Yellow river or Painted Rock creek, about twelve miles
above the Prairie, on the Iowa side, to make maple sugar. The sugar season
being over and he not returning, and hearing nothing from him, a party of his
friends went to look for him and found his camp consumed, and himself, wife
and children burned nearly to cinders, and she at the time enciente. They were
so crisped and cindered that it was impossible to determine whether they had
been murdered and then burned, or whether their camp had accidentally caught
fire and consumed them. It was generally believed that the Winnebagoes had
murdered them, and Red Bird was suspected to have been concerned in it."
From the above statement of the distance from the Prairie, and other evidence,
it seems that the locality of this murder was on Paint creek rather than Yellow
river. The situation throughout the region became so alarming that J. B. Loyer,
the guide before mentioned, was furnished with a horse and went across the
Mississippi and through the back country to inform the commander at Fort
Snelling of the conditions, and in due time two companies of the Fifth Infantry
were sent to their relief, and the Winnebago outbreak was quelled. Some of
them were brought to trial in 1828 for the murders, and two sentenced to be
hung, but all were finally discharged, the supposed instigator of the crimes, Red
Bird, having meanwhile died in jail, of smallpox.
An anecdote presenting the Indian character in a more favorable light should
be appropriate here. The Winnebago chief De-kau-ray had been held as a host-
age for the delivery of the young men suspected of the murders. He disclaimed
the responsibility of his nation for the behavior of the "foolish young men, over
whom I and the other wise men have no control ;" and charged it to the authori-
ties themselves, who had supplied them with unlimited whisky. He was ready,
however, to receive the punishment himself if need be for the honor of his people,
being assured that if Red Bird was not given up he was to die in his stead.
26 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Finding that confinement injured his health he requested permission to range
the country on his parole. He was given liberty to go where he pleased during
the day, but at sunset he was to return to the fort on pain of being considered
an old woman. His friends urged him privately to flee, but he spurned their
advice. At the first tap of the retreat De-kau-ray was sure to present himself
at the gate ; and this he continued to do until the culprits were apprehended and
General Atkinson set him at liberty.
This De-kau-ray was the one known as the "grand old chief," whose Indian
name was Scha-chip-ka-ka, or Ko-no-kah De-kau-ray, or the Eldest De-kau-ray,
who died on the Wisconsin river April 20, 1836, in his ninetieth year.
The building of the new Fort Crawford was begun in 1830, and completed
in 1832. This was located about midway between the old French fort to the
south and the fort to the north near the Dousman residence.
CHAPTER III
THE ABORIGINES
Of the native tribes that occupied a wide region in which Allamakee county
is central, during the past three centuries, the Sioux, or Dakotas (Naudowessies
of the early writers), were the most permanently located, and among the most
powerful. The very earliest traders found their home to be in Minnesota, to
the westward of Lake Superior, and their numbers were estimated at many
thousand. There were various branches of this powerful family, covering a
widespread territory. The Iowa, or so-called "Prairie Sioux," at the time of
Marquette's visit occupied the most of what is now the fair state of Iowa, but
a century later they had become supplanted throughout its eastern portion by
other tribes, and were eventually retired beyond the Missouri. They had, how-
ever, given their name to one of our principal rivers, and to at least two smaller
upon which their bands had dwelt: our own Upper Iowa (now called Oneota),
and the Little Sioux, which is shown on an early map (1817) as the "River of
the Iowas." The name very naturally passed on to designate one of the early
organized counties in the Wisconsin Territory, and finally to this territory and
state.
Of the northern Sioux, the only record we have of a habitation in Allamakee
county is of the party known as Wabasha's band,* who established a village on
the Oneota river, near New Albin, about the year 1800, migrating from about
St. Paul. Doubtless they had camped and hunted and fought along that stream
for generations before the advent of the whites, in common with various other
tribes, as the abundance of Indian relics throughout the valley shows. The old
Wabasha had taken sides with the British in 1776, and led a thousand Sioux
in 1780 destined to augment their forces at Kaskaskia. He died in Houston
county, Minnesota, while the village was on the Oneota, having abdicated in
1805 or before in favor of his son, second Wabasha. The latter was considered
a wise and prudent chief, and it is said was strictly temperate as to whisky.
In 1805 he heartily welcomed Lieutenant Pike, and claimed that he himself
had never been at war with the new father (Louisiana then having recently been
transferred to the United States) ; but in 1812 his band again sided with the
English. Pike's map shows this Sioux village on the south side of the Upper
Iowa, at a point now definitely located at Sand Cove, two or three miles from
New Albin.
*N. H. Winchell, "Aborigines of Minnesota."
27
28 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
This band removed to "Wabasha's Prairie" (now Winona) before the date
of Major Long's expedition up the Mississippi in 1817, an account of which
appears in a previous chapter. At this date there were both Sioux and Foxes
on the Upper Iowa, which by the treaty seven years later was to become the
boundary line between them, and the center line of the Neutral Ground in 1830.
Wabasha was the "Leaf" or the "Red Leaf," the leading signer of both these
treaties on the part of the Sioux. Wabasha's band were allied with the whites
in the Black Hawk war in 1832, and fell upon their old enemies the Sacs and
Foxes as they fled across into Iowa near New Albin after their defeat at the
Bad Axe river, and it is said slaughtered the helpless fugitives mercilessly,
women and children included. Wabasha died in 1836 of smallpox, with many
of his people, which reduced the band to twenty-seven when third Wabasha
became chief.
The Sacs (Saukies) and Foxes ( Outagamies, or Reynards) were originally
two separate tribes of the Algonquin family, but of so aggressive habits that
their eastern neighbors could not get along with them, and they were forced far-
ther west until, about the year 1760, at Green Bay or vicinity, being reduced in
numbers, they formed an alliance, and from that time became known as prac-
tically one nation. They continued to be very annoying neighbors, however, being
ever ready for warfare, and their more powerful enemies forced them again to
move, first from the Fox to the Wisconsin river, and about 1767 to the Mississippi
in the vicinity of Rock Island, where the famous Sac chief Black Hawk was born
soon after. Here they prospered, supplanting the Iowa and Illini, and soon
occupied all the eastern part of this state, up to the Upper Iowa river, where they
were continually at war with the more powerful Sioux.
The Winnebagoes. early known as Puants, are generally considered as a
division of the great Dakota family. They are declared by eminent authority to
have been the parent stock of the Omahas, Iowas, Kansas, Quappas or Arkansas,
and Osages. Their own traditions (as learned by Captain Carver and others)
point to an origin far to the southwest, from whence they were driven by the early
Spanish invaders with great cruelty. It is said they reached this northern region
much reduced in numbers and very destitute, and were succored and befriended
by the Minnesota Sioux, by whom they were placed (being a comparatively
peaceful people) as a "buffer" between themselves and their adversaries, the,
Chippewas, on the east. The great difference in the Winnebago language from
that of the northern Dakotas would go to support the belief of a different tribal
origin.
Captain Carver says: "On the 20th of September (1766) I left Green Bay
and proceeded up the Fox river. On the 25th I arrived at the great town of the
Winnebagoes, situated on a small island, just as you enter the east end of
Lake Winnebago. Here the queen, who presided over this tribe instead of a
sachem, received me with great civility, and entertained me in a very distinguished
manner during the four days I continued with her. * * *
"The time I tarried here I employed in making the best observations possible
on the country and in collecting the most certain intelligence I could of the origin,
language and customs of this people. From these inquiries I have reason to
conclude that the Winnebagoes originally resided in some of the provinces
belonging to New Mexico ; and being driven from their native country, either
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 29
by internal divisions or by the extensions of the Spanish conquests, they took
refuge in these more northern parts about a century ago.
"My reasons for adopting this supposition are, first, from their unalienable
attachment to the Naudowessie Indians (who, they say, gave them the earliest
succor during their emigration) notwithstanding their present residence is more
than six hundred miles distant from that people.
"Secondly, that their dialect totally differs from every other Indian nation
yet discovered ; it being a very uncouth, guttural jargon, which none of their
neighbors will attempt to learn. They converse with other nations in the Chip-
peway tongue, which is the prevailing language throughout all the tribes, from
the Mohawks of Canada to those who inhabit the borders of the Mississippi, and
from the Hurons and Illinois to such as dwell near Hudson's Bay.
"Thirdly, from their inveterate hatred to the Spaniards. Some of them
informed me that they had many excursions to the southwest, which took up
several moons. An elder chief more particularly acquainted me, that about
forty-six winters ago, he marched at the head of fifty warriors, towards the
southwest, for three moons. That during this expedition, whilst they were cross-
ing a plain, they discovered a body of men on horseback who belonged to the
black people : for so they call the Spaniards. As soon as they perceived them
they proceeded with caution, and concealed themselves till night came on ; when
fhey drew so near as to be able to discern the number and situation of their
enemies. Finding they were not able to cope with so great a superiority by day-
light, they waited till they had retired to rest ; when they rushed upon them,
and, after having killed the greatest part of the men, took eighty horses loaded
with what they termed white stone. This I suppose to have been silver, as he
told me the horses were shod with it, and that their bridles were ornamented
with the same. When they had satiated their revenge, they carried off their
spoil, and having got so far as as to be out of the reach of the Spaniards that had
escaped their fury, they left the useless and ponderous burthen, and with which
the horses were loaded, in the woods, and mounting themselves in this manner
returned to their friends. The party they had thus defeated I conclude to be
the caravan that annually conveys to Mexico the silver which the Spaniards find
in great quantities on the mountains lying near the heads of the Colorado river;
and the plains where the attack was made, probably some they were obliged to
pass over in their way to the head of the river St. Fee, or Rio del Nord, which
falls into the Gulf of Mexico, to the west of the Mississippi.
"The Winnebagoes can raise about two hundred warriors. Their town con-
tains about fifty houses, which are strongly built with palisades. * * * The
'Winnebagoes raise a great quantity of Indian corn, beans, pumpkins, squashes
and watermelons, with some tobacco."
Captain Carver's belief that the Winnebagoes came into this region about a
century before his visit to them was far from correct, as Nicolet had found
them at Green Bay upon his first reaching that point in 1634, and in considerable
numbers. Other authorities have considered them as among the earliest of our
aboriginal tribes.
Upon the removal of the Sacs and Foxes to the Mississippi, the Winnebagoes
spread over the region from Lake Winnebago and Green Bay to that river, north
"of the Wisconsin, and thus became the prospective occupants of our own county
30 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
when, some sixty years later, a portion of them were assigned to the Neutral
Ground between the Sioux on the north and the Sacs and Foxes to the south,
after the Black Hawk war. As was said, the Winnebagoes were not warlike: and
the array officers posted at Prairie du Chien generally considered them less
honorable than the Sioux, their patrons, more vindictive and generally mean.
Some of them were implicated in brutal murders near that post, as narrated in
another place. On the other hand, they were more amenable to the influences of
civilization; and Gen. Joseph M. Street, the government Indian agent at that
point, declared the bad element among them was the demoralizing result of their
long contact with unprincipled whites, and the whisky-sellers especially. It
is deplorable that nearly all of the early explorers, as admitted in their narra-
tives, made a practice of giving whisky with their presents to the Indians.
The Winnebagoes, though taking no very active part, naturally allied them-
selves with their first white friends, the French, in their warfare against the
English ; and later with the English against the Americans in the Revolution, and
in the War of 1812. Thev were neutral in the Black I lawk war.
By the treaty of August 19, 1825, at Prairie du Chien, it was agreed that
the United States government should run a boundary line between the Sioux,
on the north, and the Sacs and Foxes, on the south, along the Upper Iowa, as
follows: Commencing at the mouth of the Upper Iowa river on the west bank
of the Mississippi and ascending said Iowa river to its west fork ; thence up the
fork to its source ; thence crossing the fork of the Red Cedar river in a direct
line to the second or upper fork of the Des Moines river.
The cause which led to the establishment of this boundary line continuing to
exist, namely, the frequent hostilities between these hereditary enemies, another
treaty was entered into on July 15, 1830, at Prairie du Chien, by the terms of
which the Sacs and Foxes ceded to the United States a strip of country lying
south of the above boundary line, twenty miles in width, and extending along
the line aforesaid from the Mississippi to the Des Moines river. The Sioux
also ceded to the government, in the same treaty, a like strip of twenty miles on
the north side of said boundary ; thus making a territory forty miles wide, and
in length from the Mississippi to the Des Moines, which was known as the
"Neutral Ground." Within these limits both tribes were permitted to hunt and
fish unmolested by each other except at the peril of the aggressor, from the gov-
ernment.
In the maps of that day upon which this neutral ground was shown, there
appears a little jog of perhaps six or eight miles in each of the three lines, north,
south, and central, at a distance of about thirty miles west of the Missssippi,
which has puzzled not a few. The key to this appears in the language of the
treaty of 1825 establishing the central, or original boundary line: "ascending
said Iowa river to its west fork (some texts read left fork), thence up the fork
to its source," etc. This fork, judging from the maps which show it as a little,
short, unnamed stream, can be no other than Trout Run, near Decorah. The
corresponding jog in the northern line, twenty miles north, appears along the
course of the "Red Cedar creek," apparently the Canoe; and a similar deflection in
the southern line is along the Turkey river. No explanation is given of this break
in the course of the original boundary, that we have been able to ascertain.
John Waukon, son of the noted Chief of the
Winnebago Indians after whom the city of
Waukon was named.
Aunt Eliza'' Waukon. mother of John
Waukon
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 33
The original boundary line striking the upper fork of the Des Moines river,
at Dakota City in Humboldt county, the southwest corner of the Neutral Ground
would be a short distance below Fort Dodge, in Webster county ; and the north
line being carried to the west fork would terminate in the southeast corner of
Palo Alto.
By a treaty made September 15, 1832, at Fort Armstrong, now Rock Island,
the eastern forty miles of this neutral ground was allotted to the Winnebagoes
for a new home, in part consideration for their surrendering all their possessions
on the east side of the Mississippi, south and east of the Wisconsin, which it
became necessary for the government to open for settlement; and a portion of
the tribe reluctantly entered upon this territory during the following year, the
other part remaining in the vicinity of Fort Winnebago. Under the terms of
this treaty a school and farm were established for their benefit, on the Yellow
river, which will be found more fully described in another chapter, as the "Old
Mission." It is related that in the spring of 1833 Father Lowrey, who was
appointed to take charge of this school, explained the plans and purpose of its
establishment to a council of Winnebago chiefs, and called for an expression of
their views on the subject; whereupon Chief Waukon arose and expressed his
sentiments as follows : "The Winnebagoes are asleep, and it will be wrong to
awake them; they are red men, and all the white man's soap and water cannot
make them white."
In a treaty at Washington, November 1, 1837, the Winnebagoes ceded all
their lands east of the Mississippi river. They agreed, further, to relinquish the
right to occupy, except for the purpose of hunting, that portion of the Neutral
Ground included between that river and a line twenty miles distant therefrom
to the west ; and to remove to the west of such line within eight months after
the ratification of this treaty. In accordance therewith, in 1840-41 the govern-
ment erected a fort in the southwest corner of the present Winnisheik county,
on Turkey river, calling it Fort Atkinson from the general who conducted the
war against Black Hawk; and in 1842 a mission house and school were built near
by and a farm opened, to which Rev. Lowrey and Farmer Thomas were trans-
ferred. The Yellow River mission was abandoned, and the Indians received
their annuities thenceforth at this post until they were removed to Minnesota,
in 1848.
Long exposed to the greed and the vices of the white man, from their contact
with him since the appearance of the first traders and their whisky, the Winne-
bagoes unfortunately yielded readily to these influences, and their annuities from
the government were an additional cause of increasing profligacy and idleness,
notwithstanding the endeavors of Father Lowrey for their welfare. An officer
of the United States army was appointed to treat with them as to a removal
farther away from these influences, and held a council with their chiefs November
1, 1844, at which their principal chief and orator, Waukon,* said in reply :
"Brother, you say our Great Father sent you to us to buy our country.
"We do not know what to think of our Great Father's sending so often to
buy our country. He seems to think so much of land that he must be always
looking down to the earth.
*Salter, "The First Free State in the Louisiana Purchase.
34 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
"Brother, you say you have seen many Indians, but you have never seen one
yet who owns the land. The land all belongs to the Great Spirit. He made it,
He owns it all. It is not the red man's to sell.
"Brother, the Great Spirit hears us now. He always hears us. He heard
us when our Great Father told us if we would sell him our country on the Wis-
consin, he would never ask us to sell him another country. We brought our
council fires to the Mississippi. We came across the great river, and built our
lodges on the Turkey and the Cedar. We have been here but a few days, and you
ask us to move again. We supposed our Father pities his children ; but he can-
not, or he would not wish so often to take our land from us.
"You ask me. Brother, where the Indians are gone who crossed the Mississippi
a few years ago. You know and we know where they are gone. They are gone
to the country where the white man can no more interfere with them. Wait,
Brother, but a few years longer, and this little remnant will be gone too ; — gone
to the Indian's home beyond the clouds, and then you can have our country
without buying it.
" brother, we do not know how you estimate the value of land. When you
bought our land before, we do not think we got its value.
"Brother, I have spoken to you for our nation. We do not wish to sell our
country. We have but one opinion. We never change it."
The chiefs refused to hear anything further from the commissioner, and
abruptly broke up the council. They said, "We are in a hurry to get off on
our winter hunt. The sun is going down. Farewell." But the territory of Iowa
was now soon to become a state. The Indian population must give place to the
hand of industry, and the forces that make for civilization must control and
occupy this fair spot of the earth's surface, with the abundant yield from its
prolific soil, the wealth of its mines, the power of its rivers.
Hence it was that by another treaty, October 13, 1846, at Washington, the
Winnebagoes were persuaded to cede all claim to the "Neutral Ground," the
United States agreeing to give them a tract of not less than 800, 000 acres north
of St. Peter's river in Minnesota, and the sum of Siyo.ooo, of which $85,000
was retained by the government in trust, and 5 per cent interest payable annually
to said tribe. But there was no clause in this treaty for the exclusion of intoxi-
cating liquor. By a later treaty, in 1855, the Winnebagoes ceded this tract, for
a smaller one on Blue Earth river, from which ardent spirits were excluded. In
1859 and 1863' this was sold by the United States in trust for the Winnebagoes,
and the president authorized to set apart a reservation for them of 18 square
miles, in Dakota.
Under the treaty of 1846. which was proclaimed February 4, 1847, the removal
of the Winnebagoes from the Neutral Ground to the Long Prairie (or St.
Peter) purchase, was carried out in the summer of 1848, under difficulties. The
whisky sellers hung about and incited dissatisfaction and desertion ; and Waba-
sha III, the Sioux chief at Winona, tried to sell them a share of his territory. He
was arrested by soldiers from Fort Snelling, and a conflict between the soldiers
and the Winnebagoes was narrowly averted. Two principal parties abandoned
the tribe, one going back to their old haunts on Black river in Wisconsin, and one
moving southwest through Iowa, finally uniting with the Otoe in Nebraska, but
later returning in part to Wisconsin.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 35
While on the Blue Earth reservation, 1855 to i860, the Winnebagoes who
remained there prospered, and the annual reports of the agent showed encourag-
ing progress in agriculture and mechanics. A treaty was made by which they
were to be allotted land in severalty, but this was never consummated, owing to
the Civil war, and the Sioux outbreak of 1863. While the Winnebagoes mostly
remained quietly on their reservation, a few were implicated with the Sioux,
and all were later removed to the north side of the Missouri river, "dumped in
the desert" about eighty miles above Fort Randall. They were greatly dissatisfied,
and in 1865 were permitted to occupy a tract ceded to them by the Omahas, in
Nebraska, though many returned to their old haunts in Iowa, Minnesota, and
Wisconsin.
As to the number of Winnebagoes, they were estimated in 1842 at about
2,500, of whom but 756 were counted at the Turkey River mission. In 1890
there were 1,215 on the Nebraska reservation, and it was thought nearly as
many had returned to their favorite hunting grounds along the Mississippi. In
1909 they numbered 1,069 in Nebraska and 1,094 in Wisconsin.
In reply to an inquiry as to the present numbers, and material condition, of
the Winnebagoes, a letter from the commissioner of Indian affairs, dated at
Washington, January 18, 1913, brings the following information :
"According to the census of June 30, 1912, there were 1,086 Winnebago
Indians in Nebraska and 1,243 m Wisconsin. This number is slightly in excess
of the number for the year 191 1.
"The Winnebago Indians have $883,249.58 in the treasury of the United
States to their credit under the act of March 3, 1909. This amount draws five
per cent interest, and yearly payments of the interest are made to the Indians.
Provision has been made by Congress for a division of the fund between the
two branches of the tribe, and this question is now under consideration by the
Department of the Interior. After this shall have been done, the Secretary of the
Interior has authority to divide the money per capita among the Nebraska
Indians, and to pay the Wisconsin Winnebagoes per capita or use it for their
benefit.
"The land reserved for the Winnebagoes in Nebraska has been allotted to
them in severalty. The Winnebago Indians in Wisconsin have no reservation,
but some of them took up allotments on the public domain.
"The Indians near La Crosse are probably part of the Wisconsin Winnebagoes,
and will share in the division of the fund when made. The amount to be paid
to the Wisconsin branch of the tribe has not as yet been determined by the
Secretary of the Interior, who is authorized to adjust the differences between the
two branches of the tribe by the Act of July 1, 1912."
From the foregoing it will be seen that the Winnebago tribe is keeping up
well numerically, and as a whole is not poverty stricken, having about $380 per
capita in the keeping of their Great Father at Washington, in addition to the
lands which have been allotted to them.
Indeed it is a mistaken notion that the native race is dying out. According
to the latest census there are 265.683 Indians in the United States, and we are
told by the Conference of American Indians, held in October, 1912, at Columbus,
Ohio, that they are "the most wealthy people in America per capita: each one
is worth $3,500 on an average." Dr. Charles A. Eastman, the famous full-
36 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
blooded Sioux lecturer, says that "the policy and ultimate purpose of Americans
towards my race has been admirable, Christian in tone and theory. * * *
You will find men of Indian blood in the congress of the United States, and in
several of the state legislatures. Many of these were born in the tepee. Is this
not much to achieve in half a century ?"
BLACK HAWK WAR
An account of the Black Hawk war belongs more properly to the history of
Illinois and Wisconsin ; but the scene of its closing tragedy being upon our very
border, requires a brief outline of its conduct here, especially as some of the
Winnebagoes were implicated therein. In April, 1832, Black Hawk with his
braves, including their families, crossed the Mississippi at Rock Island with the
avowed purpose of raising a crop of corn on the Rock river in Illinois, their old
home. General Atkinson, then at Fort Armstrong (or Rock Island), sent orders
for them to return to their new reservation, but Black Hawk was angered, and
feeling that his people had been greatly wronged he had come prepared for war
or peace as circumstances might dictate. He declared afterwards that the Win-
nebagoes and Pottawattomies had encouraged him to believe they would assist
him to recover his lands in Illinois. This they denied ; but upon the commence-
ment of actual hostilities, which resulted in a victory for the Indians on May 14,
it is said that a considerable number from both these tribes joined his forces,
only to desert him when success shortly after came to the whites. Finding him-
self vastly outnumbered, and short of provisions, Black Hawk moved northward
to the Wisconsin river, with occasional fights, and closely followed by the
military under General Atkinson and Colonel Dodge, who pursued them toward
Fort Winnebago.
On the 21st of July the Indians were overtaken, on the banks of the Wiscon-
sin, where they were defeated with considerable loss. A party of Black Hawk's
band, including many women and children, now attempted to escape down the
Wisconsin in canoes, but they were attacked by troops, some were killed, some
drowned, a few taken prisoners, and others escaped to the woods and perished
of starvation. Black Hawk now abandoned all -dea of resistance, and with his
main band attempted to reach the Mississippi and effect their escape farther to
the north. They struck it at the mouth of the Bad Axe river, directly opposite
the outlet of the Upper Iowa, and attempted to get their women and children
across, in such canoes as they could procure. A steamboat, the Warrior, had been
dispatched from Prairie du Chien, however, with an armed force to intercept
them, and on the 1st of August this party fired upon the Indians on the east shore,
while under a flag of truce attempting to surrender, killing a number of them,
claiming the white flag was a decoy.
On the 2d of August the army overtook the Indians at this point, and brought
Black Hawk to bay; and after a two or three hours' fight his people were driven
into the river, men, women and children, but only a few escaped, those who suc-
ceeded in swimming to the islands opposite falling into the hands of the merciless
Wabasha. It has been claimed that Black Hawk was captured here by the Win-
nebagoes; but he himself says (in his narrative dictated to a U. S. interpreter for
the Sacs and Foxes, in 1833) : "I started with my little party to the Winnebago
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 37
village at Prairie la Crosse. On my arrival there I entered the lodge of one of
the chiefs and told him that I wished him to go with me to his father — that I
intended to to give myself up to the American war chief, and die, if the Great
Spirit saw proper. * * * During my stay at the village the squaws made
me a dress of white deer-skin. I then started with several Winnebagoes, and
went to their agent at Prairie du Chien, and gave myself up."
On the contrary, the fact is well established that he did not come in of his
own volition. William Salter in his "Life of Col. Henry Dodge" says: "Early
in the battle of Bad Axe, Black Hawk and the Prophet fled * * * After
the battle Colonel Dodge called Waukon-Decorra to him and told him that their
Great Father at Washington wanted 'the big warriors taken. Parties were sent
in search of them, and they were captured and delivered up to the Indian agent
at Prairie du Chien." And Drake's "Life of Black Hawk" states that "it is to
two Winnebagoes, Decorie and Chaetar, that the fallen chief is indebted for
being taken captive. On the 27th of August they delivered Black Hawk and
the prophet ( Wabokieshiek) to the Indian agent, General Street, at Prairie des
Chiens. Upon their delivery, Decorie, the One-eyed, arose and said:
" 'My father, I now stand before you. When we parted, I told you I would
return soon ; but * * * we have had to go a great distance. You see we
have done what you sent us to do. These are the two you told us to get. We
have done what you told us to do. We always do what you tell us, because we
know it is for our gbod. You told us to get these men, and it would be the cause
of much good to the Winnebagoes. We have brought them, but it has been very
hard for us to do so. You told us to bring them to you alive ; we have done so. If
you had told us to bring their heads alone we would have done so, and it would
have been less difficult than what we have done. * * * We want you to keep
them safe ; if they are to be hurt we do not want to see it. Wait until we are gone
before it is done. Many little birds have been flying about our ears of late and
we thought they whispered to us that there was evil intended for us ; but now
we hope these evil birds will let our ears alone. We know you are our friend,
because you take our part, and that is the reason we do what you tell us to do.
You say you love your red children ; we think we love you as much if not more
than you love us. We have confidence in you and you may rely on us. We
have been promised a great deal if we would take these men; that it would do
much good to our people. We now hope to see what will be done for us. We
now put these men into your hands. We have done all that you told us to do.' "
General Street, the agent, replied to this speech, reminding them that some
of the Winnebagoes had proved unfaithful, but the capture of Black Hawk would
be to their credit ; and Col. Zachary Taylor, then the military commandant, upon
taking charge of the prisoners also made a few remarks to their captors ; after
which Chaetar, the associate of Decorie, arose and said : "My father, I am
young, and do not know how to make speeches. * * * I am no chief ; I am
no orator; if I should not speak as well as the others, still you must listen to
me. When you made the speech to the chiefs, Waugh Kon Decorie Caramani,
the one-eyed Decorie, and others I was there. I heard you. I thought what
you said to them you also said to me. * * * I left here that same night,
and I have been a great way ; I had much trouble. * * * Near the Dalle
on the Wisconsin I took Black Hawk. No one did it but me, * * * what
38 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
I have done is for the benefit of my nation, and I hope to see the good that
has been promised us. That one, Wabokieshiek, the Prophet, is my relation; if
he is to be hurt I do not wish to see it."
Black Hawk, and some other prisoners who were to be held as hostages dur-
ing the pleasure of the President, were sent down the river to St. Louis, under
charge of Lieut. Jefferson Davis, later President of the Southern Confederacy.
Albert Sidney Johnston, who became a famous southern general in the Civil war,
commanding the southern army at Shiloh, where he was killed in the first
day's fight, was General Wilkinson's A. D. C. and adjutant at the battle of
Bad Axe; and President-to-be Col. Zacharv Taylor personally commanded the
United States regulars there engaged. He remained at Fort Crawford until 1836.
General Atkinson reported the total force of whites in the Bad Axe battle at
twelve hundred; and twenty- four killed and wounded. Abraham Lincoln was
among the young volunteers in this war too late to get into action. And General
Winfield Scott reached the seat of war about the time it was ended.
CHAPTER IV
CIVIL GOVERNMENT
From the time the earliest French explorers entered the Mississippi valley,
soon after the middle of the 17th century, the crown of France claimed control
over all this region by right of discovery, and occupation. This claim remained
undisputed for a hundred years, when all west of the Mississippi was trans-
ferred to Spain by the treaty of Paris, January 1, 1763, but not until 1770 was
the actual possession turned over to a Spanish Governor.
October 1, 1800, Spain re-ceded all of Louisiana to France, by a secret treaty;
and formally surrendered possession at New Orleans November 30, 1803, several
months after the treaty of re-sale to the United States, under which another
ceremony of transfer took place twenty days later, December 20, 1803. In a
similar manner a double transfer of Upper Louisiana took plaee at St. Louis
the following spring, the Spanish flag giving place to that of France on the 9th
of March, 1804, which itself was lowered on the following day and permanently
replaced by the stars and stripes. Thus was consummated the famous "Louisiana
Purchase," under the treaty of April 30, 1803, ratified by the United States Senate
in October following, by which Napoleon reluctantly relinquished to us of to-day
the heritage of this vast empire west of the Mississippi river.
On the 1st of October, 1804, that part of the Louisiana Purchase lying north
of the south line of Arkansas, or the 33d parallel, was constituted the "District
of Louisiana," and placed under the authority of the Governor of Indiana Terri-
tory, at that time William Henry Harrison. The southern portion became the
"Territory of Orleans."
July 4, 1805, the District of Louisiana was constituted the "Territory of
Louisiana," and so continued until December 7, 1812, it became the "Territory
of Missouri," including all north to the British possessions. From this was
organized the state of the same name; and, on March 2, 1821, the State of
Missouri was admitted to the Union, under the provisions of the famous "Missouri
Compromise" bill, prohibiting slavery in the territory north and west thereof.
The act carried with it the disappearance of the "Territory" of Missouri ; and
all that part not included within the state boundaries "was left without law or
government, except as to the prohibition of slavery and laws to regulate the
Indian trade. Traders and army officers, however, as occasion served, still
carried slaves into the territory. The soil of Iowa continued in the occupancy
of a few tribes, who lived in villages on the banks of rivers, and often fell foul
39
40 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
of one another as they roamed over the prairies in their hunting expeditions.
There were about six thousand Sacs and Foxes, with a thousand Iowas in eastern
and central Iowa, one or two thousand Otoes, Pawnees, and Omahas in western
Iowa, and roving bands of Sioux in the northern part, numbering a thousand
or more — in all about ten thousand souls. War was their native element, the
ideal- of savage life." — (Salter: "Iowa: the First Free State in the Louisiana
Purchase.")
A bill was reported in Congress, January 6, 1830, to establish the Territory
of Huron, with boundaries embracing what now constitutes the states of Wis-
consin, Iowa, Minnesota, a part of Dakota, and the upper peninsula of Michi-
gan, but it did not become a law. A somewhat similar bill passed the House
of Representatives in 1831, but not the Senate. — History of Wisconsin, by Moses
M. Strong.
October 1, 1834, all of what is now Iowa. Wisconsin, Minnesota, and most of
Dakota, was attached to the Territory of Michigan, under which two counties
were organized lying on the west side of the Mississippi : Demoine and Dubuque.
The latter constituted all of the recent Black Hawk purchase lying north of a
line drawn due west from Rock Island, and therefore included a small portion
of Allamakee county, in the southeast corner, adjoining the south line of
the Neutral Ground. This was the first civil government that concerned people
living in Iowa, as it was only the previous year that the Black Hawk purchase
was opened for settlement. "Iowa county ( Wis. ) was at that time the nearest
organized portion of Michigan Territory to the new counties. It was con-
stituted in 1829, and named by Henry R. Schoolcraft. From the judicial rela-
tion of Iowa county to the new counties, those counties were called the Iowa
District. This was the earliest application of the name 'Iowa' to a part of what
became the State of Iowa." ( Salter. )
By an act approved April 30, 1836, Congress created the Territory of Wis-
consin, covering the country between Lake Michigan and the Missouri river
north of the States of Illinois and Missouri, and Gen. Henry Dodge was
appointed its first Governor. The first legislative session was held at Belmont,
Iowa county, now in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, in the fall of 1836. A second
session November, 1837, and also a special session, June. 1838, of the first legis-
lative assembly, were held in Demoine county, at Burlington. At the second
session, (December 21, 1837,) the county of Dubuque was divided, Clayton being
one of the new counties, its northern boundary being identical with the south line
of the Neutral Ground, and its western boundary on the line dividing ranges six
and seven, where it has remained. Fayette county was also established at this
time, being partly taken from Dubuque. It was probably the largest county ever
constituted, comprising "the whole of the country lying west of the Mississippi
river and north of the southern boundary of Clayton county, extending westward
to the western boundary of Wisconsin Territory, and not included within the
proper limits of the said county of Clayton." It extended to the British pos-
sessions on the north, and included all of the present State of Minnesota west
of the Mississippi, and nearly all of the Dakotas. It, however, had no county
organization until some years after it had been reduced to its present boundaries,
in 1847, when Allamakee was taken therefrom; and indeed not until after this
county was organized.
uti:i; low \ riiw i i; < ojip VN"i i •< >\\ 1:1: PLANT NO. i
VIEW ACROSS OXEOTA RIVER, AT SITE OF DAM XO. 1
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 43
A convention was also held during this session, by citizens west of the Missis-
sippi, to ask the organization of a new territory, and the Legislature adopted a
memorial to Congress to that effect. The names of Jefferson, Washington,
and Iowa were discussed, with a decision in favor of Iowa. In Congress the
prospect of another free state was displeasing to the South, and John C. Calhoun
was determined in his opposition. The delegate from this (Wisconsin) terri-
tory, George W. Jones, told him the inhabitants were mainly from Kentucky,
Illinois, and Missouri, and the South had nothing to fear from them. Mr.
Calhoun replied that this state of things would not last long; that immigrants
from the New England and other abolition states would soon outnumber them.
Both statements were true.
An act of Congress to constitute the Territory of Iowa from that part
of Wisconsin west of the Mississippi was approved by President Van Buren
June 12, and took effect July 4, 1838. Robert Lucas, of Ohio, former Governor
of that state and a native of Virginia, was appointed by the President as the first
Governor of the Territory of Iowa, which included Minnesota and was practically
unlimited to the west. The first Legislature assembled at Burlington, November
12, 1838, and comprised thirty-nine members in both houses. Of these, nine
were natives of Virginia, eight of Kentucky, two of North Carolina, one of
Maryland, one of Tennessee, twenty-one in all from the South. Four were
natives of New* York, four of Pennsylvania, four of Ohio, two of New Hamp-
shire, two of Vermont, one of Connecticut, one of Illinois, eighteen in all from
the North. At the election, in September, of the members of this assembly,
Wm, W. Chapman, a native of Virginia, was elected first delegate to Congress.
The seat of government was established by this assembly in Johnson county,
at a town to be called Iowa City. At the October election in 1840 the people
voted down a proposal for a state government, and again at the election in 1842.
In 1-841, when William Henry Harrison became President, he appointed
John Chambers, Governor of Iowa. He was a member of Congress from Ken-
tucky, but a native of New Jersey. In 1845, James K. Polk appointed James
Clarke, of Pennsylvania, as his successor.
At the April election in 1844 there was a large majority for a convention
to form a state constitution ; and such convention met at Iowa City, October 7,
1844, and continued in session until November 1. The boundaries settled upon
were the Mississippi river on the east, the State of Missouri on the south, the
Missouri river to the mouth of the Sioux on the west, and a direct line from that
point to the mouth of the Blue Earth river in Minnesota, thence down the St.
Peters (Minnesota) river to the Mississippi. But when the constitution and
memorial asking admission were submitted to Congress that body objected to
the boundaries prescribed as creating too large a state, and cut us off from the
Missouri river by making the western boundary on the line of ij° 30' west from
Washington, a few miles west of Fort Dodge. The bill as passed, March 3,
1845, provided for the admission of Florida and Iowa together — one slave and
one free state — and was approved by President John Tyler as one of his last
offical acts. The plan failed, for although Florida came in at once, Iowa rejected
the boundary conditions at an election in April following, and remained a ter-
ritory.
44 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Another convention of the people of Iowa assembled in May, 1846, and
formed a constitution with the present boundaries of the state. Congress mean-
while having reconsidered its former action and prescribed lines identical with
those of the convention. L'pon the submission of this constitution to the people
on the 3rd of August, 1846, it was adopted; and by act of Congress approved
by President James K. Polk December 28, 1846, Iowa was admitted as the
twenty-ninth state of the Union, the fourth formed (the first free state) from
the Louisiana purchase, and having a population of over one hundred thousand,
the first state to be admitted with a population entitling it to two members of
Congress from the start. Meanwhile, at an election held October 26, 1846,
Ansel Briggs, a native of Vermont, was chosen as the first Governor of the
State of Iowa, and assumed the duties of the office.
COUNTY ORGANIZATION
Of the ninety-nine counties which constitute the State of Iowa, none was
created under the present constitution of the state, although several were later
organized which were located and named prior to its adoption in 1857, and
acts have been passed looking to new counties or division of old ones, and
found unconstitutional, or defeated by the voters. The organization of the
*
older counties, prior to 1853, was provided for by special legislative enactments.
Two counties were created by the legislative council of Michigan ; twenty-
two ( including three now extinct ) by the legislative assembly of Wisconsin ;
twenty-three by the legislative assembly of Iowa Territory; and the remaining
fifty-five by the general assembly of the state. Most of these were given an
existence by the third general assembly, 1850-1851, of which Hon. P. M. Casady
was a member in the Senate ; and some forty years later he read a paper before
the Pioneer Law Makers* Association, telling of the origin of county names in
the following interesting manner :
"When the Territory of Iowa was established the work of creating new
counties was carried on as rapidly as the growth of population warranted. The
session of 1843 showed itself imbued with the spirit of the latter-day ethnologist,
for all the counties authorized at this session w?re given Indian names, most of
the chiefs prominent in the pioneer history of the territory. The last territorial
legislature, however, showed its disapproval of such relapse into barbarism by
refusing to give a single Indian name to the new counties which it established
and as an additional token of its convictions along these lines it changed the
name of Kishkekosh given by its predecessors to Monroe. All the new counties
of this vear were named after American statesmen and soldiers, two heroes
of the Revolution being honored in naming the counties of Wayne and Jasper,
while Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Chief Justice Marshall and
others were remembered in the assignment of names.
"The work was continued in a desultory way until fifty counties had been
organized before the convening of the third general assembly of the state, which
made a new record in that line, a record probably never equalled by any other
legislative body. The bill was introduced by Senator Casady.
"When the bill came up for consideration in the Senate there was a group
who favored more Indian names than were assigned by the committee, but
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 45
their plans were anticipated by Senator Casady. He and his associates had
prepared a slate of names and these were finally adopted.
"In those days there was no 'hands across the sea' sentiment toward the
British government, and the pioneers of the west were warm sympathizers
with the patriots who were leaders of Ireland's revolt against English oppres-
sion. Consequently it was determined to name three counties for the martyrs
of the Irish struggle, and Mitchell, O'Brien, and the younger Emmet were the
ones chosen. It was recommended that three be named after the battles of the
Mexican war, Cerro Gordo, Buena Vista, and Palo Alto. Three were named
for colonels who fell in that war: Col. John J. Hardin of Illinois, Colonel
Yell of Arkansas, and Lieut. Col. Henry Clay, Jr., of Kentucky, the gallant
son of the famous statesman, all three of whom were killed in the battle of
Buena Vista. Some years later the name of Yell county was changed to
Webster, at the same time that the adjoining county of Fox was changed to
Calhoun. When this change was made there seems to have risen a tendency
to associate the name of Clay with the other of the famous triumvirate who
were so long the giants of the United States Senate, and the memory of the
gallant Kentucky soldier who fell at Buena Vista has been neglected.
"It seems strange that John C. Calhoun, who stood for principles so unpopular
in the North, should have been honored by Iowa, but the people of the county
which had been named Fox to correspond with its neighbor Sac had conceived
a violent dislike to the name and were ready to adopt anything as a substitute.
One of the settlers who had come from Michigan, and who in earlier days had
in some way been befriended by the South Carolina statesman, circulated a peti-
tion for the name Calhoun and this was granted.
"The correct form of the name of the famous tribe associated with the Foxes
is 'Sauk', and in this form it is preserved in the name of a Wisconsin county
and of a Minnesota city. But the earlier settlers of Iowa corrupted the name
to its present form, and as such it has been retained.
"The name Pocahontas was the suggestion of Senator John Howell of Jef-
ferson county. He was the patriarch of the two houses and in his earlier days
had been a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. He was accorded the
privilege of naming one of the counties and suggested this name. Of all the
states carved out of the Northwest Territory ceded to the national government
by Virginia not one had named a county for the heroine of the Old Dominion's
colonial traditions, and he asked that this tardy honor be paid to her memory.
There, were some of the legislators who demurred when this name was pro-
posed, but upon being informed that Senator Howell was the sponsor, they
withdrew all objections, saying that the old gentleman could have anything he
asked for.
"In the original bill the name of Floyd was proposed for the county having the
present boundaries of Woodbury. Sergeant Floyd of the Lewis and Clark-
expedition had died in camp and was buried on the east bank of the Missouri
river south of Sioux City, and in early days the river flowing into the Missouri
at Sioux City bore his name. Those who favored Indian names, however, got
the name changed in the house to Waukon, or Wahkaw, and this name was
retained until 1853, when the present name of Woodbury was adopted. Sergeant
46 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Floyd is remembered by the town of Sergeant's Bluffs, which was ordinarily
the county seat of Wahkaw.
"The name Ida was suggested by Hon. Eliphalet Price, who was noted among
the pioneers for his classical lore, and who wished the new state to be linked
with the ancient civilization by adoption of the name of the famous mountain
of Greece.
"Bremer county, named for Frederika Bremer, the famous Swedish author,
was the second in the state to be named for a woman, Louisa being the other.
The name was suggested by Hon. A. K. Eaton, then a member from Delaware
county, and father of Hon. W. L. Eaton, recently Speaker of the House.
"In 'the original list of counties the extreme northwest county was given the
name of Buncombe in honor of a North Carolina colonel of the Revolutionary
war. The members of the lower house in the third general assembly were
opposed to the name, but finally agreed to its adoption. On account of its slangy
associations, however, the name was never popular. It acquired this significance
from a North Carolina legislator's retort. That state had a county named after
its old hero and the representative from the county was at one time making a
speech 'to the galleries.' One of his colleagues called him to task for the princi-
ples he was advocating, and he retorted, 'I'm not talking for principle, I'm talking
for Buncombe.' The new use of the name spread until it was generally associated
with insincerity; and after the battle of Wilson's Creek, .the first of the Civil war
in which Iowa troops were engaged, the name of Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, who fell in
the battle, was chosen to be given a place in the roster of Iowa counties, and
in looking over the list for one to strike out the members were moved by the
old prejudice against the name Buncombe to sacrifice it.
"Audubon county was named for the famous naturalist, whose great 'Bird
Book' is the choicest treasure of the state library. He died in January, 1852,
probably before the news reached him of the honor paid him by the frontier
state.
"The historian Bancroft was remembered and his name was given to the
county north of Kossuth, the original division of the state being into one hundred
counties instead of ninety-nine. Four years later this county was abolished
and the territory incorporated into Kossuth, which was named after the famous
Hungarian patriot. In 1870 there was a proposition to re-establish the one
hundredth county under the name of Crocker, in honor of the brigadier general
who had commanded the Thirteenth Iowa regiment when it started to the front
in the Civil war. The people of Kossuth were successful, however, in resisting
division of their county."
CHAPTER V
ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
As has been heretofore shown, the area of the present Allamakee county was
included in the two counties of Clayton and Fayette by the first legislative assem-
bly of the Territory of Wisconsin in its first session on Iowa soil, at Burlington,
December 21, 1837; far the greater portion of it in Fayette. No further changes
looking to our civil organization were made until after Iowa had become a state.
The first general assembly of the State of Iowa convened at Iowa City, Novem-
ber 30, 1846, and adjourned February 25, 1847. Chapter 66 of the laws of this
assembly approved by Governor Briggs, February 20, 1847, was "An act to estab-
lish new counties and define their boundaries in the late cession from the
Winnebago Indians." This refers to the treaty dated October 13, 1846, but not
proclaimed until February 4, 1847, surrendering the Neutral Ground. This chap-
ter 66 names but two counties, Allamakee and Winneshiek, and defines their
boundaries as at present constituted. Both were taken from Fayette, except
a small triangle in the southeast corner of Allamakee which had theretofore
belonged to Clayton, which county was reimbursed therefor by a similar though
smaller parcel from within the Neutral Ground, squaring out its northwest corner.
The question of the origin of the name given to our county by this act
of the Legislature has long been a mooted one, but the prevailing opinion is that
it was an Indian name. At a meeting of the Early Settlers' Association of
Lansing, the proceedings of which were published in the Mirror of November
28, 1879, "Dr. J. I. Taylor spoke of the selection of the name of the county, as
he had it from John Haney, Jr., deceased. It was his recollection that David
Olmstead, in the Legislature for this unorganized portion of the state, gave
the county its present title. An old friend of Olmstead was Allen Magee, an
Indian trader, who was familiarly known to the Winnebagoes and in their gut-
tural dialect called Al-ma-gee. Calling to mind this fact, Mr. Olmstead caused
the name Allamakee to be inserted in the organizing act and it was thus
legalized."
According to the official records, however, David Olmstead did not repre-
sent this section in the second general assembly (which organized this county,
in 1849), although he was a member of the constitutional convention of 1846,
from Clayton county. The name was given to this county by the first general
assembly as before stated, in 1847, when its boundaries were defined, this being
the actual birth of the county, and Samuel B. Olmstead was a member of that
Legislature. Col. S. C. Trowbridge, who came to Iowa in 1837, stated posi-
Tol. 1—3
47
48 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
tivelv that the name Allamakee is an Indian name purely; and Fulton, in his
"Red Men of Iowa," says the same. If so. it is remarkable that we nowhere
find the name mentioned in printed accounts of the Indian tribes, as we do the
names Winneshiek, Decorah, and Waukon.
Allamakee county was organized under Chapter III of the acts of the second
general assembly, approved by Governor Ansel Briggs, January 15, 1849, and
taking effect the 1st of March. The first organizing election was to be held
April 2, 1849. Thomas C. Linton was appointed organizing sheriff, and William
C. Linton, John Francis and James C. Jones were selected to locate the county
seat. The sheriff thus appointed was required to appear at the county seat of
Clayton county to qualify for the office, and to make returns of his doings
thereto. In the performance of his duties Sheriff Linton called the election to
be held at his house, the Old Mission property, on Monday, the 2d day of April,
1849, and the officers chosen at this election were as follows:
County Commissioners — James M. Sumner and Joseph W. Holmes.
Sheriff — Lester W. Hays.
Clerk Commissioners' Court — D. G. Beck.
Clerk District Court — Stephen Holcomb.
The officers elect qualified at the house of Thomas C. Linton, April 10, 1849.
While there is no written record remaining of this election, or of any elec-
tion in the county prior to 1856, the results here stated are quite well substan-
tiated by old newspaper files ; and as to dates by the legislative records.
It has been claimed that an earlier election was held at the Old Mission, and
that is very likely true, as it was designated several years before as a voting-
place in Clayton county : but the election above referred to was undoubtedly the
first in our county organization. At a session of the county commissioners of
Clayton county, held April 4, 1844, the boundaries of various election precincts
were defined, and one was described as follows: "Yellow River precinct
I Xo. 4), commencing at the Painted Rock on the Mississippi river; thence down
said river to the corner of township ninety-five, range three, west of the fifth prin-
cipal meridian ; then down said river two miles, thence due west on section line
to west side of township ninety-five, range four, west ; thence north to the neutral
line; thence following said line to the place of commencing, at Painted Rock.-'
In this election precinct "the house of Thomas C. Clinton, on Yellow River,"
was designated as the place for holding the elections." Hence it is quite probable
that an expression of the few voters in this precinct may have been taken on the
submission of the state constitution, in the elections occurring in April. 1845, and
August, 1846.
Indeed, there was a still earlier election precinct established embracing the Old
Mission. The first meeting of the county commissioners of Clayton county was
held at the county seat, Prairie la Porte, now Guttenberg, October 6, 1838, at
which meeting the county was divided into four election precincts, the third
precinct being defined as follows: "Commencing at the southeast corner of
range three west, ninety-four north, thence west to the southwest corner of
fraction six west, ninety-four north, thence following the Black Hawk line to the
obtuse angle of six west, thence following the purchase line to the Mississippi
river." While a little ambiguous, this description necessarily includes the two nor-
uh'ernmost tiers of townships in the present Clayton county ( except a triangu-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 49
lar tract in the northwest corner) and that part of Allamakee south of the
Neutral Ground ; the place of elections was designated at the house of Jesse
Dandly. The jurisdiction of Clayton county extended a great distance, shown
by the following order of the commissioners, of date July 13, 1839: "License is
hereby granted Lewis Massey, of St. Peters, to keep a ferry across the Missis-
sippi one mile above Fort Snelling, for one year from date hereof, for the sum of
$10." At tbe December, 1839, meeting it was "ordered, that the settlement at the
outlet of Lake Pepin compose an election precinct, to be called the sixth precinct,"
and "that the settlement at the' mouth of St. Peters River compose an election
precinct, to be called the seventh precinct." And at the meeting held February
1,1841, the assessor was ordered to assess the people at St. Peters, and at all
intermediate points between the county seat and that place. But at the October
session the assessor was instructed not to assess any property more than fifty
miles beyond the bounds of Clayton county.
At the December, 1839, meeting, the third election precinct, the boundaries of
which are above given, was abolished by the commissioners, and no further pro-
vision seems to have been made for any voter that might be in our Old Mission
vicinity until the Yellow river precinct above described was established in 1844;
but under a former ruling it was left to the discretion of those living in any
precinct not of sufficient number to organize an election, to cast their votes at the
nearest voting place adjoining their place of residence.
The second election in Allamakee county was held at the same place on the
first Monday of August, 1849, and the following officers elected:
County Commissioners — James M. Sumner, Thomas A. Van Sickle, and
Daniel G. Beck.
Clerk Commissioners' Court — G. A. Warner.
Sheriff— L. W. Hays.
Treasurer and Recorder, and Collector — Elias Topliff.
County Surveyor — James M. Sumner.
Judge of Probate Court — Stephen Holcomb.
Inspector of Weights and Measures — G. A. Warner.
Coroner — C. P. Williams.
The list of officers elected at the first two elections mentioned, is quoted from
a copy of the North Iowa Journal, published at Waukon in i860; and in most
instances there are official signatures in the various early records of the county
to substantiate its correctness. It also says that at the August, 1851, election, Elias
Topliff was elected the first county judge, succeeding the county commissioners,
and served until 1857. James M. Sumner was elected recorder and treasurer,
combined ; and Leonard B. Hodges, clerk of the district court. And these state-
ments are substantiated by the county records — not, however, by any election
records, because, as the editor adds, "the records previous to 1856 are verv in-
complete."
The paper gives the total amount of taxable property in the county in 1849,
$1,729; in 1851, $8,299; m T8S4. $700,794; and in 1859, $1,967,899. This would
indicate a very rapid development in the first ten years.
From a paper read by G. M. Dean before the early settlers' association of
Makee township, in January, 1880, we quote the following:
50 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
"Thomas Van Sickle died in Nebraska about 1878. Daniel G. Beck died in
Missouri about 1866. Thos. B. Twiford moved to Minnesota and was the founder
of the town of Chatfield.* Stephen Holcomb died at the Mission about 1851.
Moses Van Sickle (who was elected school fund commissioner at the August,
1849, election, according to his recollection) is living at this date, in Fairview
township. Elias Topliff died in Waukon in i860. Thomas C. Linton lives in
Oregon. [Where he died a few years later. — Ed.]
"Lester W. Hays was for several years before his death a county charge,
living sometimes at the county farm, and sometimes in Fairview township, where
he had a little log hut hardly high enough to stand erect in, nor large enough
to afford room for many visitors ; and being about eighty years old and too infirm
to labor, he was allowed from the poor fund the pittance of $1.00 per
week, and this with the charity of kind neighbors kept life in the old man until,
last Christmas night, the coldest night of the year, when the mercury ran down
to thirty-three degrees below zero, he perished. The next morning some of the
neighbors went to the hut and found the old man lying on his rude cot, with his
legs and arms frozen. The county furnished a coffin, and poor Hays is no more.
" 'Rattle his bones over the stones,
For he's but a pauper, whom nobody owns.'
"The county records of those early times as left by the commissioners, are
either lost, mislaid, or were made in so transient a manner as to preclude
their being handed down to posterity, and so much as we have gathered has
been obtained from other official records, and the personal recollection of our
early settlers, and has taken much time and labor, and as the years roll on
these items of early history are more and more difficult to obtain in consequence
of the death, removal or incapacity through age or infirmity of the parties par-
ticipating in them.
"From Elias Topliff I learned that the first tax list was put into his hands
for collection ; that the gross amount of it was about ninety dollars ; that he
traveled all through the eastern part of the county to collect, and that after doing
his best, collecting about one-half of the list and making his returns to the
commissioners, they charged up to him the uncollected portion and took it from
his compensation as treasurer."
Mr. Dean himself, who penned the foregoing, — widely known as Judge Dean
from his serving as county judge in the early days, or as Captain Dean from his
rank in the Civil war, — remained an honored citizen of Waukon for twenty-four
years after the date of the above paper, and a brief biography appears in another
chapter. He was an interesting writer on our early history, and liberal quota-
tions from his sketches will be found in these pages.
The number of voters at the two elections heretofore mentioned, is not
known ; but Moses Van Sickle in 1880 stated that only about fifteen votes were
cast at the election in August, 1S49. The officials elected in the later years.
so far as can be ascertained, are named in a separate chapter on county officers.
*Thos. B. Twiford had been a lieutenant in Captain Parker's Company, Iowa Volun-
teers, in the Mexican War, and as such received a warrant for forty acres of government
land, which he sold to Alden N. Merriam, who located it upon the S. W. N. E. Sec. 17-98-3.
After going to Minnesota Twiford prospered, but lost what he had in the panic of 1857, and
removed to Kansas.
THE OLD MISSION
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
53
No record of the number of voters is found until 1853, when at the August
election, it was as follows :
Franklin twp 21
Jefferson twp 19
Lafayette twp 44
Lansing twp 46
Linton twp 32
Ludlow twp 22
Makee twp 47
Paint Creek twp 25
Post twp 36
Taylor twp 15
Union City twp 8
Union Prairie twp 36
Total
351
At this date it will be noticed that six out of the eventual eighteen townships
were not yet organized. Of the twelve above which made returns six had as yet
no definite boundaries and doubtless included the unorganized townships for
voting purposes. The township organizations will be treated more fully further
along.
CHAPTER VI
THE OLD MISSION
The Winnebago Indian mission established by the United States government
in 1833, in the east part of section 9. township 96, range 3. in Fairview township,
about a mile and a half east of the village of Ion, in the Yellow River valley,
became the first permanent settlement within the boundaries of what is now
Allamakee county.
This mission has possessed a greater historic interest than any other spot
in northeastern Iowa, north of Dubuque, but the circumstances leading to its
establishment have not been familiar to the general public. In the "Annals of
Iowa" for January, 1899, appears a "Chapter of Indian History," by Ida M.
Street, from which some of the facts are gleaned which are used in the follow-
ing sketch.
Joseph M. Street of Kentucky, who had been made agent of the Winnebagoes
at Prairie du Chien in 1828, had been for three years revolving in his mind
some plans to improve the condition of the Indians at his agency. His efforts
to carry out these plans brought him into more or less open conflict with the
fur traders and those Indian agents and commissioners who were in sympathy
with the American Fur Company and its methods. Their object was to keep
the Indians savage hunters, who could be easily gulled. Their chief instruments
in accomplishing this were "fire-water" and the credit system. They took care
that each Indian should run up a bill at their stores almost equal to his annuity,
so that when the yearly payments were made to the Indians by the government
most of the money went directly into the hands of the traders, as well as the
skins brought in by the Indians from their winter hunts.
Mr. Street began in a quiet way to take steps for the carrying out of his
ideas. He feared that owing to the presence of the traders, and the miners
in the lead region, he could not settle and civilize the Winnebagoes on the east
side of the Mississippi. Moreover, the Sioux and the Sacs and Foxes, were such
bitter enemies that it was hard to keep peace between them on the west side
of the river. So he suggested that the government buy a strip of land forty
miles wide extending from the Mississippi westerly to the Des Moines, half
from the Sioux and half from the Sacs and Foxes, to be held as a neutral ground.
This was accomplished by the treaty of July 15, 1830. His plan was ultimately
to settle a part of the Winnebagoes upon this strip. The Winnebagoes were not
as warlike a tribe as either of the others, and were on friendly terms with both,
which made them suitable to occupy the neutral ground.
55
56 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
General Street succeeded in getting his further plans incorporated in the
treaty concluded at Fort Armstrong (Rock Island. Illinois), September 15, 1832,
between Major Gen. Winfield Scott and Hon. John Reynolds, governor of Illi-
nois, and the Winnebago nation. In this treaty the Winnebagoes ceded all their
land lying east of the Mississippi (south of the Wisconsin), and in part con-
sideration therefor they were granted that portion of Iowa known as the Neu-
tral Ground, which had been purchased of the Sacs and Foxes, and the Sioux, by
the treaty of July 15, 1830. This exchange was to take place on or before the
1st day of June, 1833. In addition to the Neutral Ground the United States was
to pay the Winnebagoes $10,000 annually for a period of twenty-seven years,
partly at Prairie du Chien and partly at Fort Winnebago. The government fur-
ther agreed to "erect suitable buildings, with a garden, and a field attached,
somewhere near Fort Crawford, or Prairie du Chien, and establish and maintain
therein for the term of twenty-seven years a school for the education, including
clothing, board and lodging, of such Winnebago children as may be voluntarily
sent to it ; said children to be taught reading, writing, arithmetic, gardening,
agriculture, carding, spinning, weaving, and sewing, and such other branches of
useful knowledge as the president of the United States may prescribe." The
annual cost of the school was not to exceed $3,000. Six agriculturists, twelve
yoke of oxen, ploughs and other agricultural implements to be supplied by the
government ; and the services and attendance of a physician at Prairie du Chien.
It was further agreed to remove and maintain in the Neutral Ground the black-
smith shop heretofore allowed to the Winnebagoes on the Rock river.
The treaty of 1832 was not the first one in which a school was provided for,
but it was the first from which the Winnebagoes derived any benefit. However,
this forerunner of the present day "vocational education" proved a failure.
There seems to have been an attempt, in carrying out the provisions of the
treaty, to establish the school on the east side of the river ; but the protests of
Indian Agent Street that it should be removed as far as practicable from the
traders and their "fire-water" prevailed with the department, and on April 12,
1833, he was authorized to select a location on the west side of the Mississippi,
erect the buildings, and employ two teachers, a male and a female, at not to
exceed $500 for the former and $300 for the latter, per annum. His proposition
however to erect a substantial stone building was at first emphatically overruled
by the war department at Washington, the instructions in August being that
"plain, comfortable log buildings such as can be erected at a small expense, not
exceeding one or two in number at present, are all that the department can
sanction."
Having received authority to go on with the school, General Street had se-
lected a place on Yellow river (in what is now Allamakee county), and let the
contract for a stone building to be completed the following fall, 1833 ; but through
the influence of the traders with General Cass (secretary of war appointed "by
President Jackson in 1831), the work was stopped. When the contract was let
General Street obtained Rev. David Lowrey's consent to come on and take charge
of the school ; and then taking a surveyor, and a guard of soldiers from Col.
Zachary Taylor ( then in command at Fort Crawford, and later General Taylor
and President of the United States), he proceeded to run the south line of the
"Neutral Ground." It was while he was gone on this trip that the work on the
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 57
school was stopped. When he returned, Mr. Lowrey had made his arrange-
ments to come, but because of the delay had to remain in Prairie du Chien until
the spring of 1834. By that time General Street had obtained permission to go
on with the stone building and Mr. Lowrey occupied temporary quarters at
Yellow River until it was completed the following fall. In the spring of 1835
he bought oxen, cows and horses, in Sangamon county, Illinois, and they were
driven up by the men who were to open the farm in connection with the school
and were in charge of Rev. John Berry.
While the provisions of the treaty were to have been carried out by June 1,
1833, it will be seen that the removal of the Winnebagoes to the west of the
Mississippi was long delayed, and obstructed largely by the traders, aided by the
natural indisposition of the Indians to make the change. The Fur Company had
a double motive in preventing the removal to the Neutral Ground : First, they
did not wish to let the Winnebagoes out of their sight and influence ; and they
did not wish the Sioux driven from their hunting grounds. And in fact it seems
there were comparatively few of the Winnebagoes ever located in this portion
of the Neutral Ground, and the attendance at the school was small. We can only
guess how far it fell short of General Street's ideal. His object in insisting on
a stone building was perhaps to assure the Indians of the permanency of the
school and of the reservation, but very few years elapsed before the school was
removed further west.
In a report written in January, 1838, General Street says:
"In the spring of 1834 I let out the erection of the buildings, and before I
could do more was ordered to the Sac and Fox Indians, and gave up the business
of the Winnebagoes to the commanding officer of Fort Crawford. When the
buildings were ready the school was commenced, but nothing more was done
with the farm. Late in 1834 I was ordered back to Prairie du Chien too late for
active operations on a new farm, and some hesitation was expressed by the com-
missioner of Indian affairs as to the place where he could suffer the farming
operations to commence. However, at the beginning of 1835 I ventured to em-
ploy hands and set them to work near the school, under the superintendence of the
Rev. David Lowrey, but * * * had scarcely time to place the oxen and
horses upon the farm before I was again ordered to the Sacs and Foxes, and
* * * the commanding officer at Fort Crawford who unwillingly took charge
(Col. Zachary Taylor) did not feel at liberty to enlarge the operations which I
had only commenced."
He adds that Colonel Taylor felt averse to the measure, believing it would
not succeed ; but that during a temporary command of Captain Jowitt, in the
winter of 1836-7, Colonel Taylor having gone to Jefferson Barracks, he deter-
mined to carry out the provisions of the treaty of 1832 as to the school and farm.
Requisitions were made, but the hands and oxen did not arrive until late in the
spring. So the Indians lost the use and benefit of oxen and hands from the
spring of 1833 to that of 1837. As to the school he says:
"Through opposition from the traders, and natural habits of idleness with
Indians, and a distaste for any restraint on the subject of literary improvement,
the advances have been slow. In the early commencement of the school the
Indians did not send children enough to require the whole expenditure of the
school fund. Last spring (1837) on coming again to this agency, I changed the
58 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
plan of reception and exerted myself in conjunction with the principal teacher.
Mr. Lowrey, to put the school into full operation, and now Mr. Lowrey assures
me that he can get pupils to any amount he may inform the grown up Indians
can be taken."
In 1837 Mr. Street was permanently transferred to the Sac and Fox agency,
so his connection with our Old Mission ceased. He had been opposed by General
Cass, secretary of war, who would have removed him but for the friendship of
President Jackson, who is reported to have said, "I know General Street is a
Whig, but he is an honest man, and I shall keep him in office while I am presi-
dent." He died near Ottumwa, Iowa, May 5, 1840.
While the name of Father Lowrey has long been familiar as the principal
teacher at this mission school, that of the female assistant provided for in the
instructions of General Street has been left in obscurity. In the Wisconsin His-
torical Collections of 1892, however, is an account of an interview (in 1887)
with Moses Paquette, a half-breed, in which he says: "I was born March 4, 1828,
at the Portage, in Wisconsin. * * * Two years after my father's death,
when I was ten years old, my sister and I were sent by our guardian, H. L.
Dousman, for education in English, to the Presbyterian Indian Mission on the
Yellow river, in Iowa. Rev. David Lowrey was the superintendent. His as-
sistants were two young ladies. Minerva and Lucy Brunson, sisters, who did the
teaching, while Mr. Lowrey preached to us and superintended the agency.
Minerva, in after years, married one Thomas Linton, who had in early days
been employed at the old agency house at the Portage. There were about forty-
children at the mission, all of us more or less tinctured with Winnebago blood.
The English language was alone used, the grade of instruction being about the
same as the average rural district school. Of course the religious teaching was
wholly of the Presbyterian cast, and the children were very good Presbyterians
so long as they remained at the mission ; but most of them relapsed into their
ancient heathenism as soon as removed from Mr. Lowrey's care."
Some of Paquette's recollections relate to noted Winnebagoes, for instance:
"It is related by the descendants of the Winnebago Black Hawk of that day
that One-Eyed Decorah (Big Canoe) had a village at the mouth of Black river.
Out hunting one day he came across a Sac fugitive and notified his companions ;
they had instructions if found to bring him to Prairie du Chien. Winnebago
Black Hawk declined to do so, so One-Eyed Decorah went and found the Sac
leader and took him to Prairie du Chien. I knew One-lived Decorah well when
I was a boy at school on the Turkey river. He was an old man then, quite
stout, hale, with heavy features, and hair somewhat gray."
The Old Mission was located on the north side of the Yellow river. The
building stood facing the south, built almost into the south slope of a high bluff
in the rear. There was also a bluff on the east and west sides, the location being
an amphitheater in the shape of a horse shoe, almost completely sheltered from
winter winds and storms. In size it was about 40 by 60 feet with dressed stone
walls, excellent building stone being quarried from the bluff side, near the spring.
a few rods northeast of the house. It was two stories and a roomv, high attic.
It included six rooms in the lower story, the school room being on the second
floor. In the center of the building there extended from the cellar up a strongly
built chimney about ten feet square with a large, open fireplace for each of the
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 59
lower four rooms and all others connecting with it, each fireplace being provided
with immense iron andirons for holding the large "backlog." This chimney was
made a "witness tree" when the government survey was made in 1848; and our
county surveyor, H. B. Miner, has several times climbed to its top when sur-
veying in that locality.
The water from a large spring close by in the bluff in the rear, and of suf-
ficient height, was taken directly into an upper story by wooden pipes, and fur-
nished all the water needed. Connected with the mission were about two hun-
dred acres of magnificent farm land cultivated by and for the mission.
Judge Murdock wrote in 1878: "The contract to build the Old Mission and
the other buildings was let to Samuel Gilbert, father of General Gilbert who dis-
tinguished himself in the late war; and he employed John Linton to superintend
the work."
John Linton, born in Kentucky, was employed by Rev. Lowrey in 1837 as
general manager for nearly five years. The government having discontinued
the mission, sold this land in 1842 to John Linton and his brother, Thomas C.
Linton, one of the county commissioners of Clayton county which included that
location. John Linton sold his interest to Thomas C. Linton and afterv/ard
graduated from a St. Louis medical college, and for many years practiced his
profession at Garnavillo, Clayton county, where he died in 1878. Thomas C.
Linton became the organizing sheriff of Allamakee county, as narrated in another
chapter, and afterwards went to Oregon, where he died.
Colonel Thomas was placed in charge of the Mission farm, when it was
opened in 1837, and was in 1842 transferred to the Fort Atkinson farm.
Dr. F. Andros, the pioneer physician of this corner of the state, was located
at the mission for a time, about the year 1835.
In 1840 the Old Mission was made an appointment by the Methodists, and
was filled at stated times by the Rev. Sidney Wood, whose curcuit was Clayton
county; and in 1841 quarterly meeting was held here, Rev. Alfred Brunson
coming over from Prairie du Chien to preside. These were the first Methodist
appointments ever made in Allamakee county.
The first Baptist church in Allamakee county was organized by Elder Miles,
in January, 1841, at the Old Mission on Yellow river, consisting of eleven mem-
bers. It is safe to presume that Elder Miles, who came to the Mission from
Indiana, was the first Baptist minister to preach in the northeastern part of
Iowa. He and some of the members soon after removed to Wisconsin, and this
pioneer church lost its vitality. Two of its constituent members were John and
Hiram Francis, the former removing to Clayton county. Hiram Francis and
family came to the Mission in the employ of the government, in 1839, from
Prairie du Chien, where he had lived since 1836, and his duties were to issue the
daily rations to the Indians, which he did until the Mission was abandoned in
1842. He remained a consistent member of the Baptist church, transferring to
the Rossville church, and died at the residence of his son-in-law, Samuel Den-
ning, near Rossville, in 1890, aged eighty-three years. He was buried at Council
Hill, on the edge of Clayton county.
In 1841 there lived at the Mission Mr. and Mrs. Rynerson, and there was
born unto them a son, and this was thought to be the first white child born in the
county.
60 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
David Lowrey, D. D., was born in Logan county, Kentucky, January 20,
1796. His parents were worthy members of the Presbyterian church, but. like
many other good people, were entrusted with little of this world's treasury. The
widowed mother died when he was only a little over two years old, leaving him
a penniless and friendless orphan. He was bound out to a family that, in course
of time became very reckless and intemperate ; but at a Cumberland Presbyterian
camp meeting, held near his residence, he solemnly consecrated his heart and his
life to God. This event happened when he was eighteen years of age. Shortly
after his conversion he became a candidate for the ministry, under the care of
Logan Presbytery, and his proficiency and usefulness were so great that he was
soon licensed and ordained to the work of the ministry. On the 16th of Decem-
ber, 1830, he began the publication in Princeton, Kentucky, of the "Religious and
Literary Intelligencer." It was a weekly journal, ably edited, and was the first
paper published under the auspices of that church. To him, therefore, belongs
the honor of being the father of Cumberland Presbyterian journalism. Some
years afterward he was editor of the "Cumberland Presbyterian," then published
in Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to his editorial duties he had the pastorate
of the Cumberland Presbyterian church in Nashville, which was then in its in-
fancy ; and for his year's labor he received, as compensation, the astonishing
sum of one wagon load of corn in the shuck !
In the year 1833, under the administration of his friend, President Jackson,
he received the appointment of teacher to the Winnebago Indians. He arrived
at Prairie du Chien with his family in the month of November, of the above
year. Shortly after his arrival he organized a "Military church," and here was
spread the first communion table in the northwest. He was an able and original
preacher, and in many respects a remarkable man, loved and admired by all.
A traveler visiting Prairie du Chien in 1837, Wm. R. Smith, says in his letters
from Wisconsin, published at Philadelphia in 1838: "I was much pleased and
instructed in attending divine service on the Sabbath day, in the courthouse, lis-
tening to an excellent discourse by the Rev. D. Lowrey, who is stationed in this
neighborhood, teacher of a Winnebago school. He is a gentleman of strong mind
and original conception, eloquent and persuasive. The numerous congregation,
their perfect decorum, and the presence of so many well dressed ladies and
gentlemen, formed a striking contrast with the rude and half-naked Indians
within a stone's throw.''
When the Yellow River Mission was discontinued Rev. Lowrey was trans-
ferred to the Fort Atkinson charge (as was also Farmer Thomas), and remained
with the Winnebagoes the greater part of the time, until about 1863, when the
tribe was moved west of the Missouri river. At the close of the late Civil war he
removed from St. Cloud, Minnesota, where he was then living, to Clayton county,
Iowa, near the scene of his early labors with the Indians. Some years prior to
his death he removed to Pierce City, Missouri, where he died in January, 1877,
leaving an aged wife. He had two sons, both of whom he outlived.
The creation of the Yellow river election precinct by the Clayton county
commissioners in April, 1844, with the voting place at the house of Thomas C.
Linton, establishes the fact that the Old Mission was not located within the
neutral grounds, but a short distance south of the line, in Clayton county (or
prior to 1837, Dubuque county), a part of the Black Hawk purchase of 1832.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 61
It is presumed that the first election ever held in what is now Allamakee county
was at this voting place in April, 1845, on the question of the adoption or re-
jection of the first submitted state constitution; although, as narrated in a
previous chapter, the Old Mission was included in an election precinct established
in October, 1838, with voting place at the house of Jesse Dandly, no election is
known to have occurred during the year that the precinct continued.
The first, or organizing election, in this county, was held at the Mission in
April, 1849; and tnis Place was virtuauy. although not nominally, the county
seat, most of the officers living there or near there, until Columbus became the
first actual county seat in 1851. As a landmark in the history of Allamakee
county the Old Mission house itself should have been sacredly preserved, but
it was nobody's business to do- so ; and a portion of the walls having fallen a
good many years ago, it has since disappeared, having furnished excellent ma-
terial for the construction of other buildings. The property changed hands
many times, and in 1912 passed into the possession of the present owners, Stephen
and Michael Walsh.
ORIGINAL COURTHOUSE AT WAUKON, is53 TO 1861; RAZED IN 1913
oLI) HANCOCK HOUSE. A LANDMARK AT ROSSVILLE
CHAPTER VII
EARLY COURTS
Upon the establishment of Allamakee county by the Legislature in Feb-
ruary, 1847, it was placed in the Second Judicial District of the State, presided
over by Judge James Grant from November 15, 1847, to the spring of 1852.
During the jurisdiction of Judge Grant there was no regular term of District
Court held in Allamakee county, and no venire issued for jurors. All the
authorities agree that Judge T. S. Wilson held the first terms in Allamakee and
Winneshiek counties in the summer of 1852. But it appears well established
that Judge Grant did appear and hear cases at the Old Mission — there being
then no county seat — once, and possibly twice. Mr. Wm. C. Thompson, who
was elected sheriff in 1851, stated in 1882, that a court was held there by Judge
Grant, he thought, in the fall of 1849, that being the home of Thomas C Lin-
ton, then sheriff, but that little or no business was done. The time was fixed
in his mind by his returning to Wisconsin for his family that fall, and it was
during his absence he understood this court was held. Mr. C. D. Beeman,
another pioneer of '49, thought the first court was held at Postville in 1851, at
which a divorce was granted to Mrs. Post. But Judge Samuel Murdock, the
first lawyer to settle north of Dubuque, was of the opinion that this was at the
Old Mission. In a letter to A. M. May in December, 1893, published in the
Waukon Standard, of which Mr. May was then the editor, Judge Murdock very
judicially and entertainingly disposes of the question which had arisen, and
from which the following quotations are here made :
"I infer there was a discussion as to two questions : First, when, where,
and by what judge was held the first court in your county? Second, when,
where, and before what judge did Mrs. Zerniah Post [the founder of Postville 1
obtain a divorce? And I am greatly pleased with the opportunity offered to
settle these two questions, and moreover, to sustain and affirm the accuracy
of Mr. Hancock's history [published in 1882] * * * .
"I have before me, while writing this letter, biographical sketches of Judge
Grant, Judge Wilson, and Mrs. Post, all either written or dictated by themselves,
and from that of Judge Grant I find that he was elected judge of the District
Court on April 5, 1847, a°d nekd the office five years to April, 1852, and that his
district included Allamakee County. From that of Judge Wilson I find that he
succeeded Judge Grant, and was elected April, 1852. * * * In regard to
Mrs. Post, * * * she had three husbands, all of whom were personally
known to me, but from some cause or other her biography is silent as to the
65
66 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
second. She was first married to Joel Post, March 6, 1831, in the state of New
York, and they settled where is now Postville, in 1841. After the death of Joel
[January, 1849] she was married again to another person by the name of
Post, a cousin to the former, and they lived together very happily for one or
two years until one day she received a letter which informed her that her
husband had a lawful wife still living in Rock county, Wisconsin, and present-
ing this letter to him, he broke down and confessed. * * * All of this evi-
dence of his confessions, letters, and facts, afterwards fell into my hands, and
it was these that I subsequently used to procure her a divorce from this man Post.
"In January, 1852, Mrs. Post was married for the third time, to George S.
Hayward. with whom she lived at intervals for several years. * * * Mr.
Hayward was a quiet, kind, good man, but wayward, unsteady, unsettled, fickle,
discontented, and had a passion for rambling, and left her and went to California!
where he later met with an accident that put an end to his life. After he went
to California Mrs. Post was greatly bothered and annoyed in the way of selling
and conveying lots in her town (Postville), as every deed had to be 'sent to him
for his signature, and she got tired of this, and the writer of this, as a member of
the firm of Murdock & Stoneman, on the second day of May, 1863, filed a peti-
tion for Mrs. Zerniah Hayward for a divorce from George S. Hayward, which
was granted by Judge E. H. Williams, September 29, 1863. [District Court
Record "B", page 345. There was a deed of separation between them dated
October 11, 1855, in Deed Record "D", page 58.] It will therefore be seen from
these facts that she was three times married and twice divorced. Now, upon
the condition that Air. Beeman's term of school [which he was teaching at
Monona in 1851] continued from the fall of 185 1 into January, 1852, which is
very likely, then he did, no doubt, dismiss the Post children in January, 1852,
to go and see their mother married to Mr. Hayward." * * *
Referring again to the court at Old Mission, Mr. Murdock says: "At this
time that Old Mission farm on Yellow river was owned by Thomas Linton,
from whom the township takes its name, and he had been appointed organizing
sheriff -of the county, and called the court at his place. Mr. Linton moved into
Minnesota, and again into Oregon, where he and his wife died but he has a brother
still living in Mitchell county, and not long since I received from him a letter, in
which, in answer to my inquiry. 'Where was the first court held in Allamakee
county?' he says: 'At my brother's house at the Old Mission on Yellow river, and
my brother was the organizing sheriff of the county.' This William Linton was
then living in the north part of Clayton county within seven or eight miles of
his brother, and they married sisters, so that he had every opportunity to know
or hear all about the court being held there by Judge Grant. * * *
"I think it was in the latter part of the summer of 185 1 that I was retained
by Mrs. Post as an attorney to procure for her a divorce from her second hus-
band Post, and I drew up the necessary papers, had them sent to L. B Hodges
who was then living at Hardin, and who I think was acting as clerk of the court
[Mr. Hodges was postmaster at Hardin in 1851, and was elected clerk in August.
-Ed.], and I think I sent the notice and had it personally served on defendant
in Rock county, Wis., and in the fall of that year I accompanied Judge Grant
to Postville, where he took the testimony [this may have created the impression
of a court held at Postville.— Ed.], * * * and the next day we drove down
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 69
to the Old Mission, where we were heartily greeted by Mr. Linton and his
amiable wife, and after dinner the judge directed the Sheriff to open court,
which was done, when the case of Post vs. Post was called, and no defendant
appearing, he proceeded to make a record thereof, and entered a decree for the
plaintiff. There was no clerk present, but I distinctly remember of the judge
handing the records he had made, with all the papers, to Mr. Linton and direct-
ing him to see that they were filed in the clerk's office. I make no doubt that
if you inquire of those who now reside in the old building, they will have a
tradition that the first court in the county was held in their house. In the after-
noon I borrowed Mr. Linton's rifle and went out to get a shot at some deer,
which were very plentiful there at that time. We were hospitably entertained
over night and I came home the next day.
"I have been thus particular to give you all of the above facts that they
may not only clear up controversy but that they may become an addition to the
history of your county."
Judge Murdock in this letter assumes that this was Judge Grant's first court
in Allamakee, in the fall of 1851, and if so Mr. Thompson was in error as to
the year. In that case it is not explained how Mr. Linton would be the sheriff,
as he was appointed as organizing sheriff only, early in 1849, and later the same
year, Lester W. Hays was elected and was sheriff during 185 1, in the latter part
of which year W. C. Thompson was elected, according to good authority. We
are led to the conclusion that Judge Grant first appeared at the Old Mission in
a judicial capacity late in 1849; and again in 1851 to hear the Post case. The
record of the County Court shows on December 2, 1851, a warrant issued in
favor of Lester W. Hays for services as sheriff in summoning grand and petit
jury; but there is no record of any jury assembling until Judge Wilson's term
at Columbus in July, 1852.
FIRST TERMS OF COURT
The first term of District court of which there is official record remaining
in the county archives was held at Columbus, then the county seat, Monday,
July 12, 1852, presided over by Judge T. S. Wilson, who had recently succeeded
Judge Grant, May 8, 1852. Leonard B. Hodges was the clerk, and Wm. C.
Thompson, sheriff. The first grand jury was empaneled as follows : Wm. H.
Morrison, foreman ; Edward Eells, John Clark, H. R. Ellis, R. Woodward, Jesse
M. Rose, W. W. Willson, Darius Bennett, G. A. Warner, Henry Botsford, Tru-
man Stoddard, Wm. Smith, A. J. Ellis, Jeremiah Clark, and T. A. Winsted.
The first petit jury was: Reuben Smith, A. W. Hoag, B. D. Clark, David
Miller, John Stull, Charles R. Hoag, A. L. Barron, Thos. Cosgrove, and H. M.
Willson.
The first term in Waukon was set for Monday, June 6, 1853 ; but it is
recorded that "the presiding judge, in order to give time for the preparation
of a suitable place at Waukon, the newly-selected county seat, by written order,
directed that the court be adjourned till tomorrow." June 7th the court was
again adjourned one day. W. C. Thompson was sheriff; and R. Ottman, deputy
clerk, acted in the absence of his superior, L. B. Hodges. Much delay in the
70 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
business of the court was occasioned by the fact of jurors and witnesses having
been summoned to appear at Columbus.
On the eighth the sheriff returned into court with the grand jury, and the
court was opened with Judge Wilson of Dubuque presiding. Files of the old
Lansing Intelligencer show that Judge Wilson arrived at Lansing on the seventh,
on the steamer West Point, and opened the court the next morning in the court-
house at Waukon, which is described as being a small and rather inconvenient
log cabin, "but considering that the official whose duty it was to provide suitable
accommodations (referring to Elias Topliff, county judge) had refused to do so,
and that the structure was erected by a private enterprise, as good as could be
expected." The difficulty arose from the unwillingness of Topliff and Hodges,
who were interested in the town site of Columbus, to surrender the county seat
from that place, as will be narrated in the chapter on county seat elections.
In the records of this June term at Waukon, appears the following: "Then
came Benjamin M. Samuels and moved the court to adjourn to Columbus, for
the reason that Columbus was legally the county seat of Allamakee county ;
which motion, after the argument of counsel, was overruled by the court, where-
upon the counsel for the motion excepted."
L. B. Hodges, clerk of the court, not appearing at his post, the sheriff was
dispatched in search of him. When brought into court he resigned his office,
and no proceedings were had against him. Lewis W. Hersey was appointed to
fill the vacancy. After disposing of a good-sized docket of some forty-five cases
the court was adjourned until November 7.
At this June term the grand jury consisted of M. B. Lyons, Joel Baker, J. W.
Hoag. James Hoag, Harman S. Cooper, A. Cheedle, James S. Mitchell, Ezra
Reed, Ezra Pettit, Robert Isted, David Jamison, Thos. Newberry. Henry Noble,
Peter M. Gilson, and Henry Johnson.
It is interesting to note that at this early day there was a demand for divorces,
one being granted at this term, and one case dismissed only to come up again
at the fall term, when two divorces were granted. There had been one granted
at the Columbus term of court ; and the famous case of Post ■z's. Post was the
first case tried in the county, as before narrated.
The next term was opened at Waukon, November 7, 1853. Judge Thos. S.
Wilson ; S. Goodridge, district prosecutor ; L. W. Hersey, clerk ; John Laughlin,
sheriff ; Thos. A. Minard, deputy. There was a large number of cases on the
docket, among them a number of indictments for gambling and betting, keeping
gambling houses, selling liquor, and assault and battery. These were all con-
tinued under $200 bonds, and at a later term nearly all were dismissed. The
first state case that came to trial was one against Grove A. Warner and James A.
Davis for robbery. They lived near Merrian"s Ford, or later Myron, in Post
Township, and Warner had served as clerk of Commissioners' Court in '49 and
'50, was a justice of the peace, and a shoemaker by trade. It seems that Thos.
and Jerry Gorman came into possession of some $600 or $700 and in considering
where to place it for safety against the time they should have occasion to use it,
one of them consulted Justice Warner. Not long after the Gormans were robbed
of all they had about them, which happened to be only about $60. they having
found a depository for the main portion of their funds. Davis was convicted,
at this term, the verdict being "robbery in the first degree," and received a sen-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 71
tence of ten years in the state penitentiary. Warner disappeared, and his bonds-
men forfeited his bail.
Judge Dean in 1880 wrote thus entertainingly of the first courthouse:
"Waukon, now having become the seat of justice (by recent county seat
election), and there being a term of the District Court to be held in June follow-
ing, some provision must be made, and a proper place provided; so a purse of
money and labor was raised, and a log cabin about ten feet by fourteen that
belonged to Mr. Pilcher and stood near the place where Mrs. Cooper now lives
(now owned by John J. Arnold), was purchased and moved to the new town
site, and erected on or near the spot where the Mason House now stands. [Now
the Allamakee. — Ed.] This was the first courthouse in the town. To this was
attached a small board addition in the shape of a lean-to for a grand jury room,
and in this building the Hon. Thos. S. Wilson of Dubuque held the first court
ever held in Waukon, opening June 9. 1853. The building was so small that
when the jury took a case to make up their verdict, the court, attorneys, and
spectators took the outside, and they the inside, until they had agreed. During
this court all parties here from abroad found places to eat and sleep as best
they could, every log cabin in the vicinity being filled to overflowing.
"This little log cabin was so utterly lacking in size and accommodations for
county business, that in the fall of the same year it was moved down on what is
now Spring Avenue and used as a blacksmith shop, but was subsequently moved
onto the farm now (1880) owned by Dr. Mattoon, and is used by the doctor as
a corn crib; [a few years later it was demolished. — Ed.] and Sewell Goodridge,
prosecuting attorney and ex-officio county judge, built a small frame building
on the east side of Allamakee Street, with hardwood lumber and basswood siding,
made at some of the sawmills on Yellow River. This building was used for
county officers, courts, etc., until 1857, when it became too small for the business
of the county, and Elias Topliff, then county judge, built alongside of it another
frame building about the same size, and the two were used for county purposes
until the county seat was removed to Lansing, in 1861."
The action of the County Court providing for this building is thus preserved
in the court records: "On this 6th day of September, A. D. 1853, being the day
(by previous arrangement ) for entering into a contract for putting up a county
building, the proposition of William Ramsdall being the lowest bid, it was ordered
by the court (by said. Ramsdall giving sufficient security) that the said William
Ramsdall should have the contract, which contract was entered into for the
amount of $325." This was the first of the two small buildings referred to by
Judge Dean, the second being added in 1857.
These little buildings having withstood the vicissitudes of nearly sixty
years, having escaped the dangers of fire and storm to which many stauncher
structures have succumbed, still stand on the spot where first erected, in mute
appeal to the interest of all who possess a spark of reverence for the venerable,
or near-venerable, or a sympathy for high estate brought low. Various have
been their uses and occupancy since vacated by the courts of justice and the high
officials of our county government in 1861. The writer of these lines has a vivid
recollection of a line of men and "big boys" drawn up in the vacant room when
used as a recruiting station, late in 1861, or 1862; and a strong impression was
72 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
made upon his youthful mind by the wavering, but finally ail-but unanimous,
response to the call, "for three years or the war, two paces to the front!"
In 1859 "and '60 the present courthouse was built, completed in 1861. The
contract was let to Chas. W. Jenkins and John W. Pratt for $13,500; of which
sum Waukon contributed $5,000, and after the county seat was once more
restored to her in 1867 the new building was occupied by the county and the
little old frame buildings on the east side of Allamakee Street were sold, and are
now occupied as a cabinet shop and a barber shop.
Herewith is presented a view of this little old original courthouse as it now
appears, the last picture that it will be possible to produce as it has at this writing
just been sold and will soon be replaced by a substantial structure.
IDEAL SKETCH
of
of
Allamakee County [■'-
YeYticxi 3ca.le, looft. I,,
JBj E Or-r-
^-UH„^f,ri„.tj ( >)
to.
it.
if.
Lrrrl j; Ri;
-j- 7u c
torSsVS".! J
lowflLH T,;\
Cit-OM-p
«■«■»■ 11 * *"J
Kansaii T//;
TV, fl t '< i m * o m
r / .7 « »-
I UMpitwe
Cxo-i frno.
£ a 1 6- W A. -
LtmrstaK.*
T >- r 7i t o >i
7Vst.triife
o
L.mest uMf
1
J^-v.v .,*. 5i,„^
a
■Si.^.<A: tnKf
p
3
SUiuVe
LiViif Itu«P
TvdjTie it
C In f >i
0 *l e o t a.
G -r «, * p
ilKftStOMf
Jot oti^-w.
Sa n.<£ft-oM.e
n
St- Luwrrnec
Limestone
"Fa t 5 etp-IU
QuttTr^ -Bf/s
p
3>reihuet^
3
■Scu-nct J t o«e
CHAPTER VIII
GEOLOGY OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
By Ellison Orr
"Geology treats of the Structure of the Earth, of the various stages through
which it has passed, and of the living beings that have dwelt upon it, — together
with the agencies and processes involved in the changes it has undergone. It is
essentially a history of the earth." In these words Professors Chamberlain and
Salisbury, in their very complete work, define the science which we will apply
to a study of the rock and soil formations of our county.
It is quite well settled that no matter when or how the great interior bulk
was formed, great changes have taken place and much has been added to the
outer or crustal portion of our world, the only part at all accessible for investi-
gation and study.
It may be said that the very latest changes were made and are still going on
at the surface, and that there we find the newest formations. Just beneath the
surface we find those somewhat older. Below these are those older still, while
at the greatest depths to which we have been able to penetrate are found the
oldest. This is generally but not always the condition. Sometimes the surface has
been heaved up in long, narrow and much broken, distorted, and folded moun-
tain chains, in which rock strata hundreds or even thousands of feet in thick-
ness are in places found standing on edge, and in other places great masses are
entirely overturned so that the natural order is reversed and the oldest rocks
are found on top.
It may be remarked in passing that mountain making instead of being a sudden
and tremendous upheaval, is a slow process, the formation of a range taking a
long time, and that while the great rock masses are being broken and twisted
and thrust skyward, they are at the same time being disintegrated and dissolved
by frost and water, ground down by moving ice and snow, and worn by winds.
One force building up, the other wearing down. After the mountain making forces
cease to operate, the forces that tear down still continue, and very old mountain
ranges formed long ago, have the least height, sometimes being worn down to
chains of rounded hills.
In places the up-thrust, instead of breaking the crust along an extended line,
forming mountains, is heaved up into great flat domes covering large areas, some-
times thousands of square miles in extent. Such are plateaus. Where such up-
75
76 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
heavals are of great age, much of the later formations has been eroded away,
exposing often rocks of great antiquity.
The Labrador Plateau illustrates such an ancient upheaval and later erosion.
It is by studying the rocks brought up from below and exposed in mountain
making, those brought to view by the wearing away of plateaus, and those ex-
posed by the cutting downwards of stream and river valleys, that it has been
possible to classify the rocks, learn the materials of which they are composed,
and discover the plant and animal remains buried and hidden in them.
Beginning at the surface, we find it very generally covered by a mantle of
soil, clay, sand, gravel, and broken rock. This is rock waste. Sometimes this
mantle is largely formed by the disintegration and decay of the solid rock on
which it lies and the crevices of which it fills. The soluble portion of the rock
has been carried away by air and water action, the insoluble part left. This is
usually a stiff tenacious red clay over limestone rock, to which geologists have
given the name of geest. and a bed of loose sand over sand rock. Over the geest,
in northeastern Iowa, and just below the black soil at the very surface, is a
stratum of yellow clay varying in thickness from a couple of feet up to twenty
or more. In places there is found between the geest and this yellow clay, a blue
clay filled with reddish pipe-like concretionary formations. Both of these clays
are called loess. The origin and manner of formation of the loess is still in dis-
pute. By some geologists it is regarded as of aeolian origin, that is. that it was
formed by dust caught up and carried by the winds from large areas of arid
clay at no great distance and redeposited where found now. By others it is
thought to be of lacustrine origin, — the settlings of a lake. As the loess differs
in different places both are probably right. The loess of the Missouri valley is
most likely wind formed, that of our locality may have been deposited at the
bottom of a lake surrounded by glaciers. For at one time all of North America,
as far south as the Ohio river, the northern part of Missouri and Kansas, nearly
to the Rocky mountains, was covered with a great sheet of ice. A study of this
great glacier by the record which it left behind when it finally melted away seems
to indicate that during an age of much greater cold than we now have, it began
to accumulate in Labrador and Keewatin, forming an ice cap such as now
covers Greenland. As it became thicker and thicker it began to spread and flow
or move very slowly southward, in the course of time reaching the limits men-
tioned. Then there came a change. The climate became milder and the front
of the ice began to melt and recede. As the glacier in its southward movement
had gathered up the sand, the geest and clay, and had broken up and ground the
hard rocks over which it passed and mixed and frozen them into itself, so. when
it began to melt, the water running away in the swollen streams and rivers left
behind the clay and rocks, where they were when the ice movement stopped.
Sometimes the deposit thus left is only a few feet thick, sometimes it is
hundreds. It is a stiff sandy clay containing abundant ice-worn rocks from the
size of a marble to that of a house and is known as the drift or glacial till. If
the front of the glacier remained stationary for a long time, — that is, if it melted
away at the front as fast as it advanced, — this glacial till was heaped up in small
rounded hills, and a range of such hills marking the place where the old glacier
seemed to rest is called a terminal moraine. Glacial till dropped from a rapidly
receding glacier, — one that melted much faster -than it advanced. — is called a
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 77
ground moraine, the surface of which is usually very flat. This is the reason
for the monotonous dead level of our western prairies, they being largely gla-
ciated areas where the till was deposited as a ground moraine. The ice worn
rocks or boulders are of kinds not found near the surface in this region but have
been torn from their beds far to the north. It is by them that we have been
able to trace the course of the glacier's movement.
These erratic boulders are largely of granite, greenstone, quartz, and other
ancient rocks from the Labrador table land. From their hardness they have re-
ceived the local name of "nigger heads."
Four times the great ice sheet advanced across what is now Iowa and four
times receded, finally to disappear from the continent except on the high moun-
tains and Greenland. It was thousands of years advancing and thousands re-
treating. From data obtained from the cutting away of the gorges below Niagara
Falls and the Falls of St. Anthony at Minneapolis, it has been computed that it
has been about eight thousand years since the ice disappeared from the most
northerly parts of the United States, and hundreds of thousands of years since it
first invaded the same territory. The era of time during which this was taking
place was called the Ice Age.
The rock mantle then of the country we are to study is formed of the black
soil at the surface, — clay containing much humus or decayed vegetable matter;
the loess of two kinds below that, resting on the geest, or where there is drift,
on that ; then the geest resting directly on the hard rocks.
An exception to this is the flood plain of the Mississippi river. The islands,
and the soil and sand under the ponds, sloughs and channels of the great stream,
down many feet to bed rock are alluvial deposits, washed in from the sur-
rounding country.
For Allamakee county these formations may be approximately expressed in
the following table : —
Black surface soil ' i inch to 2 ft.
(Alluvial, Mississippi flood plain) 100 ft.
Iowan ( yellow ) loess 1 foot to 20 ft.
Kansan (blue) loess o foot to 6 ft.
Drift (only in S. W. part of county ) o foot to 60 ft.
Geest ( rock residue) o foot to 3 ft.
THE STRATIFIED ROCKS
If the mantle of soil, clay, sand and glacial till were to be removed, the hard or
indurated rocks would be exposed for inspection.
Particularly noticeable then would be the much greater depth of the valleys,
and their existence where they are now unknown. Everywhere under the drift
soil, could be seen on the rocks the scratches and grooves made by the boulders
frozen in the great ice plow as it moved slowly but irresistibly over them.
The rock exposed, if it were examined over wide areas would be found to
vary greatly in color, composition, hardness and the manner of its occurrence,
but still could readily be grouped together in two great classes. About four-
fifths of all the land surface would be rock arranged in layers or strata, and
78 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
generally not very hard. The remaining one-fifth would be hard, generally crys-
talline rock, usually massive or without stratification, and usually showing evi-
dence of having at one time been heated extremely hot. The latter are called
crystalline rocks and are the older, being always found beneath the former or
sedimentary or stratified rocks, except where overturned in mountain making, or
where they are cooled lava, volcanic ash or other matter ejected by volcanoes, in
which case they are often of the newest formations. Many of our great moun-
tain cones like Vesuvius and yEtna in Europe and Mount Hood in this country are
made up wholly of rock formed of matter thrown up from deep in the earth.
Such rocks are called igneous, and when of great age are often very crystalline.
In places, notably in Idaho, New Mexico and Arizona, matter in a molten
condition appears to have flowed out of fissures in vast quantities and covered
great tracts of country with sheets of igneous rock of quite uniform thickness.
Where this occurs, and in the case of the ordinary volcanic cone, these rocks are
then often found overlying the sedimentary rocks.
The crystalline granites are of the oldest of the rocks. They were once
thought to be part of the earth's original crust. But later investigations lead to
the belief that no part of such crust is now in existence in its original form, but
that it has been so folded, crushed, and ground, and changed chemically and by
metamorphism, eroded and redeposited, that it is now entirely different. These
granites are only exposed in mountain chains or on very ancient plateaus, — the
"first dry land" up thrust from the sea, — or where very shallow deposits of
sedimentary rocks overlying them have been entirely worn away by erosion.
Most of the rocks of the crystalline class now exposed have once existed as
rock in a very different form and had a different composition from their pres-
ent one. In all probability, excepting those of igneous formation, they were at
one time all sedimentary. The change has been produced by great heat, pressure,
and crustal movement, and they are said to have been metamorphosed, and are
called metamorphic rocks. Marble is a metamorphic limestone.
All the older rocks of the crystalline class bear evidence of great crushing,
folding and fracturing. They were shattered again and again by the violent
crustal movements of the young earth. The fissures filled with hot solution. of
rock material that hardened to be again shattered and again made a solid rock,
the process often being repeated many times.
Geologists have given to these older rocks of this class in North America
the name of the Archaean complex. No rocks of this complex are found in our
county, or even in the state except in the extreme northwest corner, where there
are a few outcrops of Sioux quartzite, a rock of this era.
Stratified rocks are those found in layers or strata. Most stratified rocks
were formed as a sediment or deposit at the bottom of the sea or of other bodies
of water. Some stratified clays and sands have been formed by the winds, and
river flood plain deposits formed by running water have more or less stratifica-
tion. The strata may be as thin as paper or may be many feet in thickness.
The stratified rocks of sea formation may be divided into three kinds: —
Sandstones, clays and shales, and limestones. The first two have been formed
from the disintegrated, crushed and pulverized rocks of the land surfaces washed
by the rain into the rivers and carried by the rivers to the sea.
r- t- Jr i
vooo-josvji .p-ron
CO o
<B
CO
t*tf
s p
5&
D
3 CO
o p
o 3
p.
t"1 IB ft)
Boo
0> 3 W
en <D
ct- hj
§ i
0> &
1-3
M
O
MHHHHHHHH
w~icyi jr\>j mho
►t) CO CO
Hcf?
&• &
d-lrJO
CO CO *d
•>* ct CO
F-» CO
tv
(t, CO H-
irs-a
CO cf O
1103
o <p
0
CO
g 3 o
< CO 4
O p.
o
firs
►sap,
p. to <n
cf cf
COO O
p3 3
3 a> a>
p.
CD
c+
O
3
CD
O
ctHHfl CO
(ll» HO
p Cu p Ul ►* H- CO O
& p rt-o p p
ch n tV3 f &
O IHH-hjH-d-H-tl
CO o H I-1- 3 BH-co
« o H H » (0 in p p
ui to Ho Stu o S
to 3 to ct co H
HOcHi
f (H 3 o u
g-eocog
(D
(0
CO
"PuSTVI LLE - II *»*.*•**, HfrfL.
Writ , y/J" ,e«. et? 8/,
P-O o
P P o
£0 p p
O* HP
_ P-3 <
p.H-a"i
p.©
m o en o
O , H-IH)
•Hg
CO H-3 W
CO p H- O
cf- 3 o
H o
co 3-t-"
^e s <*
o 3 m h-
P. H- O
o inao £
to ■-! -
Cf-O
. 3"
l HW <0 j>
a S op
X WflUKDN - £ }e va-t u
We/|, j-77 f*. tcerp
> Crtek
3 91. ft cLc ejb
ri TrDTi Cd'i Plant
Iron Hi //- ei*"-
,'"//«•
.VfUTOHS
/ S-y ft
Arteimn fvc/f , 7yJ ft. d.eep
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 81
The sand was precipitated, or settled, first near the shores of the ocean, or
other bodies of water, where it was spread out evenly by wave action, forming
beds.
The clay and other minerals dissolved out of the rocks by the rains and
brought down by the rivers, were mostly carried farther out and deposited in
deeper and quieter waters.
The same processes that formed our oldest sedimentary rocks formed our
newest and are still at work.
In ages to come the sandy beaches of our present sea shores, and the mud
flats, and the clays of the quieter waters, will be by heat, pressure and chemical
changes, changed, the loose sand to sandstone or quartzite, and the mud and
clay to indurated clays and shales.
When animals, fishes and plants, living in the sea, die, the fleshy and other
soft parts decay and the skeletons, teeth, shells, and scales of animals and fishes,
and parts of the plants, settle to the bottom, are covered by the sand, the mud,
or the clay, and are preserved. Land animals, birds, and plants are washed
down by the rivers and their least destructible remains scattered over the sea or
lake bottom and preserved in the same way. This was just as true in the past
as the present.
Such remains, when found in rocks, are called fossils. In the rocks of latest
formation they are often but little changed. In the older formations they have
usually undergone chemical and other changes. Often after the bone, the shell
or other part is covered up it is dissolved away or decays leaving a cavity of the
exact shape of the part imbedded. This cavity is later filled by lime or silica
held in solution by water filtering through the rock. A perfect cast of the original
is thus formed.
Sandstone rocks were poor preservers of animal remains, and except when
they are of recent formation few fossils are found in them.
Clays and shales being formed of much finer material covered up and pre-
served some wonderfully perfect fossil animal and plant remains. Impressions
and casts of leaves are found so perfect that even the parts so minute that they
can be seen only with a microscope, are just as in the original leaf, only of stone.
A large part of the stratified rocks are of limestone. Lime was dissolved from
the older rocks forming the existing dry land, or formed by chemical union of
their component parts and was carried in solution by the rivers to the sea. There
limestone deposits that ultimately became lime rock were formed in two ways.
One was by precipitation, settling the same as mud in dirty water settles to the
bottom of a pail. Limestones thus formed are called tufas. The lime incrusta-
tion on the inside of a tea kettle is a sample of what such rock is like. But little
limestone was formed in this way.
The great body of lime rocks, often many hundreds of feet in thickness,
was formed in a very different way. The sea is and has been inhabited by count-
less myriads of animals of a low order, such as clams, snails, corals and micro-
scopic creatures called protozoans or animalcules that formed a covering or pro-
tection of lime for their soft body parts. This lime they had the power of ex-
tracting from the sea water and of it forming their shells.
And the great body of limestone rocks is formed largely of the pulverized
and comminuted shells of these animals when dead.
82 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
As by far the greater bulk of such rock is formed by shells that are micro-
scopic, some idea may be formed of the immense number of the minute or-
ganisms producing them that existed in the old oceans, and of the immense length
of time required to produce such great deposits of their dead shells.
The great mass of sedimentary or stratified rocks of the interior of North
America have been but little disturbed by movements of the earth's crust, and so
far as their order and position is concerned, are now much as they have always
been.
As the ancient backbone of the American continent. — the "first dry land." —
lav to the north, there was the shore line of the sea when sedimentary rocks first
began to be formed on its bottom. This sea bottom sloped very gradually to the
south and west where the deeper waters lay, so that all stratified rocks of the in-
terior area or Mississippi valley, have a uniform slope or dip to the southwest.
For the area under consideration it approximates eight feet to the mile.
It appears that the deeper parts of the sea have through the ages been con-
tinually getting deeper, and the land had been gradually elevated, what was once
sea bottom being lifted above the waters and added to the land area. This is
why stratified rocks, once sea bottom, are now found far inland.
With these remarks on general geology we may now proceed to a stud)' of
the different formations exposed in our county.
The Mississippi river along the eastern border of the county has cut deeply
into the limestone, shales and sandstones, forming a gorge from two to four
miles wide, and the tributary streams, large and small, have eroded their valleys
to the level of the flood plain of the great stream.
The high steeply rounded bluffs and hills, the castellated rocks at their tops,
the escarpments and sheer precipices, the wooded crests and slopes, with the
river, the islands, sloughs and lakes form scenery of great beauty. Professor
Calvin has called it the Switzerland of Iowa. Except for its ruined castles, and
the interest which attaches from its long occupancy by man, we doubt if the
famous Rhine valley affords its equal.
For a general description of the topography we copy Norton's description
in Volume NNI of the Iowa Geological Reports.
''Allamakee, the northeasternmost county of Iowa, lies almost wholly in the
driftless area. The region is a deeply and intricately dissected upland, attaining
an elevation of 1,300 feet above the sea level, and rising about 700 feet above the
Mississippi river, which forms the eastern boundary of the county. The valleys
of the streams are flat-floored and wide. The Mississippi flood plain attains a
width of four miles and embraces a maze of sandy islands and braided bayous.
The floor of the valley of the meandering Upper Iowa river has a general width
of three-quarters of a mile, widening in its lower course to a mile and more. The
valley of Yellow river is narrower but conforms to the same general type. The
tributary creeks have well-opened mature preglacial valleys, and the courses of
even their wet-weather affluents are graded.
"The topographic age of the region is best read in the semi-circular coves
carved by the ancient stream on both sides of the valley of Upper Iowa river.
These deep amphitheaters are guarded at their entrances by lofty isolated buttes.
remnants of the rock spurs cut by the stream as it entrenched its curving course.
No such cme-; and buttes are seen along the bluffs of the Mississippi, though
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 83
the succession of strata is equally favorable to cliff recession and planation. the
vast volume of water of the latter Pleistocene times having cut back any salients
of the valley sides and left a wall of rock singularly continuous and even and
sweeping in its curves.
"The interstream areas consist of parallel east- west ridges or uplands, whose
summits, where broadest, are cut by shallow valleys into a gently rolling topog-
raphy. Their dissected flanks consist of lobate ridges of sinuous crest whose
steep sides are gashed by deep ravines.
The summits of the divides rise to a common level. If the valleys could be
filled with the material that has been swept away by running water they would
constitute a plain whose origin may be ascribed to long subaerial erosion near the
level of the sea. An additional proof of the former existence of this ancient
peneplain, of which the summits of the divides are the remnants, is found in the
valuable limonite and hematite deposits of Iron Hill on the crest of Waukon
Ridge. Such deposits are common on peneplains where the rocks have long been
wasted by slow decay.
"Some evidence of a second and lower erosion plane is seen in the accordant
level of the long lateral spurs that separate the valleys of the creeks tributary
to Upper Iowa river. The crests of these spurs, which are capped by the Saint
Peter sandstone, fall into a common plane about 1,100 feet above sea level, and
thus lie distinctly below the level of the upland. Measured by the distance be-
tween the escarpments of the Galena and Platteville limestones of the upland,
the width of the valley floor of the Upper Iowa, developed 1,100 feet above sea
level, was about ten miles. In age the planation of this valley floor would seem to
correspond with that of the similar peneplain of the second generation devel-
oped at Dubuque on the weak Maquoketa shale. In each place, however, an-
other explanation may be found in cliff recession under weathering. In Alla-
makee countv the Galena- Platteville escarpment may be supposed to have re-
treated because of the weak Saint Peter sandstone on which it rests and which
caps the ridges defining the 1,000- foot level ; and in Dubuque county the Niagaran
escarpment may be held to have receded in a similar manner because of the un-
dermining of the immediately subjacent Maquoketa shale."
The lowest and consequently the oldest rock exposed in the county is that
along the foot of the bluffs from Lansing to New Albin.
A very line outcrop can be seen just in the rear and to the north of the
second business block from the river in Lansing. Here at the south end of a
short, low and narrow ridge is a vertical section of sixty feet of sandy shales and
clays of shades of dirty yellow, brown, red, gray, and green. These shales are
quite firmly bedded in the hill, but on exposure to the atmosphere disintegrate
and fall to pieces.
They have no economic value except as a surface dressing for clay roads,
for which purpose they are excellent, forming a firm smooth surface. No fossils
are found in this formation, which extends down to and for 700 feet below
the surface of the river as shown by the record of the strata encountered in drill-'
ing the city artesian well.
It rests unconformably on a hard crystalline quartzite. Above the formation
described lies twenty-five feet of a harder bedded rock that has been quarried to
some extent for building purposes.
84 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
The entire 825 feet from the quartzite to the harder quarry beds has been
given the name of the Dresbach sandstone. This is the western equivalent of the
old Potsdam sandstone of New York. It outcrops along the valley of the Mis-
sissippi from New Albin to near Heytmans where the dip carries it below the
level of the river. It also can be seen as far up the valley of the Oneota as sec-
tion 6, township 99, range 5, Union City township, where there is an outcrop
beside the highway in a gorge a few rods west of Mr. Regan's.
This is the rock from which the water of the flowing wells at Lansing, New
Albin, and in the valley of the Oneota, comes the interstices between the sand
grains forming a vast reservoir having the hard impenetrable quartzite for its
bottom. In the Oneota valley artesian water will rise but a few feet above the
top of this formation.
Above the quarry beds over the Dresbach is twenty feet of a formation yellow
in color, described by Calvin as "horizontally laminated, fine in texture, quite dis-
tinctly calcareous (formed of lime) and easily split into thin leaves along the
planes of lamination." This is the St. Lawrence limestone of the Minnesota
geologists, and the quarry beds below should probably be included with it
under the same name. In it are found the fossil impressions of a trilobite, an
ancient animal having a little resemblance to a crawfish without the claws. Also
what may have been a giant sponge, three or more feet across and a foot or
more high.
A fine exposure containing the characteristic fossils of this formation is
found on the top of the hill of Dresbach at Lansing.
Above the St. Lawrence limestone lies another bed of sand called the Jordan
sandstone. At Lansing the top of this bed lies 100 feet above the top of the
exposed St. Lawrence which would make the sandstone 100 feet thick, but as
the rock forming the bluff side for forty feet above the St. Lawrence ledge is
concealed by a covering of loose rock and soil it is more than likely that the
sandstone is not so thick, but that the St. Lawrence is thicker than the part
that can be seen. Except near the top, the Jordan is a deposit of incoherent
sand, in places having numerous harder, very irregular layers, that when the
softer part is washed or blown away, form very curious designs and figures in
relief, a common one in cliff faces being that of a giant hour glass. Occasionally
these concretionary forms are very regular, taking the form of almost perfect
spheres, from the size of a marble up to those having a diameter of a foot or
more. Where such occur they are often found washed out in numbers and
strewn along on the bottom of the drainage ravines cutting the formation.
Farther south towards the central part of the state, where the dip has carried
this sand bed several hundred feet below the surface, it is one of the notable
reservoirs for artesian water. But in Allamakee it is too high to afford flowing
wells, though in the central, western and southern part of the county, deep wells
find in it an abundance of water but not artesian.
Near the top the grains of sand are usually very coarse. The formation is
barren of fossils, and has no economic value except for use in making mortar.
Above the Jordan lie beds of impure limestone alternating with sandy layers
gradually changing to heavy beds of pure limestone. At places cherty or flinty
strata are to be found with some quartzite. These beds, having a total thickness
of around 200 feet, were given the name of Oneota limestone by Professor
CORALS FROM DECORAH SHALES
1 — Stroptelasma cornicnlum. 3 — Praspora. 3 — Branching forms, species not de-
termined. No. 1 is a true coral; Nos. 3 and 3 are Bryozoan corals.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 87
Calvin because they form the conspicuous vertical cliffs and escarpments along
that stream from near its mouth westward to and beyond the boundary line of
the county. This was the lower Magnesian limestone of the older geologists.
The upper heavy beds afford an abundant and convenient supply of excellent
building stone. Quarries have been opened in them at New Albin, Lansing, near
Dorchester and in many other places.
Scattered abundantly through the rock at a horizon near the center, are very
thin veins, layers and incrustations of iron ore, often beautifully crystallized,
but so much diffused through the rock as to be of no commercial value. Asso-
ciated with it is much crystallized calcite, a rock having the appearance of milky
glass, but soft enough to scratch with the point of a knife.
Lead, too, is found in it in places. Many years ago prospectors found this
ore in the hills along Mineral creek, in section 13, of Hanover township. It is
said that about one hundred thousand pounds were taken out of crevices at this
place. But the crevices "pinched out," and no more being found, the miners
went their ways, the cabins disappeared, and all that is now known about it is
but little more than a tradition.
About the year 1891, Capt. J. M. Turner, discovered on the northwest quarter
of the northeast quarter of section 10, township 99, range 4, about six miles
northwest of Lansing, a lead bearing north and south vertical crevice which on
development proved to have a length of 1,200 feet and a maximum depth of
seventy-five feet, and from which about five hundred thousand pounds of ore
was mined by a local company.
The vertical sheet of mineral was about three inches in thickness, having
generally, a very considerable residual product (geest) on each side between
it and the body wall. The interior of the ore body was a lead sulphide, the out-
side being a carbonate.
While float ore has been picked up in many different places in the northern
part of the county where the' Oneota outcrops, no other crevices containing it have
been found. Small pieces of zinc carbonate are occasionally found. Few fossils
are found in the Oneota except in the cherty layers which occur near the mid-
dle of the formation. In this in places, are found some very well preserved
fragmental impressions of orthocerata (chambered shellfish), and gasteropods
(snails).
The crevices and seams make this a dry rock. In sections of the county
immediately underlaid by it, wells usually have to be drilled entirely through it
into the Jordan sandstone before finding water.
The dip of the Oneota carries it out of sight near Clayton station midway
between McGregor and Guttenberg. In going by train from Waukon Junction
to McGregor this dip is very noticeable in the outcrops of ledges of the massive
upper strata, along the sides of the Wisconsin bluffs on the opposite side of the
river. Beginning at the very tops opposite Harper's Ferry, when the Wisconsin
river is reached, they have dropped to near the bases of the bluffs and disappear
a few miles below the mouth of that river.
This maker of bold headlands, high precipices, and altogether rugged and
picturesque scenery, is succeeded by twenty to twenty-five feet of a thin bedded
red sandstone known as the New Richmond Sandstone. The layers of this for-
mation, mostly one to three inches in thickness, are formed of a fairly coherent
88 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
red sand, differing from the sand making up the beds of the Dresbach, Jordan
and later St. Peter, by having each separate grain surrounded by a coating or
incrustation of silica or crystallized quartz, the facets of which make it sparkle
in the sunlight. Near the bottom are thicker and much harder strata, in places
being beautifully ripple marked, one such locality being in an exposure by the
roadside near the southeast corner of Southwest, Northwest, Section 29, Town
98, Range 3, Lafayette township. At the top it is again a close-grained quartzite.
The central portion of this sand rock breaks down very easily and is usually
covered by gentle slopes of clay and soil and is only seen in ditches anil gullies.
A very good exposure of nearly the entire thickness can be seen in the ditch
at the side of the road near the top of the 1 Iartley hill in Southeast, Southeast,
Section 3, Town 99, Range 5.
The change from the Oneota limestone to the New Richmond sand is very
abrupt, enough so as to lead to a suspicion of slight unconformity.
So far in the rock formations we have been describing, there is no break in
the continuity. One stratum laid down on the old sea bottom was succeeded by
another perhaps a little different, deposited under perhaps slightlv different con-
ditions, but there was no sudden and complete change indicating that deposition
under certain conditions had ceased, and after a period, during which the sea
bottom had probably been elevated and become dry land and its surface worn and
gullied by erosion, had again sunk beneath the waves and deposition commenced
anew under changed circumstances, the strata of the new sea bottom being spread
continuously over the broken and worn layers of the old.
Where such a condition is shown by the rock exposures it is called an uncon-
formity. There is a very decided such unconformity between the Dresbach
and the quartzite on which it rests. But from there on, while the old sea over
what is now Iowa was very shallow, and there must have been great areas of mud
flats and low sandy islands over which the waves washed, no part was above
the water for any great length of time and the formation is unbroken and con-
tinuous through the Dresbach. the St. Lawrence, the Jordan, and the Oneota. At
the close of the Oneota there may have been an elevation above the sea for a long
enough period to show some of the effects of erosion, after subsidence the New
Richmond being laid down on this slightly changed bottom.
The thicker, harder slabs of this rock made good building stone, but are
not readily accessible except where washed down into the gullies and ditches.
Such rocks are easily recognizable, two to four inches of the center being uncol-
ored, while about the same thickness on both the under and upper side of the
slab is stained red by oxide of iron.
Superimposed on the New Richmond is the Shakopee limestone, a lime forma-
tion quite largely dolomitic, but not usually massive, having but little good quarrv
stone, and "not showing much tendency to form cliffs." It has an approximate
thickness of fifty feet and is chiefly of interest on account of numerous "peculiar
structures." at certain horizons that are supposed to be fossils of large animal
formations of a very low order called cryptozoons. The very oldest animal or
plant remains discovered fossil so far belong to this low order, which may be
either plant or animal, — or neither.
Next in the ascending scale is the St. Peter sandstone, so called because of
its outcrops being very abundant near St. Peter, Minnesota. This is simply a vast
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 89
bed of incoherent and nearly pure sand having a very uniform thickness of from
sixty to one hundred feet, extending southward and westward under Iowa,
Illinois, and Southern Wisconsin and Minnesota. There is no bedding or strati-
fication except in a few places where, for local reasons unknown, it has been
hardened into a firm quartzite, excellent for building purposes. Usually it can
be readily dug with a pick and shovel. Exposure to the atmosphere has a ten-
dency to harden it so that continuous low cliffs or ledges are common where it
outcrops. In places portions of the body harden into domes ten to twenty feet
high, underneath which the sand seems even less coherent than usual. Where
such domes are cut through by stream valleys, the softer part is often washed
out, forming small caves. Such a cave is to be seen beside the public road on
southeast, northeast, section 8, town 96, range 5, about one mile south of Forest
Mills in Franklin township.
Contrary to the usual opinion this loose sand rock appears to be more resistant
to weathering and erosion than the limestone formation beneath and the shales
and limestones above. And in the northern and central parts of the county in
Waterloo, Hanover, French Creek, Lansing, Center and Lafayette townships,
its runs from the main divides between Paint Creek, Village Creek and the Oneota
River out along the minor ridges between the numerous tributary stream valleys,
in long, narrow tongues, forming a very decided step up from the peneplain or
level of the top of the Oneota, of its full thickness. Usually these tongues are
capped by a thin veneer of a few feet of Platteville limestone, but nowhere does
the limestone approach near to the edge of the vertical scarps of the sandstone,
much less over-hang it as it would do were the latter the less resistant.
The dendritic divides described above are marked features of the landscape
all along the northern and eastern boundary of the St. Peter.
The dip carries it beneath the river at Guttenberg.
Except near its northeastern limit it is the source of an abundant pure water
supply, furnishing artesian wells from Elkader, near its boundary, down to the
south central part of the state.
At Clayton, in Clayton county, it has been mined for thirty years on a small
scale, and shipped to Clinton and Milwaukee for glass and malleable iron man-
ufacture. At this place there seems to be almost no impurity or coloring, what
little there is being washed out in moving it by water in a trough several hundred
feet, from the pit to the bins beside the railroad. At this place, in 1910, the point
of contact with the Shakopee was exposed in the ravine alongside, and from what
could be seen there seemed to be unconformity between the two formations.
All along the top of the St. Peter from a few inches to a foot or more, is
highly impregnated with iron oxide which has cemented it into a very hard cap
stratum very resistant to erosion. At places, like the pictured rocks below
McGregor, the oxide seems to have been present in greater abundance and to
have penetrated deeply into the formation, coloring it beautiful shades of red,
brown, yellow and pink. The side of a cut about one mile northeast of Waukon
on the railroad to the Iron Mine shows some fine coloring.
The St. Peter changes very abruptly at its top to a three-foot bed of blue
slightly sandy shales containing imperfect fossil bryozoon corals. This is the
Glenwood shale, so called because of a number of good exposures studied by
Lalvin in Glenwood township, Winneshiek county.
90 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
The Glenwood shales again change quite as abruptly as their top to the Platte-
ville limestone. This, at the bottom, is often massive and dolomitic for the first
four to six feet. Above that it changes to thin, hard beds that break up much in
weathering and that contain an abundance of fossil fragments of brachiopods
(shellfish, whose shells somewhat resemble those of small clams), corals and
gasteropods. These strata, in their turn, near the top of the formation, change
to heavy bedded quarry stone, some of which are excellent for building purposes,
while others that are solid and firm when freshly quarried crumble on exposure
to the action of frost and rain. The rock wall around the courtyard at Decorah
is built of this latter kind.
Some layers of these beds are in places composed entirely of comminuted
fragments of fossil shells and corals, cemented together into a hard stone. At
Decorah a number of years ago such layers were sawed up into slabs and polished,
making beautiful "fossil marble," used for mantels, table tops and other such
purposes.
The Platteville limestone has a thickness of about fifty feet. Good, partial
exposures can be seen in the ravines just north of Waukon, to the west of the
Ice Cave at Decorah, near Hesper, where the quarry stone beds have been worked
for building purposes for years, and on Yellow river below Myron.
This is the first of the highly fossiliferous formations. Up to this horizon
fossils are rare when the whole rock mass is considered, but from this point
upward through the succeeding ages, animal life, judging from the fossil remains,
was very abundant and of an endless variety.
Beginning with the very lowest forms of life there came into existence suc-
cessively, higher and still higher forms culminating finally with man.
The Platteville changes quite abruptly so far as physical appearance is con-
cerned, but without great change of fossils, and conformably, to the Decorah
shales, a highly fossiliferous bed of clay, shales, and thin strata of limestone,
having a thickness of twenty-five to thirty feet. There is an abundance of beau-
tifully preserved, complete and unbroken fossils in this bed of shales, the great
body of which is made up largely of powdered and broken fragments of corals
and shells. The predominating kinds aje bryozoon, corals, true corals, brachio-
pods, gasteropods, lamellibranchs (clams) and trilobites.
Wherever an exposure of several feet of greenish-blue clay and shales with
layers of limestone, all containing fossil corals and brachiopods, is seen any-
where in the south half of Allamakee county it may be safely set down as Decorah
shale.
Probably it is nowhere better exposed than in its numerous outcrops in the
vicinity of Waukon.
Overlying the Decorah shale, and resting on it conformably, is from 200
to 250 feet of bedded limestone known as the Galena limestone. This is the lead
bearing limestone of the Galena-Dubuque region but it contains no lead ore
in Allamakee county. At Dubuque it consists of massive dolomite but in Alla-
makee, of thin bedded strata of carbonate of lime rock, separated in places by
thin shale and clay partings. It is a hard rock weathering slowly into vertical
cliffs with a tendency to recede at their bases, where cut through by streams.
Fine exposures can be seen in the vicinity of Myron, on the southeast, southeast
>
o
2;
2-
~ Sal
_ X
z-
-'f
OH
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 93
of section 17, in Post township, and along the north line of section 18 in Franklin
township.
In all this great body of limestone there is little really good building stone,
the strata being for the most part too thin, irregular or fragmentary. The whole
formation is much broken up by two sets of fissures or crevices which intersect
each other nearly at right angles.
These crevices are the cause of the ''sinkholes" found in Ludlow, Post, and
Jefferson townships, the overlying loess and soil having been washed down
into the crevices leaving funnel shaped depressions in the surface.
The Galena is usually a dry rock, the numerous fissures giving the under-
ground water a chance to run off to lower levels.
Fossils are not abundant except at certain horizons and are usually in the
form of casts. Gasteropods and orthoceratites are the most common. At about
twenty-five feet above the base, a fossil commonly spoken of as a "petrified sun
flower" occurs quite plentifully. It was not a sunflower at all — not even a plant,
but was an ancient sponge. At a higher level, not far below the top of the forma-
tion, it is again found, but not so plentifully.
The Galena merges so gradually into the overlying Elgin limestone of the
Maquoketa formation that the division line may be said to be an arbitrary one.
There is a change in the fossils, — gasteropods, the most abundant fossil of the
Galena, giving way to trilobites in the Maquoketa. This member of the forma-
tion has a thickness of eighty feet and is succeeded by the Clermont shale, a bed
of blue clay and limestone with a thickness of thirty feet. In these shales are
found some finely preserved fossil brachiopods, of different species and larger
size than those in the Decorah shales. In the limestone below is found the first
coiled chambered orthoceratite.
As the Clermont shale is impervious to water it holds that which enters the
ground above it from going lower. Underlying the southwest part of Post
township at a depth of sixty to one hundred feet, good wells are had there with
an abundant supply of pure water by drilling down to, but not through it. It
is from this clay bed that the Clermont white brick is made. The highest and
newest formation of indurated rock found in Allamakee county is the Fort Atkin-
son limestone, a yellow crumbly limestone containing much chert, a few small
outcrops of which are found in the southwest part of Post township.
Altogether there is exposed in, and underlies the county, over 1,000 feet of
beds of stratified limestones, sandstones, and shales and clays as shown in the
ideal section in the plates at the end of this article. Seven hundred feet of Dres-
bach sandstone lies below the Mississippi river, so we may say that we have
studied a stratified layer of the earth's crust one-third of a mile in thickness.
Ages long was the time it took to lay down this thousand feet of sand and
clay and lime at the bottom of the oceans of the hoary past. Ages long has
been the time since the receding shores left the region we have been studying
high and dry above the waters. And through these latter ages heat and cold,
snow and rain and ice, frost and percolating water and wind, have been busy
tearing down, dissolving and wearing away that which it had taken so long to
build up, carrying it away to newer oceans and laying it down again in newer
deposits of sand and clay and lime.
Vol. 1— 5
94 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
It is estimated that erosion lowers the entire valley of the Mississippi river
one foot in five thousand years.
There is no doubt but that since the wearing away of the Mississippi valley
began it has been lowered many hundreds of feet. At one period for thousands
of years it was held in the grip of the great glacier that plowed off the ridges
and filled in the valleys of the ancient watercourses. Part of Allamakee, Clay-
ton and Dubuque counties alone of all Iowa escaped.
The oldest glacier, the Kansan, invaded the southwest part of the county,
traces of it being found as far east as Waukon. Only a remnant of its ground
moraine is left in places under the loess. A few inches or feet of red sandy clay
filled with pebbles of granite, greenstone and quartz. The best exposure of this
till in the county is probably the one tc be seen beside the road from Waukon
to Postville on the section line on the east side of the northeast, northeast, sec-
tion 34, town 98, range 6.
A lobe of the later Iowan glacier covered a few sections in the extreme
southwest of the county. Time enough intervened between the melting away
of the Kansan ice and the oncoming of the Iowan, for an abundant forest growth
to take possession of the land, continuing long enough to form a bed of humus
and soil one to two feet thick, — a thicker bed than is found in the forests of this
age in this locality. In digging wells at Postville this ancient soil or "forest
bed" as it is called is struck at a depth of twenty to forty feet from the surface
between the till left by the Iowan glacier and that of the older Kansan. Pieces
of roots, trunks and twigs of trees are found in this old soil.
When the great Iowan glacier that lay to the west of us was receding, the
rivers that reached it, like the Turkey, the Oneota and the Root, were enormously
swollen by the flood of water from the melting ice. This water was heavily
laden with silt, and sand and pebbles were carried down by the current.
It is this silt, sand and pebbles, left by those floods, that formed the benches
or terraces of the Oneota, and the other rivers named, and of the Mississippi
at New Albin, Harper's Ferry, Prairie du Chien. Guttenberg and other places.
A few pieces of native copper are said to have been found in the county.
Such were undoubtedly brought from the Lake Superior region by the Indians
to be used in making their copper implements and ornaments, many of which
are found with other prehistoric relics in the Oneota and Mississippi valleys.
Gold dust has been found in the sand deposits washed out of the Iowan drift,
just over the line on the Judge Williams farm in Clayton county. Near the
farm buildings is a pit in one of these sand out-washes, and to it the barnyard
fowls resorted for gravel, and from their crops at different times several dozen
flakes of gold were taken. It is supposed that the chickens, attracted by the
shiny gold, picked it out of the sand. There are no similar deposits in Allamakee.
At one time considerable excitement was occasioned by the reported discovery
of gold in the cherty strata of the Oneota limestone near Prairie du Chien, and
some mining operations were commenced but were soon abandoned. Whether
or not there really were traces of gold in the rock at that place is not known.
About two miles north and a half mile east of the corporate limits of Waukon,
in the center of section 17, Makee township, is a deposit of iron ore having an
area of about two hundred and forty acres.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 95
This ore deposit known as the "Iron Hill" is the highest point in Allamakee
county, having an elevation of 1,320 feet above sea level.
Another high point along the south line of the southeast quarter of section
27 in the same township is capped by a much smaller deposit, and about a mile
east of this near the Fan school, at a lower elevation, some boulders can be seen
by the roadside.
At both the first named places the ore with its associated impurities occurs
as a lenticular deposit, having its greatest thickness at the center, — about seventy
feet in the Iron Hill, — and thinning out to nothing at the edges.
The Iron Hill deposit rests on limestone of lower Galena formation, that
on section 27 probably on rock of the same formation, though possibly on
Decorah shales or Platteville. Over both deposits there is a thin veneer of from
one to three feet of yellow loess. The ore itself occurs in abundant small flakes,
scales, and particles, called wash ore, disseminated through the associated clays,
and in irregular concretionary masses of all sizes from those of a few inches in
diameter up to many feet. These larger "boulders" are found at any level, some-
times singly and at others bunched together in large masses. All the "chunks"
and "boulders" are filled with very irregular pockets and cavities, some of which
are empty, some lined with crystallized ore, and some containing different colored
clays or sand.
The impurities associated with the ore are residual clays, sand and chert, and
these form quite a considerable part of the whole, the entire deposit forming a
very heterogeneous mass.
Fossils of the lower Galena are found scattered through the deposit seemingly
at all horizons, in places being quite common. Sometimes they are found
imbedded solidly in fragments of ore broken from the boulders. Perhaps the
most common is the coral, Streptelasma Corniculum.
Professor Calvin advanced the theory that this was a deposit of bog ore
formed by precipitation from the waters of a marsh or bog that were highly
charged with iron oxide. This accumulation of iron ore at the bottom of bogs
and marshes in this way is quite common in parts of New Jersey and Pennsyl-
vania. He supposed the existence of an ancient marsh surrounded by higher
ground. As time passed the surrounding land or rock was eroded away until
it became lower than the more resistant ore bed which resisted as a high point,
afterward being covered by loess.
If this theory be true then the rocks of the land around this marsh could
not have been of later age than the lower Galena, as none of the fossils washed
out of that surrounding rock into the marsh and now found in the ore bed, are
of later age than the lower Galena. Also as the existence of marshes implies a
flat country with little drainage, and as all the ore deposits occurring near Waukon
were evidently laid down at the same time, and most likely were formed in dif-
ferent parts of a chain of marshes of the same age, these ores may be of very
ancient formation, since the entire valley of Village creek may have all been cut
down since that time.
At certain places in the deposit are found very compact chunks and boulders
of ore filled with smoothly rounded, waterworn pebbles of different varieties of
quartz, greenstone and other rocks usually associated with the drift, of a size
from one-eighth to one inch in diameter. Such pieces of ore are usually so hard
96 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
that in breaking them up the line of fracture will run through ore and pebbles
alike.
Identically the same kind of small pebbles are found in abundance under the
loess and on top of both limestone and St. Peter sandstone in the vicinity of the
ore deposit.
These pebbles may have found their way here from the north by some very
ancient drainage system that disappeared years ago, or they may be outwash from
or residue of the Kansan or Iowan glacier, in which case our ore bed is com-
paratively recent.
If the deposit is a bog formation of an old marsh in the ancient preglacial
peneplain, then the presence of quartz pebbles and other foreign rocks transported
from localities hundreds of miles to the north presents an interesting phenomenon,
not easy to account for.
On the other hand the absence of glacial till under or around the ore deposit ;
the character of the associated clays and sands which seem to be clearly residual
rock products and not derived from drift ; and the fact that all the evidence goes
to show ;hat the valley of Village creek separating the two principal deposits,
and of all other streams in Allamakee, were cut down to their present levels in
preglacial times, shows a preglacial origin. In fact it is pretty well settled that
the topography of the county was almost wholly (except in the river valleys)
formed before the coming of the ice.
Besides waters drained from any probable tributary area of till would not
be likely to contain sufficient iron in chemical solution to form so large a deposit.
It is true that the Buchanan Gravels, an outwash from the Kansan, are often
much stained and cemented by iron, but nowhere is there more than enough to
make more than a few inches of ore if the gravels were removed.
To Mr. Chas. Barnard, a pioneer resident of Waukon, belongs the credit of
first calling attention to this ore deposit.
About the year 1900 local capital was interested, a concentration plant built,
and the development of a mine begun.
The plant was located near the center of the area, on a re-entrant of the east
edge, and consisted of a crusher and log washer driven by steam power.
The ore was freed from flint by hand picking.
A pit having an area of about one-fourth acre was excavated to about one-half
the depth of the ore bed, and the resultant cleaned product shipped to different
markets. But a number of causes, chief among which was the cost of hauling
by team from the mine three miles to the railroad, operated to make the venture
unprofitable and work was abandoned.
About 1909 the interests of the local company, the Waukon Iron Company,
were acquired by the Missouri Iron Company of St. Louis, Missouri. This com-
pany has erected a large concentration plant for the reduction of the ore, to
which a spur railroad has been built from Waukon.
The work is in charge of Mr. R. W. Erwin, by whom a paper further
describing this ore deposit and the processes used by his company in concentrating
it is found elsewhere in this volume.
BRACHIOPODS FROM DECORAH SHALES
1 — Orthis subaequata. 2 — Rynehotrema inaequivalvis. 3 — Orthis tricenaria. 4 —
Orthis plicatella. 5 — Strophomena septata. 0 — Lingula iowensis. 7— Orthis testu-
dinaria. 8 — Orthis bellarugosa. 9 — Leptaena, sp.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 99
IRON HILL
The deposit covers an area of one-half mile east and west by one mile north
and south and is slightly in the shape of a crescent with its terminal points to
the northeast and southeast, and is situated in township 98, range 5 west of the
fifth principal meridian in section 17, and is some two and one-half miles north
by east of Waukon, Iowa, and has an extreme elevation of 1,320 feet, although
ore is found at an elevation of 1,250 feet. This is one of the highest points in
the state and is the highest point in a direct north and south line between the
Lakes and the Gulf.
GEOLOGICAL CHARACTER
In general the conditions are similar to those encountered in the Brown ore
deposits of the southern States, being different, however, in the fact that there
is very little or no sand associated with the residual clay. It is a brown ore, a
hydrated sesquioxide of iron and is made up of probably the following types :
Composition
Chemical Formula Iron Ox. Water
Turgite 2 Fe203 1 H20 94.7 5.3
Gothite 2Fe2032H,0 89.9 10.1
Limonite 2 Fe,03 3 H20 85.5 14.5
Xanthrosiderite 2 Fe203 4 H20 81.6 18.4
in which the Limonite predominates, next in order coming Gothite with small
quantities of Turgite and Xanthrosiderite. They resemble most of all the Oris-
kany ores of Virginia.
The body rests upon a limestone strata of the Lower Silurian age (Galena
Trenton) which has a depth of some forty feet, while the ore varies in depth
from one inch to seventy-three feet. Below the limestone is the St. Peter sand-
stone with a depth of some ninety feet. Below this is the Oneota limestone some
two hundred and fifty feet thick, when the Jordan sandstone is encountered.
This is the water-bearing stratum of the country. The ore is concretionary and
varies in size from a fraction of an inch to aggregations weighing twenty tons.
At times these concretions are solid ; other times they contain cavities which may
be filled with sand in various stages of impurity — clay and round pebbles of clay.
These cavities vary in size from a fraction of an inch to a foot or more and
possess the spherical shapes usual in nodular structures.
The ore body contains throughout its entirety, clay, gravel, sand, chert or
flint nodules of various forms and shapes. In some instances the sand and gravel
are cemented together by the iron, forming masses of considerable size. This
also holds true of the gravel. The boulders of conglomerate are found in all
parts of the deposit — in the richest as well as the leanest.
The ore as it occurs in situ has the following analysis :
Iron .' ... 3 1 .82 per cent
Phos 207 per cent
Manganese 60 per cent
Silica 41 .80 per cent
Alum 7.27 per cent
Water 6.40 per cent
638GV9
100 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
This may be taken as an average. Samples may be taken which will run
60 per cent in iron.
It is generally assumed that all brown ore bodies are replacement bodies in
limestone. Suffice it to say that this deposit is of recent origin, owing to its
depth and the very large number of rounded quartz pebbles which may be found.
Another fact is the round clay balls often found on the interior of large boulders
of ore.
The ore is of two classes : Wash Ore and Boulder Ore. By wash ore is meant
the smaller concretions embedded in clay. Boulder ore is solid and the masses
are separated by joints of clay.
The body is estimated to contain 10,000,000 tons of ore.
In January, 1907, Iron Hill, as it was locally known, was brought to the atten-
tion of Mr. Edward F. Goltra, of St. Louis, Missouri, who turned the prospect
over to Mr. R. W. Erwin. The prospect looked favorable, and as Mr. Goltra and
associates were in the market for an iron mine at that time, after further investi-
gation, R. W. Erwin came to Waukon and secured an option on the property
from the Waukon Iron Company and at once made arrangements for the explora-
tion of the property by drilling and test pitting. This property was sufficiently
explored so that Mr. Goltra and his associates felt that there was sufficient ore
for a commercial period.
The next thing to be done after finding out that there was sufficient ore, as
the ore was of low grade, was that of finding a process of concentrating the ore
in a commercial way. After going into the matter thoroughly it was decided to
locate an experimental plant at Waukon Junction, Iowa, as it was intended to
use water as a cleaning agent. This was done and a plant was thoroughly equipped
with crushers, washer, jigs, rolls, tables and roaster for trying out a number of
processes in a commercial way. A series of experiments covering some two years
was undertaken to find out the best and most economical method of treating the
ore. In trying out the various methods and when practically all the experiments
had been completed, a process of dry treatment had been evolved. In this no
water was used, heat and electricity being the agents employed. In view of this
fact it was decided to vacate the plant entirely at the Waukon Junction and put
the concentrating plant closer to the mine.
A plant site and right of way was purchased and in 1910 a railroad was built
to the mine and work on a permanent plant started. This was completed in
June, 1912 and increased in 1913. The method of treatment consists essentially
in first drying the ore as it is mined by steam shovels, going from there to the
crushers, screening out the finer particles of sand and clay in a large screen and
cobbing out the larger size gangue, roasting and reducing the ore from Fe^03
to Fe.,04 and magnetically separating the product below one-half inch in size.
The method is entirely original and is in use in no other place in the world, and
has been devised and worked out on a commercial basis at Waukon. The com-
pany has now completed a plant which will have a capacity of 350 to 400 tons
of finished iron ore per day. It is expected to increase this capacity to 1,000
tons per day. The ore is especially desirable for making pig iron for open hearth
use. The concentrated ore has an analysis of from 55 to 61 per cent metallic
iron; 8 to 12 per cent silica; .50 to 1.25 per cent manganese, with phosphorous
slightly above the Bessemer limit. Owing to its physical character — viz. — large
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 101
pieces from one-fourth to two and one-half inches in diameter, make it a specially
desirable and easy working ore in the blast furnace. Owing also to its porous
character which has been left by the expulsion of combined water, it "comes
down" very easily in the blast furnace, and requires less fuel for smelting than
the Mesaba ores. The ore as it occurs in the ground is known as a hydrated
sesquioxide of iron, or, a brown hematite, containing from 10 to 14 per cent of
combined water. It is to relieve the ore of this water and also of the free water
and to free it of clay and sand and prepare it for reduction that the drying and
roasting is given it.
The property was more thoroughly explored in 1910 for the Missouri Iron
Company by the Wisconsin Steel Company. In all, some 300 test pits and drill
holes have been put down to bed rock, and 10,000 analyses made,
The Missouri Iron Company now have a thoroughly equipped and up to date
plant. The power plant contains two 220-hp. Westinghouse gas engines, direct
connected to generators and a 440-hp. automatic gas producer with the necessary
scrubbers; one 250 hp. motor generator set; a deep well, 400 feet deep, equipped
with an eight and three- fourths inch Downie pump, which affords an abundant
supply of pure water. Machine shop and blacksmith shop adjoin power plant.
Crushers, screens, dryer, roasters, reducers, sizer, magnetic separators, bins, etc.,
are of steel construction of very best type. All the machinery is individually
motor driven. Ore is brought from the mine in seven-yard electric cars which
are under the control of central operators. The ore is blasted and then loaded
into cars by a 70-ton, two and one-half yard, Vulcan steam shovel. Track is
standard gauge and laid with 60-lb. rails — double tracks, one for loaded cars, the
other for empty cars. Coal is received in hopper-bottom cars and dumped
directly into bins. All departments of the plant are connected with the office by
a central telephone station. A complete chemical laboratory is maintained.
The officers of the company are as follows : Edward F. Goltra, president,
St. Louis, Missouri ; Thomas S. Maffitt, vice president, St. Louis, Missouri ;
J. D. Dana, treasurer, St. Louis, Missouri ; R. W. Erwin, general manager,
Waukon, Iowa.
The regular working staff at Waukon consists of R. W. Erwin, manager and
superintendent ; Harry Orr, chief engineer ; R. F. Burkhart, electrical engineer ;
Ernest Wander, chemist ; Will Riley, chief clerk.
The foregoing sketch of the iron mine at Waukon, and the plant there
installed by the Missouri Iron Company, was prepared at our request by Mr. R.
W. Erwin, the resident manager. A detailed history of the gradual development
of this mine cannot be given here, but an outline of the steps taken to bring
the deposit to the attention of capitalists who could and would demonstrate its
value as an important addition to the resources of Allamakee county, may be
briefly stated. The main body of this tract came into the possession of Mr. John
M.Barthell in the year 1875 ; and it was about this time that Mr. Charles Barnard
began to insist that it contained a remarkable deposit of iron ore. Mr. Barnard
came from an iron region, the vicinity of Pittsburg, and had a sufficient practical
acquaintance with iron mining to know what he was talking about, however
skeptical others might be. He enlisted in the cause Mr. A. M. May, editor of
the Waukon Standard, who gave much attention to the matter in his columns,
and the articles were widely copied and soon began to bring correspondence
102 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
from iron men. Mr. Barnard, though engaged in other business, devoted much
time to correspondence with a view to interest practical men of means in the
enterprise, working early and late to bring about an investigation that would
prove, what he fully believed, the practicability of working this mine with profit,
to the great advantage of his community. Various parties visited the place, and
numerous analyses were made of the ore, all indicating a paying percentage of
iron, but all attempts made to negotiate working leases proved futile, from one
cause or another. Some of the difficulties were the distance from water and fuel,
and the absence of railroad transportation facilities.
It was not until the year of Mr. Barnard's death, in 1898, that mining leases
were made with Geo. S. Finney that began to promise a development of the
mine. Numerous test pits had been dug, and all looked promising. • Several
shipments of ore had been made for practical tryout in the furnace, and these
were continued from time to time, with promising results. The lease to Mr. Fin-
ney was "for the purpose of boring and mining for iron and other minerals for
the period of twenty years from May 1, 1899. Second party to pay ten cents
per ton royalty for all iron mined, and pay for annually 10,000 tons as a minimum
output, whether mined or not. Lessee shall have the sole and exclusive option
to purchase said premises at any time before the first day of May, 1901, at or
for the sum of $20,000, less the amount of royalty already paid at time of pur-
chase." In April, 1900, Mr. Finney assigned his lease and option to George A.
Nehrhood, and the Waukon Iron Company was organized and incorporated, with
D. J. Murphy, president ; C. H. Earle, vice president ; Geo. A. Nehrhood, secre-
tary, and S. H. Eddy, treasurer, who with M. K. Norton comprised the board
of directors. The capital stock of the company was $50,000, which was increased
to $500,000 in June of the following year. Mr. Nehrhood transferred the lease
and option to this corporation, and a plant was erected for the reduction of the
ore as stated by Mr. Orr in his chapter on the geology of the region.
The transportation question was one of the greatest problems to be solved,
but in 1902 a promoter of interurban railroads appeared and incorporated "The
Iowa Hematite Railway Company," with the plausible purpose of connecting
Lansing and Waukon with other points, and furnishing transportation of ore to
Waukon or down the Village Creek valley to the Mississippi river. The incorpo-
rators were William Ingram, president, and Lewis W. Beard, secretary-treasurer;
with a capital first placed at $25,000 but later increased to $250,000, with an
authorization for an increase to $1,500,000. Franchises were obtained of the
towns and of the county, but the scheme did not materialize.
John M. Barthell died in March, 1902, and his two sons, M. J. and B. F.,
became the owners of the property by transfer from the other heirs, and they in
October, 1906, executed a deed of the premises to the Waukon Iron Company
for the consideration originally named, $20,000. In 1907 the Missouri Iron Com-
pany with unlimited capital and experience to utilize it obtained control of the
property, with the gratifying result as told by Mr. Erwin in his paper.
In this connection it is appropriate to give a brief sketch of Mr. Charles
Barnard, who was instrumental in bringing this mine to the attention of the
public. Born on the Isle of Wight, and on the farm later occupied by Queen
Victoria's summer residence, when a year and a half old he was brought to
America by his parents, Thomas and Mary Barnard, who settled on Wheeling
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 105
island, in the Ohio river. Here he learned the rudiments of fruit growing, his
father starting a nursery, and when he was about fifteen they moved to Belmont
county, Ohio, and ran a market garden for the city of Wheeling. In 1865 he
came to Iowa and settled at Waukon, where he engaged in the nursery business
which he carried on very successfully until the close of a busy life. He was a
practical man and wanted to see all our natural resources utilized. It was at his
insistence that L. W. Hersey united with him in building, of stone from local
quarries, the double store on the east side of Allamakee street, in 1867. Two
years later the upper story was finished off for a public hall, and Barnard Hall
was for years the hall of the town. Mr. Barnard had two great desires: one
the building of a local railroad, which he helped very materially to accomplish;
and the other the development of the iron mine, which he began to see hope for
previous to his death.
CHAPTER IX
AGRICULTURE AND MANUFACTURES
Allamakee county is classed as one of the finest agricultural regions, because
of the fertility of its soil a"nd the diversity of its physical features. Although
considerable of its area is uncultivable because of its bluffs, a large part of this
formation is suitable for stock ranges, and the valleys between are extremely
fertile. In the earlier years the principal crop was wheat, the continued growing
of which so impoverished the prairie soil that it was gradually discontinued,
and greater attention paid to other grains, stock-raising and the dairy ; and this
diversity of products introduced a new area of prosperity for the farming com-
munity.
But little can be said of manufactures, as this branch of industry has not
been properly fostered, owing largely to inadequate transportation facilities.
Our streams afford many fine water powers, which were early utilized for milling
purposes until the failure of the once staple crop, wheat. Statistics are meagre
as to present manufacturing plants in this county; the state census of 1905, the
latest authority available, being silent on this point. With the establishment of
immense dams for the creation and dissemination of electric power, and the
facility and cheapness with which this power can be applied, it would seem
to be only a question of time and transportation when a new source of wealth
may be properly developed, and manufactures established which will support
a largely increased population. In 1875, when the flouring mills and woolen
mills were in operation, the value of our manufactures was given at $745,072;
while in 1895 the output had dwindled to $307,542.
The question of the decreased population throughout the state during the
past twenty years has received considerable attention of late. In Allamakee
county this has been quite marked since 1880 when our population reached its
height, as shown by the annexed table :
1849 277 1869 16.766
1850 777 1870 17,868
1851 1,300 1873 18,304
1852 2,000 1875 , 19,168
1854 4,266 1880 19.791
1856 7-/09 i88S i8,335
1859 !0,843 1890 17,907
i860 12,237 1895 17,981
1863 13465 190° 1871 1
1865 13,957 1905 18,222
1867 16,003 IQI° !7,328
107
108 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
One explanation of this decrease may be read in the following comparisons:
Year 1880 1905
Number of farms in the county 2,441 2,241
Number of acres in farms 345.795 37I,9^>5
Value of farms and buildings $5,836,445 $1 1,600,777
Value of farm implements 334,126 459,907
It is noticeable that while the number of farms decreased by 200 in the twenty-
five years, their acreage increased over 26,000, and their value almost doubled ;
indicating that of the large families in the earlier years very many of the sons
have found new homes in the farther west, while those remaining have increased
their holdings.
The following tables are suggestive also, showing among other things the
decrease in wheat and the great increase in other crops and livestock :
Improved Wheat, Corn, Oats, Barley, Potatoes, Apples,
Year. Lands. Bushels. Bushels. Bushels. Bushels. Bushels. Value.
187S 134,767 946,089 906,620 443,129 22,315 I34,H9
1880 535,674 i,Sio,394 628,387 177,377
1885 162,782 272,242 1,179,885 886,405 166,862
1890 104,836 1,590,217 1,440,377 197,891
1895 190,385 51,255 920,526 1,386,530 166,400 81,215 $7,527
1905 208,065 19.051 1,760,078 1,266,299 3+2,655 162,509 22,380
Poultry
Horses and Mules, Cattle. Swine, Sheep, and Eggs,
Year. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. Value.
1875 7,610 19,652 19,770 7,372
1880.... 7,921 16,408 22.939 4,055
1895 12,291 $348,884 30,195 $390,278 43.135 $254,227 3,683 $9,269 $67,119
1905.... 10,470 637,978 45,685 668,062 44,269 244,675 5.731 19,528 153,733
The dairy products of the county as given by the state census were $300,146
in 1895, and $329,295 in 1905.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
Agreeable to a notice signed by Geo. C. Shattuck, John Raymond, D. H.
Gilbert, John A. Townsend, Thos. A. Minard and Robert Isted, a meeting was
held at Waukon, on the 7th day of June, 1853, of which John Raymond was
president and Joel Baker, secretary, and which resulted in the formation of the
"Allamakee County Agricultural and Mechanical Society." The first officers of
the society were:
President — John A. Wakefield.
Vice Presidents — Robert Isted, John Laughlin, Win. C. Thompson.
Recording Secretary — J. J. Shaw.
Corresponding Secretary — John Haney, Jr.
Treasurer — A. J. Hersey.
UPPER IOWA POWER COMPANY— PLANT NO. 2
UPPER IOWA POWER COMPANY— DAM AND POWER PLANT
DESTROYED MARCH 24, 1907
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 111
The original roll showed a membership of eighteen persons, as follows :
John Raymond, John S. Clark, Robert Isted, M. B. Lyons, John A. Wake-
field, Reuben Smith, C. W. Cutler, Absalom Thornburg, L. S. Pratt, M. Lash-
man, G. C. Shattuck, D. H. Gilbert, J. M. Cushing, Ezra Reed, A. J. Hersey,
Scott Shattuck, Austin Smith, John Haney, Jr.
June 23d at a meeting of the directors it was voted that there be a county
fair at Waukon on the 13th of November. At this fair Ezra Reed and G. C.
Shattuck took premiums on sheep. Robert Isted, John M. Cushing, and Shat-
tuck, took premiums on swine. Patrick Keenan, John Raymond, D. H. Gilbert,
Robert Isted, and Abraham Bush, took premiums on cattle. Jehial Johnson,
J. B. Cutler, Moses Shaft, G. C. Shattuck, took premiums on vegetables. L. Ab-
bott took premium on wheat. Moses Shaft on corn. John A. Wakefield on
best ten acres of corn. Benjamin Beard, L. Abbott, Mrs. L. T. Woodcock, Mrs.
