Full text of "Past and present of Buena Vista County, Iowa"

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PAST AND PRESENT

Buena Vista County

IOWA

By C..H. WEGERSLEV and THOMAS WALPOLE
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Illustrated with Portraits and Views

Also Biographical Sketches of Some
Prominent Citizens of the County

CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE Pl'BI.ISHIXG CO.

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THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY

99768II

ASTCn, LEiNOX AND

TILUilN FOUNDATIONS

K IMl L

PREFACE.

In presenting the first history ever compiled of Buena Vista county the
editors are conscious of many shortcomings and inaccuracies which must exist.
The task has been met with hardsliip at every step because of the deplorable
condition of the public records in the county. In reading the following pages
it will be seen that in 1866 all of the records of the county, bearing in any way
on the financial transactions of the board of supervisors and officials, were carried
away by two absconding county officers and were never recovered. Again, in
1877 the courthouse burned and the only records saved at that time were the
minute books of the Board of Supervisors.

No one, who has not undertaken to trace the history of the county, can
realize the disadvantage under which the historian labors when confronted by
such conditions. It has been necessary to depend upon the memory of men,
uncertain at best, for everything, and while we have been treated with uniform
courtesy by all who have been consulted the inability of our informants to
remember dates and the unreliabilit.y of their recollections must be apparent.

We have had much help from the files of coiinty papers, especially of The
Storm Lake Pilot, in getting data upon which to base our fragmentary history.
Judge G. S. Robinson, now of Des Moines, hut formerly a prominent citizen of
this county, compiled a sketch of the early history of the county which was
published in 1870, and this has been of much help. James D. Adams, another
early settler, published a series of papers of early history in The Alta Advertiser
in 1884 and James M. Hoskins published W. S. Lee's notes in The Sioux Rapids
Republican in 1891, both of which have helped us. Mr. Hoskins has also
kindly verified many of the statements made in these pages and as he had an
active part in county affairs for more than twenty-five years, and his memory
is remarkable, we believe the dates and incidents related are correct.

Our sincere thanks are due to the gentlemen named, and to many others,
for their assistance in gathering the data upon which the first part of this work
has been based. It is a beginning, at least, to preserve these matters in perma-
nent form, and it is our hope that some future historian of the county may find
the time to complete the work.

In conclusion it may be said that C. H. Wegerslev is responsible for what
may appear here. Mr. Walpole has given valuable a.ssistance and advice, but
as he is a busy man he has had time to contriljute little to the writing. Mr. O.
M. Olson of Alta has compiled tlie church and .society history and we believe he
has done it well.

HISTORY OF
BUENA VISTA COUNTY, IOWA

THE BEGINNING OF OUR COUNTRY AND STATE.

Arbitr;n-y politie;il divisions, large ov small, do imt necessarily determine
ownership or establish a elear title. In tracing- the title to our county, we find
it cloudy at the further end. A complete abstract, meeting all the requirements
of a sensitive conscience and fulfilling exact justice, cannot be made and no
rourt of record can possibly grant it. Originally there was no right of title or
ownership other than the fliinsy and absurd "right of discovery "—the real
oi-cupants and owners not being taken into consideration — a custom adopted by
European nations in accordance with an understanding among them that the
discoverer could hold possession by establishing colonies. The country west of
the ^Mississippi river, of which our county is a small integral part, was discovered
by the Spaniards and held by them for a time, but they never perfected the title,
such as it was. Subsequently it was visited and occupied by the French for
nearly one hundred years and was then, in the course of European affairs,
ceded back to Spain, which afterwards made some effort to colonize and govern
the great tract later known as Louisiana. The Spaniards had control of three
luiiidred miles of the IMississiiipi river and established military posts at different
points on the east bank from New Orleans nortliward to the mouth of the Ohio
river, exacting heavy duties on all imports by way of the river to the Ohio
regions.

Every boat ascending or descending the river was forced to submit to the
most arbitrary exactions of the Spanish authorities. This the American
ritizens considered a clear case of "hold up," and resolved to endure it no
longer than measures could be taken to suppress such highway robbery. It
was a live question of immediate and personal concern to the western population
of the United States. The pressure which was brought to bear from this
section led our government to demand the free navigation of the river — not as
a favor, but as an absolute right. Public sentiment was unanimous on this
question, and President Jeft'erson, responding to the demands of the people,
sought to solve this vexatious problem through the peaceable methods of
diplomacy.

Congress authorized him to send commissioners to the courts of Spain and
Prance, and vested him with large discretionary power to make the best possible
terms. Fortunate, indeed, for our republic was the treaty made between the
two powers mentioned, on March 1, 1801, by which France again obtained
possession and control of the vast territory of Louisiana. Our commissioners
were chosen, given due authority and hastened on their journey. Ari-iving at

12 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Paris, they laid before the French government the object of their visit. In
conversation with Talleyrand, Napoleon's prime minister, it was learned that
Prance was well disposed and a satisfactory arrangement could easily be made;
it was even hinted that possibly she would sell outright her possessions in the
new world. The commissioners were advised by the French statesman "to
think it over" during the night. The next day Napoleon himself told Mr.
Livingston, one of the eommi.ssion. that he would "give them a splendid bargaifl
for a mere trifle." and thus an undertaking which originally contemplated
merely the establishing of trade relations, opened up the question of the pur-
chase of a vast empire. No doubt Napoleon was influenced in this matter by his
comparative helplessness to defend this great territory against the English,
with whom war was inevitable. The price which he finally named was fifteen
million dollars, and after considerable parley, this was agreed to by the com-
mission and the transfer was duly made. The price agreed upon seemed to
many at that time a fabulous sum — "enough to pay all expenses of the govern-
ment for eighteen months." The timid Yankees of that early day were alarmed
on account of the enormous debt which this sum in bonds would represent, which
demonstrates how^ limited is the foresight of even the wisest in any generation
of men.

This transaction was the most important event of our history since the
formation of the National Union, accomplished through the patriotism, courage
and devotion of the founders of our government after having endured eight
>'ears of the stress of war. Soon afterwards our flag was unfurled in triumph
over the city of New Orleans, typifying- our national sovereignty in the newly
acquired possessions. Prom that time our nation has steadily expanded, extend-
ing its domain west of the Mississippi to the Pacific ocean and north from the
Gulf of ]\Iexico to British America. We sought merely an outlet to the Gutf
and obtained by peaceable methods. — by barter and sale, — an empire of un-
paralleled richness and extent.

The transfer of this imperial domain from Europe to America was one of
those transactions which render the period of their accomplishments memorable
for all time. "Onr Revolutionary Fathers," says Lowell, "were men with
empires in their brains," men of prophetic foresight, and the actual results of
their labors far surpassed the ulterior dreams of the wisest of them. The vast
territory acquired w'as greater in extent than France, Germany, Great Britain,
Italy, Spain and Portugal combined and is now occupied by fourteen great
states of the American Union, whose taxable wealth exceeds seven billion dollars,
and whose population is over sixteen million. It is true that in any event the
acquisition of this territory by the United States could hardly have been delayed,
although had it passed into the hands of England, our history might have been
far different. It was well, however, that it came into our possession so early.
The spirit of the age, under the guidance of that Providence which directs the
gi-eat movements of human society, conspired to accomplish this event, so
fraught with blessings to mankind, and this in spite of the ambitions and
conflicting characteristics of the distinguished actors by whom the deal was
made. On the one hand was Napoleon, who dreamed of establishing a Latin
empire reaching from tlie Gulf to the Pacific ocean, assuring in future ages

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 13

the glory and power of France, and he of all the sovereigns of Europe seemed
least likely to yield np so glorious a project. On the other hand was Jefferson,
who was wedded to the doctrine of strict construction of the American constitu-
tion and doubted that it permitted the acquisition of this territory by purchase.
He was wisely guided, however, "by the spirit that giveth life and not by the
letter that killeth." and he stands vindicated in history. No human influence
could have controlled either of these men and it seemed as if they obeyed the
mandate of fate which was. in the case of each, the mandate of enlightened
patriotism. France having divested herself of this encumbrance, was better
fitted for the supreme gladiatorial effort which awaited her and Jefferson gained
immortal fame by preferring an immense benefit to his country rather than
consistency in tlie narrow construction of tlic written law.

The first year after the acquisition, the territory was placed under the
jurisdiction of the judges and govcrnin- of Indiana. Two years later it was
designated as the Territory of Louisiana and after about eight years more was
included in the Territory of Missouri.

Nine years afterwards, in 1821, that portion of the purcha.se whirh includes
Iowa was forever dedicated to freedom l)y a compromise with the forces of
slavery and for fourteen years oiir present state was a political orphan without
governmental parentage. For the purpose of temporary government, it was
attached to the Territory of Michigan. The capital was in the eastern part
of the territory, at Belmont, Iowa county, (now Lafayette county) Wisconsin,
where the first session of the Territorial Legislature was held in 1836. Governor
Mason, in his message of September 1, 1834. referred to the inhabitants of the
Iowa country as "an intelligent, industrious and enterprising people who
depended alone on their own virtue, intelligence and good sense as a guarantee
of their mutual and undivided rights," and he urged the immediate organiza-
tion by them of one or two townships in each county. This suggestion was acted
upon in "An act to lay off and organize counties west of the Mississippi river"
which was passed and approved. The counties of Des Moines and Dubuque
were subsequently formed. This act provided that each county should consti-
tute a township, and provided also for an election of township officers on the
first Monday in November. 1834. It appears that the offices of the newly
acquired counties — each of these large enough to make a respectable state — were
filled by the governor of the Territory of Michigan, by and with the consent of
the Legislative Council. The people were impatient because of existing con-
ditions, there being no courts of civil or criminal jurisdiction, and, impelled by
the sentiment of American liberty with a desire to govern themselves, held a
delegate convention in November, 1837. Here the attention of congress was
called to this subject of vital importance to the people west of the Mississippi.
The people of the western part of what had been the Territory of Michigan had
framed and adopted a state constitution as early as 1835, and had elected state
officers, but on account of a dispute with Ohio as to boundaries, congress was in
no hurry to recognize the new state. The territorial epoch of our history dates
from the 4th of July, 1836, when Wisconsin was constituted a separate territory
for the purpose of temporary government, and our first code of law was an act
to establish the territorial government of Wisconsin. We must remember at

14 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

tliat time Iowa was a constitnciit part and not an adjunct of "Wisconsin and that
tlie area west with iiidetinite borders, was lar^vly in excess of the area east of the
Mississippi river. After one session of tlie territorial leerislature. the seat of
government was transferred from Behnoiit to P.urlin^^ton. In the year 1838
the name "Iowa" was given to that portion west of the river, known as the
"Black Hawk Purchase." which was a strip of land along the eastern border of
Iowa, beginning fifty miles north of the border of Missouri and extending to the
mouth of the upper Iowa river, containing perhaps six million acres. The
western line of the territory was parallel with the ]\Iississippi river. After tliis
organizatiim was affected, the people at once became interested and eager for the
formation of a new territor\- separate from Wisconsin. ^Meetings were held
and a general campaign of education inaugurated among the people throughout
tlie in-oposed state. The people of Des ^Moines county were the first to make a
move in this direction, owing probably to the fact that Burlington, the capital,
was located in its borders, and would give them a comnuiiiding inflvienee in the
movement. A spontaneous outpouring of the people in this little town of six
or eight Inuidred inhabitants occurred Seiitember 16. 1837, and in the spirit of
our democratic institutions it was I'esolved that "while we have the utmost
confidence in the ability, integrity, and [mti-iotism of those who control the
destinies of our present territorial government and of our delegates in the
Congress of the Thiited States, we do nevertlieless look to. a division of the
territory and the organization of a separate territorial goveriunent by congress,
west of the ^lississippi river, as the only means of immediately and fully secur-
ing to the citizens thereof the benefits and inmumities of a government of laws."
In less than two months afterwards, delegates from seven organized counties
formulated and sent a memorial to congress relating to pre-emption, the northern
boundary of Missouri and a division of the territory. Tlio meeting was well
timed, coming during a session of the Legislative Assembly. The members of
its body were observers of the earnestness and impressed with the justice of the
claim and joined with the people of the proposed new state of Iowa in their
movement for statehootl. issuing a lengthy recommendation to congress that their
re(iuest be granted. Congress accordingly took the matter uiuler "onsideration
and favorable action was taken by both House and Senate, wliich received on
June 12. 1838, the approval of President Van Buren.

There was. however, persistent hostility to this act from southern members
of congress who were jealous of the growing power and influence of the north,
which they considered a menace to their peculiar institution of slavery. To
preserve the balance of power between the two sections, they insisted they would
oppose the admission of free states so long as the fanatical North poured into
the House memorials against the annexation of Texas. Mr. Shepard of North
Carolina found other reasons. He contended that the object of tlie measure
was really to open up fresh fields for land sluu-ks and siicculatm-s and to find
places for political favorites. In the course of his remarks lie stated that he had
no sympathy with the .settlers, wliom he styled "squatters," "wlio have left
their homes and seized upon the public lands, cut ilowii the timber. b\iilt houses,
and cultivated tlie soil as if i1 were their own ]>roperty."' ""These are they who
i'e(|uire a u'overnor and cciuneil. .judges and marshals, wlu'u every act of their

HISTORY OF BUENA YISTA COUNTY 15

lives is contrary to justice and every petition whidi tiiey make is an evidence of
tlieir irnilt and violence. We. who are insulted, whose authority is trampled
under feet, are asked for new privileges and favors. The guardians of the law
are approached by its open contemnere and begged to establish for these modest
gentlemen a dignified government." He was very emphatically in favor of
putting them off at the point of the bayonet if they did not behave more peace-
ably. He declared that if the Territory of Iowa be now established it would soon
become a state "and if we cross the IMississippi under the powerful patronage
of this government, tin- cupidity and enterprise of our people will carry the
system still further, and before long the Rocky IMountains will be scaled and
the valley of the Columbia river included in our domain." lie declared that
it was high time to call a halt. The policy had been deeply in.iurious to the
South. "If all the people born in North Carolina had remained in its limits,
our swamps and low grounds would have rivaled the valley of the Nile in pro-
duction and our ]une barrens would have been flourishing with the wine, olive
and mull)erry. Others may act as it pleases them. Imt I will never sustain a
policy so fraught with disaster to the people with whom I am connected. If
these remarks be unavailing, the patriot should fear for the republic." Senator
Ewing declared that he would not ob.iect to giving each rascal who crossed the
river one thousand dollars in order to get rid of him. They were otherwise
referred to as a lawless and undesirable rablilc. These and similar utterances
were inspired by pre.judice. .jealousy and ignorance, ignoring the real purpose
of the so-called "squatters." NotwithstandiuLC all this, the well organized
opposition came to naught. Iowa became a territory and her territorial govern-
ment began in 1836 and closed in 1846.

General Henry Dodge was the tiret territorial governor. His successor
was Robert Lucas, venerable in years and of wide political influence. He was
liorn in Virginia, was .governor of Ohio two terms and had served in the legis-
lature in that state in 1832. when he was named as the chairman of the fir.'^-
National Convention of the democratic party. Armed with the authority of a
commission from President Van Buren, he arrived in Burlington in August,
1838. His administration was noted for free use of the veto power and he often
clashed with the Territorial Legislature when their views did not coincide \\4th
his own. It was early in the .session of the council that it was resolved "that
when an act is presented to the governor for approval he shall, within reasonable
time, make known to the House in which said act should have originated, his
approval thereof ; or if not approved, the act shall be returned with his objection
thereto." Some time after the governor said officially. "I see no place in the
organic law that vests the Council and House of Representatives with the right
to di<'tate to the Executive in the discharge of his official duties." The Council
then took steps towards the regulation by statute of all official intercourse be-
Iween the legislative and executive departments of the territorial government.
The governor vetoed this bill, closing his official objection with the statement
that "any act will be retained under advisement or returned to the Legislative
Assembly with my objections as .such time and in such way and manner as I may
for the time being deem to be most advisable." The House and Coi;ncil by
resolution asked the governor to respond with his approval or rejection, immedi-

16 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

ately after the act slionld 1)e presented to him. The governor respectfully
declined to agree to this. James W. Grimes, a memher. reported tliat the
Governor's executive veto was uncalled for and unwarranted. Other members
proposed that the people should he heard by those who represented them ; that
their wishes should be regarded in preference to the authority of the Federal
Government or a Federal officer; that as free men they could not acquie.se in
such high handed proceedings. Another resolution was passed, stating that
Robert Lucas was unfit for governor of a free people and asking the president to
recall him immediately. In this both houses .ioined. declaring that he who
dared not defend his rights in the hour of peril and "stand as a sentinel to guard
them, would be unworthy the name of freeman." The governor's faults were
paraded before the president, who took no action in the matter. The legislature
met again in 1839, when the governor, without alluding to the tempest through
which he had passed, closed his message as follows: "It is with heartfelt grati-
tude to Almighty God that I am through His special providence permitted to
address this Legislative Assembly." In this message the governor presented
strong reasons in favor of creating a state and called attention to the fact that
the states of Ohio, Michigan. Indiana and Illinois had made rapid .strides after
they emerged from territorial to state government.

Again in 1840 he renewed his recommendation and the matter was submitted
to the people to pi'ovide for a State Constitutional Convention. The official
returns showed a signal defeat of the proposed measure, there being ninety-seven
votes for and two thousand nine hundred and seven against. The three years
of office of Governor Lucas had expired without seeing his hopes realized and he
could hardly be expected to be re-appointed as the "Whigs had elected William
Henry Harrison to the presidency. John Chambers of Kentucky, who was ap-
pointed to the governorship, proved a fortunate selection ; a man of experience
and sound judgment, Governor Chambers believed that the population had so
increased that statehood was fully warranted. The "Distribution Act" which
proved that Iowa along with twenty-six other states, .should participate in the
])ro rata distribution of the vast proceeds from the sale of public lands, and the
fact that five hundred thousand acres of land for internal improvements should
be granted to each new state, were reasons still further warranting admission to
the Union, This, he in.sisted. would overcome the ob.iections of the voters to the
expense of state government, as the revenue would amply provide for this and
taxation, therefore, be no heavier than in territorial form, whei-e the expense
was borne b.v the general government. Like his predecessor, he importuned
the third legislature to pass an act providing for an expression of opinion on the
part of the people at the polls, which was innuediately put into effect, and
approved on February 16, 1842. A "viva voce" vote on "convention" or "no
convention" resulted a.s before, in a declaration against .statehood, after the
most notable and exciting campaign in territorial history. The struggle had
now largely been transferred to politics and it became a strife for narty suprem-
acy. There were ambitious and aspiring patriots who would oe willing to
serve the people in positions of honor and trust — for a consideration. Both
the democrats, who were in the majority, and the whigs. who hoped to gain
ascendency by seizing upon some issue that wmild capture the voters, entered

STORM LAKE IN 1875.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 17

the campaign with the spirit so charaeteristie of blind party zeal. The election
of August. 1842 was disappointing to the advocates of statehood, the returns
showing every county against it. The whigs were elated and the democrats
chagrined. Another year passed on and Governor Chambers again declared
that, as there were seventy-five thousand people in the territory, it would cer-
tainly be admitted as a state, and again recommended that the wishes of the
people be ascertained by a vote. He advised the Assembly further "to apply
to Congress to fix and establisli during the present session a boundary for the
proposed state and to sanction the calling of a convention to make provision
for our reception into the Union as soon as we shall be prepared to demand it."
He said: "The establishment of a boundary for us by Congress will prevent
the intervention of any difficulty or delay in our admission into the Union which
might result should we assume limits which tliat body might not be disposed to
concede us." The viva voce vote was taken at the township elections in 1844.
The campaign was very similar to the preceding one — parties divided as before —
liut there had been a reversal of public sentiment and the proposition for "con-
vention" carried by a majority larger than that by which it had been defeated
two years before. Accordingly at the August election of the same year, seventy-
five delegates were elected, the democrats winning a great victory over their
opponents and electing more than two-thirds of their members. The convention
met at Iowa City, adopted a constitution and fixed boundaries that did not meet
\vith the approval of Congress, the reason being given that they embraced too
wide a territory.

By an act approved March 3, 1845, the House adopted the following bound-
ary by vote of ninety for and forty against: "Beginning at the mouth of the
Des Moines river, thence by the middle channel of the Mississippi to a parallel of
latitude passing through the mouth of the Mankato or Blue Earth river ; thence
west along said parallel of latitude to a point where it is intersected by the merid-
ian line seventeen degrees thirty minutes west of the meridian of Washington
City ; thence due south to the northern boundary line of the state of Missouri ;
thence eastward following that boiuidary to a point at which the same intersects
with the Des Moines river; thence by the middle chaiuiel of that river to the place
of beginning."

Had this boundary line been accejited, the line of our state would have been
forty-two miles north of the present one and would have included eleven counties
of the state of Minnesota. The state would have been about one hundred and
eighty miles wide from east to west and about two hundred and fifty miles long
from north to south and we would have lost the Missouri slope. The western
boundary would have been on a line beginning from Green and Carroll counties
to a point a short distance west of the town of Prescott in Adams county. The
proposed boundaries were considered by the people of the territory as an outrage
and, rather than submit, they determined to wait patiently, believing that in all
probability the natural geographical boundary — the Missouri river — would in
time be conceded. The eagerness for statehood came near throwing the western
counties beyond the border of Iowa. So doubtful did the proposition seem that
even the representative in Congress, Hon. A. C. Dodge, advised the people to
ratify the constitution and accept the proposed boundaries, stating that he knew

18 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

"the country along the Missouri was fertile, but the dividing ridge of the waters
running into the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, which had been called 'the
hills of the prairie' is barren and sterile." He also said that he "believed it
would be impossible under the circumstances to obtain a single square mile
more." The people however, rejected the proposition by a ma.jority of nine
hundred and ninety-six. the result being a surprise to all. They were not so
much interested in national policies as they were in creating a grand and com-
pact state between the two rivers. One member of Congress declared that it
was simply an outrage for the people to endeavor to carve out a state to suit
themselves; that they might even become so whimsical as to extend the boundary
line westward to the Columbia river.

Stephen A. Douglas of the Committee on Territories, acting in harmony
with his idea, which afterwards became the established principle of this eminent
statesman — the doctrine of "Squatter Sovereignty" (allowing the people to
settle their local affairs in their own way) reported in favor of the present
boundaries of our state. "What was known as the "Lucas Boundary" was
supplanted by the "Duncan Amendment," but it was only by a sharp contest
both in Iowa and Washington, and. consequently, much delay that both branches
of Congress agreed upon the Lucas Boundary, by which the western limits of
our state were fixed by the Missouri river on the west and the middle channel of
the Big Sioux river until it is intersected by the parallel of forty-three degrees
and thirty minutes, then east until said parallel intersects the middle channel of
the Mississippi. The boundary question from the first was of absorbing interest.
It wrecked the constitution of 1844 and narrowly escaped defeat in 1846, when
it carried by a majority of four hundred and fifty-six out of a total of eighteen
thousand five hundred and twenty-eight votes.

At the first election, Ansel Briggs, a democrat, was elected by a majority
of sixty-one votes. The same party also elected a majority of the mcmbei-s of
the General Assembly.

Gathered in the old stone capitol at Iowa City, in the presence of the
General Assembly, Judge Charles Mason, chief jiistice of the supreme court,
administered the oath of the first governor of Iowa. Sixteen days later the
constitution received the signature of President Polk, it having been in the
meantime submitted to Congress and approved. Therefore from the 28th day
of December. 1846. Iowa has been on equal footing with the other commonwealths
of the American Union.

"In the evolution of human society, the making of a state follows the law of
progress plainly indicated by nature. The glory of the state is not in fertility
of its soil, the beauty of its scenery, or desirable water courses, but rather in the
character, intelligence, enterprise, and patriotism of its citizens. In tracing
the history of our territorial epoch, it becomes n matter of wonder that the people
of the formative period slionld have had the wisdom to lay the governmental
foundation so securely and tn insist mi wliat n])|)ears to us niiw to be the natural
as well as the most logical boundary lines, and to frame a constitution that has
so well met the needs of our conuiionwealtli with little or no important altera-
tion. The most eminent judges and lawyers of tlie present day declare the

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 19

first Code of Iowa to have lii'cn a iiioimniciit of logal wisdom and a model for
sncrt'odins' legislation.

The main aetoi-s at this stage of oiii- histoi'v "were the political pathfinders
in our politieal history; the real makers of our fundamental laws." They are
typical Americans — the westei'u yankees, if you please — men of spirit, of nerve,
of broad and liberal views, of tolerance of opinion; in fact, the typical man
whose spirit still today dominates this great state of ours. They were farmers,
lawyers, merchants, preachers, and teachers. They were welded together by
the law of attraction for a common purpose and a common end, their only law.

THE INDIANS.

All that is known of this strange people has l)een learned since the dis-
covery of America by the Europeans. Theories that are both plausible and
impossible have been advanced, relating to their origin. At a very remote
period of time there existed in Iowa human beings possessed of some degree of
intelligence and .skill, as shown by the nnite te.stimony of ancient mounds and
their contents, such as rude engravings on stone, showing images of animals not
now native to this country. It is idle to specidate as to the time when, and
the purposes for which these mounds were built or who were the successors to the
mound bnildei's. The white man and the untutored Indian are both alike in
the dark. The ancestors of the American Ijidian may or may not have been
the mound builders. We are content to write, not of his origin, but of his
modern history, and in brief and fragmentary manner of his occupancy of
Iowa and of Buena Vista county long before the state accpiired statehood or the
county in which we live was thought of.

As to the mound Imilders, it is not probable that they ever occupied this
particular portion of the state. No trace of them has ever been found, nor is
there anything that would lead to the lielicf tliat they ever built any mute
evidences of their occupancy, which are found in other counties. Near
Marathon there is a large mound, called "Green Mound," which has the appear-
ance of artificial origin, arising as it does to a height of a hundred or more feet
in the midst of a level plain. But those who have examined it closely deny the
thought that it is not a natural elevation of the surface of the ground. A series
of smaller mounds are near this one, and it is probable that this is some unex-
I)lained freak of nature.

But of the Indians we have some trace, although it is feeble. At the time
of the earliest visit of white men to this continent there were two great families
of Indians, the Algouquins and the Sioux. The former occnpied the territory
along the New England coast, and later the New England country. They were
there in or about the year 1000. They were still there when John and Seba.stian
Cabot landed on the same coast five hundred years later.

But they traveled westward like the white man, by the waters of the St.
Lawrence and the Great Lakes, and in time gained the great Mississippi Valley.

20 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

They were identified by their laiignaare. which was radically different from the
eight "tongues" spoken by the other Indians which were found upon the
continent.

Here in the Mississippi valley they met that other "jreat family. The Sioux.
This division of the Indians had. like their eastern brothers, followed the
Missouri river and its branches, down into the broad plains of the middle west.
It was here that the two great forces met and contended in bloody strife for
supremacy. It has been suggested, and it may be true, that the mound builders,
caught between these two fierce combatants, were crushed as between the upper
and the nether mill stones.

It is a matter of history that the Sioux and the Algouquins never were
friendly, but on the other hand it is a fact that there was a feeling of bitterness
and hatred between the two great families. "The Sioux were civil and bold;
the Algonquins (the Sacs and the Foxes) M^ere crafty and brave." And there
are ample evidences that the plains of the middle west were wet with the blood
of the contending forces, and that the Sioux were the victors in this warfare.

The Sioux played a conspicuous part in the Indian history of Iowa territory.
The lowas were a tribe of the Dakota Sioux, but were never on friendly terms
with them, owing to the treacherous murder of one of their chiefs on the Iowa
river. They were early identified with the Sioux ])ut later became a separate
tribe and were in possession of a greater part of the state when it was first pene-
trated by the white men.

They were brave and intelligent and had villages in many of the eastern
counties. But race prejudice existed, and without apparent reason Black Hawk,
the chief of the Sacs, with a large force completely surprised the lowas a short
distance from their village at lowaville and practically exteriminated the tribe.
The lowas were engaged in peaceful sports and. unaware of the approach of
their foes, had left their arms in camp with their women, children and the old
men. The Sacs fired one volley, mowing them down in indiscriminate slaughter,
and completed their work with the tomahawk and the knife. The women and
children were spared and taken into captivity, and the disaster to the lowas
was so complete that they never rallied their shattered forces. The remnant
became wanderers but their tribe practically ceased to exist after this calamity,
wliich happened in 1823.

Frequent battles between the Sacs and Poxes and the Sioux occurred in
northwest Iowa. At Algona. in Kossuth county, a conflict of historic interest
took place in 1852, and twenty years afterward a visitor to the battle field
described it as yet strewn with portions of slceletons. mercilessly hewn with
tomahawks and clubs, and other relics of the battle.

This battle, and other outbreaks in which whites were involved, caused the
government to station a considerable body of troops at Fort Dodge to keep the
Indians in subjection. The immediate cause was an outrage perpetrated upon
some surveyors who were working in Webster county. The Indians surrounded
them, after having warned the whites away, l)roke their instruments, destroyed
their marks, and stole their horses and provision. The soldiers remained at
the Fort for three or four years, but were later taken away, and by removing this

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 21

protection to the few settlers in northwest Iowa it is believed the Indians
beeame bolder, and the Spirit Lalie massacre resulted.

At this time northwestern Iowa abounded in wild game, elk and deer in
large herds roaming over the prairie. The rivers were full of fish and fur
bearing animals in great numbers were to be found along the streams. The
Indians were loth to leave this paradise and resented the appearance of the
white man bitterly.

ORGANIZATION OF IOWA COUNTIES.

The Legislative Assembl.v of Michigan Territory provided by legi.slation in
1834 for the creation of counties within tlie limits of tlie territory which later
became the state of Iowa as follows :

An act to lay off and organize counties west of the Mississippi river.

Section 1. Be it enacted by the Legislative Council of the Territory of
Michigan. That all that district or country which was attached to the territory
of the United States west of the ^lississippi river and north of the state of
Missouri, to the Territory of ilichigan. and to which the Indian title has been
extinguished, which is nortli of a line to be drawn due west from the lower end of
Rock Island to the Mis.souri river, shall constitute a county and be called
Dubuque; said county shall constitute a township which shall be called Julien,
and the seat of .iustice shall be at the village of Dubucjue.

Section 2. All that part of the district aforesaid which wa.s attached to the
Territory of Michigan situated south of said line to be drawn due west of the
lower end of Rock Island, shall constitute a county and be called Demoine; said
county shall constitute a township and be called Flint Hill; the seat of justice
shall be at such place as shall lie designated by the .judge of the county court of
said county.

Section 4 of the act. provided "That all laws now in force in the county
of Iowa not locally inapplicable, shall be and are hereby extended to the counties
of Dubuque and Demoine and shall be in force therein."

At that time the Indian title had been extinguished to the lands in the
region lying between the north line of Missouri and the mouth of the Upper
Iowa river and fifty miles to the west of the Mississippi river. Thus the two
new counties, Dubuqiie and Demoine, embraced the entire tract known as the
"Black Hawk Purchase," and were the only counties created by the Legislative
Assembly of Michigan while this region was a part of that territory. Later
it became a part of Wisconsin Territory and during that period twenty-two
counties were created, and when Iowa territory was created twenty-three other
counties were added. After it became a state the boiindaries were enlarged,
divisions made and the total number of Iowa counties, ninety-nine in number,
were created.

In 1837, while Iowa was still a part of the Territory of Wisconsin, the
territorial legislature established four counties in what was afterward .set out

22 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

as the Territory of Iowa, and whiih was later iiiado the state of Iowa. These
eounties were Benton. Biirliaiian. Keok>il< and Fayette. It was plainly the
intention of the legislature to ereate temporary eounties only, as the act of
Deeember 21. 1837. creating these counties reads:

"The whole of the country lying west of the ^lississippi and north of the
southern boundary of Clayton, extending westward to the southern boundary of
Wiseon.sin Territory and not included within the proper limits of the said
county of Clayton, as hereinbefore described, shall for temporary purposes ])e
attached to, and in all respects be considered a part of the county of Clayton,
and be called Fayette. ' '

The temporary purpose intended by the act was jiidicial purpose, and was
i[uite common at that early date.

The most southerly of these eounties was Keokuk, which began at or near
the boundary of what is now Johnson county, and is described in the act as
"all of the country l,ying west of the County of Johnson and between the lines
dividing townships seventy-six and seventy-seven and the line dividing townships
eighty-one and eighty-two north, extending to the western boundary of the
territory" which boundary was the Missouri river. Keokuk county included
within its territory all of the present counties of Iowa. Poweshiek, Jasper. Polk,
Dallas, Guthrie, Audubon, Shelby, and Harrison, together with the northern
one-fourth of the counties of Pottawattamie, Cass, Adair, Madison, Warren,
Marion, Mahaska, and Keokuk, and the northern township of Washington. The
county as may be seen, extended ai-i'oss the state and wa.s one of the largest
counties ever formed.

Next on the north came Benton county, created by the same act. The
boundaries given in the act were as follows: "All of the country lying west of
the county of Linn and between the line dividing townships eighty-one and
eighty-two north, and the line dividing townships eighty-six and eighty-seven,
extended to the western boundar\- of the territory." The western ])oundary was
the Missouri river and Benton county thus extended from Linn county clear
across the state of Iowa. As thus constituted it included within its borders the
territory of Benton, Tama, Marshall, Story, Boone, (ireene. Carroll, Crawford,
and Monona counties, together with th(» sonthci-n tier of townships, in the
counties of Woodbury, Ida. Sac, Calhoun. Webster. Hamilton. Hardin and
Grunday, as these counties exist today.

At the time these counties were established the Indian title had been extin-
guished to only a portion of the territory. Vast areas were still in the hands of
the Indians.

Clayton county was bounded in section 1 of the act. and was nearly the
same as at the present time, although its sliape was slightly different. The
western boundary of the Wi.sconsin territory was the Missouri and White Earth
rivers; the northern boundary was the (Janadian border. The new county.
Fayette, extended to the northern and western boundaries, and covered, roughly
.speaking, the eastern two-thirds of the Dakotas and the western half of Miiuie-
sota, in addition to the northern quarter of Iowa. Its area was upward of
one hundred and forty thousand s(|nare miles, making it the largest county ever
established in the United States. The Imlian lilies had been extinguished in

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 23

the southeastern part only, iiicludiiiir oni- small r^nnty, which was ceded to the
TTnited States hy treaty with the Santee Sioux, the Sacs and Poxes. Omahas,
lowas, Otoes and Missouris. on July 15. 1830.

In its temporary form Payette county included, in Iowa, all the territory
of the present counties of Lyon. Sioux. Osceola. O'Brien, Dickinson. Clay.
Emmett. Palo Alto. Kossuth, Winnebago, Hancock, Worth. Cerro Gordo,
jMitchell, Ployd, Howard,' Chickasaw, Humboldtr, Bremer, and Payette, and the
northern three-fourths, approximately, of Buena Vista, Plymouth, Cherokee,
Pocahontas, Wright, Pranklin, Butler, and Allamakee and a corner of Clayton.

Buena Vista, as has been stated, was included only in part in Payette
coimty. The southern tier of townships, or about one-fourth of the present
boundaries of the county, was embraced in Buchanan county. The original
count.y of Buchanan was established by the same act that created the temporary
count.y, or shall we say. Empire, of Payette, enacted by the Territorial Legisla-
ture of Wisconsin on December 21, 1837. Its boundaries were described in
section 5 of the act, as including "All of the country lying west of the county
of Delaware and between the line dividing townships eighty-six and eighty-
seven, and the line dividing townships ninety and ninety-one north, extending
to the western boundary of the territory." The boundaries of Delaware
county had been defined in the preceding section of the act, which placed the
western line of that count.y on the line between ranges six and seven west. The
■'western boundary" of the territory can refer only to the western limit of the
Territory of Wisconsin, the legislature of which passed the act just quoted, and
meant the IMissouri river. The new county of Buchanan thus extended from
the western boundary of Delaware county clear acro.ss the state, and even into
the state of South Dakota. As thus constituted Buchanan county included all
of the territory of the present counties of Buchanan and Black Hawk; all except
the southern tier of townships in the counties of Gruud.v, Hardin, Hamilton,
Webster, Calhoun, Sac, Ida and Woodbury, and the southern tier of townships
of Plymouth, Cherokee. Buena Vista. Pocahontas. Wright. Pranklin and Butler.
The count.v of Buchanan was thus perhaps the largest ever established all in
Iowa, and was peculiar in its character. In the formation of counties in Iowa
tlie rule has nearly always been to include only those territories to which the
Indian title had been extinguished, but the law of 1837 made an exception to
this rule and in Budianan connt.v only a relatively small part had passed from
Indian ownership and control.

Buchanan county was reduced in size by the act of Pebruary 17, 1843, and
the western portion of the county was apparently restored, by implication at
least, to the Indians. The life of the temporary county was about five years
and two months.

Payette, the largest of all temporary coiuities, included, as has been seen,
all or part of thirty Iowa counties, and also more than half of three states,
Minnesota, Nortli and South Dakotas. It had a longer period of duration than
Buchanan, and endured until the act of Pebruary, 1847, or almost ten years,
wlien it was discontinued. Nothing was heard of the temporary county of
Payette after the present boundaries were defined.

The boundaries of Buena Vista county have never been altered since tlie

24 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

county was established by an act of the legislature of the State of Iowa, ap-
proved on January 15, 1851. The territiu'y of the entire county was acqiiired
by the United States government by the terms of the treaty of July 15, 1830,
when all claims to western Iowa were surrendered by the Sacs and Poxes, the
Omahas, Iowa, Otoes, JVIissouris and tlie Sautee Sioux.

THE ACT THAT ESTABLISHED THE COUNTY.

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH NEW COUNTIES AND TO DEFINE THEIR BOUNDARIES.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Iowa :

Section XXX. That the following shall be the boundaries of a new county,
which shall be called Buena Vista, to-wit:

Beginning at the northwest corner of townships 93 north, range 34, thence
west on the line dividing townships 93 and 94 to the northwest corner of town-
ship 98 north, range 38 west; thence south to tlie southwest corner of township
90 north, range 38 west ; thence east to the southwest corner of township 90
north, range 34; thence north to the place of beginning.

SURVEYING THE COUNTY.

An act of Congress was passed Jlay 20, 1785, providing for the survey of all
public lands, divisions of six miles square to con.stitute townships, the ranges of
townships to be numbered from the Pennsylvania boundary west, and the
numbering of the townships themselves to be from a point on the Ohio river
due north of the western termination of tiie southern boundary line of Pennsyl-
vania. A township was to include thirty-six sections, one mile square. Legis-
lation since has made some changes but the .system is practically tlie same at the
present time.

Fifty-three years ago surveyors for the first time traversed the area that is
now Buena Vista county, crossing streams and divides and running lines and
establishing corners. It nuiy be of interest to look into the details of their
work. Surveying was of the fir.st importance to the pioneers as the boundaries
of their land must be defined by the government before the settler could be given
a 'legal claim to his home. Hence the survey always preceded or elosly followed
the first immigrant.

The surveyors and assistants, ('quij)pcd with compass or transit, chain and
camp equipage, and supplied with food for perhaps months, began their work.
They first located the starting point, which had been determined for them in
advance. Otherwise they must start at a point near the mouth of the Arkansas
river where an imaginary line, known as the biise line, iuid been establi.shed by
the iiaticmal government, and they must also locate another imaginary line
cro.ssing it at right angles, extending north and .south. This latter line is
called th(! meridian line. In locating for Buena Vista county the surveyor

BTTSIXESS SECTION- OF STOKAl l.AKK.

HISTOEY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 25

must follow the line known as the fifth principal meridian. Beginning where
the two lines crossed, they marked by spaces six miles apart, one, two, three, and
so on.

Six miles north of the base line on the meridian line, township number one
is marked, and the township adjoining it on the west would be described as<
township No. 1. range No. 2, west, and so on, numbering until township 90
is reached, this being the south line of Buena Vista county. The meridian lines
are astronomical lines and certain calculations have to be made o\ving to the
curvature of the earth, to preserve exactness in the guide lines.

The government survey of the public lands cannot in the nature of things
be exact, consequently there are fractional pieces of land on the north and west
sides of townships, and in describing lands the words "more or le.ss, according
to government survey" are always inserted. It often occurs that the townships
are a trifle short or a little in excess of the six miles square. Beginning is
made at the northeast corner section of the township, and the sections are num-
bered from one to thirty-six, by counting from ea.st to west alternately. Thus
section six is the northwest corner section, while section seven ad.ioins it on the
south, and section twelve would be next south of one, and so on until thirty-six
is reached. Thomas Jeffer.son is said to have been the author of this system of
surveying, dividing lands and numbering by ranges, townships and sections.

The state constitution provides that twelve congressional townships shall be
the minimum number constituting a county, and this has so far prevented Iowa
from having the one hundredth county, although an effort has been made at
least once to divide Kossuth county, the largest in the state, so as to make an
additional county.

Contracts were made with surveyors and the government for a stipulated
price per mile, all lines counted by running measure. The lines around a sec-
tion are not always straight lines, as may be observed in traveling some
highways. On the prairie marks were made bv cutting out a square of the
tough sod with a spade and forming a slight mound or elevation. These
mounds were eight links of the chain from the pit that had been made by remov-
ing the soil from the mound, so that there could be no mistake, as both pit and
mound were in evidence. Into these mounds, at the corners of the square
miles or sections, and midway between them, were posts, called half-mile posts.
These were square stakes driven into the ground with the number of the section
cut thereon. The pits were south of the stakes at the corners of the sections
and east at the half-mile posts. In the timber country a growing tree would be
marked and the distance and the direction of the posts noted on the surveyor's
iield notes. It was not many years after the survey was completed until the
small stakes rotted or were burned out by the annual prairie fires, and it often
became a very difficult and perplexing affair to relocate them. The mounds
everywhere thrown up by gophers could not always be distinguished from those
made with a spade.

The work of the county surveyor was simple when the marks or original
points could be found. In subdividing a section into one fourth a line was
drawn from one-half mile post to the one on the opposite side, which would
intersect one drawn in a similar manner from the other side, at the middle of

26 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

the section. The point of intersection would be the corner from which, by a
lil<e process, the onc-fcmrth of tlie (|iiarter section conkl ])e divided into forty
iiirc tracts or smaller if desired. Tlie smaller area to be surveyed the more
labor it required to locate it.

The importance of the established corner and care of boundaries is very
evident at the present time. As land is increasing in value the uncertainty
of the exact location of the i^overnment corner sometimes causes neighborhood
quarrels and even family tniubles, resulting;' in lonu; and costly litigation.

A SURVEYOR'S EXPERIENCE.

The government surveyor makes notes of all observable characteristics of
the country streams, timber, soil, minerals, etc., prizes the sections as he pas.ses
over them, first, second, third, quality and from him the department derives
the first definite information of any tract of territory obtained by purchase,
treat.v or otherwise. It ma.v not be uninteresting in this connection and as il-
lustrative of this localit.v at that time, to state that during the summer of 1855.
J. L. Ingalsbe and W. G. Allen were the two surve.vore engaged in townshiping
northwestern Iowa, under a i-ontraet given to "Uncle" Jack Parker of Dubuque,
with the privilege to close up to the ^linnesota line. ]\Ir. Ingalsbe writes of
lii.s experience as follows:

"The two parties worked in con.junction aiul were pushing their lines from
the south over a tract fort.v-two miles in width east and west. It was required
Ihat township lines be run by a Solar instrument, and the practice pi'evailing
among surveyors was to utilize every hour of sunshine and rest only when com-
])elled bv cloud or storm. This entire region was at that time devoid of timber
or shade and at one time one of the surveyors afterwards related, one company
was pushed for 1hirt.\-five successive days, averaging thir.y miles per day. ab-
solutely without a halt in da,vlight.

"The men, exhausted b.v the continuous strain, subsisting on hard tack,
insty bacon, half-cooked beans, and coffee concocted from water from the near-
est nnidhole, enjoying no shade beyond what was furnished by our wagon cover,
had become .so bilious and sleep.v that when not actually chaining on the line
they would frequently go to sleep while walking. I was at that date only a
'Neophyte' engaged by tln' month and Irying to earn 'shoulder straps' in my
profession

"One day I closed out to where Allen's woi'k should lie. We could find
no corner established nor any trail indicating previous travelei-s. I was en-
gaged in reviewing m.\' notes to find jiossilile errors, wiien a scoutiTig i)art,y
brought tidings of a distant trail. I shouldered my instiHinieut and reaching
the trail, found it straight and evi(lentl.\- made by a surveying party. Tr.ving
the course 1 found it .iust ten degrees wrong, viz north ten degrees east, when it
should have lieen due north. I knew at once tliat Allen had by mistake damped
his vernier at ten degrees when it shcudd lia\'c bi'cn at II. I was in a (inandary.
I'ncle .lack was with m,v [lai'ty and we were beeoniinv: irreat friends. lie was a
veteran of the Black Ilawk war ami at one time conunandant of Fort Atcliinson,

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 27

an old Indian fighter, bluff and hearty in friendship, Init a snspieion of tres-
pass was to him like a red banner to a mad bull.

"The matter eould not be concealed. Allen was running the job, 'out of
pocket' sadly, as this work must all be obliterated, and corrected. I was com-
pelled to show • Uncle Jack' the error and the old fellow w-as furious. He
ordered me to box my tools, put all apparatus in the wagons, and the entire
cavalcade to start in pursuit of the other gang. As for himself he shouldered
my sixteen pound riHe, of which he had become very fond, and, swearing dire
vengeance, only waited my answer to his (jnestion 'where shall we find the cuss?'
The question was not difficult for me to answer but I thought best to defer the
meeting.

"The plethoric old campaigner forged ahead on foot at a vigorous rate and
the ox teams lumbered slowly behind. C'ompelled by darkness we went into
camp by a small water course and in the morning as we were 'off duty' the
cooks were far from prompt with breakfast and when we did push on I managed
to get the old man engaged in shooting elk. The ritle was a 'bone cracker '
and after he had made several capital shots and was getting back into better
humor I engaged him in conversation inquiring about Allen's younger days
and the death of his wife. Mr. Parker's daughter, and when I thought the time
had come I swung around and striking Allen's trail we followed it up and
sailed into their camp at sundown, when the old contractor ordered us to 'On
strap en hopple the critters, h'ist yer tents and jist lay fer a week tew see ef ye
can't sort o' git rested.

"The men were enjoined to secrecy; what Allen may have suspected I do
not know. I spoke no word to him of the matter until I met him later.

"In the early part of our survey a couple of men followed up our lines and
inquired the significance of the figures and lettei-s on the corners. They in-
formed lis that they had with two yoke of oxen and a wagon, come down the
Little Sioux and on finding timber had fitted up a set of plow irons brought with
them and marked a furrow around and staked claims on all patches of timber.
We were glad to see white faces again, but considering them 'land shai-ks' and
not actual settlers we gave them no information. Early in July we were, thanks
to Inkpaduta, with wagons and tents surrounded by rifle pits, on a little knoll
or perhaps promontory along the border of higher land south of the Little Sioux
and one morning, taking inventory of stock, found some of our teaiiLs dead, .some
wounded and one odd ox with no mate.

' ' I took a man or two with a pair of horses set off down the stream and find-
ing timber, cut and fashioned a single yoke for an ox. In the edge of this timber
we came upon a rude foundation of a cabin with, I think, some name written
on or near it. I have recounted all the indications of settlement found in the
vicinity and whether this last mentioned was l)y some genuine occupant or a
relic left by the parties before mentioned I have no knowledge, nor the name of
any of the parties. I think the little Icnoll where our camp was on that morning,
must have been not far from where Sioux Rapids now lies.

"We carried up the survey to within (Mghteen miles of the Minnesota line,
our store of provisions running short. Indian hostility so evident and no
protection being afforded us by troops, we decided not to prolong the work ami

28 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

lurncd our fncos eastward. Wf fimnd neither trail, settlers nor timber on our
route until we struck the 'Lizard Forks' a few miles above Fort Dodge, at
that time garrisoned by a few soldiers under command of Major Webster."

BUENA VISTA COUNTY.

Buena Vista county is located in tlie luirlliwest corner of Iowa, and lies in
the third tier of counties from the north and the third from the westera borders
of the state. It is hounded on the north by Clay, on the east by Pocahontas, on
the soutli by Sac and on the west by Cherokee counties. The county contains
sixteen congressional townships of thirty-six sections each, and is twenty-four
miles in size each way.

It is primarily a farming and agricultural county antl has some of the most
fertile soil of any in the state. The county is watered by the Little Sioux river
in the north, the Raccoon river in the east, the Maple creek in the southwe.st and
Brooke's creek iu the central portion. Storm Lake, one of the prettiest of
Iowa's lakes, lies in the south central part.

In the central and eastern parts of the county the land is low and marshy,
but highly productive. An extensive system of drainage is now under way
which will effectively dispase of all surface water in this part of the county, and
will make almo.st every acre in the sixteen townships fit for cultivation in all
seasons, both wet and dry. Of interest in this connection will be found Prof.
MacBride's geological notes on this county.

Buena Vista county has a population composed of law abiding and indus-
trioiLS people. Of the foreign born, the Swede, the Dane, the Norwegian and
the German, form an important part. In the northwestern corner may be found
a few Welsh, and in the southeastern .some Irish, but the Scandinavian and the
Teuton form fully a third of our people. The county has increased in wealth
l)y leaps and bounds, and iu material welfare stands with any of the counties
in the state. It is a splendid cimiHuuiily in which to live and every citizen is
jiroud of Buena Vista.

GEOLOGY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY.

During the summer of lfl02 Prof. Thomas IT. MacBride of the Iowa State
I'uiversity, made an exhaustive investigation of the geological formation of
Buena Vista and Cherokee coiuitics. and enilmdicd the I'csnlt of his researcli in
a monograph pul)lislicd liy the State Geological Sui'vcy. The editors of this
work liavc tak'cii the liberty to use a portion of Prof. MacBride's work, omitting
tliat i)art which is of interest to the scientists ahme, and taking all that is of
])o])ulai' interest. It will be found of iut(M"cst as revealing in new light our
beautiful prairies, our lake and our Little Sioux river and valley.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 29

TOPOGRAPHY.

Til the ordinary observer it might seem idle to attempt to find, miieii less to
describe anything of interest in the soealled monotonous prairie of ovir north-
western eonnties. At first sight to most people one prairie is exaetly like
another, and a "rolling" landscape in one locality is simply the counterpart of
broken country twenty-five or. fifty miles away. But let the attentive observer
once traverse the prairie with the special intent of study or comparison and his
views of monotony and of the prairie topography in general will undergo remark-
able change. Especially will this be the case if the path of his investigation
chance to cross the county now the theme of description and discussion.

Let our traveler, for instance, enter the county from the west, near the
middle of its western boundary and pur.?ue a course directly east. At first he
will encounter a comparatively level plain; "gently rolling." he would say.
But as he pursues his .journey eastward suddenly the scene is entirely changed.
He passes over the hist broad claycovered ridge and looking southward may
behold the town of Alta, beautifully located and perfectly named, a crest, a
summit of older than historic interest. Still trending eastwai-d the traveler
presently finds himself confronted by an unexpected swamp, a marsh of unusual
extent, sufficient perhaps to deflect the unopened section highway. Beyond
the swamp, rises a singular ridge which proves to be made of sand or gravel,
precipitous, narrow, soon crossed, landing the traveler by perhaps irregular,
abrupt descent upmi the jiliiiu again, which curi<nisly enough shows no erosion,
or only the slightest, has no valleys and no streams, no ridges with their sloping
sides as watersheds, btit instead a confusion of irregular mounds, some perhaps
worthy the names of hills, othere simply swells or low. abrupt, causeless eleva-
tions, a few feet in height, on which perchance the farmer has pitched his
farmstead, as if to keep out of the general wet. Some of the hills are so large
and mound-like as to have attracted everybody's attention; they are real knolls
ilmost dunes, with a trend southeast, northwest.

As the traveler proceeds great marshes again obstruct his course, affecting
not sections only, but sometimes a township entire; there are no l)ridges. only
here and there a culvert through which the road-makers have coaxed part of the
slough water from one side of the road to the other, it matters little in which
direction. To the south are the beginnings of the Coon river, small creeks
which wind about through lands nnich better drained. To the north the
mounds are ridges and are again the features of the landscape, stretching off
about the town of Marathon, becoming more and more prominent as we approach
again the county line.

The topography of the country is an inscrii)tiiin written in large letters, it
is true, and occasionally somewhat obscured and blurred since it often overlies
similar earlier inscriptions — becomes a palimpsest in most real sense — but an
inscription it remains, legible enough once we find the key and take the pains to
decipher line after line.

These topographical differences between two adjoining sections of the
country are accordingly no accident. We should find very similar contrasts if
we drive from Sac to Calhoun, or from Crawford into Carroll county. We have

30 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

before us {wa disliiirt tniKiurapIiic ]il;iii.s or fyitcs, ciicli briuifiiiL,' with i1 a liistory
of its own. Tlie topograpliy of ("hcrnkpp enmity is erosional : that of Buena
Vista f'onnty. luorainie. The first represents the freiieral effect of long eontinnod
weatherinii. and tlie wasliinfr of storm-waters down a broad and gentle slope; the
seeond shows the seattei-ed |>iles of drift iiiati'rial and detritus deposited by some
great glaeier or ice-sheet, once dominant so far south and west, its debris as
yet little affected by the rains and snows of tlie centuries that have since elapsed. X

The drift or morainic tnpography is emphasized Avlien the swamps and
marshes deepen into lakes, as in the counties immediately to the north of iis. or
when the hills and kames rise to ridges or knobs of considerable height, as at
Ruthven or in the vicinity of Ocheyedan ; in our ]^-esent limited district there
are really no morainic lakes, though iileiity of swamps, and the morainic eleva-
tions are generall.y low and insignificant.

Of course, we have not overlooked Storm Tjake, Here is a body of water
fine enough and large enough to deserve not mention only, liut a more or less
complete description. It is evident that Storm Lake belongs in some M'ay at
\onst to that great series or chain of fresh water glacial pools that extends from
far northwest in ^Minnesota and South Dakota all the way to Wall lake in Iowa
and the pools of Greene and Dallas counties farther south and east, /

One of the largest of our glacial lakes. Storm Lake, is strangely enough one
of the most shallow. Its extreme length is about three and one-half miles; its
greatest breadth about two miles. The shores are low and generally even with
several sand.y beaches. Bowlders formerly decorated the whole margin, but
especially the northern and eastern rim. as with an ornate wall, but these have
mostly been long sinee hauled away by enterprising builders. The bottom of
the lake is, however, reported to be paved with stone in many places, and hero
and there along the shore an erratic block of unusual size may yet be seen.
The greatest depth of the lake from all accounts does not exceed fifteen feet;
the outlet, once a marshy slough, has long since been closed; the incoming
streams are few and of minor im])ortance. The fact is the lake has been slowly
filling, probably for a long time, and chiefly by vegetable detritus. Once the
lak(! seems to have stretched away in shallow expanse much farther to the north
and west as evidenced by the ])res(Mit reedy, marshy swani|). undrained. exteiKJ-
ing half way to Alta.

It is a matter of suriirise to see no high hills or mounds about Slonu Lake.
The surroundings are reniarkalily low. almost flat in fad. with no hills worthy
of th(! name approaching the lake on either side. Storm Lak'e is at the very
limit of the Wisconsin drift sheet, and would seem to be the very remnant of
some preglacial valley, jiart of the drainage system of this country before the
Wisconsin ice came on : or it may represent part of the drainage channel that
at one time lay along the glacier's fi'ont, choked uji at length by the extension
of the ice below, that is. toward the southeast. The drainage, never very
vigorous here, since, as we shall see, most of it went north by the way of Brooke's
creek, was easily checked and Storm Lak(> with its accomi)anying swamp was
the result. That the stream was thus checked is evident from the circumstance
lliat the lake's outlet, when all 'jiacial lopourapliic change has ceased, was into
the Coon river, an intramorainic stream, and not hy way of the glacier's margin.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 31

The iec was possibly not very thiclv here and Ww iiioi'ainic materials are jiro-
portioiiately scant. Nevertheless. Storm Lak<' is a beautiful feature of this
prairie lanclseape. Its bright waters attracted the pioneer; nor are they less
eharming to tlie thousands of people who now find happy homes about its curv-
ing shores. Its unprotected surface and its shallowness expose the waters of
/the lake to the full violence of the wind. These are stirred to the very bottom,
producing the wildest effects in both waves and color; hence the name.

The Little Sioux valley, the topogra])hical feature of opposite type, is
interesting for several reasons. It is a great channel cut through drift, and
although recent as the story of Iowa goes, is yet far older than Storm Lake or
any of the morainic topography of Buena Vista county. When the glacier j .
lay on the plains to the east and north, the valley of the Little Sioux, as it ap- '^^-'^'\
pears today, broad and deep, did its part in carrying away the waters from the Co^
glacier's front, the constantly melting margin. Indeed the valley seems to have '

been more than once nearly choked by deposits of Wisconsin gravel and perhaps , /
in the upper parts of its course with ice. The banks of the river valley are ^
everywhere marked with gravel terraces -far above the flood-plain of the present
stream, in places sometimes as much as a hundred feet above it. Such deposits
are not the effect of ordinary erosive process. There is every evidence that
the channel of the river had been fully excavated long before these deposits came
to place. Sometimes they hang as a simple residue far up on the side of the
sloping blulf; again they form great masses and parapets choking up half the
valley; sometimes two or three succeeding terraces may be traced.

The presence of the gravel-trains, for so such deposits are named, affects
the topography in yet another way ; the gravel has not only in many places filled
up and obliterated older erosion features, but it has itself been subject all the
while to the processes of erosion. We encounter evidence of recent change, of
newness and youth, where we should naturally exjiect the reverse. The walls of
the river valley to the north ever>'where show this. Old tributary streams have
been choked across, and new channels later excavated, sometimes, generally
indeed, in the direction of the older valley ; not always.

DRAINAGE.

The drainage of Buena Vista county is. in a large part, artificial, there being
no natural system. The Little Sioux skirts the county along the north and
receives as tributary Brooke's creek and one or two minor streams; the Coon
river becomes efficient in some of the southeastern townships ; but the entire
eastern and central portions of Buena Vista county are without any natural
drainage at all. Instead, we have here simply wide marshes and low sand-hills
as already described. The valley of the Little Sioux is wide and deeply eroded ;
probably a valley of erosion in large part, although that part of the valley before
Linn Grove seems of different history and may be in part constructional. The
banks of the river in Buena Vista county are generally precipitous, breaking
down suddenly from the common level with short, precipitous, narrow, tributary
ravines.

32 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

The Raccoon river, or North Coon, as it stands on the maps, appears as a
considerable steam in Providence township. It is for many miles of its
tortuous course perennial, fed by seeping springs and long crooked prairie
sloughs, now generally either tiled or at least in process of artificial drainage of
some sort. The former, southern, outlet of Storm Lake is one of the tributaries
of the Coon; another branch takes rise about half a mile north of the lake shore
but is cut oft' from the lake by a low plateau of sand and gravel upon which
stands the city.

The most interesting stream in Buena Vista county is Brooke's creek. This
stream also takes rise in nuirshy gi'ound about ;i mih' and a half north of the
lake and flows almost directly north to the Little Sioux. Flows, did we say?
Flows is a term too strong by far. For the greater part of its course Brooke's
creek consists simply of a succession of marshes by nature imperfectly united,
and originally hardly to be recognized as a creek at all. Northward we have
a more definite stream and channel ; until as we approach the Sioux the usual
erosion features succeed with steep, bluft'y banks, gravel beaches and short im-
passable tributary ravines.

The southwest townships of the ccninty are well draineil by the several
branches of the Maple creek. In all parts of Buena Vista county where natural
drainage has been less efficient, artificial channels have been constructed, their
course dictated by the art of the civil engineer. Some of these form far-extended
systems and drain whole townships at a time.

ECONOJIIC PKODtTCTS.

The natural rcsoui'ccs of this limiti'd district herein described are (piickly
listed. There is no coal, no liiiiestnue. no samlstonc. no first-class brick clay,
at least none at present in use. What is known of tiic geology of the state,
taken in connection with what has been ascertained elsewhere relative to the
occurrence of oil or natural gas. does not lend encoiirageiiient to the view some-
times exiM-e.ssed that these snlistances naturally belong as |)art of tiie oi-iginal
wealth of northwest Towa. Coal occurs a little farther south and (>ast, but it is
not likely that the coal-beai'ing i-ocK's of Wel)ster county extend under the drift
so far west as our present region. Cretaceous coal might be thought a po.ssi-
bility since the sandstones of that syst(4n ero]) out in the county west along the
Sioux river. I'>ut even if such rretaeeous coal were possible the depth of the
overlying drift in all places so far explored, would seem to make the mineral
almost, if not (piite, inaccessible. All evidence at hand would indicate that
there are no indui-ated rocks anywhere in the county now considered within less
thansevcrid liiiiidred fei't of the surface.

SOILS.

The soils of northwest Iowa ai-e its wcMltli, a richness inunediately accessible
and if properly used, uidimited in future pi-oductiveness. Oft recurring
glaciers have prej)ared and pulverized this garden; nature through centuries

BIIENA VISTA 'COUNTY COURT HOUSE.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 33

has covered it witli rank veoetatioii for the enrichment of its humus; all atmos-
pheric agencies have done well their work until now. as far as regards natural
fertility, there are nowhere better soils. Nevertheless, these soils are not all
,)ust alike. In Buena Vista count.v there are at least three distinct t.vpes; soil
with Wisconsin subsoil: soil with loess subsoil; and soil that is the immediate
result of water transportation, the alluvium. From what has been said the
limits of the several types are already patent. The first effects nearly the whole
of Buena Vista county; the third the lowlands of the wider river valle.vs. as of
the staple and the Little Siou.x. True alluvial soil is much the same every-
where. It generally rests upon a sub-stratum of sand and gravel and is
easy tillage and excellent crop-producing quality. The Wisconsin soils are of
entirel.v different character but apparentl.v of equal excellence. No farms with-
stood better the drought and heat than did those of B\iena Vista county and
other counties within the Wisconsin moraine. The surface soil is here very fine,
very black, and very rich; the subsoil either a fine calcareous clay, overlying the
gravel, or a more porous mi.xtnre of lime, gravel and sand. At any rate, the
sub.soils of Buena Vista county seem to yield up to the growing crops in unusual
measure the moisture needed at a time when other subsoils seem to fail entirely
It is a problem what effect the wholesale tile-draining of northwest Iowa is likely ~*\
to have upon the region and upon the state at large in the matter of local
precipitation. In the da.vs when vast areas were .vet undrained but lay as
pool and marsh and lake over hundreds of square miles, northwestern Iowa acted
as a water storage reservoir for the remainder of the .state. All summer long
the waters sucked up, da,\' by clay, b.y the svuiimer sun were passed on in clouds
to descend as showers all up and down the eastern counties. But with the
progress of our agriculture these surface waters have almost entirely disap-
peared, hurried away by our finer systems of drainage to the rivers and to the
sea, and the immediate source of local showers for Iowa has disappeared as well.
We are probabl.v too near this situation yet. rightly to understand it or to reckon
accurately the change we have effected but the case will certainly bear investi-
gation and all the more exact observation of those in position to observe will be
needed to enable us wisel.v to use the resources of this great state and to prevent
our civilization from self in.iur.v. if not self destruction.

The Wisconsin lands are in some places not a littl(> im-umbered with
bowlders; but these have proved of great value everywhere as building stone
where no other rock was at all accessible. West of the moraine and its immedi-
ate vicinage there are bowlders only where these have been exposed and
accumulated 1).v the later processes of erosion, as along the banks, ravines, of the
Little Sioux. The liowlders about Sioux Rapids are apparently of Wisconsin
age; one massive limestone block near the town can hardly belong to the older ■
<lrift.

P>ut in general the soils of the count.\' here discussed, whatever their nature
whatever their foundations, are of the finest <|ualit.\-. and yield to husbandry,
.vear after year, with undiminished vigor, the varied crops which belong to this
latitude in the great Jlississippi valley. /

•^4 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

BRICK AND TILE.

Brick and tile are maimfac-tured in this county, more attention being paid
to tile for which there lias been a great demand. At Sioux Rapids. Linn Grove
and Storm Lake are kilns and In-ick works wiiich do ;i considerable business.
The brick is rather soft but answers the purpose for inside work. The tiles are
said to be of the first grade. At Sioux Rapids and Linn CJrove the material is
derived from a fine alluvial deposit close by the river, apparently a ])ed of silt,
which possibly reaches the Kansan l)lue clay. At Storm Lake a similar bed of
what seemed to be silt is worked pi-ofitably in the uuinufacture of soft brick and
tiling of various sizes but fair quality, all rapidly taken up by the local demand.

GRAVEL.

In the county here discussed there arc unlimited supplies of gravel suitable
for the preparation of highways. When once the era of good roads actually
arrives the.se gravel deposits will assume more nearly their real value, that is,
they will be l)etter appreciated than now. .Xevertheless, in both city and
country, gravel is today the road material. An (U-ganized effort for the use of
this material, extending the paved or graveled road year by year, would soon
make the country roads of all northwestern Iowa the very best in the state.

W.\TER SUPPLY.

In Buena Vista county shallow wells arc (lie I'ulc. Deep wells arc the
exception. In Grant town.ship tliei'c is a well one hundred and forly feet deep.
in which is reported twenty feet to llu- blue clay. 70 feet of blue clay and then
yellow clay and gravel to <|uicksand and water. At Newell is a well where the
blue clay was reached al the deplh oT only twelve I'eet. but beyond that depth
the record is not very satisfactory, although the well is reported two hundred
and forty feet deep. A few springs have been found in the i-ounty but the.se
are only of benelit to the iinniediale locality wIum-c they ocmi'. ,\t the countv
farm spring water is conveyed to the buildings and farni houses by means of an
hydraidic I'am. At present there is no water power within the I'ountv except
a small dam at Sioux i\a|)ids. Power sul'licieiil td (lri\'e a grist mill and furnish
the city with electric lights has been obtained.

In genei-al it nui\- be said that Bueua Vista county is not oid\- well watered
in the ordinary sense ol' that tci-m, Iml the supplies from wells is. if anvthin",
more tlian oi-dinaril\- accessible.

HISTOKY OP BUEXA VISTA COUNTY 35

FORESTRY NOTES.

By the tesliniony of ;ill ]ii(iiu'e)-s tlie oritiiiial forest growth of Buena Vista
eounty w;is limited to th:it part of the valk^v of the Little Sioux that falls within
tlie northern limits of the eounty. It is reported that in the loeality of Storm
Lake thei-e was e.xisting at the time of the first settlement, a beautiful grove of
ti'ees on the western end of the lake, hut these were soon transformed into build-
ing material or destroyed by prairie tires, and were never replaeed. Willow
bushes oeeur on the borders and sloughs throughout the county, but in the valley
of the Little Sionx the ease is different.

Here an unusual number of forest speeies has maintained itself through the
past eenturies, and these species are still represented by beautiful groves of
thrifty, shapely young trees, the socalled second growth. The trees primeval,
as seen liy the pioneer, were very much scattered. They were generally old
trees and although as remarked, representing many speeies, they yet formed
nowhere a real forest. Today genuine forest conditions obtain in many places,
There is a beautiftil native grove near Sionx Rapids ; another somewhat smaller
at Linn Grove ; while around the homestead of Mr. Brooke on section 14, Brooke
township, is one of the finest native groves in noi'thwest Iowa. The old trees
which attracted first the attention and interest of Mr. Brooke are. still standing
surrounded now by hundreds of their descendants which form the densest kind
(jf a forest down the hillside. On the summit of the ridge above the residence
the boundary between two floras, woodland and prairie, is beautifully shown.

It is a curious fact that in all these native groves the bur oak always occupies
the outmost post, forms the vanguard, the very foremost line. Where no other
persisted, or withstood the onset of tire and storm there stands the bur oak,
gnarled and twisted, shorn and shortened, it is true, but still holding its ground
uitil now that it has passed under the control of civilized man the species finds
unexpected relief and young liur oaks arc the characteristic feature of every
uni'ultivated hillside along the Sioux.

But if forests are not part of the natural wi-alth of Bueiui Vista county,
this is no reason why trees may not foi'm a conspicuous feature of the landscape
now. Some of the finest, most woodland-looking groves in the country are to
he seen today around that very Storm Lake, once so bare and windswept.
Planted groves adorn the whole country. In every township of th(> county may
be seen most of the ornamental varieties of shrubs and trees that have place in
the most favored grounds in other sections of the northern United States.

Some planted groves on the farms are also very beautiful and have estab-
lished real forest conditions. The great trouble in the whole situation is that
forestry and pasturage cannot go on together. If a farmer wishes to see his
grove thrive and do him highest service he will not s\rbject it to the injurious
trampling of herds of cattle. Many fine groves in northern Iowa are now being
ruined in this way. With the rapid occupancy of the more fertile portions of
our countr.v and the rapid destruction of our native supplies of lumber and
forest products, the time is rapidly nearing, if not already at hand, when the

36 HISTORY OF BUEXA VISTA COUNTY

timber lot will be as valuable an adjunct to the well appointed farm as the
pasture lot. But the same land cannot lie used for both purposes. As well
attempt to raise corn in the meadow. If the farmer desires a grove to shade
and shelter him and his cattle, to furnish him a perennial supply of fuel and of
wood to be used for all sorts of jmrposes about the farm to say nothing of the
adornment of his holding, he can have it in the northwestern Iowa as well as
elsewhere in the state, but he nnist take care of it, at least to the extent of giving
the trees a chance. Furthermore the s<-ant native growth of the county we have
been studying is yet all sutificient to demonstrate that our farmer is by no means
limited to the familiar willow and box-elder or white maple; he may plant all
sorts of trees, ash. walnut, oalc. basswood, besides thase forms ordinarily used
for ornament, such as pines and larches.

Since fire has been eliminated from the problem, the great enemies of the
trees, enemies not under human control, are drought and wind. The county here
considered has shown a remarkable endurance under the most trying conditions
of drought, and it is a fact that the trees themselves, by their increasing numbers,
protect each other from the winds, if they do not ameliorate these atmospheric
conditions as a whole. There are those who have lived long in Iowa who think
and believe that the occupancy of these prairies and the planting of them with
trees in thousands upon thou.sands has greatly changed our climate. However
this may be, there is no doubt whatever of the protection afforded locally to a
homestead by a well situated, well cared for grove of trees. It is doubtful if
the northwest prairie were habitable, at least by enlightened people, without the
aid and assistance brought by plantation of trees.

The native woody plants of Ruena Vista county so far noted are as follows:

Basswood, prickly ash, soft or white maple, box-elder, sumac, wild plum,
choke cherry, wild cherry. Iowa rrab apple, hawthorne. wolf berry, black haw,
(rare along the river) white ash. common white elm, slippery elm, black walnut,
pig nut. hazel, ironwood. cottonwood, bur oak, red oak and red cedar.

Besides the species here enumerated by name, there are several species of
willow, .some certainly native, which have not been -with certainty identified.
Mention has not been made either of many introduced trees planted in many
parts of these counties, mulberries, poplars, fruit trees of all sorts, which appear
to thrive here as well as in some other portions of Iowa. The usual conifers
also are here planted with good effect, and there seems no reason why the people
of these counties may not have the advantage of the use of all or nearly all the
arboreous species that are found commonly cajiablc of enduring the somewhat
trying and inhospitable climate of this state.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 37

THE FIRST ERA OF THE OOrXTY.
1855-1866.

HISTORICAL.

The history of oui' coiuity covers a span of more than fifty years .sinee its
orCTiiization. It was oro'anized on November 15. 1858, but prior to that time
it had been sou<;ht out by white men and homes had been established here. The
first white men of whom we have any icnowledge. who visited the eounty, w-ei-e
two United States surveyors, by the name of Lane and Ray. During the
summer of 1858 .several of tlie counties of this part of tlie state were laid out in
townships by surveyors who hekl contracts for such work from the general
government, and engaged in this worl< were the two men who are named above.
They traversed the county from the south to the nortii. cstahlislu'im- coriu'rs and
laying off the townships into sections.

There was no trace of their visit in the soutli jiart of the county, but when
they arrived at the region about the Little Siou.x river near Sioux Rapid,s the
prospect was so good and the outlool\ so promising that they deviated from the
rtiles of the government and took possession of some of the choicest land. At
that time there were tine groves of native timber along the river and in the
sheltered nooks, and this attracted the surveyors who had been working on the
bleak ]ii'airie for many weeks. This was before the days of the Homestead
Laws, when scjuatters took what they saw and held by right of po.s.ses.sion. Lane
and Ray posted notices upon trees, bearing the inscription:

"THIS i.A.Xl) IS TAKEN BY LANE AND RAY."

This was in 1S55 and there is some jintiiority for the fact that these two men
returned here during the fall and huilt a log ho\ise on one of the claims they
had taken. At any rate there was a log structure there when settlers came in
the following year, and Lane and Ray informed people at Fort Dodge, where
they were at that time, that they had wintered on the Little Sioux river in Buena
Vista count.\'. Thi^\' hunted and traiijied along the river, and were well re-
warded for their stay.

The old Lane and Ray claim. u])ou wiiich they spent the winter of 1855-6.
was located on section 12, in Barnes township. A portion of this quarter was
heavily timbered and was afterward known as Barnes' Grove. After they left
tile count>- they went east and made preparation to return to make their home
here. They came as far west as Fort Dodge, where there were several immi-
grants waiting for spring to open up, so that they eould proceed farther west,
and when they came on to Buena Vista count.v they were .joined by a party of
New Jerse.v people. They were William R. Weaver and wife, Abner Bell, a
brother to ;Mrs. Weaver, and a man by the name of Totten with his famil.v.
Lane and Rav did not remain, but left shortlv afterward and never came back.

38 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

They sold their ehiim to a in;in named Tenipletoii. wiio i-ame from Fayette
county, and he held it for some years.

When Lane and Ray came west in the sprin? they laid out the old Fort
Dodge road. They followed an established trail from Fort Dodsre to the North
Lizard river in Calhoun county, and from there set their <'ompass on an air line
for Sioux Rapids, This old Port Dodge road was used by settlers for many
years afterward, and l)ecamp a part of the Sioux City road. Caravans of
movers followed it from Fort Dodge to the Rai)ids and then from Sio\ix Rapids
on west to Sioux City. For some years Sioux Rapids was the only resting place
of any consec(uence between Port Dodge and Sioux City.

Thus, the first actual settlement of the county dates from the spring of
1856, and the first settler who remained was Aluier Bell. Bell was a remarkable
man in many ways. He was of swarthy complexion and a born hunter and
trapper. Of New Jersey stock, re.stless and turbulent by nature, unlettered and
uncouth, but with a shrewd native humor, he found his birth place too small
for a man of his disposition and came west. He came to Iowa, and what
directed him to this county was never known, nor did he ever care to tell. But
at the age of thirty-two he found himself here, a bachelor, a democrat, with not
a care on his mind and with no inclination to take and hold land to improve it.

Bell at once set out to see what the country atforded in the game, and al-
lowed the other members of the party to prepare for the winter. While they
planted and sowed, and built rude log huts iu which to make their homes, he
roamed the river up and down in search of game, which he found plentiful. At
that time beaver, mink, and an occasional otter could be found along the Little
Sioux. Musk rats in large numbers frequented the low places of the country,
the swamp lands which afterward cut such an important figure in the affairs of
the county. On the prairie deer and elk roamed in great ln^i'ds and Bell's
rifle supplied the larder of the .settlers with fresh meat. He made his home
with the Weavers, and led a luuiter's life.

Many strange tales are told of him. lie iialed an Indian like vei'itable
poison and would have preferred to favcu' the devil l)efore he would have
extended a courtesy to a member of the desjused race of red .skins. He wa.s
honest, in his wa\'. and stood for what he 1iiouL;iU was right. Vet he lacked
education and was easily influenced by men who had a reatly conunaiul of
language and who could pi-eseiit a (|uestional>le pi'oposition in a plausible?
manner. In latci' years l)cll wimld at times rel)i'l I'l the ruh^ liiat \vas estab-
lished b\' scheming and conniving men in the county, and would show some
degree of independence, but avowed to have his way he would soon be undei' the
spell of a glib tongue and a |)hiusibh' argumi'ut and things would lio as the
leaders wantetl.

A .story is told how the first illegal warrants ol' the i-onnty came to he i.ssiied.
In 1800 John Cofei'. a notoi-ions O'Brien county charactei- c;iine to Buena Vista
to look into the swamp lands thai were supposed to belong to the conntv.
Cofer's first move was to go to ,\hner Bell and .Moses \'anKirh. the former then
being treasure)' and recoi-dcr and the latter county .judge, .-md make a |)i-opo-
sition to them that if they would give him fifty dollars he woidd show them a
way whereby they could nud<e one hundred dollars in a legitimate and leual waw

HISTORY OF BFENA VISTA COUNTY 39

Tliey readily assented and he then informed tlieni that a law had been passed
by the legislatnre whereby their offices had been abolished", but the legislature
had granted them extra pay as a balm for taking away their publie places,
lie assured them that it wonld lie perfectly legal if they would issue three
warrants of fifty dollars each and give him one, retaining the other two to
recompense them for their services. Bell and VanKirk were confiding mortals
and the transaction was completed in short order. The warrants were after-
ward presented for payment, but the.v were dishonored and never paid.

Bell never took any land to hold and never wanted any. lie built himself
a small shack and ran a store. His stock in trade consisted of groceries, traps,
powder and ball and other articles that a hunter would need. He lived as a
bachelor, clothing himself in nondescript garments fashioned from skins of
the animals he shot. Of course, as civilization in the count}' advanced he gave
up his frontier ways and dressed as other people, but this was before the county
became populated. He was a character known to all. and his eccentricities
were probably magnified as they passed from mouth to mouth. He wore his
hair long, had a long beard and two shrewd blue eyes twinkled from this
profusion of hirsute adornment.

After the settlers came he would sell venison and visit all of his neighbors
regularly. He would sit by the fire on an evening and tell his experiences
with game, his trapping exploits, the Indians he had met and the terrible
blizzards that swept over the C(mntry in tho.se early winters. He knew some
Indian words and on one occasion some bucks a])peared at a house and demanded
tlour fr-om the housewife who was at home alone. They became insolent and
abusive at the good woman's refusal to comply with their requests, when Bell
.suddenly appeared in the midst of the savages and with a mixture of profanity.
Indian dialect, bad English and wild whoojis. he scattered the reds in every
direction. The.v jumped on their pt)nies and rode away in haste, and while
the woman was thanking Bell for his timely interference he grufHy told her
never to give an Indian anything, but to drive him away as soon as he came,
scolding her roundly for having been kind to the reds who came to her door.

Bell took great interest in the affairs of the county in the early days, and
was clerk of the district court and of the lioard of supervisors for several years.
V At one time he and Hubbard Sanderson, who was treasurer, had a heated
argument at a board meeting over the refusal of Sanderson to accept certain
warrants, issued by Bell, in the paxnicnt of taxes. Bell also owned the war-
rants and to have his integrity impugned b.v a refusal to accept the warrants
was more than he could stand, and he petitioned the board to compel the
treasurer to accept them. His petition opened as follows:

"To the Honorable Board of Supervisors, the undersigned, your Immble
petititmer, would represent to your honorable body the grievances and wrongs
by ,vour petitioner has received from the acts of the present incumbent of the
treasury's office by refusing to receive certain orders from him in pa.vment of
taxes." Then continued a specific arraignment of Sanderson, which, while
luiimportant. was nevertheless an indictment of great length.

Another entry of Bell's in the minute book of the board, which has been
widely commented upon in the county, was an outgrowth of this same eontro-

40 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

versy. During tlic i'(ill(i(|iiy iK'tvveen Bell and Sanderson. Sanderson called
Bell that short and ugly word whicli consigned him to the Ananias Club.

BeU records: "Hub Sanderson called Abner Bell a U D liar, which I

consider is unnecessary language. ' ' Such naive comments upon official matters
are to be found in the records of the board during the period Bell served as clerk.

Bell was illiterate and when he did not have some one to enter the minutes
and performed the act himself the books show his wonderful chirography on
many a page. His successor in office reported to the board tliat the minutes
were not in presentable shape, and were in such a condition that he could not
understand them. Acting upon his advice the board refused to .settle with
Bell and George II. Turbett, who was acting as clerk of the board, records in the
minutes that "the said Bell has not performed his duties according to law. and
has failed in every instance to act in good faith as a clerk." This insult to Bell
was resented in a sinnmary manner. Bell sued the comity the very next day
and received .judgment for all he asked, although the board contested the claim.

As has been stated Weaver and Totten. with their families, constituted the
party that came the same time Abner liell arrivetl. The\- had their choice of
the land of the entire county and knowing the need of wood and water, they
.settled in the sheltered valley of the Little Sionx. Weaver took the west half
of section 8 and the northeast quarter of section 7 in Lee township, in order to
get the timber. Bell ttn)k the southwest cpiarter of section 8 but it is not
believed he ever realized any benefit fi'om it, as he did not improve it. Totten
took his land in what was afterward known as Trusty Gulch, on section 1 in
Barnes township. John W. Tucker came in the spring of 1857 and located on
the Ne.ssler place on the north side of the river. Tucker built a house, a rude
cabin, near the present site of Sioux Rapids.

It was this year that the Indian raid up the Little Sioux river stopped for
a time all progress in the county. A short account of this tragic incident of
northwest Iowa history may not l)e out of place at this time. In sketching the
attitude of the Indians toward the settlei-s at that day it is necessary to trace
the tribal relations of the band which made the raid and which committed the
depredations along the Sioux river and at Spirit Lake.

THE INDIAN RAID.

On the 1UI: of Oclnlicr. 1S42. the Indians made a treaty with tlic Tnited
States goveiMiiiient by whii'li they sold tlie land west cil' tile .Mississippi river, to
which they had a claim oi' title, nr in which tiiey had any interest wiiatcver;
reserving the right of occupancy for thi'ce years from the date of the treaty, to
ail tliat part of the lands ceded wliich lay west of a line running due north and
south from the Painted or Red Hoi'ks. on the West Breast Fork of the Des
Moines river, which rocks weiv sitiiated eight miles from the .junction of the
White Breast with the Des ^Inines river.

The country noi'tli of Iowa and west of the !\lississi])i)i river, as far as the
Little Rapids on the Minni^sota river, was occtipieil by the Medewakanton and

IITSTORY OF BUEXA VISTA COUNTY 41

Wakpeknti bands of SiouxJndians. These latter trilies were at war with the
Sacs and Poxes. The Wakpeknti ])and was under the leadei-ship of two
principal chiefs, named Wanidisapa and Tasagi. The lawless and predatory
Wamdisapa and iiis liand jn'olonged the war with the Sacs and Foxes; and to a
e;reat extent created difficulties between the band of Wamdisapa and the rest of
the Wakpeknti. which tronliles gradually separated his band from them. Wam-
disapa and his people moved to the west, toward the ^[issouri. and occupied the
land about the Vermillion river. So thoroughly was he separated from the
rest of the Wakpekutis that when the last named Indians, together with the
Medewakantons. made their treaty at Jlendota in 1851. by which they ceded
the lands in jMinnesota owned by them, the remnant of Wamdisapa s people were
not regarded as being part of the Wakpekutis. and took no part in the treaty
at all.'

By 1857, all that remained of Wamdisapa 's band was under the chieftain-
ship of Inkpadutah, or Scarlet Point, sometimes called Red End. In August,
1856, the agencies of the.se Indians were on the Jlinnesota river at Redwood, ••
and on the Yellow Medicine river. Inkpadutah and his band were considered
a bad lot of vagabonds. They rolibed the settlers of cattle and corn, intimi-
dated women and children, and in 1856. made a disturbance by appearing at
the Indian agency and demanding a part of the mone.v that had been paid to
the tribe for the cession of the lands under the treat.v signed at Mendota.
They were compelled by the Indian agent. Judge Flandreau of ^Minnesota, to
return to their haunts along the Big Sioux and its branches.

The spring of 1857 found them at Smithland. in Woodbury count.v. Ink-
padutah and his tribe, numbering about fourteen bucks, with man squaws,
had been thci-c all winter, going down in the fall. During the winter there
were several violent aggressions liy the warriors, and as violent repulses b.v the
settlers. One day. in ^larch. while the Indians were in pursuit of elk, they
/Iiad an open clash with the whites. The Indians claimed that the settler.s
intercepted the chase. Others stated that a nolile Indian buck had been bitten
by a mongrel dog, belonging to a white, and this insult provoked bitter feeling,
as the Indian killed the dog and was heartil.v chastised by the owner for so
doing. It was also reported that the whites whipped oft' some squaws who
were appropriating hay and corn. The Indians becoming more and more
insolent, the whites pro<'eeded in a body to camp and disarmed them, intending
the next da.v to restore their guns to them and escort them out of the comitry.
The next morning not an Indian remained to be seen. They went up the
Little Sioiix. committing depredations as they wenl. Tlicy took guns, ammuni-
tion, eatables and stock from the settlers as they proceeded. (Joing into cabins
they overturned furniture and rijtped n]i bedding. The\- tired their guns into
the houses and terrorized all with whom they lamc in contact. The farther
up the Little Sioux they proceeded the fewer and more defenseless the settlers
became. After remaining in Cherokee county for a few days the.v came to
Peterson, and then on down the river into what is now Brooke township of
the county. Here they visited the home of A. S. Jfead. the first white settler
in that corner of the county. At ^Ir. Mead's place they not only killed his
cattle and destroyed his property, but knocked down ilrs. ^lead and carried

42 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

off to their vnmyi his seventeen year old clausjhter, Hattie. keeping her in tlieir
camp all night. They also tool< a youn<;i'r sir], Emma, ten years old. but she
resi.sted so hard and cried so hislily that ;m Indian picked up a stick and
whipped her all tlic way liarl^ to the cabin. A neighbor. Enoch Taylor, was
at the j\Iead liome. and he was knocked down, his son being kicked into the
fireplace, burning him so that he carried the sear on his leg for years. Mrs.
Taylor was taken from iier home to the Indian i-ani]), a prisoner. l)nt she and
Ilattie Jlead were allowed to return to their homes the next morning.

When tiiey arrived at the little settlement at Sioux Rapids the outrages
were repeated. ]\lrs. Totten and I\Irs. Weaver are said to have been taken to
Ihe Indian camp and there kept for two or three days, during which time they
were subjected to the most shocking indignities and ontrages. The men were
ill treated and beaten, and those of their possessions that seemed to attract the
fancy of the Indian brutes, were taken away. This no donbt caused the deep
hatred and resentment that Abner Bell ever after showed toward the Indians
and he never neglected an opportunity to show how thoroughly he despised the
red men.

Up to this time no murders had been committed, but it was only a matter
of a few days after the Indians left the settlement at Sioux Rapids that word
came down the river telling of the awful butchery at Spirit Lake. When the
news reached Bell he and one companion innnediately set out across the old
Fort Dodge road and carried the news of the massacre to Port Dodge, and he
I'emained until he saw the I'clief expedition start out from there.

There were fourteen members of the Indian band which made this raid,
and their names, as given by Mrs. Abbie (iar<lnei' Sharpe. in her account of
the Spirit Lake massacre, were as follows:

Ink-pa-du-ta. or Scarlet Point.

ilak-pe-a-ho-to-man. ov Roaring Cloud, and

;\Iak-pi-op-e-ta, or Fire Cloud, twins, and sons of Inkpadula.

Taw-a-che-ha-wa-kan, or His ;\I\-sterious Father.

Ba-lia-ta. m Old Man.

Ke-cho-man, or Putting on as He Walks.

Ka-ha-dat. or Ratling (son-in-law of Inkpadula).

Fe-to-a-ton-ka, oi' I5ig Face.

Ta-te-li-da-shink-sha-nian-i. or One Who .Makes a Ci'ooked Wind as lie

Walks.
'ra-chaii-ch<'-ga-h(>-1a. t»- His (ircat tiun.
I iii-san. iir ( )ne Leg.

Thdse who saw Inki)aduta at the time of the raid have described him as a
man aiiout lifty years of age. six fe<'t in height and very strongly built. lie
was dee])ly pitted \n- small-pox. and nl' a i'epulsi\'e appearance. jj is family
consisted of liimscH'. a s.piaw and foul- sons and a dauglilei'. He hated white
men and I'cgar-dcil tlieiri as eneinies of his race, interlopers whn wei'e taking
away i'rdiii liis people the choice hunting gi'duiids which llii'v had nccupied for
■'cnei'atinns. .\I1 Ikhil^Ii I:c hjoked upon liiiiiscir. and the iiicinhcrs dl' his hand.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 43

as outoasts amons' his own iicoplc. lie and his fiiildwcrs were ready at all times
to otifer insult and violence to the settlers.

A few weeks after the Spirit Lake massacre, as the raid was ever after
known, and the settlers had returned to the ruins of their Inniilije homes, when
the excitement had begun to subside, two graceless rogues came down the river
again spreading news of a recurrence of the Indian outbreak. The Reds were
said to be on the war path and the settlers were warned to tlee. They did so
with alacrity, and parties struck out across the prairie to seek refuge at Sac
City, Cedar Falls, and places farther east. One party of men and women,
with several little children, made their way across the prairie from near Peter-
son, and camped one night on the shores of Storm Lake, where there was a
fine grove of timber. The next day they hastened on to Sae City, where they
felt themselves safe. There was snow on the ground and their privations were
severe. ;\Ieanwhile the two rogues, who had caused all this excitement for
causes of plunder, were robbing the abandoned homes of their most valuable
contents, and before the truth could be ascertained and the settlers returned
to their homes, they had made way with their boot>- and wore never caught.

During the year of 1857 little of importance, save the raid, transpired.
That fall Hiram and William Brooke came out from Cedar Palls and settled
in Brooke township. They aci|uired four tpuirter sections of fine timber and
upland and the remarkable thing aljout this is the fact that as this is written
William Brooke still lives on the place he took when he came here fifty-two years
» ago. He is easily our oldest inhabitant, by many years.

v^ In 1858 the present site of Sioux Rapids was laid out in town lots by
Luther H. Barnes, who came to the county with considerable money. He
secured the west half and the northeast quarter of section twelve in Barnes
and the we.st half of the northwest ([uarter and the west half of the southwest
(|uarter of section seven in Lee, all of which was laid out and destined by the
ft)under to be a city of great magnit-ude and imitortance. He called the place
Sioux Rapids, for no particular reason but his own fancy. Afterward this
was known as Hollingsworth Ford, but when the town actually came in later
years it was called Sioux Rapids, the name selected by Mr. Barnes. Barnes
also bought the Templeton claim, which had been settled on by Lane aiul Ray.
The city did not materialize, and few settlers came. During the winter
the settlement at Sioux Rapids was isolated, and in the spring rumors of an-
other threatened I'aid by the Indians threw oui' little settlement into another
excitement. There was little ammunition in the homes of the settlers and as
soon as possible S. H. Packard, a son-in-law of Luther H. Barnes, went to Fort
Dodge to procure arms and annnunition. Xear the Fort he fell through the
ice and froze both feet. Amp\itation was necessary and he never returned
to the county. Mr. Barnes, discouraged and disheartened, soon left the county
also aiul all that was left of his projected city was the stakes which laid out
the si|\iares and streets. These the thrifty settlers gathered for fire wood, and
the land was taken for farming purposes when new settlers arrived. The re-
minders of Barnes' sojourn in the county are found in Barnes township, named
after him. and for years Barnes' (Jrove. the beautiful gmve southwest of Sioux
Rapids, was a place of interest.

44 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

W. S. Lee came to the county in 1858, and with him came M. S. Jameson.
Lee was a New York man by birth, bvit came west in the early fifties and located
in southwestern Wisconsin, where he lived until he came here. More will be
said of Lee later, as -he was without tlouljt the shrewdest man in the county in
his day, and he entered into public affairs with a vigor. Closes VanKirk came
about the same time, and settled on section 2 in Barnes. A man by the name
of Cole built a log house on section ti in Lee. this being afterward owned by
Stengrin Ilesla. "The Shoemaker." as he was known, a character in pioneer
days and named from the avocation he plied, settled on section 1 in Barnes.

Owing to tlic Indian scare in 1857, after the Spirit Lake raid and the false
alarm, a few soldiers were stationed at the Nessler place to protect the settlers.
One of these died, and his grave, unmarked and unknown, is still to be found
in Lone Tree cemetery, south of Sioux Rapids.

In 1858. Barnes circulated a petition to the District Court of Woodbury
county, asking that a commission be issued for the organization of our county.
The petition was signed by Luther Barnes, Lennox Barnes, W. S. Lee, M. S.
Jameson. Abner Bell. W. R. Weaver, The Shoemaker, Morris Metealf, Charles
C. Metealf. John W. Tucker. Arthur Reeves. Cole. Moses VanKirk and S. H.
Packard. Tliese. it may lie a.ssumed. constituted about all of the voters of
the county at that time, as the interest in the organization was so great there
could have been but a few dissenting voices. The records of the court at Siou.x
City are given to show the order for the organization, the poll li.st and the result :

County Court, Woodbury county.

nth September. 1858.

Now cnnu's S. II. PacicMi'd. Lennox II. Barnes, and thirteen other citizens
of Buena ^'ista county, wiio petition tlie court for a county organized. The
court not being satisfied tliat the petitioners are a ma.jority of tiie legal voters
of said county, did not grant their prayer, but ordered that L. B. Crittenden
act as organi/inii' sheriff tn post notices of townshij) elections, at least ten days
previous to the election on the second Tuesday in October. 185S, which will be
the 12th of said montii. If is ordered that said county be constituted a town-
ship for election pnr|i(ises. and that the lirst clectidii to be lidKlen in said
township tie at the home nf Lutiiei' II. Harm's in Siou.x Fxajiids. on the day
above named and that the electdrs be aiitiinrized to vote f'oi' state, district and
township officers at said election, and that said S. II. Packai-d. Leruio.\ II.
Barnes and Tliram Brooks act as .judges of s.iid clecfiim and that they mal<e due
returns of their doings according to law.

Signed. John L. Campbell.

Ciiunty Judge.

On i)age 112 of the Woodbury county record we liinl:

Coiuity Court. \V Iliury coiuit.v.

21st October. 1S58.

In th(! nnifter of the organization of Buena Vista co\uit.\-. Iowa.

Wherea.s, a jietition has this day been presented to the county couit In'

HISTORY OF BUEXA VISTA COUNTY 45

S. H. Packard, and twentyone other lesral voters of Bnena Vista eounty. and
Luther II. Barnes, one of said petitioners, haviny made oath that said [Petitioners
are a majority of the h».ual voters of said county, and whereas, the said
petitioners ask that said eounty may be oruaiiized ari-nriliuL;' to Ihe statute in
such cases made and jirovided.

First: Now. tiierefore I. John L. Camphell. coiuitN' .juiliie of Wooilliur\- county,
Iowa, <lo order that the c(ninty of Huena Vista be. and the same is hereby
organized from aiul after the third .^buiday in November. 1858.

Second : That an election be liolden in Buena Vista county, state aforesaid, at
the house of Luther II. Barnes, in Siou.x Rapids on the third Monday in
November. A. D. 1858. for county and town.ship ofiSeers and that S. H.
Packard. Wm. R. Weaver and Lutiier II. Barnes act as .iudi;es of said
election.

Third: It is ordered that Lennox II. i!;irnes act as an organizing sheriff of
said county and tliat he post notii-c thereof in at least three of the most
])o])uliius |)laces in said count.N' ten ihiys preceding said election.

F(3rRTii : It is further ordered that said .judges on the organizing thereof,
notify this court of their doings in the premises according to law.

Signed, John L. C.v.mpbell.

County Juilgc.

And on page lliU, of the record, we find further:

County Court. Woodbury county, Iowa,

20th November. 1858.

Now comes Arthur T. Reeve who has liceii duly elected count>- .judge of
Buena Vista county, Iowa, who presented his bontl ajtproved by Charles E.
Hedges, treasurer and recorder, when the court administered to him the oath of
office and gave him a certificate of his (pialification.

Signed, John L. Campbell.

County Judge,

On the Election Book of Woodburv count.\', we find on page 40 :

20th November. 1858

The board of canvassers, consisting of John L. Campbell, eounty .judge.
John 0. Allison, justice of the peace, and William R. Huey. special justice of
e peace, proceeded to canvass a special election holden in Buena Vi.sta county
on the 15th of November. 1858. for county and township olificer^.

There were fifteen votes polled for the office of county judge of which
Arthur T. Reeve received nine (9) and S. H. Packard received si.x (6).

There were fifteen votes polled for the office of treasurer and recorder, of
Avhich John W. Smith received nine (9) and Luther H. Barnes receivfid six (6),

There were fifteen votes cast for the office of clerk of the district court of
which Aquilla Cook received nine (9) and Lennox II. Barnes received (6).

46 HISTORY OF BUP^NA VISTA COUNTY

There were tliirteen votes polled for the office drainage commissioner of
which Aqnilla Cook received ten (10) and A. Bell received three (3). /

There were fifteen votes polled for the office of sheriff of which Abner Bell
received (9) votes and Closes VanKirlc received six (6).

There were fifteen votes east for the office of superintendent of connnon
schools of which ^lordecai S. Jameson received seven (7) votes, ilordecai
Jameson received three (3 ) votes; A. Cook received two (2) votes; Cook received
three (3) votes.

There were fifteen votes cast for the office of county surveyor, of which
Charles C. Metcalf received nine (9) votes. Charles ]\Ietcalf received one (1)-
vote, Gilbert Pulver received five (5) votes.

There were fifteen votes cast for the office of coroner of which il. L. ^letcalf
received nine (9) votes. M. Metcalf received one (1) vote and llorris iletcalf
received five (5) votes.

There were forty-five votes cast for the office of township trustees of which
Jlorris W. ]\Ietcalf received ten (10) votes. William R. Weaver received ten
(10). William Brooks received ten (10) votes. John Tucker received (5) votes,
]\r. VanKirk received five (5) votes. Alliert Hum received five (5) votes.

There were fifteen votes cast fin- the office of township clerk, of which iMoses
VanKirk received ten (10) votes. I\I. S. Jameson received five (5) votes.

There were fifteen votes cast for the office of supervisor, of which William
R. Weaver received ten (10) votes. William Weaver received five (5) votes.

There were thirty votes cast for tlie office of justice of the peace, of which
John W. Tucker received ten (10) votes. ^lendel L. Metcalf received ten (10)
votes, Mendel Metcalf received five (5) votes. William R. Weaver received (5)
votes.

There were thirty votes cast for the office of constable of which Hiram
Brooks received fifteen (15) votes. Luther II. Barnes rccci\c(l nine (9) votes.
Charles Jletcalf received six (6) votes.

There were fifteen votes cast for the office of tnwnshi]) assessor, of wliii-li
Oliver W. Barker received ten MO) votes. William l?iMoks rec-eived five (5)
votes.

.(dim L. Caiiipbcll. County Ju(l,ure,

John O. Allison, .lust ice of the Peace.

Wm. R. lluey. Sjjecial Justice of the Peace.

Board of Canva.ssers.

I'Ol.I, HOOK OF Kr.KC'I'lOX .\T SKllX KAIMDS. IOWA.

The poll IhkiK- fill- till' cliM'tioii ill linciia Vista couiil.w Xiivi'iiiher 15. 1.858,
sliows :

Judges: Sylve.stcr II. Park^inl. William R. Wciivcr and Liitlur II. I5,inies.

Clerks: Lennox II. Barnes. Moses VanKirk.

S. IT. Packard took the oatli of office before tlir clerk (if the district court in
Woodbur.v eoiinty Octdber '2'2. 1S5S. and tlie otliei- jikIltcs and clerks were sworn
in bv Packard.

IlISTOKY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 47

POLL LIST.

Th(> poll list (if tliis. the first clcctidii. shows I he fdlldwint;' naiiics: A((uilla
('i)ok, J. X. Xewi'omb. S. II. Packard (sworn), Arthur T. Reeve, A. Bell (sworn).
Luther H. Barnes, Closes VanKirk, John W. Smith. Charles C. Metealf, Mendell
L. Metealf. Oliver W. Barker. Morris W. iletcalf. Lennox II. Barnes (sworn).
William R. Weaver.

Where the fifteenth \'of(' i-oini's in has never been explained.

It may thus be seen that tin- Hrst officials ti) be chosen in lliiciui Vista
<'(iunt>' were as follows:

Arthur T. Reeves. County Juilue; William R. Weaver. Ti-casurcr and Re-
corder: John W. Tucker. Clerk: Abner Bell. Sheritf.

The county .indue had legislative po\\-er and his duties were tlie same as are
now filled by the board of supervisoi's. This office contiiuied until 1861. when
the duties were changed and the office of county supervisor was created.

Before the county was oriianized. in 1856 to be exact. Judge Asahel W.
Hubbard of Sioux City, then actiiii;' for Woodbury county, to which this county
was attached for .judicial piirposes. appointed a committee consistinsj of D.
Carr Early of Sac City. John Kindlesperyer of Clay connty and a Mr. Sauter
or Sawtelle. the exact name cannot be ascertained, to lay out a county seat for
our county. The only settlement at that time, it will be remembered, was at
Sictnx Rapids and the commission after mature deliberation .selected ten acres of
the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of .section 18 of Lee township as
the site. This was about one mile south from the present site of the town of
Sioux Rapids, and was selected because it was up on the prairie, while the
settlement was alont;' the bottom land of the river. The county seat was
called "Prairieville. " but after W. S. Lee acquired the land upon which it was
located, it was sometimes known as "Leesburp-. " The old maps show it as
"Prairieville" and that was the oid.v name it bore in an offii'ial way. No
courthouse was ever erected, and but few buildings ever graced the site. W.
S. Lee imilt a log house on the iilac(^ and this was used for a dwelling, to hold
religious services, foi' comity official jiui-jioses and as a courthouse. The old
structure is still stantling.

The officers elected in 1858. upon the organization of the county, at once
assumed their duties and one of the first acts was to levy a six mill road and
bridge tax, which brought in about two hundred dollars in 1850. It was
needed as the coimt>' had not a bridge nor a road. cV,

Isaac Enders came in 1859. In the same year W. S. Lee went liaeliTb
Wisconsin and upon his return i)rought with him Kinidt Steinierson. 0. A.
Rang. Christian Johnson and Henry and Ole Gnllickson. These men came
from Allamakee county, and formed the nucleus of the strong Norwegian col-
ony that afterward settled in Lee and Barnes townslii|is until they comprised
the larger part of these two townships.

In 1859 the swamp or overtlowetl lands of the county Avere surveyed Iiy
order of the county .judge. The contract was let to J. S. Ringland and he com-

48 IIISTOKY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

plctcd his iMsk in sixteen days, prepared liis repDi't and sent it to the proper
authorities at Des iloines. I5nt Abner IJell. who had ideas of his own upon
this proeeeding. and wlio in this instance liad tlie welfare of the eounty at
heart, was dissatisfied with the whok' pi'oreedinu and was not slow to say so.
He alleged that it would he inii)ossible to intelligentl.v surve.v the eounty in
the time that was employed, and asserted that during the time the men were
supposed to lie at wor]< locating' the swamp lands the,\- were in fact lying in
camp on a hill near Sioux Rapids, drinking whiskey, playing poker and telling
stories. Bell secured the services of Charles C. Smeltzer, a young attorney at
Peterson, and had a remonstrance drawn and signed, and then mounting a
horse he rode early and late until he reached Des ^Moines before the report
arrived at its destination. How jxitent this action was may never be ascer-
tained, but it is a fact that no swamp lands were ever patented to the county.
W. S. Lee afterward ]iulilished an article upon this phase of the i|uestion and
he states that the reason none of these lands were patented to the count.v was
simpl.v l)ecause no one looked after it and it was allowetl to go h.v default.

A census of the count.\- was taken in LSiJO by C. C. Smelt/.er of Peterson
and revealed that tlie popiilation of the county was but fifty-seven souls. During
the following decade few addition."! were made, anil it was not until early in the
seventies that the coimtv began to settle up fast.

An idea of tlie isolation of the settlers ma.v lie gathered from the fact that
there were few settlenu'iits in northwest Iowa at that date and they were small
and unimportant. Sac City was a town of considerable importance and
Spencer was becoming heard of. Peterson was the county seat of Cla.v county
and was th(> head(|uarters for all matters relating to court proceedings for Clay,
O'Brien and Buena Vista counties. Cherokee had a mill and was also a town
of some pretensions. To th(^ east Fort Dodge was the largest jilace until
Webster City was reached. To the west Sioux City was beginning to put on
the airs of a country town. It is true that Spirit Lake was then of some im-
portance. li\il it was far away and the roads were at times almost impassable,
through the sloughs and swamp lands to the north.

During the .\-ear 18');) the tirst nuirder in the eount.s- took place n(>ar Linn
Grove, an account of which is given in another e!ia|)ter.

Of the eitiy.ens who were here in 1S,")I( anil ISliO Isaac JMiders. .lanu^s II.
Gleason and John Stanley lived im section V2 in P>arnes; Moses V^inKirk on
section '2. Weaver and Bell lix'ecl on the hill east of Sioux i\apids on what was
afterward known as the Strulile place. .lames K'ncker lived with his family
on section 6 in Lee; Morris Jletcalf and son Charles were located on section 1.
Brooke, below Linn (irove and I\ielcalf"s son-in-law. W. O. Sluytei' ami Lansing
M. Lewis were living near the pi'eseiil site of Linn Grove. The widow of
lOnoeli Taylor, the man who was nnirdei-ed in 18.")!), also liNcd near Sluyter.

In 18(iO .Moses \'anKirk. co\nit,\- .indge. entered into a contract with James
II. Gleason and John Stanley to Imild a bridge ovit the Little Sioux river at
Sioux Ra])ids. It was completecl in 18(11 by .lasper .\. Lindsey. a sub con-
tractor, but weld out in 1862, in high watei'. (Jleason and Stanley received
as payment five thousand acres of swamp land. The transaction was wholly

NORTH LAKE AVENUE, STORM LAKE, IN 1S72.

HISTORY OF BUBNA VISTA COUNTY 49

illegal as no vote was taken on the proposition, and the law did not authorize
the granting of land for that purpose.

The following year Charles A. Jjee. brother to William S. eame to the
ounty and become prominent in tlie affairs of a public nature.

In 1861 Judge VanKirl? made a contract with Isaac Enders to build a
.schoolhouse in the northeast corner of section 12 in Lee township, and with
Hiram and William Brooke to build one on section 6 in Barnes, but these con-
tracts were never carried out. , A special election was called and the contracts
were ratified. Tlio contractors began work, but the houses were never
fininshed. Lumber was sawed for public use, and for the settlers, on a porta-
ble sawmill operated by John Gilbert at Peterson, aand Mr. Lee that year
laid the fir.st floor of sawed lumber in the county. He also dug the first well
in 1861, all of the water before that date having been secured at the .river and
from .springs.

On July 4th of this year Isaac Enders gave a dance at his home and this
is said to have been the first event of this character in the county. We may
believe the carefree pioneers en.joyed themselves and entered into the festivi-
ties of the Nation's birthday with abandon and exuberance.

It was during this year tliat the law was changed and the office of county
.iudge was changed, a board of supervis(U"s being substituted therefor.

In the fall of 1861 John Cofer. a notorious and somewhat unscrupuloiis
operator in swamp land contracts, came to the county from O'Brien
county, and opened negotiations with the county officials for the purchase
of all of our swamp lands. The lands were considered almost worthless,
being in the south and central part of the county, far from timber and the
river. He proposed that a contract be entered into, by which he would build
a courthouse for the county in exchange for the overflowed lands, and attempted
to interest other parties, among them being William S. Lee, in the transaction.
But Lee did not propose to have any good thing go to a stranger, and having
some influence with the officials he made another proposal which was accepted,
by which the county deeded to Lee all its right, title and interest in sixty-foiir
thousand eight hundred and eighty and eighty-eight hundreth acres of swamp
laud at the nominal price of .sixteen cents an acre. The contract was entered
into September 2, 1861. and was ratified by the people at an election held the
following October.

Lee commenced work on the courthouse, causing a quantity of lumber to
be cut, but it was allowed to remain in the grove where it was felled, and the
thrifty settlers soon appropriated it to their own use. It never was used in
the courthouse, and the courthouse was never built. Later Mr. Lee made a
contract with Richard Ridgway to erect the courthouse, this contract being
submitted to the Board of Supervisors, who ratified it. It was claimed by Lee
tliat he was released from the contract, but that the deed stood, and this entire
transaction was the sub.icct of severe deiuuiciation and controversy for many
years.

This contract was made by virtue of a law passed by the Congress of the
United States on September 28, 1850, by which all of the swamp and overflowed

50 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

lands in the state were s:ranted to the state of Iowa, which were then undis-
posed of. Two years later the State, by an act of the General Assembly
firranted these lands to the ditferent counties under certain conditions, and made
provision for their selection. One of these provisions was a survey, to be
approved by the connty officials, by a competent surveyor. It has already
been told how the Buena Vista county "swamps" were surveyed.

It seems incredible at this day to see how almost sixty-five thousand acres
of overflowed land could be found in the county. One thing may be said in
explanation : they did not exist. The system of letting a contract to a sur-
veyor by which he received his pay according to the number of acres returned
was vicious and led to gross abuse. There never were sixty-five thousand acres
of swamp or overflowed land in the county even in the wettest times, and when
drainage was not dreamed of. In these days a transaction by which such a
report would be returned would be called "graft.'' Another reason, that has
already been suggested, was the fact that the settlers at that tinie did not deem
the treeless prairies of much value. It may also be said that the cupidity of
men who desired to obtain these lands for a nominal sum aided in the return
of such preposterous reports.

The swamp land contract between W. S. Lee and the county, which has
just been described, was finally determined in 1882 in an action brought by
D. Carr Early of Sac City against the county of Buena Vista to test the legal-
ity of the deed. The trial revealed the fact that in December. 1861, W. S.
Lee and W. 0. Sluyter. as clerk of the Board of Supervisors, entered into a
contract by which the county was to deed to Lee more than sixty thousand
acres of the swamp and overflowed lands in consideration of Lee's contract
^. to build a courthouse at Sioux Rapids and n bridge over the Little Sioux river
at Linn Grove. The proposition was submitted to the people and eighteen
votes were cast, the contracts being ratified. The contract was assigned by
Lee to Richard Ridgway. a builder, and Lee was released. Ridgway failed
to build the courthouse and the bridge was also abandoned after some of the
material had been prepared.

Lee at once proceeded to sell hi.s land and here the difficulty began. lie
sold vast quantities of his holdings and these lands were in turn conveyed to
others. One of the largest buyers from Lee was Porter B. Roberts, who sold
out his purchase in small parcels.