J. A. Townsend, Mrs. J. M. Cushing, and Mrs. Prescott, took premiums on house-
hold products. This was the first agricultural fair ever held in the county, and
for those early days was a grand success, although held on the open prairie.
The society continued to hold occasional fairs with more or less success, for
years. At a meeting held in Waukon January 8, 1868, the society was reorgan-
ized as the "Allamakee County Agricultural Society," under which title it still
exists. At the time of reorganization John Haney, Jr., became president, John
Plank, Sr., vice president, D. W. Adams, secretary, and Charles Paulk, treasurer.
A tract of seventeen acres adjoining the town of Waukon on the north, was
purchased for fair grounds, enclosed with an eight-foot tight board fence, and
a half mile race course laid out and graded, at a total cost of $2,129.48, and
nearly all paid for by the ensuing fair that fall. Exhibition buildings, grand
stands, and other improvements were made from time to time, and the fairs
were very generally successful until recent years, when all county fairs were
largely given over to the amusement features.
A few years ago the society sold its grounds to the city of Waukon. which
has its waterworks plant located thereon, and devoted the proceeds to the con-
struction of a new and larger grand stand and other improvements, and clearing
off of incumbrance. It reserved the use of the grounds for fairs and other
exhibitions, and its later exhibits have met with better financial results, a renewed
interest being manifested through the county. Its forty-fifth annual fair is to
be held in this year, 1913. The present officers of the society are:
President — B. O. Swebakken.
Vice President — Otto Helming.
Secretary — George S. Hall.
Treasurer — T. B. Stock.
Directors — Center, Ole Rema ; Fairview, J. J. Broderick; Franklin, Floyd
Clark ; French Creek, Andy Laughlin ; Hanover, Tom O'Brien ; Iowa, Fred
Meyer ; Jefferson, Tom Mullaney ; Lafayette, James Mooney ; Lansing, Lou
Hirth; Linton, J. C. Campbell; Ludlow, A. S. Pieper ; Makee, E. W. Goody-
koontz; Paint Creek, H. A. Hendrickson ; Post, C. P. Bachtell; Taylor, O. H.
Monserud ; Union City, Ben Hartley ; Union Prairie, John T. Baxter ; Waterloo,
Ben Schwartzhoff ; Makee, J. C. Beedy, honorary member.
112 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
farmers' institute
Of greater practical benefit than the fairs, to the farming community, has
been the Farmers' Short Course held annually for the past three winters at
Waukon, under the auspices of the Allamakee Farmers' Institute, with instructors
from the State College at Ames. These courses have attracted a large attend-
ance from all over the county, and aroused much enthusiasm in regard to
improvement of agricultural conditions. The officers of the Farmers' Institute
for the current year are:
President — C. G. Helming.
Treasurer — D. D. Ronan.
Secretary — A. G. Meiners.
Assistant Secretary — B. C. Opfer.
Vice Presidents — Center, Fred Ericson ; Fairview, Anton Wachter ; Frank-
lin, Gordon Clark; French Creek, Andrew Laughlin ; Hanover, Oscar Jacobson;
Iowa, Thomas Reburn ; Jefferson, James Barlow; Lafayette, Leslie Gruber;
Lansing, Thomas Teeling; Linton, Muryl Hefner; Ludlow, John Simmons;
Makee, Adam Herman; Paint Creek, I. I. Satrang; Post, E. R. Smith; Taylor,
Bernard Houlihan; Union City, Alfred Meiners; Union Prairie, J. P. O'Neill,
Ir. ; Waterloo, John Hermanson.
CHAPTER X
POLITICS
In considering the politics of the county we should take a look at the early
political conditions in the state. The tradition that "Iowa was settled by emi-
grants from New England" is but partly true. The predominance of the southern
element up to the middle fifties has been fairly well established, made up chiefly
of sons of Virginia and their sons from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri.
This accounts for the system of county government by commissioners, at first,
instead of the New England town meeting plan; and it is responsible for the
county judge plan prevailing from 1851 to i860, which became intolerable for
its autocratic power.
The influx of settlers from the south by way of the Ohio river and through
Missouri came about chiefly through the fact that the Iowa region, from 1821
to 1834, while a part of the unorganized territory of the United States, was
looked after by army officers and Indian agents who were largely of southern
nativity and predilections. Numerous instances bear out this theory. Col.
Zachary Taylor, stationed at Fort Crawford, was a Virginian, and Lieut. Jeffer-
son Davis, with him, a Kentuckian. Lieut. Albert M. Lea, Iowa explorer, was
a North Carolinian ; and one of his chief aids was Capt. Nathan Boone, youngest
son of Daniel Boone. Gen. E. B. Gaines, another Virginian. Gen. Henry
Atkinson, after whom was named Fort Atkinson in Winneshiek county, a
North Carolinian. And Lieuts. Simon B. Buckner, Henry Heth, A. Buford, and
Alex. W. Reynolds, stationed here at times, and Robert E. Lee in the southern
part of the state, all became general officers in the Confederate army. Their
reports attracted pioneers from their own states.
The mining regions at Galena and all southwestern Wisconsin were largely
occupied by men from Kentucky and Tennessee, many of whom returned to their
native states for the winters. Robert Lucas, first territorial Governor, was a
native of Virginia, as was also Gen. Joseph M. Street, the Indian agent at Fort
Crawford. In the first territorial legislature in 1838, there were twenty south-
erners and five New Englanders, the remainder being from intermediate states.
In the state legislature of 1854 were twenty-six southerners to thirteen New
Englanders. In the constitutional conventions of 1844, '46, and even in '57,
the delegates from south of Mason and Dixon's line considerably outnumbered
those from New England. Rev. D. D. Lowrey, Allamakee's first preacher, was
a Kentuckian.
Of course not nearly all of the settlers from the south were committed to
the southern institution ; many doubtless had emigrated to escape from regions
113
114 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
of human bondage. In 1846 Iowa was admitted as the first free state west of
the .Mississippi. And in the early fifties the prairie schooner was getting in its
work across the northern part of Illinois and Wisconsin, and the tide from New
England flowed so abundantly that in i860 occurred the change of county gov-
ernment from one man power to that of the township system, resulting in the
county board of supervisors.
It seems, however, that the township system did not continue in general
favor with the people of the state. Objections were made that the body was
unwieldy and expensive, and that the thinly populated townships, wielded an
undue proportion of power in the board compared with their actual voting
strength, and in 1871, the system was so modified as to vest the powers of the
former board in a body to be composed of three or five supervisors. From the
time of this law going into effect, the affairs of this county have been under the
control of a board of supervisors consisting of three members.
In 1854 James W. Grimes was elected Governor, indicating a revolution in
the political control of the state; and at the same time James Harlan was sent
to the LTnited States senate. From this time down to the present day the line
of republican governors is unbroken except by the election by small majorities
of Gov. Horace Boies, in 1889 and 1891.
From the time of its organization Allamakee county has fluctuated in its
political faith, though for the first forty years it was generally counted in the
democratic column, where it was found in over two-thirds of the elections for
state officials. But in presidential years, with a full vote and the greater princi-
ples at stake, it nearly always showed its allegiance to the republican party, the
only exceptions being in the 1864 McClellan campaign and the three Cleveland
campaigns. The 1912 election was no exception to the rule, as less than one-half
of the Roosevelt vote would have given the county to Taft instead of Wilson.
In this connection the following tables will be found of value for reference :
VOTE FOR PRESIDENT
Plurality.
Year. Republican. Vote. Democratic. Vote. Rep. Dem.
1852. Scott (Whig) 142 Pierce 123 19
1856. Fremont 630 Buchanan 500 130
i860. Lincoln 1,185 Douglas 1,151 34
1864. Lincoln 1,146 McClellan 1,331 185
1868. Grant 1,543 Seymour 1,403 140
1872. Grant 1,455 Greeley 1,384 71
1876. Hayes 1,709 Tilden 1,646 63
1880.* Garfield 1,838 Hancock 1,531 307
1884. Blaine 1,731 Cleveland 2,005 274
Harrison 1,903 Cleveland 2,023
120
1892. Harrison 1,832 Cleveland 1,956 124
1896. McKinley 2,472 Bryan 1,897 575
1900. McKinley 2,660 Bryan 1,850 810
1904. Roosevelt 2,609 Parker 1,571 I038
1008. Taft 2,521 Bryan 1,725 796
1912.T Taft 1,296 Wilson 1,767 498
*Weaver (Greenback), 332.
tRooscvelt (Progressive), 1,273.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
115
VOTE FOR GOVERNOR
Year. Republican. Vote.
1850. J. L. Thompson (Whig)... 27
1854. Jas. W, Grimes (Whig) 299
1857. Ralph P. Lowe 543
1859. S. J. Kirkwood 743
1861. S. J. Kirkwood 955
1863. Wm. M. Stone 997
1865. Wm. M. Stone 1,004
1867. Samuel Merrill 1,216
1869. Samuel Merrill 1,485
1871. C. C. Carpenter 1,257
1873. C. C. Carpenter 1,049
1875. S. J. Kirkwood 1,833
1877. John H. Gear 1,547
1879. John H. Gear 1,795
1881. Buren R. Sherman 1,355
1883. Buren R. Sherman 1,564
1885. Wm. Larrabee 1,514
1887. Wm. Larrabee 1,627
1889. Jos. Hutchinson 1.704
1891. H. C. Wheeler 1,762
1893. Frank D. Jackson 1,971
1895. F. M. Drake 2,122
1897. Leslie M. Shaw 2,174
1899. Leslie M. Shaw 2,251
1901. A. B. Cummins 2,206
1903. A. B. Cummins 2,338
1906. A. B. Cummins 2,215
1908. B. F. Carroll 2,349
1910. B. F. Carroll 2,176
1912. Geo. W. Clarke 1,922
*Anti- Monopoly.
**Greenback vote, 109.
*t*Greenback vote, 206.
Plurality.
Democratic.
Vote.
Rep. Dem
Stephen Hempsteac
30
3
Curtis Bates
197
102
Ben M. Samuels. . .
574
3i
A. C. Dodge
1.025
282
Wm. H. Merritt...
990
35
J. M. Tuttle
1.343
346
Thos. H. Benton..
1,270
266
Chas. Mason
1.307
91
Geo. Gillaspic
1.435
50
Joseph C. Knapp. .
1,363
106
T. G. Vale*
1,536
487
Shephard Leffler . .
2,1 57
324
John P. Irish**....
1,540
7
H. H. Trimble***..
1,584
211
L. G. Kinnet
1.258
97
L. G Kinnet
1,786
222
Chas. WhitingS . . .
2,018
504
T. J. Anderson. . . .
1,941
314
Horace Boies
1,987
283
Horace Boies
2,185
423
Horace Boies
1,900
71
W. I. Babb
1.754
368
F. E. White
1.763
411
F. E. White
i,799
452
T. J. Phillips
i,S49
657
J. B. Sullivan
1,682
656
Claude R. Porter. .
1,863
352
Fred E. White
1,654
695
Claude R. Porter. .
1,684
492
Edward G. Dunn . .
1.741
181
tGreenback vote,
254-
^Greenback vote,
183.
§Fusion.
SECRETARY OF STATE
Year. Republican. Vote.
1856.* Elijah Sells 444
1858. Elijah Sells 660
i860. Elijah Sells 1,153
1862. James Wright 792
1864. James Wright 1,147
[866. Ed Wright 1,211
1868. Ed Wright 1,549
(870. Ed Wright 1,314
[872. Josiah T. Young 1,455
1874. Josiah T. Young 1,229
1876. Josiah T. Young 1,953
1878. J. A. T. Hull 1,712
18S0.J J. A. T. Hull 1,839
1882J J. A. T. Hull 1,235
1884. Frank D. Jackson. 1,731
1886. Frank D. Jackson 1,783
Vol. I— 6
Plurality.
Democratic.
Vote.
Rep.
Dem
George Snyder . .
■ 359
85
Samuel Douglas .
• 789
129
J. M. Corse
• 1. 137
16
R. H. Sylvester...
• 1.047
255
J. H. Wallace....
• i,335
188
L. G. Van Anda. .
. 1,242
31
David Hammer . .
• i,4i3
136
Chas. Doerr ....
■ 1,256
58
E. A. Guilbert. . . .
• 1,430
25
David Morgant .
. 1,400
171
J. H. Stubenrauch
■ i,932
21
E. M. Farnsvvorth
. 1,805
93
A. B. Keith
• 1,522
317
T. 0. Walker
. 1,488
253
Jas. Dooley
. 2,010
279
Cato Sells
• i,934
ISI
116
i8"
1890.
1892
1894.
lN.X>
1898.
1900.
1902
J 904
I906.
I908.
I9IO.
1912
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Frank D. Jackson 1,903
W. M. McFarland [,788
W. M. McFarland 1,817
W. M. McFarland 2,136
Geo. L. Dobson 2.4<)5
Geo. L. Dobson 2. 287
W'm. B. Martin 2,645
\\ 111. B. Martin 2.1S7
Win. B. Martin 2,578
Win. C. 1 1 ay ward 2.305
Win. C. Hay ward 2,367
Wm. C. Hayward 2,073
Wm. S. Allen 1,910
W. McHenry
2,024
121
W. H. Chamberlain
2,067
279
J, H. McConlogue.
1,966
149
Horatio P. Dale. . .
1.755
38i
II. L. Carr
1,913
582
C. R. Porter
1.430
857
S. B. Crane
1.847
798
Richard Burke ....
1.596
59i
Chas. A. Dickson. .
1 .S')-:
986
J. S. McLuen
1,626
679
Tulins Ruge
1,619
748
A. J. Anders
1.537
536
Chas. B. Murtagh.
1,702
208
*First record found. ^Greenback vote, 334.
tAnti-Monopoly. iGreenback vote, 303.
The first record we find of a formal organization in this county of the fol-
lowers of a designated political faith bears date, December 10, 1853, when the
following notice was circulated :
To the Democratic Voters of Allamakee County:
Fellow Citizens: You are hereby notified that a meeting will be held at
Waukon on Saturday, Dec. 24, 1853, for the purpose of taking into considera-
tion the propriety of an immediate organization of the democratic party in our
county. Also for the further purpose of appointing delegates to the state con-
vention, etc.
W. C. Thompson,
Jas. W. Flint,
M. B. Lyons,
Committee.
At this meeting Edward Eells was chosen chairman and C. J. White, secre-
tary, and it was
"Resolved, That the democrats of the county of Allamakee ought to and hereby
do organize themselves into a regular political party, according to the time-hon-
ored usages of the same, both in the state and nation, and as an auxiliary thereto."
The central committee consisted of Archa Whaley, Reuben Sencebaugh,
Wm. H. Morrison, Edward Eells and A. J. Hersey.
The township committees were :
Union City — Geo. Spence, Wm. Dennison, G. W. Carver.
Lansing — Richard Luckins, A. J. Tillotson, Jas. P. Hughes.
Lafayette— W. C. Thompson, R. Ottman, O. S. Conkey.
Makee — C. Paulk, T. Minard, Aug. Hersev.
Union Prairie — J. E. S. Morgan. Loren Eells. George Merrill.
Ludlow — E. Reed, Luther Howes, Henry Beaver.
Jefferson — W. F, Ross, Henry Coffman, H. Burgess.
Paint Creek — Andrew Mitchell, Thos. Anderson, Geo. Watkins.
Taylor — David Harper, Michael Dignan, Otto Langfield.
Linton — Allen Scott. L. W. Hays. Henry Johnson.
Franklin — John Brisco, Austin Smith, John S. Clark.
Post — fames Arnold, Reuben Smith.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 117
Wm. H. Morrison, S. A. Tupper and J. W. Flint were appointed delegates
to the state convention.
The convention thereupon "resolved" to authorize the central committee to
fix the ratio of representation ; "that we have undiminished confidence in the
administration of the general government, and will continue to give our undi-
vided support ;" the state government "merits our approbation and continued
confidence;" our senators, "for their uniform attachment to democratic principles,
are entitled to the cordial support of every true democrat," and the "gratitude,
influence and support of every true friend of western interest."
It is noticeable that in the foregoing list occur the names of certain New
Englanders and others, who in later years became staunch supporters of the
republican party, which was organized in Iowa at a convention held at Iowa City,
February 23, 1856. At the presidential election of that year Allamakee county
gave a majority of 130 for the new party. ,
The following notes on some of the county campaigns will be found of
interest :
In 1868 the county went republican on the state ticket for the first time in
eight years, and gained the offices of county recorder, clerk and sheriff. The
first five amendments to the state constitution striking out the word "white" from
certain sections carried by 35.
In 1869 occurred a tie vote for state representative, John Haney, Jr., and
P. G. Wright each receiving 1.444. It was decided by lot, twenty slips of paper
numbered from 1 to 20 were drawn alternately, resulting for P. G. Wright, demo-
crat, 108 to 102.
The feature of the 1870 campaign was the hotly contested struggle for
republican candidate for congress in this Third district. J. W. Thomas of Lan-
sing was endorsed by our county convention, but at the convention at Charles
City in August, W. G. Donnan received the nomination on the 108th ballot, and
was elected by 4,966 majority.
In 1871 the democrats made a clean sweep after a hot campaign. For sheriff,
fames Ruth received 1,302 and James Palmer 1,303, but there were found two
surplus ballots in Lansing and one in Ludlow, and a new election was called for
those townships, which made the final result 1,373 f°r Ruth and 1,378 for
Palmer, democrat.
In 1874 the interest centered in the republican contest for congress, C. T.
Granger receiving the nomination over D. N. Cooley at McGregor on the 76th
ballot, but was defeated by L. L. Ainsworth, democrat, at the ensuing election.
The county seat contest in 1875 brought out the largest vote in the county
up to that time, 4,000. The democrats secured all the county offices except sheriff,
Geo. Hewitt, and supervisor, Robt. Crawford. J. T. Metcalf was the chairman
of the republican county committee.
In 1877 the county went republican again, electing all officers except Auditor
W. C. Thompson. For the first time in many years a republican, Benj. Ratcliffe,
was sent to the legislature. Peter Karberg of Lansing was chairman of the
republican committee.
In 1880 the jail tax proposition was lost, and the poorhouse tax carried. In
1881 the jail tax carried. W. C. Earle was elected to the legislature on the
republican ticket, over Dick Haney of Lansing. In 1882 and 1883 the county
118 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
was heavily democratic on state ticket, in the latter year by 222. Mrs. Martha
T. Hemenway of Lansing, candidate for county superintendent on the republican
ticket, lost to L. Eells by only 148.
From this time on the county remained solidly democratic until 1893 when
the tide again turned and the republicans made a clean sweep, majorities ranging
from 144 to 540 on county officers and 71 on the state ticket. A. M. May was
chairman of the republican county committee, and Douglass Deremore of the
democratic. Since that time the county has remained republican, and events
so recent hardly require further comment here.
K S
— /.
~S- 2
o
a;
CHAPTER XI
COUNTY OFFICERS
The following is as complete a list of the Allamakee county officials, from
the organization of the county to the present time, as it is possible to produce at
this day, it being borne in mind that the early records are very incomplete, as
stated in the account of the first elections.
The year first mentioned against each name generally indicates the year of
election, though in most cases possession of the office was taken the first of
January following, except in the very early years.
County Commissioners — James M. Sumner, Joseph W. Holmes, 1849 (April
election). August election, 1849, James M. Sumner, Thomas A. Van Sickle,
Daniel G. Beck. Whether any others served as Commissioners before the sys-
tem gave way to that of a County Judge in 1851, we have been unable to ascertain.
Clerk of Commissioners' Court — Daniel G. Beck, 1849; Grove A. Warner,
'49 to 'si.
Clerk of District Court — Stephen Holcomb, 1849-50; Thos. B. Twiford,
1850-51 ; Leonard B. Hodges, 1851-53; Lewis W. Hersey, 1853-56; C. J. White,
1856-64; J. G. Orr, 1864-66; Giles P. Eells, 1866-68; John W. Pratt, 1868-74;
H. O. Dayton. 1874-80; L. M. Bearce, 1880-90; Wm. S. Hart, 1890-resigned
Jan'y, 1894, and H. G. Fisher appointed to vacancy, through 1894; W. O. Bock,
1894-98; Ellison Orr, 1898-1902; Nic. Colsch, Jr., 1902-06; James Collins, 1906-
10; A. G. Meiners, 1910-, present incumbent.
Sheriff — Thomas C. Linton was appointed organizing sheriff to call the
election for county officers, held April 2, 1849. The sheriff then elected was
Lester W. Hays, 1849-51; William C. Thompson, 1851-53; John Laughlin,
1853-55; John A. Townsend, 1855-59; W. C. Thompson again, 1859-61; James
Palmer, 1861-65; J. A. Townsend again, 1865-67; Robert Bathan, 1867-71; Jas.
Palmer again, 1871-73; Geo. Hewit, 1873-81; Chris. A. Leithold, 1881-resigned
June, 1887, and F. J. Haberkern appointed, and then elected, 1887-89; J. B.
Minert, 1889-93; J- H. McGhee, 1893-99; Jas. T. Bulman, 1899-1903; Geo. S.
Hall, 1003-08; B. O. Swebakken, 1908-12; A. D. Larson, 1912-, present incumbent.
Treasurer and Recorder — (Prior to 1865 the offices of Treasurer and
Recorder were united.) — Elias Topliff, 1849-51; James M. Sumner, 1851-52;
James Bell, 1852-53; Thos. C. Linton, 1853; John J. Shaw, 1853-55; L. O. Hatch,
1855-57; Elias Topliff, 1857-60; A. H. Houghton, 1860-61 ; L. H. Howe, 1861 —
died summer of '63; James Duffy, appointed to fill vacancy, 1863; Michael Healy,
elected 1863-65.
121
122 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
fudge of Probate Court — Stephen Holcomb, 1849-51. This office was
abolished in 1851, and that of County Judge created.
County Judge— Elias Topliff, 1851-57; Geo. M. Dean, 1857-59; John A.
Tnwnsend, 1859-61 ; O. S. Conkey. [861-67; M. B. Hendrick, 1867-68, when
the office of County Judge was discontinued and Judge Hendrick became ex-
officio Auditor until the close of his term, December 31, 1869.
Drainage Commissioner — A. J. Hersey, 1853 — ; G. W. Gray, 1857-58; J. W.
Merrill. [858-59; Geo. L. Miller, 1859-69.
Inspector of Weights and Measures— G. A. Warner, 1849—; m January
session of Board of Supervisors, 1863, L. H. Howe was appointed Sealer of
Weights and Measures for Allamakee county.
Coroner— C. P. Williams, 1849—; M. F. Luark, 1857-58; F. W. Nottingham,
1858-59; J. W. Granger, 1859-61; John Ryan, 1861-63; John Farrell, 1863-65;
David Harper. 1865-66; Fred Bartheld, 1866-67; J. Farrell. 1867-69; A. G.
Collins, i869-7[; L. B. Adams, 1871-73; W. D. Morgan, 1873-75; John Farrell,
1875-77; D. H. Bowen, 1877-81 ; W. D. Morgan, 1881-83; S. C. Hulse, 1883-85;
D. F. O'Brien, 1885-87; J. W. Pennington, 1887-89; Wm. Xopper. 1889-93;
G. E. Thompson, 1893-94; Wm. Xopper, 1894-95; S. C. Meyers, 1895-1902;
D. Strock, 1902-08; O. J. Blessin, 1908-10; D. Strock again, 1910-13, resigned
July, 1 9 1 3 , and Dr. J. C. Lewis appointed.
Surveyor — James M. Sumner, 1849. Between this date and 1857, L. B.
Hodges. S. P. Hicks. John M. Cushing, Joel Dayton. W. W. Hungerford, 1857
-59; John Ryan. 1859-61; H. O. Dayton. 1861-65; Henry Dayton, 1865-69; John
G. Ratcliffe, 1869-71; H.. O. Dayton again, 1871-74; James McAnaney, 1874-77;
A. R. Prescott, 1877-79; Harvey B. Miner, 1879-83; Joseph Fahey, 1883-89;
Y. H. Stevens. 1889-91; Joseph Fahey, 1891-93; H. B. Miner, 1893-99; J. J.
McGuinnis, 1899-1901 ; H. 1'.. Miner, 1901-11, when the office was abolished, and
Mr. Miner and his son W. H. Miner were employed by the Board as engineers.
County Engineer — W. 11. Miner appointed by Board of Supervisors in 1913.
Prosecuting Attorney — John W. Remine appointed in November, 185 1, to
"serve until his successor be duly qualified after the April election of 1852;"
Sewell Goodridge, 1852-54; John T. Clark, 1854, resigned June 30, 1857; Geo.
W. Camp, appointed July 2, 1857, and elected that fall. This office was super-
ceded by that of District Attorney in 1858.
School Fund Commissioner — Elias Topliff, 1851-54; Wm. F. Ross. 1854 until
the office was discontinued in 1858.
Superintendent of Schools — This office was established in 1858, and J. W.
Flint was elected that year. In 1859 R. C. Armstrong was elected, and served
until he departed in 1861 ; J. Loughran appointed 1861 ; A. H. Houghton in
1861-62; John O. Havens, 1863; T. C. Ransom, 1863-65; Theo. Nachtwey,
1865-69; Lenthel Eells, 1869-71; Thos. F. Healy, 1871-73, died May 31st, and
the Board of Supervisors appointed John W. Hinchon, who was elected in Octo-
ber following and served until September 23, 1876 when he resigned and Lenthel
Eells was appointed, and later elected to fill vacancy; J. Loughran, 1877-79;
Amos Row, 1879-81; Lenthel Eells again 1881-85; Wm. J. Mitchell, 1885-89;
J. P. Raymond, [889-9] '< Wm- J- Mitchell, 1891-93; J. F. Smith, 1893-99; E. L.
Coffeen, 1899-1901 ; J. F. Mills, 1901-06; Wilber L. Peck, 1906-13, present
incumbent.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 123
Treasurer — Michael Healy, 1865-67; H. H. Stilwell, 1867-69; James Duffy,
1869-73; John Ryan» l873~77; George H. Bryant, 1877-85; J. F. Dougherty,
1885-93; Geo. J. Helming, 1893-99; Anton C. Larson, 1899-1903; John M. Lep-
pert, 1903-08; L. T. Hermanson, 1908-12; Frank T. Bulman, 1912 — , present
incumbent.
Recorder— Patrick Ryder, 1865-68; D. W. Reed, 1868-78; E. D. Purdy, 1878-
94 (J. D. Brennan was elected in 1882, but appointed Mr. Purdy as his deputy,
who was in charge during his term 1883-4) ; E. M. Hancock, 1894-1906; T. J.
Collins, 1906-08; Fred Straate, 1908-10; T. J. Collins, 1910 — , and present in-
cumbent.
Auditor — The office of County Auditor was created in 1868, the duties begin-
ning January 1st, 1869, and were performed the first year by the ex-County
Judge, M. B. Hendrick, 1869-71; Win. C. Thompson, 1871-79; S. R. Thompson,
1879-83; John M. Collins, 1883-94; H. L. Johnson, 1894-96; Otto Hagen, 1896-
1900; J. B. Jones, 1900-04; James Ruth, 1904-08; S. K. Kolsrud, 1908-12; Joe
Keiser, 191 2-, present incumbent.
County Supervisors — The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors convened
at Waukon January 7, 1861. Under the new system of county government the
following named represented their respective townships, until 1870 when the
system was changed, viz :
Center — W. Bacon, 1861 ; F. B. Hale, 1862-64; Adam Cavers, 1864-67; P.
Soderstrom 1867-70.
Fairview — Peter O'Malley,' 1861-65; Nicholas Drumm, 1866-67; J. S. Deremo,
1868-69; P. O'Malley, 1870.
Franklin — Selden Candee, 1861-66; D. W. Lyons, 1867-68; D. Dickerson,
1869; S. Candee, 1870.
French Creek — Hugh Riley, 1861-66; Porter Bellow, 1867-68; Hugh Riley,
1869-70.
Hanover — Erick Ellefson, 1861-66; John C. Barr (appointed), 1866; Oscar
F. Ferris, 1867-68; Hans G. Hanson, 1869; Wm. H. Reid, 1869-70.
Iowa — Martin Moore, 1861-63; William Cox (appointed), 1863-65; Michael
Gabbett, 1866-69; Martin Moore, 1870.
Jefferson — George N. Burger, i86i<-65; Robert Bathan, 1866-67; H. S. Cooper,
1868; James Bryson, 1869-70.
Lafayette — James Duncan, 1861-65; Philip Byrne, 1866; H. O. Dayton, 1867;
P. Farley, 1868-70.
Lansing — Gustav Kerndt, 1861-64; C. J. White, 1865-66; G. Kerndt, 1867-69;
John Haney, Jr., 1870.
Linton — Wm. Moshier, 1861 ; John B. Sutter, 1862-64; N. Davis, 1865; H.
H. Stilwell, 1865-67; Jeremiah Leas, 1868-70.
Ludlow — Isaac Greer, 1861-63; P. G. Wright, 1864-65; Thomas Feeley,
1866-68; Jas. C. Smith, 1868-69; Wm. J. Jones, 1870.
Makee — Moses Hancock, 1861-62; Sidney Burlingame, 1863; L. M. Bearce
(appointed), 1863-64; Richard Wilber (appointed), 1865-66; D. W. Adams
( appointed upon Wilber's resignation, September), 1866-69; H. H. Stilwell, 1870.
Paint Creek — James Bryson, 1861 ; James Duffey, 1862-63; Reuben Sence-
baugh (appointed), 1863; Wm. S. Cooke, 1864; T. M. Van Horn (appointed),
1864-65; James R. Conway, 1865-67; Hans Smeby, 1868-70.
124 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Post— Wm. H. Carithers, 1861-63; S. McArthur, 1864; E. Higby, 1865; Wm.
H. Carithers (appointed), 1865-67; S. F. Goodykoontz, 1868-70.
Taylor—Michael Healy, 1861-63; John Ryan (appointed), 1864-66; Bernard
Finegan, 1867-68; Michael Barry, 1869-70.
Union City— Josiah Everett, 1861-62; Wm. Yeoman, 1863-64; Josiah Everett,
Jr., 1866; John Gilchrist (appointed), 1866; Wm. Yeoman, 1867-70.
Union Prairie— John Goodykoontz, 1861-63; G. P. Eells, 1864-66; A. L.
Grippen, 1867; Jacob Goodykoontz till June, '68, resigned and Board appointed
John Goodykoontz, 1868; A. J. Eells, 1869; G. P. Eells. 1870.
Waterloo— A. Schwartzhoff, 1861-62; T. C. Smith. 1863-66; S. H. Haines
(appointed), 1866-70.
During the existence of this system the following named members were each
president of the body, in this order:
Moses Hancock. Makee, 1861. Michael Healy. Taylor, 1862 and '63. P. G.
Wright, Ludlow, 1864 and '65. C. J. White. Lansing, 1866. D. W. Adams,
Makee, 1867, '68 and '69. G. P. Eells, Union Prairie. 1870.
By the change of system in 1870 to that of three supervisors, now in vogue,
the new Board was to organize in January. 1871, since when it has been com-
posed of the following:
1871 — Thomas H. Barnes, Chairman, Gustav Kerndt, Selden Candee.
1872 — T. H. Barnes, Chairman, G. Kerndt, T. C. Smith. In June Mr. Kerndt
tendered his resignation on account of poor health, and Abner Wood was appointed
to fill the vacancy.
1873 — T. H. Barnes, chairman; T. C. Smith. Martin Moore.
1874 — T. C. Smith, chairman ; H. S. Cooper, Martin Moore.
1875 — Martin Moore, chairman; H. S. Cooper, Henry Bensch.
1876 — H. S. Cooper, chairman; Henry Bensch, Robt. Crawford.
1877 — Henry Bensch, chairman; Robert Crawford, Joseph Schwartzhoff.
1878 — Robert Crawford, chairman ; Joseph Schwartzhoff, Gilbert Satrang.
1879 — Joseph Schwartzhoff, chairman ; Gilbert Satrang, X. J. Beedy.
18S0 — Gilbert Satrang, chairman; N. J. Beedy, E. A. Blum.
1881 — N. J. Beedy, chairman; E. A. Blum, Gilbert Satrang.
1882 — E. A. Blum, chairman; Gilbert -Satrang, N. J. Beedy.
1883 — G. Satrang, chairman; E. Bartheld, X. J. Beedy, resigned.
1884 — W. C. Thompson, chairman; E. Bartheld, Hans Simenson.
1885 — E. Bartheld, chairman ; W. C Thompson, Hans Simenson.
1886 — W. C. Thompson, chairman; Hans Simenson, Jeremiah Leas.
1887 — Hans Simenson, chairman ; Jeremiah Leas, Andrew Sandry.
1888 — Jeremiah Leas, chairman; Andrew Sandry, Lewis Coppersmith.
1889 — Andrew Sandry, chairman; Lewis Coppersmith, Jeremiah Leas.
1890 — Lewis Coppersmith, chairman ; Jeremiah Leas, John M. Meier.
1891 — Jeremiah Leas, chairman; John H. Meier, Henry Froelich.
1892 — J. H. Meier, chairman; Henry Froelich, W. M. Kelly.
l893— Henry Froelich, chairman; W. M. Kelly, Lewis Coppersmith.
1894 — L. Coppersmith, chairman; W. M. Kelly, M. W. Eaton.
J895 — L. Coppersmith, chairman; M. W. Eaton, T. A. Drogset.
1896 — M. W. Eaton, chairman; J. A. Drogset, J. W. Hartley.
1897— M. W. Eaton, chairman; J. W. Hartley, J. A. Drogset.'
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 125
1898 — J. W. Hartley, chairman ; J. A. Drogset, M. W. Eaton.
1899 — M. W. Eaton, chairman; J. A. Drogset, J. W. Hartley.
1900 — J. A. Drogset, chairman; J. W. Hartley, M. W. Eaton.
1901 — J. W. Hartley, chairman; M. W. Eaton, James Cavers.
1902 — M. W. Eaton, chairman ; James Cavers, John Waters.
[903 — James Cavers, chairman; John Waters, M. W. Eaton. (Iver Iverson
was selected in November, 1902, but died on election day, November 4, and under
the statutes supervisor Eaton held over until the next election, November, 1903,
when N. J. Quandahl was elected to fill the vacancy.)
1904 — John Waters, chairman; James Cavers, N. J. Quandahl. (Mr. Cavers
died this spring, and J. A. Drogset was appointed to vacancy before the April
session.)
1905 — N. J. Quandahl, chairman; J. A. Drogset, John Waters.
1906 — J. A. Drogset, chairman ; John Waters, N. J. Quandahl.
1907 — John Waters, chairman ; Ole L. Rema, Martin McLaughlin.
1908 — Martin McLaughlin, chairman; Ole L. Rema, W. H. Weihe.
1909 — Ole L. Rema, chairman; Wm. H. Weihe, D. D. Ronan.
1910 — Wm. H. Weihe, chairman; D. D. Ronan, S. H. Opfer.
191 1 — D. D. Ronan, chairman; S. H. Opfer, Julius Gruber.
1912 — S. H. Opfer, chairman; Julius Gruber, D. D. Ronan.
.1913 — Julius Gruber, chairman; D. D. Ronan, Wm. H. Weihe.
County Attorney — John F. Dayton appointed by the Board of Supervisors
January, 1886, for that year. At the election in the fall of that year S. S. Powers
was elected, serving until December, 1887, when his death occurred, and Henry
Dayton was appointed to the vacancy, and by reelection held the office through
1894. In this year Earl M. Woodward was elected, and again in 1896. Mr.
Woodward died early in January, '98, when H. H. Stilwell was appointed to the
vacancy, serving by reelections through 1904, when H. E. Taylor was chosen.
Mr. Taylor was succeeded January 1, 191 1, by Frank L. May, the present in-
cumbent.
STATE LEGISLATURE SENATE
In the Third General Assembly which convened at Iowa City December 2,
1850, and adjourned February 5, 1851, the counties of Allamakee, Winneshiek,
Clayton, Dubuque, Delaware, Buchanan and Black Hawk, composed one sena-
torial district, represented by John G. Shields and Warner Lewis.
In the Fourth General Assembly the counties of Grundy, Butler, Bremer,
Howard, Mitchell, Floyd, and Chickasaw, represented by John G. Shields, Warner
Lewis, and Maturin L. Fisher, 1852-3.
Fifth General Assembly, 1854-5, the district was unchanged, represented by
Win. W. Hamilton, Maturin L. Fisher, and John G. Shields.
Sixth General Assembly, 1856-7, Allamakee, Winneshiek, Howard, Chicka-
saw, Mitchell, Floyd, Worth, Cerro Gordo, Hancock, Winnebago, Bancroft and
Kossuth, composed the Thirty-fourth senatorial district, Senator Jeremiah T.
Atkins, of Winneshiek.
Seventh, 1858-59, unchanged. This was the first assembly held at Des Moines.
126
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Eighth and Ninth, [860-63, Allamakee and Winneshiek composed the Thirty- •
ninth district, represented by Geo. W. Gray of Lansing, the first state senator
from this county.
Tenth. lanuarv to March. [864, Allamakee was the Fortieth district, Senator
Geo. W. Gray.
Eleventh, [866, this was the Forty-first district, Senator Chas. Paulk.
Twelfth and Thirteenth, 1868 and 1870, Senator L. E. Fellows.
Fourteenth to Seventeenth, 1872 to 1878, Senator Samuel H. Kinne.
Eighteenth and Nineteenth, 1880 and 1882. Henry Xielander.
Twentieth. [884, Mlamakee and Fayette counties were united forming the
Fortieth district. Senator William Larrabee of Fayette county.
Twenty-first. 1886, W. C. Earle, of Waukon.
Twenty-second to Twenty-fifth. 1888 to 1894, Fayette county.
Twenty-sixth to Twenty-ninth, 1896 to 1902, Jas. H. Trewin, of Lansing.
Thirtieth to Thirty-second, 1904 to 1908, A. C. Wilson, of Fayette county.
Thirty-third and Thirty-fourth. 1909 and 191 1, Henry L. Adams of Fayette
county.
Thirty-fifth, 191 3, A. M. Fellows of Lansing.
STATE LEGISLATURE — HOUSE
In the Third General Assembly, 1850-51, Clayton. Fayette, Allamakee and
Winneshiek composed one district, represented by Eliphalet Price of Clayton
county.
1852-53, Howard, Mitchell, Floyd, and Chickasaw, were added to this district,
represented by Edwin Montgomery and John Garber.
1854-56, Winneshiek and Allamakee composed the First district, James D.
McKay of the former county being the representative.
1856-57, Allamakee was the Forty-fifth district, represented by James Bryson,
first member of the House from this county.
1858, this was the First district again, and our member G. W. Gray.
1860-fii, two sessions of Eighth General Assembly, Allamakee the Fifty-
sixth district, our member Chas. Paulk.
1862-63, two sessions Ninth General Assembly, Allamakee the Fifty-first
district, represented by Joseph Burton.
1864, Allamakee the Fiftieth district, Chas. Paulk.
1866, two representatives, P. G. Wright and L. E. Fellows.
1868. Pierce G. Wright and Geo. R. Miller.
1870. Allamakee the Fifty-second district, P. G. Wright and D. Dickerson.
[872, Henry Dayton and Andrew Sandry.
1874, Allamakee the Sixtieth district, one representative, Henry Dayton.
[876, Sixteenth assembly. Luther Brown.
1878, Seventeenth Assembly, Benjamin Ratcliffe.
1880, Eighteenth, Allamakee the Sixty-fourth district. Thos. H. Barnes.
1882, Nineteenth General Assembly, W. C. Earle.
1884 and [886, Twentieth and Twenty-first Assemblies. Allamakee the Sixty-
fifth district, Theo. Nachtwey.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 127
188S and 1890, Twenty-second and Twenty-third Assemblies, the Eighty-
ninth district, and 1892, Twenty-fourth Assembly, Eighty-seventh district, John
F. Dayton.
1894, Twenty-fifth Assembly, J. H. Trewin.
1806 to 1900, Twenty-sixth to Twenty-eighth Assemblies, D. H. Bowen;
speaker of the House in the Twenty-eighth.
1902, Twenty-ninth Assembly, Robt. Hufschmidt.
1904 and 1906, Thirtieth and Thirty-first Assemblies, W. S. Hart.
1907, Thirty-second Assembly, Allamakee the Ninetieth district, W. C. Earle.
1909 and 191 1, Thirty-third and Thirty-fourth Assemblies, E. H. Fourt.
1913, Thirty-fifth Assembly, Otto A. Helming.
DISTRICT COURT
Judges — 1847 to 1882 — Second Judicial District, State of Iowa, after this
county was added in 1847, comprised the counties of Buchanan, Cedar, Clayton,
Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Jackson, Jones, Muscatine, Scott, Alla-
makee and Winneshiek. Judge James Grant, commissioned November 15, 1847.
to May 8, 1852, when Judge Thomas S. Wilson qualified, who remained judge of
this district till after Allamakee was withdrawn to help form the —
Tenth Judicial District, created in 1855, comprised Allamakee, Cerro Gordo,
Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Floyd, Howard, Mitchell, Winneshiek and Worth.
Judge Samuel Murdock, of Clayton county, 1855 to 1858. With the exception
of Cerro Gordo and Worth, and the addition of Bremer and Butler, this territory
became the Tenth judicial district under the present constitution in 1858. In
1858 Elias H. Williams, of Clayton county, was elected judge, and served until
Milo McGlathery, of Fayette county, was elected in 1866. The counties of Bremer,
Butler, Floyd and Mitchell were detached in 1864, but remained connected with
this district (except for election purposes) until January, 1865. Judge
McGlathery served from 1867 to 1874 inclusive. Judge Reuben Noble 1875 to
November, 1879, when he resigned and the governor appointed in his stead
Ezekiel E. Cooley, who was elected at the general election in 1880 and served
through 1882. In that year L. O. Hatch was elected, continuing as judge of the
Tenth district from 1883 to 1886, when it became the Thirteenth district, of which
he continued judge until his death in 1894. In 1886 the Circuit Court was abolished
and Judge Chas. T. Granger became one of the two district judges, until 1888,
when he was called to the Supreme court. L. E. Fellows of Lansing was
appointed in January, 1889, to fill this vacancy, and elected in November, 1890,
to serve through 1891. W. A. Hoyt was elected that year and served through
1894, when Mr. Fellows was again elected and served until 1912, in which year
he died. W. J. Springer of New Hampton was appointed to the vacancy, and
elected at the following election. Upon the death of Judge Hatch in 1894,
E. E. Cooley was appointed to the vacancy in August, and elected in November
to fill out the year. A. N. Hobson was elected for the full term, at the same
election, and has been reelected continuously and is still on the bench.
District Attorneys. 1858 to 1882. — At the October election, 1858, Milo
McGlathery was elected prosecuting attorney for the Tenth judicial district, and
reelected in 1862. In 1866 L. O. Hatch was elected to this position, but resigned
128 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
in l868, and Charles T. Granger was appointed his successor. At the general
election in 1869 Mr. Granger was chosen to continue in the position, to fill out
the unexpired portion of the term until the close of 1870, and at the election of
that year he was reelected. In 1872 he was elected circuit judge, thus creating
a vacancy in the office of district attorney, which was filled by the appointment
of Orlando J. Clark, and the appointment was ratified at the next general elec-
tion, in 1873. In 1874 Mr. Clark was reelected for the full term, and at the close
of the year 1878 was succeeded by Cyrus Wellington, who served until the office
was dispensed with, in January, 1886.
CIRCUIT COURT
The Circuit court was established by act of Legislature in 1868. Each judicial
district in the state was by the act divided into two circuits, in each of which, at
the general election in November, 1868, a circuit judge was elected for four years.
In this, the First circuit of the Tenth judicial district, comprising Allamakee,
Winneshiek and Howard, Martin V. Burdick was elected judge; and in the Second
circuit, Benjamin T. Hunt. The division into two circuits was found unnecessary,
and the two were consolidated. The Circuit court had concurrent jurisdiction
with the District court, except as to criminal cases, and exclusive jurisdiction in
probate matters. In 1872 Charles T. Granger was elected to succeed Judge Bur-
dick, and by reelection continued to occupy this position until the Circuit court
was dispensed with in 1886, when he was transferred to the District court.
ru;Lic uc;
"NO
TILO' N FOUNDATIONS.
THE ELEPHANT
I Ml <>\\ l.s HEAD
CHAPTER XII
THE COUNTY SEAT
A volume might be written of the ten or more county seat contests in Alla-
makee county in the first quarter century following its organization, and it
would be interesting to go into the details, although unprofitable from any point
of view. Even at this late date, thirty-eight years since the last county seat
election, it is a delicate matter to treat of them in such a manner as would seem
to all parties strictly impartial, so bitter was the sectional feeling aroused in
the early days. Of course the location of the seat of county government at
any place was considered a great advantage, and numerous hamlets at one time
or another entertained high hopes of securing a lasting prestige thereby. But
when the contest narrowed down to the principal towns of the county, the other
sections turned in on one side or the other according as they were moved by
feelings of local advantage, public weal, or disappointment and revenge, and the
contest between Lansing and Waukon beame prolonged and bitter, until repeated
decisions at the polls settled the question permanently in favor of the present
location at Waukon.
In the second General Assembly an act was passed organizing the county of
Allamakee, and approved by Gov. Ansel Briggs — the first state Governor — Jan-
uary 15, 1849. Under this act the first election was held — as heretofore stated.
Commissioners were also appointed to locate the county seat of said county,
consisting of Wm. Linton, John Francis and James Jones and they performed
their duty by selecting a location in Jefferson township, about a mile and a half
northwest of the present village of Rossville, on the road from there to Waukon,
near the Pettit place. It has ever since been known as "The Old Stake." This
selection was never utilized, however, and at the April election of 1851 the ques-
tion was submitted to a vote of the people, the contesting points being: Vailsville,
on Paint Rock Prairie (now Harper's Ferry), "Smith's Place, sec. 12," in Post
township, and Columbus, at the mouth of Village creek in Lansing township.
As neither point received a majority another vote was taken on the first Monday
in May following, between Columbus and Smith's Mill, Vailsville being out of
the contest, resulting in a small majority — 14 it is said — for Columbus. We
have no means of ascertaining the number of votes cast ; neither do we know
how many polling places there were in the county at that time; but if we are
not mistaken Reuben Smith's place (one of the contesting points) was one of
these. He stated in the fall of 1877 that a county seat election in '51 was held
in a log cabin of his, and that voters came there from a distance of many miles,
131
132 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
of whom he remembered Shattuck and Bush from what is now Makee township
among others.
About this time there existed a spirit of rivalry between Lansing and Colum-
bus, which developed into a jealousy on the part of Lansing (which had become
an aspiring little town ) toward her next door neighbor, and induced her to
attempt to deprive Columbus of her honors and the advantages accompanying
them. Although Columbus had really no natural advantage which would entitle
her to the county seat, except that of a boat landing, her proprietors and their
friends were too powerful to warrant a direct issue, and so Lansing resorted to
strategy, and urged the property of a relocation of the county seat at the geo-
graphical center of the county. Of course the settlers in the western portion were
nothing loth to enter into this movement, and a meeting was held at Ezra Reid's,
in Ludlow township, December 4, 1852, to consider the matter. Edward Eells
was selected as chairman of the meeting, and John W. Remine, of Lansing, and
C. J. White, of Makee, were secretaries. The result was that the General Assem-
bly was petitioned to have another point designated as the future county seat of
the county. In January, 1853, the Legislature granted the petition, and for the
purpose of selecting such point, appointed a commission consisting of Clement
C. Coffin, of Delaware county, John S. Lewis, of Clayton county, and Dennis A.
Mahony, of Dubuque. The third section of the act establishing this commission,
reads as follows :
"Said commissioners shall locate the county seat of the county aforesaid as
near the geographical center as a due regard for the present and prospective
interests of the county shall appear to them just and proper; they shall, also, be
influenced by the comparative eligibility of locations, and the convenience of
water, roads and building materials as also by the comparative facilities of
acquiring for said county suitable building lots, or blocks, if the county seat
should be located by them on private property."
Judge Dean, writing in 1880, narrated the sequence of events thus: "Their
commission required them to meet at Columbus, then the county seat, about the
first Monday in March following, take the oath of office and proceed to select
a point for a new county seat as near the center of the county as was practi-
cable. This they did, and in selecting the spot they took into consideration the
place where the original liberty pole was planted at the head of Union Prairie,
as mentioned in Chapter 5, Makee Ridge, and some other points ; but the absence
of water at those places made them objectionable.
"At this time there were several splendid springs bubbling out of the prairie
sod where Waukon now stands, and Father Shattuck then living here offered
to give the county forty acres of land for county seat purposes if the commis-
sioners would locate the county seat thereon. The stake was driven bv them
on the land thus donated, and the proposed town site was named at the time,
the commissioners requesting Mr. John Haney. Jr.. who was present and took
an active part in the matter, to christen the spot. He having been a trader
among the Indians and having a good friend among them in the person of Tohn
Waukon. a chief of the Winnebago tribe, gave it his name and it has been called
Waukon from that time.
"The spot for the new county seat having been selected as narrated in the
last chapter, it became subject to ratification or rejection by the legal voters of
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 133
the county at the ensuing April election ; and in order to create for the new
location as favorable an impression as possible, a mass meeting was called at
the selected spot two days before the election, and assembled near where the
Episcopal church now stands. This was the largest white assemblage ever seen
in the county, there being present nearly three hundred persons. The meeting
was organized by electing John Raymond of Union Prairie president, and A. J.
Hersey and Mr. Beeman, secretaries. John A. Wakefield, who owned the farm
on the Lansing Ridge that Hugh Norton now owns, and John W. Remine, a
lawyer from Lansing, made speeches in favor of the new location ; and Thos. B.
Twiford of Columbus, the then county seat, against it; after which Father Shat-
tuck drove on to the ground with a large supply of cooked provisions, among
which were a plentiful supply of baked beans, and from the wagon fed the multi-
tude of three hundred.
"On the following Monday, April 4th, 1853, tne voters of the county ratified
the choice of the Commissioners by a majority over Columbus of two hundred
and forty-five votes, there being seven voting precincts in the county."
That the relocation of the county seat at Waukon was not accepted by the
proprietors and friends of Columbus without a struggle, may be imagined. At
the first term of District court held at Waukon in June, 1853, Hon. Thos. S.
Wilson, Judge, the matter was at once brought up, and we quote from an old
file of the Lansing Intelligencer relating to it. as follows :
"A motion was made by Ben M. Samuels, Esq., who appeared on behalf of
the proprietors of Columbus, to adjourn the court to that place. The grounds
stated for this motion were : first, that the law providing for the relocation of
the county seat, was unconstitutional, relying in support of the position, on the
10th article of the Constitution of the United States, wherein it is declared that
'no State shall pass any law impairing the obligation of contracts.' It was argued
that the proprietors of Columbus, by deeding to the county two acres of land
under the act of 185 1, providing for the location of the county seat of Allamakee
county, thereby made a contract with the county, and that the Legislature had
no right to pass a subsequent act providing for a relocation. It was further
argued that the town of Columbus was a close corporation and had acquired a
substantial legal interest in the county seat, and that the Legislature, in passing
the original act for the location of the county seat, had an eye to the permanent
benefit of the town of Columbus. The act of 1851, authorizing the people to
vote on the question, declares that 'the point receiving the largest number of
votes shall be and remain the permanent seat of justice of said Allamakee
county, provided that the owner or owners of such town or point, shall, within
ten days after the result of said election has been declared, make and execute
to the Board of Commissioners of said county, a satisfactory and sufficient deed
for at least two acres of land in said point.' Considerable emphasis and reliance
were placed on the word 'permanent,' which appears in the clause quoted, and
it was argued that inasmuch as the word appeared in the act, the Legislature
had thereby forestalled all subsequent action with regard to the matter. The
other objections which were made, more particularly pertained to the action of
the county judge, who, it is well known, had refused to discharge any of the
duties enjoined on him by the act of the Legislature. Some other reasons, of
minor importance, were adduced, but the foregoing were the most noticeable.
134 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Mr. Samuels made quite a pathetic oration in behalf of Columbus (as a close
corporation), and spoke in a very affecting manner of her alleged rights.
"The motion was opposed by John W. Remine, Esq., of Lansing, and Jas.
Burt, Esq., of Dubuque.
"The court overruled the motion, and gave at length, and in a very plain and
clear manner his reasons. As to the objections on account of the unconstitution-
ality of the act, he said, that the town of Columbus had, in law, acquired no
interest in the matter of the county seat, that no contract existed between the pro-
prietors of the town and the county.
"With regard to the word "permanent.' which appears in the act of 185 1,
he said that the Legislature did not by that word intend to make the act immu-
tably durable — that even if the Legislature had so intended it was an excess of
legislation and consequently void. The Legislature could not pass a law and
make it impossible to change or repeal the same by subsequent legislation.
"He further said that the duties required of the county judge in the act,
providing for the relocation of the county seat, were not discretionary. The
District court could compel the county judge by mandamus to perform the duties
required of him in the act — that if he refused to reconvey the land and lot spoken
of in the act, to the proprietors of Columbus, he could be compelled."
At the March term of the County court, 1856, a petition was presented, pray-
ing that the question of removing the county seat from Waukon to Rossville
be submitted to the people, and John T. Clark, prosecuting attorney and ex-officio
county judge (Judge Topliff at the time being in temporary suspension pending
a suit for official neglect ) decided that the question should be so submitted at
the April election. A similar petition was also presented in favor of Whaley &
Topliff's Mill, in Center township, and was likewise granted. This made a
triangular contest, and Waukon received a large majority over both the other
points, the vote being, Waukon 717, Whaley & Topliff's Mill 314, and Rossville
144.
Early in 1859 a petition was circulated by Lansing for submitting the question
of removing the county seat to that place, and her citizens offered to donate
suitable lots (Park Block) and erect a courthouse thereon to cost $8,000. At
the same time $5,000 was offered by Waukon to aid in the erection of county
buildings at that place. A meeting was held at the latter place and a committee
appointed, consisting of A. J. Hersey, John T. Clark, L. O. Hatch, W. S. Cooke,
A. Hersey, L. T. Woodcock, W. W. Hungerford, J. C. Smith and Jehial John-
son, to select an eligible point on the Mississippi other than Lansing, through
which Waukon might transact her shipping business. At a later meeting the
committee reported that there was no one point to which they could in good faith
pledge their entire support, but suggested that Columbus was the nearest and
most accessible point at which to transact river business, provided she would
furnish the necessary facilities; and that Johnsonsport was the best point for
the transaction of railroad business, provided she would furnish ferry-boat
connection with the railroad at Prairie du Chien, and other facilities. On March
7th the petition was presented to the county judge (G. M. Dean) by S. H.
Kinne.
A motion was made by John T. Clark that the petition be dismissed on the
ground that the court had no power to order an election in April, as the law for
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 135
the regular April election had been repealed. Messrs. Clark and Hatch argued
the question for the dismissal and G. W. Camp and L. H. Howe on the part of
Lansing. Judge Dean reserved his decision until the following morning, when
he granted the petition and ordered an election to be held on the 4th day of April.
The contest was a hot one. It was originated by the most honored and influential
citizens of Lansing; and all the means at their command were used on both
sides to win the public favor. On the part of Lansing, John Haney and H. W.
Houghton entered into bonds to the amount of $15,000 to guarantee the use of
Park Block to the county as long as the county seat should remain in Lansing,
and a number of her best citizens gave similar bonds for $16,000 that in case
the county seat should be removed to Lansing they would expend $8,000 in the
erection of public buildings on said block, to be the property of the county so
long as the county seat should remain at that place. While on the part of Waukon,
seventeen of her most substantial men bound themselves in the sum of $10,000
that in case the county seat should remain where it then was the citizens of
Waukon would pay $5,000, to be expended in the erection of county buildings on
the land already owned by the county at that place. The verdict of the people
was in favor of Waukon by a majority of 420. Waukon, 1,248; Lansing, 828.
Regarding this result as the end of controversy, and as evidence of the wish of
the people that our donation should be used for the purpose for which it was
offered, the county judge, on the 2d of August, 1859, let a contract for the
erection of a permanent courthouse (including a jail), at a cost of $13,655, $5,000
of which sum was paid by a transfer of the proceeds of the Waukon bond, and
the remainder of which was paid by the county. The contractors were J. W.
Pratt and C. W. Jenkins, and the building was erected and completed during the
years 1860-61.
Meanwhile the matter had not been allowed to rest, and in February, i860,
petitions were circulated asking for the submission of the question of removal
of the county seat to Rossville. A largely signed remonstrance was presented
at the same time, defeating the object of the petition, and it was charged that
this was accomplished by sharp practice on the part of Waukon interests. Be
this as it may, the affair had its unfavorable effects for Waukon in the next
contest. The fact is that both sides used some questionable means at times,
to attain their ends in these struggles for supremacy.
Again, on the 3d day of December, i860, a petition was presented to the
County court, Judge John A. Townsend, praying for the relocation of the county
seat at "the point" between Lansing and Capoli, and an election was ordered, in
accordance therewith, on the 8th day of April, 1861. This time one of the points
raised was the legality of the contract for the erection of the county building
at Waukon without first submitting it to a vote of the people, but this was vir-
tually set at rest by an opinion expressed in a letter from Hon. Milo McGlathery,
district attorney, in reply to questions submitted by Moses Hancock, then chair-
man of the Board of Supervisors.
However, a certain effect remained, which, together with the combination of
Columbus with Lansing, a bond entered into by their people to erect a courthouse
at "The Point," without expense to the county, and the dissatisfaction of Ross-
ville people resulted in a relocation by a vote of 1,257 for tne Point, against
136 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
1,231 for Waukon-a majority of 26 votes, and the county records and furniture
were immediately removed to that place.
Believing that this combination of circumstances would not operate a second
time the people of Waukon the same year circulated a petition for the removal
of the object of controversy to the new building at Waukon. and it was presented
to the Board of Supervisors, October 14. 1861, and another election ordered to
be held in April 1862. Again was the ground hotly contested, and again was
-The Point- victorious by a majority of 22— that place receiving 1.332, against
1,310 for Waukon.
' Once more in 1864, Waukon decided to make an effort to regain the seat
of justice and the contest waxed hotter than ever before. At this time there
was a project to build a railroad up the valley of Paint creek, by the Prairie du
Chien and Cedar Vallev Railroad Company, and a great deal of sport was made
of this "paper railroad" on the part of Lansing people, who declared it to be an
electioneering dodge to make votes for Waukon. In June the Board of Super-
visors ordered an election to be held at the time of the general election, Novem-
ber 8th. Again the fight was very close, and when the board met to canvass the
returns, the result was found to depend upon Franklin township, from which no
record of the vote had been received, so the canvass was made without it, giving
■■The Point" a majority of 69—1.205 for "The Point," and 1,136 for Waukon, and
the matter was carried into the District court. E. 11. Williams, judge. "The Point"
took a change of venue to Delaware county, and when the decision there was
rendered adversely to their interests, appealed to the Supreme court, by which
it was not decided until 1867. when it was adjudged that Waukon was rightfully
the county seat, and the records were once more removed to that place, where
they have since remained.
The records and all portable property were transferred on the 3d to the 6th
of September, 1867, and the officials took up their duties in the new courthouse
em the latter date.
Pending this decision, in June, 1866, occurred the attempted removal of the
documents from Lansing by Sheriff Townsend and a posse of about thirty men
from Waukon. which created a great deal of excitement at the time, and has
since been a prolific topic for good natured raillery. After the case had been
heard before the District court in Delaware county, decision was rendered in
favor of Waukon. and a writ of mandamus issued, ordering the board to count
the vote of Franklin township— the returns having been obtained — giving Waukon
a majority of 23 votes. Whereupon the board appointed Sheriff Townsend as
a committee to remove the records, which he proceeded to do. Meantime Lansing
had taken an appeal to the Supreme court, a writ of supersedeas was issued and
served upon the board June 7th, only eight of the eighteen members accepting
such service, however. The sheriff received no orders countermanding his author-
ity to remove the records, and early on the morning of June ()th the "raid" was
made.
hi writing of this in after years T. C. Medary, then publishing the Lansing
Mirror, says in his Waukon Democrat:
"They arrived at the courthouse in Lansing between 8 and 9 o'clock in
the morning before the several officers had fairly settled down to business
for the day, and making their business briefly known witli lint very little cere-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 137
mony, proceeded at once to take possession of the contents of the several offices.
Of course it did not take many moments to get the news of what was going on
circulated through town and the wildest excitement was created. Darwin Shaw
mounted his little cream colored pony and galloped him through the streets,
arousing the patriotism of Lansingites, and it was but a short time before at
least a hundred men, and not a few women, were on the spot to see the sport.
The gathering of the clans seemed to have frightened the raiders and they were
even more excited than the Lansing crowd was, and they did their work so
bunglingly that the official papers and books were scattered all through the court-
house and out in front, and the wagons were driven off only partially loaded.
Lansing promptly turned out a large posse to recapture the county property, and
then began a lively chase after the fleeing Waukonians. While this was going on
we issued extras from the old Mirror office and distributed them about the city :
"Lansing, June 9, 9 A. M.
"A messenger just arrived from South Lansing reports a large band of guer-
rillas, led by Corporal General Townsend, entered that town about 8 o'clock
this morning, and took possession of the courthouse, and proceeded at once to
carry off the records of Allamakee county. They met with strong opposition
among the county officials, but the raider forces were too strong and the officials
gave way. Treasurer Healy was assaulted by one of the raiders, a brave officer
who during the late rebellion rose to the position of colonel. The treasurer
repelled the assault, and with his fist wounded the valorous colonel in the short
ribs. The raiders finally succeeded in capturing the records and beat a hasty
retreat.
"9:05 A. M.
"Lansing regulars called out, Lieutenant Generals White and Shaw in com-
mand. Transportation furnished and troops in pursuit of the raiders.
"10 A. M.
"A gentleman just from the front says the Lansing regulars are closing up
to the raiders and will soon have them surrounded. No chance for escape.
"10:25 A. M.
"Another dispatch from the front says that the raiders have been overtaken
near Milton.
"Generals White and Shaw formed their forces in line of battle, threw out
flankers and advanced steadily upon the retreating column, whose advance had
met a sudden check in the town of Milton. The command was given for a charge
when the whole line moved off in fine style, descending upon the forces of
Corporal General Townsend with 'one foul swoop' and putting his whole com-
mand to flight. They abandoned wagon train, captured property and everything
of value. Many prisoners were taken, but were immediately paroled upon their
forking over all county papers in their possession.
"11 A. M.
"The regulars have just returned, bringing with them the stolen property.
They were enthusiastically received by the citizens. Hats were thrown skyward,
handkerchiefs were waved and lager quaffed. Quiet is again restored, and the
county seat remains at Lansing!
138 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
"The tables were turned, however, in after years, and it became Waukon's
turn to laugh while Lansing grew rather sombre visaged and has not fully recov-
ered from it to this day, as the outgrowth of Waukon's final triumph in securing
and retaining the county seat. Of course we, as publisher of a Lansing paper,
did our level best for her interests, as we would have done for Waukon had we
been located here then ; yet our subscriptions among those who stood for Waukon
held up remarkably well, probably because they wanted to see how confounded
mean we could be in the fights !
"The feeling was so intensely bitter on the part of Waukon that many of the
citizens would hardly admit there was such a place as Lansing, and they ignored
that town almost entirely in a business way. * * * We remember of a large
delegation coming down from Waukon one time during a county seat struggle
to attend a republican county convention, and taking their dinners and feeding
their horses out in the brush around the courthouse. So, too, this feeling predomi-
nated in the election of county officers of both parties."
Another account of this episode we obtained recently from an eyewitness
in the person of Mr. Geo. H. Bryant, a Lansing resident at the time, who came to
Waukon in 1877 as county treasurer, and has been a resident here ever since.
Asked for his recollections of the affair, he writes :
"At the time of the county seat raid I was employed by the saw mill com-
pany, D. L. & S. V. Shaw, at Lansing. Early one morning I was on the top of a
high pile of lumber in the yard and saw teams coming around the bluff just south
of the courthouse. They drove rapidly to the courthouse and the men jumped
from the wagons, ran inside, and began to bring out the records and load them
into the wagons ; and as fast as loaded started them off for Waukon. In the
mean time I reported what was going on to the Shaws and E. R. Jones, who
started their teams and about fifty men after the raiders, while I went over to
town to report, and in a short time Lansing had a force at the courthouse and
on the road who made short work of convincing the invaders that they had
better return the property they had started with, and that when the court had
settled the matter, if in favor of Waukon, they could then come in an honorable
way and remove the records. This hasty action on the part of Waukon aroused
such a sentiment in Lansing that they placed their cannon in the rear end of
the hallway of the courthouse, heavily loaded with powder and shot, in charge
of R. G. Edwards, with positive instructions to shoot if the raiders appeared
again. * * * In those days Lansing had no communication with the outside
world except by steamboat or stage, and Waukon by stage only."
But again Lansing returned to the attack, and in August, 1868, S. V. Shaw,
Israle Bequette, and J. M. Rose published a notice in compliance with law that
at the next September session of the Board of Supervisors a petition would be
presented asking that another election be ordered between Lansing and Waukon.
The board met on the first Monday in September as usual, but it was thought
that all the business necessary might be transacted in a short session, as, owing
to the pressure of 'fall work" it was the wish of some of the farmer members
to be at home again as soon as possible. Accordingly a committee on school
house tax levy labored a good share of that night to prepare their report, and
Tuesday forenoon the remaining business at hand was transacted and board
adjourned sine die, by a vote of twelve to three, there being three of the eight-
NORTH THIRD STREET. LANSING
PUBLIC PARK, LANSING
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 141
een members absent. Later in the day the Lansing petitioners put in an appear-
ance, but the board having adjourned no election could be ordered that year. A
bit of strategy doubtless justified by the saying that all is fair in love and war.
Early in the spring of 1869 the contest was reopened and waxed warm from
the start. A petition for an election was widely circulated, as was a remonstrance
to the same, and each party charged the other with obtaining many illegal sig-
natures. At the June session of the board, on the first day, the petition was pre-
sented and referred to a committee, and on the following day the remonstrance
appeared and was also referred, and was found to outnumber the petition by 86
names — 2122 on the remonstrance and 2036 on the petition. A majority report
of the committee was made by D. Dicker^on, J. S. Deremo, Jeremiah Leas, and
S. F. Goodykoontz, stating their belief that a large number of signers to the
petition had also signed the remonstrance, which would swell the majority of the
latter over the petition by 150 to 200 names, and therefore recommended that no
election be ordered. A minority report by G. Kerndt, S. H. Haines and William
Yeoman, was also submitted, representing it as their belief that the petition con-
tained a majority of the names of the legal voters of the county, and that they
were in favor of allowing the people to express themselves at the polls. After
some close work the minority report was adopted and an election ordered by a
vote of ten to eight.
One recourse was left to the Waukon managers, and proceeding to Decorah
they laid the matter before Judge M. V. Burdick, who granted an injunction
restraining the board from taking any further steps towards holding such elec-
tion, until permission should be granted. In the District court a petition was
filed asking for a writ of certiorari, commanding the board to certify to said
court a record of its proceedings relating to the county seat, which was granted,
and a special term appointed for July 7th for a hearing in said case. At the time
appointed the case was heard and judgment rendered annulling and setting aside
the order of the board for an election. The defendant appealed, but after the
election the previous decision was affirmed, at McGregor. Meanwhile, when
the Circuit court sat, in July, the injunction was dissolved and the election was
held as ordered, October 5th, resulting in a majority of 254 for Waukon — 1,544
to 1,290.
After this decisive quietus, there was a lull in the county seat war for six
years, when, at the June session of the board, 1875, a petition was presented
containing 1,906 names, and another election was duly ordered to be held at the
general election in October. During this summer was begun the construction of
the Waukon and Mississippi Railroad. Realizing that it was "now or never"
with her, Lansing massed her forces for the final conflict, and the campaign was
pushed vigorously on both sides, resulting in the largest vote ever cast in the
county, and a majority of 340 in favor of Waukon, she receiving 2,145 against
1,805 f°r Lansing. It has been generally accepted that the reason for this large
vote was a sudden increase in population of the townships bordering on adjoining
counties, on all sides, and the practice of "repeating" indulged in at both Waukon
and Lansing and "winked at" by those in authority ; a practice that it is hoped
would not be tolerated in these latter days of an enlightened public conscience,
even in a county seat election.
Hi- PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
SOME OTHER EARLY COUNTY AFFAIRS
The earliest entry in any of the county records now preserved in the court-
house appears in a book of naturalization of aliens, as follows :
"State of Iowa. Allamakee County :
"Be it remembered, that on the 9th day of July, A. D. 1849. Patrick Keenan.
an alien, has this day filed in this office his declaration to become a bona fide citi-
zen of the United States, took and subscribed an oath required by law.
"Stephen Hoi.comb.
"Clerk of the District Court."
Nothing appears to indicate where the office of the clerk was situated.
The county seat had recently been located at "The Old Stake" on the prairie
near Rossville.
The first marriage record is as follows :
"Be it remembered, that upon the 23d day of November, A. U. 1849. that a
license was issued from this office authorizing any person qualified by law to
solemnize a marriage between Elias J. Topliff and Anna Reed.
"Stephen Holcomi;.
"I lerk of tin- District Court.
"This certifies that on the 6th day of December, A. D. 1849, I, Grove A.
Warner, a Justice of the Peace, united the above named Elias J. Topliff, aged
22 years, and Anna Reed, aged 18 years, in the holy bonds of matrimony.
"Witness my hand at Allamakee County this 6th day of December, A. D. 1849.
"Grove A. Warner.
"Justice of the Peace."
Upon the establishment of the County court in 185 1, Elias Topliff being the
first county judge, the first entries appear thus:
Minutes of the County court commenced and held in the town of Columbus,
the 18th of September, 1851, by Elias Topliff, county judge.
It appearing to the court that no tax has been levied for the year 1851, it is
therefore ordered by the court that the following tax be levied and collected,
to-wit :
For state revenue 3 mills on a dollar, and for poll tax 50 cents ; for county tax,
6 mills on a dollar; for tax for support of schools, \y2 mills; road poll tax, $2;
road property tax, il/2 mills.
At the October term, 185 1. an order was made for a special election, to take
place November 18th, to decide whether a tax be levied to raise $250 for the
purchase of suitable books for the use of the county, and a county seal. At such
special election all vacancies in the several township offices were to be filled.
At the November term, on motion of A. J. Ellis, W. C. Thompson was ap-
pointed a commissioner to view the location of "Road No. 2," proposed to be
established from near Thompson's place in Lafayette southwesterly, "crossing
Paint creek at Riley Ellis' grist mill, thence southward to W. F. Ross's on the
divide between Paint creek and Yellow river, thence on the nearest and most
practical route to Esquire Sutter's, south of said Yellow river, thence southward
to county line between Allamakee and Clayton counties," and report to the court.
Mr. Thompson reported unfavorably at the following January term, and another
route was eventually adopted. It was while on this prospecting tour, and not
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 14:5
expecting to meet any white inhabitants except at the points mentioned, that Mr.
Thompson ran across Reuben Sencebaugh, who had erected a log hut and was
hard at work making a "clearing" in the heavy timber. He staid over night
with him, and tried to persuade his host to abandon his attempt to make a farm
in the woods and take a claim on the prairie where there was an immense "clear-
ing" already prepared by nature, but Mr. Sencebaugh was too used to a wooded
country to act upon his advice. He also discovered J. C. Smith, over in the Yellow
river valley, and related how pleasant it was to meet a white man in those days
when the settlements were so scattered.
At the December term, 185 1, Thos. B. Twiford was appointed to view pro-
posed road No. 3, "beginning at Columbus and running thence up Y'illage creek
to the forks of said creek, thence by the most practicable route to George C.
Shattuck's, thence to the county line at or near James Cutler's."
At the same term, December, 1851, Ezra Reid was appointed to view pro-
posed road No. 4, from a point "at or near where the state road from Paint Rock
to Fort Atkinson crosses the west line of the county, thence east bearing north to
the schoolhouse in Ezra Reid's district," thence north along the center of sections
to intersect the Lansing road. This description raises a point not heretofore
considered in the historical sketches of the county. It has been generally ad-
mitted that the first school in this part of the county was on Makee Ridge two
miles north of Waukon, in the year 1852-3, but here is a reference to "the school-
house in Ezra Reid's district," in 185 1. Ezra Reid's place was in section 1, Lud-
low township, two miles southwest of Waukon; and it would appear from this
that Ludlow is entitled to the honor of one of the earliest public schools in the
county, perhaps second to that near Hardin in '49.
Warrant No. 1, for $16.00, was issued December 2, 1851, to Lester W. Hayes
"as sheriff of this county for summoning a grand and petit jury."
Warrant No. 2 was issued to Wm. M. Smith, for 3^ days as chain carrier in
laying out a road from opposite Monona to the old county seat, in June, 1850.
at $1.25 per day; and two days as clerk of election in Franklin township on the
first Monday in April and first Monday in May, 1851 ; amount of warrant, $6.37^.
Warrant No. 3 issued to James C. Smith for like services. It was at this
May election that the county seat was located at Columbus.
At the January, 1852, term of this County court A. W. Hoag renewed his
bond as supervisor of roads.
At this January, 1852, term the account of James Stephenson was presented
for $5.00 "for services as juror at October term of District court." Also a like
account of Nelson Shattuck, for $4.00. The accounts were allowed and warrants
Nos. 7 and 8 issued in payment. And at the February term, 1852, of County
court a warrant for $5.00 was issued to Hiram Jones "for services rendered as a
juror at the October term, 1851." These items, with that of L. W. Hayes above
mentioned for summoning jurors, would show that there was a term of District
court held in the fall of 185 1, but as elsewhere stated there is no record of any
such term now to be found.
The above mentioned county warrants, beginning with No. 1, were not the
first orders on the county treasury, but evidently a new series begun with the
advent of the county judge system. Mr. A. M. May now has in his possession
orders No. 1 to No. 7, of which we are permitted to copy :
144 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
ORDER NO. I
"State of Iowa,
"Allamakee County, ss tovvit
"The Treasurer of Allamakee County will pay Joseph W. Holmes or bearer
$2.50 cents out of any moneys in his hands for services rendered as County
Commissioner this 10th day of August A D 1849
"D G Beck Clerk of the
Board of Co. Corns"
Order No. 7 reads:
"State of Iowa,
"Allamakee County ss towit
"The Treasurer of Allamakee County will pay Joseph W. Holmes one dollar
out of any moneys in his hands for three quires of paper for the Clerks office of
the District Court this 14th day of August A D 1849
"D G Beck elk of Board
of Co Com."
These orders were assigned by J. W. Holmes to one J. Jennings by endorsement
October 1. 1849. They later came into the possession of Hiram Francis (of whom
mention is made in the old mission chapter ) , who presented them for payment but
the Board of Supervisors would not allow them. Mr. Francis gave them to Mr.
May over twenty-five years ago.
At the January term, 1852, the county officers presented their accounts and
were allowed pay as follows:
E. Topliff, County Judge, to January 1, 1852 $58.77
Jas. M. Sumner, Recorder 58.77
Thos. B. Twiford, District Clerk (for seven months) 64.92
J. W. Remine, Prosecuting Attorney 1500
Jas. M. Sumner, County Commissioner 15.00
Jas. M. Sumner submitted a statement of his accounts as Treasurer and Col-
lector as follows :
whole amount charged
State tax $195.23
County tax 497-9(3
School tax 9-. 61
Road tax 527.61
AMOUNT COLLECTED TO THIS TIME
State tax $ 97 2I
County tax 2\2 4 ■*
School tax 48.60
Roa<1 tax g66o
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 145
The report was filed for examination at the next March term.
At the July term, 1852, the county officials were allowed a small "salary
grab,'' the entry appearing:
"It appearing from the census returns of 1851 which have recently been pro-
duced by the Sheriff that the population of this county on the first day of August,
1851, was 1,117, it was adjudged by this Court that the salaried county officers
were entitled to receive $200 per annum instead of $150 as had been hitherto
supposed; consequently it is ordered that they be permitted to draw upon the
county for as much as will bring their salaries to the legal allowance of $200
per annum."
At the April term, 1852, a warrant was issued to O. S. Conkey for services as
as deputy county recorder. D. W. Low resigned as deputy assessor May 7th ;
John Sutter appointed deputy assessor by Sheriff Hayes. At the August term,
1852, T. B. Twiford was appointed deputy assessor by Sheriff Thompson. Who
was the county assessor at this time we have been unable to ascertain. We find
several references to a deputy assessor, and at the July term, 1853, "Assessors
all present but those of Taylor, Fayette, and Paint Creek townships." In the elec-
tion register we find that John B. Sutter was elected county assessor at the April
election, 1857 ; but this is the only record in any shape, of such an election.
September 14, 1852, "petitions were presented by P. P. Cady, John S. Clark,
Benjamin Clark and Thos. B. Twiford, asking to be discharged from their lia-
bility on the official bond of James M. Sumner, as recorder and treasurer of Alla-
makee county, and the court being satisfied that the petitioners had good ground
of apprehension, ordered that a notice be served on the said James M. Sumner
requiring him to file new bonds by the 25th day of Sept., inst., or his office
would be declared vacated." What these grounds of apprehension were will suf-
ficiently appear from the fact that one of the very first indictments found by the
grand jury, at the first term of District court, at Columbus, July 12, 1852, was
against Jas. M. Sumner, for wilfully neglecting and refusing to make report, etc.,
and it was ordered that process issue against defendant, returnable at next term
of court.
On the 23d of September, Sumner saw fit to resign his office, and the vacancy
was shortly after filled by the appointment of James Bell, who held the office but
a few months and later went to Tennessee.
On the 26th day of November, 1852, an order was made that notices should
be issued as follows :
"Notice is hereby given that a contract for building a courthouse on the
County square of Allamakee county, in the village of Columbus, in said county,
will be let to the lowest bidder on the fifteenth day of December next, at ten
o'clock, at my office in said village. Approved securities will be required for the
faithful performance of said contract. Sealed proposals will be received until
that day. Any person wishing said contract will be furnished with a plan and
specifications of said building by calling at my office.
"Given under my hand this 26th day of November, A. D., 1852.
[Signed] "Elias Topliff,
"County Judge."
On the day specified the contract was let to Thos. B. Twiford, with W. C.
Thompson and J. M. Rose as security, his being the lowest bid with security.
146 PAST AXL) PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
The amount of the contract is not stated. The following spring the county seat
was relocated, at Waukon.
The county farm comprises the southeast quarter of section 8, Makee town-
ship, and an eighty in section 17. The tract in section 8 was the site of the first
log cabin anywhere in the central part of the county, built by Patrick Keenan and
Jas. Cassiday in 1848. Mr. Keenan having made the selection in 1847. tne nrst
settler in this region. Joseph Burton later became the owner of this land, and in
1856 built a large and substantial frame house thereon, 29 by 37 feet in size, to
which he added one ell 14 by 16 and another about 15 feet square. Mr. Burton
sold this property to the county in October. 1866, for $4,000, and the building was
raised to full two stories. January 23, 1880, this house was destroyed by fire.
A temporary building was erected for the accommodation of the inmates, until a
substantial brick structure was built in 1881, 38 by 40 feet, two 10-foot stories,
heated by furnace, at a cost of about $5,000. It was built from the proceeds of a
special tax of one mill on a dollar voted by the people at the general election in
1880. Other buildings have since been erected from time to time as the growing
needs of the unfortunates required, until now. with its modern conveniences,
waterworks and fire apparatus, it is in all respects a model establishment of its
kind, and for the past several years its affairs have been ably managed bv O. A.
Dixon, the present steward.
The county jail is situated on the county square in Waukon. a short distance
south of the courthouse, and was erected in 1882 with the proceeds of a special tax
of one mill voted in 1881. at a cost of $10,000. to which considerable amounts
have since been added for modern improvements and safety. The building is
74 by 23 feet- which dimensions include the two-story sheriff's residence in front.
The contractors were Samuel Peck & Sons, masonry. $3,000 ; A. J. Rodgers. car-
pentry. $3,000; and Diebold Safe and Lock Co., steel work. $3,400: and the
Ruttan Furnace Co., heating plant, $600.
CHAPTER XIII
VTHE COUNTY PRESS
No calling or profession has had a more important part in shaping and preserv-
ing the history of the county than that of "the art preservative of all arts."
Unfortunately no complete files of the early publications have survived the
destructiveness of time — and fires. But much information contained in stray
copies of the pioneer papers has been collated in the various chapters, adding
much to the value of this volume. Indeed, a systematic search through the files
now existing would furnish the most complete history of the county obtainable,
and the editor has drawn heavily from these sources, as fully as the time and
space allotted would permit. Xo detailed history of the press of the county is
here attempted, as it would fill a volume of itself. But a brief account of the
local press will be found in the respective chapters devoted to the four news-
paper towns.
It seems appropriate here to recount the personal experiences of two of our
veteran publishers, which have heretofore, in part at least, been given to the
public, viz. : Thomas C. Medary and James T. Metcalf : the former twenty
years ago passed to his long home, and the latter still living at Washington,
retired from high official position and devoting the declining years of his long
and useful life to affairs connected with his first love, the printer's art.
The following narrative of Mr. Medary was written in 1890. but a few years
before his death, while editing the Waukon Democrat, and contains much of
interest relating to members of the craft throughout this region, and hence is
entitled to the place of honor in this chapter.
JOURNALISTIC ADVENTURES OF THE LATE T. C. MEDARY
RECOUNTED DY HIMSELF, IN 1890
Thirty years ago, as the old year of 1859 was in its closing hours, the editor
of this paper passed through the then little village of Waukon, by stage, on his
way to Lansing to take a situation that had previously been secured on the old
Lansing Mirror, then published by H. R. Chatterton, one of the ablest editors
ever connected with the press of this county. Wre made our pilgrimage by stage
from McGregor to Lansing around by the way of Decorah by the old M. O.
Walker stage line, with Tom Tokes, the half-breed Indian so well known in those
days, as driver between McGregor and Decorah, and Dave Telford guided the
raw-boned steeds between Decorah and Lansing, and will be remembered by the
147
148 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
old residents of Waukon and Lansing. Tom H. McElroy, a Milwaukee printer,
was then publishing the Waukon Transcript, having purchased the office a few
months before. The material of the then Transcript office had previously been
owned by Frank Belfoy, who started the first paper. in Waukon, in 1859 [1857 —
Ed.], under the name of Waukon Journal, but in a few months quit its publica-
tion and went to Decorah and took charge of the old Republic, now Republican
office, succeeding the Tuppers, father and son. Belfoy, however, did not last
long in Decorah. either, although the field was a good one, for the reason prin-
cipally that he was more fond of sitting hour after hour and day after day in
"Hank" Geddes' saloon and feasting on crackers, cheese and beer, than he was
of attending to his newspaper duties, and as a consequence the paper "busted"
in the fall of 1859.
We, with James Zbornik and Dan. Burt, were in Belfoy's employ when the
paper suspended, and were left without any means whatever to get out of town.
However, a happy thought meandered into the brain of one of the trio of
penniless printers who was somewhat poetically inclined, and that was to inflict
upon the public a poem — so-called — which we would sell around town and
thereby try to raise enough money to get away with. The little screed took well,
each one of the impecunious printers selling the slips about town and realizing
funds sufficient for the purpose desired. With our portion of the wealth thus
acquired we paid our stage fare to McGregor, where we applied to that good old
soul, Col. A. P. Richardson, of the Times, for work, but his office was then sup-
plied with more help than he really needed. He advised us, however, to go over
to Prairie du Chien, where he thought we might find temporary employment.
We acted on his suggestion and the following morning we footed it across the
river on the ice to the Prairie, and stating how badly reduced our surplus had
become to Mr. William Merrill, the then and now proprietor of the Courier,
that gentleman set us at work immediately, kindly informing us that we could
remain until we obtained a permanent situation elsewhere. And from that day
to this he has been a warm personal friend of the writer, and for whom we enter-
tain the warmest regard.
We began at once to make written application to the offices in the surrounding
towns for work. Finally, a reply came from H. R. Chatterton of the Lansing
Mirror, offering us a place in his office. The next morning we set out for
McGregor bright and early, again walking across the river on the ice and reaching
McGregor in time to take the morning stage for Decorah on our way to Lansing,
our object in going by Decorah being to see if we could not get some of our
"back salary" due from Belfoy, but in which we did not succeed, as Frank was
in a really worse financial strait than we were, for he had a family on his hands
to provide for. We. shall never forget our midwinter's ride from McGregor to
Decorah. Our seat was on the outside with driver Tokes, the inside of the
coach being filled with other passengers, and as we were without an overcoat,
and perhaps no underclothing, and as the weather was intensely cold, we suffered
terribly from the piercing blasts of one of Iowa's old-fashioned winters. On
the 31st of December we started for Lansing from Decorah. stopping at the old
Dunlap House, now the Mason House, of this city, for dinner. This brings us
back again to McElroy and the old Transcript office, for while in town at that
time we called at the office and became acquainted with "Mac." Frank Pease,
Bird's-eye view of Postville
St one house on Yellow river.
built in lSJT
Street scene
Sand Cave
Clay pit brick yard
The Devil's Elbow
SCENES IX POSTVILLE AM) PICTURESQUE SPOTS IX THE VICINITY
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 151
who had conducted the office for a few months just prior to McElroy's taking
possession, was at work for him. And, by the way, Frank was a dandy — dude
he would be called in these days — a regular ladies' man, as it were. In this con-
nection we may state that he was not unknown in and about the old Dunlap
House. Indeed, so familiar was he with the premises that when Dunlap would
go gunning for him with a pepper-box revolver, Frank knew just which door or
window to scoot out of the quickest in order to escape the visitation of Dunlap's
wrath, which was often wrought up to its highest pitch, it is said, because Frank
frequently courted the smiles of Mrs. D. * * * Frank always dressed in the
height of fashion, if he did not make a cent, and we remember how stunning
he used to look in that blue broad-cloth, brass buttoned, swallow-tailed coat,
white vest, black pants, low cut shoes, white stockings, and topped off with a
black silk hat. He was indeed a regular masher. But the last time we saw
Frank there was a striking contrast in his appearance from the above. It was
at Hot Springs, Arkansas, about sixteen years ago. He was city clerk at that
place, and had been connected with the press there in one capacity and another
ever since the close of the war. He had aged very fast, and dissipation was
plainly visible in his features and in his negligent dress. Not the dandy and
neat looking Frank of former years by any means. What has become of him in
these later years we do not know. We may mention that prior to his enlistment
in the army, after leaving newspaper work here, he was editorially connected
with the Lansing Mirror and the McGregor Times, a few months in each place.
We arrived in Lansing on New Year's eve, stopping at the Bates Hotel. The
Masonic fraternity were having a sociable that evening, and as Mr. Chatterton
was one of the guests, we were unable to report to him that night for duty.
However, we went down to the office, which was then situated in a little frame
building adjoining James I. Gilbert's office or brick building, now occupied by
Mrs. Hartbauer, and we found one of the worst dilapidated print shops we had
ever been into. The old Decorah Republic was bad enough, but this was ten
times worse. Neither had it improved any in appearance when we went into it
again the next morning, and we felt blue enough at the prospect before us, for we
saw every evidence of bad management and "a screw loose" somewhere. In a
few days we found out that the loose screw was "budge." The employes of
the office at this time were two boys named John VanEmberg and Aaron
Marshall, both of whom have been dead for many years. The material was all
old, with nothing but a hand press to do all classes of work, and on that old
press, one card at a time, did we print thousands of those grain tickets then in
use in those days. This material had been brought up from the Gazette office in
Galena, 111., owned by Horace H. Houghton, brother of Rev. H. W. Houghton,
now of Lansing, who sole this outfit to W. H. Sumner and from which emanated
the Lansing Intelligencer in November, 1852. As printers Mr. Sumner brought
with him to Lansing Tom Butler and Joe Taylor, the latter a negro, who in a
short time went to La Crosse, and in after years became an attache of Brick
Pomeroy's office, remaining with Brick for many years through his ups and
downs in newspaper life. Joe finally became the owner of an office over in the
interior of Wisconsin, but died a few years ago, having accumulated wealth
enough to place him in easy circumstances. Tom Butler got homesick, went
back to Galena and died there. Mr. Sumner, being in poor health, was obliged
152 PAST AND PRESENT OE ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
in about a year to give up the paper, and it passed into the control of Chatterton,
whom Mr. H. H. Houghton had induced to take hold of it. Mr. Sumner soon
died and his remains lie in an unkept grave by the roadside a short distance
helow DeSoto, the picket fence surrounding it being in a rotten and tumble-
down condition when we last saw it a few years ago.
We will now go back to the old Mirror office at Lansing and pick up Mr.
Chatterton from the rickety old lounge on which he would frequently recline
after his almost daily but fruitless efforts to reduce the surplus beverages of
various kinds that were on tap in the several saloons about town. That was the
only failing that the gentleman had, but it was master of him to such an extent
that it sadly interfered with his business, and the affairs of the office were at
sixes and sevens all the time, the issuing of the paper depending almost wholly
upon the boys in his employ, while the limited income went into the saloon tills,
and the boys seldom got enough of the revenue to pay their wash bills. Speak-
ing of the financial transactions reminds us of an incident that occurred one day.
One of the patrons of the paper came in to pay his subscription, handing Mr.
Chatterton a five-dollar gold piece, which he coolly dropped into his pocket,
informing the gentleman that he did not have change enough for it that day, but
the next time he came he would have the necessary change ready for him ! We
don't know whether that change was ever made or not, but the event made an
impression on us boys, for we each thought there might be some prospects for
getting a little of the gold piece. We believe we didn't, however.
The office was often without wood, and as it was necessary to have a fire the
boys had to skirmish around to get the material for it. but as wood piles were
not very far between we managed to keep the room reasonably warm except on
very cold days, when we would pull our case stands close up to the stove. We
used to feel a little guilty, though, when some one would come in from that
vicinity and remark that he thought he recognized his wood piled up by the
stove ! Of course under such adverse circumstances the life of the
paper was only a question of time. The editor would have spasms of bracing
up occasionally and matters would run along more smoothly for a few weeks,
but the first we would know "Chat" would be "in the soup" again, to use a vulgar
phrase of to-day.
LOCAL ATI'. MRS — A DIGRESSION
In those days, just on the eve of the outbreak of the rebellion, political excite-
ment ran high, and the politicians used to gather in the office to discuss the
issues. Colonel Spooner, Mrs. L. E. Howe's father, would drop in occasionally
for a chat, and old father Bentley and father Brownell, of Village Creek, old
gentleman Haney. and other old settlers of the town and countrv, would come
and make the political pot boil in their efforts to settle the grave questions then
pending between the North and South, while us boys wished the statesmen there
assembled were removed out of our hearing where they would not disturb our
typesetting and burn out the wood we had been obliged to rustle around the
neighborhood for.
The embryo local republican statesmen in those days were Homer Hemenway,
Doctor Taylor. John Haney. John J. Shaw. John J. Berry and some lesser lights.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 153
while the stars of great magnitude on the democratic side were G. W. Gray, S. H.
Kinne, G. W. Hays, George Kemble, W. H. Burford, George W. Camp, James
Palmer, John Farrell and others whose names we do not now recall ; but when
these opposing forces, or any of them, met to chew each others' tobacco around
the store stoves, they would often make "Rome howl," so to speak, especially
Homer Hemenway, who could talk a barn door off its hinges in five minutes, and
can do it yet if necessary. Mr. A. W. Purdy was the postmaster then, and his
two sons, Edward, our present county recorder, and George, were his clerks.
When the administration changed, however, and Lincoln became president, Mr.
Purdy was promptly fired out and Homer Hemenway was appointed to the
place as a reward, no doubt, for that rapidity of speech above referred to in
political arguments.
In those days Columbus and Lafayette were quite busy little villages, and all
steamboats landed at those points, receiving and discharging considerable freight
at each. There were two stores, quite a large hotel and a steam saw mill at
Columbus, and a store and saw and gristmill at Lafayette. The store at Lafay-
ette was kept by John Tierney, and he did quite a flourishing business, accumu-
lating considerable property, but lost it all in after years in Lansing when Lafay-
ette and Columbus dwindled away as trading points. For some years afterward,
however, Michael Brophy maintained a ranch at Lafayette, the character of
which was announced by this somewhat singular sign attached to the corner of
the house :
WHISKEY, BEEF AND BEER
FOR SALE
BY M. BROPHY.
I larper's Ferry was also a flourishing town and David Harper did a large
business in merchandising, buying and shipping produce, etc. He was consid-
ered one of the leading and influential men of the county. The steamboats nearly
all passed through the Harper channel then, except in low water stages, and the
Ferry was quite a rival of Lansing as a grain market. But even before the
advent of the railroad the town began to lose its prestige.
Village Creek or Milton was then known as Jesse Rose's town, he being the
owner of the flouring mills there and possessor of considerable village property.
There were two stores and they enjoyed a fair trade from the immediate vicinity.
It was always a good'milling point and for many years flour has been shipped
from there to various markets along the river.
In those days Lansing's manufacturing industries consisted of the steam saw
mill owned by the Woods and Shaws, the Morgan pork packing house and the
brewery then operated by Julius Kerndt and Jacob Haas ; James I. Gilbert was
running a lumberyard and dealing in grain. The Mill Co., W. D. Morgan &
Co., G. W. Gray, George W. Hays, Battles & Day, Kerndt Bros., Nielander,
Shierholz & Co., and perhaps one or two others also bought and stored grain.
Farmers then from away out on the Wapsie and Cedar rivers used to market
their wheat in Lansing and buy lumber there, but it was not until years after-
wards that the town became known far and wide as one of the very best wheat
markets on the river. Thousands of bushels would be stored by the farmers
154 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
to await higher prices, they paying for the storage privileges, and it would very
often happen that they would be obliged to sell for a much less price than had
been offered them early in the season, and pay a very large storage fee besides.
THE CRAFT AGAIN
Now we will get back to newspaper matters again. Through the summer
of i860 the Mirror continued to eke out a sickly existence, occasionally missing
a week's issue for want of the necessary paper, it being all home print, the pub-
lishing of patent outsides and insides not having come into existence in those
days & The circulation of the Mirror was only about 350 copies, yet it was impos-
sible for the publisher to keep even enough stock on hand for that number and
he frequently had to buy or borrow a few quires at a time from the offices at
McGregor. Prairie du Chien or Decorah. During the fall and early part of the
winter Frank Pease was engaged on the paper and used to set type and do most
of the writing when the editor would have his tired spells. Finally, Frank went
to the Times office at McGregor, and towards spring Stephen W. Smith, a printer,
came over from Bad Axe. Wisconsin, and went to work in the office, and he. too,
did most of the writing. Charley Smith, a carpenter by trade, who had been at
work in the sawmill, concluded to take up typesetting, and as "Chat" would give
any one a place who asked him, old Charley was employed.
' In the meantime the writer had become acquainted with a certain red-haired
girl in town and by his persistency finally induced her to commit the giddy act
of marrying him, which she probably regrets to this day. This marriage took
place in November, i860. That winter the Mirror petered out entirely, and we
(wife and I) took a stage ride, on the ice. most of the way, to Winona, stopping
for a day or two in La Crosse seeking work there. At Winona we got a situa-
tion in the Tri-Weekly Democrat office, published by Charles Cottam, remaining
there until along in April, when that paper, too, ceased publication for the same
reason, principally, that the Mirror had. We returned to Lansing and for a
short time got work with McElroy & Parker, who had moved the old Transcript
office from Waukon and changed the name to the Democrat. The first issue
of the paper was in February, 1861, and it contained the longest tax list ever
published in the county, amounting, if we remember correctly, to about $800.
We know they bought about 300 pounds of new long primer type to set the list
up in. The firm of McElroy & Parker did not hang together, however, more
than a few months. Doctor Parker, who was a former resident of McGregor,
was not a printer, neither was he much of a writer, and most of the work, both
mechanical and editorial, devolved upon "Mac," and he was not too fond of work
either, and would rather sit around Sims & Burgess' shoe shop hour after hour
than to put in the time at his office. Doctor Parker withdrew from the concern,
and in the winter of '61-2 McElroy threw up the sponge and returned to Mil-
waukee, where he re-entered the composing room of the Daily News, which he
had left to go to Waukon. He afterwards enlisted in the Twenty-fourth Wis-
consin, and the last we ever saw of him was in camp at Milwaukee with that
regiment just before leaving for the war. The office was taken possession of by
S. H. Kinne, who had claims against it for himself and other democrats in town
who had advanced money to aid McElroy in moving from Waukon to Lansing.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 155
Meanwhile, Rev. H. W. Houghton had taken possession of the old Mirror
outfit for his brother Horace, of Galena, who had a mortgage on it, and the
material was stored away upstairs in the old stone warehouse. This left Lansing
for a few months without any paper. During the spring of 1862, however, a
German printer named Christian Lomann came down from Fountain City, Wis-
consin, and succeeded in getting possession of the McElroy office, and began the
publication of a democratic paper called the Argus ; but Lomann was an erratic
cuss with an uncontrollable appetite for strong drink, of which his not very loving
and affectionate wife endeavored to cure him by drugging his coffee, from which
we have seen the poor devil so sick that death would undoubtedly have been a
great relief to him. We worked several weeks in the office, but the woman's
fiery temper and her interference in the business affairs of the office were too
much for our weak ( ? ) nerves and we quit, going thence to the Daily Sentinel
office in Milwaukee. Shortly before this, however, the building which Lomann
occupied as a residence and little huckster shop on the south side of Main street,
about whera Ruth's clothing store is now, caught fire one night very mysteriously
and burned out the entire row of buildings, incurring a heavy loss. Lomann
had his personal effects pretty well insured in a company represented by W. F.
Bentley, and after considerable delay he got his money from the company, and
from that, by a strategy agreed upon between Mr. Bentley and ourself, we
managed to get the balance due us for our work, some $28, we believe. The
insurance money was to be paid over on a certain day and was to go into Mrs.
Lomann's hands, as her husband, she considered, coidd not be trusted with it.
We were to be present when the payment was made and Mr. Bentley was to
count out the amount due us, but to do it apparently as if he were running it all
off for Mrs. L., and when he named our amount we were to snatch the pile, and
we did, too, with "neatness and dispatch." About the maddest woman on earth
for a little while was right there at that time, and her cussing of Mr. Bentley and
ourself made the atmosphere turn fairly blue.
The life of the Argus extended over a few months only, when Mr. Lomann,
between the setting of^he sun one evening and the rising of the same the next
morning, loaded the office onto two or three wagons and run it over into Wis-
consin, by the way of McGregor, and located the outfit at Boscobel. Thus was
the old Waukon Transcript office disposed of.
OFF TO THE FRONT AND AFTER
During these several ups and downs of the papers the rebellion had broken
out and the feeling of patriotism that prevailed among printers everywhere
spread to those in Lansing, and the old Mirror turned out a pretty fair list of
those who had been employed on it in one capacity or another, from editor down
to the youngest "devil," the latter being Tommy Orr, who, without doubt, was
the most youthful soldier who went to the war from Iowa. At the time Tommy
went out he was not quite fourteen years old. The following is a list of those
from the office who entered the country's service :
H. R. Chatterton, editor. Charles Smith, compositor.
S. Smith, associate editor. T. C. Medary, compositor.
Frank Pease, associate editor. — . — . Miller, devil Sr.
A. B. Marshall, compositor. Tom G. Orr, devil Jr.
156
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
I„ this connection we may state that we had a singular expo encen i our
efforts to get into the army. Our first enlistment was m the 16th Regulars,
Company B which was recruited at Lansing, but when the tune came for sending
the boys forward to the regiment at Columbus. Captain Stanton concluded we
were not in a physical condition to make a good soldier, and we were left at home.
Our next effort was at Milwaukee, where we tned to get into the a£h ^Wis-
consin, but the examining surgeon stood us to one side. Our next tr as
at Warren. Ohio, in the 105th Ohio, but here. too. we couldn t pass > muster.
We did however, manage to get into a company of home guards at Canneld,
Ohio in the spring of 1864. and went down "to the front" in Columbiana county,
to assist in capturing |ohn Morgan and his troops when they made their famous
raid into Ohio, and our force got within six miles of Scroggs church the morn-
ing Morgan was captured there. But in October. 1864. after our return from
Ohio to Lansing, when the Government had got over being so darned particular
about what kind of men they took to make soldiers of, we did manage to make
an enlistment in the 27th Iowa that stuck, and we got right into active service,
too. right from the word go, and saw more real war down in the enemy s country
than many men who put in a three or four years' enlistment.
This left Lansing without a paper again for a short time, until Charles G.
Cole in the year of '62-3, moved the North Iowa Journal from Waukon to
I ansing and began the publication of a democratic paper. Cole was in poor
health and died a short time after commencing the publication of the paper, and
it was suspended for a few weeks, when it passed into the hands of John G.
\rmstrong, who issued his first paper on the 18th day of June. 1863. Armstrong
was a versatile and witty writer and made his paper immensely popular. He
was not a practical printer and the mechanical department was looked after by
an excellent printer named Charles Keesecker, of Dubuque, who is now a com-
positor in the Telegraph office in that city. No paper ever published in the
county, before or since that time, made the money that the Journal did. Arm-
strong had full control of the county printing, advertising and blank book work,
and county warrants running away up into the hundreds of dollars were issued to
him at each session of the board, and John ought to have grown rich ; but his
generous social qualities were a bar to his retention of the wealth that came into
his possession.
In the fall of 1863 George Haislet bought the old Mirror outfit and began the
publication of a republican paper called the Union. Thus each party had a
representative organ, and the music they used to make was pleasing to a certain
class of their readers, as is usually the case; but Armstrong's volubility and wit
were a little too much for the Union man. and he generally kept pretty well
under cover. Haislet continued the publication of the paper until February,
1866, when ourself and brother-in-law, F. P. Price, bought out the concern and
at once changed the name back to the Mirror. After several months Mr. Price
retired from the firm and we continued its publication until the summer of 1870,
when we sold the office to James T. Metcalf and his cousin, John Metcalf, the
latter of \ iroqua, Wisconsin. J. T. had been a clerk in the Surgeon-General's
office at Washington, 1). C. ever since the close of the war. but tired of the
monotonous work, and. being a practical printer, decided to engage in the news-
paper business, and through negotiations made by his cousin John he came to
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 157
Lansing. We paid Haislet $500 for the old office, made many additions to it in
the way of new material and also increased its subscription list largely, thereby
increasing its value to $1,200, the price paid us by the Metcalfs. Mr. J. T. Met-
calf was a thoroughly methodical business man and a good writer, and he suc-
ceeded well in the publication of the paper and in gaining the confidence and
esteem of the citizens of Lansing, which he continues to hold, although he has
been out of the business for several years. He became sole owner of the office
in 1874, and in 1881 he turned the business over to his brother George and E. M.
Woodward, and the former is now the proprietor of the paper.
Lansing never was known as an extraordinarily good town for advertising
and the columns of the papers published there today bear evidence that it still
keeps up its reputation in that direction, and in the earlier days the newspaper
business was an almost continual from-hand-to-mouth struggle, although there
has been some improvement in later years and the publishers have managed to
get ahead a little, yet they have hardly done as well as they might have done
perhaps with the same amount of capital invested in some other business. We
know that it was a hard pull with us while running the Mirror, and good butter
and pie and cake occasionally were luxuries on our table. We had but a small
share of the county printing, and what little we did get was paid for in county
warrants, which we were obliged to dispose of at from forty to sixty cents on
the dollar. In some respects, therefore, the publishers there now have bonanzas
compared to the business years ago. However, when Lansing started on its
boom, which was kept up for several years, the printing business improved some-
what and has been much better ever since.
IN CONCLUSION
After selling out the old Mirror to the Metcalfs in 1870 we went back to our
old home in Ohio for a brief visit, but arrived there just in time to get right into
the editorial harness again for a short time. * * * Messrs. Saxton &
Hartzell, of the Repository and Republican, wanted to issue a daily morning
paper during that time [referring to a convention lasting a week or two], and
as there was no one about their concern who had ever had any experience in the
daily paper business they immediately put us in charge of that project. Our
youngest brother was in their employ as local reporter for their weekly paper.
By the way, the Saxton we speak of, Thomas by name, and son of father Saxton,
the oldest and most widely known newspaper publisher in Ohio, was a brother-in-
law of Congressman William McKinley, the father of the present tariff bill now
under discussion in Congress [later President McKinley]. Thomas died several
years ago, and his sister, Mrs. McKinley, and her husband now occupy the old
Saxton homestead at Canton. This was the first daily newspaper venture in
that city. A year or so after that Messrs. Saxton & Hartzell began the perma-
nent publication of a daily.
Returning to Lansing, in a few weeks, we learned that the DeSoto, Wisconsin,
folks were anxious to have a paper started in their village. We concluded
arrangements with them to that end and soon had the DeSoto Republican under
way, agreeing on our part to keep the craft sailing at least a year, and if the
prospects were favorable we would continue the enterprise. At the end of the
L58
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
year however, the outlook for the future was not very encouraging and we con-
cluded to retire from that field, packed up our outfit, removed it to Lansing and
began the publication of a new paper called the Iowa North-East. The Sher-
burnes father and son, were running the Allamakee Democrat, having a few
months before bought the office of R. V. Shurly. When we started in the busi-
ness again they became discouraged and after a few weeks they made very
favorable propositions for a consolidation of our business, which we accepted,
but retaining our material, which we sold to T. C. Ankeny, who removed it to
Viroqua and began the publication of a new paper which subsequently went into
the hands of Bryan L Castle, who is known to some of our citizens. We will
remark here that in this deal we made a clear $1,000 for our year's stay in
DeSoto. which was more than could be said of several other parties who after-
wards struggled with newspaper enterprises in that classic village.
Our copartnership with the Sherburnes not being wholly satisfactory, we
made a proposition to buy out their interest, which they accepted, and we became
sole proprietor. We then changed the name of the paper to the Lansing Journal
and continued its publication until December, 1879, when we became imbued
with the idea that a removal of our office to Mason City would enhance our
financial condition to a marvelous extent, having been led to this conclusion
from representations made to us by parties in whom we had implicit confidence.
We therefore went there, remained a year, lost all the wealth, nearly, that we
had accumulated in the previous several years, got discouraged and sold out to
parties who moved the office to Chamberlain, Dakota, where the material is still
doing good service in printing a paper, the Register by name.
Frank Hatton, who was then editor-in-chief of the Burlington Hawkeye,
gave us the city editorship on that paper, but as we were in very poor health we
had to relinquish the position after several months. Our family returned from
Mason City to the old home in Lansing, around which our love still lingered,
and does yet for that matter. Shortly after leaving the Hawkeye we went on
the Dubuque Herald, doing editorial work and soliciting and corresponding on
the road. It was while in this capacity that we made the deal with Mr. Hinchon
for the purchase of the Democrat, of which we took possession in July. 1882,
and here we are to-day, after the trials and tribulations incident to country jour-
nalism in all its various forms, with a fair business, a well equipped office in its
own home, and still possessed of a will to try to keep up with the newspaper
procession in Northeastern Iowa.
But a few months after the publication of the foregoing reminiscences Mr.
Medary passed from this life, his death occurring on June 21, 1893, in his fifty-
fourth year. He had on his fiftieth anniversary prepared a most entertaining
sketch of his boyhood days, which is too lengthy to insert here. In substance
the record of his early life is as follows:
Thomas Corvvin Medary was born at Champion, Trumbull county, Ohio,
April 29, 1840, but his early home was Deerfield, Portage county. His parents
died while he was a boy, and his early life was one of hardships. As he himself
said, all his relatives took a hand in managing him, and as a natural consequence
TWO VIEWS OF SOUTH LANSING
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 161
he was "numerously managed to his sorrow." He was a mail carrier, a canal
boy, worked on the railroad, drove stage while yet in his teens, and compelled
to make a living the best way he could. He learned the printer's trade, and
removing with relatives to Iowa in 1856 worked a while at his trade in Indianola.
The first two winters he chopped logs and worked in a lath mill in Mitchell and
Winneshiek counties, and took the last of his little schooling, at Otranto. Dur-
ing the summers worked at farm work. He then had employment in the old
Decorah Hotel of "Uncle John Mason," and next secured work in the Decorah
Republic office. From this time on his "Journalistic Adventures," as heretofore
quoted, fills out the account of his somewhat checkered but finally successful
career.
In i860 Mr. Medary was married to Miss Ellen Price, of Lansing, who is
still a resident of Waukon. At his death his eldest son, George C, took up the
management of the Democrat, but survived his father but a few weeks, when
the management passed to the second son, Edgar F., who inherits the qualifica-
tions of a good practical printer and ready paragrapher.
In 1887 President Cleveland commissioned him postmaster at Waukon, which
position he filled acceptably until the political vicissitudes of 1889. He was a
member of the Masonic, A. O. U. W., K. of P., and I. O. O. F. fraternities, and
of the G. A. R. The remains were deposited in Oakland Cemetery, with Masonic
ceremonies conducted by Dr. J. C. Crawford, W. M.
ANOTHER "COUNTRY EDITOR", J AS. T. METCALF
At the request of the editor of this volume Mr. Metcalf furnishes the data
for the following sketch, under date of Washington, D. C, April 12, 1913. No
apology is needed for the presentation of matter largely personal, because the
life of every man of action is full of incidents of interest to those who come
after him. Mr. Metcalf's prominence among the editorial fraternity in north-
eastern Iowa while conducting the Lansing Mirror, is well remembered. And
his reminiscences of "men and affairs of Lansing," in our chapter devoted to
that city, will be found very entertaining.
James Thomas Metcalf was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio, February 25, 1845.
Printing offices attracted him from childhood, and he importuned his father so
much that the latter reluctantly consented to his becoming the "devil" in the office
of the Belmont Chronicle, in 1857. There he remained three years. In i860 he
went to Wisconsin, worked in various places, and returned to Ohio in 1861.
Only his youth prevented enlistment in the three months service, in April; but
in August he joined Co. E, 15th Ohio Regiment. Of this he writes:
"I was the youngest in my company, and perhaps in the regiment. We were
organized at Mansfield. ' When my turn came to step forward from the ranks,
to approach a stern-looking army officer, who passed upon the recruits, my
knees shook, and I trembled violently, but tried to appear as old as possible. I
felt sure he would reject me, but, after scanning me from head to foot, (it seemed
an age) he nodded acceptance, and ordered me to return to the ranks."
His first experience with printed blanks, which led to that which became
almost his life work, was as "company clerk," in making up the pay roll, etc.
Camp fever became epidemic, when the regiment was near Bowling Green, Ken-
162 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
tucky. and he was sent to Louisville hospital. December 31, 1862. he was pro-
moted to be a sergeant of ordnance ( hospital steward ) in the regular army and
served as such three years. Upon his discharge is written by the commanding
officer: "The best officer in every respect I have ever known: he is competent,
honest, faithful, trusty and industrious."
After filling many positions of trust, he was appointed a clerk in the War
Department, at Washington, in April, 1866. December 31, 1867, he was married
at Florida, Ohio, to Miss Lavinia M. Cook, whose death occurred May q. 1906.
Four children were born to them, all of whom are living.
While residing in Washington he had a visit from his cousin, John T. Metcalf.
then on his way to his home at Viroqua, Wisconsin, and it was agreed that the
latter should look over the newspaper field in the west, and they would become
partners if a suitable location were found.
John T. Metcalf, born February 9, 1842, in Ohio, was an apprentice in the
office of the Circleville Watchman, went to Wisconsin, and while at Portage
enlisted April 19, [861, in the Second Wisconsin Regiment, lie was transferred
to the Fifth U. S. Cavalrv in [862. He participated in no less than forty-five
engagements during his six years' service. Few soldiers have a record more hon-
orable: he was never sick a day while in the service, nor was he injured in battle,
although several horses were shot from under him, and his musket blown out of
his hands at Bull Run. He is in failing health, and resides at the Soldiers' Home
in Washington.
A year after the visit referred to John T. wrote that he had learned of the
office of the Lansing Mirror being for sale, visited the town, was favorably
impressed with the outlook for business, and advised that the partnership arrange-
ment be carried out. At once the bargain was made, and July 23, 1870, they
became owners of the Mirror, paying therefor $1200 to T. C. Medary, who
soon afterward returned to his former home in Ohio. .
The initials of the owners being alike, the firm name of "Metcalf & Co." was
used, and continued until July 17. 1874, when John decided to join relatives in
Kansas, and his interest was purchased by James, who retained the owner-
ship until the fall of 1891.
Of later events he writes :
"For the three years I served as an apprentice I received respectively $20,
$25 and $30, a fact not without interest as compared with the wages paid now-
adays. From that day in 1857 when I began the printing business I have made
my own way in the world. My career as a printer remains one of the happiest
memories of my life. While other activities had my attention in after vears, 1
have never ceased to be intensely interested in and have kept in close touch
with every branch of printing and publishing. The printing art is a real educator,
and I know of no occupation which opens up so diversified a field for after-life
employment in other directions. The composing-room became my high school
and the world my university.
"It is the proverbial inclination of old age to regard the past with an appre-
ciation it cannot accord the present. In the winter of life we do not find the bloom
and aroma that we perceived in its spring and summer. We are more inclined
too to admit the errors of younger manhood, and to feel that at least in some
directions we have gained wisdom through experience. There are some things
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 163
which the country editor is prone to indulge in, and of which I too plead guilty
with regret. If I should again become an editor, I would not use my paper to
asperse a contemporary, albeit he might be a horsethief , and I could prove it !
1 would not indiscriminately 'puff' Tom. Dick and Harry, as is the tendency
nowadays, nor would I use my columns to dun delinquents."
The local papers of the period named were certainly creditable to the com-
munity, and stood well throughout the state.
February 9, 1880. he was appointed Supervisor of Census for the Second
Iowa District. This appointment was made upon the unanimous recommendation
of the Iowa delegation in Congress. At the conclusion of the work the Superin-
tendent wrote that "it was the best of the state, and completed the first." It is
worthy of note that three such appointments fell to Allamakee county ; the
others being George H. Markley and David W. Reed.
Of his connection with the postal service he writes :
"Having had such an attack of the ague as used me up for a time, I decided
to temporarily quit business. I leased the Mirror office to Woodward & Metcalf
— the first named. Earl M. Woodward, a young lawyer, who came from New
York state ; the latter my brother, George W, who had been with me several
years in the office. I went to Kansas, and was so much benefited by a few
months' change that I concluded to engage in other business. P>y merest accident
I happened to hear of a vacancy in the postal service, and within a few days there-
after, merely by writing a single letter (February 2. 1882), I was appointed
a postoffice inspector. I was graduated from a business college in 1866; from
childhood I had a love of figures, and of details connected with them. There
was a fascination about accounts, and this natural trait, developed by practical
familiarity with printed matter and blanks, served me so well in after years that I
have always regarded my scholarship in the college as the best investment I
ever made. It was pleasing to be assigned by the postoffice department to the
money order branch of that service, and I was directly connected with it for
the next five years. My experience in the service, then and afterward, covered
travel in every state and territory, Canada, Mexico and Newfoundland, and
I was by President Cleveland appointed as a representative of the government
to visit Norway, but this trip was later found not to be necessary.
"I might write at great length of the life I led during these years, of the
privations and perils I was subjected to, and of many thrilling events in which
I took some part, covering my duty. From delinquent postmasters I collected
very large sums of money, often at great personal risk, in localities far from
home, and amidst circumstances not without personal danger, but I never met
with any mishap.
"1 had widest authority and discretion, but it is a source of satisfaction, now
that I am on the downhill of life, to know that I exercised no undue harshness
toward the hundreds of weak, misguided men with whom I had to do ; with
others, my heart always prompted mercy, and I never failed to show kindness
and compassion toward those who were the subjects of misfortune and unwise
enough to use the funds which they were entrusted with. I have seen such
keenness of suffering, even suicide, following in the near wake of gambling,
liquor, evil associations, and kindred wrong-doing, as few men perhaps have
164
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
any knowledge of. and, were I to recall these events, the chapter would disclose
many circumstances which might well appear to be imaginary rather than facts.
"September 27. 1885, I was made inspector in charge of the division head-
quarters at Chicago, with twenty-five others under my direction ; the duty of train-
ing newly-appointed inspectors was assigned me, and I filled this position until
September 14, 1887, when, tiring of the service, and desiring to be with my
family, I voluntarily resigned, to become secretary of the Lansing Lumber Com-
pany, and I at once entered upon a business entirely new to me. but very pleasant
because of being at my home.
"One day in April, 1889, I received a telegram from Washington, 'Will you
accept position chief clerk money order system?" and I was surprised beyond
measure, not knowing of such a vacancy, and not expecting to ever return to
Washington. I held the matter under advisement for a day, and was then
undecided, but finally answered. 'Will he in Washington' (naming a day), thus
leaving the matter open for consideration. On reaching the city I found two
positions open for me, if I desired to accept them, and, after much thought,
decided to take that of chief clerk of office of first assistant postmaster general,
temporarily, which was followed by appointment as chief clerk of the money
order system, May 31st, in which position I served until promoted to be superin-
tendent, September 16, 1897.
"It was my privilege to serve under eleven postmasters general. The war
with Spain brought about conditions never before known in the governmental
service, and there were no precedents to guide the officers of the department
in meeting conditions which arose immediately. It became my duty to devise
methods whereby funds might be sent home by soldiers in the field, as well as
remittances made them ; when the army reached Cuba conditions were wholly
changed, as the currency there in use was not only depreciated but not current
in the States. The greater obstacle was the use there of a foreign language, and
this was of an especially trying nature when the Philippines were annexed.
In like manner, different conditions had to be met in Porto Rico and Hawaii.
The banks in Cuba were unable to meet conditions of trade, and as a conse-
quence many millions of dollars accruing from sales of money orders were sent
to New York, in the shape of depreciated Spanish coins, and the annoyance and
vexation which resulted may well be imagined but not described. I may be
pardoned for claiming some credit for the successful operation of this vast busi-
ness, without any serious losses, and for the establishment, through my own per-
sonal labor, of systems which proved to be highly successful and permanent.
It was upon my recommendation that eventually the government exchanged all
the Spanish and other coins in Cuba for our own currency ; if this had been done
at the time it was suggested a vast amount of trouble and loss might have been
avoided.
"It was my aim to negotiate with Russia and Mexico arrangements for
exchange of business upon the basis followed with other countries, efforts of
others in that direction having failed. I personally visited Mexico, and success-
fully made the arrangements; with Russia a convention was also made, upon
favorable terms, and so much to the satisfaction of that government (there was
no money order system in Russia before that time) that the emperor was
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 165
gracious enough to confer upon me the decoration and medal of honor granted
only to those 'who have served the state with distinction.'
"I might write at great length upon matters of interest connected with my
public service, but already these personal reminiscences have taken too much
space. I can look back only with pride upon every act, and can point to results
in evidence of an intense interest and unfailing industry in seeking to perform my
duty. Of these things others however might better state the facts."
As to the facts indirectly alluded to in Mr. Metcalf's closing paragraph it
is enough to say that in our own judgment, and that of his old acquaintance here-
about who knew him so long and well, he stands fully justified of any aspersions
cast upon his official integrity by those envious of his well earned success in the
department which he so ably and faithfully served. — Editor.
OTHERS OF THE FRATERNITY
It appears upon good authority that the Lansing Intelligencer, established by
H. H. Houghton, November 23.. 1852, was the first paper in Iowa north of
Dubuque, preceding the Clayton County Herald (at Guttenberg) by only a few
weeks. Mr. Houghton was at the time conducting a paper at Galena. Illinois,
being indeed a veteran in the profession, apprenticed to the trade in 1824. in Ver-
mont. Becoming interested in the welfare of the town, of which he was one of
the founders, he brought this press to Lansing and placed W. H. Sumner in
charge, from all evidence a man of considerable ability whose early death was a
loss to the community, as well as to the craft. He was succeeded by H. R. Chat-'
terton likewise an able editor, of whose peculiarities Mr. Medary tells in his recol-
lections. A sketch of Mr. Houghton's remarkable career appears in the Lansing
chapter. Considering the Lansing Mirror as a continuation of the Intelligencer,
the Waukon Journal became the second paper established in Allamakee county,
free soil like its contemporary, and first issued in the spring of 1857, by Frank
Belfoy, who soon disposed of it to Frank Pease who changed both its name and
its politics, but his Herald was discontinued in '59. After a few months T. H.
McElroy came on the stage of action with the Transcript. All three of these
erratic stars are recalled in Medary's entertaining paper.
These were followed by some individuals of greater strength of character and
greater merit. E. L. Babbitt and W. H. Merrill came from New York state,
where they had published the Wyoming County Mirror, and in May, i860, estab-
lished the North Iowa Journal at Waukon, republican-in politics and ably edited.
Mr. Babbitt was appointed postmaster by President Lincoln, but he was in poor
health, and disposing of the paper late in '61 both he and Merrill returned to
Wyoming county, where Babbitt died in 1863. Mr. Merrill, born in Chautauqua
county. New York, in 1840, entered the Wyoming County Mirror office at Warsaw
in 1855, and became one of the proprietors and editors. After returning from
Waukon to Warsaw he conducted the Western New Yorker until 1875, when he
went to Boston and became editor of the Golden Rule, in company with Rev.
W. H. H. Murray, of "Adirondack" fame. He was called to New York in 1886
and for fifteen years was chief editor of the New York World. Returning to
Boston in 1905 he became associate editor of the Boston Herald, and died at
Bingham, Massachusetts, September 6, 1907, in his sixty-seventh year.
166 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Of the next proprietors of the W'aukon Journal the writer has but little recol-
lection, further than they were both lawyers and not practical printers, hence
unqualified for the successful conduct of a country paper; and no record of
their subsequent careers is at hand. Goodwin sold his interest to Calkins,
who became postmaster upon the resignation of Babbitt in 1862 and turned over
his interest in the paper to his printer partner Chas. B. Cole, who took the plant
to Lansing and made it democratic.
George W. Haislet published the Lansing Union from 1863 to '66, but he was
so widely known throughout northeastern Iowa for his newspaper ventures that
no extended mention is due here. His activities were chiefly in Winneshiek and
Howard counties. He published the Decorah Radical from 1876 until his death
in 1881.
Charles W. McDonald, who established the W'aukon Standard in January
1868, was an excellent printer who had been publishing the Blairstown, Iowa.
Gazette, previous to this venture, which has endured and thrived for over forty
years. No question existed as to where Mr. McDonald stood politically, as from
the very start he displayed at the head of his Standard the line, "For President,
Schuyler Colfax, subject to the decision of the Republican National Convention."
At the end of three months Air. McDonald availed himself of a favorable oppor-
tunity to sell out, to R. L. Hayward & Co., and went east, first, and then west,
continuing in the same avocation until 1882. when he was superintendent of
schools of Aurora county. South Dakota.
Of A. M. May, who then became the editor (if the Standard and so con-
tinued for a generation, this writer may be unable to speak with unbiased judg-
ment, having been first an employee and later business associate for fourteen
years. During this period the institution saw some pretty close times, encountered
occasional problems of both financial and editorial management, built a brick
building in which the Standard is still housed, and developed a stability and a
character that have become a valuable asset to the concern to this day. Not
always did we agree in these various matters; but however we differed the
writer does not recall an instance in which he doubted the sincerity of the
other's convictions or his honesty of purpose. As an editor Mr. May was a
logical reasoner, a trained thinker, a ready and forceful writer, and put up a
good fight for whatever cause he championed, winning or losing. And perhaps
he is still capable of it to-day though retired a decade from the editorial chair.
It occurs to us in looking back through the old Standard files for history material
that, though mistakes were made, on the whole the editorial services of those
thirty years for republican principles were never properly appreciated. In these
latter days, there is not one-tenth of the editorial labor devoted to public questions
as was given by such writers as A. K. Bailey, A. M. May, or W. N. Burdick,
in their prime. Doubtless it does not pay — and never did, financially— but there
seemed to be a satisfaction which they enjoyed in laboring for a principle.
W. N. Burdick, who conducted the Postville Review for twenty-six years,
from 1875 until his death in 1901, was born in New York in 1837, his parents
emigrating to Kane county. Illinois, in 1830. With them he went to West Union,
Iowa, in 1852, where he worked on the farm until 1856, when he engaged in a
printing office at Decorah, and subsequently at Cresco for a short time. He then
resumed farming for two years, after which he entered the mercantile business.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 167
For nearly seven years he was postmaster at Cresco. In 1873 he became a partner
with G. W. Haislet in the" Winneshiek Register at Decorah, soon after purchas-
ing the entire interest. In 1875 he sold out and purchased the Review, at Post-
ville. which he continued to publish until his death. He wielded a facile pen,
writing in an entertaining manner on almost any subject and not without a poetic
vein. His political argument was insistent and plausible, if not always orthodox.
It was a pleasure to read his articles, as we are reminded by a recent research
in some local files of the seventies, at a time when the N. E. Iowa Editorial
Association was holding semi-annual sessions. Mr. Burdick's and Mr. Shannon's
poetic effusions on these occasions, while perhaps not exactly epic, were greatly
appreciated by the (for the time being) epicures, assembled; and the banquet
addresses by A. K. Bailey of the Decorah Republican, C. H. Talmadge of the
West Union Gazette. H. I.. Rami of the Manchester Press, J. W. Shannon of the
Elkader [ournal, Judge Toman of the [independence Bulletin, and Hofer of the
McGregor News, indicated a lot of keen intellects among the district press.
\l the present day the newspapers of Allamakee county comprise the fol-
lowing: Lansing— Mirror by Geo. W. Metcalf; Journal by John J. and Thos.
F. Dunlevy (Waukon branch I ; Waukon— Standard by John H. DeWild ; Repub-
lican by A. P. Bock; Democrat by Ed. F. Medary ; Postville — Review by the
Burdicks and Bert E. Tuttle; Volksblatt by Paul Ronneberger; and New Albin—
News by Ludwig Schubbert : all in the hands of good practical printers and expe-
rienced newspaper men and all apparently nourishing.
■-■;*
»- - -
SCENES ON THE NEW RAILROAD GRADE
CHAPTER XIV
THE COUNTY BAR
In the preparation of a history of the county it is necessary to give a prom-
inent place to those who naturally took a large share in the labors, as well as the
honors, of formulating and interpreting the laws by which it is governed. The
prosperity and well-being of a community, as well as of a state or nation, depend
largely upon the wisdom and integrity of those who are commissioned by its
people to establish the character of its government, and these are, naturally,
drawn largely from the legal fraternity. To quote another writer, "It may be
truly said of the legal fraternity that members of the bar have been more
prominent actors in public affairs than any other class of the American people,
the result of causes which need no explanation. The ability and training which
qualify one to practice law is supposed to also qualify for other important callings
in life ; especially so in regard to legislative duties and the making of laws."
In enumerating the practitioners at the bar of Allamakee county we must go
back to the time when this was for all judicial purposes a part of Clayton county.
In a previous chapter will be found a sketch of the early courts within our
present territory, but it will be well to take a glance at the "itinerant" lawyers
who practiced at that time and some of whom later became judicial timber.
The first term of the District court "for the county of Clayton, in the territory
of Wisconsin," was held at Prairie la Porte (now Cuttenberg) the first Monday
in May, 1838, Hon. Charles Dunn, district judge, presiding. Frederick Andros
was appointed clerk. Allamakee county was then included in Clayton county and
the jurisdiction of the court, and its first court, in one sense, was held while
yet a part of Wisconsin. Before the next term of court, Iowa Territory was
formed and the first term of the Iowa court for Clayton, including this county,
was held September, 1838, Hon. T. S. Wilson, presiding judge. ""For five years
there were no resident lawyers in the county, itinerant attorneys attending the
courts and attending to what business there was. Among these was James
Crant, who was afterward appointed judge and held the office from 1847 to 1852,
and who heard cases in Allamakee county, whose boundaries were established
by the General Assembly of 1846-7, at the "Old Mission" on the Yellow river,
in 1849 t0 J^Si. Mr. Murdock was the first resident lawyer of Clayton county,
locating on a farm near Garnavillo in August, 1843, coming with Dr. Frederick
Andros, mentioned above, as guide. Reuben Noble located at Garnavillo the
same year, and Elias H. Williams in 1846, all of whom became itinerant lawyers
and practiced law in Allamakee and other counties. They were able men, and
171
172 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
each of them was afterward elected to the office of district judge and they each
filled the position with signal ability. Judge Williams also was a supreme judge
for a short time. To these earliest itinerants were added Elijah Odell, John T.
Stoneman and J. O. Crosby, of Clayton county, able men, who continued this
method of law practice till along in the later '60s, making their trips by stage,
livery, or private conveyance. Many stories are told of their experiences, for
one spring term of court four or five started from McGregor for Waukon.
Arriving at the Yellow river at Volney they found it overflowed, a "raging flood"
which no team could ford, and the bridge gone. Liberal pay induced a resident
to risk his life and theirs, and take them over the river one at a time in an old
boat. One refused to go; they urged him to "come on!" but appeals were in
vain, he answered, "No! Good men are scarce." and returned to McGregor
while a fresh team brought the others to Waukon. and it was years before the
retreating one heard the last of "No! Good men are scarce."
Coming down to the time of the establishment of the first county seat of
this county, at Columbus, and the holding of regular terms of District court,
thereafter within our borders, it is found that the following named have at one
time or another been admitted to the bar in this county. The list is probably not
complete, but is as nearly so as the present data will supply, viz :
Lansing. — John W. Remine, John J. Shaw. Sewell Goodridge, Cyrus Watts,
Geo. W. Cam].. S. II. Kinne, L. E. Fellows, M. Healy, H. F. bellows. Dick I laney,
W. W. Ranney, M. V. Burdick, Geo. W. Kiesel. E. M. Woodward, James Mc-
Ananey, A. J. O'Keefe, W. W. Peasley, Thus. J. Vinje, J. H. Trewin. J. IV
Conway, Frank L. May. The three last named are still located in Lansing.
Waukon.— John T. Clark, L. O. Hatch. M. M. Webster, L. G. Calkins. A. B.
Goodwin. R. Wilbur, F. M. Clark. C. T. Granger, F. M. Goodykoontz. A. E.
Goodykoontz, G. B. Edmonds, Henry Dayton, John F. Dayton, Del! J. Clark,
Geo. M. Darling. J. W. Pennington, C. S. Stilwell, II. II. Stilwell, M. B. Hendrick,
J. H. Boomer, A. M. May, D. W. Reed, A. G. Stewart, J. 1',. II. Baker,
Robert, M. B. Smith, H. L. Dayton, Douglass Deremore, W. S. Hart. C. C.
Banfill, D. J. Murphy. II. E. Taylor, J. E. O'Brien. Burt Hendrick, Calvin S.
Stilwell. W. W. Bulman, James Byrnes. C. M. Stone, B. W. Ratcliffe.
Of these, the following are still in practice here: Henry Dayton, [ohn I-'.
Dayton, H. L. Dayton, C. S., H. H. and Calvin S. Stilwell, W. S. Hart, D. I.
Murphy, H. F. Taylor, J. E. O'Brien. Burt Hendrick. and C. M. Stone.
Postville.— F. S. Burling. II. A. Stowe, T. C. Ransom. S. S. Bowers. T. F.
Johnson, W. C. McNeil. Win. Shepherd, and W. II. Burling. The Burlings and
Wm. Shepherd are the only ones now located here.
Harper's Ferry. — P. V. Coppernoll.
New Albin. — O. H. Maryatt.
Volney. — E. W. Robey.
Rossville.— Geo. R. Miller, H. W. Holman.
Of the foregoing it would be impossible to give here even a brief sketch of
each. Indeed, it is surprising how little biographical material can be found for
any but the most notable in the list, when you come to look for it. For these
reasons no attempt is made to present a sketch of any except some of the older
and more prominent in the profession, and in most cases briefly at that.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 173
In addition to those here presented, biographical reference more or less
extended of the following named will be found in other pages of this work, viz :
Judge Fellows, Dick Haney, J. P. Conway, Frank L. May, John F. Dayton, C. S.
Stilwell, A. M. May, W. S. Hart, D. J. Murphy, and others.
John T. Clark was born in Madison county, New York, in 1811, attended the
common schools, followed farming till 1843. when he began the study of law,
and was admitted to the bar in 1851. He came to Waukon, Iowa, in the fall of
1853 and built the third frame dwelling in the town. He was prosecuting attor-
ney for Allamakee county for several years, and was one of the delegates to the
Iowa Constitutional Convention at Iowa City in 1857. He moved to Decorah
in 1859 but returned to Waukon in 1874, and located at Postville in 1880, and
later made his home with his son. F. M. Clark at Lime Springs. In the early
days Mr. Clark was one of the most prominent attorneys in this part of the state.
Leander O. Hatch was born in Mesopotamia, Trumbull county, Ohio, April
13, 1826. His parents were natives of Massachusetts. He was the fourth son,
attended the public schools, and worked on his father's farm till sixteen years
old. He graduated from the Farmington Academy in 1S42, taught school in
Ohio and New York, and studied law until 1849, when he was admitted to the
bar at Chardon, Ohio, then taught school eighteen months. Came to Delhi,
Delaware county, Iowa in 1853, and soon after came to Waukon. He taught
the first school in Waukon, in the winter of 1854-5.
He was elected and served as county recorder and treasurer for the years
1855-57. He was elected district attorney for the tenth judicial district in 1866
but resigned in 1868 and moved to McGregor, where he became a partner of
Hon. Reuben Noble, continuing till 1874, when Mr. Noble was elected district
judge. Mr. Hatch was elected judge of the District court and served for the years
1 883- 1 894, in which year he died, having served nearly three terms.
Mr. Hatch was married November 18, 1856, to Miss Albina Spaulding, a
daughter of Asher Spaulding, of Waukon. who survived him until a year or two
ago. Their children were four sons and one daughter.
Charles Trumbull Granger was born in Monroe county, New York, October
9, 1835, the youngest of eight children of Trumbull and Sallie (Dibble) Granger.
In 1837 the family removed to Ohio, where his mother died when he was but
a few vears old. After this his home was with a brother-in-law for a number
of years ; but at thirteen years of age he left him because of ill treatment and went
to Illinois, where his father was living, he having remarried. Up to this time
his educational advantages had been very limited, and not fully improved. But
now, a new ambition awoke within him, and he found time while tilling the soil
to obtain a few months schooling, at Waukegan, Illinois; studying only the com-
mon English branches. In November, 1854. he came to Allamakee county with
his people, and taught a district school on Yellow river the following winter. In
August, 1855, he returned to Illinois, and again attended the academy at Wau-
kegan for a few months. Subsequently while engaged in farming for a couple
of years or more he improved his spare time in reading law books borrowed from
lawyers in the nearby town.
In March, i860, he returned to Allamakee county, read law with Hatc+i &
Wilber, of Waukon, and was admitted to the bar near the close of the same year.
It was in this office, he has stated, that he received that substantial encouragement
174 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
and assistance which marked the time as an epoch in his life, and his preceptors
as true benefactors and friends.
Before commencing practice Mr. Granger went to Mitchell. Mitchell county,
and commenced teaching. He was elected county superintendent of schools in
1861, and in August of the next year resigned that office and enlisted in Company
K, 27th Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, of which he was commissioned Cap-
tain, and so served until the close of the war. He was very popular with his
command; and his judicial mind was recognized by frequent calls to act as Judge
Advocate. After he was mustered out, August 8. 1865, he returned to Mitchell
county, but on January 1. 1866, commenced the practice of law in partnership
with his former preceptor, L. O. Hatch, at YVaukon. Three years later he was
appointed district attorney of the tenth judicial district, to fill the vacancy occa-
sioned by the resignation of Mr. Hatch. At the general election following he was
elected for the unexpired term, and at the election of 1870 for a full term of
four years. However, when this term had but half expired he was elected
circuit judge of the tenth circuit. For fourteen years he served in this capacity,
until the circuit court was abolished in 1886, when he was elected judge of the
district court, thirteenth district.
By this time Mr. Granger's ability as a jurist had become widely recognized,
and he w-as called to the supreme bench of Iowa at the election in 1888. Again
six years later was he complimented by the people of the state by a reelection
for a second term of six years, ending with 1900, during which latter year he
was chief justice of Iowa. Having thus rounded out twenty-eight years of judicial
service, crowned with the greatest honor of all, and admonished by symptoms of
failing health, Mr. Granger declined to consider further honors which would
entail further labors, now becoming burdensome, and retired from public life
to enjoy a well-earned competency and needed rest.
From the beginning of his public service Judge Granger's familiarity with
legal principles, his common sense in their application to the case in hand, and
his clear, fair, and convincing style of argument, attracted at once the attention
of the bar and the people, and their judgment of his qualifications proved cor-
rect. As a judge the language of his decisions was always simple, clear and
vigorous. The decisions themselves were models of clearness, and always unques-
tionably in harmony with a keen sense of justice.
In 1855 Mr. Granger married Sarah J. Warner, who died in 1862, just before
he entered the army. In 1868 he married Miss Anna Maxwell, whose death
occurred in 1890. Two children were born to them, the daughter, Ula, dying
at the age of twenty-one; the son, Rollo S., now living in Arkansas. Judge
Granger was a staunch republican from the organization of that partv. He was
very prominent in the Masonic order, his connection with this being more fully-
treated in the history of the W'aukon Lodge. Mr. Granger continues to make his
legal residence at W'aukon, though spending much of his time in California and
elsewhere.
Henry Dayton was born September 30, 1836, near Hadley, Saratoga county,
New York. Telem Dayton, father of our subject, was born near Hadley, New
York, August 21, 1797. lived on the homestead fifty years, then moved farther up
the Hudson river, and continued farming. Mr. Dayton, subject of this sketch,
was the seventh of a family of eight children. He attended the public schools
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 175
when young, and when eighteen years of age entered the Fort Edwards Collegiate
Institute, New York, and completed a two years scientific course, then attended
the New York Conference Seminary at Charlottsville, New York, then taught
school in Warren county, New York, and came to Hardin, Allamakee county in
December, 1859, where he taught school that winter. He then went to Arkansas
where he studied law for a time, returning to Iowa in 1861, and read law with
Hon. M. V. Burdick of Decorah, and was admitted to the bar at New Oregon,
Howard county, in 1862, Hon. E. H. Williams presiding judge. For the next
eight years he taught winter schools at Hardin. Lansing and Decorah, acting as
deputy under H. O. Dayton, county surveyor, during the summers. In the fall
of 1870 he became a law partner of G. B. Edmonds in Waukon, which continued
for one year. In 1873 he formed the law firm of Dayton & Dayton, with his
nephew, Hon. J. F. Dayton, the firm continuing ever since, and his son H. L.
Dayton, being later added to the firm.
Mr. Dayton has always been a democrat. He was elected county surveyor
in 1865 and again in 1867, and for eight years, prior to the change to county attor-
ney he was attorney for the county Board of Supervisors, in 1888 was elected
county attorney and held the office six years. In 1871 he was elected by a good
majority to represent this county in the fourteenth general assembly at Des
Moines, and made so good a record that he was reelected in 1873. During each
session he served on important committees.
Mr. Dayton was married at W'aukon. Iowa, May 24. 1874. to Miss Mary M.
Wilcox, a native of Fort Edward, New York. They have two children both
now residents of Waukon.
Mr. Dayton has been one of the most successful and respected attorneys of
the county, his upright business character and long residence have made him
friends among all classes of the citizens of the count}-.
Harrison W. Holman was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania. August 22, 1841.
He attended the common schools, and a higher school and taught school for nearly
a vear, when answering Lincoln's call for volunteers for three months, at the
beginning of the rebellion, in April, 1861, he enlisted and served three months,
then reenlisted for three years in the 83d Pennsylvania Infantry. In January.
1862, he was transferred to the signal corps of the army, was with the Army of
the Potomac, taking active part in all the important battles fought by that army
including the battle of Gettysburg. Being mustered out August 22, 1865. he
shortly afterward came to Rossville, this county, and began reading law with the
Hon. George R. Miller, who afterwards moved to Mason City. He was admitted
to the bar at Waukon in December, 1868, and remained here till 1871. when he
moved to Waterloo, Iowa, and became a member of the law firm of Lichty &
Holman. In 1872 he was appointed official court reporter for the district court
for that judicial district and removed to Dubuque. In 1877 he resigned and
opened a law office in Independence, where he continued in successful practice
till his death a few years since. He was a man of fine attainments, a good
speaker, and excellent social qualities. In October, 1867, he was married to Miss
Harriet Smith of Rossville, and their family consisted of four children, all of
whom attained honorable positions.
Albert G. Stewart was born at Broadhead, Wisconsin, March 1, 1854. of Vir-
ginia parents. His father, Thomas, was an early steamboat captain on the Ohio,
Vol. 1—9
176
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
and a graduate of William and Mary College, Virginia. He settled in Wisconsin
in 1841, and A. G. was the fifth of a large family. The subject of this sketch
came to Waukon March 1. 1875. studied law in the office of Granger & Stilwell,
and was admitted to the bar in October, 1876. In 1877 he entered into partner-
ship with C. S. Stilwell. and ten years later with H. H. Stilwell. Mr. Stewart was
chairman of the republican county central committee for twelve years, and mayor
of Waukon three years. He made an excellent record in the Iowa National
Guard, attaining the rank of colonel, and later commanding the Waukon com-
pany during the Spanish war. Of recent years he has resided in the East.
James Henry Trewin was born at Bloomingdale, Illinois. November 29, 1858.
He was educated in the public schools of Illinois and Iowa, at Bradford Academy,
Chickasaw county, and Lenox College at Hopkinton, Iowa. His first sixteen
years were mostly spent on a farm. He taught school when sixteen years old,
and for seven years was attending school or teaching. He began studying law
with Robinson & Powers of Dubuque in 1 88 1 , and was admitted to the bar April
27. 1882. For six years he practiced law at Earlville, Iowa, a part of the time
being mayor of the town. In February, 1889, he came to Lansing, this county,
where he continued to practice till he removed to Cedar Rapids. In 1893 he was
nominated by the republicans to represent Allamakee county in the twenty-fifth
general assembly and was elected, though the county had been democratic by a
large majority. In 1895 he was elected as a republican for state senator from
the fortieth Iowa district, composed of Allamakee and Fayette counties. Mr.
Trewin soon became the leading lawyer of the county, as he also soon became
one of the leading politicians of the state. He secured, when a member of the
house, the passage of a bill for the recodification of the laws of the state, became
the chairman of the committee which had charge of the work, and the result was
largely due to his active work. He has continued to be a power in the politics
of the state, and has been classed as the leader of the "'stand-pat" wing of the
republican party. When the Legislature created the "Hoard of Education,"
approved March 29. 1909, Governor Carroll appointed the nine members com-
posing it, with Mr. Trewin as president of the board. No question before the
HM3 Legislature caused more differences of opinion and discussion than the
changes in the management of the state's educational institutions proposed by this
board, Mr. Trewin being the leading spirit for the changes. A compromise was
reached, deferring the matter to the next assembly.
Mr. Trewin was married at Earlville, Iowa, April 14, 1883, to Miss Martha
E. Rector, a native of Earlville. A son, Harold R., was born May 30. 1890, a
most promising young man, whose untimely death last year was a great affliction
to the parents.
Earl M. Woodward was born in Truxton, Cortland county. New York Decem-
ber 16, 1848, of New England ancestry. He obtained his preliminary education
in the common schools and an academy, and when a mere boy enlisted in the I42d
Regiment, Illinois Infantry, served six months and was honorably discharged
before he was sixteen years of age. In May. 1874, he was graduated from the
Albany, New York, Law School. Soon after he came to Lansing, Iowa, which
was his home, except a few years passed in Minnesota. Having a good knowl-
edge of law, conscientious, ambitious and energetic, he soon made an honorable
position for himself. He was city solicitor of Lansing for two terms, and was
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 177
elected county attorney in 1894, and was thorough and successful, faithfully serv-
ing the people in that capacity for successive terms. He was also for a time
interested in the Lansing Mirror and was a writer of ability. He was a pleasing
speaker. Politically he was a republican and was an important factor in securing
success for the party. He was greatly handicapped by ill health, which undoubt-
edly considerably shortened his life, his death occurring in January, 1898.
H. H. Stilwell was born in Wyoming county. New York, in 1841 ; came to
Janesville, Wisconsin, where he lived a few years and then removed to Stephen-
son county, Illinois. He came to Allamakee county in 1864, served as county
treasurer one term, 1868-9, and ever since has been engaged in the practice of
his profession, with his home at Waukon. In the fall of 1862 he married Miss
Fliza Bow-en, his brother, C. S. Stilwell, marrying her sister at the same time
and place. Mr. Stilwell has been very prominent in the councils of the republican
party, both in the county and the state.
['. S. Curling came from West Union in 1872. and settled down at Postville
where he has since resided. Here he built up a good practice, in which he has
been continuously engaged for forty-one years. In recent years he has asso-
ciated with him his son, W. H. Burling, one of the rising young attorneys in this
section of the state.
Herbert E. Taylor was born at I'ostville, July 3, 1876, and became a graduate
from the State University at Iowa City, in the liberal arts class of 1898, and
from the law course in igoo. Admitted to the bar in June. 1900, he practiced at
Lansing until April, 1005. when he removed to Waukon, having been elected to
the office of county attorney in the fall of 1904. Me was twice reelected to this
position, which he ably filled until January, 191 1. and since then has continued
his practice at Waukon, with gratifying success. While at Lansing he married
Miss Thomas, daughter of the pioneer banker of that city.
Main amusing incidents occur in the court room. A case was on trial before
Judge Noble in Waukon with a < lerman complaining witness on the stand who
was asking for damages for injuries received by a blow on the head. It was
difficult to make him understand the questions. He was told to "show the jury
how he struck you on the head," but seemed not to comprehend what was wanted.
Finally the judge turned in his chair toward him and directed him to show the
manner of the action when the defendant struck him. Quickly he rose from his
seat, turned and gave Noble a good whack on the head, saying: "Shust like dot,
Shudge!" The judge and jury understood and after the laughter had quieted
down the trial proceeded.
Another instance was in the early days when the lawyers went about the county
trying cases before justices of the peace. About forty years ago during the trial
of a case wherein a tenant was charged with appropriating some undivided grain,
the prisoner took the stand to testify in his own defense; and after stating that
he had weighed up some grain to use and given his landlord credit for his share,
the prosecuting attorney, a small man, commenced a rapid fire of cross questions,
and finally said. "You understand you are under oath, do you?'.' "Yes," said
the witness. "You know you must tell the truth, do you?" "I am telling the
truth." "You are sure you are telling the truth?" "You must not tell me I am
not telling the truth." replied the witness. "You dare me do you?" said the little
lawver. "Don't vou tell me I lie," said the prisoner. "I believe you are lying,"
178 PAST AND PRESENT OP ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
was the reply. The prisoner was sitting in front of the prosecutor, and the
constable was immediately back of the latter, sitting on the floor with his back
against the wall, fast asleep. At the accusation the witness, a wiry young man,
suddenly leaped and struck at the prosecuting attorney with great force, but the
lawyer quick as a flash slipped from his chair to the floor and his assailant went
through thin air head foremost and landed on the stomach of the sleeping con-
stable. Half awake he sprang up exclaiming. "What's all this about?" "Just
exemplifying the testimony." said the little lawyer; and the case went on.
The subjoined is a verbatim copy of an old legal document of sixty years ago,
which was supposed to be a certificate of divorce.
May 3 the 1852 St of Iowa Alemakea County Linton Township
Know allmen Buy these Presantes that the under sind Partes Win Hale and
Mary Ann Hale whwo was joined to gether in the Solomon bond of matrimono
on the fourth of Aprele Eighteen fifty two Has this day Buy Mutul cont of Booth
Parteyes Desolvd the solem bond of Matrimonev Xow in the presentes of
theese witness wee doe Fermly vow and Protest aggans tring tolive to gether
any longer. For it is im posibel for us to in joy peece and hapines As man and
wife For Reson Best none tourselfs We doe further eck nolleg that Wee have
taken oureon time to Reflect on this mater and it is uter im Posibel For us to at-
temp any to liv to gether in Peece and Hapines Now in the Presents of these
witness I doe Here Buy asine all of My Lawful and just Game Against Wm
Hale as alawful and wed husban and also to all PursOnal Property or Real
Estate Aires or Enter for ever in the Present of the witness I doe Here Buy eck
knoleg this to be af ree and voluntary Act of my will 1 doe here buy ack this to bee
My Bond An seel.
Mary Ann Hale seal
Wee the under sind Witness doe here buy Eiknolleg that wee have this day seen
Boath Partis to gether and it is Em Posibel for them to liv together any longer
Sian seeled and delivrd in the Presons of
Wm L Cowes
Thomas Dickson seal
CHAPTER XV
COUNTY SCHOOLS
It would naturally be expected in a state so devoted to its public school system
as was our own state from its beginnings, that in a county like ours, largely set-
tled from New England and other parts of the East where the free school priv-
ileges were most highly prized, an effort would be early made for the attainment
of similar privileges for the families of the pioneers. And so it was, that as soon
as the log cabin was provided for shelter, and the first essentials of a habitation
supplied, the parents looked about for other families, the nearest perhaps some
miles away, with whom to unite in setting up a neighborhood school, that their
young children might not be deprived of the rudiments of an education.
To the founders of Postville belongs the honor, it is believed, of opening the
first school in the county (aside from the Old Mission), in the house of Mr. and
Mrs. Post, in the summer of 1848. The first schoolhouse was built near Hardin
in 1 S4<j. In the central portion of the county the first school was undoubtedly
that taught by L. W. Hersey, in 1853, in a log cabin built by Deacon Azel Pratt
for a dwelling in the fall of 1850. The first school in Lansing was in 1850 or '51.
The first in Waukon in the winter of 1854-5, taught by L. O. Hatch. Previous
to this D. D. Doe taught in Makee township just east of Waukon. Quite early
in the fifties, Reuben Smith built a small schoolhouse on his place on Yellow river,
and employed a teacher to instruct his children, probably admitting those of his
neighbors to the benefit of the school also. The first public school in Smith's dis-
trict was taught by C. T. Granger in the winter of 1854-5. He became the hon-
ored chief justice of the supreme court of Iowa; and still retains his residence
in Waukon, though spending much of his time of late years in California.
More complete history of the principal schools of the county will be found in
the chapters relating to the various towns.
The improvement of educational conditions by means of associations of teach-
ers and school officers was given early attention. The first official mention of
teachers' institutes in the educational records of Iowa, occurs in the annual report
of Hon. Thomas II. Beaton, Jr., superintendent of public instruction, December
2, 1850.
In March, 1858, an act was passed authorizing the holding of teachers' insti-
tutes for periods of not less than six working days, whenever not less than thirty
teachers should desire. The office of county superintendent was created this
year, and he was authorized to expend not to exceed $100 for any one institute,
for teachers and lecturers. The first institute in Allamakee county was held at
Waukon, in September, i860, R. C. Armstrong being county superintendent at
the time. And since 1868 the record of annua! institutes is complete.
181
182 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
In addition to the official institutes a teachers' association was kept up for a
number of years, "designed to aid in carrying out the object of the state law re-
quiring county institutes to be held, and to make the same profitable to all ;" and
to this end it solicited the county superintendent to use as many evenings as pos-
sible for lectures on subjects connected with county schools.
A county association of this character was organized at Waukon, April 24.
i860, with the following officers:
President — J. H. Hazleton. Lansing.
Vice Presidents — A. M. May. Waukon; Anna W. Robinson. Makee: S. S.
Robinson, Jefferson; H. Booth, Franklin; L. Jackson. Taylor; F. W. Sencebaugh,
Paint Creek; Jennie Grattan, Ludlow; Mrs. Reed. Post; Catherine Tovey, Union
Prairie; H. R. Andrews. Lafayette; L. P. Stillman, Center: Harvey Miner. Fair-
view; S. H. Butts. Linton; Rosa Schott. Waterloo: Amelia Wolcott. Lansing;
M. Agnes Ratcliffe, Iowa.
Secretary — Hattie C. Keeler. Postville.
Treasurer — DeEtte Clark. Waukon.
Executive Committee — President and secretary, ex-officio ; and Geo. M. Dai-
ling, Lansing; A. J. Miller. Rossville; Miss Mary E. Post. Ion.
Other members were: Flora Peck. Katie St. Cyr. Mary E. Johnson. Eva Mc-
Lenahan. Zetta E. Crouch, Dell Huffman, Dora E. Clark, Malinda Marietta,
Fmma M. Newell, Ella M. Hayward, Emma A. Spaulding, W. P. Dodds, Emma
E. Hayward. Emma Able, Rachel E. Hall.
For purposes of comparison of school conditions in the county at three dif-
ferent periods, we have with the assistance of County Superintendent Peck pre-
pared the following statement :
1873 1SS1 1912
Value of school houses $75,285.00 $82,741.00 $154,625.00
Value of apparatus 1 .204.00 10,378.00
Volumes in libraries 10 9-&95
No. of persons between 5 and 21 7-511 7-25° 5-hi°
Number enrolled 5-5°2 5,413 3>98o
Average cost of tuition per month, per pupil $0.72 $1.40 $2.43
Amount paid teachers $26,1 1 1.97 $28,023.12 $53,477.66
Paid for fuel, rent, etc 6,452.09 6,754.32 1 1 ,547.55
Paid for secretaries and treasurers 793-37 968.50 [,352.01
Number of school houses:
Franie 95 125
Brick _j ^
Stone 10 4
Log (1877.22) l7 o
Total (1873. 117) ,2i, 133
Average compensation of teachers per month :
Males $38.88 $3111.. $72.49
Females 27.59 22.56 38.58
No fair comparison can be made of the teachers' certificates issued in these
periods, owing to the different methods of classification from time to time. It
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 183
is safe to say, however, that the standard of qualification has kept pace with the
increase of salaries paid, until now the requirements of the rural teacher are far
greater than they formerly were. For the year ending in October. 1881, there
were 258 certificates issued as follows: Professional, 5; first class, 36: second
class, 70; third class, no.
During the past year there were 201 issued, as follows: First grade, 9: second
grade, 96; third grade, 43; provisional, 52: special certificates, 1.
The enumeration of 1912, and enrollment, are given as follows:
SCHOOL TOWNSHIPS
Enumeration Enrollment
Center 234 172
Fairview 97 75
Franklin 210 164
French Creek 1 74 H7
Hanover 122 84
Iowa 136 89
Jefferson 223 212
Linton 203 138
Ludlow 227 189
INDEPENDENT DISTRICTS
Capoli, Xo. 1 14 7
Capoli, No. 2 14 9
Village Creek 41 20
Prairie 33 23
Mound City 20 18
Climax 19 *4
Wexford 34 27
Russell 36 23
Lafayette Center 41 31
Lafayette No. 2 27 23
Three Corners 44 24
Lansing No. 1 5l7 276
Lansing No. 2 35 J8
Lansing No. 3 65 45
Lansing No. 4 35 25
Lansing No. 5 29 19
Lansing No. 6 21 19
Lycurgus 64 48
Howard l7 l7
Makee 3§ 18
Paulk 12 12
Hanson 42 24
Fan 48 15
Elk 24 18
\\ aukon 622 406
184 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Storla 28 24
Ness 5i 30
Cross Roads 23 l8
Waterville 55 47
Paint 29 23
Cherry Mound 24 24
Dahl 30 25
NorthWest 3° 12
Evergreen 33 24
Lybrand 26 18
West Grove 33 25
M inert 25 10
Woodland 14 12
Myron 21 18
Empire 38 l8
Highland 34 35
South Grove 20 9
Postville 333 262
Hardin (joint district, part in Clayton Co. ) 21 25
Monona (joinst district, record in Clayton Co.) 11
New Albin 220 161
Little Paint 14 12
St. Joseph 26 23
Harper's Ferry 142 114
Excelsior 17 14
Spring Brook 23 15
Paint Rock 67 32
Wheatland 45 25
Harmony 42 30
English Bench 30 23
Clear Creek 31 23
Union ^ 21
Columbus 25 15
Eells 38 15
Union Prairie No. 2 30 25
Pleasant Ridge 25 30
South West 28 20
Helming 34 22
Union Prairie No. 6 30 26
Emmett 24 16
Iowa River 21 26
Dorchester 79 60
New Galena 31 26
Bear Creek 34 19
Washington 24 14
Waterloo Ridge 50 29
Bergen 5I 4D
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 185
Upon request, County Superintendent Peck has kindly contributed the follow-
ing interesting items relating to the present conditions, which indicate a gratify-
ing progressiveness in the educational interests of the county :
Allamakee county is composed of eighteen townships, nine of which are
divided into sixty-three independent school districts and nine into school town-
ships containing sixty sub-districts.
Ludlow township in 191 1 erected a modern school building in district No. 8
and at the spring election, 1913, the people of the same township voted to erect
a similar building in district No. 7.
Franklin township in 1912 built two modern schoolhouses in districts Nos.
4 and 11. Waterville at the spring election in 1913 voted $2,000 for the erection
of a two-room school building.
A number of schools in the county have installed the Smith or Waterbury-
Waterman systems of heating and ventilation.
Lansing, Waukon and Postville have fully accredited high schools. New
Albin about eleven grades, and Harper's Ferry, ten.
The St. Patrick's Parochial school, located at Waukon, besides doing eleventh
grade work, offers a normal and business course. This school supplies many
teachers for the rural schools.
The Immaculate Conception School, under the direction of Franciscan Nuns,
is located at Lansing.
An attempt has been made to grade the rural schools of the county and en-
courage the pupils to remain in school until they have completed the eighth grade
and then attend some high school. Pupils who pass the eighth grade examination
in the rural schools are given a certificate admitting them to their nearest high
school and the local district must pay their tuition for four years.
Two examinations are given each year to eighth grade pupils who care to write
for a diploma. In 1907, 30 diplomas were granted; in 1908, 72; in 1909, 115;
in 1910, 131 ; in 191 1. 151 ; in 1912. 108.
The average compensation paid female teachers per month in 1906-97 was
$31.01, and in 1911-12 was $38.58. The average compensation paid males per
month for the same years was $62.89 ar>d $72.49, respectively.
A spelling contest is held in the county each year and has been very beneficial
to the pupils.
School fairs were held in 1910-11-12 and teachers were asked to make exhibits
of work actually done in the schools or the products of the industry of the school
boys and girls in the home, on the farm or in the shop.
A school field day was held in connection wth the fairs. About two thousand
people attended each fair and viewed the exhibits. It brought patrons, pupils
and teachers together and I believe has increased the interest in school matters.
Individual drinking cups have been placed in over one-half of the schools.
A professional teachers' library was started in 1907 by small contributions
of the teachers, and 141 teachers have joined. The books are kept in the office
of the county superintendent and a record kept of the books read.
Agriculture has been introduced by teachers using some text on the subject
as a supplementary reader.
186 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
SUMMARY OF THE ANNUAL REPORT, 19II-I2
Value of schoolhouses $154,625.00
Value of apparatus 10,378.00
Volumes in libraries 9.^95
Number of persons between the ages of 5 and 21 5>04°
Number enrolled in each corporation 3.980
Average cost of tuition per month, per pupil 2.43
Amount paid teachers 53,477.66
Paid for fuel, rent, etc 11,547.55
Paid for secretaries and treasurers 1,352.01
W. L. Peck,
County Superintendent.
Waukon, March 27, 1913.
CHAPTER XVI
PUBLIC UTILITIES
The Standard Telephone Company was incorporated August 15, 1895, for
a term of fifty years, with a capital of $25,000, divided into small shares of $5.00
each. This made it possible for many to invest small amounts in the enterprise,
making it popular with the people, and its early growth was remarkable.
Mr. V. H. Stevens of Waterville was the originator of this corporation, having
begun in a small way with a local plant, which proved so successful that he con-
ceived the idea of branching out into a wider field. The result was the perfect-
ing of the above organization, with principal place of business at Waukon, but
with Lansing, Postville, New Albin and Decorah capital likewise interested.
The first officers elected were: President. V. H. Stevens; Vice- President, Her-
man Boeckh; Secretary, John J. Dunlevy; Treasurer, O. J. Hager; Directors
were the above officers ex-officio and J. F. Dougherty, W. O. Bock, and Robert
I lufschmidt.
This is not intended as a detailed history of this corporation, but only an out-
line of its more important and patent transactions.
For the first few years, after the putting into operation of the first simply
constructed lines, the company was able to pay good dividends, thus increasing
its popularity and necessitating increased construction. It apparently continued
to prosper, and -Mr. Stevens continued as manager for some eight or ten years,
during which time the capital was increased three times, viz.: January 12, 1899,
to $50,000: January 8, 1900, to $100,000; and January 6, 1902, to $200,000.
But injudicious expenditure of capital, loss of business on account of the
organization of farm telephone companies, increased cost of operating and main-
tenance, the necessity for expending more and more capital to improve and
rebuild the system, and other causes, had so decreased the revenues that later
the company passed its first dividend.
January 1, 1904, Mr. Ellison Orr was employed as general superintendent and
has proven an efficient manager, as shown by the official reports on file in his
office. The cheaply and hastily constructed lines and exchanges first built were
soon found to be inadequate for the business of the company, and besides were
beginning to go down from natural decay.
Since Mr. Orr has had charge of the business the entire net revenues after
the payment of general, operating and maintenance expenses, have been expended
in entirely rebuilding the toll lines, exchanges and farm lines belonging to the
company, which when completed will provide adequate construction for giving
service equal to the best.
187
188 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY '
On April 9, 1907, a mortgage and deed of trust was executed to B. F. Thomas,
trustee, to secure an issue of $50,000 six per cent bonds, due June 1, 1918, the
purpose being to refund an old floating indebtedness of $35,000 and provide a
fund of $15,000 with which to begin repairing, improving, equipping and extend-
ing the lines and town exchanges of the company.
From the report for the year ending December 31, 1912. we glean the follow-
ing interesting facts :
Capital stock actually paid up, $126,290.00, or 25,258 shares at $5.00.
The company operates in Allamakee. Clayton. Fayette and Winneshiek coun-
ties in Iowa, and Houston and Fillmore in Minnesota, with lines across the
Mississippi to La Crosse and De Soto. The gross receipts for the year are
given as $48,281.51; general, operating, maintenance and all other expenses as
$33,571.56; three-fourths of which amounts were in Iowa. The difference or
net revenue was expended in rebuilding.
The company has 190 miles of toll lines in Iowa and N8>4 miles in Minne-
sota. The total miles of pole lines is given as 528, of which 278J4 is toll line as
stated above, the remainder being in exchanges and farm lines. Number of
instruments on town exchanges in Iowa. 1,472; on rural or farm lines, 717. The
number in the principal town exchanges being as follows: Decorah. 618; Wau-
kon, 471 ; Elkader, 216; Garnavillo, 141; Monona. 148; Lansing, 134; Gutten-
berg, 112; the foregoing figures include farm phones ; and Caledonia, 225; and
Preston, 240 ; no farm phones included.
Total number of phones in use December 31, 1912, in Iowa 2,363; in Min-
nesota, 491 ; total, 2,854; an increase of 178 during the year. Total valuation of
all fixed properties, $106,164.93.
About seventy-five employees are carried on the company's pay rolls, includ-
ing thirty-six salaried operators and local managers, twenty station operators,
five trouble-men, two district managers, two general office employees, five to
twelve in construction gang, with foreman ; anil superintendent.
Although it is generally understood that a controlling amount of stock is now
owned by outside parties, the affairs of the Standard Telephone Company are
carried on entirely independent of any other concern, the present officers being
residents of this county, as follows: President. M. W. Eaton; Vice-President
(vacant); Secretary, Ellison Orr; Treasurer, O. J. Hager; Directors, W. T.
Gilchrist, Matt Heiser, P. S. Narum, Henry Luhman.
The mileage in Allamakee county and valuation for assessment are fixed by
the Board of Supervisors as follows: Mileage. 148.25; valuation, $43 per mile.
Other telephone companies operating in Allamakee county, with their
mileage and valuation as fixed by the Hoard of Supervisors in 191 1, are as
follows :
Iowa Telephone Company, 42.25 miles, in Post. Ludlow, Union Prairie,
Makee, French Creek and L'nion City ; valuation. $100 per mile.
Eitzen and New Albin Telephone Company, 19 miles, in Union City and
Iowa townships; $16 per mile.
Ludlow Telephone Company. 60 miles, in Union Prairie and Ludlow; $16.
Luana-Monona Farmers' Telephone Company. 6 miles, in Linton, at $11.
Paint Creek Farmers' Telephone Company, 202.75 miles, in Center, Fairview,
HORSESHOE BEND, LANSING
RIVERSIDE BROOK TROUT FARM, LANSING
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 191
French Creek, Jefferson, Makee, Linton, Lafayette, Lansing, Paint Creek and
Taylor townships, at $16 per mile.
LTnion Prairie Telephone Company, 17.25 miles, at $12.
Highland Northeastern Telephone Company, .60 of one mile in Waterloo,
at $12.
Bear Creek Private Telephone Company, 6 miles, in Waterloo, at $12.
Bergen Farmers' Telephone Company, 5 miles, in Waterloo, at $12.
Farmers' Mutual Telephone Company, 33 miles, in Post and Franklin, at $12
per mile.
Frankville and Postville Telephone Company, 12 miles, in Post, at $12.
Glenwood Farmers' Telephone Company, 12 miles, in Union Prairie and
city of Waukon, at $12.
Winnebago and Jefferson Telephone Company, one-half mile in Iowa town-
ship, at $20.
Harmon\- Telephone Association, 11.50 miles, in Union City, at $11.
Iowa River Farmers' Telephone Company, 18 miles, in Union City and Iowa
townships, at $10 per mile.
Henderson Prairie Farmers' Mutual Telephone Company, one mile, in Post
township, at $16.
New Albin and Sand Cove Telephone Company, 11 miles, in Lansing and
Iowa townships, at $20.
New Albitl and Irish Hollow Telephone Company, 8 miles, in Iowa, at $12.
Xordness Telephone Company, 14 miles, in Ludlow and Post, at $12.
Pleasant Ridge Telephone Company, 2 miles, in Post, at $14.
Sattre Telephone Company. 1 mile, in Hanover, at $12.
State Line Mutual Telephone Company, 6.50 miles, in Union City and Water-
loo, at $12.
South Harmony Telephone Company, 7.75 miles, in Union City, at $10.
North Ridge and Jefferson Telephone Company, one-fourth mile in Iowa, at
Si (>o per mile.
Patterson Creek Telephone Company, 11 miles, in Hanover, Union Prairie
and Makee townships, at $10.
Silver Creek Farmers' Telephone Company, 8 miles, in French Creek and
Makee, at $10.
CHICAGO. MILWAUKEE & ST. PAUL RAILWAY
Dubuque Division has 35.81 miles of line in Allamakee county, along the
entire eastern border, built in 1872, assessed valuation $7,000 per mile.
Waukon Branch, 22.81 miles, at $3,000 per mile.
Iowa and Dakota Division has but 4.02 miles in this county, assessed at
$8,300 per mile.
CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND & PACIFIC RAILWAY
Has but 1. 6 1 miles, in Post township, assessed at $4,200 per mile.
192 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
UNITED STATES EXPRESS COMPANY
Operates on this small mileage of the C, R. I. & P., and is assessed at $35
per mile.
WELLS, FARGO & CO. EXPRESS
Operates in this comity over the lines of the C, M. & Si. P. Ry., 02.04 miles,
and is assessed at $35 per mile.
WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY
Covers all rail lines in the county, and is assessed 64.5c; miles, at $80 per mile.
UPPER IOWA POWER COMPANY
On March 28, 1896, the City Council of W'aukon granted to Charles F.
Speed a franchise for the construction and operation of an electric light and
power plant in W'aukon, and at a special election held April 21, 1896, the action
of the council was sustained. Mr. Speed was acting in the interest of Messrs.
Clark W., Helmus \Y. and Mackey J. Thompson of La Crosse, Wisconsin, by
whom he was then employed as manager of the lighting plant at McGregor, Iowa.
In casting about for some one of experience in the electrical field who would
become financially interested with them and erect and operate the plant, the
Thompson brothers were directed by a mutual friend to Purtis & Howard,
electrical contractors of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who were in the business of con-
structing municipal lighting plants and who having previously looked over both
Waukon and Decorah. with a view to securing franchises in these towns, took
up with their proposition and joined them in the organization of the Waukon
Electric Light Company in May. with Clark W. Thompson, President and
Treasurer, W. H. I'.urtis, Vice-President, Helmus W. Thompson, Secretary, and
M. S. Howard, Superintendent. Early in June active operations were begun on
the construction of a steam plant near the depot and the lines for distributing the
current, and the plant was completed and put in service September 21. 1896 (first
night of the County Fair).
In September, 1896, the city of Decorah granted a franchise to Burtis &
Howard, and the Decorah Electric Light Company was organized, W. H. Burtis
being made President and Manager, M. S. Howard. Vice- President and Treas-
urer, and H. L. Tanner, Secretary, and a light and power plant constructed
which was put into operation in February, 1897.
The matter of water power from the Upper Iowa or Oneota river was given
some consideration at this time and a visit was made in January, 1897, to a
power site in Winneshiek county on the Frank Drew farm near the Winneshiek
and Allamakee county line, a site which has since been developed, the plant at
that point being known as Power Plant Xo. 1. The project did not appear
feasible at that time, however, and nothing further was done until October, 1903.
when a systematic study of the river was begun with a view to determining the
minimum flow and normal flow. By 1905 the business in both towns had
increased to such an extent as to tax the capacity of the existing steam plants
and it seemed advisable to construct a hydro-electric plant and transmission svs-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 193
tern to supply the needed power, rather than to install additional steam machinery.
Negotiations were therefore begun looking to the consolidation of the Waukon
Electric Light Company and the Decorah Electric Light Company, and the con-
solidation was consummated in June, 1906, under the name Upper Iowa Power
Company, with the principal office at Decorah, and the officers of the company
were W. H. Burtis, President and Manager; M. S. Howard, Vice-President and
Treasurer, and J. H. Duncan, Secretary.
In the meantime surveys had been made and a power site seven miles below
Decorah on the James Lannon farm in Winneshiek county, a few hundred feet
up the river from the point where the abandoned grade of the Waukon and Mis-
sissippi Railway, between Waukon and Decorah, crossed the river, was selected,
and plans were prepared by a Cleveland engineering firm for a dam and power
plant at this point on which work was begun early in May, 1906. The work on
this dam and power plant and the transmission line to Decorah was completed
in the latter part of March, 1907, and was only awaiting the completion of the
sub-station at Decorah to begin supplying that place with power, when on March
24th, a beautiful spring Sunday, the dam was undermined and destroyed. The
failure occurred when the river was at its normal stage, and was due to faulty
design by the engineers who planned the work, the foundations not having been
carried to sufficient depth to prevent undermining.
The dam and power house were completely wrecked but the machinery was
only slightly injured and the work of removing it was begun immediately.
Undismayed by the destruction of this dam, the company, at once, began
preparations for the construction of another. During the following summer a
survey was made of the site at the mouth of Coon creek on the Frank Drew farm,
four miles further down the river, which has been referred to earlier in this
article, and the site was purchased and flowage rights obtained for a dam twenty-
five feet high. In the winter and spring of 1908 plans were prepared by the
Arnold Company of Chicago for a twenty-five foot dam and power plant at this
point and the contract for the construction was let to Rich and Carlson of Chi-
cago. Work on the dam and power plant was commenced about the first of May
by the contractors and about the same time the power company began extending
their transmission line from the old to the new dam site and on to Waukon, and
the system was completed and put into operation on February 19, 1909.
Previous to this time the electric light service in Waukon had been limited to
the hours between dusk' and midnight, except that in the winter months current
was supplied also from 5 A. M. till daylight, but the service now was made con-
tinuous throughout the twenty-four hours for light, heat and power, and electric
power rapidly supplanted steam and gasoline wherever power was used.
In 1910, a franchise and contracts for street lighting and pumping water
were granted by the town of Postville and in the fall of the same year a trans-
mission line was built from Postville north to the Waukon transmission line
connecting with that line at a point five and one-half miles west of Waukon.
The transmission lines and the distribution lines in the town were completed and
the current turned on in March, 1910.
During the summer of 1910 the transmission line was also extended from
Waukon to the iron mines three miles northeast to supply power for the opera-
tion of the reduction plant that was being installed.
194
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
On April 7, 191 1, a franchise and contracts were secured at Lansing and the
Lansing electric light plant was purchased, and during the summer and fall the
distribution system was reconstructed and the transmission line was extended
from the iron mines to that city. This work was completed about November 1,
191 1.
As it had become apparent that more power than one dam could supply would
soon be needed, preparations were made for the construction of a new power
plant near the site of the one that was destroyed in 1907, and in September, 1911,
work was begun on this plant, which was completed and put in operation Decem-
ber 1, 1912, and is known as Power Plant No. 2.
In September, 191 2, the Cresco electric lighting system was taken over and
work was at once begun on the extension of the transmission lines from Decorah,
and the weather being very favorable the work was carried on throughout the
winter, and was completed and the current turned on, making the fifth city to
receive its power from the two dams on the Upper Iowa river.
A recent issue of the Popular Electricity Magazine contains the following
additional facts of interest as to this plant :
Five Taintor gates, ten feet wide and twenty feet high, operated by an electric
hoist and two spillways, one forty feet and the other one hundred feet wide, con-
trol these flood waters. The operator at danger times keeps his ear close to the
telephone and at the first warning lowers the water in the pond. The dam, with
an effective head of twenty-seven feet when the pond is full, is the highest in
Iowa, barring the great structure at Keokuk.
Sufficient electricity was generated by the plant to supply quite an area. The
demand for the current grew as the plant tested out a success and last year the
company found it feasible to enlarge its capacity by putting in a second dam and
power plant. The work was completed in January and interesting developments
are rapidly following. From an engineering standpoint, the two plants together
form probably the most complete small hydro-electric development in the central
states. From a practical point of view the system is unique.
The transmission lines have been strung on thirty-foot cedar poles along the
public roads and private right-of-way through the fields for seventy-seven miles.
Over these lines the current is now flowing up from the Upper Iowa into three
counties. On the way it is supplying the five leading towns, Decorah, Postville,
Cresco, Waukon, and Lansing, with both light and power. Iron mines near W'au-
kon, button factories at Lansing, clay works at Postville and several minor indus-
tries are using the current and further manufacturing development is indicated.
Between these larger towns quite a number of villages too small to support
a steam plant are supplied with electricity. The best and most significant feature
of the system, however, is the bringing of electricity into rural life. Several
hundred farms are adjacent to the lines. All that is necessary for a farmer to
do is to pay for a transformer, lightning arrester and the wiring, and then at
the same rate as town customers he may light barns and house and install motors
to pump the water, grind the feed, separate the cream, do the family washing
and a score of other things. New as the system is, already quite a number of
farmers have taken advantage of the great convenience which has been brought to
their doors.
CHAPTER XVII
A DARK CHAPTER
Aside from the Indian tragedies at Paint Rock, Giard, and Monona, as nar-
rated elsewhere, Allamakee county history must needs chronicle a half-dozen or
more murders enacted after the country become "civilized." It is with reluctance
that this dark chapter is given place, but it is the duty of a faithful historian to
record the evil with the good ; and as said before, history teaches by warning as
well as by inspiration — by evil as .well as by good example. The details of these
criminal episodes, however, will not be unduly enlarged upon.
The county may be congratulated that it has never been called upon to per-
form a legal execution ; and more heartily congratulated that no mob execution
has occurred within its borders.
A few of the more noted instances of other heinous offenses brought to the
attention of our courts may well be included here ; and some portions of this
chapter are re-written (and corrected) from a former work.
There was at one time a great demand in this western country for "borrowed"
horses ; and so great was the apparent demand that it was found necessary in
this county, as well as in many others, to sometimes send out armed patrols to
search the country for those who did the borrowing, that is in cases, of course,
where it was done without leave. We cannot say that actual lynching was ever
practiced, but certain it is that some parties were badly scared ; and it is also
certain that more than one desperate character was arrested and brought to jus-
tice by them, and others informed that another part of the country would doubt-
less prove more conducive to their health.
The first case of horse stealing we have run across in our researches is that
of David Clark, examined in Lansing in December, 1858, and committed to the
Decorah jail. His plan was said to be, after stealing an animal, to run him off
and sell him, and then lie about until he got a chance to poison the horse to
destroy the evidence. The grand jury found a bill against him May 25, 1859, but
before he could be brought to trial he escaped from jail by nearly killing the jailer,
and was never recaptured.
A remarkable case was that of Wm. Presho, a most desperate character, who
was arrested for stealing horses from the livery in Waukon, we believe, in the
spring of 1865. His trial came off at Lansing in June following, and on the 17th
of that month he was found guilty and sentenced to two years in the Fort Madi-
son penitentiary. Sheriff Palmer started down river with him aboard a stern-
wheel steamer, taking along one Doctor Hall, a man well known and highly
Vol. I— 10
195
196
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
respected, as an assistant. Late one evening. Hall accompanied Presho to the
stern of the boat and both disappeared. As soon as they were missed a search
was made, but neither was found, and the theory received credence for several
years that both were drowned, as it was supposed that Presho had attempted to
drown his guard and had gone down with him, being handcuffed at the time.
Presho afterward turned up alive and sound, and his version of the affair is said
to be. that after knocking Hall insensible and throwing him into the river ( Hall
was rather slight, while the prisoner was powerful and an excellent swimmer )
he jumped over and supported himself upon a board close by the wheel, where
he was concealed by a projection above, and escaped discovery in the darkness
when the search was made, and when the boat made her next landing he dropped
into the water and got safely to the sh< ire. I le that as it may, he escaped, and was
again at his old tricks. Stealing a valuable horse somewhere in the central part
of the state, he ran the animal off into .Minnesota and entered it in a race. The
owner followed in search and it is said discovered his horse just as it was coming
victorious from the race course, having won the purse. Seeking the pretended
owner he demanded how he came by the animal and Presho answered that he
had a bill of sale which he would produce if he would accompany him to his hotel.
The man did so, accompanying Presho to his room, where the latter went to his
trunk and taking a revolver therefrom coolly confronted the rightful owner of
the horse declaring "there is my bill of sale, d — n you." He then cleared out,
but being hotly pursued swam the .Minnesota river and made good his escape,
although several shots were fired at him from the shore. He was never
apprehended, but was heard of afterward in various places in the west, and is
said to have later owned a stock farm in a western state.
One of the earliest murders, of which there is record, occurred in what was
called "Dutch Hollow," in Linton township, in 1863 or '64. It appears that a dif-
ficulty of long standing existed between one Girard Riley and a neighbor named
Cunningham, and finally Riley assassinated him, lying in wait in a wood as he
passed by. The murderer had made careful preparations for the deed, having
a saddled horse near, and immediately left the country. He was not heard of for
over ten years, when a letter came to Sheriff Hewitt from one John O'Toole at
Lexington, Kentucky, to the effect that if the sheriff would come to Lexington the
writer would point out to him a man named Girard Riley who committed a mur-
der in Linton township some eleven years previous.
Acting upon the request of O'Toole, the sheriff procured from Governor
Carpenter, of this state, a requisition on the Governor of Kentucky, armed with
which he started for Lexington, and was soon in communication with the writer
of the letter. Judge of the indignation and astonishment of the official, when
O'Toole doggedly refused to point out the whereabouts of the man, or to give
any information whatever about him, unless Mr. Hewitt would pay him in cash
$300. His claims were based upon a statement to the effect that he had been
Riley's neighbor and friend; that he was perfectly familiar with all the circum-
stances and facts of the tragedy : that he was shortly afterward in communication
with the murderer, and finally both settled in Kentucky. There O'Toole loaned
Riley $300 to start in business. This sum he demanded back from Riley, but the
fellow coolly informed his benefactor and friend that all his property was in his
wife's name; that O'Toole could not make him pay it, and he refused point blank
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 197
to return the money. Determined to seek revenge, he told Riley that he would
yet be even with him ; and in due time the letter to Sheriff Hewitt was written,
and that official summoned. He stated that Riley was living under an assumed
name, and was in good circumstances; that all he (O'Toole) wanted was the
borrowed money, and if that was forthcoming he would at once deliver him up.
The sheriff refused to comply with this demand, but consulted with the sheriff of
1 .exington county, and put him in possession of all the facts; and with the promise
of all the assistance in the power of that official the case still rests.
Another most foul murder was that of Barney Leavy by Charles O'Neil, on
Lansing ridge in 1866. the circumstances being as follows:
Leavy was a teamster between Lansing and Decorah, and much of the time
put up at Marsden's on the Ridge. O'Xeil lived not far from there on the same
road. One Sunday a young man by the name of Hughes, somewhat intoxicated,
was driving back and forth along the road, and stopped with a companion at
Mauch's brewery for a glass of beer, where he met Leavy and got into an alterca-
tion with him, both being in a mood to indulge in pugilism. One or two Sundays
after this occurrence it was being talked over at Mauch's, when Leavy. in the
presence of O'Xeil declared he could whip Hughes; whereupon O'Neil, who was
an old friend of young Hughes' father, with whom he had chummed in California,
resented his language and hot words passed between them. At a later hour, after
they had left the brewery. Leavy whipped O'Neil, who then went home and armed
himself with a knife and gun. but apparently concluding that the knife would do
the work the best, secreted the gun under the fence. He then proceeded to a
point on the road where he knew Leavy would pass, and which was darker than
elsewhere, the trees at that time almost meeting overhead from either side, and
lay in wait until his victim had passed, when he sprang upon him from behind
and accomplished his revenge. This spot was a short distance east of the stone
schoolhouse which was built a couple of years later. It is said that Hughes, Sr.,
father of the young man alluded to, had some years previously killed a man,
but died before he was brought to trial. O'Neil was indicted for murder in the
first degree, and confined in the Waukon jail, from which he escaped on the even-
ing of February 28, 1867, but was recaptured twenty-four hours later near
Prosser Whaley's. In June. 1867, a jury found him guilty of murder in the
second degree, and he was sentenced to the Fort Madison penitentiary for life.
At this time I bni. Milo McGlathery was presiding judge, L. O. Hatch, district
attorney, J. A. Townsend, sheriff and G. P. Eells, clerk of the District court.
O'Neil remained in the penitentiary between fifteen and sixteen years, and be-
coming utterly broken down in health he was pardoned in November, 1882.
There seems to have been an epidemic of savagery along here in the later
sixties. Only about three months after the conviction of O'Neil, occurred the
killing of John Minert by Jas. H. Stafford, on Yellow river, in September, 1867.
r;oth were prominent and respected citizens. Minert owned a mill, and Stafford
felt injured by his raising the dam, as it would overflow some of his land; and
coming upon him with an ax one day he made a sudden and savage assault,
doubtless incited by drink, with immediately fatal effect. Realizing what he had
done, he at once left the vicinity, but after some time had elapsed, and sufficient
rewards were offered to warrant the undertaking, certain parties discovered his
whereabouts down in Arkansas. He was there arrested and brought as far as
198
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Memphis, where he escaped from his guard, and although handcuffed, eluded
pursuit.
In the sixties there were also several indictments rendered for the passing
of counterfeit money ; and in '62 a press for printing same was found in Whaley's
mill pond, on Village creek, which was deposited in the courthouse and remained
a public curiosity until sold for old iron a few years later. In 1868 Jas. K. Rine-
hart was lodged in jail for passing counterfeit money, but escaped by digging
through a number of planks and a brick wall. He was recaptured a few weeks
later, and again escaped, but finally landed in the Wisconsin penitentiary, where
he is said to have died.
That he possessed a sense of humor is evidenced by the note which he left
for his jailor upon his first escape, as follows, verbatim:
Jail, May 27.
Mr. Huffman'. — My cincere thanks are to you and your family for the kind
treatment to wards me while in confinement. Here I cannot stay longer. You
can tell the friends of the town to morrow morning will have me Xomber of
miles a head. My friends awates we with Horse. It is now 10 o'clock and I
must go. You will find the hole which I escaped from.
Yours truly.
J. K. RlNEHART.
With a five-eighth bit he had bored through two solid two-inch planks, and
two 4x4 oak crosspieces, and with some instrument had dug through an eighteen-
inch brick wall, just above the blind window sill, middle cell on the south side.
In January, 1869, Frank X. May shot his nephew. Charles May, dead, at
their place on the Iowa near Xew Galena, they having had some dispute as to the
division of the crops. The murderer declared it was done in self-defense, but
nevertheless took himself out of the country, it was supposed. About the first
of October following some unknown person attempted to take the life of James
May. brother of the one killed the previous winter, firing at him with a charge of
buckshot, which, however, did not take effect in a vital part. The assassin was
supposed to be the missing uncle, who we believe was never apprehended.
On the night of July 30, 1869, a man who gave his name as Fredrick Shaffer,
broke into the Kelley House at Postville, but being discovered fired at Mr. Kelley,
who returned the fire, breaking Shaffer's thigh, near the body. He was lodged
in the county jail; but in Xovember he escaped by digging down and under the
foundation wall — "gophered" out — and upon a horse he stole, or which was
stolen for him, he rode to near Monona and took the train for Chicago. There
he was arrested in December for a burglary committed at P>eloit, Wisconsin, the
summer before, and recognized as an old offender by name of Frank Leonard
with many aliases. His career, as narrated in a Chicago paper, included a robbery
in Michigan, burglary in Juneau, Wisconsin, a bank robbery at Xashville. Ten-
nessee, and burglary and shooting at Dubuque. In each of these cases he had
been arrested, sometimes escaping from custody, and again being released upon
revealing the whereabouts of his "swag," or serving his term. He had also
engaged in bounty jumping during the war. In his Reloit affair he was arrested
but escaped by shooting and wounding two officers. The last heard from he was
sent to the Wisconsin penitentiary for five years in March. 1871. for crime in
that state.
RIVER \ LEW. LANSING
\0>
&*»-.&
;-W*ft*»'1
^.■■■■ii
IM\ VAX ST1IKKT. LANSING
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 201
In November, 1870, Anderson Amos was convicted of passing counterfeit
money, and sentenced to fifteen years. At the same time Douglas was sentenced
for eight years, and others had narrow escapes from implication.
January 20. 1872, John Martinson fatally stabbed Christian Hanson at a dance
in Lansing. Martinson fled the country, but in July of the following year, 1873,
he was arrested in Chicago, brought to Lansing for examination, and lodged in
the Waukon jail. At the next December term of the District court he was
convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in the penitentiary, but
received a pardon about September, 1876.
December 21, 1876, one Andvvay Torfin, who lived on the Upper Iowa in
Hanover township, while returning from Decorah with others, got into an alterca-
tion with a party of other Scandinavians near Locust lane, one of whom gave
Torfin a blow upon the head with a sled stake, from the effects of which he died
a few days later. One of the party, Helge Nelson by name, was held for murder,
and in June following, was convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced to six
months in the penitentiary. The affray really occurred on the Winneshiek side
of the line, and the trial took place in Winneshiek county.
A fatal affray occurred in Waterville, October 20, 1878. James G. Savage
was an experienced railroad hand and section boss on the narrow gauge. He was
an intelligent, well disposed man, and peaceable when sober; but the demon of
intemperance had gained the mastery of him, and he was given to indulgence
in "regular sprees," at which times he was an ugly customer, as liquor made
him wild and quarrelsome. In the few months preceding he had figured prom-
inently in numerous fights and one serious stabbing affray. In company with
several congenial spirits, Sunday morning. Savage went down to Johnsonport by
handcar and procured liquor, returning to Waterville in the afternoon consider-
ably intoxicated. In this condition his party went to the Adams House, a tavern
kept by Ed Xeudeck, and called for liquor. They were refused, whereupon
Savage proceeded to demolish things generally, throwing bottles, glasses, etc.,
out of doors, and treating the "boys" all around. They afterwards went out, and
returning about dusk, found the doors locked, and Neudeck warned them to keep
away, and that he would shoot them if they forced an entrance. Regardless of
this, in his drunken bravado. Savage kicked in the door, and as he did so, Neu-
deck fired one barrel of his shot-gun, the charge not taking effect, and immediately
fired again as Savage pressed forward to seize the gun, whereupon the unfortu-
nate man fell to the floor, and Neudeck in the excitement slipped away. Neudeck
was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and ability, a miller by trade, who
came from Clayton county the preceding fall. The next day he presented himself
to the sheriff at Waukon, and was lodged in jail. At the next November term
of the District court he was acquitted, on the ground of self-defense.
Early on the morning of August 24, 1879, two burglars went through the office
and safe of the mill company — Hemenway, Barclay & Co.. at Lansing; first
overpowering the night watchman, R. G. Edwards, whom they beat nearly to
death and left bound and gagged, and in an insensible condition. They blew
the safe open with powder, but for all their trouble obtained scarcely fifty dollars.
Then they joined their companion who was awaiting them with a skiff and
escaped. Two of the burglars, Charles Wood, alias "Pittsburg Kid," and Frank
Lucas, were captured at LaCrosse two or three days later, with tools in their
202
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
possession and checks of the firm. Wood owned up the crime, and tried to ex-
onerate Lucas from any participation in the affair, further than rowing the
burglars to the scene and away again, claiming that his companion was one James
White alias "Sandy" or "Red,- and this one was arrested at Lansing shortly
after ' They were ail placed in the Decorah jail to await the next term of the Dis-
trict court our county jail not being sufficiently secure. It was ascertained from
Wood or "the Kid" as he was generally called, that he was one of the parties
who burglarized two or three stores in Waukon the previous spring, and
it was evident that he was a hardened criminal and skilled cracksman, besides
being much older in years than his looks would imply. The three had been in
the Decorah jail but a short time when one night they made an unsuccessful
attempt to overpower the sheriff and escape. Shortly after they endeavored to
gopher out of the jail, but were discovered and their plans again frustrated.
"The Kid" had his trial at the November term of court, and was sentenced to six-
teen years. The cases of the others were continued, and they remanded 'to the
Decorah jail, from which they finally succeeded in escaping late in January fol-
low ing. by sawing off a bar to a window. Lucas was recaptured on the following
evening, "in the Yellow river timber, near Myron; but White made good his
escape! and afterwards kept clear of this vicinity. Lucas came to trial in May.
1880. when he was also convicted and given twelve years. On an appeal to the
Supreme court a new trial was granted him. at which trial, in May of the next
year, he was again convicted and sentence confirmed.
One of the coolest and most revolting cases of murder that must he chron-
icled here was that of one A. C. Johnson, by poison, at the home of Mrs. Hanora
Curtin. better known by her former name of Mrs. Garvey, in the evening of
December 6, 1881. It ^eems that Johnson had recently returned from western
Iowa to dispose of some property in this vicinity and to make collection of some
debts, and was stopping temporarily at Mrs. Curtin's, northwest of Waukon.
she being one of his debtors. Mrs. Curtin prepared him a chicken soup, after
partaking of which he became violently ill and dispatched a messenger for some
neighbors, to whom he declared that Mrs. Curtin had poisoned him and he was
going to die, and requesting them to take charge of his clothing, in which he had
some three or four hundred dollars, and write to his boys. 1 lis death followed
in a few hours, and Sheriff Hewitt was summoned, together with the coroner, at
that time Dr. D. H. Bowen. An inquest was held, resulting in a verdict of death
by strychnine, and Mrs. Curtin was arrested and kept under guard at the old
Central House in Waukon, for want of a suitable jail. The preliminary examina-
tion was set for the 9th. but during the night of the 8th Mrs. Curtin made her
escape. Later she was apprehended and placed in the Decorah jail for better
securitv, but nearly succeeded in getting away again. She was transferred to the
new county jail at Waukon when completed that fall. Not until the May term,
1883, did the case come on for trial, when the testimony showed that she had
on the dav of Johnson's death purchased a half-drachm of strychnine at a drug
store in Wraukon, and other evidence was so positively incriminating ( including
an analysis of the stomach ) that the jury promptly returned a verdict of murder
in the first degree, and placed the punishment at imprisonment for life at hard
labor in the Anamosa penitentiary. The testimony indicated that John Barley-
corn had a hand in this murder, as in all the other cases, the murderess having
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 203
nerved herself up with whisky and was intoxicated that night. She was event-
ually pardoned, and went to Dakota, where she died.
One more unfortunate instance of the taking of human life, that of Mrs.
Geddes by Ballzell, occurring as recently as five years ago, and this unpleasant
chapter is closed — for the present.
William Ballzell was said to be an industrious and previously inoffensive
farmer in Post township, near its northwest corner, where he had lived for a
number of years and had become the owner of a ninety-acre farm. His wife had
died a few years previously, leaving a family of seven children, the eldest about
nineteen. His victim was his deceased wife's sister, Mrs. Geddes, who had sep-
arated from her husband and was then employed at the home of Mrs. Henry Boll-
man, not far off. She left a little girl of about nine years. Ballzell had urged
his sister-in-law to marry him, and was greatly incensed at her refusal. On the
day of the murder, January 20, 1908, he drove to Postville, and indulged freely
in liquor. Upon returning home he stopped at Mrs. Bollman's for an interview
with Mrs. Geddes, which, being unsatisfactory, his talk became abusive and
threatening, so that after he left Mrs. Bollman telephoned for her nephew John
1 '.oilman, who repaired to her home.
.Meanwhile Ballzell had driven to his home, put up his team, and taking a gun
and a revolver went back to the Bollman place, where he was met by John in the
yard. He had left his gun in the woods and kept his revolver out of sight. This
was about 5 o'clock. He obtained an interview with Mrs. Geddes, in the door-
way, renewing his plea, and receiving an evasive reply suddenly whipped out
his revolver and shot her through the heart. He then hurried to the home of
Marshall Bollman, whose people he accused of influencing Mrs. Geddes against
him. Unable to gain admission to the house, which they securely closed, the
frenzied man set fire to the large barn on the place. The neighborhood was
aroused, and as men hastened to the fire he took to the woods.
Sheriff Hall was notified and with Deputy Svebakken drove hurriedly to the
scene, about twelve miles southwest of YYaukon. The locality is on the head-
waters of the Yellow river, and heavily wooded. Realizing the advantage the
murderer would thus have in evading capture, and the liability of his committing
further bloodshed, in his frenzied condition, and considering the terrorized state
of the neighborhood, the sheriff telephoned to Waukon for a number of the
militia company. Captain Colsch rounded up four or five of the marksmen of
Company I, and started out about 11 P. M., but before arriving on the scene
Sheriff I [all had effected the capture. After threatening one home and getting
a cup of coffee there, Ballzell had returned to his own place, where his brother
had taken his gun from him but was unable to detain him. The sheriff reached
the Ballzell home soon after, and learning the direction taken by the fugitive
started after him on a pony, overtaking him after a mile or two, when he sub-
mitted with but little resistance. The party reached Waukon with the prisoner
about six in the morning.
When in jail afterwards Ballzell claimed that he could not recall anything of
the time intervening between his leaving Postville and being overtaken bv the
sheriff in the night. His attorney it is said was preparing a defense on the
ground of insanity, when in the night of March 27th following the prisoner
became his own executioner, knotting a handkershief about his neck and inserting
204 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
a broomstick which he twisted with such resolute purpose that strangulation
ensued, and in the morning he was found dead in his cell.
There is much more that might be recorded here, in the way of near tragedies,
and minor crimes; but let the foregoing suffice. Why needlessly reopen old
wounds nearly healed, and renew old sufferings once forgot? Those who paid
the penalty of misdeeds, and have made good in their efforts to live down the
past, should be spared such unkindness.
CHAPTER XVIII
THE PIOXEERS
There is a charm in the story of the 'pioneer settlement of any locality, that
holds the interest of almost every reader, especially of those whose former home
it may have been, or of those whose fathers or friends participated in its settle-
ment. The privations — largely offset by the joys of the simple life — the trials
and triumphs, the failures and fortunes, of those scouts of civilization who first
peopled the prairies and valleys of our own country, and cleared for themselves
homes in its native forests, appeal most strongly to our sympathies. It is well
that this interest in the experience of our fathers exists, as it is the incentive to
the permanent record of their lives, in form of biography, anecdote and — in fact,
history. History is and must be largely biography. History teaches from expe-
rience, and its teachings are always beneficial to a generation that will heed them,
either as inspiration or warning. Charles Lever wrote that "any man, no mat-
ter how insignificant the part he may have filled in life, who will faithfully record
the events in which he has borne a share, even though incapable himself of deriv-
ing profit from the lessons he has learned, may still be of use to others — some-
times a guide, sometimes a warning." So it is, there is a demand for permanent
narrative of the events occurring in the days of our fathers, before the partici-
pants have all passed away and nothing remains relative to their lives but tradi-
tion, in place of facts, from which to draw our lessons.
As is well known the earliest permanent settlement in Allamakee county was
at the Indian mission on Yellow river, the building of which was begun in 1833,
but was not occupied until 1834, and then by parties in the Government employ.
Thomas C. Linton bought this farm of the Government about 1842, and became
in 1849 the organizing sheriff of this county. Hiram Francis came to the mission
in 1839, and was doubtless the earliest comer who became a permanent resident,
living in that vicinity until his death near Rossville in 1890. The first white child
born in the county was a son to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Rynerson at the mission in
1841. More about the "Old Mission" will be found in a separate chapter under
that heading.
About 1837 one Henry Johnson made a squatter's claim at or near the site
of Johnsonsport. And in 1840 Jesse Danley built a sawmill a short distance below
the mission. [See sketch of Fairview township.]
The establishment of a tavern under Government patronage by Joel Post and
wife in 1841, was the beginning of the Postville settlement.
205
206 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
No further settlements are recorded until the removal of the Indians, in
1848. Then came the era of the true pioneers, who struck out independently,
some with means and some with very limited resources, to make homes for them-
selves and their growing families. Quite a number settled near Post's some of
whom are said to have made their claims in 1N47, as will be seen by reference to
Postville history.
The principal settlers aside from the Post neighborhood in 1848, were: Garri-
son, John Haney and son William, later joined by H. H. Houghton, the founders
of Lansing; and Patrick Keenan and Richard Cassiday in Makee township, who
removed to Jefferson township the following year. Hugh McCabe came up
through here on a hunting trip with some half-breeds, to Lansing I when there
was no Lansing), and stopped with Keenan. though he was quite a young man
at that time and did not make his permanent home here until a year later. He
worked for a time with the surveying party of J. G McDonald, who made the
government survey of Jefferson and Paint Creek townships in 1849. So far as
we are able to ascertain Air. McCabe enjoys the honorable distinction of being the
only person still living here 1 [913) who visited this region prior to 1849.
In 1849 George C. Shattuck became the pioneer settler of the site of Waukon,
with Prosser Whaley and Win. Niblock in the near vicinity. C. D. Beeman and
II. S. Cooper located in Jefferson township, James Haney and others at Lansing
and vicinity; Reuben Smith in the northeast corner of Post township, where he
a few years later built a big two-story and basement stone house, on Yellow river,
which is still standing though now dismantled ; and Win. C. Thompson, at Thomp-
son's Corners, Lafayette township. Others had settled near the south line of
the county, so there was sufficient timber from which to select the few necessary
county officers at the first election in April, 1849, listed elsewhere. Though seem-
ingly few, because so scattered, an enumeration in the fall of that year, showed
a total of 2jj souls within our borders, mostly located in the southern part of the
county.
In 1850 there was a considerable increase in immigration, more especially in
the eastern and central parts, and along the Yellow river, where the numerous
mill sites were rapidly being located for use in the near future. And from 1851
and after, the entire county was rapidly settled up. The sketches of the various
townships in another chapter will show some of the early arrivals in their respec-
tive localities.
In regard to the settlement of the central portion of the county, the following
is quoted from the narrative of Judge Dean, written in 1880 :
judge dean's narrative
"The earliest settlers in what is now Makee and Union Prairie townships came
in overland from the south, through Clayton county, there being no town then
where Lansing is now. In conversation with the late Elias Topliff he related to
me that while living in Clayton county he, with several others, started out to
hunt land on which to make a home ; they followed an Indian trail north across
the Yellow river and on to the Iowa river somewhere, where the party camped
over night, and caught and cooked a splendid mess of speckled trout. He thought
they traveled across what is now the prairie on which Waukon stands, but could
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 207
not positively identify their old route, for at that time the country traveled over
was in a state of nature and there was not a white man to be seen on the trip
after leaving the settlements of Clayton county. In the morning they retraced
their steps and returned to Clayton county, not finding a single foot of land that
suited them. My recollection now is that the judge located this trip in 1847.
"The first white settlers in Makee township were Patrick Keenan and his
brother-in-law, Richard Cassiday. They lived together, and in October, 1848,
settled on Makee ridge, where they grubbed out and broke up about three acres of
land, built a log cabin, and in 1849 abandoned it and made themselves farms in
Jefferson township, where they lived until they passed on to 'the better country.'
Air. Keenan was the first man in the county of his nationality ever made an
American citizen through the naturalization law [in 1849]. He died in March,
1878, leaving a large and respectable family and a handsome property, and was
buried at Cherry Mound. Mr. Cassiday died in 1879, and was buried at the
same place.
"In the spring of 1849, there was born to Mr. and Mrs. Cassiday a daughter,
Margaret, now ( 1880) Mrs. Murphy, living in McGregor, and she was the first
white child born in Jefferson township.
"The selection first made by these men on Makee ridge was subsequently
owned by one Doctor Lyon. W'm. K. Martin. Joseph Burton, and is now owned
by the county and used as a home for the unfortunate. Mr. Keenan built the first
house here ever erected in Makee or Union Prairie townships, near a spring in
the timber south of the dwelling house and barn.
"In June of 1 S4 < j , \V. C. Thompson was up through this region prospecting
and pitched his tent near the big spring on James Reed's farm (northwest of
\\ aukon), and from there looked around to find something that suited him for a
stock farm, and in his wanderings found Mr. Keenan on his claim hard at work,
making improvements. This log house was then built but not chinked. Mr.
Thompson afterward made a selection at what is now known as Thompson's Cor-
ners, in Lafayette township.
"The next white settlers were Geo. C. Shattuck and Prosser Whaley, who
came in August, 1849. Mr. Whaley made his claim on section 32, cut and made
hay enough to keep his stock over winter, and returned to Wisconsin for his
family, bringing them here in October of the same year. He made a house for
them by putting a pole from one tree to another, then setting shorter poles all
around it with one end on the ground, the other end resting against the main pole,
and coverng the whole up with hay. In this house they lived about six weeks,
cooking at a fire outside, the cooking utensils being a long-handled frying pan, an
iron dinner-pot, and a tin bake-oven. The coffee mill was nailed to one of the
trees.
"During this six weeks Mr. Whaley built a house 16x18, and after moving
into it the hay house was set apart for a stable. This log house was a general
stopping place for newcomers until the settlement grew so that other accommoda-
tions were provided, and it has sheltered as many as thirty-two persons of a
night ; on such occasions it was necessary for the men to make their toilet early
in the morning before the women were awake, and the women to make theirs
after the men had gone out to see what the weather was likely to be for the com-
ing day. Every old settler understands from personal recollection that a log
208 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
cabin is like an omnibus or street car in this, that there is always room inside for
one more. This house was the second one in Makee township, on the farm now
the property of August Meyer just east of Waukon.
"In the spring of 1850 Mr. Whaley cultivated the three acres of land that Mr.
Keenan broke up on the poor farm before abandoning it, by putting it into corn,
and raised a good crop, notwithstanding the fact that it was not fenced, and this
was the pioneer corn crop of the settlement. This crop was very acceptable to
the family, and Mrs. Whaley commenced to cook it as soon as it was roasting ears,
and after it was glazed she prepared it for cooking by grating it. If our women
now-a-days had to go through this, they would agree with the Hoosier emigrant
woman, that a new country was powerful hard on women and horses, and power-
ful easy on men and dogs.
"During the winter of '49 and '50 Mr. Whaley killed seventeen wolves, and
venison enough to keep the family in meat, and being blest with new country
appetites they put away full rations of it.
"Mr. Whaley, or Uncle Prosser as he was generally called, died in May, 1866,
but lived long enough to see a flourishing settlement spring up around him with
its churches, schoolhouses, and other conveniences of civilized society. Mrs.
Whaley is still living in Waukon and from her personal recollections we gather
many of these particulars. [Mrs. Whaley died June 10, 1883. — Ed.]
"The next white settler was Mr. Geo. C. Shattuck, who came in the same time
Mr. Whaley did and made a claim on sections 30 and 31, where Waukon now
stands, and like Mr. Whaley he cut and made hay enough to feed his stock and
went back after his family, bringing them in in November of the same year. He
built a hay house for his family and occupied it until himself and boys could
build a log house, when they moved into it. This was built near a tine spring on
what is now the field of Michael Deveny, in town, and lies between the residences
of Mr. Duffy and Samuel Peck. This house stood until within a few years, and
was the nucleus around which the town gathered, and like Uncle Prosser's was
often filled to its utmost capacity. Mr. Shattuck was born September 9, 1787,
and died near Platteville, Wisconsin, April 6, 1876.
"At this time Prairie du Chien was the trading point for the settlement, but
there was however a small grocery in what is now Monona, kept by one Olmstead,
but it was very small, and one was not certain of getting supplies there.
"When these two families came in, the nearest settlers were Wm. C. Thomp-
son on the east. Tim Fuller about ten miles west. Pat Keenan on the south, Mr.
Post [Postville] on the southwest, and Mr. Haney [Lansing] on the northeast.
There was at Columbus, on the Mississippi, an Indian trader by the name of
Stevens, but he soon followed the departing Indians.
"The early settlers were generally men of limited means, and as soon as they
had secured some land, and made a place for themselves and families to live in,
they broke up some of it and the first crop was generally buckwheat, sod corn,
ruta-bagas, turnips, potatoes, and if the breaking patch was large enough some
spring wheat and oats were sown ; but buckwheat was the staple, and buckwheat
pancakes baked on a griddle was a standard dish. In many families there was
not fat enough to grease the griddle and the women soon learned that by rubbing
it with a rag between every griddle full they could give it a polish that would pre-
vent the sticking and burning of the cakes. In 1850 there was a small pair of
vSA:
WmdmBm
MOUNT BOPE, ONEOTA VALLEY, IX UNION CITY TOWNSHIP, PIONEEB LO( ATfON
OF BENJAMIN RATCLIFFE, NOW THE SOME OF BENJAMIN BARTLE1
MOUNT HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, UNION CITY TOWNSHIP
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 211
burrs near Decorah for grinding, but no bolt attached, and our settlers from this
locality with their ox-teams hauled their little grists up there ; but soon after
one Ellis put in a small pair of burrs, without bolt, on Paint creek, just around
the bend below where Waterville now stands, and this settlement then went there
to mill, where they waited with patience the slow process of flouring the grist.
The remains of this first mill in the county still stand just around the bend of the
stream below the town. [1880.]
"In the spring of 1850 the following families came into the settlement, and
perhaps others that we have failed to note . Seth Patterson, Darwin Patterson,
Archa Whaley, William Xiblock, James Gillett, Horace Gillett, Christopher
McXutt, James Conway, David Whaley, David Whaley, Jr., Richard Charles,
and Robert S. Stevenson, of whom the following settled in what is now Makee
township.
"Archa Whaley on section 33. on the farm now owned by Mr. Bronsmeier;
Mr. Whaley now lives on Village creek, and is the proprietor of Whaley's mills.
"Mr. Xiblock on section 32, on which he built a log house near a spring and
near the south line of the farm, which is still standing but used of late years
as a slaughterhouse. In the spring of 1851 he sold this claim to Thomas A.
Minard, who sold to James Maxwell, who lived and died there and it is known
as the Maxwell farm to-day. [Xow the Petit farm.]
"David Whaley made a claim on section 20, but soon after sold it to C. J.
White, and he to Mr. James Hall, who owns it to-day. Mr. Whaley after selling
this entered the land that is now the farm of Raiser Fultz, just north of town and
after selling this removed to Minnesota where he died about 1867. David
Whale}-, Jr., made a claim near his father's which he sold to Almarin Randall,
and he to James Nichols, and it is owned by Mrs. Xichols today. [Xow by C. R.
Williams.] Randall lives in Minnesota at this time, and Mr. Whaley lives in
Waukon at this date. James Conway made a claim on section 28, where he still
lives. I Xow owned by L. L. Meier, j
"Robert Stevenson became a lawyer, married Mr. Geo. C. Shattuck's daughter
Minerva, and subsequently removed to Wisconsin, and during the late war was
among the first in that state to enlist for three years or during the war. He was
a private in Company C. 2d Wisconsin Volunteers, and now fills and honors a
soldier's grave on the bloody field of Antietam. During the first battle of Bull
Run, while our forces were everywhere scattered, and confusion and disorderly
retreat was the rule, he volunteered to relieve the color sergeant of the regimental
colors and bore them safely out of the conflict, knowing that the colors in an en-
gagement are always the rallying point for the regiment. In the severe battle
of Gainesville, on the 28th of August, 1862, where his regiment in eighty minutes
lost over two hundred and fifty officers and men out of the 450 engaged, and when
every man of the color guard had fallen, he rushed to the post of danger, seized
the colors, and after the enemy were driven back bore them from the field and car-
ried them all through the two days fierce contests of that bloody engagement. At
South Mountain, September 14th, though too unwell for duty he was there to
float his favorite flag in the face of the foe. At Antietam in the early morning
of September 17th, as the sound of the first gun announced the opening of that
memorable conflict, he left a sick bed in the hospital at the rear, and disregarding
the protests of the medical officers, sought his regiment then in line of battle under
212 PAST AND PRESENT OE ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
lire, and saying to his commanding officer. "Captain. I am with you to the last,'
took his post with his favorite colors and within sixty minutes fell, fairly riddled
with bullets, as brave a soul as ever was ushered into the presence of his Maker.
After the engagement the National colors showed two bullet marks on the staff
and twenty-two in the colors; the state flag showed three in the staff and twenty-
four in the colors ; and besides these a portion of the colors were shredded away
from hard usage.
"The following families made claims in Union Prairie. Seth Patterson and
Darwin Patterson on section 23; each built a log house near a large spring that
is the source of Patterson creek, but at this writing there is nothing left to mark
the spot but a mound of earth. The creek was named after them and still bears
their name ; it runs northwest and empties into the Iowa river in Hanover town-
ship. Seth Patterson is dead, and Darwin is a merchant in Minnesota.
"Richard Charles made a claim on section 24, and built a log house near a
spring that is the source of Village creek. This creek runs northeast and empties
into the Mississippi river at Columbus. This farm is now the property of Mr.
James Reed, and his dwelling stands near the spot where the original log house
stood. [Now owned by S. J. Blagen.] The present whereabouts of .Mr. Charles
are unknown to the writer, lames Gillett made a claim on section 26, ami. with
his son Horace, and son-in-law McNutt, built a log house near the spring that
is the source of Coon creek, which runs northwest and empties into the Iowa
river in Winneshiek county. This claim afterwards became the property of
Edward Eells, and is now owned by his sons A. J. and G. I'. Eells. [ Now owned
by John Conrad.] Of all these first families in Union Prairie, not one is living
in the county to-day.
"All these families spoken of in both townships came in previous to June
1st. and as the 4th of July approached the settlement decided that the day should
be duly honored; so Mr. Xiblock and I'itt Shattuck were detailed to prepare
a liberty pole for the occasion, and on the 3rd they cut a tall, straight, young
tree in the Paint creek timber, near where Gay I'enheld now lives, and hauled
it to the head of Union Prairie, wdiere it was erected by the men of the settle-
ment, and on the next day. July 4th. 1850. the whole settlement, men. women
and children, gathered around the pole where they listened to an oration from
Darwin Patterson. Esq., delivered from the stump of a tree clr.se by; after which
they had their picnic dinner, and on this occasion Mr. Shattuck gave the prairie
the name of "Union." All these exercises were carried on with much Eourth of
July patriotism and sociality, and this was the first public picnic dinner, and the
first Eourth of July celebration that history records in Makee or Union Prairie
townships. The main traveled road from steamboat landing on the Mississippi
river at Pausing, to Decorah. in Winneshiek county, ran past this pole; and
before this region was tapped by railroads it was a much-traveled thoroughfare,
and this pole stood for many years as a landmark, and was known far and wide.
The owner of the land on which it stood recently committed an act of vandalism
by cutting it down, not knowing or not caring about the early associations that
clustered around the spot, and were it not for this record of the historian these
facts would soon be forgotten.
"In the fall of 1850. Azel Pratt and Lemuel Pratt came in. and settled on
Makee ridge. Azel building a little log cabin south of the road near a spring, on
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 213
what is now the farm of Mr. John Kasser. In this they lived, and Lemuel having
brought in a small stock of goods, they were opened out in the chamber, or up-
stairs part of the house, and customers supplied therefrom. Thus Deacon Pratt
owned the first building used as a store in Makee. He is to-day an honored and
respected citizen among us, and the treasurer of our Early Settlers' Association.
[Deacon Pratt died in 1881.]
"Lemuel Pratt entered the land where Michael McCroden now lives, and
kept hotel there. [Present owner P. J. Quillin.] The postoffice for all the region
round about was kept in his house, and he was the first postmaster in Makee
township. In 1856 he sold out and moved to Minnesota.
''In the spring of 1851 Augustine and L. W. Hersey came in with a small
stock of goods, purchased the remnant of the stock of Lemuel, and opened a
small store in the dwelling house of Augustine on Makee Ridge, later owned by
G. Schellsmith.
"In the sprng of 1851 several familes came into the settlement, among whom
were Abraham Bush, David Bartley. Elijah Short, George Randall, Howard Her-
sey. John Pratt, Doctor Flint, the pioneer physician of the settlement. John A.
Wakefield and perhaps others, who settled in what is now Makee; and George
Merrill, Henry Harris, John Harris, H. H. Horton, Francis Treat. John Ammon,
Eells brothers, Moses Bush, John Bush. Win. S. Conner, and others, who settled
in what is now Union Prairie ; and the country began to present an appearance
of age and prosperity, but there was as yet no Makee, Union Prairie or Waukon."
i>. 1:. Raymond's kixollectioxs
In 1877 Mr. David B. Raymond, then living in Ohio, contributed a series of
papers to the Waukon Standard which were so interesting that copious extracts
are given here for preservation in permanent form. Mr. Raymond was one of
eight children of John Raymond, who located the whole west half of section 35,
in Union Prairie township in 1852. After describing their journey, and arrival
at Lansing on a steamer three days and nights from Galena, he tells something
of their disappointment in finding so rudimentary a town ; and the narrative
continues :
"Before leaving Lansing I must tell what was there in the fall of '52 in
September. I cannot recall who kept the hotel then under way. A Mr. Birchard
[Bircher] kept a grocery directly at the landing, just opposite where G. W. Gray's
warehouse was afterwards built. I remember Birchard had a large yellow
rattlesnake confined in a box ; this was the first rattlesnake I ever saw, and it left
no pleasant recollections of the breed. A Mr. Ballou had established a lumber
yard. The Hasseys were then making some additions to their plat of the town ;
there was a fine strip of bench land between the creek and the bluff, extending
cut to where the sawmill was in course of construction. I think there was not
more than six or eight dwellings completed then, but all was bustle and activity;
everv boat brought from two to three hundred passengers, and a few days or
weeks made great changes.
"The first gambling I ever witnessed was in an unfinished saloon in Lansing;
the glittering coin in stacks is now fresh in mind. * * * Gambling in the
Mississippi Valley in those days was considered a legitimate business. * * *
214 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
John W. Remine, John Mobley, John J. Shaw, James I. Gilbert, and the Cowles
came about this time. The Grant brothers kept a hotel soon after. There were
many others whose names I cannot recall. There was a constant noise like a
bedlam from carpenters' tools, and like Jonah's gourd Lansing grew in a night.
"But hark! The same sounds are heard down the river. What means this?
A rival town in existence only one mile away, and upon inquiry learned the
name was Columbus. How my pulse beat upon learning the name ! I had left
the good old State of Ohio with its capital of that name ; but this young Columbus
was hardly distinguishable. Nevertheless the same racket was there, and an
enterprising man, Mr. Elias Topliff, had already the county seat in embryo at
the foot of Capoli bluff, but was in danger of slipping off into the river. If he
and Mr. Leonard B. Hodges had expended their energies on a favorable location
their prestige would have won them much that was otherwise lost.
''But we must leave Lansing and see what is out on the 'cow-path,' which
wc found to be a tolerably good wagon road. A mile or more out we came to
the first of Iowa's famous springs. The sparkling water came gushing out of
the limestone rock at the foot of the bluff and dashed across the road as if to
hurry on to mingle with the Father of Waters. I drank from this spring my
first square drink on Iowa soil, and many times after stopped to drink of this
sparkling water.
"A few- miles out we came to an abrupt hill which we wound up with diffi-
culty and when on the summit found we were on the famous 'Lansing Ridge,'
and within the range of the eye there seemed a dozen more just like it. Away
to the south was the so-called Columbus Ridge. These two rival towns had
rival ridges running parallel, and rival roads on these two ridges terminating at
nearly the same point on Union Prairie. Between them flowed a beautiful stream
called Village creek.
"Standing on the Lansing ridge about eight miles out from the river and
looking over the valley of Village creek, and to the north where the ridges and
ravines with their rippling streams are lost in the view towards the Upper Iowa
river, I think is as romantic as any view ever beheld by the writer ; the more so
as the first view was when not a living white man had a house in this region
save what I call to mind in these papers. I believe I am correct when I say
that Mr. Thos. [this doubtless should be John A.] Wakefield was the first who
put up a dwelling on the ridge out from Lansing; at least we found him
ensconsed in a good house with some improvements at our first advent there.
He was a man of considerable avoirdupois and went by the title of colonel or
major. He had a great desire for prominence and office, and was subject to
many hard hits from competitors. As he often gloried in his valorous deeds in
the war with Black Hawk, the keen cutting sarcasm of J. W. Remine and some
others drove the old colonel almost to frenzy on some occasions. I believe he
never succeeded to any office while a resident of the ridge, which sorely discour-
aged him. As he was indeed a pioneer he sold out and moved to Nebraska in
the summer of '54. He was quite enterprising in improvements, and had a
water ram in operation several rods below his house to force the water from a
nice spring to his dwelling, which was considered a great luxury on the ridge,
* * * the elevation carrying the traveler many feet above some good springs
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 215
on either side. Thus my memory reverts to the many draughts of cool water
from the pipe at the colonel's place and can only think of him as a true benefactor.
[A sketch of Colonel Wakefield's career will be found in another chapter.]
"In the summer of '53 the writer walked from Union Prairie to Lansing and '
back on a hot day to get medicine for a sick mother, there being no physician
nearer than Lansing at that time to our knowledge, unless Dr. J. W. Flint had
located in the Hersey and Pratt settlement prior to this.
"The next dwelling out from Col. Wakefield's was, I think, Mr. Judson
Hersey's, where we found this true Yankee behind a counter selling goods to
the passing immigrants. My first impression of this man was lasting, and I can
only think of him as a genial gentleman with genuine enterprise. In subsequent
years I met him and found him the same. He was the pioneer merchant of all
the country west from Lansing. [This is not quite correct, as A. J. Hersey
(known as Judson) purchased the stock from his brothers Lewis and Augus-
tine, who had a year or so the start of him ; and they had taken over the rem-
nant of goods opened up by Lemuel Pratt in 1850.]
"The first settlement formed in '52 [i850-'5i] by the Herseys and Pratts at
the western termination of Lansing Ridge was at that time a prominent place,
characterized by great enterprise, but when the commissioners drove the stake
for the future county seat at Waukon, the enterprising residents of Makee fol-
lowed like a flock of sheep and became pioneers in building up this beautiful
village within plain view of the scenes of their first labors. Much of the early
enterprise of Waukon is due to the Herseys and Pratts. But I am running ahead
of my story, as I intended to note a chain of circumstances.
"As we approached the level country eighteen or twenty miles west from
the river — I say level because near the river the bluffs and ravines were so unlike
what I was used to in Ohio that the country at the head of the streams was to
my mind level, although it was all rolling and interspersed with miniature ridges
and ravines — when we reached Union Prairie after traveling through two or
more miles of 'openings' from Hersey's store, what a beautiful scene was pre-
sented to view ! The open prairie gently rolling like waves of the sea, all covered
with grass, apparently as even as a floor; the fluttering prairie chickens as they
rose from the wagon path ; and the bright crimson waves of the sun towards
evening glittering over the waving grass ; such a sight can never be seen again
in the same place and under the same circumstances.
"I will name a few of the first families that preceded us to Union Prairie
township and vicinity: Mr. Edward Eells had one of the finest selections in
the county, and had commenced improvements on the lovely spot where he chose
to erect a cabin, alongside a beautiful spring. He was a prominent man and his
place was an intermediate point between Lansing and Decorah, consequently
it was a stopping place for all travel on this road, and the first postoffice in this
part was kept by Mr. Eells. He had a family of boys, of which I remember
Andrew, Giles, Enos, Edward, and Spicer. I think there were two daughters,
one of whom married a Mr. Williams, of Lansing, a tinner.
"A brother of his, Mr. Loren Eells, made a fine selection just west of
Edward's. Just north of this two brothers, Welshmen, Henry and John Harris,
had a splendid location and had raised some fine crops that season. * * *
216
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
"Following down this spring brook were others who located about the same
time, and to the north there were many who came and took up land. The set-
tlement was so rapid that the land was soon all taken in this region, far in the
direction of the Upper Iowa river.
"To the south of the Eells selection were others: Mr. Wm. Abbott, and
Mr. Wm. Conner, who soon sold to a Mr. Freeman, who became so homesick
he soon sold out and went back to York state. * * * South of Mr. Abbott's
was John Raymond's selection, and south of that the Woodward brothers, Ben-
jamin and Reading; the latter sold out and went to Minnesota. Just west of
the Woodwards. Mr. James Logan located. He was a true Scotch farmer and
prospered well. Just east of John Raymond's was a selection made by Mr. Rob-
ert Isted, a very enterprising man and a most untiring worker, who aided in
every enterprise to improve the country.
"Mr. Ezra Reid had located on the southeast of this prairie, with a choice
rivalling the Eells selection. He was indeed the pioneer of this section. Mr.
Luther Howes, his son-in-law, located on the west of 'Uncle Ezra ;' and south of
R. Isted was Air. Henry Holcomb.
"This brings us near to the beautiful prairie where Waukon is now located.
The first time I beheld the gentle rolling land on which your town now stands
my impression was that the Allwise Being had bestowed uncommon beauties
on this spot. * * The pioneer cabin of Mr. George Shattuck was like a
dot on this rare picture. It stood in a clump of hazel thicket with a few burr
oak trees around, and near the spot where the Episcopal church stood later.
Mr. Shattuck had entered considerable land here, and made a wise selection,
never dreaming his location was to become the future county seat. The writer
worked for Mr. Shattuck a few days in the fall of '52. and took turnips for pay.
Mr. Shattuck was a staunch whig then, and the election of Winfield Scott was to
him almost bread and butter. I being schooled differently thought the old man
overzealous, hence some bickerings between us ; I being young and having no vote
was always worsted in these talks. Mr. Shattuck was anxiously awaiting the
return of a son from California with funds to free him from debt and make
improvements. He was advanced in years and could not labor much, but was
hale and hearty for his age."
The county seat was located by the commissioners upon Mr. Shattuck's
land in the spring of 1853, — or. rather, upon the land of his sons, Scott and
Pitt Shattuck, who had entered claims adjoining, and the embryo town was
christened Waukon (after John Waukon, a Winnebago chief), by John Haney,
Jr., of Lansing, it is generally believed, as narrated in the history of Wraukon,
in another chapter. Mr. Raymond gives the credit to John W. Remine, also of
Lansing. They may both have been present at the time. Mr. Raymond makes
the assertion that the prominent men of Lansing assisted in the selection of
Waukon as the county seat for the purpose of crippling their down-river neigh-
bor. Columbus, with the ulterior purpose of securing the prize for Lansing at
a later date, which was temporarily accomplished in 1861. Continuing Mr. Ray-
mond writes :
"Soon after the location of the county seat some of the more wise considered
the necessity of giving it a name. Many were the names proposed, of which
the writer cannot remember any except the one now so familiar, and which
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 217
seemed so fitting. * * * The name Waukon was proposed by J. W. Remine,
and adopted. Thus one of Lansing's citizens gave the name to the embryo
county seat. The writer had the pleasure of seeing this old chief some years
prior to his death while on his way to Washington to see the 'Great Father.'
He was represented to be then past eighty years of age. He was tall and straight
as a reed, but showed the feebleness attending old age. His whole appearance
was commanding, and his voice superb.
"About the time or immediately after the stake was set a son of Mr. Shattuck
returned from the land of gold and deeded the land then held by his father, a
part of which was school land. If I mistake not they deeded forty acres to the
county for the new county seat, and commenced to improve and build on some
lots as soon as the plat of the town was laid out. The first building put up in
the new town was put up by Scott Shattuck, nearly due south from the old
cabin, just across the ravine near the spring. This building served as a dwelling
and hotel in one, and faced on Main street, running east and west. [This was
on the north side of the street, and is still standing, in 1913, shown in the pic-
ture on page 209.]
"Scott Shattuck also put up a barn at the same time, which was unroofed
by a storm in July following. This was the first storm witnessed in the new
state by us newcomers, and was a fearful one indeed. Heavy hail fell and
destroyed the crops in its track, the cornfields being utterly destroyed as if immense
droves of cattle had roamed over them. * * *
"There were a number of buildings put up in Waukon nearly simultaneously.
One was for the county, a low frame * * * a little south of the courthouse
square on the east side of Allamakee street. [This little building still stands,
1913, and is shown on page 209. with an addition built on the south in 1857.] All
was hustle and activity. Many came and bought lots and prepared to build before
the deeds were made out. Carpenters were in demand, and a goodly number
came. Among the first was one Wm. Ramsdel, who I think, built the first two
or three buildings in town. His brother Joseph worked with him.''
Mr. Raymond's reminiscences were interrupted here by pressure of other
duties ; but a few years later, after another visit here he called up further recol-
lections, from which we quote:
"Thomas Howe expressed my thought when he first looked over Union
Prairie in my company one morning in September, 1852, and in answer to my
question what he thought of it, replied, 'Why, it's a rale hiven on airth.'
"I also remember the log cabin where Dr. J. W. Flint lived as the first prac-
ticing physician in the locality, and how one cold winter day I called to have a
tooth extracted. The appliances were of the old style and the doctor strong and
not very cautious or tender in his manner ; he drew from his pocket an old jack-
knife which had been a stranger to the whetstone for months; with this he cut
the gum, or rather tore it loose, down to the jaw, 'and don't you forget' that
tooth had the ache taken out suddenly. I suggested to the doctor the propriety
of having the tooth in as the aching ceased but he never left jobs half finished;
the old cant hook was wrapped with a very ancient looking handkerchief and
crowded into my mouth which then felt like a hardware and dry goods store com-
bined ; one twist and that tooth left its hold and rolled on the floor and for a
moment I conceived it had gone through the top of my head and left a big hole,
218
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
but in a few minutes the doctor suggested that I could safely return home. I
deposited a half dollar with him and left, since which time I have retained my
teeth intact, but will always remember the doctor and my first rough experience
with him. He was afterward a physician of good practice in Waukon and a
good souled man. One Anderson, who kept a livery at the time in town, and was
quite a wag, said the doctor was very liberal in administering medicine as his
powders were usually as large as a good sized frog. But the good doctor has
long since gone to his rest, and I must kindly remember him now as no doubt
many of your citizens will, as a prominent man in business and politics in Alla-
makee.''
NORTH OF THE ONEOTA
In a booklet entitled "Old Times on Portland Prairie," published by It. V.
Arnold in 191 1, we find some interesting recollections regarding the settlement
of the northern part of the county, which, though written more particularly for
the edification of those residing north of the state line, contain references to
Allamakee people as well; and being a truthful narrative of the settlement and
building up of an agricultural community applies it to any similar locality, the
experiences related are those of all our early settlers. The region known as
Portland Prairie has long been noted for its beauty and fertility, and is partly
located in Waterloo and Union City townships, its drainage being largely through
Waterloo and Clear creeks into the Oneota river, or. as Mr. Arnold says, "the
Upper Iowa of maps." To quote:
"The early settlers found the sunshaded sides of the ravines and tops of
some of the ridges between them fairly well stocked with timber, largely full-
grown, with groves of smaller growths where the bluffs merge into the swells
of the rolling prairie. There was but little pine anywhere, and the chestnut, so
common in the eastern states, was not found here. The sides of the bluffs that
received the rays of the sun in winter, were high and steep, were apt to be bare
of trees. The border prairie groves contained oaks of different varieties and
sizes, but largely consisted of poplar and wild cherry.
"The first comers into this section did not occupy the open prairie, but rather
sought out locations about its south and eastern borders, where the land was
partially timbered. Two or three considerations usually influenced them, to-wit,
the shelter of timber, and nearness to water combined with good land. A log
cabin once built, other conveniences might be left to be attained as soon as might
be, while some privileges commonly enjoyed in the communities from which
they had emigrated, were to be indefinitely postponed or left to come as they
would.
"The first settlers to locate in the neighborhood of Portland Prairie appear
to have been Freeman Graves, Everett brothers, George Carver, John Edger,
Mrs. Jas. Robinson with her sons and daughters (all in Allamakee except Edgar),
and a few others who did not remain long in the country. Freeman Graves was
a native of Vermont, and came to section 34, Winnebago township, March 15,
1851. After the government survey of the state line in 1852 he found that most
of the land he had selected lay on the Iowa side of it. He spent the remainder
of his long life on his farm and ten children were born to the family.
^^^MMM^tf
M Him |^yy '. Jj
* >
gt if:
»
IHBHHHHHHHHHkHmHBMHHBHHI
ONEOTA VALLEY, NEAR HANSON'S, IX HANOVEB TOWNSHIP
ONEOTA RIVER BLUFFS, IN HANOVER TOWNSHIP
MEANDERINGS OF THE ONEOTA RIVER. LOOKING SOUTH FROM THE "ELEPHANT,"
UNION CITY TOWNSHIP
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 221
"James Robinson was a native of Ireland, and died in 1841. In 1851 Mrs.
Robinson and family located on what is still known as the Robinson place on
the southern border of Portland Prairie and on the Iowa side of the line. Her
four sons were William, Henry, George and John. William only was old enough
to make entry of a claim. The Fourth of July was observed by raising a log
cabin. Another early settler was John Coil who located south of the Robinson
p'ace.
"George Carver settled some distance to the south of where Eitzen now is,
in 1852. He was a native of New York. The sons of Col. Josiah Everett,
as he was called, also settled on the Iowa side of the line. The sons were Josiah,
Andrew, Franklin, Benaiah, and Seth. Two daughters, named Orra and Lucy.
The family were from New Portland, Maine. Possibly the Everetts gave to Port-
land Prairie the name that has come down from settlement days. The settlers
had to get their mail at Lansing, or bring it out for several families. An old
Indian trail from the Iowa to the Root river followed the watershed of the
prairie in its course northwesterly, and the first road followed essentially the
course already marked by the old trail.
"John Edger and three other Irishmen located in section 32, Wilmington, in
1852, but Edger soon moved his location to the southeast corner of section 36,
where he built a log cabin, and the others soon sold out and left. It was from
Rhode Island and a neighboring portion of Massachusetts that quite a contin-
gent of the early settlers of Portland Prairie came, and those from Rhode Island
being more numerous than those from any other single state, the prairie was
referred to by some as the 'Rhode Island Settlement.' The first from Rhode
Island came in the spring of 1854. These were James M. and Duty (or Darius)
S. Paine, Charles F. Albee, and Jeremiah Shumway. They bought out John
Fdger and occupied his log cabin until they could establish themselves on places
(if their own. Edger moved down on the Mississippi river bottom somewhere
to the south of the state line. This party came by boat to Lansing without any
very definite idea where in southeastern Minnesota they would locate. Learning
of a prairie tract some twenty miles northwest of Lansing as yet scarcely occu-
pied by settlers, some of the party went out to view the land there and reported
that there would be no need of looking for any other location. J. Shumway
remained on the Edger claim, having land on both sdes of the state line. For
the present C. F. Albee lived in the Edger cabin with the Shumway family and
worked at building the few frame houses that were put up that year, the lumber
Being teamed from Lansing. It is said that at one time the cabin sheltered
sixteen inmates. Mrs. Albee in her old age wrote out her vivid recollections of
those times, of which the following is a part :
"'Our goods had not come; we had only what we brought in our trunks.
The roof of the cabin was thatched with shakes, and leaked. Now it rained so
much it made the Iowa river raise so it could not be crossed, and Lansing was our
trading point. * * * The boys had got two cows and these had calves, so
we had milk, with some little string beans, and potatoes as large as marbles, with
a little flour for our first meals. Monday night Mary was so sick she was
unconscious ; then Charles really seemed to have the cholera and was very sick.
* * * Up north about a mile, Duty and wife and James and wife and my
father had their log cabin, and were just as hard up for food. They were trying
222 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
to fix a better roof. Well, news came that a neighbor's wife had died with cholera
on her way home from Lansing, and what could be done? One of the neigh-
bors asked if Jerry could not make a coffin if he brought some boards. He said
he would try, and' so went to work. Charles would raise up on his elbow and
tell Jerry how and what to do. My two brothers and Jerry with Mr. J. Coil
went along to bury her. They had not been gone long before a regular tornado
swept in upon us. The floor boards of the cabin were not nailed down and
began to fly up, and the shakes flew from the roof. I expected the logs would
tumble next, and no one but myself able to do anything. So I got my babies'
wraps on and Charles got Alary and her baby to the door ready to go. I never
can forget how Charles looked, so much like a dead man with my white bed-
spread over him. I looked up on the hill and what a sight! My poor old father
trying to keep up with the oxteam in which the women and babies were loaded.
The roof of their house was gone, trunks blown open and clothing scattered to
the winds. This was Thursday, and I had not been in Minnesota a week.
" 'The men soon came back, and Jack Coil came riding up saying the cattle
were in our cornfield, the fence having mostly blown down. Then they all took
hold and fixed up the fence. * * * The next Tuesday we heard that the
Iowa river could be crossed, and they got Jack's team and brought flour and
eatables from Lansing. We did not suffer for food any further. The crops
were soon ripe, and we had both wheat and corn.'
"The Iowa river was not bridged on the Lansing road at that time, but could
easily be crossed by teams when the water was low, at a ford. * * At this
period the cultivation of wheat, corn, oats, and garden stuff had become quite
general on such acreage as had been brought under plow, but there was as yet
little in the way of agricultural machinery. No great amount of wheat could
be raised, since it was sown by hand, dragged in by oxen, cut with cradles, and
pounded out with flails. * * * The financial panic of 1857 was severely
felt. For nearly a year there was little or no money in circulation, and it became
hard to get such things as people have to buy at store-."
Coming down to about 1865 there were better conditions existing, described
by Mr. Arnold as follows: "The people were fairly well provided with agricul-
tural machines and common farm implements. There was a great deal of
exchanging of work, particularly in harvest and threshing time. Some who had
a limited acreage in wheat hired their cutting done by a neighbor, offsetting the
bill as much as possible by an exchange of work. As late as the spring of 1865,
some of the people were still sowing grain by hand, though the broadcast seeder
was coming into use. Spring wheat was then the principal crop ; next in acre-
age came corn, and then oats. Harvest time was the busiest season, which began
in the latter part of July. Some men from a distance came in at this time, but
largely the crews were made out by exchanging with neighbors, their grown
boys or their hired men. The same usage applied to threshing crews. Various
self-raking reaper- were in use, * * the self-binder was unknown, although
conceivable.
"There was no threshing in the field direct from the shock. The harvest
over the grain was stacked, generally about the stable yards for use of the straw.
On the larger farms some stacking was done in the fields and sooner or later the
straw burned. The steam thresher, although beginning to be used, was never
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 223
seen here during the wheat-raising period. Various horsepower machines were
in use. run by four or five span of horses walking around in a circle and attached
to the arms of a low machine composed largely of iron gearing, placed back
about three rods from the threshing machine, the two being connected by a
shaft in loose-jointed sections so it could be slanted from a low level where the
horses stepped over its covering, gradually upward to the shaft of the cylinder
of the thresher.
"In comparison with the present times it might almost be said that there
were no barns. But as the stock required shelter, makeshifts for barns were
constructed that served the purpose for those years. They were called 'straw
barns.' Crotches placed eight to ten feet apart were set in three rows, the center
row being the highest. Large poles were run in the tops of the crotches and
smaller poles and fence rails were set leaning against the crotch poles and end
rafters all around the outside. Poles or fence rails were used for rafters, and
all this formed the framework of the structure. In threshing time a large amount
of straw was run upon and banked around it, and what was left would be stacked
in the yard against some part of the stable for the cattle to work on. Sometimes
the stable had a fence of posts and poles built around it within three feet and
straw was tramped into the spaces between, making a straw wall for the sides
and ends. The entrance might be provided with a door made of boards. The
tops of these straw barns or sheds were rounded up like the top of a rick of hay,
so as to shed the rain. In such sheds, horses, cattle, and poultry were warmly
wintered. A few had log stables, but they were covered at first as were the
others.
"It may be wondered at now that in a section where wheat was the principal
crop>, how so many had to tide along without granaries. Of course various make-
shifts had to be resorted to. One method was to build bins of fence rails, line
them with straw, and fill them up with wheat as threshed. Another method
was to build bins of scantling and pine boards, blocked up a foot or more above
the ground, but in either case roofed over with a rounded packing of straw.
Those were times when people had to get along without many things of which
the) often stood in need.
"The cleaning up of wheat for market or for seeding was attended with
some inconvenience. A wagon body had to be lifted off the wheels and placed
on the ground near a bin. The fanning mill was placed inside of it, and the
wheat run from the bin as needed into a pail or half -bushel measure. At inter-
vals, as cleaned and collected in the wagon body, it was shoveled into cotton
wove sacks, which at that time cost a dollar apiece. Each sack held a little
over two bushels, and eighteen of them made a fair load. The cleaning job
over, the body had to be placed back on the wheels, the sacks loaded into it,
and it was now ready for the trip to Lansing, which took the most of two days
to go and return with horse teams, A part of the crop was marketed in the fall,
but many trips being required much of it remained stored in the bins until after
corn-planting time of the next year. There was no marketing of corn, oats, or
potatoes, these being all used at home.
"The first few years after the cessation of the raising of spring wheat was
a transition stage which gradually opened up more prosperous conditions than
the older times had ever produced. First came creameries in this section of the
224 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
country, followed by an increase in the number of hogs and cattle raised, with
attention to good breeds of the same, and a more careful looking after the land.
Then came the big red barns, drilled wells and windmills on farms that did not
before have them. Many more substantial houses were built, and others more or
less remodeled. In the middle nineties the telephone came into the community,
and later the rural mail delivery with the possibility of the city daily paper
* * * At last children began growing up in the community to whom the hard-
ships and privations which their grandparents had experienced were only family
traditions. The old times ended with the wheat raising days."
And now, in addition to the telephone and the daily mail, the modern house
with bath, steam heat, electric light and power, and to cap the climax the
automobile, belong to the country as much as to the town, and the farmer is the
most independent being in existence. It paid for him — or his fathers — to suffer
privations. Truly the past half-century was a marvelous period!
In the Annals of Iowa, January 1897, Ira Cook tells some of his experiences
as a government surveyor, in which he says :
"Early in 1852 the United States commenced the location of the boundary
line between Iowa and Minnesota. As soon as the commission was well under
way. I was sent up there to close up and sub-divide Township 100. I think
my district included five ranges in Allamakee and Winneshiek counties. My
work was partly in that portion of those counties which a writer in a recent
number of the 'Midland Monthly' calls the 'Switzerland of Iowa.' Here among
swiftly running streams, deep canyons, mountainous hills, and rocky precipices,
I worked for two months, and really here I had the most pleasant and enjoyable
time of all my different trips. I found that the brooks and the creeks were
pretty well stocked with speckled trout. I had not seen one since a boy of ten
years, and I could not resist the temptation to go after them, and go I did. For
one whole week a cousin and myself whipped the streams, large and small
* * * enough to say we were satisfied.
"One incident that happened on this survey I must relate as a curiosity.
The most of the land that was available had been taken up by squatters, and
so there were a good many settlers in my district. This township 100 consists
of five full sections north and south, but the sixth section was only about two
or three chains wide, say eight to twelve rods. One day in running up my
range lines I struck a man's farm which was partly in Iowa and partly in Minne-
sota. When I was through running my lines, his cultivated land was situated
in two States, four townships, and six sections!
"My work completed, we came down to Lansing, expecting soon to get
a steamboat for Dubuque. We were informed, however, there would not be
a boat down for five days, so I decided to build a boat of my own.
I bought two Indian canoes about twelve feet long, some two-by-fours and enough
lumber to deck my craft. We lashed the canoes firmly side by side, decked
them over, loaded our traps, and we seven men stepped on board. When we
were all on board we had not more than four inches between the surface of
the water and the top of the canoes, but the craft was as steady as a seventy-
four gun ship, and we made the trip to Davenport in safety."
In a little book published in Boston in 1856, Nathan H. Parker gives an
entertaining description of a trip through this part of Iowa, in which he says:
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 225
"The tourist who would visit northern Iowa should take one of the regular
packets at Gelena and Dunlieth, and register himself for Lansing, one hundred
miles northwest. If there is a more comfortable way of traveling than aboard the
floating palaces of the Upper Mississippi, or a more grand and picturesque
portion of country to be seen than is beheld on this route, I have thus far failed
to find it ; and persons who have traveled extensively on both continents repre-
sent the scenery in this section of country as superior to even that of the far-
famed Rhine.
"After a very pleasant trip with my namesake. Capt. J. W. Parker, of the
Golden Era, I landed at Lansing. The first sight of interest that greeted my
eyes was a party of three or four hundred hardy Norwegians, with their goods
and chattels piled up on the wharf, awaiting conveyance to the country. As
near as I could understand them, a large colony had purchased a tract of land
a few miles west, and they were on their way to their new home. They were
in good health and excellent spirits, and had not lost one of their number since
leaving Norway. From the fact that these immigrants came over in a steamship,
as well as from the appearance of a small, well-guarded iron chest in their pos-
session, it may be inferred they are a well-to-do and industrious class, who
will be a great accession to this portion of the State.
"Lansing is the most important town in the State, above Dubuque on the river.
It is rapidly increasing and will eventually become a city of note, as it is the
natural landing for a large section of very fertile country which is being rapidly
filled by actual settlers. At the Lansing House you will take a stage for the
interior. Yes, there you will find the real old-fashioned stage-coach, and per-
haps recognize ere you return, some of the old coaches which have been driven
west by the locomotive, and in which you have already traveled in the eastern or
middle states.
"What an 'institution' the stage-coach is, to a newly-settled country, and what
a convenience is the accommodating driver ! Our load embraced fifteen pas-
sengers, a large rear boot full of baggage and luggage, while the front boot
contained mailbags. mealbags, dogs, jugs, and what not. The road from Lansing
to Decorah, for several miles after leaving the river, winds through a beauti-
ful valley ; and when at length you reach the table-land the scenery is, we might
say enchanting. To the north, beyond the valley of the upper Iowa river,
can be seen the graceful hills and green fields of Minnesota, while far away to
the south the landscape is checkered with prairies and groves ; and on every
side the smoke from the humble dwelling of the settler, marking the spots where
the wanderers from almost every state, and every country in Europe, are making
new homes. In a drive * * * through a beautiful, though rough country
we reached Waukon, the county seat, a place of perhaps 300 inhabitants, in
the midst of a good farming country.
"Less than ten years have elapsed since this section was in full possession of
the Winnebago Indians. How changed the scene ! No longer shall these groves
and plains be the red man's hunting-ground; no longer the deep ravines serve
as lurking-places for the wily foe, nor the bluff-side as a battle-field between con-
tending tribes. On these peaceful waters, no longer,
"With tawny limb,
And belt and beads in sunlight glistening,
Does the savage urge his skiff, like a wild bird on the wing.
226 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
**********
Look now abroad — another race has filled
These populous borders— wide the wood recedes,
And towns shoot up, and fertile realms are tilled;
The land is full of harvest and green weeds;
Streams numberless, that many a fountain feed,
Shine disembowered, and give to sun and breeze
Their virgin waters ; the full region leads
New colonies forth, that toward the western seas
Spread, like a rapid flame among the autumnal trees.'*
Carlvle D. Beeman was born in Vermont, March 27, 1827, and came to Iowa
in his twenty-third year, arriving in Jefferson township September 12, 1849,
' one of the three or four earliest, where he bought the farm upon which he lived
for twenty-five years, and which he owned for over fifty years until he sold it
to his son C. M. Beeman, in 1901. October 16, 1853, he married Miss Sarah
Martindale. who died in 1893, and he later married Mrs. Jennie Falby. His
was a pioneer record, and a record of close application to his calling which was
rewarded with large material success. In 187 _j Mr. Beeman entered into com-
mercial business in Waukon, which he made a success also, and in 1879 erected
the brick block in West Waukon, and continued the business there until succeeded
by his four sons in 1897. Mr. Beeman was closely identified with the business
interests of the town, and took a prominent part in the prosecution of the railroad
project to completion, as well as in all charitable work and the good government
of the city, lie was also a leader in the Grange movement, state and national.
Mr. Beeman died May 1, 1903, leaving four sons and one daughter, all prominent
in business and social circles.
J. B. Mattoon, M. D., pioneer physician, was a native of Massachusetts, born
in Hampshire county. November 14, 1814. His grandfather, Gen. Ebenezer Mat-
toon, left college to go into the Revolutionary war. and after the war was for a
time law partner of Thomas Paine. His father, Noah D. Mattoon, was a class-
mate of Daniel Webster, and graduated from Dartmouth in 1801. At nineteen
our subject went to Ohio, and graduated at twenty-six from Willoughby Uni-
versity, afterward the Cleveland Medical College. He then practiced twelve
years in Crawford county, Pennsylvania. In 1852 he concluded to seek his for-
tune in the far west, and went to California. After two years he returned and
settled at Freeport, Winneshiek county, Iowa, then a lively village with the
promise of becoming the county seat. Here he followed his profession for
another twelve years with the exception of a year or two in California again,
and in 1866 came to Waukon, which he made his permanent home. During the
following twenty-seven years of active practice in Waukon and vicinity Dr.
.Mattoon endeared himself to the people, by his plain and honest life, being indeed
one of •"the old school." an ideal family physician, counsellor and friend. Dr.
Mattoon was married in 1842 to Miss D. E. Heath, and reared two sons and two
daughters. In 1882 they celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary, and Mrs.
Mattoon died the following year. A few years later the doctor began spending
his winters in Florida, and made his home there from 1892 to 1897, when he
returned to Waukon, where he died April 22, 1900.
CHAPTER XIX
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION
The county records are very incomplete and unsatisfactory as to the organ-
ization of the civil townships, and little additional information is to be found
in the township records. The order in which they were organized is probably
as follows :
Linton, Taylor and Post, in 1851. At the April, 1852, term of the County
court the course of Paint creek was officially recognized as the division line
between Linton and Taylor townships ; a petition for the division of Linton
township was rejected; and a petition for the separate organization of "Town-
ship 96, Range 4" was also rejected. Linton originally included the whole tier
of township 96, but Post voted separately at the April, 1852, election, as perhaps
Franklin did likewise.
Lansing in February, 1852.
Makee, Ludlow, Union Prairie, Union -City, Lafayette, Jefferson and Paint
Creek, in April, 1852. At the December term, 1853, the boundaries of the fol-
lowing townships were established : Linton, Taylor, Paint Creek, Jefferson, Frank-
lin and Post. But all these had held separate elections previous to this date.
Franklin and Post were taken from Linton. Jefferson and Paint Creek from
Taylor.
Fairview, March 5, 1855, taken from Linton.
Hanover and Iowa, March 5, 1855, taken from Union City.
French Creek and Waterloo, March 3, 1856, taken from Union City.
Center (or Village Creek), March 5, 1856, taken from Lafayette. This com-
prising the eighteen townships of the county.
Taking up the settlement and progress of the townships alphabetically the
first in order is
CENTER TOWNSHIP
At a term of the County court, March 5, 1856, an order was issued appoint-
ing O. Deremo as organizing officer to call an election for the organization of
"Village Creek Township." comprising Congressional township 98, range 4, to
be taken from the township of Lafayette. The election was held April 8, 1856,
at the house of Eric Sund, supposed to have been situated on the southeast
quarter of northeast quarter of section 20, later belonging to A. G. Oleson and
now owned by David Sjogren. At this election the first township officers
227
228 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
m T7 c.,.^1 r T Drake Thomas Gordon;
were elected, as follows: Trustees, E. Sund C .J. »jf\ Smith and
clerk. A. Drake; assessor, O. Deremo; justices of the peace,
A. Drake. „.u;n h^ides those above mentioned,
Among the earliest settlers m the townsh P be*cks thos ^ ^
the following names appear: James BakewelL came » m [5 ^
east half of northeast quarter of section 5 G. H. *aegre ,
from Norway, to northeast quarter of section 9, ^^ckLenz, ^^ J'.
Abraham Bechtel and Peter J. *^^*\*£?g*%^£
Geo Griswold and L. T. Fearon. section 7; Peter Johnson, J o.
Kittleson section 2S; Patrick O'Connor, section 27; O. W. Streeter, section iu
O K, dsoi A va5Ellefso,, Ole Jacobson, and Lars Oleson Puma, section 34,
O Deremo section 32; Tohn Johnson and John Peterson, section 28; Andrew A
^^STcaiSS-* Pe- Larson, section .; Silas Troen-
dle section o- Willard Bacon, section 22; John Reed, section 31.
Dr O Deremo the organizing officer appointed by County Judge Tophff
J££J£Z as well as farming, and taught the first school m h< |T£»
Anderson district in the adjoining township of Paint Creek „ ^ t e winter of
l8S4-5 At the time of the organizing election m 56 he had the honor of select
nJ the name "Center" for the township in place of the name \ 1 age Creek
hv wn c "he rein had formerly been known, derived it is said from the
1 rous native%illages along the valley of this stream when the country
was first explored by the whites. Dr. Deremo died September ^0|
h is said the first frame house in the township was built by O. W. btreeter
in ,850 OS, on the southeast quarter of section sixteen, the farm later owned
b - P T- Swenson, and now by Eddie Larson. Streeter sold out about ,84,
trading his land to Bell & Co. of Dubuque, for a stock of dry good,, with
whkh he opened a store at Caledonia. Minnesota. In the year igcx, he was prac-
g w m the city of Superior, Wisconsin, where he had been for many years
e believe and where he was then conducting a suit in the Federal court mvolv-
Z t He tit le to fourteen quarter sections situated within the limits of that city
Laving a value of several millions. According to his account he was censurable
of a fawyer, and had already had two decisions in his favor in this case, but
wis just then being appealed to the Supreme court, as he stated m a letter
-it the time to this writer.
' According to Mr. Deremo. who looked up some matters of the early history
of "the township, the first funeral was that of Joseph Reynolds who was a
soldier of the war of 1812. He entered the southwest quarter of sect.on 33
from the government, and was buried thereon. Rev. E. Howard conducted the
'The lust school meeting was held at the house of this Mr. Howard, on the
later Deremo farm, in section 32, May r4, 1835. and Mr. John Reed was secre-
tary Mr Howard was a Methodist minister who had preached at I ostville
as early as 1848. He had preached also at Lansing and Waukon. The first
Harper's Ferry church, Taylor township
New Swedish Baptist church, Center township Presbyterian church, Jefferson township
Bethlehem Presbyterian church. Ludlow Lycurgus Catholic church, Makee township
township
Zalmona Presbyterian church, Ludlow Wexford church. Lafayette township
township
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 231
school was taught the following winter, 1855-6, by Miss L. Stillman, a daughter
of John Stillman who had come here that year. It was held in a log school house
situated in what was later sub-district No. 4, near west line of section 32.
The first church building was begun in 1856, by the Norwegian Lutherans,
where the East Paint Creek Church now is, near Dalby.
CHURCHES
In August, 1853, Rev. Gustav Palmquist, then pastor of the Swedish Bap-
tist church at Rock Island, Illinois, visited Village Creek, or the Swedish settle-
ment in Center township, and on August 10th twelve were baptized — a significant
number. Immediately after, the Swedish Baptist Church of Center township
was organized with these twelve members. A. G. Swedberg was chosen pastor,
and Eric Sanderman, deacon. No secretary was chosen until 1855, when John
PeLerson was chosen.
The first four years the meetings were held in private houses, and in 1857
a small log house was bought, for $50, which was fixed up and used for a
church for ten years. In 1867 a frame church was erected valued at about
$1000, and was considered as a remarkable edifice at that time. This house
stood on the creek bottom, but owing to the high water at times it was removed
to the present site. In 1884 a small farm of twenty-two acres, with a six
room house, was purchsed for a parsonage.
This old church building served its purpose for forty-four years, when it
was torn down and a new modern church built in its place, in 191 1, valued at
some $7000, which was dedicated September 22, 191 2. Considering the few
Swedes tributary to this church it may be truly said that it has made progress
fully up with the times. It has the distinction of being the second oldest
Swedish Baptist Church in America. During the sixty years of its existence
some four hundred have been enrolled as members. At present the membership
is about seventy. During this time the church has been served by the fol-
lowing pastors: A. G. Swedberg, A. Levin, U. P. Walberg, F. Fors, Hamren,
Sjogren, C. J. Ericson, Floden, C. W. Broms, L. E. Peterson, C. F. Lindberg,
Paul Johnson Sjoholm, J. R. Lindblom, A. Paulson, John Lundin, and G. D.
Forsell. Rev. Paul Johnson is the present pastor.
There are three years during the history of the church that are memorable
as revival years. In the spring of 1862 twenty were added to the church. In
the fall of 1873 Rev. Sjogren came and preached, not as pastor. During the
following January fifty were baptized, and by May seventy-four had joined
the church by baptism, and not a few were restored. Rev. Sjogren was called
as pastor and served eight years. In 1886 through the instrumentality of Rev.
Paul Johnson twenty-seven were added by baptism.
Some have gone out from this church as ministers of the gospel, as Rev.
C. W. C. Ericson and Rev. Hans Soudh ; one has acquired nation-wide reputa-
tion, Rev. Dr. Frank Peterson, son of the first church secretary, now district
secretary of the American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society; and one mis-
sionary to India, Miss Erica Bergman. Dr. Peterson when visiting his former
home here in 1912, recalled with pleasure his early struggles for an education,
fifty years before, when he attended Professor Loughran's school at Waukon and
232 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
did any kind of chores he could find to do to pay his way, working early and late
and studying as he could catch the time, and at night.
A Sunday school in connection with the church was organized in 1862, which
has been faithfully kept up; a ladies' society in 1865; and a young people's
society in 1885, which is now a B. Y. P. U. This little church in Center has
weathered many storms, and stands as a lighthouse on a solid rock. The united
hope is that its future may have in store still greater blessings than its past
has brought.
The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Fagri Prairie was incor-
porated in November, 1869, the church officers at that time being: Gulbrand
Hanson, president; Hans H. Fagri, secretary; Johannes Rund, treasurer; and
these three constituted the board of trustees. They have a church building,
but at present without regular weekly service.
GRISTMILLS
The mills of Village Creek were famous in their day. Among the earliest
was the Whaley & Topliff Mill near the west line of Center township, on the
southwest quarter of northwest quarter of section 19. Archa Whaley bought
of Elias Topliff a half interest in this forty, in 1852, and put up a gristmill
here. This was one of the contesting points in the triangular election for county
seat in 1856, and received 314 votes. Mr. Whaley afterwards became the sole
owner of this mill and continued to operate it for twenty-five or thirty years.
About the same time B. T. McMillan erected a gristmill on the west half
of the northwest quarter of northeast quarter section 13, near the east line of the
township, known as the Allamakee Grist Mill, and later sold to Jesse M. Rose
and himself engaged in milling in the north part of the county. This mill came
later into the possession of W. H. Otis, who sold it to C. L. McXamee about
1875, and he made it famous through the county as the Union Flouring Mills
for many years, lie finally sold it to A. C. Doehler in 1893. It is now owned and
operated by Otto Mahlow, and we believe it is the only flouring mill now running
in Allamakee county except those at Waukon, Forest Mills, and Dorchester.
What was known as the upper mill, or the Deremore Mill, was not started
for several years later than the others mentioned. It came into the possession
of Mr. A. Deremore about 1875, and his son J. A. Deremore bought it in 1881
and ran it for many years.
POSTOFFICES
The Elon postoffice and store, on northwest quarter of section 33, were kept
for many years by Edward Roese. Mr. Roese but recently closed out his busi-
ness and removed to the West. A store has just been opened here by the Roe
brothers. Mail for this region is now supplied from Waterville. Dalby was
another long-time postoffice, on northeast quarter of section 35. And another
postoffice was Lvndale, kept by John Drake, northwest quarter of section 23.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 233
Center township officers are now : Clerk, Louis Drake ; trustees, D. R. Anderson,
Iver Thorson, J. A. Moellerman ; assessor, David Sjogren; justice of the peace,
F. W. Ericson ; constable, J. E. Ericson.
The population of Center township in 1856 was 398; in 1910, it was 721.
FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP
This township has the most interesting history of any in the county, having
been the first visited by white men, the French traders with the Indians. It was
also the scene of the first industries in the county, engaged in by the lumbermen
from Prairie du Chien with their sawmills; and the site of the old Indian
mission, school, and farm, established in 1834. These subjects can be only
touched upon here, being treated more fully elsewhere in these pages.
But again extracts from Judge Dean's interesting sketches written in 1880
find an appropriate place here, although a full chapter has been devoted to the
Old Mission in the earlier pages of this volume.
"In 1834 the United States, through its military authorities at Prairie du
Chien, built on what is now section 19, township 96, range 3, in Fairview town-
ship, a mission school and farm. At this time Col. Zachary Taylor, afterwards
President of the United States, commanded the post, and Jefferson Davis, since
President of the so-called Southern Confederacy, was on duty there as Lieuten-
ant. General Street was Indian Agent ; all the agents at that time being army
officers, and the Indians being under the control of the Secretary of War. The
mission wras for the purpose of civilizing and Christianizing the Indians, and was
opened in the spring of 1835 with the Rev. David Lowrey, a Presbyterian in
faith, as school teacher, and Col. Thomas as farmer. But the effort to make good
farmers, scholars or Christians out of these wandering tribes proved abortive,
and poor 'Lo' remained as before, 'a child of nature,' content to dress in breech-
clout and leggings, lay around the sloughs and streams, and make the squaws
provide for the family.
"After their removal, the Government having no further use for the mission,
put it on the market and sold it to Thomas C. Linton, who occupied it as a farm
a few years and sold it to Ira Perry, and on the death of Mr. Perry in 1868, it
became the property of his son, Eugene Perry, the present owner. The build-
ing is a large two-story stone house, the chimney of which was taken for a 'wit-
ness tree' when the government survey of public lands was made. * * *
"This house has become historic in many repects. It is one of the very
prominent landmarks in the history of the development of Allamakee county, and
we earnestly hope its owners will let it stand as long as grass grows or water
runs, and thus preserve to those who may come after us at least one thing that
may be considered venerable."
I Since 1880 the mission property has changed hands many times, and for the
past year has been owned by Stephen and Michael Walsh. Several years ago
the then owners demolished this fine old landmark, to utilize the stone and other
building material in the construction of more useful buildings for the present
day farmer.]
234 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
"It is a very difficult matter for us who live in Allamakee county today to con-
ceive of the condition of things in the Mississippi valley when this old mission
was built, 111.1834, and it is still more difficult for the writer to convey a clear
idea of it.
"There was at that time no Allamakee county, no Clayton county, no Winni-
shiek county, and in fact no territory organization, but simply a wilderness waste.
* * * The Indian tribes roamed over this whole region, and Jefferson Bar-
racks, a military post about eight miles below St. Louis, was headquarters for the
military operations of the Mississippi valley. Just think of it! This valley knew
no railroads, no telegraphs, and a very large per cent of its present inhabitants
were not then born. The military post at Prairie du Chien had been established,
and when they wanted to utilize the resources of this wild region about them,
they detailed soldiers for the work, and in 1828, being in want of lumber, they
sent a part of the garrison over to Yellow river and built a saw mill about two
miles below what is now the old mission house, the remains of which was burned
down in 1839.
"In 1840 one Jesse Dandley built a sawmill on the river about one mile below
the mission, but the floods came and took the dam away, and the proprietor meet-
ing with one mishap after another, finally abandoned it, and in time it was torn
down. [Probably the Jesse Dandley whose house was made the voting place
of a Clayton county precinct in 1838, described on a preceding page.]
"In 1839 Hiram Francis and family came from Prairie du Chien to the old
mission in the employ of the government, and remained there until it ceased to be
a mission, and from him we learn that his duties were to issue daily rations to
such Indians as were fed at that place, and that in November, 1840 [1842], the
last of them were removed to the Turkey river, and this school closed."
Fairview township was set off from Linton, March 5, 1855, but who gave it
its appropriate name is not recorded. At its first enumeration, in 1856, the
population was 177. In 1910, 321. January 14, 1858, the township of Fairview
obtained from that of Taylor all of sections 3 and 4, township 96, range 3. On
July 4. 18(10, it received another accession, being sections 24, 25, 26, 35, and 36,
from Linton; but on January 10, 1867, the west half of section 26 was returned
to Linton, leaving the boundary between these townships as at present existing.
In January, 1873, sections 3, 4 and 5 were set off to Taylor; and in June, 1874,
sections 1 and 2 were also set off to Taylor township ; since which last date
the boundaries of Fairview have remained unchanged.
In 1858 there was a mill on the north side of Yellow river, in the southwest
one-quarter of section 19, known as Maloney's Mill.
Johnsonsport. — Situated south of the mouth of Paint Creek, was an early
steamboat landing, and supposed to be the place of the next permanent settle-
ment after that at the Old Mission. Judge Dean is the authority for the state-
ment that it was named after a soldier who had served out his time at Prairie
du Chien, and was paid off and discharged in 1837. He took several Indian
wives, living among the tribes or at the post, and finally settled on the river
bank. Some of the older residents remembered him as "Squaw Tohnson." The
landing which was given his name was an important point at one time, but few
houses were ever erected there. Armstrong Glover was the prominent settler
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 235
here when the land was placed upon the market, and became postmaster when
the first postoffice was established near this point in 1850, called "Tom Corwin."
The town plat of Johnsonsport was laid out on the north front half of section 15,
township 96, range 3, April 3, 1856, by Henry and Mary Johnson, Armstrong
and Emily Glover, Geo. L. and Ann Miller, Wm. F. and S. I. Ross, Michael and
Mary Clark, and Michael Rafter. Surveyed by Joel Dayton, county surveyor.
Geo. L. Miller was justice of the peace.
The sawmill industry was thriving in this vicinity in the early days. About
1875 tne Flack brothers were operating a stave-mill, employing ten or twelve
men.
Allamakee — Lay to the north of and adjoining Johnsonsport, on fractional
lots 5 and 6, section 10, and was platted in February, 1858, Wm. W. Hunger-
ford, county surveyor. The plat fails to show the names of the proprietors.
At a later date a post office called "Allamakee" was established some two miles
further clown the river. It was in 1857 that the Prairie du Chien & Mankato
Railroad Company was organized, for the purpose of bringing about an extension
of the Milwaukee road which had just been opened to the Prairie, up the valley
of Paint Creek to Waukon and westward ; and this platting of the Johnsonsport
and Allamakee townsites was doubtless in conjunction with this project. Mr.
Hungerford was a proficient civil engineer-, and ran the line through for this
proposed extension. He became quite prominent in this profession in later years.
After the failure of this project these villages were lost sight of ;' and when
twenty years later the narrow gauge railroad was built up Paint Creek valley,
the station was established on the north side of that stream, and is now
Waukon Junction, just outside of the Fairview boundary.
Nezeka — Was another of Fairview's paper towns, whose existence is forgot-
ten by most of our people. It is a pity that more care had not been taken in
the early days to preserve some record of the origin of the names of streams
and villages, when in many instances, like this, it would have been easily ascer-
tained. This townsite was laid out December 12, 1856, on government lots 3 and
4, section 34, by Chester N. Case, I. N. Bull, Lawrence Case, F. I. Miller, H. L.
Dousman, B. W. Brisbois, Preston Lodwick and F. C. Miller; names which
were later widely known. Its location was at the mouth of Yellow river, on
the south side, in the extreme southeast corner of the county, and was doubt-
less the spot where the white man first put foot on Allamakee soil. This river
is mentioned by name, by Capt. Jonathan Carver in his travels in 1766, one
hundred and forty-seven years ago, when he put ashore here with some French
traders ; and how much earlier they had traded with the Indians here is only a
matter of conjecture. It is not at all improbable that Radisson and Groiselliers
may have visited this spot a hundred years earlier than Carver, even, it was so
noticeable and accessible in passing up from the Wisconsin where they entered
the Mississippi. (See opening chapter.) And it is possible this was the site of
one of the trading posts established by the indefatigable Perrot in or about 1683.
Nezeka was surveyed by Ira B. Brunson of Prairie du Chien, December 12,
1856. It was a postoffice in 1861, but did not so continue long. The site of this
village is now owned by J. M. Collins, of Waukon. For nearly a century the
lower Yellow river valley has been drawn upon for lumber, and it is still yielding.
236 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Mr. J. G. Laird is the present lumber man who is operating a sawmill in here,
0,1 ?ftLaLrfinf£ Alfl. F. Liebhardt bought hundreds of acres of govern-
men 1 and ng he Yellow river with the intention of raising grapes on the
Wuftsides for the making of wines on an extensive scale, but the venture was
^Ref Landing-Was situated in the south part of section 2, Fairview
township At the September, r853, term, of the County court a license was
granted to W. C. Thompson to operate a ferry line across the Mississippi, between
this point and the east side at or near Prairie du Chien.
L an illustration of the importance attached to this locality in the days of
early railroading, and the possibility at one time of this pent becoming a station
on transcontinental line, it is interesting to note a project of vast magmtude
for those days which was launched in 1856, as shown by our county records,
beng the incorporation of the Mississippi & South Pass Railroad Company
The articles of incorporation were dated October 10, 1856, hied for record
January 12, 1857, and provided for a capital of $30,000000 with pnv.lege to
increase to Sso^o.ooo. divided into shares of $100 each, "for the purpose of
surveying, locating, constructing, owning, maintaining and operating a ra. road
with single or double track, from the Mississippi river at or near the mouth of
Yellow river in Allamakee county, state of Iowa, or at any other place in Alla-
makee or Clayton counties that the directors may determine, through the ter-
ritories of Minnesota and Nebraska to the South Pass, at or near forty-three
degrees north latitude." The instrument was executed by the following named
men of more or less national reputation in financial circles, viz; Joseph \ ander-
pool Jr . Samuel J. Reals, Geo. W. Matsell, Benjamin P. Fairchild, Frederick S.
Vanderpool. William MacKaller. Henry R. Conklin, Allan McKeach.m. and K. L.
Havs of the city of New York; and Gilbert T. Sutton, of Peekskill, New York
Mathew P. Bemis of Chautauqua county. New York, Isaac Marsh Denman of
Newark New Jersey, and Pratt R. Skinner. Henry C. Matsell and Mathew R
Finn of the state of Iowa. This was but one of the numerous projects which
followed the construction of the Milwaukee road to Prairie du Chien in 1856.
Within the next decade the Pacific railroad scheme was consummated by the
Union Pacific from Omaha.
Of the earlv settlers of Fairview who took lands of the government or ot
the school fund of the state, in the early fifties, the following names appear
to have been prominent: Wm. H. Morrison in section 3 (Paint Rock, now m
Taylor township 1, I. H. Beckwith in section 8 (sold to Daniel Gibbs), Mathew
Johnson, Michael Carpenter, Henry Johnson, Armstrong Glover, John Boswell,
Peter Rider (section 16), lacob Worth (met his death by drowning in the Mis-
sissippi river, September 24. 1883), John Walsh. Lawrence Maloney, Jacob F.
Liebhardt, James McCaffery, Wm. Dennison (northwest one-half section 28),
George Baker, Fielding True. Peter (TMaley, John Kelly (section 30), Louis
Carding, Geo. Branshos ( Nezeka), Baptiste LaPoint (section 32).
The Fairview township officers in 1913 are as follows: Clerk, T. E. Wilkins ;
trustees, Robert F. Aird. James Brennan, P. B. Luce; assessor, J. J. Broderick ;
justices, Pat Cahalan and A. M. L. Brainard ; constables, Wm. Nicholson and
Ed. McAndrews.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 237
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP
In December, 1853, the boundaries of Franklin township were established
by the County court, with the east and west sides two miles further east than
they now are; but on March 28, 1855, the west one-third of township 96, range
5, was taken from Post and added to Franklin; and on February 4, 1856, the
west one-third of township 96, range 4. was set off to Linton, making the boun-
daries conform to the congressional township lines. In 1854 the enumeration
showed the population of Franklin to be 321. In 1910 it was 825.
Among the early comers into this township are found the names of the fol-
lowing who entered their claims and took title directly from the government,
or from the state in the case of school lands; all of these as early as 1854
or prior to that year, viz : In section 1 — John Thomas, Moses A. Ross, John
B. Pettit, J. L. Holman; section 2 — Nathaniel Mitchell, C. B. Churchill, Samuel
Pettit ; section 3 — Ed. Stanley, Henry Coffman, John D. Demerre, W. F. Ross,
John D. Koontz; section 4— Peter Moore, M. B. Lyons, Cyrus Lyons, Josiah
Mitchell; section 5 — Isaac Arnold, Wm. Wehrhan, P. M. Gilson, A. W. Hoag;
section 6 — Alexander Dawson, southeast one-quarter; section 7 — Theodore
Saucer; section 8 — Wm. Smith, Stephen Merriau, Cyrus F. Miller; section 9—
David Clark; section 10 — Job D. Halsey, Alanson Coon; section 11 — Michael
Miller, John S. Clark; section 12 — Robert Crawford, Samuel S. Holmes, James
Palmer, John Briscoe; section 13 — Geo. A. Clark, Wm. Mastin, Samuel Biggs.
A. F. Newcomb, Austin and Harriet Smith; section 14 — John S. Clark, B. C.
Clark (and section 15), M. B. Henthorn ; section 15 — James McGarigill ; section
16 — James Smith, Wm. M. Smith; section 17 — Selden Candee ; section 18 — James
Latham, Wm. Mcintosh, John Fulton, S. P. Hicks; section 20 — Francis and
Vine Dunning; section 21 — L. Van Valkenberg (sold Oscar Collins) ; section 23
— James Vaughn ; section 24 — James C. Smith (all east one-half section), Samuel
Candee; section 26 — Alex Falconer, James Davis; section 2-j — Samuel A. and
John Gregg, fohn Ferguson. Mary McAndrews, Alex. Gilchrist; section 28 —
John Rowe; section 29 — C. C. Sawyer and Jas. P. Sawyer, John Taggart (Lam-
born farm); section 30 — Henry D. Evans (and section 33), Jas. M. Sumner;
section 31— L. B. Hodges, L. R. Herrick, J. C. Beedy ; section 32— Joseph
Collins; section 33 and 34— J. S. Smith; section 35— Thos. F. Sargent, James
Carnaw (Canoe); section 36 — Patrick Cummins.
Wm. B. Smith came to Franklin township in 1850, where he has ever since
resided with the exception of one year in Howard county, lately living with his
daughter, Mrs. Ida Douglass in Waukon. He celebrated his 85th birthday anni-
versary April 20. 191 3.
VILLAGES
Hardin — In the early fifties this was the most important and flourishing
inland town in northeastern Iowa. Located on the Clayton county line (now),
in the extreme southwestern corner of Franklin township, it was but a couple
of miles north of the reservation line, south of which the region had previously
been settled by scattering farmers for eight or ten years. Lying on an old
Indian trail from their village near Luana to the Decorah village, which route
238 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
was also an early mail route and shown on early maps as the direct route between
Dubuque and St. Paul, by way of Monona, Hardin, Lybrand, Granville ( or
Grantville), Frankville, Trout river, Decorah. Burr Oak, Elliota (Minn.), Cari-
mona, and Rochester, it began to be settled as soon as the Indians were removed,
in 184S. and there was a postoffice here January 1st, 1851, L. B. Hodges, post-
master. This was one of the four only in Allamakee county at that date, the
others being Postville, Lansing, and Tom Corwin ( later Johnsonsport, in Fair-
view ) ; but the fifth was established the latter part of that year at Lybrand.
Thus it was a natural "port of entry" to the newly opened reservation, and sev-
eral professional men who located here at first soon after removed to new towns
as they began to promise better; instances being: Lawyers Ransom and Powers
to Postville; also Dr. John S. Green; and L. B. Hodges, clerk of the District
court, went to Columbus from here. James M. Sumner, one of the first county
commissioners, and we believe Joseph W. Holmes, another, were from this vicin-
ity. County Surveyors S. P. Hicks, Joel Dayton and H. O. Dayton, began their
duties from this point; and if we mistake not our veteran attorney Hon. Henry
Dayton, of Waukon, entered the county by this gateway, teaching the Hardin
school in the winter of 1857-8.
The first store in Hardin is said to have been opened by A. D. Frazier, one
of the original proprietors, in 1851, and in the following spring R. T. Burnham
brought in a stock of goods. In 1855 there were five general stores, and other
lines of trade well represented. On the Clayton side of the line there was at one
time a large steam gristmill ; and the widely known "Collins Tavern," kept by
one of the town proprietors. The first school was kept by L. B. Hodges in a log
schoolhouse built in the fall of 1849, m tne west part of the village, barely west
of the present township line. The first religious services were held in this log
house, Rev. Bishop, Methodist, officiating. In 1858 and '59 a Baptist church or-
ganization existed at Hardin, ministered unto by Rev. James Schofield as mis-
sionary. This church ceased to exist about 1863.
Hardin was platted in January, 1854, by Leonard B. Hodges, the owner of
the land in Allamakee county, and Joseph Collins, owner of that on the Clayton
side of the line. Additions were platted in 1856, Hardin Center, and in 1857,
East Hardin ; but the lots have been mostly vacated. The name adopted was in
honor of Colonel Hardin, of Illinois.
Sniithfield — Located on the northwest quarter of northwest quarter section
24, was platted into village lots February 11. 1854, by Win. M. and Sarah
Smith, and Austin and Harriet Smith, proprietors, John R. Wilson being the
justice of the peace before whom acknowledgment was made. Austin Smith
established in this vicinity one of the very early sawmills on Yellow river, per-
haps the earliest in this township, from which was obtained much of the lumber
used in the first frame buildings in Waukon, in 1853 and '54. There was
splendid waterpower here, and one of the largest flouring mills on Yellow river
was later erected at this place. In 1877 it was owned by Koontz & Clark,
who were operating three run of burrs, and were obliged to often run for twenty
hours out of the twenty-four to keep up with their custom. This was in the
prime milling days, when 'here were not less than six flouring mills in operation
along the valley and another in course of construction at Sixteen, a few miles
below. It was not long after this that wheat growing was given up.
STREET SCENE. NEW ALBIN
A RELIC OF THE OLDEN DAYS, NEW ALBIN
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 241
Volney — Laid out on the northeast quarter of southeast quarter section 13,
hardly a mile down the river from Smithfield, by Samuel and Margaret P>iggs,
February 12, 1856, according to a survey made in October previous. Plat ac-
knowledged before Thos. Crawford, justice of the peace. There had been a
settlement here for some years prior to this, and a postoffice was established in
February, 1852, which was kept up until a few years ago, the vicinity now being
supplied by rural delivery from Monona. The Volney mills were widely known
and patronized from a very early day. It would be interesting to note the
changes in ownership and management of these mills in detail, but the facts are
not at hand. And, indeed, a volume might be written on the mills of Yellow
river valley which have finally ceased to exist. In 1869 the mill here was
known as Gurney's mill, but later in the same year D. Tangeman became part
owner. In 1872 the Tangeman Brothers were in command, and both saw and
flouring mill were in full blast, and they were putting up a wood-working fac-
tory. In 1877 the Tangemans were running the Volney flouring and gristmills
to their full capacity, day and night; also the sawmill, and a cooperage business.
August Tangeman later became the sole owner and operated the flouring mill
for many years.
The business of the village today consists of a grocery store by Chas. Boll-
man, and a blacksmith shop by Chas. Rose.
The Volney M. E. church was incorporated March 22, 1890 (this organized
at a very early date), with the following named trustees: J. P. Emerson, F. W.
Tangeman, H. A. Burnham, A. J. Campbell, and W. H. Adams. It has been
supplied recently, we believe, by Rev. James B. Bird, from Monona.
Manchester — Or, usually called Manchester Mills, was in section 6, close to
the Post township line and the sister city of Cleveland, so that the mills here
were called by either name indiscriminately. All these villages were located
along Yellow river at the numerous places where this stream offered available
waterpower for milling purposes, which in the early days was of the utmost
importance ; and each one of them at one time or another gave promise of healthy
village growth, until the decline of the milling industry.
Peter M. and Judith Gilson were the proprietors of the Manchester plat,
which bears date May 10, 1859, from the suvey made by Joel Dayton in 1856.
Trumbull Granger was the justice of the peace who took their acknowledgment.
Forest Mills — Was at first known as Werhan's Mill, but received the later
name of Forest Mills when a postoffice was established there, in 18 — . William
Werhan came to this spot in 1851, and in company with P. M. Gilson built a
sawmill in 1854. In a later year Mr. Werhan bought out Mr. Gilson, who then
took hold of the Manchester mill, two miles further up the river. In 1865 Mr.
Werhan built a much larger and better mill, and this flouring mill has continued
to do a good business to this day. In 1877 he was doing a large business in both
sawmill and flouring mill. About this time the flouring industry was being
rather overdone throughout the county, there being at the beginning of 1878
between twenty-five and thirty mills in the county ; and soon a good portion of
them had to drop out because of decreasing business in this line. A postoffice
was established here of which Mr. Werhan was commissioned postmaster, and
so continued for many years. He was also justice of the peace. His death
occurred December 23, 190:. A store has been kept in this vicinity for a long
242 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
time, under different managements, and at present is conducted by Frank
" Tchurch of the United Brethren in Christ was incorporated near Forest Mills
in December, 1897 (though earlier organized), of which the trustees were J H.
Hendrickson C W. Bender, Abe Evans, Henry Werhan, and L. H. McOhee
It continues 'to nourish, served by Rev. A. E. Hursh, together with the Bethel
church in Post township.
1„ 1913 the Franklin township official roster is: Clerk. J. H. Palmer ; trustees,
Geo. Decker, YYm. Biggs, Herman Peglow ; assessor, J. H. McShane; justices,
Frank Russell and J. P. Gilson; constable, F. J. Beuge.
On a map published in 1859 the mills in Franklin township are shown as
follows : YYerhan's mill, in the east part of section 5, and Gilson's mill, near the
center of same section; Dawson's mill, on section 6. and a gristmill near by;
Deucher's mill, on section 9, at the mouth of Williams Run; Blain's mill, on sec-
tion 14, near west line; and the Hardin mills, on section 31, probably the Burn-
ham mill, later removed to Myron.
"sodom and gomorrah"
While not occurring within the limits of Franklin township, the incidents
here narrated took place close to its southern border, and tradition kept the cir-
cumstances in the minds of early settlers in this region. The story has been
variously told, but from a comparison of different versions the facts seem to be
as follows:
In the summer of 1840 when P. P. Olmsted and his brother, David, became
the first settlers in Monona township, Clayton county, near the present site of
the town of that name, there was a large Winnebago village some two miles north-
west of their location whose chief was Whirling Thunder. The band was removed
to near Fort Atkinson in 1841 or '42, but the site of their village, supposedly on
Hickory creek near the county line, was later occupied by smaller bands of
Indians until their final removal in 1848. The line of reservation, or formerly
neutral ground, crossed the government road from Fort Crawford to Fort Atkin-
son at or about the present village of Luana, and conscienceless liquor traders
established their resorts on this road as near to the reservation line as they
dared, being forbidden over the line. One of these places was kept by Taffy
Jones, a reckless character who hailed from Fort Crawford, and the passing
troops between the two posts gave it the name of "Sodom." A genius named
Graham Thorn started a similar resort not far away, and not to be outdone in
wickedness dubbed his place "Gomorrah."
Sometime in the winter of 1847 a band of Winnebagoes, then encamped on
Hickory creek, collected in the neighborhood of these cabins for a spree, and
one of their number, an old man, traded all his belongings, including his blanket,
for whisky, and his dead body was found the next day by his son, where he had
died from exposure and intoxication, doubtless, though perhaps he had been
maltreated. At any rate, the son being filled with the desire for revenge crawled
up to one of the whisky dens, in the evening, and fired his gun through the win-
dow with the intention of killing Jones, or Thorn, but unfortunately mistook his
man and killed an inoffensive customer named Patrick Riley. The young
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 243
Indian was captured by a detachment of troops and brought to trial, found guilty
of manslaughter, fined $500 and sentenced to ten days' imprisonment. He was
defended by Samuel Murdock, the pioneer lawyer of Clayton county. It is said
that he was confined in the Fort Atkinson guardhouse from whence he escaped
with the connivance of a friendly white man, and was never recaptured.
Jones lived but a short time after this occurrence. Dr. Andros, a pioneer
physician, was present at his death, having been called in as he was passing from
Fort Atkinson to Prairie du Chien. He found Jones on his bed in a miserable
condition, dying from chronic alchoholism, his one desire being for more whisky.
Thorn left the country, but returned after the Indians were removed to
Minnesota.
There has been more or less dispute over the location of the Sodom and
Gomorrah cabins— as was the case in the originals of Bible times— and in
July, 1907, Capt. John Tapper of Monona, an old government teamster of those
days', drove some* iron pegs to designate the respective spots as he remembered
them. From the Monona Leader, of a date in July, 1907, these quotations
are made:
"Capt. John Tapper first set foot on Monona soil in 1840 and in the fall of
1841 and a part of the year of 1842 was a teamster in the employ of the govern-
ment between Prairie du Chien and Fort Atkinson, transporting military supplies,
so that he became familiar with the locality and well acquainted with the people
along his route of travel over the old military road. He was for many years a
resident of Monona township, conducting a farm two miles east of Monona. As
he was familiar with Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Anthony Falls and Minnehaha
Falls all through their early period in the '40s, so he became familiar with this
section in its earliest pioneer days, and in relating the story of the settlement of
the country has proven time and again the accuracy of his statements, in the
naming of persons who took an active part in the destiny of this great west coun-
try, and in locating prominent points of material interest to historians. For a
ma'n of his age, now past eighty-eight years, he is still robust, healthy, active
and energetic, and if put to the test, would no doubt run a foot race, leap the
hurdle, or wrestle with his even weight, and be the victor in each bout. From
Captain Tapper we gain the information for this article, locating to a certainty
the two rival saloons, named Sodom and Gomorrah.
"The Military road, as laid out by the government, and in use until the con-
struction of the railroad between Monona and Luana, followed the ridge from
near the Snell farm along the present line of the railroad, passing through Main
street from where the depot in Luana is now located, northwest, thence directly
west. The wagon road now is north of the railroad track and the original line
of the Military road. The object in following the ridge was to avoid the sags,
deep gullies and ravines, through which it was impossible to haul heavy loads of
merchandise. All government wagons then in use were hauled by six mules,
driven bv one line, the driver riding on the nigh mule and with a six foot black
snake whip could make the mules get-up-and-get and pull for dear life, and by
the resound of the crack of the whip give notice of the coming to the loungers
at Sodom and Gomorrah."
Then follows a detailed description of the locations of the respective cabins
at Luana. and the contentions over the water supply for same. The two places
244 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
were rivals for trade, and every means was resorted to for controlling the
patronage. Continuing the quotation :
"Taff Jones was proprietor of the cabin called Sodom. He was of Irish-
Welsh descent, his father from Ireland and his mother from Wales. Taff was
a pugilist by nature and practice. He was always ready for a scrap and brooked
no threats in his hearing. His fighting qualities were tested on every possible
occasion and he had many an encounter with the soldiers and the rough and ready
fellows who were hoofing it through the country in search of homes. Notwith-
standing the brutal part of the man there was a kindness of heart in Taff Jones.
To a friend he was a friend indeed. While the exterior of the man was of the
brutish type, the inner man gave demonstrations of a worthy character. There
were two sides to the man, the good and the bad. He could fit a case to either
as his emotions seemed to dictate. After three or four years he left the country
and Sodom became a thing of the past.
[Note the discrepancy: Dr. Andros said he died there.]
"Graham Thorn was the proprietor of the Gomorrah cabin. He was a dis-
charged soldier — Hospital Steward — from Fort Crawford, having served two
enlistments in the regular army. Me came into this country in the latter part
of 1840, following in the wake of the moving Winnebago Indians, bringing with
him a few dentist tools and a case of medicine, and to some extent administered
to the sick and needy.
"Upon the reservation Thorn built his first log cabin, about five rods west of
the corner store, which he named Gomorrah. While Thorn was absent at
Prairie du Chien, purchasing a supply of liquors and groceries, the U. S.
Dragoons came along and finding Thorn's cabin on the reservation set fire to it
and it was burned to the ground. Only a pile of ashes were left for Thorn to
view on his return. Nothing daunted, however, Thorn proceeded to rebuild,
this time locating his cabin on the south side of the main traveled road as pre-
viously described.
"Sodom and Gomorrah, as now located, were about an eighth of a mile apart,
in view of each other. Thorn remained selling liquors and nicknacks until he
got into trouble with a roving band of Indians and in a fight killed one of the
braves. Becoming alarmed and fearing the vengeance of the Winnebagoes,
Thorn skipped the country. His cabin was burned to the ground, supposedly by
Indians. On removal of the Winnebagoes to another and distant reservation,
Thorn returned and again built a log cabin, this time on the Andrew Walch
farm, in the field near the junction of the Monona and McNeil roads, about
where the bunch of evergreens appear, in the neighborhood of five rods west
from center of north road. Here Thorn resided for several years. He was
here in 1852, since which time no trace is had of him. Perhaps someone of
the '50s can throw light on his future movements.
"Both of the cabins were in size about 12x14 and while they answered the
purpose for which they were erected there were times when their capacity was
fully tested. Drunken brawls were of frequent occurrence in both places and
many hot encounters between the proprietors, soldiers and roving Indians are
remembered. The U. S. Dragoons were constantly on the trail between Prairie
du Chien and Fort Atkinson, made necessary by the scattering members of the
Indian tribes and the constant travel of homeseekers who began pouring into the
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 245
country. Up to 1844 there was only a scattering of settlers' cabins to be seen on
this broad prairie, and while there were earlier selections of homesteads their
occupancy was delayed until the government began the movement of the Indians
further north, sixty miles above St. Paul. H. M. Rice had the contract with
the government for the removal of the Red Men from this immediate vicinity."
FRENCH CREEK TOWNSHIP
This township was officially organized March 3, 1856, being taken from the
township of Union City as originally organized, and comprises all of the con-
gressional township 99, range 5, with the exception of the north half of sections
4, 5 and 6, which owing to the meandering of the Oneota river was left in the
jurisdiction of Union City. It was mostly settled in 1854, the population in '56
being 278.
Alton was the only village platted in this township, and it was a paper
town, laid out January 5, 1858, by W. W. and Nancy Woodmansee. It was
situated on section 1, near where French Creek flows into the Oneota, or Upper
Iowa river. The plat was placed on record, and perhaps some few lots sold,
but it soon became unknown and but few now remember that there ever was
such a place on the map.
French Creek Postoffice was established in 1859, with Porter Bellows as
postmaster, commissioned by President Buchanan. His wife, Mrs. A. M. Bellows,
succeeded him at his death in 1879, serving until her death which occurred in
January, 1894, when Mrs. M. A. R. Bellows served until the family removed to
Waukon in January, 1903, when the office was discontinued after an existence
of forty-three years.
This township took the name of the creek flowing through it, called French
Creek from a man by the name of French, who lived near the head of that stream
when the first permanent settlers located in its valley.
One of the first settlers in French Creek township was Porter Bellows,
coming in the spring of 1851, from Rockton, Illinois, and settling on the Iowa
river just south of Union City. Many tepee poles were standing near the bend
of the river, opposite the mouth of Clear creek, where the Indian thicket bore
plenty of grapes, plums, gooseberries and crab apples; and just above on the
side hill was the Indian burying ground. Mr. Bellows drove several hundred
sheep from Illinois by way of Mineral Point, Wisconsin, crossing the Mississippi
on a ferry below McGregor. There were no made roads leading to the new
home in the Iowa river valley. Ravines were without a break, smooth and
grassy. During the ffrst winter supplies were brought from Monona, to a
point on the high ridge nearest the house, and drawn down the hill on hand
sleds. Mr. Bellows built one of the first gristmills in the county, near the mouth
of French Creek, at the foot of a high lone bluff rivaling Mount Hope on the
opposite side of the river and valley, which they named "Owl's Head." This
was so named because of a large stone or boulder which stood out on the flat
summit of the front crags. Some years later it was struck by lightning and
knocked into the valley. To this mill came settlers with their grists from the
surrounding country and from points far distant in Minnesota.
246 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
The first manufacturing plant on French Creek was a sawmill operated by
Barney Hunt below where the Leppert schoolhouse is located. Farther down
the vallev at the confluence of a large spring with the creek one Gordon had a
shingle mill for a time. These were very early structures. George Wild built
a sawmill above the mouth of Silver Creek about the year 1861 ; but a few
years later built the second grist mill on French Creek, selling later to Henry
Hirt who sold to ). W. Hartley and the building was removed.
The first schoolhouse in the township, probably, was built on the Bellows
farm in 1861. although several terms of school had been taught in the district
in a vacant dwelling house.
Mr Bellows served as justice of the peace during his life, and was one of
the county supervisors for a time, besides filling other township offices and that
of postmaster as before referred to. At the top of the high hill just west of his
place were the families of John Stone and J. T. Beetem. coming in 1854; the last
a tall Kentuckian with a family of boys, two of whom. Charles and J. T., served
in the army and later opened up farms near by. but after the death of the father
in the late 'sixties sold out to Germans and all emigrated to Nebraska and South
Dakota, where they prospered. Other early settlers were the Schusters, and J.
Asbacher and Geo". Wild, young men. In the valley were Wm. Yeoman, Geo.
Kibby ('51), Clark, and Daniel Lahey.
Among others the following took land of the government in other parts of
the township: John A. Wakefield in the extreme south, on Lansing Ridge, 1850;
Geo. W. Spence, "51; N. Till, Benedict Troendle. and A. G. Howard, in '52;
Edward Mahoney and John O'Brien, '53; and in '53 or '54 and closely follow
ing were, Geo. Munz, Martin Engelhorn, Patrick McCormick, James O'Donnell,
Michael O'Brien, Wm. Collins, James Harkins, James Deviny, Michael Kelleher,
Terence Brushnahan, J. M. Lisher, Tim and Phil Meagher, John Ronan, Pat
McCauley, Thos. Howes, Andrew Collins, Cornelius Casey, Andrew Leppert,
Jas. Sweeney, Martin Devit. and James Dougherty.
The only church organization possessing a house of worship in French Creek
township, we believe, is the German Methodist church located on the south
line of section 10, where services are sustained at more or less regular intervals,
conducted, we believe, by Rev. John F. Daacke.
The present township officers of French Creek are: Clerk, P. J. McCauley;
trustees. Joe Zoll, James Howes, J. T. Welsh: assessor, J. C. Ebner. The pop-
ulation of the township in 1856 was 278; and by the census of 1910, it was 498.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP
At the March 5, 1855, term of the County court the boundaries of this town-
ship were defined, comprising the congressional township of 99-6, taken from
Union City township, and a warrant was issued to Marshall Cass to organize
same. As in the case of most of the townships no record is found of the elec-
tion of the first officials. The population in 1856 was 211. Among the early
settlers were: Michael Halvorson in 1852; Wm. Reed, in '53, at what was after-
wards known as Reed's Corners: Dan Carr, about '55, a well known and popular
character and goed judge of a horse, went to California in 1892 on account of
ill health, and died there the following spring; Hans Simenson : Wm. Mc-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 247
Laughlin ; John C. Barr, a fine old Scotchman ; Lars Peterson, Marshall Cass,
Ole Simenson, Maurice Brushnahan and others, James Delaney, the Larsons,
Jeffrey McGrath, Hans Hanson, Christopher McNutt (who started the first
gristmill in the early fifties, on the Iowa river in section 30), John Cunningham,
Michael Stack, Peter and William Fitzgerald, Andrew Jacobson.
The first postoffice in Hanover was at New Galena, prior to 1861. Reed's
Ridge postoffice established July, 1873, eight miles north of Waukon, on the
Galena road, Wm. H. Reed, postmaster. Hanover postoffice established at
Ferris Mills on the Oneota river, February, 1875, O. F. Ferris, postmaster.
This was later removed to section 29, where John Ward conducted the office for
many years. He died December 9, 1893. Ferris Mills (formerly McNutt's
Mills), was for many years the best known in this part of the county, and was
a frequent resort for Waukon fishermen and picnic parties. The dam was almost
completely destroyed by the flood of June, 1875; and in the July storm, 1882,
the race was so badly damaged that, considering the failure of wheat raising,
it was not thought best to make repairs again.
Cavins' Ford, in the fifties, was the Iowa river crossing in the northeast
quarter of section 8; and prior to 1859 a gristmill was in operation on Bear
creek in the northeast part of section 4.
The Catholic church in Hanover was early established, but we have no in-
formation of the date. It was incorporated November 20, 191 1, as St. Mary's
church of Hanover, Most Rev. James J. Keane, archbishop, ex-officio president;
who, with Vicar General Roger Ryan, and the pastor, Rev. F. McCullough,
ex-officio vice president, and laymen, Lawrence Byrnes and Michael Tierney,
constituted the board of directors.
New Galena, so named for its lead mines, was the only village ever platted
in this township, but the plat was never recorded. It was situated on the north
side of the Oneota, in section 1, below the mouth of Waterloo creek and nearly
opposite the mouth of Mineral creek in the valley of which was the principal
lead deposit.
In 1856 one A. C. Tichenor discovered what he supposed to be paying quan-
tities of lead, in the valley of Mineral creek, and not having sufficient means of
his own to carry out his plans, went to New York city to get men of capital in-
terested, stopping in Indiana to see Phineas Weston, the owner of the land, with
whom it is supposed he made satisfactory arrangements for opening a mine.
In New York he succeeded almost immediately in interesting one Jas. T. Moul-
ton, who laid the matter before another party of some means, Aug. F. Lee, and
together they proceeded to act in the matter. Mr. Lee came on with Tichenor,
looked over the ground, procured specimens of the ore and had it tested, and
everything proving satisfactory, Moulton and his son Arthur came on with all
the necessary materials and laborers and proceeded to erect buildings. Among
others, they built a large store, which was filled with a huge stock of goods pur-
chased in New York by F. M. Clark, who had accompanied Tichenor east for
that purpose, and who clerked for Moulton & Lee until the following January.
At one time the company had as many as a hundred men in their employ. The
village site was laid off into lots and streets, and some of the lots were sold at
good round prices. The village at its best comprised some eight or ten houses,
but they have disappeared, and at this time the land where the town stood is one
248
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
of the best farms in the Iowa valley, and is owned by Levi Green. Some of the
buildings were moved off, and others left to fall to pieces. Among the latter
was a large stone barn which stood until about 1880, a monument of the New
Galena folly.
The company penetrated the side of the bluffs on Mineral creek and took out
ore in such quantities that they felt warranted in erecting a smelting furnace,
which was done some fifteen rods south of the bridge which was built at a later
day, and smelted a considerable quantity or ore, but it did not pay. The ore was
mostly in the shape of floats, but they kept on, hoping to strike a paying "lead."
In this they were disappointed, however, as no well defined lead was developed,
and the store part of the venture was the only thing about it that paid. It was
not long before Tichenor had run through what little means he had invested in
the concern, and Moulton and Lee, disappointed in their bright expectations,
were inclined to blame him for the result of the enterprise, and so cast him off.
The elder Moulton took to drink ; and sometime in the course of a year the whole
thing collapsed under the stress of circumstances. The creditors got what they
could out of the property, and we believe Moulton and Lee returned to the east.
Tichenor, it seems, could not give up the idea of getting riches out of a mine,
and sought the mines of the west. Twenty odd years later he was heard of in
connection with a fraudulent mining concern, shares of stock in which he had
sold to the extent of $20,000 or $30,000.
Among our county records we find the "Articles of Association of the New
( ialena Lead Mining and Real Estate Company," entered into on the 18th day
of August, 1857.
James Thorington, James T. Moulton, J. Arthur Moulton, Aug. F. Lee, Win.
L. Easton, Leonard Standring, Warren Ballou, James I. Gilbert, Grant Telford,
Milo C. Fuller, Alanson H. Barnes, D. B. Defendorf, L. B. Defendorf, S. H.
Kerfoot, James L. McLean, Robt. L. McClelland, Horatio Hill, Solomon Good-
rich, E. E. Cooley formed themselves into a body corporate under the name and
style above mentioned, "for the purpose," the document goes on to say. "of min-
ing, smelting, and manufacturing, lead, and for the purpose of acquiring, by pur-
chase or otherwise, any lands in the state of Iowa, or any other state or territory
in the United States ; and for lying out such lands into towns or villages, addi-
tions to town or villages, and disposing of the same at private or public sale;
and also for engaging in interal improvements, manufactures, agriculture and
commerce, and in any or all financial or monied operations not inconsistent with
the laws of the State of Iowa," etc. "The document further provides that the
capital stock shall consist of $200,000, of $20 a share, with power to increase
to not exceed $500,000. The principal place of business was to be the village
of New Galena, and the directors shall cause semi-annual dividends to be de-
clared out of the profits of the company." About how many dividends were
declared may be readily imagined. We believe this company did continue to
operate the diggings for a time, but they were finally abandoned entirely.
A store with general merchandise for the convenience of the neighborhood
is now kept by Thos. Delaney on the south side of section 26, on the Waukon
road.
SCENE ON MAIN STREET, NEW ALBIN
NEW ALBIN STATION
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 251
Hanover township had a population of 211 in 1856, and only 458 at the
census of 1910. The township officers are: Clerk, E. L. Cunningham; trustees,
Thos. Lyons, Jerry O'Hare, Michael F. Burke; assessor, Henry Ouanrud ; justice
of the peace, O. H. Monson.
IOWA TOWNSHIP
Occupies the extreme northeast corner of the state of Iowa. It was taken
from the previously organized township of Union City, and was organized under
a warrant from the March, 1855, term of County court. It was not settled
up so early nor so quickly as some of the townships, and had a population of
only 128 as enumerated in 1856. But it has made the steadiest growth of any
township in the county, and in 1910 it had 961 souls, including of course the
town of New Albin, with 588.
Among the earliest to take government land in this township were: John
Ross in sections 10 and 11; James Brookman, section 15; Thomas McMahon,
section 19; Hugh Hardy, section 20; Eugene Kerrigan, section 20; Nancy J.
Jenks, section 31; Frederick Weymiller, section 32; Martin Moore, section 22'
James A. Botts, section 34. It is impossible to tell from the records who the
earliest settlers were, as the government survey of this township was not made
until 1853 and the original entries date subsequent to that, although some may
have occupied their selections long before.
October 2, 1853, the County court granted a license to James Brookman to
operate a ferry across the Iowa river in the southeast quarter of section 15,
township 100, range 4. It is claimed that the first bridge over this river was
built at this place in 1858, which would antedate the Chilson's Ford bridge in
Union City, built in 1859. That veteran contractor as well as soldier, Capt.
E. B. Bascom, of Lansing, recently wrote us: "I was sent to locate a position
for the bridge and selected the place where the bridge is at present, but Brook-
man had a pull on the authorities and it was built near his house. I built the
bridge for G. W. Hays to settle a matter growing out of the 'Fleming war' as
it was called at that time. This bridge was all right but went out the first high
water for the reason it had nothing to stand on ; it was built according to in-
structions, to pay for a 'dead horse.' as the saying is." The next bridge at Brook-
man's Ford, or ferry, was built by Salmon Wood, in 1863, while Captain Bascom
was in the army. It cost $840, mostly raised by subscription in Lansing, but the
county made up a deficiency of $200 on this in January, 1864.
Iowa township was the seat of considerable early Indian warfare, the Sacs
and Foxes having had villages here at various times, as well as the Sioux vihage
of Wabasha's band as told about in a previous chapter. It is claimed also by
some that the prominent bluff known as Brookman's Bluff was actually the
place of capture of Black Hawk after the battle of Bad Axe in 1832, and not
the Dells of the Wisconsin as the authorities mostly agree to be the fact, and as
stated in a previous chapter, on this war. In regard to this matter Captain
Bascom writes us:
"There is another matter of history that I think ought to be corrected. I
claim that Black Hawk surrendered to the Winnebagoes at the Brookman Bluff,
which is the central point of the neutral ground established in 1825. It was
'J.VJ
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
also a signal station used by the Indians, and directly opposite Battle Island,
where the remnants of Black Hawk's band retreated when he gave up. I had
the story as long ago as 1856, by Brookman, and the story was confirmed by the
old Indians living here at that time. John Waukon, Jim Brown, Indian Doc
and others have told me the same story. Colonel Hitt, of Dixon, Illinois, was
here about twenty-five years ago, who was an early settler in that state and a
surveyor, and was also in the Black Hawk war. He went with me to the Brook-
man Bluff and after looking it over said he believed my story was correct. If
you and others will go with me to that point I will give the story as I got it
from the Indians and Brookman. Townsend, who was in the fight at Battle
Island, and who delivered an address at the first meeting of the Battle Island
Association, said on that occasion that Black Hawk was a coward and ran away
at the first fire of the artillery from the boat, and was seen on top of the Wis-
consin bluffs after the battle. That story will do to tell the marines, but not old
soldiers. He said that part of Black Hawk's band had crossed the river before
they overtook him. Now, the most reasonable thing to do was to retreat to the
first high point of land on the Iowa side, which is the Brookman Bluff, and right
there was then a large village of Winnebagoes, and it would be a very easy
matter for three Indians to take him to Prairie du Chien."
NEW ALBIN
The history of this enterprising young town dates from the construction
of the river railroad in 1872, or rather from its inception shortly before that
year. It is located on the northwest quarter of section 11, which was bought
of the government by John Ross, August 21, 1854. In March, 1871, Mr. Ross
contracted with S. H. Kinne to sell an interest in this land to him and J. K.
Graves and J. A. Rhomberg, of Dubuque, for the purpose of a town site on the
Chicago, Dubuque & Minnesota Railroad, originally the Dubuque & Minnesota,
Ihe construction of which had been begun at Dubuque the fall before. Septem-
ber in, 1871, Mr. Ross executed his deed to said parties in accordance with the
contract, and died twelve days later. The arrangement for the platting of a town
was carried out by his widow, Hily Ross, as administratrix and in her own right,
who together with said other parties executed the town plat in November, 1872,
the road then being in operation.
Previous to 1868 the surplus grain harvested on the prairie farms out in the
Portland prairie region on both sides of the Minnesota line had been hauled to
Lansing as the most available market town on the river. In that year Wm.
Robinson and Hays built a stone warehouse on the banks of ihe slough north
of Winnebago creek, across the Minnesota line, a mile or so north of the site of
New Albin which was then a farm. A house or two and a store were built
nearbv ; and lumber to sell to farmers was barged in there, the place being
called the "New Landing." There was not space for a town at the foot of the
bluff, while at "Ross's Bench" was an ideal site for a large town. This caused
the new town to be located there, by those interested in the railroad, and after
some four years of uncertainty the upper warehouse was abandoned.
From the very start the village was a live one, the population increased rap-
idly, stores were built, and elevators and warehouses for the handling of grain
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 253
and produce, the town becoming an active market at once. The Tartt & Palmer
elevator was built in 1874. A new schoolhouse was completed in the fall of
1874, at a cost of $1,800; and a Catholic church building was raised in September
of that year, 35x60, to cost $4,000.