Lee was placed on the stand and swore tliat tlic lontract had been entered
into in good faith liy him. He admitted thai no building had been done but
swore that he had let the contract to another, to Richard Ridgway, who had
been accepted by the Board and Lee had been released. Lee swore that the
original contract called for the building of a seminary, an educational institu-
tion, in order to evade 1li(> law whii-li did not autliori/c the exchange of the
land for courthouse purposes, but admitted that this was but a subterfuge,
as the "seminary" was to be used by the county for a courthouse. A deposi-
tion fi'oni Ridgway, denying the sulvcontiNnt. was placed in evidence. Abner
Bell, who was conversant with the matter, was also placed on the stand and
swore that the contract provided that no land was to be deeded until the mater-

HISTORY OF BUBNA VISTA COUNTY 51

ial for the courthouse was on the ground, when five thousand was to be trans-
ferred. He was positive a seminary was never mentioned, but a courthouse
was intended all of the time. William Brooke and Knudt Stennerson, also
contemporaries of Lee, testified that their recollections were the same as Bell.
The couut\- contended that the deed was fraudulent, illegal and void on the
ground that

1. The county was not organized until 1858 and none of the land was
patented until 1872. The General Assembly in 1855 passed an act prohibiting
counties not then organized from transferring any of the land until the title was
perfected in the State.

2. The consideration failed, the land having been deeded in consideration
of the building of a courthouse and bridge, and neither had been built.

3. The deed was never authorized liy the people.

4. The statute in force at the time the deed was executed prohibited the
transfer of land for less than one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre while
the price named in the deed was about sixteen cents an acre.

5. The county was not then authorized to use swamp lands for building
of courthouse.

6. The persons executing the conveyance were not authorized to do so
and their act was invalid.

The case was ably tried but Judge Macomber. before wlioni the hearing was
had, decided that the contention of the county was good, and Lee and his
purchasers lost all tlieir claim. Before the trial there had been much trouble
in tracing titles, but this action quieted the title iii many a piece of land in the
county. The case was never appealed, the decision of Judge Macomber being
final.

During this period of our county's history finances were in a deplorable
state. The tax levies brought but little money, and the improvements that
were voted took all and more than the receipts would pay for. County war-
rants were issued freely and they depreciated until they were worth but from
twenty to thirty cents on the dollar, and contracts were let on that ba.sis. Of
course, the county was compelled to pay the face value, with interest added,
for warrants that were not paid for want of funds. Those who could hold the
warrants, and had the money to carry them, made large profits. The county
debts were not large as we count it now. Some .years there was but five hundred
dollars to spend for county purposes, and at the depreciated value of the
warrants, that would build but few bridges or pay but little on salaries,
although these were never princely. The Taylor murder, referred to elsewhere,
cost the county over two thousand dollars. The special elections to ratify
swamp land contracts for bridges, court and schoolhouses. and for other pur-
poses, cost the county two thousand dollars more. There were roads to be laid
out and bridges to build over the streams that could not be forded. The
bridge over the Little Sioiix. it will be remembered went out the year after it
was built and the county was bonded in the sum of eighteen thousand dollars

52 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

to rohnild it. Of this amount, twelve thmisand dollin-.s wont to Lee and six
thousand dollars to Isaac Enders for hridsins the slonghs of the eonnty, and
this amount did not cover many of the sloughs, either.

Charles A. Lee entered npon the duties of the office of treasurer and
recorder by appointment on Janixary 15. 1862. and when he took charge of the
office there was but sixty-nine dollars and twenty cents in the treasury and
thirteen thousand acres of entered land in the county. The revenue for that
year was but fifteen hundred dollars. In 1862 Geo. W. Strnble. a brother-in-
law of Lee's, came from New York. "With Struble came Oliver Moore and
Daniel W. Farnham. both of whom were relatives of Lee's. These men took
an active part in the county's affairs and were under the leadership of W. S.
Lee in the development of the county's resources. They came to teach school
and were connected with the educational progress of the count.v for a short time.
Farnham soon left. This year Jameson was elected clerk of the county board
of supervisors.

Charles A. Lee resigned and left the county duriiiLj tlie summer. He went
to Burlington where he enlisted in the TTnion army and served witli credit to
liimself all through the war. He was credited to this county.

During 1862 the work of internal improvement continued unabated.
Many contracts were let to bridge the streams of the county and it is current
among the older settlers that a load of rails and a few armfuls of straw woiild
build a bridge that the county paid five hundred dollars for. But when we
stop to again consider that the warrants were worth but twenty cents on the
dollar the spoils were not so large as would seem. The choice of material,
however, was unfortunate, to put it mildly. The first prairie fire would
invariably destroy the bridge, and should it survive that the first freshet was
sure to take it out. This necessitated, of course, a new bridge and a new con-
tract, so the system was not faulty from the contractor's view point, if it was
disastrous to the county.

In this year the Indian raid a1 New Flni atraiii threw the settlers into a
turmoil, but few left the county. The election that fall brought out twenty
votes, and the population was slowly increasing.

During this year Torkel Torkelson and ^lichael Rollings worth arrived,
and they became two of the leaders in affairs in after yeai-s. Mr. Ilollingsworth
settled near Sioux Rapids, and the ford at his place became known as Hollings-
worth Ford. The permanent bridge which was thrown across the river is
knowi] as the TIollins;sworth Ford bridge in tlic official minutes of the board
of supervisors. Ilollingsworth was a Quaker, but when afl'airs grew warm in
the political turmoil of after years "Uncle Michael" as he was affectionately
known, could doflp his habiliments of peace and put on war togs as quickly as
the next man. Torkelson settled on the prairie in Lee township, in the
Norwegian settlement.

Richard Ridgway came in 1863 and built a house in the town of Sioux
Rapids, near where the Farmer home now stands, Ilollingsworth erected his
house where the C. & N. W. depot now stands in Sioux Rapids. Farnham
built this vear on section G. in Lcc lownsliip. on the south side of the river.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 53

The same year John Kindlesperyer bought a portable sawmill and set it up on
section 6, in Lee township, where he supplied the settlers with building material.

During 1862 an election fight of serious proportions involved the county,
and was not settled until the following year. "W. S. Lee and George Killam
were rival candidates for the office of treasurer and the contest was warm.
Both men made a hard fight to line up the twenty voters that comprised the
total strength of the county and it was charged that votes were at a premium.
A cow, and perhaps a little ready cash, was exchanged for the vote of some of
the faltering ones, and when the campaign closed the night before election both
sides retired to their beds feeling insecure. They doubted seriously whether
the votes that had been boiight would stay bought and the day's proceeding
shook the faith of Lee. Irregularities in the counting were exchanged and it
was charged that while the judges slumbered after their arduous duties the
ballot box had been tampered with. Killam commenced proceedings in the
district court at Sioux City against Lee and a trial was had, judgment being
pronounced against Lee. The case was appealed and affirmed, but before
OTister proceedings were carried out Killam and Lee compromised the. matter,
Lee continuing to hold office and Killam leaving the county. He sold his
farm and departed and was never heard of again. What brought the warring
parties together was never revealed.

During this year the authorities awarded a contract to W. S. Lee for the
building of an eighteen thousand dollar bridge across the Little Sioux river at
Sioux Rapids. The bonds have been referred to, which were issued for this
purpose.

The war was in progress at this time and the Indians in the we.st were
restive. The settlers provided their windows with heavy shutters and never
went to bed, feeling secure, until they had closed and bolted these shutters to
provide against any surprise by the savages during the night. None of the
hostile Indians molested settlers of this county during this scare but rumors were
frequent and the residents of our little settlement lived in daily apprehension.

About this time every county in the state was recjuired to furnish a desig-
nated number of men for the army, and when this word reached Bueua Vista
there was much excitement. Save for the enlistment of Charles A. Lee in
1862 no one had felt the call to go to the front but now there was much patriotic
fervor. Oliver Moore was drafted but he sent George Ditton as his substitute
and remained to attend to the affairs of the coiinty in a peaceful manner.
Henry Gullickson was drawn, also, but he was not accepted and Knudt
Stennerson went in his stead. These two men served well, Mr. Stenuersou
remaining until the close of the war. This conscription had the effect of
arousing patriotic sentiment in the breast of our settlers and a meeting was
called at which loyal speeches were made and the isolation was forgotten. It
seemed as if a .stain was upon the county because no more attention had been
paid to the great tragedy of war, and it was resolved to remove it. Everyone
was fully aroused. Another mass meeting was called and the electors voted
to raise twenty thousand dollars to send soldiers to the front. The money was
raised by a bond issue, it was spent, but no recruits were added to the army.

54 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Later iu the year Peter P. Holland, one of the members of the board of super-
visors, resigned, went to Sioux City, where lie enlisted in the army. He was
sent south and word came back soon after that he had met death and was buried
in Tennessee. The other soldiers who represented the county in the war came
back alive, but only Mr. Stennerson remained here. He returned to the farm
in Lee township where he lived, a respected and honored citizen, until a few
years ago.

Homer Smith and George Ijeake came out from New York this year and
were added to the population of the county. They located near the Little
Sioux, and as yet there was not a settlement in the south part of the county.

In 1865, by vote of the board of supervisors, Lee was relieved from his
contract to build the courthouse and Richard Ridgway. who had taken a sub
contract from Lee, was taken on by the county. Lee resigned his ofSce of
treasurer and on December 23 left the county to sell his swamp land in the
east. He was gone for a couple of years during which time he succeeded in
disposing of a large amount of the land which he held under the deed executed
in 1860, at a great profit.

The election of 1866 was full of interest and excitement. It is usual
where a certain set of men have held office for some years to charge ring rule,
and this cry was taken up that fall. Richard Ridgway had the year before
been elected treasurer but was prevented from serving by force and arms, and
Oliver Moore, a relative of W. S. Lee's was appointed and took possession of the
office. The population had increased materially since 1863 and a vigorous
campaign was instituted by Abner Bell and Hubbard Sanderson',"against the
men who were in power, and their friends. Every voter who could be induced
to come out attended the polls, well armed, at the October election and trouble
was expected to break out in open battle. Charges of fraud and counter
charges were freely exchanged. The officers who were "in" were determined
to die in the ditch and equally desirous of winning were the "outs" Jed by Bell
and Sanderson. It is said that even Uncle Michael Hollingsworth, Quaker
though he was, attended the polls fully prepared for trouble. When the polls
were closed and the vote canvassed Bell and Sanderson were found to have won
and the rejoicing was great. It took an ugly turn however and threats were
freely uttered that the old officials would be lynched.

The same night M. S. Jameson and Oliver Moore, two of the men against
whom the animosity was particularly strong, left the county, taking with them
all of the records that had any bearing on the financial transactions of the county,
the minute book of the board of supervisors and llic county seal. They went
to Fort Dodge wliei-e the books were turned over to an attorney, who had
represented the old officials in their difficulties, ami kept by him. Moore and
Jameson had many friends at Fort Dodge, as they were hail fellows well met,
and when they re[)eated their slots' and told how naiTow had been their escape
from the hands of the infuriated citizens of Buena Vista county, it was deter-
mined to raise and organize an expedition of their friends to invade the county
and restore the fleeing officials to their rights. The party was about to depart
when the affair reached the ears of an old gentleman who interfered and gave

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 55

the other version of the matter. The expedition was speedily abandoned.
Moore and Jameson were indic-ted in the district court of Clay county, to which
Buena Vista was attached for judicial purposes, for malfeasance of ofSce and
warrants issued for their arrest. Neither party could be found, however, and
their cases were continued from time to time, until finally dismissed.

The board of supervisors met on November 16, 1866, and declared the
offices of clerk of the board of supervisors, filled by M. S. Jameson, vacant, and
Abner Bell was appointed to fill the vacancy. Our record liistor.y as a county
dates from that meeting. All the events of an official nature prior to that time
have been gathered from unofficial sources and must be relied upon only to the
extent that memory may be faulty.

The county was then eight years old, since organization, and the population
had increased but slowly. There were few families here and those who were
here were related, or familiar with the doings of each other. Stories of dere-
liction in office became magnified as time passed and they were repeated from
one to another, and it has been the purpose of the writer to set it down in a
manner as to do no injustice to those who were interested as the real facts can
not be substantiated.

"William S. Lee and Abner Bell are authority for all the data prior to
1863, and they represented such opposite views on many of the questions that,
taking a middle ground, it is pretty safe to believe that that view will be about
correct. Some of the information was furnished by officers of the Federal
government who had an occasion to examine into the transactions of that early
day in relation to lauds which were a part of the public domain, and which were
claimed by private parties.

It may be said that the officials who served the county and who granted
the public lands, or who issued warrants with so liberal a hand, wei-e criminally
liable for their acts. Some undoubtedly were, but others covered their tracks
so cleverly that good lawyers could find no point that seemed vulnerable.
They had eminent counsel in their employ and no step was taken that was not
carefully considered. It may be that they were morally guilty of a breach of
trust, but that is another question.

It may also be said that the speculators who made such astounding con-
tracts with the county defrauded those to whom they sold the worthless war-
rants and the land which they held by such flimsy titles. In justice to them
it must be said that no sales were made that were not heavily discounted, and
but few transactions were made with men in the east who were better than they,
and who drove sharp bargains because they were fully aware of the long chances
they were taking. Of course the public suffered and it was years after when
the payments must be met that the real consequence from the reckless acts
made itself known. But it was then too late to mete out punishment to those
who were guilty.

A gentleman who made an investigation of the early days of the county
almost forty years ago, came to the conclusion that ' ' Not to man is it given to do
justice to all. 'The evil that men do lives after them; the good they do is
often interred with their bones.' The men who have been censured for their

56 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

public misdeeds were, as a class, kindhearted and good men and neighbors.
Many pleasant acts of kindness relieve them from the charge of being utterly
corrupt, and the one who receives the largest share of public eensvire is a man
who would spend his last dollar to alleviate human misery."

They saw a good bargain and they could not resist the opportunity to
drive it. We will venture the a.ssertion here that their like could be found in
almost every county of that time.

The officers who served the county 'during the period that has just been
reviewed were as follows:

1858 — Arthur T. Reeves, county judge: William R. Weaver, treasurer and
recorder; John W. Tucker, clerk and Abner Bell, sheriff.

1860 — Moses VanKirk, county judge; Abne^'Bell, treasurer and recorder;
Lansing M. Lewis, sheriff and C. C. Smeltzer, attorney.

1861 — Moses VanKirk, county judge; Abner Bell, treasurer, recorder and
superintendent of schools; J. II. Gleason and W. 8. Lee, clerks and W. 0.
Sluyter, supervisor. v

1862 — W. 0. Sluyter, supervisor; L. M. Lewis and W. S. Lee, clerks;
Charles A. Lee, treasurer and John Andrews, sheriff".

1863 — James Tucker, Lansing M. Lewis and Peter Holland, supervisors ;
Geo. Killam, clerk until the latter part of IMay when he was succeeded by M. S.
Jameson; Charles A. Lee, treasurer and recorder luitil August when he resigned
and was succeeded by W. S. LeeN

1864 — Peter Holland, Torkel Torkelsou and Lansing M. Lewis, supervisors;
M. S. Jameson, clerk and W. S.Mjee, treasurer and recorder.

1865 — Geo. W. Struble, I, T. Hollingsworth and T. Torkelson, supervisors;
M. S. Jameson, clerk and W. S. Lee, treasui-er and recorder. Lee resigned on
December 23 and was succeeded by Richard Ridgway. Ridgway was prevented
from qualifying and Oliver Moore filled the office by appointment.

1866 — W. A. Trusty, Homar A. Smith and L. J. Suckow, supervisors. M.
S. Jameson was clerk, Oliver ^loore treasurer and recorder.

A PIONEER HOME.

Mrs. Jennie M. Farmci'. who loicw llic Strulilc r.-imily iii(iina(cly. has
written a sketch of the Sti'ublc Ikhih' in I lie cai'ly days (if the (Miiiiity. T( is of
interest in this history as showing a home lil'c picture in the picuieer days.
The house was built of logs, two stories liigh. Tlie lower floor was divided
into two rooms, a guest i-hamlier U<v (raxclei's m visitoi's .-ind a large and cheerful
living nxmi. When it was Imiit Mv. and .Mrs. Sli'ul)le were concerned as it
seemed to them rough and uninhaln1al)le. but by constant effort it was made an
attractive place, and as it was the umisI prelenlious Imme in the eounly it was
frequented by all. The county court convened in this living room for five
years, and court regularly adjourned to allow Mrs. Struble to set the table and

JOHN BURR'S PIONEER CABIN AND GROUP OF OLD SETTLERS.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 57

serve a meal cooked in the adjoining kitchen, of which judge, bar and litigants
partook with relish. The board of supervisors also met here in this room and
the frontier circuit rider held religious .services on one Sunday in each month.

The door was fastened with a huge log chain, and the windows had
primitive shutters of walnut, tough and strong enough to withstand a siege.

The mail came from Fort Dodge once a week, and letters and newspapers
were scarce, and often old when they arrived. Tlie mail facilities were decided-
ly primitive and irregular, especially so in the winter time when fierce snow
storms would rage for a week at a time, blocking the road and obliterating
every sign of a trail. In the summer there were frequent travelers along the
old Fort Dodge road which was worn into deep ruts from the heavy loads of
freight or immigrant goods hauled to a future home in the northwest. In 1865
there was a severe snow storm which lasted for many days. The supply of
flour gave out and the only way to get corn meal was to grind it in a coffee
mill. This was done and the family subsisted on this coarse fare until Mr.
Struble could get a sack of flour from Sioux City by way of the stage. It cost
him six dollars and twenty-five cents for fifty pounds, but was a luxury when
it arrived. The government stage plied from Fort Dodge to Sioux City and
was a regular mode of conveyance when the weather permitted.

During that winter oats sold for a dollar a biishel and corn was proportion-
ately high. How did the settlers live, the reader will ask? Well, there was
game in plenty. Brants, wild turkeys, ducks and geese could be shot when
the weather permitted. It is told that wild turkeys have been shot from the
cabin doors, or through chinks in the wall. They were cpiite tame and came
close to the houses to feed.

The nearest doctor was at Fort Dodge and he was oidy called in eases of
dire necessity. Nurse llollingsworth. an old lady with much experience in
sickness, prescribed for the minor ailments and assi.sted many a sufferer to
health, by her gentle ministration.

Indians freciuented the settlement and frightened the women and children
when they appeared while the husband was at work in the fields near by. The
raid of 1857, and rumors that were afloat, kept the settlers in continual panic.
They never molested anyone, but as they had a name for treachery and no one
felt safe, the appeai-ance of a party before a door was cause for worry, even if
the visitors protested that they were "Good Indians," and meant no harm.

As has been said church services were held once a month. The frontier
circuit rider did not always wear broadcloth, but was at times dressed in
shabby garments. His stipend was small and decidedly irregular. At one
time an exhorter appeared before his congregation at the Struble home, dressed
in shirt and trousers, withoiit shoes, collar or coat, and preaclied a powerful
sermon. After he had pi'onounced the benediction he exclaimed: "Well,
Brother Thomas, I preached for all there was in it, didn't I?"

On another occasion the sum of twenty dollars was raised for the preacher's
salary, and in order to determine who should make up the deficiency and to see
who shoidd call on the Dominic antl pay over the money all nf the brethren
gathered at the table and settled the matter in a poker game. Stnd)le lost and

58 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

he was obliged to pay up all the deficiency and pay over the money to the
minister, who perhaps well knew how the difficulty had been met. But the
conscience was not so tender' in those days and the money was not refused for
fear it might be tainted.

The log house gave way in time to a frame house, wliieh was used for many
years as a hotel. Struble's Hotel was known far and wide for its cheer and
became the leading hostelry of the region. In its ofSce or "barroom" many
political meetings, at which tlie destinies of the county were settled, were held
and the schemes that were framed there controlled the county absolutely.

BROOKE'S RECOLLECTIONS.

As has been stated elsewhere in tliis work. Hiram and William Brooke came
to the coi;nty in the month of September, 1857, and remained here. Hiram
Brooke died some years ago, but William is still living on the old place on
section 14 in Brooke township.

Mr. Brooke's memory is clear on the events of the first years he spent in
the coimty. When he settled on his farm the Indians were not living in the
count.v, but were in Southern IMinnesota and around Spirit Lake in great
numbers. They frequently came down along the Little Sioux river to hunt
and fish, and camped in the timber in this county for days at a time. Trapping
was good, and great quantities of mink, beaver, raccoons, an occasional otter and
any quantity of musk rats could be caught. This helped out the new comers
wonderfully, as fur buyers came around at intervals to buy the pelts. These
traders also carried clothing, shoes and other articles of barter and found a
ready market, at exorliitant prices, for all they could carry with them.

This was providential as it was far to market and there was no way to go
but to walk. Horses were not plentiful, most of the settlers having one or two
yokes of oxen with which the stubborn prairie sod was broken.

There were traces of an Indian village to be found on section 11 in Brooke
township, and Mr. Brooke believes a good sized village had been located there.
The location of tents could be seen as stones had been piled up all about them,
and these were .still there. Pottery of Indian make was also found, as well
as other evidences of the existence of the village.

The wandering Indians who came occasionally were a thieving lot, and
stole horses and cattle at every opportunity. They were insolent to i.solated
settlers but when they met a considerable party of whites showed deference
and wanted to be known as "Good Indians," willing enough to be friendly.

Many i)c()])le <amc to the county during the years after Mr. Brooke first
came, but few remained. They seemed to lie restless and if they were not
suited by the land that could l)e taken they moved on to another location. As
there were vo-y few settlers :iiiywlicrc in northwest Iowa desirable land was
I)lcntiful. A good body of timber and water — tliese were the two desirable
tilings that nuist Ix' in sight l)efore the moving pioneer would consent to become
a "squatter."

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 59

Ambrose Mead ami Giis Kirehuer lived at Peterson, or near the present
location of the town. Enoeh Taylor also came early and located near the
present site of Linn Grove. Mead and Kirchner did not leave at the time of
the Spirit Lake raid, but all the other settlers along the river left the country.

The nearest mill was at Fort Dodge. There was also one at Webster City
and for some years settlers went there for their grist. This was a long trip
with a yoke of cattle and the trip was the event of the year with most families.

The early storms were terrific. Snow in huge quantities came early in the
fall and stayed on the ground until late in the spring. The blizzards were
severe and it was almost certain death to be caught in the fierce winter storms
if away from home. Mr. Brooke built his home in the shelter of the timber,
having learned from experience of tlic dit'liculty of living where the wind had
full sweep of the country.

William Sluyter was tlie first settler at the site of Linn Grove but did not
remain. Hiram Hulbcrt bought tlie grove from Sluyter and was probably the
first man to remain. George Sweet came shortly after and erected the first
saw mill and grist mill at the place where the town now stands. The place
was known as "Sweet's Mill" for some years. Sweet planned the town where
it is now situated.

An occasional wandering preacher came up from Smithland during the
'()0s and held services at the Mead home in Brooke township.

Morris Metcalf was perhaps the first white child born in the count.v, in
1858. The Metcalf family lived on section 10, in Brooke township.

For more than twenty years after he came to the county Mr. Brooke never
hauled to market a single load of produce raised on his farm. Farmers from
a radius of many miles came to his place and bought everything he had to sell.
During the war prices were very high, gold scarce, and the needs of settlers
many. Mr. Brooke always .disposed of all he had, even in these times, as he
won a reputation early for honorable dealing.

He says he could have bought all the land he wanted in the early days,
(Hit o!i the prairie, away from timber, for from twelve to fifteen cents an acre.
But he did not want it, for two reasons, as he naivel.v puts it. "One reason
was that we must have the timber from wliich to build our houses and for fuel ;
the other reason was that we often did not have the twelve or fifteen cents to
spare for a useless luxury of land. The first question a man asked when look-
ing for land was 'How far is it to timber?' "

He remembers well when settlers came to the south part of the count.v in
1868 and 1869, before tlie railroad came through. In the fall they came to the
river for wood, coming up one day and cutting huge loads of poles, camping all
night and returning the next day, and repeating the process until they had a
winter's supply.

Sioux Rapids was tlie big town in those days, even if it was a small frontier
village, and in the early '70s Mr. Brooke says James M. Iloskins, who is also
still living at Sioux Rajjids, wa.s an invalualilc help to settlers in going to the
Sioiix City land office and getting them located.

Mr. Brooke was often nominated for comity offices and on one occasion

60 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

was elected, but he never qualified. He always attended strictly to his farming
on his large farm, to raising hogs which he hauled to market at Alta, a distance
of sixteen miles, after the railroad canio through, and in liis old age it is good to
know that he has a competence.

THE SECOND ERA OF THE COUNTY.
1866-1878.

The first entry in the miniitc book of the board of supervisors is dated
November 12, 1866, and is interesting in showing how completely the county
was cleaned out by the absconding county officials in that year. The writing
is in the hand of some one who assisted Abner Bell, clerk of the board, as Bell's
chirograpliy was something fearful to behold, and the complete record is as
follows :

"Be it known that on this 12th day of November, 1866, the Board of Super-
visors of Buena Vista county, Iowa, met pursuant to law for the purpose of 1
transacting the business of the said county at the liomc of Hubbard Sanderson."'

Present: William H. Trusty. Lars J. Snckow and ^lichnel Hollings worth,
being all the supervisors of said county.

And it appearing to said Board that Mordecai S. Jamieson, clerk of the
District Court of said county and of the Board of Supervisors thereof, had
removed from said county, said offices were declared vacant. William H.
Trusty, chairman of said l)oard, moved that Abner Bell, a citizen of said county
be appointed to fill the vacancy in said office caused by the removal of said
Mordecai S. Jamieson from said county, which motion was unanimously a-
dopted, and said Abner Bell was declared Clerk of said District Court and said
Board of Supervisors lo Imld iinlil the next election, at \\iiich said vacancy
can be filled liy a succcssof tn he elected and ((ualified. Said Bell qualified
inunediatcly.

Lars J. Suckow.
Michael Hollings worth.

Aimer !?(']]. Clerk of llie District Court of Buena Vista county and Clerk
of the said Hoard of Supervisoi's. appointed to fill vacancy as stated in the fore-
going appointment, apjtcai'cd l)cfore the Hoard and qualified according to law,
and filed his bond as elei-k ul' the Distrii't ("ourt in the |ieii:d sum di' two thous-
and dollars with Kiehard Ixidgway, Hubbard Sanderson and Christian Johnson
as his sureties, which was ap]U'<ive<l by the Board.

Ordered that the clerk nf the Hoai'd make an inventory of the books be-
longing til t lie county, in his possessiim. The cleric of the board returned an
inventory in pursuani'C of the Foregoing oi'der as follows, to-wit: forty-eight
volumes Session Law of the 11th Ceneral Assembly, thirty-five volumes of
Uie Session Laws of the lOtli General As.sembly, four copies of the Revision of
1860, six copies of the Bejiort of the Adjutant Ceneral. two copies of the Iowa

HISTORY OF BUBNA VISTA COUNTY 61

Reports, two copies of the Session Laws of 1862. sixty-five copies of the Road
Laws of 1864. one Tax Sale Book, two Assessor's Boolcs. one Record of the Dis-
trict Court, one Treasurer's Warrant Book, one Road Record, one Fee Book,
one Judge's Warrant Book, one Register of Tax Receipts, one Coui't Docket,
one Judgment Docket, one Tax List and one Judge's Warrant Book.
I And it appearing to said Board that the bool« and record of said county

had been destroyed or carried away by the former clerk and treasurer of said
county and a search warrant having been issued therefore to the sheriff of said
county, and he having made return that said books and records could not be
found and there being no record of the taxes levied by the board for the year
1866, e\'idence was taken before the said board to the contents of the record
thereof so carried away or destroyed as aforesaid, by wliich evidence it appeared
that tile folliiwing taxes were levied by the board and that the action of the
board in relation thereto was properly ordered in the record aforesaid, viz:

State Taxes, two mills to the dollar;

County Taxes, four mills to the dollar ;

Teacliers' FtukI two and one-half mills to tin' dollar;

Road Tax, two mills to the dollar;

Bridge Tax, t\vo mills t(i the dollar;

Relief, two mills to the dollar.
Whereupon it was ordered by the board that the sanie be entered in the
proceedings hereof as aforesaid.

And it was ordered by this lioard that the following taxes be levied and
collected for the year 1866. viz:

Count.y Contingent, two mills to the dollar;

Schoolhouse Fund, as ordered by the District Board nf Barnes township
fi>r the year 1865. five mills to the dollar;

School Contingent, one mill to the dollar;

Poll Tax, fifty cents.
Ordered that the clerk of the board procure at the expense of the county
the following books, viz: one Bond Book, one ]\[inute Book, two Justice's Dock-
ets, one Tax Sale Book, one Receipt Book and one seal of the District Court.
Envelopes to the amomit of ten dollars and paper to the amount of ten doUar.s.
And it appearing to the board that various persons have from time to time
assumed to act as the officers of the county and to bind the same by issue of
warrants and bonds as issue of the county and it fui-ther appearing that the
same were issued wholly without consideration and in fraud of the county.

It is ordered by this board that the clerk hereof enter upon the minute
book the repudiation by this board of all such acts and the issue of said war-
rants, bonds or other obligations and that the Treasurer be directed not to
receive said warrants or other oliligations or to pay the same withoiit further
action of the board.

Ordered that this board adjourn to meet at the house of Abncr Bell on the
22d day of November. 1866.

Attest, Lars J. Suckow, Chairman.

Abner Bell. Clerk of the Board of Supervisors."

62 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Thp period from 1866 to the present time may be said to have been an
era of honesty and good faith in the county. The new officers, elected in the
fall of 1866. took their places at the opening of 1867 and affairs began to run
more smoothl}^ The time of extravagant contracts' for public improvements
was past, and few new obligations were assumed. These were necessary and
were administered with care and caution on the part of the officials, who had
the lesson of the profligate expenditures of the past few years before them.
The lands were settling up and tlie county enjoyed a liberal revenue for that
time. Much of the money tliat was paid into the treasury was for supposed tax
levies on the swamp land that was sold by Mr. Lee. None of this land was
ever taxed, although the treasurer always received all the money that was
offered and carried it to the use of the county. Some of the holders of the
swamp titles paid their money in good faith, believing they had a legal interest
in the land, while others, mostly speculators, paid the money not as a duty but
to obtain the treasurer's receipt wliich they desired to use in effecting sales,
as evidence of title and good faith on their part. County warrants rapidly
increased in value until they were worth their face in greenback, and the public-
finances were in flourishing condition.

As shown by the record, one of the fir.st acts of the new administration, by
advice of Bell and others, was to repudiate all bonds issued prior to October 16,
1866. A great many of these bonds were afloat, it has been estimated that
they numbered luuidr.eds of thousands of dollars, and were held all over the
northern states, wherever credulous men would buy them or bold speculators
would take them at great discount. They were invalid on a technical ground,
tiie seal of the District Court, instead (»f the County Seal, havnig been used in
their execution. Notwithstanding this, jiulgments iov something like nine
thousand dollars were obtained against the county thi-ough the connivance of
interested parties within the county, who dcsiriMl thcs(> judgments to effect
future sale for new issues.

In 1867 two new sehoolhouses were erected, nf wliiili (ini> was built at
Sioux Rapids and the other, one and one half miles east of town.

In the fall of 1868 W. S. Lee returned from the east where he had been
silling his swamp lands. Some of his old enemies made things decidedly un-
pleasant for !iim and lie soon left again. He remained away for a year in
more, but came back in 1869 and made his home at Storm fjake where for many
yeai's he conducted the city hotel which was kimwii all oxer the northwest as
the must famiins hotel in this section. Mi-. Lee liiil not i)articipate in piiblic
affairs, aftei- his return hut attended to his private affairs which were
extensive. He lived at Storm Lalu' for some years and later returned to Sioux
Rapids where lie made his home until his death.

W. S. Ijcc. in his time, was easily tiie foremost citizen of Buena Vista
idiiiity. He was shrewd and had more al)ility than the average early settlei-,
then I'lire he (lominated affairs. He tnok many contracts, some of which were
highly profitiibie. but those who knew of his operations say he was always open
and above board. He no doubt had iiuieh inflnem-e witli the officials but it is
not on record that any of the contracts he made were ever repudiated by the

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 63

voters of tlio coiuity. when they were up for ratification at an election. So,
if the county ever got the worst of the bargain it was the fault of the citizens,
who approved the action of the otBcials. If Lee ever engaged in questionable
deals in his public contracts that fact was never susceptible to proof in a court
of bnv. He was wise enough to engage counsel and prepare his moves with
caution. For years John F. Duncombe of Fort Dodge represented him and
Mr. Duncombe was then the leading lawyer of this part of the state. Some years
ago Mr. Lee left his notes with James M. Hoskins. and jMr. Hoskins prepared
a series of papers dealing with early history in the county, from ^Ir. Lee's
standpoint, which were published in the Sioux Rapids Republican. Many
facts related in this work are gleaned from Mr. Lee's recollections, as set down
l)y Mr. Hoskins. and form the authority for which statements are made.

During this year Hubbard Sanderson was county treasurer and trouble
arose which threatened to involve tlie county into difficulty. It was charged
that Sanderson refused to honor certain classes of county warrants, also with
permitting his son to act as his deputy without having qualified. Suit was
commenced and the treasurer resigned. Suddenly, however, the suit was
withdrawn. L. F. Clark, who had been appointed to fill vacancy, also resigned,
the old treasurer was reinstated and peace hovered over the county once more.

Two new school houses were built in 1868, one at Linn Grove and the
other near bv, at the residence of 0. H. Dahl.

FIRST SETTLEMENT AT STORM LAKE.

During the year 1867 an event happened which is inipoi-fant. It was the
first settlement in the south part of the county. In the spring of that year
Daniel 15. Harrison located on what was afterward known as the L. J. Chamber-
Iain place, at the west end of the lake, and built a Inmse. That fall George Holt
came and made his home near Harrison's. These two houses were the only
ones in the vicinity until the following year when W. S. and J. A. P. Harlan
came, locating southwest of the lake. John Ludington came the same summer
;ind settled north of the lake. The Dubuque and Sioux City railroad was sur-
veyed through that spring, and the only thing visilile on the prairie northwest
of the lake was a .series of stakes marking the railroad and the stakes at tb
section corners. Not a house or a sign of human habitation of any kind. But
the settlers were coming. IMan.v prospectors came during the summer of 1868
and by the middle of the following year there were ten families about the lake
and many more settling in the country west, along the line of the coming rail-
road.

In the summer of 1869 the settlers about the lake organized a school district
with .1. A. P. Harlan as sub-director. Mrs. W. S. Harlan taught the first
si'hool that winter in a schoolhouse that was erected and a census taken revealed
twenty persons of school age. Rev, Thomas Whitely preached the first sermon

64 HISTORY OF BUBNA VISTA COUNTY

on October 14. lS(i8. at Uic home of 1). B. Ilarrisoii and soon afterward organ-
ized a society.

Rev. Thomas Whitel.v was a circuit rider who liad a territory of more than
fift.y miles up and down the Little Sioux river. Tie had heard of the settlement
at the Lake and desirous of extending' his already large territory came to see
what coidd be done toward organizing a chun-h. Twenty-two persons were
present at the time he preached his tirst sermon and deep interest was taken in
his efforts to organize a clnircli. In -Jul.v. 1869. he organized a class consisting of
seven people, consistin.g of Elkney Andrews, leader, and Mrs. Andrews. Ann
Whitel.y. Daniel Smith. Elizabeth Smith, Laiira demons and Clara Clemon.s.
This class continued until October 2, 1870. having in the meantime increased to
twent.v-two persons, when it was divided into two classes, one holding services
at Storm Lake and the other at Alta. ]\lr. Whitely located here in 1868 and
lived here for many years.

The country in the meantime was settling up fast. During the fall there
were several pre-emption claims taken in Nokomis and Maple Valley townships,
but the real rush came the following year. In Nokomis J. D. Adams took the
first homestead, on section 14, and W. C Parrar the first pre-emption on .section
36. This w'as afterward changed to a homestead. Rev. J. C. Kelso. T. W. D.
Orswell, Wilson Weddington. Chester Hunt. Alfred Winters. John S. Maggs,
Moses and J. S. Zeigler. W. R. Page, E. H. Andrews, C. W. Petlon, Capt. J. W.
Fee, J. E. Barnes, S. T. Porter. M. V. Davis. Robert Rolf. A. Rradfield. R. E.,
C. W. and A. W. Garberson. Geo. G. Espe and Ilosea Bennet and sons came on
during the year 1869 and the spring of 1870 and settled in Nokomis and Elk
townships.

[n Maple \^alley. L. Gustinc. rncle -lohn Ilollingsw orth and sons. George
arjd William, Jonathan and Einin-y Gustine. W. T. Phillijis and II. G. Iliggins
came in 1869, with man.y others.

At Newell William Wnrt. L. '!'. Sweezey. Jesse J. Alice, and Mrs. Piper
and sons settled alioul the same lime, while in Coon township, north of Newell,
I\l. D. Watkins, Ja(!ob Davis, and llic Cushinaii, Doxsee. Richardson. Spencer
and Browne famil.y located.

It has been stated that tlic railroad was lirst sur\'cyc(l tliroiigli in 1867.

The first grading was d ■ in lS(i!). and in 1S7(I the road was completed between

Alta and Storm Lake. Su<'li an e\i'iit was of so nnicli iin|)ortanc{> that it must

be observed witli i>ropei I'eniony. and on tlie 8th day of .Inl.w Messrs I-5arton,

Vincent. l'licl])s and ('arson drove the spikes 1ha( I'astened the last I'aii. and
traific was opened lietween Sioux Cit.v and Dubuqne.

An interesting incident of 1868 and '69 is tim(>ly here as showing one
reason wiiy the sli'eani of seltlci's came so fast in these two years. During tliese
years a great tide of inunigration set out from Ohio, hidiana and Illinois, and
even farther east, for Kansas and Xchniska. During the war these two states
iiad been lieafd nnicli of because of the Ixu-der warfare and their part in the
abolition movement, .just before the war. Tlic names of these two states, be-
cause of the stirring timcis, were household words and had been exploited in all
the newspapers when the Kansas-Nebraska bill was being considered. It was

HIGH BRIDGE, SIOUX RAPIDS.

66 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

of the county, wishing to establish roads and build schoolhouses, asked the board
of supervisors to divide the county into townships. Up to this time the county
was, for township purposes, included in one township, viz : Barnes. The
supervisors promised to do something at a future meeting. In July they held
a meeting in the uj)per room of tlic building to be used by the Gilbert. Halvorsen
& Jacobsen store, yet unfinished. The supervisors used a work bench for a
desk and saw horses for chairs, and were earnestly engaged in wrestling with
problems of county government. The board was composed of Gardner Clough,
chairman and David Evans and L. P. Clark, supervisors. George H. Turbett
was auditor and acting clerk of the board. A delegation from the south part
of the county attended this meeting composed of D. B. Harrison, J. D. Adams
and W. S. Harlan. At Struble's Hotel this delegation found W. S. Lee and
Dr. Stephen Olney seated at a table with a map of the county nearly completed
before them, whi(di divided the county into seven townships. After discussing
the matter with the committee Mr. Lee. Dr. Olney and the committee went to
the board meeting. The committee proposed that the county l)e divided into
four townships, each one of which wonld contain four congressional townships,
but this proposition did not suit the pedjde in the north part of the county who
were jealous of their prestige on the board and wanted to keep a ma.)(n'ity of the
members of the board from that part of the county. As the law then stood
each township elected a memlier of the board and by proper exercise of division
a majority of the members could stiU be elected from the country which had
been settled since 1856. The board plainly intimated that they did not propose
to permit the newcomers to have too much aiithority.

Dr. Olney finally showed the board his map. and from that it appeared that
Coon had almost four, Storm Lake two and two-thirds and Nokomis one and
two-thirds congressional townshijK. In comparison, Lee, Poland, Brooke and
Barnes were small, but in spite of the protests of the committee Dr. Olney 's
map was adopted as the division of the board, and four districts were given to
the north, while three districts divided the south half of the county.

The first township was named "Lee" in honor of William S. Lee, by the
\/ board. Harrison and Harlan were called upon to name their township and
they suggested the name of "Storm Lake." Dr. Olney named the northeast
township "Poland." liis family having come from a {)lace of that name in Ohio.
J. D. Adams requested the name of "Nokomis" i'oi- the township from which he
came, and "Brooke" was named in honor of William Brooke. Geo. W.
Struble named the southeast towiishii) "Coon." from the name of tlie stream
which flowed through it. "Barnes" was retained as the name of the township
in which the county scat was situated. The names suggested were duly
re<'orded and the division then m.-ide was fct.-iined for two years before any
changes were made.

Three new towns were soon hiid ont .-ihini; the new line of i-ailway, Newell,,
Storm Lake and .\lt;i. Xewell was estal)lislied as a town in 1870, Storm Lake
the same year antl Aita in 1872. The postolfice at Newell was established in]
1870, and at Alta the same year. The postoiifice department readily granted j
the petitions which asked for these offices.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 67

Newell was the nicist iniportMiit town in the county. It had the advantage
of beins' on an established road lietween Sionx Rapids and Sac City, and its
trade with the northern part of the county, and Clay county as well, was
extensive. Its business men were ambitiotis and cast longing eyes at the county
seat, which had b(^en hchl by Sioux Rapids since 1856. In 1872 an effort was
made to change the location of the courthouse, and so certain were the business
men at Newell that they could land it that a tine brick building was erected as an
inducement to the county. But through shrewd manipulation by the Sioux
Rapids business men the ambitions of Newell were defeated and the courthouse
remained where it was. Storm Lake was more centrally located and also had
a desire to some day secure the county seat and the supporters of that ambition
voted against Newell, and to keep the courthouse where it was for the time being.

This opened a chapter of county history which may be called the County
Seat War, and which in importance deserves a separate chapter.

THE COUNTY SEAT WAR. / -^

In 185S. shortly after the organization of tlie county. Judge Asahel W. ^

Hubbard of Sioux City appointed a conniiittee consisting of D. Carr Early of
Sac City, John Kindlespeyer of Clay county and a Mr. Sauter (his first name
cannot be ascertained) to locate a county seat for Buena Vista county. The
only settlement of any consequence at that time was along the river at the Sioux i^
Rapids and after some delilieration ten acres in the northwest quarter of the
northeast quarter of section 18. Lee township, was selected. This location was
about one mile southeast of the present site of the town of Sioux Rapids. The
county seat was called Prairieville and some of the old maps show it by that
name. No courthouse was erected and but few buildings ever graced the site of
the comity's capital.

In January. 1869, a petition was presented to the board of supervisors to
relocate the county seat on section 7, the description of the site being "on the
northwe.st quarter of section 7, township 93, north range 36, forty rods north of
the southeast corner of the northw^est quarter, thence sixteen rods west, thence
ten south, thence sixteen east and thence north to place of beginning." Richard
Ridgway presented a deed for a bond and the board voted to accept it. It was
obviously the only thing to do. The old site of the county seat failed to attract
the then growing village to the location designated eleven years before, hence
the board wisely moved it to the village.

Block 12 of the village was given to the county for courthouse purposes and
in 1869 a contract was let for the first courthouse. Prior to that time the
various officers had conducted the liusiness of their office at their liomes and the
board met at private residences or in a liall or store room in the village. It
was inconvenient and unsatisfactory and the needs of the county plainly
demanded something better.

The contract called for "a buildini;' twenty-six by thirty-six feet, two stories

68 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

high; three rooms, a hall and two stairways on the first floor and a r-ourt room,
a smaller room, two stairway.s and a hall on the second floor." But with thi'
letting of the contract the troubles of the board were not at an end. Aggrieved
citizens secured an injunction writ from the district court and proceedings were
stopped luitil a hearing was had. At the May term. 1870. the in.junction was
dissolved and the contractor, N. W. Condron, proceeded to erect the county
capitol, at a cost to the county of about five thou.sand dollars.

About this time occurred the rob])ery of the county treasurer whicli
furnished excitement for a time. Ilubliard Sanderson was treasurer and he
had his ofiice in a small room built to his home. The books and money of the
county was kept in a desk, which, we believe was one ordered years before when
in the writiuff of Abner Bell, clerk of the board, it is noted that "the board
makes an order for the clerk to get Richard Ridgway to make two desks, as
students, only larger, with draws and dores to lock ; one for the clerk and one
for the treasure," This ancient desk was broken open by some one who forced
his way into Sanderson's office and all the funds of the county were taken away,
.something over three thousand seven hundred and eighteen dollars and ninety
cents being stolen. A settlement with Sanderson disclixsed that his indebted-
ness to the county was over three thousand dollars, but a settlement was effected
at two thousand two hundred and fifty dollars. The board then purchased a new
iron safe at a cost of eleven hundred dollars and the funds of the county, in the
hands of a new treasurer. L. A. Clenions. reposed in comparative safety.

But the south half of the county, which was .settling up rapidly, was not
satisfied with the location of tlie courthouse and county seat at the extreme
nortii end nl' the rouiity and ai-riirdini;ly. at tlie September meeting of the
l)oar(l of supci'visors. in 187:2, a petition was presented by the citizens of Xewell V
asking that the county seat be relocated in that ambitious town. ,\t the same
time Storm Lake presented another petition asking that the county seat be
removed there and ;i three cornered fight ensued. Sioux Rapids pitted the
ambitious of Newell and Storm Lake against each other and the election held
that fall resulted in a defeat of the removal project.

The iri.itter slumbered again for four years but in 1876 it was again brought
up and auain defeated. The politicians at Sioux Rapids were a wily set. They
held out glowing promises to tlie peojile of Alta and Newell, pledging themselves
that it' the coiintx' seal wiTe tn be reiniived .-ill (iT llie inliueiie(> of Sioux Rapids
and tlie north half of the county would be exerted In hiive it loealed ;it eillier
or both of these places. The relocation again failed.

In 1878 if was auain taken up. On the 1st day of January, 1877, the
courtliouse was burned to the gi'oiiiid and with it all of the records, save those
of the board of suiiervisors, A motion to rebuild was lost, and the lioard of
supervisors rented lemporary (piarter.s I'nr the (iflicinls. Later in the year a
small l)uilditig was hou,i;ht for use of the enunty officials, court being held in
tlic school house.

In the spring of 1878 a petition was iiresenfcd, siiiiied by residents from the
south part of the county, asking the lioard to again submit the question of
removal. With the petition, came a proiiosition from some of the citizens of

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 69

Storm Lake, who had formed themselves iuto a building association, and was
as follows':

' ' To the Connty of Biiena Vista in the State of Iowa : The Storm Lake
Building' Association of Storm Lake, having procured a lease to the southwest
(|uarter of Block sixteen in the town of Storm Lake aforesaid, for the purpose
of erecting a building thereon to be used for Court House and Council Room
purposes for a period of ten years hereby tenders to said county, free of charge,
a lease of said premises and of the building now being erected thereon for a
period of ten years, subject to a lease of the court room of said building for
council room purposes when not required for court or county purposes and
subject to forfeiture in case said building is not used for courthouse purposes
within one year, or in case said county shall erect a permanent courthouse
before the expiration of said lease. Said lease to be delivered on or before
October 1, 1878, to a custodian to be designated by the board of supervisors.

"A. R. McCartney, President.

" H. Applington, Secretary. ' '

The proposition was at once accepted and a member of the board of supei*-
visors was selected to accept the custody of the lease. At the fall election the
question of relocating the county seat was again submitted, for the third time,
and Storm Lake won an overwhelming victory, the vote standing: Por Storm

•^ake. nine hundred and eight ; for Sioux Rapids, two hundred and six.

The board of .supervisors met the week after the election and on the first
day, October ]4. 1878. took up the matter of canvassing the vote. After
investigation a resolution was adopted that, "whereas the question of relocation
of the courthouse has been submitted to the people as provided by law, and the
vote has shown in an unmistakable manner that the people are for the removal,
it is the sense of this board that the matter be at once certified in the proper
manner and as soon as convenient the transfer of the county effects be made."
The hoiir for which Storm Lake had so long been waiting had come at last
and the people were ready. The very next day men and teams went over to

^^oux Rapids, armed with an order of the board, to remove the records, furni-
ture and effects. It is duly recorded in The Storm Lake Pilot that William
Harris and Henry Hanks took their teams over to haul the forty hundred
poinid safe, in which the treasurer kept the county funds, and iMessi's Cummiugs,
Stanton, Tuller, Okey. Smith and McCartney took other teams to bring over the
furniture and records. JIany other Storiu Lake citizens accompanied the
caravan to guard the county property and to see that everything was properly
handled and brought over in safety. The committee feared resistance from
the Sioux Rapids people who were loth to see the courthouse go. As a peace
offering two barrels of apples and other refreshments, not catalogued, were

,/^aken along. The removal was effected without incitlent. hut no assistance was
offered by the Sioux Rapids and no welcome was extended to the jubilant
Storm Lakers. If the peace oft'ering was accepted it is not of record. The
eft'ects were loaded and hauled down to the new courthouse, and not until

70 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

everything;' was safely under roof did the Storm Lalce people heave a sigh of
relief.

The Sionx Rapids people resented the removal for a while, but they were
not the sort to sit down and mourn over something' that could not be helped.
They at once set about to build a good town and how well they succeeded may
be seen in the well kept, prosperous community that graces the Little Sioux
Valley today. The railroad came through soon after and tliat was of far more
importance than any county seat fight.

THE GRASSHOPPERS.

Every new country has its time of travail, when the settler doubts the
wisdom of his determination to seek a new home. In some it may be drouth
and in others floods. But in Buena Vista county it was grasshoppers.

As will be remembered the great tide of immigration came in 18C9 and
1870. For three or four years after that, settlers eontiniied to come, and they
were as a rule poor but ambitious to make a home in northwest Iowa. The
land was fertile and the efforts of the pioneers were being rewarded by bounti-
ful crops. Everything seemed propitious when in the summer of 1876 there
descended from the clouds a pest that reduced the county to want and the song
of plenty to a wail of penury. Tt was the locust, the grasshopper. Many
regarded it as a Divine visitation, reralling the seven year locTists of Biblical
times. But no matter what it might be. it was here in deadly earnest, devour-
iiiU' everything that was green.

Old settlers remember the time the srourge caiiu'. It was on a bright
sunnner day. but the sunlight was obscui'cd by the cloud of Hying insects. An
eye witness describes it as follows :

"I remember the year the>' came as well as 1 rciiicinlirr wliat liappened

yesterday. They struck my place a Jitlle before on. wilhout any warning. At

first a dim haze, like an approacliiiig snow sloriii. was observed in the west,
and a Ini/zing somul was heai-d all ai'ound. 'i'hen. snddeidy. the air was filled
with flying 'hoppers' and Hie sun was darkened. You co\iid fell where the
sun was, as through a eloud of smoke, but that was all. .Ml you could see
was the white wings of Hie 'ho])pers,' ami look avIum'c you would it was tlie same
in all directions. A man eciuld not stand out of doors and look toward the
west so tliii-k- was the eloud of insects coming from that (Erection. The corn
was just begiiniing to la.ssle out but all there was left to tell of the corn field
at night was the bare stalk's. Some was fartlier advanced, and tough, but the
pests even crawled into the hnsk and ate the end ol' the sneenlent c<ibs. A
few of my neighbors had their grain cut. hut those who were not so for-
tunate needed no reapers when the 'hoppers' left.

I have seen them start into ;i line Held cif erain in the moi'niiig and by
night hardly a head was left. They did not attack the sialk at the bottom, but
ate olf the head, near the top. Tlie .stalk was not injured, and we could have

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 71

plenty of straw, but no grain to speak of. The fields that were cut were of
course not molested, but as they came early in the summer there were few who
were so fortunate."

In the fall of 1876, it was on September 19th, a meeting was held at Storm
Lake to devise means to kill off the pests and to prevent, if it was possible, a
recurrence of the scourge the following year. Daniel Smith presided and B.
F. Langdon acted as secretary. A list of the delegates, selected at public
meetings of the farmers in the various townships, reads like a record of an old
settler's gathering and is given for that reason. The delegates were:

Poland township, Walter Wells, S. Olney and James E. Carter.

Lee, H. Sanderson, G. W. Struble and Gardner Clough.

Barnes, Ole Knudtson, William Sherman and Ole 0. Brown.

Brooke, William Brooke, A. Snyder and D. Dailey.

Elk, S. T. Porter, Rev. A. Bradfield and M. V. Davis.

Scott, L. C. Hadden, J. Wilcox, M. V. Henry.

Lincoln, E. Meddlicott, S. Ellis, Geo. Sweet.

Fairfield, Alpha Herrick, Nels Benna and J. C. Robinson.

Coon, M. D. Watkins. John Adams and Loraine Ellis.

Grant, H. Fish. C. II. Springer, John Crozier.

Storm Lake, E. L. Carrington. J. A. Dean and Phil Schaller.

Nokomis, George G. Espe, J. D. Adams and Hosea Bennett.

Maple Valley. Lemuel Gustine. C. H. Dailey and Jos. Peach.

Providence, 0. Griffiith. Pat Toohey and S. Shook.

Newell. John Sauter, Chas. Goldsmith and A. F Crockett.

Various schemes were proposed, and the Board of Supervisors was finally
asked to punish a strict order forbidding all prairie fires that fall under the pen-
alty of one hundred dollars fine, for the reason that it was feared that if the
])rairie was fir«d that autvmin the hoppers could not lie killed out in the coming
spring, while if the grass remained on the ground during the winter, and it was
fired at a given time, when the grasshoppers eggs had been deposited and were
hatching, coiuitless of the yoiuig pests could be destroyed. This was done,
and in the early spring following, the prairies were burned clean in all parts of
the county. It may have had some effeet, as the pests were not so destructive in
1877, but were bad enoiigh.

The 'hoppers gradually disappeared, and were not seen again although
they were expected back at the end of seventeen years. At intervals it would
be reported that great flocks had been observed and the old settlers who had
lieen through the grasshopper period would predict that they were returning,
but happily they have not been seen in northwest Iowa since 1878.

The settlers depended upon their crops for a living and there were many
scanty tables spread for more than a year. "I remember the grasshopper
years well," an old settler said recently. "We had nothing but corn meal
and corn meal products to eat for almost a year, and corn meal, corn dodgers,
Johnny cake, corn meal mush and fried nuish was our daily ration. You may not
believe it but that rear was the healthiest year I ever saw in oiu- familv. There

72 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

were seven children and we throve on this ron^h, but wholesome diet. ^Mother
was never at a loss to know what to prepare, as her menu was limited to a half
dozen dishes."

Jlany plans were proposed for killing the grasshoppers and some were
surcessfnl, but they were so numerous that it seemed that the best efforts put
forth had little effeet. One plan was to dig a trench about a field, filling the
trench with straw or slough hay. The 'hoppers would then be driven into
this trench and when it was well filled men wo\ild fire the .straw or hay with
torches and thousands of the little animals would li<' destroyed. Another plan
was to go out on cool mornings and fire vvt'vy small pile of grass or straw,
the 'hoppers were susceptible to cold, and on chilly nights would creep into
little bunches of dry grass, straw or hay. and when numb with the cold they
coidd be burned up in large numbers.

Devices were patented to catch them, that were highly ingenious if not
always a success. l>ut they gradually died away and the eiforts that were
made to exterminate had but little effect. In her own time nature put an end
to this, the most serious calamity that had up to that time visited the new
country.

The situation was so grave that the General Assembly of Iowa in the win-
ter of 1876-7 appointed an investigating committee which made a trip through
the northwe.st part of the state that spring, and an exhaustive report was sub-
mitted to the legislature. Hon. George D. Perkins of Sioux City was a
member of the State Senate from Woodbury county at that time and he was
active in behalf of the settlers. A liberal appropriation was set aside in 1877
and that spring numy farmer.s were helped to buy seed and to nudvc another
s<ar1 1o subdue (lie prairies and (li'vciup the slate.

EARLY DAYS IN BUENA VISTA COUNTY.

Althoiigh Bncna Vista coiinly was scllled in Die ycai' IS")!) ils population
was small until Ihe year 18()l). The state census taken in the fii'st half of that
year showed but two hvnidred and forty-two inhaliilants. but it was the great
homestead year of tlie county, and many dccidi'd in tliat year to make it their
future home. A large proi)ortion of lliesc liad been Union soldiers in the Civil
war. Thi.s was due in part to tiie anticipated Imiiding thi-ough the county of
tlie Iowa Palls & Sioux City Railwa.v, now tlie Illinois Central, and to the |ndilic
land available for entry nndei' thr United States Homestead Act. The Fed-
eral Census of 1870 showed a population of one thousand five hundred and
eighty-five.