At the April, 1895, term of the District court a petition of C. J. Travis and
twenty-eight others was presented asking an order of the court for the incor-
poration of the town of New Albin, to comprise the northwest quarter of section
11 and the west half of fractional section 2, and showing the number of in-
habitants within said territory to be 489. On the 18th of that month the court
granted the petition and appointed the following named commissioners to order
an election: John Haugh, Ben Pohlman, William Ions, Sr., C. A. Petrehn. and
L. Ferris. The commissioners caused an election to be held on the 20th day of
May, at which the proposition was carried by a vote of sixty-eight for and
twenty-eight against. At the ensuing election for town officers, in June, the fol-
lowing were elected, viz: Mayor, Wm. Coleman, Jr.; recorder, Louis Fritz; trus-
tees, H. Martin, R. Thompson, G. A. Erickson, M. Moore, Fred Meyer, and
A. Sahli.
The present corporation officials are: Mayor, Fred Wild; clerk, Reuben May;
assessor, Michael Moore. The Iowa township officers are: Clerk, Michael
Moore; trustees, Fred Meyer, Thos. F. Reburn, L. P. Weymiller; assessor, Dan
Kelly ; Justices, J. W. Irons and G. A. Erickson ; constables, Ed Fish and Chas.
Dougherty.
The town has no waterworks system as yet, but there is plenty of water at
hand for all purposes, supplied by eight artesian wells, 470 to 550 feet in depth,
with a good head above the curbing. A volunteer fire company is organized,
with equipment of a hand pump and three and five-gallon extinguishers.
The population of New Albin by the census of 1910 was 588. Of Iowa town-
ship, exclusive of the town, 373, as against 128 at the first enumeration, in 1856.
The present township official roster is as follows: Clerk, Michael Moore;
trustees, Fred Meyer, Thos. F. Reyburn, L. P. Weymiller; assessor, Dan Kelly;
justices, J. W. Irons and G. A. Ericson ; constables, Ed Fish and Chas.
Dougherty.
CHURCHES
The Catholic church of New Albin was established at an early day, the exact
year of which we have not been informed. Father Haxmeier of Lansing, had
charge of this church also, from 1880 to 1903. A good substantial building was
erected about 1875, but was replaced in 1910 with a much larger and finer edifice
at a cost of $16,000. The incorporation of this, St. Joseph's church, was effected
December 9, 191 1, Archbishop James J. Keane, ex-officio president, the resident
pastor. Father E. Ryan, ex-officio vice president, with Vicar General Roger
Ryan, being the incorporators. They together with the associate lay members
in the corporation, Herman Martin and John Bacon, constituting the board of
directors ; the secretary and treasurer to be elected by the board. Father Ryan
is still the resident pastor.
St. Joseph's Court, Catholic Order of Foresters, was organized here some
years ago, and is a flourishing institution.
254
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Methodist Church— The New Albin class was organized in January. 1874,
by Rev. H. W. Houghton. W. Ft. Tuthill being appointed leader. From this
time until 1895 Lansing and New Albin were one charge.
Reverend Houghton carried on the pastoral work until 1S78, without any
salary. He was succeeded by Dr. R. C. Ambler, who supplied for the year end-
ing October, "79. his salary being $75.
Rev. A. M. Sanford, the next pastor, remained three years, at a more respect-
able salary. Rev. L. N. Green was appointed as his successor, also remaining
three years. The ensuing year there was no pastor. The Sunday school work
was kept up by A. P. Petrehn. The next year Rev. F. J. Heatly was appointed.
He supplied both New Albin and Lansing from May until conference time, when
H. J. Bowder took up the pastoral work and carried it for three years. J. B.
Wyatt, the next pastor, remained two years, and his successor, W. A. Allan,
one year.
In 1894 it was decided that the work was too heavy for one man, and Squire
Heath was appointed assistant to the Lansing pastor, E. D. Hall. This arrange-
ment lasted one year, after which Mr. Heath assumed full control and New
Albin became an independent charge. Mr. Heath remained two years, with an-
nual salary of $600.
Rev. R. L. Finney was appointed his successor and remained for one year,
till 1897 conference, when W. G. Crowder became pastor for one year only.
A. A. Hallett succeeded him. in 1899. B. C. Barnes followed and stayed two years
ending with 1901 conference, when H. E. Kester was appointed, remaining
through 1904. W. Lease, 1905-6; C. C. Casper, 1907-09; Henry Allshouse,
1910-11; E. T. Gough, 1912-13.
Quarterly conference roll: \Y. O. Bock, C. J. Travis, Ed. Bock, R. C. May,
H. Riser, Win. Thompson, R. G. May, C. M. Steele, Mrs. W. Thompson, Mrs.
J. F. Goble, Cora Thomson, Mrs. O. C. Tartt
The church sustains a flourishing Sunday school, of which W. O. Bock is
superintendent.
In the year 1902 this church built a parsonage at a cost of $2,500, located
upon as fine a site as there is in town.
German Evangelical — In the year 1885 was organized the German Evan-
gelical St. Peter's church at New Albin. with the following named trustees :
Henry Burmester, Henry Luetschens, Louis Missall, Ferdinand Kubitz. L.
Missall was the clerk.
POSTOFFICE
The New Albin public schools comprise about eleven grades, and employ five
teachers. No data being at hand regarding the beginning of the schools
here, a list of those who have had charge cannot he given. Prof. Frank Rice
was principal in 1884, and since that time some of the more prominent ones have
been J. R. McKim, J. P. Conway, C. E. Wright, Craig, and numerous others,
mostly remaining but one year each. The present incumbent is now on his sec-
ond year, Prof. Erich C. R. Jordan. There is a good school building, and a good
interest manifested, the enrollment being 161 out of a possible 220 of school age
in the district. The officers of the school board are: President, E. Rice; secretary,
R. G. May; treasurer. G. F. Wild.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 255
BANKS
The New Albin Savings Bank was incorporated April 14, 1898, with a capital
of $15,000, and the following officers: president, H. Martin; vice president, Wm.
Coleman; cashier, L. H. Gaarder; directors, the foregoing officers and G. A.
Erickson, R. H. Thompson, F. C. Meyer and W. O. Bock. After a period of
about ten years the capital stock was increased to $30,000, March 3, 1908; and
the present officers are: President, A. T. Nierling of Waukon; vice president,
O. I. Hager of Waukon ; cashier, L. H. Gaarder, and assistant cashier, Carl E.
Weymiller of New Albin. In April, 1913, their total assets were $418,627.18.
Deposits, $332,959.75. Undivided profits, $8,602.85.
The Farmers' Savings Bank of New Albin, organized in 1909, became in-
corporated November 27th of that year. Its capital stock was $20,000, and the
first officers were : President, Joseph Coleman ; vice president, Henry Wuennecke ;
cashier, William Lager. Directors, the officers as before named, and George
Muenkel, Albert Kuehn, Henry Vonderohe, and Dennis J. Ryan. Present offi-
cers: President, J. C. Coleman; vice president, H. Wuennecke; cashier, M. J.
Cavanaugh; assistant cashier, A. H. Frieberg. Assets in April, 1913, $187,814.63.
Deposits, $110,071.10. Undivided profits, $454.03.
POST OFFICE
The first postmaster of New Albion was, we believe, Jacob Fitschen, who
was followed by Wm. Coleman, who held the office until in the Harrison regime
in 1889, when he was succeeded by Wm. O. Bock. In President Cleveland's
second administration Michael Gabbett went in, July 1893, and he gave place to
G. A. Ericson in President McKinley's time, sometime in 1899, we believe. Mr.
Ericson served about four years, being succeeded by W. O. Bock, in January,
1903, who has served since and is the present incumbent.
NEWSPAPERS
The New Albin Herald, a small folio sheet, was established about June 1,
1873, by Dr. J. I. Taylor of Lansing, who placed his son, James E. Taylor, in
charge of it as publisher. It was discontinued the following year, and the Spec-
tator, an eight-page paper, was established by E. S. Kilbourne, who continued
its publication for about five years, when he removed to a new town in the
West, in May, 1879, and the paper was discontinued.
About the year 1893 the New Albin Courier began publication, by Walter
Travis, but it was discontinued in 1898, and the material (with the excep-
tion of the press) sold to Coffeen & Bock, who added it to their plant of the
Waukon Republican. Soon after this, in the same year, 1898, H. J. Metcalf
began publishing the New Albin Globe, continuing it for three years when it
was, in the latter part of 1901, consolidated with the Mirror at Lansing, which
continued for some time to run a New Albin page. After an interval, of three
years the New Albin News entered the field, the first number appearing in
December, 1904, and under the practical management of the proprietor, Ludwig
Schubbert, this venture appears to have proven a success and a needed adjunct
to the business of this thriving little town.
Vol. 1—13
256 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
FRATERNAI.S
St. Joseph's Court, Catholic Order of Foresters, was organized here some
years ago, and is a flourishing fraternal institution.
New Albin Camp, No. 3309, Modern Woodmen of America, chartered in
the latter part of 1895, proved popular here, as the order has elsewhere in the
county.
PATRIARCHAL PIONEERS
A remarkable figure in the history of New Albin was the venerable Charles
L. Poole, who died at the home of a daughter, .Mrs. H. II. May, December 10,
1893, nearing the completion of his one hundred and eighth year. Born in
Congrasbury, Somersetshire, England, March 15, 1786, he came to this country
in 1849, at tne aSe °f sixty-three, with his second wife and ten children, leav-
ing his eldest son in England. They settled first in Kane county, Illinois, where
his wife died in 1850, and in 1851 he came to Allamakee county which continued
to be his home until his death, except for one year in Dakota, where he took a
homestead to "grow up with the country.'' lie left seventy living descendants,
seven children and sixty-three grand and great-grandchildren. A month before
his death Mr. Poole walked to the polls as usual to cast his vote at the general
election disdaining aid from the kids of sixty and seventy with their carriages.
At one time he owned several hundred acres of land near here, but lost it all,
largely it is said through his helpfulness to others.
Another aged and respected resident of New Albin died early in the same year
as Mr. Poole, namely Mr. H. G. Smart, who passed away January 17, 1893, at
the age of ninety. He had lived here twenty years, and was a teacher in the
pioneer days in Clayton county.
NAME — IOWA: ONEOTA
It has been stated in an early chapter of this volume that the Iowa tribe of
Indians left their name on three streams as laid down on the early maps. One of
these was the Upper Iowa, now usually referred to as the Oneota. In Salter's
history of the state it is said that the earliest appearance of any form of the name
Iowa is in a letter of Father Louis Andre, written from the Bay of Puants
(Green Bay), April 20, 1676. He says: "This year we have among the Puants
seven or eight families from a nation that is * * * called Aiaoua, or Mas-
coutins Nadoessi. Their village, which lies 200 leagues from here toward the
west, is very large, but poor ; for their greatest wealth consists of ox-hides and
red calumets. They speak the language of the Puants. I preached Jesus Christ
to them. They live at a distance of twelve days' journey beyond the great river
called Misisipi."
Perrot speaks of the stream now called the Upper Iowa as "about twelve
leagues from the Ouisconching, and named for the Ayoes savages," and savs
that he maintained friendly relations with them when he established himself
on the Mississippi ( 1685).
The substitution of the pleasing Indian name Oneota for the Upper Iowa
was first made in print about 1889, so far as we can ascertain, by Government
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 257
geologists ; and was further authorized and urged soon after by Professor Calvin,
Iowa State Geologist, who applied the name also to a prominent rock formation
along the bluffs of this stream. It has the recommendation of avoiding confusion
in the use of the name Iowa for two rivers in the state, and preserving the
original local Indian name of this picturesque river.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP
According to the best authority available this township was constituted April
i, 1852, being taken from Taylor township, which at first included both this and
Paint Creek. Its boundaries, identical with those of Congressional township 97-5,
were confirmed in December, 1853, at the same time as those of other townships
to the south and east. The population in 1854 was 371 ; in 1880, 1,135; and 826
in 1910.
The first settlers here were in 1849, in the following order. Patrick Keenan
and Richard Cassiday in the spring of that year (removing from an earlier claim
made in Makee), on sections 15 and 22; William Niblock on sections 4 and 5, in
June; and later, the same season, Carlisle D. Beeman on north half of section 21,
and Harmon S. Cooper on the south half of the same section. Mr. Keenan's
early experience is told in another chapter. He died in 1878, and Mr. Cassiday in
1879. Mr. Niblock later owned the northwest quarter of section 27. He served
his country through the Civil war, in Company A, 27th Iowa Infantry, after which
he resumed farm life in this township until his death, in the later nineties. Mr.
Beeman became prominent in county affairs, dying in 1893. ^r- Cooper is still
with us, on the farm he entered from the Government over sixty-three years ago.
Other of the earliest comers into Jefferson were : Daniel Flynn, Patrick
Lane, and M. B. Lyons, in section 28; Daniel McAlpine, section 18; John Dundey,
section 4; Joel Baker, section 20; Nathaniel Mitchell, Chas. B. Churchill and
Samuel Pettit, section 26; E. Barlow, John Pettit, Win. V. and Elias Hatfield,
section 24; John Stull, section 35; David Skinner, Wm, T. Stull, section 25;
Andrew Peck, Lorenzo Bushnell, section 9; Moses A. Ross, section 17; Reuben
W. and Samuel M. Bullock, section 18; Asahel W. Hoag, section 22; Tared
Palmer, section 23 ; John B. Koontz and Josiah R. Dart, section 34; James S. and
Jackson Mitchell, section 36; Eston McClintock, section 33; Henry Elliott and
Henry M. Stephens, section 27; Harmon Hastings, section 6; E. B. Lyons, sec-
tion 5; and Oliver Wheeler, sections 13 and 24.
THE OLD STAKE
In the year 1849 the commissioners appointed by the General Assembly of
Iowa to locate the county seat of Allamakee county, which was organized at
the January session of said body, looked over the ground and fixed upon a point
in the south central part of the county, in the south half of section 23, in now
Jefferson township, which has since been known as "The Old Stake." Just why
this point was selected may never again be known, although doubtless they had
reasons, some of which we may surmise. There were no settlers near there at
that time, unless it may be that it was after Mr. Keenan has removed to his new
location a mile or two northwest of that point, from Makee township, which he
258 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
did in the spring of that year. Mr. Shattuck did not reach Waukon until July.
There was no Rossville, nor settlement begun there. It would seem that in the
commissioners' desire to get into the central part of the county they had gone as
far to the north and west as the conditons at the time would warrant, the settle-
ments then being wholly in the south and east borders of the county. The Gov-
ernment survey of these lands was this year in progress. It may be that the
owners of lands in the vicinity of Postville, Hardin, the Old Mission, and Harp-
er's Ferry (later so named), as well as possibly Columbus and Lansing, were
watching them with jealous eye, and remonstrating against locating the seat of
county government away off in the interior out of their reach. At any rate,
where the stake was driven the lands were entered as soon as the surveys would
allow by parties who did not become permanent settlers.
One good reason for this selection was the fact it was located on an old trail,
evidently traveled by whites for many years, running from the Mississippi river,
near the mouth of Yellow river, and following the ridge or divide between the
latter stream and Paint creek, avoiding the tributaries as much as possible, and
extending on to Winneshiek county and the northwest. This old bridle path
was in all probability one of the "through routes" from Fort Crawford to Fort
Snelling, followed by the early mail carriers mentioned in an earlier chapter of
this volume. l>y this pathway the selection was readily accessible from the Old
Mission, which continued to be virtually the headquarters of our county officials
until the county seat was relocated at Columbus by the election of 185 1.
ROSSVILLE
Win. F. Ross is said to have been the first settler on this townsite, in 1850,
but others followed very closely. Mr. Ross was later one of the school fund com-
missioners, and at divers times himself took up school lands until he owned many
hundreds of acres in different parts of the county. It may be that in settling
here he had in view the possibility of making this the county seat, as was at-
tempted a few years later; but this place did not figure in the first county seat
election, in 185 1 . Rossville is on the old road above mentioned, about a mile and
a half southeast of where the old stake was planted. The plat was surveyed
by Joel Dayton, county surveyor, for the proprietors of the laud, comprising
Wm. F. and Sarah I. Ross. David and Catherine E. Skinner, and Elias and Mary
A. Hatfield, who acknowledged same before Jackson Mitchell, J. P., May 31,
1855. The following year the town aspired to county seat honors in a triangular
contest with Waukon and Whaley & Topliff's Mill ; Waukon, the then county
seat, retaining the prize, the election taking place in April, 1856. Rossville at
that time possessed a steam sawmill and several other lines of trade, and had she
obtained the county seat might have had a healthy growth. ( David Dial was
running this steam sawmill to its full capacity in 1869.) Rossville postoffice had
been established in February, 1852, presumably Mr. Ross was postmaster. The
postmaster at present is E. W. Stanley.
The business houses at Rossville now. spring of 1913, are as follows: F. E.
Graham, feed mill and blacksmith shop; W. Ross Koontz, general merchandise;
Albertus Leas, pumps and implements; Airs. J. D. W^oodmansee, millinery.
} if
1 i
t/t*
4=^N
yiil
1
l]i i | irr
- ■-
^S0
R • — — »~. —
St. Joseph's church and parsonage
Methodist Episcopal church
Main street, looking north
Bird's-eye view
German-Lutheran church
Public school building
SCENES IN NEW ALBIN
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 261
Maud — This is the name of a postoffice established some years ago on the
line of the railroad, just within the east line of this township. The postmaster
is H. H. Larson, who keeps a general merchandise store patronized by the sur-
rounding country. This has been a way station on the Waukon branch for many
years, at which passengers and freight are received and discharged for Ross-
ville, about two and a half miles to the south. An attempt is now being made
to induce the railroad company to put in a side-track and station building here,
which will doubtless be successful.
CHURCHES
The Baptist church at Rossville was organized August 27, 1853, at the home
of Elias Hatfield, with fifteen constituent members. The record fails to show
who was the organizing elder present, but Rev. James Schofield was there in
1854. On September 10, 1853, J. T. Thorp and Elias Hatfield were elected the
first delegates and took the first church letter to the Davenport Association. The
first member received by letter was Nathaniel Mitchell, December 10. 1853. The
first candidate for baptism was received and baptized March 12, 1854. In May
of that year a committee was appointed to select a building lot, and in June
trustees were elected to hold the property, consisting of a church lot and burying
ground. In January, '55- steps were taken to raise $1,000 for the purpose of
building a house of worship, 32x46x19^ feet high. Not until 1862 was the
house up and enclosed, and was used the following winter for a schoolhouse;
and in 1865 it was finished off inside. In 1873 the church bought a house and
lot of Rev. Hanna for a parsonage, but sold it again in '76. In '85 the church
building was thoroughly repaired, replastered and painted and new windows put
in. Further improvements were later made and the seating remodeled. In 1894,
the church purchased a lot and erected a parsonage at a cost of about $1,000,
and finished paying for same in 1901. It is now out of debt and has a house of
worship and parsonage valued, with the lots, at $3,500.
The early career of this old church was vigorous and successful. In 1855
the Davenport Association was divided and the northern part become the Dubuque
Association, when this church had a membership of thirty-four. Reverend Scho-
field was their pastor, and remained until i860, when the Turkey River Associa-
tion was formed. Rev. John A. Pool came in 1861, and at the associational meet-
ing in '62 there were reported in the entire association of fifteen churches seventy-
three baptisms during the past year, of which twenty-seven were at Rossville
under Reverend Pool's ministry. We have no record of consecutive pastors, but
it is recorded that in 1865, Rev. C. D. Farnsworth was pastor at Rossville and
Waukon. Rev. E. P. Dye was at Rossville in 1874, and the record shows an
accession of sixty-five members by baptism that year; but two years later the
associational minutes show there had been somewhat of a reaction.
In 1879, Rev. J. M. Wedgwood became pastor, remaining for three years,
and was a supply from time to time during later years. Rev. W. L. Wolfe was
here in 1894-5, followed by E. Bodenham for two or three years; C. B. Carey
'99; J. A. Lovelace, 1901-2; S. D. Holden, 1904-5; C. H. Stull and H. P. Lang-
ridge supplied from Waukon; C. W. C. Ericson. 1908-9; W. R. Bailey, 1910-11.
The church has since been without a pastor. The church clerks since 1881 have
262 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
been X. Mitchell. T. B. Wiley. L. C. Brace, C. Denning, and for the past seven-
teen years, A. F. Wheeler. .
1, is fitting here to make further mention of the first pastor of this church.
Rev James Schofield, and his distinguished son. Gen. John M. Schoheld. The
latter was born in New York in 1831, and graduated from West Point, the U. S.
Military academy, in 1853, where he was made a professor in 1855. When the
Civil war broke 'out he was made major of the First Missouri Volunteers, and
was on General Lyons' staff when the latter was killed at W ilson s creek. He
was in command in Missouri until assigned to the command of the Army of the
Ohio. He shared in Sherman's campaign until the taking of Atlanta, when he
returned to Tennessee, defeating Hood at Franklin, and was with General
Thomas at the battle of Nashville. Early in [865 he took Wilmington, X. C., and
united his force with Sherman. He was later sent on a special mission to
France. In 1868-9 he was secretary of war. and then major general and depart-
ment commander. In 1876-81 he was superintendent at West Point; and upon
the death of General Sheridan in 1S88. he succeeded to the command of the
United States Army. Previous to his retirement in [895 he was, by act of
Congress, made lieutenant general. His death occurred March 4, 1906.
Elder' Schofield built a fine brick residence at Rossville. where his distin-
guished son visited him at times, and both invested considerable in land in the
vicinity. Reverend Schofield was pastor of the Waukon church in 1861, after
which the writer has no record of him. except that he sold his Rossville property
in 1866.
The Presbyterian church of Rossville was organized September 9, 1866, with
a membership of eleven, namely, Andrew Henderson, Jane Henderson, Robert
Crawford. Sarah Crawford. Caroline Emerson, S. I.. Sergent. E. M. Sergent,
Robert Henderson, Rebecca Jane Henderson, Martha Anne Henderson and
William Henderson. Of these constituent members only the three last named
are still living. The church building at that time was an old schoolhouse. Rev.
I. Woodruff was the first minister, his ministry continuing from 1866 to 1870,
when he was succeeded by Rev. John C. Hanna, who remained with the church
until 1872.
For a brief interval the church was then without a pastor; but in 1873, Rev.
James Frothingham came and stayed till 1874. From this time the church was
supplied by Rev. B. Hall, the Waukon minister, who preached here every two
weeks, and this arrangement continued until 1887. Then ensued a period of
some four years without preaching, when, in 1891. arrangements were made
with Rev. R. L. Van Nice of Waukon. to preach every two weeks, as his pred-
ecessor had done. In that year Mr. Van Nice held revival meetings, and eighteen
persons were received into the church. This was the beginning of better days
in the history of this church. In 1892 Rev. W. H. Ensign supplied the pulpit,
from Volga City, and remained till 1893. During his ministry the church was
incorporated. In the spring of 1894, Captain O'Brien held successful meetings;
and immediately following these services Rev. Z. F. Blakely became pastor, and
an accession of twenty-seven persons was made to the membership.
At a meeting on May 21. 181)4. it was decided to build a new church, which
was completed in [895, and the dedication took place 011 April 21st of that year.
The cost of this building was $2,411.13. Rev. James C. Wilson became pastor
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 263
at that time, and continued until 1897. when the work was carried on in connec-
tion with Frankville, Reverend Phillips preaching every two weeks, until the
spring of 1898, then Rev. T. Reeves preached during a summer vacation of three
months. Reverend Baird preached for six months in the years 1898-99, coming
from Frankville alternate Sundays. Reverend Reeves again served during the
summer vacation of 1899. Reverend Gregg then came from Frankville once in
two weeks, continuing this work until September, 1902. Reverend Simpson then
became pastor of the church and stayed until June, 1904.
The church was again without preaching until April, 1907, when Rev. J. C. B.
Peck became pastor until September, 1908, when Reverend Nickless began his
ministry terminating in September, 1909. This date marks the beginning of Rev.
L. Duckett's ministry in America, who was pastor until September, 191 1. For
three months during the summer of 1912, the church was supplied by Reverend
Remtsma, student pastor, of McCormick seminary.
There is an old established lodge of the I. O. O. F. at Rossville ; also Camp
No. 4828 of the M. W. A., organized in 1897, or '98; but further information
as to these fraternal societies at Rossville is not at hand.
The earliest Masonic lodge in Allamakee county was chartered at Rossville,
June 4, 1856, as Parvin Lodge No. 85, to L. B. Adams, T. H. Barnes, W. F. Ross,
and nine others, but the charter was surrendered a few years later. The last
report made to the Grand Lodge was for 1858, showing the following officers and
members : L. B. Adams, W. M. ; Dr. T. H. Barnes, S. W. ; W. F. Ross, J. W. ;
Thos. Crawford, Treas. ; J W Nottingham, Sec; R. K. Hall, S. D. ; James C.
Smith, J. D. ; J. J. Pettit, Tyler. Members: Geo. W. Gray, G. W. Hays, Noah
Maltbie, Geo. C. Shattuck, Dr. J. W. Singer, John T. Clark, John Brisco, David
Skinner, J. Small, S. B. Clark, H. V. Colman, William Ward. These names
show members living at Waukon and Lansing, and other parts of the county.
Jefferson township officers for 191 3 are: Clerk, Henry Grangaard ; trustees,
Simon Hansmeier, C. P. Mitchell, G. B. Ralston; assessor, L. J. Larson; justice
of the peace, H. H. Larson ; constable, Wm. McGuire.
LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP
At the March, 1852, term of the County court a commission was issued to
L. W. Low to call an organizing election for this township, to be held at the
house of Thos. B. Twiford on the first Monday in April following, but no record
is found of the election. At this session also the boundaries were established,
to include all of township 98, ranges 2, 3 and 4. Fractional section 34"99"3 was
later set off to Lafayette from Lansing township. Center township was taken
from this territory upon its organization in 1856.
VILLAGE CREEK
Is the name covering a combination of three town plats on section 18, the
first of which called Milton, was laid out in 1854 by Jesse M. Rose, who had here
built the first flouring mill in the county, the year before. In the spring of 1857,
Mr. Rose platted another tract, lying to the east of Milton, and called it Village
Creek, which was the name of the postoffice established here at that time. An
264 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
effort was made to have it called Milton, but there was already a postoffice of that
name in the state. Hon. L. E. Fellows, later in the legislature and for many
years judge of the District court until his death within the past year, was the
first postmaster. In the fall of 1857 the third plat, called Howard Center, was
laid out adjoining Milton on the north, Eldridge Howard, a Methodist minister,
being the proprietor.
Village Creek was at one time quite a manufacturing center, several flouring
mills having been operated there or in the vicinity, a woolen mill, and later, cream-
eries. The Village Creek Woolen Mill was established by H. O. Dayton in
1865, the building being of stone, three and a half stories. It did a large business
until destroyed by fire, October 28, 1868, involving a loss of $35,000, nothing
but the bare walls being left. It was rebuilt and equipped with new machinery,
but again it became the victim of the fire fiend, May 21, 1875. Within a year it
was once more in operation, with new capital interested, under the proprietor-
ship of Howard, Carrolls & Ratcliffe. But the stream. Village creek, being sub-
ject to furious floods, from time to time took out their dam and otherwise caused
much damage, and great loss of time and expense for repairs. In 1882 they were
employing fifteen operatives. But the continued damages by flood, with a com-
bination of other discouragements, finally caused the enterprise to be abandoned.
The Village Creek Flouring Mill has the generally admitted distinction of
being the first mill in Allamakee county for the making of flour, and was estab-
lished in 1853, in charge, it is believed, of a Mr. Valentine, an experienced miller.
Peter A. Valentine soon after built another mill a short distance below, on the
southeast quarter of southeast quarter section 7, in which Mr. Rose also became
interested and later Mr. Edward Brownell. Job Valentine, his son, ran the mill.
Peter A. Valentine was a Congregational preacher and removed to Wisconsin,
where he built another mill, and preached for twenty years, at Mount Sterling.
He was grandfather of Hon. E. H. Fourt of Waukori. This mill in after years
became known as the Centennial Mill. Both of these mills changed hands sev-
eral times, and both eventually became the property of A. C. Doehler, the well-
known miller at Village Creek for many years. These mills are not now in
operation.
Air. Doehler keeps a general store here now, and there is but little else in a
business way, aside from blacksmith and tinsmith. Mail is supplied from
Lansing.
Among some extracts from old diaries of H. O. Dayton, submitted to us by
his daughter, we find the following. On March 19, 1857, he says: "I finished
up my survey of Village Creek." In April, that he has commenced work for Mr.
Howard on a survey of his town lots in Milton, known as Howard's Addition.
In May he writes as follows: "The town of Milton is coming up. A brick yard,
stores, blacksmith shops, and three flour mills in complete operation, begin to
let their works be shown." In October, 1857: "The town of Milton is growing
very fast, no less than twenty houses have been constructed in the last nine
months."
December 6, [858, Mr. Dayton commenced teaching school in this flourishing
little town. And again he taught here in the two next following winters. In
November, r86o, Mr. Dayton and John Lamb were elected justices of the peace.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 265
On April 30, 1862, one of many disastrous floods visited the Village creek
valley, destroying all bridges and flooding the low lands.
In the fall of 1864 Mr. Dayton organized a stock company for the purpose of
erecting and putting into operation a woolen factory at Village Creek. On
December 13, 1864, the first meeting of the shareholders was. held and officers
elected as follows: President, H. O. Dayton; secretary, A. Cavers; treasurer,
F. W. Wagner ; and three directors, whose names are not given.
The following year Mr. Dayton visited the best woolen mills in operation in
the East, and returning to Village Creek had constructed a large three and a half
story stone building, the Village Creek Woolen Mills, which, fully equipped,
cost not less than $20,000. Not until February 6, 1866, were the mills in opera-
tion. On this date Mr. Dayton made this entry in his diary : "We did our first
weaving to-day." The mills were visited daily by hosts of people, to whom such
an enterprise in that comparatively new country seemed a marvelous thing.
On April 2d of that year Village Creek had the misfortune to be again visited by
a destructive flood, causing the factory dam to go out, washing away all bridges,
and doing untold damage along the lowlands. By April 26th the damages to the
mill had been repaired, and Mr. Dayton's entry for this date states, "We finished
our first yard of cloth in the wool factory to-day, ready for sale."
In July, 1866, Mr. Dayton went East, and when he returned in September he
brought home a help-meet, having married Miss Maria Aldrich, in New York
state. They resided in Village Creek for a period of seven years, where Mr.
Dayton continued to operate the woolen mills and in which he was by far the
largest stockholder. In 1868 the mills were destroyed by fire, but through the
untiring energy of Mr. Dayton they were rebuilt, but were again destroyed by
fire in 1875.
Chantry — This is one of the embryo townsites of the fifties which has not
been on the map for many years. It was platted August 24, 1857, the owner
being Augustus French, on the northeast fractional quarter of section 12, five or
six miles below Lansing, and doubtless high hopes were at one time entertained
that it was destined to become an important river point.
Lafayette — Was a settlement on the Mississippi about a mile above Chantry.
The first settler was Thomas Gordon, in 1850. It was a good boat landing, and
at one time possessed one or two stores and a large steam sawmill, but so far as
known, no attempt was made to plat and sell city lots here. In 1857 the saw-
mill was changed to a gristmill by Kinyon & Amsden, which was in 1859 and
later known as Foot's mill.
Heytman's — Is a more modern map name, being a railroad siding and way
station in the extreme southeast corner of fractional section 17.
WEXFORD
This was the name given to the pioneer Catholic church of Northeastern
Iowa, by its founder. Rev. Thomas Hore, who came here direct from his former
home of the same name, it is said, in Ireland, to establish a parish among his
countrymen, who were at the time rapidly settling up this vicinity. He came
266
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
here in the spring of 1851 and purchased thousands of acres of Government lands
in what is now Lafayette and Taylor townships, at various points, at the Govern-
ment price of $1.25 per acre, from the sale of which in the following years, a
large revenue was derived. A small church edifice was at once erected, but
whether this was.upon the site of the present church is not fully established. An
early map, published in 1859, shows a Catholic church and monk's house located
on section 2j, two miles west of the present church. But if ever actually built
there the location was very temporary. The Trappist monks contemplated locat-
ing in this vicinity, but later decided upon a home at Dubuque. This little church
wherever located was undoubtedly the first church built in Allamakee county;
and Father More was the first Catholic priest to locate in the county. Upon the
map above referred to the name Wexford is applied to a small settlement or
landing-place on the bank of Harper's channel, in the southeast corner of section
6, range 2, Taylor township.
As to the later whereabouts of Father Hore there are no data at, hand to
determine. Not long after this parish was erected, Monona seems to have had a
Catholic settlement, as the settlements of "Monona and New Wexford" were
added to the list of charges of Rt. Rev. Mathias Loras, the first bishop of
Dubuque, as stated in an article by Rev. B. C. Lenehan, published in the Annals of
Iowa ( January 1899). Father Hore was a very popular and influential man, and
drew to this point a large immigration of his countrymen who bought the lands
he had obtained from the Government. The Wexford church is located on the
southeast quarter of southeast quarter section 25, township 98, range 3. in the
valley of the creek known as Priest Cooley. The writer is not informed as to the
date the present edifice was erected, nor of the succession of the priests having
this parish in charge. In 1855 Father Welch resided*here, and served the Lans-
ing and other churches until 1863. Rev. Matthias Hannon was stationed at Wex-
ford from 1863 to '66. Rev. James McGowan was pastor in 1869; Reverend
Nelson about 1883 ; and Rev. Thomas Laffan, the present pastor, has been here
for several years.
This, Immaculate Conception church of Wexford, became formally incor-
porated February 6, 1912. with Archbishop James J. Keane ex-officio president,
Pastor Thomas Laffan. vice president; John J. Keane, vicar general, constituting
the board of directors, with lay members John J. Hawes and Thomas W.
Brennan.
Zion's Church of the Evangelical Association of North America, of Columbus
Ridge, was incorporated March 5. 1873, and in Jul)' following, dedicated a fine
new church building; the trustees being at that time: Julius Kehrberg, Frederick
Martin. Ferdinand Martin. Gottlieb Goettel, Sr.. and Jr.. William Gaunitz, and
Herman Kehrberg. The present pastor is, we believe, Reverend Pfalsgraff, suc-
ceeding Reverend Raecker. See sketch of the Lansing church for further
history.
The following names include some of the earliest settlers in Lafavette town-
ship, but as the date and location cannot in many cases be given with certainty
they are generally omitted: Ilelge Olson, section 32; Simon Decrevel, section
2; Thos. Gordon, section 3; H. H. Pope, section 7; John Franklin, Thomas
Bentley. John Cockran, Timothy Madden, Wm. Scanlan, Edward and John
Kelly, Edward O'Neill, Thomas Mullins, Wm. Heatly. section 25 ; Michael
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 267
Elvnn, Austin Joyce and Wm. Fitzgerald, section 34; J. M. Rose, Peter Valentine,
Wm. C. Thompson, S. M. Thompson, Patrick O'Toole. Edward Mularkey, sec-
tion 11 ; Edward Dungan, section 2j ; E. A. Tisdale, section 31 ; the foregoing in
range 3, while others in range 2. were: James and Wm. Bohan, sections 17 and
18; Patrick Lawrence and Michael Keenan, section 18; Joseph Flood, section 31.
Other actual settlers doubtless came in as early as some of the above mentioned,
and bought land of original purchasers who did not settle here.
The population of the township in 1854 was 371, and in 1910 the census
gives it as 747.
The present township officers are : clerk. Thomas Crowe ; trustees, John
Bohrer, John J. Haws, Richard Cassidy; assessor. Mat Guider.
LANSING TOWNSHIP
Organization dates from February, 1852, and its boundaries include all of
ranges 4 and fractional 3, in township 99 north, except fractional section 34
set off to Lafayette. The population in 1854 was 440. The history of the town-
ship is largely the history of the city, which is given a chapter by itself. Aside
from the pioneer settlers therein mentioned, however, there were numerous set-
tlers in the valleys and on the ridges and prairies outside, the following occurring
among the names of those who took Government land in 1851 or earlier. Among
the earliest of these was Andrew Sandry, who came in 1849 or '50, and resided
here until his death in the spring of 1913, for sixty-three years or more. Others
were: Fred Lenz, Samuel Baumann and Peter Riser, Ernest Mueller and John
Bakewell (1850), Melchior Schindler (1850), Peter Stauffacher, Elisha Wood-
ruff and John Cole, 1851.
The following named \\*ere some of the earliest settlers taking land direct
from the Government or of the school fund in Lansing township, aside from
those elsewhere named, viz: S. H. Haines, Adam Hirth, Peter Hirth, John Soil,
Henry G. Weaver, John May. John Englehorn, John Baker. Michael Englehorn,
John Carlisle, Jacob Englehorn, John A. Hirth. John Bakewell, John Riser,
Elisha Hale.
The first enumeration of Lansing township, in 1854. showed a population of
440. By the census of 1910, it was 666, exclusive of the city.
Lansing township officials are at present: Clerk, H. H. Gilbertson ; trustees,
Julius Feuerhelm, Henry Gramlich, Frank Thomson; assessor, Henry Becker;
justices, Edw. Bensch and P. S. Pierce ; constables, H. F. Gaunitz and Stewart
Cooper.
Columbus — This famous name was given to the most important point in the
county at the time, a landing place on the Mississippi just below, or southeast
of, the mouth of Village creek. It was often called Capoli, from the name of the
bluff at the base of which it lay, which appears in the narratives of the early
explorers as "Cap-a-1'ail," in Schoolcraft, or "Cape a'l'ale Sauvage," as in Bel-
trami. It became the first actual county seat of Allamakee county in the spring
of 1 85 1, the nominal location at "the old stake" in Jefferson township not having
been utilized, and so remained until Waukon was made the county seat by the
commission for relocation two years later. The first recorded term of District
court was held here in July, 1852, and for two years it was a rival of Lansing
268 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
as a business point. The proprietors of the townsite were Leonard B. Hodges,
Thomas B. Twiford, and Aaron Chesebro, who platted the land in 1852, reserving
a plot of two acres in the center for prospective county buildings, which never
materialized. At the June, 1852, term of the County court it was ordered that
the Columbus town lots be advertised for sale, on the terms one-third down,
balance in one year, and the proceeds be applied to the erection of suitable county
buildings at that place. Elias Topliff also had a proprietary interest in the
place about this time. L. B. Hodges, a prominent figure in the early history of
the county, later became Commissioner of Forestry of the State of Minnesota,
and had charge of tree-planting along the line of the Northern Parific railroad,
lie published some valuable works on forest culture, and died at St. Paul in 1883.
While there was some sale for Columbus lots for a time, the town collapsed
after the removal of the county seat, and eventually all the lots were disposed
of at tax sales and are now part of a farm owned by G. M. Kerndt.
A postofnce was established at Columbus in the latter part of 185 1. And
there was here at a later date two stores, a good sized hotel, and a steam sawmill.
North Capoli — Lies half a mile to the north and west of Columbus, and
adjoins the south line of South Lansing, both now within the corporate limits
of the city of Lansing. The latter was platted by John Haney and H. H. Hough-
ton, February 22, 1858. And North Capoli was platted April r6, i860, by Elias
Topliff and J. M. Rose, as trustees of the Columbus Land Company No. 1.
Church — This place has never been platted as a town, but is a thriving little
village which has grown up in recent years, on the northwest quarter of north
east quarter of section 32, near the southwest corner of the township, seven
miles from Lansing. Isaac Bechtel was the owner of the forty, and has sold
off building lots for stores and dwellings from time to time as the growing settle-
ment required. Geo. C. Coppersmith started a store here in 1898, and was
appointed postmaster. He sold out in 1903 to Benjamin Decker, who continues
to do a thriving business, and is now postmaster. Mrs. Wm. Buege keeps con-
fectionery and notions; and Wm. Lenz is the blacksmith. The Calhoun Creamery
Company is located here, and has proven a permanent ami prosperous institution.
This was incorporated March 7. 1896, with a capital of $3,000 with right to
increase to $4,000. Its first officers were: President. Frank Stirn; vice president,
A. J. Williams; secretary, A. J. McCafferty; treasurer, Peter N. Smedsrud ;
directors, Chas. I". Xierling, George Rice and J. M. Thomson.
CHURCHES
The ( ierman Evangelical Congregational Society of Lansing Ridge was in-
corporated October 19, 1868, with the following named trustees: Frederick Lenz,
John Engelhorn. and Isaac Bechtel; and other incorporators were Rudolph Bau-
mann, Conrad Engel and Jacob Blumer. In 1909 a reincorporation was effected,
the trustees being Isaac Bechtel, Henry Marti, and Frederick Schweinfurth.
Emanuel Methodist Episcopal church in Lansing township was incorporated
January 4, [882, by Henry Lenz, Alexander Fischer, and G. Michael Wirth, as
HARPER SCHOOL, HARPERS FERRY
STREET SCENE, HARPERS FERRY
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 271
trustees, appointed by the quarterly conference in Lansing township, of the
North Western German Conference.
The Methodist church on May's Prairie, section 20, erected a stone house of
worship many years ago. This church became incorporated in June, 1874, by a
meeting held at the stone church, Christopher Schultz, chairman, and John
Spicker, secretary and the following named were appointed as incorporators:
Ernst Gramlich, George Murray, Peter Hirth. Gottlieb Staak, Andrew Leppert,
Frederick Reiser, and Christian Manderscheidt. Rev. A. C. Panzlan serves this
church and the M. E. church at Dorchester, we believe.
The Salem's church of the German Evangelical Association, also May's
Prairie, was organized July 15, 1903, by J. M. Krafft, representing the Evangeli-
cal Association of North America in Allamakee county, and duly incorporated
with the following named trustees, viz : Julius Feuerhelm, Wilhelm Worm, and
Chas. Dee. We believe the same pastor serves this and the churches of the same
faith at Lansing and Thompson's Corners, Rev. A. Raecker, until quite recently
at least.
LINTON TOWNSHIP
This originally included all of Post, Franklin and Fairview at the time of
organization in 1851, as before stated. Its present area conforms to that of
congressional township 96-4, except that portion in the southeast corner set off
to Fairview as shown in the chapter on that township. The name of Bunker Hill
was first considered for this township, but Linton was finally adopted in honor
of the Lintons, Dr. John Linton, manager of the Old Mission, and Thos. C.
Linton, the organizing sheriff of Allamakee county. There was another brother,
Wm. C. Linton, who came from Kentucky and located with his brothers in this
township, but removed to Clayton county in '44, later to Mitchell county, and in
his old age made his home at Pasadena, California, where he died January 21,
1899, aged ninety-four years. He was a soldier in the Mexican war.
Ion — The first Village in Linton, was first called Bunker Hill, but when it
was platted into town lots, January 1, 1855, an opposition developed to this
name, and the original proprietors agreed to select the name by lot, each writing
his choice on a slip of paper and drawing from a hat. Our long-time county
surveyor, H. B. Minor, is authority for the statement, that Sewell Goodridge,
one of the proprietors, having recently read a novel in which he had admired
a character by name of Ion. and nothing more suitable occurring to him at the
time, wrote that name on his slip, which was the one drawn, thus establishing
the name of the village. The survey and plat were made by D. W. Adams, for
the owners, Sewell Goodridge, Chas. W. Cutter, and Abram J. Kennison, and
Ion postoffice was established about this time, with Sewell Goodridge postmaster,
it is believed. Down to i860, Ion was in Linton township, but by the setting off
of section 24 in that year it was placed within the jurisdiction of Fairview, of
which township it has ever since formed a part. The postoffice has continued
here without interruption, we believe, until superseded by the rural delivery.
Andrew Kean, postmaster in 1892, died in the summer of 1913. This vicinity is
now served from Waterville. A postoffice called Egan was in existence in sec-
tion 2, Linton township, for several years prior to the rural service, with James
Egan postmaster.
272 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Ion was another of the good milling points on Yellow river in the early times.
Indeed, it was at one time the most important in the valley. Girts and Colgrove
in 1874, built a new flouring mill, which they put into operation January I, 1875.
There is now a general store at Ion kept by Olive G. Grady; and Geo. M. Hulse
is the shoemaker. Mr. A. E. Colegrove, miller and farmer, came here in i860,
but Mixed in the Civil war. which service cost him his eyesight, and when his
sight entirely tailed he removed to W'aukon. where he resided for many years,
until his death in 1902.
Buckland— Was the site of Buckland Mills, also on Yellow river, near the
center of the township. It was laid out April 28. 1858, by Austin and Harriet
L. Smith, John and Lucy Davis, and Asa and Cordelia Candee, and plat acknowl-
edged before James H. Stafford, justice of the peace. The town plat was
vacated May 10. 1 SS 1 . There was a postoffice here in 1892, E. L. Cahoon,
postmaster.
Staudinger's Mill on Suttle creek was running to its full capacity in 1868, in
the west part of Linton township. In the spring and summer of 1872, Wm.
Staudinger built a 40 x 50. two and a half story flouring mill on the west branch
of Suttle creek, a tributary of the Yellow river, about a mile further up than the
old mill. This was on the route of the proposed narrow gauge railroad from
Monona to W'aukon. which was then being surveyed. An old map published
early in '59 shows a mill located on Suttle creek, in section 30, known as Knabb's
Mill. Also Newcomb's Mill, situated on a creek in section (), two miles north of
Yellow river. The Staudinger Mill is now used as a barn.
The following named early settlers were among those who came in 1854 or
sooner and took land from the Government, or the state, viz: Jacob Welliver,
Samuel Denning, Robert Elliot, Lawrence Byrne, Marshall S. J. Newcomb,
Thomas Limn. James Adams. Thomas Crawford, Mathew Glynn. John Kelly.
Lawrence Maloney, John Denning, Seth X. Stafford, John B. Sutter, Selden
Candee, Charles Miner. Chas. Reidel, Henry Wiethorn, John Plank, Lewis
Renzihausen, John G. Rupp, Anthony Gass. Samuel W. M. "Moody. Allen Scott,
Jacob Sawvel. < >f these, but a very few are still living in the township.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of the Yellow river and Clayton Mission in
Linton township, was incorporated. August 11. 1859, John Plank. Jr., Geo. Koch,
Henry Peitzman, and Bartheld Liebenstein, being the incorporators.
About the year [860 and following there was an active Baptist church organ-
ization at Ion, served a part of the time by Elder Poole, of Rossville. They
bought a small building at Ion for a house of worship, which they sold to George
Hulse when the organization was broken up.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church of ton was incorporated December
28, [868, the trustees being at that time, S. C. Hulse, 11. 1!. Miner and Charles
Miner. J. II. Gile was also one of the incorporators.
Ion, \ olney, Monona, and Mel iregor at one time composed the "Ion Circuit.-'
served by such later well known preachers as J. F. Hestwood and Nathaniel Lye.
The latter resided at Ion for a number of years.
I he population of Linton township in 1X54 was 225. and in 1910 it was 581.
At the first enumeration it had a mucfl larger area than now.
Linton township officers in [913: Clerk, E. Pufahl; trustees, John Huffman,
I has. Topel. Mike Peters; assessor. Jas. Egan, |r.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 273
LUDLOW TOWNSHIP
The commissioner to organize this township was Ezra Reed, a pioneer of
1850, on section 1, and the organizing election was held on Monday. April I,
1852. The population in 1854 was 208; in 1910 it was jyj. No villages have
ever been laid out in this township, but it has the reputation of being the
wealthiest agricultural township in the county, having the largest area of tillable
land, being mostly prairie. A postoffice called Ludlow was kept at the house of
H. G. Grattan, postmaster, on the Waukon and Postville road, in section 10, for
about twelve years, being discontinued prior to 1882. The township is fully cov-
ered by free delivery now. It is noted for its churches and schools, creameries,
and a local store has generally been kept in one part of the township or another.
At present the only one is located on the southeast corner of section 8, owned and
managed by John E. Meier. There is but one creamery now operating, the Lud-
low Cooperative Creamery Company, incorporated April ir, 1894, with a capi-
tal stock of $5,000, the first officers being A. I. Steffen, president; J. E. Baxter,
vice president ; A. G. Winter, secretary and treasurer. It is situated on the south
line of section 9, a quarter of a mile east of the store. On early maps of Iowa
published in 1857 a little village called Grantville is laid down in the south-
eastern part of Ludlow, but we have been unable to ascertain that there ever was
a settlement or postoffice of that name in the vicinity.
The official roster of Ludlow township in 1913 is: Clerk, Paul Hager ; trustees,
A. I. Steffen, F. H. Depping, Chas. E. Regan; assessor, Ed Ludeking; justice of
the peace, J. H. Simmons.
Of the early settlers in Ludlow township the following came in 1851 or
before: Ezra Reed, Luther Howes. Reading Woodward and Benj. Woodward,
Wm. Trotter, Wm. Dunn, Charles Ragan, James Shaff, Wm. Rankin, David J.
Miller (1850). Daniel Jaquis ; also Schenck, Beard and Cutler, who made their
homes on the Winneshiek side of the line, and C. J. F. Newell, who sold his
claim and took another in Makee township. Others who followed in rapid
succession were : L. W. Goodrich. John Letchford, James Vile, Absalom Thorn-
burg, S. L. Cochran, Jacob Overholt, D. A. Sackett, John A. Taggart (these two
latter identified with Waukon), J. W. Granger, N. E. Hubbell, David and James
Rankin, Nicholas Wettlofer, Frederick Hager. P. G. Wright, Moses Shaff,
Stephen Meriau, Francis Bryant, and others. Warner Howard, who died in
Ludlow in 1880, is said to have located here the year the Indians were removed,
which was in 1848, but whether in this township we have no definite information.
The German Presbyterian church of Ludlow, situated on the north side of
Section 9, is an outgrowth of the church of the same name organized in Waukon,
in the year 1856. During the pastorate of Rev. John Renskers in 1864, the church
divided, and those living in this vicinity in 1865 erected a church building here,
under the administration of Rev. S. Elliker, who soon resigned, and was succeeded
by C. H. Schoepfle, and he by Wm. Shover, in the summer of 1868, who served
until January 29, 1 87 1. Rev. Henry Knell was then called, who preached his
first sermon here, February 12, 1871. Under his pastorate a new church edifice
was erected, and the old building was thenceforth used as a schoolhouse. His
resignation took place November 5, 1877, and he died a few years later. He
was succeeded by Helmer Smidt, who remained only eleven months. After him
274 I 'AST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Rev. E. Schuette was called, first preaching January 26, 1879. The church was
organized with very few members— among the most active being Simon, Conrad
and August Helming— but increased very rapidly, its active members numbering
233 in 1882. Tn 1895. March 13th. the church was reincorporated as the Zalmona
German Presbvterian Reformed church. The then pastor was Rev. J. H. Stark,
and at the present time Rev. Ferdinand Zissler serves this church.
The Reformed Salem church of Ludlow was organized February 11, 1895, and
incorporated June 1st. with the following named constituting the board of
trustees: Henry Kiesau, Henry Ludeking, Simon Stuckmann, and Herman
Schnittger. ( )thers prominent in effecting the organization were : Simon Kiesau,
Fred Krumme. and George, Simon, Fred and Herman Becker, and others. Dr. H.
\. Muehlmeyer, president of the Reformed Seminary at Sheboygan, Wisconsin,
effected the organization, by request of members of the Presbyterian Zalmona
church who lived two, three, and as far as five miles west and southwest of that
church. The Reformed church is a sister church to the Presbyterian church,
the former originating in Switzerland and Germany, the latter in Scotland, both
from the efforts of the reformer Calvin and others in the sixteenth century.
The charter members, nearly all from the reformed province Lippe. in Germany,
in organizing, preferred to connect themselves with the Reformed church in
the United States of German origin. The congregation in harmony and peace
soon bought grounds for a church and parsonage site of Henry Ludeking. on
which the buildings were erected in the northwest corner of section 17, and for
a school and a cemetery of George Becker in the southeast quarter of section 7.
A picture of the church accompanies this article. The first pastor called from
the seminary at Sheboygan, was Rev. L. C. Kunst, serving the congregation from
July, 1895, to May. 1903. The second pastor was Rev. Julius Gaenge, serving
from July, 1Q03, to June, 1908. The third was called in Sept. 1908. and served
them till this date. March. 1913. The congregation flourished from the time of
its beginning, and has a bright future. It now numbers 190 communicant mem-
bers, and contributes freely toward all missionary and benevolent purposes.
Already their present church edifice is becoming too small for them, and there
is talk of erecting a more appropriate building for their needs in the future.
( We are indebted to the retiring pastor. Rev. Edward Yornholt, now about leav-
ing for a new field, for the data regarding this church. 1
The Bethlehem church of Ludlow township (Presbyterian), filed its articles
of incorporation on November 4. [898, the trustees then being August Klein,
Simon Nagel, and Edward Bechtel, and a church was built on the north line of
section 2- . Rev. II. F. Sinning is the pastor of this church.
M \KKK TOWNSHIP
The formal organization of this township was accomplished on the first day
of April. [852, but we are as much in the dark as to the officers elected here as
in the other townships. We quote from Judge Dean:
'■ \t the March term. [852, of the County Court, held at Columbus, the legal
voters in Town. hi]> 98, Range 5. petitioned for organization as a civil township
under the name of Makee. The Court granted the prayer of the petitioners and
appointed Israel Divine as commissioner to call an election for purposes of or-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 275
ganization, which he did. The election was held in April following, in the log
house on the C. J. White farm, and resulted in the election of a full set of town
officers; but in consequence of scanty records and the faulty memory of the
participants we are left to guess who they were. We only know that John A.
Wakefield was chosen constable, and in consequence of his refusing to serve
Sanford C. Marsh was appointed to fill the office.
"Makee Ridge, as it was afterwards called, had among her early settlers a
large per cent from Maine, and being shrewd, prudent and enterprising Yankees
they soon grubbed out, fenced in, broke up, and cultivated farms, built them-
selves frame houses which they painted white, made a turnpike road through the
village one mile in length and were so far ahead of the surrounding country in
style and improvements that they soon were dubbed by the settlers who came in
from Hoosierdom, with the sobriquet of Nobscotters, and the ridge with the
name of Penobscot, and this name like the lingering fragrance of the faded rose
hangs round them still."
It has been established that Thos. A. Minard and C. J. White were the first
justices of the peace in the township.
The first log cabin in Makee township was built by Patrick Keenan in 1848,
where the county farm now is (southeast quarter of section 8), as related in the
chapter on the pioneers. The second a mile and a half east of Waukon by
Prosser Whaley in '49 ; and the third, or about the same time, the Shattuck cabin
on the site of the future Waukon.
The first school was taught by L. W. Hersey in the fall of 1853, in the log
cabin built by Azel Pratt for a dwelling in the fall of 1850, he meanwhile having
built a frame dwelling in '53. Mr. Hersey was followed by F. M. Clark, in
the same house, with such pupils as Hersey and John Pratt, Lib Bearce and
others. Mr. Clark was the eldest son of John T. Clark, the pioneer lawyer, and
he was engaged in business in Waukon later, and in other towns, finally estab-
lishing himself in a banking business at Lime Springs, where he died but a
few years ago. About the time of this school Mr. D. D. Doe taught for a while
in a log hut east of Waukon. He was later a prominent business man in
Waukon, where he built the fine residence in the east part of town that was in
later years the home of G. W. Hays for a long time. Mr. Doe then went to
Lansing where he resided until his death. His daughter married Mr. Dick
Haney, of Lansing, who went to South Dakota and was until quite recently a
member of the Supreme Bench of that state.
In the summer of 1854 the Makee schoolhouse was built, the first one in the
township ; but before it was fully enclosed came the great hail storm and tornado
which moved it a few feet from its foundation ; and we may add, entirely de-
stroyed the crops which had been put in, in that vicinity. This was a good sized
frame building, with a steeple. It served its purpose for half a century, until
replaced by the present brick schoolhouse erected in 1905. The first school in
this old house was taught by Eugene K. Bartlett, in the winter of 1854-5.
The Makee postoffice established in 1852 on the opposite side of the road, to
the west of this schoolhouse, was discontinued sometime in the sixties ; and about
that time a postoffice was established in the northeast corner of the township
called Lvcurgus. This was discontinued in January, 1868, but was reopened two
years later at the house of C. O. Howard, on section 8. Later it was removed
Vol. 1—14
276
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
to its former location, about 1872. in charge of Chas. Nees, in connection with
his store and hotel. Since his death Mrs. Nees has continued the business at
the old homestead, and kept the postoffice until the introduction of the rural
delivery system a few years ago.
C. < 1. Howard and his brother Alvin G.. with their aged father Azel, came
to the ridge in the early fifties. The father died many years ago. C. O. built
the first elevator in Waukon upon the advent of the railroad in 1877, and con-
tinued a prominent business man here until his death in 1904. A. G. went to
Nebraska, in 1883, and after 1905 made his home with his son. Willis, at Clarks-
ton, Washington, where his wife died, but he remains well-preserved in his
eighty-ninth year.
The St. Mary's Catholic church at Lycurgus was established at an early
time, and was presided over for many years by Father M. K. Norton, now in
charge of the Waukon parish. They have a very fine property, but the edifice,
which was of stone, had became insufficient for the needs of the community, and
has this spring of 1913 been razed to make place for a fine new structure which
which has been contracted at a cost of some $20,000. The plans call for a
building of mission design, with a superstructure of hollow tile and pebble dash,
a tile roof and trimmings of copper. This church organization became duly in-
corporated December 11, 191 1, with Rev. T. R. Campbell pastor, and Peter Plein
and Patrick Whalen lay directors, associated with Archbishop Keane and Vicar
General Roger Ryan composing the board. Rev. Father McNamara is the pres-
ent pastor.
< >!' the earliest settlers in this township the following took government land
in 1850 and 1851, possibly some of them in 1849, viz: John A. Wakefield, north
part of section 2, whose biography appears on another page. Hugh Norton
later owned this farm. The stone schoolhouse on this farm was built in 1868.
Win. M. Dibble took the northeast northwest section 19, in 1850, but soon sold
to W. R. Pottle and he to Alvin G. Howard, who lived there many years. It is
now the Kasser home. Abram L. Bush, southwest quarter section 20, 1S50;
Gunder Hanson, northeast quarter section 22, 1850; Charles Krieger and An-
drew Kosbau, sections 32 and 33; C. J. White, section 20; Knudt Knudtson,
section 15; Landolin Haas, Section 3; A. J. Hersey, section 7, 1851 ; Geo. W.
Randall, section 9 ; Moses D. Lush, northeast southwest and Richard B. Charles
northwest southwest section 19; Uriah Whaley, section 2y ; Thos. A. Minard,
sections 29 and ^2; Samuel M. Stevens, northeast quarter section 29; David
Whaley. sections i<> and 30, north of fair grounds, a little log house he built was
standing until a few years ago: Wm. Niblock, section ^^.
The following took school lands, in or previous to 1854, and the date of set-
tlement is difficult In ascertain. Some" of them were here in 1851. Tacob Marti.
sections 1 and 2: Allen and Job Blanchard, C. J. White, Halvor Peterson, Jehial
Johnson, I [alvor < Heson, Chas. I'aulk. Jas. 1'.. Conway. Enoch Jones, Wm. Escher,
Henry Ruegemeier; also Chas. Drawis, L. J. Nichols, Wm. and Joseph Burton,
bought lands.
The very earliest settlers, including Prosser and Archa Whaley. the Pratts
and Herseys and other-., are mentioned more particularly in another chapter.
Jackson Gould settled what h;\> recently been the Fourt farm, northwest north-
west section 10.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 277
The iron lands on section 17 were entered from the government by Frost
Gerry, in June, 1852, and were sold to A. H. Hersey in the January following.
The main portion of them composed the "Stoddard farm," from '56 to '62
owned by N. Taylor and G. W. Stoddard. Dinah Randall owned this a short
time, then Geo. W. Hays for three years, who sold to Geo. Griswold, and he to
John M. Barthell in 1875, who owned it during the prospecting and development
of the mines.
The population of Makee township was 470 at the first, enumeration in 1854.
It was 81 1 exclusive of the city of Waukon, by the 1910 census.
The township officers in 1913 are: Clerk, F. E. Kelley ; trustees, Chas. John-
son, Robert Connor, and W. H. Ebendorf ; assessor, Fred Hansmeier; justices,
T. T. Ericson and P. J. Quillan ; constables, D. R. Walker and Scott Jones.
PAINT CREEK TOWNSHIP
The township was organized under an order of the County court in April,
1852, Mr. James Bryson, Sr., being appointed commissioner; but not until the
December 1853 term were its boundaries officially designated, it being taken
from Taylor township. Two elections had been held prior to this, however.
It was rapidly settled up in the meantime, so that by the enumeration in 1854
its population is given at 414. The census of 1910 shows 881. By action of the
court its name was on May 7, 1855, changed to Waterville, but two years later,
March 2, 1857, the first name was restored. The following account of its set-
tlement is copied from an article prepared by John S. Bryson in 1880, with addi-
tional matter from a family history he later wrote, which was printed in a
booklet for private distribution in 1901.
On the morning of the 8th of May, 1850, James Bryson and family arrived
at what was then called McGregor's landing, now the city of McGregor, with
teams and baggage, and at once started for Garnavillo, the county seat of Clay-
ton county, seeking a home. After resting here two days, they, in company with
part of Robert Moore's family, who had made a claim on Paint creek, started
for Allamakee county, following the trail via what is now Monona, then called
Sodom (in consequence of its whiskey trade with the Indians), then down
Hickory creek to Clark's ford on the Yellow river, then north to the "old stake"
in Jefferson township, now the farm owned by Elias Pettit, and a short distance
east of his house, and down on to Paint creek, where they camped May 11, 1850.
Mr. Bryson located on section 17 and 18, where Thomas and Robert Moore
and John Graham had made claims about nine months previous, while the Indians
were yet camped there for their winter's hunt, this being a favorite hunting and
camping place for them. They were gone when the Bryson family came in, but
the skeletons of their wigwams remained, and the brands and ashes of their
campfires showed that the new settlers occupied as they departed.
Five of the wigwams, or teepees stood close by the finest spring on Paint
creek, this spring was covered with a blanket of moss from two to six inches
thick, showing that it had been a camping spot for a long time, and the wild
deer dare not come to eat the moss, but they did the winter following. We
cleared the most of this off the head of the springs, and the water boiled up
278
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
from ten to twelve- inches, flowing over the beautiful green moss as clear as
crystal, and as cold as if it came through a mountain of ice.
We found here many flint arrow heads, two tomahawks or hatchets, one dead
tndian pony, and many buffalo and elk horns.
The Indians had for years dug up the wild sod in the valley in patches, and
raised a crop of what might be called "squaw corn," but we broke the first sod
on what is now Paint creek on the 15th of May, 1850.
We broke patches. on each claim to secure them. Settlers came in fast on our
trail all summer. We put up a log house 14 by 18, a store-house 8 by 12, and a
pit in the hillside for potatoes, but it was too late for other crops. There was
plenty of game, some fish, and wild deer were very plentiful. There were wolves,
bears, and even panthers.
The Government put the land into market at $1.25 per acre about the first of
October following, and found us with more claimed than we had money to pay
for. but Mr. Wm. H. Morrison, who lived near the mouth of the creek, having
been appointed agent to select a portion of the 500,000 acres granted by the
general government to Iowa for school purposes, came around and we entered
our claim as school land; this helped us as well as many more poor settlers by-
giving us time to get the money and make our payments without submitting to
the extortion of the land sharks, as the settlers called those who speculated in
land and reaped a rich harvest, at the expense of the hard-working pioneer.
In the summer of 1850, a large number of Norwegians came in from Wiscon-
sin and settled on the prairie north of the creek, among whom were Swen Ender-
son Ilesla, Ole O. Storla, Ole Grimsgaard, Thomas Anderson, Lars Knudtson.
Xels Tollefson, Ole Severson, Bennett Hermanson, who lived in their canvas
covered wagons until they could build something to get into, and the most of
these families are well-to-do farmers in Paint Creek today.
Theodore and William Moose and William McCoy came in about the same
lime. James R. Conway, Reuben Sencebaugh. and others came in very soon
after and settled on the south side of the creek. In the summer "of 1850, a family
named Ellis from Linn county, Iowa, came in and selected mill sites on the creek
at what is now Beumer's mill, and one of them, Riley Ellis, located a mill site
just around the bend, below Waterville, known as Peter Iverson's mill, where he
put a pair of two foot French buhr millstone on a few logs built over the creek,
which were kept running all winter, cracking corn for all who came. The buhrs
stood mil of doors all winter, and the next spring — 1852 — they were inclosed,
and a small boll made of book muslin, was attached for making buckwheat Hour.
Then we lived sumptuously, substituting buckwheat cakes and wild honey for
our former diet of pork and corn dodger, and people came from all quarters
with their little prists, and in all sorts of conveyances, some from what is now
Waukon, some from the Iowa river. It was here I first met Scott Shattuck,
late from California, and when 1 first saw him he held in one hand a piece of
raw pickled pork and corn dodger, and in the other hand a large knife with
which he was cutting alternate slices of each for his luncheon. This was the
first gristmill ever built in the county, if it had capacity enough to be called a
mill. I ran this mill the most of the time the first eight months. Not long after
this Nathaniel Beebe commenced setting out timber for what is now- known as
the Waterville mill, and later Colonel Spooner and Mr. Carpenter came in and
GENERAL VIEW OF WATERYILLE
GENERAL VIEW OF DORCHESTER
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 281
joined him, and the mill was built and started in the winter of 1854 and 1855.
They also opened a store in the spring of 1855 near the mill. In the spring of
185 1, Thomas B. Twiford, of county seat notoriety, and Wm. McCoy built the
Thomas Ellis sawmill above where Beumer's mill now stands, and it did a good
business until i860.
By this time many settlers had come in, the Norwegians generally settling on
the north side of the creek, the Irish on the south side, with a few Americans and
other nationalities sprinkled in and among them, but the large per cent, of settlers
were of foreign birth. .
The first winter we boys learned to split rails, William, James, and I * *
and for three winters between 1853 and '56 we fenced in forty acres each winter.
It took two thousand two hui dred and fifty rails and six hundred and fifty stakes.
We raised hogs and chickens and got good prices the first three years. In the
fall, winter and spring of '52-3 I worked out six months for ten dollars per
month, and then four months at twelve dollars. My object was to get one hun-
dred dollars to go to Dubuque and enter eighty acres of land, but before I got
my money the land was taken. Just then a man came along with forty sheep
and a lamb, trying to peddle them, but no one had money. He asked from four
to five dollars each for them. I offered him my hundred dollars for them and in
a few days he took my offer. The next spring I had a flock of eighty sheep and
lambs and had sold eight at six dollars each. The Norwegian women came to
buy wool, offering thirty to forty cents for it. They took large quantities to
spin into stocking yarn on shares. I sold the yarn at one dollar per pound. The
next year I had sixty-five lambs. I now sold enough wool and sheep to raise
three hundred dollars which I paid to Sturm on my land, and had plenty of
sheep left * * * He made me a deed for the land, and we all felt relieved
and rejoiced for we had accomplished our purpose of each getting a farm. Our
market to the new comers was about gone, and we had to seek a market for
shipments.
The county records fail to show when the township was organized by the
election of township officers, but there is an entry in them dated December term,
1853, as follows: "Paint Creek township was organized so as to conform to
the congressional township of town 97, range 4." The trustees gave the town-
ship its present name, and the township records show the first election to be
held in Riley Ellis' mill, where the corn cracker was, August, 1852, James
Bryson, George Watkins and Reuben Sencebaugh being judges of election, and
William McCoy and Thomas G. Ellis were the clerks. The trustees appointed
William McCoy township clerk. These are the earliest dates our records show.
The next election was held on the first Tuesday in November, 1852, and
was the presidential election. The third election was on the fourth of April.
1853, and is the first record I find of the election of township officers, being
for trustees : James Bryson, Andrew Mitchell and Reuben Sencebaugh ; for
township clerk, William McCoy; for assessor, James Bryson; for constables,
John Bryson and John Stull ; for justices of the peace, James Bryson and Reu-
ben Sencebaugh. At this election there were cast for county seat fifty-eight votes,
of which Columbus had forty-nine and Waukon nine. The trustees held two
meetings in the winter of 1852-3, one to appraise and divide section 16, and the
ovJ
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
other to divide the township into road districts, doing this work so well that
the districts remain the same to this date.
In 1856 Mr. lames Beebe built a large frame hotel in Waterville, capable of
accommodating all the guests that a town of one thousand inhabitants would
furnish, but it failed for want of patronage, and its builder is now in New
Mexico (1880). In 1857 was organized in this hotel the Prairie du Chien &
Mankato Railroad Company, with the Hon. John T. Clark, now of Postville, for
president. The object of this company was to build a railroad from the Missis-
sippi at lohnsonsport, connecting there with the railroad from Prairie du Chien,
and running up the creek to Waukon, thence west to Calmar, and on to Austin
and Mankato, Minnesota. Engineer Win. W. llungerford was the active man
in the enterprise and devoted considerable time to it, making surveys and locat-
ing 1 he line from the starting point on the river to the state line in Howard
county. Most of the resident right-of-way on the entire line was secured, and
about fortv thousand dollars in subscriptions and donations to the capital stock,
the design being to donate this to the railroad company running into Prairie du
Chien if they would extend their line across the river and over the route. The
enterprise failed, the extension being made via Bloody Run and Monona, in
Clayton county.
In the spring of 1 S57, Spooner and Beebe started at Waterville the first
tanner\' ever built in the county. They purchased a recipe for tanning with
japonica, using it with hot liquor, thus tanning the hides in a few days so that
they could put them on the market and get returns very much quicker than by
the old way of tanbark and cold water. They ran their business about two years,
but not proving profitable they abandoned it.
To return to the family experiences:
By i860 we had actually made and put up six miles of fence, fourteen rails
to the rod and four stakes. During these years William, James and myself did
most all of this work. Father generally took us to our work early in the morn-
ing and took a load of rails home. We had our dinner with us, warming our
coffee at a big fire. We walked home in the evening, about four miles ; mother
always had a good supper waiting for us and we had good appetites for it. As
on as supper was over mother cleared the table of dishes and put on the
Bible, newspapers and magazines, and we took turns reading aloud. While one
was reading the others were patching boots, fixing ax handles, churning, or
doing other little job-, but all listening. Rossville had a postoffice and mail
was received two or three times a week. By reading so much we were posted
on the questions that then stirred the country, the slavery question, mormonism,
and temperance. Father and I voted for John C. Fremont in 1856, and for
Abraham Lincoln in [860 \t this time the people were greatly excited
over attempts to open all new territory to slavery, the Mason and Dixon's line,
squatter sovereignty, the Nebraska bill, the Kansas border ruffian war. the
Douglas and Lincoln canvass and the election of Lincoln in i860.
In [86) the firing on Fori Sumter aroused the Nation, and Tames and Alex-
ander both decided to enlist. James, in company with Dr. Barnes raised a com-
pany of 130 men. Not being accepted the company was disbanded in Tune.
James reported to ( Governor Kirkwood and was commissioned in the State ser-
vice and remained in that service until mustered into the United States service
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 283
with Company I, 27th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in August 1862. Alexander had
a bad accident to his leg, from which he never fully recovered, but he followed
his regiment to Vicksburg, was sent back to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, and
discharged. I was then unfit for service not having got over my long sickness,
but during these years I did what I could to encourage the boys and care for
a few of their families. James served to the end of the war, and the history of
the 27th Regiment is his war record * * * My father James Bryson died
November 30, 1889, at the age of eighty-seven years and three months. (The
biography of John S. Bryson, the writer of this sketch, will be found in volume
of biographies. — Editor.)
Other settlers who took government or school land in the early fifties were:
James Fort, in sections 12 and 26; Lewis Sturm; Chas. Beumer, sections 17,
18 and 33; Lawrence Byrne section 17; Patrick and Edward McGuire, 19;
Edward, Patrick and Mathew McCaffrey, 19; Reuben Sencebaugh in 1850, in
sections 30, 31 and 32; George Watkins in 1850, in section 30; John and Chas.
Connery ; Charles McKaighney in section 20 ; Francis McGeough section 28 ;
Thos. Ryan section 28 ; Peter Cosgrove section 25 ; N. A., Jeptha and James Beebe,
in northeast quarter section 22, present site of Waterville; Wm. R. Ellis, in
22 and 23 ; James Kavanaugh in 29 ; Willard Green in 33 ; also Barney McGeough,
David Martin, Ole Smeby and three sons, G. C. Lyse (settled at Columbus in
'52 and here in '54), John and Robert Elliott. Also William Dunn in section
32. A daughter of S. E. Hesla, who settled on section 10 in 1850, was the first
girl born in Paint Creek township ; she married S. O. Leikvold, and died in
January 1902.
WATERVILLE
This is the sixth town in the county, in size, as well as in order of incorpora-
tion. It has grown by force of circumstances, never having been laid out on
paper prior to settlement, for speculative purposes. Therefore it does not show
the regularity of a premeditated plat, and is not subdivided into blocks. The lots
were sold off by the owners one at a time, to prospective builders as needed, and
were platted as land lots instead of town lots, and of varying size and irregu-
lar shape, according to the requirements of the purchasers and the contour of
the land.
The beginnings of Waterville were in the building of the Riley Ellis grist
mill, or corn cracker, a half mile below the present post office, in 1850. In 1853
Mr. Jeptha Beebe bought out this rude mill and improved it, and put in a saw-
mill the same year. The next year, 1854, Nathaniel Beebe built a grist mill for
flour, since known as the Waterville Mill, in the present village, in which Jeptha
Beebe took an interest, but sold his interest the same year to Col. Jeduthan
Spooner, continuing himself to run the saw mill. The three forties covering the
site of Waterville were bought of the school fund by Nathaniel A., James and
Jeptha Beebe, being the northeast of the northeast, the northwest of the northeast,
and the southwest of the northeast, respectively, of section 22, and they sold an
interest to Colonel Spooner and D. P. Carpenter, who made arrangements for open-
ing a store. Colonel Spooner returned to the east in the fall, but in May, '55, came
on again with a stock of goods, which he opened up in partnership with Carpen-
ter.
I'M
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
In 1856 James Beebe erected a large frame hotel, the prospect at that time
being very promising for the future growth of the town, possessing three good
water powers, and there being a strong probability of the early construction of
a railroad along the Paint Creek valley, which was not realized however until
twenty years later. A post office was established here in 1856. The store and
mill of .Messrs. Spooner, Beebe and Carpenter made this village for a time one
of the most active places in the county, until the collapse of the railroad project
and the growth of Waukon, where a steam mill was built, as well as the building
of a steam mill at Rossville. combined to detract from its importance. In 1857
Spooner and Beebe started a tannery here. also. Soon after this Mr. Spooner's
son, who assisted him in his varied business, died, and Colonel Spooner removed
to Lansing, and later to Waukon, where he resided until his death, which
occurred March 10, 1867. He was an able and influential man. highly respected
by all who knew him.
Mr. Jeptha Beebe sold his interests here to his brother. N. A. Beebe, in 1857,
and purchased a farm two miles and a half west of Rossville. Soon after he
engaged as contractor of a stage line from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, to
Giatfield, Minnesota. The route being discontinued in 1858 by order of James
Buchanan, through the postmaster general, left him with a large amount of
stage property on his hands, which he then took to Kansas, and securing another
stage line soon after traded his interest for a steam saw mill some fifteen miles
south from Topeka, which took fire and was burned in i860 with quite an
amount of lumber and logs, all being a total loss. He rebuilt the mill and sold
to other parties, and came back to Allamakee county and rented the saw mill
at Waterville one year, then rented a farm near Rossville for one year, and then
bought a saw mill on Yellow river, which he ran till 1867, then sold out and
turned his attention to farming. In the spring of 1869 he purchased a farm near
Waukon, where he continued to reside until about 1905. when he went to Cali-
fornia, where he died January 13, 1907. Mr. Beebe was a leader of the Green-
back party in the county during the activity of that party.
Daniel P. Carpenter, the associate of Colonel Spooner in the business at Water-
ville. continued to live in Allamakee county a number of years, but eventually
removed to Missouri, where his death occurred in 1882. at the age of eighty-
two. His son. W. W. Carpenter, was an assistant of his father and Colonel
Si ner in the fifties. He enlisted in 1861 in Dr. Barnes' Co. K, First Iowa Cav-
alry, and served through the war. being promoted first lieutenant. He is now, at
eighty, still an active citizen of Ashland, Oregon. His son and namesake, W.
\\\. is a long time and well known resident of Waukon.
The Waterville Mill changed hands many times, and had its periods of alter-
nating prosperity and discouragement. Mr. John Thomas operated it in 1872,
and later A. J. Diesen. who leased it to F.d Xeudeck in 1877. It passed into
the possession of Y. II. Stevens later, and was finally run as a saw mill only.
RAILROAD
With the construction of the Waukon & Mississippi Railroad in 1877 Water-
ville took on new life. Mr. Vic II. Stevens, in company with Mr. J. H. Hale
of Waukon, erected a large store and dwelling which became the railroad sta-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 285
tion, express and telegraph office combined, and has so continued until this time.
For many years Mr. Stevens was the agent, as well as postmaster, and handled
a variety of other business enterprises successfully. In course of time he bought
out Mr. Hale's interest, and acquired considerable of the land in and about
the village. He became interested in telephones, inaugurated a local system, and
was the prime mover in organizing the Standard Telephone Co., now operating
throughout this corner of the state and in Southeastern Minnesota. Eventually
he branched out further and became president of the Interstate Telephone Co.,
and took up his residence in Dubuque. He retained his business interests in
Waterville, however, with Mr. G. Pederson as a partner, who has for many years
conducted the affairs of the store, railroad and postoffice with great popularity
and success. (Mr. J. O. Jeglum was postmaster for a time about 1892.) Mr.
Stevens a few years ago started a new town called Gregory, in South Dakota,
and continued to prosper until his sudden death within the past year.
With the advent of the railroad a grain warehouse was built and operated
by Mr. McMichael of Lansing, and immediately commanded a large business.
Other business establishments soon followed, and the village thrived generally.
Of recent years M. J. Hart has taken a leading part in the local affairs, engaged
in handling grain and other produce, and live stock. Others now in business here
comprise the following:
Waterville Bottling Works.
Waterville Savings Bank.
Farmers Cooperative Creamery Co.
John Anderson, blacksmith.
Asleson & Anderson, implements.
J. T. Bjerke, feed mill.
A. J. Cole, restaurant.
A. J. Ellefson, hardware.
A. M. Fellows (of Lansing), lumber
S. K. Kolsrud, general merchandise.
Gabriel Pederson & Co., clothing, etc.
Henry Sieg. furniture and undertaking.
Herman Sorenson, furniture.
Spinner Brothers, general merchandise.
Postmaster, Gabriel Pederson. (Rural routes to Elon and Ion.)
INCORPORATION
Early in 1912 the leading citizens of Waterville desiring to obtain for their
community the advantages of an incorporated town, presented to the District court
a petition April 2, 1912, asking for the incorporation of a tract described as
follows: commencing at a point 20 chains east of the common corner of sections,
15, 16, 21 and 22, township 97, range 4; thence east 20 chains to quarter corner,
north 10 chains on quarter line, east 20 chains to eighth line, south 24 chains on
eighth line, east 20 chains to section line, south on section line 36 chains, west 20
chains to eighth line, north on eighth line 20 chains, west 40 chains to eighth line,
north on eighth line 30 chains to place of beginning; containing 212 acres, and a
286
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
population of 130. The court appointed the following commissioners to hold an
election, viz: A. C. Grimsgard, A. J. Ellefson, G. Pederson, J. A. Anderson and
M. J. Hart. The election was held in Harmony Hall May 4. 1912- resulting in
31 votes for incorporation and 5 votes against the proposition. An election
was then held, June 8, 1912, for town officers, the following being elected:
Mayor, M. J. Hart; Clerk. Joe Bjerke; Treasurer, Peter Arneson; Assessor, A.
Asleson; Councilmen, J. A. Anderson, P.. J. Dillon. A. J. Ellefson, Ole Hanson
and O. G. Kolsrud.
The court, Tuclge A. N. Hobson, thereupon decreed the town duly incorporated
and election of officers confirmed.
The first assessment of the corporation, in 191 3, showed a valuation for pur-
poses of taxation of $78,559, of which $33,584 was real estate. The town mar-
shal of Waterville is A. C. Grimsgard.
The Paint Creek township officers this year are: Clerk, H. A. Hendrickson;
Assessor. E. C. Dahl; Trustees. K. T. Gronna. M. T. Jacobson, P. G. Hagen;
lustices of the Peace, H. A. Hendrickson and C. A. Robey; Constable, A. C.
( i-rimsgard.
WATERVILLE SAVINGS BANK
This institution was incorporated June 16. 1902, for a term of fifty years,
with a capital of $1,000, and the following first officials, viz: O. J. Hager, Presi-
dent; M. J. Hart, Vice President; \Y. F. Nierling, Cashier; these three and A.
T. Nierling and H. F. Opfer, Directors. The present officers are the same, with
the exception of cashier, that position now being occupied by Peter Arneson,
and the directors are now O. J. Hager, M. 1. Hart, A. T. Nierling, H. A. Hen-
drickson and K. T. Gronna. On February 4. 191 3, the capital was increased
to $10,000. The report of this bank to the auditor of state April 17. 1913,
shows: capital paid up, $20,000; profits on hand, $1,905.78; total deposits, $140,-
734.57; total assets. 8162,640. 35.
TELEPHOM. COMPANY
The Paint Creek Farmers Telephone Company was incorporated March 22,
[904, with a capital of Si 5,000, and officers as follows: President. Wm. Rood;
Vice President, I. A. Drogset; Secretary and Treasurer, H. A. Hendrickson;
Directors. T. ( ',. Fagrie, P. G. Hagen, E. E. Bakkum, H. G Hagen and Julius
I Iruber. The principal officers are now: President, Oliver Dahl; Vice President,
Frank Kelleher; Secretary, 11. G. Hagen; Treasurer, Peter Arneson.
CREAMERY COMPANY
The Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company of Waterville is a corpora-
tion dating From February 14. 1891, the original officers being: President, John A.
Drogset; Nice President, 11. Larson; Secretary, J. F. Tracy; Treasurer. A. T.
Anderson. The company renewed its articles of incorporation February 11,
1911, with capital the same as at first, $10,000. At present the officers are:
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 287
President, H. C. Megorden ; Vice President, Iver Thorsen ; Treasurer, O. S.
Hesla; Secretary, J. T. Bjerke; Directors, Arne Grangaard, Theo. Pladsen and
Geo. A. Lease.
PAINT CREEK CHURCHES
Lutheran — What is now known as the "Old East Paint Creek Norwegian
Lutheran Congregation of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church in America"
is the parent organization from which have sprung the several other congrega-
tions of the Lutheran denomination in this locality as well as in Lansing and
Waterville. This congregation was organized in the year 1850 with the follow-
ing voting members: J. L. M oiler, O. Larson, Arne Knudson, Lars Knudson,
Halvor Ellefson. Aslag Solverson, Ole Syverson, Osten Pederson, Ole Olson,
Ole O. Kaasin. A. O. Bothum, Ole Helgeson. Syver O. Void, Thomas Anderson,
Ole Storlag, Erik Kittelson, Ole Arneson, Nils Botolfson, A. Knudtson, Hans
Nilson, Bjorn Hermunson, Kitel Olson, K. K. Hunstad, Syver Hermundson,
Nels T. Roe, Ole Knudson, Ole Ellefson, Lars Arneson, Aslag Gulbrandson,
Vik Sven Endreson, Sven Olson, Embret Knudson, Nils Nilson, Ole K. Hunstad,
Iver Aslagson, Helge Halvorsen.
The first birth on the records of the congregation is that of Knud A. Knudson,
July 13, 1850. The first marriage was isolemnized July 18, 1852, Helge Olson and
Miss Ragnhild Halvorsen. Our early settlers must have been unusually health-
ful, as the first death recorded occurred over six years after the organization of
the congregation, March 7, 1857, the deceased being a child of less than two
years old, by name Mathea Halvorsen.
At the very beginning of its existence this congregation went to work and
secured eighty acres of land on which to erect a church and parsonage, being
the same land on which they now stand. The first church erected, in the early
fifties, was a log building, in which public worship was conducted until 1869,
when the present stone edifice took its place.
The following ministers have served this congregation: Revs. Magelson and
Brandt until 1853; Dr. N. F. Koren, 1853-63; O. J. Hiort, 1863-79; C. Stoltz,
1879-80; H. A. Hartmann. 1880-95; C. J. M. Gronlid, the present incumbent, has
served since 1895.
L. S. Guttebo is the pastor of the East and West Paint Creek Lutheran Synod
churches.
The Lutheran Church Association of Waterville was incorporated April
18, 1906, by members of the "Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Old
East Paint Creek" and the "Old Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church of
West Paint Creek," with the following officers: President, Peter Arenson ; Sec-
retary, Ole Hanson; Treasurer, O. G. Kolsrud; Trustees, Olaf Oleson, J. M.
Siem and Gustav Ellefson.
Catholic — The date of organization of the old Cherry Mound church, on the
Linton township line, was in the fifties, about the time of that at Lansing. We
have not been able to ascertain the names of those who have served as pastor
there. It became incorporated under the Iowa statutes December 4, 191 1, as St.
Pius Church of Waterville, with Rev. John Hehir as pastor, then as now, and vice
president of the corporation, Archbishop James J. Keane being ex officio presi-
288 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
dent. Joseph Geller and James Slattery were the lay members of the board of
directors.
Baptist— There is no Baptist church in the township at this time, but m
[860 such a church was organized, with eleven members. This church made
no further report after that year. However, in 1862 another new church was
reported organized at "Paint Creek," with a membership of fourteen, of whom
nine were baptized during that year. In 1865 this church was reported extinct
also, the members who had not removed probably changing their membership
to the Rossville church.
PUBLIC SCHOOL
The present schoolhouse at Waterville was built about the year 1886, but we
are without data as to the first school at this place. With the increasing enroll-
ment it was deemed necessary to have a larger and more modern building here,
and an election was held March 10, 1913, on the question of issuing bonds for
that purpose, at which the women turned out to vote also, as is their privilege,
the result being in favor of the new building by 62 to 33. the women's vote being
25 for and 13 against the proposition. It is contemplated to erect a two-room
building, constructed of rock-faced cement blocks manufactured at Lansing.
The officers of the Waterville district are: President, Jacob Anderson; Secre-
tary Adolph Asleson; Treasurer, Peter Arneson.
MODERN WOODMEN'
Waterville Camp No. 3470. M. W. A., was organized January 8, 1896, with
sixteen charter members, viz.: A. Asleson, B. M. Bottolfson, Ed Gaynor, H. A.
Hendrickson, llalvor Larson, Harold Hanson, H. H. Larson, Dr. S. C. Myers,
Alfred I'ederson, G. Pederson, J. J. Kaveny, Jonas Siem, Ole Storla, Carl
Spinner, Martin Stromme, Vic H. Stevens, of whom seven are still members of
this camp. The first officers were: Venerable Consul, Alartin Stromme; Worthy
Advisor, V. II. Stevens; Banker, C. A. Spinner; Clerk, B. M. Bottolfson; Escort.
( i. I'ederson: Watchman, J. Siem: Sentry, A. Asleson.
The present membership of the camp is 63, 56 beneficial and 7 social; and the
total insurance now carried is $74,500.00. During the seventeen years the camp
has been in existence four members have died, three of them by accidents. The
official roster now is: Venerable Consul, M. I. Kelly; Worthy Advisor. G.
Pederson; Hanker, A. C. Grimsgard; Clerk, I. A. Anderson; Escort, A. J. Ellef-
son; Physician, B. J. Dillon, M. D.
TAYLOR TOWNSHIP
As originally organized in 1851 this township included the present townships
of Paint Creek and Jefferson, which were set off in April 1852, and the course
of Paint creek designated as the southern line of Taylor. But in 1858 sections
3 and 4-96-3 were transferred to Fairview, by the County court. These were
returned to Taylor by the Board of Supervisors in Januarv, 1873, along with
section 5; and in 1874 sections 1 and 2 were likewise set off to Tavlor, since which
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 291
time no change has been made. It is a large and in the early days a compara-
tively populous township, the enumeration in 1854 showing 323 souls. In 19 10
there were 881.
Harper's Ferry is the principal place in the township, and one of the oldest
settlements in the county. No record is at hand as to who the first comer here
was, but it is not likely there was any ahead of Wm. Klett. who it is said located
on Paint Rock Prairie before the region was opened for settlement. His death oc-
curred in 1905. The village of Winfield was platted in May, 1852, by Wm. H. Hall
and Dresden W. H. Howard as owners of the site, but in i860 the name was
changed to Harper's Ferry by act of the legislature. This was one of the places
voted on for county seat in 1851 under the name of Vailsville, Horace Vail having
located here prior to that time. In the early steamboat days it promised to
become an important place, possessing one of the finest townsites along the river,
being a level plateau above high water mark, extending back nearly a mile to the
bluffs and some three miles along the river bank, or rather Harper's slough, a
secondary channel of the Mississippi which permitted steamers to make landing
here except in very low water. David Harper was the leading spirit in the
development of the village, having purchased a large interest in the place prior
to i860, in which year his name was given to the town. He built a stone ware-
house and carried on an extensive produce business, but lived only long enough
to see it begin to wane. The old warehouse, then owned by his estate, was
destroyed by fire in February, 1877.
A petition in district court »was filed August 31, 190 1, asking the incorporation
of the town of Harper's Ferry, to comprise the following described territory :
Commencing at the one-sixteenth post center of the northeast quarter of section
23-97-3 ; thence east on one-eighth line through section 24, to intersect slough,
~2 chains ; then commencing at same one-sixteenth post center of northeast quar-
ter section 27,, thence south 19 chains on one-eighth line to Road No. 163; thence
west along said road to intersect Road No. 224; thence southwesterly along said
road to south quarter post of section 23 ; thence south on center line of section
26, 32 chains and 10 links to the bank of Harper's channel ; thence northeast along
1 larper's channel to the north line of section 24-97-3. Said petition setting out
that the number of inhabitants within said territory was 253.
September 28, 1901, the court appointed the following commissioners to hold
an election and submit the question of incorporation to the voters within said
territory, viz : T. F. McCaffrey, T. W. Melaven, Robert Mullally, S. E. Angell,
and John Collins. Such election was held October 28, 1901, resulting in a vote
of 33 for and 23 against incorporation. Whereupon on November 22 follow-
ing the court approved and confirmed the incorporation, and ordered an election
for officers thereof. The election was held December 19, 1901, and the officers
elected were: Mayor, T. W. Melaven; Clerk, T. F. McCaffrey; Treasurer, T. A.
Houlihan ; Councilmen, W. H. Collins, P. J. Donahue, M. J. Gleason, L. Demerse
and Robert Mullally.
The present town officers are: Mayor, P. J. Donahue; Clerk, M. D. Kelly;
Assessor, P. G. Cota ; Treasurer, T. A. Houlihan ; Councilmen, T. A. Oestern,
P. J. Houlihan, J. J. Finnegan, T. F. Calvey, and John Markwardt ; Marshal,
F. F. Wachter.
The present population is over 300, and T. A. Oestern is postmaster.
292 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
The Paint Rock Catholic church, located two or three miles from Harper's
Ferry, is a very early organization, having been established over fifty years.
Father P. A. McManus was pastor in the early seventies. A 3.000-lb. bell was
placed in this church in August, 1889. Rev. F. Kernan was here in 1892. It
became incorporated under the statutes of Iowa, November 16, 191 1, under the
name of St. Joseph's Church of Harper's Ferry, with Rev. Michael Sheehan,
pastor, and Nicholas P.razell and Bernard J. Finnegan lay members of the board
of directors.
St. Ann's Church of Harper's Ferry is of comparatively recent date. This
became incorporated at the same time as St. Joseph's, with Thos. Cavanaugh
and James J. Finnegan laymen directors. Both of these churches are under the
pastorate of Rev. Michael Sheehan, and of course Archbishop James J. Keane
is e.x-officio president of the corporate bodies.
I larper's Ferry Court. No. 507, Catholic Order of Foresters, was organized
May 30. 1895, by D. J. Murphy, with a charter membership of twenty-two. The
first officers were: Chief Ranger, J. J. Finnegan; Vice Chief. M. J. Oleason ;
Past Chief, Thos. Kelly; Treasurer, T. W. Melaven; Financial Secretary, D. L.
Fitzgerald; Recording Secretary, Robt. Mullally; Trustees, Frank Byrnes, Exelia
Valley, and J. 11. O'Neill; Sentinels. John Kelly and Joseph Flood. The mem-
bership has increased to ninety-nine, and but few changes have been made in the
official roster, which is now: Chief Ranger, James J. Finnegan; Vice Chief
Ranger, 1. P. Doonan ; Deputy High Chief Ranger, J. F. Kelly; Recording Sec-
retary, Robt. Mullally; Financial Secretary. J. II. O'Neill; Treasurer. Thomas
Cavanaugh; Trustees, J. J. Collins, Nicholas Barbaras, and M. F. Ryan; Spiritual
Director, Rev. M. Sheehan.
Immaculate Court No. 439, Women's C. O. F., was chartered in 1900.
Harper's Ferry Camp No. 8274, M. W. A., was chartered June 16, 1900, and
as near as can be ascertained < I. W. Clark was the first venerable consul, and
T. A. Oestern first clerk. The present membership is twenty-six, and the
officers are: Consul, J. J. Rellihan ; Advisor, A. S. Inger; Clerk, P. G. Cota ;
Banker, J. If ' Weill; Escort, C. L. Traversy; Watchman, F. Wachter; Sentry,
Pat Burke.
The principal business establishments of Harper's berry comprise the fol-
lowing: Bank of Harper's Ferry, private bank, President, W. F. Daubenberger ;
Cashier, Thos. Cavanaugh. Frank Byrnes, hotel. W. H. Collins, hardware.
V E. Daman and David Murray, blacksmiths. Gilbertson & Schafer and Spinner
Brothers, implements. T. A. Houlihan and T. W. Melaven. general merchan-
dise. M. D. Kelly, groceries. Meuser Lumber Company, lumber and coal. Rob-
ert Mullally, harness. John Quillin, confectionery. J. J. Roche, meats. W. E.
Wiedner, wholesale fish. The Harper's Ferry farmers Cooperative Creamery
Company was incorporated December 9, 1912, with a capital stock of $8,000.
and the following officers: President, \\ J. Brazell; Vice President, M. F.
Collins; Secretary, J. I'.. Ducharme; Treasurer, Thomas Cavanaugh.
Postmaster, T. V ( (estern.
Members of the school board .11c: President, I'. J. Donahue; Secretary. 1 'at
Burke; Treasurer. Robert Mullally; Directors. John' Do, man. John Markwardt.
Thos. Cavanaugh, and I;. < ;. Bassler.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 293
There was the beginning of a village at Paint Rock at an early day, one Wm.
H. Morrison having opened a store near the bluff of that name in 1850, it is
said, with the inevitable barrel of whiskey. He was later the school fund com-
missioner to select lands in this county to make up its share of the 50x3,000 acres
granted the state for school purposes, additional to the sixteenth section grant.
A postoffice was opened here and Mr. Morrison appointed postmaster. This
point afforded a landing for steamers passing through Harper's slough, and at
one time was ambitious of becoming a town, but its hopes faded away, as did
the buildings before many years. Mr. Morrison went to California, and died
there insane.
The village of Waukon Junction had its origin in comparatively modern times,
the spot being a tangled wilderness prior to the construction of the Waukon
railroad. When the success of this local branch became assured, the C, D. & M.
Railroad put in a station at the junction and it was given the name of Adams,
from the president of the Waukon road, D. W. Adams. When the road was
put into operation, in 1877, a few houses were put up, and not long after a post-
office was established, and the name was changed to Waukon Junction. The
postoffice was for many years in charge of the railroad agent at the station, but
in October, 1893, Postmaster J. A. Lundin, then station agent, was succeeded by
Margaret Hulse. Various changes were later made, and the present postmaster
is Wm. Cahalan. The business places comprise the following: John H. Atall,
blacksmith; R. E. Blackwell, general merchandise and hotel; Wm. Cahalan, hotel
and grocery ; Fanny Gyrion, restaurant ; W. A. Stowell, general merchandise.
Among the early settlers of Taylor township not elsewhere mentioned in this
chapter, the following came in as early as 1851 or before, viz.: Michael Shields,
Aaron Ward, John Garin, John Ryan, Timothy Collins, Horace Vail, John and
Dennis Garvey, John Hennessy, Timothy Howe, and J. P. Jackson.
The township officers of Taylor are now : Clerk, Patrick Burke ; Trustees,
J. H. Hogan, Thomas Kelly, Thos. Kernan ; Assessor, J. W. Ryan; Justices,
Patrick Burke, B. J. Finnegan ; Constable, Edward Calvey.
PIONEER RECOLLECTIONS OF L. 0. LARSON
In A. D. 1850 a number of Norwegian families set out from Rock county,
Wisconsin, where they had resided from one to several years since crossing
the Atlantic, their destination being Iowa. Arriving at Prairie du Chien they
crossed the Mississippi on McGregor & Nelson's tread-power ferry, landing at
North McGregor, and from there proceeded through the densely wooded country
northward, forded Yellow river and Paint creek, bridging gullies along their
route, and finally arrived upon what was then known as "Paint Creek Prairie,"
in this county. Ole Larson (Rotnem) and Ole Knutson (Stakke) stopped in
Taylor township, the former locating on the east half of the northwest quarter and
west half of the northeast quarter of section 17, and the latter on the east half
of the northeast quarter of section 17, 97-3, while the rest of the company pro-
ceeded westward into Paint Creek township, where Ole Storla located on the
northeast quarter of section 1 1 ( which he had visited the year before) ; Syver Void
011 the east half of the northwest quarter and east half of the southwest quarter
of section 13, Thomas Anderson (Gronna) on the northwest quarter of section
294 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
i j. and ( He Christianson section 1. 1)7-4 ; Arne Knutson 1 Stakke) on the northeast
c|iiarter of the southwest quarter and northwest quarter of the southeast quarter
of section 31, 98-3, in Lafayette. Prior to 1850 \Y. C. Thompson had located
on the southwest quarter of section 29, 98-3 ; and Van Sickle. Wilson, and
Williver (Captain X. Williver's father) had located on the bottom land on Big
Paint creek in sections 30 and 31. LaTronche, Martell, Klett, and others had also
settled mi the prairie near the present city of Harper's Ferry prior to 1850. Nels
Bottolson and Aslag Melen also came in 1850; the latter was here when liottolson
came in the fall of 1850 in company with Ole Storla, who had gone back to Wis-
consin for a helpmeet. Mr. Melen had located on the northeast quarter of section
7. 07-3. and disposed of the east half of same to Bottolson. It was assumed by
the knowing ones that Mr. Melen considered a helpmeet in the person of Mr.
Bottolson's sister as a more valuable possession than the eighty; however, after
the land deal was consummated the expected consideration failed to materialize.
This is simply an illustration of the informal methods of buying and selling real '
and personal property in pioneer times. In the years succeeding a large number
of Norwegian and Irish nationalities settled in Taylor, Paint Creek and Lafayette,
among whom were : Koykendall, Hewitt, — . Sigurson, Jacob Oestern, Gullick
Oestern, Ole Hunstad, Tov Olson Tveton. Kittel Olson Tveton, and Ole Olson
Tveton, Helge Olson (Boen), Anton Larson (Sjellebek), Endre Endreson (Ash-
braaten), Ole Halvorson ( Sauherring), Nels — . (Nummedal), Jacob Norvold,
James Banks. Thomas Roche, Thomas Sullivan, Owen Sullivan, Jas. Melaven,
las. Corrigan, Michael Clark, — . Evans ( Chas. Evans' father), John Brazell,
John Olson (SagaL Olaus (W. O. ) Erikson, Jas. Barry, Timothy Collins, Pat
and Mike Ryan (brothers, the former serving as assessor for eighteen years),
Pat and Mike Bulger, Jas. Fagan, Daniel Johnson.
The first postoffice in this region was Paint Rock, so named evidently from
the large red painted inscription appearing high up on the perpendicular wall of
a precipice. The first postmaster was W. H. Morrison, and the second Otto
Longerfield. This was a steamboat landing, and the postmaster conducted a
small frontier store ; but to obtain a larger and more varied supply, although
the variety was limited in those days to the actual necessities, one must go to
Prairie du Chien, in the summer time by rowing skiffs and in the winter by driv-
ing oxen on the ice. When the ice was unsafe they would go on foot, and draw
a hand-sled with two or more bushels of hickory nuts to barter for the most
urgent need-.
For early habitations, the most rude, quaint, and primitive shelters were hastily
constructed upon arriving and selecting a location, as the wagon which had served
the purpose of parlor, kitchen, and dormitory combined, on the way, must hence-
forth become a mere farm wagon, except when needed for church going. A
quaint vehicle known by the Scandinavians as a "kubberulle," the wheels being
sawed from large logs, was also used for conveyance by those in more indigent
circumstances, for church going as well as farm use. The usual shelter was com-
posed of crutches set in the ground, with poles laid in the bifurcated top ends,
and on these poles long sections of elm bark were laid, with weights to hold them
Hat to shed the rain. Bushes were set around the sides, and door and windows
were considered a superfluity. In a shanty of this type the Ole Larson and Ole
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 295
Knutson families dwelt for a while, and under the large boxes set on poles laid
on the ground a large rattlesnake had ensconced itself for many days. Children
as well as adults passed in the aisle between the boxes day and night, but under
the surveillance of a kind providence not one of us was harmed. A wound from
the serpent would have been fatal, as there was no doctor near, and no whiskey,
that "adjunct of civilization" being absolutely prohibited in the Ole Larson family,
as well as the filthy weed.
One man, a bachelor, Asle Knutson (Stakke), felled a large hollow basswood
tree, cut off a section about sixteen feet in length, and in one end stuffed an
armful of hay, then pushed his belongings in at the other end and himself next,
drawing an armful of hay into the aperture after him. A knot hole in the side
of the log served for ventilation, and being on the east side also served as a time-
piece by admitting the daylight. Others dug caves into banks and roofed with
poles, and turf over all. These made warm and cozy quarters for families con-
sisting of several members, as it was prior to the crinoline and head-basket epoch.
Log houses were later built for more permanency, roofed with birch bark and
then turfed. For floor, split logs with the flat side up were used, and boards for
doors were sawed from logs rolled onto high benches and sawed with a pit saw,
one man standing on the log and the other underneath it. Fences were made of
rails, six to eight rails high, with stake and rider, called a worm or "Virginia"
fence. For splitting rails men were paid forty to fifty cents per day, sometimes
without board, and rails sold for $10 per M.
Blue joint grass was cut for forage with scythes, and the women raked, the
swaths into mows and helped stack it. Corn was planted in the upturned sod by
cutting a slit in it with an axe ; and small grain was sown by hand and harvested
with a grain cradle by the men, and as a rule the women followed with a rake
and bound it into sheaves, and not infrequently did they also have a cradle, in the
shade of a shock, with a roseate cherub in it slumbering sweetly in its swaddling
cloth.
The first grain threshing was done with a flail, which the sinewy mountaineers
handled with a dexterity equaling that of the native Australian in hurling the
boomerang. Horses and oxen were also used to trample the grain out, when the
sheaves were laid in a circle on the frozen ground. The first reaper, a J. H.
Manny, was bought by Ole Larson in the early fifties and cut grain for many
neighbors as well as his own. The first machine threshing, by dilapidated outfits,
was done about 1852-3 by the Void brothers, Ole and John, and 1853-4 by Henry
McCoy. About 1854-5 Ole Larson bought the first new machine, a J. I. Case,
Racine, Wisconsin, which was known as an apron machine, a Pitts model, four-
horsepower with jack and belt. The cylinder bars are of wood (it is in evidence
here yet) with barbed teeth driven in, and the concaves are of the same material.
No stacker, but a short picker. In coming the outfit was frozen in on the boat
at Turkey river, and had to be hauled here on sleighs after Christmas, when
threshing operations commenced, as people must have grain of which to make the
staff of life. The writer was the driver on the horsepower, and though a boy,
is presumed to remember the time.
The Riley Ellis corn cracker at Waterville was the first mill to convert the
maize into meal for making mush and corn bread, or to use the terms of the
Vol. 1— 1 5
296
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
southern darkies, "Johnnie Constant," as there was no wheat from which to make
Hour bread, or "Billy Seldom." I believe that the mill of Rev. Valentine (Hon.
E. II. Fourt's grandfather) was the earliest in this section to convert wheat into
bolted flour on Village creek. In the earliest '50s a sawmill was put into opera-
tion on the site of the later Beumer & Haas flour and sawmill, and a half mile
east of this was a shingle mill, owned by one Wilson, that shaved the shingles
off steamed blocks of hard wood by a large revolving blade, with water power.
The sawmill a short distance below the Lawrence Kelly place, on Big Paint, 1
think was called the Dye & Williver mill. Coming up from the Bulger valley
recently I was reminded how my brother and I carried maple sap home from this
valley in the spring of 1851, to use instead of milk with corn meal mush, as cows
were few and the late cut prairie grass, blue joint, contained but little nourish-
ment for them. If the mill was overcrowded, or for other reason the grist was
late in coming, the coffee mill was pressed into service to grind the indispensable
corn meal for mush or bread ; but the modern complaints of dyspepsia, constipa-
tion and appendicitis were unknown in those days.
Virginia deer were very numerous in the '50s and '60s and even into the '70s,
though in the winter of 1856-7, the noted "crust winter," these noble denizens of
the forest were ruthlessly slaughtered, it being merely a mania for killing, as the
animals were extremely lean from starvation. Deremo in Fairview, and Dye and
Williver (our Captain Williver) with John Ingmundson (later Captain Ingmund-
son > were noted sportsmen by the "still hunt" in Taylor. Rail splitting, how-
ever, monopolized the time of the average pioneer, hence he feasted but little on
venison. Wolves, foxes, wildcats and skunks were not lacking in numbers, and
strychnine was the only mode of exterminating them. There was no bounty,
nor price on furs then, as now in 191 3. The prairie hen, quail and pheasant,
the former two gregarious and easily trapped, and all easily shot, formed a valu-
able by-dependence in the meat line in those days. Every stream was abundantly
stocked with speckled trout and other varieties of the finny tribe, affording
splendid diversion for Young America with hook and line, besides replenishing
the oft depleted larder. The biggest •"ordnance" in the locality for a time was a
flint-lock rifle owned by Ole Larson that was said to have executed vast havoc
among the bruins of the Scandinavian jungles. It was transformed into a per-
cussion cap lock, and is still in possession of the family. Aslag Espeset was one
of the great hunters in the Waterville section, shooting five deer in one day with
an old muzzle loader, standing behind a large rock loading. Capt. John Ingmund-
son. the hunter above referred to. went to Wisconsin, and entering the army, fell
in the battle of Stone River, December 30, 1862. This is mentioned in "The
Northmen in America."
(.Mr. L. O. Larson must have practiced faithfully with that old "flint-lock"
during his boyhood, as he has later acquired the title of "the mighty hunter of
Taylor.") — EDITOR.
Mr. Hicks, from near Hardin, was our first surveyor, and .Mr. Sutter, of
same locality, the first assessor in this locality, and possibly his beat included
the entire county then.
I must not omit to mention the prairie fires that came as regularly as did the
frozen grass in late autumn, and only for the fire breaks, a burned strip around the
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 297
hay stacks and field fences, not a stack or a fence would have been left in its
wake.
The first schoolhouse was built in 1854-5 in the district now called the Climax,
but then included the Excelsior and St. Joseph also. Miss Harriet Phipps, now
Mrs. E. Tisdale, taught the first school, commencing in May, 1855. She was then
but fourteen years of age, and her salary was $15 per month, minus board, but
she says it was then equivalent to $100 now. Ole Larson was the school director
that employed her.
Before there was spiritual food to be obtained, there being no ordained clergy-
men during the first few years here, Ole Larson, who had served in the capacity,
or, perhaps better, function, of "klokker" precentor (leader of psalmody) during
divine services in the parish whence he came in Norway, as well as parochial
school teacher, gathered the youthful element together here on Sundays, read the
"text," and all joined in singing a few hymns, thus maintaining the religious spirit
of the land of their birth. He also for a number of years here acted as "klokker"
at religious services held in private dwellings and in the summer time in barns,
mainly in Thomas Anderson's house and Arne Barskrind's barn, the latter in
section 3, Paint Creek. Martin Ulvestad's "Northmen in America" says the
Paint Creek congregation, the first Norwegian Lutheran congregation in the
county, was organized by V. Koren, pastor, in 1854, and its first church was built
in '56 near Dalby. It is now the Old East Paint Creek church, the dissenters
Jaking the name, while the congregation retained the church property.
Probably the first suit at law in Taylor was that of Ole Larson vs. Asle
Knutson (Stakke), about 1852, the latter making an attempt to "jump" a part of
the former's land. Court was held at Columbus, by Judge Wilson, I think, and the
case was decided in favor of Mr. Larson. The first case of homicide, and I believe
the only case in this section, was that of the aged father of Thomas and Miles
Roche, who was killed by two strangers on the farm now owned by Mrs. Barney
McCormick, on the east line of Paint creek. The Evans family lived there at the
time, but Charles chanced to be away from home.
When J. W. Remine, the first lawyer here, came as an emissary of Asle
Knutson to talk with father about the above mentioned land case, none could
understand English, but that he said "you wrong" and that was guessed at. So
father sent me along with Surveyor Hicks to Hardin (Collins' tavern then), where
I attended school in a log schoolhouse on the government road from McGregor
west, and stayed with Mrs. Hicks and her sister, Miss Baker. While Mr. H. was
away the women sent me home to pick hickory nuts for them, and 1 became lost,
sleeping out one night in the tall blue joint grass on Yellow river, in November,
in a section where bears were said to prowl in those days. I wandered until the
Sencebaugh men working on a road sent me to their home with one of the girls
who had brought their dinner, and the next morning Mrs. Reuben Sencebaugh
took me on a horse, behind the saddle, to Waterville, and from there I was
acquainted with the way. In 1849, the year before locating here, Ole Larson,
Ole Storla, Erik Espeseth and Ole Grimsgaard had visted this region and fol-
lowed an Indian trail up the Paint Creek valley to the "Big Spring" at what is
now Waukon, where they ate their lunch and retraced their steps, as they thought
that locality too far from navigation — or future market place.
298 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
PAINT ROCK
This bold and rocky bluff, with its high precipice facing the Mississippi river
like an immense natural bulletin-board, which it practically was in the old days,
is situated near the lower corner of Taylor township, and was an ancient land-
mark when it was first mentioned by any writer. When and by whom among
the white explorers of this region it was first so-called is shrouded in mystery.
It gave its name to the creek which rises at W'aukon and empties into the river a
mile below long before there is any known record, and which appears on the
ver) earliest and rudest maps of the region as Paint creek or Paint Rock
creek. Near here was the slaughter of an entire French half-breed family by
the Indians in 1827, as narrated in an early chapter of this volume. At the
time the county was first settled there was on this cliff the painted figures of ani-
mals, with the word "Tiger," and some symbols of undoubted Indian origin.
The appearance of the word quoted indicates that the white man had a hand in
decorating this rock, and it is natural to suppose that at the time of the estab-
lishment of the Neutral Ground in 1830, as narrated in a previous chapter, this
may have been done to mark the southern boundary thereof so plainly that it
would be a warning to the roaming natives. But it was evidently an accident
that the painted rock should coincide with the southern line of the Neutral Ground
at its river terminus, being approximately twenty miles in a direct line from the
mouth of the Upper Iowa, at Brookings Bluff. Judge Murdock said the painting
was there in 1843 and looked ancient at that time.
There has been no end of speculation as to the origin and purpose of these
inscriptions, and much has been written about them. But that it was originally
the work of Indians, and probably the Sioux, is fairly well established. It may
have been first decorated many generations ago, and the inscriptions renewed
from time to time as they began to fade. Captain Carver does not mention it
in 1 7' >3. nor Lieutenant Pike in 1805. The very first allusion to it we have been
able t" find was by .Major Long in 1817. There were other similar paintings
spoken of by various writers among the explorers, among the more prominent being
ihai on the east side of the Mississippi in Illinois, which Father Marquette
describes in his journal of 1673. S. W. Kearney in 1820 speaks of a painted rock
on the east side of the Mississippi about nine miles below Fort Snelling. And on
an ancient map of Minnesota there is shown a "Paint Rock Creek" on the west
side of the river, in that state. Schoolcraft also mentions a Paint Rock on the
upper Mississippi, hut does not locate it definitely. And there were also some
rocks with like designation on the Des Moines river, in the central part of Iowa.
(Salter, p. 250.) In 1823 Beltrami, in speaking of our Paint Rock, says the
"savage- pay their adorations to this rock, which they annually paint."
In his personal narrative of the "Early Times and Events in Wisconsin,"
Hon. James H. Lockwood, an early settler at Prairie du Chien, writing in 1855,
says, in speaking of the Sioux Indian medicine men and their sacrifices to the
Great Spirit: "On the prairies are often found isolated granite rocks, which,
from their isolated and scattered appearance, are considered holy, and every
Indian who passes them either paints them with vermilion or leaves a piece of
tobacco as a tribute. Hence the great number of places in this country where
the Sioux were accustomed to pass that bear the name of Painted Rock."
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 301
In the case of this Paint Rock under discussion, it was not so readily acces-
sible as to admit of every passing Indian making a contribution; but a camping
party with leisure, of either natives or whites, could with little difficulty gain a
position on a narrow ledge where these figures appeared. Mr. Ellison Orr, of
Waukon, who is an authority on Indian mounds and relics, visited the spot about
191 1 for the purpose of a close inspection of these once prominent figures, and
we are permitted to copy his notes, as follows :
"About one-half mile above Waukon Junction at the mouth of Paint creek,
on the northwest of northeast of section 3-97-3, a wide and deep dry ravine, after
running almost parallel to the canyon of the Mississippi river for over a mile,
opens into it.
"On the river side of the point of the bluff separating the two valleys is the
'Paint Rock.'
"Most of the river face of the bluffs along here is almost sheer vertical walls
of rock, sometimes over two hundred feet in height. At the foot of the precipices
is another hundred feet of talus of earth and rock debric sloping down to the
river bank.
"At the point of bluff where the small lateral valley meets the larger one, at
a height of 30 to 40 feet above the foot of the precipice, a narrow shelf runs
along the face of it for a distance of several rods. Just above this shelf the cal-
careous sandrock is smeared and stained with patches of mineral red, all that is
left of pictographs of animals or other objects that gave the place its name.
The rock has weathered away so much that the figures with two exceptions can
not now be made out.
"The two which remain represent the heads of an animal with horns, prob-
ably a buffalo, or perhaps they may represent some Indian deity.
"At the bottom of the' cliff, under these figures, some twenty feet in height
of the rock base just at the point is Jordan sandstone, and for ten feet up from
the point where the slope of loose rock and earth begins are hundreds of verti-
cal, or nearly vertical, slashes or marks such as might be made by rubbing the
edge of a celt or stone ax up and down on the sandrock till a V-shaped groove
or crease was made, 6, 8, or 10 inches long and from a half to an inch deep, many
of which are all but obliterated.
"Among these are remnants of figures also cut in the rock. The grooves
forming these figures differ from those of the vertical slashes in being half
round.
"As usual there are also a few initials and names certainly made by the
whites."
Accompanying this is a photograph of the Paint Rock Bluff point looking
northwest from the water's edge of Harper's Channel, which is reproduced here
by kindness of Mr. Orr.
UNION CITY TOWNSHIP
At the March term, 1852, of the county court, a commission was issued to
Ensign Chilson to organize the township of Union City by an election to be
called for April 1st. The township as organized comprised all of the present
townships of Iowa, Waterloo, Hanover, and French Creek, besides Union City;
302 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
but no record has been found of the election of officers. The name was that given
to the settlement in embryo on the north side of the Iowa above the mouth of
French creek, hut no plat of the village so called was ever put upon record.
In [856 Air. E. T. Albert and family came from Wellsville, Ohio, and in
\pril. [858, Benj. Ratcliffe. a brother-in-law. from Wheeling, Virginia ; and they
settled on adjoining farms on the [owa river, in this township, where the town
of Union City was to be located, at the river crossing called Chilson's Ford, on
the line between sections 34 and 35. This was so called from Mr. Chilson, a
blacksmith who made his claim here, but sold it to one Davidson, and he to
E. T. Albert. The latter built a large stone house known as "Alberta House,"
to be used as a wayside hotel, this being the main thoroughfare from Lansing
to points many miles north in Minnesota, and was called the "Main Minnesota
Road." Mr. Albert sold out to a brother-in-law, John Gilchrist, in 1864, and
he to his son J. J. in r886, who sold to the present owner, Joseph Hartley, in
1892.
The first bridge across the Upper Iowa was built at this ford in 1859, paid
for mostly by private subscriptions of the enterprising business men of Lansing,
which was the point chiefly interested in the trade to come from this part of the
county, and beyond. In [86] and '62 the proceedings of the Board of Supervisors
show appropriations from time to time for repairs on this bridge. And in 1863
a petition of S. Y. Shaw and others shows that "in 1859 the sum of $1,175 was
expended in erecting a bridge across the Iowa River near Bellows' at what is
called Chilson's Ford on the county road; that it was built by private subscrip-
tion, hut there was $330 pledges uncollectible." The petitioners asked the board
to make up this deficiency, which they did. This bridge was later taken out by
floods or ice gorges, and a ferry was then established by Porter Bellows of
French Creek until a bridge was built in (866 or '07, which was replaced by the
iron bridge known since as the Ratcliffe bridge, put in some eight or ten years
later.
The high bluff which stands out boldly one half mile north of the river cross-
ing, between Alberta Mouse and their own home. Mrs. Ratcliffe named "Mt.
Hope," and their farm "Mt. I lope Farm," and known as such to this day. One
Dr. Rogers was located on this land in 1855, succeeded by A. II. Pickering.
who sold the land to B. Ratcliffe in 1857. The first schoolhouse was built on
the north line of this farm, and later one in front of Mount Hope. The church,
manse, and cemetery are also on the same farm. Mrs. E. T. Albert taught the
first school in this (Clear Creek) district, and in the township, in the winter of
1858-59, in one room of their house, to accommodate their own large family, the
Sheckletons, Merrits, and some from outside territory. A sabbath school was
held in this house until the schoolhouse was built — Robert Wampler was one of
the pupils. The schoolhouse was built in the summer of 1859. in which John
D I ole, a resident of the district, taught the next winter. He removed to Lan-
sing in 1810. was a gallant soldier during the war. returning to and residing in
Lansing „nlli near t|K. ciose 0f n;s ]on„. an(j usefu] ]jfe
Marshall Merritl was the first postmaster at Clear Creek, from its establish-
ment m 1851. until he sold out to Ed. Waters and removed to Minnesota in
[860, when Benj, Ratcliffe was commissioned, holding the office for twenty-five
years, when he resigned and the office was discontinued, mail going to French
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 303
Creek and Dorchester. Mr. Ratcliffe was elected to the House of Representa-
tives, in the 17th General Assembly of Iowa, sitting in 1878. He continued to
reside upon this farm until his death, January 1, 1900, aged 86 years. A grand-
son, Benj. Hartley, now owns the farm.
Two miles north of this point, in Clear Creek valley, were the families of
LuskSj Dennisons, and Wamplers, coming from Pennsylvania in 1854 or '55,
who after a number of years sold out to Germans and went west. Near them
was Patrick Fitzgerald, with five sons, who opened up and settled on small farms,
but who in the sixties sold out and went a few counties south and west, where
they have all prospered. Just south of the river were early settlers, Brooks,
Kibbys, and Donovans.
Three or four miles west up the river a number of English families settled
on a piece of bench or table land, still known as the "English Bench." These
were the Bulmans, Saddlers, and Hartleys; also Reburns, P. McGuire, and Dr.
S. D. Allen who practiced medicine. Some of the first two named are still there,
but the rest have given place to others. The Elephant is a lone bluff fronting
a bend in the Oneota and sloping back to the English Bench. Not so high as
some others, it suggests the animal in a reclining posture.
The Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church was organized in August 1858, at the
house of E. T. Albert, by Rev. Joseph Adams of Frankville and Rev. Chas. Fitch,
Presbyterian ministers. Rev. A. H. Houghton, Congregational, of Lansing, being
present. Ten members were enrolled, and E. T. Albert and Benj. Ratcliffe
elected elders. Rev. James Frothingham of Caledonia Presbyterian Church, and
ministers from Frankville, came at stated times ; but Dr. A. H. Houghton also
served this congregation, holding services also in other schoolhouses in Union
City, French Creek and Iowa townships for some years, and was a faithful and
self-sacrificing man. The Mt. Hope church was built in the summer of 1870,
and cemetery laid out adjoining. A manse was built a few years later, all on
land given by Benj. Ratcliffe, and a resident pastor has been supported for many
years.
Mrs. Bellows, to whom we are indebted for the greater part of the foregoing
reminiscences of Union City and French Creek "townships, also contributes the
following item of history: On September 1, 1862, the dwellers in the valley in
Union City were astonished to see many teams coming down the Minnesota road
from the north, each loaded with household goods and the family. Inquiries
brought out the fact that they were fleeing from a reported Indian uprising far-
ther north, and they continued on their way to Lansing, objects of wonder all
along the route until they told their story. Neighbors thought the Alberta House
as good as a fort, though the many windows would have been of good service
to the invaders as well as to the defenders. Others whose fathers and brothers
were doing scout duty spent the night at Mt. Hope farm. The next day a pro-
cession of teams went north again, assured from reports received at Lansing that
the New Ulm massacre did not reach far south of that point. Sept. 1st is still
referred to as the date of the "Indian Scare."
The first 4th of July celebration was called a Sabbath School celebration and
held on Mt. Hope farm in 1858, attended by all from far and near. The program
included a poem entitled "Liberty" by a twelve year old girl, identity known only
to the reader and writer, and an address by Rev. Dr. A. H. Houghton. Martial
304 I 'AST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
music was a feature of the occasion, as we had a fifer from New York and a
duummer from Pennsylvania, the latter resplendent in a costume worn when he
played on training day "back home," consisting of a green coat, white trousers,
and a tall «black hat surmounted by a red feather. For twenty years perhaps
these S. S. celebrations were regularly held, in different localities, and such men
as S. II. Kinne, L. E. Fellows, and Chas. Paulk, and others of ability, thought it
a pleasure to address the assembled people.
In the northern part of the township, G. W. Carver was among the earliest
arrivals, moving onto what is called Portland Prairie in May, 1852, and securing
a large claim. Shortly after a land commissioner made a selection of three quar-
ter sections adjoining his claim, for Iowa school lands, and Mr. Carver contracted
for this also, under the state laws, and continued to hold the same until it
reverted to the government, as the commissioner had selected too much land,
and that among the last selected was the first to be withdrawn. Mr. Carver had
some difficulty in attempting to hold this land against other claimants, and the
matter went into the courts, those pioneer lawyers, John T. Clark and G. W. Camp
being the opposing counsel. The case reached the United States courts, where
it remained for ten or fifteen years, until finally with the assistance of Henry
Dayton, our member of the Iowa House in 1872, a special act of the legislature
was secured reimbursing Mr. Carver for the loss of the land. During the first
winter, Mr. Carver said he went to Riley Ellis' mill on Paint Creek to get some
corn ground, but found it laid up for repairs. He then went on to Yellow river,
where he bought more corn, getting a few bushels each from settlers who could
spare it, which he got ground there and started for home. The journey occupied
two weeks, and his family near starving. Deer were very plentiful at this time ;
and straying Winnebagoes numerous. In his later years Mr. Carver resided in
Lansing, where he had started the first lumberyard before locating on his
farm, and where he died February 20, 1897.
Samuel Evans, settled near Carver's, and a large family from Maine, consist-
ing of Josiah Everett, five sons and two sons-in-law, Chas. Harvey and W. Pease,
and other relatives, giving the settlement the name of Portland Prairie. In the
early seventies all of these removed to Nebraska, where several of them became
prominent in state and county affairs, builders of railroads, bankers, and pros-
pered generally. In addition to the early settlers mentioned above, the records
show the following names among those who took government land in Union City
township prior to 1855. Jackson G. Coil, Bernard H. Deters, Jeremiah Shum-
way, Patrick Hays, and John G. Gerling.
The following additional items are culled from "Old Times on Portland
Prairie," by 1 1. \ . Arnold, in 101 1.
About the year 1855 William Hartley, a native of England, came from
Indiana to the Iowa river, where he kept a tavern on the Lansing road.
I he winter of 1865-6 was marked in its latter half by a great depth of snow.
The 31st of March was a moderate day, with a south wind, and that night a
terrific thunder storm ensued, with a heavy down-pour of rain. All of the ravines
became rushing torrents and many bridges were swept away, including the Iowa
river bridge on the road to Lansing. (This fixes the date of the taking out of
the Chilson's Ford bridge, rebuilt during the ensuing year.)
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 305
The people of Portland Prairie were accustomed to have a big picnic celebra-
tion annually on the Fourth of July, and that year they held it at this crossing of
the Oneota. In those times scarcely anyone in the whole neighborhood possessed
such a thing as a buggy or other light rig. Family parties or other-groups had
to travel to such gatherings in common farm wagons, if too far to go on foot.
Many teams of the prairie people journeyed down to the river, the day being
favorable. The bridge there, swept away the previous spring, had not yet been
rebuilt, but teams easily crossed at a gravelly ford just above where it had stood.
A flat-boat had been used for a ferry when the water was higher than in its
summer stage. The picnic was held in a grove close to the river and a little
above the bridge piers. Quite a large assemblage of people were present, some
of them presumably from that neighborhood.
In regard to the bridge at thiri point Capt. Bascom of Lansing writes: "In
1856 or '57 I built a ferry boat for Porter Bellows which was used until a bridge
was built at Chilson's Ford as it was then called. The first bridge here was built
by a man named Curts, I think, in 1859. This was taken out by the ice. I built
a bridge here for the county in 1866 or 1867, 160 feet long."
The St. John's Lutheran church of Union City was incorporated September
30, 1884, as the "Evangelical St. John's Community," with the following named
trustees : Henry Bisping, Gustav Pottratz, Henry Welper, John Schulze, and
Henry Kruse. At present, this church is served we believe by Rev. F. C. Klein
as pastor.
The population of Union City township was 138 in 1856, and 613 in 1910.
Township officers in 1913 are: Clerk, Henry Bisping; Trustees, John A.
Schultz, E. J. Sadler, G. W. Weimerslage ; Assessor, Henry H. Rober; Justices,
Ben Hartley and John E. Martin ; Constable, Wm. Sadler.
UNION PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP
Union Prairie was early organized, the election for that purpose being held
April 1, 1852, under a commission issued to Geo. Merrill, who had taken a claim
on the north side of section 23. Many of the earlier settlers in this township were
truly pioneers, such as the Eells brothers, Gilletts, James Reid, Bush, Merrill,
Harris, Horton, Conner, Raymond, Isted, and others, and special mention of them
is made in the recollections of G. M. Dean and D. B. Raymond, in a previous
chapter. Mr. Dean fails however, to mention his own coming to this township
in 1853, when he bought a farm on section 23. But he later became identified
with the town of Waukon. John Wallace came in 1853 but later settled in Lud-
low. Christopher McNutt took land in sections 10 and 15 in 1850: and Wm. M.
Dibble in section 13. The following took government land in 1851 : Thomas
Downs in section 12; John Magner and Wm. Rea in 18; John, Thos. and Denis
Haley in 24, 28, and 33; Benj. Woodward in 35, and John Miller in 36. Others
shortly after were: Pat, John and Dan Curtin in section 7; James Griffin, section
7; Wm. Jones, section 12; Michael Donovan and John O'Brien, section 18; Pat-
rick Connolly, section 3 ; Cornelius Toohey and James McNamara, section 5 ;
Thomas Stack, section 8 ; Conrad Helming, section 33 ; and a little later Jacob
Plank, J. F. Pitt, Richard Ryan, Simon Ludeking, Nathaniel Pierce, Henry R.
Pierce, John Goodykoontz. It is a curious coincidence that the two last named
306 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
and D. Jaquis in Ludlow, all prominent citizens and members of the Waukon
M. P. church, died within the one year, 1X75. Mr. Pitt before going onto his
farm first built a house on a lot east of where the Episcopal church later stood,
in Waukon. not far from Father Shattuck's cabin; and since retiring from the
farm lie has bought and still lives in the Duffy house, one block south of his
original home of nearly sixty years ago.
In his reminiscences of the early days Air. D. B. Raymond wrote the follow-
ing, in 1882, shortly after the death of James Reid, and it seems to be appropriate
here. Mr. Reid was born in Pennsylvania, and in 1851 came to Union Prairie
and settled on the place where he died February 10, 1882.
"Uncle Jimmy, as he was called when the writer knew him nearlv thirty vears
ago, was truly a remarkable man in his way, plain and honest to a fault. At first
acquaintance his manners seemed uncouth, but a warm heart was his. unless some
gross injustice aroused him and when insulted or attacked he was a tiger, and
woe to the man who risked the force of his great brawny arms and fist, which
was like a maul. He was a great hunter and his persistent pursuit of game was
nearly always crowned with success. He was a remarkable marksman and
always had great pride in his rifle. During the winter of 1852 and 1853 he
killed nearly seventy deer (I speak from memory 1. The writer on many occa
sions accompanied him in hunting expeditions; being then young I was no match
for the old hunter, and generally was outwinded by him. The last exploit I
remember in this line was a raid on the Yellow river; one Peter Gilson had
improvised a grist mill near where a little village was afterward started and
named Cleveland. On this hunting trip uncle Jimmy displayed more than usual
vigor; the second day I was shelved from fatigue and the old man proposed
seeking shelter at Gilson's for the night, some five or six miles up the river from
where we were at sunset. The day was very cold and the sunset denoted a
biting cold night. While deliberating, two deer appeared on the bluff opposite,
the old hunter raised his rifle and fired and a fine doe made the snow her wind-
ing sheet. It being across the river I suggested we leave it until morning and
we started for the mill. At nearly dark when half way over there, I gave out
and the old man relieved me of my gun and other traps; his step was strong and
sure; I staggered after him and we finally reached the mill. A supper of bis-
cuit and coffee refreshed us. but our bed was cold sacks of grain and the rush
of water through the flume beneath was the music that kept us company while
attempting to sleep. In the morning the old man told of the great distance he
killed tin- .leer, to other parties, who doubted the story; uncle Jimmy's wounded
honor caused a careful calculation, and the distance proved fully seventy rods,
being ten more than he claimed."
I he Union Prairie postoffice was established in 1852, in the northwest
corner -1 section 20. with Edward Pells as postmaster. At his death in 1859
it was removed a half mile further west, to the stone house of Loren Eells.
where it remained until discontinued, about [868.
1:1 t893 :i postoffice called Connor was established in the southeast corner
01 section 7. near the West Ridge church, at the house of Jeremiah Ryan,
postmaster. Here it remained until put out of commission by the free rural
delivery.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 307
St. John the Baptist Catholic church, of West Ridge, is an old organization,
but we have no data of its history. With the other Catholic churches of the
county it was formally incorporated in November, 191 1, under the charge of
the present pastor, Rev. F. McCullough, the laymen directors at that time being
Francis Drew and David O'Brien.
A mile or more southeast of this church, in the west part of section 17, a
sawmill was in operation in 1859, on Coon creek.
And on the southwest part of section 9, a little country store had been estab-
lished by O. E. Hale, which he conducted for a number of years and it was
widely known as "'Hale's Store," becoming a sort of landmark for travelers in
this region of bluffs and crooked roads.
The south and east part of the township settled up early, so that the popu-
lation of Union Prairie in 1854 was 308. In 19 10 it was 775. Township
officers are: Clerk, J. T. Baxter; Trustees, Andrew Onsager, J. E. McGeough,
Thos. Farley ; Assessor, Owen Piggott.
WATERLOO TOWNSHIP
The northwest township in the county contains a smaller area than any other
except Fairview, comprising but thirty full sections and a narrow strip only
of the north six sections, south of the Minnesota state line. It was organized
from Union City township by an order of the county court, March 3, 1856.
and by an enumeration in that year contained a population of but 157. Like
most of the others there is no record of the early township officers elected.
The earliest settlement seems to have been made in the northeast corner,
in 185 1, by Airs. las. Robinson and her four sons, on Portland Prairie. John
Coil also located near them. Edmund and Harvey Bell took government land
where Dorchester now stands, in June. 1853. And not long after a village
sprang up here called
Dorchester — In 1855 or '56 a log gristmill was built here by the Bells,
which became quite a convenience to the dwellers on Portland Prairie who had
heretofore been obliged to go to Bellows' mills or to Lansing. Some time later
this mill was replaced with a large frame building with facilities for making
flour. The miller here at one time was one McMillan, an excellent miller, who
later operated a mill on Winnebago creek over in Minnesota for some time,
and then ran the Bellows mill in French creek, which became popularly known
as McMillan's mill. A store, blacksmith shop, and wagon shop were soon in
order, and a sawmill was built on Waterloo creek above the village, and owners
of timber lots began' to haul in logs to supply themselves and others with
lumber.
The Dorchester postoffice was established in 1856, and a mail route opened
up from Brownsville, Minnesota. Dr. T. C. Smith, who came in that year, was
the first postmaster, and retained the position for many years. J. M. Tartt went
into business with Smith in 1858, and the firm name of Smith & Tartt was a
household word throughout this section for a long time. Mr. Smith eventually
removed to Yillard, Minnesota, where he died December 30, 1905.
In 1870 the business of Dorchester comprised the Langenbach flouring mill
(the "Waterloo Mills" run by C. J. Langenbach for many years), four black-
308 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
smith shops, two wagon shops, Smith & Tartt's store, a boot and shoe shop, and
S. H. Haines, produce. Dr. R. C. Ambler was their physician. In 1873 the
village plat was laid out by the proprietors, S. H. and Elsie T. Haines, and
placed on record. We have no data at hand in regard to the early schoolhouse
here, but a substantial brick schoolhouse was built in 1878. In 1877 besides
the flouring mill there were two stores, two blacksmith shops, hotel, shoe shop,
tailor shop. There were then two churches, as now, German Methodist and
Catholic. Also a flourishing temperance society with thirty members, and a
lyceum meeting every Saturday evening.
In 1913 the town supports two stores, two blacksmith shops, wagon shop,
hotel and restaurant, millinery shop, garage, farm implement house, meat market,
and last but not least, a bank. The present postmaster is L. Coppersmith, who
was holding that position as far back as 1892 or longer, and rural routes supply
Ouandahl, and Bee, Minnesota. A creamery was in operation for many years
until recently. The flouring mill is now owned we believe by C. J. & Herman
Schwartzhoff.
The Dorchester Savings Bank was incorporated February 7, 1912, and began
business in July following, having erected a substantial two story frame build-
ing, equipped with modern safety devices for protection of depositors. The
capital stock is Sio.ooo; and the April, 1913 statement, shows deposits of $37,-
950.68; and total assets of $48,136.41. Its officers are: President, Wm. Kumpf ;
Vice President, Wm. SchwarzhofF; Cashier, J. H. Larkin; Directors, the fore-
going officers with L. H. Gaarder, Jas. T. Bulman, A. T. Nierling, and O. J.
Hager.
Dorchester Camp, No. 4585, M. W. A., was chartered March 19, 1897, the
first officers being, Consul, E. J. Goble ; Clerk, T. A. Danaher. The camp now
numbers seventy-two members, and the present Consul is Levi Sires, and Clerk,
Jacob Kumpf.
St. Mary's Catholic church of Dorchester was one of the early churches in
that part of the county. Rev. F. McCullough was pastor in 1892. In 191 1 it
became incorporated, Archbishop James J. Keane being ex-officio president as
in all such corporations; the pastor, Rev. T. G. Brady, ex-officio vice president,
and Win. Schwarzhoff and Wm. Duffy laymen directors. Father John Sheehy
is the pastor now in charge. This congregation is now preparing for the erec-
tion of a fine new house of worship.
St. John's M. E. church in Dorchester was incorporated August 30, 1882,
with the following named board of trustees, viz. : C. J. Langenbach. Fred Luehr,
Henri Wenig, Henry Steinbach, and George Wenig. Its present pastor is Rev
A. C. Panzlan, who officiates also at the church on May's Prairie.
The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Waterloo Ridge.
became an incorporated body March _>(», [869, the trustees being Hans Johnson
Gaare, John Svenson, and Peter Martinson; and other incorporators were Anders
Larson and Ole Clauson. Their present pastor is Rev. O. Wangenstein. This
church is located on the north side of section 18, a beautiful and commanding
site on the ridge overlooking the valleys of Hear creek on the south, Waterloo
creek on the east, and Winnebago creek to the north. Their grounds are said
to be the most neatly kept of an) country churchyard throughout this region.
A stone church building was erected here at an early day, which has just been
PUBLIC SCHOOL, ROSSVILLE
MAIN STREET, DORCHESTER
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 311
replaced with a handsome and substantial edifice costing some $15,000, which
was dedicated in the spring of 1913.
The first enumeration of Waterloo township, in 1856, showed a population
of 157. By the census of 1910, it was 751.
Township officers are: Clerk, P. C. Evenmoe ; Trustees, Hans Tilleraas, H.
W. Teff , and O. N. Thompson ; Assessor, S. J. Svendson.
Among those who early purchased lands of the government in Waterloo
were also : Patrick Griffin, John W. Albee, Michael Larson, Angeline E. Haines,
Henry Schultz, Bernard Emholt, Bernard Koenig, Jacob Kumpf, Theo and
Christian Schwartzhoff, Chas. McGlenn, G. Ammundson (at Ouandahl), Henry
and Edward Malone, Patrick McLaughlin, Knudt Tobiason, Michael Cavanaugh,
Alfred Green, Henry Clauson. At a later time, about the year 1870, N. J. and
P. J. Quandahl bought lands in section 30, and quite a settlement sprang up
here which became known as the village or postoffice of
Quandahl — Where N. J. Ouandahl established himself in a store and was
postmaster for many years. He died but a few years ago. About the time of
his death the postoffice was discontinued, and the village is now supplied by
delivery from Dorchester. In the nineties there was a flourishing creamery
here, owned by a Mr. Johnson for nearly twenty years, when in January, 1906,
it was purchased by patrons and reorganized as a Farmers Cooperative Com-
pany. The store is now conducted by J. S. Ouandahl, and there is also a shoe
shop and a blacksmith shop.
Waterloo township participated in the Indian scare also, as related by Mr.
Arnold in his "Old Times on Portland Prairie :"
"The Sioux Indian massacre of August, 1862, though mainly confined to
Western Minnesota, spread a feeling of insecurity and alarm east to the Missis-
sippi, largely owing to the absence of so many men serving in the Union armies
and the weakness of the garrisons at the few military posts on the frontier.
There were but few lines of telegraph then, hence false or exaggerated reports,
due to excitement, were all the more apt to be far carried and remain longer
uncontradicted. There were no Indian hostilities nearer than perhaps 150 miles;
yet many families turned their stock loose in the fields and taking to their teams
started for the river towns. Most of them turned back after the temporary
panic had subsided. Some would-be refugees from the country west of Port-
land Prairie reported that the Indians were at Spring Grove, and several fami-
lies gathered and started for Lansing, but having been halted at' the Albee place
it was thought best to ascertain whether or no they were about to fly from an
imaginary danger. So C. F. Albee and Asa Sherman rode to Spring Grove,
and learning that there was no cause for alarm they came back, and the refu-
gees returned to their homes."
He also says in the war period and later, "The prairie poeple got their mill-
ing done at Dorchester. The mill there, with two run of stone, did the custom
work of the surrounding country, and generally there were so many orders
ahead that farmers had to leave their grists and go a second time for the same,
several days later."
CHAPTER XX
HISTORY OF WAUKON
THE SHATTUCKS
It is a curious fact that the spot on which stood the original log cabin built
by the pioneer of Waukon, in 1849, is now, after the lapse of sixty-five years,
still an open field of some three acres in extent, and not even subdivided into
town lots, though situated but a few blocks from the very center of the city. The
cabin disappeared many years ago, but it is well remembered by several of our
older residents. The story has oft been told of father Shattuck's locating upon
this spot, but never better told, with its immediate sequence of events, than by
Judge Dean in a brief narrative written in 1902 for a souvenir edition of the
Waukon Democrat, gotten out by the ladies of the M. E. Church ; which is very
appropriate to be copied here :
"In July, 1849, one George C. Shattuck a home seeker, came to Allamakee
county seeking a location for himself and family, and after roaming over this
wild, unsettled country found himself on the prairie where Waukon now is.
He was impressed with the beauty of the scene and its natural advantages, with
its many springs of pure and sparkling cold water gushing out of the prairie sod,
making the head waters of a creek that emptied into the Mississippi river. With
the wild, native grass so abundant, with plenty of forest timber within easy
reach, he concluded it was good enough for him. So he 'staked out his claim,'
made what hay he would want the coming winter, and went back to the settle-
ment after his wife and family. He returned in September and built a hay
shanty to shelter them until he could erect a log house on his claim. This log
house was on the north side of what is now Pleasant street and between Bartlett
and Armstrong streets.
"From this time on a stream of emigration set in which settled in the central
and western portion of the county, breaking up and improving the wild lands,
making themselves homes and farms, opening public roads, building bridges and
log schoolhouses, the latter often used by the itinerant preacher for church pur-
poses. Legal matters also had their share of attention, and the feeling prevailed
that the county seat which was then on the east line of the county, should be
more centrally located. The 1853 legislature appointed three commissioners to
relocate the same. In March following they came from their respective counties
of Dubuque, Delaware and Clayton, investigated all the competing localities, and
this was the opportunity of our old pioneer Shattuck.
313
314 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
"He invited the commissioners to his locality on the prairie, showed them
the numerous springs that made Paint Creek, the abundant grass, the adjacent
forests, the rich, black soil, filled them to repletion with the tenderest, juiciest
venison and its accompaniments that could be procured; made a formal tender
of forty acres of his land free of cost to the county, on condition that they locate
the county seat thereon, convinced them that no other point possessed all these
advantages or was so centrally located, and they drove the county seat stake
somewhere near where the public park is now. The exact location has not been
marked or remembered. There were present on this occasion representative men
from the different portions of the county, and the question of 'What name shall
we give it ?' was asked.
"It was John Haney, Jr., suggested the name of John Waukon, a prominent
chief of the Winnebago tribe, which was adopted. The people at the ensuing
April election approved the action of the commissioners by a very handsome
majority and Waukon is the seat of justice for the county today. But there lin-
gers many a thought of strategy, of hope and fear, as we look back over the
many county seat contests that have been fought between then and now. with
varying results.
"Now, Waukon must provide a suitable place in which to hold the approach-
ing term of the district court. Father Shattuck had the only house on the new
town site, so a subscription paper was circulated through the settlement, some
donating money, .others the labor of themselves and ox teams. A building that
had been erected on a claim 'out in the country' was bought. By agreement the
settlers in the region round about met at the county seat stake and hauled the
new courthouse in. depositing it near where the Aleyer hotel is now ( the
present Allamakee), and when Judge Wilson of Dubuque, came to hold his June
term of court he found a courthouse, ten by fourteen feet in size, built of poplar
logs from six to eight inches in diameter, with chinking between the logs daubed
with mud ; a board floor, a grand jury room attached, made of boards in the shape
of a small lean-to, a seat at the table of Father Shattuck and a shake-down on the
floor for bed. The court attendants, consisting of jurors, lawyers, clients witnesses
and spectators, found places as best they could in the cabins of near by settlers.
"After this term of court the little log courthouse was occupied by the
county judge and his court. He ordered the county surveyor to survey and lay
out the donated forty acres as the town site of Waukon, the plat of which he
admitted to record at the following December term of his court. Commissioners
were appointed to appraise the value of each lot, after which they were put on
the market and sold at private sale for a time. The remainder were closed out
at public sale except a lot in block nine, on the east side of Allamakee street, which
was reserved for county purposes, and on which he proceeded to erect a small
one-storj frame courthouse, about 18x30 feet in size as near as the writer
remembers it. buying oak lumber and basswood siding from a saw mill just
built on Yellow river. The front room was occupied by the county treasurer
and recorder, the rear one by the county judge and clerk. The center one was
used for emergencies and still there was no room for the district court. So in
the spring of 1857 tll(-' judge erected another building of one story immediately
on the south side of this one and joined to it, expressly for the district court.
Here judges have presided with dignity! Learned attorneys have delivered elo-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 315
quent dissertations of legal lore ! Criminals have been convicted and sentenced !
Marriages have been solemnized and political conventions held. Should anyone
wish to now visit this courthouse they will find on its yellow front a sign let-
tered as follows 'Waukon Cigar Factory, Thos. Hartley, Prop.' [1902.]
"By this time the public lands of the county had been sold, farms well opened
up, country and town had kept pace in the general development, and Waukon
could feed and shelter all who came to visit her. Public business of course kept
pace with the general development and soon outgrew the capacity of these twin
one story courthouses, and something better must be provided. The people
of Lansing came forward asking that the county seat be relocated within her
borders, offering as an inducement a suitable location and the erection of a court-
house costing $8,000. This was contested by Waukon, which offered to donate
$5,000 for the same purpose on condition that the county seat remain with them.
The people of the county at the April election in 1859, decided in favor of Waukon
by a majority of 420 in a total vote of 2,076.
"Immediately following this the county judge prepared plans and specifica-
tions of the present brick courthouse, advertising for sealed proposals for its
completion, which resulted in awarding the contract to Charles W. Jenkins, of
the firm of Hale & Jenkins, and John W. Pratt, deceased, for $13,655, they tak-
ing the Waukon donations at par in payment, the -county paying the remainder.
The building was completed in 1861. The settlement and development of the
county has now outgrown the capacity of this building and more room will soon
have to be provided for its accumulating records and business.
"The writer considers that a line can safely be drawn at this point, as Waukon
has been carried to a vigorous growth and can take care of itself, so he will close
with a reference to the itinerant preaching of log schoolhouse days, and will say
that these meetings were very generally attended by the early settlers. Some
coming on foot, more on horseback, many families in the farm lumber wagon
drawn by oxen, and an air of honesty, equality and sincerity prevailed that was
very refreshing, and if the preacher failed to meet his appointment, his place
would be filled by some fellow laborer in the corn field and potato patch, with
little culture but with a remarkable flow of language, who would welcome us by
the hymnal :
'Come hither all ye weary souls,
Ye heavy laden sinners come.'
"In the doctrinal sermon that followed the English language was sometimes
fearfully tomahawked. But a better and higher culture has followed, with all
the modern church improvements that the increasing wealth and membership
desire, and the honest, illiterate, old, conscientious, self-constituted pioneer
preacher is a character of the past."
To go back to Mr. Shattuck : he was born September 9, 1787, and was a
pioneer by nature. It is said that he pitched his tent on the site of Chicago
when none but Indians inhabited that region. In October, 1870, he departed
from Waukon overland to make his home in Kansas. Upon leaving Mr. Shat-
tuck published the following card:
316 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
"Waukon, October 10, 1870.
"Editor Standard: —
"As 1 am about to leave Waukon, it may be permanently, I wish to say 'good-
bye' to my friends here. Being among the first to settle here. I have seen this
county pass through wonderful changes during the last twenty years; the wilder-
ness of the prairie changed to rich and fruitful farms, and Waukon grown from
nothing to be one of the finest villages of the state. One by one I have seen set-
tlers make their homes here. Many of them, all with whom I have become
acquainted, I have learned to love as friends. I do not know that I leave a
single enemy. And so, as I leave you, I wish to bid you good-bye. hoping that
God will bless you. and that prosperity and happiness may be the portion of all.
"Truly yours,
"G. C. Shattuck."
L'pon which the Standard comments: "We are sorry to have friend Shat-
tuck go. He is one of the patriarchs. We know of no other that can better lay
claim to the name. Twenty-one years ago he drove the first wagon onto this
prairie, and he can better appreciate the changes made than we later comers.
Such pioneers deserve to be crowned with honor, and be held in grateful remem-
brance. Mr. Shattuck goes to Missouri, and thence to Kansas. As he came, so
he now departs overland, driving his own horse team. Xot wonderful, you say?
Bui he is now eighty-six years old! May God bless the old man, and may he
enjoy health and strength for many years to come."
In 1875 he visited Waukon once more, and the following spring, April 0,
[876, he died at the home of a daughter at Plattville. Wisconsin.
While the land selected by old man Shattuck was formally claimed and occu-
pied by him and his sons, it was not actually purchased and paid for until 1854,
it having been selected by the school fund commissioner as school land, and was
patented to the purchasers, by the state of Iowa, in the fall of that year. Hence
it was that in the spring of 1853 George Shattuck and his son Scott executed a
bond for deed to Allamakee county. None of the land was entered in the old
man's name, Scott Shattuck taking the southwest quarter of section 30, the
northwest quarter of section 31 and the northwest of northeast quarter
of section 31, while I'itt Shattuck took the southeast quarter of section 30.
Another brother. Nelson Shattuck, bought the southwest of northeast quarter
of section 31. of the United States government, June 21. 1852. And D. W.
Vdams, who came in 1853, bought of the state the east half of the northeast
quarter of section 31, which was also school land, at the same time of the
Shattuck purchase: and this made up the full square mile of our original city
corporation. The original forty-acre plat of Waukon was situated partly on the
land of Scott and partly on that of I'itt Shattuck, and was deeded by them
jointly, and executed on behalf of I'itt by his brother Scott as his attorney in
fact, in 1N54, I'itt then being in California.
It is related that early in 1N50 Scotl Shattuck went to Dubuque after supplies,
and not returning as expected. I'itt Shattuck went after him and the supplies and
found that Scott had succumbed to the California gold fever; and he. too. became
affected by the epidemic and followed Scut to the "Golden State" before bring-
ing home the supplies. After a couple of years Scott returned with certain very
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 317
necessary supplies, and erected a large hotel, for those days, which was occupied
in 1853, the first frame house in town, and which is still standing, next west of
the present Boomer "Grand Hotel."
Pitt Shattuck was here later, for a time, and his addition, on the west side
of the original plat, was laid out in 1857. About this time he disposed of all
his remaining possessions here, mainly in the north and eastern parts of the town,
and not long after returned to California, and later met his death at the hands
of assassins in some part of the great wild West.
Scott Shattuck was the original proprietor of the greater part of Waukon,
having made no less than four additions to the original plat, besides selling to
Delafield the tract on which his large addition was platted. Scott Shattuck
enlisted in Company I, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, August 16, 1862, but that
fall he raised a company of cavalry in Allamakee county, which became Company
F, Sixth Regiment, and of which he was commissioned captain, and they took
the field against the Indians in the Northwest. He resigned April 5, 1865, and
was succeeded by First Lieutenant James Ruth of Lansing. Captain Shattuck
continued to reside in Waukon, in the house now owned by Henry Carter in the
Second ward, which he had built before the war, until he went to Kansas, about
1869, where he was elected to the Kansas legislature in 1870. He was born in
Illinois, November 20, 1828, and died at his home in Kansas in October, 1909.
His last visit to Waukon was in September, 1907, when he enjoyed a reunion
here with several other local pioneers and some members of his old cavalry
company. A picture of the group is shown on another page.
Among the pioneers at this reunion was Mr. L. T. Woodcock, who built the
two-story frame store building directly opposite the Shattuck hotel, in the same
year, 1853. This was Mr. Woodcock's last visit here also (1907), as he died
shortly after, at his home in Cresco, where he had resided for many years.
The forty acres granted by the Shattucks to the county was actually surveyed
in May, 1853 ; and the original plat of Waukon was admitted to record December
1 st of that year.