A prospector who traveled thrmigh the county in September, 1869. from
Sioux Rapids to Storm Lake found the former ]dace to be a village of perhaps
a dozen houses with a general store ccinducted b\- (Ins Gilbert, John Ilalvorson
and Henry -lacobson, and a sawmill operated by F. A. Blake. Halverson became
county treasurer some years later and Blak-e became the first membei' of the

>•

: '^■"- - - :- .;_ .^- .-,-=;;l^

LAST OX-TEAM DRIVEN IN BUENA VISTA COUNTY-
JENSEN, ALTA.

-OWNED BY OTTO

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 73

general assembly from the eounty, serving as representative from it in 1872.

At the time in question there was no bridge aeross the Little Sioux river
at Sioux Rapids, although a span had been eonstmeted over the stream which
rested on abutments to which there were no approaches.

The settlements at this time were cliietiy located along the Little Sioux

river in the north end of the county and in the south end near the prospective

line of the railway. The central part of the cOunty was a tenantless waste,

there being no houses between a point three or four miles south of Sioux Rapids

and Storm Lake.

Game was abundant and great herds of elk roamed the eounty so late as
the year 1870. The citizens of Storm Lalce ate meat of elk killed on the shore
(if the lake as late as that .vear.

A village consisting of one unfinished frame house used as a hotel, a tem-
porary wooden structure used as a store building and a few shacks and tents
was located three-quarters of a mile southeast of the business center of the
present town of St(.)rm Lake. The hotel keeper was T. S. Smith and the proprie-
tors of the store were T. S. Smith and his sons. James and Augustus. The
frame house was afterwards moved half a mile westward, fitted up for a dwelling
and occupied by C. E. Rawson and is now the home of R. Burnham. This is
undoubtedly the oldest building in Storm Lake.

The railroad had Ijeen constructed westward from Iowa Falls and eastward
from Sioux City, but when the season of 1869 closed, the west end of the eastern
part was but a few miles west of Fort Dodge and the east end of the western
part was at Hazard, now Meriden. The failure to complete the road that season
caused great hardship to the .settlers who were compelled to haul fuel and neces-
sary supplies from Fort Dodge or from the Chicago & Northwestern railroad in
Carroll county. Many settlers burned slough grass for fuel and ate musl\rats
for meat.

No other towns were started in the count.\- until the next year ^'hen Newell
was commenced. Alta was not started until the year 1872 and the other towns
now in the county were not thought of until many years later.

There were a few homesteaders west and northwest of Storm Lake. D. B.
Harrison entered land as a homestead a mile west of the lake in 1867 and was
tile first settler in that part of the county. In that year there was a considera-
ble grove of (juite large trees near tlie inlet at the west end of the lake, but they
were soon cut down for the use "f the settlers. The county was destitute of
trees except in slicltered places along the Little Sioux river.

The prospector. G. S. Robinson, was so well pleases! with the county that
he decided to locate in the county to practice law. Returning to Souix Rapids
in January, 1870, he found two members of his profession in the field before
him. One, R. B. Burns, had been a gallant Union soldier and bore the marks of
severe wounds received in battle. He soon became discouraged and left the
county in the autumn of that .\ear, and his subsequent history is unknown. The
other lawyer, D. C. Thomas, with David Evans, had become the owner of the
northwest quarter of section 7, township 93, range 36, on which Sioux Rapids
has been chiefly built, and platted it info town lots which were then being sold.

74 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Thomas remained in Sioux Rapids until aliout the year 1878 when he went to
Watertown, now in South Dakota, where lie settled and became prominent in
county and state affairs. He served for several years as member of the state
board of charities and correction, a body which has power and duties much like
those of the Iowa board of control of state institutions. It is an interesting
coincidence that the third lawyer was a member of the last named body at the
same time.

In January. 1870, Sioux Rapids was the county seat, although without a
courthouse and without any county office. The treasurer. Hubbard Sanderson,
had his office in his home several miles from Sioux Rapids on the east side
I if the river near the Clay county line. Ole Johnson, the auditor, had his
t)ffice at his hcime more than two miles southwest of Sioux Rapids. O. H.
Dahl, clerk of the courts, had his office at his home one mile south of Johnson's
and 0. H. Storla, county recorder, had his office in his home half a mile southeast
of Dahl's. That home was a one roomed cave covered with earth and poorly
lighted. The family, which included several children, lived in that room, the
recorder's records were kept there, the recording w^as done there and the records
were inspected to ttace title or for other purposes in the same place. Ryan
Hard was sheriff but had no office. This condition continued with little change
'until a substantial courthouse was built in Sioux Rapids.

For six years before 1870 Buena Vista county had been attached to Clay for
judicial purposes. The General Assembly at the session of that year separated
the counties and provided for holding courts in Buena Vista county. The
first term of the district coui't was held ]\lay 5, 1870. in the house of George W.
Struble near the eastern edge of the town. The house was a log structure of
moderate size, but was sufficient for the purpose of the court as no petit .jury
was impaneled.

- - The grand jury met in a corn crib which .stood near the cattle yard, but
found no bills. The presiding judge was Henry Ford of Sioux City and the
district attorney Or.son Rice of Spirit Lake. The attorneys present were the
three members of the Im-nl liar, probably Wilson & Dye of Sioux City and
possibly two or three others. The business transacted was of n formal charac-
ter and was soon disposed of and the court adjourned.

A Fourth III' July celebration was held at Storm Lake. The railway luul
been ccmipleted fnnn I'^irt Dodge and an excursion train brouuht in a large
number of visitors. Tln' cxerci.ses were held in a bower made of bushes and
branches of trees i-iit mi tlir lake shore ami pjai-cd on a su]ii)oi'tina; frame. L.
J. Barton was president ;uid S. W. Hobbs oratdr. 'I'lir day was fine and the
celebration a success in (>vcry respect.

Three days later the two cuds nf tiic railway were joined at a point a
short distance west of Stui-m l^akc and the ri'LTular o]ii'i'Mtiou of trains was
commenced.

August 11. 1S7(). lots ill llic town of Storm Lake were oiifered for sale and
many were sold. Barton & Hobbs. n-al e.state agents, purchased the lot at
the corner of Lake avenue and Fifth .street, now occupied by the First National
Bank building, and iimved (into it a small frame office buildiii". W. W.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 75

Sweetser had commenced building on the corner lot immediately south of the
Illinois Central depot on the site now occiipied by the sanatorium. T. S.
Selkirk at about the same time commenc(^d the erection of a hotel on the
property at the corner of Third street and Lake avenue now forming- a part of
the grounds of the Universalist clnirch. The town grew (fuite rapidly and
was soon doing a flourishing Inisiness.

In August of that year the county treasurer was robbed of al)out four
thousand dollars in currency. An examination of the treasui'er's accounts
had been made, the money was deposited in a conuuou wood desk fastened with
an ordinary lock, easily lu'oken, and stood in a shed roofed addition to the
dwelling house. The room was unoccupied at night. The burglar had an
easy task to open a window into the room, enter it, open the desk and remove the
money. This affair resulted in tlie resignation of the treasurer and the ap-
pointment of L. A. demons to succeed him. Sanderson made good the money,
by turning over twent\'-two hundred and fifty dollars in warrants, but it was
afterwards. I believe, refunded to him. t'lemons kept his office during most
of the remainder of the year in the law and real estate office of Robinson &
Dean, in Storm Lake, in the building on lot 6, block 14. now occupied as a
marble shop. The office was then moved to Sioux Rapids.

A notable event of this year was the establishment of the Storm Lake
Pilot, the first number of which was published October 26. 1870. The first
copy printed was sold at auction to L. J. Barton for one hundred and six dollars.
The proprietoi's of the paper were Colonel \V. L. Vestal and his brother-in-law,
S. W. Young. Colonel Vestal had a fine record as a soldier of the Civil war
and was a versatile and strong writer and a broad minded man. Ilis partner
was well qualified to do the mechanical work of the press room.

The board of supervisors of the county entered into a contract with N. W.
Condron on the 16th day of May, A. D. 1871, to build a courthouse in Sioux
Rapids. It was to be twenty-six by thirty-six feet in size and two stories high.
for the sum of four thousand nine hundred and forty-five dollars. The build-
ing was constructed and occupied in October of the same year, and then for
the first time the count.v had a courthouse adecjuate for the needs of the county.

Newell was laid out and lots sold in the year 1870. It proved to be an
excellent business point, and a strong competitor of Storm Lake. A large
shai'e of the business of the two towns was drawn from Clay and Dickinson
counties, lioth of which were without railroads for years after this time. Storm
Lake was nearer by several miles to these counties but was without any estab-
lished road northward. Newell had the advantage of an established and well
traveled road which had existed alimg the Coon between Sac City and Sioux
Rapids for many years. This advantage and certain enterprising biisiness
nicii and the active friendship of Sioux Rapids gave Newell the bulk of the
trade from the north for a year or two, but in 1870 and 1871 Storm Lake men
caused to be surveyed, established and improved the Storm Lake and Sioux
Rapids road, and from that time the town obtained more of the northern trade.

The friendship of Sioux Rapids for Newell was not wholly disintere.sted.
The people of Newell were entitled to friendship on their merits, but Storm

76 TTTSTOrjY OF BT^ENA VISTA rOUNTY

Lake had ;ni ovcrwliclniinii- desire to semire the e-(iuiit\' scat and in tlie year
1869 secured a vote on the proposition to move the county seat from Sioux
Rapids to Storm Lalce. The movt'iiient was prematnre and failed. Under
the law as it then existed the (incstion of rehicatin,"- the county seat could be
submitted to the people only once in three years. In 1872 the people of
Storm Lake presented a petition in its favor, but at the instigation of Sioux
Rapids the people of Newell also petitioned for a removal to that town. Sioux
Rapids and Newell joined in this movement to defeat Storm Lake, signino: the
Newell petition and a remonstrance auainst reirioval to Storm Lake. The
board of supervisors was friendly to Sioux Rapids and Newell, and after a
lively contest before the board of supervisors Newell won and the question of
i-elooating the county seat at that place was submitted to the people at the
general election. Sioux Rapids and its friends and Storm Lake and its
friends voted against relocation and Ihc propusilion was defeated as Sioux
Rapids had planned.

Three years hiter the same program was carried nut. cxcejit that Newell
demanded and ulitained a written pledge signed by a large number of men
living in or near Sioux Rapitls that if the question of relocating the county
seat at Newell were again submitted they would vote for it. Relocation was
defeated and the election returns indicated that many of these signers ignored
their pledge. This ri'sult discouraged the [leople of Newell from further
attempts to secure the cdunty seat, and it became evident that with proper
efforts Storm Lake would win.

In the spring or summer of 1877 a mass meeting of the people of Storm
Lake was held, a general connnitt(>e of five citizens was appointed with instruc-
tions to manage tiic canqtaign I'oi- the relocation of the county seat as they
sliould deem best, and tile citizens were to furnish tlic money and do tile work
asked for i)y the committee without (|nestiou. Tlie chief concern of tiie com-
mittee was to secure officers favoraiiie to the desired relocation and to make as
many I'riends as possiiiie I'or Sloriii Lalve. It was decided that no one from Storm
Lake or its vicinity slionid iie a candidate for a county office, ami that Storm Lake
should su|)])ort camiidatcs from otiier localities fi'iendly to it. Kriends were se-
cnre(l in nnsus|)ccted places. an<l I lie plans of tiie coiinniltecs were carried out
loyally by the citizens of tiie town. A small amount of money for legitimate
purposes only was used. Tiie i-esults were the I'iection of the candid;ites supporteil
by Storm Lake, a fricndiy iuajori1.\' of tiie i)oard ol' snpcrvisors and many new
friends in desiraiiie jilaccs. Tlic gi-eat iiattle fiu' removal was I'oiight in that
year, altiiougii tiie petition I'or relocation, the suiimission ol' tile i|\iestioii to
the peo])ie and tiie vote relocating tile county seat were not to be until the year
1878. The result of tiie vote was an overwiielniing majority I'oi- Sloriii Lake
to which .Newell as well as .\ita contributed.

I'l'eceding the election tiie people of Storm Lake, at tile re(piest of Newell,
incorporated the Storm Lake Building Association which iaiilt a city iiall.
thirty by thirty-six feet in size and two stories high. suitai)ie for conrtliouse
purposes, in the sonthi'asi corner of tiie courthouse S(|uare. and tendered it to
tile county rent free for a term ol' ten years. A conveyance of tiie conrtliouse

HISTORY OF BUEXA VISTA COUxXTY 77

S(|uare to the fouiity without rost to it was nrraiii^-ed for aud these measures no
doubt greatly aided to secure the relocation. The courthouse at Sioux Rapids
was destroyed by fire January 2. 1877. and that fact and the necessity of re-
building at a large expense to tbc^ county if the county seat remained at Sioux
Rapids no doul)t influenced the vote in favor of relocation.

When the vote was canvassed a delegation from Storm Lake was present
to move the county records and other pro])crty of the county from the rented
building which was being usetl as a temporally court house to the new court-
house at Storm Lake. The delegation was provided with numerous refresh-
ments of a temperate cliaracter for a social gathering to which the citizens of
Sioux Rapids were invited and which they attended. Some of them volun-
teered to help in the removal. The board of supervisors, on the 14th day of
October. A. D. 1878. declared Storm Lake to be the eonnty seat and on the next
day the records and other property of thi' county were moved to Storm Lake
without cost to the county. And thus the long contest ended with nuich better
feeling than could have been expected.

Sioux Rapids had made a gallant tight to retain the county seat aud its
loss was felt to be a serious mattei-. For eight years the contest was waged
and not an officer who would have any influence on the matter of relocation
was elected during that time without reference to that question. It was the
invariable issue not only in the election of comity officers but of various district
officers also. Some evidence of bitterness was seen in the election returns for
several years, but the ill feelings which a prolonged county seat contest always
engenders disappeareti after a few years and the county is at peace. The
existing courthouse was erected in the year 1888.

Something should be said of the great storm of ISTO. The word "lilizzard"
was new then and many ;i settler then heard it for the first time, but it is an
expressive word whicli contains a suggestion of the thing it describes. Tlie
storm in i|ucstioii conniienced before noon of March 14 and lasted three days.
The morning was clear and pleasant and many settlers left their farms to go to
I he villages or for wood. About ten o'clock in the morning clouds appeared
in the west and soon the storm broke in great fui'v. The air was filled with
snow, the wind blew a terrible gale, and no one could see so far as across a street.
It was dangerous to attempt to go from a house to a barn, and no one eonld
make headway against the storm.

No fatalities in Buena Vista county are remembered, but there were many
in northwest Iow;i. In Clay county a man left home in the morning with his
son about twelve years of age to procure wood near Gillet's Grove. When the
storm came on he attempted to return home. l)ut could not drive his ox team.
Ills son evidently became exhausted first as he was found frozen in a snow bank
where the father had evidently placed him and not far away the father also
was found dead. A station man on the Des Moines Valley railroad not far
from Gowrie left his houK^ to go to some building only a few yards away, but
liecame lost and perished.

There was another similar stm'ni early in January. 1877. and another
about January 12. 1888. but no storm durim; the last forty years has equaled
that of the great blizzard of ilarch. 1870.

78 lilWTOKY UF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

COAL.

In the year 1873 many people became firmly oonvinced that if a proper
effort was exerted eoal could be found in the eoixnty. The nearest mines were
;it Fort Dodge. Prior to the arrival of the railroad in 1870 the settlers hauled
their coal from tlu' iniin's. (ir Inirncd wood., or slough grass, corn stalks or even
corn in the coldest weather. The fuel (juestion was a hard one to solve and the
newcomers in the south part of the county were in a difficult position. There
was no wood to burn, as the nearest timber was on the river twenty miles away.

On December 13. 1873. a meeting was held in the depot at Alta, called
through the Storm Lake Pilot, to discuss the coal proposition, Geo. G. Espe
was chairman and II. T. Saberson secretary. The result of the discussion had
at that time was the incorporation of a company to prospect for coal. The
following month a similar meeting was held at Storm Lake and another company
was incorporated there. The county board of supervisors took a hand in the
matter and an offer was made to aii.\' person or corporation who would haul
and deliver to the county at the courthouse in Sioux Rapids twenty tons of coal
from a vein of given dimensions, within the coTinty. the sum of five hundred
dollars. The .sum of two hundred and fifty dollars was offered for the second
mine, the two to be at least five miles apart.

Although an effort was made to reap this reward it ncv(>r was claimed.

It is interesting to know that Ihirty-five years later another corpcu-ation
was formed at Linn Grove to prospect for coal, and is at work as this is written
sinking shafts and making a systematic search for the precious mineral which
is so necessary to the development of this country.

Geologists tell us there is no trace of coal, and no prospect that any is
hidden away in our county, but jierhaps the scientists are wrong in this
conclusion.

A VIGILANCE COMMITTEE.

During the years 186!) and 1870 a numbpi' of horses were stolen in and
about Sioux Rapids and the situation becoming unbearable the settlers deter-
mined til talce matters into their own hands. A meeting was called at the Red
schoolhouse, north of Sioux Rapids, in Clay county, wliich was attended by
some of tile Siou.K Rai)itls i)eo])le. at which a Vigilance Conunittee was organ-
ized, with Samncl .Mills, pi'csidi'ut : David Watts, vii'c president; Peter Dubois,
treasurer and •!. .1. Duroc. seci'ctary. ivai'ge hand hills were ordered and
posted, bearing the inscrii)tion

"IIORSETHIEVES BEWARE!"

ami they did lieware. 'i'lic cii.-irtcr meiiil)crs were Samuel .Mills. David Watts,
Ephraim Sands. Peter Dubois. J. P. Mills. John Jones. Sanuiel W. Mills,
Robert Jones, J, J. Duroe. Jesse E. Mills and W. J. Cinther, nearly all of whom
resided in the .south part of Clay county, near Sioux Rapids. The constitution

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 79

provided that all members should implicitly obey the president, and anyone
refusinji- to do so, or to pay all resiularly levied assessments was liable to
permanent and disgraceful expulsion. It was the duty of eac-h member to
loH'p a miiuite description of his horses, the term hor.ses also including mules,
of which there were a few. Wlienever a liorse was stolen it was the duty of
every member of the committee to at once leave his usual avocation and travel
fifty miles at his own expense, in search of the thief. If he went farther he
was to be allowed a reasonable sum for his services. If the horse was not
recovered in ninety days the owner was paid for his loss by an assessment
levied on all members. If it was recovered after payment had been made the
animal was the property of the association.

The second meeting was held at the Struble Hotel at Sioux Rapids on
October 5. 1870. and additional members were admitted, who were Abner Bell,
T, G. Thomas. John Faneher, James Ilalkney, David Evans, John Watts, Francis
Kidman, R. W. Thomas. Stephen Dubois. Thomas Evans. Gust Gilbert. John
Ilalverson. and others.

The society had nothing to do for almost nine years, but in 1879 a liorse was
stolen from 0. G. Tabor and excitement was rekindled again. A meeting was
promi)tly called at Sioux Rapids on October 4. 1879. and the society was named
The Sioux Rapids Vigilance Committee with headquarters at Struble 's Hotel.
Among tlie new members admitted at that time were Daniel Tillett. G. W.
Struble. Knudt Stennerson. 0. G. Tabor. J. il. Hoskins, S. Oluey, Sr., and
Charles Cuthbert. The trutliful historian does not say that Mr. Tabor r«.
covered his hor.se.

When the country became fully settletl the demand for the services of the
committee disappeared and it died a natural death. This account was taken
from a published report in the Sioux Rapitls Press.

OLD SETTLER'S ASSOCIATION.

In 1875 and 1876 a nunib(M- of the old settlers at Storm Lak(> f(u-me(l ai
Old Settler's Association, for mutual pleasure and pi-ofit. The only reijuire-
ment of membership was a residence in the county prior to. and including, the
year 1870. Several meetings were had and a ]iiciiic was held at Storm Lake in
1876, which was well attended. At this picnic a hi-storical review of the
county from the earliest date up to that time was read by Colonel Vestal, and
addresses were delivered by Judge Robinson, Lot Thomas, J. D. Adams and
others, liut unhappily they were never preserved.

The members of the Association, who signed the constitution, with their
birthplace and date of arrival in the county were as follows :

HISTORY OF BUEXA VIHTA COUNTY

NAME

(Tiflford S. Robinson
Edgar E. IMack
M. D. Watkins
Daniel Smith
Tlionias Whitely
J. A. Dean
Adolphns Bradfield
Jas. D. Adams
Leonard D. Sweet
George F. McKay
John C. Brown
James A. Huteliison
W. L. Vestal
William Guilford
M. G. Guiflord
Anna B. Guilford
William M. Reeder
S. W. Young
James S. Smith
George Currier
Adelia Currier
Lot Thomas
■]. E. Gustine
W. W. Sweetser
F. \i. Browne
J. A. P. Harlan
J. !\L Russell
S. W. Ilobbs

I. S. Greenlcaf
Lucinda Greenlcaf
.1. S. Darrah

II. A. Darrah
IL D. Sage
L. J. Harvey
Mare G. Perkins
W. C. Weddington
C. Everett Lee

BORN

Illinois

Vermont

New York

England

Illinois

Virginia

Pennsylvania

Iowa

Elaine

England

Pennsylvania

Indiana

.Massachusetts

Scotland

Pennsylvania

(^hio

Maine

New York

Maine

Ohio

New Hampshire

Canada

Illinois

New Yoi'k

New Ilainjishire

Pennsylvania

Ohio

New Bninswiclv

New Brunswick

New York

Ohio

Illinois

Indiana

New York

CAME TO COUNTY

January, 1870
May. 1870
May. 1869
August. 1868
September 13, 1868
September 18, 1870
September 1. 1869
November 17. 1868
October 6. 1868
April, 1869
April, 1869
June 17, 1870
June 6, 1870
July 10, 1870
September 10. 1870
September 10, 1870
February, 1870
September. 1870
May, 1869
December. 1869
.May. 1870
August 28, 1870
April. 1869
June 2. 1870
July 18, 1870
August 2, 1868
June, 1870
May, 1870
February 28. 1870
February 28. 1870
May 21. 1870
.May 21. 1870
March 18. 1870
December 7, 1870
April, 1870
April, 1870
March, 1870

The Association did nul Imld any nircliiiLis ,-irtcr llir piiMiic- was held, as
far iis ran be gathercil rrnni any dl' I he incnilnTs. and was nol again heard of.
ir it had liccn i-ontinniMl tlic liist(ir> ol' I he i-minly might be far more complete.

<
o

HISTORY OF BUENA VLSTA COUNTY 81

TOWNSHIP DIVISION.

Prior to the year 18()9 all of the i-oiint\- was iin'huled, for governmental and
si-hool purposes, in the township of Harncs, having been so created at the organi-
/ation of the county iu IS.'iS and continued for eleven years. Three supervisors
were elected from each townsliip and they represented the county. In the fall
of 1S69 several of the citizens of the south half of the county, desiring to liuild
school houses and estal)lish roads, went to the county seat at Sioux Rapids to
consult the su]iervisors and petition for the establishment of new townships in
the south part of the county. This had already been contemplated and when
the delegation arrived they found the board wrestling with the proposed division.
A map was in course of preparation dividing the county into seven towmships,
and this division was adopted that fall and the elections held in October of that
year were the first that had been held outside of Sioux Rapids since the organiza-
tion of the county.

The townships created were Brool^e. Barnes, Nokomis, Storm Lake, Lee,
I'ohind and Coon. The three supervisors who then con.stituted the board came
Irom the north part of the comity and they knew that if they wished to keep
control of county affairs the division nuist be made in such a manner that the
southern townships would include more territory than those in the north half,
as the law then provided that one snpervisor be elected from each t(»wnship.
Another reason, aside from any selfish motive that might have actuated the
board, was the fact that the population in the south half was small, while the
settlers along the north line were comparatively numerous, good sized settle-
ments being found along the Sioux river and at Pickerel Lake.

The boundaries and divisions of the seven townships, as adopted, were as
follows :

Brooke: All of the present township of Brooke, the north one-third of
Elk, the west one-sixth of Barnes and sections (i. 7 and 18 in Scott, or fifty-
seven sections.

NoKOiiiS: All of the iirescnt township and the south two-thirds of Elk.
or sixty sections.

B.VRNES: The east five-sixths of Barnes, all of Scott but sections 6, 7 and 18
and the north one-third of Washington, or seventy-five sections.

Storm L.\ke: All of ]\faple A^alley. Hayes and two-thirds of Washington,
or ninety-six sections.

Lee: The west two-thirds of Lee. all of Lincoln and the north two-thirds
of rxrant. or eighty-four sections.

PiiL.vxn: All of Poland, the east one-third of Lee and the north one-sixth
of Fairfield, or fiftv-four sections.

82 HISTORY OF BUEXA VISTA COUNTY

CooN: All of Xcwell and Pi-dvidem-e. the south tive-sixths of Fairfield and
the .siiiitli two-thii'ds of (4rant. or one hundred and twenty-six seetions.

Commissioners were a]i])ointed to conduet. and elections were ordered.
at the fall elections in the townsliips as created. In Brooke. William Brook<'
was eommissioner aud his residence the polling place. In Nokomis J. D. Adams
was commissioner and the election was ordered at his home. In Storm Lake
the commissioner was Orson Lee and his home was designated as the polling
place. In Barnes, the schoolhouse at Linn Grove was designated and George
Sweet was commissioner. In Lee. schoolhou.se No. 1 was the voting place with
F. A. Blake as commissioner. In Poland. 0. G. Brainard was commissioner
and T. JIagilton's home was the voting place, while in Coon. Addison Lee was
commissioner and his home was used for election purposes.

Dr. Stephen Olney drew the map and ]ilanned tlie division of the county
into the seven townships.

In 1871 a petition form the people of the north pai-t of Nokomis township
was presented the board asking that the eongrassional township now known as
Elk be set off, and that the name it now bears be given the new township.
This was granted and the first change in the original alignment was made.
Fairfield followed in 1872. being set otf from Poland and Coon townships.
At that time ten vt)ters were necessary to create a township and it was necessary
to take one tier of sections from Poland, as then constituted, to make up the
required number. Newell was organized in 1872 so as to include township 90
in ranges 35 and 36, or the present townships of Newell and Providence as well.
Coon was at the same time reorganized to include township 91 in ranges 35
and 36. Maple Valley was .set oflf from Storm Lake township, and included
its present boundaries, in May. 1872; Grant was created from Lee township in
August of the same year and Lee. as now defined, was set off at the same time.
In the same year a new township was set off from Barnes and Brooke and was
called "Emma." which name was afterward changed, in Septemlier. 1874, to
Scott. Lincoln was .set off in 1873.

Hayes was established in 1877 and Washington in 1878, making the present
divisions of sixteen townships in the county. In 1S77 a i)etition was presented
asking that township 91 in range 37 be set off in a township to be called
"Wliitely, " but the prayer was not granted. A township was created called
"Banks," but this was later reconsidered and nothing was done until the
following year when Washington was set off".

THE COUNTY IN 1875.

In Andreas' Atlas of Iowa, published in 1875, a map of Buena Vista county
may be found, which shows it in its primitive condition at that date. All of
the county was settled, having been occupied in the south half for five or six
years. There was not a ([uarter section at that time that was not taken by
homesteaders or settlers. Small "shacks" or sod houses occupied every

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 83

(|uarter srftion. and the sro\iii(l was lioino- tilled and improved. A traveler
over the prairie miu'ht believe, if he knew no better, that the country was
covered with small mounds, from wliich the smoke of internal fires arose.
These were the homes of the inliabitants. at Irast of a Kreat many of them.

In order to erect one of the frontier homes, the builder would firet dig
down a few feet, puttiiii;' in a series of steps leading to the front door. A
frame would then be put up. and on all sides of this, and even on the roof,
woukl be placed fresh cut sod, securely and closely fitted. One or two small
windows furnished liglit to the interior, and these were the homes in which
hundreds of people lived for years. The more pretentious would in this day
seem crude and rough, but they were all that could be had. Almost every
one was poor and struggling to support his family, as the "broken" prairie
(lid not yield the generous reward that was afterward gathered when improved
methods w^ere introduced.

The map above referred to shows fifteen townships. Hayes was not set
(iff until the following year. Imt was included in Storm Lake township, which
also included four tiers of sections in Washington. Brooke included in
addition to the congi'essional township of that name one tier of .sections in
Barnes. Barnes thirty sections in the present township and one tier of sec-
tions in Scott, and Scott the five south tiers of sections of the present township
;iud twelve sections on the north side of Washington.

The towns shown were Newell. Storm Lake and Sioux Rapids, which were
liieu ambitious, struggling and exceedingly jealous comnuuiities. Alta was
platted in 1872 but did not arrive at the dignity of a town until some years
later.

On section 34 in Lee the postofRce of "Menoti" was located, and at one
time it was thought a town woidd be platted there. There is some authority
for the statement that a plat did exist, and that lots had been sold in the east
for the future metropolis of the county, but it cannot be verified. This town
was on the Sioux Rapids-Newell road, the principal highway in the county at
that time,

Schoolhouses were then beginning to dot the landscape, and there' were
located in the count.v the following :

Brooke township, on sections 6. 12 and 30.

Barnes, on sections 2, 5. 25 and 28.

Lee, on sections 8. 14, 30 and 34.

Poland, on sections 2, 6 and 26.

Elk, on sections 18 and 24.

Xokomis, on sections 8. 12. 25 and 29.

Maple Valley, on sections 2 and 4.

Seott, on sections 18 and 26.

Storm Lake, on sections 6, 17 and 23.

Lincoln, on sections 3, 32 and 35.

Grant, none.

Providence, on sections 25 and 28.

f airfield, on sections 10 and 24.

Coon, on sections 1, 8, 27 and 29.

84 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Newell, on seetioiis 1. 14. 23. 26. 28 and 32.

Considerable swamp and overflowed land is designated, as well as the
streams and Pickerel and Storm lakes.

The hi-jhways then established were the Newell and Sae City road from
Sioux Rapids, the Storm Lake-Sioux Rapids-Speneer road, and a few section
roads. In 1876 the board of .supervisors pas.sed a resolution opening all the
section roads of the county and this was done the following year where the
topo.graphy of the country would permit. In a few places hills prevented and
in others the low and overflowed lands made road building impossible.

A plat of Storm Lake is also given in the Atlas, showing the main portion
of the town, in its present location, and Vincent's addition on the southeast
and Early's addition on the northwest. Although the courthouse was then at
Sioux Rapids, .so great was the faith of the people that the county seat would
eventually lie located at Storm Lake, that block 16 is designated "Court House
S(|uare."' A j)icture of the town is also given, showing a treeless villa.ge, built
back from the lake. The Congregational, Baptist. IMethodist and Catholic
churches are designated. On the lake shore "Elm Park" and "Willow
Park" are given, the location being the same now.

On the lake is pictured the "Steamer J. D. Eddy. Ready at All Times for
Pleasure Parties." bearing a load of tourists and pleasure seekers.

Newell is also platted, being located on the south side of the railroad track.
It is shown as a, compact little village,-with twelve blocks, and at that time was
considered one of the best ])(iints for business in the county.

COUNTY SEAT AT STORM LAKE.

With removal of the county seat to Storm Lake in 1878 affairs in the
county began to settle down to a steady growth. It was conceded on all hands
that the courthouse w<mld remain in the new location as the town .grew steadily
and became tlie metropolis of the county in a short time. It possessed a
number of ])id)lic spirited men, indeed it may be said that Storm Lake has al-
ways had a few men who have had superior talent in public affairs, and who
have always been awake to thi' needs of the town in a material way. The
animosities ca\ised by the i'emo\-al were cradicaled with time and peace hovered
over the county.

P>ut the old conrliiouse. a small frame building, was not large enough to
acconnilodate the needs of the countx'. The offices were small and' dark and
the court room was entirely inadc(|uate to the demands made u]ion it. About
1886 a movement began for the erection of a new and modern courthouse and
this was discussed among the people and in the count.v press for two years.
In the early spring of 1888 the board of supervisors asked for plans from
architects and several were submitted. Those prepared by J. M. Russell
•contemplating a three story building with a handsome cupola, built of pressed
brick, and equipped with ade(|uate offices, fire pi-oof vaults, court room, .jury
rooms and consultation rooms, was adopted. The estimated cost of the new
building was twenty-five thousand dollars.

HISTORY OF BUEXA VISTA COITNTY 85

With the adoption of the plans a special election was ordered for May
2S. 1888, and as soon as the call was issned a hot campaisn began. Storm Lake
was of course in favor of the new county capital, but the outlying towns were
liitterly opposed to it. It must be said, however, that there were public
spirited men in all parts of the county who wanted a creditable public building
at the county seat and they cooperated with the Storm Lake men in advocating
the new liuildini.'. .Xnmerous meetings, both for and against, were held in
various parts of the county for weeks before the election.

The result was uncomfortal)ly close, being seven huiulred aiul thirty-seven
for and seven Inuulred and twenty-five against or a majority of twelve for the
courthouse.

As soon as the lioard of supervisors had authority to proceed they adver-
tised for liids and the contract was awarded to J. ^I. Russell of Storm Lake.
The building was erected and not a word of reproach nor a single hint of graft
was ever heard against anyone connected with the Iniilding. It is a note-
wortliy fact, however, that in spite of the economical administration and honest
endeavor to carry out their trust every meml)er of the board of supervisors
was defeated for nomination or election when he again came before the people.
The old ranc(U- had not died out.

The courthouse was remodeled a few years ago. and now is in good condi-
tion. There is no one at this time who is not satisfied with the action of the
county in luiilding the county linildinu- and never has there lieen heard a word
against the men who built it.

The courthouse was placed in the center of the courthouse .square, and.
surrounded by magnificent trees, it is a place that the people of the county
may well feel ]iroud to call their own.

THE NEWSPAPERS.

It is a most interesting and agreeable task to take a file of newspapers of
years past and read them over to see what has been predicted and what has
been realized. In reading the newspapers of Puena Vista county, since the
Pilot was founded at Storm Lake almost fiu'ty years ago. the gradual change
in the county may be traced alonu' all lines, the material, the social and the
politii'al.

At the lieginning the county was new and de(-idedly raw. Tlie fertility
was in the soil, and needed only the hand of the farmer to bring forth ru-h re-
ward. The farmer was needed and the newspajiers. in telling of the present
and future wealth of the country, were factors in bringing him here. The
men who wrote for the jiress then saw ahead fifty years and predicted what
would be. and while their predictions were regarded as preposterous at the time,
we have seen the day when they have been realized and more than that, sur-
passed. In ;ill the extravagant claims for the northwest we have not yet
read where anyone predicted land at one hundred and fifty dollars an acre, yet

86 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

such prices have been reached, and men wrll versi'd say tliat even tliat tiuiire will
be exceeded in a few sliort years.

But if the editor fell short in liis prediction as to the land he shot wide of
the mark in foretelling of the future greatness of his town. There are good
country towns in Buena Vista county today that would have been teeming
cities, peers of Chicago or St. Louis, if the fond hopes of the newspapers had
been realized. So, by the law of averages, the editor of the years gone by,
was right half of the time at least.

The newspapers of the early days were well edit(>d frt)m a literary point
of view. They did not contain nuich news because there was not much news
to chronicle. But what was lacking in that department was more than made
up in a discussion, learned and long, of every abstract proposition, under t)ie
sun. Religion, the arts, the ailments to which the reader was heir to, politics,
economics, any line of human endeavor — it mattered not — the editor took a
fling at it and settled it to his t)wn satisfaction. If the reader failed to agree
he was as free to take his pen in hand and send back a hot repl.v, to which the
editor would invariably retort, and the tight was on, sometimes raging for
weeks at a time. At times the language was not strictl.v parliamentary, but
no matter; if it was sizzling and exposed the other man to ignominy or ridi-
cule, all the better and the readers en.ioyed the fight as well as the combatants.

But if editor and reader gloried in a war of words, how .joyfully did
two rival editors enter the fray. The files of the newspapers published in
the count.v during tlie eighties antl nineties are replete with bickering and
strife from week to week. It is a source of wonder in this day that the
readers tolerated it, biit they seem to have enjoyed it as nuich as the editors,
and the keener the thrust the more enjoyment did all concerned get out of it.

With this brief word of explanation a short account of the rise and fall
of the various newspapers of the county will be attempted. The first news-
paper ])ublished in Buena Vista county was the Storm Lake Pilot, the first
issue of which is dated October 26, 1870. In 1869 A. II. Willits appeared
before tlic board of supervisors and asked what inducement would be extended
to him if he established a newspajier in the county. He was assured of all
the official and oilier printing of the i'o\uit.\, but im monc.\' Ikhuis. which Mi'.
Willits wanted, was promised. He did nothing, ami until The Pilot was
started there was no newspai)er here, nor could one have lived on the meager
patronage at the hands of the boai'd.

Vestal and Young were the publisluu-s of the Pilot, and the launcliing of
the fij-st coi)y was an event of ini])ortauce. The leading men of the town
were present at the birth of the jiaper, and the first copy taken from the pre.ss
was duly cei'tified li\' a couunittee and jnit up for sale at public auction a short
time later. It was bought by L. J. Barton for one hundred and six dollars,
after spirited bidding by the business men of tlu' town. C'ol. Vestal, the edi-
tor, was a versatile writer aiul a splendid newspaper man. His partner was
in charge of the mechanical depailnunit. and the paper was neat and sprightly
in appearance. It soon took a leading place in northwest Iowa journalism
and from its first i.ssue was a strong exponent of republicanism. Mr. Young
sold out to E. I. Sutfin in 1881 and the firm of Vestal & Sutfin conducted the

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 87

paper for some years. A. C. Newton then acquired the paper and continued
it until 18I)ti wlien it passed into the hands of A. C. Smith, and in August of
tliat year it was consolidated with the Tribune.

The Storm Lake Tribune was started on its way in 1877 by Jerome Rose,
familiarly known b.^■ the newspaper boys as "Posy." He presided over its
destinies until 1881 when it was sold to P. D. McAndrew, who in 1883 in turn
sold it to Sutfin & Perkins, and they to L. H. Henry. In 1896 :Mr. Henry
sold his paper to Thomas Walpole and the same year The Tribune and The
Pilot were consolidated under the name of The Pilot-Tribune, with Walpole
& Smith as publishers. This firm conducted the paper until 1904 when ]Mr.
Walpole ac((uired full control. In 1906 C. H. J. Jlitchell bought an interest
in the paper, havinu' been connected with it as local editor for two years, and
tlie firm of Walpole & :\Iitchell are the iniblishers at this time. The Pilot-
Tribune has, since its consolidation, lieen the leading newspaper of the county.

The Storm Lake Sentinel, first saw the light of day on May 18, 1877, with
Charles H. FuUerton as editor and publisher. It was independent in poli-
tics, and from reading its files it is apparent that its principal joy in life was
to prod The Pilot. It had a short life and succumbed after a little more than
a year.

The Buena Vista Vidette was launched as a democratic new.spaper in 1885
h.\- C. Everett Lee. During the campaign of 1884 L. E. Lange moved a news-
paper plant to Storm Lake and caused The Sun to east its democratic rays
on the benighted county for a few weeks, but after the election had passed
the demand for the paper was not promising and Mr. Lange moved the ma-
terial to Laurens, where he established the Laurens Sun. The following year
the democrats of the county, alwa.vs a militant force, wanted an organ and Mr.
Lee provided it in The Vidette. He continued at its head for three years,
when he sold to H. W. Core.v, who soon disposed of the plant to Freeman A.
Brown, a democratic merchant of Storm Lake. Mr. Brown owned the paper
until 1897, and during his editorial charge the paper preached straig'il de-
mocracy in season and out. After the memorable campaign of 189(3 Mr.
iirown was not in full sympathy with the attitude of his party on monetary
([ue.stion and the following year he sold to A. A. Smith and F, A. Moore. ]\Ir.
iloore remained but a few weeks when he sold to his partner, who at once pro-
ceeded to improve the pajjcr and extend its (qrculation. The plant was renewed
and the circulation extended until the paper led the others in the luiniber of
readers. It was a county paper, and democratic to the core. In 1904 Mr.
Smith sold to ]\Ii.ss Elizabeth Sohm who owns the paper now. S. E. Barnard
is editor and pulilisher. ]\Iiss Sohm having as.sumed the m(U'e congenial duty of
presiding over a home in ilichigan. The paper is now independent in politics,
with deniocratic leiining. although ilr. Barnard is a republican.

The Storm Lake Enterprise was started in 1897 by Bethards & ilcAnulty
l>\it lasted but a short time when it was absorbed by the other papers at Storm
L.ikc. It was launched to represent a faction in tlie reiniblican party Init
never cut much figure.

The first paper at Sioux Rapids was The Echo, founded in 1875 by D. C.
and W. R. Thomas, to represent the interests of the town and the north part

88 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

of the county. It was eontiniied until 1877 when in a lachrymose eilitorial
the paper gave as a reason for dying that the people of the town ditl not ap-
preciate it sufficiently to give it proper patronage. In 1881 W. S. Westcott
commenced the publication of The Press, continiiing as editor for two yeai's.
He .sold to Acres, Helms & Blackmar. who in turn sold to "Bob" Helms.
J. W. Deupree succeeded Mr. Helms and when Jlr. Deupree was elected to
the office of coiinty clerk the paper came into the hands of C. C. Colwell. B.
W. Talcott, foreman on The Storm Lake Pilot, bought the pai)er on March ;!,
1891, and edited it until 1897, when it \v;is sold to a corporation of business men
and consolidated with the Republican.

The Republican was started in 1896 by J. M. Iloskins and published by him
for eight years, when he sold to C. C. Colwell. Mr. Colwell owned it for two
years, and in 1900 it was consolidated with The Press under the name of the
Republican-Press. J. E. Durkee and Mr. ('(ilwcll conducted the paper for the
corporation which owned it until 1907. when it was sold and the name of the
company changed to The Ryder-Sherman Printing Co. It is now issuctl by
C. E. Ryder and G. M. Sherman. It is ri'imblican in ])olitics and has Ikmmi allied
with the progre.ssive wing of the party.

The Alta Advertiser was founded in the spring of 1876 by C.T. Steever
and was first issued once a month to advertise the town and ]\Ir. Steever's
many business enterprises. It soon received sufficient ])ati'onage to enable the
publisher to \n-\nt it weekly, and thi'ongh the vignrous and trenchant style of
Mr. Steever achieved some importiuice in count\' matters. It was independent
in politics, with a democratic leaning. ]\lr. Steever being a deiuocrat. In 1883
Mr. Steever sold the plant to Maggs Brothers, wlio inihlished it for a few
months when A. C. Smith was added to the firm, the style oi the company being
Maggs, Smith & iMaggs. ilaggs & Smith succeeded the former proprietors, one
of the brothers retiring. A few months later Thomas Walpole bought out IMr.
Maggs' interest and the firm became Walpole & Smith until the junior member
was elected county recorder when Mr. Walpole owned the paper alone until
1888. Then E. E. Walpole joined his brother in the business and the firm was
Walpole Bros. E. E. Walpole sold out in 1901 to C. H. Wegerslev and Thos.
Walpole sold out to the same person two ,\ears later. In 1898 the firm became
Wegerslev Brothers, J. II. Wegerslev aecpiiring an interest, and remained thus
until 19(1,") when C. A. VanBuskirk bought (lut the interest of C. II. Wegerslev,
and tile paper is published by Wegerslev i.t VanBuskirk at this time. The
best work tiiat was ever done on the pa]>er was when Thos. Walpole devoted his
talent to editing the sheet, and a ])erusal of the liles during the years when ^Mr.
Waljiole conducted it is a I'are treat, as he was well informed on every subject,
and a newspaper man of ability and learning. The i)aiier has always been
straight reiiui)lii-aii since Mr. Stee\-ei' lei't it, and (it l;ite has l)een progressive in
principle.

Tile first newspa[ier ;it Xi'well was The Tillies. tdiiiKled in 1872 In" Col.
ddlin T. Long, a deiiiorrnt of the lighting Idnd. Col. Long was a speaker of note
iind he and Col. Vestal of tiie Stoi-m Lake I'ilot met in newspaper discussions
week aftei- week, and when that means of controversy wa.xed tame they would
iiionni the plati'onn and meet in joint dehat i [Kilitical (piestions at various

LAKE SHORE. NEAR CHAUTAUQUA PARK.

HISTORY OP BUENA VLSTA COUNTY 89

places in the (■minty. where the amenities of life were sometimes forgotten in
the joy of battle. l>ut the Times was short lived. Newell did not support the
paper as the editor thonght it should lie and he discontinued it and left the
oonnty. Three years later Will H. White founded the Mirror and it has con-
tiiuied to reflect the town until this day. Mr. White sold to J. C. Blair who
edited the paper until about 1893 when H. C. Gordon and J. P. Lawton bought
the ]M'opcrty. ]\Ir. Lawton was an old school teacher and Jlr. Gordon a prac-
tical printer. Tlu^y publishctl it until 1002 when Mr. Lawton sold out to his
partner and II. ('. fJordon has edited the paper since. Mr. Gordon is a fluent
writer and a good all-round newspaper man, and the paper has been a success.
It has always been republican in politics, and in the late factional difficulty
in Iowa has been aligned with the old wing of the party.

The ]\Iarathon Republic was founded in l.SDO by II. E. Willey and |)ub-
lished by him for .several months. lie sold it to A. B. Eastman who was an
energetic worker. l)ut he soon was succcc^ded by a Wandering Tourist by the
name of Bugbee, who let the paper die on his hands. He left the office in
disorder with the forms rusted on the bed (if the press, and the holders of the
mortgage were compelled to And a new man. They found a "man" in the
person of a fourteen-year-old boy. who with S. C. Bradford to write the copy
got out a creditalile paper for several months until Henry Stevens, an exper-
ienced man, bought the plant. Stevens sold out to T. J. and W. P. Wayne and
they in a short time sold to L . E. Bladine. the youth, who a few years before
had. with the assistance of iMr. Bradford, published the paper. Mr. Bladine
took the paper in 1895 when it was badly run down, and soon had everything
running smoothly. New equipment supplanted the old and worn out
machinery, and the paper was establislied on a firm and paying basis. On Sep-
tember 18, 1908, the plant was burned to the grt)und. but it was soon replaced
and the paper issued better and brighter than ever before. Tlie Repulilic has
always been republican in politics and the present editor has been rewarded by
apjiointment as postmaster of his town for three successive terms.

The Albert City Pioneer was first i.ssued by G. S. Turrill in 1899, sliortly
after the new town was laid out. when the railroad was built throngli. His
mother conducted the paper for almost a year when it was sokl to C. L. iMarmon,
an attorney, who practiced the law and edited the paper for two years. H-
sold out to C. II. Reese and L. E. Bladine of the Marathon Republic bought the
paper from Reese. In 1903 when JIi-. Bladine 's JIarathou property burned
two papers were issued from the Pioneer office until a new plant was installed
at Marathon. In November, 1903, the paper was sold to C. V. Nelson and for
two years was issued by IMr. Nelson. In 1905 a stock company of Albert
City business men bought the plant and Roy Romig was put in charge. The
propert.v is now owned by C. L. Ross who has been editor for the past two years.
The paper is republican in politics.

The Linn Grove Independent was founded in 1891 and soon after was
bouglit by William Lewis, who continued as editor and publisher until 1902
when it was sold to local business men. II. E. Nelson was editor for a year,
and after he left the paper passed through several hands, luitil it was finally
acquired by George Evans, a young man who has been conducting it for

90 HISTORY OF RUENA VISTA COUNTY

two years. Durintr its life it has been an active worker for the welfare of its
town. It is republican in politics and is enjoying good patronage from the
people in the riniiinunity in which it is issued.

FAR:\rERS TXSTTTI'TE AND SHORT COT'RSE.

The Renna Vista County Farmers Institute was organized at Storm Lake
on ^March 11. 1893. by a number of progressive farmers who desired to meet
for three or four days during the dull winter montlis to discuss and advance
more progressive methods of farming. Prior to that time institutes had been
held at Storm Lake and Alta. biit no permanent organization had been perfected
and no definite plan of action had been agreed upon and adopted. At the old
institutes papers were prepared and read by local talent, and discussion, at
times spirited and earne.st. resulted. In addition to the local speakers promi-
nent men from over the state were invited to deliver addresses and well
known authorities on farm matters responded and added interest to the ses.sions.
Thus, James Wilson, now Secretary of Agriculture, and Henry Wallace, editor
of a well known farm journal, were here for addresses that were full of infor-
mation, and occasionally members of the instnutional staff from the Agricul-
tural schodl at Ames wci'e present. The governor of tlic state was also here to
deliver a lecture on ecoiunnic prolilems. The evenings were giviMi over to
literary and entertaining feattires and home talent theatrical jierformances.

l'>ut ill time the discussion failed to interest as it should, and the leaders
in the movement embraced an opportunity oft'er(>d by th(> state to organize The
Ruena Vista Comity Farmers Institute and Sliort Course Association, which
was duly incdrpurated. 'i'liis addeil ])ractical deiiiiinstratinn to tlii' lectures
and talks. A corn sliow was added. A judging contest followed, in which the
boys and young men froTii the farm. wer(^ taught to ])ass on stock and grains.
The idea grew rapidly in favoi' and now tiie fifty meiiiliers that a.ssoeiate(l them-
selves as an institute have expanded into the largest and most progressive Short
Course Association in the state.

Every winter hundreds of dollars are I'xpemled in prizes distributed
among the men and woineii and boys and girls from the farm for excellence in
grain raisim;' and in prolicieiii'V in judging stock. It is not enough to judge
tlieliest animal; Hie critic iiiiist lie able to tell ri'adily why it is tile liest. Thus,
in bringing out the points of sn|)eriority the young men and boys are enabled
to know what will increase the value of their jiroducts and in that way enliance
their earning capacity and nialeriai well'are. In his introihict ion the secretary
last winter said: '!The purpose of this organization is to promote the interests
of agriculture, domestic .science and stock raising, and to educate the citizens
of the vicinity in tlie best and most approved methods of conducting such busi-
ness." This is lrnl>' a laudable ambition and with the assistance of the earnest
men and women wlio have enlisted their cfTorts in this work, and the trained
teachers from the agricultural schools who are sent here, tlie object aimed at
will certainh' be readied.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 91

The officers who served in 1909 to make the session of that year a success
were as follows: president, P. F. Kinne; vice president, William ITnxtable;
secretary, S. R. Ilaines ; assistant secretary, W. C. Edson ; treasurer. P. C. Toy.
Directors, Mrs. A. E. Brunson, ]\Irs. A. G. Iloch. ;\Irs. A. S. Caulkins, li. W.
Krause. W. C. Skiff, A. M. Foster. D. G. LaGrange, John Jones. :Mrs. Henry
Meinhard, 6. M. Allee, C. E. Cameron and P. Jlorrissey.

At the annual meeting for the 1910 Short Course officers were elected ;is
follows: President, D. 'SL Jnhnston; vice president. William Huxtable; secre-
tary. Henry ^Meinhard ; assistant secretary, W. C. Edson; treasurer, P. C. Toy.
Directors: G. E. Bernard. W. C. Skitf. D. G. LaGrange, H. W. Krause, Mrs.
A. G. Iloch. Mrs. A. E. Brunson. all of Storm Lake ; C. F. Kiister of Hayes,
D. F. Shannon of Washington, P. Morrissey of Nokoniis. Charles McCiirdy of
Maple Valley, E. P. Wright of Providence, S. B. Crouch of (irant, C. B. Plazard
of Poland. G. ]\1. Allee of Newell. William Lcighton of Lee, C. W. ^IcLaughlin
of Scott. M. L. Soeth of Lincoln, C. J. Jimmerson of Elk, Charles Anderson of
Barnes.

By thus distributing the directors it is the intention of the officers to
interest the entire count.v and make the winter course do what the agricultural
fair does in the summer.

RURAL ilAIL DELIVERY.

l^p to the year 1!)()0 there were no rural free delivery routes in the county,
the country districts being supplied l).v the town and country postoffices of
which there were several. Prom Alta the mail was taken at stated intervals
to Blaine. Hanover. Elkton and West Scott; from Storm Lake to Peach and
Plum and from Newell to Crozier and Racine.

But with the adoption »i the rural delivery sj'stem by the postoffice de-
partment a movement was inaugurated to get the benefit of this popular branch
(iT the service for Biicna Vista county and in Ma.v of that year four routes were
started from Storm Lake and three from Alta. Shortl.v after that other routes
were established from Newell, Marathon. Siou.x Rapids and Linn Grove.

But the county was not covered as a whole and in January, 1905, J. P.
Elston, a postoffice inspector, was sent here to devise a county delivery that
would suppl.v all of the residents. He went over the ground with care and on
tile 1st day of June. 190."). the following system was inaugurated and is in
operation at this time: From Storm Lake, six routes; from Alta. five routes;
from Newell, three routes; from JIarathon. three routes; from Albert City.
Ilirce routes; from Sioux Rapids, two routes; from Linn Grove, two and from
Rembrandt, one. In addition to this jiarts of the county are served from
Peterson in Cla.v county. Aurelia in Cherokee. Schaller in Sac and Fonda in
i'licahontas. so that the delivery is as complete as it is possible, under tile present
system, to make it.

The former country postoffices have been discontiiuu^d and the railroad
towns supply a dail.v. instead of a semi-weekly delivery. It has proved a
popular thing in the farming connnunities and lias increasetl enormously the
mail delivery.

92 IlISTUKY OP BUEXA VISTA CUlLXTY

POLITICAL PARTIES.

When Rxienn Vista cniinty was orcanized the diMnocraey was strongly
entrenched in almost every northern state. The republican party had come into
power lint two years before, and was still ignorant of its strength, not as an
organization, but as a principle. Iowa was in the hands of the democrats, and
if onr handful of settlers, who were here before 1860. took an>' interest in
state or national politics it is not on record.

What concerned the pioneers more than state or national issues was the
distribution of the few county and township nftices tliat -were at the disposal of
the people, not so nnich for the salaries attached, as they were meager, but for
the impoi'tance it added to the citizen's standing in the community and his
al)ility to "get in"" on the luuncrous conti-acts that were let for internal ini-
prt)vements. such as bridge building, road making and swamp land contracts.

Therefore, in our new connt.v part.v lines were loose (U- were not re-
garded at all. Thus. Abncr Hell, althnngh a di'inoci'at of the old school
when he came, soon allietl himself with the re|niblirans in count.v affairs and
stayed by that organization as long as he took an active part in county matters.
About the year 1S70 the republicans perfected a crude organization by the
election of a county committee with a chairman. In the election of 1867 the
republicans carried the county, although the ]«irt>' lines were not closely drawn.
But with the infusion of new blood in the late sixties and early seventies the
partisan feeling that was raging on the outside permeated the county and the
rei)ul)licans. being in the majority, organized.

Two years later we read in The Pilot, which was a strong re|)nblican organ,
and wliiih waved the "blood.v shirt" in Ihc face of the des|)iscd political foe,
lliat the organization was as follows:

" K'cpublican County Central Connnittee: Barnes, O. II. D.dil. cliaii'ni;in ;
Stnnn Lake. W. L. Vestal : Coon. :\I. 1). Wafkins; Brooke. John I'.nrr: HIk, .M.
A. i'ackard: l<"airlicld. (Jeorge Derrick; Nokomis. J. L. Wilson: .Majili' ^'alley,
Jj. (Justine: I'dland, A, A. Fancher; Ennna. .1. (i. Wilson.'"

There is nothing to show in the files of 1h<' news])apers that the democrats
at that time had an organization, but there were strong, okl line party men here,
as may be seen b\' the sizzling replies printed in the Pilot to red hot ediloi-ials
published in the same newspa])er.