From 1854 few towns in the West had a more steady, healthy and prosperous
growth, and in 1856 it increased rapidly in population and business, fifty or sixty
houses being erected during that year, the excellent farming country around
filling up and furnishing her tradesmen with a wholesome retail business. The
town flourished finely through the panic and hard times of '58 and '59, while the
great majority of western villages were at a standstill or decreasing. Her
growth was necessarily slow during and following the war, when this community
made its full share of the tremendous sacrifice called for to preserve our Union,
but her course was ever upward and onward; and when it became necessary to
take steps to preserve her prestige among the towns of the county, the entire
community put aside all petty personal jealousies, and putting their united efforts
in the endeavor, succeeded in establishing for themselves railroad communica-
tion with the outside world, in 1877, thereby placing the town and surrounding
country in the way of a more prosperous career than they had ever enjoyed.
In the village, builders and mechanics had far more than they could do ; and in
two years the population was increased nearly 50 per cent, being 1,310 in Sep-
tember, 1879.
318 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
NAME
It has been said that the name Waukon (or Wawkon, as it was invariably
spelled in the fifties) was that of a Winnebago chief, commonly known as "John
Wawkon." and was given to this village by John Haney, Jr., at the time the
county seat was located here. Some have supposed, however, that it was in
honor of another chief. Wachon-Decorah, after whom Decorah was named, and
which we find translated in some places as "The White Crow." the prefix
"Wachon," or "Wakon," apparently being a distinguishing title of greatness or
power. He had lost an eye. and was usually known as "One-eyed Decori," his
name being variously spelled in those days, other forms being "Decorrie,"
"De-Kauray," "De-Corie," "Decoria," "Decari" and "Decorra." Wawkon — or
some form of that word— seems to have been of somewhat common occurrence
among the Winnebagoes, with whom it would appear to have signified "thunder."
as we find the signatures to a treaty of February 2~. 1855. to be as follows:
"Wawkon chaw-hoo-no-kaw, or Little Thunder," and "Wawkon-chaw-koo-kaw,
The Coming Thunder." Among the Sioux it was also in use, and signified
"spirit," as. "Minne- Waukon, Spirit Lake," etc. As the Sioux and Winne-
bagoes are both branches of the great Dakota family, it is natural this term
should have similar significance with each. Captain Jonathan Carver, in 1766,
gave his name to a cave of amazing depth near St. Anthony, which he writes was
called by the Indians. "Wakon-tubi," or "Wakan-tipi." From all of which it
would seem that among Indians the term from which Waukon is derived origi-
nally signified something great and powerful, or supernatural.
X. II. Winchell. in "Aborigines of Minnesota" (p. 508), sums up his
researches on the significance of this word as follows :
"The Dakota * * was impressed with the existence of something
mysterious. Whatever he could not explain he called 'Wakan,' a word
which did not mean 'sacred' or 'spiritual.' * Anything which indicated
power whose source he could not discover was 'wakan.' * Whenever he
was surprised by something new, or saw something wonderful, whatever its
nature, whether animate or inanimate, his feeling of mystery was embodied in
the word 'wakan.' "
In the Lansing Intelligencer, July, 1853. a visit from the venerable chief
"Wawkon" is recorded, he having encamped near town with over one hundred
of his braves, lie was then described as being over one hundred years old, and
as having "a white head and scarred face." And in the Waukon Standard of
March 12, 1868, we find that "John Waukon, a son of the distinguished Indian
in honor of whom this village was named, was in town the other day. He is
physically a line specimen of the red man, standing five feet eleven inches in his
moccasins, slim and straight as an arrow, with broad shoulders and deep chest."
Among other documents in his possession was a parchment given to his father,
bearing the signature of John Quincy Adams, certifying that his father, "a dis-
tinguished warrior and speaker." had visited the seat of government, held friendly
council with the President, and assured him of the desire of the Winnebagoes to
preserve perpetual friendship with the whites.
Mr. Huffman took a photograph of this "John Waukon," of which the por-
trait appearing in this volume is probably a copy. What became of the old
MAIN STREET, WAUKON
MATN STREET. WAUKON
CITY HALL AND JAIL, WAUKON
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 321
original John has not been established, as his death has been reported at different
places and dates. Our former townsman G. W. Hays, now deceased, who was
in business in Lansing in the fifties, said that in 1881 he was accosted by an
Indian who recognized him and introduced himself as "John Waukon." He
was a river hand and said he had two brothers, and all of them were "Johns."
Asked what had become of his father he answered that "he died at Prairie du
Chien twenty years ago."
waukon in 1858-1861
A carefully preserved copy of the Allamakee Herald, issued at "Wawkon,"
Allamakee county, Iowa, July 1, 1858, Frank Pease, editor and proprietor, has
been brought to light and gives the following interesting exhibit :
COUNTY OFFICIALS
George M. Dean, County Judge, Wawkon; C. J. White, Clerk District Court,
Wawkon ; Elias Topliff, Recorder and Treasurer, Wawkon ; George W. Camp,
Prosecuting Attorney, Lansing ; John A. Townsend, Sheriff, Wawkon ; William
F. Ross, School Fund Commissioner, Rossville ; John B. Suttor, Assessor,
Monona; William W. Hungerford, County Surveyor, Wawkon; Dr. J. W. Flint,
County Superintendent of Common Schools, Wawkon ; J. W. Merrill, Drainage
Commissioner, Lansing (?).
Among the advertisements the following are represented :
Prairie du Chien & Wawkon R. R. Co., John T. Clark, President ; Colonel
J. Spooner, Vice President ; Francis Belfoy, Secretary ; William W. Hungerford,
Treasurer ; George E. Woodward, Chief Engineer. Offices in Wawkon.
Attorneys — Camp & Webster (George W. Camp, Lansing, and M. M. Web-
ster, Wawkon) ; Clark & Clark (John T. and Frederick M.) ; and L. O. Hatch,
Wawkon.
Physicians — J. W. Flint, I. H. Hedge and T. H. Barnes, Waukon ; J. S.
Green, Hardin.
J. C. Beedy, Notary Public, Hardin.
W. W. Hungerford and Walter Delafield, Land and Insurance Agents and
Notary Public, Wawkon.
Waukon House, James C. Smith, proprietor; M. O. Walker's stages leave
this house daily.
J. Israel, Daguerrean Saloon.
Piatt Beard, Mason and Plasterer.
L. H. Clark, Wagon and Carriage Manufacturer. [Mr. Clark gave up this
trade for that of daguerreotying, at which he prospered. His place was where
the Catholic church now stands, but he soon after sold out and returned to Peter-
boro, New Hampshire. He was followed in the picture business by Israel F.
Alger, who learned of Clark, and also returned to his former home at Winchen-
don, Massachusetts, became so proficient in the art that he acquired something
of a competence, which he later lost in unfortunate investments and died in
poverty. — Ed.]
V.-2-2
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
P. |. Almquist, Fashionable Tailor.
S. N. Bailey and L. F. Clark. House, Sign and Carriage Painters.
James McFadden, Loot and Shoe Maker.
\Y. R. Pottle. General Merchandise.
M. Hancock, Hardware.
lames Blacker, Lime.
W. S. Cook, General Merchandise. [Succeeding L. T. Woodcock, the pio-
neer merchant. — Ed. |
R. C. Armstrong, New Drug Store. [This stood on the north side of Main
street, directly opposite the Presbyterian church. After the frame was raised
and partially enclosed it was blown down in a "blizzard."]
(Sold to Goodykoontz or Raymond. P. O. there.)
American Hotel, by Sylvester Nichols, at Rossville.
An item says: A company has been formed in Rossville for the purpose of
running a line of stages through from Prairie du Chien to Elliota, Minnesota.
Wheat was 50 cents a bushel, oats 25, potatoes 15, corn 20; eggs, 5 cents a
dozen; beef, 6 cents a pound; hams, 9; butter, 10 cents.
The Herald was democratic, to judge by this excerpt from editorial remarks:
"The army of republican wire-pullers, gamblers and treasury plunderers, which
met at Iowa City last week, have published what they call their platform,"'
% yt :*; pff
It was loyally "boosting" for the town, however, as for example:
"We hear the ringing of the anvil, the sound of the hammer and saw, the
puffing of the steam engine, the din of the tin-shop, and the rattle of the carts
and wagons over the streets. All is bustle and confusion, mechanics of every
kind busily employed and all kinds of business going ahead vigorously. New
buildings are springing up in every part of town, lawyers running around with
clients in their wake. * * Main street is being graded up, and judging
from present appearances and the spirit of improvement manifested by our enter-
prising townsmen, we will soon have the finest streets and the prettiest town
anywhere in the West. As soon as the sidewalks are built along Main and Alla-
makee >t iLcts * * * Won't it be nice?"
Two years later the I lerald had disappeared and Babbitt & Merrill were pub-
lishing the North Iowa Journal at Waukon — the new spelling coming into vogue
instead of Wawkon. The issue for August \t>, i860, considers the election of
Lincoln and Hamlin a foregone conclusion. The postmaster at Prairie du Chien
was requested to send Waukon mail by way of Decorah, as it would then get
here from one to five days earlier than by the direct route. Contract for building
Allamakee College was about to be let. Wheat was up to 90 cents in McGregor.
Additional advertisers were: Hersey Brothers and J. W. Earl, dry goods;
A. G. Howard, Abbott and G. II. Stevens, carpenters; X. Uailey, mason; E. C.
Abbot, surveyor; \\ . II. Morrison, jewelry; Lailey & Thompson and T. L. Pay,
painters; G. H. McClaskey, C. J. Fisher, harness, etc.; M. & W. H. Hancock,
meat market ; W. Delafield, banker and real estate; Low & Bean, hardware; J. F.
Lane, ambrotypes; < i. M. Joslyn, real estate; R. C. Armstrong, county superin-
tendent and postmaster; Belden & Haslip and S. Burlingame, wagon-making;
Prothero & Shew, cabinel making: A. A. Griffith, elocutionist; S. Nichols,
hotel: Prof. J. Loughran, Allamakee high school.
PAST AND PRESENT OE ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 323
t
A later copy of the North Iowa Journal, under the same management, the
issue for April 9, 1861, comments upon the loss of the county seat in the recent
election :
"The seat of justice of Allamakee county has been moved to 'the Point
between the sloughs' on the Mississippi river. 'The Point,' our new seat of
justice, has no name. We respectfully suggest calling it 'Joslyn's Point.'
* * * But, why wiltist thou? that's the question; what has become of your
knees and your backbone and your upper lip? We refer to those few Wau-
konians who refuse to be comforted because the people of the county have been
foolish enough to plant their county seat among the bluffs and sloughs of the
Mississippi. What ! because you are beaten once out of a half-dozen times ?"
* * * etc.
The town had three new lawyers : L. G. Calkins, W. E. Rose and J. W.
Pennington.
The physicians were the same.
New stores were: McFarland & Shew, R. F. Moody and E. K. Bartlett.
Drugs and Medicines — Goodykoontz Brothers, Flint & Raymond.
Other changes and additions were : A. L. Grippen, artesian wells ; John
Griffin, insurance and real estate; L. Anderson, livery stable; Randall, Calkins &
Co., Waukon Exchange Bank ; Burlingame & Haslip, blacksmithing, wagons ;
H. Robinson, cabinetmaker and undertaker; C. J. F. Newell, blacksmith; D. W.
Adams, sewing machines; M. S. J. Newcomb, lumber, southeast of Rossville;
J. Valentine, lumber, Capoli.
E. L. Babbitt had recently been appointed postmaster at Waukon.
MUNICIPAL HISTORY
Two unsuccessful attempts to incorporate the town were made before that
object was accomplished. The first election for this purpose was held February
29, 1876, resulting in 114 votes against the proposition and 98 in favor. The
proposed measure was again defeated October 25, 1878, by a vote of 134 against,
to 108 for.
At the February, 1883, term of circuit court a petition was presented asking
for an order to submit the question once more to the voters, which was granted,
and the court appointed as commissioners to call an election C. S. Stilwell, J. B.
M inert, G. D. Greenleaf, A. C. Hagemeier and J. L. Okre. The territory sought
to be incorporated was one mile square, comprising the south half of section 30
and the north half of section 31, Makee township, and the affidavit accompany-
ing the petition showed that by an enumeration taken at that time there were
1,435 actual residents in said territory. The commissioners called an election
for Monday, April 2, 1883, at the office of C. S. Stilwell, at which election the
vote was 187 for incorporation and 126 against. Whereupon the clerk of courts
officially declared the result, by publication, and designated "The Incorporated
Town of Waukon" as belonging to the third class of incorporations.
On April 30, 1883, was held the first election for town officers, at which the
following were selected, to serve until the first regular annual election in
March, 1884: Mayor, J. F. Dayton; Recorder, E. M. Hancock; Trustees, D. H.
Bowen, C. D. Beeman, H. Low, G. D. Greenleaf, E. K. Spencer and M. Stone.
324 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
The first meeting of the town council was held May 2, 1883, in the office of
Dayton & Dayton, at which preliminary committees were appointed; and on
May 15th the council elected: Treasurer, L. W. Hersey ; Marshal and Street
Commissioner, J. A. Townsend.
On this date the council contracted with F. H. Robbins for the use of a room
in his building on the corner of Main and Allamakee streets, being the third
room from the entrance on the second floor thereof, for a council room, at $30
a vear, including fuel, lights and furniture, reserving occupancy by himself when
not in use by the council. On the 16th several important ordinances came up
for action, and Ordinance No. 3 was adopted, fixing the license of saloons at
$500 per year, and within the next few months no less than five such places
were licensed, and continued until closed by the enforcement of the prohibitory
law in 1886. This first council of course had many important measures before
it. perhaps the most important being the establishment of street grades and the
constructing of a flood sewer across Spring avenue. July 14th specifications
were adopted for a five-foot sewer to follow the survey made by J. H. Hale,
"from the southeast corner of Stilwell & Low's building, across Main street and
Spring avenue diagonally to the west side of Spring avenue near the end of the'
present sewer wdiere the same discharges into the creek." August 7th a con-
tract was let for same to the lowest bidder, S. Peck & Son, for $1,250. or 384
feet at $3.25 per running foot ; and later this was extended north in the alley
from the point of beginning. The work was fully completed and sewer accepted
December 4th following the total cost being $1,456.25. At this meeting the
council elected E. M. Hancock assessor, but he declining at the next meeting,
O. M. Nelson was elected.
At the annual election March 3, 1S84, an entire new board of trustees was
elected, consisting of Henry Carter, M. C. Ferris, J. S. Johnson, H. Simonsen,
J. A. Taggart and F. H. Robbins. Mr. Robbins was elected against his wishes
and resigned March 18th, and the council elected C. M. Beeman to fill the
vacancy. A. \Y. Lee was appointed marshal and street commissioner. From
this time until the town became a city of the second class, in 1901, the following
officers served :
Mayor— J. F. Dayton, 1883-5; A. G. Stewart, 1885-7; J- F. Dayton, 1887-8;
Mayor Dayton resigned January 7, 1888 (being a member of the State Legislature
then in session 1, and to fill the vacancy the council elected C. S. Stilwell, 1888-9;
D. II. I'.owen, 1889-90; L. M. Bearce, 1890-2; M. W. Eaton, 1892-7; R. M.
Slitor, [897-1900; Douglass Deremore, 1900-1. Recorder— E. M. Hancock,
[883-95; C. L- Bearce, 1895-1901. Treasurer— L. W. Hersey, 1883-9; G. J.
Helming, [889-90; I.. W. Hersey, 1890-6; W. E. Beddow, 1896-7; A. T. Nie'r-
ling. [897-1901. Marshal and Street Commissioner— 1. A. Townsend, 1883-4;
\. VV. Lee, [884-5; D. R. Walker. 1885-8; J. B. Minert, 1888, resigned June 5,
18N8, and R. A. Nichols, [888-9, resigned October 16, 1889, and L. B. Oleson,
1889-91; J. C. Robey, [891-3 1 died in March, 1893); E. W. Cummens, 1893-
[QOO; Dan Regan, [900-1 1 from time to time a night marshal was appointed by
the town and paid by the business houses; Dan Williams served in this capacity
for man) years). Assessor— O. M. Nelson, Jackson Smith, S. R. Thompson
and Robert Wampler, the latter serving from 1893 to 1901.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 325
Trustees (after 1884) — 1885-6, M. C. Ferris, J. H. Heiser, Levi Hubbell,
J. S. Johnson, J. B. Minert, J. A. Taggart. Mr. Ferris resigned April 21, 1885,
and C. M. Beeman elected to vacancy.
1886-7, C. M. Beeman, J. H. Heiser, Levi Hubbell, J. S. Johnson, J. B.
Minert, J. W. Hinchon, the latter resigned May 18, 1886, and H. F. Opfer elected
to vacancy.
1887-8, C. M. Beeman, James Duffy, J. H. Heiser, Levi Hubbell, J. B. Minert,
H. F. Opfer.
1888-9, c- M- Beeman, James Duffy, M. W. Eaton, J. H. Heiser, Levi Hub-
bell, H. F. Opfer.
1889-90, James Duffy, M. W. Eaton, J. H. Heiser, J. B. Minert, H. F. Opfer,
Halvor Simonsen. Minert resigned November 19, 1889, and Levi Armstrong
elected to vacancy.
1890-1, Levi Armstrong, James Duffy, M. W. Eaton, J. H. Heiser, H. F.
Opfer, H. Simonsen.
1891-2, Levi Armstrong, James Duffy, M. W. Eaton, J. H. Heiser, H. F.
Opfer, H. Simonsen.
1892-3, James Duffy, W. T. Gilchrist, J. H. Heiser, J. B. Minert, H. F.
Opfer, H. Simonsen. Heiser resigned May 16, 1892, and S. R. Thompson
elected to vacancy.
1893-4, C. A. Beeman, Henry Carter, W. T. Gilchrist, H. G. Johnson, J. B.
Minert, H. Simonsen.
1894-5, same as preceding year.
1895-6, C. A. Beeman, Henry Carter, H. G. Fisher, H. G. Johnson, Henry
Krieger, J. B. Minert. Minert resigned November 18, 1895, and H. J. Bentley
elected to vacancy.
1896-7, C. A. Beeman, H. J. Bentley, H. Carter, H. G. Fisher, H. G. Johnson,
H. Krieger.
1897-8, C. A. Beeman, H. J. Bentley, H. Carter, H. G. Fisher, H. Krieger,
I. B. Minert. Beeman resigned March 15, 1897, and J. M. Murray elected to
vacancy.
1898-9, H. J. Bentley, H. Carter, E. Dillenberg, H. Krieger, J. B. Minert,
J. M. Murray.
1 899- 1900, same as preceding year.
1900-1, E. Dillenberg, H. Krieger, J. M. Murray, P. S. Narum, H. F. Opfer,
S. M. Taylor.
Among the important works undertaken in the eighties and early nineties
were the building of substantial stone arch bridges where the creek crosses the
principal streets, the grading of Main and Allamakee streets and the Rossville
road, and the macadamizing of streets in the business section, including Ross-
ville road to the railroad station, for which a rock-crusher was purchased in the
summer of 1893.
At the expiration of the lease of Mr. Robbins in the fall of 1884 the council
leased of E. M. Hancock the front room in the second story of his building on
the east side of Spring avenue, known as the Standard Block, for one year.
After this the meetings were held in the offices of the successive mayors, Stewart,
Bowen, Dayton, but chiefly in that of C. S. Stilwell, which latter office was
Anally occupied regularly until the spring of 1891, when a lot was leased of
326 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
].}',. M inert near his elevator on the east side of West street, and a small iron-
clad frame building erected thereon for a council room and housing of the fire
apparatus. The first council meeting here was held June 16, 1891, and the city
continued to occupy this little building until the erection of the present hand-
some brick building on Courthouse square in 1902.
Jn the summer of 1894 tne so-called mulct law went into effect, whereupon
the city council adopted an ordinance. No. 102, fixing the license for the sale of
intoxicating liquors at $500, and several saloons were soon running again. At
a later date, in May, 1895, the license was increased to $600, at which rate they
continued to operate until in 191 1 the board of supervisors decided that the
new consent petitions were insufficient, and the city has since been "dry."
In October, 1898, the boundaries of the town were enlarged somewhat by the
annexation of a three-acre piece lying on the Union Prairie side of the west line,
lot 1 in the east half of southeast quarter of section 25-98-6, being the residence
lot of Dan Williams, city marshal, thus making him a resident of the corporation.
CITY OF THE SECOND CLASS
The Federal census of 1900 having shown that the population of Waukon
was over 2000 (2153), the necessary proceedings were taken to perfect the organ-
ization as a city of the second class, and the city was divided into three wards;
the first comprising all that portion lying east of Allamakee street, Spring avenue,
and the Rossville road ; the second all that part to the west of that line and south
of Main street ; and the third ward all the remaining area to the north and west.
At a regular meeting of the city council in May, 1901, resolutions were
adopted directing city solicitor A. G. Stewart to revise and codify the existing
ordinances of the city, with a view to publishing in book form. His work was
well done, the revision was adopted by the council on June 30, 1902, and pub-
lished in a convenient form, making a book of 262 pages besides a full index.
The next important work taken up by the city council was the providing of
an appropriate city building for the convenience of the council and city officers,
as well as the public, and the proper care of the fire department and its equip-
ment, and the preservation of the city records. This was accomplished during
the year 1902 in the construction of the beautiful and substantial city hall on
courthouse square, at a cost of about $8,000.
The first floor of this contains a large council room, also used for city and
general elect ion-, a city clerk's office, with fire-proof vault for the records, and
mayor's office. The latter is at present occupied by the public library, and the
large room for a reading room in connection therewith, the council meetings
being usually held in the clerk's office. The basement is devoted to the fire
department's equipment, the floor being on the grade of Court street; and the
second story has recently been handsomely finished oft" at the expense of the
Pioneer Fire Company, for their meetings and club room.
Since becoming a city of the second class, in 1901, the official roster has been
as follows :
Mayor— C. A. Beeman, 1901-05; D. H. Bowen, 1905-06 (resigned in March
[906, and M. VV. Eaton elected to vacancy 1 ; M. W. Eaton. 1906-09; T. B. Stock,
[909-1 1 ; I. E. Beeman, [911-13.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 327
Clerk — C. L. Bearce, 1901-02; C. M. Stone, 1902-n; J. D. Cowan, 1911-13.
Treasurer — H. Carter, 1901-09; M. A. Wittlinger, 1909-13.
Assessor — Robert Wampler, 1901-05; S. R. Thompson, 1905-n; Robert
Wampier, 1911-13.
City solicitor — A. G. Stewart, 190J-05; H. H. Stilwell, 1905-07; H. L. Day-
ton, 1907-13.
Marshal — Dan Williams, 1901-09; James Foley, 1909-12. Offices of marshal
and street commissioner were then combined, and deputy marshal dispensed
with.
Deputy marshal and street commissioner — E. VV. Cummens, 1901-03; John
Painter, 1903-04; Lawrence King, 1904-12.
Marshal and street commissioner — Lawrence King, 1912-13.
Councilmen — 1901-02: First ward, N. Colsch Jr. and T. F. O'Brien; second
ward, Joseph Haines and Halvor Simonsen ; third ward, E. W. Goodykoontz and
R. I. Steele.
1902-03: First ward, N. Colsch Jr. and T. F. O'Brien; second ward, Joseph
Haines and H. Simonsen ; third ward, E. W. Goodykoontz and R. I. Steele.
1903-04: First ward, C. L. Bearce and T. F. O'Brien; second ward, J. A.
Markley and H. Simonsen ; third ward, E. W. Goodykoontz and R. I. Steele.
1904-05 : First ward, C. L. Bearce and T. B. Stock ; second ward, Joseph
Haines and J. A. Markley ; third ward, E. W. Goodykoontz and L. B. Oleson.
1905-06 : First ward, C. L. Bearce and T. B. Stock ; second ward, Joseph
Haines and Ellison Orr ; third ward, F. G. Barnard and L. B. Oleson.
1906-07 : First ward, C. L. Bearce and T. B. Stock ; second ward, J. C.
Ludeking and Ellison Orr; third ward, F. G. Barnard and L. B. Oleson.
1907-08: First ward, C. L. Bearce and T. B. Stock; second ward, J. C.
Ludeking and Ellison Orr ( the latter resigned in December '07 and D. E. Hoag
was elected to fill vacancy) ; third ward, F. G. Barnard and L. B. Oleson (the
latter removed from the city in '07 and R. I. Steele was elected to vacancy).
1908-09: First ward, C. L. Bearce and T. B. Stock; second ward, J. C.
Ludeking and D. E. Hoag (councilman Hoag died in July '08 and Jas. A. Markley
appointed to fill vacancy) ; third ward, F. G. Barnard and R. I. Steele.
1909-11: First ward. C. L. Bearce; second ward, Jas. A. Markley; third
ward, John M. Lee ; at large, R. I. Steele and T. F. O'Brien.
1911-13: First ward, T. F. O'Brien; second ward, Jas. A. Markley; third
ward. J. M. Lee; at large, W. H. Niehaus and Fred Straate.
1913: First ward, C. J. Hale; second ward, F. A. Ludeking; third ward,
J. M. Lee; at large, W. H. Niehaus and Fred Straate.
Dr. D. H. Strock has been health officer almost continuously since the town
was incorporated, except for intervals in which Dr. J. C. Crawford and Dr.
D. H. Bowen served.
At the city election in the spring of 1913 it was voted to annex the grounds
of the Allamakee County Agricultural Society, thus adding about twenty acres
to the area of the corporation. This was deemed advisable for the reason that
the city water-works plant is situated thereon ; and the fair grounds being also
used for race meetings and base ball it was best to bring it all under the control
of the city authorities. On the part of the Agricultural Society it was desirable,
because they had become involved for necessary improvements and expenses,
328 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
and had in 1905 transferred the entire property to the city upon its assuming
and paving off their debts to the amount of something over $4,000. The city
leases the grounds to the society for all purposes of county fairs and race meet-
ings, so the arrangement is mutually advantageous.
About the year 1901 the council caused to be made a complete survey of the
city for the purpose of establishing by permanent markers the center lines and
intersections of all the streets, and corners of blocks. This important work was
entrusted to Civil Engineer Ellison Orr, with the result that he produced an
elaborate map of the city on a scale of 100 feet to the inch, with minute details,
which is of great value.
At the present writing steps are being taken for the paving of the business
streets with concrete and brick.
waukon's financial condition
Spring of 1913
Assessed valuation for lands, lots and personal property except
moneys and credits $328,000.00
Moneys and credits 326,000.00
Indebtedness.
Sewer outlet bonds outstanding, 5 per cent $ 2,500.00
Refunding bonds outstanding, 4 per cent 8,000.00
Robertson judgment 3,458.26
Total indebtedness of all kinds owing by city $13,958.26
To offset this indebtedness as it becomes due the city
has the following cash assets : —
Cash on hand in the several funds $ 7,377.34
I )ue from county treasurer " 3,500.00
1 lalance of city indebtedness 3,080.92
Total $13,958.26
Properly owned by city.
Waterworks system $ 46,000.00
( ity hall 10,000.00
lair grounds 4,500.00
Sewer outlet and septic tank 7,500.00
$68,000.00
I In- tax levy fur city purposes for the past four years were as follows:
In the year [909 24 mills
In the year mm 23 1-2 mills
In the year 191 1 27 mills
In the year 1912 21 mills
a
H
O
E >
c ^
a h
o W
? w
(6 tS
1 5
<» C
S C
>
g
o
!z|
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 331
In addition to the 21-mill tax in the year 1912, the city levied a 10-mill tax
to pay the Robertson judgment in full, said judgment being the result of litigation
begun in 1902. This together with a i-mill raise by the state, and a 4-mill school
tax raise, over which the city has no jurisdiction, accounts for the extra high taxes
this year.
The past two years the city revenue was reduced $2,700 per year, this being
the amount of mulct tax formerly derived from saloons.
This concise statement was compiled from the city records for the information
of the public, by J. D. Cowan, city accountant, attested by the mayor and council.
FIRE DEPARTMENT AND FIRES
At a meeting to organize a hook and ladder company, held March 16, 1869,
Robert Isted in the chair, a committee previously appointed reported the names
of sixty signers. Those present proceeded to elect a captain and five assistants,
as follows: Chas. M. Bailey, captain; H. H. Stilwell, 1st assistant; D. W.
Adams, 2d assistant; N. Herron, 3d assistant; C. J. F. Newell, 4th assistant;
Augustus K. Pratt, 5th assistant; A. J. Rodgers, secretary; H. Low, treasurer.
Committee on constitution and by-laws, W. C. Earle, C. J. F. Newell, D. W.
Adams.
That there had been a prior organization of this character is evidenced by a
notice appearing in the Waukon Standard at this time calling upon all persons
having any articles belonging to the hook and ladder company to bring them at
once to the corner of Main and Allamakee streets.
In 1870, September 15th, occurred the first important fire in the business
section, destroying the Belden blacksmith shop, where Martin's furniture store
now stands and the buildings on Allamakee street north to the stone block.
But we find nothing further in the newspaper files about a fire company until
after the fire of April 14, 1878, which burned the Farley saloon and the Rankin
building, an old landmark which stood where the D. J. Murphy block now is.
It was built by Uriah Whaley in 1856, and the upper part at one time served
as a lock-up.
A preliminary meeting looking toward the organization of a fire company
was then held at the courthouse, April 25th, at which D. W. Adams was chair-
man and A. M. May secretary, and it was voted to organize a hook and ladder
company. A committee was appointed to raise funds for the employment of a
night watchman; and adjournment had to April 29. The adjourned meeting
proceeded to organize a company to be called the Pioneer Fire Company, D. W.
Adams was elected foreman, D. W. Reed first assistant, and a committee named
to solicit membership. May 2d the organization was completed by electing
F. H. Robbins, 2d assistant ; C. W. Jenkins, 3d assistant ; John Murray. 4th
assistant ; John Oprecht, 5th assistant ; G. M. Dean, 6th assistant ; E. B. Gibbs,
7th assistant; E. K. Spencer, 8th assistant; A. J. Rodgers was elected secretary;
John Farnsworth, treasurer. May 10th, John Oprecht was elected night-watch-
man. At later meetings by-laws, rules and regulations were adopted, and a
committee appointed to solicit funds for purchase of equipment. The foreman
and assistants were directed to take charge of all hooks and ladders that were
332 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUINTY
previously made and had become scattered. And August 8th there was talk of
buying a hand-brake fire engine.
Then the "big fire" occurred on the night of August 16, 1878, destroying ten
frame buildings in block 10, north of Main street, and only with the greatest
difficulty was it then stayed. It originated in the two-story frame store and
dwelling of John P. Farnsworth. where the First National Bank is now, and
burned two frame buildings to the east, being stopped in this direction at the
west wall of the Hale brick block, in the middle of their present store. To the
west it devoured the buildings of W. A. Pottle, Nesmith & Gilchrist, Luther
(lark and L. O. Bearce, to the space burned out in the previous April. In the
rear of these the Rankin barn, Hersey & Stone warehouse, and the large hotel
barn of Tovey & Goodykoontz were consumed. The rear of the two frames on
Allamakee street occupied by R. G. Pratt and Miss Candee. now replaced by
the Hale grocery and the Stilwell office building were badly damaged. It may be
recorded here, that this fire was incendiary, and was planned and executed from
a small frame saloon located further to the west in the same row, which was
"saved" by the intervening space before mentioned. The facts were nearly
two years in coming to light, and the principals were finally punished with a
brief term in the pen. The public exercised considerable leniency towards the
culprits, partly because the old frame buildings were promptly replaced with
substantial brick structures. But this by no means lessened the enormity of the
offense in setting fire to buildings in which people were sleeping, although they
fortunately escaped with their lives. The town was utterly unprepared to
combat a lire of any magnitude, the local press recording the fact that a few
unsuitable ladders and one large hook were the only equipment available. The
old-fashioned bucket lines to cisterns, wells and springs, was the only water
supply. A meeting of the fire company was called immediately after, but
no record of the proceedings is found.
After the incorporation of the town in 1883 the question of fire protection
was agitated from lime to time, but no action was aroused for several years,
and nunc but small fires occurred, until the night of April 10. 1890, when the
Kennedy store building was burned. This by the way was an old land-mark,
a one-story frame, built by Washington lieale in about the year 1855. He
became postmaster in 1856, and the postoffice remained in this building for three
years. This lire also destroyed two one-story frames to the south, where the
Dillenberg block now is, but spared the little old courthouse.
Sometime in [890 the council obtained of A. P. Petrehn of New Albin a small
hand lire engine on approval, and a few hundred feet of hose, which played an
important part in the next fire, the burning of the Boomer Opera House on
the nighl of February 12, 1891. with the two frame buildings to the west. In
our mind'- eye we can -till see E. 1'.. Gibbs on his back in the gutter to escape
the heal, while directing the nozzle of this little machine to play upon the fronts
of the brick buildings opposite the lire, which helped to save them. The town
council concluded thai the machine had paid for itself, and purchased it of
Mr. Petrehn soon after. It is still preserved by the tire company as a relic,
but it is still capable of good service for a small place. P.efore the month of
February was ended the burning of the National House barn and Winter's livery
called for something to be done.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 333
Pursuant to previous announcement a meeting was held at the city council
room March 4, 1891, for the purpose of organizing a fire company, as proposed
at a citizens' meeting, held on the evening of February 25th. C. M. Beeman was
made chairman and T. C. Medary secretary. It appearing that a sufficient
amount had not yet been subscribed to purchase the necessary outfit, the meeting
adjourned until March 6th, for permanent organization, providing the $400
required for equipment be then in sight. At the adjourned meeting March 6,
1891, the financial requirements having been met, the proposed rules and regula-
tions for the government of the company were read, and adopted article by
article by the volunteers present, who then completed the organization of
"Pioneer Fire Company No. 1," by electing officers for the ensuing year as
follows : Foreman, Hans G. Johnson ; assistant foreman, James E. Duffy ; sec-
retary, C. M. Beeman ; treasurer, R. J. Alexander.
The volunteer members of the company who signed the original roll, which
is carefully preserved were : Max Wittlinger, R. B. May, R. J. Alexander, Max
J. Walker, A. B. Boomer, C. L. Reid, Henry Greeling, John Holahan, J. H.
Heiser, Wm. Blanchard, Geo. Stone, J. B. Hays, J. S. Johnson, E. B. Gibbs,
H. G. Fisher, H. G. Johnson, W. H. Hale, M. Heiser, Jr., H. Krieger, Frank
Zimmerman, C. M. Beeman, C. L. Bearce, Jas. A. Markley, W. C. Brownell,
Herman Thies, T. J. Kelleher, J. E. Duffy," H. V. Duffy, J. E. Mills, Leslie
Bearce, Jerry Casey, J. C. Larson, L. A. Howe and A. B. Clarke.
New members were admitted by ballot from time to time until the limit of
fifty members was attained. The company prqceeded to purchase equipments,
and interested its members with regular stated drills with the city fire apparatus.
In April, 1891, the town purchased a Howe Chemical Hand Engine for
$575, which saw service in several instances and doubtless was a good invest-
ment at that time. After the installation of the waterworks this machine was
sold, in 1899, in exchange for $200 worth of hose. In 1893 the community was
deeply stirred by a series of barn fires, undoubtedly of incendiary origin, and
in at least two instances dwellings and lives were endangered. No prosecutions
were had, but the need of increased protection was demonstrated, and steps
were taken for the securing of a water supply. April 17, 1895, the northeast
corner of Main and Allamakee streets was the second time burned off, which
probably had an effect upon the election which had been called for April 22nd,
resulting in the carrying of the city waterworks proposition by a decided vote.
This fire originated in the Duffy store, second from the corner, and the O'Brien
building next north was saved. The Martin store to the east was destroyed,
but rebuilt with brick the same year. The corner was soon rebuilt with the
present three-story bricks, and this was the last serious fire the town has expe-
rienced to this date, an immunity largely due to the effective organization of our
fire company. We have at hand no statistics of the calls to which they have
responded, but they have been numerous, and have demonstrated the efficiency
of the fire department and the system.
The city water system comprises two drilled wells 577 feet deep, one Downie
double acting pump driven by electric motor, capacity 100 gallons per minute,
directly over well; pumps to 1 16,000-gallon stand-pipe, 14 feet in diameter and
100 feet high. For emergency, one Smith Vaile fire pump located over well,
334 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
capacity 100,000 gallons per day. Also one steam engine to drive' Downie pump.
Six and a half miles of 4, 6 and 8-inch mains, with 54 double hydrants.
The fire department consists of forty-nine members, with three hose carts
and 1,200 feet of 2j^-inch hose, one hook and ladder truck with full equipment.
Alarm bell on steel tower at city hall, operated from telephone exchange.
The Pioneer Fire Company, having the use of the upper floor of the city
hall, have finished off the principal room and furnished it very pleasantly for
their place of meeting, reading and recreation, and have invested something like
S750 for this purpose. They have always been liberally patronized by the
public in their entertainments, as they have themselves promptly responded to
public call. A membership in such a company is an honor worth while.
Since the organization of the company in 1891, its officers have been as
follows :
Foreman— H. G. Johnson to July, 1895; Win. Blanchard to March, 1896;
A. B. Clarke to 1906. (The office has been designated as "Chief" since 1902) ;
R. B. May, 1906-08; B. O. Swebakken, 1908 to 1913.
Assistant — M. A. Wittlinger to ; J. M. Frederick, 1906-08; Lawrence
King, 1908-12; F. A. Ludeking, 1912 to present time.
Secretary — C. L. Bearce since November, 1891.
Treasurer — R. J. Alexander since organization, March, 1891.
The present subordinate officers are: Hook and Ladder Company, Herman
Thies. captain; Hose Company No. 1. E. W. Kiesau, captain; Hose Company
No. 2. John DeWild, captain.
In .May, 1891, C. \Y. Jenkins was appointed chief of the fire department;
but for the past many years D. R. Walker has filled this position efficiently, now
designated as Fire Marshal.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
On the 30th of July, 1894, the city council adopted an ordinance granting an
exclusive franchise to M. B. Hendrick to erect and maintain an electric light
and power plant for a period of seven years, which was approved at a special
election held August 13th following.; but the terms and conditions under which
the franchise was granted not being complied with it was allowed to lapse.
March 28, 1896, a like franchise was granted Chas. F. Speed, which was
approved at a special election held April 21st, and a plant was installed the same
year.
In (896 also the town acquired telephone facilities, upon the extending of
suitable privileges to the Standard Telephone Company for the use of the streets
for necessary poles and wires. The Iowa Union Telephone Company had pre-
viously obtained permission and strung its wires to the courthouse, in 1887.
By a vote of the electors in the year 1895, tlle city council was authorized to
take the necessary steps toward the establishment of a waterworks system, and
to issue bonds to pay for same. Contracts were duly entered into, and a well
drilled on the county fair grounds north of the city limits, by Palmer & Sandbo,
which was accepted in June, 1896, at a cost of Si, 443. 75; the well having a
depth of -?77lA feet, and supplying an abundance of excellent water. A pumping
station and stand-pipe were thereupon erected, and in the course of the summer
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 335
the mains were laid, by contractors Crellin & Lovell, and the system put into
operation under management of the city authorities. Some two years later it
was found advisable to have a second well drilled, but it was not completed and
accepted until September, 1899. From time to time the system has been extended,
until it now comprises over six miles of 4 to 8-inch mains, besides a considerable
extent of 2-inch pipe.
A complete modern sewerage system was installed in the years 1910-11.
Bids for the work were opened June 1, 1910, ten in number and ranging from
$20,492.75 to $27,069.62, and contract let to the lowest bidders, Thill-Manning-
Whalen Company, who completed about two-thirds of the work that year and
the balance the following spring and summer. The outlet and septic tank was
contracted and completed by John A. Dahlsad. This with extra compensation
for various expenses not contemplated in the specifications bringing the total
cost of the plant to approximately $25,000.
RAILROAD
On the 9th of May, 1857, several of the prominent citizens of Lansing
adopted articles of incorporation of the "Lansing, Northern Iowa and Southern
Minnesota Railroad Company," to build a railroad to the state line, towards the
south bend of the St. Peters river in Minnesota, with a capital of $4,000,000.
Not to be outdone, Waukon proceeded to organize the "Prairie du Chien &
Mankato R. R. Company," with a capital of $5,000,000, the articles of incor-
poration of which were signed at Waterville, October 15, 1857, by Scott Shat-
tuck, F. Belfoy, Wm. F. Ross, W. H. Morrison, J. Beebe, N. A. Beebe, Col.
1. Spooner, W. W. Hungerford, Geo. E. Woodward and L. T. Woodcock. The
board of directors for the first year consisted of John T. Clark, William H.
Morrison, J. Spooner, Francis Belfoy, Geo. E. Woodward, N. A. Beebe, William
F. Ross, William W. Hungerford, A. B. Webber, J. T. Atkins, H. L. Douse-
man, Albert L. Collins, and T. R. Perry; and the officers were: John T. Clark,
president; Francis Belfoy, secretary; W. W. Hungerford, treasurer, and Geo.
E. Woodward, chief engineer. The last mentioned has since become an architect
of mere than national reputation. Books were opened for the subscription of
stock, and the line surveyed that fall through Winneshiek and Mitchell counties
to the state line, commencing at the mouth of Paint creek.
We find a record of October 20, 1858, when the second annual meeting of
the board of directors was held in the office of the company here. That meet-
ing was largely attended and very enthusiastic. Every county along the line
was represented. Over $14,000 stock was subscribed on that day. Letters were
read from distinguished railroad men in Wisconsin and Minnesota, all speaking
unqualifiedly of the Paint creek route as the very best west from the Mississippi
in northern Iowa, and predicting its completion at an early day. For the second
year T- T. Atkins was president; N. A. Beebe, vice-president; Hungerford, secre-
tary, and J. T. Clark, treasurer and attorney.
April 27, '59, a delegation from Waukon attended an enthusiastic railroad
meeting at Prairie du Chien, and were met at Johnsonsport by the ferry boat
and brass band from that town. But it was all of no use. All hope was not
abandoned, however, and April 15, 1862, the "Prairie du Chien and Austin R. R.
Vol. 1—17
336
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Company" was incorporated. This also came to naught, and February 4, '63,
was organized the "Prairie du Chien and Cedar Valley Railroad Company,"
which resulted as had the others.
In 1871 the B., C. R. & M. road was extending up towards Postyille, with
the intention, as stated in railroad meetings at Independence and elsewhere,
of extending on northeast by way of Waukon to the river. This gave new hope,
Only to be followed by disappointment again. Then Judge Williams' narrow
gauge enterprise was planned and partially executed. Propositions were made
Co Waukon in 1872 for a branch to this place. We accepted, and did our full
part, by way of voting aid, subscriptions, surveying, etc., till the eastern financial
end of it collapsed, causing an abandonment of the project, but not until several
lines were surveyed to Waukon from the Iowa Eastern, by way of Monona
and Postville.
Waukon had become used to disappointments by this time, and the subject
was pretty much at rest till the fall of 1874. Then Lansing began to agitate
the county scat question again. This was the one thing needed to rouse our
citizens to action, and they took hold of the matter in earnest. After consider-
able talk and canvassing of the matter, articles of incorporation of the Waukon
and Mississippi R. R. Company were adopted, with the following incorporators:
W. C. Earle, A. F. Robbins, C. Paulk, Jacob Plank, H..S. Cooper, John Goody-
koontz, P. G. Wright, C. Barnard, H. G. Grattan, Jeptha Beebe, C. O. Howard,
1, P. Eells, IF H. Stilwell, C. W. Jenkins, G. M. Dean, F. M. Clark, C. S.
Stilwell, I. W. Pratt, F. Howes, J. A. Townsend and James Duffy. Until the
first election by the stockholders, the officers consisted of C. D. Beeman, presi-
dent; H. S. Cooper, vice-president; C. S. Stilwell, secretary, and John Goody-
koontz, treasurer. At the annual meeting of the stockholders, April 6th, officers
for the ensuing year were elected as follows : D. W. Adams, president ; C. D.
Beeman, vice-president; Martin Stone, secretary; F. W. Hersey, treasurer; and
(i. W. Stoddard, W. C. Earle, Jas. Holahan, H. G. Grattan, II. II. Stilwell. and
Fred ! lager, directors.
The directors authorized a survey as soon as possible, which was begun April
10. [875, and completed May 21, under the direction of D. W. Adams, J. H.
I [ale, and J. W. Earle. Meanwhile a committee had been at work since January
securing the right of way. May 22, payment of accrued claims was provided
for. Contracts for grading were let May 28th, and about the first of June dirt
began to fly, high hope being entertained of the completion of the road that
fall. The grading was completed late that summer, many of the bridges put in,
and ties gol out ready for the rail. It was at first the intention to lay a hard-
wood rail, lint at a meeting August 25th, iron was decided upon. In December,
an attempt was made to negotiate a loan, which failed, as did a similar attempt
in January following. The difficulty was not so much in securing the money
wherewith to purchase the iron, as in obtaining it on such terms as would save
the road to the stockholders and not make it necessary that it should pass from
their control. Efforts to this end were continually being made. At the general
meeting in \pnl. [876, the old officers and directors were reelected. Up to
April 1st the sum of S33.533.57 had actually been collected on stock subscrip-
tions. March 15th. a law was passed by the general assembly permitting town-
ships and incorporations to aid in the construction of railroads, and in accordance
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 337
therewith an election was held in Makee township April 26th, at which a five
per cent tax was voted by 342 to 101. Union Prairie township voted a three
per cent tax May 17th, by 113 to 51; but aid was refused by Ludlow May
19th, where a three per cent tax was asked, by Jefferson, May 22d (the same),
and by Hanover, May 25th, where only a two per cent tax was called for.
June 10, 1876, the W. & M. R. R. Security Company was organized for the
purpose of devising means for completing the road, but was dissolved September
19th, the securities furnished by the members being returned to them. And on
the same date the W. & M. R. R. Guarantee Company was organized, for the
purpose of completing, equipping, maintaining and operating said railroad. The
incorporators were : Dudley W. Adams, L. W. Hersey, Holahan & Buggy, J. W.
Pratt, A. Hersey, Henry Dayton, E. K. Spencer, W. C. Earle, A. J. Hersey,
A. E. Robbins, A. Plubiska, C. W. Jenkins, C. D. Beeman, H. G. Grattan, H. H.
Stilwell, Low & Stillman, John A. Taggart, J. H. Hale, Lewis Reid, Azel Pratt.
And the officers : D. W. Adams, president ; C. D. Beeman, vice-president ; J. W.
Pratt, secretary; L. W. Hersey, treasurer; H. G. Grattan, auditor. The assets
of the W. & M. R. R. Company were leased to the Guarantee Company for a
number of years for the purpose indicated. In December the iron was contracted
for in Milwaukee, upon favorable terms ; and an order was made to enforce
the collection of delinquent stock.
At the annual meeting of the original railroad company in April, 'jj, the
following officers were elected : D. W. Adams, president ; C. D. Beeman,
vice-president ; H. G. Grattan, secretary ; L. W. Hersey, treasurer ; James Hola-
han, Conrad Helming, W. C. Earle, H. H. Stilwell and C. W. Jenkins, directors.
June 30th J. H. Hale was elected chief engineer. July 27th H. G. Grattan
resigned as auditor and Jas. Holahan was elected. September 3rd, at the annual
election of the Guarantee Company, D. W. Adams was reelected president, A. E.
Robbins, vice-president ; J. W. Pratt, secretary ; L. W. Hersey, treasurer, and
Jas. Holahan, auditor.
H. H. Stilwell was attorney for the company, and D. W. Adams general
superintendent of the road.
In July, 1877, first mortgage bonds were issued to the amount of about $30 -
000, and taken by Messrs. Fairbank, Bradley and Parks, of Massachusetts,
interest eight per cent payable semi-annually. And a short loan of $15,000 was
secured from J. H. Fairbank of Winchendon, Massachusetts, ample real estate
security being given. The rolling stock was purchased the latter part of that
month, and the delivery of iron began early in August. Track-laying began Sep-
tember 4th; the locomotive was received September nth; reached Waterville,
nine miles, September 25th ; and on October 27th, fifty-three days from the time
the first rail was laid, the track was completed, twenty-three miles, to Waukon.
Thus, after twenty years of disappointments, hoping, waiting, and working.
Waukon became a railroad town, with a road of her own building. Just twenty
years to a month from the time of the first railroad survey up Paint creek valley,
a road was completed over that route ; and this village and vicinity entered upon
a new era of prosperity. It was entirely independent of any other road or cor-
poration, the people of Waukon having struggled through with the enterprise
single handed.
;};{8 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
At the time of its completion the rolling stock of the road comprised one
twelve-ton locomotive, sixteen box cars, five flats, and one passenger. The
cost of the road and its equipments amounted to about $121,000, or nearly $5,300
per mile, and its total debt was about $50,000, bonded for five years. No great
splurge or celebration was indulged in, but on the day of its completion an im-
promptu affair was gotten up for the entertainment of the people who happened
to be in town, and the railroad employes in particular, from an account of which
in the Standard we quote as follows :
"On Saturday, October 27, 1877, at 3 o'clock P. M., the engine 'Union Prairie"
rolled up to the platform of the Waukon depot, Thos. Clyde, engineer: O. H.
Bunnell, fireman, and Henry Lear, conductor. For the preceding few days as
the end of the track approached town the number of visitors had constantly in-
creased, until on this day a large crowd of people, consisting largely of ladies,
were assembled at the depot and below to witness the last of the track-laying,
and get a sight at the first appearance of our locomotive. When the train
reached the depot platform the flat cars were soon crowded to their fullest stand-
ing room, chiefly by the ladies and children, and the Waukon band played a joy-
ous strain in welcome. At this point in the proceedings everybody stood still
until the camera had secured a photograph of the lively scene for all to look
at and laugh over in future years (which is reproduced herewith) ; after which
the first 'passenger train,' consisting of five flats, densely packed, ran down the
road a couple of miles, with the band playing on the front car, and soon re-
turned with whistle sounding, amid considerable enthusiasm and amusement.
* At 5 o'clock, headed by the band, the hands repaired to Barnard Hall,
which had been decorated with flags, as had also most of the business houses.
Here, to the number of about sixty, they were treated to a bountiful hot supper,
including all the delicacies of the table which the ladies of Waukon so excel in
providing, served by the ladies themselves. After the hands had satiated their
appetites the public generally fell to and did full justice to the repast; and so
amply had the ladies provided for sixty or eighty railroad hands that it is esti-
mated some live hundred people were served with supper at the hall, free.
* After supper the floor was cleared and those so disposed participated
in a social dance. * * * There were in town during the day an unusual
number of people, although no public announcement of any demonstration had
been made."
The railroad began carrying the mails February 11, 1878.
\ month or two before the completion of the road to Waukon, Mr. F. 1'..
( .ililis, then station agent on the river road at Harper's Ferry, was engaged to take
charge of the new station at Waukon, and he proved a valuable asset to the new
corporation, with its inexperienced officials, in getting this office into proper
working order. In December following, the American Express Company began
doing business over this line: and November 6, 1879, a telegraph line was com-
pleted; and both these branches of railroading were added to Mr. Gibbs' duties.
The work incident to the opening of a new office, providing it with the proper
books and blanks, and practically operating this independent line with its insuf-
ficient shipping facilities, was immense, but Mr. Gibbs was equal to the occasion.
When he finally took time to determine whether or not to make this his home,
he decided the question by buying a lot and building a comfortable dwelling,
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 341
and has for over thirty-five years proven a valuable asset to the business and
social interests of the town, as he had at first been to its railroad interests. For
a third of a century he retained the position of agent at this station, under the
various railroad managements, resigning to take up the local management of the
Upper Iowa Power Company and electric lighting system, in Waukon.
At the annual election of April 2, 1878, the company elected D. W. Adams,
president, H. G. Grattan, vice president, L. W. Hersey, secretary, C. D. Bee-
man, treasurer, and Jas. Holahan, Henry Dayton, W. C. Earle, C. Helming and
C. W. Jenkins, directors.
In September, 1878, James F. Joy, of railroad fame, came here and pur-
chased a controlling interest of the stockholders, the officers of the Guarantee
Company being succeeded by : J. F. Joy, president ; F. O. Wyatt, vice president
and general manager; C. M. Carter, treasurer; H. H. Stilwell, secretary; and
the road passed into the same management as the river road, with a prospect
of being pushed through into Minnesota. The officers of the old original com-
pany resigned, and were succeeded by : F. O. Wyatt, president ; W. J. Kivght,
vice president; C. M. Carter, treasurer; H. H. Stilwell, secretary; and Frank
Adams, S. A. Wolcott, J. F. Joy, L. W. Hersey and A. E. Robbins, directors.
That fall and winter a party of surveyors ran a line for a proposed extension
northwest into Minnesota, and also preliminary surveys toward Decorah, which
city in August, "79, voted a four per cent tax in aid of an extension to that place
via Frankville. That route having been abandoned, grading was begun on the
line down Coon Creek, and in October Decorah again voted a tax to aid in its
extension, and the work was prosecuted vigorously, until stopped by the ap-
proach of winter.
In the spring of 1880 grading for the extension was resumed, the piers
erected for four iron bridges across the Oneota river, and several miles of track
laid from Waukon, when, in May, the lines of the C, C, D. & M. railroad, of
which this was a feeder, passed into the hands of the C, M. & St. P. Railroad
Company. It was said that the Chicago & Northwestern was negotating for
these lines, and had nearly accomplished their purpose when by a little unneces-
sary delay in making their final inspection of the properties the game was lost
to the Milwaukee managers, who had been closely watching it and by the sudden
turn of a card secured the stake. As it turned out, work on the Decorah exten-
sion ceased early in July, when the track had been laid almost to the river;
the rails and ties were later taken up, and the right of way abandoned.
In 1885 the road was widened to standard gauge.
THE WAUKON SCHOOLS
Early School History
Miss Jessie Lewis
The first school of Waukon was out east of town at what is known as the
Four Corners — a little log schoolhouse. Mr. D. D. Doe taught there in 1853.
Then in the winter of 1854-5 L. O. Hatch taught in town in what is now Nelson
Maxwell's house. It stood then about where E. Dillenberg's residence now
stands. It was a private house, Mr. Israel owning it and living upstairs, the
family's egress and ingress being through the schoolroom.
342 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
In [855 a schoolhouse was built and Charles Jenkins was one of the carpen-
ters. It stood about where the Sisters' school now is. It was made on the usual
plan, with a front door opening into a long hall and a door at each side, one
for girls and one for boys, and wdiat an ignominious punishment it was for a
girl to lie sent out into that cold hall to meditate on her sins. P.oys were not sent
out ; they got a thrashing then and there, provided the teacher could do it. The
seats inside were in four rows, the first row large, the next smaller and so on
down. Althea Pottle, Ella Hancock and Emma Townsend used to go early,
get the back seat and let the older, larger girls take smaller seats in front. But
they had a good time on that back seat!
Mr. Augur taught in the winter of 1855-6. There was plenty of snow in
those days and no sidewalks to speak of, so Mr. Augur wore heavy boots to
school and took them off there and wore slippers. He used to put his boots
down at the end of the long bench used as a recitation seat. The day before
Christmas the pupils took turns sitting on the end of the seat near the boots so
as to surreptitiously drop his or her contribution into the boots. They were full
by night, mostly vegetables, and as he had to "board "round," they were not of
much use to him.
Miss Susan Shattuck taught the next summer, and in the winter of 1856-7
Mr. Henry Bigelow was the teacher. [Mr. ISigelow later lived in Decorah and
taught in a commercial college there until he was assassinated by an insane col-
league a few years ago. — Editor.] He was followed by Mr. Wilbur, Dr. Earle
and Mr. Eastman. Mr. Eastman and wife also taught a private school in the
house now occupied by Superintendent Mills. These gentlemen taught in the
winter, and in the summers Misses Addie Walker, Hannah. Geesey, Nellie Shat-
tuck, Mate Stillman and Ella Hancock held gentle sway.
In the fall of 1859 Mr. Loughran came and taught in the Presbyterian
church, a private school, until 1862, when a brick schoolhouse was built by him,
where the present schoolhouse stands. It was called the Allamakee College.
The money was raised to build it by selling scholarships at $125. In 1862 school
was held by him in 1 lersey's hall, adjacent to the present Meyer hotel [now the
Allamakee]. Meantime the public school was going on all the time. In 1862
Henrietta lluestis was principal and Emma Townsend assistant. Professor
Loughran sold the property to A. A. Griffith of elocutionary fame, who sold it
to Martin Stone, and he in turn sold it to the district.
After the college became public property the principals down to the present
are given in the following poem by a member of the present senior class of 1903
( Miss I [arriet A. I [ancock >. as taken from her paper at school :
When first our school was graded and in 1864
Was moved to this location, from where it was before.
The competent instructor, Mr. Martin Stone by name,
Had charge and jurisdiction, and overlooked the same.
This honorable position he held for two full years.
When a certain Thomas Cutler undertook to show his peers
That he was made for teaching and instructing gentle youth.
lie was followed, be it noticed ( for he stayed not long, in truth),
By a Mr. Charles F. Stevens, then by Miss Marie E. Post.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 343
Mr. A. M. May succeeded, then Miss Keeler helped them learn.
Then Charles Cressy, J. H. Carroll and J. Loughran in his turn.
The last named held the scepter for half a dozen years.
Then upon the scene another old-time preceptor appears,
A Mr. David Judson, and so clever was his rule
That many years passed by him before he left the school.
Next there followed S. A. Harper with sway both strong and kind,
Then Mr. Jones had charge one year, and after him we find
The name of C. P. Colgrove, who brought the school good fame.
Then H. F. Kling, E. L. Coffeen (also a goodly name),
Mr. Smith and Mr. Macomber, whose dominion being past,
There followed Mr. Dwelle. May he long remain the last.
To go back to early history. The old school building was bought by O. S.
Hathaway and used for a wagon shop. It was moved down where Heiser's
shop now stands. They moved it across the road, west, and used it as a storing
shop. It is now back of John Hager's wareroom and is used for the same pur-
pose. [It has since been entirely demolished, in 1907. — Editor.] What stories
of good old times are stored away in that worn old frame. I am reminded of
one romance there. One fair, bright maid was suspected (and rightly, too) by
the teacher, a spruce and courtly gentleman, for having some reading matter in
her desk not only not belonging to school work, but not good reading for anyone.
He demanded the book. She refused. What could he do? If it were only a
boy now, but a girl — a grown-up young lady, one of his brightest pupils. He
gave her her choice, to give up the book or leave school. She left only to be
promptly sent back by her sensible parents. Either her spirited resistance or
her sweet apology captured the teacher, for a few years later he married her.
The first few years the school took in all the farming country around, reach-
ing west as far as the Jim Smith farm, where Ezra Reed then lived, and with
all that territory there were only about twenty-five pupils. One of the classes
in those early days consisted, as near as the writer could obtain the names, of the
following: Clara and Belle Britain, Emma Townsend, Althea Pottle, Sarah
Hersey, Lucinda, George and Rebecca Smith, Frank and Henry Robbins, Susie
Paulk, Ichabod Isted, Watson Hanscom, Granville Rose, John Sterling Mather,
Sarah Reed, Ann Williams, Sarah Pierce and James Williams.
It is to be regretted that records were not kept, but there are none obtainable
any farther back than Prof. D. Judson's time. Then, in 1876, we find a partial
record, and in January, 1877, we find the attendance in the several rooms as
follows: Prof, and Mrs. D. Judson, 66; Helen Lisher, 46; Jessie Lewis, 39;
Ida Thompson, yy ; Mary Duffy, 47. Total, 275.
The records take us down to the present with about 400 pupils, and though
we have the unlucky number of thirteen teachers our school has few equals.
When Professor Loughran built the college he made it his dwelling as well.
His family lived on the first floor and boarded a good many of the students, who
had rooms on the third floor. Professor Loughran was assisted by his son, Cor-
nelius, and also by W. W. Likens, a Mr. Brock, Miss Higby, Miss Post and
Mrs. Calkins, who taught French, and Miss Ishe, music. Later by J. P. Ray-
mond.
::44 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
The fust literary society of Waukon had its beginning in the college in 1862.
There were two. one for the boys and one for the girls. They met once a week.
A good many of the members then are members of the Woman's Literary
Society now.
The foregoing history by Miss Lewis was written in 1902. The public
school superintendents who have followed Mr. Dwelle are: J. H. Bowers. C. S.
Cory (who, with C. P. Colgrove, is now a member of the faculty of the Iowa
State Teachers' College), W. H. Ray and C. F. Pye, present incumbent.
The women who have taught are as worthy to be immortalized in this history
as the men already named; only their number and the difficulty of obtaining their
names for the earlier years makes it impossible to present a full list. There are
three names, however, that ought to be mentioned with honor, for length of
service. Miss Lizzie Spaulding began teaching in 1881, and has taught here
continuously ever since. Misses Ida Thompson and Jessie Lewis began several
years earlier, but their service has not been continuous. Miss Thompson retired
several years ago ; the other two are teaching yet, to the delight of many mothers
of young children.
This school teaches the normal course for rural teachers, including agricul-
ture and domestic science. The number of teachers at present, aside from the
superintendent, is fourteen, as follows: Principal. Miss Kleespie; mathematics,
Miss McDougall; English and history. Miss Stillman ; domestic science, Miss
Clark; physics. Mr. Salmonson ; music and drawing. Miss Harris; eighth grade,
Miss Carter; seventh, Miss Bock; sixth, Miss Westrum ; fifth, Miss Dial;
fourth, Miss Tench; third. Miss Lewis; second. Miss Spaulding; and first, Miss
Smith. Miss Smith is also a veteran, having taught here twenty years; and
Miss Dial not far short of that.
We might add to the early teachers mentioned by Miss Lewis the names of
James Bentley, George Butler and C. W. Walker, this writer receiving instruc-
tion under each of them in the old schoolhouse, his home being then in the same
block, the present residence of A. M. May. Mr. Bentley taught in 1860-1 ; Mr.
Walker in the winter of 1862-3. We have a distinct recollection of a correction
the latter made in our reading "The Village Blacksmith": "And the muscles of
his brawny arms were strong as iron bands," when we insisted in placing the
emphasis on the word "bands."
Mr. Walker has resided in McGregor since 1864, where he was for many
years tickel agent for the river packets and the Milwaukee railroad, and later
mayor of the city several terms. I le has retained his popularity among Waukon
people, and is still actively engaged in business at eighty-two years young— so
active' ami vigorous that the uninformed would not suspect his true years.
Mr. Bentley introduced a moot court, in which he was the presiding judge,
for the trial of petty infringements of school rules. This proved rather an
interesting diversion fur the bright boys, and they soon began to provide so
many cases thai the time of the court was insufficient to try them all. and this'
plan of enforcing discipline was abandoned. The date of Mr. Bentley's teaching
is established by a cherished memento which we still possess, in the' shape of a
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 345
pasteboard-and-ribbon rosette, bearing an inscription indicating good scholar-
ship and good behavior— but the latter statement always caused the stirring of a
guilty conscience. The "trophy" was accompanied with a silver quarter, which
we do not still possess.
At one time (think it was during Mr. Eastman's administration), a flagrant
case of insubordination by a grown up young man was referred to the directors,
who barred him from the school. As he persisted in coming, however, it was
decided to remove him forcibly if need be. So three directors appeared one day,
and upon his refusing to go peaceably they surrounded him in his seat and after
a struggle succeeded in ejecting him from the building and locked the door.
He lingered around in that vicinity, like Mary's little lamb, and when the direc-
tors had disappeared from view he coolly picked up a stick of cordwood and with
a gentle tap broke the lock and went in to his accustomed seat. This narrator
witnessed the performance from the outside of the building, having escaped
during the melee, and cannot say what then occurred inside, but school was
dismissed very soon after. The final outcome is not now recalled.
Private schools were kept from time to time, and summer schools for the
little tots, in various places. We remember attending school in the frame build-
ing on the north side of Main street, at the corner of Armstrong, now owned
and occupied as a dwelling by D. W. Douglass. Also in the (later known as)
Rankin store building on the north side of Main street, which was destroyed by
fire in 1878, later occupied by other frame buildings which were torn down to
make room for the present D. J. Murphy brick block. Miss Pennoyer is remem-
bered as a popular teacher in some of these early schools.
The first school in Waukon was taught by L. O. Hatch, as stated by Miss
Lewis in her sketch, and we give the circumstances as we obtained them from
him, thirty years ago :
"In the summer of 1854, Mr. John Israel and myself united in buying from
the county, at $15 each, four lots on the hill just east of the premises now owned
by Dr. Barnes. On these lots, in the fall of that year, with a little help from
Charley Jenkins, we built with our own hands a small, frame dwelling house —
the fourth frame building erected in Waukon. As winter approached, we found
ourselves with a school district duly organized, embracing several families in
and about Waukon, but no schoolhouse and no teacher. Our house aforesaid
being nearly finished it was rented as a schoolhouse for the winter of 1854-5, and
I was employed as the teacher. I was paid $15 or $18 per month, and 'boarded
around' in the families of such men as Samuel Huestis, Robert Isted, John A.
Townsend, James Maxwell and others. I had considerable experience as a
teacher, but I was never in a school made up of brighter or better pupils than
those that gathered around me on long, rude benches that winter, among whom
I may mention the names of those who later became Mrs. Hale, Mrs. Adams,
Mrs. judge Granger, Mrs. John Griffin ; and also Fred Clark and Ichabod Isted."
In 1855 the school district purchased the west two-thirds of block 5, in Scott
Shattuck's addition, and erected thereon a substantial frame schoolhouse about
28x40 feet in size. Win. Ramsdall and C. W. Jenkins being the builders. It
was all in one room except a hallway of about ten feet off the north end, with
outside doors in the middle and separate doors for the boys and girls from the
ball to the schoolroom, which was heated by an ordinary box stove. At a later
346 PAST AXJ) PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
day the hallway was taken out and the entire room divided into two, with
entrance to each at the center on the west side. After this division, we find in
our boyhood diary, which noted only occasional events of great importance, on
April 4, 1864, school began, with .Miss Althea Lottie teaching the higher depart-
ment and Miss Clarissa Lyons the other.
Before this division the old school building served as a place for public gath-
erings of all kinds for several years, until Hersey's hall was finished. It was
occupied by traveling panoramas, magic lantern exhibitions, etc., and once or
more did the county agricultural society have its fair on the premises. Especially
will the Iyceums be remembered by the old residents, with the concerts by the
old glee club, and other interesting entertainments by home talent — to say nothing
of the singing schools. The earliest meetings of the religious denominations
were also held here, before they were able to erect houses of worship.
At one of the magic lantern shows we remember the screen was placed by
the traveling exhibitor well out toward the middle of the room, and while the
crowd was gathering he explained that they could sit on either side, that "one
side of the screen is just as good as the other;" whereupon one of the big boys
took the liberty to stroll around and investigate, and remarked, "it aint either,
one side has a hole in it and t'other haint," which tickled us little fellows im-
mensely.
In the fall of 1864 an arrangement was made whereby Martin Stone was to
teach the more advanced pupils of the school, in the College building, which had
passed into his hands, and a similar arrangement was made the following year.
In [866 he sold the property to Thos. A. Cutler, who taught the school there
the following winter. In 1867 the district purchased the College property of
Cutler for $4,000, and afterwards sold the property in Shattuck's addition to
various parties. In 1881 the school building was improved by putting in furnace,
heating and ventilating apparatus.
In the spring of 1885 it was voted to erect a new school building, and F. M.
Ellis of Marshalltown was selected as the architect. Lender his plans and specifi-
cations the following bids were submitted, the bidder to have the old building:
( ieo. 1 1. King, of Brooklyn, Iowa, $13,345 ; X. 1 1, l'ratt, $14,400 ; S. Peck & Sons,
Sih,(x)o; E. B. Bascom, $16,800. The contract was let to Mr. King, and the
building was occupied late the next fall. The board during this work comprised:
I). W. Reed, president; and directors, D. II. Bowen, H. O. Dayton. J. C. Hubbell,
F. II. Bobbins and W. C. Thompson.
The great increase of school population by 1895 made it necessary to provide
much more room and in the spring of 1896 an election was held on the question
of issuing S4.000 bonds to build an addition, which was carried by a vote of 261
to j 1,?. the women voting on this proposition to the number of 127. The alterna-
tive was to provide one or more schoolhouses in other parts of town. The plans
of architects C. G. Mavbury & Son, of La Crosse, were adopted, the contract
awarded to Geo. 1'. Leefeldt. of McGregor, for $6,750, and the present north
wing was completed during that year. The board at this time consisted of:
A. T. Stillman, president; and directors, K. |. Alexander, If. O. Dayton, |. E.
Duffy, C. II. Earle and J. < ;. Ratcliffe.
Mr. Stillman has continued as president of the board ever since, or for seven-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 347
teen years. The other directors at present are, R. J. Alexander, H. L. Dayton,
H. A. Howe and Frank Klees.
We find no record of school officers previous to 1859, in which year Moses
Hancock was president. C. J. White, vice president; A. G. Howard, secretary;
and W. K. McFarland. treasurer.
November 8, 1862, the independent district of Waukon was erected, comprising
all of sub-district Xo. 8 in Makee township: the south half of section 25, south-
east quarter section 26, northeart quarter section 35. and all of section 36 in Union
Prairie; and section 6 and west half section 5. in Jefferson township. The first
election of school officers in this independent district was held November 29,
1862, resulting as follows : W. K. McFarland, president ; E. B. Lyons, vice pres-
ident; I. R. Brown, secretary, and Jacob Shew, treasurer. Directors: J. B.
Plank, "one year; A. A. Griffith, two years (Mr. Griffith later a noted elocutionist
of Chicago,' died at Palmyra, Wisconsin, June 19, 1889), and J. W. Pennington,
three years. The independent district was formed with a view to effect a transfer
of the Allamakee college building to the district, in which to establish a graded
school, and in December a committee was appointed to wait upon Professor Lough-
ran with that purpose. In February, 1863, a proposition of Professor Loughran
was rejected, and an attempt was made to secure the new courthouse, then stand-
ing vacant. At the regular meeting, March 9th, D. W. Adams was elected pres-
ident ■ Moses Hancock, vice president; C. W. Walker, secretary, and I. H. Hedge,
treasurer. Since that year the president and secretary of the board have been
as follows :
President— A. I. Hersev. 1864-66; L. O. Hatch, 1866-7; Martin Stone, 1867-9;
C T. Granger, 1869-73; Tohn Goodykoontz, 1873-6; A. L. Grippen, 1876; H. H.
Stilwell 1876-9; M. Stone. 1879-80; T. W. Pratt, 1880-1 ; John Hall, 1881-3;
D. W. Reed. 1883-4; Martin Stone. 1884-5 ; D. W. Reed, 1885-9; H. H. Stilwell,
1889-90; D. H. Bowen, 1890-95; resigned November, '95, and H. O. Dayton to
vacancv 1895-6; and A. T. Stillman. 1896-1913, present incumbent.
Secretary— Robert Isted. 1864-5; T. C. Ransom, 1865-7; C. T. Granger,
1867-8; J. W. Pratt, 1868-74; A. J. Rodgers. 1874-82; E. M. Hancock. 1882-96;
E D Purdy, 1896-1913, present incumbent.
Treasurer— ( Since 1882)— L. W. Hersey, 1882-3; J. H. Boomer, 1883-4;
L. W. Hersey, 1884-5; 1. H. Boomer, 1885-8; L. W. Hersey, 1888-94; L. A.
Howe, 1894-1902; A. T. Nierling. 1802-06: W. H. Niehaus, 1906-10; S. W.
Ludeking. 1910-13, present incumbent.
In 1908 it became necessary to make improvements in the heating plant, and
it was decided to remove the old furnaces entirely and heat by steam. Plans
were adopted for a modern steam heating plant, with fan system of ventilation,
and automatic regulation. Bids were advertised for. March 2d, and examined May
20th. as follows: Lewis & Kitchen. $7,500: Thill & Laptz. $8,717; I. E. Beeman.
$9,278; Peter Johnson & Son, $11,266.65. The contract was awarded to Lewis
& Kitchen, lowest bidders, and plant installed during the summer vacation.
The present value of the school building and contents is considered to be
$40,000.
In 1863 the number of school age in the district was 307
In 1882 the number of school age in the district was 472
348 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
In 1895 the number of school age in the district was 678
In 1898 the number of school age in the district was 725
In 1912 the number of school age in the district was 622
(Males 317; females. 305.)
Present enrollment is about 400.
The first class to graduate from the high school was in 1879, and consisted
of Misses Minnie C. Earle, Jessie M. Lewis. Lizzie W. Spaulding and Lizzie G.
Ward. The total number of graduates is now 330. including the eleven of 1913.,
About the year 1894, or '95 the remnant of the old Waukon Library, which
was started in the early sixties by the Waukon Dramatic Club, as the result of a
series of delightful entertainments by home talent — and talent it was, of the
first order — was turned over to the care of the school, as a nucleus for a school
library, which now possesses some 1,800 volumes.
When the old library was established the books were kept for years at the
home of D. W. Adams, and comprised a most excellent and varied selection.
I^ter the library was housed in other homes, and was for some time kept up
by the Young Men's Temperance Association, by whom it was finally transferred
to the school.
ALLAMAKEE COLLEGE
While of brief existence, this institution is worthy of mention as contributing
to the ancient history of this town and county. Its conception was in 1859, when
on the 6th of March, J. C. Armstrong, J. B. Plank, C. J. White, Walter Delafield,
M. G. Belden, R. C. Armstrong, James Maxwell, Jacob Shew, Benj. H. Bailey,
Joseph Savoie. T. J. Goodykoontz, William S. Cook, John Chapman and Lewis
H. Clark, associated themselves together in a corporation to be known as the
"Allamakee Association," to be under the supervision of the Colesburg Pres-
bytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, for the purpose of erecting suit-
able buildings for the advancement of scientific and religious learning, to be known
as the Waukon Seminary. Out of this grew the Allamakee College, a catalogue
of which was printed in [862, from which we gather its history, in substance,
as follows :
A number of citizens of Waukon and vicinity, deeply feeling the want in
their rapidly growing community of an institution of learning of an academic
or collegiate order, entered into an agreement with Rev. J. Loughran, A. M.,
formerly president of Waynesburg College. Pennsylvania, for the erection in
Waukon of a suitable college edifice, and the maintenance therein of a school as
above named, on the following plan: They stipulated to draw in favor of said
J. Loughran their promissory notes, each for $125, to be paid within one year
from date, fur which they should receive from him certificates of scholarship,
each scholarship guaranteeing the tuition of one student for five years in the
institution, to eminence when the building would be finished. At the end of
the five years the title of the property was to pass to Mr. Loughran in full own-
ership, being paid for by said scholarships.
To carry out this plan the following gentlemen were chosen by the stock-
holders with the style and title of "Trustees of Allamakee College :" R C Arm-
' '.■■:■ f^\-' '':~\ '■'' W?'^'"'
!.iV
RESIDENCE OF 0. J. HAGER. WAUKOX
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 351
strong, Robert Isted, Walter Delafield, A. M. Haslip, L. G. Calkins, A. H. Hersey,
W. R. Pottle, Jacob Shew and Jacob Plank. Walter Delafield donated the whole
of block 19 in his addition to Waukon, comprising two acres, as a site for the
building. The notes given by the stockholders were transferred by Mr. Loughran
to the trustees, and with the money accruing they erected a three-story brick
edifice, in size 47 by 64 feet, the height of the stories being 11, 13 and 8^2 feet,
respectively. Its accommodations were, four large recitation rooms on the first
floor, a hall in the second story 44 by 52 feet, and eight rooms in the third story,
each 13 by 19 feet, designed for students desiring to board themselves. This
was built in 1861, following the completion of the courthouse, but was not fin-
ished for occupancy until the following spring. In the fall of 1862 there were
ninety students in attendance, double the number entitled to tuition on scholar-
ships, that being but forty-eight.
The announcement in the catalogue goes on to say : "The trustees have mani-
fested a most praiseworthy liberality and perseverence. They have raised and
almost completed the building in the face of the greatest money pressure ever
experienced in the West. The institution is now in successful operation. One
hundred and twenty-five students have been in attendance during the past year,
and over, three hundred since the commencement of the school in 1859. But this
summer is the first we have occupied the college building. The scholarships
became available when we entered the building."
Rev. J. Loughran, president, resided in the building with his family. He
was ably assisted during the first three years by the following faculty :
J. C. Loughran, higher academic.
G. H. Brock, higher academic. (Enlisted in Co. B, 12th Iowa Infantry,
October 7, 1861.)
W. W. Likens, collegiate scientific.
Mrs. Jennie Calkins, French, German and mathematics.
Mrs. Jennie Loughran, lower academic.
Miss Pennoyer, lower academic and professor of phonography and phonetic
shorthand.
Professor Loughran had opened what was called the Waukon High School,
October 3, 1859, in the Presbyterian church, and conducted the same success-
fully for three years or until the college building was completed, with the above
named assistants, and Prof. A. A. Griffith in elocution. Mr. Loughran was
pretty thorough, both in instruction and in discipline, believing in the virtues of
the old-fashioned switch. The timid ones among the pupils however dreaded
the expression of his displeasure, as worse than a licking. In his catalogue he
says : "We do not use the topic system as it often tends to strengthen the memory
at the expense of the reasoning faculties. We require our students to analyze
each lesson, and where it can be done, to explain fully the rationale of the process
on the black-board. Where the black-board cannot be used, they must give the
analysis verbally or in writing. During the recitation they are not allowed the use
of books. * * * The object is to draw them out, to interest them in the sub-
ject of the lesson, and to excite them to depend as much as possible upon their
own reason." All of which is doctrine too often neglected at this day.
The institution was deserving of success, but unfortunately it was not such
as hoped for; probably the absence of so many young men during that time in
352 PAST AND PRESENT OP ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
the war was one of the causes ; and in May, 1863, a corporation styled the "Alla-
makee Collegiate Institute" was formed for the purpose of cancelling the indebt-
edness against the Allamakee College and perpetuating the institution. In the
same year the property was purchased by Martin Stone, and a few years later
passed into the possession of the Independent School District of Waukon, as
described elsewhere.
It would be interesting to print here the names of all enrolled as shown by
this old catalogue, but the list is too long. But the list of those still living here
( all or part of the time ) is very brief :
Year 1859-60 — Ellen Hedge, Althea Pottle, John P. Raymond, collegiate,
Mary Stillman, Martha Shaw, DeEtte Clark, Emery Pratt, George Schrody,
Samuel Thompson, Herbert Townsend, Nelson Maxwell, Perky Raymond,
academic.
Year t86o-6i — (Omitting repetitions) Phoebe Maxwell, Henry Bentley, col-
legiate; Emma Townsend, Mary Johnson, Bert Taggart, George Johnson, Ellery
Hancock, academic.
Year 1861-62 — (Omitting repetitions) Eva MeClaskey, academic.
In July, 1876, after closing his contract with the Waukon public school, Pro-
fessor Loughran bought the old German Presbyterian church building and re-
moved it to his premises on Worcester street, where in September following he
opened an institution of learning called the Waukon Seminary, well supplied
with maps, charts, chemical and philosophical apparatus, and more especially
for the purpose of preparing students for teaching, or for a college course.
Professor Loughran had devoted a long and active life to the interests of edu-
cation, and was exceedingly well qualified for instructing in the higher branches.
His seminary continued to flourish for several years, until in 1883 it was discon-
tinued, and Mr. Loughran removed to White Lake, South Dakota, to the regret
of hosts of his old Waukon friends, where be died in or about the year 1900
at a ripe old age.
THE PRESS
'I he Wawkon Journal, the first newspaper published here, was established by
Frank Belfoy in the spring of 1857, and was free-soil in politics. It was first
printed in the Taggart building, situated on the northeast corner of .Main and
Armstrong streets, which is still standing, the residence of D. W. Douglass.
This lot. being lot 4 in block 2, Armstrong's addition, was purchased of Arm-
strong in 1856, for $25, by Mr. John A. Taggart, who built the house thereon.
After some nine months Belfoy sold the paper to Frank Pease, who made a
democratic sheet of it and changed the name to Allamakee Herald, the first
number of which was issued February 26, 1858. It was a six-column folio, is-
sued Fridays; and one M. M. Webster, a lawyer, was associated with Pease for
a while, as was also R. K. Smith, who afterwards went south and his fate is un-
known, lie was a brother of James C. Smith, a pioneer of Yolnev. later a hotel
man in Waukon and Decorah, and at the time of his death, in 1875, owner of the
part of Waukon where is now Ratclift'e's addition. The Herald was discontinued
111 May. iS^, and Pease drifted southward, continuing in newspaper work; but
in 1S7S, when lasl heard of, he was city clerk of Hot Springs, Arkansa-.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 353
In August, 1859, the paper was revived under the name of Wawkon Trans-
cript, also democratic, by T. H. McElroy, with whom was associated one Dr.
Parker, from McGregor. About one year later they removed the establishment
to Lansing and began the publication of the first democratic paper there under the
name of Northwestern Democrat.
The North Iowa Journal, republican, was established at Waukon in May,
i860, by E. L. Babbitt and W. H. Merrill, the first number bearing date May
29th. Mr. Babbitt was postmaster in 1861, the postoffice being situated in a two-
story frame building erected in 1859 by Shattuck and Woodcock, on the corner
where the postoffice is now again located. The printing office occupied the rear
part of the second story ; and it was at this time the writer first became interested
in the printing business, being employed as carrier boy for the town list, at
twenty cents per week, the first earnings of which he has any recollections.
In 1 861 they sold the paper to Leonard G. Calkins and Albert B. Goodwin,
and returned to Wyoming county, New York, where Babbitt died a couple of
years later. Twenty-five years later Mr. Merrill became editor of the New York
World. Goodwin disposed of his interest to Calkins; and in April, 1862. the
Journal suffered a temporary suspension, but was revived about August 1st,
with Calkins and Cole editors, Chas. B. Cole publisher. In September the name
of L. G. Calkins appears as publisher, Cole still being associated with him as
local editor. About November, Cole assumed the entire control, made its poli-
tics democratic, and in March, 1863, removed the Journal to Lansing.
For nearly five years thereafter Waukon was without a local paper. In the
winter of 1867-8 negotiations were entered into with Chas. W. McDonald, then
publishing the Gazette at Blairstown, this state, who came here and on the 9th of
January, 1868, issued the first number of the Waukon Standard. After publish-
ing it three months he sold to R. L. Hayward & Co. (the "company" being A. M.
May) and went to Illinois, and later to New York where he was for some time
engaged in the Swedenborgian Publishing House. He next published a paper at
Sioux Falls ; and later became superintendent of schools of Aurora county,
South Dakota. Under its new management the Standard was edited by A. M.
May, who continued its chief editor for thirty-three years, and made it a strong,
pure, and reliable local family newspaper. It has always been republican in
politics. His first partner, Mr. Hayward, did not come to Waukon until the
following August; and in March, 1869, he disposed of his interest and went to
Arkansas, and eventually to San Antonio, Texas, where he was engaged in
newspaper business and where he died in August, 1882. Mr. May then (1869)
associated with him one Jas. H. Brayton, who although a good printer had some
habits that threatened to swamp the establishment, and after about four months
Mr. May found it necessary to assume the entire control.
In December, 1869, E. M. Hancock became associated with May in the
business, but withdrew in July following. August 1, 1872, Chas R. Hamstreet
bought an interest in the office, which he held until June 1, 1873, when he dis-
posed of it and engaged in farming near Clear Lake, Iowa. At that time E. M.
Hancock purchased a half interest in the concern, and May & Hancock conducted
the business for nine and a half years, until January 1, 1882, when Hancock dis-
posed of his interest to Mrs. May, the firm becoming A. M. May & Co. The
firm title continued thus, or as A. M. May & Son (Frank FT. and later R. B.),
354 PAST .VXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
until January i, iqoi, when R. Bruce May become sole proprietor. In June,
1909. he disposed of the plant to John H. DeWild. his foreman, an excellent
printer, who continues the business and who put in the first linotype machine
in the county. Bruce May is now in a fine printing establishment at Iowa Falls.
Upon the completion of the railroad in 1877. the Waukon Democrat was
started by Daniel O'Brien, who sold it July 5, 1879, to John W. Hinchon, ex-
county superintendent of schools, who sold it in July, 1882, to T. C. Medary
& Son (George C. I, and went to Algona, Iowa, where he became one of the pro-
prietors of the Algona Courier. The veteran printer, T. C. Medary, died in
1893, and George, who had been railroad mail agent for some time, succeeded
to the active control, but lived only a few weeks, dying August 13th following.
Another son, Edgar F., who had been publishing the Postville Graphic, then
took charge of the Democrat and continued its publication for five years, selling
lune 15, 1898. to E. L. Coffeen and A. P. Bock, who changed its politics and
name to Waukon Republican. Air. Bock purchased his partner's interest in
September, 1902, and continues sole proprietor today. Mr Coffeen resumed his
profession of teaching, as superintendent of schools at Decorah, Mason City and
Marshalltown, and is now a prominent educator in Massachusetts.
In July, 1899, Ed F. Medary revived the Waukon Democrat; and about the
same time W. J. Wallis & Son started a new paper, the Allamakee Democrat,
but less than a year later sold out to Mr. Medary who consolidated it with his
own plant which he continues to publish, together with a supplemental sheet
devoted to Waterville affairs and called the Budget.
In October, 1882, the Waukon branch of the Allamakee Journal was estab-
lished, under the personal management of Thos. F. Dunlevy, who has thus con-
ducted it for over thirty years. So today Waukon has four newspapers, two
republican and two democratic.
POSTOFFICE
\ postoffice was first established at Waukon in the early fall of 1853, with
Scott Shattuck as postmaster. He was succeeded by L. T. Woodcock, and he
by W. Beale. in the summer of 1856, the office then being removed from the
Woodcock store building on west Main street to Beale's new store on the now
vacant corner opposite the Allamakee House on Allamakee street. In 1859
R. C. Armstrong was appointed and the office went back to west Main street,
opposite the Presbyterian church. He served but a year or two, having met with
the misfortune of finding one morning that the valuables of his office had disap-
peared during the night. The brunt of this misfortune fell upon his bondsmen,
as Armstrong departed from the county. He was succeeded by H. Stroud, a
shoemaker, in the latter part of i860 or "6i. who served but a short time and
was followed by E. L. Babbitt, and the office was located in the new Wood-
cock building on the corner of Main and Spring avenue, where it is now again.
Babbitt was succeeded by L. G. Calkins in 1862, who held the office during 1863.
During most of his term, however, L. M. Bearce was his deputy and virtually
postmaster, as Calkins had but little to do with the office. From 1864 to 1871
Win. R. Pottle was the incumbent, the office going directly across the street to
the north side of Main street. During his term it was made a money order office.
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 355
Mr. Pottle died in March, 1872. In January, 1871, Mrs. E. E. Stevens became
postmistress (in her frame building, corner of Main and West streets — burned
down in 1891), and so continued until succeeded by D. W. Reed, July 1, 1879.
Major Reed moved the office to the east side of Allamakee street, where
the O'Brien building now is, and continued as postmaster until the middle of the
Cleveland administration, in 1887, when T. C. Medary was appointed, and the
postoffice went down onto Spring avenue. F. H. Robbins was appointed by
President Harrison, taking the office October 1, 1889, and serving four years,
when T. J. Kelleher received the appointment by President Cleveland, in 1893.
He was succeeded by F. H. Robbins again, during the McKinley regime, who
served from February, 1898, to December 31, 1903. P. S. Narum then received
the appointment from Roosevelt, entering upon his duties January 1, 1904, and
is now well along in his third term. He removed the office to its present location,
the Roomer Opera House.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
In the spring of 191 1 some of the public-spirited ladies of Waukon, mostly
members of its numerous clubs, discussed the question of forming an organiza-
tion for civic improvement, and the various ideas advanced became materialized
on the 13th of March in the organization of the Women's Civic Improvement
League, of which the officers elected were as follows : President, Miss Leah
Jones ; vice president, Mrs. W. C. Earle ; secretary, Mrs. S. W. Ludeking ; corre-
sponding secretary, Mrs. Keo Minert ; treasurer, Miss Cora Miner.
The first and immediately visible results were chiefly in the "cleaning up"
day for the streets and alleys, and an interest in the better care of the residence
lots. But the ladies had plans for other kinds of improvement, among them
the establishing of a public library, and for a location they secured from the city
council the use of the small room in the south part of the city hall building, and
the larger room on the east side for a reading room. Here the beginning was
made on January 13, 1912, when a collection of 149 books and some magazines
was opened to the public, with Mr. W. C. Wilkinson in charge as librarian. At
this writing, in March, 1913, the number of volumes has increased to almost
1,000, and the record shows that 8,160 volumes were loaned during the year
ending March 1st. The sources of income have been from voluntary contribu-
tions, occasional dinners and socials, and delinquent fines. The reading room
is entirely free, as well as the library, and is well supplied with current magazines
and papers, and is well patronized. Thus a good beginning has been made, and
doubtless the ladies of the league will be encouraged to continue their efforts in
this direction. At its March meeting the league elected the following officers
for the ensuing year : President, Mrs. J. B. Jones ; vice president, Mrs. Keo.
Minert; secretary, Mrs. P. N. Heiser ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. J. E.
O'Brien ; treasurer, Miss Ella Void ; board of managers, Mesdames W. C.
Earle, H. E. Taylor and J. F. Dougherty.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Early in the year 1859 Walter Delafield bought of Wm. S. Cooke a small lot
20 by 40 feet in size, west of the Woodcock store building on the south side of
356 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Main street, on which lie put up a one-story frame building and opened a "bank-
ing and exchange" business. It was a little too soon, and a year or so later Mr.
Delafield closed it and returned to the East. In 1858 his father, Edward Dela-
field, had purchased and laid out "Delafield's addition." and they had expected
great things of the village. Walter Delafield was attending to the affairs as his
father's attorney in fact, and he was very popular while here. He later became
a prominent Episcopal clergyman, and further mention of him will be found
in the sketch of the Waukon Episcopal church.
WAUKON STATE BANK
Twelve years later, in May, 1871. Lewis W. Hersey opened the first per-
manent bank in Waukon, with J. B. Turck, of Milwaukee, in connection with
their mercantile business in the stone block on the east side of Allamakee street.
In March. 1873, Mr. Turck retired, and Mr. Hersey continued the business until
May 13, 1874, when he disposed of his mercantile interests to Augustine Hersey
& Son, and from that time on devoted his attention solely to the banking business.
In January, 1879, Geo. W. Stoddard and C. T. Granger united with Mr. Hersey
in establishing "The Waukon Bank," occupying a new building erected by H. H.
Stilwell on the opposite side of Allamakee street, especially fitted up for the
banking business. The officers were : C. T. Granger, president ; L. W. Hersey,
cashier; Geo. W. Stoddard, assistant cashier: with a capital of $10,000, which
was increased to $15,000 January 1, 1884.
On April 29, 1892, the business was incorporated under the name of "Waukon
State Bank," with a paid up capital of $40,000; and on April 26, 1912, when the'
charter expired, it was renewed for another twenty years. The bank continued
its business in the same location for thirty-three years, or until February 1, 1912,
when it moved into its own elegant new building on Main street, in the very
center of the business section, where they have roomy, well lighted, attractive
quarters, equipped with every modern convenience and protection, including
safety deposit boxes for the use of its patrons. The officers of the bank have
been: President, C. T. Granger, 1879-91 ; G. W. Stoddard, 1892-93; L. W. Her-
sey, 1894-1902; L, A. Howe, 1903 to the present time. Vice president, M. W.
Eaton, since 1897. Cashier, L. W. Hersey, 1871-93; L. A. Howe, 1984-1902;
S. W. Ludeking, since 1903. Assistant cashier, L. A. Howe, 1892-93; S. W.
Ludeking, [897-1902; C. M. Stone, since 1909. Directors, L. W. Hersey, 1892-
1902; G. W. Stoddard, 1892-93; C. T. Granger, 1892-93 and 1895-1913; J. W.
Thomas, [892-97; Henry Dayton. 1892-94: M. W. Eaton, since 1894; J. C. Craw-
ford, since [894 : Moritz Kerndt, [898-1905; I.. A. Howe, since 1903; S. W. Lude-
king, since [906; R. J. Alexander, since 1913.
Thus it will be seen that 1.. W. Mersey, founder of the bank, was cashier or
president nearly thirty-two years, until his death in 1903. L. A. Howe, now pres-
ident, entered the bank as clerk and bookkeeper January 1, 1883, and has been
continuously connected with it for thirty years. M. W. Eaton has been vice
president for sixteen years; and S. \V. Ludeking, assistant and cashier for the
same period. This is a record of stability that is indicative of the character of
this institution, and for all these years the Waukon State Bank has enjoyed a
liberal share of the public patronage. The management has always been con-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 357
servative, and mindful of their responsibility to depositors, to safeguard their
interests first of all.
During the past three years this bank has paid to its depositors as interest on
their deposits the large sum of $29,812.31. Its April statement, 1913, shows a
capital and surplus of $50,000. Undivided profits, $19,990.23. Deposits, $377r
467.80. And total resources, $447,458.03.
BANK OF WAUKON
In the spring of 1878, following the arrival of the locomotive in AVaukon,
numerous enterprises were launched, among them being a second bank, by B. F.
and J. H. Boomer, who came in and built for that purpose the brick building on
the east side of Spring avenue now occupied by the Model Restaurant. Being
energetic and pushing they soon built up quite a patronage, took an active in-
terest in the business affairs of the town, and ere long acquired considerable prop-
erty. They bought the Grange building formerly occupied by the Hedge & Earle
drug store, moved it across the street, and on its site erected the Boomer Opera
House. This was destroyed by fire in February, 1891, but immediately rebuilt,
and is now occupied by Woodmen's Hall and the postoffice. In 1892 J. H. Boomer
retired and went to Hot Springs, South Dakota, and thence to Idaho, where in
1907 he was city clerk and police magistrate of the city of Wallace. In 1893 the
affairs of the bank were wound up, and the properties acquired by B. F. Boomer
eventually passed into other hands. In recent years he has conducted the Grand
Hotel.
CITIZENS STATE BANK
The Citizens State Bank of Waukon was incorporated April 29, 1892, and
commenced business July 25th following, with a capital of $25,000. Its first ,
officers were: President, A. Deremore (who held this position till his death,
October 18, 1897) ; vice president, W. L. Duffin ; cashier, W. E. Beddow ; assist-
ant cashier, J. E. Duffy ; directors, A. Deremore, Joseph Zimmerman, J. F. Day-
ton, W. L. Dufifin and W. E. Beddow.
The incorporators consisted of the above named, with M. A. Creglow, Geo.
Creglow, J. R. Beddow, M. B. Flendrick, James Duffy, H. G. Fisher, William
Daulton, Henry Helming, and Mary M. Quigley.
The management leased of F. H. Robbins' perhaps the best location in town
for a banking institution, on the corner of Main and Allamakee streets, which they
have occupied continuously for these twenty-one years. The rooms were finely
finished and an equipment put in that was up-to-date and more handsome and
convenient than any in town at that time ; and the enterprise proved successful
from the start. In February, 1910, the capital stock was increased to $50,000,
and in May, 1912, the organization was reincorporated for a second period of
twenty-five years from July 25, 191 2.
Since the first officers above mentioned the list has been as follows: Presi-
dent, W. C. Earle, 1899 to present date; vice president, W. L. Duffin, 1892-99;
D. J. Murphy, 1899 to this date; cashier, W. E. Beddow, 1892 until his death,
in 1910; W. H. Niehaus, 1910 to present date; assistant cashiers, J. E. Duffy,
1892 until his death in 1899; C. H. Earle, 1899 to date. Directors, at present are:
W. C. Earle, Ella M. Beddow, C. H. Earle, K. H. Niehaus and D. I. Murphy.
The official statement of the bank, in April, 1913, shows total assets of $310,-
746.77, and deposits of $260,394.48.
358 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
FIRM' NATIONAL BANK
|„ lanuarv. 1893, the comptroller of the currency at Washington issued author-
ity for the organization of a national hank at Waukon, a large part of the stock
of $50,000 having been then subscribed by farmers of the county, by the efforts
of B F Boomer and others. The charter was duly issued, April 22, 1893, and
the bank opened for business June 5th. the capital of $50,000 being fully paid
up and the following officers were chosen: President. 1".. F. Boomer ; vice presi-
dent I M Barthell ; cashier. Allen B. Boomer ; assistant cashier, Wm. J. Mitchell :
directors T M. Barthell, K. T. Anderson, B. F. Boomer, Joseph Haas: H. S.
1 uhman Chas. Bayless, Henry Deters. H. S. Cooper, Willard Bacon, H. F. Opfer,
Henrj Kiesau, Ben Troendle, W. J. Mitchell. W. T. Gilchrist, Patrick Waters.
Frank Liethold, M. M. Fitzgerald, Chas. Allison.
On the 2d of September following the president and cashier, B. F. and Allen
Boomer, tendered their resignations, which were accepted ; and to succeed them
W. J. Mitchell was elected president, Otto J. Hager, cashier, and A. T. Nierling,
assistant cashier.
This bank continued to operate in its first location in the Boomer bank build-
ing on Spring avenue, for another year, when in September, 1894, it removed
to the new Dillenberg block on the east side of Allamakee street, which had been
erected and fitted out in first-class shape for this purpose. Here their constantly
increasing business was conducted for ten years, until they moved into a build-
ing of their own. in their present quarters on the north side of Main street. This -
building was purchased for the permanent home of the bank, and was entirely
remodeled, with a handsome new stone front. The most approved safeguards
for the protection of its valuables and those of its patrons have been installed,
as well as ample safety deposit boxes, and all the modern conveniences.
In 1X94 J. M. Barthell was elected president, and H. F. Opfer, vice president;
both now deceased; and June 30, 1909, E. Dillenberg was chosen to succeed Mr.
Opfer, in the vice presidency.
lanuarv 20, 1902, O. J. Hager became president, and A. T. Xierling suc-
( reded to the cashiership. and they have continued in these positions since that
time. Both have been connected with the bank in one capacity or another for
twenty years. J. C. Ludeking entered the bank's employ as bookkeeper about
that time i 1902) and was promoted assistant cashier, September 21, 1904. E. A.
Allanson has been with the bank since April 21, 1907. as stenographer and book-
keeper ; and Miss tiara I lanson was employed as stenographer in December, 1912.
I he First National has for many years enjoyed the good will and patronage
of the community ; and its business has so grown that in January. 191 3, it became
advisable to increase it> capital stock to $ioo,ooo. thus doubling its former capi-
tal, and making il one of the strongest financial institutions in northeastern Iowa.
The present assets of the bank are $X(>o,ooo. or more than double what they were
ten years ago. I 'resent deposits are $665,000; and there has been paid in divi-
dends to the shareholders $156,000.
PEOPLES NATIONAL BANK
The organization of another national bank to accommodate the growing wealth
of the fanning region round about Waukon had been contemplated for some
STILWELL BLOCK. WAUKOX
ill JI IIliiil-
THE ALLAMAKEE, WAUKON
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 361
months, and plans were finally perfected under which a charter was authorized,
and the Peoples National Bank of Waukon commenced business August 12, 1912,
with a capital stock of $50,000. Fine large rooms were leased in the new Cain
block, and equipped for the banking business with a completeness unsurpassed
by any in the county.
Of course the institution was assured of a good patronage before its opening;
and a comparison of its later statements shows a good healthy increase of business.
Under the comptroller's call of February 4, 1913, its total resources were $220,-
866.54, and deposits $157,092.27. Under the call of April 4th there were,
resources $293,876.26, and deposits $230,613.59.
The officials of this institution are all well-known residents of the county, as
follows: President, T. B. Stock; vice president, L. T. Hermanson; cashier, P. E.
O'Donnell; directors, T. B. Stock, L. T. Hermanson, C. J. Hansmeier, C. G.
Helming, P. S. Narum, Ed Teeling and D. J. Murphy.
THE CHURCHES
THE WAUKON METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
By A. M. May
The first Methodist Episcopal minister on the Waukon circuit was Rev. L. S.
Ashbaugh. during the last half of the conference year 1852-3. He had as a
colleague, Rev. H. S. Brunson. That fall the conference met in Dubuque and
Rev. H. S. Brunson was appointed presiding elder. Rev. John Webb was
appointed to the Waukon Mission, with Joel Davis, a young man of much
promise, as colleague. Mr. Davis' health failed about the middle of the year,
and Mr. Webb continued the work alone, with the following appointments:
"First Sabbath, at 10:30 A. M., at Lansing; 3 P. M., at Wakefield's school-
house; 5:30 P. M., at Lansing Ridge, ten miles west of Lansing. Second Sab-
bath, 10:30 A. M., at Hale's schoolhouse; 3 P. M., in the courthouse in Waukon;
7 :30 P. M., at Burgess' near Rossville. Third Sabbath, 10:30 A. M., at Decorah ;
3 P. M., at Freeport; 7:30 P. M., at Frankville. Fourth Sabbath, 10:30 A. M., at
S. Leache's; 3 P. M., at Burr Oak; 7:30 P. M., at Carter's mill on the Upper
Iowa river. The Saturday evening previous at Canoe. The Monday following
at 7 :30 P. M., at New Oregon Grove, where Cresco is now situated ; thence for
home at West Union to pay my family a visit, and then off for Lansing to begin
the circuit again.
"The trustees of the Waukon church were W. R. Pottle, E. B. Lyons, Thomas
Feeley, John Israel, Father (George C.) Shattuck, Edwin J. Raymond. The
stewards were, W. R. Pottle and E. B. Lyons. Class leader, and also local
preacher, Thomas Feeley. (In 1890 Mr. Feeley was living near Winterset.)
Father Shattuck and myself took an ox team and drew from the timber sills for
a Methodist church near the courthouse. I think my successor failed to follow
it up and they forfeited the lot. Reverend Ashbaugh was the first regular min-
ister appointed to the Waukon church, and myself the second. The next annual
conference was held at Keokuk, and I drove from Decorah to Keokuk, something
like three hundred miles, to attend that conference. The next year I was appointed
362 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
to the Garnavillo circuit, including McGregor." It is said that a Methodist
minister, Win. Sweet, held services in Makee and Union Prairie in 1853-54, and
doubtless was also at the young town of Waukon, but it is not certain. The
church was organized while Rev. Webb was pastor in 1854. with the following
members: Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Pottle. Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Pierce, Mr. and
Mrs. E. B. Lyons, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas heeley, Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Raymond,
Mr. and Mrs. John Israel. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mills, Mr. and Mrs. A. Pinney,
Mr. and Mrs. S. Hamler. Reverend Webb was pastor for the years 1854-55. At
Keokuk the conference was divided, the northern portion becoming the Upper
Iowa Conference and Rev. C. M. Sessions was pastor of the church for the year
1856. His circuit included Waukon, Lansing, Waterville and Rossville, appoint-
ments on Sundays, with a week-day appointment at the home of James Shepherd,
on Lansing Ridge ; and another week-day appointment on Columbus Ridge, this
society consisting of John Reed and family. John Stillman and family. Rev. S.
H. Greenup and family, and Rev. M. Howard and family. The late Colonel
Spooner of Waterville gave material aid, though not a member of the church.
The Columbus Ridge interests were transferred later to the Waukon church. All
these pioneer members have gone to their hnal reward. April 30, 1855, the
church purchased the corner lot on Allamakee and Worcester streets, now the
property of J. 11. Hale. In [859, they purchased lots t and 2, block 14, Dela-
fields addition, where E. D. Purdy's residence is now, and a small frame church
was erected at a cost of $800. During the building of the church the services
were held a part of the time in the Cumberland Presbyterian church. A Sunday
school was organized with Clark Bean as superintendent, and a "Band of Hope"
was formed for the children. During this year the trustees were, W. R. Pottle,
L. J. Raymond, E. 1'.. Lyons, Thos. Feeley, H. R. Pierce, Moses Wood, C. Bean;
the stewards were D. Jaquis, A. Pinney, John Reed, S. Hamler, D. Miller and
J. W. Flint. A Mason & Hamlin organ was purchased and the late John Eddy-
was the first organist. Among the early choristers were L. M. Bearce, Herbert
Bailey, Elbridge Morrison. The members were Mrs. Crouch, Mrs. Skinner, Mrs.
Lowe, Mr. Pottle, "Grandpa" Taylor. Later, Miss Anna Pottle (the late Mrs.
A. T. Stillman) became organist, an efficient and faithful one for many years.
And there were Miss Emily Huestis. now Mrs. John Eddy; Miss Lfattie Morri-
son, now Mrs. S. R. Thompson; Miss Abbie Bailey (the late Mrs. Drummond of
Dubuque), were also among the faithful members. Mr. Bailey was one of the
old-time singing school teachers, able, thorough and successful in his work. Mis
rich, power) ul ha^s voice was known through northeastern Iowa. He removed
to and died at Mc( iregor some thirty years ago. The ladies of the church organ-
ized a sewing circle with Mrs. W. R. Pottle as president, meeting bi-weekly at the
different homes, with refreshments served In- the hostess, consisting of bread,
butter, one kind of meat, cheese or pickles, one kind of cake and tea; the one ex-
ceeding this "menu" to be lined fifty cents.
Desiring a better location, as the town grew, April 20, 1867 (Rev. B. D. Alden,
pastor), the society purchased a site on the corner of Pitt and Worcester streets,
moved the church building thereto, and erected a parsonage on the lots thus
vacated. Reverend Alden said of this transaction in the "Inland Christian
Advocate," Des Monies, February 22. 18(14: "It was our first attempt as a pastor
at improving church property. The neat frame church stood in the outskirts of
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 363
the village, so that we had not a fair chance with the other churches of the place.
Efforts had been made before for a change of location, but invariably the efforts
had been headed off by those who were not favorably disposed toward us.
"The matter was canvassed quietly till we found sufficient encouragement to
proceed, when a meeting of the official board was called and a committee was
appointed to purchase the admirable corner lot, one square from the courthouse,
upon which the present church now stands.
"The lot, costing $400, was purchased and a portion paid down before the
transaction was known to the public. Then there was excitement. One man
who owned property next to it, and had been trying to get it but thought the price
too high, immediately brought the $40x3 in cash and offered it to the man from
whom we had purchased the property, but the committee had bound the bargain.
The lot secured, the church was removed to it and nicely refitted and papered.
It was opened for divine service by Rev. Samuel Pancoast of McGregor, and
the whole expense, amounting to about $700 was fully provided for. Rev. John
Webb preached in the evening, while outside the rain was pouring down in tor-
rents, but the church was filled with rejoicing people. How well we remember
the official brethren who stood by us — Clark Bean, Hosea Lowe, H. R. Pierce,
W. R. Pottle, S. Hamler, Elihu Morrison, Eli Jones, John Goodykoontz, Daniel
Jaquis."
The congregation increased and needed a larger auditorium. Plans were
made, and work begun on the present brick church building in May, 1869, but
it was not finished until late in 187 1, being first occupied on Christmas evening,
December 25. It was formally dedicated, Sunday, February 18, 1872, the sermon
being preached by Rev. A. B. Kendig of Cedar Rapids, assisted by the presiding
elder, Wm. Smith, of Decorah, and the pastor, Rev. J. R. Cameron. The cost
was $7,015.55.
The choir of the M. E. church at the time of the ''dedication," February 18,
1872, was: L. M. Bearce, leader; Miss Anna Pottle, organist; Mrs. John Still-
man, Mrs. H. Low, Misses Ruth Bearce (Gardner), Rosanna Rankin (Hancock),
Tena Rankin (Manson), Jennie Reed (Bentley), and Messrs. A. T. Stillman,
Gene Manson and Charles Osborn.
In May, 1872, the old frame church was sold to C. S. Stilwell, who moved it
to the corner of Armstrong and Court streets and remodeled it into his present
residence.
The church has been heated by a furnace since 1878. The cupola was com-
pleted by Sheffer in 1881 and a bell costing about $700 placed therein.
Rev. T. E. Fleming was the pastor in 1882 ; the membership was about one
hundred and sixty. The Sunday school numbered about one hundred ; A. T.
Stillman, superintendent. The trustees were: G. H. Bryant, H. J. Bentley, E. D.
Purdy, D. W. Reed, Henry Dayton, J. S. Nitterauer; stewards, John Brawford,
D, W. Reed, John Stillman. P. C. Huffman, H. O. Dayton, M. W. Nesmith, J. S.
Nitterauer, A. T. Stillman, L. Eells.
In 1887 the presiding elder was W. F. Paxton ; pastor, G. R. Manning. Trus-
tees, G. H. Bryant, H. J. Bentley, Henry Dayton, John Reed, Jackson Smith,
E. D. Purdy, C. A. Beeman. Stewards, P. C. Huffman, H. O. Dayton, D. W.
Reed, G. W. Haines, John Stillman, A. T. Stillman, Mrs. Jennie Bentley, Mrs.
Jackson Smith, W. T. Gilchrist, M. Dowling, E. J. Spaulding, J. J. Jennings.
364 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
District steward, P. C. Huffman. Recording steward, D. W. Reed. Sexton, R.
Wampler.
Ladies" Mite Society — Mrs. Jennie Burton, president; Mrs. Maria Dayton,
vice president; Miss Ruth Bearce, secretary; Mrs. Ellen Reed, treasurer.
The Women's Foreign Missionary Society — Mrs. Carrie E. Manning, presi-
dent; Mrs. Helen Clark, vice president; Mrs. Henrietta Hale, corresponding sec-
retary; Mrs. Ellen Reed, recording secretary; Mrs. Laura Row, treasurer.
Home College Class — Rev. G. R. Manning, president; Miss Emily Hale, vice
president; Miss Jessie Lewis, secretary; Mrs. Mattie Spaulding, treasurer.
Sunday School — A. T. Stillman, superintendent ; W. T. Gilchrist, assistant
superintendent; Miss Allie Row, secretary; Miss Ruth Bearce, treasurer; Miss
Anna May, librarian.
Choir — A. M. May. leader; Mrs. A. M. May. Miss Anna May, Miss Jessie
May. Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Alexander, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Gilchrist, Air. and Mrs.
John I. lennings, Miss Ruth Bearce, Miss Louisa Wimmer, Miss Jessie Robbins,
Miss Gertie Goodykoontz. Miss Lura Fellows, organist.
July 4. 1891, the new pastor. Rev. W. C. Macurdy. C. A. Beeman and A. T.
Stillman were appointed a building committee for planning and erecting an addi-
tion to the church building, which was done on the east side of the church, with
folding glass doors between, capable of seating about 100, and is used for prayer
meetings, Sunday school classes, and other purposes and including the "kitchen''
and entrance recess furnishes room for mite society dinners, etc.. and is easily
made a part of the auditorium. The cost was about $2,000 ($1,917). The stew-
ards at this time were: 1L J. Bentley, W. T. Gilchrist, A. T. Stillman, G. W.
Haines. A. M. May. L. J. Nichols, J. Jenkins. David Miller, Levi Armstrong,
John Stillman. Trustees, E. D. Purdy, G. H. Bryant, Jackson Smith, C. A.
I .eeman, 1 1. O. Dayton.
The stewards for 1901-02 were: E. D. Purdy, C. A. Beeman, Jackson Smith,
II. 1'.. .Miner, G. H. Bryant, Mrs. Hattie Bowen, Mrs. Addie Sanaker, Mrs. Carrie
Alexander. Mrs. Mary Dayton. The trustees were: A. T. Stillman, \Y. T. Gil-
christ. 11. J. Bentley, < '•. \\ . Haines. A. T. Xierling.
The pastor, Rev. W. G. Crowder, had been planning for a pipe organ for
the church, and January 16, 1902, a contract was made with the Barckhoff Church
Organ Company, of Pomeroy, Ohio, for an oak finish organ harmonizing with
fine artistic effect with the surrounding location, and of smooth, pure musical
tones at a cost of $1,200. Experienced organists of good judgment have said that
it was an unusually tine and valuable instrument for that price. An inaugural
concert, dedicating the new pipe organ was given at the church May 15, 1902,
the organist being Rev. Hugh D. Atchison, pastor of St. Luke's M. E. church in
Dubuque, an organist among the best in the West; contralto. Miss Genevieve
Wheat, and basso-cantata, Mr. Marion I-".. Green, both of Dubuque, assisted by
the choir.
The stewards of the church for the year 1912-13 are: E. D. Purdy, Jackson
Smith. A. T. Xierling. Mrs. II. F. Bowen. Mrs. P. X. Heiser, Mrs. R. J. Alex-
ander. Miss Cora Miner. (',. H. Bryant, T. J. W'erhan. Chas. F. Pye, J. C. Lewis.
Trustees. A. T. Stillman, W. T. Gilchrist, C. A. Beeman, August Hausman, G.
W. Gaines. Deaconess. Mrs. F. FI. Robbins. Sunday school superintendent,
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 365
A. T. Stillman. President Epworth League, Otto Ney. The pastor's salary, in-
cluding parsonage, $1,200. Value of church, $12,000; parsonage, $3,000.
The members of the choir are: A. M. May, leader; Miss Ethel Gilchrist,
organist ; R. J. Alexander, W. T. Gilchrist, Richard Eddy, Ralph Jeglum, Leonard
feglum, W. H. Niehaus, Misses Lizzie Nye, Gertrude Nye, Dora Eaton, Lucile
Eaton, Mabel Dunlevy, Ruth Alexander, Eunice Hartley, Artis Hartley, Lisle
Clark, Edith Clark, Elizabeth Lewis, Agnes Kettleson, Hazel Coon, Jennie Coon,
Mrs. W. T. Gilchrist.
The ministers who have served the YYaukon congregation and church are:
Rev. L. S. Ashbaugh, and assistant, Rev. H. S. Brunson, 1852-53; Rev. John
Webb and assistant. Rev. Joel Davis, 1854-55; Rev. C. M. Sessions, 1856; Rev.
M. Whitmore, 1857; Rev- Jonn Fawcett, 1858; Rev. W. E. McCormac, 1859-60;
Rev. F. C. Mather, 1861-62; Rev. J. F. Hestwood, 1863-64; Rev. A. Faulkner,
1865; Rev. B. D. Alden, 1866-67; Rev. R. Ricker, 1868-69; Rev- J- R- Cameron,
1870-72; Rev. Win. Cobb, 1873-74; Rev. B. C. Hammond, 1875-77; Rev.
J. A. Ward, 1878-80; Rev. D. Sheffer, 1881 ; Rev. T. E. Fleming, 1882-83;
Rev. J. C. Magee, 1884-85; Rev. G. R. Manning, 1886-87; Rev. L. U. McKee,
1888-90; Rev. W. C. Macurdy, 1891-93; Rev. W. H. Slingerland, 1894-
97; Rev. S. R. Ferguson, 1897-99; Rev. J. W. McCord, 1899-1900; Rev. W. G.
Crowder, 1900-03 ; Rev. K. W. Robbins, 1903-05 ; Rev. J. R. Caffyn, 1905-08 ;
Rev. T. H. Temple. 1908-10; Rev. W. W. Robinson, 191 1 ; Rev. J. Arthur Young,
1911-13.
ST. i>\trick's church and school
St. Patrick's church at Waukon was built by Rev. Denis Brennan, in 1868;
Andrew Johnson being president of the United States and John Hennessy, arch-
bishop of Dubuque. During Rev. Father Brennan's pastorate the membership
was small, but what it lacked in quantity it possessed in quality. Father Bren-
nan was succeeded by Father Lowrey ; and next came Father McGowan, who in
turn was succeeded by Father Hawe, who is now pastor of the Catholic church
at Decorah. Father Hawe was followed by Father Byrnes, who died shortly
after; and in 1885 Rev. Father Walsh was sent here. In 1906 he was made an
irremovable rector by Most Reverend John J. Keane, archbishop of Dubuque.
In 1910 Rev. Father O'Donnell was appointed assistant to Father Walsh,
whose failing health caused him to resign in 191 1, and the present rector, Rev.
M. K. Norton, received the appointment, with Rev. Father Reynolds as assistant.
Rev. Father Norton is an eloquent speaker, and is regarded as one of the leading
theologians of our country. He is one of the diocesan consultors and a member
of the official family of Archbishop James J. Keane of Dubuque.
The beautiful new church which is being built this year under Father Nor-
ton's direction is to be of the Spanish renaissance or mission style of architecture.
It will be 160 feet long and sixty feet wide, of white pressed brick with stone
trimmings, marble altars, rails, and vestibules, mosaic floors, and Munich glass
windows.
St. Patrick's congregation is composed of about 200 families, and numbers
some 1,200 souls. The members are engaged in most of the callings of this busy
life : the sturdy farmer, the strong workman, the brainy mechanic, the real live
366 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
merchant and the thoroughly competent professional man. Like our own glorious
America they have grown from small beginnings to their present grand propor-
tions. They are God-fearing, patriotic, honest, and generous in their donations
to religion and every other good cause. They believe that all they possess came
from the hand of God, and in a spirit of gratitude they offer to the Great Giver
of all good a liberal share of their earnings. They remember the stories of hard-
ships told by their pioneer fathers and mothers; they rejoice that they are citi-
zens of the best and greatest country on God's green footstool, and that they
enjoy blessings, religious, political, and social, greater than were ever accorded
to members of the human family since the dawn of human history.
st. Patrick's school
St. Patrick's congregation at Waukon takes a special pride in its parochial
school, which is a large, imposing structure, ninety feet long and four stories
"high. The building was started by Rev. Father Hawe about thirty years ago,
who invited the Presentation Nuns of Dubuque to act as instructors. This order
is a teaching body of cloistered sisters who came from Ireland to Dubuque in
1879, and opened a convent on West Hill. The first superioress in Waukon was
Rev. Mother Presentation, who with two assistants conducted the school for
about five years.
The school is now twice its original size, and has an enrollment of 220 pupils
with seven sisters in charge. The course of study covers twelve years, and in-
cludes the curriculum of the public schools. Music, stenography, and a normal
teachers course, form special features of the institution. The kindergarten is in
charge of Sister Martina ; primary grades, Sisters Inviolata and Rita ; intermedi-
ate, Sister Sacred Heart ; grammar school, Rev. Mother Clementina ; and the high
school and normal. Sister M. Charles. The music school is ably managed by
Sister M. Anicetus, a niece of Rev. P. A. Walsh, a former much loved pastor.
The graduates of the school number over 150 young men and women who have
gone out into the various walks of life, making good in every case, and each in
his own way reflecting credit on himself and his alma mater.
In addition to the foregoing contribution by Airs. Cain, an old history pub-
lished in [882 supplies the following facts, further supplemented by the county
records and newspaper files:
"In 1855 Rev. Father Kinsella bought forty acres of land northwest of town,
and built thereon a log church, in which his people worshiped for many years.
In [864 they purchased the property of Lewis H. Clark in Waukon, being a part'
of block 4 in Shattuck's addition, corner of School and High streets, and con-
verted his dwelling into a place of worship. This soon became too small for the
growing congregation, and in 1868 the present large brick church was erected on
the site of the old building, which was moved a short distance to one side, to the
rear of the parsonage. March 9, 1869. the old building was destroyed by a fire,
in which the records were lost, and this sketch is necessarily incomplete. Since
Father Kinsella its priests have been Farrell, Xagle, Lowrey, Brennan, Mc-
Gowan, and Hawe, who still presides over this charge. The church membership
is about 100. The church a few years since purchased a part of block 5. opposite
their place of worship ami parsonage, the site of the old public schoolhouse—
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 367
whereon they have this season ( 1882) erected a fine brick edifice, three stories
above the basement, with mansard roof, at a cost of $5,000, for the purpose of
a sisters' school."
The school was opened in 1883, and in a' later year this fine school building
was added to, doubling its size. The deed of the present church site in 1864 was
first to Mrs. Mary McDevitt, who soon after re-conveyed it to the Rt. Rev.
Clement Smyth, of Dubuque. James and Mary McDevitt came to Waukon in
1855, and built a frame dwelling with a basement for Mr. McDevitt's shoe shop,
on the corner of Main and Pitt streets, where it was a landmark for many years.
The corner is now occupied by Dr. Cain's handsome brick block. James Mc-
Devitt died December 11, 1870, and Mrs. McDevitt later married John Ouigley.
She was again widowed, and was finally provided with a home in St. Francis
hospital in LaCrosse, where she passed her last days. Father Brennan did not
remain long after the erection of the old church, and in 1869 went to Europe
because of failing health. Father McGowan was here during 1874.
St. Patrick's church became incorporated under the Iowa statutes November
28, 191 1. Archbishop James J. Keane, ex-officio president; Pastor, Rev. P. A.
Walsh, ex-officio, vice president ; who, with Rt. Rev. Roger Ryan, vicar general,
and lay members, Hugh O'Donnell and Thomas McGeough, constituted the
board of directors.
BArTIST CHURCH
The First Baptist church of Waukon celebrated its semi-centennial in the
year 1904, by the erection of a fine new edifice, which was completed and formally
dedicated to the service of the Lord on Sunday, September 17, 1905. Its organ-
ization dates from June 17, 1854, on which day Azel Pratt and wife Mary, John
G. Pratt, Lathrop Abbot and wife Emily, Miles Nichols and wife Hannah,
Phoebe Hersey, and C. J. White, assembled at the dwelling of the first named,
in the New England settlement called Makee, on what is now known as Makee
Ridge, two miles north of Waukon, and organized under the name of the Alla-
makee Baptist church. Of these nine 'constituent members none is now living,
but their memory is fittingly honored by the beautiful window in the south front
of the new building. The first named of them, Deacon Azel Pratt and wife, the
strong pillars of the church in the first quarter century of its existence, entered
into rest but a few days apart, in 1881.
The Baptist Mission pioneer, Rev. James Schofield, extended the right hand
of fellowship to the members of the little church, and by the end of the year six
more were added to their number by letter and experience. In July, 1855, the
rite of baptism was first administered to seven persons, by Elder Schofield, and
the church grew rapidly, seventeen being received by baptism and seven by letter
in 1855, and ten by baptism and seven by letter in 1856. John G. Pratt was the
first church clerk, and in January, 1855, Azel Pratt and Isaac D. Lambert were
chosen as the first deacons. Public worship was held in the Makee schoolhouse ;
but the growth of the village of Waukon and the removal thither of many of the
members made it necessary to have service here also, and in March, 1855, Samuel
Hill, Jr., was engaged, at a small remuneration, to preach one-half of the time ;
in the morning at Makee and in the evening at Waukon, the schoolhouse here
368
I 'AST .WD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
being built in that year. Elder Schofield continued to labor with the church a
part of the time until July i, 1856. Meanwhile the young preacher Samuel Hill
had been, on May 18th, ordained for the ministry, and became the church's
first pastor. In 1857 he returned to his former home in Massachusetts.
The second pastor of the church, according to the records, was Rev. L. M.
Newell, who was on May 23, 1857, called by the church at a salary of $500, one-
half of which was paid by the Home Mission board, and be remained on the field
until June, 1859. In this time the church bad assembled in Waukon; and in i860
we find services were held in the Methodist church every fourth Sunday. Here
follows a period of scant records; Rev. C. D. Farnsworth preaching a part of
the time and Rev. James Schofield was pastor in 1861.
In 1866 Rev. D. S. Starr was called and it was during his pastorate on July
4, 1868, that the old church society was reorganized and incorporated as the First
Baptist church of Waukon. with the following officers: Azel Pratt, A. T. Maltby
and A. II. Ilersey, trustees; John G. Pratt, clerk; and C. O. Maltby. treasurer.
They immediately proceeded to build a house of worship, a frame building, on
the north side of Pleasant street, in which the first services were held January
17. [869. In the spring of 1871 this frame building was sold to A. H. and A.
Hersey, and remodeled as a place of residence, for which purpose it is still used,
by several tenants, and is known as the "bee-hive." The church then purchased
the brick building erected by the Congregational society on the present site in
1883, in which they worshipped for thirty-three years, until is was razed, in
July of [904, to be replaced by the present modern structure, at a total cost of
about $18,000. including a S2.000 pipe organ built by the 1 look-Hastings Co.
of Boston.
The pastors of the church since 1869 have been as follows: Rev. L. L. Frisk,
1870-71 ; Geo. M. Adams, 1872-73; John M. Wedgwood, 1873-78. Father Wedg-
wood was greatly beloved of his flock, but health failing, he took an interval of
rest. Later he served the Rossville church two or three years, but increasing
ill health caused him to retire to a farm in Fayette county, where he occasionally
preached as he was able. In 1887 he returned and built him a home in Waukon,
where he continued to reside until his death, in 1891, in his seventy-second year.
F. N. Eldridge, 1878-81; M. II. Perry, 1881-82; Robert Smith, 1882-84; F. W.
C. Wiggin, [884-85; Geo. II. Starring, 1886-87; D. N. Mason, 1887-93; E. E.
Tyson, [894-96; Robert Bruce, 1896-98; W. C. Stewart, 1S99-1902.
(Pas. Henry Stull, 1902-05. Under his tireless activity and encouragement
the new building enterprise was undertaken and successfully carried out. Hav-
ing seen the completion of this great work, shortly after the dedication of the
new edifice. Mr. Stull tendered his resignation, which was reluctantly accepted,
and he has since occupied important fields at Denison and Iowa Falls, this state;
St. Paul. Minnesota; Huron, South Dakota; and now in Ohio.
Howard Percy Langridge was then called to this church, in December, 1905,
and took up the work with an energy, devotion and tactfulness that brought
immediate result-; and with so great a sympathy and helpfulness for all in
misfortune that lie soon endeared himself to the entire community, within the
church and without. The circumstances of his tragic death by drowning in the
lake of the power company on the Oneota river. May 22. 1909. are too fresh in
the hearts of his -till sorrowing friends to call for repetition here. A young man
Presbyterian church
German Reformed church
Catholic church
Baptist church
Methodist Episcopal church
Old Allamakee college
Public school
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES OF WAUKON
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 371
of but thirty-five, in athletic vitality, devoted to this family of wife and three
young sons, and to the cause which he had espoused ; and with so bright a future
in prospect, the deplorable event seemed impossible. The funeral services were
conducted by Rev. A. W. Caul of Vinton ( under whose pastorate he was ordained
five years previously), assisted by the local pastors of sister denominations, and
the remains were taken to Manchester, Delaware county, his former home, for
burial.
W. H. Belfry next became pastor, from October i, 1909, until June 1, 1912.
In September following he was succeeded by the present pastor, W. J. Bell.
The church clerk's have been: John G. Pratt to 1869; L. W. Hersey 1869-81 ;
John W. Pratt, 1881-94; Mrs. Charlotte Hancock, 1894-1901 ; E. B. Gibbs,
1901-03; Miss Frances Lathrop, 1903-05; P. A. Anderson, 1905-12; Dr. J. H.
Johnson, 1912-13.
Any historical sketch of this church would be obviously incomplete without
special reference to Brother John W. Pratt, who was for so -many years not
only its never-absent clerk and deacon, but also, for over a quarter of a century,
the faithful chorister, and who departed this life in 1897. It would also be unjust
to omit mention of the faithful organist for many years, Miss Estelle Pratt, still
a faithful assistant ; and her successor, Miss Lizzie Spaulding. The same might
well be said of Mrs. Flora Crawford, Mrs. Ella Howard and Mrs. Evy Howe,
the leading members of the choir.
On November 3, 1902, in her eighty-first year, Mrs. Nancy B. Whiting entered
into the reward of a long and patiently suffering Christian life ; and a few weeks
later, January 6, 1903, her brother, Lewis W. Hersey also died, in his seventy-
eighth year. His wife, B. A. Hersey, lovingly known by the entire congregation
as "Aunt Ann," survived him but a few years. She had made the erection of
the new church a possibility by her original contribution of $5,000, when the
project was undertaken, which she had later increased, and bequeathed $3,000 as
an endowment, the interest to be used only for current expenses of the church.
Sister Whiting deeded her comfortable home to the church for a parsonage :
and Krother Hersey had been a financial stand-by of the church for many years.
All three were very helpful to the church while living, and their works do fol-
low them.
In December, 1903, it was decided that a new church edifice be erected, at a
cost of not to exceed $9,000. In January, 1904, the plans of architect Dohman
of Milwaukee were adopted, and a building committee appointed, consisting of
E. W. Goodykoontz, P. A. Anderson, E. H. Fourt, Dewight Sherman and Mrs.
B. A. Hersey with C. O. Howard and M. S. Howard advisory members thereof.
In June following three additional members were appointed. Pastor Stull, E. B.
Gibbs and J. H. Johnson. C. O. Howard did not live to see the work completed,
having passed away on the 7th of September. With various alterations made
in the plans it was found that the original limit would not be sufficient, and the
contract as let to Wm. F. Fuelling of Clayton county called for an outlay of
about S13.000, and the old material; which amount was eventually considerably
exceeded.
In July, 1904, the old structure was razed, and work begun on the foundation.
The cornerstone was laid October g by the deacons of the church ; and the new-
building was opened for services June 23, 1905, though incomplete, upon the occa-
:572 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
sion of the meeting here of the annual session of the Turkey River Baptist Asso-
ciation. Meanwhile, since the preceding June the regular meetings of the church
had been held in the City Hall. The formal dedication of the new edifice took
place September 17, 1905, the dedicatory services being conducted by Rev. H. O.
Rowlands, D. D.. of Davenport. On this occasion the trustees reported the total
cost and expenses to date to be S16.101.19. The trustees at that time consisted
of: E. W. Goodykoontz, E. H. Fourt, P. A. Anderson, E. B. Gibbs, and M. S.
Howard. Deacons: E. P.. Gibbs, Dewight Sherman and E. M. Hancock. Dea-
conesses: Mrs. Margaret David, Mrs. S. D. Torrey and Miss Lida Sherman.
June 20, 1908, a terrific hail storm badly damaged the art windows on the
north side of the church. The interior decoration of the church had never been
completed, and early in 1910 this work was taken up, and the interior remodeled,
a capacious gallery constructed, and the choir loft greatly improved. These
repairs and improvements caused an additional expense of some $2,000, and made
a very beautiful -auditorium. The church was reopened April 17, 1910.
The present membership of the church is about ninety, with the following
officials: Trustees. I-'.. II. Fourt, P. A. Anderson. A. E. Entwisle, Mrs. Flora Craw-
ford, E. B. Gibbs. Deacons: E. B. Gibbs, Dewight Sherman, E. M. Hancock.
Deaconesses: Mrs. Millie Markley, Mrs. Maude Kellev, Mrs. Ida Entwisle: and
Mrs. Margaret David, honorary deaconess for life. Clerk, J. H. Johnson. Gen-
eral auditor, E. 1',. Gibbs. Chairman of finance committee. E. M. Hancock.
Choir: Mrs. Flora Crawford, Mrs. Ella Howard. Mrs. Evy Howe, Mrs. Mabel
Colsch, Mrs. Beth Allanson, Messrs. Anderson, Fourt, Goodykoontz and T. T.
Ericson. Organist, Miss Lizzie Spaulding.
Sunday School: Superintendent, Mrs. Ida Entwisle, assistant, Miss Lida Sher-
man: secretary. W'm. X. Brown; librarian. Miss Estelle Pratt.
In 1875 the old church was supplied with a bell, through the labors of the
young ladies society called "The Merry Workers," and it was hung in February.
Two months later it was decided to be unsatisfactory in tone and power, and
with renewed effort it was soon after replaced with a much finer and heavier one,
the bell that is still in use.
Till-; PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
I he following sketch of the Waukon Presbyterian church is based on an
outline contributed by Pastor Van Nice at our request, which we have enlarged
upon from oilier sources, preserving the sequence of events and dates furnished
by him. The first records of this church are incomplete, but it was organized as
a Cumberland Presbyterian church by Rev. J. C. Armstrong, who was sent out
by the Board of Missions of that church in 1856. "On an Indian path, at some
springs in the prairie, had grown up a little village called Waukon. Thither
Armstrong directed his steps." A number of persons belonging to the Cumber-
land Presbyterian churc'h had immigrated to this place in the preceding three
years, Iron, Indiana chiefly, and services had been held from time to time by
Ministers T. Stewart. Wm. Lynn and James McFarland. But soon after
Rex. Armstrong came, on August 21, [856, an organization was effected with
twenty-four members, as follows: James Maxwell, lacob B. Plank, Elizabeth
Plank, R. C. Armstrong, Mary Armstrong, Josiah Bro.wn, Elizabeth Brown,
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 373
Enoch Jones, Susan Jones, Win. G. Mullen, Jane Mullen. Jacob Shew, Susan
Shew, John Brawford, F. M. Brawford, Enoch Miller, E. Miller, Simon Gregg,
Catherine Gregg, Lorenzo Bushnell, M. B. Bushnell, Elias Aurand, Elam Jones
and Isabel Jane Lyons.
James Maxwell, J. B. Plank, Jacob Shew and Simon Gregg were the first
elders; and Enoch Jones, Wm. S. Mullen and Elias Aurand, the first deacons.
Worship was conducted in the public schoolhouse until the fall of 1858, when the
first church edifice of Waukon was completed and dedicated. It was a very
commodious building for that time, the main room being 34 by 44 feet, with a
vestibule extending across the front 34 by 10 feet. From time to time as occasion
demanded the building was improved, a furnace heating plant put in in 1878,
and in 1885 it was raised, remodeled, and veneered with brick, and a dining room
and kitchen installed, converting it into a much more handsome and convenient
building. But the fond recollections of the old residents of the village linger
around the familiar old building as it appeared in the early sixties, when it was
occupied for school as well as church purposes, and for public lectures. Here
was held the funeral of the lamented John J. Stillman, in February, 1862, whose
remains were brought home from Fort Donelson, the first Alamakee battle-
sacrifice in the rebellion.
To continue the history of the old building it should be added here that in
1902 it was removed to give place to the new one. But it was not destroyed.
They built of oak in the fifties, and built to endure. The house was sawed in
two for convenience of transportation, and traveled out into the country about
one mile southwest, where it was transformed into an incubator factory. After
a few years it came back to town, and may be seen today as a feed stable north
of the Grand Hotel. It is still good for another journey ; and it still serves the
purpose assigned to it in whatever capacity, however humble, without detracting
from the good accomplished in its better days.
The new and beautiful modern house of worship which replaces the old build-
ing was completed and dedicated in 1903. It was the pioneer of the numerous
modern church houses the town is now in the happy possession of, and cost
near $20,000. A fine organ of the Burlington (la.) Pipe Organ Co. make
was installed upon the completion of the building, July, 1903, at a cost of $1,800.
Upon the organization of the church in 1856, Rev. J. C. Armstrong became
its first pastor, resigning in the fall of 1859 to become a missionary in Turkey.
He afterwards returned to America, and died in 1889. Following him Rev. J.
Loughran served until 1862. Then Rev. J. R. Brown, afterwards editor of the
Cumberland Presbyterian, and of the St. Louis Observer, was pastor until
1864, when Rev. B. Hall was called to the pastorate and served the congregation
for eleven years. After his resignation in 1875, Mr. Hall continued to serve the
cause in the capacity of missionary, though retaining his home at Waukon, where
he passed away March 18, 1887. Since Rev. Hall the pastors have been: Rev.
J. Wood Miller. 1875-8; O. E. Hart, 1878-81 ; H. D. Onyett, 1881-2; A. Allison,
1882-3; A. G. Bergen, 1883-4; J. D. Gold, 1884-9; and the present pastor, R. L.
Van Nice since 1889.
Nearly a thousand members are known to have been received into this church,
but death and removals have done their work so that the number is only about
170 at the present time, 1913.
:;74 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
The present elders are James Thompson, W. B. Cowan, A. G. Fiet, and
F. H. Xagel. The trustees are L. A. Howe, A. G. Fiet, and I. E. Beeman.
In 1906 the Cumberland Presbyterian and the Presbyterian Church U. S. A.
were united, and the church at Waukon became a church in the new organization
known as the Presbyterian church.
THE GERMAN REFORMED ZION'S CONGREGATION
This congregation was organized on the 13th of February, 1885, by Rev.
I'.. R. Huecker, who was at the time pastor of the Reformed church four miles
southeast from town, and was served by him till June. 1886. A substantial brick
house of worship was erected in Waukon during the year 1885. Rev. Huecker
was followed by Rev. J. Christ, who had just graduated from the seminary. He
eutered upon his work here on August 8, 1886, and closed his pastorate Sep-
tember 30, 1890. Rev. 1'. Ebinger was then called to be pastor of this charge,
and served from August 24. 1891 till July <;, 1895. During these years the
pastor lived in the country, and Zion's congregation was connected with that in
the country and was served from there. The church in town was growing and
at the close of Rev. Ebinger*s pastorate decided it was best to have the pastor
live in its midst. During the summer of 1895 a parsonage was built in town,
close by the church. Rev. G. D. Elliker entered upon his work on July 9, 1895,
and served for nearly fifteen years. During his pastorate some of the members
of the country church wished to unite with the church in town. Others followed
and consequently the Ebenezer congregation in the country ceased to exist, the
members all joining Zion's church in town.
Soon the old church building was too small to hold the congregations. In
1903 the congregation decided to erect a new church and in the same year prepa-
rations were made. In 1904 the new church was built, and was dedicated on
January 15, 1905. From the report of the building committee we learn that the
cost of the present building is $16,659.36. The congregation is free from debt
and enjoying a steady growth. The German language is used in all the morning
services and in most of the classes in Sunday school ; there are, however, a few
English classes and since Xew Year's 1910, English evening services have been
introduced. The congregation still adheres to the custom of catechetical instruc-
tions for the children. Thus the children are taught the catechism and the
Bible from two to four years before they are received into full membership, of
the church.
The present pastor is Rev. E. H. Vornholt, who came to the charge in April
of 1910. There arc now 313 members in the congregation. One of the difficult
tasks before the congregation i»s to pass through the transition period safely.
from German into English. This will, however, take quite a number of vears
yet.
EPIS( OPAL l HURCH
This dues not exist here today, hut the old organization was so much a part
of our early history that this sketch must not be omitted. Rev. fames Iientley
came to Waukon in 1X58. sent by the Episcopal bishop to this place and to Lan-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 375
sing. He held services sometimes in the public school building, and in 1859 in
the Presbyterian church Sunday afternoons. April 25, 1859, Walter Delafield,
Orin Manson, John Griffin, John Phillips, L. B. Cowles, C. Paulk, and A. Parson,
organized St. Paul's parish of the Protestant Episcopal church, of the diocese of
Iowa. The same year they built a small frame church on block 5, Delafield's
addition, corner of Liberty and High streets. In the summer of i860 the build-
ing was greatly enlarged and the tower erected. While these improvements
were being made, the Sunday school, which was very popular under Delafield's
superintendency, was held in Hersey's hall. A 613-lb. Meneely bell, costing
$250 was also purchased and placed in position, the first church bell in town. It
is said that this bell was a gift from Jay Cooke, later the financial agent of the
United States government in the Civil war. This writer has a distinct recol-
lection of the assembling of the Sunday school in Hersey's hall one bright summer
day, from whence with a profusion of oak leaf wreaths and flowers, they
marched with banners flying, out to the east of town to meet the coming bell,
which had been brought from Lansing by the Columbus road, and escorted it
into town to the little church now ready to receive it. In 1895 the bell was taken
to the Decorah church. The little brown church and the large parsonage to the
north are still standing, the church remodeled into a residence.
Mr. Bentley served as rector for several years, but was later in the employ
of the American Sunday School Union, in this state and Kansas. He made his
home for years on the farm on Makee Ridge until recently owned and accupied
by Hon. E. H. Fourt. Mr. Bentley died September 2, 1893. Rev. James Allen
was elected rector, and after him Rev. Estabrook held services occasionally. In
the fall of 1867 Rev. A. M. May came to Waukon as rector and served the church
in that capacity five or six years ; but the congregation had been small since early
in the sixties, and regular services were finally abandoned.
Walter Delafield was in 1868 rector of Grace Chapel, New York city, and
graduated from the General Theological Seminary in New York in 1869. In
1886 he came from Terre Haute to Chicago, where he organized the Church of
the Transfiguration, Forty-third street, near Cottage Grove avenue, which he
continued to serve as rector until his death, April 11, 1900.
NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
St. John's Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church of Waukon, was incorpo-
rated September 22, 1890, the board of trustees comprising Niles A. Rippy,
president; Hans J. Bjerke, secretary; Halvor Pedersen, treasurer, and H. H.
Larson. In 1907 the church was reincorporated, as the St. John Lutheran church
of Waukon, with the following named officials: Trustees, Hans E. Void, Ole
P. Kvernum, and John L. Ehrie ; Secretary, S. K. Kolsrud ; Treasurer, L. T.
Hermanson ; Deacons, Olaf Hanson, Tollef Johnson and J. S. Johnson.
About the year 1890 this church built a handsome little frame house of
worship, which has been from time to time improved. Rev. M. F. Lunde served
the church as pastor from 1890 to '95, when he took charge of the church on
Waterloo Ridge. Rev. J. A. Hellesvedt succeeded him here, being transferred
to La Crosse about 1905, and he was followed on this field by Rev. Jacob Fjelde,
who is the present pastor.
376 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
SEVENTH DAY CHURCH
The Seventh Day Advehtist Association had an organization and a church
building on the Ludlow-Jefferson township line three miles south of Waukon,
in the sixties, the membership of which was composed of well known early set-
tlers including Wm. Andrews, Geo. I. Butler, E. M. Stephens, James Vile, John
P. Farnsworth, the Bullocks, Washburn, and others. Sometime in the early
eighties the little church was removed into town and located upon lot 10, block
21, which they bought of G. L. Teeple, in the block of the Robert Douglass resi-
dence. The society continues to hold social meetings every Sabbath, and quarterly
meetings. A Sabbath school is also kept up.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
( )n the 30th day of May, 1883, after Memorial Day exercises, a meeting of
veterans from all over the county was held in Waukon, preliminary to the organi-
zation of a Grand Army Post. G. M. Dean was chairman of the meeting, and
T. C. Medary secretary. On motion of D. W. Reed, F. H. Robbins was appointed
a committee to arrange for a mustering officer, and the time of assembling.
On the 23d of June following, the veterans of Allamakee county to the num-
ber of eightv-nine, assembled at Barnard Hall in Waukon, and Comrade Herman
Karberg of Hyde Clark Post, Dubuque, proceeded to muster in the following
named charter members, under special order No. 199, from department head-
quarters for Iowa : Geo. W. Sherman, John Toole, E. B. Raymond, D. W.
Reed, John W. Pratt, Wm. T. Stub, T. W. David, Geo. D. Greenleaf, Thos. B.
Wiley, Isaac Mickey, David Hawthorne, John Dowling, Thomas Dowling, John
Sines, Robert Boyce, T. J. Hawthorne, Frank Klees, Julius Nelson, Geo. O.
Potter, John Griffin, Wm. Niblock, Wm. J. Miller, James B. Rudd, D. W.
Douglass, John H. Hale, Geo. Robertson, Leroy Butts, E. W. Pratt, Peter Griffin,
John F. Pitt. Martin Hoffman, O. A. Ross, S. L. Rush, Daniel Ryan, T. J*. Han-
cock, Wm. Raymond, John D. Nesmeier, Henry Allpress, L. Ferris, Jas. A.
I.angford, John Hartley, A. R. Prescott, John T. Robinson, E. A. Swan, C. T.
Granger, Ileber Robinson, F. H. Robbins, T. C. Medary, Geo. M. Dean, Jas.
M. llarr, A. B. Conner, Cornelius Ward, Henry P. Lane, Isaac Woodmansee,
I". I'.. Bascom, M. G. Wood, Oscar Collins, John A. Decker, John Crawford,
Wm. H. Crouch, M. F. Sanner, Frank Van Amberg, Robert Smith, Henry
< iraham, C. B. Jordon, James McClintock, James Ruth. L. W. Irwin, Hans
Simenson, Geo. Schroda, A. M. May. John A. Rupp, J. J. Jennewine, Nick
Betzinger, Wm. H. Gra'ham, Archibald McClintock, B. G. Stanley, James Briar,
Geo. W. Miller, Alonzo Thornton, Levi N. Green, P. I. Pierce, C. A. Robey, Geo.
P. Bellows, John W. Barlow, A. F. Loomis, John Pixler, Hugh McCabe, Robert
Wampler.
Immediately after muster the following officers were elected and installed:
Post Commander, D. W. Reed; Senior Vice Commander, J. W. Pratt; Junior Vice
Commander, James Ruth; Officer of the Day, T. C. Medary; Surgeon, A. R.
Prescott; Adjutant, F. W. Pratt; Quartermaster, F. H. Robbins; Chaplain, Rev.
Robert Smith; Officer of the Guard, A. B. Conner; Sergeant Major, J. B. Reid ;
Quartermaster Sergeant, Henry P. Lane.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 377
The name chosen for the Post was Nathaniel P. Baker, the adjutant general
of Iowa in the dark days of the rebellion ; but upon ascertaining that the name
was already adopted by the Post at Clinton, on the 21st day of July this Post
unanimously adopted the name of John J. Stillman, the first man from Allamakee
county killed in action at Fort Donelson, and it has since been known as John
J. Stillman Post, No. 194.
From the time of organization the principal officers, commander and adjutant,
have been as follows :
Commander: D. W. Reed, 1883-88; F. H. Robbins, 1889-97; R- Wampler,
1898-1903; G. M. Dean, 1904-05; F. H. Robbins, 1906; R. Wampler, 1907-10;
G. P. Bellows, 1911-13.
Adjutant: E. W. Pratt, 1883; N. H. Pratt, 1884; T. C. Medary, 1885-86;
A. M. May, 1887-1913.
The present officers are : Post Commander, G. P. Bellows ; Senior Vice Com-
mander, James Briar; Junior Vice Commander, John F. Pitt; Adjutant, A. M.
May ; Quartermaster, Geo. W. Sherman ; Surgeon, George Cummins ; Chaplain, R.
Wampler; Officer of the Day, D. W. Douglass; Patriotic Instructor, A. M. May;
Officer of the Guard, George Schroda ; Sergeant Major, Hugh McCabe ; Quarter-
master Sergeant, Jacob Minchk ; Delegate to State Encampment — A. M. May.
Waukon Relief Corps, John J. Stillman, No. 123, organized August 7, 1887,
with the following officers : Mrs. E. E. Stevens, president ; Anna Granger,
senior vice president ; Jane Dean, junior vice president ; Henrietta Hale, secretary ;
Ellen Reed, treasurer ; Margaret David, chaplain ; Adelia Conner, conductor ;
Cynthia Robinson, guard. The present officers are :
Mrs. Althae Robbins, president; Alice Daulton. senior vice president; Dina
Reynolds, junior vice president ; Phoebe Walker, secretary ; M. A. R. Bellows,
treasurer ; Eliza Colgrove, chaplain ; Mary Passmore, conductor ; Sarah Briar,
guard.
SPANISH WAR VETERANS
Albert M. Stewart Camp, No. 6, Department of Iowa, United Spanish War
Veterans, was organized and mustered in May 30, 1908, under charter dated
May — , 1908. with the following charter members: R. A. Nichols, Wm. S.
Hart, J. H. Hager, Otto Gulrud, M. S. Jones, John Colsch, C. H. Stilwell, Calvin
S. Stilwell, C. M. Powell, C. H. Dean, J. E. O'Brien, B. W. Ratcliffe, R. J. Pratt,
Chas. Colsch, Nicholas Colsch, Jr., Robt. E. Hughes.
Officers elected at first meeting as follows: Camp Commander, R. A. Nichols;
Senior Vice Commander, J. H. Hager; Junior Vice Commander, Otto Gulrud;
Adjutant, Calvin S. Stilwell; Quartermaster, Claude H. Dean; Officer of the
Day, M. Scott Jones ; Officer of the Guard, John Colsch.
Present officers of the Camp: Camp Commander, John E. O'Brien; Senior
Vice Commander, Calvin S. Stilwell ; Junior Vice Commander, A. W. Douglas ;
Adjutant, M. Scott Jones ; Quartermaster, Nicholas Colsch, Jr. ; Officer of the Day,
R. A. Nichols ; Officer of the Guard, R. J. Pratt.
Camp was named in honor of Sergt. A. M. Stewart, the first typhoid victim
of Company I, Forty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, who died at Jacksonville,
Florida, August 25, 1898.
378 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Members of the camp include veterans of the Spanish-American war and
Philippine insurrection, who saw service in Cuba and the Philippines, on land
and water.
All honorably discharged soldiers and sailors of the Spanish-American war,
Philippine insurrection, Boxer trouble, serving from 1898 to 1900 in the service
of the United States are eligible to membership.
women's clubs
"The Woman's Literary Club" of Waukon was organized in February, 1884,
through the efforts of Mrs. W. C. Earle. It is said to be the second oldest of
the women's clubs in the State of Iowa. At first the object of the society was
largely for social intercourse, although the first hour was spent in reading Shake-
speare, and the second in some work selected either by the club or reader ; but
as time rolled on it seemed to its members that more systematic work should be
done. The subject was discussed pro and con, for some time, and in the summer
of 1897 it was decided to plan a course of study for the coming year ; accord-
ingly Mrs. A. M. May, who was then president, appointed a committee to lay
out the work. The course decided upon was a study of the United States, by
states, giving a short history of each, its prominent cities, statesmen, authors,
etc. Since that time each year has had its apportioned work. Friday has been
the meeting day of this club; the first Friday in February is set apart as an
anniversary, and the last Friday in June, closing the year's work, as guest day.
The present officers of the club are: President, Mrs. Jackson Smith: Vice Presi-
dent, Mrs. W. T. Gilchrist: Secretary, Mrs. Charlotte Hancock; Treasurer, Mrs.
Phoebe Walker.
The next oldest club in Waukon is the "Nineteenth Century Club," and
numerous others followed in later years, as the "New Century," the "Thursday
Club," the "Browning," the "Keane Circle," and others; all we believe uniting in
various enterprises for the public welfare, instruction and amusement. Among
such enterprises may be mentioned the lecture courses in winter and the Chau-
tauqua in summer, as well as the public library elsewhere noticed.
OLD COMPANY "l"
The Waukon military company has a long and honorable record. It was
mustered in as Company F, Fourth Regiment Iowa National Guards, by Capt.
I-.. II. Bascom, of Lansing. May in, 1878, with a full complement of sixty-four
enlisted men. besides the commissioned officers, who were elected as follows:
1 aptain, D. W. Keed; First Lieutenant, J. W. Pratt; Second Lieutenant, T. G.
Orr, In July, the company was transferred to the Ninth regiment, becoming
Company E. August 17, Captain Reed was elected major of the regiment. About
September 20th the company received their arms and accoutrements. In October,
Earle's hall was leased for an armory. November 7th, Second Sergeant A. J.
Rodgers was elected captain, and Fifth Sergeant A. T. Stillman, first lieutenant
to nil vacancy caused by resignation of J. W". Pratt. May 2, 1879, Orderly Ser-
geant Dell J. Clark was elected second lieutenant to fill vacancy caused by Lieu-
tenant (Irr's resignation, and A. H. Peck was elected orderly. In July the com-
pany was retransferred to the Fourth Regiment, becoming Company I. In August,
Tliis view copyrighted, 1 900. by E. A. Hirlh.
City park
Allamakee street
Spring avenue
Main street
Another view on Main street
Iron mines
SCENES IN WAUKON
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 381
uniforms were purchased, and September 16th to 19th the company partici-
pated in regimental encampment at Independence. May 7, 1880, Third Sergt.
J. B. Reid was elected second lieutenant in place of D. J. Clark, resigned. October
nth to 15th the company was in regimental camp at Postville. In August. 1881,
Captain Rodgers was elected major of the regiment, and the term of service
having expired, it was a question whether or not the company should reorganize.
On the 8th the company decided by vote to do so, and on the 17th Sergt. A. G.
Stewart was elected captain. The company attended the state encampment at
Des Moines, second week in October. Lieutenant Stillman's commission having
expired, and he desiring to retire, Second Lieut. J. B. Reid was elected his suc-
cessor November 25th, and Sergt. E. B. Gibbs elected to the second lieutenancy.
In lune, 1882, with these officers, and E. W. Pratt as first sergeant, the company
attended brigade encampment at Waterloo, where they received the first prize
($ioo) for the best drilled company in the Second Brigade, comprising three
regiments. In September, Barnard Hall was rented for an armory, and that
month the company, by special invitation, attended the grand military encamp-
ment at Dubuque, where they acquitted themselves creditably. The company
held the championship for target practice for several years after this.