Later in the "Tils tiie (li-ance movement took an active ])art in county
l)olitics. and this was folhiwed by uprisings liy the "Outs"" against the '"Ins."'
wliei-e liittei' raiiein' ;nid violent deiuuiciat ion timk the pkice nl' siibei- juil'_;'nient
and argiunent. Third part\' movements also made themselves Icnown. such as
the (ireen P>ack. tlie Pojiulists. the Farmers" .Mliance and the Prohibitionists.

Tile I'^innei's' Alliance had a limecr life tli:iii any oilier thii'd ]iarty move-
ment as it was the outgrowth of the (ii'ange. This was I'ccruited from the
farmei's. and niunerous ])ieniis were held in groves during tlie summer, and in
school houses, in "llainiony Ihill." in (Irani township nnd in the \-arious
towns for a period of many years. It may be said here that many of the reforms
advanced then l)y the Alliance and afterward by the Populists were later taken
up li.\' the old parlies ;nid l).\' lliem erystallizetl into laws.

HISTORY OF BUEXA VISTA (JOL'XTY 93

The parties all had ((iiiiity (irganizatioiis in the '80s and '90s. The head
was the county chnirninii and cvrrv township was represented by a eonimittee-
iiian, selected at a ciiuus held in the precinct. The county committee selected
one of its number as chairman. Of those who have served in this capacity
may lie found the names of nearly all the men who have later become prominent,
snch as G. S. Robinson. Lot Thomas. F. 11. Ilelsell. T. D. Higss, II. L. Pierce,
A. D. Bailie. A. C. Smith, and names not so well known.

The system of caucus and delegate conventions obtained until 18!)9 when a
movement was started for a county primary, under a state law which permitted
an>" ]iarty in any county to adopt a primary system of making nominations.
This proved a wa\- out of a predicament, and the republican orfranization
a<lopted it. It was cdntinued until 1908 when all parties were re(pnred. bv a
direct primary law. to make nominations in that wa.v for all offices.

ilen took their politics seriously two decades ago. At every national
campaign clubs would be (U'ganized. wliich wmild be designated by articles nf
wearing apparel, and huge badges. We read of Grant and Greeley chdis. of
Hayes and Tilden clul)s. of the "Plumed Knights" who supported Blaine and
of Cleveland clubs, of the (irandpa's Hat clubs who supported Harrison, all of
wliom were decked in fantastic attire to designate on which side they were
hurrahing. Drill mastt'rs would sweat and fiuue while drilling their cohorts
in all sorts of impossible evolutions, the common marchers being gaily capari-
soned in oil (loth i-aiies and tlaring chapeaus. bearing Hambeaux foi- night
parades. .Men cannot be induced to do such things now. The voter is not
stirred by martial nmsic and fervid oratory, but in the (piiet of his home, with
his newspaper and magazine in hand, he stndics these i|uestions of governnu'nt
out for himself. And this is perhaps the liettei' way.

TORNADOES.

The count.v has been visited by several severe windstorms during its history,
t he first of which oi'curred on Easter Sunday, in 1877. This storm seemed to have
its inception in Sac coimty. west of Schaller. and entered the county east of the
Foster Gritfith place. In Sac county an old lady met her death. In this c(mnty
the home of a Mr. Breech was wrecked, while he was killed and his wife severely
in.iured. The famil\- and a neighl>or's family were seated in the house, looking
over garden seed which they expected to plant, and did not notice the approach
of the storm. Tlie first premonition of its approach was when the house began
to leave its foundation. From the Breech place the storm took a northeasterly
direction and strmk the I'ei'rine place, now Phil P)aumann's farm, where the
owner had built a tiui- set of sulistantial luiildings. perhaps the best in the
e<iunt.v. These were reduced to kindling wood. The stable M'as lifted in the
air. but several horses tied to a manger which was not attached to the bai-n were
left standing unhurt. Near Storm Lake the King house was blown to pieces
and members of the family in.jured. Tlie town of Storm Lake was not hit,
but narrowly escaped.

94 HISTORY OF HIEXA VISTA COUNTY

On Sunday. June 14. 1885. another storm appeared in the eoiraty but no
htiman lives were lost. The tornado on that occasion destroyed much property
and killed a i;reat deal of stock'. It was especially severe in the north part of
the county.

On Thursday. July 6. 189:5. what was afterward known as the "Pomeroy
tornado" passed over the county, coming from the west and entering Buena
Vista county (Ui the line l)i'lween Jlaplc Valley and Xokomis townships. At
the Wadsw(n-th place Bernard Johaunescn was standing in the stable door,
when the storm struck the fine new barn, and the young man was thrown against
a tree and life was i-mishcd nut of liiiti. death ruining that same night. At Ihe
T. J. Wall home Edwin Wall had his leg so badly mangled that amputation
was afterward found necessary. At the Jacob Brccher farm in Hayes town-
sliip. soutlieast of Alta. ;\lr. Bri'cher was killed, a large splinter of wood being
driven through his neck. One mile east W. K. Clcnions. an aged man was so
severely injured that death ensued shortly afterward, and at the C. N. Totiuan
place, further east. Mr. Totman was killed wliile assisting his family to find a
place of refuge. iMauy buildings wciv totally destroyed in this storm and
much stock was killed. The fury of the wind carried heav\' pieces of machinery
up in the air for hundreds of feet. At one place a stick of wood was driven
into a tree so solidly that a man eould sus]iend himself from it. Chickens
were stripped of feathers, trees were torn u|i by the roots and twisted off, and
in the track of the storm thousands of splin1ei-s were driM'U into the ground so
that the path looked like a field where splinters were being raised. In Alta
and Storm Lake a fiu'ious hail storm which accompatiied the storm broke all
the windows on the west side of the houses, and lightning struck in several
places.

The storm passed over the lake and in Providence and .Xewcll townships
more liiiibbiigs were hlown down, hut no fatalities were repcu'ted. At the
town of Piiiiierny. in Calhoun county. si\t\' deaths and many injured [KU'sons
wei'c found after the storm.

The loss of property was great and a I'uiid was raised which was distrihuted
to the needy ones. Sonic Were assisted in rebuilding and others were cared
for until they had homes to go to. At Ponu-roy a fund raised all over the
state was e.\])cnded in earing for the needy ones.

There have lieen scxcral minor storms since then. Iiiit none aiiiu'oai'hing
the sevei'itx' of the three described.

Tin; BLIZZARDS.

The -woi-d "blizziird" was coined b.\' a newspaper man at Esthervillo to
porlrax' the fury of the great winter storms that once swept over th{> prairies
of noi'tln\est Iowa. - What old settlei- does not remember them? There was
nothing to iiii|)e(lc the whirling, driving snow and nothing more terrible eould
be imagined, unless it might be the tornado that came during the summer
months.

HISTORY OF BUEXA VISTA COUNTY 95

A hWy./Aivd of the old kiiiil usnnlly lasted three days. A fall of snow-
would coiiie on the tirst day. ai-ronipanied by hi<;h wind, and the drifls would
l)et;in to mount hi<rh. On the second day the temperature would fall and the
wind wciuld rise still higher. The smiw. hy cdntinued lilowinf;' and cold
weather, would become as fine as flour and would penetrate every crevice of the
unprotected houses and outbuildin<rs. seeking sheltered places, and drifting,
drifting, everywhere. Unhappy the fate of a man caught in this hurricane of
flying snow and iey wind, as he would soon lose his way and succumb to the cold.
The first storm of which there is any record came on the 14th of March.
1870. and was for years remembered as the great blizzard. There had been
storms before that, many of them every winter, but the one in the spring of
1870 came at a time not expected. On Monday morning it made its appearance
and for three days the snow fell and blew as it had never before come in the
memory of the oldest inhabitant. There were no losses of life in this county
as the storm came early in the da\- before many had left their homes. In Clay
county a man and boy went for wood at Gillette's Grove and were lost.
Other fatalities were reported from all parts of the northwest.

On ^larch 25, 1875. a second great storm came in the afternoon. At first
great flakes came floating down, but a rising wind and an increasing fall soon
made it impossible to see far. During that storm Thomas Keating, a young man
living in Maple Valley township, lost his life. He and his father had been to
Storm Lake and found their way home. They found the well in the yard but
could not sec the house or barn. Unhitching the oxen they turned them loose,
exiiecting that they would go to the barn, and followed them. But the cattle
followed the wind and went awa\- from the house, and the two men were com-
pelled to wander arcjund all night. In the morning the father could see the
house only a few rods distant, but the boy was dead from exposure. The storm
lasted for three days and it was almost two weeks until the body could be taken
to Storm Lake for interment.

On January 2. 1885. came another great storm wliich. while not destructive
of life, is nevertheless rememliered as iho great coal famine blizzard. The
railroads were blockaded for more than ten days and when trains did get
through there were eager people at every station waiting to get coal. It was
doled out in small ([uantities but did not fill one-fourth the demand.

On January 12. 1888. came another storm that is well remembered. At
IMarathon John Olney. son of Richard Olney. and a companion rode to town
during the early part of the storm. Their horses i-efused to face the wind and
the boys dismounted and turned tliem loose. They found the railroad track
and Olney followed it. as he supjiosed toward Marathon, but in fact went east.
He was found next morning, frozen to death. His companion arrived safely
at Marathon, but was unable to help his friend, and the people were not able
to search for him until the following day.

Since that time the winters have not been so severe, but that blizzard con-
ditions are yet possible was shown this past winter when real, old fashioned
blizzard weather came in Januar\-. But the sweep of the wind and the speed
of the flying snow can never attain their old time velocity because of the many
groves and hedges that are now to be found in the county.

96 HISTORY OF DUEXA VLSTA COUNTY

OUR COUNTY FAIRS.

Ill tile year 1S7:') sdiiic oi' I he liNuliim' incn in the sdutli part of the ('(iniity
organized themselves into a bod>- corporate and bons'lit one hundred acres of
land in tlie west jiart of Storm Lake for tli(> pui-pose of holding a coianty fair.
The society was incorporated ]\Iarch 13. 1S7:3. under tlie name of The Buena Vista
County Agricultural Society, with the follo\\ing iueorporators : J. A. Dean,
Theoph Slutz. W. L. Ve.stal. L. .1. Harvey. J. C. Spooner, George Struble. L.
Gustine, E. I. Sutfin. S. W. Hobhs. W. Lownsberry. J. 0. Strong. S. W. Young,
J. B. .^lilliM-. Robert Ciimniings. H. Bennett and J. W. Ayers.

The otticers elected at that time were J. C. Spooner. president; W. Lowns-
berry. vice president; J. A. Dean, treasurer and E. I. Sutlin. secretary.

The tirst fair was held Se|)lci)iber 2H and '24 of that year and was ;i success.
County races were held, as well as other sports. The stock exhibit was not
large, but the women brought out their crazy {|uilts and n(>edle work, supple-
mented by kitchen and pantry stores, and a ci'editable exhiliit was had. The
reporls pulilished in the Pilot are enthusiastic.

The fair continued for five years when it was abandoned. Hard times
and grasshoppers killed it. and although successive attemjits were made to revive
it. the track was jilowcd np and the grounds were returned to their original
purpose of agricultural lands. The site was beautiful, overlooking the Lake,
and would have been an attractive spot in time.

The second attemjit was more successful. In 1886 the citizens in thi^
\icinity of Alta determined to organize an agricultural fair and a provisional
organization was effected in January of that year to canvass the country for
stock. A meeting was set for the 2d day of April, at which time the canvassing
committee reported that the necessary f<iiir hundred shares of stock had been
subscribed, and the society, under the name of The Buena Vista County Agri-
cultural Society was incorporated. George E. Ilobbs had been president of the
pi'ovisional organization and he was made president of I he i'air. I\L Adams,
who had some experience in similar organizations in the cast was made vice
presitlent. The other officers were A. C. Biunie. Ireasurcr and 11. T. Saberson,
secretary.

The directoi's were selected from the surro\inding townshiiis in order to
inlercsl farmers, and the (irst board consisted of E. W, Crowcll and Charles
Iloltz of Maple Valley. AVilliain .Miller ..f Hayes. Geo. A. Dal/iel and A. A.
Adams of Nokomis. C. B. Anderson of KIk and Bead Kendall of Alta. It has
always been the practice to select farmers for directors and in that way the
interest (if the fariiiiiig coiiiiiinnil \' has been iiiaintaineil.

OI' the men who comprised the tirsi official roster Geo. E. Ilohbs served as
president for two years wlien lie was succeediMl by M. Adams, who has held the
place e\er siiii'c. Mr. ilohbs was plai-e(l mi the lioai'd of ilirectors where he is
still serving. A. A. Adams and George A. Dalziel have served as directors
alinost continually since the organization of the fair.

The iil'lici'i's at the present time are M. ,\daiiis. president; Geo. .\. Dalziel,
vice president; C. 11. Wegerslev. secretar\ and San I I'ai'ker. treasurer. The

VIEW OF STORM LAKE.

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 97

(lireetdi's are Geo. E. IIob1)s. P .N. Rnels-iiii;'liaiii. L. Christensen, A. A. Adams,
I'. P. Kinne, Donald Hill and I', ^rorrissey.

The man who is entitled tn the eredit for Ijuildinj]; up the fair is C. E.
Caiiieroii. who served for sixteen years as secretary. Mr. Cameron took pride
in his work, and his indefatigable efforts, and daring: departure from the beaten
paths of fair management, won the Bnena Vista County Fair the name of being
the best eount.v fair in Iowa. The attendance has been phenomenal, and the
satisfaction general. The traiiiint;' .Mr. Cameron gained at the county fair and
his connection with it brought him in contact with the State Fair officials and
for more than ten years he served as a director from the eleventh district on
I he State Fair l)oard. He then became vice president for four years and is now
serving his third .vear as president. The Bnena Vista coiuity fair has been
rjean from its in( eption, and that, as well as honest dealing with the public, has
linmght it whatever of success it has attained.

The societ.v's grounds comprise thirt.v acres situated east of the town of
Alta, where substantial buildings have l>eeii erected, and where a half mile
race track is maintained.

MURDERS IX THE COUNTY.

The tii'st uuirdei' in the (•ount.\' nccurr(>d in the year IS'iO, at Linn Grove,
wherein one 0. M. Barker killed a nuui by the name of Enoch Ta.vlor, as the
result of a fpiarrel over a timber claim. Taylor settled on some land near the
Grove, which was illegall.v claimed li.\' Ambrose S. JFead. He was a quiet,
industrious man. but iiirurred the ill will of Jfead liecause he took the land
Wfinted by tlie latter. It appears an ojiportunit.v was sought to involve Taylor
in a (|uarrel with the Pleads, and this presented itself one da.v when Mr. Mead,
his son Harrison and a friend by the name of O. M. Barker went to the claim of
a nei!jhb(u-. J. J. Bicknell. and attemjited to haul away some rails. Bicknell
had sold the rails to Taylor and when he (Ta.x'lor) saw his property being
r('mo\'ed he interfered and attemjited to sto]) the removal. Barker interfered
threw off his coat, and seizing a revolver from the .vounger Mead, closed with
'I'aylor. In the struij'gle the revolver was discharged and a moment later
'I'aylor lay weltering in liis own blood with tliree bullets in his body.

Barker made his escape but later was arrested at Spirit Lake and brought
hack for trial. After kee]iing him in the eount.v for several days for a prelimi-
nary hearing he was taken to the (•ount,\- .iail at Sioux Cit.v and in the follow-
ing October was placed on trial. lie was found .guilt.v and sentenced to the
penitentiary at Fort Madison, but while the sheriff was taking him there he again
nuide his escape and when next heard of was (m the high seas, beyond the reach
of pursuit. It was charged at the time that Barlcer had influential friends
wlio bribed the official to let him escape, but this was never substantiated.

An idea of the cost of a criminal proceeding in that early day may be found
in the bills which were allowed 1]\' the board of supervisors, growing out of this
case. The prosecution was conducted b.v Charles C. Smeltzer, a .voung attorney

98 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

at Petprson. who appears to have been acting county attorney, wliile Orson Rice
afterward district attorney, appeared for the defense. The bills include the
following items:

To II. E. M. Smeltzer. for arrest of Barker $100 00

To Isaac Enders. for boardinfjr Barker 19 15

To William Crozier. for f^iarding Barker 2 00

To F. J. Lambert, for keepinfr Barker in .jail 90 00

To Lansinf^ 'SI. Lewis, for witness fees 25 00

To William Sluyter. witness fees 150 00

T. C. C. Smeltzer. witness fees 150 00

To C. C. Smeltzer. attorney fees 300 00

This murder caused intense excitement in the idimty ami tlic proceedings,
had at Sioux City, took a <rreat many citizens to court while the trial was in
progress.

The ncxi murder of which tlu-re is any record occuricd near Storm Lake in
1880. John Ford, a bachelor, lived a few miles north of town and one evening
upon arriving home found a person stealing goods from his hoase. He never
revealed the identity of the thief, but it was thought that he knew it. as three
days later, when entering his barn after returning from Storm Lake, he was
shot in the breast and killed. One Abe Shreves was arrested and tried for
the murder. After a long hearing the jury failed to agree as the evidence was
purely circumstantial. He was relea.sed. but promptly re-arrested and placed
on trial again. His attorneys secured a change of v(^nue to Sac county on the
ground that the defendant believed the people of this county were so prejudiced
against him that he could nol have a fair tri;il. The trial at Sac City resulted
in an acquittal. He was then arrested on a cliarge of stealing, was convicted
and given one and one-half years in the penitenliary. Shreves served his time.
and when released was caught stealing in Sac cdunty ag;iin. Later hi- went up
into pjuimett coiuit.v and attem|)ted to drive away one Inindi'cd head of cattle
owned by A. W. and C. W. 0;irberson of HIk townshij) which were pastured
there. t)ut was stoppe<l. He tlien stole ;i team and himiIc his escape. He was
never caught, but some y<-ars hiter it was r-eported that lie had been caught at
his old tricks in the Black Hills, was arrested b\- n Vigilance Committee and
lync^hed promptly upon conviction.

On the Tltli of November, 1901. three men met their death at Albert City
after a gun fight in the depot l)etween a posse headed by the town marshal and
three escaping bank robbers. During that fall several bank robberies occurred
in northwest Iowa, and on the night nl' Fridiiy. November 15, the liank at
Greenville?, in Cla.v county, was entered and robbed, the safe being blown o])en.
Several hundred dollars in curreni'y was taken away b.v the robbers, who made
their escape from the town on ;i hand I'ar taken from the M. & St. L. section
house. They came south throu'.'h Sioux Kapids. juid after ditching the car left
the railroad track and stai-teil nn I'lmt acrnss the i-dunlry toward the east. .\s
soon as the rr)bbery was di.scovereij the next mornin'j tln' news was telegi-aphed
to officers all over the countrv. At ,\lbert Cit.v C. .J. Lodine was marshal and
he received the notice and a telei)honic description of the men who were sus-
pected, some susitieious eliai'aet<'i's liasini: been seen in lln' sii'init.v of (Irei'tiville

HISTORY OF BUEXA VISTA COUNTY 99

tlu' day before. Durinp: the afternoon three men entered the town from the
west and proceeded to the station where they asked the agent the time of a south
hound train. Jlarshal Lodine saw them eome into the town aud sauntered
down to the station to h)ok them over. They were seated quietly in the waiting
room, and after inspecting them Lodine made his way up town and raised a
posse to assist him in making the arrest. He was eouvineed the men were the
escaping robbers, aud so they proved to be. The posse demanded immediate
surrender, whicli was refused, and a pistol battle ensued, in which the marehal.
John Sundblad. a merchant, and one of the robbers were Idlled. Lodine was
shot in the breast. Sundblad in the abdomen, and the robber was riddled with
bullets. The other two were arrested and taken to Storm Lake and placed ou
trial soon after. Judge F. H. Helsell aud county attorney Shultz appeared for
the st^ite and F. F. Faville and T. 11. Chapman were appointed by the court to
defend the prisoners. The first trial resulted in a verdict of guilty, and a
sentence to death. This was revei-sed by the supreme court and a second trial
followed soon after, again resulting in conviction and a sentence of life im-
prisonment was imposed by Judge Bailie. The prisoners gave their names
as Albert Phillips and ^Villiam Brookes, the latter being white while Phillips
was a negro. The identity of the dead robber was never established, and there
is reason to believe that the two now in the penitentiary are not serving under
their real names.

On July IS. 1!)04. Tollef Andei-son at Linn Grove shot and killed his wife
and then suicided. Anderson was addicted to liquor and when under its
influence was irresponsible. It was in a drunken rage that this double tragedy
took place.

OTHER CRIMES.

Like other counties Buena Vista has had its share of petty thefts and
depredations, robberies aud burglaries, but it may be said tliat these breaches
of the law have not been numerous. Lii|Uor violations have also been occasional
but not niunerous.

Since the enactment of the prohibittu-y amendment in 18S2 there have
been no saloons in the couut.v and this has no doubt been instrumental in main-
taining a better degree of morals than if liquor were sold openly.

XO:\[ENCLATTTRE.

.\n interest always attaches to the origin of names of places and the naming
of the various towns and townships of this county has a history that is peculiarly
worthy of notice in a volume such as this. The name of the county, Bueua
Vista is taken from the Spanish and means "Beautiful View" or "Good View"
and is believed to have eome from the name of an important battle fought in the
Mexican war. although it may have been given by some traveler who saw and

100 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

rciiipiuhprpd its beautiful sweep of prairie, the lake iu the south part and the
wooded hills aud windinu' river in the north part of the eounty. The facts are
unknown. Imt the derivation fi-oni tlie Mexican battle is the accepted one.

Barnes township was named after Luther II. Barnes, an early settler who
first laid out the town of Sioux Rapids and planned it to be a city of great
importance.

Brooke was named after Hiram and William l^rooke. two brothers who came
to the township in an early day and are supposed to have been the first perma-
nent settlers.

Coon was named after the Raccoon river, wliich flowed thi'ou'rh tlie town-
ship as it was first constituted.

Elk is of unknown oriuin. but ])crha]is froni tlic hcrd.s of elk that once
roamed over our prairies.

Fairfield, a name given by one of the settlers when the township was first
set ofJ.

Grant, named after Gen. Ulyssns S. Grant, of Civil war fame, and after-
ward president. The township was created aliont the time (Jen. Grant was
serving as president.

Hayes was set off as a township in 1S7S when Gen. Rutherford B. Ha.ves
was serving as president.

Lee was named after William S. Lee. an early sdllcr and for many years
the leading man of the i-ount\'.

Lincoln was named by the first settlers who pi'titimicd i'oi' the ci-eation of
the townsliip. and after the Martyr President.

Newell was naincd al'tcr the vice ])rcsidcnt of tlii' Illinois Central railwa.v.

Maple Valley, named after the river wiiich Hows Ihrongli tlie sduthwesf
part of the township.

Xokomis. from the Indian name, and alsn after Xokomis. Illinois, where
som(^ of the first settlers (.'ame fivim.

Providence, origin unknown.

I'ohind. from I'uland. Ohio, where tlie Olncy rannlx-. earl\- settlers at
Pickerel Lake came from.

Washington, named after the tii'sl I'l-esidcnt of the I'nited States.

Seott, after Gen. Winfield S. Scott of Mexican war fame. This township
was once called " Ennna " l)ut this was soon changed.

]\Iarath((n. named by the C. & N. W. railway after an old (Ireck battle field.

Albert City was first calli'd " .Mantliorp" after a village of find name in
Sweden. Hut the similarit.x' ol' that name and .Marathon caused the postoflice
department lo i-hanL;'e the name Id .MIuTt City.

Truesdale. named after W. II. Trnesdale. the I'ailroad niagnat<'. and was
so called l>.\- the M. & St. L. railway.

Rembrandt was first called "Orslaml" as the town was laid onl on the
farm of Bariu'v Orsland. The name was changed to IJembrandt by the post-
ol'lice departmeid.

Alfa, named after Altai l'>lair. danehtei- of .jnhii I. Blair, tiu' president of
file Illinois Central railway. It was also so named hecausc of its high altitiule.

Sion.x Rai)ids. named mi liy Lnthei' II. Uarnes. who laid ini\ the first town

HISTORY OF T^UEXA YISTA COUNTY 101

site. The first part of the name is evidently from the Little Sioux river, but
there were no rapids there and ^Ir. Barnes never explained why he added the
last part. The plaee was known as "Ilollinjisworth's Ford" at one time.

Juniata was first ealled "Northam" but by order of the postofifice depart-
ment the name was ehanged to Juniata, beeause of a similarity between the name
first chosen and Alarathon. It is pronouneed " Ju-ne-at-ta," and does not bear
the Spanish pronunciation of "Wanita."

Linn Grove was early called "Sweet's Jlill," as it was the site of an early
water mill, owned and operated by Georg-e Sweet. The settlement which grew
lip at the place was afterward known as Linn Grove, and when the C. & N. W.
came through the name of Linn Grove was adopted.

Storm Lake was named by an old trapper in the year 1855. A party of
United States surveyors was eiic-ampt-d upon the lake shore one night when
this old derelict drifted into their camp and asked to remain over night. Prior
to this time the lake had borne the name of "Boyer Lake." as it was supposed
it was the source of the river of that name. But when the surve.vors discovered
the error of this supposition the name was abandoned, although it shows on the
old maps that this name was u.sed. The old trapper asked Capt. Parker, who
was in charge of the surveyors, the name of the lake, and when told it had none,
and that his orders forbade him from naming the lake, as tliat was a privilege
reserved to old settlers, hunters or trappers, the old man remarked that he
would give the body of water a name the next day. That night a furious
storm broke out. and the tent in which the old trapper slept was blown down.
The next morning, mindful of the event of the night, the name of "Storm Lake"
was bestowed, and it has been known bv that name ever since.

DRAINAGE.

It has ever been true, and always will lie trne. that when men are approached
ill the direction of their porket book they become short sighted and cautious.
In 1903 a movement was started to reclaim all of the low and swampy lands of
the comity b.v a scientific and comprehensive .system of drainage. For some
years certain areas in Coon, (irant, Scott. Ijinculn. Xewi'll. Fairfield. Poland,
Lee and Elk townships had been unfit for cultivation because of an overflowed
condition at certain times in the year. Private tile drainage had not accom-
plished what had been expected because of an uncertain and inadei|nate outlet.
E. D. Iloxse.v, county auditor, undertook to interest the board of supervisors
in the matter and upon petition of land owners who were affected a number of
drainage districts were created.

The work thus commenced has grown to a great magnitude and the mone.v
expended and to be spent, will reach several hundred of thousands of dollars.
Brooke's creek has been wideneil and straightened, furnishing an excellent
outlet for tile drainage for many miles. The deepening, widening and
straightening of the Coon river has been undertaken, and several other extensive
projects are under way at this time.

]02 ITLSTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

All this has met with violent opposition by nn'ii wlio were sincere in the
belief that the end did not justify the means employed, and l)y others who did
not favor the system employed. The drainaire cases that have residted from
this difference of opinion have been fonti'ht out in the courts and the resiUt has
been that the entii'c drainauc laws of Iowa have l)een entirely revised and
enlarged.

New districts are being established constantly and it is a matter of but few
years until every acre of land in Buena Vista county can be fariiied in any
season.

NOTABLE PACTS.

The first saw mill in the county was (>rected at Sioux Rapids in 18G7, and
was of the portable kind.

The first flourinu' mill in llic county was built l»y P. A. Blake at Sionx
Rapids in 1870.

The fii'st bank in the county was opened at Storm Lake in 1870 by Barton
& Hobbs. Mr. Barton conducted the bank and Mr. Ilobbs conducted the real
estate transactions of the firm. Through the mismanagement of the baid\ by
Barton the institution failed in 1874 and Barton absconded.

The first newspaper in the county was issue<l October 2(1, 1870, by Vestal
& Young, and was called The Pilot.

The fii'st load of building .stone was hauled From P^ort Dodge by W. S. and
J. A. P. Harlan in ISfiil. These men livcil southwest of the lake and u|) to tlic
time the railroatl was liuilt through hauled their fuel from the timber on the
Little Siou.x I'iver at Sioux Rajiids or the Coon river at Sac ('ity, twenty miles
to the wood pile either way.

The tii'st schoolhousc in the comity was linilt on section 12 in Barnes town-
ship.

The first sermon |ireai'hcd in the i-ounty was at the home of W. S. Lee, and
was delivered by a .Methodist minister. The a]>i)ort ionment of salary for the
charge was twenty-five dollars, which was sometimes sadly in arrears.

The fii'st church building erectiMl in the county was a Catholic clnu'cli built
at Storm JjaUe in IS(li). and was a small frame building.

The first te;u-hers" institute held in the county was at Sioux Rapids Decem-
hcr 12, 1870. Pift.v-two teachers were in al Icndance. miuiy of wdiom were from
out of the county. A teachers" association was formed on December 16, 1870,
with J. D. Adams as president, William Sherman of Barnes, G. Hadden of
Brooke, C. J, Hill of Coon, F. A. Blake of Lee, J. C. Kelso of Nokomis, S. Olney
Jr., of Poland, and Alma dates of Storm Lake vice presidents. S. II. Lander
was recording secretary, Eliza R. Adams corr(>s|)ondiiig secretary and 0. P.
Warner, treasurer.

The first entry of land, as shown by the United States entry book, was
made on June 21, 1858, and was of two hundred and forty acres on section 1,
township i)3, range 38, in Brooke township. It was made by Col. Charles C.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 103

On- of Sae City. Hiram and William Brooke entered one hundred and twenty
acres in section "24 of the same township on the same day, and at the same time
other entries were made of two hundi'cd and forty acres on section 4 and three
Inindred and sixty acres on section 10. all in Brooke township. The land taken
prior to that time was by "scjnatter ris'hts," the system then practiced.

PUBLIC PREFERMENT.

Because of their ability several Buena Vista county men have been honored
by election or appointment to high political offices in the state and nation. In
|)olitieal conventions, both in state and district affairs. Buena Vista county men
have always been reckoned with as shrewd manaiicrs and this fact has led to
I'cward in a substantial manner.

The first man in the county to win ,hi»h office was ITon. Gifford S. Robinson,
who came here in 1870. He was born in Tremont, Illinois, in 1843, his parents
being both American born. He was reared on a farm, and educated in the dis-
trict school, academy and the Illinois State Normal. He was a graduate of the
law department of Washington University, of St. Louis. Judge Robinson was
a veteran of the Civil war. He commenced the practice of law in this county
in January,. 1870, and was county attorney for several terms. Later he went
1o the legislature, serving in the House during the sixteenth general asseinbly
and in the senate in the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-tirst general assemblies.
He was elected .judge of the supreme court in 1887 and served until December
M. 1899. After retiring from the supreme court Judge Robinson was appointed
a member of the state board of control in 1900, was reappointed in 1906, and
will serve until 1912. Judge Roliinson is a scholarly man and while a resident
of this county took a deep interest in its early history. From a sketch pre-
pared by him in 1870 the editor of this work has gained valuable information. _

Judge Lot Thomas is another figure of prominence in northwest Iowa.
He served as county attorney for two terms, and while engaged in the practice
of the law was engaged on every important case that arose in the county. First
a resident of Sioux Rapids, he removed to Storm Lake where he made his home
for more than twenty-five years. In 1884 he was elected to the district bench
of the fourteenth judicial district, comprising the counties of Buena Vista,
Clay, Dickinson, Emmett. Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Humlioldt, and Kos.suth, and
won the enviable reputation of being one of the foremost trial .judges in Iowa.
In 1898 he won higher honor liy being the successor of Hon. Geo. D. Perkins in
the National House of Representatives, and he tilled that place, representing
the eleventh district, for six years.

Hon. F. II. Helsell of Sioux Rapids, who had won a high reputation in low;.
iw a trial lawyer of great learning and skill, succeeded Judge Thomas on the
Iiench, and held this place for two years. But the life of a judge did not suit
Mr. Helsell, and he tendered his resignation, after having tilhnl out his term.
He returned to the practice of the law with added experience gained on th(>
bench and is one of the leaders of the bar of northwest Iowa today.

104 HISTORY OF 15IIENA VISTA COUNTY

Hon. A. D. Bailie of Storm Lake was the next Ruena Vista county man
to sneeeed to the judseship. followini;- .Indt;'e Ilelsell in 1890. lie has served
now with distinction for ten years and bids fair to remain in his present position
as Iimsi: as he desires to occn]iy that i)lace of tr\ist and confidence.

Hon. Geo. L. Dobson. who lived at Newell, and who represented the county
in the IIoiLse of Representatives in the twenty-first, twenty-second and twenty-
third general assemblies, was elected secretary of the state of Iowa in 1896 and
held that place for four years. He was also appointed consul general to China
by President Roosevelt, but the climate did not agree with him, and he I'etnrned
to Des Moines where he has since resided. He is now serving his first term as
co\inty treasurer of Polk county.

Hon. P. F. F'aville was appointeil I'liited States district attorney for the
northern Iowa district in 1907, and is now holding that place. He is, moreover,
making good, and will no doubt be retained in that position as long as his party
remains in power.

Hon. A. C. Smith was appointed revenue collector for the northern Iowa
district in 190-1 and held the place for three years when the fortunes of politics
can.sed an upheaval in the appointive places and Mr. Smith retired.

C. E. Cameron of Alta served for ten years as director and vice president
of the Iowa board of agriculture, and three yeai-s ago was elected president.
This position carries with it the presidency of the Iowa State Pair. Mr.
Cameron is a thoroughgoing fair man, and the success to which the State Fair
has attained is in a great measure due to his careful and prudent management.

L. A. demons of Storm Lake has for .some years held the position of
director for the tenth district in the State Ilorticultxiral Society.

II. T. Saberson, of Alta. was in 190] ai)pointed to an important jiosition in
the office of the secretary of state at Des .Moines, and he is there to this day. now
lining the place of chief clerk, having charge of corporation matters for Iowa.

In the '70s D. C. Thomas was an attorney af Sioux Rapids, living here until
1878. He then removed to Dakota territory, locating at Watertown. He
practiced law and entered politics, and was appointed and served for a number
of years on a board similar to the state hoard of control of Iowa.

In legislative halls Ruena Vista county men have also accredited themselves
well. Hon. G. S. Robinson and Hon. E. E. Jlack have .served terms as state
senator, while a list of the rei)i-esentati\es. w iio have represented us, is found
in another place in this volume. The men who have heen .sent to the General
Assembly have had a consi>i<uous part in framing legislation, and have been
honored with important committee assignments. Senator Maek also served as
chaii'man of tiie repulilican state central ciiininittcc foi' two terms.

COUNTY OFFICERS.

A list of the connfy officei's has lieen given from tlie organization of the
county u]i to and iiiclnding lS(i(i. 'i'lic ofliccrs who lia\-e served since that date
are as follows :

S
<

IILSTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 105

Auditor: George H. Turhett, 1868-1870; Ole Johnson, 1870-72; W. B.
Vari-dv. 1872-78; R. B. Cumminos, 1878-84; J. W. Warren, 1884-94; .J. H.
LaUrange, 1894-1902; E. D. Iloxsey, 1902-09; O. L. Hesla, 1909.

Clerk: Abner Bell. 18fi7-69; Geo. Killam. 1869; 0. H. Dahl, 1869-70;
0. P. Warner, 1870-76; Edgar E. Mack, 1876-88; J. W. Deiipree, 1889-93; S. C.
Bradford, 1893-99; J. J. Jaeobsen, 1899-1907; C. C. Colwell, 1907.

Recorder: James George. 1867-69; O. II. Storla. 1869; J. M. Iloskins,
1870-72; Tom W. Lebo, 1872-74; T. P. Lee, 1875-77; W. P. Okey. 1878-81;
Daniel Smith. 1881-85; J. W. Gilbert, 1885-89; A. C. Smith. 1889-99; Loren
Ellis, 1899-04; L. E. Yerington. 1905-09; II. E. Roberts. 1909.

Sheriff: 0. H. Dahl, 1867-69; R.v.m Hard, 1869-75; Ed. E. Evans, 1876-
78; W. C. Weddingtcm. 1878-82; E. P. Parnsworth, 1882-84; W. C. Weddington.
1884-88; 0. James, 1890-94; C. J. Dunn. 1894-98; E. L. O'Banion, 1899-1900;

C. J. Parker, 1900.

Treasurer: II. Sanderson, 1867-70; :\I. Ilollinusworth. 1870; N. W. Con-
dron. 1870; L. A. Clemons. 1870-74; J. W. Avers, 1874-78; M. D. Watkins,
1878-82; Geo. G. Espe. 1882-87; John Ilalverson. 1887-90; S. W. Hobbs. 1890-
91 ■; C. W. Moore, 1892-96; Geo. W. Austin. 1896-1902; S. E. Couch, 1902.

CouNTv Stperintendents : 0. II. Storla. 1867-69; P. A. Blake, 1870; J.

D. Adams. 1870-72; Jacob Davis, 1872-76; A. J. White. 1877-80; J. B. Peach,
1881-82; I. C. Harlan, 1882-83; C. J. Conner, 1884-88; Thos. Walpole, 1888-95;
J. E. Dnrkee. 1895-1907; J. E. Cundy. 1907.

Surveyor: Daniel Smith. 1871-76; S. W. IIob))s, 1876-80; R. DeLoss,
1881-82; J. D. Adams. 1882-86; R. Olney. 1887-89; O. E. Bowers. 1889-95; P.
:\I. Harding. 1895-1905 ; A. E. Brun.son, 1905.

Coroner: Thos. Whitely. 1870-78; E. W. Pay. 1878-80; Thos. Whitely.
1880-88; L. M. Johnson. 1888-1900; R. II. Parker, 1900-06; C. W. Elly.son, 1906.

STATE REPRESENTATIVES.

The tirst mention that can lie f(mnd of Buena Vista county in the proceed-
ings of the General Assembly occurs in the Pourth General A.ssembly, which m(>t
at Iowa City on December 6, 1852. Joseph L. Sharp in that session represented
a district not numbered, comprising twenty-nine counties from the we.stern
one-third of the state, of which this county was one. In the Piftli General
Assembly the forty-second district was created, comprising sixteen counties
in northwest Iowa, of which this \vas one. Thos. B. Neeley held the certificate
of election but a contest was instituted l)y Green L. Clark, and the -same was

106 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

decided in favor of Clark, on Jannary 5, 1856. In the Sixth General Assembly
N. G. Wyatt represented the sixteenth district, composed of twenty-two counties
in northwest Iowa, embracing Bucna Vista. In the Seventh General Assembl.v,
which met January 11, 1858, Cyrns C. Carpenter of Fort Dodfje represented the
thirteenth district, comprising eighteen counties in the north central part of the
state, of which Buena Vista was one. In the Eighth General Assembly John

E. Blackford of Algona represented the sixty-tirst district, comprising seven
counties, of which Buena Vista was one, the assembly meeting on January 8,
1860. Charles C. Smeltzer of Peterson represented the fifty-eighth district,
comprising six counties, of whicli this was one, in the Ninth General Assembly
which met January 13, 1862. James W. Logan represented in the Tenth
General A.ssembly the sixteenth district, which was composed of the counties
of Webster, Calhoun, Pocahontas, and Buena Vista. Mr. Logan's home was at
Fort Dodge. In 1866 the county was placed in the fifty-seventh district, with
Robert Alcorn of Homes, Webster county, as representative. The district
then embraced Clay, Buena Vista, Pocahontas and Web.ster counties.

In the Twelfth Assembly Hon. Eli John.son of Cherokee represented the
fifty-seventh district, which was composed of Sioux, O'Brien, Buena Vista and
Cherokee, and the unorganized counties of Lyon and Osceola. This was in 1868.
In the Thirteenth General Assembly the county was placed in the sixty-eighth
district, composed of Sac. Buena Vista. Cherokee and Clay, and Hon. Geo. H.
Wright of Grant City was the representative. In the Fourteenth Assembly
which met January 8, 1872, Carroll county was substitut(^l for Clay, and Hon.

F. A. Blake of Sioux Rapids represented the district. In the Fifteeutli session
the county was jjiaccd in llic seventy-first di.strid and Pocahontas, Buena Vista,
Palo Alto and Enuuett constituted the district. Eldin J. Ilartsliorn of
Emmettsburg was the representative. In tlie Sixteentli A.s.sembly tlie district
remained as before and G. S. Robinson of Storm Lake was representative. In
the SeviMiteenth Assemlily. whicli convened in 1878. L. IT. Gordon of Newell
represented Ihe seventy-second district comj^osed of Cherokee. Buena Vista,
Pocahontas, and Sac. In the Eighteenth Asseml)ly the district was the same
as before and D. J. iMid)aid of Sac City was the repi-esentative. In Ihe nine-
teenth the distrii-t remained unchanged, and Ihe rcpr(>sentative was Horatio
Pitcher of .\iii'i>iin. Ill the 'i'wcntict h. bhi anil iiiicna \'ista counties com-
pri.sed tiic seventy-fifth district witli .Icssc Kennedy of Ida ({rove as representa-
tive. Tiic Twen1\'-first Assemhly saw no chMng(> in tlic disti'ict. but Geo. L.
Dobson of Newell was the representative. He continued in the Twenty-second
and Twenty-third Asscml)lies.

In 1890 Buena Vista county was set oil' into a district by itself and II. T.
Saberson represented the c(iiiii1y in the Twenty-fourth A.ssembly. The I'epre-
sentatives since then have been:

Twenty-fiftli. H. T. Salieison.

Twenly-sixtli. D. C. .Miller of Xewell.

Twenty-seventh. I). C. .Miller of Xewell.

Twenty-eiglith, A. J. Wilson of iMariithon.

Twenly-ninth, A. J. Wilson of Marathon.

Thirtieth. F. N. Buckingham of Alta.

Thirtv-firsi, F. N. Buckingham of Alta,

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 107

Thirty-set'oiul. H. L. Pierce of Linn (ii'ovc. The distrirt was at that time
(lesifjnated as the seventy-eightti district.

Thirty-second, E. H. Cunningham of Newell.
Hon. H. L. Pierce has the honor of being lln- tmly denicKTat who ever
rejiresented tlie county in the legislature.

STATE SENATORS.

Buena Vista county has formed a part of several senatorial districts, since
its organization, and even figured before it was a separate county. The first
record we find in the Senate is in 1856 when James D. Test of Council Bluffs
represented the twelfth senatorial district, composed of the counties in the
western ([uarter of the state, of which Buena Vista was one. This was in the
Sixth (ieneral Assembly and since that time the following men have represented
us in the upper house of the Assembly :

Seventh Assembly, W. H. Pusey of Council Bluffs.

Eighth. John F. Buncombe of Fort Dodge.

Ninth, John F. Buncombe of Fort Bodge.

Tenth and Eleventh, George W. Bassett of Fort Bodge.

Twelfth and Thirteenth. Theodore Hawley of Fort Bodge.

Fourteenth and Fifteenth. William II. Fitch of Lake City.

Sixteenth. Eldou J. Hartshorn of Emmettsburg.

Seventeenth and Eighteentli. Albert H. Lawrence of LeMars.

Nineteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-first. G. S. Robinson of Storm Lake,

Twenty-second, 0, A. Garlock of Rolfe.

Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth, E. E. Jlack of Storm Lake.

Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth, G. W. Henderson of Rolfe.

Twenty-seventh and Twenty-eighth. Parley Pinch of Humboldt.

Twenty-ninth and Thirtieth, E. K. Winnie of Humboldt.

Thirty-first and Thirty-second. J, H. Allen of Pocahontas.
Since ISTiS the cdnHty has been a part of the fiftieth senatorial district and
as now constituted the district embraces Buena Vista. Pocahontas and Ilunilioldt
counties.

JUBICIAL BISTRICTS.

On February 13, 1851, the General A.ssembly created the Sixth Judicial
Bistrict of Iowa which comprised thirty-two counties in the western part of the
state, from Ringgold county on the south to Lyon county on the north. One
judge was elected to act for this large but sparsely settled district, the first
l)eing James Sloan, who qualified on April 7, 185L He was succeeded by Allen
A. Bradford on ^May 4, 1852, by appointment from Gov. Hempstead. Judge

108 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Bradford resigned also and E. H. Sears was appointed l)y (Jov. (Iriiiies on
January f). 1855 and was afterward elected by the people.

The Seventh District was created February 9, 1858. anil also included a
portion of the territory of the old Sixth. Samuel II. Riddle of Pottawattamie
county was appointed .iudge on June 14. 1853, and was afterward elected.
During this time Buena Vista county was attached for .judicial purposes to
Wahkaw (Woodbury) county.

The Fourth District was created ]\Iarch 20, 1858, and here we begin to
figure as a cmuity. Four .judges served for this district and during that time
Buena Vista county licgan to be honored liy having a county court. Asahel W.
Ilidibard was elected October 12, 1858; Isaac Pendleton was elected October 14,
1862; Henry Ford was elected October 9, 1866 and C. J. Lewis was elected
October 13, 1874.

The Fourteenth District was organized January 1, 1877 and Ed. R. Duffie
of Sac City was elected judge Novemlicr 7. 1876. Lot Thomas of Storm Lake
was elected Novemlier 4, 1884. As constituted ;it that time the district com-
prised eleven counties, eight of which arc now in the pi'csent Fourt(M'nth Dis-
trict. The other three were Sac, Calhoun and Ida.

In 1887 the present Fourteenth Disti'ict was created by tlie legislature,
composed of the counties of Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson. Einmett, Palo Alto,
Pocahontas, Humboldt and Kossutli. The .judges who have served this district
are:

George H. Carr of Emmettsl)urg, elected Xovcmlier 2. 1886.

Lot Thomas of Storm Lake, reelected 1888.

W. B. Q\uirton of Algona, appointed October 13, 1894. to fill vacancy caused
by the resignation of Judge Carr.

F. II. Ilelsell of Sioux Rapids. ai)iiointc(l in 1898 to succeed Lot Thomas,
resigned.

A. D. Bailie of Storm Ijake, elected in 1900 and is now serving.

D. F. Covle of Iluiiilioldt. elected 1906 and is now serving.

REMINISCENT.

On the following ])agcs will lie round a niiiiibci' of incidents (if interest which
have been taken from the wi'ilcr's note lidnk. as giN'cn by old settlers, and from
the files of the ii('\vs]ia|)ers :

"This is the most (loil I'Di'saken coinitry ynu evrr saw" wrote one of the
()ioneers in 187(i. "The grassh<ippers eat you up in the sunnner and you freeze
to death in the winter." Such a doleful wail sounds rather ((ueer now. but it
was no ddulit v^i'v ti'ni' whrn if was written as lliei'c were many discouraged
peiijilc in all pai'ts iif northwest Iowa. Many i)eo|)le left, lint those who stayed
wei-e well rrpaid foi' thrir privation a few years later.

"We eoidil always li'll when onr ncighlioi-s were getting suppei' by tile puff
of fire that would come from the ehinnieys wlier'e slough grass was being burned.
And everyone burned it. as coal was too high, and monev too scarce. TwLsted

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 109

slnii^'li liiiy made a liot fire f(ir a few niiiiulcs. and was used extensively. It
wonld ij^iiite all at once and tlie tire wonld putt' out of the top of the chininey.
visible for miles on an eveninu'. It was a eomieal sight, also, to see the people
eonii' tunililinii' out of the sod shanties when eallers eame, for all the world like a
lot of u'ophers coining' out of their holes. Those days seem not far distant,
yet it is almost forty years since we saw sucli sights."

"The man who liad a little moiu\\' in the early '70s could make good interest
on what he invested in county warrants. In those years many schoolhouse
(•(intracts were let. The contractors were obliged to figure on what the war-
I'ants were worth when estimatiug county work, and a schoolhouse that could be
liiiilt for aliout five hundred dollars would be let at one thousand dollars, the
county warrants being then woi'th fifty cents on the dollar. As soon as the
work was completed the contractoi-s received their ])»>• in warrants, \vhich were
discounted fifty per cent when sold, and the buyers woidd hold them until the
taxes came in when they would receive dollar for dollar. Many men became
rich, and at least one man was enabled to li'ave the county and engage in the
banking business on money made in that way."

J. M. Iloskins was a member of the grand .jury which sat at the first term
of court ever held in the county. Court was held in G. W. Struble's log house
and the grand .jury met iu a corn crib, in the cattle lot. "We had a small
room all to ourselves" says ]\Ir. Hoskins. "but there was little use for the .jury.
After casting about and investigating all the crimes that had been committeed in
the comnuinity. we finally brought in a charge of larceny against a boy who had
stolen a jack knife. We worked hard four days and this was the only crime we
could be sure of. Judge Henry Ford of Sioux City was presiding and after
hearing all the evitlence in the case he sent the .young nuui to the reform school
for a siiort time. Court was held in the living room and we would clear the
table and Judge Ford would mount an improvised stool and court would be in
session. After adjournment tlu' court, bai'. jurors, witnesses and all who re-
mained would gather about the big table antl [ilay poker. There was not much
ostentation or formality about court proceedings in those days."

In 187(1 there were thirteen schools in l>ucna Vista county. There was in
addition to these one "select" school in Storm Lake, making fourteen in all.
Of these Barnes had two. Coon five. Lee two, Nokomis three and Storm Lake two.
The teachers were: ^Martha Johnson and Sara M. Lee in Barnes; Jacob Davis,
J. P. Lawton. James E. Lucky anil Julia A. Lameroux in Coon; Daniel Smith,
Eliza R. Adams and ]\liles H. Rice in Nokomis; and S. II. Lauder and ^liss A.
L. (iates in Storm Lake. The wages paid were thirty dollars, thirty-three
dollars and fifty cents and thirty-five dollars, according to grades.

It is claimed that Thomas Puckett was the first merchant in Sioux Rapids,
being located in the Storla house in the west part of town. The hunber used
iu those days was sawed at Peterson whei'e a portable mill was operated.

Charles Ilollingsworth was the first bo>- born in Sioux Rapids, and he saw
the light of day on August 17, 1865.

Uncle Johnny Burr came to Sioux Rapids at the close of the war, about
1868, from Wisconsin. He made his home with "Hub" Sanderson and was
for years the hunter and trapper of the country. He loved and lived the life

110 HISTORY OP BUEXA YISTA COUNTY

of the hunter and never took kindly to the change in the country from what it
was when he came here. Mr. Burr preempted eighty acres north of Sioux
Rapids shortly after coming, which he sold, and then homesteaded eighty acres
west of Linn Grove where he lived as a bachelor for five or six years. His
cabin was of primitive style and often in the winter would be tilled to the roof
with snow after a severe storm. Sujiplies were hauled from Fort Dodge at
first, although tlie Kirchners at Peterson kept a small stock of necessaries. Mr.
Sanderson also sold a few goods, but the art of merchandising was not exten-
sively cultivated. "Uncle Johnny" plied his trade of blacksmithing at Linn
drove and was the first smith in the town.

In these days when hunting has become a lo.st art it seems almost incredible
that there are people here who can remember when deer and elk were quite
numerous in the county. Early in the '70s great herds of these animals
roamed over the prairie, luit with the coming of the settler they disappeared.
As late as 1873 they were found singly or two or three together. Tliey had a
great liking for the green shoots of yoiuig corn, and when it came up in the
spring they would visit the new fields and eat all in sight. The trials of the
settlers were many, the gophers eating the corn as it was planted and the
deer after it came up. Old hunters say the last deer was killed in 1876. but
before that venison was not a rarity on many tables.

PRAIRIE FIRES.

"People today cannot realize what a prairie fire in the county twenty-five
years ago really was. How they were started is hard to tell in many instances,
but in the fall and spring of the year, when the grass was dry as tinder, they
were the terror of the settlers. When once started the only thing to do for a
man who was in their path was to save himself, and that as (|uickly as possible.
During the sea.son when they were fre(iuent the settler could expect to be
awakened almost any night and see the sky painted red from the glow of the
flame, his house full of smoke, and if the proper precautions had not been taken
he ami his family in danger. Imagine a sheet of flame from ten to fifteen feet,
sometimes a mile in width, rushing along like the wind, with a dull roar that
could be heard for a long distance, and you have some idea of what such a
spectacle was. The old settlers who have passed through such experiences
never want to see their like again."

THE KUiST BRn)GES.

The tirst laruv bridge in the comily was Imiit over tiie Little Siou.x river
where the i^resent bridge at Sioux Rapids now stands. It was called the
llollingsw(n-th F.ird bridge, taking its name from the old ford across the river
which "was named after IMichael Ilollingsworth. J. B. Twiford built the
bridge and got something like tlnve tlKuisand dollars for it. This was during
the latter part of the '60s when (ianlner Clough. Lars Suckow and Michael
Ilollingsworth were on the board. When the bridge was completed it was

HISTOKY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 111

useless without approaches and bids were ealled for to do this work, to be
completed by December 1, 1869. William Lee was awarded the contract to
build the north approach, one hundred and twenty-five feet long, for twenty-one
hundred and fifty dollars, and William Phipps the south approach for eight
hundred and fifty dollai-s. Then two dams were liuilt to protect the "bents" on
l)(ith ends of the bridge, and the contract was let to T, il. Timford, for the
south side, for one hundred and nineteen dollars, and to William Phipps on the
north side for two hundred and fifty dollars. In the following year W. S. Lee
took a contract to repair the bridge, receiving eight hundred dollars for that.

The bridge at Linn Grove was built in 1870. On December 31, 1869, D.
C. Thomas of Sioux Rapids was awarded the contract at thirty-four hundred
and fifty dollars, and the work was completed the following year.

As the county Ijecame settled up. and the railroad was built through the
south portion, it became necessary to build a good road that would connect
the settlements at the north and south ends of the county. The contract to
build the liridges on the old Xewell road was let to W. S. Lee and J. B. Twiford
for tliree thousand dollars and tlie work was completed September 1. 1870.

.\ F.\T TAX LIST.

The deliiKiuent tax list for the year 1869 was perhaps the largest ever i.s-
sued in the county. The record shows that it cost four hundred and ninety-
seven dollars and twenty cents to publish it for the sale held November -Ith.
Thousands of acres of land had been taken or bought by speculators, and allowed
to go back to the county. But when the railroad came, it was at once seen that
the land would be valuable and there was no lack of bidding at the sale which
was conducted by Ole Johnson, auditor. The school lauds held by the county
were appraised in 1869. and some were sold. One of the first sales was to
O. 0. Storla. who paid one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre for a quarter
section.

L. F. Clark was the first justice of the peace in the county. lie served
for Barnes township, which included all of the county for townshij) purposes.
Mr. Clark was another character of whom many stories are told. On one
occasion he performed a marriage ceremony in his original way. He asked
the groom if he wanted to marry the bride, and being assured that he did, he
then propounded the usual question to the bride, receiving an affirmative answer.
" It 's a whack ! ' ' shouted the squire, and the compact was sealed.

The exemption for planting fruit and forest trees was adopted in 1868 and
the annals of the board of supervisors showed hundreds of acres planted in the
years up to 1876. This was undoubtedly a wise provision aiul accotuits for
the many beautiful groves which now adorn the prairies.

In 1876 Linn Grove was known as "Sweet's Hill," George Sweet having
built a dam in the river and established a grist mil] near the present site of the
town. The mill was in operation for many years. The settlement was after-
ward called Linn Grove wlien the railroad was built through in 1882.

In 1871 by resolution of the board of supervisors the (piestion of prohibi-

112 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

tioii iuid license was first voted upon in the county and prohibition won by a
hirge majority. At every subsequent election when the saloon question was
submitted, up to the submission of the prohibitory constitutional amendment
in 1885, tlie c(nmty registered its vote a^-ainst tlie sale of intoxicants on every
occasion.