In May, 1883, the company attended a National Guard encampment at Nash-
ville Tennessee, where they met a vast concourse of people as well as most of the
celebrated companies of state troops in the United States. "Company I" did not
enter the prize drill at this place. It went at the special request of the com-
mander of that great camp — "Camp Duncan," Brig. Gen. C. S. Bentley of Iowa
commanding — as "Headquarters Guard, and escort to the commanding general."
The company received the highest praise alike from United States and state
officers for general efficiency and soldierly bearing as well as discipline and good
conduct.
The roster of the company attending this camp was as follows: Capt.
A. G. Stewart; First Lieut., J. B. Reid; Second Lieut., E. B. Gibbs; First Sergt.,
E. W. Pratt; Second Sergt., R. A. Nichols; Third Sergt., E. M. Hancock;
Fourth Sergt., J. E. Duffy; Fifth Sergt., J. C. Lewis.
Corporals, A. O. Sagen, L. A. Howe, F. A. Wigton, J. B. Hays.
Privates, J. A. Brawford, James Berry, F. Berrier, J. Cummins, J. B. Dowling,
Herman Groeling, G. L. Hubbell, Daniel Hanley, B. H. Hall, E. P. Jordan,
S. W. Kellogg, F. E. Nichols, T. F. O'Brien, J. L. Pratt, Allison Peck, A. H. Ross,
Mark Snyder, R. I. Steele, E. R. Spencer; and Quartermaster Sergt. G. C.
Hemenway, A. C. Hagemeier, assistant.
The company kept up its continuous record as one of the best companies
of the state in all respects for nearly fifteen years after this time (1883). In
1886 Captain Stewart, who had commanded the company since 1881, was elected
colonel of the Fourth Regiment. He occupied this position for a term (five
years), and was reelected and recommissioned for another five years, but on the
reorganization of the guard in 1892 resigned and retired from the active service,
being given, by special orders from the military department, the full rank of
colonel.
Meantime Company I had gone along in its steady and reliable way, always
doing its duty faithfully and well and attending the annual encampments with a
full complement of men. On the promotion of Captain Stewart to the colonelcy
382 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
in 1886, Lieut. E. B. Gibbs became captain and served through one encampment.
He then resigned to take the adjutancy of the regiment, which he held for several
years. On his leaving the captaincy Lieut. R. A. Nichols became captain and
held the company up to its old standard of efficiency until he resigned in June,
1893. Previous to this, in October, 1892, the company had the honor of par-
ticipating in the military part of the program of the dedication of the World's
Columbian Exposition, at Chicago, for several days, where they encamped in
the great Agricultural Building. They were assigned a position in the military
review at Washington Park, October 21st, assisted at the dedication of the
Iowa Building on Saturday, October 22d, and returned home on the following
Monday.
Captain Nichols was succeeded by First Lieut. Henry V. Duffy, who was
commissioned captain July 1, 1893, and commanded the company until his tragic-
death in 1895, when Lieut. Wm. S. Hart became captain.
In the early summer of 1897 came an order from headquarters disbanding
the company, on account of some lack of interest, and strife on the part of
some larger towns more centrally located to supplant the village company from
the extreme northeast corner of the state. Efforts were immediately made for
its reinstatement which proved successful, and in one month from the date of
the order of disbandment the company was fully reorganized and mustered in.
Colonel Stewart and Captain Nichols, who had both been on the retired list for
years, were elected unanimously as captain and first lieutenant, consenting to
serve for a short time only, until the company was well on its feet again.
Before the following encampment at Waterloo was well over there were
strong prospects of a war with Spain over the situation in Cuba. It did not
come until the following spring, however. Finally when war was declared and
the call for troops made by President McKinley, Captain Stewart was away at
the bedside of a dying brother in the southern part of the state. Lieutenant
Nichols, however, promptly took command and in twenty-four hours after the
order to rendezvous at Des Moines was received the company had started. To
then Lieutenant Nichols is due great credit for his promptness and efficiency in
equipping, so far as might be. and getting out the company, not only with its
full complement of forty enlisted men. but a number more to take the place of
any who might '"flunk."
Under the call of President McKinley of April 25, 1898, the company
started on the 20th for Camp McKinley, Des Moines, where they were mustered
into the United States service on June 2d as Company I, Forty-ninth Regiment
towa Volunteers. The regiment took the designation as the Forty-ninth because
it was the forty-ninth consecutive regiment of infantry furnished by the state
fur national service.
Company I at this time was uniquely officered. Captain Stewart had enlisted
as a private in 1878, and risen to the rank of colonel. First Lieutenant Nichols
had also enlisted as a private in 1878, served through all the grades, and as cap-
tain for about eight years. Second Lieutenant Hart had joined the company as
private in [889, had become captain in 1895. and reenlisted as private upon the
inization of the company in 1807, but was soon after elected lieutenant.
All had assumed their lower rank through devotion to the company and the cause
in which it was embarked.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 383
The officers and men of Company I, Forty-ninth Regiment, who were
enrolled from Allamakee county, were as follows :
Capt, Albert G. Stewart; First Lieut., Ross A Nichols; Second Lieut, Wil-
liam S. Hart; First Sergt., Nicholas Colsch, Jr.; Quartermaster Sergt., Fred G.
Stilwell. Discharged September 6, 1898, on account of disability.
Duty Sergts: Albert M. Stewart, died August 26, 1898, at Jacksonville,
Florida ; John H. Hager, discharged before muster out of company ; James E.
Cummens ; Benjamin L. Martindale, promoted first sergeant.
Corporals: Fred C. Robey, promoted sergeant, September 1, 1898; Daniel
Regan, promoted sergeant ; Alexander W. Douglass ; Edmund Roche ; John L.
Casey, died at general hospital, McPherson, Georgia; William J. Thill; Otto L.
Gullrud; Cornelius H. Stilwell, discharged before muster out of company; Allen
B. Boomer, promoted quartermaster sergeant, September 6, 1898 ; John Colsch,
discharged before muster out of company; Frank M. Rupp, died September 15,
1898, at Waukon ; Stephen E. Barron.
Musicians: Benjamin A. Steffen, James E. Briar; Artificer, Royal E. Pratt;
Wagoner, Emery E. Bandle.
Privates: Barron, Mark S. ; Coffrain, Selwyn P.; Carpenter, Albert J.
Colsch, Chas. (discharged before muster out of company); Dean, Claude H.
Fiete, Albert F. ; Geesey, Chas A. (discharged by favor); Green, Fred H.
Hagen, Albert G. ; Hanson, Floyd ; Irvin, Chas. J. ; Jackson, Carlton A. ; Johnson,
Carl A. (Corporal Company "A," Thirty-eighth U. S. V., September, 1899, to
June 30, 1901 ) ; Kean, John H.; Klein, Joseph J. (promoted corporal)
McGourty, John (promoted corporal) ; Mullally, James B. ; Nierling, William F.
Phipps, Harry V.; Regan, Chas. (promoted corporal); Stilwell, Calvin S.
Stone, George E. ; Trumbull, Frank C. (died September 23, 1898, at Waukon)
White, William H.; Wigton, Howard F. ; Wigton, Chester J.; Williams, William
E. (promoted cook corporal, September 1, 1898).
On June 14, 1898, the company went into the great camp "Cuba Libre" at
Jacksonville, Florida. The transition was very great. It had been a very cold
spring and while at Camp McKinley there was scarcely a day, and never a night,
but that an overcoat was necessary to comfort while out, except, of course, when
drilling or exercising actively. When they landed at Jacksonville it was simpiy
hot and continued so almost every hour of the day and night while they remained
there.
On the 4th of July the glorious news of the destruction of Cervera's fleet
off Santiago caused great rejoicing in camp over the success of the navy ; but
it was somewhat tempered by the feeling it brought to our belligerent boys that
they might lose the chance to have a "scrap" with the Spaniards after all. On
that day the rains commenced. In spite of the rainy weather and poor food
badly cooked, our men remained up to about the middle of August, comparatively
well. No serious cases of typhoid had developed in Company I until August
16th, when Sergt. Bert Stewart came in from drill stricken. He grew rapidly
worse and on the removal of the company to a new camp was taken to the second
division hospital, where on the 25th he died. It was the first case in the company
and the second death in the regiment, and produced a profound impression. His
remains were returned to Waukon, accompanied by his father Captain Stewart,
and buried in Oakland cemetery.
384
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
On the 5th of September Tommy Wilson died. Frank Rupp, no doubt already
permeated with the disease, left camp on furlough to escort home the remains
of Wilson, and on the 15th died at his home near Waukon, and so it went.
When Captain Stewart returned to the camp. September 14th, nearly if not quite,
half of the company were sick in hospitals or on sick furlough. There were days
when after the necessary guards were detailed, there were but six men left able
to bear arms for even drill or show purposes out of the 106 mustered on
August 1st.
John Casey had safely passed through all dangers and escaped ail sickness
until the regiment was moved to Savannah, Georgia, when he was taken with the
dread disease and left there for the hospital when the company went to Cuba.
He was soon thereafter taken to Atlanta, where, lingering until after the regiment
was mustered out. he finally yielded to the disease and its complications. His
body was brought to his old home and consigned to its last resting place in
Mount Olivet cemetery by his comrades.
On the 27th of October the command was moved to Savannah, Georgia.
All went well : the men continued to recuperate, and when about December
19th or 20th orders were received, about eighty-five men went aboard the trans-
port and were off for Cuba. On arriving at Havana they went into camp at
Camp Columbia, situated on high ground along the coast. The Forty-ninth
regiment being camped near the little city of Marianao about twelve miles from
the center of Havana. Here the company in the main, enjoyed life and were
very healthy.
Company I took part in the great parade on January 1, 1899. when the Span-
ish flag went down forever in the "Gem of the Antilles" and the Stars and
Stripes rose in its place amidst the cheering of the thousands of American soldiers
and Cuban patriots.
Later the company and regiment, indeed the entire brigade, took a "'hike"
towards the south part of the island from which they returned in about ten days,
having seen much that was new to them and having enjoyed the trip immensely.
In April the company with half the regiment shipped again from Havana for
Savannah, where, on May 13, 1899. eighty-one as good soldiers as Uncle Sam
ever had were mustered out and honorably discharged from service. On the
16th of May, nearly all the members of the company reached Waukon, after a
little over a year's absence.
The company received, during its service, two splendid flags. A fine, small,
silk one from Miss Anna Larrabee, daughter of ex-Governor Larrabee, and the
other a fine, large one presented by Hon. Charles T. Granger, of Waukon, who
at the time was chief justice of the Supreme court of Iowa. These flags are now
held by Cam]) Albert M. Stewart of the Spanish-American War Veterans, located
at Waukon.
Since the Spanish war the history of Company I has of course been less
eventful. It was reorganized, and has been kept up in excellent condition by
its present efficient commander, ("apt. Nicholas Colsch, Jr., who succeeded to the
command and whose first commission dated from February 8, 1900, thus serving
now for over thirteen years.
The other commissioned officers have been : Pirst Lieutenant, Alex. W.
Douglass, 1900 to 1904; A. S. Bowen, 1904 t<> up;, resigned to accept commis-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 385
sion as surgeon in the United States regular army; Jas. L. Carlson, 1907 to 1910;
succeeded by John P. King, May 7, 1910, present incumbent. Second Lieutenant,
John Colsch, 1900 to 1905 ; Herman P. Johnson, 1905 to present date. By reor-
ganization in 1903 the 49th regiment became the 53d.
Company I in these "piping times of peace" has become distinguished for the
record of its marksmen, who hold some valuable trophies of their skill at the
national contests at Camp Perry, Ohio, and Sea Girt, N. J. Sergt. Chas. M. King
holds the medal for highest individual score at one of these contests, but the details
of these victories cannot be given here. Waukon is proud of Company I, and
confident the boys will ever be found ready for any emergency.
CAPTAIN NICHOLS
It is fitting to here recount the subsequent military services of one of the
original members of Company "I" who was the longest time in its membership,
and for many years its commander. One of the first to enroll upon its organiza-
tion in May, 1878, R. A. Nichols served as private, sergeant, first lieutenant and
captain ; and, as before narrated, as first lieutenant through the Spanish war,
receiving an honorable discharge in May, 1899.
In March, 1899, Congress passed a bill authorizing the president to raise
a force of United States Volunteers for the suppression of the Philippine insur-
rection. Under this act President McKinley commissioned Lieutenant Nichols
as captain and assigned him to the Thirty-eighth Regiment, then being organized
at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri. He reported there to Col. Geo. S.
Anderson, commanding the regiment, September 11, 1899, and was assigned to
the command of Company "B." After about six weeks spent in drilling and
organization, the regiment was started for the Philippines, by way of San
Francisco, arriving at Manila November 27, 1899.
January 1, 1900, they were sent with Gen. Lloyd Wheaton on an expedition
against southern Luzon. They took pajt in fighting at Talisay, Lipa, Tiesan,
and Batangas. Here the Thirty-eighth was divided into several detachments
to garrison small towns. The First battalion, to which Captain Nichols' company
belonged, was stationed at Batangas, a town 'on the bay of the same name and about
one hundred miles south of Manila. Their duty was to pursue, destroy, and
capture the numerous bands of insurgents that infested that region. Here his
command had numerous fights with the insurgents, and a large number of pris-
oners and arms were captured. One of the severest of these fights was at San
Maguil, a small place in the mountains, about six miles south of Batangas.
While there with about fifty of his company he was attacked by a force of
natives numbering between four and five hundred. After a fight lasting a couple
of hours they were driven off with a loss of forty killed and wounded and sixteen
prisoners. He had one man severely wounded. For his conduct in this action
Colonel Anderson recommended Captain Nichols for a brevet.
September 28, 1900, Company "B" accompanied Colonel Anderson and Com-
pany "D" to the island of Maranduqua for the purpose of rescuing Captain
Shields, Twenty-ninth Regiment, and fifty-two of his men who had been cap-
tured by the insurgents. After a month's hard work the insurgent commander
was forced to give up the prisoners.
386 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
November 25th the regiment was sent to Iloilo, on the island of Panay.
Captain Nichols was here sent, in command, with his company and another com-
pany to Calinog, about fifty miles northeast of Iloilo. to clean out insurgents and
ladrones. Not much fighting was had here. The first night the command arrived
at Calinog the insurgents fired a few volleys at the town, killing one man in
Company 15. This was the only man killed in the company during its service.
A large number of arms were surrendered here, and several noted ladrones cap-
tured. One of these was afterwards hung.
The term of service of the regiment having nearly expired, it was shipped
back to the United States, Captain Nichols' company being sent as a guard on a
freight transport. They arrived at Portland, Oregon, June 29, 1901, and were
immediately sent to San Francisco, where they were mustered out July 5, 1901.
His company lost only four men by death during their term, one man killed,
one drowned, and two from sickness. Captain Nichols was in command of the
First battalion for four months, during Major Muir's absence in China, in the
Boxer rebellion.
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES
MASONIC
Waukon Lodge— No. 154, A. F. & A. M., was the third in order to be instituted
in Allamakee county, its dispensation dating January 5. i860, and its charter
June 6th following. It was preceded by Parvin lodge at Rossville, and Ever-
green lodge at Lansing. The Rossville lodge surrendered its charter in 1859,
after an ineffectual endeavor to transfer the lodge to Waukon, in a previous year,
which if it had been accomplished would have preserved it as the now oldest
lodge in this region.
The charter members of this lodge were: T. H. Barnes, R. K. Hall, L. W.
Hersey, C. M. Dean, J. C. Smith, A. A. Sturdevant, W. W. Hungerford, Jno.
T. Clark; I. H. Hedge, L. T. Woodcock, Scott Shattuck, T. C. Bartlett, Alfred
Pardee. G C. Shattuck. C. O. Thompson, Samuel Hamler."
Tin- first officers were as follows: W. M., T. H. Barnes; S. W.. G. M. Dean;
J. W., I.. W. Hersey; Treas., Scott Shattuck; Sec'v.. L. T. Woodcock; S. D.,
I. II. Hedge; J. D„ C. O. Thompson; S. S., S. N. Bailey; J. S., Samuel Hamler;
Tyler, A. A. Sturdevant.
Waukon lodge has never owned a home of its own, but has occupied onlv
three locations since its organization, viz. : the first was in the second story of
a frame building on the site now occupied by the First National Bank; second,
dating from January 15, 1870, second story of the Adams & Hale brick building
erected in [869, being the east part of the Hale & Sons Alain street front; and
third, since the fall of [894 in its present location, second story of the Dillenberg
block 011 the east side of Allamakee street, south part.
For many years it was customary for this lodge to have an annual banquet
<ir festival in the latter part of winter, about the time of Washington's birth-
day, sometimes quite elaborate affairs, and always of the most sociable character.
Often most of the day would be spent in social intercourse, and in the confer-
ring of side degrees. After a regular Eastern Star lodge was instituted these
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
387
banquets were less frequent, but a notable occasion of this character was the
celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the lodge, June 7, I9">- For thls eyvent
an invitation was extended to brethren of the order at Postville, Monona, Lan-
sing Frankville, Decorah, Elkader, Guttenberg, and McGregor, and Bros. E. b.
Gibbs Burt Hendrick, B. O. Swebakken, M. W. Eaton and J. C. Crawford were
appointed a committee of arrangements. The weather proved fine and the
result was the largest gathering of the Masonic fraternity in Waukon for many
years, and a very enjoyable and instructive occasion.
Masonic honors have been conferred upon members of the Waukon lodge
as follows: , „,
Bio L W Hersev was appointed J. G. steward at the grand lodge of 1865
and also served as a member of the committee on chartered lodges at the grand
lodge of 1866. , _ ,
Bro D W. Reed was appointed J. G. steward at the grand lodge of 1876.
Bro. H. H. Stilwell was appointed a member of the committee on grand
master's address at the grand lodge of 1885.
Bro T E Fleming was appointed grand chaplain at the grand lodge of 1893.
Bro J C. Crawford served as grand marshal at the grand lodge of 1894.
He was chairman of the committee on lodges under dispensation at the grand
lodge of 1899. He also served as deputy grand master of the grand lodge of
^Bro Charles T Granger has served the grand lodge in so many different
ways and for such a long time, that a complete record can not well be given here,
and the following brief extract from a history of the Iowa grand lodge must
L1 "Among the many distinguished men who have been closely identified with
the Masonic institution in Iowa none has been more devoted or has contributed
more time and wealth of intellect than Charles Trumbull Granger
"Jud-e Granger with his large experience in the practice of law, and upon
the benc°h, and with a naturally constructive mind, has given much thought
towards the perfecting of the Code of Laws of the Grand Lodge of Iowa winch
today stands as a monument to his ability as a jurist and scholar, so complete in
all its provisions that rarely any question arises that is not readily disposed of
by reference to it. In addition to this, his long service as a member of the board
of Custodians of the Work has accomplished much towards securing a uniformity
of the ritualistic work of this grand jurisdiction. *
"Brother Granger was made a Mason in Antioch lodge, at Antioch, Illinois,
in February i860, and affiliated with Waukon Lodge No. 154. in 1866, of which
he is still a member. He has been worshipful master of that lodge a number of
years at one time and another. He was made a Royal Arch Mason in Markwell
Chapter No. 30, of Lansing, now located at Waukon, April, 1869, and still holds
his membership in that chapter. He was created a Knight Templar in Beauseant
Commandery No. 12. Decorah, in 1883, of which body he is still a member.
"He was elected Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Iowa in 1882,
and was elected Grand Master of Masons in Iowa in 1884, and reelected in 1885.
He succeeded Past Grand Master E. A. Guilbert upon the Board of Custodians
in 1887, and has served continuously upon that board for a period of twenty-
388 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
five years. He is now chairman of the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence,
which position he has held for many years.
"While Brother Granger is deeply interested in all of the branches of
Masonry, his great work has been done in Symbolic Masonry, * * * bring-
ing to this work a mind ripe with experience and education which the entire
fraternity were quick to recognize and appreciate. Beloved by all he today enjoys
the warm friendship and esteem of the entire Masonic fraternity of Iowa to a
greater degree than any other Mason in the state, yet he ever remains the same
modest, unassuming gentleman, regardless of the high honors that have been
bestowed upon him."
Markwell Chapter — No. 30, Royal Arch Masons, was instituted at Lansing,
in October, 1865, and charter granted June 4. 1866. The first officers were,
H. H. Hemenway. high priest; S. H. Kinne. king; J. \Y. Thomas, scribe. It
was removed to Waukon in 1882. E. D. Purdy has been secretary since Febru-
ary. 1877.
Golden Rod Chapter — No. 170, Order of Eastern Star, was chartered Octo-
ber 23, 1895, with the following officers: Mrs. J. C. Crawford, worthy matron;
Mrs. Jennie Hubbell, associate matron; H. H. Stilwell, worthy patron. At
present ( igiz) they consist of: Mrs. Anna Cooley, worthy matron; Mrs. Mar-
garet Hendrick, associate matron; E. B. Gibbs, worthy patron. Miss Blanche
Dial, secretary; Miss Jessie Lewis, treasurer.
The oldest member of Waukon Masonic lodge is Bro. Geo. W. Taylor, who
joined by demit June 18, 1861. The principal officers at present are: Burt
Hendrick. W. M. ; Guy W. Eaton, S. W. ; Calvin Stilwell, J. W. : L. A. Howe,
treasurer: X. X. Crawford, secretary.
Jewell (.'amp — Xo. 327, Modern Woodmen of America, was instituted April
5. 1SS7. at Waukon, taking its name from B. Wood Jewell, deputy head consul,
who was here to effect the organization. The camp was composed of the fol-
lowing twenty-eight charter members: Armstrong, L. ; Bearce, L. M. ; Boomer,
J. 11.; Connor, A. 1',.; Cabanis, J. 1..; Carroll, T. L. ; Dayton, J. F. ; Dayton.
Henry; Goodrich, J. W. : Gilchrist, W. T. ; Goodykoontz, A. E. ; Haines, G. W. ;
Hancock, L. M.; Johnson, J. K. ; Jones. J. 15.; Lewis. J. C. : Manning. G. R. ;
Medary, T. C; Medary, G. C; Minert, J. B.; Nichols, F. L. ; Olson, ( >. 11.:
Pleimling, Nic. ; Ratcliffe, 1. G. ; Raymond, I- 1'-: Reed, D. W. ; Siekemeier, S.
A.; Stilwell, II. II.
( >fficers were elected as follows : Venerable Consul, H. H. Stilwell ; Adviser.
T. L. Carroll; Clerk. J. L. Cabanis. (Soon after removed from Waukon and
F. E. Nichols was clerk until January. [891.) Banker, J. H. Boomer; Escort.
J. 1!. Jones; Watchman. G. W. Haines; Sentry, F. E. Nichols; Managers. D. W
Reed, A. 1'.. Connor, and J. F. Dayton.
The first death in the camp was that of Neighbor A. E. ( ioodykoontz, No-
vember [8, [888.
For a number of year-, the order languished, after its first vigorous start,
because of a division in the Head Lamp. In 1891 Jewell Camp had dwindled to
twenty-one members. \ faithful few, including Consul C. S. Stilwell, Adviser
W I >. Bean, Clerk I'.. M. Hancock, and Bankers Halvor Simonsen and G. W.
Haines, with Neighbors Goodrich and Jones, held occasional meetings in Neigh-
bor Stilwell's office. Buf soon after the order took on new life, and by '05 or '96
#|Pr J#*
i Vf
■
LOOKING WEST OX MAIN STREET, WAUKON, FUNERAL OF JOHN .1. STILLMAN,
FIRST BATTLE VICTIM, FEBRUARY, 1S62
Shows Presbyterian church with spire. 1858; and just this side the two-story building
built in 1853, the second frame building in town: and opposite, to the extreme right, the first
frame house built by Shattuck in 1853 (with two chimneys). To the left, one of the big
open springs, surrounded by cattle. (From a rare old print.)
SAME VIEW IX 1913
Shows the front end of the old two-story frame still standing, between the garage and
the new church.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 391
a steady increase had set in which continued until in 1912 Jewell Camp had
attained a membership of 220.
The following have served as Venerable Consul: H. H. Stilwell, C. S.
Stilwell, 1888-92; W. D. Bean, 1893; J. B. Jones, 1894; J. W. Goodrich, 1895-
97; J. B. Jones, 1898-1900; Otto Hagen, 1901 ; W. S. Hart, 1902; J. B. Jones,
1903: Dan Williams, 1904; G. W. Haines, 1905-07; James Collins. 1908-09;
G. W. Haines, 1910-13.
Clerk: F. E. Nichols, 1887-1890; E. M. Hancock, 1891-98; E. W. Goody-
koontz. 1899-1904; L. F. Seelig, 1905-12; F. E. Kelley, 1913.
Present officers are : Venerable Consul, G. W. Haines ; Worthy Adviser,
F. H. Nagel ; Excellent Banker, W. H. Ebendorf ; Clerk, F. E. Kelley; Escort,
Edgar Morstad ; Watchman, Elmer Heitman ; Sentry, B. Langheim ; Managers,
Thos. Hartley. Daniel Williams, Bert Klinkel.
Little Gem Camp — No. 13 14. Royal Neighbors, auxiliary to the M. W. of A.,
was organized January 18, 1899, with 22 charter members and the following
officers : Oracle, Olive Henthorne ; Vice Oracle, Ada Barton Jones ; Recorder,
Addie Thill; Receiver, Nancy Eaton; Marshall, Harriet Dowling; Chancellor,
Catherine Steele; Inner Sentinel, Angelia Letourneau ; Outer Sentinel, Elsie Ash-
bacher ; Managers, John Rice. Lizzie Fisher, and Celia Leefeldt ; Physicians,
P. H. Letourneau. W. T. Gilchrist.
The present officers are: Oracle, Ada Barton Jones; Vice Oracle, pjelle
Eldridge ; Recorder, Maude Kelley ; Receiver, Louise Carter ; Marshall, Ellen
Ronayne ; Chancellor, Ida Entwisle; Inside Sentinel, Elsie Arnold; Outside Sen-
tinel, Nancy Eaton ; Managers, Mary Winter, Anna Ebendorf, and Dema Car-
penter ; Physician, W. T. Gilchrist. '
Bayard Lodge — No. 121, Knights of Pythias, was organized in January, 1884,
and elected provisional officers as follows : Past Chancellor, Levi Hubbell ; Chan-
cellor, A. G. Stewart ; Vice Chancellor, J. F. Dayton ; Prelate, D. H. Bowen ; M.
of F., Geo. Canfield ; M. of Ex., Geo. J. Mauch ; K. of R. & S., C. A. Pratt ; M. at
A., R. A. Nichols; I. G., Geo. C. Medary; O. G., J. W. Goodrich; Trustees, J. P.
Raymond, Jos. Heiser and J. B. Reid.
The charter of the lodge bears date October 2, 1884, with the names of the
eighteen charter members as follows: Levi Hubbell, A. G. Stewart, J. F. Day-
ton, D. H. Bowen, G. C. Medary, J. B. Reid, Andrew O. Sagen, J. Callender,
J. H. Heiser, G. E. Canfield, Ross Nichols, F. E. Nichols, George Mauch, Peter
Stevens. J. \Y. Goodrich, J. P. Raymond, H.-O. Dayton, A. C. Hagemeier, and
Deputy Rightmire as instituting officer.
The present officers are: P. C, D. H. Bowen; C. C, W. H. Ebendorf; V. C,
A. T. Nierling; P., E. A. Allanson ; K. of R. and S., C. L. Bearce; M. of F.,
J. Ludeking; M. of Ex., O. J. Hager ; M. of W., T. Hartley; M. at A., E.
Schuckei; I. G., L. King; O. G., D. Feldstein.
The Pythian Sisters, Auxiliary, was instituted August 12, 1896, with the
following charter members, viz. : Ellen A. Earle, Ella Stevens, Anna B. Beeman,
Jennie E. Hubbell, Emily H. Medary, Estelle Bigelow, Henrietta Hale, Mrs. C.
M. Beeman, Hettie E. Bowen.
St. Patrick's Court — No. 406, Catholic Order of Foresters, was organized
March 15, 1894, by High Chief Ranger Jno. C. Schubert, of Chicago, and first
officers were elected as follows: Chief Ranger, D. J. Murphy; Vice C. R.,
392 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
J. E. Duffy; R. S., J. H. Kelley ; F. S., J. F. Dougherty; Med. Exam., Dr J. W.
Cain; Treas, H. O'Donnell; Trustees, J. F. Ronayne, J. F. Tracy, T. ]. Collins.
The officers in 1913 are: Chief Ranger, Dan Williams; Vice C. R., P. H.
Ouillin; R. S., M. E. Ronan; F. S., J. H. Kelley; Med. Exam., Dr. J. W. Cain.
Treas., H. O'Donnell; Trustees, Joe Keiser, Roger Ryan, and Jno. McCabe.
St. Anne's Court — No. 65, Women's Catholic Order of Foresters, organized
with thirty members on the 19th of March, 1896, and the following named offi-
cers elected: Chief Ranger, Mary R. Cain; Vice Chief Ranger, Mary A. Mur-
ray; Recording Sec, Mary A. Ouinn ; Financial Sec, Catherine Dougherty;
Treas., Margaret Duffy.
The order has flourished, and the membership increased to 167. The officers
now are : Chief Ranger, Mary R. Cain ; Vice Chief Ranger, Ellen Ronayne ;
Rec Sec, Mary Kelleher ; Fin. Sec, Catherine Hall; Treas., Mary Ryan; Trus-
tees, Mary E. O'Brien, Mary Keiser, and Mary Quam.
Knights of Columbus — St. Matthew Council No. 1570, was organized May
28, 191 1, with seventy-four charter members. Its first officers were: Grand
Knight, William S. Hart; Deputy G. K., E. H. Howes; Chancellor, J. M. Lee;
Warden. Max Wittlinger; Advocate, James Collins; Treasurer, M. J. Buckley;
Lecturer. John H. DeWild ; Fin. Secretary, P. J. Regan; Rec. Sec, J. V. Ryan;
I. G., John W'ittlinger; O. G., Leonard O'Brien; Trustees, M. E. Ronan, T. J.
McDermott, C. P. Nierling. The present officers are the same, except as fol-
lows: Fin. Sec, D. E Dugan ; Rec. Sec, P. E. O'Donnell; and I. G., Thos. E.
Ryan.
That this society has flourished remarkably is indicated by its present mem-
bership of 285. It occupies very pleasant and commodious quarters on the
second floor of the Cain block, including an assembly hall seating too. lodge
room, and club room with billiard room and reception parlors.
Modern Brotherhood— Waukon Lodge, No. 67, Modern Brotherhood of
America, was instituted in 1898, its charter bearing date of June 30, and its
principal officers: J. II. Smith, Pres. ; E. J. Hall, Sec. The lodge has grown
to goodly proportions, now numbering 160 members, and has contributed to the
alleviation of suffering and the promotion of pleasant social intercourse. The
principal officers of the lodge are at present : President, Clara Raymond ; Vice-
Pres., Mary S. Beedy ; Sec. and Treas.. M. E. Ronan; Social Sec-
Chaplain, E. C. Ronan; Sentry, Sarah Mason; Trustees, G. W. Haines, Louis
Hermanson, and L. A. Jones; Watchman, G. W. Bircher.
Iowa Legion of Honor— Diamond Lodge No. 39,' I. L. H., was organized
September 5, 1879, with the following officers: Geo. H. Bryant, Pres. ; A. G.
Stewart, Vice 1'.; A. J. Rodgers, Rec. Sec; E. M. Hancock, Fin. Sec! T-W.
Pratt. Treas.; A. M. May, Chaplain; C. C. Banfill, Usher; Don. A. Hoag, Door-
keeper; A. K. Pratt. Sentinel; L. Burton, L. M. Bearce, and M. H. Pratt, trus-
tees. Though -mall in numbers this lodge has kept up the work for thirty- four
years, and has losl nine of its early membership by death, and their beneficiaries
were duly paid, viz: A. E. Robbins, January 12, 1892; L. M. Getchell, October
30. 1896; John W. Pratt, August 21, 1897; H. O. Dayton, January 24, 1901 ;
M. II. Pratt. January 12, 1902; L. M. Bearce, July 12, 1903; C. O. Howard,'
September 7. [904; Conrad Helming, January 16, 1906; F. H. Robbins, Decem-
ber 7, 1908.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 393
The principal officers now are: J. B. Jones, President; A. M. May, Secre-
tary ; and Geo. H. Bryant, Treasurer.
Brotherhood of American Yeomen — Alia Tent, No. 51, B. A. Y., came into
existence February 26, 1895, with an original membership of about twenty,
and started on its useful career with the following officers, viz : Sir Knight P.
Com., S. J. Beddow ; Com., S. M. Taylor; Lt. Com., F. F. Simonsen ; Fin.
Keeper, W. E. Beddow ; Rec. K., E. F. Medary ; Chaplain, L. Bigelow ; Sergt.,
H. Simonsen; Physician, D. H. Bowen; M. at Arms, H. Sivesend ; 1st M. of
Guard, J. P. Dahl ; 2d M. of Guard, Chris Oleson ; Sentinel, Roy Pratt ; Picket,
Fred Paulson.
The present Commander is J. M. Frederick ; and Record Keeper H. J.
Deeny.
Odd Fellows — Waukon Lodge, No. 182, I. O. O. F., was organized January
3, 1870, with the following officers : Robert Isted, N. G. ; J. B. Mattoon, V. G. ;
H. H. Stilwell, R. Sec; L. M. Bearce, treas. Number of charter members,
thirty-five. Charter granted October 20, 1870. The membership in good stand-
ing in 1882 was 42, and the officers were: A. G. Stewart, N. G. ; E. B. Ray-
mond, V. G. ; O. M. Nelson, R. and P. Sec. ; Joseph Burton, Treas.
The present officers are, John C. Beedy N. G., and Wilbur F. Raymond,
Secretary. Affiliated with this lodge is a flourishing lodge of the Daughters
of Rebekah.
Hope Encampment, No. JJ, was organized at Lansing, April 4, 1875 ; charter
granted April 24. It was removed to Waukon March 8, 1881, and the officers
in 1882 were: Joseph Haines, C. P.; R. L. Bircher, H. P.; C. S. Stilwell, S. W. :
R. A. Nichols, N. W. ; O. M. Nelson, scribe ; A. A. Barnard, Treas.
The present officers of Hope Encampment are: J. T. Steele, C. P.; J. E.
Raymond, H. P. ; Halvor Peterson, S. W. ; Robert Douglass, J. W. ; C. S.
Stilwell, Scribe ; John Mills, Chaplain.
Maccabees — There is also a Waukon lodge of this order, of which J. F.
Kelly is Secretary.
The base ball fever struck Waukon in April, 1868, when the "Prairie Boys
Base Ball Club" was organized: F. M. Clark, Pres. ; D. W. Adams, Vice-Pres. ;
H. H. Stilwell, Treas.: T. C. Ransom, Umpire; T. G. Orr, Sec; W. C. Earle,
First Captain ; F. H. Robbins, Second Captain ; P. C. Huffman, Scorer. The
first match game with our neighbors took place on the home grounds, July 9,
when both nines of the Lansing "Occidentals" were defeated, score not printed.
July 17th, the first nine beat the "Independents" at Freeport, 41 to 32. Septem-
ber 22d a return game was played here, when the Independents were again
defeated, giving up at the end of the sixth inning with the score ^y to 20. The
Prairie Boys "line up" then was: Fred Clark, 2d base; Frank Robbins, catcher;
Dave Walker, short stop ; Frank Stevens, center field ; Bird Reed, left field ;
Dud Adams. 1st base; H. II. Stilwell, pitcher; Doc. Earle, 3d base; Rod Manson,
right field.
Evidently the big leaguers of to-day would stand no show against such an
aggregation of score-makers.
394
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
M. Hancock and family arrived in Waukon April 9. 1856, coming up to
Lansing the day before on the War Eagle, from Dunlieth. The following few
items from his dairy, though unimportant, are of interest:
Tune 11, 1856, went fishing to Silver creek and caught fifty trout.
( Alon°- here or a little later Frank Hancock and Dudley Adams used to
start out on foot in the morning and fish down Patterson creek to the Iowa,
returning late at night with great strings of trout. As late as 1866 the diary
notes Mr. Adams catching 75 on one trip. I A few years later they had almost
(.nt i rely disappeared.
lulv 4, [856, big celebration, said to be 1500 people present.
August 4. '56. election day for state and county officers. Republican vote
(in township) 86; Democrat 39.
October 1, '56, steam mill burned. County Fair, or cattle show, in progress.
November 4. '56, presidential election. Township vote, republican 121, demo-
cratic 71.
One more item from the diary: Sunday, August 31, 1862, a messenger came
from Ossian early this morning and says the Indians have burned Mankato and
Xew Oregon, and are coming this way. Mr. Hatch. Mr. Wilbur, and Mr.
Gardner went to Decorah, and Mr. Wilbur returned this evening and said the
report was not true. This was the famous "Indian scare."
SOME WAUKON PIONEERS — ONE OF Till-: MAIM-: FAMILIES
A genuine Yankee pioneer of Makee township is Noah Hersey Pratt, now
in his eightieth year, who enjoys the distinction of being the earliest settler
in this community still living here, although his younger brother Emory came
but a few weeks later, with the rest of the family. Mr. Pratt recently narrated
to the writer his first experiences here, substantially as follows :
Azel Pratt and his brother Lemuel left their homes in Maine, September 20,
1850, for the Great West, a party of fourteen, consisting of the two fathers,
three big boys, and nine women and children. From Chicago they went by
rail to St. Charles, Illinois, then the terminus of the railroad which was building
towards the Mississippi river to Dunlieth. From St. Charles a four-horse stage
conveyed the entire party to a place near Belvidere, in Boone county, Illinois,
where they visited, and looked over the country for a location, but found no land
they liked. It being a wet season, the prairies looked very uninviting; so Azel
Pratt went from here to spy nut the land, going to Lansing by boat, and afoot
from there out to the ridge where he made choice of a location.
L'pon his return to Illinois the party started out with two covered wagons,
one drawn by an ox team and the other by horses, traveling by way of Rockford
and Free-port, and arrived at Prairie du Chien the very last of November. Here
they rented a house for a temporary home for the women and children, while the
two men and the three boys, Greenwood, Hersey and Marcellus Pratt, about
eighteen, seventeen and fifteen respectively, came on to construct a house for the
winter. Though the ground was bare it had been cold enough to form a thin
bridge of ice, and on this they crossed the Mississippi, a French guide directing
their pathway, and leading one ox at a time. Their route was then by Monona,
across the Yellow river at Smithfield, or near Carter Clark's place, up the North
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 395
Fork to Ezra Reid's in Ludlow, thence by Father Shattuck's log cabin on the
prairie and two miles north from there onto the ridge where their claim was
made, in the southeast part of section 18, reaching the place December 6, 1850.
The first night here they built a brush shanty for shelter, of oak brush to
which the dry leaves clung, and made themselves very comfortably at home.
The next day they began the erection of a log house, about 16 by 24 feet in
size, with two rooms on the ground floor, and all in one room in the loft.
Meanwhile they boarded with Darwin and Seth Patterson, who came in the
previous spring and had built on their claim at the head of the creek which took
their name, about two miles west of the Pratts, taking their noon lunch to
their work or cooking one there. In the construction of the house they used
windows brought from Prairie du Chien, and drove to the busy little village of
Moneek (which later disappeared entirely), at the head of Yellow river, in
Winneshiek county, for basswood boards for flooring and roof. They did not
shingle until the following spring.
Having gotten the cabin enclosed the two elder men drove to Prairie du
Chien for their families, with whom they returned in January, 1851, and Hersey
says that although he had been well and hearty he was never more pleased to see
his mother than when she then came "home." At the Prairie they had purchased
six barrels of flour and a barrel of pork, of which the men had brought along a
portion on their first trip, as well as a small cook stove; so as soon as they
had the house enclosed the boys "bached" it till the women came. A stone fire-
place had been built, and from the top of the stonework a stick chimney plastered
with clay. At first a hollow log was found and set up on the stonework for
a chimney, but one night it got afire and they went out and pushed it off away
from the house. While the men were after their families the boys put in their
time chinking up the cracks between the logs to make the rooms snug for the
winter. Bedsteads were made by using the corner of the chamber for the head
and one side, setting a post for the fourth corner, with rails to the walls, and
stretching bedcords from the rails to pegs inserted in the logs. Their nearest
neighbors at first were : James Reid on section 24, and the Pattersons on section
23. Union Prairie; the Shattucks on section 30; David Whaley, section 20, and
James Conwav, section 28. Also Prosser and Archa Whaley on sections 32
and 33.
Lemuel Pratt had brought in a small stock of goods which he opened up
in this log cabin, to supply the necessities of the few neighbors and the passing
travelers. The latter were also accommodated here with meals and lodging.
In the following spring he built a house on his claim on the north side of the road,
afterwards the McCroden place, where he kept a hotel, this being a main traveled
road for the settlers landing at Lansing, who soon began coming thick and
fast, bound for the counties further to the west. A little later grain was hauled
to the Lansing market from a hundred miles to the west, so that hundreds
of teams passed daily, in the marketing season.
In the spring of 1852 the township was organized and given the name of
Makee, although the ridge residents being mostly from Maine wanted it called
Dover. A postoffke was established that year, at the house of Lemuel Pratt,
and he continued as postmaster until he sold out in 1856 and removed to Minne-
sota, where he died, at Monticello. in July. 1S93, aged seventy-five. Hersey
396 I 'AST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
and his brothers were the mail carriers to and from Lansing, once a week at
first.
The Pratts raised sod corn and buckwheat in 1851 ; and Lemuel sowed five
or six acres to wheat on a piece of ground broken up by James Reid the previous
vear on the Richard Charles claim. This was sown on the 6th of March, the
soil then being in prime condition, and yielded some 35 to 40 bushels per acre.
The first threshing was done in the old-fashioned way with flails ; but it was
not long until some enterprising individual brought a tread-power threshing
machine into the settlement. The carpenters had all they could do in those
days. The lumber used in the construction of the frame houses on the ridge
was mostly sawed out in the Black river region in Wisconsin, and rafted to
Lansing.
Hersey Pratt and three brothers served our country faithfully in the Civil
war. Hersey went to Illinois in i860, and enlisted there in 1862, in Co. I, 95th
Volunteer Infantry. In a later year he was commissioned second lieutenant of a
company in the 48th Regiment of U. S. colored troops, which position he retained
until mustered out at the close of the war. Since that time he has followed the
occupation of contractor and builder in Waukon, or in the furniture trade.
A TYPICAL PIONEER
A pioneer of the pioneers was C. J. F. Newell, who came to the vicinity ot
Waukon first in 1851. He was born March 3, 1817, in Wayne county, New
York, where his father was a pioneer, a hunter and trapper, while clearing up
his farm, and who died in 1825. A grandfather was a Colonial captain in
the Revolutionary war.
Mr. NewelFs early recollections were of pioneer days in York State, which
fitted him for similar experiences upon coming to Iowa at the age of thirty-
four. To be sure, the big fireplace with its andirons and huge back-log which
sometimes lasted a week were not duplicated here, though smaller ones were
sometimes built, but are interesting to recall to mind. Potatoes were baked in
the ashes, also bread at first. Meat was cooked in kettles hung on an iron crane
which could be swung around over the fire, or sometimes it was held over the
hot coals on a stick or hung before the fire and broiled to a nicety. Chestnuts
were roasted and corn popped in the hot ashes on the hearth. Then succeeded
the "Dutch oven," a kettle set among the coals and with a tight cover with a
turned up edge on which coals were also placed ; and then the out-of-doors brick
oven, and the open tin oven set before the fireplace ; and later came that then
wonderful invention the stove with the firebox below and the oven above it ;
and later the "railroad stove" having a large circular top with several griddle
holes in it, and all around on the under side of the rim were cogs in which ran a
small cog wheel that when turned by a crank would bring any desired hole im-
mediately over the fire. Nor must the method of keeping or starting a fire in
those days before matches were used be forgotten. To keep the fire over night
or longer coals or a hemlock knot would be buried in the ashes. If the fire
went out coals would be brought from a neighbor's if near enough, or a fire
would be started by using a flint and steel causing sparks to fall on prepared
tinder made from cotton or linen cloth, or on punk obtained from decaying
wood. Those were the days too of tallow dip candles, or a saucer of lard with
PAST AND PRESENT OE ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 397
a rag fastened around a button and the end sticking up from it for a wick,
the days of homespun cloth and homemade clothing.
He remained at home working on the farm in summer and attending the
winter schools of those days, supplemented by such study as he could do by
firelight at night until about seventeen years of age, when he went to learn the
blacksmith's trade, and followed that a large portion of his life.
In 1851 he came to Iowa with the idea of locating at Garden Grove, near the
Missouri line, where he had relatives; but upon landing at Sabula he first came
north to Dubuque, where parties prevailed upon him to investigate Allamakee
county as a healthy section whose streams of sparkling spring waters were
filled with trout, and about the last, of July of that year he stepped from a
boat at Lansing, then a town of three log cabins, and followed the main traveled
road west to John Bush's claim, the southeast quarter of section 22, on Coon
creek, in what was afterward Union Prairie township, Bush having located there
that spring. There was no Waukon then nor was it dreamed of. He remained
in the county about two weeks looking around for land, and finally bought an
eighty, a part of the northwest quarter of section 5 (Ludlow township), later
owned by Peter Allison, but traded it off for a quarter section three miles
east of Waukon, which he afterward sold to Orin Manson, now owned by Fred
Hansmeier. He visited Frankville where Frank Teabout offered him ten acres
of land if he would build a blacksmith shop.
After a few weeks he started to return east, and in August, while waiting
in Lansing for a boat, he helped raise the first three frame buildings erected
there, one each for F. D. Cowles, I. B. Place, and one of the Pattersons. The
foundation was laid for the hotel afterwards known as the Lansing House, but
the frame was not up. Dr. Houghton was running a hotel in a little log house
on Front street.
He returned east and remained there till 1853, when he came west with his
wife and two children. At a hotel in Dubuque he met Scott Shattuck, who
was there buying doors and windows for his house in Waukon, where the county
seat had been located that spring, and he prevailed on Mr. Newell to come to
the new town, offering him the use of the original G. C. Shattuck log cabin,
which stood about thirty or forty rods northeast of the present public school
building, where they had cultivated a patch of land for several years. The offer
was accepted, they came and occupied the cabin, the first family to settle on
the site of what is now the city of Waukon after the first pioneer G. C.
Shattuck.
In June 1853, the first District court was held in Waukon, and a small make-
shift courthouse was hurriedly constructed of logs for its use. The history of this
little hut is told in another chapter, but the first disposition of it after it had
served its purpose and a slightly larger one had been erected, was its purchase
by Mr. Newell, who that fall moved it to the west side of Spring avenue and
set up the pioneer blacksmith shop. In 1854 he sold out to Herbert Bailey. In
i860 Mr. Newell bought of M. G. Belden the location on the southwest corner
of Main and West streets, where he continued in the blacksmith business until
1873, when he moved onto a farm in Franklin township, remaining there ten
years. In 1883 he bought a farm in the Village Creek valley northeast of town,
398 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COL' XT Y
where he lived another ten years, and then sold out and returned to Waukon,
making this his home until his death.
Mr. Newell married Miss Mary Boynton, March 7, 1848, in Wayne county,
New York. On March 7, 1898. they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary
in Waukon, at which time a family circle of twenty-five, right royally enjoyed
themselves (their nine children, with the families of those who were married),
and a host of old friends were welcomed as guests. Other family reunions, more
or less complete, were enjoyed on recurring anniversaries until Mr. Newell
peacefully passed away on the 13th day of April. 1909, at the ripe old age of
ninety-two years. Mrs. Man Newell remains among us in good health for one
of her age. being permitted to celebrate he.r eighty-third birthday on the 1st day
of January last ( 1913), with a family reunion. She has a very clear recollection of
those early days, and enjoys talking of them with old friends. Recently asked
to relate some of her experiences for this history, she says :
"1 arrived in Waukon in the fall of 1853 with my husband and two children.
J was obliged to wait in Lansing for two weeks while Mr. Newell was fixing
up the only available house in Waukon, a log cabin in the valley just east of
where Mr. McDonald now lives, which had just been vacated by the Shattucks,
they moving into their partly finished building, now known as the Mauch house,
where they kept hotel. At that time there was no finished frame building in
town, Mr. Shattuck's family living in the basement of their new house, and on
the day we arrived L. T. Woodcock was raising the frame of his two-story store
building opposite to it. on the south side of Main street. These two buildings
still stand, the Shattuck hotel building now owned by Mrs. Amelia Mauch
Boomer, and the Woodcock building by the Misses A'Hearn. Our goods not
having arrived we borrowed a straw bed-tick and a quilt from Mrs. Shattuck,
also a few dishes and a rocking chair ( we had bought a bedstead and a barrel
of pork at Lansing), while Mr. Woodcock let us take a stove and its tinware.
At our first meal we had for a table a board laid from the foot of the bed to
the ladder that led to the loft, and sat on our trunks. We lived in this way
for two weeks, till our goods came. Mr. John A. Townsend, who occupied
a house east of town, made us a small pine table, and for a dish cupboard we had
a few corner shelves put up on pegs. Mr. and Mrs. Heustis and Mr. and Mrs.
Townsend were our first visitors, spending the evening.
"During the first winter we had to go out to Robert Isted's, now the Grimm
farm, a mile and a half west, for butter, milk and eggs. Lansing or McGregor,
or Monona, were at first the nearest places to get groceries or fresh meat, until
Mr. Woodcock finished his store, when he brought on a general stock of goods.
Mrs. Woodcock- came with him when he returned, and we speedilv became
friends, both being from the east.
"The town grew rapidly and we boarded a number of the carpenters, includ-
ing Azel Pratt, afterwards popularly known as Deacon Pratt, Tohn Pratt, Mer-
sey Pratt and Alvin Howard, all of them sleeping in the loft of our little cabin.
That fall I 1853 1 we accommodated eight regular boarders, among them D. W.
Adams and L. T. Woodcock. At the lime of the District Court all the houses
in the vicinity were filled, and one dark and rainy night near midnight a party
of new arrivals knocked at our door seeking shelter, and were admitted, none
being turned away in those days, no matter how little room was left. Some
PAROCHIAL SI IK MIL. WAUKOX
A VIEW OF WAUKOX IX THE DAYS OF AULD LANG SYXE
The view is from the vicinity of the Court House looking south. To the right is the old
Mason House. Where the Earle block now stands the Belden blacksmith shop appears.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 401
one had brought along a bed-tick, and rilling it as best they could in the dark
and rain at a near-by straw stack laid it upon the floor and as many as could,
crowded upon it for repose."
They were attorneys come to attend court, and aside from General Vandever
of Dubuque, Mrs. Newell is not quite sure who composed the party, but thinks
Reuben Noble and Samuel Murdock, both later district judges, were among
them ; and Judge Townsend afterwards said he thought Messrs. Burt and
Samuels of Dubuque, were also of the party. Mr. Samuels four years later
became the democratic nominee for governor of Iowa, and was defeated by
Gov. Ralph P. Lowe.
OTHER PIONEERS OF WAUKON AND VICINITY
Mr. John A. Townsend was truly a pioneer, settling on a farm just east oi
Waukon in 1852, and was a prominent figure in this county for many years.
Born in New York, in 1819, he was brought up in Nova Scotia, where he married
Miss Ruth Huestis in 1841. After settling at Waukon, he was in 1855 elected
sheriff of Allamakee county, and served two terms. He then served one term
as county judge, and in 1865 was again elected sheriff and served one term.
From 1874 to 1875 he was a member of the Waukon mercantile firm of Hale,
Townsend & Jenkins, and then retired from active business but later served
the city a while as marshal and street commissioner. Mr. Townsend died March
23, 1890, leaving a numerous family, of whom eight children now survive, and
the venerable widow. Mrs. Townsend is a remarkably well-preserved lady
for her ninety years, and always of a sociable disposition, now takes pleasure in
recurring to the events of the pioneer days.
When they came from Nova Scotia, the family consisted of five children, the
eldest eight years and the youngest but two months of age. Their route took
them bv rail to Rockford, Blinois, thence by stage to Galena, and by boat to
Lansing. The river being very low it required three days to reach Lansjng,
where they arrived October 3, 1852, on a dark and muddy night, and went to*
the only hotel. The next day they drove out to this vicinity in a buggy, or light
wagon, the family of seven and a boy for a driver, over a road recently opened
by merely cutting out the trees and brush, the stumps remaining to be dodged
the best they could. Mr. Thomas A. Minard, then deputy sheriff, a half-brother
of Mr. Townsend, had preceded them to this locality the year before, and they
went to his log cabin. This cabin was of fairly good size, with two rooms below,
and a loft. It stood on or near the south line of his farm, which soon became
the Maxwell farm, adjoining the east line of Waukon, and of late years known
as the Pettit farm. It was built near a fine large spring, and a part of this house
remained standing until a few years ago, at one time being used as a- slaughter
house.
In this little cabin the Minard family of five, the Townsend family of seven,
and another family, lived during the following winter ; the Townsends continuing
there until the spring of '54. Meanwhile, in the spring of '53 Mrs. Townsend's
father, Samuel Huestis and family, came on from Nova Scotia, accompanied
by C. W. Jenkins, who with Mr. Townsend built the frame house at the north
end of the farm, for James Maxwell, who also came about that time; and they
402 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
and Minard built the substantial old Huestis house opposite, on the north side
of the extension of east Main street, or the Columbus Road as it was called,
and into which latter house the Townsends removed with father Huestis in
April, 1854, until they later had a place of their own on the farm next to the east.
Mr. Minard later sold out and went to Kansas, where he became speaker of her
first free-state legislature; Mr. Maxwell died in 1879; Mr. Jenkins built many of
the buildings in town, including the present courthouse in 1860-61, later engaging
in business with Mr. Hale for many years, in which occupation he is kindly
remembered by most everybody in this part of the county, living until [9 — ; Mr. '
Huestis built for himself a comfortable mansion on "Harmony Hill" in which
the genial old gentleman peaceably passed away in 18 — .
An amusing reminiscence of Mrs. Townsend, which she did not relate for
publication, but which she will perhaps not object to, is like this: As is well
known, one of her sisters married D. W. Adams, and another T. H. Hale, and she
says that she and Mr. Townsend were the only democrats in the lot, when
in 1865 her husband was candidate for sheriff, and Mr. Adams and Mr. Hale
were running for Representative and surveyor respectively, on the opposite
ticket, and Father Huestis for justice of the peace. On election day Mother
Huestis had asked them all to supper, but Mrs. Townsend (admitting she was
quite a partisan), felt that she could not go. But when the returns began to come
in showing that Mr. Townsend was the victor she concluded that she could
go, and enjoyed the occasion very much indeed. It is human nature now, as
then.
Dudley W. Adams was born in Winchendon, Massachusetts, November 30,
1831, and lost his father at the age of four years. In September, 1853, he came
to Waukon with L. T. Woodcock, with whom he was associated in the first
store building, which they occupied late that fall, and which in later years became
the National Hotel, and which is still standing as heretofore noted. The lumber
in this building was all oak, and was sawed out by Austin Smith at his mill on
Yellow river. Having varied attainments, Mr. Adams proved a valuable acquisi-
tion to the community, which grew rapidly from now on. His services as sur-
veyor were sought far and wide; for ten years he was assessor, and in 1854
he was elected president of the County Agricultural Society. In 1865 he became
a member of the County Board of Supervisors, and later chairman of the board
for several years.
In 1856 Mr. Adams entered upon the work of horticulture, in which he always
found great pleasure, and in after years the "Iron Clad Nursery'7 of Waukon
became famous for its success where others failed. There were ten or fifteen
other nurseries started in Allamakee county at about this time, not one of
which proved profitable, and all were abandoned amid the almost universal opin-
ion that fruit could not be grown in northern Iowa. During the twenty years
he continued in this business, however, Mr. Adams established the fact beyond
a doubt that it can be very successful, with judicious selection and proper man-
agement, and pointed with just pride to his achievements in this direction under
the adverse circumstances of climate and public opinion. For instance, in 1871,
at an exhibition of the State Horticultural Society (of which, bv the way, he
was for five years the secretary), he took the sweepstakes prize, with one hun-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 403
dred varieties, for the best and largest display of apples. Again, at the State
Fair in 1879, he took the sweepstakes with 172 varieties of applies. In 1882
he had forty acres of apple orchard in bearing, and harvested 1,500 bushels, but
his interests becoming paramount in Florida he gradually gave up the business
here. Thirty years later, in January, 1913, a writer in the Iowa Homestead
describes this famous old orchard as it appeared to him at a visit the previous
fail, and says:
Forty years ago one of the great Iowa orchards was that belonging to Dudley
W. Adams, Waukon, Allamakee county. Mr. Adams was a very prominent man
of his day, being secretary of the Iowa State Horticultural Society, and master
of the State and National Grange. He was a man of ability, and of property.
He removed to Florida some thirty years ago and died there, about the beginning
of this century. The evidences of his life and his influence are still thick
at Waukon. But of his orchard, planted in hope and tended with faithful care,
there is but a remnant left. There are about one hundred trees, now some fifty
years old, scattered over a great pasture lot. The land is now in timothy and evi-
dently has been kept in this state for some years. The trees are gnarly, many of
them show dead branches and other evidences of decay, but as a whole it is re-
markable how much vitality remains. There was but little fruit at the time of my
visit last September, and the specimens to be found were inferior. But they
seemed to be of the varieties recommended for the North fifty years ago — Perry
Russett, Rawl's Janett, Plumb's Cider and Talman Sweet, Sops of Wine and
Willow Twig.
The remarkable fact is that any of the trees have survived the long years
of neglect since the orchard has passed into careless hands. Those who are
familiar with the rewards of good care for trees — proper surgery and feeding
— will concede at once the probability of paying crops from that orchard if it
had been rightly treated.
Mr. Adams became early interested in the Patrons of Husbandry, and assisted
in organizing the Waukon Grange in the winter of 1869-70, the third grange in
the State. In 1872 he was elected Master of the State Grange, and a year later
of the National body. At that time there were but about 1,200 subordinate
granges in the United States, but at the expiration of his term of three years there
were nearly 23,000 granges spread over nearly all the States and Territories.
His industry and tact are still further exemplified in his persistent advocacy
of the establishment of rail communication with the outside world for Waukon,
by the Paint Creek route ; his active participation in the organization of the
company; and, upon his election as its president in 1875, his energetic propulsion
of the work to a successful realization of the hopes of the community during the
twenty years preceding. In January, 1876, he re-engaged in his favorite occupa-
tion of horticulture in his winter home in Florida, by setting out a small grove
of orange trees. Later he was the fortunate possessor of over a thousand acres
in that state, largely in orange grove. Mr. Adams was married January 31, 1856,
to Miss Hannah Huestis, who was an able co-laborer in his horticultural avoca-
tions, and an associate in his honors, having occupied the position of Ceres in
the National and State Granges, as well as various offices in the gift of her home
subordinate grange.
404 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Mr. Adams died February 13, 1897, in Florida. Mrs. Adams continued to
make her home at Waukon, though traveling a great deal all around the world.
Her death occurred August 6, 1904.
Another of the Waukon pioneers was Balser Fultz, who came in 1850 or '51,
and made this his home most of the time until his death, which occurred March
17, 1910, in his eighty-second year. For many years he owned and operated the
farm just north of Hon. J. F. Dayton's fruit farm, opposite the fair grounds,
and claimed to have broken up most of the prairie sod on the site of Waukon.
David Alonzo Sackett, popularly called "Lon" Sackett, was a picturesque
character never to be forgotten by those who had any acquaintance with him.
He settled about two miles southwest of town in 1852, but soon became indenti-
ried with the village, and as a justice of the peace exhibited qualities of mind
that might have made him a high name, had he been ambitious for education in
youth. Rough and uncouth in appearance and speech he possessed a keen intel-
lect and a love of argument that indicated natural power. His habits were such
that lie did not prosper, and dying in 1875 he left a widow with little means, who
survived until February 3, 1895.
Of the Herseys and .Pratts who settled near town in 1850-51, mention is
made in another chapter. They all came to Waukon soon after and made a
deep impress of good character and enterprise on the village. A. J. Mersey was
a close second to Woodcock in opening up a stock of merchandise in town, in a
two-story frame building begun in 1853 on *he sl^e °f the present Allamakee
Hotel, and which was moved to the rear and now forms the west end of that
hostelry, encased in brick. A. FL, Augustine and L. W. Hersey, all engaged in
mercantile pursuits in Waukon for many years. The mother of these four, Mrs.
l'lioebe (Howard) Hersey, widow of Noah Hersey who died in 1833, came to
this county with one of her sons in '52 and died April 15, 1881, aged ninety,
Lewis Washburn Hersey was born at Foxcroft, Maine, March 14, [826, lost
his father at seven and at fifteen began providing for himself. At twenty-five
he came to Allamakee county and located on the east half northwest and
east half southwest, section 17, Makee township (including a large part
of the present iron mine), but soon after became interested in Waukon property
and affairs. In 1856 he built his residence on the northwest corner of Allamakee
and Pleasant streets which he occupied until replaced by the modern building,
when C. O. Howard bought the substantial old house and moved it to his addi-
tion in the north part of the city, where it now forms a part of the Ellison Orr
home. In '53 Mr. Hersey was appointed clerk of the District court, and then was
elected for a term of two years. In '58 he went into the boot and shoe business
with A. ( i. Howard. In the fall of '59 with his brothers Augustine and A. J., and
I >. I). Doe, he started in general merchandise in the new frame building for years
known as I Jersey's Hall, now being razed in this summer of 1913. The later biog-
raphy of Lewis Hersey is written in the history of his bank, the Baptist church.
Masonic lodge, the railroad, and all public enterprises of a character beneficial to
the community. He died January 6, ioX)3,and his wife, B. Ann (Brayton ) Hersey,
survived him five years. They were married July. 1856. but had no children.
I [ersey's Hall occupied the second story over the two south stores in the frame
building alluded to. The building occupied lot 8, block 10, sixtv-six feet north
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 405
and south. A. J. Hersey bought this lot of the county in '55. In the fall of
'58 he sold the north third of the lot to Hosea Low, and the middle third to
Augustine Hersey, for $67 and $69 respectively. The building was erected in
'59 and in October, i860, he sold the south third to D. D. Doe for $1,200, and
Augustine Hersey sold his middle third to Howard Hersey for a like sum. The
sign, "D. D. Doe & Co.", in big letters on the south gable, which endured as
long as the building, was painted by James Holahan, it is said, who came in
1863. Mr. Doe sold his lot to J. N. Eddy in '65 for $1,500.
Deacon Azel Pratt built many Waukon homes and business houses, his indus-
trious four o'clock A. M. hammer, disturbing the slumbers of an entire generation.
He raised a large family, and all his sons were industrious and patriotic, several
of them serving their country through the Civil war. Two remain with us now,
Hersey and Emory Pratt. The youngest, Jas. L., has conducted a newspaper
at Elkton, South Dakota, for many years, and likewise has a fine large family.
John W. Pratt, nephew of Azel, served through the war in the 27th Iowa
Infantry, as a lieutenant. He was afterward clerk of the District court for six
years, and his remaining years were occupied in trade, until his death in 1897.
All the foregoing named ( and their wives ) departed this life from homes in
Waukon, except A. H. Hersey and wife, who had lived a while with their
daughter in Illinois.
Mention has been elsewhere made of the pioneer physician, Dr. J. W. Flint,
who settled on Makee Ridge soon after the Pratts, and later followed the
flock into town. He was elected superintendent of county schools in 1858. He
practiced in Waukon, during the Civil war.
The first physician in the village was one Dr. Burnham. He made an assault
on Judge Williams, and shortly after left the country.
Dr. Isaiah H. Hedge located in Waukon in 1855, coming from Maine, where
he was born in 181 2. He was in active practice here for twenty years, until his
health failed in 1875, after which he traveled a good deal, and spent his winters
in Florida, his wife having died in 1879. He died August 2, 1888.
Dr. Thomas H. Barnes was a native of Ohio, born in 1832, and graduated in
medicine at the Iowa State University in 1855, when he settled in Allamakee
county for practice. In July, 1861, he raised a company of cavalry for the war,
we believe the first company to go from this county, Company K, 1st Iowa
Cavalry Volunteers, with which he served until December 16, 1864, when he
resigned on account of physical disability and was mustered out with the rank
of captain. He then returned to Waukon and resumed the practice of his pro-
fession. In 1870 he was elected to the Board of County Supervisors, under the
new law providing for three only, and was by them chosen chairman, serving
thus for three years. In 1880, a particularly hot campaign, he was elected State
Representative from Allamakee on the republican ticket. He later removed to
Nebraska, where he died June 2, 1889.
Francis H. Robbins and Alvin Egbert Robbins were natives of Wyoming
county, New York, coming to this county in '55 and settling first at Columbus,
later on a farm near Waukon. Frank H. served through the war in Co. I, 27th
Iowa Infantry, becoming second lieutenant of that company. After the war
the brothers engaged in the drug business at Waukon, and- became prominent in
business affairs and all public enterprises, as well as a power in political circles
406 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
on the republican side. Egbert died January 12. 1892, and Frank, December 7.
1908.
Mrs. Damon Whaley observed her ninety-third birthday in January, 1913,
assisted by some of the ladies of the Waukon Methodist congregation, of which
she is a member. She came to the vicinity early in the fifties. Mr. Whaley first
going onto the Abe Bush place north of town, then to the Andy Ross place a
few miles east. About 1861 they bought a small farm a couple of miles south
of Waukon. where he died April 28, 1881, and Mrs. Whaley continued to live
there until some twelve years ago when she moved into town.
SOME OF THE F. V. ALLAMAKEES
George M. Dean, well and familiarly known as Judge Dean, died at his home
in Waukon. Monday, January 4, 1909, in his eighty-fourth year. Judge Dean
was a prominent figure in the early history of Allamakee county, of which he was
a resident for fifty-six years. About the year 1880, foreseeing the impprtance of
gathering some records of the pioneer days for preservation ere the earliest
settlers should have all passed to the beyond, he was influential in organizing an
early settlers' association. He then set about collating the facts which, wielding
a facile pen, he was well prepared to put into shape, and produced a series of
vei v entertaining and reliable papers for the society, which were published in the
local press and formed the nucleus of the county history prepared by E. M. Han-
cock and published by W. E. Alexander in 1882, and from which liberal quo-
tations are made in the present work.
Mr. Dean was born in South Glastonbury, Connecticut, February 22, 1825,
of sturdy New England stock, several brothers attaining prominence in public
affairs, one serving with distinction as congressman from Connecticut. He was
brought up to the business of manufacturing cotton goods, and at the age of
twenty-five came west to Quincy, Illinois, where he built and operated the first
cotton factory with power in that state. In the fall of 1853 he came to Iowa,
and bought a farm in section 23, Union Prairie township, this county, now the
property of J. E. McGeough. In 1857 he was elected county judge, and served
as such until January 1, 1S60. During his term the present courthouse was
contracted for, and built under his supervision, by C. W. Jenkins and J. W. Pratt,
being completed in 1861. In [863 he recruited a company of one hundred men
and was mustered into service with them as captain, Company E, Ninth Iowa
Cavalry Volunteers, serving as such until mustered out at Little Rock, Arkansas,
in 1866.
At the close of the war Captain Dean located in business at Waukon, where
for over thirty years he was engaged in the sale of wagons and farm implements,
meanwhile taking influential part as a public-spirited citizen in the shaping of pub-
lic affairs, both of the town and county. His was a capable and resourceful
character. Positive in his convictions, firm and unyielding for what he believed
the right, he was withal of a gracious and companionable nature, and left an
unstained record both in public and private life. He was a charter member of
both the Lansing and Waukon Masonic lodges. October 26. 1851, Mr. Dean
was married to Miss Jane E. Hollister of his home town in Connecticut, to whom
were born two sons and two daughters, one of each surviving him ; George, in
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 407
South Dakota, and Mrs. May Getchell, of Scappoose, Oregon, with whom the
venerable widow makes her home.
The writer of these lines cherishes his memory as a kind employer, having
earned some early dollars in the employ of Mr. Dean and his brother, John, at
lettering of signs and painting wagons, in the little shop over the old bowling
alley, on the west side of West street (where Johnson's machine shop now
stands), in 1865 and '66.
William C. Thompson was born at Buffalo, New York, November 4, 1816,
which continued his home until he was about nineteen, when he came west and
lived for a time in or about Ouincy, Illinois. He afterwards when to Rock
Count, Wisconsin, and to Monroe, Green county, where in May, 1849, ne mar-
ried Miss Sophrona (Reynolds) Thomas. In the same year he came to Alla-
makee county and located a home at what became later known as Thompson's
Corners, in Lafayette township, returning to Wisconsin that fall. In the spring
of the following year, 1850, he again came to this county, with his family, and
soon began to take an active part in public affairs. At the August election in
1851 he was elected sheriff, serving during the term of 1852-3; and again he
was elected to this office for the term of 1860-1. In 1871 he was elected to the
office of county auditor, and reelected thereafter three times in succession, when
in 1880 he was succeeded by his son, Samuel R. Mr. Thompson was at one time
iti the mercantile business at Columbus, the first county seat. In June. 1853, he
was one of the organizers of the "Allamakee County Agricultural and Mechan-
ical Society" at a meeting held at Waukon. In September, 1853, he was granted
a license by the County court to establish and operate a ferry across the Missis-
sippi river from "Red Plouse Landing" in Fairview township. He was a life-
long democrat, politically, and was one of the prime movers in the organization
of that party in this county, at a meeting held for that purpose at Waukon, De-
cember 24, 1853. Mr. Thompson resided at Waukon from about 1858 until
his death, which occurred February 2, 1899.
Col. John A. Wakefield, referred to in the reminiscences of Mr. Raymond,
was a man of considerable ability and diversified talents, as will be seen bv the
following condensed sketch of his life. Born in South Carolina in 1797, his fam-
ily removed in 1808 to Illinois and settled near the present Lebanon, St. Clair
county. Though but a lad Wakefield served as a scout in the war of 1812-15.
Afterwards he studied medicine both in Cincinnati and St. Louis, but abandoned
that profession for the law, was admitted to the bar in 1818, and the same year
settled at Vandalia, where one of his acquaintances was young Abraham Lincoln.
He enlisted in the army, raised for the Black Hawk war, and was later appointed
surgeon because of his medical knowledge. He served throughout the war and
was slightly wounded at the battle of Bad Axe. Returning home he wrote a
"History of the Black Hawk War" from his daily journal and his fresh recol-
lections, which was published at Jacksonville in 1834, and is considered good
authority. The work was republished in 1907 under the auspices of the Caxton
Club, of Chicago. Three years later (1837) he removed to Jo Daviess county,
and in 1846 to Iowa county, Wisconsin. In 1849 ne settled at St. Paul where
he was chosen judge, but finding the winters too severe in 185 1 he removed to
408 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Allamakee county, Iowa, building a home on the north part of section 2, Makee
township, which he had entered from the government the year before, and which
later became the Hugh Norton place. He also took land in section 9, later the
Benedict Troendle place. He remained here three years, and in 1854 removed to
Kansas, settling at Lawrence, where as a strong anti-slavery man he took active
part in the struggle 'over that territory. He died in Kansas, June 18. 1873, after
serving his adopted state in many capacities.
Robert Crawford was born in Crawford township, Coshocton county, Ohio
(the township was named after his father), February 17, 1828, and at the age
of nine years was left an orphan. When he grew up he learned the trade of
wagonmaker, having been apprenticed for a term of three years. At the age of
twenty-two he married Sarah Shannon, born also in Coshocton county, February
1, 1830, near Keene. After their marriage he worked at his trade for a short
time at Bloomfield, Ohio, and in 1853. with one child, they came to Iowa as pio-
neers, and settled in Franklin township, Allamakee county, on government land
which he had selected a year or two previously. Here they engaged in farming,
building a home and raising a family.
Robert and Sarah Crawford believed in the great importance of the home, the
school, and the church. They were members of the Presbyterian church, and
liberal in their contributions towards its maintenance. They stood for law and
order, and took an active interest in the building up of the public schools not only
in their own vicinity but in the county at large, and of their children several en-
gaged in teaching at various times. Mr. Crawford held local offices, and was for
three years a member of the county board of supervisors, always using his influ-
ence conscientiously for the promotion of educational interests and good govern-
ment generally. These good people of Scotch-Irish ancestry left the stamp of
their character upon the formative period of our county's history in more ways
than one for its welfare. They believed that one of the best legacies they could
leave the world would be an intelligent, industrious, honest family ; and their
success in building up such a legacy is attested by, and is the reason for, this
sketch.
Their children numbered fourteen. Two died in infancy before they came to
Iowa, the others grew to young manhood and womanhood — three girls and nine
boys. James S. Crawford, the oldest son, was born at Bloomfield, Ohio, Decem-
ber 20. 1851, but grew up on the farm in Franklin township. He attended the
common schools at Volney, and in Hear Hollow, and later taught. For a short
time lie attended the Upper Iowa University, and later the State University, and
after two years again engaged in teaching, in Minnesota and Iowa. He became
superintendent of schools of Cass county, Iowa, and a member of the state edu-
cational board of examiners. He represented Cass county in the General Assem-
bly of Iowa, in 1892. serving with Hon. J. F. Dayton of this county. He en-
gaged in the newspaper business at Atlantic, Iowa, and later at Cherokee. He
was an untiring and able writer, as he was a student and a thinker. In 1900
lie was one of the custodians of the United States exhibit at the Paris exposition,
his specialty being "The Education of Europe to Corn as a Food." He visited
European countries before returning and studied at first hand their industrial
conditions, the better to prepare for the working out of economical questions at
home, lie was employed during the Louisiana Purchase Exposition with the
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 409
committee on exploitation, in 1904, where this writer last met him and briefly
renewed an old acquaintance. He was called suddenly, March 2, 1913, while in
Chicago, and buried at his home, Cherokee, Iowa. He leaves one son, an only
child.
John Cliff Crawford, born in Franklin township in 1854, started out for him-
self at the age of sixteen, his father consenting, and worked at farm work for
a few years, and \at various kinds of labor, but kept up his reading and went to
school as opportunity permitted. When he became prepared he began teaching,
and has taught school for sixty-two months of his life. During this time he was
acquiring a practical education himself, traveling about and becoming acquainted
with men and affairs, and doubtless figuring out the whys and wherefores of
conditions as he found them, with that love for investigation and reasoning which
marks the man. Finally he entered the medical department of the Northwestern
University of Illinois, from which institution he graduated in 1882. Locating
at Waukon he began practice with Dr. T. H. Barnes, a pioneer physician; and
for thirty years now he has held steadfastly to the practice of his chosen profes-
sion in this town and surrounding country. The doctor is an advocate of the
home as being the largest factor in the solution of many public questions. He
has positive convictions, and the faculty of expressing them with clearness and
force. He married Miss Flora Newell, a daughter of another large pioneer
family, and their family consists of one son and two daughters.
Coe I. Crawford has been an untiring worker, and is a graduate of the Iowa
State University Law School. In his young manhood he located in South Dakota,
and has ever since been more or less prominent in Dakota politics : first, as county
attorney for Hughes county; second, as member of the senate in the last ter-
ritorial council ; and next a member of the constitutional convention for South
Dakota. When the territory was divided and entered statehood he was elected
to the first state senate of South Dakota. Then he was elected to the office of
Attorney General for the state, for two terms. Following this, by a combination
of circumstances he was defeated for Congress; but after a short rest from
politics he was elected Governor of South Dakota, and from that position he
was chosen United States Senator, his term expiring in 191 5.
Nate S. Crawford, the sixth child, in his twenty-second year arranged to
enter the State University at Iowa City, but the same year, October, 1881, he
was cut off by an attack of typhoid fever, at Webster City, and his book of life
unduly closed. He was the athlete of the family, of splendid physique, and his
mother said he was never known to cry when a child — a characteristic of his
make-up. He was a fine singer, an excellent student, and contemplated a course
in medicine.
Joe H. Crawford is a successful agriculturist in Pipestone county, Minnesota,
where he started by entering a claim about the year 1880. He has been tenacious
and hung onto his land while the country developed, until now he has a fine
farm home, is a member of the county board of supervisors, and identified with
several business enterprises. Both he and Coe have families, and both are strong
school men.
Lieut. R. T. Crawford was a graduate of the Iowa State College, also of Iowa
Teachers College— then a State Normal. He enlisted as a private soldier in the
Spanish-American war. was advanced, and at the close of the Cuban war was
410 I 'AST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
mustered out. Soon after this he was commissioned a second lieutenant of the
Provisional Volunteer Army, and assigned to the 32d Regiment, with which he
went to the Philippines. He served his term, and when he was expecting his
discharge he received instead a commission as captain in the regular army. He
accepted the position, and shortly afterward lost his life, on the island of Samar,
while attempting to save his men from drowning. He succeeded in saving most
of them, but the exertion was too great for even his remarkable physical strength,
and he went down.
O. S. Crawford has made the cattle ranch business quite successful in South
Dakota, and has the banner family, twelve children. He too, as may be inferred,
is an active school man.
Effie and Allie were inordinately ambitious in school life, overworked, and
passed away in early life. Jennie is a successful farmer's wife. Rollo, a very ex-
cellent young man, was claimed by heart trouble at the age of twenty-one ; so
another promising career was shortened.
Eddie was the baby, and the reader and student of the family ; but his men-
tality was too much for his physical strength, and he died from nervous
exhaustion.
Robert Crawford removed with his family to Castleville, Buchanan county,
Iowa, in 1881, where Mrs. Crawford died April 7. 1890, and he followed her in
death July 20, 1896. But our county claims and honors those of their children
who have made a distinguished mark in life as "Allamakee boys."
Another Allamakee boy who may well be mentioned in this connection is
the Hon. Frank M. Bryne, present Governor of South Dakota. He is a sturdy
Irishman, born not far from the rugged Mississippi bluffs in 1858. Fifteen years
later attended school with J. C. Crawford, also Coe I. Crawford, as his teachers,
with whom he formed a lasting friendship. At twenty-one he homesteaded in
South Dakota, where he has since been prominently identified with the repub-
lican party, serving as the first State Senator from Faulk county; then as County
Treasurer, and again State Senator. He has "made good' in every way, and as
a reward now occupies the highest position in the gift of his state.
William Stinson Dunn, son of Thomas and Temperance Dunn, the fifth in a
family of fifteen children, was born in Monongalia county, then in Virginia,
August 17. 1817. He was a descendant on his mother's side of David Morgan, a
relative of General Daniel Morgan, one of the pioneers of now West Virginia,
and settled on the land where Morgantown is now situated, in 1764. The chron-
icles of border warfare say, "Mr. Morgan was conspicuous for personal prowess
and for daring, yet deliberate courage displayed by him during the subsequent
troubles with the Indians."
In April, 1851, Air. Dunn having purchased from his father, who was a
veteran of the War of 1812, an eighty-acre land warrant received from the Gov-
ernment for military service, emigrated to Iowa and rented what was then called
the Barker place near Monona, Clayton county. He took a claim of 160 acres
of heavily timbered land in Allamakee county, eighty acres in Paint Creek town-
ship and an adjoining eighty in Linton township: and after raising a crop on his
rented farm upon which to live while making a clearing, he moved onto his farm
in the spring of 1852.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 411
Mr. Dunn was one of the very first to own and operate a threshing outfit in
the new country. Owing to the scarcity of machines the area covered was large,
and the season in the earlier years generally lasted from August until the last
of November or first of December. He usually went to what was called the
Monona Prairie the first of the season, and his territory extended from Luana
to Pleasant Ridge. It was sometimes almost winter before he would get around
to thresh for his home neighbors. He served his township as trustee for twenty-
five or thirty years. When the County Agricultural Society was organized he
became a life member and labored earnestly for its success, always contributing
of his best products to help make a good display. Was also a member of the
Waukon Grange Patrons of Husbandry. When the C, D. & M. R. R. proposed
to build a line up the Mississippi river from Dubuque, Mr. Dunn was appointed
one <fi six to appraise the damage to the property through which it passed in
this county.
Mr. Dunn was married to Miss Virlinda Warman in 1840, by whom he had
two children. In 1846 he married Miss Mary McShane, by whom he had six
children. Of the eight, three children died young. Of the five daughters who
grew to womanhood, Temperance married H. C. Stanley and had four children ;
Isabel, Dorcas, and Jane taught in the county schools for several years; Isabel
married C. A. Robey and had eleven children: Dorcas married F. W. Holford,
one child; Jane married J. C. Robey, two children; Virginia married Albirtus
Leas, nine children.
Mrs. Dunn died in December, 1879. Mr. Dunn continued to live on the farm
on which they settled until the fall of 1893, when he went to Waukon and lived
with his daughter, Jane Robey, until his death at the age of eighty-four years,
November 1, 1901. He came of a sturdy, long-lived race, his father dying at
the age of eighty-eight years, his mother at ninety-one. Of his seven brothers
and seven sisters, only one, a brother, died in childhood ; all the rest lived beyond
middle age and all were married except one sister. Two of his brothers lived
to be over ninety.
Joseph P. Jackson, a veteran of the Mexican war, died at the home of his son-
in-law, H. F. Gaunitz, in Lansing, January 7, 1913, in his eighty-eighth year.
From the Lansing Mirror are gleaned the following facts of his remarkable
career :
"Joseph P. Jackson was born in Rushville, Fairfield county, Ohio, June 22,
1825. He enlisted at Somerset, Perry county, May 22, 1846, and at Cincinnati
his company was organized into the Third Ohio Infantry, later going to New
Orleans, thence to the mouth of the Rio Grande, then to Matamoras, Mexico.
In 1847 in the month of February he was at Buena Vista where he remained until
his time expired, reaching New Orleans again after a stormy voyage on June
22, 1847, returning to his Ohio home.
"He came to Iowa in May, 1851. October 14, 1861, he again enlisted at
Dubuque, serving in Company B, 12th Iowa Infantry. He was wounded in the
thigh and came home on a thirty days' furlough, returning later to his regiment
at Shiloh.
"On December 25, 1862, he was discharged and in the month of March, 1864,
reenlisted at Davenport, seeing some hard service up to the time he was mus-
412 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
tered out in January, 1866. He was commissioned first lieutenant, Company B,
12th Iowa Infantry on May 20, 1865.
"The funeral of this old and esteemed citizen was held yesterday morning,
interment being at Paint Rock, beside his wife, who preceded him to the grave
five years ago.
"Mr. Jackson was in his eighty-eighth year, and almost up to the time of his
death was able to read his newspaper. Since the cold weather began he has not
been able to get about, but all of last summer was down town almost daily, ap-
pearing to enjoy his visits among his friends."
One of the well-known men of ability whose activities extended throughout
the county in its earlier years was H. O. Dayton, from whose diary the following
items of general interest have been kindly submitted to us by his daughter, Mrs.
Anna Davenport. Other items appear in the sketch of Village Creek. In 1856
he came to Iowa, arriving at Hardin July 1st. Here he engaged in surveying
and states that his first platting was done July 18, 1856, when he assisted his
brother Joel on the town plat of Hardin for Mr. Frazier. During that year and
the following he surveyed in and about Hardin, Rossville, Yellow River, Village
Creek, New Galena, and Lansing. In October, he was appointed commissioner
of Road Xo. 137, in Center township, which he surveyed, assisted by Messrs.
Deremore, Wachter. Christian and Barthell. He describes it as some two miles
long and a very good route, yet there was not much room left for anything else
between the bluffs. On March 19, 1857, he states, "I finished up my survey of
Village Creek." In 1858 he taught the summer school at Hardin, boarding with
Dr. Green, who later lived at Postville. The Allamakee county superintendent at
this time was J. YY. Flint, assisted by Mr. Xewell and Mr.Fawcett. In the win-
ters of 1858-61 he taught in Milton, or Village Creek; and 1861-2 and '62-3 he
taught the Lansing school.
( )n March 2, i860, the diary states that Rossville men had some four weeks
previously circulated a petition to have a vote at the April election for the re-
moval of the county seat from Waukon to Rossville. He volunteered to circulate
a remonstrance, and going into Taylor township, which was 'strong for Rossville,
he secured enough signers to defeat the petition, which lacked nine names of a
sufficient number to authorize the county judge to order an election.
In the fall of i860 Mr. Dayton speaks of attending a county fair at Waukon.
Also the first teachers' institute of Allamakee county, commencing September
10, i860, and continuing one week, and held in the Presbyterian church at Wau-
kon. The county superintendent was R. C. Armstrong ; and the instructors. Rev.
I. Loughran and A. A. Griffith, the latter attending mostly to elocution.
In his entry of October 26, i860, he writes: "There is quite a stir with Rose
and Twiford about removing the county seat from Waukon to Lansing; they are
circulating a petition for this change." And on November 5th : "No school today,
but went over to Lansing to lay 1 iff ( ourt I louse Block for J. M. Rose. They give
only about one acre of land." He was living at Village Creek then. January 26,
[861, he says: "Went over to Lansing with Mr. Rose. He requested me to see
several men about the building of a house for court rooms." On September 21,
[862, after having visited Rossville, he writes: "Rossville seems not to have
grown at all during the past six years."
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 413
Warren Estey came to Postville in 1849 when there was only one log house
there. The next winter, '49-50, three families lived in a small log cabin three
miles northwest of Postville, where together they offered up their prayers and
talked of the possibilities of the future. The echoes of the Red Man's war whoop
had scarcely died away among the hills ; and on this very farm were to be found
their fresh made graves, this being a burial place, over one hundred of the tribe
having been buried here. It was a most fitting place, marked by high projecting
rocks on the river bank. Near by was a bark shanty where they had left some
four hundred sap troughs, ready for making sugar the next spring. Mr. Estey
moved to Fayette in 1868, where he died in January, 1882, aged eighty-two years.
Charles Wesley Bender came to Post township in the early fifties with his
people, who camped at the spring near the Bethel church, and then passed on
into the edge of Winneshiek county. He cast his first vote there, in 1853, an^
later look up land in Fillmore county, Minnesota. He with other settlers ran up
the first stars and stripes on Washington Prairie, Winneshiek county, July 4,
1852, the men getting out a flag pole with two pine trees spliced, and the women
making the flag. The enthusiastic settlers named the place "Washington Cor-
ners," but it came to be called Washington Prairie later. It was always with pride
that he recalled the doings of those days, when the vigor of young manhood
made it possible to grapple with, the hardships of the pioneers. To them no task
seemed too great ; and the home was open to all. Mr. Bender was born in Stark
county, Ohio, April 18, 1832, and died March 26, 1913, at Forest Mills, Frank-
lin township, at the home of a son with whom he had lived since the death of his
wife in 1903. He was twice married and eleven children were born to him,
seven of whom survive him. He was a cousin of Cornelius Aultman, Jr., founder
of the famous machine works of Aultman & Miller.
CHAPTER XXI
HISTORY OF LANSING
The city of Lansing presents a beautiful aspect when approached from the
river, appearing to be entirely surrounded by rugged hills. In summer, when
these hills are clothed in richest green and the town lies half hidden in their
shadows; in autumn, when nature has put on her brilliant hues; or in the early
spring when the little city nestles in the warming sun, and tender growth is
springing — it is as fair a place to look upon as can be found in the valley of the
great river upon whose shore it rests.
The bench upon which the principal portion of the city is built, runs down to
the river with a bold, clean shore, along which flows the main channel of the
Mississippi, affording an excellent landing place at all seasons of navigation.
This truly beautiful townsite was first occupied in 1848, by a man named
Garrison, of whom little is known; and he seems to have left no impress upon
the locality other than the name he gave to the embryo settlement where he had
built his shanty, he having come from Lansing, Michigan, and this name was
accepted and adopted by his successors, the founders of the soon-to-be town.
He was living in a log cabin, just south of L. O. Rud's present residence, on
Front street, when John Haney, Sr., accompanied by his son James, came to the
place and located a claim, adjoining. H. H. Houghton came soon after and pur-
chased Garrison's claim ; and together with Mr. Haney they secured all the land
for a distance of four miles up the valley to the west, or some 1,400 acres, in-
cluding several mill sites along the creek. In October of the same year, 1848,
Mr. Haney brought his family from Galena (which was Mr. Houghton's home),
and on New Year's day they moved into their new log cabin. A postoffice was
established in 1849, with James Haney postmaster.
Among the early settlers were also: John Haney, Jr., G. W. Gray, G. W.
Hays, James I. Gilbert, W. Ballou, F. D. Cowles, J. W. Remine, A. L. Battles,
I. B. Place, H. M. Travis, J. I. Taylor, E. Hale, and G. H. Battles.
The first marriage in the place was that of James Haney and Rachel W.
Hurton, which occurred February 5, 1852.
The first white male child born in the place was Frank Cowles. The first
female child, Alberta Hale. Death's first claim was little Fanny, daughter of
Fanny and John Haney, Sr., who died April 19, 1850, and was the first to be
buried in the cemetery now on the property of Mrs. Martha Hemenway, on Front
street. Others afterwards laid to rest here were : Mrs. Abram Bush, Mrs. Wat-
son, a little daughter of A. W. Purdy, Lizzie Williams, two Patterson children,
415
41(5 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Willie Haney, Mrs. John Haney, Sr., and John Hemenway. The three last
named and Fanny Hemenway. the first named, have since been removed to Oak
Hill cemetery.
The first merchant who located in the new town was F. D. Cowles, in the fall
of 185 1 ; the first lawyer was J. W. Remine ; the first doctor, J. I. Taylor.
The first hotel was kept by Dr. Houghton in a little log building on Front
street, just north of Williams street. The first frame buliding was a store
erected by F. D. Cowles in August, 185 1, on the corner of Front and Main
streets, north of Alain.
The first frame hotel was the "Lansing House," which is still standing on
Front street, north of Main. It was built by Abram Bush in the fall of 185 1.
The first drug store was kept by I. B. Place on Front street, near the Lansing
House. It was opened in the fall of 1852. The first justice of the peace was
an Englishman named Luckins
In those early days the only route of communication with the world at large
was by the river. During the first year the packets came but once in two weeks
and seldom stopped unless for wood or to land passengers. The mails were sent
by 11. II. Houghton, of Galena, and often thrown from the passing boat by the
mate weighted with a stone picked up at the last landing. The Senator was the
only boat running at this time. It made the round trip between St. Louis and St.
Paul, the famous Captain Smith in command. As business rapidly increased
other boats were put on until a packet came daily, up and down, and the event
of the day was the landing of the steamboat. How interesting it would be to us
now, could we stand some day and looking down the river see the Gray Eagle
puffing up the stream. Perhaps it is in July of '63, we have had no news for
twenty-four hours ; there is a mail bag on board in which are papers and perhaps
letters from "the boys" at the front. The boat swings in to the landing, a call
from some one on board, "Yicksburg is taken," and a great shout goes up from
the crowd along the wharf. Strangers, immigrants in their native dress, men,
women, and children crowd onto the planks, all talking in their native languages.
Baggage is taken off, and the fifty or more roustabouts, to the time of whistle
and song, carry off boxes and barrels, crates and bales, and carry on grain and
Hour. How delightful it all was as compared with the present day travel by rail !
With the closing of navigation each year this means of communication was
removed, and until spring again restored it, such business as was done had to be
carried on by teams driven on the ice from Lansing to Prairie du Chien, the
nearest railroad town. The ice was always uncertain ; hence the mails, and all
kinds of business depending upon transportation to and from the eastern centers
of commerce, were largely dependent upon that most uncertain if all institutions,
the weather.
RECOLLECTIONS OF 1851
After a quarter of a century, in the "front end" of 1877 one of the pioneers,
Mr. 11. M. Travis, wrote thus interestingly of the early days, as published in
the Lansing Mirror at that time:
"At 10 o'clock, P. M., October 24, 1851, the writer stepped ashore from the
steamer 'Excelsior,' 'under the bank' in front of what is now the Bates House,
and was at once interviewed by a small active man, with a lantern, about as fol-
BIRD'S-EYE VIEWS OF LANSING
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 419
lows: 'Do you keep a hotel?' 'Yes, sir.' 'Where is your carriage?' 'Haven't
any; hotel only a few steps away.' With a friend and his lady we followed mine
host, who, I suppose, was the front end of Lansing hotelkeepers, as his double
log house on Front street was the front end of Lansing hotels. A few steps
brought us to a low log structure, and we entered. Mine host drew some chairs
around the stove, near which, on a 'shake down,' three guests were sleeping,
placed his lantern on a table and seated himself on a chair.
"A short silence intervened, when the friend with the lady remarked, T would
like a room.' Landlord — 'I would like to see you get that.' Friend — 'Well,
if you have no accommodations we will not stay with you.' Landlord — 'Where
will you go ? this is the only hotel in the place !' And there the dialogue ended,
finally resulting in a compromise ; the lady retired with the landlady ; the landlord
curled around the stove pipe on the chamber floor ; my friend slept on four chairs,
and the writer kept up the fire and grumbled, until a bright October morning
ushered in a day memorable to us as the front end of our twenty-five years resi-
dence in Lansing.
"We had to see the 'lion' of course, and first the 'store' met our attention,
kept by F. D. Cowles in a little building, at the corner of Main and Front streets,
which represented the front end of merchandising, and was without a rival.
G. W. Carver, with a $600 stock of lumber, held the front of our now extensive
lumber business. Messrs. Haney & Houghton, with a sawmill at the edge of
town, were the pioneers in manufacturing. Dodging the stumps, we walked
through Front and Main streets, climbed the 'Hog Back,' and thence scaled
Mount Hosmer, and enjoyed the magnificent river views, which even now so
well repay the exertion. Next day we helped 'raise' the frame of Elisha Hale's
house, on Front street, and for weeks, every one was busy preparing for winter.
Soon E. P. Bircher put in an appearance, and in a 'leanto' started a saloon, the
front end of that now somewhat extensive business. Mine host Houghton, of
the log hotel, was the resident physician, and stood No. 1 on that list. Rev.
Bishop, once in three weeks, made us a visit, and gave us a sermon, preaching
in private rooms, and once during the winter in a bar-room, with the whisky bot-
tles at his back, that being the only room in town large enough to seat the twenty-
five or thirty persons present. This front end of religious effort contrasts widely
with our present numerous clergymen and churches. The beginning of a minis-
terial support was unique. The class leader was Brother G. H. Battles, who was
likewise collector, and generally succeeded about as follows : A, merchant — 'Yes,
here are a couple of dollars.' B, saloonkeeper — 'Yes, here is a dollar ; tell him
I took it in for whisky.' Gambler at table in same room — 'Hold on until I win
this double pot; if I do, I'll give you a couple of dollars.' Wins. 'Here is your
money ; tell him I won it at poker,' etc.
"Winter's snows clothed the scene ; winter's ice shut us in from the outer
world, a weekly mail our connecting link with civilization ; half a dozen frame
buildings finished and unfinished; three log houses; three or four 'shanties' —
this was Lansing twenty-five years ago. A. L. Bush opened his hotel, and the
glory of the log Astor departed. Many will remember Bush's Christmas ball.
Private social parties, not at all exclusive, were the rage, and very nice they were,
too. The resounding axe of the woodman made vocal the island opposite town,
whereon our former townsman, William Fleming, Esq., then 'one of the Maine
420 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
boys,' in chopping cord wood, 'illustrated with cuts' the front end of his since
extensive lumber business. The weekly debating society was the central point
of the local literary effort, and the writer has never since felt himself quite as
important as when reading the minutes, or announcing the subject for discus-
sion. Let us mention some of the contestants. West — English, staid and decor-
ous ; — Craig — a fiery Scot ; Conner — with his shrewd Irish wit and rapid utter-
ance ; keen reasoning Bush; argumentative Hall; sneering Streeter; Valley — the
champion laughist, etc.. not to forget J. \Y. Remine. Esq., of Virginia, the pio-
neer resident lawyer, who wielded his tongue with the same aggressive sharp-
ness with which, on another occasion, he slashed with his knife the arm of a
hotel guest at Bush's, drawing the first Lansing blood shed by Southern hands.
"Early Lansing was not without sentiment ; Cupid was busy here as else-
where, and the wedding of James Haney opened the ball matrimonial, being the
front end wedding, and the front end concert consisted of the hideous music
red headed Shaw,' made by drawing a rosined 2x4 across the edges of an open
goods box, beneath the window of the nuptial chamber. The birth of a son to
Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Cowles scored the first item on our native census list, a
business since by no means neglected among us. The grain trade, since grown
to such huge dimensions, had that winter its front end. A load of wheat was
brought to town, purchased by Mr. Cowdes at 40 cents per bushel, stored in a
hogshead and some boxes in the unfinished building of E. Hale, and for want
of a market sold for chicken feed. 'Great oaks from little acorns grow." "
LANSING IN 1852-53
From old files of the Lansing Intelligencer, established by Wm. H. Sumner
in the fall of 1852, the following items were gleaned and republished in the
Mirror thirty-six years ago, and are now the only existing published record of
the business and social conditions existing in those days, and hence of historical
interest.
In the advertising columns we notice: "The names of I. B. Place, one door
south of Lansing House, who had 'just returned from St. Louis with a large
stock of goods ;' E. P. Bircher dealt in groceries and provisions, 'at the sign of
the Elk Horn ;' T. E. Williams, 'corner Levee and Williams streets,' kept a
plough and stove depot; James Peacock, 'on the Levee, corner of Fourth block,'
dealt in goods, 'wholesale and retail, at Dubuque prices;' the Lansing House was
owned by J. & J. Grant; Chas J. McGee was the furniture dealer; Geo. W.
( amp and Remine & Shaw practiced law, and the latter firm 'kept land warrants
for sale;' Dr. J. I. Taylor 'returned sincere thanks for liberal patronage and
hoped by close attention to still merit a liberal share;' O. E. Hale had 'just
opened a large and well selected stock of goods,' the partnership between Mr.
I laic and I). II. Patterson having been dissolved.
"D. I). Brown quaintly announces his return from the East, 'after selecting
his nice stock of goods, which has just arrived by telegraph, disdaining the com-
mon way of your slow-plodding, time-serving, conscience-wearing ice boats and
land schooners.' Ili> calico- were "warranted to suit the gravest matron and the
most exquisite belle' and to be without his teas and coffees "would be a sin
unpardonable.'
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 421
"The steamboats were represented by F. D. Cowles, 'agent for the Galena &
Minnesota U. S. Mail Line,' consisting of the steamers Nominee, Ben Campbell
and Dr. Franklin.
"A Christmas ball was held at 'Messrs. Haney's building,' and the managers
were somewhat numerous, viz. : — For Lansing, W. E. Gardner, W. H. Sumner,
J. W. Page, J. W. Remine ; for Decorah, A. Newell, J. B. Onstine, C. Moore,
Claiborne Day ; for Waukon, A. J. Hersey, A. L. Burnham ; for Columbus,
Uriah Whaley, W. C. Thompson. The floor managers were J. I. Gilbert, J. P.
Hughes, Jno. Haney, J. S. Mobley, Scott Shattuck, D. D. Chase, and we may
suppose that an entertainment of such cosmopolitan character must have been a
great success."
There was a rivalry between Columbus, Lansing, and the now city of Mc-
Gregor then called McGregor's Landing. Early in 1853 umbrage was taken at
the action of Mr. Garber, who introduced in the Legislature a bill to memorialize
Congress for a grant of land for the construction of a railroad from Lansing to
the Missouri river, it being claimed that Lansing never asked such action, and
that the bill was introduced to unfavorably contrast that place with McGregor's
Landing, which place desired the railroad.
Original dates, fixing certain facts not generally known to our people, are
found in an article appearing on the 4th of January, 1853, when Mr. Sumner
writes that "but four and one-half years have elapsed since the Winnebago In-
dians left this region, and the whites began to claim and settle." (The date ap-
pears to be June, 1848.) He continues, "The site of the present town of Lans-
ing was claimed and settled four years ago last June (June, 1848) and a post-
office established the following year" (1849).
The result of the presidential election was, in the county : Whole number of
votes cast, 266; for Scott electors, 142; Pierce electors, 124; deduct from Scott
electors "for irregular votes" 41, and from Pierce, 93. Lansing gave Scott 33,
Pierce 9; Columbus gave Scott 23, Pierce 9.
The county seat was a bone of contention. December 4, 1852, a meeting was
held at Ezra Reid's in Ludlow township, at which Edward Eells was chairman,
John W. Remine and C. J. White secretaries, to "take into consideration the
propriety of locating a county seat at the geographical center of the county."
By act of the Legislature, approved January 24th following, commissioners
were appointed to relocate the county seat. (Resulting in its being located at
Waukon that spring, as narrated in another chapter.)
A literary society was organized at the house of James Peacock, and the
officers were: President, John J. Shaw; vice, C. J. McGee ; secretary, J. I. Tay-
lor ; treasurer, Geo. W. Camp. One of the first questions discussed was,
"Resolved, That the removal of the county seat from Columbus to the center
of the county will be injurious to the town of Lansing, and confer no real bene-
fit on the county at large."
Rev. Samuel Storra Howe was announced to preach the first Thanksgiving
sermon, "in the schoolroom over the printing office," and Rev. Mr. Bishop was
"expected to preach soon."
As a matter of local importance, it was stated that the postmaster at Colum-
bus, Mr. Lowe, "received a mail on the 25th ult., and on the 3d inst." showing
the limited facilities in that respect. The editor hears of a project for a semi-
422 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
weekly stage to Decorah. and in a subsequent issue insisted on an "increase of
mail service between Lansing and Fort Atkinson, to two trips per week in two-
horse carriages !"
The official post routes, in those days were: From Lansing to Fort Atkinson,
45 miles; Lansing to Lycurgus. 10 miles; St. Paul to Lansing, 250 miles, all
once a week.
The postmaster was James Haney, and the assistant, S. D. Cowles. Richard
Luckins was the justice.
Mr. Watson had "just returned from Prairie du Chien, with one hundred
barrels of flour in his flat boat."
Columbus was then a place of importance, and "O. \Y. Streeter, agent,-' of-
fered a quantity of goods.
The lumber interests were represented by Mobley & Gilbert, wholesale and
retail dealers in merchandise and lumber. In March, 1853, they sold out to
George W. Gray. F. D. Cowles offered the public "a few thousand dollars'
worth of goods." J. W. Page advised those whose "harness was breaking" that
he was the party to repair it. And S. H. Haines was ruuning the sawmill.
Market quotations were : Wheat, 40c @ 55c ; oats, 25c ; vension, 3c @ 4c ;
quails, 3c; prairie chickens. 10c ; butter, 10c; sugar, 5c @ 9c; coffee, 10c @ 11c.
Announcement was made February 22d, of the establishment of postoffices
at Yolney and Rossville.
As late as May. 1853, the editor complained of "nearly breaking his neck over
the stumps and projecting roots" in Main street, and the same issue actually
claimed for the frontier town, in a really able article, full of facts and figures,
the trade of Winneshiek, Fayette, Howard, Chickasaw, Mitchell, Floyd. Worth,
Cerro Gordo. Winnebago and Hancock counties !
The population of Lansing township, by the census taken in May, 1854, was:
Males, 241 ; females, 199; total, 440. Of these there were 88 voters, 85 militia.
The place was then designated as "a flourishing business town," and some con-
trast was editorially made with the census of 1850, "when there was no Lansing
beyond a log cabin," and, indeed it remained so until the summer of '51, and only
then were the "substantial improvements made which now show the stranger
what Lansing is."
CITY GOVERNMENT
Lansing was incorporated as a town in 1864, and organized under the general
state laws a- a city of the second-class by order of court July 1, 1867.
The first municipal election was held in Hays' Hall, September 17, 1867,
resulting in the election of the following officials :
Mayor. S. V. Shaw; solicitor, John S. Monk; treasurer, G. Kerndt ; marshal,
Thomas Spurrier ; trustees, G. Kerndt, S. H. Kinne, George Hewit, C. C. Bates,
James Coard. S. P.. Johnstone, Jacob Haas, and A. H. Woodruff.
From that time to the present the following named have held the office of
mayor: S. V. Shaw, 1867-9; Samuel H. Kinne, 1869-72; Henry Nielander, 1872-
3; Wm. H. Burford, 1873-4; Theodore Nachtwey, 1874-6; Samuel W. Hemen-
way, 1876 to time of his death. May 6, '77, when Philip Bockfinger became
mayor pro tern until May 9th, E. A. Blum appointed pro tern by the council until
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 423
special election July 2d, he was elected mayor until March, 1878; John M. Han-
cock, 1878-80 (Mr. Hancock resigned March 24th, and S. H. Kinne appointed
pro tem, until April 26th) ; Robert Hufschmidt, 1880-83; Theo. Nachtwey, 1883-
89; W. H. Burford, 1889-92 ( Burford was suspended March 28, 1892, and re-
moved from office May 23d following) ; G. H. Markley elected to fill vacancy,
and reelected, 1892-99; Robert Hufschmidt, 1899-03; A. M. Fellows, 1903-07;
J. J. Dunlevy, 1907-09; Anton J. McCafferty, 1909 (Mayor McCafferty died Sep-
tember 2, 1909, and J. J. Dunlevy elected to fill the vacancy September 4, 09) ;
J. J. Dunlevy, 1909-13; J, P. Conway, 1913, present incumbent.
Clerk: W. H. Burford, 1867-9; J- G. Orr, 1869-71; C. Otto Rose, 1871-76;
G. A. Rockwell, 1876-80; Jas. T. Metcalf, 1880-81; John J. Dunlevy, 1882-85;
and N. A. Nelson. 1885 to this time, 1913.
The official roster at this writing, April 1, 1913, is as follows: Mayor, J. P.
Conway; clerk, N. A. Nelson (and clerk waterworks) ; treasurer, C. M. Kerndt ;
solicitor, J. W. Dempsey ; assessor, H. C. Short; marshal, W. H. Guider (and
street commissioner) ; night police, ; weighmaster, P. Gilroy; super-
intendent of waterworks, C. F. Riek ; health physician, C. C. Lytle (and health
officer) ; councilmen, at large, Ole L. Moe and J. C. Brophy; first ward, Martin
Kohlstad ; second ward, Frank Dolphin ; third ward, Henry J. Rettinger.
The city is lighted by electricity from the plant of the Upper Iowa Power
Company, which also does the pumping for the city water system and supplies
power for other purposes.
The telephone service is furnished by the Standard Telephone Company,
through a well equipped exchange with one hundred and thirty-four 'phones.
THE WATER SUPPLY
The question of a water supply had long been one of vital interest to the citi-
zens of Lansing, and the need was more deeply impressed upon them by the dis-
astrous fires of 1877. The only way of obtaining water at fires had formerly
been by a bucket line to the river.
In the spring of 1877 steps were taken to meet the demand. A stock com-
pany was organized and duly incorporated as the Lansing Artesian Well Com-
pany of Lansing. The Swan brothers, of Boscobel, Wisconsin, were employed
to do the drilling, and operations were begun early in the spring by drilling a
well on Main street, at the intersection of North Third.
Subsequently attempts were made to sink wells at the west end of Main
street, and on Front street at the foot of Main. The west end well was a com-
plete failure, owing to the alleged fact that the drillers struck granite before
reaching any considerable amount of water. The well was abandoned, and soon
afterward closed up by means of wooden plugs. The Front street well devel-
oped a fine flow of water, but was also abandoned for years because the com-
pany were unable to prevent underground leakage. This well has since been
connected with the Third street well which was in all respects a perfect success.
Its depth is 778 feet. At the time of its completion it was estimated to discharge
372 gallons per minute. The water is at all seasons of uniform temperature,
agreeable to the taste, and considered to possess superior medicinal properties.
It is supplied to citizens, and the city for fire purposes, and affords a most
424 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
abundant supply of pure and cool water for all purposes, having sufficient head
to force itself into the second story of buildings in the principal portion of town.
During the summer drinking fountains are maintained by the city on Main street,
where this excellent water can be obtained by all, as "free as the air we breathe."
Beyond question the artesian well has proved itself to be one of the most
important enterprises ever attempted by the citizens of Lansing. Its usefulness
cannot be overestimated. These gratifying results were largely due to the in-
dividual efforts of Capt. Samuel W. Hemenway, who first suggested the drilling
of an artesian well ; who demonstrated by means of his superior skill and knowl-
edge of such subjects, the certainty of success, and who, when success had been
attained, and the people were rejoicing in the splendid result, lost his life while
superintending the completion of the magnificent public work his ability, energy,
and perseverance had produced. So intimately is his memory interwoven with
the history of this public work, that it seems impossible to leave the subject
without a brief review of his life and the painful circumstances attending his
tragic death.
On the afternoon of Thursday, May 3, 1877, the Third street well being then
an assured success, Captain Hemenway entered a deep cut on Main street to per-
sonally superintend the joining of sections of the main water pipe to be em-
ployed in supplying water from the new well. While thus engaged the embank-
ment on the north side gave way, and the unfortunate man was literally buried
alive. Assistance was instantly at hand, but some little time was required to
remove the large quantity of earth and rocks that had fallen upon him. When
rescued from his perilous position it was found that one limb was broken in
several places, and that he had probably sustained severe internal injuries. The
gravest apprehension proved too true, and, notwithstanding the best medical
skill and kindest attention of friends and neighbors were bestowed upon him,
with a community's united prayers for his recovery, he died on the following
Sunday, May 6, 1877.
Mis funeral, which occurred on Tuesday, May 8th, was attended by the
municipal authorities, all the civic societies in the city, delegates from neighboring
Masonic organizations, and the largest concourse of people ever assembled in
Lansing to perform the last sad rites for one of its citizens.
Mr. Hemenway was born on the 19th of February, 1839, at Potsdam, St.
Lawrence county. New York. His earlier years were spent in that vicinity. In
1855 he became a resident of Lansing, and was foreman in the agricultural imple-
ment factory of his brother, H. H. Hemenway. until the year 1862, when he
entered the service of his country, as a member of Company B, Twenty-seventh
Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was commissioned captain by Governor
Kirkwood, October 3, 1862. For faithful service he was promoted to the office of
major, and was mustered out at Clinton, August 8, 1865, having served three
years without the loss of a single day by leave of absence. Mr. Hemenway was
a republican in politics. As chairman of the republican county central committee
in the campaign of 1876, he achieved a remarkable victory and had he lived
would have received deserved recognition at the hands of his political associates.
At the time of his death he was mayor of the city, superintendent of the well
company, a leading member of the Masonic organizations of the city, and in all
respects the most active, enterprising and useful citizen of Lansing.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 425
The present system of waterworks in connection with these wells was con-
structed in 1903, and with the extensions to this date, 1913, cost about $25,000.
The supply is obtained from two artesian wells about eight hundred feet deep,
and pumped to a reservoir on the bluff 240 feet above the level of the railroad
track. There are two and a half miles of water mains, of eight, six, four and two
inch capacity. There are about one hundred and fifty takers, 105 of which are
supplied from the reservoir (all metred). and the balance from the artesian wells
direct. Pumping is now done by electric power ; but there is also one steam pump
of 500 gallons capacity in reserve, in case of fires, or other emergency.
There are water bonds outstanding as follows :
Four and one-half per cent bonds due July 1, 1923 $7,500.00
Six per cent bonds due at option of city 4,900.00
Total bonded indebtedness (March, 31, 1913) $12,400.00
FIRE DEPARTMENT
A meeting was held at the office of Mayor Burford February 25, 1S71, for
the purpose of organizing a fire company. Mayor Burford presided, and S. P.
Darling acted as secretary. Proper committees were appointed and the meeting
adjourned to March 2d. This meeting and several others immediately following
resulted in the organization, April 1, 1871, of "Hope Fire Company No. 1," with
the following officers: R. V. Shurley, foreman; P. H. Pierson, first assistant;
5. W. Hemenway, second assistant ; W. H. Burford, secretary ; Herman Schier-
holz, treasurer ; W. J. Bort, first pipeman ; and Phil Dignan, second pipeman.
December 3, 1873, the company was reorganized under the present name of
"Rescue Fire Company No. 1," and the following officers elected: Foreman,
Capt. E. B. Bascom ; first assistant, Jacob Schaach ; second assistant, John Corell ;
secretary, T. C. Medary ; treasurer, J. B. Thorp ; steward, J. G. Orr.
In July, 1874, John Corell was elected foreman, retaining the position one
year, when Jacob Schaach was chosen, and so continued until July, 1881, when
John Dunlevy succeeded him.
In 1872 the city purchased a Rumsey & Co.'s hand fire engine, and to this
was added hose carts and hook and ladder wagon. With this inadequate outfit
the company fought fires until 1885 after the Concert Hall fire, when a large
hand pump was added. In 1895 the hand pump or "man killer" was disposed of,
and a steam fire engine purchased. Other necessary apparatus has been fur-
nished by the city from time to time, and today we have a well-equipped fire
department.
In 1 89 1 the company purchased a fire bell which was placed in the City Hall
tower. After the City Hall was burned down the bell was sold for old metal.
The most important fires were as follows:
Bockfinger & Boeckemeier wagon shop, and most of the block, February
3. 1871.
Farmer's home, February 27, 1877.
' Germania House barn, Congregational church and most of the block, March
6, 1877.
Hemenway & Barclay sawmill, September 3, 1881.
426 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Concert Hall and block, May 23, 1885.
Sawmill dry kiln. March 30, 1891.
Gaunitz & Schwab's boat store February 10, 1895.
City Hall, November 10, 1900.
Box factory in August, 1910.
Rescue Fire Company No. 1 is a volunteer company with a present mem-
bership of twenty-two. limited by ordinance to thirty members. The officers
now are: President, Richard A. Dunlevy; secretary and treasurer, A. C. Wid-
meier ; foreman, Carl Kohlstad ; first assistant, Roy Roeder ; second assistant,
John Woodward ; nozzlemen, B. Sweeney, S. Glynn, Leo Tully and Karl Beck.
The equipment consists of one wagon for hose, hooks and ladders, three
hose carts, and 2,000 feet of hose. There are twenty hydrants, supplied from
the reservoir at from ninety-five pounds pressure in the lower places to seventy-
five or seventy at the higher levels. The alarm is a fire bell, fitted with electric
bell-striker connected with the telephone central.
The steam fire engine, purchased in 1895, is still in the possession of the city,
but is not needed and awaits a purchaser.
LANSING SCHOOLS
About the year 1850 Governor Slade of Massachusetts sent teachers through-
out the new West, who came full of zeal for their work. One of these, Miss
Barrows, came to Lansing and opened the first school. Some time later she mar-
ried Doctor Houghton and for many years taught a select school here. There are
a number still living here who remember the gentle ways of their first teacher.
Mrs. Delia D. Purdy was the next teacher. The -first public school was com-
menced on the 7th day of February, 1853, under the charge of the lamented
.Mrs. Purdy, the board of directors being Geo. W. Camp, O. E. Hale and E. B.
Ilnughton. Among those who followed were Mary Day, Lou Hemens, Freelove
Baldwin, Martha Haney, Delia Hale, Lydia Rockwell, Lizzie Wells, Thomas
Healy and E. Hover.
In 1861 there were two select schools: Professor Haven's high school in the
Congregational church, and Miss Williams' select school. In the district school
taught by H. O. Dayton eighty scholars were enrolled, and in the Mirror of
December, 1861, a call is made upon the people to consider the pressing need of
a new schoolhouse. No move was taken for two years, however, when upon
petition of prominent citizens an election was called to consider the organization
of an independent school district to include the town of Lansing. The election
was held on March 23, 1863, and twenty-six votes cast, all in favor of such
separate organization ; and on April 4th following, an election was held at G.
Kerndt & Bros.' old store on Main street for the election of officers, resulting
as follows: President, A. H. Houghton; vice president, Wm. Kelleher ; secretary,
L. M. Elmendorf ; treasurer, < i. Krendt ; directors, S. B. Johnston, E. Ruth, Chas.
Schierholz.
Whole number of votes cast, seventy-four.
About May 1st Mrs. Hazleton and Miss Stillman were employed to teach
the summer term, at a salary of $20 per month.
CAPOLI BUTTON FACTORY
MBHBBS^munn
TURNER BUTTON FACTORY, LANSING
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 429
May 4, 1863, the board voted to purchase the lot next east of the old school-
house lot for the sum of $225, and proceed to build a stone schoolhouse thereon,
the main building 40x56 feet, with projection 14x30 feet for entrance; and on
[une 5th the contract was let to Gottlieb Englehorn and Valentine Beissell.
May 9, 1864, Director Schierholz was instructed to purchase a bell. And
on July 2, 1864, the new schoolhouse was accepted from the contractors. The
old school building was moved onto Main street.
August 24, 1864, David Judson, of South Bend, Indiana, with Mrs. Helen
Judson as assistant, were employed to teach the school for the ensuing year.
In 1867 a contract was let to E. B. Bascom for an addition to the schoolhouse
to accommodate 100 pupils.
In 1867 the board employed Mrs. H. M. Pratt to teach a school in South
Lansing.
In 1868, the first ward school changed to a primary department of the Lans-
ing graded school.
In 1874, primary school in Simonson's Hali.
In 1876, another branch school was opened on North Second street, known
as the second ward school. In 1880 it was removed to the Congregational church
building — Temple Hall.
In 1892. the pupils of this school were transferred to the main building and
the school discontinued. The South Lansing school was also discontinued.
In 1880, Plein school opened and continued until 1892 when it was trans-
ferred to another district.
In 1892 a contract was let to Grant Ladd for an addition to the main school
building.
The following have been superintendent of Lansing schools: D. Judson, H. M.
Pratt, J. H. Hazleton, S. S. Henderson, H. H. Haske, Jno. Hinchon, E, K.
Maryatt, W. A. Gibbons, J. R. McKim, W. D. Guttery, F. M. Shippey, J. B.
Knoepfler, S. M. Mowatt, J. F. Smith, H. H. Schroeder, Geo. W. Galloway, to
1902. Professor Knoepfler was afterwards elected state superintendent of pub-
lic instruction ; and has now for many years been on the faculty of the State
Teachers' College at Cedar Falls.
Since 1902 the high school has been under the charge of the following:
Superintendent— Geo. Galloway, 1903; W. H. Ray, 1904-07, resigned and
John S. Hilliard elected to vacancy; John S. Hilliard 1907-10; W. A. G. Ellis,
1911-13; Frank Vorhise elected for 1913-14.
Principal— Mabel E. Gilchrist, 1903-4; Minnie L. Wilson, 1905-8; Vera
Marston, 1909; Abbie F. Laughlin, 1910-11, resigned and Carrie J. Perkins to
fill vacancy; J. Alice Wilson, 1912.
Assistant Principal— (High school extended to four years.)— Georgia
Whitley, 1905; Susan Kilpatrick, 1906; Clara Tolstrap, 1907-8; Gena Minkler,
1909; Agnes Carney, 1910-11 ; Helene Bakewell, 1912.
Since 1902 the officers of the board of directors have been : President, W. H.
Riser, 1902-4; Julius Boeckh, 1905; W. T. Piers, 1906-7; Wm. F. Saam, 1908-9;
H. H. Gilbertson, 1910-11 ; W. E. Albert, 1912-13; secretary, N. A. Nelson, 1902-
13; treasurer, J. W. Thomas, 1902; Mr. Thomas died, and B. F. Thomas elected
to vacancy, 1903-13; directors at present are, W. E. Albert, Julius Boeckh, H. H.
Gilbertson, E. J. Roggensack and Wm. F. Saam.
430 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
The school enumeration as of June i, 1913, was 494. The enrollment in the
city school was 259, and in the Catholic school, 164, a total of 423. The public
school library contains about seven hundred volumes in good condition, and 300
to 400 in poor condition.
The estimated value of the public school property is $20,000.
No one, perhaps, ever connected with the Lansing public schools, exercised
a greater or more beneficial influence upon the community than Miss Mary Monk,
who taught here for more than forty years. Upon her death, which occurred
April 23, 1913, in her sixty-sixth year, the local press voiced the universal
respect and almost veneration in which she was held ; and from their notices it is
learned that she came to Allamakee county in 1865, and after teaching a few
terms in the country schools she was elected a teacher in the Lansing public
schools in 1866 and taught in that school, with the exception of one year, until
1908, during all of this time having charge of the grammar department. There
are few families in Lansing today who have resided here during any considerable
part of that period who have not had some representative in her classes, and all
of these feel a sense of personal loss today. In a number of cases two genera-
tions of the same family have been her pupils, and for many years it was
thought, and rightly so, that anyone who completed the course in the public school
without having had a year or two of her instruction had missed an important
part of his common school education.
How great an influence her painstaking, conscientious and scholarly work
during that formative period of a young student's life has had, can never be
fully estimated. We do know that many a man and woman who has achieved
success in the world does give Miss Monk the highest possible credit and does
say that much of whatever success he has won is due to the high ideals of right
living and right thinking which, of far more importance than the mere lessons
from the books she taught so well, it was ever her aim and purpose to instill.
How well she succeeded in this is amply demonstrated by the high, almost
reverential, regard in which she has ever been held by all who had at any time
been her scholars ; and by all of them, as well as by the entire community, her
death is mourned as a distinct personal loss.
THE CHURCHES
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Tradition says "the first public religious service held in Lansing was con-
ducted by Reverend Mann in a log cabin on Front street, then the home of John
Haney, Sr., in the winter of 1848-49." Uncle Elisha Warner, of Prairie du Chien,
often came to Lansing to minister to the people. In 185 1 Lansing was included
in the Yellow river circuit, and Alfred Bishop and wife sent to this circuit. He
was returned for the second year and in 1852 the name of the circuit changed to
"Lansing .Mission." It had nine appointments, including Monona, Pleasant
Ridge, Old .Mission, Hardin, Miner School House, Postville and Old Stake. He
soon added Freeport, Decorah and Purr Oak and others, until when he left
there were twenty-three appointments, forming a circuit of three hundred or
more miles, and requiring three weeks to go around, being at home but two
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 431
nights in the three weeks. Services were held in private houses, over stores,
and in the schoolhouse where one was built.
The first class in Lansing was organized June 13, 1852, consisting of: Ben-
jamin Pilcher, leader; Emogene Pilcher, Robt. Stevenson, Caroline Stevenson,
Samuel McNutt, Olive E. McNutt, George Battles, Abel Prichard. In 1853
L. S, Ashbaugh was sent to the circuit, and next year John W. Webb. From
1855 to '57 Lansing was dropped from the circuit. During this time H. W.
Houghton came to Lansing and served as class leader and preacher. The old
church, 20x30 feet, was built in 1857, and in i860 or '61 an addition was put
on to accommodate the growing congregation. There were about two hundred
in the Sunday school. This building later became a private dwelling, on Piatt
street.
An effort was made to secure a resident pastor. Reverend Houghton preached
his farewell sermon August 14, 1859, and went to conference to request that Lans-
ing be made a station and a pastor sent. F. X. Miller, a slender youth, full of
energy and spiritual life, was sent and given a salary of $300. A. H. Ames fol-
lowed in i860, C. W. Brewer and Elias Skinner in 1861, F. C. Mather in 1862,
H. W. Houghton again in 1863, B. D. Alden in 1864. A revival this year
doubled the membership of the church.
In 1865 F. C. Wolfe came as pastor, and this year the present church prop-
erty was built at a cost of about $3,500, and dedicated November 4, 1866 by the
Rev. A. J. Kynett. In 1867-68 Joseph Redlington was pastor; and in 1869-70,
C. F. McLean. In 1871 Matthew Henry Smith, an Englishman. 1872, J. A.
Kerr; he was a preacher after the old style, much moving about and much
noise. In 1873, J. F. Wilcox. During this year Miss Leonard assisted in special
meetings, and a large number were converted. Many of them have served
well the church and society. The older citizens well remember the remarkable
conversion of J. W. Bates, the large-hearted keeper of the Lansing House. In
1874 T. E. Fleming came to his second or third pastorate, afterwards presiding
elder. In 1875-76, George Elliott succeeded his friend Fleming. He has since
filled some of the first churches in Methodism, at Philadelphia, Washington and
First church, Detroit. In 1877, H. W. Pratt, brother of 'Congressman H. O. Pratt.
In 1878, H. W. Houghton was pastor for the third time. He was followed by
Thomas Oliver [later the patentee of the Oliver typewriter], and he by D. M.
Parker; a student by nature, kind-hearted, spiritual, loved by the people, he
remained three years.
In 1883 there was no pastor ; R. K. Pierce in '84, and again no pastor the next
year. 1885, F. T. Heatley from Wisconsin supplied from February to October.
1887, H. J. Bowder came for a three years' pastorate. 1890-91, J. B. Wyatt.
1892, W. A. Allen. 1893-95, E. D. Hall. A revival during the last year mate-
rially increased the strength of the church. 1896-97, E. P. Stubbs. 1898,
W. G. Crowder, and 1899, D. C. Perry. 1900-01, C. E. Stenson; 1902-04, R. M.
Wyant; 1905, S. C. Johnson; 1906, E. R. Langworthy; 1907-08, L. F. Haver-
male; 1909, W. W. Robinson; 1910, N. F. Norton; 191 1, J. C. Warton ; 1912,
supplied. 1913, Guy Rutherford.
In 1886 New Albin was made a part of the Lansing charge, one pastor serv-
ing both places. This continued down to '94 when E. D. Hall was given a
helper in Squire Heath. Next year the charges were separate.
432 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
\ illage Creek has formed a part of the charge for many years, services
being held once in two weeks in the schoolhouse. in the afternoon.
The M. E. church choir was organized in 1858 with Jos. Hoberg leader.
Prior to this the few members who worshiped in the little schoolhouse near the
park, used the M. E. hymn book and Mr. Hemenway pitched the tune. In 1858
Rev. Sifford kept a singing school. A little later an organ was purchased, and
a choir made up of the following persons: W. D. Morgan, Jos. Hoberg, S. M.
Baldwin, C. Selle, A. Wood, Robt. Whitney, Mesdames V. K. Houghton, Georgie
Berry, A. H. Woodruff, E. D. Hale. Misses Susan Antony. Freelove Baldwin,
Adeline Baldwin. Lizzie Morgan, organist.
C( 1 NGREI JATIO X AL ill URC H
The Congregational church was organized May 16. 1853. by Rev. Timothy
Lyman, with the following members : Lorenzo Bushnell. Mrs. Melinda R. Bush-
nell, Mrs. Louisa Peed, Lyman C. Reed, Mrs. Fanny Haney, and Mrs. Sarah
Cowles. The Congregational society was incorporated May 18, '54. the incor-
porators being Timothy Lyman, Jos. I. Gilbert. John Haney, G. W. Gray, John
W. Remine, G. W. Hays. F. D. Cowles. T. E. Williams, and S. H. Haines. The
first church building erected by the society was occupied in 1854. On March
6, 1877, this was consumed by tire. During the same year, a new and beautifully
designed edifice was begun on the old site. The basement intended for Sabbath
school purposes and lecture rooms was completed in 1877 an<J used by the
society for several years as its place of worship. The church building, however,
was never finished for that purpose, and is now known as "Temple Hall." Revs.
T. Lyman, Geo. Bent, D. N. Bordwell, James B. Gilbert, S. H. Canfield, Orlando
Clark, A. Graves, P. Litts and C. H. Rogers, in the order named, occupied the
position of pastor.
EPISCOPAL
St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal parish was organized August 26, 1855, by
Rev. G. W. Watson, of Clinton. Iowa. The wardens were: George W. Barker
and J. I. Taylor; vestry, F. D. Cowles, John J. Shaw and T. E. Williams. In
May, 1856, F. D. Cowles and J. I. Taylor were appointed delegates to the con-
vention of the Iowa diocese. Rev. James Trimble served the parish for about
one year, coming in May, 185(1. During this year services were conducted in a
schoolhouse. A church was built between '59 and '61, on Diagonal street. This
was opened for worship on Advent Sunday, 1861, and consecrated by Bishop
Lee, in 1862. Rev. T. Harker and Doctor Eddy were both connected with the
church during this year. Rev. James Bentley preached occasionally from 1858
to '61.
July 23, 1862, Rev. W. W. Estabrook, D. D., delivered his first sermon, and
was soon after appointed rector. Sunday, January 7, 1866, the church was
destroyed by fire. Steps were at once taken to rebuild, and in 1867 a new church
built on the corner of Center and Third streets was first occupied, and conse-
crated by Rt. Rev. II. W. Lee, May 3, 1868. Soon after this, W. W. Estabrook
left the parish and was succeeded July 5, 1868, by T. J. Burke, who accepted a
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 433
call to rectorship in 1869, resigning his charge in the same year. Reverend Allen
accepted a call to the rectorship October g, 1869, and remained about one year.
Rev. Charles Canfield officiated for a few months in 1872, since which time
services were conducted occasionally by Bishop Lee.
The first couple married in Lansing according to the rites of this church
were Homer H. Hemenway and Amanda S. Gray. They were married Febru-
ary 5, 1857, and the witnesses were John Berry, G. W. Gray and Martha T.
Haney. Among the early attendants and communicants were: F. D. Cowles and
family, Sarah Cowles (widow) and family, Dr. John I. Taylor and family, S. H.
Kinne and family, Samuel B. Johnston and family, and H. H. Hemenway and
family. Geo. W. Camp was secretary of the meeting of citizens called to organize
the parish. In March, 1890, the church building was torn down to make place
for a dwelling house.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH AND SCHOOL
The following historical sketch of this institution is copied from the souvenir
printed in 1905 commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Immaculate Conception
church and the Silver Jubilee of Very Rev. G. L. Haxmeier as its rector, which
were celebrated on June 7, 1905.
Rev. Father Hoar, who came to Wexford in 185 1 assisted the few Catholics
at Lansing. Through his efforts Messrs. Haney and Houghton were induced to
donate nine lots to the Trappist Monks should they decide to locate here. The
Trappists preferring the country at Wexford, did not accept the gift. The lot
on which stands the old church — at present used for the Sisters school — was
donated by Haney and Houghton.
The Rev. Father Kinsella of Decorah, ministered occasionally to the spiritual
wants of the Catholics, saying mass at Ouinn's house. Divine services were also
conducted at times at Trayer's home and Farrell's house. In 1855, under the
direction of Father Welch, then residing at Wexford, the first church was built,
dimensions 23x30 feet, Henry Bensch contractor. Father Welch attended beside
Wexford and Lansing, the Iowa River, Dorchester, Waukon and Cherry Mound.
From 1857 to 1863 Father O'Farrell stopped occasionally at Lansing, he having
no permanent residence. Rev. Father Hannon, stationed at Wexford from 1863-
66, supplied Lansing during that time. November, 1867, the Rev. Father Louis
Cornelis was appointed as resident pastor.
Under Rev. Father Wm. Jacoby's most zealous and efficient pastorate from
September 20, 1868, to March 15, 1877, the congregation was well organized and
rapidly grew in numbers. He enlarged, remodeled and decorated the church,
furnished the same with pretty altars, costly vestments, an organ and bell. The
house west of the church was purchased by him, and later, when the Sisters of
St. Francis P. A. opened the parochial school, also the house east of the vacant
lot.
For two years Rev. Father J. Urbany was pastor.
Rev. F. W. Pape was appointed pro tern from January to May, 1880.
Very Rev. G. L. Haxmeier came to Lansing June 5, 1880.
The cornerstone of the new Immaculate Conception church was laid in
434 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
June, 1885. and the handsome brick edifice stands directly opposite the old
church, fronting on Main street, and cost to complete the bare church about
$15,000. Its dimensions are: Main body, 80 feet long by 44 feet wide, with
tower in front 14x14 feet, surmounted by a spire 140 feet high, and a sanctuary
in the rear 22 feet and 6 inches wide by 20 feet long, at either side of which are
sacristies. On the patronal feast, December 8, 1886, it was solemnly dedicated.
Since dedication a main altar costing $1,000 and two side altars at $175 each, also
new pews and a $1,000 pipe organ, have been added to its appointments, and now
a $1,200 peal of bells caps the climax and serves as a testimonial of both the
Golden Jubilee of the parish and the Silver Jubilee of Very Rev. G. L. Haxmeier
as its rector. In 1893 the parsonage was built.
From a very small beginning the congregation now numbers 130 families,
aggregating over 600 souls, and has always been noted for its generosity, good
will and loyalty to both church and pastor.
THE SISTERS' SCHOOL
The Sisters' school was started in 1874 by Sisters Alphonsa and Thomasin
of the Franciscan order. The former remained in charge for seven years. The
school was first held in the basement of the church on North street, the younger
children being taught at the Sisters' house. At one time there were five Sisters
here, a teacher of fancy work, a music teacher, two school teachers and the house
sister or Mother Superior. After the new church was built, the school was
removed to the main floor of the old church where two commodious rooms were
fitted up with all the necessities and conveniences of a schoolroom. Over one
hundred pupils are enrolled in charge of Sisters Ambrose and Athanasia. Sister
Lidwinia, the Mother Superior, has been in charge for twenty years. Sister
Alphonsa died at the convent in LaCrosse a few years ago.
The children of this school received a diploma, for the excellence of their
work in drawing, at the World's Fair in 1893. Much credit is due Very Rev.
Father Haxmeier for the growth and prosperity of the school.
Upon coming to Lansing Rev. Father Haxmeier had charge also of St.
Joseph's church at New Albin, which he visited once a month until 1903. Lack
of space forbids a recount here of all that Very Rev. Haxmeier has accom-
plished during the quarter of a century at Immaculate Conception and the
twenty odd years that he guided the destinies of St. Joseph's. Suffice to say
that combining as he does great business ability with sterling priestly qualities,
his pastorage has been most successful, and that he is acknowledged by all, re-
gardless of creed or nationality, as a man who honors his high and holy calling
and who has the love and respect of the whole community. In April, 1905, he
was made an irremovable rector. His parishioners are devotedly attached to
him, and hope that he will remain with them for many years to carry on the
great work entrusted to his care.
The Immaculate Conception church of Lansing was formally incorporated
November 16, 191 1, Archbishop James J. Keane, ex-officio president, Rt. Rev.
Roger Ryan, vicar general, Rev. G. L. Haxmeier, pastor, and Gustav M. Kerndt
and Devillo A. Holmes constituting the board of directors.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 435
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
In the spring and summer of 1865 frequent visits were made to Lansing by
the Rev. James Frothingham, then settled in Caledonia, Minnesota. These visits
resulted in the organization of a Presbyterian church. Mr. Frothingham, as-
sisted by Elder Eben S. Albert, of Mt. Hope church, effected the organization
Sunday, June 18, 1865. The services were conducted in the Episcopal church
edifice on Diagonal street, subsequently destroyed by fire. The following per-
sons presented certificates of membership and letters of dismission : Eben T.
Albert, Mrs. Jane Albert, Sarah and Elizabeth Albert, and Mrs. Margaret Rat-
cliffe, from Mt. Hope church, Allamakee county, Iowa; James and Jane Logan,
Mrs. Annie Stafford, Miss Helen Gilchrist, Miss Rachael Elmendorf, and Mrs.
G. W. Hays, from other churches. Mr. A. W. Purdy, Mrs. Delia Delevan Purdv,
and Mrs. Margaretta Macbay were admitted on confession of faith. These per-
sons were formally declared organized as a church, and Mr. M. E. Albert was
chosen ruling elder.
A meeting of the regular attendants on the services of the church was held
in the parlor of the American House, on Monday evening, May 7, 1866, for the
purpose of organizing a church society. A committee of three was appointed
to draft a constitution and by-laws for the society, in order to a proper incorpo-
ration. The committee consisted of Rev. James Frothingham, M. M. Webster,
and Cyrus Watts. At a subsequent meeting held at the same place, the com-
mittee reported a constitution and by-laws, which were adopted. Articles of
incorporation were duly adopted and recorded soon after this, and a church
society duly organized according to the laws of Iowa and the Presbyterian
church, to be known as the First Presbyterian church of Lansing. The first
trustees were : Amos W. Purdy, Eben T. Albert, and William C. Macbay.
February 7, 1867, these gentlemen were reelected, Mr. Purdy for three years,
Mr. Albert for two, and Mr. Macbay for one. January 6, 1868, the term of
service of W. C. Macbay having expired, A. H. Woodruff was chosen trustee.
Mr. E. T. Albert was reelected in January, 1869. At the annual meeting of the
society, held January 3, 1870, the method of electing trustees was changed, the
changed by-law providing that three trustees should be annually chosen to serve
for one year each. At this meeting E. T. Albert and A. H. Woodruff resigned.
The term of A. W. Purdy expired. An election of trustees according to the
new method resulted in the choice of Cyrus Watts, George D. Purdy and G. A.
Rockwell.
In January, 1871, Cyrus Watts, S. O. Smith and George Albert were chosen
trustees. W. H. Burford, G. A. Rockwell and Cyrus Watts were trustees in
1872. Dr. N. S. Craig, C. T. Hart and Joseph Smith in 1873. Starr Rockwell,
Geo. W. Albert, J. W. Thomas, M. McCormick, H. H. Hemenway, James Ruth,
Jas. M. Thomson, Earl M. Woodward, and H. J. Frothingham, were other trus-
tees down to 1882.
August 3, 1879, Rev. James Frothingham requested that the pastoral relation
be dissolved, on account of ill health ; and as it seemed a necessity to the pastor
the congregation concurred. A farewell reception was given him at the resi-
dence of T- W. Thomas, September 3, 1879, at which resolutions of the church
436 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
were read expressing the regret and sorrow of the church and congregation at
the loss thus sustained.
lulv 4, 1866, ground was broken for the erection of a house of worship, on
North Third street, and it was occupied the following winter. It is constructed
of brick, will seat about three hundred persons, is nicely furnished and in all
respects a most pleasant place of public worship. The first meeting in the church
was held January 31. 1867, and the first Sabbath service February 3d following.
A line pipe organ was placed in the church in 1SS2. And about 1897 stained
glass windows were put in. and other improvements made. Heating furnace and
electric lighting have also been added.
Rev. Charles E. Schaible occupied the pulpit from October 16, 1879 until
November 1, 1881. part of the time as stated supply and the balance as pastor.
He was followed by Rev. Joseph Gaston, who began his labors January 1, 1882,
remaining until 1883. Rev. A. L. Hutchison acted as stated supply from 1883
to April 21, 1886, when he was installed as pastor. During this time the manse
was erected on the corner of Third and Center streets. August 17, 1891, Rev.
Hutchison resigned, and during the period until February 6, 1893, the pulpit
• was occupied by stated supply. Reverend Robmson and Reverend Bristol. At that
date Rev. J. R. McGlade was called, remaining on the field until February, 1898,
when Rev. John Cooper came. He was followed by A. P. Cooper in 1903;
Toseph Z. Favire, 1905: John P. Engstrom. 1906; Robert Bradley, 1910 to 1912;
F. W. Pease, 1913.
NORWEGIAN7 LUTHERAN'
Tire Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church of Lansing was organized on
the I2th of June, 1867, with O. J. Hjort, pastor. The first officers of the congre-
gation were S. Arntson, president; X. A. Nelson, secretary. In October, 1868,
the congregation bought the lot on which they in 1872 erected their house of
worship, and were served by Rev. O. J. Hjort until his death in 1880. He was
followed by Rev. H. A. Hartman, who left for Norway in 1895, since which
time Rev. C. J. M. Gronlid has been their pastor.
A bell for the church was purchased by the efforts of the young ladies of
the Luther League and hung in 1901. This society was organized May 15, 1897.
The board of trustees of this church is composed of X. A. Nelson, president ;
C. < >. Kud, secretary; Ole 1.. Abie, treasurer; Nels Larson: and Louis Reppe.
EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION
In [860 the brethren Hammeter and Seder visited some of the Germans living
in and about Lansing, and being welcomed among them began to preach here.
In 1862 the Lansing Mission was organized and served by the Rev. C. Lahr,
win 1 continued the work for two years.
In 1864 Columbus Ridge work was taken from the Decorah Mission and
given the Lansing Mission, making thirty-six members, served by Rev. Luter.
The work was in charge of Rev. A. Strojmeier during 1865. The following
two years Rev. C. Escher. now sainted, served as missionary with good results.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 439
In 1868 the Rev. H. Bunse was given charge of the work, and the Locust Lane
appointment added, the work then consisting of four appointments. In the
spring of 1869 Rev. C. C. Pfund was appointed, and remained two years,
doing successful work. In 187 1 Rev. J. H. Pippert was in charge. In 1872
Rev. L. Sheurer was appointed, remaining three years, in which the Columbus
Ridge church was built. Again in the spring of 1875 was C. Escher appointed
to this work, doing good for the following three years. Conference then sent
Rev. E. O. Beck here for 1878; then follows a period of ten years of which no
record is at hand.
In 1888 the sainted Rev. J. Knoche labored here with good success, having
been here a year or two previous. In 1889 Rev. L. F. Smith was sent and took
charge of the mission for three years acceptably. Rev. A. Goetze succeeded him,
also remaining three years. In the spring of 1895 ^ev- J- Abrams came to
Lansing and had charge of the work one year, followed by Rev. A. H. Buente
for three years. Then the charge was given in care of Rev. Schott, who also
remained three years, to the spring of 1902. At this time Rev. J. M. Krafft was
sent to this charge, finding here about one hundred members, four appointments,
with three churches and three Sunday schools.
Rev. A. Raecker has served this church of recent years as pastor.
GERMAN PRESBYTERIAN
Under the supervision and presence of Rev. J. Frothingham and Mr. J.
Albert, the German Presbyterian church of Lansing was organized May 2, 1869,
with a membership of fifteen. It became incorporated April 27, 1870, with a
board of trustees comprising John Sahli, Anton Guhler, and William Manger.
From the time of organization the ministers of this church were : Rev. F. F.
Weiss, 1869-71; F. W. H. Bruechert, 1871-75; L. Abels, 1876-79; J. Lederer,
1880-83; H. Schmitt, Jr., 1885-90; J. Schlechter, 1891-92; F. Urbach, 1892-97;
H. DeBeer, 1897-1900; N. Gerdes, 1901-02; Rev. Arnold H. Kegel, 1903-13, the
present pastor. Trustees in 191 3, G. L. Saam, secretary and treasurer, and
Engelhardt Bartheld.
A Young People's Society of the German Presbyterian church was organized
June 2, 1892, under the direction of Rev. Urbach, with thirteen charter mem-
bers. The society has thrived, and through their untiring efforts many improve-
ments have been made on the church, including handsome stained glass windows.
NORWEGIAN METHODIST
Rev. E. Enderson and Rev. H. Gordon began serving the spiritual interests of
the Norwegian Methodists in Lansing about 1871. In 1872 Rev. Enderson moved
to Lansing and became resident pastor. L. A. Larson came as next pastor.
With a membership of fifty he secured a lot and built a little church. Other
pastors who served this church were: J. Jacobson, A. Gustafson, A. Ervenson,
and R. Holmberg. With the closing of the mills many of the members moved
awav, and the church building was sold and moved out near Waukon, where it
became unused and was eventually torn down.
440 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
THE PRESS
The first newspaper in Lansing was the Lansing Intelligencer, started by
W. H. Sumner, with material owned by H. H. Houghton, which he brought
from Galena. The first number appeared Tuesday, November 23, 1852. Of
those who advertised in this first issue not one is now living in Lansing. They
were then written up by the obliging editor in the following attractive style:
"James Peacock advertises a variety of goods, consisting of all the intermedi-
ates between a shawl and a coffee-mill, or a California hat and a wash-board.
Give him call.
"F. D. Cowles wants the 'staff of life.' Feed him, somebody.
"At the sign of the Elk Horn, E. P. Bircher displays many good things which
he offers to part with for a — 'consideration.'
"T. E. Williams has a well stocked shop — as good as we have seen anywhere.
Call on him and 'exchange tin.'
"Chas. J. McGee is prepared to fill your houses with furniture, plain or
ornamental, costly or cheap, according to the fancy of the purchaser, or the size
of his 'pile.'
"Miss A. M. Battles hopes to receive calls from the ladies — and the amount
of their milliner's bills from their obedient lords.
"James I. Gilbert comes in for his share of the 'dimes,' and offers lumber
as an equivalent.
"Dr. L I. Taylor is, we believe, a successful physician, and is supposed to cure
'all the ills that flesh is heir to." Personally we hope to have no need of his
services.
"Geo. W. Camp, and Remine, and Shaw, lawyers, are ready for business,
and if any of our friends are so unfortunate as to 'go to law,' we have no doubt
that either of these gentlemen will 'suit' them."
Failing health caused Mr. Sumner to retire after a year or two, and the
paper passed into the control of H. R. Chatterton, who changed the name to
Lansing Mirror. In 1861 or '62 it suffered a temporary suspension, but in 1863
Geo. W. Ilaislet acquired the outfit and began the publication of the Lansing
Union. In 1866 T. C. Medary bought it and changed the name back to Mirror,
which it has retained to this day. He sold in 1870 to James T. and John T.
Metcalf, the latter retiring in '74 and James T. continuing its publication until
1881 when he leased it to Geo. W. Metcalf and Earl M. Woodward, and for
the past many years it has been owned and conducted by G. W. Metcalf alone.
Under the management of these veteran newspaper men, the Metcalfs, the
Mirror attained permanence, prominence, and power. Since the day of its
establishment this paper has been republican.
The first democratic paper in Lansing was called the Northwestern Democrat,
dating from August, i860, when McElroy & Parker removed the Waukon
Transcript to this place and changed the name. It was suspended after about
a year, and in the spring of '62 one C. Lomann bought the outfit and began pub-
lishing the Lansing Argus. After a few months however, he removed the
material to Wisconsin under cover of darkness — and a mortgage.
The North Iowa Journal began its existence as a democratic paper in Lan-
sing in March, 1863, under the conduct of Chas. B. Cole. This was another
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 441
originally Waukon paper, having been established there as a republican paper,
in May, i860, by Babbitt & Merrill. It passed into Mr. Cole's possession late
in 1862, who removed it to Lansing and sold to John G. Armstrong. He con-
tinued its publication as a democratic sheet for about three years, when Taylor
& Haislet bought him out and changed the name to Lansing Chronicle, which
they published as an independent paper until burned out in 1871. The material
was mostly saved, and was bought by the Metcalfs who thereafter for a while
called their paper the Mirror and Chronicle. The Allamakee Democrat was
started by R. V. Shurley in the summer of 1870, who after about a year sold
out to the Sherburnes. Soon after this paper was consolidated with the Iowa
North East, which had commenced publication in 1871 by T. C. Medary, who
shortly after acquired entire control, and gave the paper the old name of North
Iowa Journal, which he published until December, 1879, when he removed to
Mason City. The first number of the Lansing Journal, under the proprietorship
of John J. and Thomas F. Dunlevy, was issued in January, 1880, and these able
and practical all around print-shop men have thus been engaged here for a third
of a century. In 1882 they established a branch office at Waukon, and made
a slight alteration in the name of the paper, it becoming Allamakee Journal.
Soon after the railroad reached Lansing, which was in 1872, Peter Karberg
established a German paper here, called Die Nord Iowa Post, republican in poli-
tics, which he continued to publish until 1878, or possibly '79.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
STATE BANK OF LANSING
The first bank in Allamakee county was established at Lansing in 1859 by
G. W. Gray & Co., a firm composed of George W. Gray, J. W. Thomas, and
John Berry. This firm had been in the mercantile business in Lansing for sev-
eral years, Mr. Gray and Mr. Thomas having come to Lansing from Highland,
Wisconsin, in 1853, and had done more or less banking and ex-change in connec-
tion with their general store and grain buying business. In 1859, however, they
sold out the mercantile business, and opened a private bank in the building still
standing on the south side of Main street, between Front and Second streets,
which was afterward known for a number of years as the Markley building,
and now (1913) owned and occupied by Henry Strong.
In 1862 they erected a building on the lot now occupied by the State Bank
of Lansing, and this the bank continued to occupy until it was destroyed by fire
in 1885, when the present structure was built on the same site. The bank vault,
which was doubtless, when erected in 1862, the only structure of its kind in the
county, proved its fireproof qualities by withstanding this fire and safely pre-
serving its contents, and is still in use by the State Bank of Lansing.
In 1864 Messrs. Gray and Thomas organized, under the then new national
banking law, the First National Bank of Lansing, of which Mr. Gray became the
first president and Mr. Thomas the cashier. The following year Mr. Gray sold
out his interest in the bank, and, after conducting a private bank for a few
months in a building across the street, he removed to Salem, Oregon, where he
resided until his death. He was succeeded as president of the bank by Mr. Gus-
442 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
tav Kerndt. the senior member of the firm of G. Kerndt & Bros. In connection
with the National Bank, and under the same management, was conducted for a
number of years the Allamakee County Savings Bank.
In 1881 the bank was reorganized as a private bank under the title of the
Bank of Lansing, J. \Y. Thomas & Co. Bankers, no change occurring however
in the active management, which had been since 1864 in charge of Mr. Thomas,
assisted by Mr. S. H. Hazleton. who entered the bank as assistant cashier in that
year. Associated with them as co-partners were Messrs. Moritz and William
Kerndt, H. Nielander. and Theo. Brockhausen, and these were the stockholders
when the bank was incorporated under the state law in 1884, retaining the name
of the Bank of Lansing, which name was changed by an amendment to the
articles of incorporation in 1898 to the State Bank of Lansing. It is a noteworthy
fact that the present stockholders of the bank (1913) are all descendants of, or
related to those who formed the copartnership in 1881.
B. F. Thomas, a son of the late J. W Thomas, who is now president of
the bank, entered its employ as bookkeeper in 1891, was appointed assistant
cashier in 1895 an<1 cashier in 1897, being not then twenty-four years old, and
was elected president in 1904 at thirty. G. W. Kerndt became a director of the
bank in 1903. cashier in 1904, and vice president in 1008, in which latter year
Julius Boeckh first became associated with the bank and was elected cashier.
These three officers, with Messrs. Theo. Kerndt and H. C. Nielander, -compose
the present board of directors.
Following is a list of those who have served as officers of the bank since
its organization in 1859: President, G. W. Gray, 1859-65; Gustav Kerndt, 1865-
73; M. Kerndt, 1873-93; J. W. Thomas, 1893-97; S. H. Hazleton, 1S97-1903;
B. F. Thomas, 1904 to date; Vice President, H. Nielander, 1893-1905; G. W.
Kerndt, 1908 to date; Cashier. J. \V. Thomas, 1859-1893; S. H. Hazleton, 1893-
97; B. F. Thomas. 1897-1904; G. W. Kerndt, 1904-08; Julius Boeckh, 1908 to
date; Assistant Cashier, S. H. Hazleton, 1864-93; B- F. Thomas, 1895-97;
E. Y. Arnold, 1906-07.
During all of its existence — now over half a century by several years this
institution has enjoyed the confidence of the people of the entire county, to the
fullest extent. A confidence which was merited by the careful and conservative,
yet liberal management introduced by the founders and which has been con-
scientiously adhered to by their successors; and a confidence bringing with it a
liberal patronage enabling it to build up a large business.
The April, 1913, statement of this bank shows a capital of $33,000; deposits
of $294,794.39; and surplus and undivided profits of $15,307.54. Total assets
$343,101.93.
KERNDT BROS. SAVINGS HANK
Recogmzing the demand for a second bank in Lansing, the old established
mercantile house of the Kerndts incorporated the Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank
January t4, 1908 with a capital of $15,000, and officered as follows- President
G. M. Kerndt; Vice President, M. Kern.lt, Jr. ; Cashier. C. M. Kerndt • Directors
the foregoing officers together with W. M. Kerndt and M Kerndt ^r
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 443
It is needless to say that the institution flourished from the start under the
management of men so well esteemed by the people, and on October 18, 1910,
it was deemed best to increase the capital stock to $30,000, by amendment of
the articles of incorporation. The principal officers remain the same today as
at the time of organization. The condition of this bank at the last statement,
April 17, 1913, is as follows: Total assets, $360,817.37; deposits, $316,982.14;
surplus fund, $10,000; undivided profits, $3,835.23.