In June, 1868, the board of su]>ervisors first bciran to em-oura^'c the jilaut-
ing of forest and fruit trees by exempting' from taxes to tlie amount of five
hundred dollars everyone who presented sufficient evidence to show that he had
planted the re(|uired niuuber of trees. As the county settled up this w;is taken
advantage of by nearly all th(> settlers and is one reason why Buena Vista
county this day presents the appearance of a wooded country. The records of
the supervisors at many meetinji's p;ranted the exemption to hiuidreds of settlers.

It is believed that the first death in tlie <'oui)ty was that of James llerrit.
an aged man who came to visit Abner Bell in the fall of 1856 and who remained
here, accompanying Bell on his hunting and fishing expeditions. The old
gentleman had been a companion of Bell's father in the war of 1812 and at the
age of 77 years had no home, so he remained here until the spring of 1858 when
he died. He was buried in Lone Tree cemetery at Sioux Rapids on April 27,
1858.

WILD .\NIM.V1, BOrNTIES.

An examination of the records of the board of supervisors reveals the
fact that for several years after the organization of the county the principal
bixsiness of the board was to allow bounties for wild animals that had been killed.
Thu.s. in 1866. the first year of the record. H. Sanderson draw two dollars for
two foxes killed. Samuel Sandereon fifty cents for one badger. Christian John-
son one dollar for one fox. Ashley George three dollars for three foxes, Gardner
Clough one dollar for two badgers. L. J. Suckow two dollars for two foxes,
Alden Clough four dollars for four foxes, Torkeld Torkelson one dollar for
one fox. Charles Dahl three dollars for three foxes. John Sweet one dollar for
one fox.. Andrew Anderson three dollars for three foxes, W, L. Crozier one dol-
lar for one fox. and S. T. Collins one dollar for one fox. In 1868 Frank
Sanderson was allowed bounty on one wild cat. All these animals were killed
near the river. In 1868 D. P>. Harrison, who had settled at Storm Lake the
.year before, drew twenty-two dollars for fox and wolf scalp.s — Abner Bell
faithfull\' I'ccdrdi'd the Iransaction in IIh' minute book as "scelps." On June
1, 1878. the i-oiinty bounty was iliscontiiiiied by vote of the board.

If the rai-ly settlers ever grafted on the county they certainly did not do
so on salaries and allowances for services rendered. Abner Bell presented at
one time a bill of fifty tlollars for salary and fifty-three dolars for money ex-
I)en<led for the county. The last item was allowed l)ut Abner's salary was not
paid. Richard Ridgway was justice of the peace for Barnes township and
his territory included all of the county. He ]ireseiited a bill of seventy-five
dollars for services in his office but llic hard li(>arted board refused to allow.
Hubbard Sanderson was allo\\i'(l five ddllars for room rent, the board having

2
o

2
H

s d

r
o

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 113

()(■(

upiod his home fcir meetintj purposes and as Mr. Sanderson was county treas-
urer, office rent was also a part of the ehiim. I. T. IloUingsworth was allowed
thirty-four dollars for assessing Barnes township, and that included the county
at large.

lip t(i the year l.S7:i there were few passable n)ads in the county. The
old Flirt Dodge-Sioux C!ity road was estalilished in the early sixties and ran
to Sioux Rapids, about the only stopping place along the entire route. This
road entered the county near tlie south line of Poland township, and continued
ill a northwesterly direction until Sioux Rapids was reached. Leaving the
Rapids it continued southwest, straight across the prairie to Cherokee, where
another settlement was locati^d. Later the Sioux Rapids-Newell-Sac City road
was laid out and established, and then the Sioux Rapids-Storm Lake road. But
ill 1873 the needs of the county demanded better and more highways and the
board of supervisors at that time estalilished roads on all of the section lines of
the county.

MOSQUITOES.

Hon. Jesse J. Alle of Newell is authority for the stateiuciit that after he
came to Newell in the early '70s the mos(|uitoi's numbered millions. The pests
was almost uiibearalile during the summer months and tliey afllicted both human
beings and animals. He relates that one man, more heartless than all the rest,
became angry at his team and tied them out of doors, to a corn crib, over night.
When he went to get them the next morning he found them almost dead. When
it became known the indignation of the settlers almost took a serious turn for
this, the meanest man in the country.

Cotton goods were no protection against the sharp hills and only the
heaviest goods could protect one from their attack. In order to clear the
houses it was necessarv to build a smudge and smoke the houses out thoroughly
before the family could retire at night. It is I'elated that at one dance an
old kettle, filled with smoldering and ill smelling burning material was brought
into the dance room between each set in order to allow the part.y to proceed
with any degree of comfort.

It is not probable that the mosiiuitoes were as plentiful in all jiarts of the
count.v as they were about Newell. The country in that vicinity was low and
swampy, and when Mr. Allee first saw the town of Newell he thought its site
was in a lake. The low ground naturall.y furnished a breeding place for
mosquitoes. With drainage and improved conditions Newell is no doubt as
free from this affliction as any other portion of the county.

The first telephone in the count.y was built by .rames F. To.y in 1878, be-
tween Alta and Storm Lake. Mr. Toy owned banks in both of these towns and
put in the line to take better care of his busines.s. Rut he was willing to
allow the public to use the 'phone for toll purposes, and advertised the won-
derful advantages that could be had in conversing over a distance of six miles.

114 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

ALBERT CITY.

Less than ten years ago what is now tlie thriving and prospenms town of
of Albert City was bnt a field on Georsire R. Anderson's farm. The eonntry
thereabonts was well settled witli eontented and well to do Swedish farmers.
who had years before l)nilt two ehurches nearby. -Marathon was their trading
point and it was admitted that Fairfield township was one of the richest com-
munities of the entire county.

When the Milwaukee railroad was built tlu'ouuh iu tlie summer of 1890
from Spencer to Fonda, passiu"- through this rich community, it was inevitable
that a town Mwild be establi.shed. and Mr. Anderson's field was laid out in
town lots. A sale was held, and among the bidders for business locations, at tlie
opening of the town, were The Security Bank. George R. Anderson. Bergling
Brothers, N. L. Norton and P. W. Jones. Building commenced at once and
before winter set in a town had arisen that was doing a good business in all
lines. Three general stores, a hardware and machinery store, two drug stores,
a neat bank, housed in its own brick building, two elevators, two lumber yards,
were among the industries that at once sprang up.

Thesame year a postoffice was established with George R. Anderson as post-
master. In 1905 three rural routes were established from tlie office and are
serving the people of tlie surrounding country today. Mr. Anderson was
elected the first mayor and served for several years in that capacity. A graded
school was established and an independent school district was created. Many
handsome new residences were built at once and one church was moved from
the country into tlie town. It would liave been hard to recognize the place
a year after the railroad surveyors had set their stakes.

The town has grown steadily and has a law-abiding, contented people
among its citizens. There are no immoral influences and the city government,
which has nominal duties of improvement only, is composed of F. L. Danielson,
mayor; Amandus Skog. clerk; C. E. Larson, treasurer and O. C. Anderson as-
sessor. George R. Anderson, wlio lias been the only man beside the present
incumbent to serve as mayor, is on the city council.

The Security State Bank was organized in 1900. with George R. Anderson
as president and Alfred Gulbranseu as cashier. Mr. Anderson is still president
and C. B. Larson is cashier, with C. E. Gulbransen as assistant cashier.

The community has had an uneventful career since the town was organized,
with the exception of the tragedy that took place at the time the Greenville
bank robbers shot and killed two of the citizens while resisting arrest. At
tliat time one of the robl)crs was also killed, a full account of this event appear-
ing elsewhere.

Albert City is a Swedish town in every sense of tlic word, there being but
three or four families of other nationalities in the town at tliis time. There are
no lodges or societies, antl none are desired by the people who find their churches
and the social life connected with them of sufficient interest to desire the or-
ganization of secular or fraternal organizations. It is a good, clean town in
every way and a pleasant place to live iu.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 115

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Tlie ludc'peiideiit Si-liool District of Albert City was organized June 8.
1901. On June 21st, the first hoard of directors ^vas elected as follows: S. E.
Carter, R. G. 5Ierrill, C. L. IMarmon, G. C. Johnson, G. R. Anderson, and the
erection of a school building was immediately begun. This was not com-
pleted until Januray 1902, but during the meantime the school occupied a build-
ing about one-half mile from town, which was included when the district was
formed. This building was sold and moved into another township, when the
new one was ready for occupancy. During 1908 cement wallvs were laid to
the value of four hundred dollars.

At the beginning of the first term under the independent district the en-
rollment of the school was thirty-eiglit ; Jliss ]\Iargaret Adair was the teacher
at that time. The enrollment of the schools at the present time numbers sixty-
one. Mr. M. M. Miller is the superintendent, and Miss Blanche Goldsworthy
the primary teacher. The following constitute the present board of directors:
B. B. Bridge, G. F. Anderson, Ephraim Carlson, A. T. Kindwall, and F. W.
Wallich.

THE SWEniSH EV.WGELIG.Mj IJTTHERAN CHURCH.

One of the very first cares of any conuuunity is the religious welfare of its
luembers. Wherever man goes, the church is sure to follow. And whenever
there becomes a sufficient number of persons of any one religi(ms inclination,
they will feel I)ound l)y their religious ties and the organization of a church
will follow. And so it was that on the 14th of April. 1873, a company of
twelve families assembled at the home of D. A. Danielson, a house twelve b,v
twelve, situated one mile west of the present site of Albert Citv. ami there or-
ganized themselves into the "L.i'unghed Congregation" of the Swedish
p]vangelical Lutheran Church. The members constituted the families of
Andreas Pantzar, (Ponsor) Aiigust Anderson. Andrew Munson, Carl E. Ander-
son, C. J. Pantzer. (Ponsor) C. A. Eckman, Neils Benna, D. A. Danielson,
F. T. Bergliug, John Peterson, Olaf Johnson, 0. B. Anderson. A. G. Englund,
and C. F. Erick.son. John Pederson, a theological student stationed at Pomeroy,
organized the society, and was president of the meeting.

Of the twelve who organized the society, these are still living in the com-
munity: Mrs. A Pantzer. Mrs. August Anderson, TMr. and Jlrs. A. Munson,
Mr. and Jlrs. C. E. Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Ponsor. Mr. and Mrs. C. A.
Eckman, Mrs. Neils Benna, Mrs. F. T. Bergliug.

Up to 1887 the society held its services in private homes and the s<'hoolhouse
situated then about one-half mile from town as it is now. D. A. Danielson
and C. E. Anderson were the first deacons, and August Anderson, Neils Benna
and C. A. Eckman constituted the first board of trustees.

The first church building was erected in 1887, a building thirty-two by
fifty, casting two thousand dollars. A parsonage had been built in 1883; a

116 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

second oiio, which is the present parsonao'e. was built in IRDS. In 1905 the
church building was torn down and the present one erected, which was dedicated
October 8th of that year. Tlic number of communicants had grown from one
hundred and twenty when the first church was erected, to three hundred and
forty-four when the second buildin.g was dedicated. There are at present
three hundred and sixty-six eomnmnicants in the chi;reh society. The present
church building is valued at fourteen thousand dollars. The society also owns
twenty acres of land surrounding the cluirch and parsonage, which brings the
total value of the church propert.v close to twenty thousand dollars.

A layman, A. G. Eigil, served as leader of the church until 1877. Prom that
time the ministers who have served are : N. G. N. Bergensl^old. J. S. Renzon.
J. E. Holtz. G. A. Ostergren. and the present pastor C. E. Olsson, who has been
connected with the church since June, 1904.

Of the present officers of the society the following arc the deacons: C. E.
Anderson. C. J. Bloniberg. Andrew Swenson, C. A. Anderson. A. L. Johnson,
and E. E. Carlson. The l)oard of trustees consists of Giistave Johnson. Fritz
G. Anderson. Hans Johnson. Fr:ink G. Johnson. C. '^'. Harald and A. T.
Peterson.

The Sunday school lias an cnrolliiicnt of scvent.v-tive children, besides two
Bible classes, one for the older members and one foi' the younger. The pastor.
Rev. C. E. Olsson, is the superintendent, and Oscar Farb is secretary.

The pastor is also president of the Young People's Society; Emily Anderson
is secretary. This society supports a native bo.v in school in India, and the sup-
port for a native missionary in that coi;ntry is i)rovided for by the Sunda.v
school.

The ladies of the church have a Sewing Society, of which IMrs. A. Malmberg
is president and Ida Anderson secretary.

The Foreign Missionary Society is composed of Ihree divisions, holding
three separate meetings a month, embracing the north, south and west jiarts of
the community in which the members live.

THE SWEDISH EVANGELICAIi MISSION CHUECH.

Tlie congregation of the above name was organized February 15, 1887, and
was known for a while as "The Christian Association of Fairfield township,
Buena Vista couut.v, Iowa." The first officers clccled were A. G. Nelson, chair-
man, and A. G. P.lonilicr'j-. sccri'tiiry. ^Icctings were held in the sclioolhouse
which stood neai- the |)rescnt siti> of Albert City, until 1900 when the societ.v
l)uilt their church, surrounding which are two acres of land. The parsonage
was bnill in P)()l. and sfaiids near the cclgc of an -.[fvo ciP land wliii'li also belongs
to the church societ.v.

There is al prescnl a mi'mhrfsliip of for1y~Hve, of whom the following are
Ihc officers: C. V. Samnclson. diaii'man ; C. J. Gustafson, secretarv; F. A.
Wallner. treasurer; N. P. Carlson. C. O. Nelson and C. J. B.iorkland. deacons;
P. A. "Wallner, Axel Should. August Sandstedt. and Gustave E. Anderson,
trustees.

iTISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 117

The Sunday school has an enrollment of abont one hiindred, and the follow-
ing are its officers: C. V. Samnelsmi. superintendent; and Albert Peterson,
seeretaiy.

The officers of the Ladies' Aid Society are "Mrs. Anna Blcnnlierg, president
and Mrs. Axel Should, secretary.

The following have served as pastors of the cluirdi : Rev. C. H. Li;ndin,
Rev. Pearson, Rev. Ernst Lindholm, Rev. G. F. Gilberg, and Rev. Oscar
Wenstrand, who is the present pastor.

THE SWEDISH EV.\NOELIC.\L FREE CHTTRCH.

The early liistory and organization of the Swedish Free chnrch has been
nnolitainable ; hnt it is (|nite ])rohal)li' that llie socicfy was fcn'ined some time dur-
ing the early 'SOs.

The society now owns a church building, a parsonage, and seven lots. There
is an enrollment of seventy-eight mendiers. led by th(> pastor. Rev. Albert W.
Carlson. Carl Erickson is president of the church, F. 0. Hagstrom, secretary,
and Peter Nordine. cashier. Elmer Wahlsted. All)ert Wahlsted. A. M.
DanieLson. August Anderson, and F. O. Hagstrom constitute the board of
trustees.

The Sunday school has a memliership of fifty-six under fifteen years of age,
the total eni'ollment being seventy-five. Carl Erickson is superintendent,
Xellie Erickson. secretary and Henning Carlson, cashier.

The officers of the Young People's Society are: President. Rev. A. W.
Carlson; secretary, Jessie Lindberg; treasurer. Erick Pederson.

Mrs. August Anderson is president of the Ladies Aid Soci(4.y and Mary
Johnson is s(>cretary and treasurer.

THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHTTRCH.

The IMethodist Church Society of .\lbert City was organized about 1902.
under the leadership of C. W. Flint, who then held the Methodist church
pastorate in IMarathon. The society leases the Swedish Free church, and all
services are held in this place. The enrollment numbers seventeen membei's,
and the officers are as follows: E. A. Foval. L. Chamberlain, Ray Sprague, J.
A. Pyles. and J. W. Doxse(>, who constitute the board of trustees.

The Sunday school has a membership of fifty, with Rev. H. L. Case as
superintendent, and Mable Foval, secretary.

The services of the churi'h are conducted by Rev. II. L. Case, who is pa.stor
of the Methodist church at ^laratbon. the Albert City church being included in
the Marathon charge.

118 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH AT HANOVER.

One of the most wealthy German communities in Iowa is located in the
southwestern part of Buena Vista county and the nearby townships of Cherokee,
Ida and Sac counties. Some of the pioneers came to the fertile and beautiful
Maple Valley in 1870, and since then the colony has gradually extended and
increased in wealth, until it now numbers more than five hundred souls.

The (fcrman Lutheran church, located in the midst of this settlement, was
organized in the fall of 1879 by the following gentlemen: William Schmidt,
Carl Scluiellve, C'arl Fett, Louis Bumann, Carl Getzmeier. August Ka.skey. John
Hans, Fred Seehagen, and Henry Hoffmeier. Of these William Schmidt,
August Kaskey and Carl Schuelke constituted the first official board, and two of
these gentlemen are still members of the church. In September, 1880, the first
church, the size of which was twenty-four l)y thirty-si.x, wa.s dedicated, having
been built the preceding sunnner. But as the number of members rapidly
increased another church was found necessary, which was built in 1889. and is
the present church. This buibliiig is thirty-ciglit l)y seventy-two. and was
dedicated in October of that year. The first church is now used as a school-
house and stands to the south of the church.

The first pastor was William Grunnii. wlio served from 1880 to 1883. He
was succeeded by Philip Doruseif. who renuiined five years. In 1889 Rev.
Henry Weliking was called and he has faithfully served for twenty years, being
the present pastor. The official board today is composed of C. Zwemke, J.
Otto, William Ell, G. Miller, Fred Kaskey, II. Iliukledey; William Schmidt is
treasurer and J. Schmidt is secretary. There are one hundred and fifteen
families connected with the church, ami four hundred and ninety-five is the
number of communicants.

In May, 190(), a beautiful i)ipe organ was dedicated witli appropriate
services. Prof. J. Schmidt is organist of tlic church.

The parochial school condiictcd in conncctioii with the church has always
been well attended, and in tiie spring of 1900 a second schoolhouse was erected
four miles southeast nl' llic chui'ch. Both schools are now taxed to their
capacity.

Th(! teachers who iia\-c l>ccn in charge of t lie schools are John Eschenbaeher,
who resided there from 1888 to 1S!)(). Jacub Schmidt came that year and is
still in charge of the educational work'. In the second school Lydia Zimmerman
taught from 1900 to 1902, Martin fxicschc in lIMi:!. Albert Siebert in 190-1,
Martin lleinke and Walter Becker in 11)0,"). and since tiien Wellielmine Wehking,
who is tile present teacher. Tiie number of scholars is one hundred and twelve.

Rev. Wehking is president, and several of his parishioners are of the
oriieial lioard of the German Lnllici'an iiospital at Sioux City. It is a contented
and prosperous community, and tiie church is the center about which all things
that are for the best of the peojjle are grouped.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA • COUNTY 119

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH IN BROOKE.

The Evangelical St. Jnhn's church in Brooke township is a braneh of the -,

German Evanfjelical Synod of North America, and was organized on April 17, q^
1888. by Rev. Mr. Miner of Lel^Iars. This was in response to a demand by some
of the leading German farmers of the township wlio wished a church in the
strong German settlement which had been made some years previous to this date.
Among the men who organized the congi'egation were Christ. Felten. Sr.. William
Mohror, Carl Flagman. William Flagman. C. II. Felten. F. Fastenow. C. Kracht,
William ilueller, John Grapenthin. AVilliani Fastenow. II. Achterberg, F.
Mohror and Ch. Flagman.

A commodious church was at once erected on section 17. in the center of the
German settlement, and a call was extended to Rev. J. Jans, who served the
congregation from 1888 to 1890. Rev. E. Laible suceeeded him and served for
two years, being followed by Rev. G. Meinzer. who remained until 1898. Rev.
C. Bendigkeit came in 1898 and remained until 1901. Rev. E. Hansen was
called the same year and served until 190:^. wlien Rev. R, Lorenz succeeded him
and is the past(n' at this time.

The present official board consists of G. Mohror, president; Ch. Mohror,
vice president; J. Grapenthin. cashier and C. W. Flagman, secretary.

There are forty members and one hundred and forty communicants enrolled
in tlie membership of the church.

A German school is connected with the church, which is taught by the pastor
from November until April of each year. This is located near the parsonage,
which ad.joins the church grounds. It is well attended by children from the
neighborhood, who are thus grounded in the German mother tongue, which
would otherwise soon be forgotten.

The property of the congregation is valued at aliout seven thousand dollars,
and its affairs are in a prosperous condition.

ST. JOHN'S CONGREGATION IN GRANT.

The Evangelical St. John's congregation in Grant township was organized- fJ
hy Rev. C. A. Heldberg in 1888 as a branch of the German Evangelical S.vnod of
North America. Among those who took part in the organization of the society
were H. Behrens, H. Brummer. W. Gerberding. Fred Grift'el. D. Griffel. William
Boese, Fred Boese, Fr. Lehnikuhl and H. Mehlhop.

The church has en.joyed a steady growth since its organization and has had
resident past(n-s continncmsly. Among those who have served as pastor are
C. Heldberg. L. Frank, II. Ilaupt. O. Kraft. R. Lorenz, J. Ilerlinger and R.
Schmiechen, the last named being the present pastor.

The present official board consists of G. Sorby. H. .Mehlhop, II. Griffel, W.
Sievers, A. Beckfeld and II. Uhllrich. The number of communicants at the

ll>U HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

present time is about one hundred. The eoiigregation holds property VMhird
at five thousand dollars, ineludiug the church, parsonage and school.

Parochial school is taught by the pastor from fall until Easter of each year,
and is well attended hv the childi-cn of the church.

(4R0WTII OF THE COUNTY.

. The first mention of Buena Vista county in the census returns of the state
of Iowa occurs in the Federal cen.sus of 1860 when an unofficial estimate is made
■)f fifly-seven people. In the state census of 1856 ;ind 1859 no returns were
made. In Ihe state census of 1863 an unofficial estimate is made of one hundred
people anil in 1865 the same re])ort is made, showing no growth in two years.

In the state census of 1867 we tind the following reptirt and the first official
count :

BUENA VISTA COtTNTV.

Males 87

Females 64

Total 151

Numlier of dwellings 29

This is the returns from Barnes townshi|>. that including the entire county
for governmental purposes. In 1869 (he stale census shows the following re-
port, also from Barnes township :

BUENA VISTA COUNTY.

Males 132

Females 110

Total 242

Nniiibcr of dwellings 54

The first rei)ort. For 1860. gives Ihe pojjulation as follows: ]\Iales over
twenty-one years of age. sixteen ; females over fil'leen years of age. twelve; males
under twenty-one years njd. Iweiity: females under Iwenly-mie years old. nine.
Total fifty-seven.

Since 1870 the census reliii'iis have l)een acciii'ale. as Ihey liave l)een taken
with eai'c and have nnl lieeii based on eslimates. 'fliey show a steady growth
until the year 1905 when this county, in <'omnion with all rui'al counties in the
state, showed a decrease in population, due largely to a gre;it immigration to
the Dakotas. Minnesnta and dtlier new states.

ative

Porcigii

129

104

278

107

244

228

204

IILSTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 121

NINTPI FEDERAL CENSUS 1870.

Township Tirtal

Barnes 233

Brooke 71

Coon 385

Lee 302

Sioux Rapids (town) 61

Nokomis 278

Poland 60

Storm Ijakc 256

Total 1646 1214 432

TENTH FEDERAL CENSTTS 1880.

Barnes 315

Brooke 223

Coon 370

Elk 571

Pairfield 234

( ;rant 248

Hayes 371

Lee 393

Lincoln , 127

Maple Valle.v 657

Newell, town 348

Newell, including town 760

Nokomis township, including Alta 1081

Alta town 423

Poland 133

Providence 376

Scott 239

Storm Lake, citv )

c,^ T 1 i 1 ■ (■"-extensive 1034

Storm Lake, township j

Washington 396

ELEVENTH FEDERAL CENSUS OF 1890.

Barnes .' 795

Brooke 539

Coon 614

122 HISTORY OF Rl'ENA VISTA COUNTY

Elk 782

Fairfield 602

Grant 572

Hayes 669

Lee -461

Lincoln 746

NeweU, including town of Xewell 1107

Town of Xewell 540

Nokomis. inclniliiiii town of Alta 1608

Town of Alta , 768

Poland 683

Providence 648

Scott 534

Sioux Rapids, including city of Sioux Rapids 650

Storm Lake, co-extensive with city of Storm Lake 1682

Washington 577

Total 13548

TWELFTH FEDERAL CENSUS FOR 1900.

Townships Towns

Barnes 1054 ....

Brooke 585

Coon 716

Elk 680

Fairfield 861

Grant 717 ....

Hayes 463

Lee 620

Lincoln 541 ....

Maple Valley 770

Newell township 713

Newell i-ity 762 762

Nokomis township 794 ....

Alia city 861 861

i'olaiid towiishij) 758

;\Iaratli()n. lity 659 659

Providence 868

Scott 577

Sioux Rai)ids 100r> lOO,")

Stoi'in Lake townsliip 250 ....

Storm IjMkc. city 2169 2169

\Vasliitii:ton 552 ....

T.ifal 16975

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

123

STATE CENSUS PROM 1875 TO 1905 BY DECADES.

1905 1895 1885 1875

Barnes 1011

Rembrandt City 68

Brooke 546

Coon 601

Elk 622

Fairfield 751

Albert City, town 202

Grant 674

Hayes 415

Lee 599

Lincoln 481

Maple Valley 687

Newell 584

Ne\v(>ll town 660

Nokoniis 718

Alta town 961

Poland 590

Marathon . 526

Providence 665

Scott 558

Storm Lake township 300

Storm Lake city 2339

Sioux Rapids 917

Washington 532

Total 15907 15029 11530 3561

862

542

270

Not

organized

560

434

644

434

239

687

760

265

687

370

Not

organized

652

435

115

408

435

Co-extensive
with Storm Lake

496

267

275

410

165

767

680

233

630

530

432

694

456

Co-extensive

with township

822

928

410

875

764

Co-extensive

with Nolcomis township

542

279

453

Ihiorganized

, not reported

654

610

169

625

413

105

248

Co-extensive

with Storm Lake

1924

1639

716

795

616

Not organized

594

673

MARATHON.

The to-\vn of IMarathon is located in the northeast part of the county, on the
Chicago & Northwestern and the Milwaukee railroads. By the census of 1905
it showed a population of five hundred and twenty-six. and like almost all Iowa
towns a decrease fnmi the Federal census of 1900.

In 1881 it was believed that a narrow gauge railroad would he built from
Spirit Lake to connect with the Illinois Central railroad and the Milwaukee
roads south, and that this road would pass through tlie mid<lle of Lee township.
There were at that time ambitious citizens living in Poland township who wanted
to e.stablish a town, and by voting a bonus of five per cent, the original plans of

124 TTTSTOnv OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

the projected rond were changed and the road was surveyed to come tlirongh
Poland township instead. Tlie Chicago & Nortliwestern surveyed through the
same year and was easily pursuaded to establish a town on the site wliich had
been selected for the Narrow Gauge road.

In 1882 C. A. Carlhurg built a lilacksmith shop on the corner where the
First National Bank now stands and this was the first building on the future
site of the town. His shoji burned down soon after it was built, but by the
help of neighboring farmers who wanted tlie convenience afforded by the shop,
it was rebuilt. Several additional buildings were erected the same year.
Stephen Olney, Sr.. who settled in Poland township, near Pickerel Lake ten
years before and who was a progressive, wide awake man. and had had a leading
part in building up the count.v, became the town 's first merchant, building across
the street east from Carlhurg 's shop. J. E. Button established the first
lumber yard and Wells Brothers the first elevator and coal yard.

Some years before the post office department had established a postoffice
near Pickerel Lake called Mayview and this was moved, in 1882. to the site of
the new town. The Northwestern railway called the station "Marathon" and
this classical Greek nomenclature has been followed in laying out the streets
of the town. Richard Olney. son of Stephen, was the first postmaster and the
first station agent of the town. Eleven years later, or in 189:5. the town was
incoriiorati'd, the date of the first meeting of the city authorities being March 11.

The first city officials M'ere A. R. Wells, mayor; S. T. Goltry. rccoi'der ; ]\1.
E. DeWolf. treasurer; J. A. Smith, assessor; L. .7. Sample, marshal and street
commissioner. Geo. W. Smith. Peter Ilallen. P. Ekstaiii. L. W. Wilson and A.
A. Anderson were the first members of the city council.

Since then S. T. Goltry. N. M. Nelson. G. W. Smith. W. W. Bennett, Olof
Ovren and Joel E. Johnson have served as mayor.

The officers of the town in 1909 are Joel E. Jolnison, mayor; P. 0. Daniel-
son, clerk; E. B. Wells, treasurer; N. Patterson, assessor; L. C. Hemsworth, J.
O. Humphries. A. A. Wells, (iodfred Carlson. A. A. .\n.lerson .-ind R. H. Olney
members of the council.

The town grew steadily from 1SS2 until 19(10. \\lieii a new impetus was \/
given by the coming of the IMilwaukee railroad. The old survey that had been
made almost twenty years befcn-e was never forgotten liy railroad men who
wanted a dii-eet nuite fivuii l)<'s ^Moines to Spirit Lake, and (he connecting link
between Ponda and Spencer was tin- only thing needed to give through service.
Marathon was in direct line, the town was a good ship|niig point, and in the fall
of 1900 the road was built throuuh tlie eastern part of the town. PoUowing
the railway the citizens took on new energy.

In 1901 the business men raised the money and put in a fine gas plant to
fnrnisli light and heat to consumers. The town was also lighted by gas street
lights. In 1902 the town voted to build a water works sy.steni. the J. A. White
Compi'cssed Air systein being selected. in 1904 and lOOf) a sewerage system
was put in which has aided materially in preserving the sauitatioji and liealth
of the community.

The IVIarathon Improvement Company was incorporated in 1900 and one of
the first acts the company did was to build a modern hotel and bhick of business

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 125

l)locks. At the same time private individuals also errctcd fine brick l)usiness
Imildings to replace the old wooden strm-tures erected in the early days of
llie town and the west side of tlie main business street presents a metropolitan
appearance with its handsome business institutions.

In 1902 the Odd Fellows lod.ne voted to liuild an opera house and a home
for the lodges of the town and this was doni'. A handsome structure, fort.y-
four by eighty feet, three stories liigh. was (.'rc'ted on the principal business
street. The theater is located on the ground tloor where the tinest stage and
auditorium in the county may l)e seen. On the upper floor a handsomely
appointed suite of lodge i-ooins. iiielnding an assemlily hall, reception rooms,
kitchens, jiarapherualia, lockers and property rooms is located. The entire
structure would be a credit to towns ten times the size of JIarathon.

The first l)aiik in ]\[arathon was opened by Olney & Bean in 1885, and was
known as the JIarathon Bank. In 1888 Sherman T. Goltry bought Jlr. Oluey's
interest and the firm became (ioltry & Bean. A little later Siou.x Rapids
parties berame interested and the fii'ui was- again changed, this time to Farmer.
Ilelsell. Tliomjjson & Goltry. This unwieldy partnership name was in August,
1892, changed to The First National Bank of :\rarathon. with J. P. Farmer as
president, F. II. Ilelsell as vice president and S. T. (Ioltry as cashier. Mr.
(Ioltry continued in this position until 1900 when he removed to Enid. Oklahoma.
J. E. Allison succeeded him as cashier and fills that position now. Ilis as-
sistant is Joel E. Johnson.

On September 21, 1891, the Jlarathon Savings Bank was opened for busi-
ness with A. J. Wilson and M. E. DeWolf in charge. Mr. DeWolf a little
later went to Laurens to engage in the grain business and A. J. Wilson became
the active manager, with W. W. Bennett as assistant cashier. ]\Ir. Bennett was
advanced to the position of cashier a little later and still holds that position.
In 1903 Mr. Wilson sold his stock to E. B. Wells and went to Boone where he
incorporated the Boone National Bank. He later went to Sioux City where he
organized the City National, but in 190(j he removed to Spokane, Washington
t(» engage in the lumber business. The present management of the bank is E.
B). Wells, president; M. Hakes, vice president; W. W. Bennett, cashier.

Both of these institutions enjoy the confidence of the eomnuuiity ami do
a lucrative business.

Marathon has been a good business jjoint at all times, ami the mercantile
establishments are representative of the town. Of the existing firms the
Scandia Trading Company, with N. M. Nelson as manager, has been doing
l)usiness for twenty years. Ricliai'<l Olney organi/.i'il the Farmers co-operative
store when the co-operative idea was strong in the early '90s and conducted it
for many years with profit to the stockholders. He retired and was succeeded
l).v his sons a few years ago. II. E. Swope and Rasnuisseu Brothers are also
merchants who have extensive interests.

The farmers have an elevator, a lumber yard ;ind eoal yard, run on the
co-operative plan, doing a fine business.

In a moral way ilarathon has always stood high. There has never been a
saloon in the town and every attempt by druggists to secvire a permit to sell
liquor has been met by such strenuous opposition that the ct)urts have invariably

126 HISTOHY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

refused to grant such permits. Tlio town is free from licentiousness ami
drunkenness, and may l)e said to \>r an excellent place to live, and to rear a
family.

THE PUBLIC SCHOOL.

The school district of ]\rarathon was set off as independent in Jfarch, 1893.
comprising sections 1.5. 16. 21. 22 and the east half of section 17, and the east
half of section 20. Prior to this time the school had been an ordinary townshiji
school. The l)nilding that had been used was .sold and moved into the country,
and a new one of two rooms erected in tow-n. Closely following the forming of
the independent district, a new school board of directors was elected in April,
1893, constituted as follows: A. J. Wilson. N. il. Nelson, C. D. Neville. A
corps of teachers was secured composed of 11. E. Crosby. sui)crinteiidcnt. ^liss
Tilla Patton. Miss Lizzie Bell and Jliss Ada Frazee.

In 1894 the school l)iiilding was remodeled; two rooms wcri' added and a
new heating ajiparatus was installed. These I'cpairs amounted to two tliousand
dollars.

In tlic spring of 1903 a coiic\iri-cii1 action oF fhc boards of tiie Independent
district of I\Iarathon and of Poland townslii]> resiUted in the c^'ntralization ol
the schools of those places. Districts No. 2. 3. 4. 5. and S of Poland township
were added to tlie Maratlion Indepenileiit ilistrict. Tlie school building then in
use was, of course, too small to acconunodate 1 he greatl.v increased number of
pupils, so it was torn down during the svnnmcr of that year, and the present
structure. l)iiii( of ])ressed brick, was erected. Tlie value of tliis building is a
little over twenty thou.sand dollars. Tlie pupils living in the country are
brougiit to school every day in special iiacks. established roiites l)i'iiitr maintained
for this purpose. These routes, of which tiiere are six. \ai-y in length, conform-
ing to Ihe needs of Ihe eouuiiuuilN' Ihi'ough which tiicy yo. and tliey may be
changed at any titue al the discretion ol' the l)oard. The six drivers are at
present paid a tola] of two hundred and niiieleen (hiliars and thirty-three cents
every month, varying from thirt,\-three to forty-live dollars each, accoi'ding to
the length of the nmte which tlie,\ drive. It has lici-n usual to have the drivers
he one of the older pupils in atteudauee at school, ami if iiossihle living at the
I'urther end of the route; he would be in position to st;irt in the morning, and
would be home after traversing the I'oute aftei' sihonl. 'fhe ho;ird experiences
no troidilc whatever in obtainiuy the i-cipiireil di'ivers. I hereby overcoming one
of the iriain ob.iectious (o Ihe centralization of the scliools at flic beginning.
Inil 1. the position of driver is beirinniu'.:' to be one s(iu!,dit after by more than

one.

The sellout has a libr;ii'y eoiilainini;' twelve hundred xdluines. Manual
training is liein^ j,'i'adually introduced into the course of stud.v'; they have
iKiw a (piantity of tools whicli arc used for that juirpose. Agriculture is also

taught as one of the studies ol' the ciiurse.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 127

By this union (if the rural schools witli the town schools, the pui)ils in the
country can enjoy the same advantatres afforded those livinii: in town, and the
latter are also benefited by the greater strength given the school by the in-
creased nunil)er of jnipils brought about by centralization. There is no doubt
l)ut the higher advantages ai-e aft\)rded both town and country pupils by this
union for systematic education. Tlie ^Marathon schools have now been eon-
ducted for six years on the centralized plan, and there has yet been no desire
to return to the former system.

The schools have a present enrollment of three luiudred and thirty-one.
TIk' high school is composed of a four year course, which is fully accredited.
'Hie present corps of teachers is constituted as follows : Superintendent. J. A.
Woodruff: principal. M. Gwynn Ward; nnisic. ]\Iadge Kepple; Orade teachers:
A. EtiRe Vorhis, Clara Bonath. Hannah Holeton. Ennua ^Miller. Ethel Wiehman
and Jessie Smith.

Tlie following constitute the present board of directors: A. A. Wells,
Z. W. Trcnien. C. L. JIcLaughliu. J. E. Allison. T. L. Roberts, and A. II.
Wessniau.

SWEDISH EV.\XGEI,ICAI, LUTHER.\N CHURCH.

The organization of the Swedish Lutheran Church was formed in the store
of P. Ekstan. August 22. 1884. by Rev. J. S. Benzon. who was pastor of the j VV
Swedish Lutheran Church at what now is Albert Cit.\-. The following mem-
bers were I'lected its first officers: A. W. Peterson, A. Erickson, and C. A. Carl-
berg constituted the deacons, and the board of trustees were C. Aiulersou and
A. Reuauder; John Lind was secretary.

The societ.v held services in the schoolhonse .until 1886 when they erected
their own church, a Inulding twenty-four b>- thirty-six. They have an enroll-
ment of one hundred and fifty-seven, connnnnicants one luiudred and seventeen.
Tlie present officers are as follows, deacons: F. Ekstan. F. O. Danielson, A. C
Eiigliuid. and Akey Johnson; Trustees: Amil Peterson. X. M. Nelson, G.
Turnwall. and Alfred Swenson. The secretary is Alfred Sweusou. F. Ekstan
is superintendent of the Sunday school. The Young People's Society: presi-
dent. Kasper Turnwall; Secretarv. ilinnie dohnson. The Ladies' Aid Societ.x'
lias a leader in the pastor. Rev. C. I. Backstrom : th(> secretary is Mrs. P. 0.
Danielson. and treasurer, ilrs. N. M. Nelson.

There is a general Bilile class which meets cver.v Sunilay. ilr. F. 0.
Danielson is the leader.

The following pastors have served during the historv of the ehureh: Rev.
J, S. Benzon, who organized the societ.v. continued his charge at the church
which is now in Albert City, called the L.junghed congregation, l)ut he came
at intervals to preach in Marathon. He was the minister of the church from
its organization nntil his death in 1889. From this time until 1891 the services
of the church were in charge of students, L. J. Film. J. E. Holtz. and J. Ekholm
successivelv. Rev. J. E. Holtz was pastor from 1891 to 1892. when Rev. C. L.

128 IIISTOKY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Bac'kstrom took up the pastorate mid has contiiiued down to the present time.
Rev. Back.strom is rounhirly stntinncd at Laurens, hnt holds services here every
alternate Sunday.

SWEDISH FREE MISSION CHURCH.

Feeliiin- the (hit\- of helpinu' to jirovich' for tlic spiritual welfare of them-
selves and theii' children, a coniiian^- of persons met together and organized a
Sunday school aliout fifteen >e;irs ago. Axel Wessnian and ]\Irs. Otto Bergling
wei'e instrumental in forming the organization. They held their meetings in
the home of Mrs. Leander for about one year, after which they used the seheol-
house. A ehurch society was or»anized on the T2th of January. 1899. John
Englund. was presiding elder. A. Bloomfield was chairman. A. 11. Wessnian.
secretary, and John Englund, treasurer. ^

Services were held in Griffith's hall until they erected their own church'
building. The minister from the Swedish Free Mission Church in Albert City
held the services every Sunday afternoon, the society paying half of his salary.
Rev. A. W. Carlson, the pastor at Albert City, conducts .services at stated times,
but the services are generally led now by Mr. A. H. Wessnian, who is the leader
of the church. Three men eon.stitute the present board of trustees as follows:
Barnard Holmes, Andrew Bloomfield, and A. H. Wassman. E. B. Holmes is
secretary of the society, and Emnui Englund. treasurer. The church has an
enrollment of twelve menil)ers.

The Sunday school has a membi'rsliip of thirty children, with A. II. Wess-
nian as superintendent, Eiiiiiia Enuiund. treasui-cr. ami lianiard Holmes,
secretary.

TiiK cnrncii OF uon ^-. — y

The society known as the Cluirch of (lod has held iiieetinirs near M;irathon
since nliont 1870. As an oreaniz;ition it is sometimes known as the First l);iy
Adventists, as opposed to the Seveiitli |);iy Adventists. with whom they were
nt one time consolidated. The society of this oi-ganizat ion in ^larathon was
once organized into a comparatively strong church, there being at one timi>
.-ibout liri\- iiieiiiliers who were organized and led by Elder Whitesett. The
society now holds meetings in the hall o\'er the Savings Bank'; they have met in
several other halls and pi-i\ate lioiiies. John (i;irton, living Mbout five miles

from town, conducts the i tiiius unless a traveling preacher is .secured.

Thc\' have ,-ilso a Sunday school wliii-h nieels cver\' Sunday. There are between
twent\- and Iwentv-five nieiiiliers in the society at the present lime.

'I'liK I'MnsT hai'tis'I' cmijcii

The Ba))tisl church in i\Iar:itlion beuan its existence M;in'li 17. ISIMI. when
at a nieetiiiL'. called for Ibis purjxise. held in the schoolhonse the organization

o
X

o
s

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 129

(if the above socioty was effected, eonsisting' of forty-one members. A. C.
llaiieliett and Matt Coleman were elected deacons, J. C. Mundell clerk, and
a board of trustees ronsisting of Natlian Parish, Wm. Freeman and Linn
Hampton.

Tlie society held their meetings in the s<'lioolhouse until a i-luu'ch building
was erected in 1803. Tlie following ministers have served in the church : Revs.
John Firth, E. W. Lyman, Clifton, M. E. Tnll, W. E. Barber, F. G. Smith, W.
II. Hamilton, Wm. Edwards, as a supply, N. R. Bisby, coming at intervals from
Webb, where he was regularly stationed, and A. C. Zellhoefer, who is the present
minister, living in Eagle Grove, but aLso serves the church in Marathon.

The present officers of the church are as follows : Wm. Freeman and G. A.
Beck are the deacons; II. E. Dunlap. G. A. Beck, and James Rasmussen con-
stitute the board of trustees; clerk, Mrs. J. Rasmussen; treasurer. Miss Laura
Heck. The church membership is twenty-three.

The Sunday school, Jliss M. G. Ward, president; Baptist Young People's
Union, Mrs. J. Rasmussi'u. prcsitlent ; the Ladies' Aid Society, Mrs. .lohn
Wahlstrom, president

THE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH

The organization of the First Methodist church in Marathon began about
October 1883. or shoi'tly before. The first officers elected were D. S. Sprague,
R. Olney. E. Griffiths. C. Walker, and P. E. Harrington as trustees; Will War-
rick, J. V. Wickler, R. Olney, M. B. Griffiths, and P. E. Harrington as stewards;
C. W. Hall, C. Walker, and Bell Griffiths, class leaders.

Up to the year 1888 the society had no church building, but owned a parson-
age. This was later sold, and a new one built in 1898. The church building in
Marathon and the one in Laurens were erected in 1889, Laurens and the Fair-
field appointment having been added to the Marathon charge in 1884. Services
were held in the schoolhouse until the church was erected. Laurens was set
oft" by itself in 1900. with Rev. C. E. Webb as pastor.

The following ministers have served as pastors in the Marathon church:
Revs. Rinehart Hild. F. II. Ilungerfoi-d, Levi Jarvis, Robert Burnip, C. E.
Webb. L. A. McCaffree, G. F. Whitfield, II. W. L. Jlahood, E. R. Mahood, C.
W. Flint. D. II. Trimble, L. F. Troutman. H. L. Case, who is the present pastor.

The present board of trustees is constituted as follows: J. Delahunt, D. B.
Stevens, Henry Rieke. Henry Tutt, D. P. Welch, L. C. Hemsworth, Thos.
Roberts, Thos. Welch, and W. F. Couch. The following persons compose the
board of stewards: D. B. Stevens, Silas Erickson. Mrs. Enoch Erickson. Thos.
II. Welch, Silas Cobbs, 0. A. Merrill. Joel Johnson, :\lac Campbell, and Mrs.
Clara ITartsh(U'n. The enrollment of the society is one liundred and sixty-five.

The Sunday school has a membership of one hundred and seventy-five,
with W. D. Welch as superintendent, and L. C. Hemsworth, secretary.

Tlie Epworth League has an enrollment of about fifty: ^Miss I\rae Campbell
is president, and Arthur Reynian, secretary.

130 HISTORY OF RUENA VISTA COUNTY

The officers of the Woman 's Foreign IMissionary Society are, president, Mrs.
J. Delahnnt: secretary, Mrs. D. B. Stevens; and treasnrer, Mrs. Thos. Welch.

There is also a Woman's Home Missionary Society of which I\Irs. W. D.
Welch is president ; ]\Irs. D. P. Welch, secretary ; and Jlrs. Enoch Erickson,
treasnrer.

The Ladies' Aid Society has ilrs. J. G. Revel for president; :\Irs. L. E.
Rladine, secretary ; and Mrs. J. Delahnnt. treasnrer.

There are two other societies, the Standard Bearers, with Chas. Wagner,
president; and the Queen Esther Circle, witli Lncy Welch, president.

James Balz. the first Sunday scliool superintendent of this church, after-
ward became a minister, and is now a member of the Upper Iowa Conference.

Miss Belle Griffiths, once a member of this church, is now a missionary in
Ilirosaki. Japan, having been a missionary for twenty years. Another mission-
ar>- from this church is George Roberts, a son of one of the first trustees when
the church was erected. He is stationed in Umtali, Rhodesia, South Africa.

I. O. O. F. LODGE

Marathon Lodge No, 417. of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, was
organized on the 21st day of October, 1892, with seven charter members as
follows : B. W. Wilson, N. M. Nelson. A. T. Cole. W. F. Couch, Adam Epp, R. K.
Dailey, and L. W. Wilson.

The lodge was organized in Griffitlis' hall, on the floor of which six inches
of sawdust was placed to serve as a carpet. This hall continued to be their meet-
ing place for nearly two years, when they moved into a hall over the hardware
store on the west side. They occupied this hall for about a year when the building
was burned. The lodge then fitted up rooms above the Savings Bank, and oecu-
]iicd tlirsrinilil the new building was erected in 1901. This building contains
two stories ami a liascmcnt. its cost was sixteen thousand dollars, and it is one
of the finest l)nildings in the ciiinily. It \\;is Imilt liy the Oddfellows, but has
since jiassed into other hands. Tln' lodge rooms are on the second floor, and
tlie fii-st riooi' being used for tlie theatre.

The lodge has an enrollment of aliout sixty-tlircc mcnibcrs. The present
officers are ronstilnled as follows: W. (Jeary. N. (!.; Theo. Erickson. V. G. ; W.
W. Beiuictt, rcciirding secretary; M. C. Stnri'ett. financial seci-(»tary ; J. ^I.
Salton, treasurer.

ENCAMPMENT OF I. O. O. F.

Hnena Vist;i I'^iicairipiiicnt No. (i2. iif tlic Oddfellows lodg(\ was organized on
the 2()th day of ()ctoi)er. 190.'!. The following five men coni|)osed the cliarter
membership; ]\I. ('. Starrett. X. I*atter.s(m. S. H. Fields. Henry King, and F. A.
Lane.

The meiiibci'sliip of the em^anipment is twentx' at the present time, and

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 131

tlio following; men constitute the officers: G. i\I. Pullman, C. P.; E. P. Williams,
H. P.; W. Geary, S. W. ; Theo. Erickson, J. W. ; W. W. Bennett, scribe; and
JI. C. Starrett, treasurer.

THE REBEKAH LODGE

Marathon Rcbel<ah Lodi^e No. 437, was instituted October 2n, 1899. The
charter members were the following persons: Fred A. Wagner, H. G. Hitchcock,
:\Irs. I. H. Hitchcock, Mrs. Juliett Thompson, S. J. Rudolph, Rosebell Rudolph,
J. M. Salton, Chris Peterson, Miss I. JI. Hitchcock, J. R. Gilmour, Mrs. Mamie
B. Gilmour, J. R. Burnip, N. Patterson, Mrs. Ella Patterson, Miss B. M. Patter-
son, Miss E. J. Patterson, P. 0. Lindstorm.

The lodge has an enrollment at present of forty-six members, of whom the
following are the officers: Mrs. E. Williams. N. G. ; Mrs. Wm. Geary, V. G. ;
Mrs. F. F. Starrett. recording secretary ; Madge Kepple, financial secretary ;
]\Iattje Wells, treasurer; Mrs. George Hutchin.son, R. S. V. G. ; Mrs. Henry
Warwick, L. S. V. 6. ; M. C. Starrett, R. S. N. G. ; Mi.ss Clara Boneth, L. S. N.
G. ; i\Irs. Wm. Chapman, chaplain.

THE MASONIC LODGE

Universal Lodge No. 587, Royal Arch Masons, began its existence February
23. 1903, when it was granted a dispensation. The lodge continued under this
until June 3, 1903, at which time it obtained its charter. The following were
elected as the first officers of the lodge : Armon H. Davis, W. M. ; Lars E. Bladine,
S. W. ; Wilbur J. Hannum, J. W. ; A. J. Wilson, treasurer; J. E. Allison, sec-
retary; E. .Cheever, S. D. ; S. M. Geyer. M. D. ; J. F. Lawson, S. S. ; J. G.
Greive, J. S. ; G. W. Smith, tyler. Besides these there were eight other mcmbin-s.
making eighteen charter members in all.

The lodge was organized in the back rooms of the First National Bank, and
this was their meeting place until the present rooms were secured. The present
iiU'ml)ei-ship is fort.y-three. Rufus Green, a member of this lodge, is one of the
oldest Masons in the state, and also one of the oldest chapter members. He has
been connected with the order for over fifty years.

The present officers of the lodge are composed of the following men : H.
E. Swope, W. M. ; J. W. Redmen, S. W. ; A. Waite, J. W. ; J. W. Miller, secre-
tary; J. E. Allison, treasurer; L. E. Bladine, S. D. ; F. A. Davis, J. D. ; Adam
Ilartman, tvler; Geo. W. Smith, S. S. ; J. F. Lawson, J. S.

THE MODERN WOODMEN OP AMERICA

Marathon Camp, No. 1630, of the above named order, was officially declared
an organized lodge on August 3, 1896, when on that date they were granted a
iliarter on which appears the following names : Adam Bentley, Andrew Raper,
A. W. Vederstrom. E. T. Tnlford. Walter Songer, E. S. Wheeler. Jno. Gilmour,

132 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

E. R. Stanoland, Geo. W. Wallis. W. W. Bennett. H. Hitchcock, A. D. Thompson.
L. E. Bladiue, F. W. Hunt. W. S. Lawson, B. E. Tremain, and John Swauson.

The lodge at this time has an enrollment of fifty-two members, and its
oiificers are constituted as follows: A. S. Doxsee, V. C. ; P. E. Reyman, W. A.;
J. E. Allison, recorder; R. G. IMerril, clerk; Walter Thomas, escort; C. D.
Neville, sentry; A. W. Vederstrom. watchman; H. E. Swope, Adam Bentley,
M. C. Starrett. managers; and Dr. P. Galleher. physician.

HOMESTEADERS, NO. 109.

The Homesteaders lodge began its existence in Marathon during the month
of August. 1908, with thirteen charter members, of whom the following were
officers : L. E. Bladine. president ; R. W. Heard, vice president ; C. A. Bisbey,
clerk; C. W. Smith, treasurer; E. G. Waite, marshal; H. H. Beardsley. il. at A.;
F. E. Reyman. herald ; C. A. Bisbey. L. E. Bladine, and R. W. Heard, directors.

There is a present membership of eighteen. The lodge does not meet, but
dues are regularly paid, and the organization is otherwise kept up. The fol-
lowing compose the present officers : R. W. Heard, president ; C. A. Bisbey,
vice president; J. E. Allison, clerk; C. W. Smith, treasurer; P. Galleher, medical
director; H. II. Beardsley, A. M. ; F. E. Reyman, M. at A.; E. G. Waite, herald;
C. A. Bi.sbey, L. E. Bladine. and R. W. Heard, directors.

THE G. A. R.

James ]\Iiller Post No. 503. of the Grand Army of the Republic, was organ-
ized on the 22d day of August. 1892. The following named veterans composed
the charter membership of the organization : M. W. Hartshorn, B. AV. Wilson,
J. R. Hunt. 0. W. AValker, James W. Kirk. E. Ward, D. S. Sprague, Henry D.
Smitli, C. W. Hall, F. E. Delaney. D. H. Holding. IM. Parish, S. W. Ross, Juo.
Rutherford, Adam Ebb, Christian Crone. A. W. Johnson, and Jesse Smith.

The post is conducted at the jiresent time by the following officers : Chris.
Crone, commander; Geo. N. Wilson, senior vice commander; Thos. Roberts,
junior vice commander; T. E. Delaney, chaplain; John Rutherford, officer of
the day; Jacob Reyman, officer of the guard; SI. W. Hartshorn, adjutant; and
Wm. M. Buchanan, ([uarter-master. These officers, together with H. D. Smith,
J. A. Smith and Calvine Chase, constitute the present membei's of the Post.

THE WOMEN S RELIEF CORPS.

The Auxiliary to the G. A. R. organization was formed in Marathon ilarch
31, 1908, with the title James Miller Corps No. 319. Tliere were about twenty
charter members, frcjm whom the following were elected officers: IMrs. Cora
Allison, president; IMrs. Katherine Wells, senior vice president; I\Irs. Clara A.
Hartshorn, junior vice president; Mrs. Bcrtlia Geai'y. treasurer; Mrs, Ella
Williams, condiu-tress ; Mrs. Rhodda Williams, guard; IMrs. Jennie Hartshorn,
secretary.

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 133

There is an enrollment at the present time of twenty-three members, com-
posing the following persons : ]\Irs. Ann E. Williams, Mrs. Cora Allison, Mrs.
Katherine Wells, llrs. Martha Wells, Mrs. Mae Welch, Jlrs. Katheriue Harts-
horn, Mrs. Clara Hartshorn, Mrs. Bertha Geary, Mrs. Mary Roberts, Mrs. Minnie
Erickson, Mrs. Linda Cobbs, IMrs. Rhodda Williams, Mrs. Ella Williams. Mrs.
Lizzie Conch, ilrs. Mattie Herring. Mrs. Loie Bristol. Miss Jennie Hartshorn.
Miss June Allison, Miss Susie Rutherford, Mrs. Maggie Wilson, Mi-s. Anna
Ritchie. Mrs. Rnie Doxsee. and ^Frs. Eunice Revman.

STORM LAKE.

The town of Storm Lake dates from the arrival of the Dubuque & Sioux
City railway in the year 1870. Prior to that time in the neighborhood of
twenty families had settled aliont thi' lake, some on the southwest side and others
on the north side. A man liy the name of Vincent settled southeast of the lake,
taking one hundred and sixty acres as a homestead : he sold several lots on his
farm, upon which some liuildings were erected. It was current at the time
that Vincent and the railway company had an understanding l)y which the
homestead was to be conveyed to the company as soon as a patent was secured,
and the town was to be located there, but when Vincent had proved up he,
refused to convey and in retaliation the town site was moved west to another
location. The town was laid out into lots during the month of July and on the
11th day of August, 1870. the lots were placed on sale. At that time T. S.
Smith operated a hotel and Smith Brothers a stcn-e on the site of the old town,
but they promptly moved to the new site and before fall several additional
buildings had been erected and the town was doing business with the surrounding
settlers. The man who platted the town laid it out on a generous scale. On
Lake avenue, in the business section, the lots were twenty-five by one hundred
and the street one hundred and twenty' feet wide. The residence lots were
large and roomy, and all the .streets were made one hundred feet wide, permit-
ting the home owners to beautify their holdings with attractive shade trees and
lawns. One of the first acts was to encourage the planting of shade trees and
the wisdom of this step is now apparent in the handsome appearance of the
streets and homes.