THE PEOPLES STATE BANK OF LANSING
Was incorporated July 31, 191 1, with a capital of $40,000, and the following
officers, viz.; President, A. M. Fellows; Vice President, John Decker; Cashier,
R. G. Miller; Directors, F. J. Spinner, Henry Gramlich, Otto Ruprecht, Carl
Johnson, A. M. Fellows, John Decker, J. P. Conway, John A. Moellerman and
R. G. Miller.
At the recent annual election the same officers were reelected, with the addi-
tion of John H. Thompson assistant cashier. At the meeting of the board of
directors the first dividend was declared. To launch an enterprise of the magni-
tude of this bank and put it upon a healthy paying basis in twenty months is
no small accomplishment, and the ninety-odd stockholders have every reason to
feel satisfied with their investment. The latest statement of the bank, made to
the Auditor of State at the close of business April 17, 1913, shows the following
gratifying conditions: Assets, $179,421.35; deposits, $136,510.52; undivided
profits, $2,910.83.
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES
MASONIC
Although Evergreen Lodge No. 144, A. F. & A. M., at Lansing was not the
first Masonic lodge organized in the county, it has the oldest charter of any
lodge in the county now in existence. It was given a dispensation on January
11, 1859, held its first meeting on January 13th and its charter is dated June 9th
of the same vear. The only lodge in the county organized prior to this was
Parvin Lodge No. 85, which was organized at Rossville in 1856, but this lodge
remained in existence but a few years, its charter having been given up in 1859
or '60.
The following were the charter members of Evergreen Lodge : Geo. W.
Gray, W. M. ; H. H. Hemenway, S. W.; G. W. Hays, J. W. ; George M. Dean,
Washington Beal, Marshall Cass, John C. Berry, Willard Ballou, George G
Van Wagner, John Gray. Of these, all are now deceased except H. H.
Hemenway, who, though no longer a resident of Lansing, still retains his mem-
bership in this lodge.
An interesting tradition as to the granting of the dispensation for this lodge
is to the effect that George W. Gray, who was instrumental in its organization,
having forwarded the petition for a dispensation, was so confident of its being
granted that he called a meeting of the charter members, some of whom lived at
considerable distances, for the purpose of instituting the lodge. His disappoint-
444 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
merit, then, was all the greater when the petition for a dispensation was, at first.
denied. Mr. Gray had the matter so much at heart that he at once started for
Iowa City, the home of the Grand Master, to endeavor to have this decision recon-
sidered. In order to reach Iowa City, there being no railroad here at the time,
it was necessary for him to drive on the ice to Prairie du Chien, to go from
there by train to Chicago, thence back by train either to Clinton or Burlington
and from there by stage to Iowa City. Arrived there, he convinced the Grand
Master that there was a proper field for a lodge here and made the return trip
in the same roundabout way, reaching home on the very day which he had set
for the initial meeting of the lodge.
]. W. Thomas was the first candidate initiated after the institution of the
lodge. The granting of the charter seems to have been fully justified, from the
fact that thirty-four members were initiated or admitted to membership during
the first year of its existence. Among this number are the following well known
names: S. H. Kinne, H. Nielander, Theo. Brockhausen, L. M. Elmendorf, S.
H. Hazleton, Gustav Kerndt, Chas. Schierholz, Rev. H. W. Houghton, F. W.
Wagner and W. D. Morgan, all of whom are now deceased except F. W. Wagner,
who is still a member of the lodge.
The first meeting place of the lodge was in the second story of a building
on the river front now occupied by Nielander & Co. as a warehouse and grain
elevator and known as "Warehouse No. 4." After occupying this hall for a
number of years, quarters were secured in the "Concert Hall" block on Main
street, which was the home of the lodge until the block was burned in 1885, in
which fire all of the lodge furniture, the charter and part of the records were
destroyed. After the fire another hall in the same block, but farther down the
street, was occupied until 1891. In that year Brother S. H. Hazleton, who had
become the owner of the uncompleted Congregational church building on Third
street, finished the building and fitted up the third story for the use of the lodge.
This building, known as "Temple Hall," has been its home since that time.
During its over fifty years of existence the lodge has numbered among its
members some of the best men of each of the succeeding generations which has
contributed to the history of the town, and has always been a power for good
in the community. The present membership of the lodge numbers sixty-five.
Following is a list of those who have served as worshipful masters of the
lodge since its organization, with the dates of their elections : George W. Gray,
1859; H. H. Hemenway, 1862; George W. Gray, 1863; J. W. Thomas, 1864;
S. H. Kinne, 1867; S. H. Hazleton, 1871 ; L. E. Fellows, 1874; A. L. Battles,
1875; S. W. Hemenway, 1876; S. H. Kinne, 1877; T. C. Medary, 1878; S. H.
Hazleton, 1879; G. A. Rockwell, 1880; S. H. Hazleton, 1882; L. E. Fellows,
1885; J. H. Trewin. 1890; A. M. Fellows, 1893; Julius Boeckh, 1897; W. T.
Piers, 1899; A. M. Fellows, 1900; B. F. Thomas, 1901 ; Herman Boeckh, 1906;
A. M. Fellows, 1907; Frank L. May, 1909; W. E. Albert, 19 10. ■
The present officers of the lodge are: W. E. Albert, worshipful master;
L. T. Hufschmidt, senior warden; Fred Schafer, junior warden; Robt.
Hufschmidt, treasurer; Julius Boeckh, secretary; W. A. G. Ellis, senior deacon;
W. A. Miller, junior deacon; John G. Schafer, senior steward; C. W. H.
Kerndt, junior steward ; R. A. Cavers, tyler.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 445
O. E. S.
At a meeting of Evergreen Lodge No. 144, A. F. & A. M., February 23, 1895,
steps were taken to organize an Eastern Star Chapter in Lansing, and a petition
was prepared and forwarded to the Grand Chapter of Iowa, meeting with
approval March 27 of the same year. Sister Sarah A. Woods, grand worthy
matron, organized Martha Washington Chapter No. 177, with a membership
of twenty, and sixty-eight members have since been added. The chapter has
lost through demit and death thirty-three members, leaving a present member-
ship of fifty-five. The first officers were: W. M., Martha T. Hemenway; W. R.,
L. E. Fellows; Assoc. Mat., Libbie K. Pape; Secretary, Susie M. Bacon; Treas.,
Selma K. Riser; Cond., Lizzie M. Davis; Assoc. Cond., Mary P. Bascom ; Chap.,
Mary S. Fellows ; Ada, Anna Smith ; Ruth, Elsie S. Fellows ; Esther, Mary
Piers; Martha, Louisa Boeckh ; Electa, Lydia Hazleton; Warden, G. L. Pape;
Sentinel, H. W. Riser.
The present officers are: W. M., Louisa Boeckh; W. R., B. F. Thomas;
Assoc. Mat., Fanny E. Hemenway; Secretary, Susie M. Bacon; Treas., Martha
T. Hemenway ; Cond., Frank V. B. Cavers ; Assoc. Cond., Gennet Schafer ;
Chap., Louise M. Boeckemeier; Ada, Libbie K. Pape; Ruth, Mary Gilbertson ;
Esther, Fanny K. Thomas : Martha, Ruby Fitchen ; Electa, Laura Saam ; Warden,
Mina Boeckh; Marshal, Klara Schafer; Organist, Katie Saam.
G. A. R.
Hemenway Post, No. 344, was organized August 6, 1884, with twenty-two
charter members. It was named in honor of Capt. S. W. Hemenway, who served
during the War of the Rebellion in the Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, and who
lost his life through an accident in 1877 while superintending the construction
of the city water system. The post was in active existence for about sixteen
years, when for various reasons its charter was allowed to lapse.
GERMAN SOCIETY
In the early sixties two societies were formed by the German residents of
Lansing, the Gesangverein and the Turnverein. The two were merged, and
incorporated with the name of Deutscher Yerein, February 12, 1874, with the
following named directors: H. Nielander, M. Kerndt, H. Bensch. J. Urmersbach
and Jacob Haas. John Schinzel served as president two years, followed by
H. Nielander, who continued to hold this office until his death in 1905. Edward
Boeckh, Sr., was treasurer of the society from its organization in 1874.
The charter having expired, the society was reincorporated November 11,
1899, with these directors: Robert Hufschmidt, H. W. Riser, B. Erp-Brock-
hausen, Henry Bensch, and Julius Boeckh, and Recording Secretary Julius
Rieth, Financial Secretary Gustav M. Kerndt, Manager Herman Boeckh.
The society built Germania Hall in 1877, which was dedicated February 13,
1878. Since then various improvements have been made such as kitchen and
dining room ; bowling alleys, hardwood floor and opera chairs put in, and a gal-
lerv built.
446 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
The present officers are: President, M. Kerndt, Sr. ; Vice Pres.. Robt. Huf-
schmidt ; Secretary, Julius Rieth ; Treasurer, Theo. Kerndt.
M. w. A.
Lansing Camp. Xo. 2142. Modern Woodmen of America, was organized Jan-
uary 15. 1894. with twenty-two charter members, and rapidly increased in popu-
larity and numbers. To this camp belongs the credit of inaugurating an annual
county picnic, the first of which was held at Waukon, and the county member-
ship continued to assemble annually at different places for this enjoyable occa-
sion until recently. At the institution of this camp its principal officers were :
Venerable Consul, A. Barge; Clerk, W. T. Piers. Its present membership is
njo, with the following officers: Consul, M. H. Phillippie ; Advisor, George
.Miles; Banker, J. Boeckh ; Clerk, C. M. Roggensack ; Escort, B. J. Byers ; Sentry,
R. Lowe; Watchman, M. Olson; Directors, M. Whalen, H. Aschom and O. Aloe.
Riverside Camp, Xo. 1521, Royal Xeighbors of America, was organized
April 13, 1899. with twenty-three charter members, and flourishes along with
the M. W. A. with which it is affiliated.
OTHER FRATERXAL SOCIETIES
Now represented by more or less active organizations in Lansing comprise
the following:
.Maple Lodge. Xo. 35, Iowa Legion of Honor, organized August 14, 1879,
has paid numerous death benefits. Present officers : R. Hufschmidt, president ;
and R. A. Dunlevy, secretary.
Lansing Homestead, Xo. 297, Brotherhood of American Yeomen, organized
June 2. 1899. Principal officers now are: G. F. Roeder, foreman, and C. M.
Roggensack, correspondent.
Liberty Lodge, Xo. 239, Modern Brotherhood of America, was organized
March 20, 1895, with a membership of twenty-one, which has been largely
increased.
St. George's Court, Catholic Order of Foresters, and St. Rita's Court,
Women's C. O. F., are other flourishing organizations.
POSTOFFK E
Upon the establishment of a postoffice at Lansing in 1849, James Haney was
appointed postmaster and held the office until 1853 or '54, when he was succeeded
by A. W. 1'urdy. who retained his incumbency through the remainder of the
Pierce and Buchanan administrations. Soon after the inauguration of President
Lincoln he appointed II. II. Hemenway to this position, who served until 1869,
when he was succeeded by J. G. Orr. The defalcation by Orr occurred in
July, 1874, and, at the request of his bondsmen, Capt. James Ruth, who was
then in the railway mail service running between Dubuque and La Crosse, was
placed in charge of the office temporarily, and in September following was regu-
larly appointed postmaster. Mr. Ruth held the office continuously for more than
twelve years, or until April 1, 1887, when Robert Hufschmidt was appointed by
UNLOADING CLAMSHELLS AT LANSING
VIEW OF MAIN" STREET. LANSING
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 449
President Cleveland, who occupied the position until May i, 1891, when Cap-
tain Ruth was reinstated by President Harrison. This kind of "rotation" in
office was further carried out by Mr. Cleveland reappointing Mr. Hufschmidt
to the position December 1, 1894. February 8, 1899, he was succeeded by J. F.
Wier, who served a little over four years. March 2, 1903, Mr. Wier was fol-
lowed by Geo. W. Metcalf of the Mirror, who has now held the office something
over ten years.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
A good start has been made toward an institution of this kind through the
efforts of the ladies of the Lansing Library Association, who, with the aid of
their friends have secured over five hundred volumes, besides a large number of
magazines. These with 100 books loaned by the State Library, comprise a
variety of reading that is already appreciated by the public. Use of the books
is entirely free to all applicants, under the usual restrictions. It is hoped that
the building now occupied will become the permanent home of the library, as
soon as arrangements for its sale by Capt. E. B. Bascom, executor of the estate
to which it belongs, are made. Already he and a number of other generous cit-
izens have pledged a large part of the funds needed for its purchase. Among
those largely credited with the success of this commendable enterprise is given
the name of Lansing's long-time resident, Mrs. Martha Hemenway. And it is
announced that a bequest of $100 was made in the will of the late Miss Man-
Monk, a beloved teacher in the Lansing public schools for over forty years.
MILITARY COMPANY
The Lansing militia company was organized July 2, 1877, and assigned to
the Fourth Regiment Iowa National Guards, with sixty-three enlisted men
and three officers, as follows: Captain, E. B. Bascom; First Lieut., Thos. Spur-
rier; Second Lieut., Richard Haney. In July, 1878, the command was transferred
to the Ninth Regiment, but a year later was again transferred to the Fourth
Regiment, in which it remained as Company E. In August, 1881, Captain Bas-
com was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the regiment, Dick Haney elected
captain; H. P. Lane, first lieutenant, and John Dorrman, second lieutenant
Captain Haney resigned in March, 1883, and in June, H. P. Lane was elected
captain ; John Dorrman, first lieutenant, and Geo. W. Metcalf, second lieutenant.
The company was mustered out in 1885, and Lieutenant Colonel Bascom
resigned July 4. 1886, at expiration of term of service. The company only had
one call for duty, and that was soon after it was organized in 1877, when Cap-
tain Bascom had orders to hold his company in readiness to move at a moment's
notice, the occasion being the Pittsburg railroad strike which threatened to attain
the proportions of a rebellion. The grim old war veteran in commenting recently
on this near call for actual duty remarked facetiously, "The captain was some-
what excited, not having seen service, but the men were all cool and no doubt
would have done nobly had they been called out ; I never had any but brave men
in my service." The company participated in the regimental and brigade encamp-
ments six or seven years.
450 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
RAILROAD
From its earliest settlement Lansing grew steadily, and enjoyed a prosperity
not surpassed by any town in the West. It was known to have one of the best
steamboat landings on the river, and in a few years after its first settlement
became the supply point for a vast tract of country in Northeastern Iowa and
Southern Minnesota, which was then being rapidly settled. Emigrants from the
East and all points of Europe came by hundreds, seeking homes among the then
beautiful valleys of Allamakee, and on the prairies beyond. These people came
by boat and made their way west with ox-teams, or on foot, as best they could.
Soon the fertile soil of this new land began to yield its harvests of golden grain.
For a distance of more than one hundred miles west, and nearly as far north and
south, wheat and other kinds of grain came pouring into Lansing, to be trans-
ported by boat to the markets of the world. The commerce of the place in those
olden times — in the times of wheat — was enormous, Lansing being for a number
of years the best wheat market on the Mississippi river.
During these years the town increased wonderfully in population. Substan-
tial business blocks were erected, elegant residences built, and many fine fortunes
were made. In 1872 a railroad reached Lansing from Dubuque, constructed
along the west bank of the river. To this enterprise the citizens contributed
liberally, besides voting a 5 per cent tax in its aid. The road is now controlled
by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company. The completion of
this road to Lansing was an important event in its history.
Prior to this time the river was the only means of communication between
Lansing and the world, and the complete or partial ice embargo of each winter
was not removed from the trade of Lansing until the construction of the railroad
before mentioned. This road, the Chicago, Dubuque & Minnesota Railroad
Company, originally the Dubuque & Minnesota Railroad Company, was incor-
porated December 16, 1867. The names of the incorporators were: J. K.
Graves, J. M. Merrill, Piatt Smith, E. H. Williams, and Joseph Herod. On the
27th of January, 1869, J. E. Ainsworth reported his reconnoissance of the pro-
posed line, and the next year capital was invested in the enterprise. The ground
was first broken, with appropriate ceremonies, at Eagle Point, at 3 o'clock,
Tuesday afternoon, October 18, 1870. Two years later the cars were running
into Lansing. In recognition of the work that had been accomplished, and the
many beneficial results expected to follow its completion, the citizens of Lansing
prepared for a grand railroad celebration.
Wednesday, May 8, 1872. was set apart for the day of the ovation. Invita-
tions were extended to delegations from all the towns on the line of the road, and
elsewhere. The railroad people provided a special excursion train which left
Dubuque at 8:30 A. M. drawn by two engines, the "Lansing" and the "J. K.
< I raves." both appropriately decorated with flags and evergreens. Over one thou-
sand excursionists were aboard, accompanied by the Germania band of Dubuque.
The train arrived in Lansing at 2:15 P. M., and was received in royal style
with salutes of cannon and music by the Lansing Cornet band. A reception
committee consisting of Hon. L. E. Fellows, Capt. E. B. Bascom, Jas. T. Met-
calf, Gustav Kerndt and Theodore Steidle, met the party at the foot of Main
street and escorted them to Concert Hall, where a magnificent banquet was
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 451
spread. The great crowd was admirably handled by Chief Marshal Capt. E. B.
Bascom, assisted by Maj. Samuel W. Hemenway, Capt. Jas. Ruth, and Capt.
S. O. Smith. The hall was beautifully decorated, and the tables arranged on
either side with the ends toward the middle line and the stage.
On the stage and in the center was the press table, arranged by Mr. C. W.
Hufschmidt. The newspaper men who enjoyed its many luxuries reported that
it presented a more tempting sight than editor, reporter or printer had ever seen ;
that it was a "fat take" in truth. Just below the footlights was the railroad
table presided over by Hon. S. H. Kinne, then state senator from Allamakee
county, and his accomplished wife. At the right of the stage the mayor and
council of Dubuque occupied table No. 3, arranged by Mayor Nielander of
Lansing. Table No. 5 was arranged by R. P. Spencer for citizens of Dubuque,
and next to this was No. 7, arranged by Geo. H. Bryant for Dubuque guests
also. Then came table No. 9, arranged by Theo. Nachtwey for guests from
Guttenberg. Table No. 11 was for guests from Clayton, arranged by W. A.
Travis; and next to this came No. 13, arranged by J. W. Thomas for guests
from Waukon. The Decorah guests were seated at table No. 15, presided over
by Mrs. S. H. Hazleton. Number 17, next to the door, was arranged by Mrs.
Purdy for guests from Harper's Ferry, De Soto and Dorchester. The first table
on the right as you enter was No. 14, arranged by Mr. Pearson for the county
officials. Next came No. 12, arranged by Capt. E. B. Bascom for general guests.
Then came No. 10, where citizens of McGregor and Dubuque were seated,
arranged by Mr. N. A. Nelson. Next to this was No. 8, arranged by Mr. Wenst
for guests from McGregor. And then came No. 6, for the use of Dubuque
officials, arranged by Mr. Shaw. At the end of the stage on this side, table No.
4, was arranged for the use of the mayor and council of Galena by Dr. J. W.
Davis. Two hundred and fifty-six guests were seated at a time, and five sittings
were given.
Dinner over, the meeting was called to order by his honor, Mayor Nielander,
who made a brief address of welcome, responded to by Mayor Turk of Dubuque,
after which Hon. L. E. Fellows delivered the reception speech.
Short addresses were then delivered by Gen. Win. Vandever, Hon. Wm. B.
Allison, Judge T. S. Wilson, Hon. J. O. Crosby, Hon. J. K. Graves, and others.
Several letters from distinguished guests who had been prevented from attending
were read. The ceremonies at the hall concluded with the presentation by the
young ladies of Lansing to Engineer Brough of two beautiful cushions for his
iron horse, the "Lansing." These were presented to Mr. Brough by Miss Frankie
Shaw, later Mrs. George H. Markley, with the following remarks:
"In behalf of the young ladies of Lansing I present you these cushions as a
slight token of their regard for the honor conferred upon our city in naming
one of the locomotives, the 'Lansing.' I trust, sir, that no accident may ever
happen to you or to your locomotive, and that these cushions may ever remind
you of the happy event of today, and of the kindly feeling of our citizens, and
particularly of those in whose behalf I make this presentation for yourself
and the noble and powerful engine now under your control."
Thus ended a red-letter day in the history of Lansing. At this time -the
town was very prosperous. Real estate sold readily at high prices, and the town
seemed destined to enjoy a future of unexampled prosperity.
452 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
But the farming community upon which the town had to depend largely for
its support had, up to this time, relied almost entirely upon raising wheat. When,
soon after 1872, the wheat crops began to fail and continued to be failures year
after year, the effect began to be observed in Lansing as elsewhere. Year after
year the farmers clung to the delusive hope that the next year would surely be
a good year for wheat, until many of them were compelled to lose their farms
and begin life again further west with nothing. But a few years later the farmers
turned their attention more to stock-raising, dairying, and other crops than
wheat, and soon became unusually prosperous, which conditions brought renewed
prosperity to the towns as well.
SOME LANSING PIONEERS
Horace H. Houghton and John Haney, Sr., the original proprietors of Lan-
sing, were men of marked ability, integrity and goodness of heart. During these
times when schemes of doubtful propriety were aided and encouraged by men
of the most pious professions, the founders of Lansing remained true to the
dictates of the most unselfish and exalted morality. As copartners in various
business enterprises each relied on the other's honor and neither was ever for
a moment dissatisfied with the result.
Horace H. Houghton was born in Springfield, Windsor county, Vermont,
October 26, 1806, and died at Galena, Illinois, April 30, 1879, aged seventy-three
years. He was the fourth of six children. His father died when he was six
years old. From the age of twelve to eighteen he labored on a farm. He then
apprenticed himself to Rufus Colton of Woodstock, Vermont, where he learned
the art of printing. He worked two years as a journeyman printer after attain-
ing his majority, the most of his time for Messrs. J. and J. Harper, who were
the proprietors of the house and firm of Harper Brothers, of New York. He
then became proprietor of the Vermont Statesman published at Castleton, Ver-
mont. While engaged in the publication of this paper he invented the method
now so much in vogue, of printing one side of several papers on the same form ;
and while at Castleton he thus printed the outsides of papers published at Rut-
land, Middlebury, Vergennes and Springfield, Vermont, with gratifying success.
While here he invented a power press, an essential feature of which has
entered into the construction of every successful power press which has since
been manufactured. This press he sold to the then state printer at Albany for
$6,000, on condition that its work should prove satisfactory after three months'
trial. At the close of the time agreed upon he received notice that his money
was ready for him. But this was prior to the age of railroads and telegraphs,
and before Mr. Houghton could draw on the parties to whom he had sold his
press and have the draft reach them, they had assigned all their effects, includ-
ing his power press, to preferred creditors. This unexpected and undeserved
misfortune had the effect of driving the young printer to seek new opportunities
in the West. He crossed the Alleghanies with his effects in a pack on his back.
Having spent a few months in St. Louis he one day observed a steamer adver-
tised for the "Galena Lead Mines." Investing wdiat money he had in corn he
started with it for Galena, Illinois. Here he worked in the mines for some
months, when the editor of the Northwestern Gazette and Galena Advertiser
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 453
having fought a duel, and being in consequence compelled to flee for his life,
Mr. Houghton purchased the office and afterwards conducted the paper for
nearly forty years. Galena was then and for many years the chief city in the
Northwest in enterprise and commerce.
In politics Mr. Houghton was a whig, and so he became a republican when
that party came into being. His paper had a wide circulation and probably
exerted a larger influence for a period than all papers west of Chicago and
north of St. Louis. At the first election of Mr. Lincoln the four congressional
districts in which Mr. Houghton's paper circulated gave the largest republican
majorities of any like territory in the Union. Judge Drummond, Governor
Ramsey, Hon. E. B. Washburn and General Grant wrere each his debtors, and
cheerfully confessed it, the latter once remarking that Mr. Houghton was the
only editor he had ever known who would always tell the truth without being
paid for it. Mr. Houghton was at one time consul to Lahaina, Hawaiian Islands,
for two years, and postmaster at Galena for four years.
As a typesetter, for rapidity and accuracy Mr. Houghton never found an
equal. He published a daily paper for many years, and it was his practice to
compose his numerous editorials at the case, as he put them in type. He was of
light weight, compactly built, with large brain and a benevolent countenance.
His powers of endurance were wonderful ; for many years he worked six days
in the week, eighteen to twenty hours out of the twenty-four. He was benevo-
lent to a fault, always endeavoring to relieve the needy, not excepting the
unworthy. He valued the upbuilding of Lansing more than he valued gold, and
spent money lavishly in improvements. To spend his life for the good of others
seemed to be the aim and only pleasure of his own. He died a poor man, a
Christian, a martyr to his fidelity to duty.
John Haney, Sr., was born in Lafayette county, Pennsylvania, September
15, 1798. When a lad of sixteen he became a pioneer in the forests of Ohio.
From there in 1832 he removed to Illinois, and came to Iowa in 1848. He died
at Lansing, April 15, 1875. He was a quiet, modest, kind-hearted man, self-
taught in the severe school of experience. He possessed a remarkable memory,
and being an industrious reader was thoroughly acquainted with history and
the current events of his time. Much of his leisure was spent in the study of
mathematics, in which science, although self-taught, he was probably without
an equal in the state, all the higher branches of the study having been completely
mastered by this modest student in his log" cabin during the long nights of our
northern winters. His self-control was perfect and permitted no personal weak-
nesses or small vices, such as are generally considered quite pardonable. He was
in his eating, drinking and speaking strictly temperate, and his private life was
free from the slightest suspicion of any impurity. Having lived a large portion
•of his life among the Winnebago Indians, he was known by nearly all of them,
and considered by them to be one of the best men who ever lived. This is not
strange, for Mr. Haney never intentionally injured any human being. So sincere
was his regard for others, and so strongly did he believe in the equality of all
men, that every one who chanced to be at his home was compelled to sit with him
at the table, whether negro, Indian or wandering trapper. He was an abolitionist
of the blackest kind, and one of the strongest of Union men during the Rebel-
lion. He might have attained to high, official position had he chosen to do so,
454 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
but he preferred to do his duty as he saw it in the humble, unobserved walks
of life. What would gratify him most, were he living, to have been written of
him — what he desired to be when living, more than all else — and what those
who knew him well knew him to be — is best expressed in the simple statement —
he was an honest man.
Henry Bensch was another of Lansing's prominent and long-time citizens.
Born in Bertholdsdorf, in Silesia. Germany, August 29, 1832, came to Lansing
April 16, 1855. Married Miss Lena Frye the same year, who died in 1898.
Mr. Bensch was a veteran carpenter; kindly and genial by nature, a lover of
home, children. rL >wers, and out-door sports. He was a man of cultivated tastes,
and of influence among his fellows. He served for years on the school board,
and also on the city council, as township trustee, and member of the county
board of supervisors. His death occurred February 9, 1913.
Capt. E. B. Bascom is given the honor due to a veteran soldier as well as a
veteran settler of Lansing, who is one of the few remaining pioneers. Born in
Newport, New Hampshire, in 1833, he came to Lansing in the spring of 1855,
where he engaged as contractor and builder until the breaking out of the Rebel-
lion, when he was the first man to enlist from Lansing, in Company K, Fifth Iowa
Infantry. He was promoted second lieutenant February 1, 1862; first lieutenant
Max 14. 1862; and captain. January 2^, 1863. Saw active service throughout
the war, some of the most prominent battles being Booneville, Island No. 10,
New Madrid, Corinth, and siege of Corinth, Iuka, Fort Gibson, Yicksburg, and
Missionary Ridge. Returning to Lansing after the war he entered into active
business, and is still active in matters pertaining to the good of the city. He also
served the state many years in her National Guard, retiring with the rank of
colonel.
A remarkable character was Mr. Piatt LaPoint, who departed this life at
South Lansing on September 29, 1889, in his one hundred and eleventh year,
his birth occurring at Montreal, Canada, January 25, 1779, according to his
statement. He was of French Canadian descent, and during much of his early
life he was engaged with the fur companies in the far Northwest, and it was
while in their employ he first visited Iowa in about the year 1814. He recol-
lected when the site of the city of Dubuque was but a wilderness, and was on
the spot where St. Paul now stands -when there was but one log cabin in sight.
Mr. LaPoint served in the Blackhawk war. and previous to that had served
sixteen years under the British. He twice went to California, the last time
returning with John S. Mobley. He was twice married, his first wife dying
without issue, and seven children were born to him by his second marriage, but
three of whom survived him. one daughter then living in Kentucky, and a son
and a daughter in Denver. Colorado. For eleven years previous to his death,
Mr. LaPoint had made his home with Mr. Gobell, at South Lansing, from whose
residence the funeral was held, interment being at Wexford cemetery. His was
a long and active life, and he certainly had participated in some of the most
stirring scenes in the history of this region.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 455
A PERSONAL LETTER
Washington, D. C, February 22, 1913.
Mr. E. M. Hancock, Waukon, Iowa.
My Old Friend Hancock: I have yours of the 17th requesting me to
furnish you some details connected with the history of Allamakee county for the
work which you have in preparation.
Forty-three years have passed since I became a resident of Lansing, and I
have reached my sixty-eighth year; these conditions are not to be lost sight of,
and, while I should feel great pleasure in rendering you any service within my
power, I am constrained to say that my memory fails to serve me regarding
the dates and other particulars having bearing upon many events not without
interest, and worthy of record.
Again, after 1882 I ceased to have active participation in affairs in the
county, and in 1889 removed to the East. I may, however, write with some pre-
cision regarding men and things as I knew them in the palmy days of Lansing,
when I took a share in the strenuous times of that period.
The steamboat which landed at the Lansing pier at 2 in the morning of
August 23, 1870, carried me from Prairie du Chien, and I lodged at the old
American House, at the foot of Main street, which, as I now recollect, was kept
by Mr. Albert, but perhaps by Jac. Dreher. The first thing which struck my
notice was the resemblance between Lansing and Harper's Ferry, West Virginia,
through which place I passed a couple of days before, as regards the great
bluffs, the river, and the valley in which located ; the similarity is striking.
The first citizen of the place, with whom I became acquainted, was T. W.
Thomas, of the bank, upon whom I called the forenoon of that day, and it is
one of the most pleasant recollections of my life that from that moment we
were friends. I have received from him innumerable kindnesses and every
business favor I ever asked. I hold his memory in profound respect.
Those were the "boom days" of Lansing — rather the beginning of the boom,
perhaps. It was the great wheat market north of Dubuque, and it was a daily
occurrence for teams to be lined on the two streets leading to the river, hun-
dreds deep, some from distances of fifty or more miles. Things were pretty
lively ; there were numerous saloons, and all did a thriving trade ! Trade in mer-
chandise was correspondingly active, and times were certainly good — a great
contrast to conditions as they came to be in after years, when the territory to
the west was cut off by railroads, and crops failed for some years in succession.
The river was the only outlet, during the milder season ; and except for the
short time when the ice was moving in the spring, its surface in winter was the
highway to Prairie du Chien, to which place grain, pork, etc., was hauled by
sledges, and the mail and passengers carried in like manner to and from Mc-
Gregor. The advent of the first steamboat in the spring was a great event, and
looked forward to with interest.
Of the grain dealers, C. W. Hufschmidt ("Charlie," as everyone knew and
called him) was probably the most active, and he was a man whom nature never
intended to take a back seat in the game of life, whatever he may have under-
taken. As I now call to mind the men of most prominence whom I best remem-
ber, I think it may be said that he had a wider acquaintance then and during
456 I'AST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
after years than any other citizen of the county; but perhaps D. W. Adams,
during the "Granger" period, had an equally wide knowledge of people, confined,
however, to those in that organization, while Charlie Hufschmidt was known
by men in all walks of life, who appreciated his genial and characteristic
personality.
Gustav Kerndt knew perhaps more people in Allamakee and Winneshiek
counties than any other man, and he was universally respected; he. was a power
in the financial and business affairs of the section for many years. In like man-
ner. Henry Xielander was a strong man, of great activity, of habits so indus-
trious that he was in that particular without an equal. Moritz and William
Kerndt were then more active perhaps in the inside management of their great
business, but later Moritz succeeded Gustav as its head, and became interested in
the bank and other lines. He alone remains of these brothers, types of splendid
business men. and retired from business some years ago, leaving to the younger
men the direction of affairs in which he once was so conspicuous.
It is with feelings of sadness that I call to mind these and other men and
the events of those times, because, with the exception of two or three, every man
older than myself then active in the business affairs of the place has passed
awav. With all of them my relations were those of friendship, and I am sure
that I was honored in having their like respect and confidence. It would be an
incomplete history of the locality if it failed to give to them an honored place
in its pages.
Of the younger men, of about my own age, there are few remaining. One
is that sterling citizen, Herman Schierholz, a most successful business man.
Capt. James Ruth, one of the best of men, who took a prominent part in the
political and business affairs of the time, with whom my relations were most in-
timate, has "gone before;" peace to his memory!
"Doc" Spaulding was a character, and an original one, too ! One of the most
genial of men, and the standby of the younger married people, who had such
delightful dancing parties under his direction. Sam H. Kinne, as a lawyer and
politician, was widely known throughout the state.
Judge Fellows, through his legal and Masonic environment, enjoyed an ac-
quaintance throughout the state that was more extended than that of perhaps
any other citizen, possibly with the exception of Judge Granger. What splen-
did types of men ! Every attribute was theirs which adorns the bench, respects
the law, honors the citizen, and makes the upright judge. The one has passed
away ; the other survives.
Aside from the men who may be regarded as merchants, the man most prom-
inent in the affairs of Lansing for many years, a pioneer. in the county, and at
the head of its manufacturing and industrial operations, Homer H. Hemenway
may be reckoned. Lorn in Potsdam, New York, November 18, 1831, he went to
Lansing in 1855. and for many years was the moving spirit in its lumber trade,
a very important factor in those days. Widely known because of his extensive
business interests and Masonic prominence, he was a man of great power in
affairs, and of commanding influence in many directions. He long since became
a citizen of Colorado, and through connection with associations of lumbermen,
gained an acquaintance extending over the United States. He is a man of
marked and original personalty, native wit, and keen discernment, and has been
View of lower Main street from the
Wisconsin shore
Catholic church
Public school
View of Lansing from Mt. Hosmer
Presbyterian church
Bird's-eye view of Lansing and the river
SCENES IN LANSING ■
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 459
spared to reach his 82d year, honored by all who know him, and enjoying rea-
sonably good health, at his home in Colorado Springs.
Capt. E. B. Bascom, who recently reached his eightieth year, has been the
honored veteran of Allamakee county survivors of the Civil war, and carries
well the years allotted him. His sufferings and remarkable experiences as a
prisoner of war is a subject which he is modestly not inclined to recall, except
at intervals, and he is entitled to all the honors and esteem which an appreciative,
loyal community can show.
Elder Horatio W. Houghton was in religious circles, particularly of his
denomination, very widely known and honored. He was a pioneer of the county,
and had much to do with its affairs for many years.
Dr. John W. Davis, yet a resident of Lansing, went there at an early period,
and is a most highly honored citizen, as was his father-in-law, the late Squire
W. D. Morgan, also a pioneer.
Edward Boeckh, Henry Bensch (who passed away only last week), Wm. H.
Burford, George Kemble, John Kemble, Samuel H. Hazleton, John D. Cole,
and others, whom I am unable now to recall by name, were of those who became
citizens at early dates, and prominent in affairs.
Rev. James Frothingham held a wide acquaintance, and was one of the older
citizens; later Rev. Thos. Oliver, as the inventor of the typewriting machine
bearing his name, and Rev. George Elliott, who became a most prominent and
influential person in his church, were among those who occupied humbler posi-
tions in the earlier days of Lansing.
Dr. Theo. Nachtwey was an old resident, and served as county superintendent
in the sixties ; a democratic ticket which failed to bear the genial doctor's name
as a candidate for something might have been questioned as to its genuineness.
'The advent of the railroad changed affairs and affected the business interests
of 'the county to a far-reaching extent. The company's representative in the
original organization was D. A. Mahoney, of Dubuque, one of the keenest,
brightest men of the day, and he succeeded in obtaining generous subscriptions
of money and land from the Lansing people, at a meeting held for the pur-
pose, of which I was secretary. Those were the days when A. K. Graves and
Jo Rhomberg, of Dubuque, handled the road's interests and later managed and
controlled it. Peter Kiene, Jr., the secretary, a splendid type of manhood, died
only recently; the others long ago. I recall the strange circumstance connected
with the sale of the road, which gave its ownership to the Milwaukee instead of
Northwestern interests. Both were seeking control ; the Northwestern people
had a special car, which reached Lansing in the evening, and was sidetracked
for the night. If the parties aboard had proceeded on their journey northward
they undoubtedly would have been the owners of the road; as it was, the Mil-
waukee folks learned of the whereabouts of their rivals, and that very night
closed the sale. Next morning the Northwestern car had to pass over a part of
the line of the Milwaukee when it left Lansing.
What a tremendous business was that of the steamboat lines, in those times,
in carrying pleasure-seekers from the south to Minnesota points ! What fine
steamers, loaded to capacity, were those of the Diamond Jo and the Packet Com-
panies, rivals in trade ! And the river traffic in lumber was marvelous. I have
sat upon my porch, at my home fronting the river, Sunday afternoon for exam-
460 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
pie. and there was scarcely a moment when the river, fronting and above and
below Lansing for a short distance, was free from rafts, passing down stream,
and always interesting to observe, aside from the fact of the immense interests
in business which they represented.
Socially there were no finer, more generous folk than those of the old time
in Lansing. My life has not been uneventful, and I have mingled with people
in every part of the country, but I have yet to know of a place where the resi-
dents were more social, more hospitable, more friendly to a stranger, than those
of the town nestled at the foot of Mount Hosmer. Those most dear to me who
have passed away rest there, and. when my earthly pilgrimage is over, and I too
am laid at rest. I wish that it may be there, among those who too are at rest.
This letter has already taken more space than was intended at the beginning,
and vet the "half has not been told." I remember the Allamakee county that
was, not as it is, and the strenuous times of those twenty years of my citizenship
were full of events which the historian may well regard with favor, and recount
for the edification and information of those who, succeeding the active partici-
pants of that time, may well emulate the virtues of their ancestors, and follow
with due care their precepts. It is an honor, at any time, to be a citizen of the
noble state of Iowa, and it is an equal honor to have been a citizen of Allamakee
county, and a friend of those who long ago shaped its affairs and guided the
generation who today are taking the places of the honored pioneers who are at
rest in its churchyards.
Very truly yours,
James T. Metcalf.
RANDOM SKETCHES AXD PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF MEN AND AFFAIRS OF
LANSING FORTY YEARS AGO
J. W. Thomas was a man universally respected, a high type of the best citizen-
ship, of most pleasing personality, genial social characteristics, and fine appear-
ance. P. F. Sturgess, of West Union, a man of much prominence, throughout
the state, was once in Lansing, and I invited him to accompany me in calling
upon Mr. Thomas. Their interview over, after we had left the bank, Sturgess
said, "Is that man as good a man as he is good-looking?" "Yes," I replied,
"He is one of the best men I ever knew in my life." "Well," he said, "He is the
finest looking man I ever saw in the state of Iowa!"
John Schinzel was landlord of the best hotel, and was widely known under
the title the drummers gave him. "Mit and Mitout." He was a fat, good-natured
man, and, accustomed to himself waiting upon the guests, at rush times, would
inquire. "Will you have your beefsteak mit or mitout?". meaning with onions or
without them, and to this odd expression was due the title which the jolly travel-
ing men gave him.
Peter Wuest and Joseph Urmersbach ran the Metropolitan saloon, always
known as "Pete and Joe's." Their business was very extensive, the place being
always crowded. Pete raised several fine boys, who became prominent in
business affairs at Sioux Falls.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 461
R. P. Spencer, while hardware was his line, looked after auction business in
addition. He was a gifted man ; if inclined to pluck the feathers from the tail
of the eagle at times, he was a witty talker, and whether at a political meeting,
an auction, or a prayer meeting, was not at a loss to make some remarks, and
good ones at that.
Michael Healy was a noted man, particularly in the famous county seat con-
tests of prior years, in which he took an active part, being the treasurer for a
time. He was a successful auctioneer, real estate man, and in other lines. He
raised two splendid boys, who became very prominent in state affairs, after they
had grown to manhood at Fort Dodge, where the family located. The father
passed away within a year.
Clark Wier was a keen, clear-headed man of business, most liberal in any
movement in which the interests of the town were involved. He brought to the
place the first soda fountain.
Phillip Bockfinger was the head of a business of magnitude, and a most ex-
cellent citizen. He raised several boys, who became prominent in affairs in other
localities.
Darwin L. Shaw had much to do with business affairs of the place, in lumber
merchandise, grain, etc. At one time his interests in timber lands were extensive,
in addition to those activities which he controlled in the town. He was a man of
very positive views, which he could express without being misunderstood, as
occasion required; socially his home was of most generous hospitality.
Thomas C. Medary (everybody knew him as "Tom") was a "natural-born"
newspaper man. He was essentially a local writer ; he cared little for any other
branch of editorial writing. He was gifted with a sense of humor that gave
to his paper an individuality, and justly entitled him to be regarded as one of the
very best local writers of the state. Fie was an original character, never at a loss
to say a witty thing in a humorous, interesting way. It was an event of little
importance in the county if he did not take a prominent place therein, and he
"had a nose for news" such as few reporters could hope to excel, if indeed to
approach. We were rivals in business, for a time, and, like other newspaper folk,
occasionally indulged in printed fireworks ; but no one could do otherwise than
admire his genial personality and forget his faults, which were not of the heart.
He reared a fine family, and his newspaper mantle has worthily fallen upon
a son.
Peter Karberg established and conducted a paper, printed in German and
English, for a time. He had been a mail agent on the railroad north from
Dubuque, and resided at Guttenberg, before removing to Lansing. He had con-
siderable ability, and was a fine-looking man.
Mat Simon was a celebrity as a saloonist, and kept a resort which was head-
quarters for a lot of folk, who enjoyed the liquid and solid refreshments he dis-
462 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
pensed at his counter. He was a practical joker. One April first the room was
crowded, and among others Peter Karberg accepted Mat's invitation to "take a
sausage," which however the latter had filled with sawdust. The angriest man
in seven states could not have held a candle to Peter, but all the rest laughed
at and guyed him.
Charles A. Gardner was the first railroad agent, and a very good one, too.
He was a fine fellow, very popular, and took a part in all the affairs of the
town when help was appreciated. He has since been located in various places,
and is now at Dallas, Texas.
D. D. Doe opened the Dudley House, and gave the town the best hotel in its
history. Mr. Doe handled in addition a stock of groceries. He decided after a
time to dispose of his interests, and I printed for him an advertisement worded
about as follows : "For sale — my business interests in Lansing, consisting of, etc.
Any one, a firm believer in the virtues of barley juice and vinegar bitters, will
find here a congenial opening," etc. The grim humor is evident when it is re-
called that Mr. Doe was by no means a convert to the popular theory that lager
beer is delectable and a necessity ; and at the time it was the rule for every one
to regularly shake with ague, a remedy for which was the extensively advertised
nostrum he named, and held in much contempt.
Political lines were so closely drawn that a half-dozen ballots might decide
a contest. One of the most famous was that between Capt. James Ruth
(republican) and James Palmer (democrat) for the office of sheriff. Both
were extremely popular, worthy men, and made strong efforts, in which their
friends joined enthusiastically. The result was (I speak only from recollection,
and my figures may be slightly inaccurate ) six votes for Palmer in excess of
those for Ruth. There was an informality in the returns from one of the town-
ships, adjacent to Makee, and a special election was ordered, for that township,
at which Palmer came out ahead some three or four votes.
John G. Orr ("Greg," as he was called by everybody) was postmaster at
Lansing, an extremely popular man, accommodating, kind-hearted, and a good
officer. In addition, he had revenue stamps in charge, and held one or more local
positions. One Saturday night, as the steamer bound south landed at the pier,
I happened to be there, and Orr came somewhat hurriedly down the street,
valise in hand, and casually remarked to me, as he walked aboard the boat, "I'm
going down to Dubuque for a little trip." I thought but little of the matter, as
it was an ordinary occurrence for persons to make like trips, and Orr always
had in hand a lot of political schemes. So far as I am aware, nobody in that
town ever saw or heard of his whereabouts thereafter ! He disappeared as com-
pletely as if swallowed up in the ocean. I am quite confident that his relatives
(he left a wife and family behind, and other connections) were absolutely igno-
rant of what became of him, at least during several years after his disappearance.
The mystery of the trip was very soon solved, as, when he failed to return
within a day or so, an examination of his accounts led to the discovery that he
was short some hundreds of dollars — it is my recollection that the total (he was
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 463
a defaulter on each of his bonds) was somewhat about $1,500. An inspector
soon arrived, and the deficiency had to be made good by the friends whom he had
so grossly treated. It was a mystery how he had used so large a sum, but it was
partially explained by the fact that when he made his too numerous visits to the
saloons, he called up all the "boys" who happened to be about and, from the bulg-
ing pocketbook he always carried, forgot to differentiate between the cash be-
longing to Uncle Sam and his own !
The Chronicle was the other paper published in Lansing, by Dr. John I.
Taylor, an old-timer, hale fellow well met with everybody, and known by most
folk throughout that neck of woods as "Doc." He was an original character,
rugged, full of humor, and a past master in political finesse, somewhat unscrupu-
lous about ways and means to gain an end politically. He did not know a "shoot-
ing stick" from an "italic quad," and was only an indifferent writer. The office
building was destroyed by fire. An edition had just been printed; the forms
were on the marble slab, called the "stone ;*' empty barrels were handy, and by-
standers scraped the platter clean by shoving everything off the stone into these
barrels, and in them was dumped everything else that came handiest. Such a
mess was never seen! I bought from Taylor the entire outfit— list, business,
barrels of stuff, etc., and caused the material to be patiently assorted, with con-
siderable financial advantage. I added the word "Chronicle," and the name was
"Mirror and Chronicle" for a short time.
New Albin came into this life with advent of the railroad. Dr. Taylor and
his son started a paper there, but I do not remember its name, nor what became
of it.
lohn Dunlevy was a boy in the Mirror office when I took charge of it. He
was an excellent printer, and turned out good job work. Later he and his
brother had a paper at Spring Grove, Minnesota, but removed it to Lansing, and
it became the Allamakee Journal, now published, and both brothers are well
qualified, practical newspaper men.
I cannot recollect when or under what circumstances Robert V. Shurley en-
gaged in newspaper business in Lansing. He had been with the Dubuque Her-
ald, and was a capable printer and editor. Whether S. G. Sherburne, and his son
came later, or preceded Shurley, my memory fails to prompt me ; nor do I re-
member where they went nor when they left the town.
E. A. Blum ("Gus") came from Rossville, and was a business hustler. He
was afterward a member of the board of supervisors, and is now a resident of
Omaha. He was a fine fellow, universally well liked.
L. M. Elmendorf ("Dorf") handled a thriving jewelry trade, and later went
to and died in San Francisco.
It was my privilege to instruct in the art preservative several fine boys, notably
one whose short legs would not permit of standing at the "case," and who of
464 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
necessity was perched upon a candle-box ! I took him as a "cub" with some mis-
giving, on account of his youth, but it is a pleasure to now say that a better boy
never smelled printers' ink than Andrew P. Bock, now running a paper of his
own, the Waukon Republican. He was the most industrious little chap ; always
good-natured ; seldom spoke except when spoken to ; willing, keen to watch for
something to be done, and to do it, without being asked to do so. He soon became
a first-class job printer, and a thorough all-around newspaper man, and I recall
only with pleasure every recollection of this fine boy.
George H. Bryant was a dealer in shoes. Along during the old times when
political affairs were strenuous, an occasion presented itself when it became nec-
essary to find a strong man as candidate for county treasurer. He was an ardent
republican, and one day we happened to discuss this matter, both unable to sug-
gest an available candidate. Suddenly I thought "Thou art the man," and at once
told him so, with enthusiasm, as he was certainly one of the best and most popu-
lar citizens of the county. He was rather averse to being a candidate, but finally
authorized the presentation of his name at the convention, which was done, and
with a result very gratifying, as his name and prestige added largely to the
strength of the ticket, and carried it through in fine shape. I felt much gratified
because of having a part in bringing into public life such an excellent man, who
continued to serve the public for a number of years, and yet resides at Waukon.
For a time it seemed that Lansing was doomed to destruction, as the work
of an incendiary. First, the buildings at and adjoining the corner of Main and
Third streets were burned, followed by several deliberate attempts to fire other
buildings. There was a period when it seemed unsafe to retire at night, for fear
one's home might be fired, and citizens patrolled the streets. The person guilty
of these crimes was not discovered. Later, the entire block on Main, between
Second and Third streets, the best block in the town, was destroyed, causing
great financial loss and distress for those who owned or occupied the property.
The fire occurred on Saturday. I was traveling in the South, and on Sunday
reached my destination (Mobile) at noon. Shortly before that hour I bought
a New Orleans newspaper, glanced over it casually, and placed it aside to be
read later. It was 2 o'clock, when seated upon the hotel balcony, dozing in my
chair, my eye suddenly caught a telegram in the paper, from La Crosse, to the
effect that the town of Lansing had been practically destroyed, and giving quite
a lengthy list of the names of property owners, all more or less incorrect, but
sufficiently accurate for me to recognize them. While the Mirror plant was
listed, I felt more anxiety about my family, not knowing what extent the damage
might have been, nor what other parts of the town might have suffered. I wired
for assurances in this direction, but could not receive a replv until I reached
New Orleans, next afternoon, nor could I possibly reach Lansing until the fol-
lowing Friday. I found the material of the Mirror office, with exception of a
small quantity hurriedly removed from the building, in the cellar of the bank
below, the presses being merely masses of twisted iron, and everything at all
combustible destroyed. My loss was complete, over and above the nominal
insurance carried.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 465
The first sensational event which transpired after my taking editorial charge
of the Mirror was a murder, which took place on an island, immediately opposite
Lansing, where a houseboat was moored, occupied by disreputable characters,
one of whom was killed by a young fellow named Rose. It furnished material
for some columns, but I do not call to mind particulars, nor the punishment for
the crime.
The county seat relocation contests were strenuous times, not so full of peril
and sensation as the famous removal of records, but confined to a battle at the
ballot box. There was a surprising increase in the number of voters in the town-
ships adjacent to Waukon, and likewise in the returns from Lansing! It was a
good-natured battle royal, however, and not without some very humorous situa-
tions. Charlie (I cannot recall his name), a well-known drummer of Du-
buque, walked up to the voting place, after dark, his face partially concealed by a
muffler, and offered a ballot. "What is your name?" inquired the judge of elec-
tion, a well-known citizen. "Terrence Muldoon, sir," answered the party at the
■window, and in his ballot was passed and accepted ! It was of course an improper
thing, but carried out rather as a lark than otherwise, and had no material bear-
ing upon the result, else it might have been serious. A drove of railroad men,
working on the construction of the line, cast solid ballots ; we republicans had to
grin and bear it, as all were "for Lansing," but at the same time solidly
democratic.
John B. Thorp came also from "York State," as was the case with so many
Lansing folk, and was in business with Geo. Bryant. Some men are born gen-
tlemen ; John Thorp was one. Unassuming in manner, rather reticent in speech,
he had'a great big heart. At the weekly dances, which became a feature in our
social affairs for years, he seemed to always have in mind those ladies who ap-
parently were less in demand as partners, and singled them out for special cour-
tesy and politeness. He would thus spend an entire evening, considerate to
others, and having in that way enjoyment of a character he appreciated best.
It will not be thought that I am invidious if I particularly mention one family
by name, when I might speak of all other families in the place as hospitable.
But this grace was especially conspicuous in the home of S. H. Hazleton. I
think his wife and himself entertained more persons than any other family, as
it was seldom the case they were without visitors, and they reckoned upon having
as their guests every one who came back to the place, after removing elsewhere,
as well as their great circle of friends at Waukon and elsewhere. I am sure
that they will be remembered as princes of hospitality, as they also were regarded
as among the most excellent people.
These notes have been unconsciously extended beyond the limit they doubt-
less should have had. It has seemed impossible to undertake mention of those I
know best in these old times without including those I have named. As I wrote
of one, memory would suddenly bring to mind another.
"Lulled in the countless chambers of the brain,
Our thoughts are linked by many a hidden chain.
466 PAST AXD PRESEXT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Awake but one, and lo ! what myriads rise!
Each stamps its image as the other flies."
If I were to attempt to write of all the many events I deem to have been
interesting; of all the individuals who helped to make history in Allamakee
county, as J remember them, the patience of the reader might become exhausted,
and yet the half be not told.
I wish these random thoughts might have been clothed in more suitable words,
"What I have writ I have writ — would it were worthier." J. T. M.
PEARL BUTTON INDUSTRY
Ever active in industrial enterprise, and prominent for many years among
the lumber manufacturing towns along the river, when the sawmill upon which
so many of her people depended for a livelihood was doomed by the failure of
the supply from the logging camps, Lansing was fortunate to find at her door a
new field for the employment of labor.
In May, 1899, the first pearl button factory in Lansing was started by Mr.
J. M. Turner, and this industry has since grown until it embraces three plants,
employing many hands, largely young women, and having an invested capital
of thousands of dollars.
In 1898 the first clam shells for the manufacture of pearl buttons were gath-
ered near Lansing in a primitive fashion, by hand, or by means of iron rakes.
From this beginning the demand has grown to thousands of tons, and the crude
methods of gathering the mussels have been supplanted by improved devices.
In summer the river for miles north and south of Lansing is dotted with the
small flat-boats of the clam fishers; and in winter the mussels are fished through
holes cut in the ice.
The greatest shell territory is from ten miles north of Lansing to the mouth
of the Wisconsin river, thirty miles or more to the south. This includes the
largest series of shell beds between St. Paul and St. Louis. However, the mus-
sels are fast becoming depleted all along the river, and investigations are in
progress to ascertain a possible remedy therefor. Ten years ago the two fac-
tories at Lansing used from twelve 'to fourteen hundred tons annually.
At first Captain Turner put in a twelve-saw plant for cutting the rough but-
tons, or "blanks" as they are called. Three years later he was running thirty-
six saws, employing, all told, forty-two men. The factory is in operation the
year round.
The Capoli Button Works was established by Nielander & Company, and
is one of the most complete plants of its kind along the river, being fully
equipped for the industry of buttonmaking through its various stages to the
finished product, ready for our clothing. The factory is located in the south
part of Lansing, and has everything for the health and comfort of its employees,
and the most modern machinery to do the work. In 1902 this factory employed
seventy-five people, summer and winter. A multigraph machine has lately been
added to the office appointments at a cost of $500.
An important by-product of the clamming industry is the poultry food made
from the crushed clam-shells after the buttons have been sawed out. The Cap-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 467
tain Turner factory for this purpose now has an output of about twelve tons
per day.
A source of great profit to some fortunate individuals is the finding of an
occasional "pearl of great price" which well repays the clammer for many
months of discomforts and exposure in this calling.
A third concern engaged in this industry is the New Jersey Button Works,
employing a cutting force of about fifty men. Wm. Ritchie, the manager, is now
figuring on a large addition to their plant.
Certain kinds of clam shells are now bringing $50 per ton here. Many
people can remember when they were a drug on the market at $6.00.
EARLY BUSINESS ITEMS
The pioneer manufacturer of Lansing was Elisha Hale, who came in 1851
and put up a frame factory on the river bank nearly opposite the Turner resi-
dence. In 1856 H. H. Hemenway entered into partnership with Mr. Hale,
purchased his interest in '58, and continued the manufacture of farming imple-
ments with Abner Wood, until 1868, when they sold to S. W. and A. G. Hemen-
way. Of recent years the buildings have been occupied by L. O. Rud's wagon
factory, now sold to other parties.
Lansing steam saw and planing mill was the great institution that helped
build up the town. It was run by Shaw, Johnstone, Wood & Co. ;, and by D. L.
& S. V. Shaw; in 1868 by Hemenway, Wood & Co., later Hemenway, Barclay
& Co. It was one of the largest on the river, running a force of 230 men and
turning out 140,000 feet of lumber per day. Later the firm became the Lansing
Lumber Company, John Robson going into the firm in 1884. The mill shut
down in 1893.
In 1854 Nielander, Schierholz & Co. established the "Dutch Store," which grew
into the mercantile house of Nielander & Company of recent years, a fuller ac-
count of which is given elsewhere.
In the fall of 1856 was the beginning of another noted firm which has endured
until this time under the same name, that of G. Kerndt & Bros. In '59 they built
a warehouse on the levee and entered the grain trade. In '61 built the three-story
brick store which they doubled in size five years later. In '68 they built a brick
elevator. Those were great days for wheat; with fourteen warehouses farmers
had to wait to unload. The Kerndts' biographies appear elsewhere. Of the
three original partners Gustav died in 1873, William in 1898, and Moritz is still
hale and strong.
The first lumber brought to Lansing was from Galena, and used in the log
cabin built by John Haney, Sr., in the fall of 1848. The first brought in for sale
was by G. W. Carver in 185 1, and the first he sold was for a house on the present
county farm, fourteen miles out.
M. Travis ran the sash factory and planing mill. It was burned down in
1872, and rebuilt with John Plein in partnership. It ceased to be remunerative
and was finally abandoned, and the old building torn down about the year 1900.
Bockfinger & Boeckemeier in i860 established a plant for manufacture of
wagons, etc., and did an extensive business. The old buildings are still occu-
pied in a similar line of trade, by Spinner Bros.
468 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
In the sixties Chas. Hellbeck operated the Lansing Iron Works, and were
succeeded by Boeckh, Luger & Co., who manufactured the Eureka Turbine Water
Wheel. Rieth & Boeckh built a large brick foundry in 1868.
Win. Manger came about i860 and operated a steam factory for the manu-
facture of furniture. "Manger's Mill" on the bank of the river above town be-
came a landmark. It was torn down about 1900.
Julius Kerndt and Jacob Haas were early brewers. In 1869 Mr. Haas re-
moved the old building and erected a large brick brewery building at a cost of
$14,000. Together with malt house, ice house, powerhouse, and underground
vaults, with a residence, required an outlay of over $35,000. When the prohi-
bition law was enforced in 1886 it became idle, and so remained until 1903 when
it was sold for $1,000.
In a recent issue of the Lansing Mirror appears a fac simile of an old bill
of lading made out in the handwriting of Gen. U. S. Grant, then in the leather
house of his father, J. R. Grant, at Galena, Illinois, and copied from an article
in the Chicago Inter Ocean. The bill of lading is dated May 8, i860, and the
shipment was by the "good steamboat called War Eagle" to J. W. Page, a har-
ness dealer whose shop in Lansing was located next door to Nachtwey's drug
store, and also near the corner of Main and Third streets. The Page home was
a little east of the Methodist church, adjoining the Hays property. The family
removed from Lansing and Mr. Page has been dead many years. It is an interest-
ing souvenir.
In 1867, the first enumeration in which it appears separate from the township,
Lansing city had a population of 1,538. In 1875 it had reached 2,280. But like
most Iowa towns it has since decreased, being but 1,542 by the 1910 census,
which is an increase, however, over that of 1900.
CHAPTER XXII
POSTVILLE AND POST TOWNSHIP
This history of Postville is practically that of Post township, so they cannot
well be treated separately. The township comprises the congressional township
No. 96 north, range 6 west of the 5th P. M., being in the extreme southwest
corner of the county. Mr. A. R. Prescott was the early historian of Postville,
and with his permission the editor has used his excellent sketch published thirty
years ago as the basis of this chapter, with such additions or emendations as
seem to be demanded by later events and present circumstances.
The physical features of the township as described by Mr. Prescott are quite
varied. The surface is undulating, and in the northern part bluffy. Yellow river
takes its course through the northerly part of the township, and has some remark-
able features. It is formed from two branches, meeting on section 8 and almost
immediately disappearing in the loose limestone formation of its bed, running
underground for about two miles, then suddenly gushing out at the foot of the
bluff, in one huge spring, on the northwest quarter of section 3. It is interest-
ing to note that on some of the maps made by the early explorers of the upper
Mississippi, this Yellow river was shown to have its source in a lake, a mistake
probably occurring because of those writers imperfectly understanding the de-
scription of this big spring given them by the Indians. Thence onward, the river
is rapid, clear, and in its descent affording numerous mill sites, and from the
influx of other large springs, very characteristic of this valley, scarcely freezes
in winter. The south bank is skirted by a belt of heavy forest, extending com-
pletely through and beyond the township lines, in width about one and a half to
two miles. On the river bluffs pine was found in considerable quantities, though
long since converted into early buildings. The belt of forest on the south side
of the river consisted of the best varieties of oak, walnut, butternut, ash, hickory,
maple, with basswood and poplar, and in spite of the white man's axe it continued
to furnish its regular supply of fire wood and building materials in increased
quantities for many years.
In these woods bears, wolves, panthers and wild cats were numerous in the
early days, and red deer fairly flocked on the prairies up to about 1857, when a
winter of deep snow and thick crust prevented their traveling, and they were
almost annihilated by the hunters, throughout all this region.
Bear hunting was a favorite pastime up to about 1854, when the last town
hunt, in October, culminated in a law suit against some outsiders who happened
to be "in at the death" of a wounded bear, and who had the bear skinned and the
469
470 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
four hundred pounds of meat divided and quietly taken away before the regular
hunters arrived on the ground to dispatch him. The cause was tried before
John Laughlin, J. P., with Hon. John T. Clark, attorney for the plaintiffs (the
regular hunters), and James & J. D. McKay for defendants. The case was car-
ried to the District court, then to the state Supreme court, and finally decided
adversely to the plaintiffs.
The settlement of Post township by white people was begun by Joel Post, a
millwright from Conewango, Cattaraugus county. New York, who obtained
permission to occupy the Government log shanty, or "half-way" house, built by
the United States troops midway between Fort Crawford, Wisconsin, and Fort
Atkinson, Iowa. The document has been preserved, and reads as follows:
"Joel Post is hereby granted the privilege of occupying the house and stable,
belonging to the public, on the military road from Fort Crawford to Turkey
River ( I. T.) during the pleasure of General Brooke, or the commanding officer
at Fort Crawford.
"The said Joel Post has permission to make such additions to house and stable
as he thinks proper, and the use of the buildings are to be always open, free of
charge to the use of the public ; a supply of wood for the use of one fire is also
to be furnished free of charge. The said Post will also be required to take charge
of and be responsible for all public property placed under his charge at that place.
"The privilege of cutting a sufficient supply of hay for the use of the public,
at the nearest point at that place, is reserved ; and the said Post has the privilege
of cutting what wood and timber, for building and fuel, as he may find necessary
for his own use and travelers. He has also the privilege of breaking ground and
planting, and is always to be subject to the orders of the commanding officers
at Fort Crawford.
"It is hereby further contracted by the said Post that he is not to keep spirit-
uous liquors in his house, on any pretense whatever ; neither is he to sell liquors,
either directly or indirectly, to Indians or United States soldiers, under the pen-
alty of being immediately removed ; and, further, that he is not to trade with the
Indians, unless by permission from the Indian agent. It is also stated that the
said Post may build nearer to the spring, as being more convenient, but at the
same time must be responsible for the public buildings now erected, and also all
other public property placed under his charge.
"George M. Brooke,
"Brev. Brig-Gen. Com'g 1st. Dept. W. Div.
"Fort Crawford, January 12, 1841.
"I, Joel Post, do hereby bind myself to observe the above order, in all re-
spects, under all the penalties prescribed.
Joel Post.
"Fort Crawford, January 12, 1841.
"Witness: John Robertson, Thos. Buyber.
"Note — The power reserved by the commanding officer of Fort Crawford,
in the above instrument, is also to be held by the commanding officer at Turkey
River, when a senior officer to that at Fort Crawford."
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 471
The document is not a model in grammar or punctuation, but is given above
precisely as written and punctuated.
The "shanty" then consisted of a log house, 16x20 feet, and a log stable some-
what larger, and was located about sixty rods east from the one-fourth post,
on the north side of section 33, a short distance south of the section line, and
about a mile northeast of the present town of Postville, on the farm now owned
by Darius Orr. The occupation of the family was a kind of hotel keeping, and
the promise of good business in this line was the chief inducement for Mr. -
Post to risk himself so far from civilization. But the business grew, and proved
both profitable and pleasant, and increased so fast that in the next winter Mr.
Post and one Richard Only built a more commodious and hotel-like house, which
on completion afforded comfortable quarters for Government and military officers,
Government teamsters, etc., and proved quite remunerative for about two years,
when these teamsters, who were mostly from Illinois, planned a scheme to cheat
Mr. Post out of their unpaid bills ; it being the custom for them to pay their bills
on their return from Fort Atkinson, where they were paid for their services.
They did this by constructing a new road or route, which could be traveled
by unloaded teams, across the bend of the road ; beginning near the southwest
corner of section 33, and keeping near the county line. They could thus pass by
the "half way" unseen, avoiding the "north bend" and the hotel bill at once.
This cut-off received the name of "Sucker Chute."
These new developments led to a removal of the "half-way house" to the
west end of "Sucker Chute" by special permission of the commanding officer of
the military department, then Major Edwin V. Sumner, in June, 1843. The
new location of the house was on what is now lot 12 in Ellis & Company's addi-
tion to Postville, in recent years the residence of the late James McEwen and
the large stable was diagonally across the Lybrand road where is now situated
the residence recently occupied by the late J. W. Ward. A well was dug just
east of the house, in Maple street, which still remains in evidence. This house
proved a nucleus around which settlements were made; travelers found here a
quiet resting place, and Postville a local habitation and a name. A number of
men who have since become famous in the civil and military history of the coun-
try were accustomed to visit this house and partake of its cheer, among whom
were: H. M. Rice, of Minnesota; H. L. Dousman and M. Brisbois, of Wisconsin;
John Haney, Sr., and Jr. of Lansing, Iowa; Capt. Nathaniel Lyon; Majs. E. V.
Sumner and Patterson; Capts. Miller, Schuyler, Hamilton, and Lieut. Alfred
Pleasanton ; all these military guests later became high in command and fame in
the history of the nation.
Settlements of a permanent nature began to be made as soon as the treaty for
the relinquishment of the neutral ground by. the Indians was made in 1847, al-
though they were not actually removed until the following year. The first settler
after Mr. Post was Squire Crossly, from Galena. Illinois, who located on section
32, half a mile west of Mr. Post's, in June, 1847; the next one' Josiah Reed, from
Ohio, half a mile west of Crossly, in October ; John Reed, on section 30 ; Thomas
Newberry, northwest quarter of section 28, all in 1847. A number had also set-
tled over the line in Clayton county, so that in the summer of 1848 a school was
started with twenty pupils in one of the chamber rooms at Mr. Post's, by Mrs.
Quinn. The first religious services were also held here in June, 1848, by Rev.
472 I 'AST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Eldridge Howard, a Methodist preacher, who later served in various other parts
of the county. One Stevens, a Presbyterian, also held services in this house.
The principal settlers in 1848 were Henry Noble and Elias Topliff, both lo-
cating on section 30, in October or November.
On New Year's day, 1849, was held the first social party in the new settle-
ment, at the house of Mr. Post. Having spent eight years in frontier life with
few neighbors, he thought the time had come when all should meet and learn the
names and ways of the men and women who were to build up the new com-
munity with him. It is related that every settler within eight miles was present,
the most of them bringing their wives, and in not a few cases the whole family
appeared at the New Year's feast. Several uniforms were present, and the
repast was spoken of as one of luxury and bountiful to excess. The festivities
were kept up by the few youngsters to a late hour, and at that gathering an en-
gagement was made which resulted in the first wedding ever celebrated in Alla-
makee count}-, viz.: Elias J. Topliff and Anna Reed, married December 6, 1849,
by Grove A. Warner, justice of the peace.
A postoffice was established in the same month of January, called Postville,
and Joel Post appointed postmaster. He, however, dying on the 24th of the same
month, never knew of the appointment, as it did not arrive for some days after
his decease.
Several settlers arrived in 1849 whose names and locations are as follows:
Elijah and James Stevenson ; James H. Penny, a soldier just discharged, on sec-
tion 16; Reuben Smith, section 11 ; Constantine Hughes, section 12; William Cal-
ender, section 9; Hiram Jones, section 15; Moses Hostetler, also on section 15;
Anderson Amos, section 14. In 1850 came David W. Lyons, a Presbyterian
clergyman, to section 16; Alexander J. Breedlove and Thomas Saucer on section
25; John Minert to section 21; James Mather, section 16; Win. Fewell and
Charles Bowman, on section 23; Jeremiah Prescott and Truman Stoddard, on
section 36; also S. P. Hicks, L. R. Herrick, John Clark. Anderson Fewell, on
section 34; David Jemison on section 28; Wm. H. Carithers on section 10; P. F.
Schwartz, on section 3; Jacob Lybrand, on section 16. In 1851 came P. P.
Cady to section 36; Asa Cheedle to section 10 ; John Laughlin to section 27; Syl-
vester Dennis bought M. Hostetler, on section 15; and Jas. Mather, section 26.
In 1852 came N. J. Beedy to section 35: Samuel Dobson, section 22; and many
others, among them A. R. Prescott.
It is presumed that Mr. Post had early staked out approximately the claims
he intended to purchase of the Government. But he dying early in '49 it became
Mrs. Post's privilege to make these entries after the lands had been surveyed.
The Government survey of this township was made by J. G. McDonald in 1849,
and the legal entries were made by Mrs. Post in the early fall of 1850, including
all of the southeast quarter of section 32 and the southwest quarter of section S3<
comprising all of the now corporate limits of Postville and other lands.
About the year 1855 Mr. Reuben Smith above mentioned built a large stone
house, two stories and basement, on his farm in the northeast corner of section
11, which is still standing and widely known to picnickers and fishermen as "the
stone house" on Yellow river. It is now owned by Ed Smith, but is too much
out of repair to be tenantable.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 473
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The first schoolhouse in Post township was located near the east line of sec-
tion 36, near the village of Hardin. It was built in the fall of 1849, mainly
through the efforts of Leonard B. Hodges, who taught the first school there, and
figured so prominently in the early history of the county not only in this vicinity
but also at Columbus. This was doubtless the first schoolhouse in the county,
aside from the old mission school, and was about 16x22 feet in size, and con-
structed of oak logs. The last school taught in this house was by Wm. Larrabee,
of Clermont, afterwards the honored Governor of the state of Iowa, and who died
within the past year.
The second schoolhouse in the township was also built of oak logs, in 1852,
and situated a few rods north of the quarter post on south side of section 28,
not far from the original "half-way" house of Joel Post but to the northwest
of it, and on the opposite side of Williams Creek.
The third, called "West Grove," was the first frame schoolhouse in the town-
ship, built in 1854, near the northeast corner of section 22, removed in i860
to section 24, and is now on the east line of section 23.
Fourth, Postville sub-district, a frame, built in the southwest corner of sec-
tion 33, in 1858, on lot 1, block 4, original plat of Postville.
Fifth, Lybrand, a frame built in i860 on the north side of the northwest
quarter of section 15.
Sixth. Minert, a frame built in 1862 near the southeast corner of section 21,
to replace the log house above mentioned on section 28.
Seventh, a frame built in 1864 on the west side of section 20.
Eighth, a frame built in 1865 near the center of section 35.
Ninth, a frame built in 1865 on section 31.
Tenth, a frame on south line of section 5.
Eleventh, Myron, a frame built on a lot in that village in 1870.
Twelfth, a frame built in 1873 at the east end of the Reuben Smith bridge
across Yellow river,, near the northeast corner of section 11.
The accuracy of this statement has been questioned, as it is known that Mr
Smith built a small schoolhouse early in the fifties, as stated in the chapter on
county schools. Mr. Prescott, who is the authority for the above, was a very
careful investigator, and quite probably his statement refers to the first public
school building. It is currently believed that the school taught by Judge Granger
in 1854-5 was in the Reuben Smith district; but it is stated in a biography pub-
lished in 1882 that the school he taught was in Franklin township; and both
may be true, as the Evergreen district of recent years included territory on both
sides of the line, and the original schoolhouse may have been on the Franklin
side. It is hoped that interest may be aroused to determine the location of that
early schoolhouse. Mr. Granger engaged with Mr. Gilson that year in the build-
ing of a sawmill at or near the present site of Werhan's mill, but gave it up and
returned to Illinois.
The independent school district of Postville was organized in 1866, with the
following officers: President, T. Stiles; secretary, N. W. Sites.
In 1871 a two-story and basement brick building was erected on block 29 of
Lawler's addition, which has been improved from time to time, and now is steam
474 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
heated and equipped with modern school conveniences, including laboratory and
library. In or about 1882 increased room for the growing attendance was pro-
vided by the purchase of the old Free Baptist church. The school now ( 1 9 1 3 )
has six departments, and an enrollment of 270.
Since 1869 the principals or superintendents have been: Miss Lucy Hall,
A. M. Alvord, D. C. Brown, S. B. Finney. Frank H. Hannah, A. H. Tuttle, A. C.
Ripley, J. W. Callender, B. H. Standish, T. F. Johnson, Mrs. S. White, J. H. Car-
roll, Amos Rowe, B. W. BrintnaU, J. M. Bedicheck, J. L. Edsall, J. F. Smith.
E. H. Hurd, F. F. Merriam, T. V. Hunt, Ida M. Sala, A. F. Harvey, H. L. Cof-
feen, R. S. Anderson, Arthur Wilson, F. M. Phillips, S. S. Guiles.
The following have served as president of the board, since the organization
of the district: T. Stiles, J. S. Green, C. P. Darling, A. Staadt, S. S. Powers,
A. P. Abbott, Jas. McEwen, Jas. Sheehy, J. H. Gray, Jos. Nicolay, J. H. Meier,
Wm. Harris, J. M. Thoma, present incumbent.
The following have served as secretary: N. W. Sites, J. S. Grohe, Hall Roberts,
Chas. Skelton, R. N. Douglass, and Godfrey Staadt from 1885 until the present
time.
The other officers now are: Treasurer. F. H. Welzel ; directors, B. C. Fleming,
Win. Weihe, A. L. Peterson, F. H. Luhman.
Post township was organized by an order of the County court in 1851, com-
prising the west eight miles of township 96, taken from Linton township, which
had at first extended to the Winneshiek county line. The east two miles was
later, March 28, 1855, set off to Franklin township, to conform to the con-
gressional township lines. This region settled up rapidly, so that in 1854 the
population (doubtless including the eight miles east and west) was reported as
504. the largest of any township in the county. There are no records of town-
ship officers elected prior to 1852. The election in April of that year was held in a
blacksmith shop near the house of Chas. Bowman. Thirty-one votes were cast,
and Reuben Smith, Chas. Bowman and A. J. Breedlove were chosen trustees;
Jas. C. Thompson, township clerk ; John Laughlin, justice of the peace; Anderson
Amos, constable.
The next record is that of November 4, 1856, when ninety-four votes were
polled. The records from this election are perfect. P. P. Cady was township
clerk, and procured a book at his own expense, hunting over all the papers of
the several officers, in vain for complete records. Much that is valuable is lost
to the compiler from the absence of such important items, compelling us to rely
upon the memory of the few early settlers left among us, and whose recollections
will disagree, thus rendering all attempts at exactness abortive.
At the November election, i860, W. H. Carithers was chosen as first township
supervisor on the county board; Timothy Stiles, township clerk; P. P. Cady and
Emery lligbey, justices; James Patterson and Stephen Thibodo, constables.
The year 1861 was eventful as changing the future prospects of so many fami-
lies in our land, and was felt largely in Post township, when, with a population
entirely rural, it furnished more than forty men to the Union army, distributed
and named as follows:
Company K, 1st Iowa Cavalry — Charles T. Prescott ( 1st enlistment in the
township), Moses V Bollman, Moses Early, Benton Bowman. Ed Hanan, John
S. Post, Stephen Harris, David M. Minert, Wm. H. Saucer.
PARENTAL HOME OF .TUIIX li. .\1( ITT. l'OSTVILLE
Mm * *1
HOTEL, POSTVILLE
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 477
Company I, 9th Iowa Infantry — John S. Mather, Squire Mather, Geo. S.
Rice.
Company B, 12th Iowa Infantry — Wm. Maynard, Elias Repp, Chas. Rus-
sell, Stephen Thibodo.
Company B, 13th Iowa Infantry — Jesse P. Prescott, Elza Sanders, David
Vickery, Julian D. Miller.
Company B, 21st Iowa Infantry — Wm. T. Hays.
Company A, 27th Iowa Infantry — Caleb I. Bishop, Daniel Cole, Warren
Clough, Elisha Curry, Saul Dobson, Theodore Granger, C. C. Marston, Darius C.
Mather, Meredith McGee, Calvin McMullen, Hiram Hawkins, Andrew J. Pat-
terson, James Patterson, Warren R. Reed, Truman Stoddard, Geo. W. Topliff,
John Pixler, A. L. Stiles, Alonzo Thornton.
Company — , 38th Iowa Infantry — John L. Johnson.
Company I, Engineer Regt. Mo. Vols. — A. R. Prescott, William R. Johnson,
John F. Jones, George W. Wheeler and William Harris.
Company B, 18th Mo. Infantry — Dennis A, Harden.
Fifteen of these perished in battle or the hospital. The others, few of them
whole or sound, returned to their homes to begin where they left off — at the
plow or bench, in store or shop.
POSTVILLE
In the year 1848 Gen. A. C. Dodge, then Senator from Iowa, recommended
the establishment of a postoffice at the "half-way house," on the Military Road
in then Clayton county, to be called Postville, with Joel Post as postmaster. The
appointment was made, of date January 19, 1849, but as Mr. Post died on the
24th of that month a commission was then issued to Elijah Stevenson, who thus
became the first postmaster. The original plat of the village of Postville was not
laid out until June, 1853, by S. P. Hicks, county surveyor, the proprietors being
Mrs. Zeruiah Hay ward (widow of Joel Post) and husband George S. Hay ward.
The plat consisted of four blocks of eight lots each, the center being at the inter-
section of the Military Road with Bruce street, now southern part of Lawler
street. Mrs. Post, resuming her former name after divorce from Mr. Hayward,
later resided west of this plat, on lot 5, south side of Military Road. She con-
tinued a resident of Postville until her death, December 22, 1886.
A store was opened in 185 1 by Josiah D. Reed & Co., who were succeeded in
1856 by Samuel J. Russell. A blacksmith named Draper started a shop in 1851
also, but business had not much increased until 1855, when James Roll succeeded
Draper in the smithy, and also built a small frame hotel. Numerous dwellings
had been erected, and in 1857 the new and commodious "National Hotel" was
completed by Mrs. Post. H. B. Hazleton put in a stock of goods in 1859. Web-
ster & Stevenson bought out S. J. Russell in 1863. By this time several dwellings
and trade shops had been built on the main street, that is, the old Military Road,
and stores had been enlarged and repaired.
Business now received a fresh impetus by the construction of the McGregor
Western Railway, and its completion to this place, the first train arriving on the
8th day of August, 1864. The handling of freight and mails began on the first
day of September following. At once the place put on new airs. Mrs. (Post)
478 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Hayward sold the north three-fourths of the southeast quarter of section 32 to
John Lawler, the Prairie du Chien railroad man, who laid out thereon the "Town
of Postville," it now being generally called Lawler's addition, or "Lawler's Post-
ville." Associated with him in the enterprise were Joseph (Diamond Jo) Rey-
nolds, of steamboat fame, and John T. Stoneman, the McGregor lawyer. A
station was built and John S. Grohe became the first station agent for the rail-
road. It may be here added that this old building which long ago became anti-
quated and inadequate is now after nearly a half century about to be replaced
with a substantial modern structure, in this A. D. 1913.
To go back ; a large grain elevator was built by Lawler & Reynolds at a cost
of $26,000, 50x00 feet, with seventeen bins, and a capacity of 51,000 bushels.
It was completed about the middle of September, 1864, and did a very large
business, the pay roll of its employees amounting to some $500 per month. E. D.
Holton and Hall Roberts put in an extensive stock of merchandise near the
elevator.
The business and professional men of Postville in January, 1868, were noted
by a correspondent of the Waukon Standard as follows:
General Merchandise— Stevenson & Lyon, Webster & Clark, Roberts & Bros.,
H. B. Hazleton, and Liethold & Poesch.
Groceries — John Moir.
Drug Stores — N. W. Stiles and Anthony Staadt.
Hardware — Ingalls & Co. and Stone Bros.
Furniture— S. D. McClelland and Hazleton & Co.
YVagonmakers — H. Smith and J. C. Dow.
Blacksmiths— Jas. Roll. R. Mathew, Reed & Hesperd, Hudson & Co.
Harness Makers— A. W. McDaneld, and Ernest Schmidt.
Lumber— Hoyt & B. and Seley & Shaw.
Physicians — L. Brown, Jr., and J. S. Green.
Hotels— National, by C. Van Hooser; and Kelly House, by John Kelly.
Meat Markets — John Hoppas, and Wm. Patterson.
Postmaster — John Moir.
L S. Grohe. agent. Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, and U. S. Express Co.;
J. N. Liethold, M. U. Express Company.
Billiards — O. Raymond and M. Bencher.
A large grain elevator by Bassett & Huntting.
T. Stiles, notary public; G. F. Webster, justice of the peace; N. Clough,
constable.
.Masonic lodge, G. F. Webster, W. M., and A. Dresser, secretary.
Congregational, Baptist, and Methodist churches, the first two of which have
good houses of worship.
The railway company had just erected water tank, with windmill for pumping.
New buildings were being erected in all parts of the place, denoting healthy
growth and increasing prosperity.
Passing over the events of a few years, which were prosperous ones for the
township, we mention that in 1871 the assessed value of the total amount of
property was $255,026. The village had increased to correspond with the rural
districts.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 479
The Northeastern Iowa Agricultural Society was organized here in March,
1871, embracing four counties, banded together for the mutual improvement
of all branches of industry. For several years a successful district fair was
held on the grounds north of town, but in 1882 the land was resold for farming
purposes.
The Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway Company began business
on the Milwaukee division of their road in Postville, about September 5, 1872,
James Perry, agent.
Hall Roberts purchased one-third of the Lawler & Reynolds elevator in
1875. The company (known as Hall Roberts & Co.) handled one hundred and
eighty-five thousand bushels of grain the same year. W. S. and Hall Roberts
started the Postville Bank also this year.
MUNICIPAL
The town of Postville was incorporated March n, 1873, and its municipal
officers from that time to this date have been as follows :
1873-1874
Mayor, J. S. Mott; Recorder, D. T. Smethurst ; Treasurer, H. P. Dawes;
Marshal, A. W. McDaneld; Trustees, A. Staadt, C. P. Darling, J. N. Leithold,
A. P. Abbott, J. H. Sanders.
1874— 1875
Mayor, John Putnam, (died soon after election, S. S. Powers elected to fill
vacancy) ; Recorder, N. W. Stiles ; Treasurer, D. T. Smethurst ; Marshal, H. P.
Dawes; Trustees, A. P. Abbott, J. S. Mott, James Stevenson, F. Meyer, Matt
Leithold.
1875-1876
Mayor, S. S. Powers; Recorder, James Perry; Treasurer, D. T. Smethurst;
Marshal, W. W. Hains; Councilmen, J. S. Mott, A. Staadt, F. Meyer, C. L.
Allen, L. Brown.
1876— 1877
Mayor, S. S. Powers; Recorder, James Perry; Treasurer, W. S. Roberts;
Assessor, F. S. Burling; Marshal, E. Ragan ; Councilmen, J. S. Mott, A. P. Ab-
bott, F. Meyer, N. J. Beedy, A. W. McDaneld.
1877— 1878
Mayor, Hall Roberts; Recorder, James Perry; Treasurer, W. S. Roberts;
Assessor, D. T. Smethurst ; Marshal, F. E. Brothers ; Councilmen, A. P. Abbott,
F. Meyer, A. Gorman, J. N. Leithold, George Lull.
480 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
1878— 1879
Mayor, George Lull ; Recorder. James Perry ; Treasurer, W. S. Roberts ; As-
sessor, James Perry; Marshal and Street Commissioner, H. P. Dawes; Council-
men, A. P. Abbott, G. W. McKay. J. McAdam, C. A. Leithold, C. L. Allen.
1879— 1880
Mayor, James Perry; Recorder, II. E. Babcock; Treasurer, W. S. Roberts:
Assessor, F. S. Burling; Street Com., N. J. Beedy ; Marshal, Edward Douglass;
Councilmen, James McEwen, R. N. Douglass, C. P. Darling, A. Staadt, C a'
Leithold, R. Meyer.
1880— 1881
Mayor, S. S. Powers; Recorder, H. E. Babcock ; Treasurer, W. S. Roberts;
Assessor, H. Stone; Marshal and Street Com., Enos Ervin; Councilmen J s'
Mott, C. A. Leithold, R. N. Douglass, Rudolph Meyer, C. P. Darling, 'james
McEwen.
1881— 1882
Mayor, N. J. Beedy; Recorder, H. E. Babcock; Treasurer, W. S Roberts-
Assessor, H. Stone; Marshal, W. W. Hains ; Street Com., N. J. Beedy Council-
men, J. S. Mott, James McEwen, C. A. Leithold. R. N. Douglass, C. P. Darling
R. Meyer.
1882— 1883
Mayor, N. J. Beedy; Recorder, B. F. Taylor; Treasurer, W. S Roberts • As-
sessor H Stone; Marshal, W. W. Hains; Street Com., N. J. Beedv; Council-
men, R. N. Douglass, R. Meyer, C. Thoma, T. B. Easton, F. S Burline I S
Mott. 5' -''
1883— 1884
Mayor N J. Beedy; Recorder, B. F. Taylor; Treasurer, W. S Roberts-
Assessor, H. Stone; Marshal, A. F. Marston ; Street Com., N. J. Beedy ; Council-'
men, T B. Easton, F. S. Burling, W. N. Burdick, C. Thoma R. AT Meyer
James McEwen. «"=yci,
1884— 1885
Asse!soyr0^HSsfon^0MerS;^eCOr,decr• JameS ^ T™^> W" S' R«bertS;
Assessor, rl. Stone; Marshal and Street Com N T P^, r ^ r
McEwen. W. N. Burdick, F. S. Bur i^T B '2 ot' cTh ' "* T
Nicolay. easton, L. thoma, Joseph
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 481
1885— 1886
Mayor, S. S. Powers; Recorder, Rudolph Meyer; Treasurer, W. S. Roberts;
Assessor, James Perry; Marshal, James Havirland ; Street Com., John Cole;
Councilmen, James McEwen, W. N. Burdick, R. N. Douglass, Conrad Thoma,
Joseph Nicolay, James Sheehy.
1886— 1887
Mayor, James McEwen ; Recorder, William Shepherd ; Treasurer, W. S.
Roberts; Assessor, James Perry; Marshal, James H. McGhee; Street Com., John
Cole ; Councilmen, R. N. Douglass, Joseph Nicolay, James Sheehy, Conrad
Thoma, Frank M. Orr, W. S. Webster.
1887— 1888
Mayor, James McEwen ; Recorder, William Shepherd ; Treasurer, W. S.
Roberts; Assessor, James Perry; Marshal, John Huffy; Street Com., J. A. Hav-
irland ; Councilmen, F. M. Orr, W. S. Webster, R. N. Douglass, Conrad Thoma,
Jacob Meyer, James Sheehy.
1888— 1889
Mayor, James McEwen ; Recorder, William Shepherd ; Treasurer, W. S.
Roberts; Assessor, James Perry; Marshal, J. A. Havirland; Street Com., John
Cole; Councilmen, F. M. Orr, Jacob Meyer, Conrad Thoma, James Sheehy,
S. F. Clinton, W. S. Webster.
1889— 1890
Mayor, James McEwen ; Recorder, William Shepherd ; Treasurer, W. S.
Roberts ; Assessor, James Perry ; Marshal, J. A. Havirland ; Street Com., John
Cole; Councilmen, S. F. Clinton, James Sheehy, Jacob Meyer, Conrad Thoma,
F. M. Orr, R. N. Douglass.
1890 — 1891
Mayor, James McEwen ; Recorder, William Shepherd ; Treasurer, W. S.
Roberts; Assessor, F. H. Welzel ; Street Com., N. J. Beedy; Councilmen, R. N.
Douglass, F. M. Orr, James Sheehy, Jacob Meyer, C. Thoma, S. F. Clinton.
1891 — 1892
Mayor, W. C. McNeil; Recorder, William Shepherd; Treasurer, W. S. Rob-
erts; Assessor, F. H. Welzel; Marshal, P. J. Beucher ; Street Com., H. B.
Taylor ; Councilmen, F. M. Orr, R. N. Douglass, Jacob Meyer, G. Staadt, J. H.
Sanders, C. Thoma.
482 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
1892— 1893
Mayor, S. E. Clinton; Recorder, William Shepherd; Treasurer, James
McEwen; Assessor, F. H. Welzel; Marshal, F. W. Tuller ; Street Com., John
Cole; Councilmen, R. X. Douglass, Jacob Meyer, C. Thoma, W. C. McNeil,
J. H. Sanders, G. Staadt.
1893— 1894
Mayor, S. F. Clinton; Recorder, William Shepherd; Treasurer, James
McEwen; Assessor, F. H. Welzel; Marshal, J. M. Prior; Street Com., John
Schultz; Councilmen, R. N. Douglass, W. C. McNeil. J. H. Sanders, G. Staadt,
Carl Holter, J. Waters.
1894— 1895
Mayor, J. B. Hart; Recorder, William Shepherd; Treasurer, James
McEwen; Assessor. F. H. Welzel; Marshal, H. G. Hawkins; Street Com., John
Schultz; Councilmen, W. C. McNeil; R. N. Douglass, Carl Holter, John Waters,
William Leui, John Thoma.
1895 — 1896
Mayor, J. B. Hart ; Recorder, William Shepherd ; Treasurer, James
McEwen ; Assessor, F. H. Welzel ; Marshal, Fred Schara ; Street Com., John
Schultz ; Councilmen, Carl Holter, John Waters, John Thoma, William Leui,
W. C. McNeil, R. N. Douglass.
1896 — 1897
Mayor, J. B. Hart; Recorder, William Shepherd; Treasurer, James McEwen;
Assessor, F. H. Welzel; Marshal, H. G. Hawkins; Street Com., John Schultz;
Councilmen, John Waters, William Leui, John Thoma, C. Holter, R. N. Doug-
lass, W. C. McNeil.
1897— 1898
Mayor, F. S. Burling; Recorder, William Shepherd; Treasurer, James
McEwen; Assessor, F. H. Welzel; Marshal, H. G. Hawkins; Street Com., John
Schultz; Councilmen, John Waters, Carl Holter, R. N. Douglass, Jacob Meyer,
John Thoma, W. C. McNeil.
1898— 1899
Mayor, F. S. Burling; Recorder, William Shepherd; Treasurer, James
McEwen; Assessor, F. 11. Welzel; Marshal, H. G. Hawkins; Street Com., John
Schultz; Councilmen, John Waters, Carl Holter, John Thoma, Jacob Meyer,
J. H. Meier, John Sanders.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 483
1899 — 1900
Mayor, F. S. Burling; Recorder, William Shepherd; Treasurer, James
McEwen; Assessor, F. H. Welzel ; Marshal, H. G. Hawkins; Street Com., John
Schultz; Councilmen, John Waters, Carl Holter, J. H. Meier, Jacob Meyer, John
Sanders, John Thoma.
1900 — 1901
Mayor, J. I. Shepherd ; Clerk, William Shepherd ; Treasurer, James Mc-
Ewen; Assessor, F. H. Welzel; Marshal, H. G. Hawkins; Street Com., John
Schultz ; Councilmen, Carl Holter, John Sanders, Jacob Meyer, John Waters,
J. H. Meier, J. M. Harris.
1901 — 1902
Mayor, J. I. Shepherd; Clerk, William Shepherd; Treasurer, James McEwen;
Assessor, F. H. Welzel; Marshal, H. G. Hawkins; Street Com., John Schultz;
Councilmen, Carl Holter, Jacob Meyer, John Waters, J. M. Harris, J. H. Meier,
John Sanders.
1902 — 1903
Mayor, John H. Meier; Clerk, William Shepherd; Treasurer, James McEwen;
Assessor, F. H. Welzel; Marshal, H. G. Hawkins; Street Com., John Schultz;
Councilmen, John Sanders, J. M. Harris, Jacob Meyer, John Waters, Carl Holter,
William Moll.
1903— 1904
Mayor, J. B. Hart; Clerk, William Shepherd; Treasurer, James McEwen;
Assessor, F. H. Welzel; Marshal, H. B. Taylor; Street Com., John Schultz;
Councilmen, John Sanders, Carl Holter, John Waters, Jacob Meyer, William
Moll, J. M. Thoma.
1904—1905
Mayor, J. B. Hart; Clerk, William Shepherd; Treasurer, James McEwen;
Assessor, F. H. Welzel; Marshal, C. A. Dayton; Street Com., John Schultz;
Councilmen, John Waters, Carl Holter, Jacob Meyer, John Thoma, John Sanders,
William Moll.
1905 — 1906
Mayor, J. B. Hart ; Clerk, William Shepherd ; Treasurer, James McEwen ;
Assessor, F. H. Welzel; Marshal, Henry Behrens; Street Com., Henry Behrens;
Councilmen, John Sanders, John M. Thoma, Jacob Meyer, James Gregg, John
C. Hecker, William Moll.
484 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
1906 — 1907
Mayor, Joseph Nicolay ; Clerk, William Shepherd ; Treasurer, James McEwen ;
Assessor, F. H. Welzel; Marshal, Elmer McGhee; Street Com., James McCun-
niff ; Councilmen, John Sanders, James Gregg, John C. Hecker, William Harris,
William Weihe, John Harnack.
1908 to 1910
Mayor. James Perry (Mayor Perry died February 17, 1910, and March 4th
J. M. Harris was appointed to fill vacancy) ; Clerk, William Shepherd; Treasurer,
James McEwen ; Assessor, George S. Tuttle ; Street Commissioner and Marshal,
James McCunniff; Waterworks Supt., A. W. Lange; Councilmen, Win. Weihe,
John Harnack, William Harris, Charles Sonnkalb, Fred E. Crandall, A. J.
Phillips.
1910 to 1912
Mayor, P. J. Beucher ; Clerk. William Shepherd; Treasurer, James McEwen;
Assessor, A. L. Meier; Street Commissioner, John F. Palas ; Marshal, Ed Ma-
roney; Water Works Superintendent, A. W. Lange; Councilmen, Chas. Sonnkalb,
Fred E. Crandall, J. H. Meier, James Gregg and F. J. Thoma. R. D. Blackburn
was appointed councilman to fill vacancy caused by resignation of C. Sonnkalb.
H. S. Luhman was appointed councilman to fill vacancy caused by resignation
of Fred E. Crandall.
1912 to 1914
Mayor, P. J. Beucher; Clerk, William Shepherd; Treasurer. James McEwen
( Mr. McEwen died October 31, 191 2, and L. S. McEwen was appointed treasurer
to fill vacancy) ; Assessor, A. L. Meier; Street Commissioner, Marshal and Water
Works Superintendent, L. A. Bellows; Councilmen, James Gregg, Fred J. Thoma,
R. D. Blackburn, H. S. Luhman and C. W. Meier.
In 1909 a franchise was granted to F. R. Hale to construct an electric plant.
And since March, 1910, the town has been lighted by electricity supplied from
the plant of the Upper Iowa Power Company on the river of that name, in Win-
neshiek county. Previous to this the Iowa Light & Heat Company, of Preston,
Iowa, operated a gas-lighting system from the year 1902, giving way to electric-
ity as stated.
The municipality owns and operates its own waterworks system, having an
excellent plant, installed in November, 1895, at a cost of about $18,000, includ-
ing extensions and improvements to this date, spring of 1913. The water sup-
ply is ample, and procured from one deep well, being pumped by electric power
derived from the Iowa River plant above mentioned, into an elevated tank hav-
ing a capacity of 70.500 gallons. The system of water mains comprises about
two and a half miles; and for fire purposes there are twenty-two fire hydrants
\\ 1 11 distributed.
Catholic Church
st. Paul's Lutheran Church
POSTYILLE CHURCHES
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 487
The city fire department is composed of thirty-two men, volunteer service, of
course, the principal officers now being : Samuel Hoesly, chief ; and A. C. Web-
ster, assistant chief. The organization of the fire company dates from May 15,
1877. The equipment for its use now consists of one hook and ladder truck,
two hose carts with 1,000 feet of hose; and one general alarm with electric
striker.
The town of Postville should have a big credit mark, and it citizens are to be
congratulated, because of the remarkable fact that it has accomplished all these
improvements and is now without a corporate debt.
CHURCHES
Methodist Church — As before stated, the first religious services ever held in
Post township were held in June, 1848, by the Methodists, who organized a class
in December, 1850, at the house of Henry Noble, who was class leader. Meet-
ings were held by the class in the house of John Minert in 1852-53, known as
the West Grove appointment. Meetings were also held with other classes, which
were organized as settlers' houses offered opportunity, until schoolhouses were
built. In 1856 a class was formed at the house of F. Higbv, Esq., in Postville,
where meetings were held with little intermission till 1858, when the class oc-
cupied the new schoolhouse, with regular preaching, alternating with the Con-
gregational society. The pastors were: Mann, Asbaugh, Bronson, Bishop, New-
ton, Churchill, Stout, F. K. Miller, Wm. Lease. This pastor began regular service
in Postville, October, 1859, to October, 1861 ; B. Holcomb, two years; B. C.
Barnes, two years. During this term a parsonage was built, and Postville be-
came the head of the circuit, with appointments at Frankville, Castalia and Red
Schoolhouse. Rev. Wm. Young, 1865-66; then B. F. Taylor, J. E. Fitch, two
years ; Rev. G. L. Garrison, three years. During this pastorate a church edifice
was built. The corner stone was laid with elaborate ceremony July 4, 1872, was
completed, furnished and dedicated February 16, 1873; cost, $4,500. Church
membership, 58; on probation, 9. Condition of the church at this time was spirit-
ually low ; prayer and class meetings neglected. Rev. Jason L. Paine took charge
in October, 1873, and soon after increased interest was manifest in the society.
Rev. John Dolph in charge from September, 1875 to 1878. During his term
a revival occurred in the community, and twenty-nine members were added to
the church. Rev. Geo. W. Pratt served as pastor three years, and thirty-eight
members were received in 1879.
The pastor in 1882 was Rev. H. E. Warner, who was followed by McKim,
Lease, J. C. Lockwood and Slingerland, until 1892, when B. D. Smith came and
served through 1894; H. S. Church, 1895; H. S. Bargelt, 1896-7; H. H. Barton,
1897-1900; D. N. Parker, 1901-2; W. W. Robinson, 1903-06; C. E. Smith, 1908-
09; J. S. Westfall, 1910; C. C. Casper, 1911-12; W. R. Mellott, 1913.
The present church officers are. Board of Stewards, H. S. Luhman, Mrs.
Meier; Recording Steward, Carl Holter; Trustees, Carl Holter, F. S. Burling,
J. M. Harris, G. E. Eaton, L. D. B. Hawkins, A. L. Meier, B. F. Bollman.
which has been added to and improved from time to time. In 1892 it was re-
Flcra Burling, B. F. Bollman, W. H. Burling, Mrs. Flora Franklin, Mrs. Bell
The church property now consists of a good-sized brick church built in 1872,
188 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
seated and new furniture installed. Also, there is a good parsonage alongside the
church. There is an active Epworth League society: Mrs. \V. H. Burling, pres-
ident, and Sevena Sawvel, secretary.
The Congregational church was organized April 5, 1856, by Samuel Russell
and Lucy P. Russell, of Second Congregational church, Rockford, Illinois. John
Moir and Deborah, his wife, and Geo. Kerr, of the Congregational church, of
Roscoe, Illinois, with Airs. Anna Orr, of the Presbyterian church, of Tyrone,
New York. John Moir was chosen deacon and S. J. Russell, scribe. Rev. D. B.
Davidson, of Monona, Iowa, was engaged to preach alternate Sundays, and the
Lord's Supper was celebrated. Afterward, worship was held in the old Post
dwelling, the house of Mr. Russell, the schoolhouse at Springfield, and the school-
house in the village as soon as completed, which was in 1858 — members were re-
ceived from time to time, and on March 9, 1865, preliminary steps were taken
to build a house of worship. An association was formed and incorporated, the
trustees being John Moir, S. J. Russell, D. W. C Rowley, Oliver Mackey and
Geo. Kerr. At a meeting held June 9, 1865. it was resolved to build a frame
edifice 36x48 feet, on lots 1 and 2, block 23, in Postville. Among the subscribers
to the building fund are noticed the names of Geo. G. Greene, Wm. Green, S.
Conover. E. D. Holton. Hall and W. S. Roberts. John Lawler. F. F. Elmendorf,
lohn T. Stoneman, Samuel Merrill (since Governor of Iowa), Wm. B. Strong,
I. X. Gilchrist, J. L. Dearborn, ex-Governor Wm. Bross, of Chicago, Illinois.
The church was finished and dedicated on September 12, 1867. Rev. -C R.
French was supply, but the association being somewhat crippled in the expense
of building, the house was rented to the M. E. society, to April, 1868, when Mr.
J. L. Atkinson, of the Chicago Theological Seminar}', began regular services.
The pastors in succession have been : Rev. Wm. H. Barrows, Rev. Geo. F.
Bronson, Rev. C. A. Marshall, Rev. J. A. Hoyt, Rev. L. P. Matthews. During
this pastorate a revival occurred, and twenty-five members were received. Rev.
Horace II. Bobbins, of Muscatine, Iowa, filled the pulpit from July 1, 1878, to
May 1, 1880. During this pastor's term thirty-three members were added, the
house of worship repaired, a lecture room built, grounds fenced and other im-
provements made. Rev. A. S. Houston, of Denmark, Iowa, a vacation term of
four months: Rev. C. S. Newhall, to June 25, 1882; Rev. A. F. Loomis, of
Dixon, Illinois, July, 1882, to August, '83; Rev. J. W. Ferner, February, 1884,
to December. '87; Rev. J. O. Thrush, April, 1888, to October, '90; Rev. M. L.
Burton, February, 1891, to August, '92; Rev. L. S. Hand, October, 1892, to June,
'96; Rev. S. W. Pollard, July, 1896, to February, 1902; Rev. T. M. Higginbotham,
August. ico2, to February, '04; Rev. D. W. Blakely, August, 1904, to August,
'06; Rev. F. W. Pease, January, 1907, to April, '11; Rev. J. F. Childress, May,
1 ' / 1 1 . and present pastor.
In 1887 the church building was remodeled and an addition built, doubling
the seating capacity. And during the summer of 191 2 the church was redeco-
rated and painted both inside and out. The names of the present church officers
are as follows: Deacons, Chas. Kerr and Bert Marston : Trustees, Hall Roberts,
C. A. Amnions and Peter Service; Clerk, Mrs. Nettie Marston.
The Sunday school, of which Hall Roberts has been superintendent for thirty-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 489
four years, averages about one hundred in attendance. An active society of
Christian Endeavor is kept up in connection with the church.
Presbyterian — Rev. D. W. Lyons organized a Presbyterian church at Post-
ville in 1852, but it did not flourish long, and he went to Kansas in 1856. Later
he retired from the ministry because of ill health, and some years after returned
to Postville, engaging in real estate and merchandising. Still later he resided at
Mason City and Des Moines, again returning to Postville in 1880. He owned a
great deal of land hereabout and in Franklin township.
The Free Will Baptist Society was organized in 1865, and a house of worship
built in 1866, which was dedicated in 1867. The principal workers were Martin
Boardman, Ff. B. Ffazleton, Jonathan Ellis and Geo. W. Hanks. Rev. N. R.
George was the first pastor. Services were kept up, with some omissions, until
1880. After some efforts to recuperate, it was decided to sell the property, and
a sale to the Postville school district was consummated in May, 1882.
German Lutheran — This society was formed in the spring of 1872, and a
house of worship built by subscription the same year. The leaders in this com-
mendable undertaking were Conrad Thoma, Jacob. Leui, E. Ruckstaschel, Fred
Thoma, Carl Schultz, Leithold Brothers and Carl Knodt. The first pastor was
Andrew Johnson. A German school has been kept by some of the pastors. This
society was incorporated January 16, 1880, as the "German Evangelical Lutheran
St. Paul's Church of Postville," with the following named officers: President,
Conrad Thoma; Vice President, Henry Eggert; Secretary, Rudolph Meyer;
Treasurer, William Thoma ; Directors, Henry Weihe, Carl Wagner and William
Meyer.
The Frauen Yerein now has something over five hundred dollars in its treas-
ury with which to help build an addition to the parsonage. The present pastor
is Rev. R. Kuhne.
United Brethren — A society of this denomination was organized in 1868. and
a house of worship built in 1869, at the center of the northwest quarter of section
23, a frame structure and well finished, called "Bethel Church." February 20,
1 87 1, this society became incorporated as the "West Grove Meeting House Asso-
ciation of United Brethren in Christ," with the following named trustees: Robert
Laughlin, David Jemison, William Simpson, A. J. Patterson and Wells Eaton.
This church organization has continued to flourish until this time, and has made
various improvements upon its property as occasion required. It has been served
by a number of able preachers, the present pastor being Rev. A. E. Hursh, serv-
ing both this church and Castalia.
Catholic — A Catholic society was organized here many years ago, and in 1872
they erected a good sized frame church edifice at a cost of $2,500. The local
society was not very strong for the first few years of its existence, but of late
has become more prosperous, and is now planning for extensive improvements
to its property. A beginning has been made for a two-story brick parsonage,
32x34 feet in size, with all modern equipments. It is proposed to remove
the old church building from the north side of the railroad track to the lot ad-
joining the new parsonage. Father J. J. Clune is the present pastor.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
490
This society became incorporated under the Iowa statutes December iS,
191 1, as St. Bridget's Church of Postville, Archbishop James J. Keane, of Du-
buque, ex-officio president, J. J. Clune, pastor and vice president, Joseph Steele
and B. C. Fleming, laymen directors.
EARLY SUNDAY SCHOOLS
Of the early Sunday schools of Post township the first one organized was
in the first log schoolhouse, in the Hardin district, in 1852, and it was kept up as
"Hardin Union Sabbath School," with a few winter omissions, until 1872, when
it was divided among the several religious societies of Hardin village.
The second was organized in the old log schoolhouse of the Postville dis-
trict in 1854, by J. C. Marston, who was the first superintendent. This school
was also kept up well to the year 1869, when, becoming very large, it also was
divided by the Congregational, Methodist and Free Will Baptist churches, Oc-
tober 9, 1869.
A large and interesting Sunday school was also kept up at the United
Brethren, Bethel church, from its organization in 1869.
FRATERXAL SOCIETIES
A. F. & A.M. — Brotherly Love Lodge, No. 204, was chartered in June, 1867.
G. F. Webster was the first W. M. Present officers are: W. M.. F. H. Luhman ;
S. W., A. C. Webster; J. W., B. E. Tuttle ; Treasurer. G. Staadt ; Secretary,
J. M. Thoma; S. D., E. E. McMartin ; J. D., W. E. Durno ; S. S.. F. J. Thoma ;
J. S.. R. W. Tuller; Tyler. H. Christoferson.
0. E. S — Postville Chapter, No. 238. was organized in March. 1898, and is
a strong and active society, with constantly increasing membership. Present
officers: W. M., Ruby Webster ; W. Patron, Hugh Shepherd; Assoc. Matron,
Josephine Durno ; Treasurer. Mrs. D. E. Harrington ; Secretary. Blanche Durno ;
Conductress, Mrs. F. H. Welzel ; Assoc. Conductress, Mrs. W. C. Thoma ; Adah,
Mrs. F. H. Luhman; Ruth, Mrs. F. Gates; Esther, Mrs. E. P. Durno; Martha,
Mrs. G. D. Harrington; Electa, Mrs. B. E. Tuttle; Chaplain, Mrs. Florence Rath-
burn; Marshal, Mrs. Ray F. Toplift"; Organist, Crystal Leithold ; Warden. Mrs.
Arthur S. Burdick ; Sentinel. Herman Webb.
1. O. O. F. — Postville Lodge, No. 266. was instituted December 5, 1873, the
first Noble Grand being H. P. Dawes. In the spring of 1888 they lost all their
property by fire, in the second story of the John Moir building; and in June.
1891, they surrendered their charter. A new lodge was organized and a charter
granted to Postville Lodge, No. 707, on October 21, 1904, with but half a dozen
charter members, and the lodge now numbers forty-nine, with officers as follows :
P. G., Frank Suchanek ; N. G., Chas. H. Freitag ; V. G.. John L. Gregg ; Secretary,
Geo. S. Tuttle : Treasurer. Geo. W. Fay ; R. S., N. G., B. W. Lange ; L. S., N. G.,
Wm. II. Weihe; R. S., V. G., A. S. Burdick; L. S., V. G., A. J. Phillips; Warden,
J. W. Campbell; Chaplain. V. G. Bollman; Conductor, J. F. Palas ; R. S. S.,
J. A. Fisher; L. S. S., F. C. Meier; I. ( ;.. Wm. Harris; O. G„ J. P. Ellis. D. D.
G. M. fur the Third district, comprising Allamakee county, B. W. Lange; Trus-
tees, J. W. Campbell, Wm. Harris and F. W. Eaton.
Turn Yerein — The Postville society of this name was incorporated November
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 491
10, 1877, with the following officers: First Speaker, Anton Spoo; Second Speaker,
Carl Knodt ; Secretary, Godfrey Staadt ; Treasurer, Mathias Leithold. Other in-
corporators were : Chas. Blanchaine, Anthony Staadt, Theodore King and H. W.
Meyer. The Postville Turn Verein was re-incorporated March 4, 1899, at which
time its officers consisted of : First Speaker, John Moetsch ; Second Speaker,
C. H. Meyer; Secretary, G. Dietsch ; and Treasurer, Wm. Kluss. The present
officers are: President, John Moetsch; Vice President, Conrad Welzel; Secretary,
Frank Sebastian ; Treasurer, John M. Thoma ; Cashier, Wm. Moll.
This society has flourished from the start, and has for many years operated a
hall which has been used for most of the large public gatherings in the town.
At this writing it has been decided to build a fine new opera house, 48x106 feet,
with full modern equipment, at a cost of $12,000.
M. W. A. — Oak Camp, No. 328, Modern Woodmen of America, was organ-
ized in 1887, at Postville, with a charter membership of only ten. It has thriven
with the order, until now its membership is 136, and its present officers are:
Venerable Consul, Hugh Shepherd ; Worthy Advisor, Bert Tuttle ; Clerk, G.
Staadt ; Banker, A. L. Peterson ; Escort, C. A. Ammons ; Watchman, Fred Gor-
don ; Sentry, N. Harvey.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
A good start has been made toward a public library, which is at present kept
in a room in the Postville Review building. The secretary is Lena B. Hecker.
CITY PARK
Through the generosity of their old townsman. Hall Roberts, the people of
Postville now enjoy the posession of a small park in the heart of the town, the
gift having been made in this spring of 1913. The conditions attached are rea-
sonable and easily complied with, as follows :
That the grass shall be mowed and raked as frequently as a home lawn.
That the public shall be kept from using it as a thoroughfare in going to
or from the Milwaukee depot.
That plants and flowers shall be put in the rockery in their season.
That no intoxicating liquors shall ever be permitted to be sold on the grounds.
And that no concerts, except sacred ones, shall be permitted in the park on
Sundays.
Roberts' Park comprises four city lots opposite the Commercial Hotel, in
which eighteen years ago Mr. Roberts set out elm, oak, poplar, maple, basswood
and other native trees; he built a fine rockery on the plot that is beautiful with
the flowers and foliage of plants during the summer months, and the lawn has
been kept closely mowed and raked, and all this he has done at his own expense.
It has been an inviting spot to wearied travelers to eat a lunch or await a train,
and town folks too have ofttimes enjoyed its inviting shade.
THE EARLY PROFESSIONS
Of the early physicians of Postville the most prominent were Dr. John S.
Green, who had practiced at Hardin since 1854, and came to Postville in 1867,
4!)2
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
and Dr. Luther Brown, a hospital steward in the regular army and graduate
of Rush Medical College. Chicago, who located here in 1866. Both were here
about a quarter of a century. Dr. John Shepherd practiced here for many years,
until his death in 1902. Others were: S. Riddle, 1858 to '62 ; - - Linert,
1864-5; and Boughton, in 1874.
The attorneys who established their offices here were not numerous, the first
being T. C. Ransom, who had lived at Hardin and Waukon for some years
prior to locating in Postville in May, 1868. After two or three years he removed
to Forest City, Iowa. Simeon S. Powers also had an office at Hardin until he
formed a partnership with Ransom at Postville in 1870. He continued to prac-
tice here until his death, which ocurred in the fall of 1887. Fred S. Burling
and Herman A. Stowe practiced here in partnership for over ten years, coming
from West Union in July, 1872. Mr. Stowe withdrew from the firm and went
West; but Mr. Burling has continued in the profession here for more than forty
years. John T. Clark, the pioneer lawyer of Waukon, established an office in
Postville in 1880; but later made his home with his son at Lime Springs where
he passed his declining years.
POSTMASTERS
Elijah Stevenson, '49 to '51. James Stevenson, '51 to 53. Josiah D. Reed,
'53 t0 '56- Emery Higbey, '56 to "59. H. B. Hazleton. '59 to '63. G. F. Web-
ster. '63 to '65. Warren Stiles, September 2, '65 to June 30, '66. John Moir, Jr.,
July 1, '66, to December 31, 'yy. A. R. Prescott from January 1, 1878, until
succeeded by X. 1. Beedy, who served during Cleveland's first term. Capt. las.
Perry, four years under Harrison. J. N. Leithold, four years under Cleveland.
Editor W. X. Burdick then received the appointment by McKinley, but lived less
than two years, when his son A. S. Burdick was appointed and still holds the
fort.
POSTVILLE BUSINESS DIRECTORY, 1 882
Attorneys — Burling & Stowe, John T. Clark, S. S. Powers.
Insurance Agents — F. S. Burling, H. Dawes, O. E. Omley, S. S. Powers.
Postmaster — Alva R. Prescott.
Agent C, M. & St. P. R. R.— James F. Wilson.
Agent B., C. R. & N. R. R.— James Perry.
Newspapers — Postville Review. District Post.
Jewelers — J. H. Gray, J. Glines.
Lumber — J. S. Mott.
Hardware and Tinware — Matthew Beucher, Mott & AlcAdam, H. Stone.
Drugs, Medicine and Books — Bayless, Douglass & Co., Anton Staadt.
Restaurants — Edward Sheehy, John Thoma.
Wag; hi Makers — Meyer & Hecker.
Agricultural Implements — C. A. Leithold, Kemmerer, Lamb & Co.
Pumps and Windmills — A. F. Marston.
Carpenters— C. P. Darling, H. P. Dawes, T. M. Miller, J. W. Sheehy, H. B.
Taylor, E. V.. Wilson.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 493
Hotels — "Commercial," J. M. Lisher; "Burlington," Burhans Bros.
Painters — J. B. Reed, E. H. Putnam, Taylor, Phillip Deitzler.
Photographer — B. F. Taylor.
General Merchandise — John A. Finney, Luhman & Sanders, F. W. Roberts,
Skelton & McEwen, Ward & Meyer.
Clothing — D. Osterdock.
Fruit and Confectionery — Peter Miller, John Moir, Jr.
Bakery — Peter Miller.
Blacksmiths — Meyer & Hecker, E. Parsons, G. W. Stafford.
Shoemakers — Wm. Grans, J. B. Schmidt, A. Stockman.
Cabinet Makers and Furniture Dealers — T. B. Easton, August Koevenig,
A. W. McDaneld.
Machine and Repair Shop — Dresser & Fairchild.
Harness Makers — J. A. Enke, H. W. Meyer.
Milliners and Dressmakers — Canfield & Jones, Duff & Cross, Viola Hunter.
Barber — J. K. Phillips.
MILITIA COMPANY
Company D, 4th Regiment, I. N. G. was enrolled March 16, 1880. Mustered
into service by Capt. E. B. Bascom, of Lansing, Iowa, the same day. An elec-
tion for officers was immediately held, and James Perry elected captain ; A. R.
Prescott, first lieutenant, Joseph B. Reed, second lieutenant.
H. P. Dawes was first sergeant; Loren M. Powers, second sergeant; J. J.
Beedy, third sergeant; Arthur F. Marston, fourth sergeant; *Ed H. Putnam,
fifth sergeant; Wm. F. Owen, first corporal; Frank Orr, second corporal; Elbert
D. Stiles, third corporal; D. Henry Laughlin, fourth corporal.
Musicians — *Dennis Hardin, Jas. Sheehy.
Privates — Joseph Anderson, George Bellows, C. J. Bishop, J. C0'e> Edgar
Clough, James Doyle, Chas. Gordon, John H. Griffin, Ben S. Gulic, Fred E.
Haines, James Hogan, John McGhee, James McGhee, Chas. T. Makepeace,
George McWilliams, Dennis Murphy, Lyman Newton, John O'Brien, Darius Orr,
Ellison Orr, Lyman Patterson, John K. Phillips, Timothy Perry, Fred Rathman,
John Redhead, Lincoln Redhead, Henry J. Reusch, John S. Roll, James T. Shep-
herd, Wm. Shepherd, Stephen Spoo, *Alonzo L. Stiles, Lamotte Taylor, Otis
Van Velzer, Hugh Wheeler, N. E. Wells, Geo. W. White, Henry Wells.
No record of the official succession in the company is at hand, but we find
that at the Cedar Falls encampment in 1883 the captain was Darius Orr, who was
promoted to the lieut-colonelcy later. The company had a good spirit and
would undoubtedly have done their full duty had necessity occurred. But before
such occasion arose they had somewhat lost interest, and the authorities replaced
the company with an organization in another town.
NEWSPAPERS
The Postville Review was established in 1873, the first issue being dated
March 19th. The proprietor was F. M. McCormack, a printer from Decorah,
*Veterans.
4!I4
PAST AXD PRESENT OE ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
who gave it an independent republican cast of politics. After conducting the
paper for a couple of years in his peculiar manner McCormack sold out to
W. N. Burdick who vastly improved it in character and made of it a faithful
exponent of the interests of the town. An outline of his newspaper career is
given in the chapter on the county press. At his death in 1901 the Review
passed into the hands of his sons, A. E. and A. S. Burdick, who continue its
management today.
In August, 1882, a paper called the District Post was started by M. C. Mead,
formerly of the Holland, Iowa, Gazette, devoted to the interests of the Greenback
party, but it ceased to exist after two or three years.
In 1891 the Iowa Volksblatt, a German paper, was established by J. Gass,
a former pastor of the Lutheran church of this place. It started out with an
edition of 1.500 copies, and the first four issues were printed on the press of the
Review. After this a Washington hand press was used for several years. In
1895 Mr. Gass transferred the management of the paper to his printers, Henry
Brechler and Gustav Dietsch, both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in 1897 Mr.
Dietsch bought out the other parties and conducted it alone until March 1, 1908,
when he sold the plant, including the office building, to Paul Ronneberger and
Sam Hoesley, both experienced newspaper men from Monroe, Wisconsin, who
continue to operate it.
The Postville Graphic was established by Edgar F. Medary, December 10,
1891. In 1893 Mr. Medary was called to take charge of the Waukon Democrat,
because of the death of both his father and brother who had owned it, and he
turned over the Graphic to Bruce Baldwin, a newspaper writer of some note in
this part of the state. His control was brief, however, and he was succeeded by
W. J. Wallis, who continued the business with profit until 1899, when he re-
moved the plant to Waukon and with his son started the Allamakee Democrat.
This venture proved a mistake, and they shortly after sold the outfit to Medary,
who consolidated it with his own plant.
BANKS
The Postville State Bank — This institution is the outgrowth of a private
bank started by Scott Roberts and Hall Roberts in 1877, and known as Roberts
Brothers Bank. As such it was continued until May 2, 1891, when it became
incorporated as the Postville State Bank, with a capital of $50,000, and the fol-
lowing officers: President, W. C. McNeil; Vice President, J. P.. Hart; Cashier,
F. W. Roberts; Directors, W'm. Larrabee, A. Hart, A. Staadt, Geo. Redhead, D.
Jacobia, W. C. McNeil, Hall Roberts, J. B. Hart and F. W. Roberts.
In 1894 J. I!. Hart was elected president, and so continued until 191 1. F. E.
Crandall was elected cashier in 1907 and held that position until 191 1, also. At
that time Win. Leui was elected president and A. P. Peterson, cashier, which
others they still hold. F. VV. Roberts is now vice president.
June 6, 1 9 r t , the state charter was renewed for twenty years. When organ-
ized as a state bank the capital was fixed at $50,000, which was all paid in and a
surplus fund was gradually accumulated from the earnings until the surplus is
now equal to the capital, $50,000 each. Deposits are now about $425,000, and
have increased rapidly within the last few years. During the last year, 1912, this
(il! \1)KI) S< 1 U x ) I .. l'oST\ I1.I.I-:
IIIOII SCHOOL, POSTVILLE
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 497
institution erected a fine new bank building at a cost of about $15,000. It is thor-
oughly equipped with all the modern arrangements and devices for the safety and
convenience of its patrons, and is in a better condition than ever to take care of
their business.
The present directors of this bank are : Wm. Leui, A. L. Peterson, F. W.
Roberts, Hall Roberts, Wm. Weihe, B. C. Fleming, Godfrey Staadt, and C. F.
Meier.
The Citizens State Bank — This bank was incorporated April 27, 1891, with a
capital of $25,000, and the following named officers: President, F. L. Williams;
Vice President, W. S. Webster ; Cashier, James McEwen ; Directors, Fred
Beedy, Carl Holter, R. N. Douglass, and John Sanders ; these with the officers
constituting the board of directors.
In July, 191 1, the bank renewed its incorporation for a second period of
twenty years; and on January 24, 1912, its capital was increased from $25,000
to $100,000, and its directorate increased to nine. And at the annual meeting
in June, 1913, the following officers were elected for the current year: President,
R. N. Douglass ; A'ice President, H. S. Luhman ; Cashier, L. S. McEwen (to take
the place of his father, Jas. McEwen, who had served continuously from 1891
until his death, in October, 1912) ; Assistant Cashier. Leo O. Beucher ; Direc-
tors (besides the above named officers), P. J. Beucher, L. H. Schroeder, F. L.
Williams, Carl Holter, John Waters, Wm. Harris.
The annual report shows this institution to be in a prosperous condition, with
an increase of over $100,000 each in deposits and loans. The April report to
state auditor showed total assets of $522,407.78; deposits of $409,163.73; un-
divided profits, $13,240.05.
BRICK AND TILE MANUFACTORY
An enterprise which adds much to the prestige of Postville as an important
business center is the Postville Clay Products Company, organized in 1910, and
incorporated June nth of that year, with authorized capital of $75,000. Its
officers at the time were : President and Treasurer, R. M. Burtis ; Vice President,
W. H. Burtis; Secretary, A. E. Cornell. Its purpose was stated, especially, "to
manufacture clay or other products of all kinds or forms and of every name and
nature, and to sell and trade in such products and all kinds of other real and
personal property and manufactured products." The concern have installed a
valuable equipment of machinery of improved patterns, and the plant continues
to grow and flourish. It has recently added another battery of drying kilns to
increase its output.
SOME OLD-TIME VOTERS
The local press recently published the following list, furnished by Geo. S.
Tuttle, of Post township men, who voted for Lincoln in '60. Of the list Edmond
Douglass is the oldest having voted at eighteen presidential elections, his first be-
ing for Henry Clay in 1844. Several of the others voted for Fremont in 1856.
The list follows: Edmond Douglass. James Orr, David Vickery, L. D. B. Haw-
kins, Horace Willis, George Lull, A. Abernethv, George Redhead, Warren Stiles,
498
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
lolm Moir, John Durno. J. M. Laughlin, Charles Bloxham, Enos Ervin, J. D.
Lawson, all of Post township, and all but two of whom live in Postville.
AN ANCIENT AUTOGRAPH
Way hack in the dim and musty past when Postville was but a flag station
on the Military Road between Fort Crawford. Wisconsin, and Fort Atkinson.
Iowa, there was built in this hamlet an imposing hostlery called the National
Hotel, and in its day it was rather a pretentious structure, which enjoyed a good
patronage and put Postville on the map in big red letters. Time rolled on and
the railroad rolled in. and other inns came, with the result that the old tavern
came into disuse as such and was remodeled somewhat and converted into a resi-
dence, and is now occupied as such by Carl Senholz and Mr. and Mrs. W. C.
Thoma. The upper story of the structure has been little changed and on a win-
dow pane upstairs in a guest room is inscribed the following autograph, probably
cut in the glass with a diamond ring: "Mrs. Harris Hoyt, Chicago, Nov. 7, 1864."
— Postville Review, July, 1913.
EARLY VILLAGES
Lybrand — The first town in the county to have a platted existence as shown
by the count}- records, was founded by Jacob Lybrand, who came from West
Union in the spring of 1850. It was located on section 15. Post township, and
was platted May 3, 1851. from a survey made April 1st by S. P. Hicks, deputy
county surveyor. Hiram Jones and Jacob Lybrand were the owners of the land,
and their acknowledgment was taken before Elias Topliff, justice of the peace.
Being on the main traveled road between McGregor's Landing and Decorah, it
soon became a place of considerable importance for those days. Mr. Lybrand
opened a store, and a postoffke was established there in 1851, but Was discontinued
sometime in the late sixties. Hiram Jones also kept a store in 1853 and '54.
There was a milliner shop and shoe shops ; and in 1854 John D. Cooper started
to build a large stone hotel, but it was unfinished when he sold to Elisha Harris
the following fall. Mr. Harris eventually bought all of the land comprising the
village, and made a farm of it, converting the shops and stores into barns and
sheds for produce and farm stock. The "great hotel," finished by him, was
totally destroyed by a tornado. September 21. 1881. There was a Presbyterian
church organization here until 1856, being with that at Postville, in the third
presbytery of the Synod of Iowa.
The old "double trail" to the Indian "Decorah village" ran through this set-
tlement from "Hickory Creek" at Hardin; and crossed the Yellow river at what
was called "the dry sink," from near which one of the mainly traveled branches
diverged towards the north, passing west of Waukon and extending to two In-
dian villages in the [owa valley near the mouth of French Creek. Mr. Lybrand
was a bachelor, of somewhat eccentric habits., and was widely known as a re-
markably honest and conscientious man. He remained here a few vears when
he removed to Minnesota and located a town which he named St. Nicholas, on
Lake Albert l.ea. The town of Albert Lea got the start of his place, however,
for county seat, and he went to Alexandria, that state, from which he was driven
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 499
by the Indian outbreak of 1862, and returned to Allamakee and Fayette counties
for a couple of years. Again going to Minnesota, he located the town of Red
Wood Falls, but finally returned to Alexandria, where he died January 21, 1875,
upwards of seventy years of age.
Myron — Is situated on the Yellow river, in Post township, near the north line,
and dates its platted existence only from May 8, 1873, although it is an old-time
settlement and far more entitled to be styled a village than many of the mythical
towns so-called. It possessed a large and excellent flouring mill for many years;
also a store, postoffice, blacksmith shop, etc. It was named for F. Myron
Schwartz, son of P. F. Schwartz, the first settler. After the discontinuance of
the postoffice at Lybrand, by the resignation of Elisha Harris, it was removed
to the house of P. F. Schwartz who was appointed postmaster of "Myron" in
1869. R. T. Burnham removed his flouring mill from Hardin to Myron in 1865.
S. F. Goodykoontz, of Waukon, purchased a half interest in the property in
1866, and a little later had a plat surveyed on the east half of section 3. D. D.
Hendrick started a store in 1867. Some building was done, a schoolhouse erected,
and several dwellings put up, to the north of the platted village. There is an ex-
cellent waterpower here, and the flouring mill was the life of the place. When
the milling industry declined all other business faded away ; and the postoffice
followed upon the introduction of the rural mail service, within a very few years.
Cleveland was started in 1856, by James M. and Marie Ann Arnold, the orig-
inal owners, and was situated on the northeast quarter of southeast quarter of
section 1. The plat was surveyed in March, 1856, and acknowledged before John
Laughlin, justice of the peace. Mr. Arnold had settled here in 1850, near the
Reuben Smith location of the previous year. Cleveland was practically one with
Manchester, which was just over the line in Franklin township. There was a
postoffice here in 1861, which was discontinued a few years later.
Moneek was in Winneshiek county, just over the line, but furnished the first
lumber for Allamakee county settlers in 1850. It was located on the north fork
of Yellow river, on section 1 in Bloomfield township, and the sawmill was built
in 1849 by Moses S. McSwain and Abner DeCow. Others came in, mostly
Canadians. A postoffice was established in 1852, and existed for some ten years.
Frank Teabout started Frankville, and the state road was located along this ridge,
leaving Moneek inaccessible down among the hills. Its decline began in 1855.
the tide of immigration flowing by, and the village entirely disappeared.
In 1854 Post was the most thickly settled part of the county, the population
being 504. In 1910 the township contained 713 exclusive of Postville which
had 952.
The township officers of Post, in 1913, are: Clerk Geo. S. Tuttle ; Trustees,
Arthur Behrens, Mort C. Deering, J. M. Harris ; Assessor, Wm. Foels ; Justices,
Wm. Shepherd and A. F. Marston ; Constable, E. A. McGhee.
Among the early mills in Post township was Saunder's mill on the south fork
of Yellow river, in section 20, and a sawmill a short distance below this in the
south edge of section 17. Both of these appear on a map published in February,
1859. Also "Smith's mill" on section 12. This place came near being the first
countv seat, in the contest with Columbus in 1851.
CHAPTER XXIII
ALLAMAKEE IN THE CIVIL WAR
The following roster of Allamakee county volunteers in the War of the Re-
bellion is compiled from the roster and record of Iowa soldiers published by the
state in 1910, with such corrections and additions as are warranted by other docu-
ments and local records, and is probably as complete as can now be made. The total
number of men furnished by the county was about eight hundred, or some two
hundred more than our quota. The county records show the action taken by the
board of supervisors at various times to provide bounties for recruits, but they need
not be given here. The response to the call of our country was so hearty that it did
not become necessary to resort to a draft.
THIRD INFANTRY
The Third Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, was mustered into the United
States service at Keokuk, Iowa, June 8 and 10, 1861, and immediately went into
active campaigning in Missouri, participating in several important engagements.
It did its full share in the two days' battle at Shiloh, and in the sieges of Corinth,
Vicksburg, and Jackson, where it suffered disastrous loss. It was also engaged
in the Atlanta campaign, and subsequently the few survivors were consolidated
with the Second Regiment and marched with Sherman to the sea. Thev were
mustered out July 12, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky. But five men of this regi-
ment were credited to Allamakee county ; all in Company "C" :
Dinger, Reuben. Age 20. Enlisted March 11, 1862. Died Oct. 1, 1864,
Rome, Ga. Buried in National cemetery, Marietta, Ga.
Fulton, James. Age 19. Enlisted May 22, 1861. Died Sept. 9, 1862, at
Macon City, Mo.
Orr, William. Age 18. Enlisted May 22, 1861. Promoted drummer June
8, 1861. Wounded at Hatchee River, Tenn., Oct. 5, 1862. Re-enlisted and re-
mustered Feb. 2, 1864. Killed at Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864. Buried in National
cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
Smith, George W. Age 21. Waukon. Enlisted May 22, 1861. Re-enlisted
and re-mustered Dec. 17, 1863.
Wait, Hiram L. Age 25. Enlisted May 22, 1861. Detached for naval service
Feb. 14, 1862. Returned to company June 23, 1863. Re-enlisted Dec. 17, 1863.
Re-enlisted Jan. 4, 1864.
501
502 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
FIFTH INFANTRY
The companies assigned to this regiment were ordered into quarters at Bur-
lington. Iowa, by Governor Kirkwood, in June, 1861, and were mustered into
service July 15, 1861, by Lieut. Alexander Chambers, U. S. A. The regiment was
ordered into active service very soon after, and marched into Missouri to repel
the rebel forces then threatening to invade Iowa. During the following year it
performed most difficult and arduous service in that state, chiefly, where the
conditions then existing were most deplorable. Its first important battle was at
Iuka, Mississippi, where it lost nearly fifty per cent of the number engaged,
in killed and wounded, September 19, 1862. Besides Iuka it participated in the
battles of Corinth, Jackson, Champion Hill, Port Gibson, Raymond, Black River
Bridge, Missionary Ridge, and sieges of New Madrid, Corinth and Yicksburg,
and numerous minor affairs. At the expiration of its three years term of service
it was mustered out July 30, 1864, at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and those re-en-
listing as veterans were transferred to the Fifth Iowa Cavalry.
The enlistments from this county were all in Company "K" except one from
Bellevue in Company "I," credited to Allamakee county.
Barrett, Richard. Age 21. Enlisted at Bellevue in Co. "I," June 24, 1861,
Third Corporal. Promoted Fourth Sergeant Jan. 1, 1862. Wounded at Iuka,
Sept. 19, 1862. Promoted Second Lieutenant Feb. 6, 1863; First Lieutenant,
June 1 1, 1863.
company "k"
Stevens, George H. Age 29. Waukon. Captain. Resigned Dec. 2, 1861.
Comstock, Charles A. Age 44. Lansing. First Lieutenant. Promoted Cap-
tain Feb. 1. 1862. Discharged Feb. 28, 1862. (See 27th Regiment.)
Austin, John W. Age 21. Lansing. Enlisted July 1, 1861, Fourth Corporal.
Wounded at Champion Hills, Miss., May 16, 1863. Promoted Second Lieutenant
June 21, 1863; First Lieutenant Aug. 6, 1863. Discharged March 12, 1865.
Bascom, Elias B. Age 28. Lansing. Enlisted July 1, 1861. Promoted Sec-
ond Lieut. Feb. 1, 1862; First Lieut. May 14, 1862; Captain Jan. 23, 1863. Taken
prisoner at Missionary Ridge Nov. 25, 1863.
Bartshe, Christian. Age 20. Rossville. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Taken pris-
oner at Chattanooga. Tenn., Nov. 25, 1S63. Died at Andersonville, May 23, 1864.
Buried in National Cemetery at Andersonville.
Beeler, Chester G. Age 34. Rossville. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Discharged
for disability Oct. 24, 1864, Keokuk, Iowa.
Botsford, Geo. W. Age 24. Lansing. Enlisted July 15. 1861. Wounded at
Iuka. Sept. 19. 1862. Transferred to Invalid Corps Sepf. 1, 1863.
Brewer, Lewis. Age 39. Lansing. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Discharged for
disability Dec. 16, 1862, Yacona, Miss.
Chery, Chas. M. Age 35. Lansing. Enlisted July 15, 1861.
( lark. Chas. \ . Age 20. Waukon. Enlisted July 15. 1861. Died Dec. 2j .
1863. at Waukon, Iowa.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 503
Clark, Nelson. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted July 15, 1861.
Cooper, Samuel A. Age 28. Lybrand. Enlisted July 1, 1861, Third Ser-
geant. Promoted First Sergeant Sept. 10, 1862; Second Lieut. May 18, 1863.
Discharged July 16, 1863, to accept promotion as Captain in Twelfth Louisiana
Colored Infantry.
Cowles, James W. Age 20. Lansing. Enlisted July 15: 1861. Promoted
Fourth Corporal. Wounded at Vicksburg, May 22, 1863. Promoted Fourth Ser-
geant July 15, 1863. Taken prisoner at Chattanooga, Nov. 25, 1863. Died in
Andersonville prison Sept. 26, 1864. Buried in National Cemetery, Andersonville.
Davis, S. H. Age 34. Lansing. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Discharged for
disability Oct. 19, 1862. See Co. F, Ninth Cavalry.
Dewey, David. Age 33. Volney. Enlisted July 15, 1861.
Ellis, Homer. Age 20. Lansing. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Killed at Iuka,
Sept. 19, 1862.
Fosdick, John A. Age 21. Residence Westfield (credited to Allamakee
county). Enlisted July 15, 1861. Wounded severely May 16, 1863, at Champion
Hills, Miss. Mustered out July 17, 1864, at Davenport.
Fry, Henry. Lansing. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Wounded in hand at Iuka,
Sept. 19, 1862.
Gardner, Jas. S. Age 19. Lansing, First Corporal. Promoted Third Ser-
geant Sept. 20, 1862. Died May 22, 1863, at Vicksburg.
Gardner, Wm. E. Age 30. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862.
Googins, Davis. Age 44. Lansing. Enlisted July 1, 1861, Second Sergeant.
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.
Hall, Joel C. Age 19. Lansing. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Died on board U. S.
Steamer Charles McDougall, Aug. 15, 1863. Buried in National Cemetery, Jef-
ferson Barracks, Mo.
Holly, John W. Age 22. Waukon. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Promoted Third
Corporal Nov. 3, 1862; Second Corporal. See Co. D, Fifth Cavalry.
Hudson, Josiah. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Transferred to
Invalid Corps Feb. 15, 1864.
Ibaugh, John. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Re-enlisted and re-
mustered Feb. 3, 1864.
Klees. Nicholas. Age 26. Lansing. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Wounded at
Champion Hills, Miss., May 16, 1863.
Krohn, Hall M. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted July 15, 1861.
Lytle, Walter E. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Wounded se-
verely at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862. Died of wounds Oct. 15, 1862. Buried in Union
National Cemetery at Corinth, with unknown dead.
Miner, Cyrus. Age 39. Volney. Enlisted July 1, 1861, Drummer. Promoted
Drum Major Jan. 1, 1863. Transferred to Invalid Corps.
Manson, James W. Age 24. Makee. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Discharged
Oct. 25, 1863, to accept promotion as Flospital Steward in U. S. Army. (See
U. S. Army.)
Oyle, Anderson J. Age 31. Volney. Enlisted July 15, 1861. (Or Ogle.)
Papaka, Henry. Age 24.' Waukon. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Died Oct. 8,
1861, at Jefferson City, Mo.
504
PAST AND PRESENT OP ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Philbrick, Nathaniel. Age 42. Rossville. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Discharged
for disability Feb. 5, 1862, Jefferson City, Mo.
Polk, Henry. Age 28. Waterville. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Discharged for
disability Feb. 13, 1862, Syracuse, Mo.
Powell, Wm. T. Age 24. Waukon. Enlisted July 15, 1861.
Presho, William. Age 24. Allamakee county. Enlisted and mustered Sept.
7, 1861. Wounded at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862. Mustered out Sept. 6, 1864, Daven-
port, Iowa.
Rublee, Marcus D. Age 19. Rossville. Enlisted July 15, 1861.
Scheidecker, John. Age 29. Lansing. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Killed at
Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Secreuce (or Lecreuce), Chas. H. Age 18. Johnsonsport. Enlisted July
15, 1 86 1. Deserted April 10, 1862.
Shuidler (or Shindler), Michael. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted July 15- 1861.
Discharged for disability Jan. 6, 1863, Germantown, Tenn.
Smith, John W. Age 33. Volney. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Wounded at Iuka,
Sept. 19, 1862. Discharged for disability March 5, 1863, at Hawkin's Land-
ing, Ark.
Smith, Stephen W. Age 25. Lansing. Enlisted July 1. 1861, Fifth Sergeant:
Promoted First Sergeant Jan. 1, 1862. Transferred to Co. "I," Sept. 14, 1861.
Promoted Second Lieutenant May 1, 1862. Killed at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Soil, Andrew. Age 25. Lansing. Enlisted July 1, 1861. Wounded at Iuka,
Sept. 19, 1862. Discharged Jan. 20. 1863, St. Louis, to enlist in Marine Brigade.
Sparks, Matthew T. Age 28. Lybrand. Enlisted July 15. 1S61. Taken pris-
oner at Chattanooga, Nov. 25, 1863. Died in Andersonville prison July 9, 1864.
Buried in National Cemetery at Andersonville.
Spaulding, Henry D. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Wounded
at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Stirts, Wm. F. Age 21. Makee. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Died in action May
16, 1863, Champion Hills, Miss.
Taylor, Edwin. Age 36. Milton. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Discharged for
disability Oct. 8, 1861.
Terrill, David D. Age 31. Waukon. Enlisted July 15, 1861.
Terrill, Newton E. Age 29. Waukon. Enlisted July 15, 1861. Wounded
severely at Iuka, Sept. 19, 1862.
Thomas. Samuel C. Age 42. Volney. Enlisted July 15, 1861.
Travis, Asher B. Age 19. Lansing. Enlisted July 1, 1861, Fifer.
Walrath, Chas. E. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted July 1, 1861, Second Corporal.
Promoted Third Sergeant May 23, 1863. Taken prisoner at Chattanooga. Nov.
25, 1863. Died in prison at Andersonville Sept 7, 1864. Buried in National Ceme-
tery at Andersonville.
Wampler, Jacob. Age 21. Union City. Enlisted July, 1861. Died Jan. 2,
1862. at Otterville, Mo.
Wing. Wm. S. (1. Vge 33. Lansing. Enlisted and mustered Jan. 4, 1864.
(To Co. "I," Fifth Cavalry.)
Woodmansee. Wesley W. Age 25. Lansing. Enlisted July 1, 1861, Third
Corporal. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864. See Co. "I," Fifth Cavalrv.
g-M
Si l-f-
O - "3 c
"§3
:r; ^L ro'
2! td
CO o
1 8
H* g
\s*/ -
~ <*- — t>
tr1
g.j? >
o
CO
coco
~, o
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 507
NINTH INFANTRY
The Ninth Regiment was mustered into service at Dubuque, September 2d to
24th, by Capt. E. C. Washington, U. S. A., and in October went into Missouri to
assist in bringing order out of the chaotic condition existing there. In this thank-
less task they suffered great privations and exposure, with consequent depletion
by sickness and death. Joining in the memorable pursuit of Price, and after nearly
a month of exhausting marches in rain and snow and mud, in February and
March, they were in the thickest of the fight at Pea Ridge, March 7, 1862. losing
38 killed and 176 wounded out of 560 who went into battle. In December, 1862,
they were sent to the lower Mississippi, and subsequently participated in the bat-
tles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Jackson, Lookout Mountain
and Missionary Ridge, the Atlanta Campaign and march to the sea. Mustered
out July 1 8th, at Louisville, Kentucky.
company "e"
Warner, Franz. Age 36. Allamakee County. Enlisted March 7, 1864. Mus-
tered March 19, 1864. Died June 3, 1865, Alexandria, Va. Buried in National
Cemetery at Alexandria.
company "h"
Barr, James M. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1861. Mustered Sept.
24, 1861. Wounded in arm at Pea Ridge, Ark., March 7, 1862. Promoted Fifth
Corporal April 2, 1863. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 23, 1864. Promoted
Fourth Corporal Jan. 23, 1864. Mustered out July 18, 1865, Louisville, Ky.
Barr, Samuel. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Feb. 24, 1864. Mus-
tered March 17, 1864. Mustered out July 18, 1865, Louisville.
Bentley, William A. Age 24. Waukon. Enlisted Nov. 22, 1861. Mustered
Jan. 7, 1862. Discharged for disability Oct. 7, 1862, Helena, Ark.
^ Green, Levi M. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Sept. 10th, and mus-
tered Sept. 24, 1861. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 23, 1864. Promoted Sixth
Corporal June 1, 1865. Mustered out July 18, 1865.
Lamont, Joseph. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted March 2, 1864. Mus-
tered March 21, 1864. Mustered out July 18, 1865, Louisville, Ky.
Morgan, Franklin. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Oct.
31, 1864. Died Jan. 4, 1865. Buried in National Cemetery at Nashville, Term.
(Iowa State Roster places him in Co. "D.")
Oleson, Tacob. Age 28. Enlisted March 1st, and mustered March 17, 1864.
Died Oct. 7, 1864, at Chicago.
Phillips, John W. Age 35. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 21, 1861, First Sergeant.
Mustered Sept. 24, 1861. Promoted First Lieutenant March 8, 1863; Captain,
April 9, 1865. Mustered out July 18, 1865, Louisville.
Phillips, Hugh K. Allamakee County. Enlisted March 14th, and mustered
April 12, 1864. Mustered out July 18, 1865, Louisville, Ky.
Purcell, Garrett. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Feb. 27th, and mus-
tered March 17, 1864. Mustered out July 18, 1865. Louisville, Ky.
.")08
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Randall, Elias. Age 24. Waukon. Enlisted and mustered Nov. 20, 1861.
Discharged for disability Jan. 20, 1863, St. Louis.
Ryan, Edward. Age 28. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 26th, and mustered Sept.
24. 1861. Promoted Sixth Corporal Feb. 10, 1862. Wounded severely in shoulder
at Pea Ridge, March 7, 1862. Promoted Fifth Corporal Jan. 1, 1863. Discharged
for wounds Feb. 7. 1863, St. Louis Mo. (See Co. "K," Ninth Cavalry.)
Smith, James S. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Feb. 27, 1864. Mus-
tered March 17, 1864. Promoted Eighth Corporal July 1, 1865. Mustered out
July 18, 1865, Louisville.
Simenson, Hans. Age 21. Decorah. Enlisted Aug. 26th. and mustered Sept.
24, 1861. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 23, 1864. Promoted Seventh Cor-
poral June 1. 1865. Mustered out July 18, 1865, Louisville.
COMPANY "i"
Mather, Squire. Age 22. Postville. Enlisted Sept. gth. and mustered Sept.
18. 1861. Died Sept. 26, 1863, at Lansing, Iowa.
Mather, John S. Age 18. Postville. Enlisted Sept. 9th, and mustered Sept.
18, 1861. Promoted Fifth Corporal; Third Corporal Dec. 10, 1862; Second Cor-
poral; Fourth Sergeant, May 24, 1863; Third Sergeant, July 6, 1863; Second Ser-
geant, Oct. 6, 1863. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 23, 1864. Promoted First
Lieutenant, Jan. 1. 1865; Captain, June 19, 1865. Mustered out July 18, 1865,
Louisville, Ky.
Rice, George S. Age 26. Postville. Enlisted Sept. 9th, and mustered Sept.
18, 1 86 1. Mustered out Sept. 24, 1864. East Point, Ga.
Gemmill, John. Age 18. Credited to Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug.
24, 1861. Promoted Eighth Corporal April 6, 1863. Died of sunstroke May 13,
1863, Raymond, Miss.
TWELFTH [NFANTRY
The Twelfth Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry was mustered into fine
service in October and November, 1861, by Capt. E. C. Washington of the
United States Army, at Camp Union, Dubuque, under the proclamation of
I 'resident Lincoln of July 23, 1861. The total enrollment at muster in was 981,
rank and tile. At the very beginning of their army life the men of this regiment
endured needless privations and insufficient shelter in this camp of instruction,
that November being very inclement and cold. On Thanksgiving day, but three
days after the last company was mustered in, the regiment started by rail for
St. Louis, Missouri, where it went into quarters at Benton Barracks, remaining
there two months, and with all troops gathered there suffered greatly from sick-
ness and death.
January 2j, [862, the regiment started south by rail, to Cairo, and thence by
boat to Paducah, Kentucky, where it first camped in the field. January 31st.
It enjoyed cam]) but five days, when it was re-embarked and proceeded to Fort
Henry, after the evacuation of which by the enemy it marched across to assist
in the investment of Fort Donelson and the first great victory of the war. Here
(February 13th and [5th) it received its baptism of fire, the loss being two
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 509
killed (one of whom was John J. Stillman of Co. B, the first man killed in action
from this county), and thirty-four wounded.
Leaving Fort Donelson March 12th the regiment proceeded by land and
boat to Pittsburg Landing, on the Tennessee, where it arrived on the 21st and
was assigned to a brigade commanded by Col. J. M. Tuttle of the Second Iowa,
the First Brigade of the Second Division, commanded by Gen. W. H. L. Wal-
lace, and which was destined to save the day for the Union army in the bloody
conflict soon to follow. It is impossible to here give a detailed account of
Shiloh ; but history records the fact that the Twelfth occupied a central position
in the Union line, at a point the enemy designated as the "hornets' nest," and
from the partial shelter of the sunken road during that first day assisted in re-
pulsing no less than twelve distinct charges by the Confederate forces concen-
trated upon that point. And not until they had become isolated by the forced
retirement of the line on either side, did the 8th, 12th. and 14th Iowa attempt to
leave the field, alas, too late to cut their way through the line of the enemy now
in their rear; and about 6 o'clock P. M., they threw down their arms. The loss
of the Twelfth was: Killed, known, 17; supposed (missing and never heard of),
4; wounded, 76 (19 mortally) ; taken prisoners, 419, of whom 65 died in rebel
prisons. Among the wounded was their commander, Col. J. J. Woods, severely.
Those who were captured mostly remained in prison over six months before
they were paroled. Those who were not taken, including those who had been
on furlough or detached service, the slightly wounded, and convalescents from
hospital, of the 8th, 12th, and 14th. were soon after the battle consolidated into
an organization known as the "Union Brigade," numbering all told but 478
rank and file, when organized. Of this number only seventy-five, three commis-
sioned officers and seventy-two enlisted men, were from the 12th. This de-
tachment of the 12th was under the command of Lieut. D. B. Henderson, after-
ward Speaker of the National House of Representatives.
Of the wounded and left on the field the following were from Allama-
kee county: Orison F. Adams, Cornelius Deeny, Wm. F. Maynard, and David
W. Reed, the latter now the superintendent of the National Cemetery on that
very field. Among the wounded and captured from Allamakee were: Charles
King (died of wound, in prison), Robert Wampler, Henry Jones, and August
Leue. Died of disease in prison : Lieut. L. H. Merrill, Sergt. Daniel Harbaugh,
Corp. Frank E. Hancock, Madison J. Roe, John L. Bryant, Jens Hanson, Ole
Hanson, Ftenry Kuck, Charles H. Noyes, Edwin R. Perry, Ira E. Peck. Simeon
Peck, Knud Thorson, and Wm. M. White.
The Union Brigade rendered conspicuous service at the siege of Corinth in
July, and at the battle of Corinth in October, 1862, the casualties of the 12th
being thirty-nine, killed, wounded and missing, out of not exceeding eighty men
engaged. Four color-bearers were shot down, the fourth being Sergeant John
D. Cole of Company B, but who recovered. He had been wounded at Donelson,
and came from hospital to Pittsburg Landing just too late to find his company
in the fray. He was promoted second lieutenant from date of the battle at
Corinth, October 3rd.
About the first of April, 1863, all the survivors of the regiment were reassem-
bled at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, under their old commander, Col. Joseph J.
Woods. Lt. Col. S. R. Edgington, Major J. H. Stibbs, Surgeon S. W. Huff,
510 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Asst. Surgeon Myron Underwood. Co. B: Capt. W. C. Earle, Lieuts. J. H.
Borger and J. D. Cole. At the muster in or the regiment in '61 Company B was
on the left ; now Capt. Earle being the ranking captain the company occupied
the extreme right, and retained this position until the muster out. In April
the regiment reported to Gen. Grant before Yicksburg, and was in battle at
Raymond, May 12; Jackson, May 14; Vicksburg assaults and siege May 18 to
July 4; Jackson, July 10 to 16; Brandon, July 19; and Brownsville, Miss., Oct.
16, 17. 1863. In 1864 as follows: White River, Ark., June 22; Coonewar,
Miss., July 13; Tupelo, July 14, 15; Nashville. Tenn., Dec. 15; and Brentwood
Hills, Dec. 16. And in 1865, Spanish Fort, Ala., March 27 to April 9. Besides
twelve skirmishes not included in above list.
On Dec. 25, 1863, a large majority of the men, about 330, re-enlisted as
veterans, and were re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864. They were given a thirty days'
furlough from March 22. and on the 2d day of May they were in camp again
near Memphis. Meanwhile, the men who had not re-enlisted, and the recruits,
about seventy men, were temporarily attached to the Thirty-fifth Iowa, and took
part in the Red River campaign, including battles of Fort De Russy, Henderson
Hill, Pleasant Hill, Mansura, Yellow Bayou, Bayou De Glaize, and Old River
Lake, or Lake Chicot, from March 14, 1864 to June 6, 1864.
The regiment performed garrison duty at Selma, Ala., during the summer
of 1865, and in the latter part of September was assigned to the district of
Talladega, until December 26, when it was ordered to Memphis, and was there
mustered out on the 20th of January, 1866.