The two parks were laid out in 1871 and planted to trees at once. This
was also a wise provision, adding to the adornment of the lake shore. The
location of the town is high and dry and Storm Lake has become an ideal home
city.

The railroad was completed on the 7th day of July, 1870 and the depot was
finished that fall. J. D. Eddy was the first station agent nnd William ^Malloy
the first section foreman.

An ambitious set of business men at once east their lot with the new town
and all lines were soon well represented. Barton & Hobbs opened the first
l)ank, being soon followed by John R. Lemon, who organized tlie Buena Vista
County Bank, Sutfin and Hay. and Dean & Harker. James P. Tov came in

134 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

1872 and engaged in the lumber and implement business, organizing the Storm
Lake Bank in 1876, after selling his other interests. Two years later Jlr. Toy
opened branch banks at Sioiix Rapids and Alta and until his .removal to Sioux
City was one of the leading financiers in this part of the state.

Other pioneer business men were W. W. Sweetser, druggist; Thi:(g. W.
Selkirk, proprietor of The Lake House; Jorgensen & Fikes. hardware and im-
plements ; H. V. & T. Slutz. lumber, coal and grain ; W. H. IMeCune, merchant ;
W. C. Kinne, merchant; G. S. Robinson, attorney; Frank Wetzel, furniture
dealer; Cameron & Waggoner, druggists; George Ciirrier, dry goods merchant;
L. and J. S. Gustine, meat market ; Phil Schaller and S. W. Hobbs, real estate ;
and Vestal & Young, proprietors of the Storm Lake Pilot.

The Pilot was first issued in the fall of 1870 and became at once one of the
leading papers of the northwest. Early and late the paper sang the praises of
Storm Lake and Buena Vista county, and when one considers the influence of a
high class newspaper, well edited as was the Pilot, full credit must be given to
that paper for a great part in iii)buil(ling the town.

Among the events of imiiortanre of the early years of Storm Lake may be
mentioned the birth of Anrelia Wirick. the first child to be horn in the town, on
December 7. 1870. The first dance in the town was given on the evening of
December 13. 1870, at the City hotel, of which T, S. Smith was landlord. The
first lyceum was organized on December 12, 1870, with S. W. Hobbs as president
and J. B. ]\Iiller, secretary. The Buena Vista County Agricultural Society
was organized Fel>ruary 25. 1872. and the first fair was held that fall. It
was continued for five years when the grasshoppers and the hard times which
accompanied that pest, caused the society to disband.

On January 14, 1871. the cenietery association was organized and the
cemetery east of town was laid out in the spring. The first interment was the
body of Jonathan Knight, on July 28, 1872.

Storm Lake was iiu'orporated on February 28. 1878. and the first municipal
election was held on March 3, 1873. The otficcrs elected at tluit time were S.
II. Hobbs. mayor; E. C. Cowles, recorder; T. S. Smith. \V. 11. :\rcCune, J. M.
Ru.ssell, J. A. Campbell, and S. ('. lligiiley. i-oiuicihucn. .Mr. Hobbs served
as mayor for two years, and siiu-c llicn Ihe foUowug gentlemen have .served in
the .same capacity: W. II. Smitli. W. L. Vestal (three times mayor), E. I.
Sutfin (twice mayor). Lot Thomas. Charles Ishell. .Joseph Sampson. James F.
Toy, John R. Lemon. A. D. Bailie (three times mayor). J. P. ;Morey. G. S.
Coman, T. D. Higgs, L. B. Yerington. T. II. Chapman, P. C. Toy and E. L.
O'Banion.

The i)rcsent officers of the town arc as follows: E. L. O'Banion. mayor; J.
E. Bulaiid. clerk and solicitor; J. W. Gilbert, treasurer; C. W. Moor(\ assessor;
J. Park I '.air and .V. K. Brunson. counciliiicn at large; F. S. Kaufman and A.
R. Biddlc. cduiiciliiicn from the first ward; Will F. Miller and A. W. Unger,
second warti; <i. l'\ Wagner and J. E. Cicnclaiid. third ward and C F. Groves
and J. II. (irange, fourth ward.

The town grew .steadily until 1878 when an event occurred that put new
life and vigor into everything. It was the moving of the county seat from
Sioux Rajiids Id Stunii La]<c. al'tcr an cITiu't tinil had hislcd for eight years.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY l35

Tlie business men of tlie town and the politicians liad learned several valuable
lessons from the astute managers of the interests of Sioux Rapids and that fall
no Storm Lal;e man was a eandidate for any position on the eouuty ticket, but
everything was done to placate all parts of the county, by a judicious distribu-
tion of plums to all those who were friendly toward Storm Lake's ambition to be
the county capital. A building association was incorporated and a building
erected and tendered to the county, rent free, for courthouse purposes. A
heated campaign followed the submission of the (juestion but Storm Lake won
handily and no time was lost in bringing the records and property of the county
to the new court house.

The coming of the college in 18f)l was another stimulus to the growth of the
town, resulting, as it did. in the platting' of the college addition, one of the
choice residence portions of Storm Lake.

In 1900 the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul was built into the town from the
southeast and the Jlinneapolis & St. Louis from the north. This was a great
event for the town, as efforts had been made at various times to induce new
railroads to extend their lines to the town. Since the town was first fdi;nded at
least three attempts had been made, by the people, to build railroads north, east
and west, and at one time a company was incorporated to build to Sioux City,
southwest through Hayes and Maple Valley townships. When the roads did
come the event was hailed with great joy b.v the people and the towm took on
renewed energy. The railroad improvements in themselves were extensive, and
in addition to this several new buildings were erected in the town, including the
Witter Block, the Bradford Hotel, the Kinne Block and a large number of fine
residences. The population has increased since then aud the town has extended
its boundaries in all directions, aud material progress has been constant and
substantial.

At the present time Storm Lake is one of the best small cities in Iowa, hav-
ing all the conveniences and advantages of the larger towns, without their
disadvantages. In a material way the town has excellent stores and business
places, three solid banks, an electric light system, a gas plant, water works, aud
the citizens are now engaged in a campaign for sewers. From an educational
point of view there are excellent schools, the college, the Carnegie library,
which is equipped with a fine assortment of standard reference works and also
nuicli of a lighter nature. From the moral and religious view there are churches
with their affiliated societies, a Young ilen's Christian Association, and for the
social part there are luuuerous lodges and societies. A review of these follows
this introtluction.

It has been said that Storm Lake is a beautiful city, and this is conceded
by all who have visited it. In the summer, when the trees are at their best and
nature is at her most beautiful period, it is h.-ird to find a lovier jilace than
St(U-m Lake, the town overlooking the pretty lake. Within the past few years
the advantages of the lake have come to be more appreciated and across the
lake from tlie town, at Fisher's Point, has been erected several cottages where
people from the surrounding country come to spend a few weeks of their vaca-
tion in healthful surroundings. The Chautaucivui draws thousands every summer
and is growing in impularity. The Ci>unty Normal Institute is held here

136 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

every siunnier, bringing every teacher of the eounty for instruction in school
work. And with it all Storm Lake has a contented, happy people, who receive

the visitor and bid him welcome.

THE STORil L.VKE CHArT.VIQT'A.

In the years prior 1o 1903 efforts had been made at various times to hold
summer assemblies in the beautiful Elm ]iark at Storm Lake, but never had an
organized movement been made. Single lectures ])y such men as T. DeWitt
Talmage, Sam Jones, John Temple Graves. Henry Watter.son, Bi.shop Fowler,
Senator Dolliver and Congressman Champ Clarlc had been delivered and
regular camp meetings were held for some years by the Holiness Association
and later by the Christian (•iuiicli. but no serious attempt had been made to
give a regidar course of entertainnuMits and lectures.

But in 1903 Rev. W. J. Can- of the II. E. church. Rev, H. V. Comin of
Lakeside church, II. M. llcmlton. II. W. Krausc and a number of other active
men in Storm Lake saw the po.ssibilities of a ChautMU(|ua assembly and an orga-
nization was perfected.

The natural advantages of Storm Lake are unsurpassed in this section of
the state. A beautiful park, on the shore of the beautiful lake, a delightful and
sanitary camping spot and a permanent and convenient auditorium, added to
which was a program of rare talent, skillfidly selected, could not help but be a
success for a summer outing.

The Storm Lake Chautauciua was the tii'sl in this section of the state, at
least in a decade. Tlic success of the Storm Lake a.ssemliiy impelled manv of
the neighl)oring towns to establish similar cour.ses but in spite of Die sharp
competition the Storm Lake assembly has gone steadily forward ;ind is an
assured and established fact. Such men as Xewell Dwight Ilillis, W, J. Brvan,
I)i-, F. W. (iunsaulus, Robert JI. LaFollette, Booker T. Wa.shington. William A.
Sunday, (iips.v Smith, (Jovernor Iloch of Kansas, (iovernor Haidcy of Indiana.
Congressmiin Bede of Minnesota, Congressman Landis of Indiana, Conirrcssman
Ilobson of Alabama. Col. i'lain. ('apt. Jack Crawford. John \'ancc Cheney Dr.
AVickersham and Senator Dolliver have been lieai'd with pleasure and iirotit,
and the Chautauqua has enabled the people of the county to hear men from the
outside worbl on ipii'stions that ;irc monientoiis and timely.

Classes for the stud.v of domestic sciences ha\-e been Jield for the women, at
which demonstraticnis in cooking have been given. These, with talks on hv'i'iene
in the home, hax'c provcil ol' niurli \alue.

For the past two years I'rof. Wiico.x of the Iowa State Cniversity has "iven
a .series of lectures on history that have been a liberal ednc;ition in themselves
and the foi'<'uo(iii hour has also Ihmmi <le\(ited to a study of Miblical topics and
ethii-al subjects.

BTTEN.\ VIST.\ COM.EGE.

The seed fi-om which the present educational ti'i-e ol' Muena Vista collce
has grown was planted Octobi'r 17. 1SS3. when Kcv. J. C. Gilkerson, rei)re.senting

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 137

the Calliope Academy Associatidii. presented ti. the Presbytery of Port Dodge,
then in session at Sac City, the idea of taking into its eare the Academy at
Calliope. A committee was appointed to consider the whole matter, and to
recommend to the Presbytery at its next meeting in April, 1884, what action
should be taken. The acceptance of the offer from Calliope was deferred
until September. 188-1, when propositions from localities desiring the location
of the institution were examined. Cherokee and Fort Dodge made offers, the -'
latter town being chosen, and in the fall of 1885, the Fort Dodge Collegiate'^
Institute was opened with Rev. F. L. Kenyon as president. President Kenyou
conducted the school until 1880. when he was siieeeeded by Rev. L. Y. Hayes.
However, two years later it was decided that the school would not be successful
as it was. and propasitions from other towns were considered. Among those
offered, the Storm Lake Town Lot and Land Company made the proposition to
"ilonate a campus of about eight acres, and to erect there upon buildings of the
value of twenty-five thousand dollars, suitable for college purposes."

In October. 180O. the Presbytery of Sioux City was set off from, the
Presbytery of Fort Dodge. A .joint commission of twelve members chosen by /^
the two Presbyteries met in Stm-m Lake July 8. 1891. and accepted the propo-
sition of the Storm Lake Town Lot and Land Company. The organization and
incorporation of Buena Vista college was completed on the following day, July /
9. 1891. The Synod of Iowa, in regular session at Boone. October. 1891. ^
unanimously adopted the college as its own, and a board of trustees was elected
composed of the ft)llowing persons : Rev. H. D. Jenkins. Rev. S. W. Stophlett,
Rev. John MacAUister, Rev. Wm. M. Evans. Rev. Wm. M. Robinson. L. S.
Faucett. A. A. Ilorton, Zeph. Chas. Felt. S. D. Eadie. E. R. Sisson. E. E. Mack,
I. B. William.s. J. B. McKibben. J. 1'. Jlorey. and President L. Y. Hayes, ex
officio. To these trustees was entrusted the entire control of the college proper-
ty and the management of its interests. The Synod recognized the existence of
the other colleges in the state. Init the grouping of these educational institutions
in the eastern and .southern portions of the .state, left a vast unoccupied field
in the center of what was destined to become a fine part of Iowa. The leading
men in the Presbyterian church in northwest Iowa foresaw witli prophetic
vision the splendid opportunity of usefulness which the planting of a Christian
college would furnish in this field. The wisdom of its founders has already
appeared in the success it has attained.

The approximate geographical centre of this field was Storm Lake, and this
little city with its beautiful lake and clean, wide streets, was chosen because of
its fitness for preserving a wholesome moral atmosphere, being free from the
many temptations that beset the student in the larger cities.

The college is situated in the southwest part of the town, on a beautiful
elevation sloping down to the lake. The main building is of brick, trimmed
with cut stone, and measures ninety by seventy-two feet, with three stories. It
contains nine recitation rooms, a chapel, a library, a reading room, together
with ten other rooms used for various purposes. Its cost, exclusive of all
furnishings, was twenty-five thousand dollars. It is valued today at forty
thousand dollars.

138 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Until the eompletidn of the lunv buildinor. school was conducted in the
Opera House. The tirst faculty was constituted as follows: Rev. L. Y. Hayes,
president; Rev. 'Geo. H. Fraeker. Rev. J. C. Hutchinson, C. Ra.y Aurner, N. H.
Tyson. Jliss Ida L. Sisson, Miss Ida D. Bennett, aiid C. A. Ileinrieks.

During the early part of the year 1901. the ;\Iiller-Stuart house, formerly
known as the president's home, became college property, being given by Mi's.
Lois 6. Stuart of xVudnbon. and Rev. Wm. Miller of Des Moines. It was built
for a president's home by Rev. J. ]\I. Linn, during his presidency of the college.
It stands across the .street from the college, is rooniy. and substantially built, and
is a valuable addition to the college possessions.

The Ladies' Hall, located on a lot with two hundred and seventy foot
frontage, is valued at ten thousand dollars. It contains twent.v-one rooms,
beside a parlor, dining room and kitchen.

JIather Hall, the musical conservatory, is located between the Ladies' Hall
and the Miller-Stuart house, and these three buildings occupy a half block
facing the campus on the east. The conservatory became the property of the
college through the generosity of Mrs. Flora S. Mather of Cleveland, Ohio. It
contains eleven rooms, is well ei|nip]ied and suited to the purpose f(U' wliicli it
is used.

The college is conducted at the present time by the following faculty : Rev.
Geo. II. Fraeker. A. M., D. D., vice president (acting president) ; Martha M.
Reid, A. B. ; Alice E. Wilcox. A. B. ; Ed. Forest Blayney. A. JI., Ph. D. ; Laura
McLaughlin ; Irwin BiUman. B. S., B. L. ; A. B. Thut. A. B., B. L. ; S. P. Ronnei ;
Grace B. Gilmorc; Julia E. Porter, A. B. ; C. Helene Burgess, A. B. : IMaude E.
Hawkins: Rena Garberson ; ]\Iable Luhman.

Till' folhiwing men liave served as presidents in the order named: Rev. L.
Y. Hayes, Rev. J. 'SI. Linn. Rev. John :\lacAllister. Rev. Harvey Ilosletler. Rev.
E. E. Reed, and Rev. Robert L. Campbell. Rev. Geo. Fraeker has licen acting
president since Decembci-. 11)08. R'cv. Caiiiplicil having resigneil in the fall of
that year. A connniltcc is at work at the |ircsciit time endeavoring to secure
a suitable man for the presidency.

It is tile [inrpose of the college to i'uniish ii|ip(U'tiniit \- I'nr a lliorougli
education in its various departments. A classical education is encouraged;
si)ecial attention is also given to the instruction in the Sciences. Philosophy and
Engli.sh. The tru.stces desire to provide, in addition to the regular college
course, the best (i|ipoftuni1ics I'm' training in education, nnisic, oratoi-y and
1)usiness.

Among till' I'arilities for study is the lilirary. containing alioiit si.K thousand
volumes, well chosen and well classified, and of a practical character, nearly
every volume being secured for some specific need. There is also a museum, for
wliiili the fii-st I'oliection was made by Rev. R. E. Flickinger. Additions for
various kiiuls \\:\\r been and are being made from time to time. There are the
lalioratories. the Cliemistry. the Physii-s. and the Biological, all well eipiipfied
with the apparatus necessary for their several needs.

Among the student organizations, the Y. M. C. A. and the Y. W. C. A. hold
prominent places, these associations liaving there own furnished rooms in the
main hiiildiiig. Weekly devotional meetings are held, and weekly Bible study

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 139

cDiiducted. Bfsidi's tliese assoL-iatimis tlicrc arr two literary societies, the Star
and the Franklin, maintained for literary culture in its various phases. Friend-
ly rivalry exists between the two societies; a debate is held each year, a prize
cup being awarded to the successful society.

Athletics are under the control of a committee of three members of the
faculty, together with the officers of the College Athletic Association.

The college owns its own printing outfit, a small press situated in the
liasenient. On it are printed the Bulletin and the Tack, the former issued bi-
iiionthl.v liy the faculty, and the latter published monthly by the students. The
press furnishes employment to several students wishing self support.

The control of the college is vested in the board of trustees, which at the
present time is composed of the following men: Rev. E. W. Brown. Spirit Lake;
W. II. Hart. Sac City; Hon. Phil Schaller. Sac City; Hon. DeWitt Miller.
Newell; J. B. :McKil)ben. Storm Lake; Rev. John W. Day. Des Moines; Prof.
Floyd T. Voris. Tacoma. Washington; Robert H. Campbell. Ireton; G. H.
Cummings, Sioux City: Rev. S. W. ilcFadden. Spokane, Washington; F. F.
Faville. Storm Lake; J. T. Edsou. Schaller; S. C. Bradford, Storm Lake; Prof.
J. E. Ulman, Paullina ; W. L. Geisinger, Storm Lake ; Robert Bleakly, Storm
Lake; E. II. Fairburn. Fonda; Geo. Lawhorn. Storm Lake; Rev. O. S. Thompson,
Paullina; F. S. Ranney. Storm Lake; il. W. Frick. Rockwell City; Rev. Daniel
Williams. Storm Lake; A. W. Unger. Storm Lake; Rev. Harvey Hostetler,
Council Bluffs; M. N. Voiding. Cherokee; R. W. ^Marquis. Des Moines; G. M.
Parker. Auburn; W. C. Edson, Storm Lake; M. 0. ililler. Storm Lake; Hon.
A. D. Bailie. Storm Lake; E. R. Sisson, Storm Lake; Hon. E. E. Mack,
Storm Lake ; L. 'SI. Nusbaum. Storm Lake ; A. C. Binnie, Alta ; W. C. Kennedy,
Rolfe; Thomas 11. Wright. Fort Dodge.

In 1901 a movement was started for securing an endowment for the college.
The plan was to secure fift.v-thousand dollars in Iowa, and fift.v thousand dollars
more in the east. Ohio wa.s selected as the field for this latter siun. By the
spring of 1902. the first fift.v thousand dollars had been successfuU.v raised.
The Synod of Iowa has for the second time recommended that Buena Vista
college should be given two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to meet immediate
needs for more buildings, grounds and endowment. It is the amlution of Storm
Lake to be a religious educational center and this purpose is kept steadily in
view by those who appreciate the opportiniities of tlie college. Although Buena
Vista is still a small school, yet with the stead.v growth which it has been making,
and with its beautiful situation liy the lake, there is every evidence that its
present jirogress will continue in the future.

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The first school in Storm Lake was benun in the s]n'ing or summer of 1870
in the residence of S. D. Eadie. ]\riss Aliun Gates was the first teacher. The
school district at that time inehuled all of Hayes township, and Wm. Guilford
was the president of the first board of direetors. In tlie summer of 1S71 a

140 HISTORY OF RUENA VISTA COUNTY

sm.-ill fraiiic liuililiiiL;' was erected diagonally across tlie street from the site of
the present southside school building. This was Imilt hy private subscription
and JMiss Honeywell was the teacher in this school.

In July 1872 Storm Lake was organized into an Independent School Dis-
trict. The number of scholars had increased, so that the frame buiMing was
too small, and the hall above Smith P>ros. .store was rented for one year. George
11. Eastman was at the head of the school as principal, the tirst male teacher in
the Independent district; Jliss Iris Kelso was his assistant. Th(> Baptist chureh
was next used for the school, being rented for one year.

In the summer of 187-1 the construction of a brick luiilding was begun on
the present site, but before it was finished the north wall blew over and the
contractor abandoned it. Another contractor took up the work in 1875 and
finished the building. This forms the central part of the present building.
The old frame building, which was the first school building in Storm Lake, was
moved into the country, and now stands abovit three miles west of town, a short
ways north of the main road leading to Alta.

The schools continued to increase rapidly. A small fi-ame building had to
be erected near the school as an overflow. In 1880 another lot was purchased
adjoining the school land, and an addition of four rooms was built to the school
building. Two rooms more and the high school up stairs were added in 1894,
making the building as if now stands.

The "North school" was begini in lS8i) when a liricl; liuiiding of four
I'ooms was ci'cctc(l in tlic north ])art of town. Tlic building consists now of
six rooms, an addition of two rooms being nuule in 18!)4.

The present superintendent of the schools is A. C. Fuller. .Jr. The
principal of the high school, Thos. Tcaklc; Hth grade, ;\Irs. .hdia II. Braginton.
Assistants in the high school: Miss .Mabel !>. Andei'son. Miss Stella M. Russell,
aiul Miss (irace E. Russell.

Sui)ervisor oj' musii' : Miss Frances M. Witter.

(irade teachers, (south school): i\Iiss Alice W. I'roctor, l\Irs. Flora Fitch,
Miss Nettie Aiken. Miss Edna E. Stelfen, ^liss :\Iaudc Lamb, Miss Elhel Mai hews.

Xoi'th schiinl: Miss Charlotte Diehl, .Miss Klhel Carson. Miss Edilh .Mal-
l)one. Jliss Lcona M. Darr, Mi.ss Edna R. Kington, Miss Bessie Cox.

The Storm Lake school disti'ict includes one rural scliool — the Lakeview
school. .Miss lOtliel Smilli is the teacher.

'I'he present enrollnieut of all schools inuiibers five hundred and sixty-five,
of which two hundred and eighty-nine are boys and two hundred and seveiit,v-si.\
are girls.

In 1S1)(I the high school was made a four year cour.se, aiul has licen fully
accredited since that time. The school has a library containing about two
thousand volumes, including supjilenientary reading.

^ 'I'lIK FIRST .MKTIIiiniST KI'lSCnPAI, CIIIKCII.

StoiMii Lake .Metliodism beuan October 1. ISdS when iicv. Thomas Wliitely,
u local jireachei', delivered the first sermon and comlnctcd the (irst regidar

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 141

service on the Chamberlain farm, directly south of the Mineral Springs at the
west end of the lake. The eireuit of which Rev. Whitely was pastor reached
south to Ida Grove, west to Cherokee, and north to Peterson.

In the spring of 1869. Rev. Whitely preached a second time at the Chamber-
lain farui. and organized a class "composed of Brother Andrews, leader. Sister
Andrews. Lanra Ilarlan. Sister Whitely. Alvu Carrington, Daniel Smith and
wife, ilartha, Whitcl.\-. and Mrs. Chloe Clemens."

During the conference .vear of 1869-70, the Storm Lake territory was formed
a part of the Sac City circuit, and Rev. White was the pastor, a suppl.v. Dur-
ing that year he made only one visit to the society, at which time, aided I)y Rev.
Wliitely. he adnunistered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper at the home of
.Mr. Andrews. (The given, name of IMr. Andrews does not appear in the
records; he is always mentioned as "Brother Andrews.")

In the autumn of 1870. J. R. Horsewell was appointed pastor of the St<iriu
Lake circuit, and he preached the first sermon ever preached in the town in the
fi'cight depot of tile Illinois Central railroad. About one hundred per.sons
wei-e present.' A class, composing fifteen persons, was organized and Thos.
Whitel.v was appointed leader. Daniel Smith and C. S. Greenman were chosen
stewards. Mr. Andrews soon took the place of Thos. Whitely as leader. Rev.
Horsewell also organized a class at .\okomis schoolhouse. "Hunt's schoolhouse. "
as it was called, about nine miles northwest of Storm Lake. The entire circuit
included Storm Lake. Nokomis. and a schoolhouse southeast of the lake. The
Elk appointment was added before the close of Rev. Horsewell 's pastorate.

In Storm Lake various places of worship were used, namely the freight
depot. S. D. Eadie's residence, a i-oom over Eadie & Guilford's store, the German
^lill (afterward burned) and tlic hall over Smith Bros, store.

The first church building in town was the Presb.vterian, which was erected
at the corner of Third street and Lake avenue in 1872. The Methodists made
arrangements whereby they occupied this half of the time.

In September. 1872. the Northwest Iowa conference was organized at Fort
Dodge, and Rev. O. S. Bryan was appointed jiastor of Storm Lake to succeed
Rev. Horsewell. Rev. Smith D. Fry and Rev. Thos. Whitely also served
successively that year. In 1873 Rev. Wilmot Whitfield was appointed pastor.
This appointment also included Nokomis and Elk. During the winter revivals
increased the membership from seventy-one to one Inuidred and forty-two.

In the spring of 1874 a little parsonage was built ; and during 1875 a
church was built at Storm Lake, and one at Alta. The circuit had been enlarged
"so as to include, in addition to the other three appointments, the Fosters, the
Wilsons, the Parkers, the MacGugors, and Whitelys and occasionally the
Griffiths." The pastor preached four times every Sabbath during part of that
\(>ar. driving from five to nine miles between places.

At the conference in 1875 the circuit was divided into the Storm Lake
I'harge with sixt.v-five members and Alta with one hundred and twenty members.
Rev. Henry Brown was apiiointed to Alta. and Rev. C. B. Winter to Storm Lake.
The first trustees of file church were elected in 1875, and were as follows: Wm.
L. Smith. :Mansel ToUe. Emanuel Geist. J. R. Lemon. J. G. McGregor, Thos.
Whitelv. Sr.. E. L. Carrington, Daniel Smith and .fames W. Bethards.

142 HISTORY OF BUEXA VISTA COUNTY

Followiug Rev. C. B. Winter the following ministers have served in the
chureh successively: Revs. F. J. Barr, Seymour Snyder. J. C. R. Layton, T. M.
Williams, W. T. Gleason. Robert Smylie, B. S. Taylor. II. P. Diulley. J. J.
Gardner, Wilmot Whitfield (second time), Samuelson P. Wilson, II. K. Hastings,
G. W. Pratt. A. S. Cochran. W. J. Carr, S. R. Boatty. and Nathaniel Pye. the
present pastor.

Tlie jire.sent clnircli l)\iildiim- was erected at a cost of twenty-five thousand
six hundred and sixt.v-four dollars and sixt.\'-t\vi) cents, everv cent of which was
paid within sixt.v days after the completion of the church. Tlie following
constitute the present officers of the societ.v :

Trustees: W. II. Wheat. Jos. Nattress, W. L. Geisinger, Adam Holmes.
U. G. Burton, A. W. Sutter. W. J. Geisinger. J. W. Leinger. Wm. Pike.

Stewards: G. :\I. Walrod. A. S. Caulkins. J. W. Phmalp. J. S. Bdl. J.
Southers, Mae Austin, August IIoclc. ^Irs. Leccli. ^Ii's. Cora Nattress, Geo.
Lawhorn. A. T. Troeger, C. A. Fulton. S. L. Cole.

Sunday school : Superintendent, J. S. Bell.

Epworth League: President. H. W. Krause.

Pastors Aid : President. Sirs. Wm. Rose.

Woman's Home Missionary Societ.v: President. Mr.s. N. Pye.

Womans Foreign Mi.ssiouarv Society: President. ]\Irs. J. W. Leiinnger.

Standard Bearers: Superintendent. ^Irs. J. H. O'Donoghue; President
Miss Mae Austin.

THE L.\KERinE CHrRriT.

Rev. Geo. R. Carrol and Mr. Alexander ;\1. Dariey first visited Storm Lake
^ August 8. 1870. Rev. Carrol was district missionary of tlie Presbyterian
lO Board of Home Missions foi- western Iowa and .\cl)ra.ska. It was the intciitii)n
of these men to start a l'resl)yterian cluircli. Inil they did not lind enough
persons of that denomination to Justify that ai-tiun. On October 20. in the
same year, they again visited Sturin Laki'. but (inl.\- live luunes were securcil. so
nothing further was done.

On December 17, 187(1 a third visit was made by .Mr. Carrol, and on the
iic.\l day. Sunday, December is. a sermon was i)reached. after which the per.sons
whose names ap])car below were oi'^ani/.cd inio Ihe ''Presbyterian Church
of Storm Lakr": Wm. M. Reeder. .Airs. M. L. IJecder. W. H. MeCune, Mrs.
E. A. I\IcCune. I'\ W. StefiVn. S, D. Eadie. Mrs. Martha Eadie. S. D. Eadie
and W. U. MrCune were elected ruling elders, and F. W. Steflfen deacon.

•lune Ki. 1871. Rev. Dariey was elected permanent moderator. lie was
thi' presbytcwian missionary f(H- the counties of Clierokee and liuena Vista.
Chnrcli services were held in "tlie onl.v public building in town." S. D. Eadie's
residence, wliich was also used for a schoolhouse and a town hall. The Presby-
terian society, tojiether with the liajitists and the Methodists, i-ented a building
in which to hold services. The Presbyterians used it one year — until they l)uilt
their own church in the winter of 1871-2. A Sunday school had been (iriranized
about the same time as the church .societ.v. The progress of the church was
rapid from the beginning.

HISTORY OF BUBNA VISTA COUNTY 143

111 February 1893. proposals were taken up l)y the Presbyterian and Con-
gregational chnrches to join their organizations. The Congregational church
had been organized since May 11, 1883, their charter members being: George
Stetson. E. E. Mack. E. C. Cowles, Z. C. Felt. Joseph Sampson. J. C. Frank, T.
A. Thompson. S. J. Johnson, J. M. Dickinson. H. C. Cutts, and A. D. Bailie.
Tlicy held tlieir services in a rented room in the old courthouse, until they built
their own brick buililing, which is a part of the present Jjakcside church building.
The following ministers liad served in the Congregatioiuil church: Revs. J. B.
Chase, Geo. Morton. Asa Countryman. Fred JIagoun. J. W. Ferner, 0. V. Rice.
In considering the union of tlir two churclics. it was agreed March 9. 1893 that
after March 16. they should meet and worship together in the Congregational
church, the union to be temporary for two years, and at the end of this time the
question of a permanent union would be decided. On ]\Iay 7. 1895. the \uiion
was made pernjanent. The Presbyterians sold their church building to the
German Lutherans, and built an addition of brick to the Congregational church
to offset the possession of the latter l)y the Congregational society. This con-
stitutes the present Imilding.

Following are tlie ministers who have served since the organization of the
two churches: Revs. Alex M. Darley. Bra.xton P>eun. C. M. Allen, Joshua Cooke,
0. T. Langfitt. Ale.\. :\I. Darley. (about one month) R. T. Pressly. Cyrus A.
Price, II. C. Keely. John JIacAllister. who served for eight years, seven of which
were under the union of the two congregations. Then followed successively
Wni. E. Sloane. H. V. Comin. and the present pastcu". D. C. Mackintosh.

During the year 1902 a modern parsonage was erected, the lot for which was
donated by E. R. Sisson on June 8 of that .year.

The church has now an enrollment of foxu' hundred and twenty-nine mem-
bers. The present elders arc : S. D. Eadie. S. F. Luhman, M. 0. Miller. S. M.
Cox. Wm. Ross, F. S. Ranuey, A. M. Foster. T. K. Alexander. J. H. McLaughlin.

The Sunday school has a memliership of three hundred and forty-six; A. M.
Foster is superintendent and Josephine Hoft'man, secretary.

The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor has an enrollment of
seventy-two with C. F. Greenway as president.

The Ladies Aid Society: Mrs. K. Buland, president.

Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society: iMrs. Jeannctte Foote.
president.

There is a "Westminster Guild," a society of young lailies of the church
with ]\Iae W. Hamilton, president.

ST. .IDIIN S EV.\NGELIC.\L GERM.VN Ll'TIIEK.VN CHfliClI.

Tlie German Lutheran church had its beginning in the home of Mrs.
Du.schinski sometime during the year 187ti. For alxmt eight years services
were held in this home. The town hall was rented and used imtil 1893. Avhen
for the next two years they rented the Presbyterian church during the latter 's
temporary union with the Congregational society. Upon the fusion of the two
last named churches in 1895. the German Lutherans piuvliased the Presbyterian

144 HISTORY OF BUEXA VISTA COUNTY

clnirch building'. In 1906 the building was renovated, an altar and pulpit
l)eing built, and other improvements made both inside and outside.

The following have been pastors of the church during its history: Revs.
Kramer, Frederick Grim, Lapc, fa student") Lauer. Traid). II. Wehking and the
in'escnt pastor. R. Ilaendschke.

The enrollment of the church is twent\' families, aggregating about mic
hundred and thirty pei-sons. The present trustees are: Chas. Bauman, Philip
Baumanu and Chas. Ileschke. Elders ; Wm. IManteufal and John Wetesteiu.

The Sunday school. Rev. R. Haendschke is superintendent. There is an
eni'ollment of twelve members, who also meet on Saturday as a parochial school.

The Concordia society has a membership of twenty-tive. Peter Fillmore
is president, and Frank Frazier secretary.

The Ladies Aid Society: Jlrs. J. Wetcstcin. i)residcu) ; Mrs. R. Haendschke.
secretary. The membership is twenty.

The minister at Storm Lake also has a parish a uiilc and a half east of
Newell, to which he goes every two weeks. This parish, called St. Peter's
Evangelical German Lutheran church, has been in connection with the Storm
Lake church for about three and a half years. Its membership numbers sixty.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

The (.!hristiaii church was organized July '.]. ISDr), with al)iiut ninety-three
charter members. The first elders were A. L. n\z(>r and B. Eckcrt. Deacons:
Caloway Curnett and C. W. Moore. The lirst Sunday school superintendent
was F. .1. Parr, who is also the present superintendent; Sirs. J. M. Ilorlacker is
the assisfaiil. and .Maruarct Whiilen scci'cfary. Us mciiibcrship is between
lil'teeii and twenty.

A liouse used as a |)arsonagc and three lots were l)(iugiit in ISI)."). A church
was erected in IDMIi (in two of the hits. The ]iarscinage was suhl alidut IS!)!).

'i'lie c-liui'ch has a present meml)ershi]) of about one hundred and tifty.
'i'liere is a Ladies Aid so(-iety. a very et^icient society, with Mrs. Alary J. Totman.
president ; .Mrs. .1. W. Kunz. treasurer; and .Mi's. .1. L. 1 1(ii'lacl<er, secretary.

The following ])astors have served in tile church: I»e\'s. M. II. Kendall,
Hateiium. LeGraiid Pace, llarr\' Green, and R. L. Whittenliurg.

TIIK (ilORM.yX MK'I'IliMilST Kl'ISCdIW I . CiU KI'll.

Tile German Society' of the MetliiidisI Kpisi-o|ial cliiircli liegaii its existence
in Stiii'iu Lake .May '■], 1876. The I'lillnw ini:' |iersoiis constituted its tirst board
of trustees: Fi'iedrick Petersme.xer. .Fakdii llnelilei'. R. C. Riekelfs, .\dam
Hart man and (!liristian Schaefei'.

The lirst i>arsonage was linilt in 1S7S. acrd.ss the street I'l'diii the present
site. Tiiere was not rddin eiidiigh here I'di' a chun'li building so they sold their
parsonage, and erected the c-lini'cli across the street on the present site in 1880,
the ground lieing donated li\' the Iowa Kaili-dad Ijand Company. In 1005 the
ciini'cli liuilding was reiiindeled. The present parsonage was erected in 1888.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 145

The present officers of the eluireh are :

Trustees: Geo. Witter, Geo. Foell. Louis Ilenne, Adam Witter, C. Nitzke,
Adam Diehl. and Fred Witter.

Stewards: J. Miller, Louis ITenne, and Frank Witter.

The Sunday school has an enrollment of fifty-eight. Geo. Witter is super-
intendent, and Martin Witter, secretary.

The Epworth Leauue : There is an enrollment of thirty members, with
Lydia Witter as president, and Frieda Witter, secretary.

The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society officers are: President, Mrs. H.
K. Schmidt; secretary. Mrs. II. Lutz.

This church is an appointment in the Upper Iowa district of the Northwest
German conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. The following pastors
have served since its organization : Revs. Godley TIaefner, E. W. Ilauke, C. F.
Tramm, C. A. Ileiurichs, A. M. Brenner, C. Scliulz. A. Dulitz, J. W. Feller, and
the present pastor, H. R. Schmidt. Rev. Haefner served twice and Rev. Hanke
three times.

THE FIRST ITNIVERSALIST CHURCH.

On March 28. 187-1 there was formed in Storm Lake an organization Imown
as "The Liberal Christian Association." The following persons constituted its
membership : Wm. Guilford, W. L. Vestal, J. A. Dean, S. W. Hobbs, Henry
Holcomb, Wm. C. Weddington. and G. S. Robinson.

The society met in the different churches at stated times. The Baptist
church was used five years, and the German Methodist church for one year, 1881,
during which the.v erected their own building. At a meeting of the members
on April 4, 1881, the Liberal Christian Association was formed into "The First
Universalist church of Storm Lake." The lot for their church was donated
by the Iowa Railroad Land Company, the church costing thirt.v-two hundred
dollars, was dedicated free from debt.

The first officers of the Universalist society were: M. D. Watkins, moder-
ator; G .S. Robinson and James Ilarker, deacons; James F. Toy, treasurer; W.
E. Brown, clerk. There were about twenty-five members.

There is a membership at present of about twenty. Following are its
officers: Wm. Guilford, moderator; jMrs. C. W. Moore, clerk; P. C. Toy, secre-
tary and treasurer. Trustees: Geo. Currier, K. Burnham and Mrs. C. W.
Moore.

The following ministers have served since the organization of the Universa-
list society: Revs. B. F. Snook, Karl Gerner, H. E. Whitne.y, C. L. Waite, M.
II. Houghton, A. M. Crum, W. S. Ralph. J. E. Keys, C. E. Varney, G. W.
Skilling, R. E. Olmstead, Mrs. R. E. Olmstead, and A. N. Alcott.

THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH.

The organization of the Seventh Da.v Adventists church was formed May
19, 1883. A Mr. Moon was appointed leader, the deacon and treasurer was A.
King, and the clerk Mrs. A. King.

146 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

A church buildiu<j was erected in 1800. which was used until 1907. In
1908 it was sold and torn down, and a residence erected in its place. Tlier(>
are ten members in the society now. and they meet around at the homes every
Sabbath (Saturday) for the regular church services and Sabbath scliool. Their
present leader is Reuben Holconib; clerk and secretary Alameda Martine;
treasurer, Sarah Holcomb.

SCANDIN.WIAN FREE CHITRCH.

The Scandinavian Free church was orj^anized April 1. 18'J1 by the following
men. who also constituted its first board of trustees: Andrew Erieksen. Ole
Olson, C. F. Mork. Peter Anderson. John B.iornberg. Three of the above.
Andrew Erieksen, Ole Olson, and John Bjornbergr. are still living in Storm Lake,
and are the present trustees of the church.

Their church building was erected in 1890. As the name implies, the
building is open for the services of all Scandinavians. There is no resident
pastor at present; but Rev. J. 0. Kindstrom. the Swedish Lutheran minister at
Alta, conducts services at stated times.

CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The first church in Storm Lake was the Catholic church which was built in
the fall of 1872. Father McNulty of Sioii.x City came to Storm Lake and said
mass at the home of William Jlalloy. who was then section foreman. l\Ir.
Malloy and Father McNulty secured a iiromise from J. D. Eddy, tlien station
agent nf Ihe Illinois Central. Iliat tlir 1own lot (•(uiipMiiy would donate a lot if
a new church W(mld be erected, and this was done, tiie three men selecting the
lot where stands the present church and parsonage. ^Ir. Malloy went to work
at once and raised the money, but he bore tiie responsibility of the task, and as
he was an honest, industrious man. with tine ci-edit. he was enabled to at once
send for the lumber, which was shipped out from Dubu(iue that fall. John
Schmitz erected the building.

There were at that time but seven families of Catlmlic belief in the county,
of which five were in Providence, one in Maple Valley and one in Storm Lake
townships. They had newly arrived and were bending every energy to provide
a home, hence the undertaking was a grave luie for ;\lr. I\Ialloy and his friends,
but they carried it through, thanks to the liberality of both Catholics and
Protestants and the church was duly paid lor.

Rt. Rev. T. Lenehen of Fort Uodge acted as the first i)asfor. and mass was
said about once every three months. Fathei- (ialTiiey of Sioux CMty was the
first resident priest stationed at Storm Lake. lie was succeeded by Father D.
Slattery. Father Gaffney served again, and then came in the order in which
they appear. Father P. Smith and Father N. llennesey, the present pastor.

The frame church building was succeeded by a fine brick church in 1885.

The parsonage was built in 1901. but aside IVom these facts no further data

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 147

could be ^'(ittcii. Tlie cluiivh has a laruc attendance and is in a prosperous
condition. It lias the distinction of being' the only Catholic church with a
resident priest in Buena Vista county.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

The First Baptist church of Storm Lake was organized at a meeting held
on the 24th day of Mareh, 1S71. The following persons became the charter
members of the society: N. Parks. J. R. Barnes. Laura A. Barnes. Sarah A.
Harrison. Mrs. Caroline Robbins, Mary Robbins, Saphronia Robbins. and Victoria
A. Miller. i\Iiss Mary Robbins was chosen clerk, and Mrs. Victoria A. Miller,
treasurer; J. B. Miller was the first deacon.

N. Parks became the first pastor, and he conducted services in a hall in
town, and in a schoolhou.se in the country. About 1872 the society erected
their church building, which was their first and present linilding. Next to the
^'hurch stands their parsonage, which was built in 1901.

In 1880 the Sunday school was organized by Rev. D. D. Proper, a state
officer of the church. J. B. ^Tiller became the first superintendent for the
school. Mrs. Mary Wilson, secretary, and J. R. Barnes, treasurer. The school
has an enrollment at present of about eighty-five merabei's; the present officers
are W. C. Wilson, superintendent and J. Robin.son, secretary.

The following persons constitute the jiresent officers of the church: Deacons,
S. H. Lewis, J. Y. Skeels. and W. C. Wilson. Trustees: S. H. Lewis, Wm.
North, N. H. Peterson, W. C. Wilson, J. Y. Skeels. C. Russie, and J. Robinson.
The clerk is Jliss Lettie Russie. and the treasurer, N. H. Peterson.

The B. Y. P. U. has an enrollment of about thirty members. Alma
Anderson is president and Clara Anderson, secretary.

The officers of the Ladies Aid Society are: I\Irs. Fred Biggins, president;
Mrs. Chas. Russie, secretary; Mi-s. S. II. Lewis, treasurer.

The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society have Mrs. J. Mortensen
as president, and Mrs. S. H. Lewis, secretary.

The following ministers have served as pastors of the cluirch : Revs. N.
Parks, Carlos Wilcox, Jesse Boswell, E. Ingham, (a member of the church who
preached in the absence of a minister) Rev. ^[cManis. J. B. Edmondson. Rev.
Jones, H. R. Williams, I. C. Fallis, James EUio.tt, J. F. Jenkins, D, B. Livingston.
E. P. Bartlett, J. W. Oliver, Wm. E. Edwards, Amos E. Weaver, a supply for
six months, and F. A. Conners, the present pastor, who came to Storm Lake in
March, 1909.

I. 0. o. p.

The Oddfellow lodge No. 221 began its existence October 19, 1871 with five
charter members: J. C. Spooner, T. S. Smith, L. J. Barton. J. L. Wilson, and
J. D. Rupert. Their first meeting place was in a room on the second floor of a
building which stood on the present site of the James livery barn. This build-
ing which afterward became a mill, wa.s put up and owned by Eadie, Gi;ilford

148 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

& Co. After meeting here for one year, the lodge moved into Smith's Hall.
which they occupied for about four years. Then for five or six years they
iiccupied a room over the First National Bank. After this they moved into a
room in the Crook block, from which they moved into their present hall as soon
as the buildinji' in which it is located was completed.

The lodge lias a membership of one hundred and forty-two. They own the
double store building now occupied by Foster & Sons' store. They are planning
to erect, within the next few years, a third story over this building to he fitted
up with several compartments of a modern lodge room. The present elective
officers are: M. N. Hoffman, N. G. ; Thos. Laliron, V. G.; Chas. Fulton, record-
ing secretary ; John Christopher, financial secretary ; Harry J. Crouse, treasurer;
trustees: C. F. Aiken, Theo. Martin, and E. L. O'Banion.

■ Wm. Guilford is considered the oldest Oddfellow in Bucna Vista county,
lie was connected with the order before he came to this county, and has been an
Oddfellow here for nearly forty years. alwa\s one of the most enthusiastic
members of the local order.

I. O. 0. p. ENCAMPMENT, NO. 86.

The Encampment was organized on the Ifith of October, 1876, with the fol-
lowing charter members: W. C. Weddington, 1j. .J. Harvey, W. L. Vestal, David
Fikes, C. W. Jorgensen, B. Benn. Theoph Slutz. Prank Wetzel.

Of the present officers, M. N. Hoffman is chief patriarch and A. 'i'ymeson is
scribe.

REBEKAH LODGE NO. 205.

The Rebekah lodge was organized October 17, 18!)3. The cliaitci- iiicmlicrs
were as follows: A. C. Smith, Kittie Smith. Dr. J. II, Lawrence, A\irelia
Lawrence, G. W. Santee, Augusta L. Santee. W. D. Kenney. I\Iary J. Kenney.
L. C. Doan and Nettie B. Doan.

The following are their pi'escnt officers: N. G., Lila Tyineson ; V, G..
Florence Tolleft ; financial seci'ctary, (lai'rie B. Staidey; recording secretary,
Sarali l'>rown: treasurer, Rachael Malbone; conductor, Mary Hill; warden,
Martha Coulson ; cliai)lain, Mary Totman ; R. S. to N. G., Stella Cole; L. S. to N.
(4., Myrtle llardymati; R. S. to V. G., Lnella Walker; L, S. to V. G., StjcUa
Coulson; I. G., Rosa Miller; 0. G., L. 6, Malbone.

MODERN WOODMEN OP AMERICA.

The Modern Woodmen of .\incrica. Camp No. 144r), was instituted ou the
24th day of Septcml)cr, 18!)(). the following being its fir.st officers: V, C, A. D.
Bailie; clerk. Thos. W. Hac; sentry. L. C. Doan; N. A., W. T. Clegg; escort,
Geo, Siebens; excellent hanker, W, T, Steffen ; local physician, L. M. Johnson;
watchman. Win, Randall: managers, G, Egerer, Frank Randall, and M. 0.
Miller.

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 149

The lodge has an enroUment of two hundred and fifty-five members, of
whom the present elective officers arc: L. E. Yerrington, counsel; H. W. Kranse,
adviser ; Theo. Martin, clerk ; J. W. Marshall, banker ; Ben Aveuall, escort.

BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICAN YEOMAN.

The Storm Lake Homestead No. 3(il of the Brotherhood of American Yeo-
man was formed January 12, 1901, liy the following persons who were its charter
members: W. T. Hawthorn. R. C. Dannatt, C. Vogel, P. H. Rutledge. W. H.
Lownsberry. James P. Davis. H. 0. Parrar. G. W. Ridgley, R. H. Parker, G. A.
Rutledge, P. S. Adams, J. A. Klein. Chas. Waldron, Noah Miller, W. E. Irland,
Henry Corey. J. C. Avenell. V. Anderson. W. T. Williams, W. C. Williams,
John Strock. A. W. King. E. C. Deloss. Henry W. Deal. Alliia S. Cooper, Prank
Slater, A. D. K. Slater, Viola McKinn. Hattie E. Bennick, Olive M. Nelson. J.
W. Oakes. Mary E. Oakes.

The lodge has a membership of nearly two huudred aud sixt.y, with the
following officers: Foreman, E. Lewis; M. of C. Thos. Poster; correspondent.
J. C. Avenell; M. of A.. Ra.vmond Jones; chaplain. Laura Kauft'man ; overseer,
Chas. Chapman; guard, Watson Payne; watchman, Guy Joray; sentinel, Amel
Joray; physician, Dr. J. H. O.'Donoghue.

THE MARONIC LODGE.

Jewell Lodge No. 309. A. P. & A. M. was organized in Storm Lake in the
fall of 1871. The Grand lodge had alread.v met for the year, so the local order
worked under dispensation from October 22, 1871 until they obtained their
charter. June 5. 1872. at the next meeting of the Grand lodge. The lodge met
for several years in a hall over the Pirst National Bank, but moved into their
present hall as soon as the building was erected.

The first officers of the lodge were: Master, J. E. Wirick; senior warden,
E. I. Sutfin; .junior warden. Edmund Wirick; treasurer. W. L. Vestal; secretary,
P. H. Schaller; S. D.. D. B. Harrison; J. D., E. S. Panning; chaplain. Norman
S. Parks; S. S.. E. I. Sutfin; J. S.. W. L. Vestal; tyler. E. W. Ben.son.

The present membership numbers about one hundred and fifteen, the fol-
lowing being the present officers : A. C. Puller, W. M. ; A. L. Bryan. S. W. ;
Thos. E. Poster. J. W. ; J. H. LaGrange, secretary; V. A. Bryant, treasurer; G.
K. McCullough, S. D. ; Geo. Currier. J. D. ; R. Burnham, S. S. ; E. J. Schultz. J.
S*.; M. M. Monlton, chapbiin : II. C. Cutts, tyler.

RABBI CHAPTER. NO. 103. ROYAL ARCH .MASONS.

The following persons constitute the present officers of the cliapter of the
Masonic lodge: A. E. Bruuson, II. P.; V. A. Bryant. E. K. ; J. H. O'Donoghue,
S. S. ; James Deland, C. H. ; L. M. Nusbaum. P. S. ; Geo. P. Wagner, R. A. C. ;
A. W. Unger. G. M. 3d V. ; C. C. Colwell. G. M. 2d V. ; J. P. Blair. G. M. 1st V. ;
V. A. Bryant, treasurer; J. H. LaGrange, secretary; H. C. Cutts, sentinel.

150 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

STORM LAKE CHAPTER NO. 209, ORDER OF EASTERN STAR.

The Eastern Star lodge was organized Oetober 28. 1897. There were
twenty-five charter members, and of the first offieers, Mrs. Ellen B. Mack was
worthy matron ; M. 0. Miller, worthy patron ; and iMrs. iMary A. Warren, asso-
ciate matron.

There is a membership of one hundred and twenty-six in the lodge at
present, the following being its otiticei-s: W. M., Mrs. Geo. F. Wagner; W. P.,
C. C. Colwell; A. M.. Mrs. J. W. Marshall; secretary. Miss Verua Colwell;
treasurer, Mrn. J. W. (Hlbert; conductress, Mrs. L. M. Nu.sbaum; associate con-
ductress, Miss Louise Linger; chaplain, Mrs. A. W. Stevens; marshal, Mrs. Chas.
H. J. Mitchell; organist, Mrs. G. K. McCullough ; Adah, Mrs. Harry J. Grouse;
Ruth, Mi-s. Thos. Walpole; Esther, :\lrs. August Dlugosch ; Martha, Mrs. W. F.
Park; Electa, Mrs. Fred Foster; Warder, Mrs. F. E. Branch; sentinel, A. E.
Brunson.

ROYAL NEIGHBORS OP AMERIC.V.

On February 19, 190G, there was formed the Royal Neighbors of America,
Wideawake No. 2668, composed of the following charter members : J. Park
Bair, Theo. Martin, Sadie Richardson, Elizabeth Brown, Ella V. Hoch, Moua
M. Kinne, Irene Jacobsen, Mrs. Clara Boddy, David Nusbaum, Martha Coulson,
Lydia II. Martin, Clara M. Zorn, Mrs. Augvista Biggins, Mrs. Verna Fisk,
Wni. Boddy, Fred A. Zorn, Elizabeth Labron, J. II. O'Douoghue, P. F. Kinne,
Albert Richardson, Miss Martha Wilmere, Mrs. Alice Kinne, Janet O'Donoghue,
Julia Krause, Heni-y W. Krause, Miss Peda Walling, Verua Walling, Clara L.
Bair, Howard Barrister, Miss Mary L. Barrister, Nettie B. Doan.

The pesent offieers of the lodge are: Mrs. J. Park Bair, orach'; Mrs. A. W.
Soeth, vice oracle; Mona Kiiuie, past oracle; Mrs. J. II. Brown, recorder; P. A.
Martin, receiver; Mrs. .Inhii Wilincrs. nuii-slial ; Miss Grace Hughes, assistant
marshal; Mva. Alice; Laltron, inner sentinel; .Miss Jlaude Hughes, outer sentinel;
I). 11. Nusbaum, physician. Managers: II. W. Krause, Mrs. Sam Coulson,
and .Mrs. Ada Walling.

COURT OF HONOR.

Ilarniiiny District Cnurl, .\<i. f)!!). was organized Deceinher 9. 1897. The
fdllowing constituted the first officers of the lodge: Calliway Curnett. chancel-
lor; Aliza Ridda, vice chancellor; Alexander Maxwell, P. C. ; Alice J. West,
recorder; Ernest Ruel, treasurer; Geo. H. Fracker, chaplain; Carrie E. Foster,
conductor; Milton E. West, guard; Francis II. Roberts, sentinel; and ^I. O.
.Miller, Robert Biddle and O. M. Johnson, directors.

Tlie lodge meets in the I. 0. 0. P. hall, and has a membership of one hundred
and seventeen. The present elective officers are: J. W. Marshall, chancellor;
Eliza Parish, vice chancellor; Mrs. Elizabetli Brown, recorder and treasurer.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 151

MYSTIC TOILERS.

Antioch Council, No. 61. of the Mystic Toilers began its existence in Storm
Lalvc Marcli 9, 1900. The following persons constituted its charter members:
Mrs. Margaret A. Darr, Emma R. Yates, Wm. S. Yates, Chas. L. Hammerbacker,
Mrs. Anna Julia Jora.v, Oscar Joray, Mary E. Hughes, Albert Hughes, R. S.
Darr. Mrs. Delphiu Joray, Frank Joray, Seraphine Tymeson, Adelbert Tymeson,
Jonathan M. Totman, Eliza P. Totman, J. A. Batehelder, J. H. Lawrence, Ella
llurd. Florence Rutledge. Geo. W. Brown, Jean M. Tower, Mrs. Ida Fergusen,
Alfred Tymeson, Sylvan E. Detrick, Jliss Carrie Bell Tymeson, Mrs. Mary K.
Tower, Chas. W. Richardson, Mrs. Rosalia Rhodes, Edwin Earl Rhodes.

The lodge consists at present of forty-six members. Its present officers are:
Jennie Warrick, president; Sarah Brown, vice president; Carrie Stanley, secre-
tary; Luella Walker, treasurer.

KNIGHTS OP THE MACC.\BEES, TENT NO. 80.

The Knights of the i\Iaccabees were organized in Storm Lake on the 30th
day of December, 1897. Of its first officers. C. F. Aiken was commander, G.
M. Gilliland, record-keeper. They first met in the Crook building, then they
moved into the Sedgley Hall, and then into the Oddfellow Hall. The lodge
does not meet at present, but the organization is kept up. The present member-
ship is twenty-four ; Thos. Labron is commander ; G. M. Gilliland, record-keeper ;
and 0. E. McAnxdty, lieutenant commander.