Without apology we here present extracts from a diary kept by Corp. Frank
E. Hancock of Co. B, from Jan. 1st, 1862, through the campaigns of Donelsor
and Shiloh, and the trying experiences of six months confinement in rebeldom.
To be sure, the conditions in these prison yards had not then reached the climax
of horrors as later developed at Andersonville. but they were such as to try the
endurance of brave men and test the strongest constitutions. Though contain-
ing but brief entries of the common daily events in the life of a soldier, they
indicate by their brevity a fearless facing of the dangers of battle as well as the
still greater dangers of disease in camp ; and a patient endurance of the long
imprisonment, with its alternating hopes and disappointments. Thus the diary
is a record of a number, rather than of one man, and as such it is of interest
to the few of his comrades who still survive him. and to their children and
children's children ; and to the young of to-day who have no personal recollec-
tions of the soul-stirring days of half a century agone it should be an inspiration
lo patriotism and good citizenship.
"Wednesday, January 1, 1862. — In Camp Benton (St. Louis), 'a sojering.'
Was cook for our mess today ; not a very agreeable way to spend New Year's
but had an oyster dinner.
"Jan. 2 to 5. — In camp, very disagreeable weather, rain, sleet and snow; two
or three inches of snow on the ground.
"Jan. 6. — Received our pay up to Jan 1st. Can perceive a change in the
countenances of the buys.
"Jan. 7. — Our officers took us outside the lines in forenoon to give us some
fresh air. Had a good time Brigade drill in P. M. under General Stronsr.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 511
"Jan. 8. — A nasty, sloppy, muddy day ; mud about six inches deep. Am
cook again today. The boys are swearing mad because they have to go out in the
mud to drill.
"Jan. 9. — Thos. Stack died at 9 o'clock P. M. No drill today. Captain
Earle sent the money to Allamakee county.
"Jan. 10. — Geo. Calico died, at 6 P. M. Bad news to us all.
"Jan. 14. — Received our instruments. (He was a member of the band, but
of course carried a gun.)
"Jan. 17. — Band played at dress parade for the first time.
"Jan. 20. — John Sohn died today. Another clever boy gone.
"Jan. 24. — Captain Tupper died this morning; his remains were taken to
Decorah.
"Jan. 27. — Received marching orders about 12 o'clock last night. Boys got
up and cooked meat for our journey. Left Camp Benton about 9:30, got across
the river between 12 and 1. Mud knee deep. Left on the cars at 3:30. Arrived
in Cairo 28th, and Smithland, Kentucky, 29th, and pitched tents 30th; fixing
things generally 31st, jayhawking boards, etc.
"Feb. 1st to 4th. — Enjoying camp life.
"Feb. 5. — Routed out at 3 o'clock and packed up for a start. Got aboard
the steamer Illinois at 10:30 A. M. Arrived at landing three miles below
Fort Flenry at 10:30 P. M.
"Feb. 6. — Moved from boat soon after daylight; had an awful time in the
mud. Received orders and started for Fort Henry. Gunboats commenced firing
at 12 M. Terrific firing for one hour and five minutes. Camped within a mile of
the fort.
"Feb. 7. — Came into camp, or fort, at 9 o'clock A. M. Things look hard
in and around. Went down to landing and helped make rail bridge, and moving
stores of company and regiment.
"Feb. 10. — Struck tents early so as to be ready for a march. Went one
mile back and pitched tents.
"Feb. 11. — Received marching orders to start tomorrow morning, with five
days' rations, two days' in haversacks, and forty rounds cartridge.
"Feb. 12. — Started at 10 o'clock for Fort Donelson, arrived within one mile
and camped for the night; went out as scout about three or four hours. Had
a good night's sleep on the ground.
"Feb. 13. — Were ordered to fall in soon after daylight. Had a skirmish with
the rebels, lasted nearly all day. One man in Company A killed. Camped (in
line of battle) down in about two inches of snow. Devilish cold night.
"Feb. 14. — Lying on the hillside, advance guard of our brigade. Nothing
of importance happened today as I hear of.
"Feb. 15. — Some skirmishing between the enemy and our sharpshooters in
morning. We hear heavy firing on our right. The Second Iowa made a charge
upon the intrenchments at noon. We were ordered to their support; saw con-
siderable hard fighting. Poor Stillman fell here.
"Feb. 16. — Were ordered to fall in and march on the fort. But soon news
came of the surrender, and then such a hurrahing I never heard. We soon
marched into the fort ; troops came in from all sides.
"Feb. 17 to March 5. — Quartered in the secesh shanties, sleep on the floor
512 PAST AND PRESENT OP ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
with only one blanket, weather cold and disagreeable, two inches of snow on
ground March 5th. Much sickness with diarrhoea. Very dull, nothing doing
but occasional drills. March 2, Ich., Dan and Hugh, got back from detail, hav-
ing been up the Cumberland to Clarksville and Nashville.
"Mar. 6. — In shanty at Port Donelson, still. Received marching orders-
two days rations.
"Mar. 7. — Started from Fort Donelson at 9 o'clock. Arrived at Tennessee
river about dark, the only regiment that came through in one day. Camped on
the ground, but had a good night's sleep.
"Mar. 8. — Camping in woods near Tennessee river, to 12th; troops continu-
ally going by up river. Weather warmer and pleasant.
"Mar. 13. — Received marching orders at noon. Went aboard the John
Warner. Started up river soon after dark ; slept on the upper deck.
"Mar. 14. — Going up the river slowly. Commenced to rain again at noon
Arrived at Savannah at 1 1 o'clock at night.
"Mar. 15-16. — Continued rain. Everything wet through. Our company
went ashore and slept in an old house ; better than on the boat.
"Mar. 17. — Sunshine once more. Remained at Savannah; went aboard the
boat at night.
"Mar. 18. — Moved up the river soon after daylight to a landing 12 miles
above. ( Pittsburg Landing.)
"Mar. 19. — Left the boat today. Lugging boxes, etc., most of the day.
Pitched our tents and have a pleasant camping ground.
"Mar. 23. — Sunday. Our old chaplain has at last got back, and holds divine
service the first time for two months. ( Then follows two weeks of generally
very warm weather, with daily drills or inspection, and an occasional game of
ball. On the day after going into camp they 'packed up blankets and overcoats
to send home ; instruments also.' They were soon to have all the music the)'
wanted, of another kind.)
"April 3, Thursday — Drilled three hours. Very warm day. Grand review
of Second Division by General Grant.
"April 4. — Drilled three hours. Wrote to mother. ( This is an entry which
occurs frequently, but is significant just at this time.) Another hot day. Our
pickets had a skirmish tonight with the enemy ; took a few prisoners.
"April 5, Saturday. — Drilled one and a half hours. Cleaning up generally
around camp. Quite warm.
"April 6, Sunday. — Fighting all day. Had to surrender to the rebels as they
outnumbered us six to one. Slept out in rain on the ground.
(On another page of the diary is the following more full account of this
first day's fight at Shiloh, written some days later. )
"At 8 o'clock on Sunday morning while preparing for inspection we heard
the long roll beat by our drums. We knew the meaning of it and fell in quickly.
Our brigade was formed and we marched to the place of firing (which we could
hear distinctly at our camp) and took our position, which we held against all
attacks made upon us. The Mississippi Tigers made a furious assault at one time,
but we sent them back in a hurry, killing a great many and completely routing
them. They threw their arms in every direction as they ran. In the afternoon
there was sharp fighting oh our left. Our troops kept them back a good while.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 513
but finally being overpowered had to fall back, and we were ordered to their
support, or rather take their place. We formed in line of battle and poured the
fire into them hot and heavy, causing them to fall back. We should have whipped
them beautifully if there had been troops to have taken the position we left;
but regiments coming up in our rear and on our right we were completely sur-
rounded. We fought as long as there was any use, but were compelled to sur-
render. We hated it as bad as anybody could, but it had to be done. We threw
our arms on the ground and were marched back about five miles from the battle
field, passing hundreds of wounded men. About 9 o'clock we camped in an old
corn field. It soon commenced to rain and we were completely wet through.
The next morning we drew rations, one cracker and a half, and started for
Corinth. Arrived there at 5 o'clock P. M., tired and hungry, were put into freight
cars and 'sent to bed' without our suppers. Tuesday morning we got a very
little hard bread and were sent on our journey. Arrived at Memphis about 5
or 6 o'clock P. M. Remained in cars until two o'clock of Wednesday morning,
when we were taken out in a heavy rain and marched about a mile to some
rooms (on the levee) in a four story brick building, where we yet remain. We
had no dinner nor supper yesterday, and when hard bread, boiled ham and
molasses came around this morning we pitched into it like hogs.
"April 9. — Went aboard the cars again at five o'clock P. M. and started
south.
"April io-n. — Traveling through Mississippi. Arrived at Jackson at day-
light, nth, and remained all day. In the night our car ran off the track, nobody
hurt. Rained hard all night.
"April 12. — Still on the cars. Our car seems to be unlucky. Today the
boxes caught fire and we had to leave our car and get on top of the others.
Rode in that manner into Mobile, at 1 1 o'clock P. M. Very hot but pleasant day.
"April 13. — Left the cars at four o'clock this morning and went aboard the
steamer Jas. Battle. Started up the Mobile river about three o'clock P. M.
Noticed two gunboats completed and another under way. They will not stand
the banging.
"April 14. — Going up the Alabama river ; very pretty, and lots of large plan-
tations and nice residences along the banks.
"April 15. — Still going up river. At Selma our Captains left us. We hated
to have our Captain go, very bad. Arrived at Montgomery soon after dark.
Had some sweet potatoes and a little beef today.
"April 16. — Were taken off the boat this morning, and after a great deal of
fussing were marched to our place of confinement, a cotton house and yard.
Crowds of citizens flocked to see us.
"April 17-19. — Passing away the time as best we can. Some playing ball,
some pitching quoits, others playing cards and checkers. Very warm. Nothing
but hard bread and pork to eat, rather poor grub for those that are worn out
and nearly sick. We are all big enough to go barefoot nowadays. The boys will
talk back to the guards or citizens when they talk mean.
"April 20. Sunday. Walking about some, but lying on my bunk of hay
most of the time. Heard the church bells calling the people to church, but con-
cluded not to go out myself.
514 I'AST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
"April 21. — Cold and rainy. Sitting by the lire whenever it did not rain
so that we could not. Ich. sent the letter away for YYaukon. G. Bailey went
to hospital.
"April 22. — Boys at their old games of hall, marhles, euchre, dominoes, etc.
Read a Richmond paper of the iSth insr. Find some rich news in regard to
the North. Occasionally get a city paper, hut the people are not allowed to sell
them to us. Not having half enough to eat.
"April 24. — Today we have more rations. Drew 20 lbs. of fresh beef, and
20 lbs (light and corn) bread. Also a little rice and molasses. (For 20 men.)
Everybody is at work making pipes of clay.
"April 25. — Sold my penholder for one dollar of the Alabama, or Mont-
gomerv. scrip ; so have a little spending money.
"April 26 to 30. — Rumors that New Orleans has surrendered, or is about
to surrender, to our fleet. We have plenty of visitors every day. Some of them
talk big, but you can bet they don't make much off the Yankees. We have some
good singers here which helps to pass away the time. If we could only know
what was going on in America we would not care for the confinement so much.
"May 1. — Lieut. Bliss of Michigan Second Battery was shot dead by one of
the d — d cowardly guards while purchasing milk. Caused great excitement,
amongst our men, and the guards were doubled.
"May 2. — We commence again on our well, which we had dug about six
feet deep a week ago. A boat load of prisoners, we suppose from Tuskaloosa,
arrived last night. Am in hopes our Captain is among them.
"May 3. — We were mistaken in regard to the prisoners. They were from
Mobile, and part of the lot that came from Memphis with us. The)- proceeded
to Macon, Ga. Geo. Bailey returned from hospital.
"May 4, Sunday- — We have preaching in our prison today by Lt. Winslow
of the 58th Illinois. Another Lieut, made a strong prayer for union, and death
or banishment to traitors. I am cook today. C. beef and rice to cook.
"May 5. — The news came in this morning that we are exchanged, and are
to leave this place within a week. Good news for us ! we hardly dare credit it.
"May 6. — Today the report of yesterday is contradicted by some of the rebel
officers. We hardly know what to think of it. We hope, however. Hard bread
and pork for rations. Don't suit us at all. Reports from Corinth and Rich-
mond are favorable.
"May 7. — We hear all sorts of reports today in regard to our being exchanged.
Some say we will go only as far as Macon, others that we will go on to Norfolk.
Can't believe anything we hear. Hard bread and fresh beef today. Pleasant
day. and splendid evenings we have.
"May 8. — The prospect of our leaving this place grows less every day. 9th.
—No prospect of leaving here at all. 10th. — Beautiful moonlight evening, and
we Waukon boys are together talking of home. nth. — Preaching today by
Lieut. Winslow. hive weeks today we have been prisoners of war.
"May 13. — Worked with squad on the well two hours. Our rations today
consisted of a piece of corn bread 2x4 for each man. That would starve men
soon.
"May 14. — A newspaper was smuggled in today which gave an account of
the battle of New Orleans, and the evacuation of Pensacola. Also ?ood news
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 515
from Richmond and Corinth. Small, poor rations again today in the shape of
corn bread and peas.
"May 15. — We hear that Norfolk is taken and the Merrimac burned. Good
news for prisoners. Corn bread and rice for rations ; also fresh beef extra.
"May 16. — A day of fasting and prayer in the C. S. A., and certainly it does
not lack much of it in here, for all we draw is a little corn bread and poor
beans.
"May 17. — We hear that Mobile is taken and that Beauregard is leaving
Corinth, or attempting to. Our men feel good over the news and think we will
not stop here always.
"May 20. — Capt. Troy and other rebel officers are making a descriptive list
of all non-commissioned officers and privates, for what purpose we know not,
but are told it is for the purpose of parolling, and that we will leave in a
few days.
"May 21. — Today we learn that all non-com. officers are to stay here with
the commissioned. Rather tough news for me, but I guess I can stand it. Lt.
Merrill went to hospital today.
"May 22. — An alphabetical roll of all privates has been made today, and
verified by roll-call afterwards.
"May 24. — The privates are signing their paroles today. Everything was
got ready and the boys left the jail yard about six o'clock. I was glad to see
them go, but hated to part with them.
"May 25. — Our commissioned officers are having their descriptive rolls taken
today. It looks like their being paroled too. We all expect to leave here tomor-
row, for — somewhere — home, I hope. Prisoners seven weeks today.
"May 26. — This morning we were told that we should not go until tomorrow
morning. The remaining privates from the hospital leave in the morning, 39
in number.
"May 27. — The remainder of the Tuscaloosa prisoners came into our prison
today. They consist of commissioned and non-com. officers taken at Shiloh, and
some Belmont boys, and some Fort Donelson. Also about forty loyal citizens of
Tennessee. A pretty hard looking set the prisoners are, too. We are still here!
"May 28. — A new officer takes command today. He has a list of all in here
which he says he will start for Macon, Ga., on Friday morning, there to be
paroled immediately- There is one prisoner here from Manassas.
"May 29. — Lieut. Merrill died in hospital at 9 o'clock this morning. Andrews
nursed him to the last. Lt. Marks also of the 12th Regt. died today in same
place an hour later.
"May 30. — Got aboard the cars (covered platform) at 7 A. M. Arrived
at Columbus, Ga., at dark, where we changed cars. Very hot day.
"May 31. — Arrived in Macon at 7 o'clock A. M., having been 24 hours trav-
eling 190 miles. We were marched to the Fair Grounds, or 'Camp Oglethorpe'
now. Found several of the 12th boys here. Like the looks of the place very
well. Very hot day indeed.
"June 1. — Strolling about our new prison some. Quite a pretty place, contain-
ing about twelve acres. There is a nice spring, and a good well close by our
quarters. There are shade trees all through the grounds, and I think it a healthy
place.
516 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
"June 2. — Spent most of the day lying under the shade trees. Some Fort
Donelson prisoners paroled from Chicago arrived here today. We hear that
Richmond is in our possession !
"June 3 to 5. — Boys mostly playing baseball, cricket, etc., and lying in the shade.
Our living nowadays is white bread and flour gravy, which is better than we
had at Montgomery. A battery drilling, also several companies of infantry,
inside the prison grounds.
"June 6. — Rebels are firing a salute in honor of Stonewall Jackson. Thev
say he has routed Gen. Banks and is on his way to Baltimore, etc. Think he
will run against a stone wall before he gets near Baltimore !
"June 8. — Lying in the shade most of the time and nothing to do but think
of home ; nine weeks today we have been prisoners.
"June 9. — Lieut. Jackson died in hospital today at 8 o'clock A. M. We
hear that our boys that were paroled from Montgomery have not yet crossed
the lines. Hope it is not true. 10th. — Lt. Jackson buried with honors.
"June 12. — Drew fresh beef for the first time in Macon. We hear good
news from Richmond and Savannah. 14th. — Waiting upon Andrews in the
hospital. i5th-i-th. — Ten weeks prisoners. Nothing going on. Cold and dis-
agreeable weather. Bet it ain't so cold in Iowa. A good time to be at home
lying on the old lounge.
"June 18. — Our Montgomery paroled boys arrived here about six o'clock
this evening, from Griffin lastly. Pleased to see them, but sorry they had so poor
luck. Hear that our Capt. is well.
"June 19. — The day passed very quickly; suppose because of our reinforce-
ments. The guard lines have been drawn in so that we have less privilege than
before. Six prisoners escaped the 17th.
(The entries along here do not vary much. "Nothing going on in particu-
lar." "Lying around as usual." "Nothing to do and plenty of help." "Doing
the same kind of work as yesterday." "At work at our old trade." "Conflicting
reports from the front." ) Prisoners escaping frequently.
"June 30. — Wm. White died in hospital at 2 o'clock A. M.
"July 3- — We hear good news from Richmond. Chattanooga, and Eastern
Tennessee today. Only hope the reports are true. One of our men was shot
by the guard for coming too near his beat.
"July 4.— Spending the glorious Fourth in a prison yard ! Strong language
used at the luck. Notwithstanding, we celebrate by some patriotic songs.
"Ju'y 5— The secesh say they have bagged McClellan's whole army. (Not
so anxious to believe the reports now.)
"July 6.— Heard Parson Rogers read scripture and explain the same for
two hours or more.
"July 7.— Capt. Crabbe of the 7th Iowa Regt. is exchanged and starts home
today. He has been a prisoner exactly eight months. 8th. — Adjutant Bowler
of the 7th Iowa goes to Chattanooga for the purpose of getting us or himself
exchanged.
"July 9.— All commissioned officers go from here to Madison, Ga„ today.
10th.— Everything going on about as usual, the ring business not excepted, nth.
A captain came from Madison with the good news that we are to be exchanged
very soon.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 517
"July 14— Pagan, of Co. K of the 12th, came down from Atlanta today and
brings the bad news of the death of Thronsen and Ole Hanson, who died the
30th of June.
••July I5_We hear that McClellan is giving the rebels fits at Richmond.
"July 17.— Ira E. Peck died in hospital this morning at 5 o'clock. Was
buried this P. M. ; part of our Company went to the grave.
"July 20.— Sunday. Listened to Parson Rogers an hour or two.
"July 21. Received a letter from our Captain containing sixty dollars for
the use of the Company. Also good news in regard to being exchanged. New
descriptive roll taken today.
"July 24-28.— Our boys are speculating these days in melons and peaches,
but at high prices. Competition brings down the price. All sorts of reports in
circulation this week as to our going away.
•<july 29.— Parson Rogers leaves us this morning to go home. We shall
miss him a good deal. 30th and 31st.— Some fights among some of our own
men. who were put in the guard house for it. We hear that some 2,000 pris-
oners arrived here within the last two days that had been paroled or exchanged.
"Aug. 4.— Here I am spending my birthday in the Southern Confederacy,
amongst' fleas and other vermin, instead of at home amongst friends.
"Aug. 5.— We hear we will leave this week, and it ain't the first time we
have been told the same thing and been disappointed. Am sick today.
"Aug 6 to 15— Chills and fever every day. 8th.— Fifty-six political pris-
oners left this morning for their homes; happy fellows! 13th.— Chill today is
somewhat lighter ; no medicine in the doctor's office !
"Aug. 16.— Feel a little better today ; fever not so bad as common. We hear
that Gen. Pope is giving it to that Stonewall.
"\ug 17 to 22— Chills and fever every day, and very weak; 23d. the chill
was lighter than common; 24th. chill and fever quite light and the last one I
had. 27th, moved up to where our boys stop, so they can cure me up. Feet
badly swelled. Hugh washes my feet and legs every night in hot water. (Refers
to Hugh McCabe, the Good Samaritan.)
«Sept 1.— Milk toast and sweet potatoes I think are helping me. 2d, Sold
my watch for $19.00, but hated to part with it. 5th. feel much better today.
The rebels are rejoicing over some victory. 7th, feeling pretty well but awful
weak 10th feel tip-top. nth. Nothing going on in our mess but the ring
business, which Rogers, Bearce & Co. are driving. (After this date the entries
are infrequent, as follows:)
"Sept. 12.— Chas. King died.
"Sept. 24. — Simeon Peck died.
"Sept. 25. — John L. Bryant died.
"Sept. 29. — Madison J. Roe died.
••Oct. 4.— We hear that we are to leave here next week.
"Oct. 5. — Tens Hanson died.
"Oct. 8.— Left Macon at 5 o'clock. Slept a little on the car floor.
••Oct 9.— Arrived at Augusta at one o'clock, A. M.
"Oct. 10.— Changed cars in morning; crossed the Savannah river, in cars all
night.
518 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
"Oct. ii. — One man fell from cars, and killed instantly. One man of 6th
Iowa died. Changed cars at Columbia in night. Arrived at Charlotte at one
o'clock P. M. ; left at six P. M. Got soaked.
"Oct. 12. — Still in cars. Rained all day. Arrived at Raleigh in evening
Drew rations in night.
"Oct. 13. — Started for Weldon at 10 o'clock A. AI. ; arrived at 8 P. M.
Rained all day. Rode in open cars, suffered great deal from cold. Laid out in
rain fill night on the ground.
"Oct. 14. — One of the 12th Iowa died, of Co. E. Started for Petersburg
9 A. M., arrived at 8 P. M. Went into a building and had a good night's rest.
"Oct. 15. — Started for Richmond at 9 o'clock A. AI.. arrived at 11:30.
Marched one mile to the prison ; pretty good accommodations. Signed our
paroles.
"Oct. 16. — Remained in prison. Drew good rations — best we have had.
"Oct. 17. — Were moved twelve miles to Aikin's Landing, where we got
aboard the John A. Warner as free men.
"Oct. 18. — Went down river to Fortress Alonroe."
This is the last entry in the diary. Note the coincidence of name of boat
which welcomed them as free men, with that of the boat on which they started
up the Tennessee river to Pittsburg Landing, on Alarch 13th. The men reached
Annapolis, Md., on the 26th, and went into camp. Hugh AlcCabe, who had kept
up and nursed others through sickness, now felt it best to go to the hospital
himself that night, and advised Frank to go with him. but he was so greatly
elated with the sense of freedom that he mustered strength to march to the
camp with his comrades, and during the night his spirit took its departure while
they slept.
Interesting memoranda on blank pages of the diary include a list of the boys
who go to hospital, and deaths ; list of those taken prisoners, of Co. B. ; and
the wounded with them ; 53 with the officers. A description of their quarters,
(At Alontgomery. doubtless); "we are confined in a cotton-house and yard.
The yard is about 16x6 rods; brick walls sixteen feet high at each end. On each
side are buildings open to the yard, and about thirty feet deep. Our bunks are
boards laid down on timbers and hay thrown onto them." Also the following
price lists of supplies:
"Montgomery, Ala., May 12th, 1862. — Sugar sells at 18 to 23 cents per lb.
Molasses $1.25, and all other things in proportion.
"Macon, Ga., June 2d, 1862. — Potatoes sell at $3.00 per bushel, or 15 cts. qt.
Soap 50 cts. lb.; candles $1.00 per lb.; saleratus $2.00 per lb.; sugar 35 cts. lb.;
molasses $2.00 gal.; coffee $1.30 lb.; bacon 30 cts. lb.; salt 25 cts. lb.; tomatoes
20 cts. qt. ; huckleberries 15 cts. qt."
company "b"
Earle, Willard C. Age 29. Residence Waukon. Captain. Alustered in
Oct. 17, 1861. Taken prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Escaped from Selma,
Ala., but recaptured before reaching Union lines. Paroled Oct. 13, 1862. Pro-
moted Nov. 25. 1864, and commissioned Colonel of 70th Regiment U. S. Col-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 519
ored Infantry, which saw service at Rodney, Natchez, and vicinity during the
remainder of the war.
Merrill, Lyman H. Age 24. Residence Lansing. First Lieutenant, mus-
tered Oct. 17, 1861. Taken prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Died of fever
while prisoner of war May 29, 1862, at Montgomery, Ala.
Borger, John H. Age 24. Residence Waterloo Twp. Second Lieutenant,
mustered Oct. 17, 1861. Taken prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Promoted
First Lieutenant Oct. 3, 1862. Mustered out Nov. 23, 1864, expiration of term
of service.
The original Company "B" were mustered in Oct. 17. 1861, and mustered
out Jan. 20, 1866, at Memphis, Tenn. Exceptions are noted.
Adams, Orison F. Age 21. Linton Twp. Enlisted Oct. 5, 1861. Wounded
at Shiloh April 6, 1862. Missing in battle Oct. 4, 1862, at Corinth. Re-enlisted
Jan. 5, 1864.
Anderson, Olaf G. Age 33. Center Twp. Enlisted Feb. 29, 1864. Mus-
tered April 5, 1864. See Co. B, 27th Infantry.
Anderson, Magnus. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 13, 1864. Mustered
Oct. 23, 1864. Mustered out Nov. 24, 1865, Mobile, Ala. See Co. B, 27th.
Andrews, Hiram R. Age 22. Waterloo Twp. Enlisted Oct. 12, 1861.
Mustered Oct. 26, 1861. Taken prisoner at Shiloh April 6, 1862. Re-enlisted
Jan. 5, 1864.
Bailey, George N. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 8, 1861. Taken pris-
oner at Shiloh April 6, 1862. Discharged for disability April 1, 1863. Re-
entered service March 26, 1864.
Barnhart, Amos L. Age 18. Flanover Twp. Enlisted Feb. 29, 1864. Mus-
tered Feb. 29, 1864. Died of measles March 4, 1864, Memphis, Tenn. Buried
in Mississippi River National Cemetery at Memphis.
Bartlett, Francis H. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted and mustered Jan. 21,
1864. Mustered out Jan. 21, 1866, at Memphis.
Bathan, Robert. Rossville. Enlisted and mustered Nov. 22, 1861. Dis-
charged April 29, 1862, Pittsburg Landing, Tenn.
Bearce, Lorenzo D. Age 23. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 10, 1861. Taken
prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864.
Promoted Sixth Corporal March 1, 1865; Fourth Corporal June 1, 1865.
Beisel, Jacob B. Age 28. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 3, 1861. Discharged for
disability May 27, 1863. Re-entered service Feb. 25, 1864. Died June 25, 1865,
at Lansing.
Birnum, Horatio. Age 18. Waterloo Twp. Enlisted and mustered Feb.
29, 1864.
Bort, Averillo K. Age 18. Taylor Twp. Enlisted Oct. 21, and mustered
Oct. 26, 1864. Mustered out Nov. 26, 1865, at Montgomery, Ala.
Bert, Merritt J. Age 32. Lansing. Enlisted March 26, and mustered April
29, 1864.
Bort, Wesley B. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted Sept. 30, 1861. Wounded at
Fort Donelson Feb. 15, 1862. Taken prisoner at Shiloh April 6, 1862. Pro-
moted Sixth Corporal March 1, 1863. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864.
Wounded at Tupelo, Miss., July 14, 1864. Promoted Third Corporal March 1,
and First Corporal June 1, 1865.
520 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Brock, Gustavus H. Age 22. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 7, 1861. Discharged
Oct. 11. 1863, to accept promotion as First Lieut, of Sixtieth Iowa Colored
Infantry.
Bryant, John L. Age 28. Lafayette Twp. Enlisted Oct. 12, 1861. Taken
prisoner at Shiloh April 6, 1862. Died while prisoner Sept. 25, 1862, and buried
in National Cemetery at Macon, Ga.
Burlingame, Oviatt D. Age 18. Enlisted and mustered Feb. 23, 1864.
Butler, Aretus W. Age t,-/. Taylor Twp. Enlisted Jan. 29, and mustered
Feb. 24, 1864. See Co. B, 27th Inf.
Butts. Josiah H. Age 18. Linton Twp. Enlisted Oct. 7, 1861. Re-enlisted
and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864. Promoted Seventh Corporal June 1, 1865.
Calico, George. Age 27. Lansing. Enlisted Sept. 30, 1861. Died Jan. II,
1862, Hospital, St. Louis, Mo. Buried in National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks.
Candee, George. Age 19. Volney. Enlisted March 2, and mustered March
28, 1863. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864.
Castello, Francis. Age 18. Waterloo Twp. Enlisted and mustered Jan.
20, 1865. Dishonorably discharged Dec. 4, 1865.
Churchill, Edwin. Age 18. Center Twp. Enlisted March 11, and mustered
April 5, 1864. See Co. B, 27th Inf.
Churchill, Luther B. Age 29. Center Twp. Enlisted Oct. 3, 1861. Dis-
charged April 4, 1862, Pittsburg Landing, Tenn.
Cole, John D. Age 36. Union City. Enlisted Oct. 1, 1861, First Sergeant.
Promoted Second Lieutenant Oct. 3, 1862. Wounded at Corinth Oct. 3, 1862.
Discharged April 9, 1864, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. First Lieut.
Decker, John Adam. Age 28. Lansing. Enlisted Sept. 30, 1861. Re-en-
listed and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864.
Deeny, Cornelius. Age 18. Makee. Enlisted Oct. 4, 1861. Wounded at
Shiloh April 6, 1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864.
Dodge, Ansel H. Age 24. Makee. Enlisted Oct. 14, 1861. Deserted Oct.
22, 1861, Camp Union, Dubuque, Iowa.
Dowling, John. Age 24. Union City. Enlisted Oct. 10, 1861. Taken pris-
oner at Shiloh, April 6. 1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864.
Wounded at Tupelo, Miss., July i_t, 1864. Promoted Fifth Corporal Tune 1,
1865.
Dowling, Thomas. Age 27. French Creek. Enlisted Jan. 1, 1863. Mustered
March 11, 1863. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5,. 1864. Wounded at Tup-
elo, Miss., July 15, 1864.
Dubay, William. Age 35. Iowa Twp. Enlisted and mustered Oct. 26,
1864. See Co. B, 27th Inf.
Edwards, Isaac. Age 20. Ludlow. Enlisted and mustered Nov. 6, 1861.
Discharged June 30, 1862, St. Louis, Mo.
Englehorn, Matthias. Age 27. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 5, 1861. Taken
prisoner at Shiloh April 6, 1861. Promoted Seventh Corporal March 1, 1863.
Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864. Promoted Fourth Corporal March
1, 1865. Second Corporal June 1, 1865.
Erickson, Erick. Age 19. Center Twp. Enlisted Dec. 6, 1862. Mustered
March 11, 1863. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 521
Ettle, George. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 8, 1861. Taken prisoner
at Shiloh April 6, 1861. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864.
Feidt, John. Age 20. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 3, 1861. Taken prisoner at
Shiloh April 6, 1862. Mustered out Oct. 19, 1864, Davenport, Iowa.
Ferguson, Bradner. Age 18. Makee. Enlisted Oct. 8, 1861. Missing in
battle Oct. 4, 1862, Corinth, Miss. Discharged Feb. 6, 1863, Davenport.
Fry, Henry S. Age 21. Jefferson Twp. Enlisted Oct. 8, 1861. Wounded
at Fort Donelson Feb. 15, 1862. Wounded at Shiloh April 6, 1862. Promoted
Fifth Corporal March 1, 1863. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864. Pro-
moted Second Corporal March 1, 1865. Wounded at Spanish Fort, Ala., March
27, 1865, leg amputated. Promoted Fifth Sergeant June 1, 1865.
Gardner, William E. Age 33. Lansing. Enlisted and mustered Oct. 26,
1864. Mustered out Nov. 11, 1865, Montgomery, Ala. See Co. B, 27th Inf.
Goodrich, Hubbard. Age 24. Lansing. Enlisted Sept. 30, 1861. Second
Corporal. Taken prisoner at Shiloh April 6, 1862. Promoted Fourth Sergeant
March 1, 1863. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864. Mustered out March
17, 1864, for promotion as First Lieutenant in a colored regiment.
Goodykoontz, Daniel F. Age 24. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 10, 1861. Mus-
tered out Nov. 23, 1864, Davenport, Iowa, expiration of term of service.
Greenup, Edwin T. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Dec. 31, 1863. Mustered
Jan. 28, 1864. Died July 18, 1864, Memphis, Tenn.
Greenup, Stephen H. Age 43. Lansing. Enlisted Dec. 31, 1863. Mustered
Jan. 28, 1864. Mustered out Jan. 22, 1865, Davenport, Iowa.
Griffin, Lawrence. Age 25. Waterloo. Enlisted Oct. 12, 1861. Deserted
Oct. 23, 1861, Camp Union, Dubuque.
Hancock, Frank E. Age 22. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 10, 1861, Third
Corporal. Taken prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Died Oct. 27, 1862, Annap-
olis. Md. Buried in National Cemetery, Annapolis.
Hanscom, Watson R. Age 21. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 4, 1861. First
Corporal. Promoted First Sergeant, March 1, 1863. Re-enlisted and re-mus-
tered Tan. 5, 1864. Promoted First Lieutenant Nov. 24, 1864; Captain, Jan.
23. 1865.
Harbaugh, Daniel. Age 41. Jefferson. Enlisted Oct. 1, 1861 ; Fourth Ser-
geant. Taken prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Died Oct. 15, 1862, Macon,
Georgia.
Harmon, Lawrence. Age 28. Taylor. Enlisted Sept. 12, 1862. Mustered
Dec. 20, 1862. Died July 28, 1864, Cairo, 111.
Harrison, Wm. H. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted and mustered Dec. 30,
1863. See Co. B, 27th Inf.
Hawkins, Hiram P. Age 18. Postville. Enlisted Oct. 14, 1861. Dis-
charged for disability Nov. 25, 1861. See Co. A. 27th Inf.
Hector, Andrew. Age 20. Allamakee county. Enlisted and mustered Feb.
29, 1864. See Co. B, 27th Inf.
Hector, Peter. Age 18. Allamakee county. Enlisted and mustered Feb. 29,
1864. See Co. B, 27th Infantry.
Huestis, Toseph H. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted March 26, 1864. Mus-
tered April 29, 1864. .
522 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Hughes, John. Age 20. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 14, 1861. Taken prisoner
at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Discharged for disability Mar. 28, 1863, St. Louis, Mo.
Ibach, George. Age 33. Lansing. Enlisted Sept. 30, 1861, Seventh Cor-
poral. Taken prisoner at Shiloh, April 6. 1862. Promoted First Corporal
March 1, 1863; Third Sergeant March 1, 1865; First Sergeant June 1, 1865.
Isted, Ichabod. Age 21. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 4, 1861. Taken prisoner
at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Promoted Third Corporal March 1, 1863. Taken
prisoner and paroled July 11, 1863, near Jackson, Miss. Mustered out Nov.
23, 1864, Davenport, Iowa, expiration of term of service.
Jverson, Aaron. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 11, 1864. Mustered
Oct. 27,, 1864. Mustered out Nov. 24, 1865, Mobile, Ala. See Co. B, 27th
Inf.
Iverson, Knud. Age 18. Nativity, Norway. Enlisted Oct. 11, 1862. Mus-
tered Dec. 25, 1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864. Wounded in
hand Dec. 16, 1864, Nashville, Tenn. Mustered out Aug. 2^, 1865, Keokuk,
Iowa.
Jackson, Joseph P. Age 35. Taylor. Enlisted Oct. 14, 1861, Fifth Ser-
geant. Wounded at Fort Donelson Feb. 15, 1862. Promoted Third Sergeant
March 1, 1863. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5. 1864. Promoted First
Sergeant March 1, 1865; First Lieutenant April 20, 1865.
Jennings, David P. Age 40. Jefferson. Enlisted Oct. 1, 1861. Discharged
April 4, 1862, Pittsburg Landing, Tenn.
Johnson, Lewis. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted • Sept. 5, 1864. Mustered
Sept. 14. 1864. Mustered out July 19, 1865, Selma, Ala.
Jones, Henry. Age 20. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 4, 1861. Wounded at
Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864.
King, Charles L. Age 35. Ludlow. Enlisted Oct. 12, 1861. Taken prisoner
at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Died Oct. 12, 1862, at Macon, Ga. Buried in National
Cemetery at Andersonville.
Klees, Frank. Age 24. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. (>. 1861. Taken prisoner
at Shiloh. April 6, 1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864. Wounded
at Tupelo July 14, 18(14.
Knudson, Hans. Age 3d. Lansing. Enlisted March 2^,. 18(12. Mustered
Apr. 3, [862. Discharged for disability Jan. 7, 1863, Hospital, Mound City, 111
Re-entered March 25, 1864.
Kuck, Henry. Age 21. Lansing. Enlisted Oct; 3. 1861. Taken prisoner
at Shiloh. April 6, 1862. Died Oct. 10, 1862. Macon, Ga.
Lankins, Frederick F. Age 28. Postville. Fnlisted Oct. 14, 1861. Taken
prisoner at Shiloh April 6, 1862. Promoted Eighth Corporal .March 1, 1863.
Mustered out Nov. 30, 1864, expiration of term of service.
Parkins, Resse N. Age 22. Waterloo. Enlisted and mustered Sept. 28,
1864. Mustered out June 11. 1865. New Orleans. Pa.
Parson. Aslak. Age 19. Paint Creek. Enlisted Oct. 14. 1861. Re-en!isted
and re-mustered Jan. 5. 18(14. Promoted Fifth Corporal March 1. 1865. Third
Corporal June 1, 1865.
Leue, August. Age 29. Lansing. Taken prisoner at Shiloh April 6, 1862.
Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864. Killed at Tupelo. July 14, 18(14.
Buried in Pnion National Cemeterv. Corinth.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 523
Lewis, Edward. Age 26. Lansing. Enlisted Sept. 30, 1861. Discharged
April 4, 1862, Pittsburg Landing.
McCabe, Hugh. Age 21. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 4, 1861. Taken prisoner
at Shiloh April 6, 1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, i8f>4. Wounded
at Tupelo, July 14, 1864.
McClintock, James. Rossville. Enlisted and mustered Nov. 20, 1861. Dis-
charged July 7, 1862, Corinth. See Co. I, 27th Inf.
McDonald, James C. Age 19. Dorchester. Enlisted and mustered Nov.
15, 1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864.
McKay, Frank. Age 20. Makee. Enlisted Oct. 3, 1861. Transferred to
Invalid Corps. Promoted Quartermaster Sergeant, Dec. 15, 1863.
Maguire, Bryan. Age 23. Union City. Enlisted Oct. 7, 1861. Taken pris-
oner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864. Wounded
at Tupelo, July 14, 1864.
Maynard, William. Age 19. Post. Enlisted Oct. 14, 1861. Wounded at
Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Missing in action at Corinth, Oct. 4, 1862. Died near
Yicksburg, Sept. 6, 1863. Buried in National Cemetery at Vicksburg.
Medary, Thomas C. Age 24. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 13, 1864; mustered
Oct. 2^, 1864. Mustered out Oct. 12, 1865, Montgomery, Ala. See Co. B, 27th
Inf.
.Melton. Franklin. Age 18. Allamakee Co. Enlisted and mustered Jan. 4,
1864. See Co. B, 27th Inf.
Miner, Jasper J. Age 18. Linton. Enlisted Oct. 5, 1861. Died Dec. 24,
1 861, St. Louis, Mo. Buried in National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks.
Monk, Frederick. Age 24. Waterloo. Enlisted Oct. 7, 1861. Taken pris-
oner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864. Pro-
moted Sixth Corporal June 1, 1865.
Noyes, Alonzo. Age 22. Makee. Enlisted Oct. 7, 1861. Discharged April
4. 1862, Pittsburg Landing, Tenn.
Noyes, Charles H. Age 19. Union City. Enlisted Oct. 1, 1861. Taken
prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Died at Macon, Ga., Sept. 7, 1862. Buried in
National Cemetery at Andersonville.
Nye, George F. Age 33. Center. Enlisted Dec. 22, 1862. Mustered March
11. 1863. Died Nov. 16, 1863, at Center.
Ogan, Charles C. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 8, 1861.
Oleson, Barnhart. Age 2^. Allamakee Co. Enlisted and mustered Jan. 28,
1864.
Oleson, Ole. Age 26. Makee. Enlisted Oct. 3, 1861. Discharged Aug. 9,
1862, Corinth, Miss.
Patterson, James W. Age 21. Jefferson. Enlisted Oct. 1, 1861. Wounded
at Corinth, Oct. 4, 1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864. Wounded
in head, severely, at Tupelo, July 14, 1864. Died July 24, 1864, at Memphis.
Tenn. Buried in National Cemetery at Memphis.
Peck, Ira E. Age 28. Makee. Enlisted Oct. 4, 1861. Taken prisoner at
Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Died July 17, 1862, Macon, Ga., Buried in National
Cemetery, Andersonville.
Peck, John P. Age 26. Makee. Enlisted Feb. 9, 1864. Mustered April 12,
1864. Mustered out July 22. 1865, Davenport, Iowa.
524 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Peck, Orin E. Age 22. Makee. Enlisted Feb. 9. 1864. Mustered April 12,
1864. Died Oct. 28, 1864, Memphis, Tenn.
Peck, Simeon. Age 26. Makee. Enlisted Oct. 4, 1861. Taken prisoner at
Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Died Sept. 24, 1862, Macon, Ga. Buried in National
Cemetery at Andersonville.
Perry, Edwin R. Age 21. Makee. Enlisted Oct. 8, 1861. Taken prisoner
at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Died Nov. 20, 1S62, at Annapolis. Md. Buried in
National Cemetery at Annapolis.
Peterson, Bore. Age 21. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 5, 1861. Taken prisoner
at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Discharged for disability Feb. 11, 1863, St. Louis, Mo.
Peterson, John A. Age 28. Allamakee Co. Enlisted Feb. 29, 1864. Mus-
tered April 5, 1864. Missing in action at Tupelo. July 14, 1864. Mustered out
May 19, 1865, Davenport, Iowa. See Co. B, 27th Int.
Plank, Levi. Age 21. Waukon. Enlisted March 26, 18(14. Mustered April
29, 1S64.
Pratt, Marcellus II. Age 27. Waukon. Enlisted Dec. 14, 1863. Mustered
April 30, 1864. Wounded at Tupelo, July 14, 1864.
Pratt, Richmond G. Age 24. Waukon. Enlisted and mustered Dec. 14,
1 8' .3.
Price, Frederick P. Age 2^. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 13, 1864. Mustered
Oct. 2^, 18O4. Mustered out Oct. 12, 1805. See Co. B. 27th Inf.
Repp, Elias. Age 41. Postville. Enlisted Oct. 14. r86i, Third Sergeant.
Taken prisoner at Shiloh. April 6, 1862. Discharged for disability Dec. 11, 1862,
St. Louis, Mo.
Rodgers. Altheris J. Age 20. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 4. 1861. Taken pris-
oner at Shiloh, April 6, 18(12. Promoted Sergeant Major March 1, 1865.
Roe, Charles E. Age 25. Jefferson. Enlisted and mustered Nov. 10, 1861.
Taken prisoner at Shiloh. April 6, 18(12. Discharged April <), 1863. See Co. K,
1st Cavalry.
Roe, Madison J. Age 26. Jefferson. Enlisted Oct. 1, 1861, Sixth Corporal.
Taken prisoner at Shiloh. April 6, 1862. Died Sept. 29, 1862, at Macon, Ga.
Buried in National Cemetery Andersonville.
Russell, Charles. Age 23. Postville. Enlisted Oct. 14, 1861. Taken pris-
oner at Shiloh, April 6, [862. Mustered nut Nov. 30. 1864, expiration of term
of service.
Sargent, Richard B. Age 2j. Jefferson. Enlisted Oct. 1. 1861. Taken
prisoner at Shiloh, April 6. [862. Promoted Fourth Corporal March 1, 1863.
Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5. 18(14. Promoted Fourth Corporal March 1,
1865; Fourth Sergeant June 1. 18(15.
Sanner, Michael F. Rossville. Enlisted and mustered Nov. 20, 1861. Taken
prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862.
Schiffhauer, Richard. Age 26. French Creek. Enlisted Oct. 7, 1861. Taken
prisoner at Shiloh. April (.. 1802. Discharged Dec. id, 1862, at St. Louis. Mo.
Scott, Joseph. Age 19. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 1. 1861. Taken prisoner
at Shiloh. April (.. 18(12. Died at St. Louis. Oct. 31. [862. Buried in National
Cemetery, fefferson Barracks.
Sjodin, Peter. Age 30. Center. Enlisted Oct. 1, 1861. Discharged
[862, Paducah, Ky.
I line
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 525
Smith, Samuel C. Age 24. Franklin. Enlisted Oct. 12, 1861. Wounded at
'Corinth, July 2, 1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864. Lost right eye
while on detached service Quartermaster Department, Selma, Ala.
Sohn, John. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Oct 7, 1861. Died Dec. 21, 1862,
at St. Louis, Mo.
Spaulding, Josiah D. Age 30. Makee. Enlisted Oct. 4, 1861, Second
Sergeant. Taken prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Wounded severely at
Pleasant Hill, La., April 7, 1864.
Stack, Thomas. Age 19. Hanover. Enlisted Sept. 7, 1861. Died Jan. 11,
1862, at St. Louis, Mo. Buried in National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks.
Starts, Joseph. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 2, 1861. Wounded at
Ft. Donelson, Feb. 15, 1862; and at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Discharged for
wounds Jan. 26, 1863, at St. Louis, Mo.
Stillman, John J. Age 31. Makee. Enlisted Oct. 4, 1861. Killed in battle,
Fort Donelson, Feb. 15, 1862. First man killed in action from Allamakee County.
Strecker, William. Age 24. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 7, 1861. Deserted
March 5, 1862.
Thayer, Jesse. Age 25. Jefferson. Enlisted Oct. 8, 1861. Wounded at Ft.
Donelson, Feb. 15, 1862. Discharged for wounds May 8, 1862, at St. Louis, Mo.
Thibedo, Stephen. Age 35. Postville. Enlisted Oct. 14, 1861, Fourth
Corporal. Taken prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Discharged April 9, 1863.
Thorson, Knud. Age 26. Paint Creek. Enlisted Oct. 8, 1861. Taken pris-
oner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Died June 30, 1862, at Atlanta, Ga. Buried in
Kational Cemetery at Atlanta.
Upstrom, John. Age 30. Center. Enlisted Oct. 2, 1861, Fifth Corporal.
Taken prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Promoted Fifth Sergeant March 1,
1863. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5. 1864. Promoted Second Sergeant
March 1, 1865.
Wampler, Robert. Age 19. Union City. Enlisted Oct. 14, 1861. Wounded
and taken prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Promoted Eighth Corporal June
1. 1865.
White, Elisha J. Age 32. Paint Creek. Enlisted Oct. 11, 1861. Promoted
Wagoner, and discharged March 25, 1862, at Pittsburg Landing.
White, William M. Age 18. Paint Creek. Enlisted Oct. 11, 1861. Taken
prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Died June 30, 1862, at Macon, Ga. Buried in
National Cemetery at Andersonville.
Winter, Francis A. Age 43. Lafayette. Enlisted Sept. 15, 1862. Mustered
Dec. 26, 1862. Killed in battle at Tupelo, July 14, 1864. Buried in National
Cemetery at Corinth.
Winter, Rufus B. Age 36. Lafayette. Enlisted Jan. 3, 1864. Mustered
Feb. 3, 1864.
Winter, William P. Age 35. Lansing. Enlisted Sept. 30, 1861, Eighth
Corporal. Taken prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Promoted Second Corporal
March 1, 1863; Fourth Sergeant Alarch 1, 1863. Re-enlisted and re-mustered
Jan. 5, 1864. Promoted Third Sergeant June 1, 1865.
Wolcott, Daniel H. Age 44. Lafayette. Enlisted Jan. 4, 1864. Mustered
Feb. 3, 1864. Died Nov. 23, 1864, at Talladega, Ala. Buried in National Ceme-
tery at Marietta, Ga. See Co. I, 27th Inf.
526 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Wood. Edwin W. Age 18. Makee. Enlisted Oct. 8. 1861. Wounded at
Fort Donelson, Feb. 15. 1862. Taken prisoner at Shiloh, April (>, [862. Re-en-
listed and re-mustered Jan. 5, 18(14. Wounded at Nashville, Term., Dec. 15,
[864.
W'oodmansee, Isaac. Age 36. Jefferson. Enlisted Oct. 1. 1861. Wounded
at Corinth, Oct. 4, 1862; and at Tupelo, July 13, 1864. Mustered out Nov. 30,
18(14, expiration of term of service.
Woods, Stephen D. Age 41. .Makee. Enlisted and mustered Nov. 6, 1861.
Wounded at Shiloh, April <>, 18(12; and at Nashville, Term., severely, Dec. 15,
18(14. Discharged for wounds Nov. 25. 1865, at Cincinnati, O.
company "c"
Barnes, James. Age 18. Makee. Enlisted .March 14, 18(14. Mustered April
1, 1864. See Co. C, 27th Inf.
Bushnel, Abner C. Age 18. Jefferson. Enlisted Sept. 15, 1861. Mustered
Oct. 24, 1861. Taken prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Re-enlisted and re-
mustered Jan. 5, 1864.
Brown, Addison L. Age 34. Jefferson. Enlisted and mustered Dec. 19,
1863. Discharged to date Sept. 30, 1865, by order of Sec. of War.
Hartshorn, Sumner J. Age 24. Elon. Enlisted Oct. 6, 1861, as drummer.
Mustered Oct. 24. 1861. Discharged for disability Aug. 19, 1862.
I lusted, Jacob M. Age 30. Makee. Enlisted and mustered Dec. 18, 1863.
Died June 29, 1864, Memphis, Tenn. Buried in National Cemetery at Memphis.
McFlvain. John. Age 41. Makee. Enlisted Dec. 26, 1863. Mustered Jan.
28, 1864.
Reed, David W. Age 20. Allamakee County. Enlisted Sept 15. 1861.
Mustered Oct. 24, 1861. Wounded at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Promoted Second
Lieutenant May 8, 1863; First Lieutenant Dec. 14, 1863; Captain Jan. 23, 1865;
Major Nov. 22, 1865. Brevet Major of Volunteers for gallantry at Spanish Fort.
Shuburn, Daniel. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Nov.
1, 1864.
COMPANY "f"
Heitcher, Abraham S. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted and mustered March 14,
[864.
COMPANY "g"
Fladmark, S. M. N. Age 20. Paint Creek. Enlisted Sept. 15, 1864. Mus-
tered Sept. 21, 1864. Mustered out July 19, 1865, Selma, Ala.
Devine, John. Age 18. Paint Creek. Enlisted and mustered March 29,
[864 Wounded in side severely and taken prisoner at Tupelo, July 13, 1864.
Mustered out June (1. 1865, Clinton, Iowa.
Miller. John W. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted March 14, 1864. Mustered
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 527
April 12, 1864. Died May 18, 1864, Memphis, Term. Buried in National Ceme-
tery at Memphis.
COMPANY "K"
Fagan, Daniel B. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 18, 1861. Mustered
Nov. 25, 1861. Taken prisoner at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Discharged March 7.
1863, St. Louis, Mo. See Fourth Artillery.
Keizer, Frank. Age 22. Alamakee County. Enlisted Nov. 1, 1861. Mus-
tered Nov. 25, 1861. Wounded at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. Discharged for dis-
ability Aug. 27, 1862. Dubuque, Iowa.
Mickey, Isaac. Age 21. Rossville. Enlisted Nov. 23, 1861. Mustered Nov.
25, 1861. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864. Mustered out Nov. 11,
1865, St. Louis, Mo.
Waldruff, Henry. Age 23. Allamakee County. Taken prisoner at Shiloh,
April 6, 1862. Discharged April 12, 1863, St. Louis, Mo.
SHILOH BATTLE FIELD
From a paper contributed to a local publication by Major D. W. Reed a few
years ago the following interesting facts are gleaned :
"Shiloh was one of the most if not the most sanguinary of the battles of the
Civil war. On no other field was there a greater per cent of loss if the total num-
ber present, including reserves, is taken in making the estimates.
"The five divisions of Grant's army on the field April 6, 1862, numbered
39,830 officers and men present for duty, including hospital corps, teamsters,
musicians, etc., or about 32,000 fighting men. Of these there were killed,
wounded and missing 10,640, about 27 per cent, of the present for duty, or 33
per cent, of the fighting force. The Confederates had present for duty officers
and men, 43,968 and lost in killed wounded and missing, 10,699, about the same
per cent, as the Union army, and when the battle ended more than 20,000 soldiers
were dead or wounded on the field.
"More Iowa soldiers were killed and wounded at Shiloh than at any other
battle of the. war. Of the 6,753 soldiers from this state that fought on that
field, 2,407 — nearly 36 per cent. — were killed, wounded or missing.
"Allamakee county was represented at the battle by Company B, 12th Iowa
Infantry, which bore its full share in the perils and misfortunes of that event-
ful field, and was unsurpassed in the honors which it won. It had 56 men
killed, wounded and missing, and of the missing had 16 that died of wounds or
disease in Southern prisons.
"Colonel D. B. Henderson, later Speaker of the House, introduced a bill in
Congress, establishing the Shiloh National Military Park and providing for the
purchase of the land on which the battle was fought, and restoring, as nearly as
possible, the whole field to the condition it was in when Grant established his
camps there in 1862.
"Under this act of Congress commissioners were appointed by the Secretary of
War, one from the Army of the Tennessee, one from the Army of the Ohio and
528 PAST AND PRESENT OP ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
one from the Confederate Army, and large sums were expended by the Govern-
ment in the purchase of land, building roads, and other improvements, and many
thousands of dollars by the States in the erection of monuments ; 3,546 acres of
land have been purchased ; the underbrush cleared away ; old fields restored, and
27 miles of graveled roads built. The old camps have been located and marked
with name of regiment that occupied them, and in some cases the place of every
tent of the regiment has been found by the ditch made around it, forty years
before. Each and every position of importance occupied by any regiment or
battery. Union or Confederate, has been marked by an iron tablet which tells
the time of day when the place was held and other items of interest. These
tablets are of cast iron on iron posts which are set in concrete, making them as
durable as granite. The face of each tablet is painted white, the backs, border
and lettering of different colors, to indicate the different armies ; blue for the
Army of the Tennessee; yellow for the Army of the Ohio, and red for the Con-
federate Army, so that each tablet may indicate the army it represents as far as
it can be seen. Over 400 of these tablets have been cast and so placed on the
field that any one interested may trace the movements of any regiment from its
camp or bivouac in the morning to its resting place at night, and read its .record
at every stopping place.
".Most of the Northern states have erected monuments to their regiments.
Iowa has a fine state monument costing $25,000, and eleven regimental monu-
ments.
"The one for the 12th Iowa stands at the side of the old sunken road at the
Hornets' Nest, and is inscribed:
IOWA
TO HER
12TH INFANTRY,
TUTTLE's ( 1ST) BRIGADE,
w. h. l. Wallace's (2d) division,
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE.
"On the reverse:
IOWA
I2TH REGIMENT INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS;
COMMANDED BY COL. .1. J. WOOD, (WOUNDED AND CAPTURED.)
CAPT. S. R. EDGINGTON, (CAPTURED.)
"These splendid monuments, iron tablets and old cannon, scattered over the
field and along its pleasant drives, telling their stories of gallant deeds, have
created a new interest in Shiloh. Many old soldiers. Union and Confederate,
are revisiting the old places, and in the most friendly and fraternal spirit, dis-
cuss the various incidents of the battle as they together read the inscriptions
that tell where Wallace fell or Johnston died: where Hardee formed his battle
line or Cleburne struggled in the morass in front of Shiloh church. They
together climb the hill up which the dashing 6th Mississippi charged and lost
325 out of 400 of its men. or descend the ravine where the 9th Illinois bravely
held its ground until 61 of its men were killed and 305 wounded. The Hornets'
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 529
Nest is always a place of interest where the survivors of the brigades of Shaver,
Gladden, Stephens, Gibson, Anderson and Wood, meet Iowa's sons on the 2d,
7th, 8th, 12th and 14th Regiments and tell of the struggle through the thicket
where the brush was literally cut away by bullets and the ground so thickly
strewn with dead that a person might walk over the place on dead bodies. Many
of these visitors have been able to find the very tree from behind which they
carried on the stubborn contest, or the remains of a rotting log that sheltered
them when wounded."
On the 14th day of October, 1909, at 5:26 P. M., a cyclone struck the north-
east portion of the park, cutting a path 200 yards wide and a mile and a half
long through the park to the river, killing seven people outright and severely
injuring several more. Some ten thousand trees were uprooted or twisted off;
and the splendid Iowa monument that cost $25,000 was blown down and badly
damaged. The work of restoring this monument was not completed for more
than two years, but the cost was but $7,340, about one-half of the estimate. On
the fiftieth anniversary of the battle, April 6, 1912, this monument was rededicated
with impressive ceremonies, by Governor Carroll and other Iowa notables.
Major Reed, who was severely wounded in the first day's battle, April 6,
1862, and lay out in the rain all night, is now very appropriately the Chairman
of the Shiloh National Military Park Commission, and has made his home there
for years engaged in superintending the work."
THIRTEENTH INFANTRY
COMPANY "A"
Prescott, I esse P. Age 24. Postville. Enlisted and mustered Oct. 20,
1864. Mustered out July 21, 1865, Louisville, Ky.
Yickery, David. Age 24. Postville. Enlisted and mustered Oct. 20, 1864.
Mustered out July 21, 1865, Louisville, Ky.
company "k"
Sanders, Elza. Age 18. Postville. Enlisted and mustered Oct. 31, 1864.
Mustered out June 30, 1865, Prairie du Chien, Wis.
Miller, Julian D. Postville. (Company unknown).
The Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry was mustered in at Davenport,
Iowa, October 7, 1861, by Capt. Alexander Chambers, U. S. A., and mustered
out at Louisville, Ky., July 21, 1865. The regiment made a brilliant record but
its history is hardly appropriate here, as the few in its ranks from this county
were recruits in the latter part of 1864. They were however in season to join
in the march to the sea, with their veteran comrades.
TWENTY-FIRST INFANTRY
Firman, lames H. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted in Co. D, and
Mustered June 24, 1865. Transferred to 34th and 38th Consolidated, July 12,
1865. Mustered out Aug. 15, 1865, Houston, Texas.
Hayes, William T. Age 25. Hardin. Enlisted Aug. 1 1 and mustered Aug.
18, 1862. Mustered out July 15, 1865. Baton Rouge, La. (Co. B.)
530 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Miller, Julian D. Age 25. Allamakee County. Enlisted in Co. B, March
11, and mustered April 5, 1864. Transferred to 34th and 38th Consolidated,
July 12, 1865. Mustered out Aug. 10, 1865, New Orleans, La.
TWENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY
The Twenty-seventh Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry assembled at
Camp Franklin, near Dubuque, and the several companies were there mustered
into service by Captain George S. Pierce of the Regular Army, on dates ranging
from September 1 to October 3, 1862. October nth the regiment was embarked
on transports from Fort Snelling. Minn., to operate against the hostile Indians.
and six companies marched to Milk Lacs without encountering opposition. The
regiment was then transferred to Cairo, 111., and November 20th to Natchez, La.,
to join General Sherman's army: and later it performed many marches with
various expeditions in Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas, assisting in the cap-
ture of Little Rock without being actually engaged. In the last of January, 1864,
it participated in the Meridan expedition with General Sherman, resulting in the
capture or destruction of vast quantities of confederate supplies and much rail-
road property.
Up to this time the Twenty-seventh Iowa had a remarkable experience,
having been in service over fifteen months, and faithfully performed all the
duties assigned it, but so far had seen little actual conflict, although its losses had
been very heavy from sickness. It was now to enter upon a new experience,
being assigned to the Red River expedition under General Banks, which saw hard
fighting but was finally unsuccessful. In the capture of Fort De Russy and in
the hard fought battle at Pleasant Hill, the Twenty-seventh bore a conspicuous
part and improved the opportunity to place itself in the forefront of Iowa's
gallant fighting regiments. It had marched and toiled and endured great hard-
ships, and now at Pleasant Hill, April 9, 1864, it shared in the honor of saving
Banks' army from destruction by the overwhelming forces of the enemy; and
on the 18th of May sustained its reputation in the battle of Old Oaks, Louisiana.
After the abandonment of the Red River expedition the regiment participated
in the engagements at Ditch Bayou, Ark., and Tupelo and Old Town Creek,
Miss. In this expedition the brigade was commanded by Colonel Gilbert, and the
regiment by Capt. A. M. Haslip of Company A. Later in the year 1864 the regi-
ment was in the forced marches of General Smith in pursuit of Price through Mis-
souri; and December 15 and 16 it was bearing its share in the battle of Nashville.
Term. In the spring of 1865 the regiment went down the river to New Orleans,
and from there to Mobile, Ala., where it participated in the siege and capture of
Fort Blakelv, April 9th. The next march was to Montgomery, and from there it
proceeded to Vicksburg, in July; and August 8, 1865, the regiment was mustered
out. During its term of service the Twenty-seventh marched over 3,000 miles,
and traveled by steamboat and railroad over 10.000 miles; and no regiment has
a record of more faithful and honorable service. Mustered out August 8, 1865,
at Clinton, Iowa, except as otherwise noted.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 531
FIELD AND STAFF
James I. Gilbert. Age 38. Residence Lansing. Appointed Colonel Aug. 10,
1862. Mustered Oct. 3, 1862. Wounded slightly April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill,
La. Promoted Brigadier General Feb. 9, 1865; Brevet Major General March
26, 1865.
Charles A. Comstock. Age 44. Lansing. Appointed Adjutant Sept. 16,
1862. Mustered Oct. 3. 1862. Resigned April 24, 1863.
David N. Bordwell. Age 34. Lansing. Appointed Chaplain and mustered
Oct. 3, 1862. Resigned Aug. 25, 1864.
Philander J. Harrington. Age 28. Lansing. Promoted Sergeant Major from
Company B, Oct. 3, 1862. Promoted Adjutant April 25, 1863. Discharged for
promotion as Captain of Fourth Arkansas Colored Infantry, March 10, 1864.
Darius C. Mather. Age 30. Residence Postville. Promoted Fife Major
from Fifer of Co. E, Aug. 29, 1862. Died of disease March 30, 1864, at Yicks-
burg, Miss.
company "a"
Haslip, Amos M., Captain. Age 17. Residence Waukon. Appointed Aug.
1, 1862. Died of disease July 3, 1865, at Montgomery, Ala.
Granger, Jedediah W., 1st Lieut. Age 44. Residence Waukon. Appointed
Aug. 14, 1862. Wounded slightly April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La. Promoted
Captain July 5. 1865.
Lyons, James A., 2d Lieut. Age 23. Residence Allamakee County. Ap-
pointed Aug. 7, 1862. Resigned for disability April 25, 1863. (See Co. K, First
Cavalry. )
Adams, John D. Age 21. Residence Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862.
Died of disease Nov. 25, 1862, Cairo, Bl.
Adams, Oliver C. Age 23. Yolney. Enlisted Aug. 14. 1862. Died of
disease Jan. 4, 1863, Cairo, 111.
Allen, George W. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 1, 1862. Discharged
for disability April 2^, 1863, Jackson, Tenn.
Bailey, Charles M. Age 24. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 8, 1862, as Second
Corporal. Promoted Third Sergeant May 29, 1863.
Baird, Warren. Age 34. Residence Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 14,
1862. Died Nov. 16, 1863, and buried in National Cemetery at Little Rock, Ark.
Baker, Henry. Age 44. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Discharged for
disability March 21, 1863, St. Louis, Mo.
Ballard, Ebenezer C. Age 34. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 8, 1862.
Bandall, William W. Age 23. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 8, 1862. Promoted
Eighth Corporal May 29, 1863; Fifth Corporal July 25, 1864; Fourth Corporal
Oct. 15, 1864. Wounded slightly Dec. 16, 1864, Nashville, Tenn. Promoted
Third Corporal; Second Corporal June 27, 1865.
Beedy, John J. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted as Drummer Aug.
8. 1862.
Biggs, Hezekiah. Age 25. Yolney. Enlisted Aug. 18, 1862.
Bishop, Caleb J. Age 19. Postville. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862. Wounded
slightly April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La. Promoted Eighth Corporal Oct. 15,
1864: Seventh Corporal Feb. 1, 1865; Fourth Corporal June 27, 1865.
532 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Blacker, James W. Age 44. Allamakee Count)'. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
Promoted Sixth Corporal May 29, 1863; Third Corporal July 25, 1864; Second
Corporal Oct. 15. 1864. Discharged for disability June 15, 1865, Montgomery,
Ala.
Blanchard, Allen E. Age 28. Allamakee County. Enlisted as Filer Aug.
13, 1862.
Bond, Albert W. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 4. 1862.
Briar, James. Age 23. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862,
Chapman, John. Age 31. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 14. 1862. Discharged,
for disability April 13, 18(13, Jackson. Tenn.
Churchill, Bela D. Age 29. Frankville. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Promoted
Eighth Corporal Nov. 25, 1862: Third Corporal May 29, 1863. Reduced to
ranks at his own request July 25, 1 Si 14. Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps
March 16, 1865. Discharged Aug. 14. 1865, St. Louis, Mo.
Churchill. Myron. Age 19. Frankville. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862.
Churchill, Newton P. Age 26. Frankville. Enlisted Aug. 14. 1862.
Colburn, Charles W. Age 2j. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862.
Cole, Charles. Age 29. Waukon. Enlisted and mustered Jan. 4, 1864.
Wounded severely at Old Town Creek, Miss., July 15. and died of wounds
July 26, [864, at Memphis, Tenn. Buried in National Cemetery, Memphis.
Cole, Daniel. Age 31. Postville. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Promoted Wag-
oner July 30, 1863.
Conner, Edward. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted and mustered Jan. 4, 1864.
Wounded slightly July 14, 1804, Tupelo, Miss. Mustered out May 15. 1865,
Davenport. Iowa.
Conner, William S. Age 42. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862. Killed
in action May 18, 1864, Old Oaks, La.
Cooksey, Alexander F. Age 30. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 9,
1862. Died July 9, 1864, Memphis, Tenn., and buried in National Cemetery at
Memphis.
Cram, William W. Age 30. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 4. 1862. Third Cor-
poral. Promoted Fourth Sergeant May 29, 1863. Discharged for promotion as
Second Lieutenant in Seventy-first United Colored Infantry May 29. 18(4.
Crouch, William H. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted Dec. 17, 1863, and mustered
Jan. <), 1864. Mustered out May 15, 1865, Davenport. Iowa.
Curry, Elisha. Age 19. Postville. Enlisted Aug. y, 1602.
Damon, Joseph. Age 31. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1802.
Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Oct. 15, 1864. Discharged Aug. 16,
1865, Harrisburg, Pa.
Daniels. Reuben. Age 30. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Left at Hos-
pital at Memphis, Tenn.. Sept. 3, 186 — . Name not borne on subsequent rolls.
No later record found.
Dobson, Samuel. Age 27. Postville. Enlisted Aug. 13. 1862. Died Nov.
28, 1862, Cairo, 111.
Dodge, Samuel ( i. Age 40. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 15. 1862.
Deserted from Hospital at Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 14, 1863.
Douglass, Thomas 15. Age 22. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 14. 1862. Mus-
tered out May 15. 1865. St. Louis. Mo.
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 533
Gardner. Desevignia S. Age 24. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862.
Wounded severely July 15, 1864, Old Town Creek, Miss.
Gates, Richard J. Age 19. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862.
Gill, Washington. Age 22. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Returned
to Fifty-second Illinois Infantry May 3, 1863, as a deserter from that regiment.
Green, Lucius L. Age 40. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862. Discharged
for disability April 3. 1864, New Orleans, La.
Hall. Reuben K. Age 41. Yolney. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, Fourth Ser-
geant. Reduced to ranks at his own request May 29, 1863.
Harden, Warren D. Age 31. Yolney. Enlisted Aug. 3, 1862, Third Ser-
geant. Promoted First Sergeant May 29, 1863; Second Lieut. July 5, 1865.
Hawkins, Hiram P. Age 18. Postville. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862. Mustered
out June 7, 1865, Baton Rouge, La. (See Co. B. Twelfth Infantry.)
Hawthorn, James T. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 19, 1862. Wounded
severely April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La. Promoted Eighth Corporal June 17,
1865. '
Henthorn, William. Age 19. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862.
Discharged for disability Feb. 22, 1863, Mound City, 111.
Hill, Henry. Age 27. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862. Promoted Seventh
Corporal July 25, 1864; Sixth Corporal Oct. 15, 1864; Fifth Corporal Feb. 1,
1865; Third Corporal June 27, 1865.
Ingels, William V. Age 20. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862.
Discharged for disability Jan. 6, 1863, Cario, 111.
Kimberly. Austin. Age 26. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862, Fifth Cor-
poral.
McClaskey, James W. Age 22. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Died
luly 25, 1865. Memphis. Tenn., and buried in National Cemetery at Memphis.
McGhee, Meredith. Age 24. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 1, 1862.
McLennan, Thomas R. Age 33. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862, Seventh
Corporal. Promoted' Sixth Corporal Nov. 25, 1862; First Corporal May 29,
1863. Wounded May 18, 1864, Yellow Bayou, La. Promoted Fifth Sergeant
July 24, 1864.
McMullen, Calvin. Age 28. Postville. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862. Transferred
to Yeteran Reserve Corps Nov. 18, 1864. Mustered out Aug. 12, 1865, Wash-
ington, D. C.
Maltbie, James D. Age 29. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 8, 1862,
Sixth Corporal. Promoted Fifth Corporal Nov. 25, 1862; Fifth Sergeant May
29, 1863; Fourth Sergeant July 24, 1864.
Mann, Melvin E. Age 25. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 1, 1862.
Marston, Charles C. Age 20. Postville. Enlisted Aug. n, 1862. Died
May 4, 1863, Post Hospital, Jackson, Tenn.
Maxum, Linus. Age 28. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Dis-
charged for disability May II, 1863, Fort Snelling, Minn.
Merrian, William S. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862. Wounded
July 15, 1864, Old Town Creek, Miss. Died of wounds July 16, and buried in
National Cemetery at Corinth, Miss.
Miller, Milton D. Age 25. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 9. 1862. Wounded
534 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
severely April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La. Died May 27, 1864, at Memphis,
Term., and buried in National Cemetery, Memphis.
Miller, William J. Age 30. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862. Wounded
at Pleasant Hill, La., April 9, 1864. Discharged for disability July 6, 1865,
Montgomery, Ala.
Mitchel, Charles F. Age 27. Volney. Enlisted Aug. 2, 1862.
Morrison, William H. Age 28. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Mus-
tered out June 4, 1865, Baton Rouge, La.
Newcomb, James R. Age 26. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862.
Niblock, William. Age 35. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered
out May 30, 1865, St. Louis, Mo.
Ogg, Hiram. Age 26. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862. Mustered out
May 18, 1865, Davenport, Iowa.
Osborn, James. Age 21. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862.
Wounded slightly April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La. Wounded severely July 14,
1864, Tupelo, Miss. Died of wounds Aug. 4, 1864, at Memphis, Term., and
buried in National Cemetery at Memphis. ,
Osborn, Jefferson. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862.
Accidentally wounded October 11, 1862, and died of wounds Oct. 12, 1862,
Dubuque, Iowa.
Patterson, Andrew J. Age 22. Postville. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Pro-
moted Fourth Corporal May 29, 1863. Wounded severely April 9, 1864, Pleas-
ant Hill, La. Promoted Second Corporal July 25, 1864; First Corporal Oct.
15, 1864. Wounded slightly Dec. 16, 1864, Nashville, Tenn.
Patterson, James. Age 28. Postville. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862. First Cor-
poral. Died Jan. 15, 1863, Jackson, Tenn.
Patterson. Junius. Age 23. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862.
Died Aug. 24, 1863, Memphis, Tenn., and buried in National Cemetery at
Memphis.
J'ixley, John. Age 30. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862.
Pratt, Greenwood B. Age 30. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Pro-
moted Eighth Corporal July 25, 1864; Seventh Corporal Oct. 15, 1864; Sixth
Corporal Feb. 1, 1865. Died April 17, 1865, at Waukon, Iowa.
Pratt, John W. Age 26. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, Fourth Cor-
poral. Promoted Second Lieutenant June 24, 1863; First Lieut. July 5. 1865.
Pratt, Lemuel. Age 21. Waukon. Enlisted and mustered Jan. 4, 1864.
Wounded slightly April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La. Promoted Seventh Corporal
June 27, 1865. Transferred to Co. K, Twelfth Infantry, July 13, 1865.
Randall, John E. Age 2j. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862.
Taken prisoner April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La. Exchanged Oct. 23, 1864.
Raymond, Ebenezer B. Age 21. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 1, 1862. Dis-
charged for disability Feb. 9, 1863. Memphis, Tenn.
Raymond, William S. Age 31. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
Reed, Ezra W. Age 25. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862.
Richardson, Caleb S. Age 20. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 5, 1862, First Ser-
geant. Died April 12, 1863, General Flospital, Jackson, Tenn.
Rider, Romaine. Age 22. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862.
Promoted Eighth Corporal Feb. 1, 1865; Fifth Corporal June 27, 1865.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 535
Rumph, Charles. Age 26. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 1, 1862. Promoted
Seventh Corporal May 29, 1863; Fourth Corporal July 25, 1864; Third Cor-
poral Oct. 15, 1864. Discharged for promotion as Sergeant Major of Sixty-
first United States Colored Infantry Dec. 1, 1864, Memphis.
Russell, Franklin B. Age 28. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, Eighth
Corporal. Promoted Seventh Corporal Nov. 25, 1862; Second Corporal May
29, 1863; First Corporal July 1, 1864. Wounded and taken prisoner July 14,
1864, Tupelo, Miss. Died of wounds July 16, 1864, at Tupelo.
Savoie, William J. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted Dec. 28, 1863. Mustered
Jan. 9, 1864. Wounded May 18. 1864, Yellow Bayou, La., and died May 21,
1864, at Red River Landing.
Shaft, Daniel H. Age 22. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 1, 1862. Discharged
for disability June 15, 1865, Montgomery, Ala.
Shaff, Elijah. Age 31. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Wounded
slightly July 15, 1864, Old Town Creek, Miss. Promoted Sixth Corporal July
25, 1864; Fifth Corporal Oct. 15, 1864. Wounded slightly Dec. 16, 1864, at
Nashville, Tenn. Promoted Fourth Corporal Feb. 1, 1865. Discharged for dis-
ability June 17, 1865, Fort Gaines, Ala.
Sherman, George W. Age 28. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862.
Shortreed, William. Age 19. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862.
Schriber, Charles W. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862.
Schriber, Leonard M. Age 19. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 6, 1862. Wounded
in face May 18, 1864, Yellow Bayou, La. Wounded slightly July 14, 1864,
Tupelo, Miss.
Schrody, William. Age 19. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862. Promoted
Sixth Corporal June 27, 1865.
Slick, William B. Age 24. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. n, 1862.
Smith, Joseph B. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Discharged
for disability July 15, 1865, Montgomery, Ala.
Stephens, Ezra M. Age 32. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Promoted
Fifth Corporal May 29, 1863.
Stewart, William A. Age 21. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862.
Discharged for disability March 29, 1863, Jackson, Tenn.
Stiles, Alonzo D. Age 20. Postville. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Transferred
to Invalid Corps March 23, 1864. Discharged Aug. 3, 1865, Davenport, Iowa.
Stoddard, Truman. Age 43. Post. Enlisted Aug. 2, 1862, as Wagoner.
Taken prisoner July 3, 1863. Mustered out May 17, 1865, St. Louis, Mo.
Tharp, Jefferson P. Age 44. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862. Died
June 5, 1864, Vicksburg, Miss., and buried in National Cemetery at Vicksburg.
Thompson, Charles O. Age 33. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862, Fifth
Sergeant. Promoted Second Sergeant May 29, 1863. Mustered out May 31,
1865, Memphis, Tenn.
Thornburg. William H. Age 28. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862.
Thornton. Alonzo. Age 28. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. ir, 1862.
Wounded and taken prisoner April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La. Exchanged June,
1864.
Topliff, George W. Age 22. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 4, 1862.
Died May 5, 1863, Camp Reed, Jackson, Tenn.
536 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Tuttle, William H. Age 34. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 4, 1862, Second Ser-
geant. Discharged for disability April 26, 1863, Jackson, Tenn.
Walker, David R. Age 23. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Mustered
out May 15, 1865, Davenport, Iowa.
Wheeler, William. Age 37. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862. Died May
29, 1865, Prairie du Chien, Wis.
company "b"
Hemenway, Samuel W., Captain. Age 23. Lansing. Appointed Captain
Oct. 3, 1862. Promoted Major, June 26, 1865.
Groezinger, Theodore, First Lieut. Age 28. Lansing. Appointed First
Lieut. Aug. 14, 1862. Resigned June 3, 1863. (Co. H, First Inf.)
Smith, Samuel O., Second Lieut. Age 25. Lansing. Appointed Second
Lieut. Aug. 11, 1862. Promoted First Lieut. June 3, 1863. Wounded severely
April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La. Promoted Captain June 27, 1865.
Alcorn, Isaac. Age 21. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Discharged for
disability Feb. 10, 1863, Cairo, 111.
Alcorn. John. Age 24. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862.
Anderson, Magnus. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 13, and mustered Oct.
23, 1864. Transferred to Company B, Twelfth Infantry, July 13, 1865.
Anderson, Ole. Age 23. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862.
Anderson, Olef G. Age 33. Allamakee County. Enlisted Feb. 29, and mus-
tered April 5, 1864. Transferred to Company R, Twelfth Infantry July 13,
1865.
Anderson, Thomas A. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862.
Baender, Robert. Age 24. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862, Second Ser-
geant.
Barnes, Dason. Age 31. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Died Jan. 27,
1863, Mound City, 111., and buried in National Cemetery at Mound City.
Bates, Solomon W. Age 32. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862. Promoted
Fifth Corporal July 15, 1863. Wounded May 18, 1864, Yellow Bayou, La.
Promoted Fourth Corporal Mar. 7, 1864; Third Corporal Sept. 10, 1864.
Reduced to ranks at his own request Oct. 15, 1864.
Bates, William. Age 21. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862.
Bennett, Elisha R. Age 26. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862.
Berdell, Gottlieb. Age 19. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Died March
18, 1863, hospital, Jackson, Tenn.
Betsinger, Nicholas. Age 24. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Wounded
.May iS, [864, Yellow Bayou, La. Discharged for wounds Aug. 11. 1864,
St. Louis, Mo.
Botsford, Harrison. Age 21. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862. Wounded
May 18, 1864, Yellow Bayou, La. Promoted Eighth Corporal Aug. 20, 1864;
Sixth Corporal Oct. 15, 1864; Fifth Corporal Feb. 1, 1865; Fourth Corporal
April 2-j, 1865; Third Corporal June 6, 1865.
Burgess, George A. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862.
Burnham, William C. Age 20. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Dis-
charged for disability Oct. 23, 1863, Memphis, Tenn.
Butler, Aretus W. Age 37. Allamakee County. Enlisted Jan. 29, and
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 537
mustered Feb. 24, 1864. Transferred to Company B, Twelfth Infantry, July
13, 1865.
Churchill, Edwin. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted March 11, and
mustered April 5, 1864. Transferred to Company B, Twelfth Infantry, July
13. 1865.
Churchill, John. Age 42. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Mar.
11, 1864. Died July 4, 1864, Memphis, Tenn., and buried in National Cemetery
at Memphis.
Connor, Peter. Age 31. Harper's Ferry. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862. Died
Jan. 10, 1864, Memphis, Tenn.
Coppernoll, William G. Age 20. Village Creek. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862.
Wounded slightly April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La. Promoted Seventh Corporal
Aug. 20, 1864; Fifth Corporal Oct. 15, 1864; Fourth Corporal Feb. 1, 1865;
Third Corporal April 27, 1865; Second Corporal June 6, 1865.
Cornwall, George. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Discharged
for disability Feb. 14, 1863, Cairo, 111.
Correll, John. Age 23. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862, Fourth Sergeant.
Promoted First Sergeant July 15, 1863; First Lieutenant June 27, 1865.
Davis, Frisbie. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered out
June 15, 1865, Davenport, Iowa.
Degnan, John. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Fifer.
Dobbs, Stephen. Age 31. Harper's Ferry. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
Dodd, Calvin R. Age 35. Harper's Ferry. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862.
Wounded slightly April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La.
Donnor, Levi. Age 40. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. First Corporal.
Died Nov. 11. 1863, Madison, Wis.
Dubay, William. Age 35. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Oct.
26, 1864. Transferred to Company B, Twelfth Infantry, July 13, 1865.
Eck, Augustus. Age 18. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862.
Ellsworth, Job. Age 40. Enlisted Feb. 29, and mustered April 5, 1864.
Died July 27, 1864, Memphis, Tenn., and buried in National Cemetery at
Memphis.
Gardner, William E. Age 33. Lansing. Enlisted and mustered Oct. 26,
1864. Transferred to Company B, Twelfth Infantry, July 13, 1865.
Ginther, John. Age 38. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
Goble, George B. Age 20. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Wounded
severely April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La.
Green, Joseph. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862. Taken prisoner
Feb. 22, 1864, near Vicksburg, Miss. Returned to Company May 19, 1864.
Griffin, Peter. Age 20. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862.
Griffin, Richard. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Wounded
severely April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La.
Griswold, George W. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862, Sixth
Corporal. Promoted Fourth Sergeant July 15, 1863. Wounded severely April
9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La. Died of disease Jan. 11, 1865, at Keokuk. Iowa.
Hactor, Andrew. Age 20. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Feb.
29, 1864. Transferred to Company B, Twelfth Infantry, July 13, 1865.
538 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Hactor, Peter. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Feb.
29, 1864. Transferred to Company B, Twelfth Infantry, July 13, 1865.
Hale, Francis B. Age 41. Allamakee County. Enlisted March 14, 1S64,
and mustered April 12, 1864. Died July 3, 1864, Memphis, Term., and buried
in National Cemetery at Memphis.
Hall, Thomas B. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862.
Hanson, Hans. Age 20. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862. Died Dec. 2,
1862, Hospital, Cairo, 111.
Harrington, James D. Age 23. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, Second
Corporal. Taken prisoner Jan. 10, 1865, Eastport, Miss. Returned to Com-
pany May 31, 1865.
Harrison, William H. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Dec. 30, 1863. Transferred to Company B, Twelfth Infantry, July 13, 1865.
Hartshorn, George W. Age 30. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, Eighth
Corporal. Discharged for disability Jan. 6, 1863, Cairo, 111.
Hartshorn, Salem J. Age 33. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Mustered
out June 9, 1865, St. Louis, Mo.
Hawes, Joseph. Age 29. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Promoted
Eighth Corporal Oct. 15, 1864; Seventh Corporal Feb. 1, 1865; Sixth Corporal
April 27, 1865 ; Fifth Corporal June 6, 1865.
Hermanson, John. Age 21. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862.
Hughes, Pulaski. Age 23. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862. Promoted
Third Corporal; Fifth Sergeant July 15, 1863; Sergeant Major, Aug. 8. 1864.
Hutson, Elias J. Age 23. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862. Died April
2j, 1863, Hospital, Jackson, Tenn.
Hutson, Nathaniel D. Age 21. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862.
Hutson, William J. Age 26. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862, Fifth Cor-
poral. Promoted Second Corporal July 15, 1863; First Corporal March 7, 1864;
Third Sergeant Sept. 10, 1864; Second Sergeant April 2/, 1865; Second Lieut.
Aug. 4, 1865.
Iverson, Anion. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted October 13th, and mustered
Oct. 23, 1864. Transferred to Company B, Twelfth Infantry, July 13, 1865.
(Aaron Iverson.)
Iverson, Erick. Age 25. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862.
Jackson, Robert T. Age 33. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862.
Promoted Fourth Corporal July 15, 1863; Third Corporal March 7, 1864. Sec-
ond Corporal Sept. 10, 1864; Fifth Sergeant Feb. 1, 1865. Wounded severely
April 9, 1865, Fort Blakely, Ala. Promoted Fourth Sergeant April 27, 1865.
Jackson, William E. Age 36. Allamakee County. Enlisted Jan. 4, 1864,
and mustered April 12, 1864. Mustered out June 11, 1865, New Orleans, La.
Kohr, John. Age 19. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Promoted
Eighth Corporal Feb. 1, 18(13. Discharged June 13, 18(15, Jeffersonville, Ind.
Langford, James A. Age 18. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862.
McKee, George. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862.
McKnight, Rufus D. Age 19. Ion. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Promoted
Seventh Corporal Oct. 15, 1864; Sixth Corporal Feb. 1, 1865; Fifth Corporal
April 27, 1865; Fourth Corporal June 6, 1865.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 539
- Marshall, Aaron B. Age 21. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Mustered
out July — , 1865, Memphis, Tenn.
Maxwell, Charles H. Age 36. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Trans-
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Oct. 15, 1864. Discharged Aug. 16, 1865, Har-
risburg, Pa.
May, James H. Age 18. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
May, Roan C. Age 24. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862, Third Corporal.
Accidentally shot Nov. 25, 1862. Discharged for wounds March 2j, 1863, St.
Louis, Mo.
Medary, Thomas C. Age 24. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 13, and mustered Oct.
23, 1864.- Transferred to Company B, Twelfth Infantry, July 13, 1865.
Melton, Franklin. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Jan. 4, 1864. Transferred to Company B, Twelfth Infantry, July 13, 1865.
Melton, George. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862.
Meyers. John. Age 34. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862.
Milks, Nelson P. Age 27. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Died Feb. 15,
1864, Memphis, Tenn.
Monk, John S. Age 20. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Transferred
to Invalid CorpsvSept. 13, 1863. Discharged for disability Feb. 13, 1864.
Moyer, John. Age 38. Wexford. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Promoted Wag-
oner. Died Dec. 5, 1863, Memphis, Tenn.
Nelson. Julius. Age 34. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, Fifth Sergeant.
Promoted Third Sergeant July 15. 1863. Reduced to ranks at his own request
Sept. 10, 1864. Discharged for disability July 5, 1865, Davenport, Iowa.
Nielson, Jacob. Age 31. Allamakee County. Enlisted March 14, and mus-
tered April 5, 1864. Died July 4, 1864, Memphis, Tenn., and buried in National
Cemetery at Memphis.
Obert, Dewitt. Age 18. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862.
Oleson, Peter. Age 19. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
Osgood, James W. Age 18. Enlisted and mustered Dec. 1, 1863. Died
April 7, 1864, Bayou Cotille, La., and buried in National Cemetery at Alex-
andria, La.
Pacock, Edmund. Age 26. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Promoted
Seventh Corporal July 15, 1863; Sixth Corporal March 7, 1864; Fifth Corporal
Sept. 10, 1864; Fourth Corporal Oct. 15, 1864; Third Corporal Feb. 1, 1865;
Second Corporal April 27, 1865 ; First Corporal June 6, 1865. Mustered out July
17, 1865, Clinton, Iowa.
Pennel, Robert. Age 24. Lansing. Enlisted, Aug. 14, 1862. Wagoner. Dis-
charged for disability April 17, 1865, Jackson, Tenn.
Peterson, Abraham. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Died Dec.
7, 1864, Nashville, Tenn., and buried in National Cemetery at Nashville.
Peterson, [ohn A. Age 28. Allamakee County. Enlisted Feb. 29, and mus-
tered April 5," 1864. Wounded. Transferred to Company B, Twelfth Infantry.
Price, Frederick P. Age 23. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 13, and mustered Oct.
23, 1864. Transferred to Company B, Twelfth Infantry, July 13, 1865.
Reed, Milton F. Age 19. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862. Died Feb. 2,
1863, Hospital, Jackson, Tenn., and buried in National Cemetery at Corinth,
Miss.
540 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Reed, Perry. Age 20. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 14, and mustered Oct. 23,
1864. Died Feb. 10, 1865, Louisville. Ky., and buried in Cave Hill National
Cemetery at Louisville.
Robinson. John T. Age 21. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862, Third
Sergeant.
Roese, Emil. Age 20. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1802. Wounded severely
April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La.
Roese, Richard. Age 19. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Wounded
slightly April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La.
Roonsburg, Taylor. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted March 1, and
mustered April 1, 1864. Died May 5, 1864, Columbus. Ky., and buried in National
Cemetery at Mound City, 111.
Rose, George H. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered in
Jan. 4, 1864. Mustered out May 23, 1865, New Orleans, La.
Rose, William F. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted -Vug. 15, 1862.
Ruprecht, Paul. Age 19. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Transferred
to Invalid Corps Feb. 15, 1864. Mustered out Oct. 8, 1864.
Ruth, James. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 11. i8r>2. Fourth Corporal.
(See Company F, Sixth Cavalry.)
Schmidt, Wilhelm. Age 20. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. T4, 1862. Discharged
for disability April 8, 1S63, Hospital, Jackson, Tenn.
Schneider, Christian. Age 31. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 13. 1862.
Schulz, Frederick. Age 21. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862.
Schulz, William. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
Sells, Christopher W. Age 22. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Dec. 30, 1863. Died Nov. 16, 1864, Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, and buried in
National Cemetery at St. Louis.
Sims, William S. Age 36. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 8. 1862. Promoted
First Sergeant July 15. 1863; Second Lieut. June 3, 18(4. Wounded slightly
July 14, 1864. Tupelo. Miss. Died Aug. 4, 1865, Clinton. Iowa.
Sires, John. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Wounded slightly
April 9, 1864. Pleasant Hill, La.
Skjursen, Sampson. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 12. 1862.
Smith, Phineas. Age 34. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862. Taken prisoner
Dec. 20, 1862, near Waterford, Miss. Paroled and exchanged. Returned to
Company Nov. 28, 1863.
Soderstrom. Andrew. Age 20. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Pro-
moted Eighth Corporal Feb. 1, 1865; Seventh Corporal April 2j. 1865; Sixth
Corporal June 9. 1865. Died Aug. 10, 1865, and buried in National Cemetery at
Memphis, Tenn.
Stangier, Emil. Age 34. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Deserted Oct.
15, 1864, Nashville, Tenn.
Strohm, John. Age 35. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862. Discharged for
disability June 29, 1865, Keokuk. Iowa.
Strong, Horace. Age 25. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Promoted
Eighth Corporal July 15, [863; Seventh Corporal Mar. 7, 1864. Died June 29,
1864, Lansing, Towa.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 541
Strong, William. Age 29. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862. Died July 2,
1865, and buried in National Cemetery, Mound City. 111.
Sturdevant, Fletcher F. Age 19. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Pro-
moted Fourth Corporal Oct. 3, 1862. Wounded severely Dec. 16, 1864, Cum-
berland Heights, Tenn. Mustered out June 13, 1865, Davenport, la.
Tharp, John. Age 28. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Discharged for
disability Sept. 20, 1864, Davenport, Iowa.
Wightman, Isaac A. Age 38. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862. Mustered
out May 19. 1865, Davenport, Iowa.
Williams, Robert H. Age 22. Dorchester. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862, First
Sergeant.
company "c"
Barnes, James. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Mar. 14, and mustered
April 1, 1864. Transferred to Company C. Twelfth Infantry, July 13. 1865.
Barnes, William.
company "e"
Clough, Warren. Age 22. Postville. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862.
Hancock, Morrison N. Age 2^. Volney. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
Reed. Warren R. Age 21. Postville. Enlisted Aug. 15. 1862. Discharged
Jan. 26, 1865, Eastport, Miss.
company "f"
Sargent, Harvey. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Feb. 29, and mus-
tered Mar. 2^, 1864. Discharged for disease May 2. 1S65. Davenport.
Wandle, Alexander. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Feb. 29, and
mustered Mar. 2^, 1864. Transferred to Company F, Twelfth Infantry, July
17, 1865.
company "h"
Rich, Waller F. Age 27,. Allamakee County. Enlisted Mar. 10, and mus-
tered April 1, 1864. Transferred to Company H. Twelfth Infantry, July 15,
1865.
Stockwell, Cassius M. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Mar. 10, and
mustered April 1. 1864. Transferred to Company H. Twelfth Infantry July 15,
1865.
Stockwell, Edwin S. Age 21. Allamakee County. Enlisted Mar. 14. and
mustered April 1. 1864. Transferred to Company H, Twelfth Infantry July 15,
1865.
company "i"
Miller, George R., Captain. Age 30. Rossville. Appointed Captain Aug.
15, 1862. Resigned May 3, 1863.
Sherburn, Edwin A., First Lieutenant. Age 26. Rossville. Appointed First
Lieut. Aug. 15, 1862. Promoted Captain May 4. 1863.
Beall, Lewis S. Age 19. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15. 1862.
Habcock. Solomon. Age 31. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 15. 1862.
P.arlow, Tohn W. Age 27. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 18, 1862. Promoted
Kighth Corporal Mar. 26, 1865: Fifth Corporal May 1, 1865.
Battle, Martin. Age 25. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
542 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Beall, Calvin H. Age 20. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Discharged
to enlist in Marine Brigade, Mar. 30, 1863.
Beall, James. Age 21. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Died Feb. 19,
1864, Columbus, Ky., and buried in National Cemetery at Memphis, Tenn.
Beumer, Charles. Age 18. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 18, 1862. Died Feb.
28, 1863, Jackson, Tenn.
Boorn, Jonathan H. Age 31. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, Fifth Ser-
geant. Promoted Fourth Sergeant Nov. 23, 1862. Discharged Nov. 29, 1862,
Jackson, Tenn.
Brown, fared. Age 26. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 20. 1862, Seventh Cor-
poral. Died Mar. 15, 1863, Regimental Hospital, and buried in National Cem-
etery at Corinth, Miss.
Bryson, Alexander. Age 20. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Discharged
for disability April 13, 1863, Jackson, Tenn.
Bryson, James. Age 24. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, Fifth Sergeant.
Promoted Third Sergeant Nov. 2^, 18O2; First Sergeant Mar. 10, 1864.
Burgess, Jesse O. Age 26. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, Fifth Cor-
poral. Promoted Fourth Corporal: Fifth Sergeant Mar. 10, 1864; Fourth Ser-
geant July 1, 1864.
Case, Henry. Age 34. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
Casey, Michael. Age 29. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 18, 1862.
Clark, Frank. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Jan. 4,
1864. Transferred to Company 1. Twelfth Infantry, July 5, 1865.
Clough, Gardner. Age 42. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 18, 1862. Promoted
Eighth Corporal; Sixth Corporal Jan. 26, 1863; Fourth Corporal Mar. 10, 1864;
Second Corporal July 1, 1864; First Corporal May 1, 1865.
Coftman, James H. Age 18. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Wounded
slightly April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La. Promoted Seventh Corporal Oct. 15,
1864; Sixth Corporal Mar. 26, 1865.
Coffman, Thomas J. Age 21. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 17, 1862.
Colegrove, Albert E. Age 31. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 17, 1862,
Eighth Corporal. Promoted Seventh Corporal Jan. 2j, 1863; Fifth Corporal;
Third Corporal Mar. 10, 1864; First Corporal Tulv 1, 1864; Fifth Sergeant May
1, 1865.
Craig, Samuel. Age 31. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 18, 1862. Killed in action
April i), [864, Pleasant Hill, La.
Conner, A. B.
Dial, David. Rossville.
Craig, Seth. Age 25. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 18, 1862.
David, Thomas W. Age 36. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, Fifer. Pro-
moted Principal Musician July 1, 1863. Mustered out May 9, 1865, Davenport,
Iowa.
1 lubes, Elias. Age ^. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 17, 1862. Trans-
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Mar. 16. 1864.
Eells, Daniel. Age 22. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1S62. Pro-
moted Eighth Corporal (Jet. 15. [864; Seventh Corporal Mar. 26. 1865; Fourth
Corporal June 28, 1865.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 543
Eells. Harvey. Age 22. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 15. 1862.' Dis-
charged for disability May 1. 1863. Jackson, Tenn.
Eells, Tiffany. Age 23. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Died
Mar. 26, 1863, Jackson, Tenn., and buried in National Cemetery at Corinth, Miss.
Fossuni, Christian T. Age 23. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 16, 1862.
Fuller, Josiah S. Age 33. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
Cast, Henry. Age 25. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 17, 1862. Promoted Sixth
Corporal July 28, 1864. Reduced to ranks at his own request Mar. 26, 1865.
Giesen, Henry. Age 41. Rossville. Enlisted Oct. 10, 1862. Promoted
Fifth Sergeant Nov. 23, 1862; Fourth Sergeant May 1, 1863. Discharged for
promotion as First Lieut, of Company E, Second West Tennessee Colored In-
fantry, Sept. 16, 1863.
Gillett, Eugene. Age 19. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, Fourth Cor-
poral. Promoted Third Corporal; Second Corporal Mar. 10, 1864. Transferred
to Invalid Corps Mar. 16, 1864. Discharged Aug. 5, 1865, Davenport, Iowa.
Gillett, Marshall N. Rejected Sept. 5, 1862, by mustering officer.
Harvey, George. Age 26. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Wagoner.
Holman, Frank. Age 27. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15. 1862, Second Cor-
poral. Discharged Oct. 21, 1862, Fort Snelling. Minn.
Hulverson, Paul. Age 32. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 16, 1862. Promoted
Seventh Corporal Mar. 10, 1864; Fifth Corporal July 1, 1864; Second Corporal
May 1, 1865.
Johnson, Hans. Age 18. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Promoted
Sixth Corporal Mar. 10, 1864. Wounded severely and taken prisoner April 9,
1864, Pleasant Hill, La. Exchanged. Promoted Fourth Corporal July 1, 1864.
Discharged for wounds June 15, 1865, Montgomery, Ala.
Kline. Henry. Age 40. Rossville. Enlisted Oct. 10. 1862. Discharged for
disability Jan. 15, 1863, Jackson, Tenn.
McClintock, Archibald. Age 21. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
McClintock, Eston. Age ^7. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Discharged
for disability Jan. 17, 1863, Jackson, Tenn.
McClintock, Jackson. Age 27. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 16, 1862, Sixth
Corporal. Reduced to ranks at his own request.
McClintock, James. Age 25. Allamakee County. Enlisted Sept. 6, and
mustered Sept. 17, 1864. Mustered out June 6, 1865. See Company B, Twelfth
Infantry.
Mattock, Joseph L. Age 27. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 16, 1862. Discharged
Dec. 1862. Memphis. Tenn.
Mitchell, James S. Age 39. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered
out May 1, 1865, Louisville, Ky.
Moody, Samuel W. Age 42. Bunker Hill. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. First
Corporal. Died Dec. 1, 1862, Memphis, Tenn., and buried in National Cemetery
at Memphis.
Moore, Jonathan G. Age 28. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Promoted
Fifth Corporal. Died Mar. 7, 1863, Jackson, Tenn., and buried in National
Cemetery at Corinth, Miss.
Pardee. William J. Age 25. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15. 1862. Killed in
action April 9, 1864, Pleasant Hill, La.
544 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Ogilvie, John F. Age 41. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 18, 1862. Discharged
for disability April 23, 1863, Jackson, Tenn.
Peabody, Elias. Age 36. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 16, 1862. Died April
2, 1863, Jackson, Tenn., and buried in National Cemetery at Corinth, Miss.
Pettit, Hiram M. Age 29. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Discharged
for disability April 23, 1863, Jackson, Tenn.
Pettit, Jasper N. Age 18. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
Pinkerton, James. Age 26. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 16, 1862. Died Nov.
2, 1862, Memphis, Tenn., and buried in National Cemetery at Memphis.
Pool, John A. Age 42. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Discharged
for disability Jan. 7, 1863, Memphis, Tenn.
Powell, Lewis A. Age 23. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 18, 1862. Died Feb.
16, 1863, Jackson, Tenn., and buried in National Cemetery at Corinth. Miss.
Robbins, Francis H. Age 22. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, Second
Sergeant. Promoted First Sergeant Nov. 23, 1862; Second Lieutenant May 4,
1863.
Robbins, John Henry. Age 19. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Pro-
moted First Corporal Dec. 1, 1862; Fourth Sergeant May 1, 1864. Died March
20, 1864, Davenport. Iowa, and buried in National Cemetery at Rock Island, 111.
Robinson, Samuel S. Age 20. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 17, 1862.
Ross, Oliver A. Age 27. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Discharged
for disability Jan. 17, 1863, Jackson, Tenn.
Sawvel, Adam. Age 30. Fairview. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
Scott, David M. Age 31. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
Discharged Feb. 18, 1863, St. Louis, Mo.
Shattuck, Scott. Age 34. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 16, 1862. Transferred
to Company F, Sixth Cavalry, Oct. 20, 1862.
Skipworth, James P. Age 20. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
Discharged for disease Aug. 14, 1863, Moscow, Tenn.
Smith, Alfred S. Age 19. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 18, 1862. Discharged
for disability March 7, 1863, St. Louis, Mo.
Stanley, James. Age 36. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Died Nov. 7,
1863, Memphis, Tenn., and buried in National Cemetery at Memphis.
Stall, William T. Age 43. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862.
Tannehill, Alpheus. Age 42. Rossville. Enlisted Aug 18, 1862. Died Jan.
10, 1865, Jefferson Barracks, Mo., and buried in National Cemetery at St. Louis.
Tracy, Daniel. Age 21. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 18, 1862.
Watkins. George. Age 44. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862. Mustered
out May 31. 1865, Louisville, Ky.
Wheeler, Charles N. Age 23. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 18. 1862. Promoted
Fifth Corporal March 10. 1864; Third Corporal July 1, 1864. Discharged
June 28, 1865, Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Mo.
Wiley, Thomas B. Age 32. Rossville. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, First Ser-.
geant. Discharged Dec. , 1862, Memphis, Tenn.
Wolcott, Alden E. Age 20. Lansing. Enlisted Jan. 5, and mustered Feb.
3, [864. Transferred to Company 1, Twelfth Infantry. July 15. 1865.
Wolcott, Daniel H Age 44. Allamakee County. Enlisted Jan. 4, and mus-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 545
tered Feb. 3, i86_|. Transferred to Company B, Twelfth Infantry, Tulv 15,
1865.
COMFANY "k"
Granger, Charles T., Captain. Age 27. Waukon. Appointed Captain Aug.
1, 1862.
Bradway, Asa. Age 35. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862, Wagoner.
Granger, Theodore C. Age 21. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862,
Second Corporal. Mustered out May 15, 1865, St. Louis, Mo.
Harris, Henry M. Age 28. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862.
UNASSIGNED
Conover, Mahlon. Age 20. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Regimental
Sutler, and procured a substitute.
THIRTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY
This regiment was enrolled chiefly from the counties of Winneshiek, Fayette,
Howard, Chickasaw, and Bremer, and was mustered into the service November
4, 1862, at Dubuque, Iowa. It took part in the siege and capture of Vicksburg,
in the Texas expedition under General Banks, in the capture of Forts Morgan
and Blakely near Mobile, but although performing its full duty its positions
were such as not to involve many casualties in action. It suffered very heavily,
however, from sickness, both at Vicksburg and Port Hudson, losing 313 men by
disease during its three years service. All the enlistments in this regiment from
Allamakee county were :
COMPANY "A"
Callahan, Jerome. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted and mustered Dec. 29, 1863.
Transferred to Company F, 34th and 38th Consolidated Regiment, Jan. 1, 1865.
Mustered out May 31, 1865, Greenville, La.
Granahan, Anthony. Age 19. Lansing. Enlisted and mustered Dec. 16,
1863. Transferred to Company F, 34th and 38th Consolidated Regt., Jan. 1,
1865. Mustered out Aug. 15, 1865, Houston, Texas.
Firman, James H. Age 18. Allamakee County.
Hardy, Richard. Age 19. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Dec.
24, 1864. Died June 9, 1864, Brownsville, Texas, and buried in National Ceme-
tery at Brownsville.
McCaffrey, Cornelius. Age 20. Lansing. Enlisted and mustered Dec. 29,
1863. Transferred to Company F, 34th and 38th Consolidated, Jan. 1, 1865.
Mustered out Aug. .15, 1865, Houston, Texas.
Fanver, lohn. Age 30. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Dec. 8,
1864. Transferred to Company I, 34th and 38th Consolidated, Jan. 1, 1865.
Mustered out Aug. 15, 1865, Houston, Texas.
546 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Johnson, John L. Age 26. Lybrand. Enlisted Aug. 14, and mustered
Sept. 17, 1862. Died Sept. 21, 1863, Carrollton, La.
FIRST CAVALRY
Burlington, Iowa, was designated as the general rendezvous of the com-
panies composing this organization, which were mustered in July 30, 1861, to
August 17, 1861, by Captain Alexander Chambers of the United States Army.
This regiment had the honor of being the first volunteer cavalry organization en-
listed for a three years' term of service, to be accepted by the Government. On
the 30th of September the regiment took the field, entering into the difficult
duties involved in the struggle between the loyal and disloyal citizens of Mis-
souri, in the early days of October. The operations of the cavalry being con-
ducted largely by battalions, no connected history of the services performed can
be given in this brief space. But the first real engagement in which any portion of
the regiment participated was fought on the 19th of December, 1861, on Black
river, near the town of Milford. Missouri. April 14, 1862, a detachment had a
skirmish with a superior force of rebels in which Lieutenant Barnes distin-
guished himself, with a part of Company K. At White River, Arkansas, August
27, 1863, the regiment had 37 men killed and wounded; and at Camden, April
4, 1864, 39 killed and wounded. In 1864 the regiment became a veteran organi-
zation by the re-enlistment of a large percentage of the command. The service
of the regiment was chiefly in Missouri and Arkansas, operating against the
rebel generals Price and Forrest, and in Tennessee, Louisiana, and at the close
of the war were sent into Texas during the pacification of that state. The regi-
ment was mustered out at Austin, Texas, February 15, 1866.
Pettit, Byron. Age 24. Allamakee county. Enlisted March 1, and mustered
April 5, 1864. Died Sept. 17, 1864. .Memphis. Tenn., and buried in National
Cemetery at Memphis.
company "b" .
Hackenburg, Hiram. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
March 30, 1864. Died Nov. 17. 1864, Little Rock, Ark., and buried in National
Cemetery at Little Rock.
McNutt, Washington. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Feb. 29, and
mustered April 12, 1864.
Crocker, Charles E. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted March 14, and
mustered March 16, 1864.
Robinson, George. Age 27. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Jan. 4, 1864.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 547
COMPANY
Plein, John M. Age 23. Allamakee County. Enlisted Dec. 31, 1863, and
mustered Jan. 28, 1864. Mustered out Dec. 20, 1865, Davenport, Iowa.
Barnes, Thomas H., First Lieut. Age 29. Waukon. Appointed First Lieut.
June 13, 1861. Promoted Captain March 23, 1864. Resigned Dec. 16, 1864.
Adams, Allison. Age 23. Allamakee County. Enlisted June 13, 1861.
Promoted Teamster Dec. 20, 1862. Died Nov. 18, 1863, Little Rock, Ark., and
buried in National Cemetery at Little Rock.
Anderson, Charles. Age 23. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 16, 1861.
Promoted Teamster. Mustered out Oct. 16. 1864, expiration of term of service.
Bailey, John A. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Aug.
31, 1862. Promoted Saddler Dec. 22, 1863. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan.
1, 1864.
Bollman, Moses A. Age 22. Allamakee County. Enlisted June 13, 1861.
Mustered out Sept. 9, 1864, Davenport, Iowa, expiration of term of service.
Bowman, Benton T. Age 20. Allamakee County. Enlisted June 13, 1861.
Re-enlisted and re-mustered Feb. 24, 1864.
Burger, Harry O. Age 26. Allamakee County. Enlisted Feb. 27, 1864.
Burgess, Albert. Age 19. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Feb.
27, 1864. Accidentally killed, Nov. 9, 1865, Austin, Texas.
Carpenter, Charles G. Age 23. Waukon. Enlisted and mustered Aug. 16,
1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 1, 1864. Killed by guerrillas Sept 27,
1864, Centralia, Mo., and buried in National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks,
St. Louis, Mo.
Carpenter, Walter W. Age 25. Waukon. Enlisted May 15, 1861. Pro-
moted Seventh Corporal Nov. 1, 1861 ; Sixth Corporal Aug. 3, 1862; Fourth
Corporal Sept. 1, 1862; Fifth Sergeant April 1, 1863; Third Sergeant Nov. 2,
1863. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Dec. 27, 1863. Promoted Second Sergeant
Jan. 1, 1864; First Sergeant May 1. 1864; First Lieut. Jan. 3, 1865.
Case, Abner J. Age 23. Jefferson. Enlisted June 13, 1861. Re-enlisted
and re-mustered Feb. 24, 1864. Discharged for disability Oct. 30, 1864.
Chambers, James. Age 23. Waukon. Enlisted June 13, 1861. Promoted
Farrier. Taken prisoner Dec. 7, 1862, Prairie Grove, Ark. Exchanged and
returned to company Dec. 22, 1862. .Mustered out Sept. 9, 1864, expiration of
term of service.
Cheadle, Daniel D. Age 25. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Sept. 30, 1861. Died Sept. 6, 1864, and buried in National Cemetery at Jeffer-
son Barracks, Mo.
Collins, Ebenezer E. Age 24. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 27, and
mustered Nov. 1, 1861. Transferred to Gunboat Service Feb. 1, 1862.
Crawford, John. Age 31. Allamakee County. Enlisted Dec. 26, 1863, and
mustered Feb. 10, 1864.
Douglass, John. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 28, and mus-
tered Aug. 30, 1864. Promoted Eighth Corporal Feb. 21, 1865. Mustered
out July 19, 1865, St. Louis, Mo.
548 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Ehle, George W. Age 21. Lansing. Enlisted Jan. 4, and mustered Feb. 10,
1864. Died Sept. 28, 1864, Little Rock, Ark.
Gardner, John L. Age 32. Waukon. Enlisted and mustered Oct. 16, 1861.
Promoted Wagoner. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Dec. 27, 1863. Promoted
Eighth Corporal Jan. 1, 1864; Seventh Corporal Jan. 26, 1864; Sixth Corporal
Feb. 20, 1864; Fifth Corporal May 1, 1864; Fourth Sergeant Feb. 21, 1865;
Second Sergeant, Dec. 14, 1865.
Graham, Alexander L. Age 24. Allamakee County. Enlisted June 13,
1861. Mustered out Sept. 9, 1864, Davenport, Iowa, expiration of term of
service.
Granger, Charles C. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted June 13, 1861.
Mustered out Sept. 9, 1864, Davenport, Iowa, expiration of term of service.
Granger, Robert E. Age 19. Waukon. Enlisted and mustered Sept. 30,
1861. Wounded fatally Aug. 27, 1863, Bayou Metoe, Ark., and died Aug. 28th.
Granger, Morris S. Age 20. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Oct. 28, 1861. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Dec. 27, 1863. Promoted Third
Corporal Feb. 21, 1865; First Corporal Dec. 14, 1865.
Hurlbut, Edwin G. Age 25. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Sept. 30, 1861. Mustered out Sept. 30, 1864, expiration of term of service.
Harris, Stephen P>. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Sept. 30, 1861. Promoted Eighth Corporal Aug. 4, 1863; Seventh Corporal
Nov. 2, 1863; Sixth Corporal Jan. 1, 1864; Fifth Corporal Jan. 26, 1864; Fourth
Corporal Feb. 20, 1864: Third Corporal May 1, 1864; Third Sergeant Feb. 21,
1865; Company Commissary Sergeant Dec. 14, 1865.
Howard, Freedom J. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Dec. 8, 1864. Mustered out Dec. 8, 1865, Austin, Texas, expiration of term of
service.
Israel, John. Age 44. Allamakee County. Enlisted June 13, 1861, as Wag-
oner. Discharged for disability Sept. 16, 1862.
Jameson, Samuel. Age 29. Allamakee County. Enlisted June 13, 1861.
Re-enlisted and re-mustered Dec. 27, 1863. Promoted Fifth Corporal Feb. 21,
1865; Third Corporal Dec. 14, 1865; Second Corporal Dec. 20, 1865.
Jennings, David P. Age 43. Jefferson. Enlisted and mustered Aug. 22,
1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 1, 1864. Discharged for disability
March 17, 1865, Davenport, Iowa.
Kinsley, Jason W. Age 26. Allamakee County. Enlisted June 13, 1861.
Re-enlisted and re-mustered March 2, 1864.
Lewis, George P>. Age 23. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Sept. 30, 1861. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Dec. 17, 1863.
Logan, William. Age 21. Allamakee County. _ Enlisted and mustered Dec.
19. 1863.
Lyon, James A. Age 23. Hardin. Enlisted 13. 1861, Second Ser-
geant. Wounded severely April 14, 1862, Montevallo, Mo. Discharged for
wounds June 10, 1862. (Appointed Second Lieut. Co. A, 27th Infantry Aug.
7. 1862.)
McClaskey, Alexander. Age 20. Allamakeee County. Enlisted June 13,
1861. Mustered out Aug. 17, 1864, expiration of term of service.
McClaskey, George H. Age 26. Waukon. Enlisted June 13, 1861, as
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 549
Saddler. Mustered out Sept. 9, 1864, Davenport, Iowa, expiration of term of
service.
Miller, Cornelius L. Age 21. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Dee. 19, 1863. Mustered out Sept. 21, 1865, Davenport, Iowa.
Minert, David M. Age 22. Allamakee County. Enlisted June 13, 1861.
Promoted Wagoner Dec. 18, 1863. Mustered out Sept. 9, 1864, Davenport,
Iowa, expiration of term of service.
Ogg, Leonidas. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered March
1, 1864.
Paxson, John L. Age 28. Dorchester. Enlisted June 13, 1861. Promoted
Company Quartermaster Sergeant Oct. 14, 1861. Mustered out Aug. 17, 1864.
expiration of term of service.
Pease, Franklin. Age 30. Waukon. Enlisted and mustered Oct. 16, 1861.
Promoted Sixth Sergeant Nov. 2, 1863; Fifth Sergeant Jan. 1, 1864. Discharged
for promotion as First Lieut. Third Arkansas Cavalry, Jan. 10, 1864.
Peeper, John. Age 21. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Jan.
4, 1864.
Post, John S. Age 19. Postville. Enlisted June 13, 1861. Discharged for
disability March 12, 1863, Springfield, Mo.
Prescott, Charles T. Age 25. Post. Enlisted June 13, 1861. Mustered out
Sept. 9, 1864, Davenport, Iowa, expiration of term of service.
Rathburne, Benjamin B. Age 26. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mus-
tered Aug. 16, 1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 1, 1864.
Reid, Lewis. Age 24. Waukon. Enlisted and mustered Oct. 16, 1861.
Mustered out Oct. 16, 1864, expiration of term of service.
Reynolds, Elias. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Dec.
8, 1864. Died Oct. 30, 1865, Hempstead, Texas.
Riter, lacob. Age 19. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Dec.
30, 1863.
Robey, Calvin A. Age 21. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
March 1, 1864.
Roe, Charles E Age 28. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Feb.
2j, 1864. (See Company B, Twelfth Infantry.)
Russell, James M. Age 22. Rossville. Enlisted June 13, 1861, First Cor-
poral. Promoted Fifth Sergeant Sept. 1, 1862; Third Sergeant April 1, 1863:
Second Sergeant Nov. 2, 1863; First Sergeant Jan. 1, 1864. Re-enlisted and re-
mustered Feb. 24, 1864. Promoted Second Lieutenant March 23, 1864 ; Captain
Jan. 3, 1865.
Shelhamer, Jesse B. Age 20. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Dec. 8, 1864. Mustered out Dec. 8, 1865, Austin, Texas, expiration of term
of service.
Stanley, Benjamin B. Age 25. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Feb. 27, 1864. Mustered out May 28, 1865, Memphis, Tenn.
Thayer, Jesse. Age 27. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Feb.
27, 1864.
Tiffany, Orville B. Age 27. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Dec. 18, 1863. Died Nov. 14, 1865, Austin, Texas.
Walker, William H. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted June 13, i86r.
550 I 'AST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Re-enlisted and re-mustered Dec. 27, 1863. Promoted Fourth Corporal Feb.
21, 1865; Second Corporal Dec. 14, 1865. Mustered out Jan. 20, 1866, New
Orleans, La.
Wood, James. Age 19. Waukon. Enlisted June 13, 1861. Died Jan. 27,
1863, Forsyth, Mo.
Saucer, William H. Age 18. Post. Enlisted June 13, 1861. Re-enlisted and
re-mustered Feb. 24, 1864. Promoted Eighth Corporal July 1, 1864; Sixth Ser-
geant Feb. 21, 1865; Fourth Sergeant Dec. 14, 1865.
Truman, John M. Age 30. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Sept 30, 1861. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Feb. 29, 1864.
Stillions, Samuel. Age 22. Allamakee County. Enlisted June 13, 1861.
Re-enlisted and re-mustered Dec. 27, 1863.
Durbon, Daniel T. Age 42. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
March 8, 1864. Present to June 30, 1864. No further record found.
loslyn, George M. Age 30. Lansing. Enlisted and mustered Jan. 4, 1864.
Died July 12, 1864. Little Rock, Ark., and buried in National Cemetery at
Little Rock.
Masiker, George K. Age 22. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Jan. 4, 1864. Died Sept. 24, 1864, Little Rock, Ark.
Servoss, William. Age 27. Lansing. Enlisted and mustered Dec. 22, 1863.
Died March 5, 18(14, Hospital, Helena. Ark.
Wheeler, Walter H. Age 20. Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Feb. 27, 1864. Died , and buried in National Cemetery at Little
Rock, Ark.
Dore, Francis A. Age 26. Postville. Enlisted and mustered Aug. 31,
1862. Re-enlisted and re-mustered Jan. 5, 1864.
Smith. John M. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 21, and mus-
tered Oct. 26. 1864. Mustered out Oct. 24, 1865, expiration of term of service.
UN ASSIGN ED
Colby, Henry. Age 44. Lansing. Enlisted and mustered Dec. 21, 1863.
Discharged for disability May 25, 1864, Little Rock, Ark.
FIFTH CAVALRY UN ASSIGNED
Sherwood, Thomas. Age 30. Residence, Allamakee County. Enlisted and
mustered Oct. 26, 1864. No further record.
SIXTH CAVALRY
The Sixth Regiment of Iowa Cavalry was organized under a special order of
the War Department dated September 9, 1862. and the companies were ordered
into quarters at Camp Hendershott, near Davenport, Iowa, where they were
mustered into the service of the United States, by Captain H. B. Hendershott,
of the Regular Army, on dates ranging from November 17. 1862, to March 5, 1863.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 551
To this regiment fell the duty of protecting the settlers on our northern frontier
during the Sioux Indian outbreak then at its height, and the character of this
service was such as to involve great hardship and suffering, particularly in the
winter season. The regiment left camp at Davenport March 16, 1863, and made
a long march across the State of Iowa, at a season when storms prevailed and
the roads were bad, reaching Sioux City April 26th. Upon taking the field the
regiment was divided, one battalion going to Fort Randall and the others serv-
ing elsewhere until all were assembled at Fort Pierre, where General Sully estab-
lished his base of supplies, having relieved General Cook. The expedition under
General Sully started from Fort Pierre August 21, 1863, and on the 3d of Septem-
ber the Indians were corralled and defeated at White Stone Hill, in which battle
the Sixth Regiment had twenty-two killed and wounded. In the campaign of
1864 the hostile tribes were again encountered in force near the Little Missouri
River, 200 miles west of Fort Rice, by an expedition under General Sully, and the
Indians met with a decisive defeat in actions on July 28, and August 8 and 9,
1864. During the following winter the regiment was widely scattered; and during
the summer of 1865 the Indians remained comparatively quiet. The Sixth re-
mained in the field however as a safeguard to the frontier, until replaced by
troops from the Regular Army, when it was assembled at Sioux City and there
mustered out October 17, 1865. The Sixth Iowa Cavalry spent more than two
years and a half upon the northern frontier, a considerable part of the time en-
gaged in active operations against a barbarous and treacherous foe. They endured
great privations and displayed true heroism during this service ; and the descend-
ants of the pioneers throughout that region should hold in grateful remembrance
the brave sons of Iowa who went forth from their homes and drove the relentless
savages from the scenes of their brutal massacres.
COMPANY "F"
Shattuck, Scott, Captain. Age 34. Residence Waukon. Appointed Captain
Jan. 31, 1863. Resigned April 5, 1865. See Co. I, 27th Infantry.
Ruth, James, First Lieut. Age 22. Residence Lansing. Appointed First
Lieut. Jan. 31, 1863. Promoted Captain April 10, 1865. See Co. B, 27th Infantry.
Allen, Edwin A. Age 26. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 18, 1862.
Baker, James W. Age 19. Waukon. Enlisted Sept. 30, 1862.
Baldwin, Andrew. Age 28. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 29, 1862, Fourth Ser-
geant. Wounded Sept. 3, 1863, White Stone Hill, Dakota. Promoted Third
Sergeant May 1, 1864; Second Sergeant Jan. 30, 1865; Company Quartermaster
Sergeant July 1, 1865.
Beede, Moses V. Age 29. Waukon. Enlisted Sept. 24, 1862, Second Cor-
poral. Promoted First Corporal Sept. 1, 1864; Sixth Sergeant July 1, 1865.
Beetem, Charles L. Age 23. French Creek. Enlisted Sept. 27, 1862.
Beetem, John T. Age 20. French Creek. Enlisted Sept. 27, 1862.
Bellows, Charles H. Age 19. French Creek. Enlisted Sept. 29, 1862. Pro-
moted Eighth Corporal May 1, 1865.
Bellows, George P. Age 23. French Creek. Enlisted Oct. 24, and mus-
tered Oct. 31, 1864.
Bellows, Rush. Age 24. French Creek. Enlisted Sept. 29, 1862.
552 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Bingay, James S. Age 24. Waukon. Enlisted Sept. 21, 1862. Deserted
Feb. 5, 1863, Davenport, Iowa.
Blake, David A. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 1, 1862. Died April 23,
1865, Crow Creek, Dak., and buried at Ft. Thompson, Dak.
Booth, Hiram. Age 40. Volney. Enlisted Oct. 22, 1862. Promoted Com-
pany Commissary Sergeant April 27, 1863. Discharged Aug. 4, 1865, Fort
Randall, Dak.
Braymin, Harry E. Age 21. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 3, 1862. Discharged
June 20, 1865, Sioux City, Iowa.
Butts, Andrew J. Age 28. Waukon. Enlisted Sept. 23. 1862. Discharged
July 29, 1865, Fort Randall. Dak.
Boans, John.
Burgess, A.
Callender. Levi. Age 2^,. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 24. 1862.
Carr, Samuel C. Age 38. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 8. 1862. Discharged
June 20. 1865, Sioux City. Iowa.
Cowan, William. Age 19. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 22, and mustered Oct.
31, 1864.
Dodds, Thomas H. Age 21. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 21. and mus-
tered Oct. 26. 1864.
Downes, Patrick. Age 22. Waukon. Enlisted Sept. 27, 1862, Seventh Cor-
poral. Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, Oct. 31, 1863. Returned to Com-
pany April 12. 1864.
Dundee, Christian. Age 2/. Waukon. Enlisted Sept. 29, 1862, as Wagoner.
Died Feb. 28, 1865, and buried at Yankton, Dak.
Eells, Samuel. Age 30. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 28, 1862. Died Dec. 5,
1862, Davenport, Iowa.
Ehnes, John. Age 32. Lansing. Enlisted Dec. 18, 1862.
Eckstein, Geo. Age 28. Allamakee County. Enlisted Dec. 7, 1862. De-
serted April 1, 1863, Iowa City, Iowa.
Farnham. Stephen S. Age 38. Volney. Enlisted Oct. 22, 1862, Third Ser-
geant. Promoted Second Sergeant May 1, 1864. Discharged July 29, 1865.
Ferris, Leander. Age ^- Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 26, and mus-
tered Oct. 31, 1864.
Fitzgerald. William. Age 2^. Lansing. Enlisted Sept. 2tj. 1862, Eighth
Corporal. Wounded Sept. 3, 1863, White Stone Hill, Dak.
Ford. Patrick. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 10. 1862.
Gibbs, Samuel C. Age 42. Lansing. Enlisted Sept. 2^, 1862, Company
Quartermaster Sergeant. Reduced to Commissary Sergeant. Reduced to
Wagoner.
Gilman, Frederick F. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Dec. 16, 1862.
Hartley. John. Age 20. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 21. and mustered
Oct. 26, 1864.
Healy. Patrick. Age 23. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 7, 1862. Deserted Feb.
5, 1863, Davenport, Iowa.
Howard. Benjamin. Age 24. Waukon. Enlisted Jan. 12, 1863.
Hartley. Joseph. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 2, and mus-
tered Oct. 20, 1864.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 553
Jarvis, Alfred. Age 21. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 2, 1862.
Jarvis, Hardin. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 2, and mustered
Oct". 26, 1864.
Kaufman, Anderson M. Age 36. Allamakee County. Enlisted Sept. 25,
1862, as Farrier.
Kilillay, John. Age 18. Waukou. Enlisted Oct. 8, 1862. Wounded Sept.
3. 1863, White Stone Hill, Dak.
Legler, Frederick. Age 36. Lansing. Enlisted Sept. 22, 1862, as Farrier.
Died Oct. 25, 1864, and buried at Ft. Sully, Dak.
McFadden, Michael. Age 22. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 25, 1862. Trans-
ferred to Company M, Feb. 28, 1863.
AIcKallor, Archibald H. Age 42. Waukon. Enlisted Sept. 28, 1862, as
Company Commissary Sergeant. Promoted Company Quartermaster Sergeant
March 1863; Second Lieut. May 1, 1865.
Marsh, Sanford C. Age 44. Allamakee County. Enlisted Nov. 1, 1862, as
Teamster. Discharged at Davenport, Iowa.
Maxwell, William. Age 19. Waukon. Enlisted Sept. 24, 1862. Promoted
Fifth Corporal June 9, 1863: Fourth Corporal Sept. 1, 1864; Third Corporal
July 1, 1865.
Merrill, Charles. Age 26. Waukon. Enlisted Nov. 8, 1862.
Milks. James H. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 22, and mus-
tered Oct. 31, 1864.
Milks, Job D. Age 21. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 22, and mus-
tered Oct. 31, 1864.
Miller, George W. Age 28. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 4, 1862.
Monk, William. Age 21. Dorchester. Enlisted Dec. 14, 1862.
Olsen, Andrew. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 11, 1862.
Pierce, Philip I. Age 30. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 25, 1862. Pro-
moted Saddler Oct. 6, 1863. Sixth Sergeant Jan. 30, 1865 ; Fifth Sergeant July
1. 1865.
Pitt, John F. Age 34. Waukon. Enlisted Sept. 27, 1862. Teamster. Dis-
charged for disability Aug. 28, 1865, Sioux City, Iowa.
Post, Henry A. Age 23. Dorchester. Enlisted Nov. 11, 1862, Sixth Ser-
geant. Wounded Sept. 3, 1863, White Stone Hill, Dak. Promoted Fifth Ser-
geant May 1. 1864; Fourth Sergeant Jan. 30. 1865; Second Sergeant July 1, 1865.
Potter, Christopher. - Age 33. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 27, 1862. Promoted
Farrier.
Pritchard, John R. Age 32. Lansing. Enlisted Nov. 27, 1862.
Mobley, John S. Age 34. Lansing. Enlisted Sept. 12, 1862. Promoted
Sixth Sergeant June 26, 1863; Company Quartermaster Sergeant Oct. 18, 1863.
Ravmond, Charles H. Age 31. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 22, 1862. Pro-
moted Company Commissary Sergeant March 1, 1865.
Ruth, Edward. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 30, 1862, Fourth Corporal.
Promoted Third Corporal Sept. 1, 1864; Second Corporal July 1, 1865.
Ruth, John. Age 27. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 26, and mustered Oct. 31,
1864. Died June 8, 1865, Crow Creek, Dak., and buried at Fort Thompson,
Dak.
554 1'AST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Ruth, William J. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 2, and mus-
tered Oct. 26, 1864.
Sammon, William H. Age 19. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 7, 1862. Wounded
Sept. 3, 1863. White Stone Hill. Dak.
Speicher, Lewis. Age 37. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 21, 1862.
Steimer, Anton. Age 29. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 21, 1862.
Stillman, Linus P. Age 19. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 1, 1862. Promoted
Seventh Corporal Dec. 1, 1864; Sixth Corporal July 1, 1865.
Strain, Joseph H. Age t,2. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 10. 1862.
Thomson, James. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 8, 1862.
Toole, John. Age 28. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. r, 1862. Discharged July
29, Fort Randall, Dak.
Wagner, Casper M. B. Age 24. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 29, 1862.
Killed in action. White Stone Hill, Dak., Sept. 3, 1863.
Weir. Robert. Age 32. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 18. 1862. Died Dec. 19,
1862, Davenport, Iowa, and buried in National Cemetery at Rock Island, 111.
Williamson, John. Age 27. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 15, 1862.
Winn, Robert. (Company unknown.) Died, in Dakota.
COMPANY "K"
Esty, Elijah O. Age 39. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 26, and mus-
tered Oct. 31. 1864. Mustered out July 30, 1865.
McCoy, Chauncey. Age 20. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 24. and mus-
tered Oct. 31, 1864.
NINTH CAVALRY
The Ninth Regiment of Iowa Cavalry was organized under special order of
the War Department dated September 7, 1863, and ordered into quarters at Daven-
port, Iowa, where it was mustered into service November 30, 1863, by Lieut. Col.
William X. < irier. United States Army. Shortly after it was ordered to St.
Louis, .Mo., where it at first occupied the old rebel "Camp Jackson," but soon
after took up its quarters at Benton Barracks, and in the following April at
Jefferson Barracks. Early in May, 18(14, ^l detachment of the Ninth was sent
to Hannibal and Palmyra to intercept the notorious guerilla Quantrell, after
his infamous Lawrence .Massacre, and succeeded in dispersing his band and cap-
luring a number of them. Later in the same month the regiment was sent to
Devall's Bluff, Arkansas, from which base it operated in detachments for scout-
ing purposes, in which work its services were engaged for a great part of the time
during the following year and a half or more, throughout the States of Arkansas
and Missouri; the latter part of this period however being devoted to the sup-
pression of lawlessness in the mountainous regions of Arkansas, during the at-
tempts to restore civil government to this distracted section of the country.
The various companies were mustered out at Little Rock, Arkansas, at different
dates. Companies F and F being mustered out February 3, 1866. While the field
of its operations was such that it was disappointed in participating in any of the
great battles (if the war. the Ninth performed with honor all the duties assigned
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 555
to it ; and during its service of over two years the regiment marched over 2,000
miles, was conveyed by boat and rail 1,700 miles, and the marches of its various
detachments approximated 8,000 miles.
COMPANY "E"
Dean, George M., Captain. Age 39. Residence Waukon. Appointed Cap-
tain Nov. 30, 1863.
Able, Grandison. Age 35. Residence Volney Enlisted Aug. 25, 1863,
Fourth Sergeant. Promoted Third Sergeant April 14, 1864; Second Sergeant
Aug. 31. 1864; First Sergeant Feb. 3, 1865.
Able, Henry B. Age 24. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 22, and mus-
tered Oct. 31, 1864. Mustered out Oct. 28, 1865, expiration of term of service.
Bailey. Phillip. Age 25. Volney. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1863. Discharged for
disability Dec. 12, 1863.
Becker, Jesse F. Age 18. Volney. Enlisted Oct. 3, 1863.
Clough, Fernando E. Age 19. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 14. 1863. Pro-
moted Eighth Corporal April 28. 1865; Seventh Corporal Dec. 5, 1865.
Engelhorn, John K. Age 21. Lansing. Enlisted Sept. 20, 1863.
Franklin, Gideon. Age $j. Volney. Enlisted Oct. 17, 1863. as Wagoner.
Died Sept. 28. 1864, Austin. Ark.
Griffin. John. Age 27. Waukon. Enlisted Sept. 12, 1863, Sixth Sergeant.
Promoted Fifth Sergeant April 14, 1864. Wounded. Promoted Fourth Ser-
geant Aug. 31, 1864; Third Sergeant Feb. 3. 1865. Mustered out Nov. 25, 1865,
Davenport. Iowa.
NINTH CAVALRY
Hackenberg, George. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted July 1, 1863. Promoted
Eighth Corporal Jan. 10, 1865; Seventh Corporal April 28, 1865; Sixth Corporal
Dec. 5, 1865.
Halsey, George C. Age 20. Volney. Enlisted Sept. 17, 1863.
Halsey, Orin C. Age 22. Volney. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1863.
Hazlett. John O. Age 35. Enlisted Oct. 16, 1864, and mustered Oct. 31,
1864. Mustered out Nov. 14, 1865, Helena, Ark.
Kappes, Joseph. Age 39. Allamakee County. Enlisted Oct. 22, and mus-
tered Oct. 31, 1864. Mustered out Oct. 28, 1865, Little Rock, Ark.
Kinning, John H. Age 44. Lansing. Enlisted Aug. 25. 1863. Died Feb.
25, 1864. St. Louis, Mo., and buried in National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks.
Knudtson. Neils. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Sept. 12, 1863.
Lingerfelt. Adam. Age 27. Volney. Enlisted Nov. 3. 1863.
Mann. Nelson B. Age 26. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 1. 1863.
Morehead, Tames A. Age 21. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 13, 1863. Mustered
out Aug. 22, 1865, St. Louis. Mo.
Peck. Albert H. Age 22. Waukon. Enlisted June 22, 1863. Third Sergeant.
Promoted Second Sergeant April 14, 1864; First Sergeant Aug. 31, 1864; Sec-
ond Lieut. Sept. 9, 1864; First Lieut. July 4. 1865.
Pettit, George J. Age 18. Rossville. Enlisted Sept. 26, 1863.
Rinehart, lames K. Age 21. Harper's Ferry. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1863,
556 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Fourth Corporal. Promoted Second Corporal April 14, 1864; Sixth Sergeant
Aug. 31, 1864; Fifth Sergeant Feb. 3, 1865.
Rinehart, John T. Age 19. Harper's Ferry. Enlisted Sept. 19, 1863, Bugler.
( See Co. K, Fifth Infantry.)
Roderick, Daniel B. Age 33. Rossville. Enlisted Oct. 30, 1863. Promoted
Seventh Corporal April 14, 1864; Sixth Corporal Aug. 31, 1864; Fifth Corporal
Jan. 10. 1865; Fourth Corporal April 28, 1865; Third Corporal Dec. 5, 1865.
Ross, Russell K. Age 18. Rossville. Enlisted Oct. 12, 1863. Mustered
out May 9, 1865, Davenport, Iowa.
Rush, Samuel L. Age 32. Rossville. Enlisted Oct. 9, 1863.
Schultze, Carl. Age 18. YVaukon. Enlisted Aug. 2j. 1863. Died Oct. 22,
1864, Jefferson Barracks, Mo., and buried in National Cemetery at Jefferson
Barracks.
Schultze, Louis. Age 22. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 31, 1863.
Scranton, Aaron. Age 44. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 5, 1863. Died Jan. 26,
1.864, St. Louis, Mo., and buried in National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks.
Simenson, Simon. Age 26. Waukon. Enlisted Oct. 15, 1863. Died Oct.
4. 1864, Austin, Ark.
Sires, Daniel. Age 18. Waukon. Enlisted Aug. 13. 1863.
Smith. James W. Age 20. Volney. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1863, Sixth Corporal.
Promoted Fourth Corporal April 14. 1864; Second Corporal Aug. 31, 1864; hirst
Corporal April 28, 1865.
Smith, John W. Age 35. Yolney. Enlisted July 4, 1863. (See Company
K, Fifth Infantry.)
Smith. Simeon. Age 18. Volney. Enlisted July 3. 1863. Fifth Corporal.
Promoted Third Corporal April 14, 1864; Died Aug. 26, 1864, Devall's Bluff,
Ark., and buried in National Cemetery at Devall's Bluff.
Stillions, John. Age 21. Waukon. Enlisted July 20, 1863. Died Aug. 23.
1 Si 4, Devall's Bluff, Ark.
Van Yalkenburg, Oscar. Age 20. Yolney. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1863. Pro-
moted Eighth Corporal Aug. 31, 1864; Seventh Corporal Jan. 10, 1865; Sixth
Corporal April 28. 1865; Fifth Corporal Dec. 5, 1865.
Williams. William H. Age 21. Postville. Enlisted July 29, 1863.
Ryan. Edward.
Williamson. Charles. Age 27- Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Oct. 22, 1864. Mustered out Oct. 2S, 1865. Little Rock, Ark.
Wilson. Henry. Age 21. Harper's Ferry. Enlisted July 18, 1863.
Wilson. David G. Age 20. Allamakee County. Enlisted July 17. 1863.
Died Jan. 30, 1864. St. Louis, Mo.
COMPANY "f"
Davis, Samuel H., Second Lieut. Age 37. Lansing. Appointed Second
Lieut. Nov. 30. 1863. Promoted First Lieut. Aug. 10, 1865. (See Co. K, Fifth
Infantry.)
Anderson, Hans. Age 33. Allamakee County. Enlisted July 4. 1863. Died
Dec. 26, [864, Keokuk. Iowa.
Banks, Peter. Age 21. Village Creek. Enlisted July 28, 1863, as Bugler.
Discharged for disability May 15, [865, Memphis, Tenn.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 557
Barker, George W. Age 33. Lansing. Enlisted July 1, 1863. Died Feb.
2, 1864, St. Louis, Mo.
Cary, Thomas. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 3, 1863. Discharged for
disability Aug. 19, 1865, Little Rock, Ark.
Clark, Ono. Age 22. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1863. Mus-
tered out May 16, 1865, Davenport, Iowa.
Cullens, Philip. Age 32. Lycurgus. Enlisted Aug. 5, 1863.
Curran, Josiah. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1863.
Deremo, Orin. Age 18. Elon. Enlisted Oct. 5, 1863. Promoted Seventh
Corporal Sept. 1, 1864.
Engebretson, Thore. Age 42. Waterville. Enlisted Sept. 30, 1863. Dis-
charged for disability Aug. 9, 1864, Little Rock, Ark.
Gager, Alvin H. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1863.
Hall, Thomas. Age 17. Rossville. Enlisted July 27, 1863.
Hauser, Peter D. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted July 13, 1863.
Ingmondson, Hiram. Age 18. Allamakee County. Enlisted Nov. 4, 1863.
Died April 3, 1864, St. Louis. Mo., and buried in National Cemetery at Jeffer-
son Barracks.
Johnson, Thore. Age 21. Waterville. Enlisted Sept. 26, 1863. Promoted
Eighth Corporal April 4, 1864; Seventh Corporal April 22, 1864; Sixth Cor-
poral June 10, 1864; Second Corporal Sept. 1, 1864. Died Sept. 22, 1865, Little
Rock, Ark., and buried in National Cemetery at Little Rock.
Krohn, George W. Age 20. Harper's Ferry. Enlisted Oct. 3, 1863. Pro-
moted Fourth Corporal Aug. 10, 1864.
Lampman, William W. Age 20. Ion. Enlisted Aug. 24, 1863. Died Feb.
20, 1864, St. Louis, Mo., and buried at Arsenal Island, St. Louis.
Luce, Hiram M. Age 25. Allamakee County. Enlisted July 13, 1863. Pro-
moted Company Commissary Sergeant Jan. 23, 1864; Company Quartermaster
Sergeant Dec. 24, 1864; Hospital Steward March 20, 1865. Mustered out Feb.
28, 1866, Little Rock, Ark.
Mahony, Michael. Age 18. Harper"s Ferry. Enlisted July 25, 1863.
Martin, Harmon. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted Oct. 3, 1863.
Nelson, John. Age 18. Village Creek. Enlisted Oct. 5, 1863.
Oleson, Tollef, Jr. Age 21. Waterville. Enlisted Sept. 26, 1863. Died
Oct. 10, 1864, Devall's Bluff, Ark.
Oleson, Tollef. Sr. Age 24. Waterville. Enlisted Sept. 26, 1863. Promoted
Fourth Corporal Sept. 1, 1864; Third Corporal Oct. 13, 1864; Fourth Sergeant
March 20, 1865; Third Sergeant Nov. 5, 1865.
Peacock, George R. Age 19. Allamakee County. Enlisted July 28, 1863,
First Corporal. Promoted Sixth Sergeant Jan. 28, 1864; Fourth Sergeant April
4, 1864; Third Sergeant July 1, 1864; Company Quartermaster Sergeant March
20, 1865.
Peterson, Frank. Age 18. Lansing. Enlisted July 16, 1863.
Ouinlin, John P. Age 19. Harper's Ferry. Enlisted July 25, 1863.
ENGINEER REGIMENT OF THE WEST COMPANY "i"
Dickson, William. Age 22. Residence, Hardin. Enlisted Sept. 26, 1861,
as Artificer. Mustered Oct. 31, 1861.
558 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Harris, William. Age 41. Residence, Lybrand. Enlisted Oct. 6, and mus-
tered Oct. 31, 1 86 1.
Johnson, William R. Age 23. Lybrand. Enlisted Oct. 6, and mustered
Oct*. 31, 1861.
Jones, John F. Age 26. Hardin. Enlisted Oct. 10, and mustered Oct. 31,
1861. Died March 16, 1862, Commerce, Mo.
Kennedy, Robert B. Age 23. Lybrand. Enlisted Oct 16, and mustered
Oct. 31, 1861. Discharged for disability July 11, 1862, Jackson, Tenn.
Prescott, Alva R. Age 26. Hardin. Enlisted Sept. 23, and mustered Oct.
31, 1861, Fourth Sergeant. Promoted Third Sergeant July 1, 1862; Second Ser-
geant; Second Lieut, of Company F, March 14, 1863.
Wheeler, Oeorge W. Age 22. Lybrand. Enlisted Oct. 6, and mustered
Oct. 31, 1861. Discharged for disability Feb. 13, 1862, Otterville, Mo.
ILLINOIS REGIMENTS
NINETEENTH INFANTRY
McKenzie, John. Age 32. Residence, Allamakee County. Mustered in
Company H, June 17, 1861.
Stone, Albert. Age 23. Residence, Allamakee County. Mustered in Com-
pany H, June 17, 1861.
THIRTY-SIXTH INFANTRY
Pratt, Emory W. Residence, Waukon, Allamakee County. Lieutenant Com-
pany K.
FIFTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY
Howard, Benjamin H. Age 25. Residence, Waukon. Mustered in Com-
pany D, Dec. 13, 1861.
SEVENTY-FOURTH INFANTRY
Blanchard, Job. Residence, Allamakee County. Musician.
NINETY-FIFTH INFANTRY
Pratt. Noah H. Age 28. Residence, Waukon. Mustered in Company I,
Aug. 12. [862. Promoted to Second Lieut, of Forty-eighth U. S. Colored
Infantry.
ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX INFANTRY
Smith, William B. Age 44. Residence, Allamakee County. Mustered March
24, 1864.
MISSOURI REGIMENTS
Harden, Dennis A. Residence, Allamakee County. Company B, Eighteenth
Missouri Infantry.
Schierholz, H. Sergeant Major Twenty-seventh Missouri Infantry.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 559
WISCONSIN REGIMENTS
SECOND INFANTRY
Forrest, Franklin F. Residence, Allamakee County. Mustered in Company
B, April 18, 1861.
THIRD INFANTRY
Krohn, George, Residence, Paint Creek Township, Allamakee County, Com-
pany H. Mustered June 8, 1861.
Moyer, Henry. Residence, Taylor Township, Allamakee County, Company
H. Mustered June 8, 1861.
SIXTH INFANTRY
Gulberg, Peter F. Residence, Waterville, Allamakee County. Mustered in
Company C, May 8, 1861.
Nelson, Louis M. Residence, Center Township, Allamakee County. Mus-
tered in Company C, May 8, 1861.
FIFTEENTH INFANTRY
Lageson, Hans A. Age 23. Residence, Allamakee County. Mustered in
Company B, Jan. 27, 1862.
SIXTH WISCONSIN BATTERY
Herron, Andrew. Age 22. Residence, Fairview Township. Mustered Sept.
6, 1861.
FORTY-NINTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY
Haskin, H. H. Residence, Allamakee County. In Company E.
Clark, Dell J. Residence, Allamakee County. In Company F.
SEVENTH MINNESOTA INFANTRY
Johnson, Louis. Residence, Allamakee County. Killed in action at Tupelo,
Miss., 1864.
SECOND KANSAS CAVALRY — COMPANY "i"
Akerson, John. Residence, Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered Nov.
1, 1861. Killed in action at Sulphur Springs, Ky., 1864. Co. I.
Walker, William H. Residence, Allamakee County. Enlisted and mustered
Oct. 7, 1861. Killed in action at Walden. Ark., 1863.
Vol. I— 2)1
560 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
ELEVENTH OHIO BATTERY
Ettle, John. Residence, Waukon. Killed in action at Iuka, Miss., Sept. 19,
1862.
UNITED STATES ARMY
Brown, L. — Hospital Steward.
Manson, James W. — Hospital Steward. Died July, 1864, Memphis, Tenn.
Earle, John W— First Lieut., Reg. Q. M., 71st U. S. Infantry.
TWELFTH U. S. INFANTRY
Kelly, John. Residence, Allamakee County.
SIXTEENTH U. S. INFANTRY
Arnold, C. H.
Brainard, Amos. Killed in action at Murfreesboro, Tenn., 1863.
Cheadle, Erastus. Killed at Murfreesboro, Tenn., 1863.
Clauson, H. Dorchester, Company B.
Crawley, James. Died in Southern prison, 1864.
Dial, David. Waukon, Company A.
Dorsey, James. Killed at Murfreesboro, 1863.
Douglass, David W. Waukon, Corporal, Company B.
Gilson, . Killed at Peach Tree Creek, Tenn.
Hancock, Thomas J. Volney. Company A.
Johnson, Henry E. Died at Nashville, Tenn., 1862.
Lisher, James M. Company B.
Miller, . Killed at Murfreesboro, Tenn., 1863.
Oleson, Thomas. Killed at Murfreesboro, Tenn., 1863.
Oleson, John M. Died in Southern prison, 1863.
Page, Charles. Killed at Murfreesboro, Tenn., 1863.
Palmer, Lemuel. Killed at Murfreesboro, Tenn., 1863.
Reid, J. B. Waukon. Sergeant, Company B.
Robbins, Samuel B. Died at Columbus, Ky., Jan. 20, 1863.
Schroda, George. Waukon. Company B.
Shuff, Coleman. Killed at Atlanta, Ga., 1864.
Smith, George. Died at Fort Ontario, N. Y.
Smith, Hiram. Killed at Murfreesboro, Tenn., 1863.
No record is at hand of the personal service of the foregoing members of the
Sixteenth U. S. Infantry ; and the record is very incomplete as to most of those
serving in the military organizations of the other states. All above listed are
supposed to have been residents of Allamakee county.
CHRONOLOGY
1673 — Discovery by Marquette, June 17th.
1763 — Control passed from the French to Spanish, by Treaty of Paris, Jan-
uary 1, 1763.
1800 — Retroceded by Spain to France, by secret treaty October 1st. Formal
transfer of Upper Louisiana at St. Louis, March 9, 1804.
1803 — France to United States, April 30th. Treaty executed December
20th ; and formal transfer of Upper Louisiana effected by ceremony at St. Louis,
March 10, 1804.
1804 — In District of Louisiana under the government of Indiana Territory.
1805 — In Territory of Louisiana.
1812 — In Territory of Missouri.
1821 — In the unorganized territory of United States.
1825 — Upper Iowa river established as the dividing line between the Sioux
and the Sacs and Foxes.
1828 — First sawmill on Yellow river.
1830 — Neutral Ground established, twenty miles wide on each side of Upper
Iowa river. Paint Rock the eastern terminus of south line.
1832 — East part of Neutral Ground made Winnebago Indian reservation.
1834 — Old Mission built on Yellow river.
1834 — In Territory of Michigan.
1835 — Old Mission school and farm opened.
1836 — In Territory of Wisconsin.
1837 — First settler at Johnsonsport about this time.
1838 — Territory of Iowa formed.
1841 — First white child born, at Old Mission
1841 — Joel Post located in Post township, with government consent.
1842 — Yellow River Mission abandoned, and school removed to Fort Atkin-
son, Winneshiek county.
1846 — State of Iowa admitted to the Union, December 28, 1846.
1847 — County boundaries defined by legislature.
1847 — Winnebago treaty relinquishing Neutral Ground; and Indians removed
the following year.
1848 — First settlers at Lansing: Garrison, and the Haneys.
1848 — First settler in Makee township: Patrick Keenan.
1848 — First school taught, at Postville.
1849 — County organized by Act of Legislature, January 15th.
1840. — County seat located at "The Old Stake."
1849 — First postoffice established, at Postville, in January.
561
562 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
1849 — First schoolhouse built, at Hardin.
1849 — First election, April.
1849 — First settler at Waukon, July, Geo. C. Shattuck.
1849— (and 'SO-'5i) First law cases heard by District Judge Grant, at Old
Mission and Postville.
2849 — First recorded marriage, Elias Topliff and Anna Reed, Post township,
December 6th.
1850 — First gristmill,, Waterville.
1851 — First county seat election, April; no choice.
1851 — Second county seat election, May; Columbus chosen.
1851 — First church built, Catholic, at Wexford.
1852 — First recorded term of District court at Columbus, July 12th.
1852 — First newspaper, at Lansing, November 23d.
1853 — County seat relocated at Waukon, by commissioners, March.
1853 — Third county seat election, location at Waukon ratified, April.
1853 — County Agricultural Society organized at Waukon, June 7th.
1853 — First flouring mill built, at Village Creek.
1853 — Democratic county organization, December 24th.
185(3 — Fourth county seat election, April, Waukon, over Rossville and Whaley
& Topliff's mill.
1856 — Lead mining at New Galena.
i856-'57 — Winter of "the crust."
1857 — Prairie du Chien & Mankato Railroad Company organized.
1859 — Fifth county seat election, Waukon over Lansing, April 4th; and con-
tract for courthouse at Waukon let, August 2d.
1861 — Sixth county seat election, "The Point" between Lansing and Colum-
bus won. Courthouse at Waukon completed, and courthouse at The Point
erected.
1862 — Seventh county seat election, April, "The Point" again victorious
over Waukon by twenty-two votes.
1864 — McGregor Western Railroad built, to Postville.
1864 — Eighth county seat election, November 8th, Waukon over The Point ;
election contested.
1864 — Lansing incorporated.
1866 — County seat "raid," June 9th.
1866 — County farm purchased.
1867 — County seat contest decided for Waukon, in District court.
1868 — Present County Agricultural Society organized, January 8th.
1869 — Ninth county seat election, October 5th, Waukon by 254 majority.
1872— B., C. R. & N. R. R. built, to Postville.
1872— C, D. & M. R. R. built, along east border.
1873 — Postville incorporated.
1875 — Tenth county seat election, October, Waukon by 340 majority.
1877 — Waukon & Mississippi R. R. narrow gauge built to Waukon. Wid-
ened, 1885.
1880 — Record high water in Mississippi river, June.
1881 — County house built on farm.
1882 — County jail built at Waukon.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 563
1883 — Waukon incorporated.
1895 — New Albin incorporated.
1902 — Harper's Ferry incorporated.
1912 — Waterville incorporated.
4tt
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11