CATHOLIC ORDER OP FORESTERS.

St. Mary Court, No. 908, Catholic Order of Foresters, was instituted
October 12, 1898 with eleven charter members as follows: Rev. Michael
Hennessy, M. C. Weiner. Wm. Carey, Wm. Whelen, Edward P. Wright, Thos.
J. Fitzpatrick. John Rush. Daniel Sullivan, Patrick F. Brown, Peter M. Tolan,
Wm. W. Kurtenback.

The following constitute the present officers of the lodge: B. Carey, cliief
ranger; James Connor, past chief ranger; Edward Carney, vice chief ranger;
Will Toohey, recording secretary ; Wm. Whelan, financial secretary ; L. Preston,
senior conductor; J. II. iMcKenna, junior conductor; Joseph McKenna, inside
sentinel; Will Carey, outside sentinel; and Rev. ;\I. Hennessy, spiritual director.

THE ORDER OF THE UNITED COMMERCIAL TRAVELERS OF AMERICA.

Storm Lake Council, No. 357, of the United Commercial Travelers was
formed by the following men who were its charter members : G. E. Ross, C. F.
Wagner, P. E. Branch, C. Battern, L. F. Schmitz, A. Edson, C. S. Sehmitz, L.
G. Harrison. A. W. Soeth, J. D. James, C. Ihmels, H. F. Schultz, W. H. Man-
cliester. A. B. Wadsley. J. A. Schmitz. and B. W. Hollenbeck.

There are forty members in the order, with the following officers: E. S.

152 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Sehmitz, senior counsellor ; L. S. Todd, J. C. ; W. H. Manchester, P. C. ; B. W.
Hollenbeck, secretary and treasurer; Chas. Rawlins, conductor; L. D. Driggs,
page; Chas. Battern. sentinel. Executive committee: R. L. Cooper, Ed.
Hamilton, J. H. Wadsley, and Geo. Wagner.

YOtiNG MEN S COM.\rEKCI.\L CLfB OF STORir L.\KE.

The Young Men's Commercial Club was formed in the fall of 190-1 "to pro-
mote the business interests of Storm Lake, and to cultivate and advance social
intercoui-se amoug its members." The following men were its first board of
directors: L. S. Dlugoseh, A. G. Hoch, II. F. Schultz, Dr. G. H. Kay, M. P.
Fisher, B. W. Hollenbeck, W. C. Edson. E. D. Hoxsey, Dr. R. H. Parker, and
D. G. LaGrange.

Any voter or tax payei", interested in the progress and growth of Storm
Lake, is eligible to membership in the club.

G. A. R.

The Edward D. Baker Post No. 80. of the (Irand Army of the Republic
was organized in Storm Lake March, 1888. The following men ronstitute the
present membership of the Post : W. W. Crowell, V. A. Bryant, T. S. Chappel,
S. L. Clark, Patrick Clancey, J. J. Detrick, A. M. Ilallock, Wm. Holmes. 0. S.
Hale, Orville James, W. II. Reese, H. D. Sage. A. T. Schaffer. E. Thayer. S. A.
Treman, G. O. Waldron, Jolui Wilcox, and the following officers: Cminnaiuler,
James Taylor; senior vice conunandcr, Sduilt/, ^lartine; junior vice commander,
llorafio Doolittle; chaplain, D. S. Spragg; surgeon. C. P. Matson ; quarter-
master, C. W. Moore; ad.jutant. Geo. Currier; officci' of the day. E. B. Miller;
oflicer of the guard, Chas. Smith; sergeant-nuijor, J. A. P. Harlan; cjuarter-
master-sergeant, Shoddinger Lewis.

The Woman's Relief Corps, Edward 1). Baker i'Dst No. 256, has an enroll-
ment of sixt.v-tliree members, tlu; following [)ersons being their present officers:
I 'resident, Mrs. Mary Bierden ; vice president, Mrs. Mary J. Totman ; junior
vice, Margaret Miller; chaplain, Sophia Detrick; treasurer Lizzie Brown; secre-
tary, M.yrtle Allen; conductor, Alice Labron ; guard, Eva Seaton ; assistant
eonductor, Martha Coulson ; assistant guard, Margaret Lewis; patriotic instruc-
tor, St(^lla Coulson; press correspondent, Lizzie Walker; musician, Laura Taylor;
color bearers. No. 1, Gertie DeLoss, No. 2, Addie Sheets, No. ;{, Christina Miles,
No. 4, Ernie Ibsou.

STORM LAKE.

PIISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 153

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

Lakeside Lodge No. 21, of the order above named, was instituted on the
18th day of March, 1909. Sixty persons composed the charter membership,
and the officers elected were: Dr. E. E. Reed, chancellor; Charles Rawlins,
vice chancellor ; L. E. Yerrington, prelate ; A. L. Whitney, M. W. ; H. A. Steffen,
K. of R. and S. ; Jesse Spangler, M. at A. ; W. 1\L Sntter, I. G. ; Claude Skeels,
O. G. ; E. E. Reed and A. L. Whitney, delegates to Grand Lodge. The trustees
of the order are : Lou Valentine, W. McArthur and John Schmidt. The lodge
had an auspicious beginning, is prosperous, and ))ids fair to continue such.

THE YOUNG MEN's CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

The Y. M. C. A. in Buena Vista county is organized under the county work
plan, a new phase of the Christian Association work. The National Association
maintains a separate department for this work, which is commanding the atten-
tion of men everywhere interested in the growth and development of Young
Men's Christian Associations. The Associations need no longer be confined to
the cities, for under the new plan, associations are not only formed in the small
towns but at rural points as well. Buena Vista is one of the few counties to
be organized, but organizations are formed in the counties throughout the west
as fast a.s facilities will permit.

It was during the revival services conducted by Rev. M. B. Mc Williams at
Storm Lake in February, 1908, that the Y. M. C. A. agitation in this county
began. At that time a committee was appointed to see about organizing a
local Storm Lake Association. The committee held a conference with the state
secretary, Mr. Magee. After looking over the situation, Mr. Magee advised
against a city type of association, but tliought it might be possible to organize
under tlic county work plan, and advised the committee to consult the state
secretary on county work. Fred Hanson.

The committee immediately got into communication with Mr. Hanson and
induced him to come to Storm Lake and go over the situation with thi'ui. After
a careful study of the county, ]\Ir. Hanson reported favorably to the committee,
and they urged him to begin the work of organization. The sum of eight
hundred dollars was pledged in the Williams meetings for this work. During
February. Mr. Hanson began the work of organizing the county, and by the last
of May had finished the preliminary work. A convention was held. May 30,
June 1, at Storm Lake, to which the several churches of the county and some of
the rural points sent delegates. At this convention, the information and
statistics gathered by the secretary, were presented, and the different phases
of county work discussed, and after consideration it was decided to organize
a county Y. M. C. A.

A county committee of fourteen business men was then elected to carry
forward the work of perfecting the organization under direction of Mr. Hanson.

The committee was constituted as follows: M. M. Jloulton, Storm Lake;
W. C. Edson, Storm Lake ; G. B. Lawhorn, Storm Lake ; W. L. Geisinger, Storm
Lake ; J. E. Cundy, Storm Lake ; G. W. Chancy, Newell ; F. G. Redfield, Newell ;

154 HISTORY OF RUENA VISTA COUNTY

Dr. S. A. Beasou. Newell; Paul Scluiltz. Alta ; A. M. Conner. Alta; Joel E.
Johnson. Marathon; F. O. Daiiielson. ^Marathon ; C. E. Jac-oby, Sioux Rapids;
O. A. Cate. Sioux Rapids. Dr. C. II. Johnson ha.s now succeeded A. M.
Conner, the latter havinfj moved away. The fommittee after ineorporatin";.
conducted a eanva.ss for fund,s. and secured seventeen Inuidred dollars to carry
on the work.

Under the provision of the county work plan, allowing a regular secretary
to eaeh county after its organization, the committee called 0. E. Atkinson, a
graduate of Iowa State College, to be the secretary for this county. It is the
duty of the secretary to organize new associations where deemed advisable,
and to supervise the entire county work. Five towns and three rural points
have thus far been organized. The towns are : Storm Lake, organized in
March. 1908, having now one hundred and sixty members; Newell, with sixty
members; Marathon, sixty members; Sioux Rapids, thirty-five members; and
Alta, having forty members. The rural points are : one out from Marathon,
with nineteen members; one out from Storm Lake with twenty members; and
one out from Newell with fifteen members.

Preparations were made ami the second annual convention held April 23,
24 and 25, 1909.

ALTA.

The town of Alta is located on llic Illinois Central Railway in Xokoniis
township, ill the southwestern corner of Buena Vista county. When the
Illinois Central was built through the county in the year 1870 a station was
established at this point, hut for four years no agent was in charge. The town
received its name in consideration of its high altitude, being one thousand five
hundred and thirteen feet above the level of the sea. and also in honor of Altai
Blair, daughter of .lohn I. Blair, who was ])resident of the Dubui|ue & Sioux
City railway company, whicli liuilt the road and to whicli the state made grants
of land for building th(> railway. .\lta lies liigher than any town in Iowa, and
there is but one point, a promontoi\ mar Lake Okoboji. that is higlier in the
state. It lies on the great Divide between the two rivers and it is a singular
fact that its principal business street lies on the 'very apex of the Divide, the
waters on the east side of the street draining into the Mississip]ii and those on
the west side into the Missouri river.

The first resident of the town was .1. M. Tibhett. wlio, in 1S70. established a
small store on the west side of Main street, where A. C. Radcr's business block
now stanils. selling everything the settlers might demand. The lumber and
material for the building was shipped by rail from Fm-t Dodge, and Mr. Tibbett
opened for business early in the month of August. Tlie depot was commenced
July 18 and soon completed. In September of the same year Sanders Furlong,
a native of Canada came out and he soon entered into partnership with Mr.
Tibbett. He bought the entire interest in the small store in May, 1871, and in

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 155

1872, when a postoffice was established here. Mr. Furlong was made the first
Nasby.

James IMorrissey was the first section foreman, being the third resident of
the town. His daughter, Hannali. now j\Irs. A. C. Rader, was the first child
born in Alta.

P. Ct. Peterson, a native of Sweden, came in the spring of 1873 and built
a small hotel where the Edwards block now stands and also opened an office for
the sale of railroad land. Mr. Peterson came from Chicago and many of his
fellow Scandinavians followed him out here. He may be credited, in a great
measure, foi- the large Scandinavi;in population of the country about Alta, as
he located many of his countrymen on the fertile prairies of Elk, Nokomis and
Maple Valley townships of this county and Diamond township in Cherokee.

C. T. Steever came May 31, 1873, and was the first station agent, lumberman,
implement dealer and grain buyer in the town. In 1876 ]\Ir. Steever estab-
lished the Alta Advertiser and was always a "booster" for his town, and easily
the foremost business man in his time. J. F. Rahm, a blacksmith, came the
same year and built a slioji and residence. C. J. and O. F. Wiss, A Leander,
N. Dahl. Dr. R. B. Dando, John Sweet, William Sherman, W. R. Weston, P. M.
Jenks. L. Hestead and Che.ster Hunt soon followed. W. B. Farrar and J. D.
Adams are noted as Alta's first legal firm, and Dr. Dando as the first physician.

The town was incorporated about 1876, although the exact date cannot be
ascertained as the records seem to be lost. A. W. Seymour was the first mayor,
and since then the following men have been at the head of the town government:
C. T. Steever, R. J. MacDonald, G. Gerner, A. C. Binnie, R. B. Dando, C. E.
Cameron, M. Adams (has served twice as mayor) H. F. Schultz, W. W. Parker,
(has served twice as mayor) C. J. Parker. Dr. L. J. Harvey, E. W. demons, G.
F. Tincknell and the present incumbent, H. J. Lichtenberg.

The town today is governed by the following officers: ma.vor, II. J. Lichten-
berg; clerk, H. V. Chasse ; treasurer, W. J. Sievers; assessor, N. A. Christensen;
couneilmen, C. J. Hetrick, A. R. Browne, C. P. Corneliussen, Lars Larson. G. C.
Isbell and Eli Bensene.

In 1880 the east side of the business section was burned to the ground,
eight business houses being destroyed. The fire was supposed to be of incendi-
ary origin, and the loss was severe on the new village, although the buildings
were all frame and quite small. In 1893 came the second destructive fire.
The west side, including ten business buildings and one residence, was con-
sinned by fire in the night, entailing a loss of something like forty thousand
dollars. Of these buildings all but the Clarkson block, were of frame con-
struction, but the Clarkson Opera House Block, three stories liigh and built of
brick veneer, was destro.ved. But the town arose better and more substantial
from file ruins, and with the enactment of a fire limit ordinance and the erection
of brick l)uildings such disasters will not soon occur again.

In 1896 the first water works and electric light plants were erected by the
city, being owned by the mnnicipality. In 1904 the municipal heating plant
was put in, and the town now owns these three .systems, valued at almost thirty
tiiousand dolhirs. with a debt of about seven tliousand. The jdants were
erected by tiic co-operative assistance of the people who adxaiiced (he monev to

156 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

the city and liave lieen repaid in service. It will he a matter of perhaps two
or three years more until the debt will be paid and then the eity will have
properties that will pay all the running expenses of the town from the revenue
derived, and at lower rates than can be sustained by private plants.

James F. Toy of Storm Lake established the first bank here in 1878, with
W. E. Brown as cashier. This bank later became one of the chain of branch
banks operated by The Farmers' Loan & Trust Company, and in 1905 was
organized into the First National Bank of Alta, with James F. Toy of Sioux
City as president and A. R. Browne as cashier. The second bank was the Bank
of Alta, opened by Parker & Tincknell in 1883. In 1909 this bank was reor-
ganized into the State Bank of Alta, with W. P. Miller as president, G. F.
Tincknell as vice president and manager and W. J. Sievers as cashier. Both
banks have a capital stock of fiftj' thousand dollars.

The town has well ecjuipped business places, including two general stores,
two lumber yards, three elevators, one of which is a co-operative, a co-operative
creamery, three drug stores, two hardware stores, two clothing and two furniture
stores.

THE SCHOOLS.

The first school taught in Alta was opened in 187-4 and consisted of one
room, with ^liss Jennie Carter as teacher. Miss Iris Kelso followed Miss
Carter, and in 1875 Miss Bell Moore was teacher. In 1876 and 1877 Ira C.
Harlan and Emma Wilson were teachers, the school having arrived at the
dignity of two rooms and the growth was steady. The first schools were
conducted in small liuildings provided in various parts of town, one standing
at the i)i-esent location of the hotel, while for a time school was lield in the
Swedish Lutheran chui-cli.

Mr. Harlan was the first princi|ial of the grad(>d school in the indejiendent
district, and was succeeded in that position h.\ the following, in the order
named: Thos. Walpole. Mrs. W. K. Mailory, Mrs. O. M. Byam, J. IT.
O'Donaghue, S. A. Darland. (}. F. Ostrander, H. E. Crosby, G. B. Hess, Willis
J. Hell and L. I), (hirtis. the present superintendent.

The school at i)resent lia.s the following staff of teachers: L. 1). Curtis,
superintentlent ; Edna Windolf, assistant, and Stella Pence, Clara Johnson,
Jessie Olson, Mrs. Dora Wessman, Ethel Lawrence and Audrey Adams, grade
teachers. The enrollment averages two hundred and tweut.y-five pupils.

The first school board consisted of C. T. Steever, F. 0. Wiss, J. D. Adams,
11. .1 I'linlsdM and G. Gerner. Tlie present board is as follows: P. Morrissey,
1). K. Uaddeii, G. A. Benson. Clans Lindlief and V. E. Herbert, directors; W.
J. Sievers, secretary and G. P. Tincknell, treasurer.

About 1880 a block of ground was purchased in the south part of town and
a schoolhouse with four roimis was ere<!ted. This burned to the ground shortl.v
afterward and another was bnilt as soon as practicable. This also l)urned, and
the present building was erected. It is of frame construction antl has seven
rooms and a laboratory. A library was installed five years agn. 1 hank's to the
generositv of Geo. W. Schee of Primghar and local conti'ihutors.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 157

SCANDINAVIAN FREE MISSION CHURCH.

The Scandinavian Free Mission clnircli of Alta was organized on the 7th
day of August, 1880. Prior to the organization of the congregation services
had been held in the homes of some of the families which affiliated with the
ctuirch after organization, and in pnlilic places. Dnring the same year a church
was built and dedicated that fall. The tirst board of trustees and incorpor-
ators of the society include the names of A. P. Anderson. E. F. Christian,
^lartin Christianson and August Swanson.

The church was organized through tlie efforts of Christian Corneliussen,
Alfred Kindwall and Joseph Sanderson, all thr(>e of whom had been members
of the Lutheran chui'ch, but who had left the church in the movement which
was ((uitc extensive during that time, both in the United States and in Europe,

The church is organized with no creed but with absolute freedom in the
\sorship of God, All Scandinavian speaking people, Swedes, Danes and
Norwegians, are among the ineml)ers although the services are conducted in the
main in the Swedish language. At times the church has had a pastor, but for
the main part of the time since its organization there has been a leader selected
fi'om the congregation who has had charge of the services. Traveling exhorters
also conduct services at stated intervals.

At the present time there are ten families counted in the membership of
the church, with thirty communicants. The official board at this time is as
follows: A, R. Anderson, president; Jacob Wegerslev, secretary and treasurer;
and John Nelson, Nels Haar and August Peterson, board of trustees.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The early history of the Methodist church at Alta is the same as that of the
clmrch of the same denomination at Storm Lake. In the year 1870 Rev.
llorsewell was sent to the Storm Lake charge, then without a church and
organization, to look after the spiritual welfare of the people and if possible
to effect a Methodist organization. A class had been formed some time before
by Rev. Thomas Whitely and ilr. Horsewell perfected this organization. North-
west of Storm Lake, on the prairie, he found another settlement anxious to
have religious services and so, in 1871, a class was organized at the Hunt school-
house, three miles northeast of Alta. In 1872 Rev. 0. S. Bryan filled tlie
appointment and in 1873 Rev, Smith D. Fry was pastor. In 1874 Rev, Wilmot
Whitfield came as pastor of the Storm Lake circuit and the Elk charge was
added, services being held in homes and schoolhouses.

In 1875 church buildings were erected at Storm Lake and Alta, and the
charge was divided, the Elk charge going with the Alta church. Rev. Henry
Brown was the first resident pastor of the Alta church. The church, built
during the summer, was dedicated shortly after the appointment of the pastor.
The incorporation of tlie church dates from April 19, 1875, the incorporators
and board of trustees being Ilosca Bennett, J. L, Bennett, Geo. G. Espe, J. L.
Wilson, W. S. VanBuskirk, G. H, Richmond, C. Shell, William Lownsberry and

158 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

T. W. D. Orswell. These were elected at tlie (|uarterly conference held at
Storm Lake, before tlie cliureh was organized liere.

The church grew steadily from the beginning. In 1887 an addition was
l)uilt to the main part, and this was occupied until 1906 when a handsome new-
brick church was erected, through tlie efforts of Rev. G. W. Soiithwell and the
society, which pledged about twenty-five thousand dollars for the church aiul
furniture. The outside public was also generous in contributing to the
l)uilding fund.

The pastors wlio have filled the charge since the organization of the Alta
charge are C. B. Winter. William Mooney. William Pre.ston. Robert Smiley,
Bennett ilitchell, W. F. Gleason, F. J. IMcCaffrey. R. Burnip. J. L. Whitney.
G. W. Barnes. T. S. Cole. G. W. Southwell and the present pastor, G. 0. Kidder.

The present official board is constituted as follows: Trustees: Samuel
Parker, president; D. H. Carpenter, secretary and treasurer; F. G. Tincknell,
W. F. Corneliusseu, C. H. Millard, W. S. VanBuskirk, N, P. Swanson. John
Stomberg, B, J. Edwards and C. McMullen. Board of Stewards : F. N. Sipe,
D. IT. Carpenter, secretary; D. E. ITadden. G. F. Tincknell, A. E. Tlilderbrand,
J. H. Allen. C. R. Abbott, Robert Parker and John Crombie. Class leaders:
Thos. Gurney and John Crombie.

The women in the church have several societies of which the Social Union
is for the social upbuilding of the church. IMrs. N. P. Swanson is president
and Mrs. John Stomberg secretary and treasurer. Miss ]\Iinnie Tincknell is
president and Mrs. G. 0. Kidder secretary of the Woman's Home Mi.ssionary
societ.v and Mrs. F. N. Sipe president and ^Irs. S. P. DeLay secretary of the
Woman's Foreign Missionary society.

PRESBVTERL\N CHURCH.

'I'he l'resbyt(u-iaii church of Alta was organized on July 1. 1881?, in the M.
E. chnrcii liuilding in Alta. by Rev. Joshua Cook of Storm Lake and Rev.
George Knox of Cherokee. The following were charter members: Mr. and
Jlrs. David Clarkson. Mrs. W. R. Mallory. :\Irs. W. P. Smith, Mr. and Mrs.
Samuel Tutt. :\Irs. Elizabeth Wilson. P. W. Weidermaier. Mr. ami Mrs. B. A.
("olby. Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Uetrick. iiiid ^li'. and .Mrs. Samuel Wilson, foui'teen
pei'sons in all. Officers weri> elected as follows: Elders: David {'larkson,
Sanniel Tnll ami I'.. A. Colby; Tru.stees: Samuel Wilson. P. W. Weidermaier,
W. R. Malliiry. Dr. W. P. Smith and .1. I), .\danis. ,\rrangeincnls were made
with the trustees of the I\r. E. church for holding meetings in that church, and
two meetings were so held. The society then leased Hunt's hall, and continued
to use that fur iiKire than a \-car. i\ev. O. Langfit of Storm Lake was the first
])astor. coming during the summer at intervals. In the fall of tlie first year of
the church a call was extended to Rev. R. '!'. I'ressley. and he became the first
re.sident minister. Upon his arrival a Sunday school was organized on Novem-
ber 14. 188:1 with fifty-nine scholars, with A. O. Kendall as superintendent.
The first Christmas entertaiinnent was given tlie following Christmas and ended
in a disastrous manner. The y(i\ing man wlio acted as Santa Clans in the

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 159

distribution of presents wore a suit of inflammable material which unhappily
caught fire and he was quite badly burned about the face and hands.

In the si)ring of 1884 tlie members of the church set about to raise money
for a new dnii-ch l)uilding and so successful were they that with the assistance of
friends of the society a meeting was held in July and a building committee,
consisting of G. Gerner. F. B. Browne, W. R. llallory, B. A. Colby and Rev.
Pressley was appointed. In the same month the contract was let to F. L.
Nelson for two thousand four hundred and ninety dollars and the church was
built at once and dedicated tliat fall.

In 1899 the church was rebuilt at a cost of twenty-tive hundred dollars and
a heating plant was installed at the same time.

Tlie pastors who have served are as follows: R, T. Pressley, T. B. Greenlee,
James H. Clark. John A. McAlmon, C. A. Price, (supply) Nathan Feather,
Geo. II. Fracker, (supply) Chas. Ezra Fisk, W. B. Greenshiekls, J. J. DePree
(ordained November 3. 19(»3 while serving as pastor), and J. G. Cardy. Mr.
Cardy resigned April 1, 1909 and the rhurch has no pastor at this time.

The present official board of the churcli is as follows : Elders : A. C. Biunie,
C. J. Iletrick and J. M. Hey wood. Trustees: A. R. Browne, C. E. Cameron,
James Yuill, William Farrow and C. P. Corneliussen. Treasurer, A. R.
Browne. The record shows fliat tliere are at present one hundred and thirt.y-
five communicants.

Of the Sabbath school A. C. Binnie is superintendent and Alta M. Burns
secretary. The enrollment is seventy-five.

]Mrs. C. J. Iletrick is president of the Woman's Home and Foreign Mission-
ary society, Miss Lucy Heywood is secretary; Mrs. Martha Conner, treasurer;
Mrs. A. C. Binnie, secretary of literature; and Mrs. C. P. Corneliussen. librarian.

The Ladies Aid society is a great factor in the social work of the church,
the officers being: Mrs. V. E. Plerbert, president; Mrs. Martha Conner, vice
l)resident; IMrs. C. P. Corneliussen, secretary; and Mrs. A. R. Browne, treasurer.

LUTHERAN TRINITY CHURCH.

When that part of tlie county whicli lies near Alta was settled in 1870 and
tlie years that followed a great number of the new families that arrived were
of Scandinavian birth, and they came from Rockford and Chicago, Illinois.
They located in Nokomis and Elk townships, while a few secured homes in
Maple Valley. There were also a few who came directly from their native land.

Being a religious people, and many of the Swedish people having been
connected with the Lutheran Augustana Synod in Illinois, it is no wonder that
they felt the need of a church in their new home, and consequently, on the 14th
day of May, 1874, a meeting was held at the home of A. F. A. Rokkan, to con-
sider the organization of a church. Sixteen families were represented. At
this meeting C. J. Peterson, a licensed layman, presided and N. 0. Nelson
acted as secretary. The Norwegian settlers took an active part in the move-
ment, Mr. Rokkan being a Norwegian, and some are yet closely affiliated with
their Swedish "cousins."

160 ILISTOKY OF BlIENA VISTA COUNTY

The eonstitxition rccdiinuended by the Augustana Synod was adopted, an
iipplicatiou for niciiibi'i'shi]) in tlie Synod was forwarded and soon the ortjaniza-
tion was au established fact. Among the official board and charter members
were A. P. Nelson, O. F. Ilultsxren. and Simon Ohlson, who were elected deacons,
and A. Leander, Olof Anderson and J. 0. Sjosti'oni. trustees. Of the charter
members only three families remain here at this time, beinji A. M. Johnson, 0.
P. Hiiltgren and X. II. Peterson. ilr. Jolmson withdrew in 1882.

During the same year plans for a elinreh were selected and an edifice
twenty by twenty-six feet, in the lot where the present church now stands, was
erected. This small building was used for numerous purposes, being at one
time occupied as a school. It is now the home of Gust Lund, and stands to the
south of the church property. It was the first church erected in Alta.

The congregation soon outgrew the iirst church building, and in 1881 the
present structure was built, at a cost of fort.v-seven hundred dollars. It was
remodeled two years ago, and is yet in a fine state of repair.

During the same year a cemetery lot was secured by the Swedish people.
P. G. Peterson represented the railroad land company here and he presented
the congregation with five acres. In 1881 it was decided to permit the Nor-
wegians and Danish people to share the cemetery, and the title was changed to
that effect. Au association was incorporated, a provision of which is that two
members of each nationality shall act as trustees.

]\Ir. A. Kindwall. who still lives four miles northwest of Alta, served as
leadei' for the congregation from 1875 until 187!), when a resident pastor wius
desired, and a call was extended to Rev. Ilenning Jacobsen, In 1882 Rev. C.
O. Olander accepted a call and served initil ISSf). lie found the congregation
heavily in debt for the ni'w church which had been erected in 1881, but pro-
ceeded at once to clear off the incumbrance. This i'e([uii'ed man.v sacrifices b,y
the devoted members, and it is related that at one time a brother mortgaged his
farm in oi'ilei- to be surct.v for the chui-ch debt. Hut by hartl eft'ort tiie church
was ])ai(l for. and the llianks of the congregation ai'e due to Rev. Olander who,
is .\'el living at i'ort Arthur. Ontario, engaged in missionary work among his
count i-.\iiien. I)\iriiig Rev. Ohinder's pastorate here he lived in the old church
for a time, bul in 1 SS 1 the |>i'esent parsonage was built.

,Mr. (Haiider was succeeded by K'ev. .1. I']. K'elinstrom, who remained until
18!)() when he removed to Ijockport, Illinois. \vhei-e he died short l.v after. The
<-hurcli was sti-engthened during his stay.

Rev. M. P. Oden came in ISIKI and for leu yeiirs gave his best efforts to
the cliurcli. which inci'cased in nieiiiliership steadily. lie left in the fall of
PIOO and is now living at Kaeldi'y, Kansas. Rev. C. G. Lundell was pastor
from i;ini milil llXHi when he accepted a call lo the church at Algona where he
is now stationed. After Mr. Lundell 's departure students from the Augustana
Seminary filled the iiuljjit until -Inly :!, 1008, when Rev. J. O. Kindstrom
arrived and is tln' |)resent pastor.

A tl(>\ii'ishing Ladies Aid societ,\' and a \-oung people's society, under the
name of The Luther League, are conncM'led with the church, aiding in a material
and social way.

r
B

CO
O

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 161

For some years a Swedish school has been conducted diirinsr the Summer
months, whieli has been well patronized by the chihlreTi of the chureh.

It is interesting to note that at tlie close of 1874 there were twenty adult
members and eleven children in the church. At the present time there are
two Inindred and five adults aiul eisrhty children.

Tlie present official board is constituted as follows: Board of deacons: C.
A. Bodine, Swan Larson. William Peterson. Peter Lindquist, C. J. Lindberg
and John Widen. Trustees: C. J. Larson, riust Heltrerson. Lars Larson. J.
P. Hultgren, G. F. Peterson and John Wilson. ]Mrs. E. W. Johnson is organist.

IMMANUEL CHURCH.

In 1884 the people living about ten miles north of Alta foimd it inconven-
ient and impracticable to have their church relation so far distant, and therefore,
on February 27, of that year, an organization under the above name was formed.
Shortly afterward a church was erected and the pastor of the church at Alta
devotes a share of his time to the Elk charge. Thi.s church is in a flouri.shing
condition, and has .seventy-six adult members and forty children. The two
churches work in entire harmonv and are closelv related.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

The First Christian church in Alta was organized in August. 1898. by
Lawrence Wright. State Evangelist for the Christian church in Iowa. The
church society was formed at the close of a series of meetings held by T\Ir.
Wright in a temporary tabernacle erected for that purpose and situated on the
lots north (rf the Presbvterian church. Forty-one persons composed the
charter members of the society ; the following were elected the first officers :
Ed. Ackert, George McKay, and Mrs. S. J. Bradfield. trustees; Ed Ackert, O.
A. Lawrence, and John Hovenbnrg. elders: Emma Lawrence, treasurer; ]\Irs.
S. J. Bradfield, clerk.

The society held services in Hodges Hall for a short time, and in the Mission
church after that. Rev. Clark Bateman was the first regular minister to hold
services for the society, he being at the same time the minister for the
Christian church at Storm Lake. The services of this chureh have always been
conducted by the ministers of the Christian church in Storm Lake, except at
times when a minister from some other point has been secured. The church
1)uilding, twenty-four by thirty-six. was erected in October, 1900.

A Sunday school was organized at the same time as the chureh society ; Mre.
1\I. A. Hovenbnrg was superintendent ; ]\Ii.ss IMertie Maggs. secretary. There
was an attendance of about forty.

The present trustees of the church are 0. A. Lawrence. Sam Stangland
and Mrs. S. J. Bradfield. The latter is also the clerk. The present member-
ship is twelve, many of the members having moved away since the organization
of the society.

162 ITTSTOKY OF BUEXA VISTA COUNTY

THE DANISH LI'THERAN CHURCH.

The Danish Lutlicraii church society was formcil in Alta at a meetintr held
nil February 22, 1880. Forty-two persons composed the charter membership.
In 1887 the society erected their church buildins. twenty-four by thirty-six.
costing one thousand dollars, and was built by subscription.

Rev. Amas Johnson was the first minister for the church. Following him,
the different pa-stoi-s in succession are : Revs. H. Jorgensen, II. Jensen, H.
Knudsen. A. K.iolhede. H. W. Bondo. and P. Rasmussen. Services are now
held once a month.

G. Lauridsen was the first secretary for the society; Nels Christensen is at
present serving in that capacity.

LA COTERIE.

La Coterie in Alta was organized in October. 1894. composed of twelve
ladies as charter members. l\Irs. Emily ]\Iallory was instrumental in forming
the club. The stated ob.i'cct for forming the association was "literaiy advance-
ment and .social culture," their purpose being to pursue studies helpful and
practical for the every day activities of life, as well as to gain information
along literary lines. The club now belongs to the State Federation, having
become federated in 1896. In their studies for the past year they have
pursued a varied prc}grani. consisting of litci-ature. household economics and
child study.

The furnishing of the rest-room in the opera house is one of the woi'th.\'
accompli.shments of the ladies of La Coterie. Tliey have also undertaken to
see that the room is supplied with reading matter.

The club is at present composed of twenty-three members, as follows: Mrs.
Zada Benson, Mrs. Lizzie Cameron, Mrs. Lillian Conner. IMrs. Fannie Christen-
sen. ]\Irs. Ida Curtis. Miss drace Clcmons. ;\Irs. Carrie Denio. Mrs. Lizzie
Edwards. Mrs. Selma Ellyson. Mrs. Emma Iladden. ]\Irs. Emma Herbert, Mrs.
Libbie Hall. ^Mrs. Sadie Islicll, Mrs. :\lary Kidder. :\lrs. Ina Lar.sen. Miss Minnie
Olson, Mrs. Ilanora Uader. Mi-s. ^lary Kichardson. Mrs. Lena Sclndtz. Mrs.
Bessie Tini<nell. .Mrs. Abbie Wall. Mrs. Anna Wilkinson, and Mrs. Ara Willfong.

THE 0. A. R.

The .\lta branrji nl' the firand .\rniy of liic Rcpubiii- is i<no\vn as the Steven
A. Iluribul Post No. 82. The following veterans constitute the membership of
the Post at the present time: C. McMullen, commander; R. Breecher, senior
vice comnian<lir; AY. E. Partridge, .junior vice conmiander; Edward Nute.
chaplain; C. Stanun. officer of the day; B. F. Breman. officer of the guard; W.
II. Cox, ad.iulant; T. A. Jones, quartermastc-r : Clias. Bassett. sergeant-ma.jor :
Sam Stanglantl. Gus Johnson, T. E. Spraguc and J. Wilkinson.

HISTORY OP' BUENA VISTA COUNTY 163

I. O. O. F. LODGE.

Alta Lodsre No. 388. of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organ-
ized on the 18th day of December, 1878. The following men composed the
charter members of the order: A. W. Seymonr. Park M. Jenks, J. Q. Burkholder,
H. C. Kelso. C. T. Steever. Lewis Wheelock, J. A. and Nils Anderson. The
first regular meeting place of the lodge was the present hall. They occupied
this, however, but a few years when they rented the hall over the Bank of Alta.
They contracted for this hall for ten years, but occupied it for several years
after that, and then moved back in the original hall which they now occupy.

The lodge has an enrollment of seventy-three members at present, and the
officers are as follows : Geo. H. Watson, N. G. ; J. A. Blom, V. G. ; C. H.
Johnson, secretary; Henry H. Peterson, treasurer; Wm. Smith. R. S. to N. 6.;
Louis Christensen, L. S. to N. G. ; L. E. Peterson, warden ; ITarley Olson, con-
ductor ; A. A. Adams. R. S. to V. G. ; Henry Popham. L. S. to V. G. ; MariiLs
Jensen. R. S. S. ; M. W. Beights. .G. ; C. E. Cameron. I. G. ; Donald Hill, Louis
Christensen and Harley Olson, trustees.

REBEKAH LODGE.

Siunmit Rebekah Degree Lodge No. 121, was instituted in Alta October 21,
1892. The charter membership was composed of the following persons : C. E.
Cameron, Lizzie S. Cameron, S. F. Keith. ^Mary Keith, A. Conner, Martha J.
Conner, C. C. Corl. Augusta Corl. Wm. M. Smith. Jlary ]M. Smith, Hans Howalt,
Lizzie Howalt, S. G. Stout, Hannah M. Stout, W. L. demons, W. C. demons,
J. W. Bard, Eliza F. Bard.

The lodge meets in the I. O. 0. F. hall. The last report showed one hundred
and nine members, of whom the following are the present officers: Mrs.
Fannie Zeilman. N. G. ; ]\Irs. Viola Allen, V. (J.; Jliss Pearl Maggs, secretary;
Miss Belle Emarine, treasurer ; Miss Maude Knight, warden ; Mi.ss Phoebe
Popham, conductor ; Mamie Gurney. 0. G. ; Mrs. Minnie Peterson. I. G. ; Mrs.
Hannah Rader, R. S. to N. G. ; Mrs. IMary Adams, L, S. to N. G. ; Mi.ss Lulu
Christensen, R, S. to V. G. ; Mrs. Julia Kislingbury, L. S. to V. G. ; Mary Smith,
chaplain..

MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA.

Alta Camp No. 305L of this order, was organized on the lOth of June, 1895
with twenty-two charter members as follows: A. A. Adams, J. E. Boles, A. C.
Binnie. IT. H. Darrah. H. F. DeVries, Hans Howalt, Fred Himt. G. H. Ingham,
Jens Jensen. Peter Jensen, S. F. Keith, Edw. Larsen, A. Motfatt. P. ]Morrissey.
Geo. Oleson, Samuel Parker. S. Pence, W. E. Sanders. Frank Scott. F. G.
Tinknell. John VanBuskirk. and Wm. Zeilman.

The present officers of the lodge are P. R. Moser. consul ; G. Z. Davenport,
advisor; W. R. Hatch, banker; F. G. Tinknell. clerk; F. G. Carpenter, escort;
Wm. Zeilman, manager; Sherman Oakman. watchman; Emil Carlson, sentry;

164 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Dr. J. W. Morrison, physician. There is an cnnilluu'iit at the j)r('sent time of
one himdred and four members.

THE MASONIC LODGE.

Masonry began in Alta when Pomegranate Tjodwe No. 408 was instituted.
They became a chartered h)do:e June 9. 1881, having: been granted their charter
on that date. For a while before this, they worked nnder dispensation. Of
the first officers, C. T. Steever was master; R. T. IMcDonald. senior warden; and
G. Gerner, .junior warden.

There are sixty-one members in the order at tlie ])resent time, and the
officers are composed of the following men : W. J. Seivers, worshipful master ;
G. A. Benson, senior warden ; J. W. Morrison, .junior warden ; G. C. Isbell,
secretary; P. IMorrisey. treasurer; V. E. Herbert, senior deacon; G. DeVries,
.junior deacon; S. E. Btanfield. senior steward; G. T. Hollingsworth, junior
steward ; David Burns, tyler.

ORDER OP EASTERN ST.^R.

Alta Chapter. No. 138. of the Eastern Star Lodge, began its existence on
the 5th day of October 1893. The charter membership of the order was com-
posed of the following persons: F. S. Berry, M. J. Conner, Ina Conner, K, A.
Crowell, M. J. Forney. M. Heggl)lade, M. Gerner. M. Jones, Eflfa Jones, M. J.
■Minard. IT. L. Weston, F. E. Wad.sworth. A. "Willcinson. Mrs. James Yuill.
S. Wilvinson; J. M. Berry. E. W. Crowell, A. Conner. W. C. Gerner, .\. P.
'Heggblade. C. L. Jones. J. W. Minard. Paul Weston. Jami's Wadsworth, J.
Wilkinson, N. C. Wilkinson and James Yuill.

The present membershi|) of tile lodge numlicrs one luuidrcd and tliirty-
eight : liir officers arc conslituted as follows: ^li's. Hilda i'.cll. wurlliv niati'on :
V. E. Herbert, worthy patron; Mrs. Zada Bimisou. associate mati'oii; l\Irs.
Libbie Hall, secretary; Mrs. Hatlie Weston, treasurer; ]\Irs. Sybil Clark, con-
ductress; Mrs. Carrie Dcnio. associate conductress; Mrs. Martha Conner, chap-
lain; Mrs. Flora AVadswortii. warden; G. ^1. Bell, sentinel; Miss Leonie Delay,
Ada; Mrs. Beatrice Bowen. Ruth; Mrs. Elva VanBuskirk. Esther; :\Irs. Ennna
Herbert, Martha; Mrs. Mary Jones, Electa.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

Hercules Lodge No. 375, of the ;iliovc named urdcr. was orgiinizcd
IVfarch '-'3, 1893. with the clmrter mcnihcrs whose names follow: Paul
Weston, J. W. i'.ard. F. F. Goodness. S. F. Keith, H. A. Darrah. A.
P. Heggblade. II. F. Schultz. F. K. Behnc, Wm. IT. Fowler. Thomas Walpole,
C. P. Corneliussen, George Wharton. Geo. Gurncy. L. C. IMcWilliams. W. D.
Dice. Henry Snyder. John Urbon. Ralph R. Michael, and i\I. W. Beights.

The lodge has grown in membership until at the present time one hun-

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 165

dred and twenty-five have been initiated into the order. The following persons
oonstitnte the present officers: G. F. Tinknell, P. C. C. ; C. A. VanBnskirk. C. C.
Chas. Dahl, V. C. ; A. J. Skelton, K. of R. & S. ; Wm. Farrow, prelate ; Jacob
Enemark, M. at A. ; Roy Millard, I. G. ; Elmer Benson, 0. G. ; and J. N. Emar-
ine, trustee.

DEGREE OP HONOR, .\. 0. U. W.

Buena Vista Lodge No. 59, Degree of Honor, was instituted on the 14tli
day of August 1900. The persons whose names follow composed the first officers
of the order: Mrs. Beatrice Biglin, P. C. of H. ; Mrs. Mary Clemens, L. of H. ;
Mrs. Bessie Willfong, recorder; Miss Stella Pence, receiver; Thos. Willfong,
I. W. ; Mrs. Ara Willfong, C. of H. ; Mrs. Maggie VanBuskirk, C. of C. ; Mrs.
Elizabeth Stetson, financier; Thos. Biglin, L. U. ; Earnest Stetson, 0. W.

There are about sixty members in the order at the present time, with the
officers constituted as follows: Mrs. Ruth Dagger, P. C. of H ; Mrs. Zada Ben-
son, C. of 11. ; Miss Minnie Olson, L. of H. ; Mrs. Rose Lichteuburg, C. of C. ;
Mrs. Beatrice Bowen, recorder; Mrs. Julia Kislingbury, financier; Mrs. Minnie
Peterson, receiver; Miss Gertrude Pence, usher; Mrs. Sophia Cos, I. W. ; Mrs.
Tillie Wagner, O. W. ; Mrs. Mamie Guruey, organist.

BUENA VISTA LODGE NO. 248, A. O U. VT.

The above named order became a chartered lodge on the 9th of May, 1884.

The following men were elected the first officers: S. G. Hall, P. M. W. ;
F. B. Browne, M. W. ; F. J. Stockwell, G. F. ; James Bruntlee, O. ; Thos. Wal-
pole, recorder; G. A. Proctor, financier; T. Aldersou, receiver; R. Bradfiekl,
G.; C. E. Roby, J. W.; J. A. Johnson, 0. W.

The officers at the present time are J. R. Weeks, P. M. W. ; Lars Larson,
M. W. ; John Iliggins, overseer; E. E. Jones, recorder; B. W. demons, financier;
II. J. Lichtenburg, receiver; C. P. Holmes, Guard; James Staple, iuner watch;
Ira Carrington, outer watch; C. 11. Johnson, trustee; C. W. Ellyson, medical
examiner. The present enrollment is more than one hundred members.

THE DANISH BROTHERHOOD IN AMERICA.

Faderlandet Lodge No. 224, of the Danish Brotherhood was formed October
3, 1905, and began under the direction of the following men. who were the first
officers of the order: Neils Christenson, P. P.; Lars P. Nelson, P.; Bertel Nelson,
V, P.; Peter Jen.sen, S. ; Soren Neilsen, T. ; Hans P. Smith, G. ; Andres Ander-
son, I. G. ; Christian Jensen, O. G. ; and Neils Thygeson, T. R.

Twenty-six members are now enrolled in the order, of wliom the following
are officers: Martin iMolgaard, president; Oscar Scow, vice president; Peter
Jensen, secretary; Bertel Nelson, treasurer; ^Martin Anderson, conductor; Nels
Nelson, trustee; Peter Johansen, inner guard; Jacob Christensen, outer guard.

166 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

KNIGHT OP MACCABEES.

Nokomis Tent No. 89, of the order named above, was organized July 21.
1900. The first officers elected were : L. P. Nelson, Com. ; W. I. Hay, Lt. Com. ;
L. S. Kucker. R. K. ; Hans Howalt. P. K. ; H. P. Sanford. Chap. ; S. C. Stang-
land, Sergt. ; W. E. Sanders, physician; W. J. Poulter, iM. at A. ; J. H. Anderson,
1st M. of G. ; Olaf G. Olson, 2nd M. of G. ; H. A. Hille, sentinel: .1. A. Kncker.
picket.

The lodge is now i)ractically disbanded, having held no meetings for several
years.

ROYAL NEIGHBORS OF AMERICA.

On February 24, 1906, there was formeil in Alta the lodge of above name
with the title "High View" No. 2807, The following persons were charter
members of the order: Maude TM. Anderson, Henry D, Anderson, ^Martha B.
Anderson, Mae Emarine, Be.ssie I\l. Burt, Sara E. Council, Golman Z. Daven-
port, Lizzie K. Davenport, Sylvia llollingsworth. Philip R. Moser, John W.
Morri.son, Emma S. Moser, Fae E. Xewcomb. Bert Hucker, James A. Rucker,
Elton Snorf, Esther M. Snorf, Christina Snell, Fannie Zeilman, and Wm.
Zeilman.

Tile lodge has met b>il little since their organi/ation : they are nnder sus-
pension at the present time.

I. O. O. F. ENCAMPMENT.

High Point Encampment No. 202, of the Oddfellow lodge was organized
on the Kith of ^larch. 1904. with five charter members composing the following
named ])crsons: Allen Gates, llcnry i'opiiani. lleiii-y Petereon. Nels Christensen,
and liouis Christensen.

'{'here are about tliirty-lwn memlicrs in the Ijucaiiipment at the present
time: the elective oi'ficors are: Henry II. Peterson, ('. P.: M. W. Beights, H. P.;
J. Moser, S. W.: Frank Dal/.iel. J. \V.: llarley Olson, scribe: lli'nry Popliam.
treasurer.

REMBRANDT.

The town of Rembrandt, in the southeaslern portion of Hanies townshi]),
was estal)lished the year the .M. i& St. Ij. railway was built through, or in 1!)00.
The lollowing year the town wa-s incorporated and at the present time L. H.
Green is nuiyor. There is no school in llu' town, lint a rni-al school is close by,
serving the purpose of a graded school until the population will warrant the
establishment of an indei)endent district, and with the steady growth of the
])opnlaton this will be li\it a matter of a short time. The Little Sioux Valley
church is Ihrec miles west of Hembrandt and until this spring there has been

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 1G7

no ehiireh in the town. On Sunday, April 18, 1909, a new Methodist church
was dedicated with appropriate services. Geo. A. Mair will be the first pastor.
There is a Woodman lodge in Rembrandt which was recently established and has
a growing membership.

All lines of business have been well represented since the organization
of the town, and at present there are three elevators, of which one is a
farmers co-operative company and two line elevators. The Lane-Moore Lum-
ber Company has a yard with B. Bonnichsen as manager. A. C. Schluntz
deals in live stock and farm implements. R. Siefkin has a meat market. Geo.
E. Foval is proprietor of the hotel. G. A. Spiegelberger is postmaster and con-
ducts a hardware store. Harlodsen & Hegua and tiie Rembrandt Me^reantile Co.,
with li. 0. Lee and H. F. Welmerling, jr., as managers, conduct general mer-
chandise stores. W. A. Seeley, M. D., is the resident physician. The Rembrandt
Savings Bank is in charge of II. C. Berger, the cashier. J. C. Stiekel conducts
a drug store and the Northern Telephone Company has a local exchange.
The Rembrandt Creamery burned to the ground a few years ago but is now
rebuilt and in operation, better and larger than before.

The business men of the town are active and wide awake and their relation
with the surrounding community is excellent and trade in all lines is increasing.

TRUESDALE

This station, also located on the j\I. & St. L. line of railway, is situated in
Washington township, six miles north of Storm Lake. The town is not incor-
|iorated. A Methodist church was erected there in the early days of the town
and is yet flourishing with George A. Moir as pastor. There is no school in
the town. Among the business houses are the Rankin-Berry Mercantile Com-
])any, general merchandise; Warren & Bucknole, general merchandise; George
Tutt, hardware ; Henry Steinhilber, imichinery ; T. F. Pettit. hotel and restau-
rant; two elevators and one lumber yard; ]\I. T. Fletcher buys live stock. A
Woodman lodge is located at Truesdale. Although the town is not incorpor-
ated a voting precinct has been established there.

SULPHUR SPRINGS.

Tlie village of Sulphur Springs was established in the pioneer days of
the county in Providence township, but has never attained the growth its
founders hoped for as it is situated between the larger towns of Storm Lake and
Newell. A Presbyterian church is located in the village, supplied by Felix Ross,
a student in Buena Vista college at Storm Lake. Tliere are two elevators and
one lumber yard doing a good liusiness. Ed. Mornin & Son and S. H. Davis
conduct genin-al merchandise stores. A. C. Woodruff is the resident physician.

168 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

NEWELL.

The first settlers on the present site of Newell came there in the year 1869,
liiit it was not until the following year, when the railroad was built through the
t-onnty, that the town began to a.ssnme any definite form. In the month of
June a station was established with E. W. Stetson as representative of the Du-
buque & Sioux City railway company, the predecessor to the Illinois Central.
In the month of August the town was laid out in lots and these were placed on
sale immediately following. C. J. Gregg became the first station agent under
the Illinois Central management and served for some time.

The first business men to cast their lot with the new town were George B.
Sargent, a merchant, who opened a stock of general merchandise in a small
building which was erected the same summer that the town was established.
Jlessrs. Sweezey and Stetson that summer also opened a lumber yard and agri-
cultural implement house. In the fall G. W. Stevens opened his railroad hotel
to acconuuodate the traveling public, which in that early day was quite numerous.
;Mmii\- iH'ople were coming into the county to look for land, and many stopped
at XewcU, seeking farms in the fertile Coon township, which then embraced
l^rovidence, Newell, Coon and parts of Grant, as they are at present constituted.

G. B. Sargent was the first postmaster and Jesse J. Allee was his assistant.
.Mr. Allee also loaned money and bought and sold county warrants and notes.
The first building to be erected in the town was the Sweezey & Stetson lumber
office, while N. W. Condron built the second. Mr. Sargent built the third, which
was his store building with a hall in the second story, and for some yeai-s this
was the largest structure of the kind in the county. Hon. E. CrLss, of Sac
City, built the Newell hotel, and in and near the town several residences were
also constructed that first year of Newell 's history as a municipality.

Business at once began, and it is said that Sweezey & Stetson shipped the
lirst car load of grain ever sent from the county in the month of August, 1870.
Other business firms engaged in trade, among which was L. 11. Gordon, lumber
yard; O. II. Hazard, general merchandise, Orson Lee. saloon, and L. II. Bunker,
a harness shop. In 1&12 11. E. Harris and N. W. Condron opened a batik and
real estate office, doing a good business from tiic beginning. Two grain ware-
luMises were built in 1872 and B. II. E. Sickles l)iiiil a kiln and commenced to
make bricks. This was the first in the county.

Thomas Kannaily was llie lirsl section rorcmaii and he held tliis [)osition
for eight years mitil he removed to a farm which he bought north of town.

Newell was iucorpoi'ated in 1876 and at the first election L. II. Gordon was
clccte<l mayor. The council was compo.sed of O. H. Hazard, S. A. Parker, E.
G. Chandler, W. A. Wehli and Jj. T. Sweezey. JMr. Gordon acted as mayor for
two ycai-s, being succeeded by K. 1. Ale.xand(>r, Since then F. V. Moulton, E.
VV. Poy, G. L. Dobson, William IJorman. 1'. II. .hidge, W. II. Mentor, II. S.
Hunter, E. II. Cunningham and Guy E. Mack have served as mayor. The
present city government is us follows: (iuy E. Mack, mayor; (Jeo. W. Chancy.
treasurer; J. H. Williams, clerk; .1. C. Brown, a.ssessor; M. W. Layman, marshal ;
ami F. G. Kedficld. .1. T, Norton. II. C. Rogers, II. .\. Vogel, J. M. P.rooks and

if. . ». .

' *v

SCENE ON STORM LAKE.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 169

W. A. Waterman, members of the council. Mr. Waterman has served his town
for twenty-five years as a member of the city council.

A s:as plant and system of water works were established about 1901.

From the beginning Newell was handicapped in her growth by the topog-
raphy of the country upon which the town was Irailt. In times of high water
the town would be surrounded by water, almost cutting it off from outside com-
munication. Nothing could be done as an absence of "fall" prevented natural
drainage. But tinally the citizens took the matter in hand and by the expendi-
ture of a great deal of mone.y a sy.stem of artificial drainage was devised, whereby
a canal or large ditch, nine and one-half miles in length, with four miles of
branch ditches, was eonstnicted to carry off the surface water deposited from
the surrounding country. This proved effective and has proved of great value
in a material and sanitary way. This pro.ject was bitterly opposed by many
of the pe(>]ile who were immediatel.v interested, but the men who proposed it
gave their personal guaranty of the cost and pushed the pro.ject through.
When it was completed and the immense benefit it conferred became known,
everyone was satisfied and pleased with the result. Jesse J. Allee was the
prime mover in this, as well as in many other movements for the benefit of his
town and comnnmity.

From the earliest times Newell has had a splendid location for business.
In early da.vs the town was located on the direct and main traveled road from
Spirit Lake. Spencer, Sioux Rapids and other northern Iowa towns to Sac City
and Carroll. This brought innnense patronage, as the road was bridged and
about the only thoroughfare from the north to the south part of the county.
Later its contiguous territory has remained unrestricted and it has today a fine
and prosperous eoimtry with which to trade.

Many of the old settlers, who came to the county forty years ago, still
reside in and about Newell, and they look with pride and satisfaction to the
liigh degree of material welfare that the once swajnp.v land has attained. As
an illustration Mr. Allee has given the briefest outline of the life of William
Porath, who came to Newell in the early '70s. He was poor, nature had been
unkind to him and left him a cripple, and with- nothing, but an indomitable
determination to succeed, he commenced life under adverse circumstances. He
assisted in the Stevens Hotel, ^vorked out by the day, and finally, accumulating
a small sum of money, bought a piece of land that seemed to be irreclaimable.
But he went to work and reclaimed it, and he succeeded so well that in the years
that have gone he has gathered about him enoiigh of this world's goods to make
him one of the wealthiest of 15uena Vista county farmers.

PI'BLIC SCIIOOI-R.

The earliest records of the schools of Newell are missing, con.sequentl.v all
data as to its organization is gleaned from memory from the oldest residents of
tlip town. The first school was organized sometime in the year 1870. and the
building was situated about one-lialf mile from what is now the present site of
the town. In 1871 the school was held in the town ])ropcr. and this building

170 niSTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

was either dkivccI into town or a new one was built in the southwest portion of the
town. This l)uililino' was occupied for al)out seven years, when the school was
moved into a new two-story, two-room brick buildin,u', which had been erected for
a courthouse. Newell was not then the county seat, l>nt tiie question of estab-
lishing a permanent county seat was still being agitated, and the people of
Newell erected a building to be used as a courthouse with the hope of inducing
the eoiinty seat to be established there. The contest resulted unfavorably to
Newell, so the building was turned over to be iLsed as a school. The old wooden
building was sold and used as a residence for thirty years, having been torn
down in 1908. The school continued to occupy the brick l)uilding for over
twelve years, during which time a small frame building was erected, to accommo-
date the increasing number of scholars. In 1889 a brick building of four rooms
was erected, forming the nucleus of the present structure. When the school
began its occupancy of the new building, the other buildings were sold and
converted into dwelling houses. An addition of two rooms was erected in 1898,
making the present structure of six rooms. The several removals of the school
bespeak of a steady growth whicli the school has always had. The enrollment
at the ])resent time averages two lunulred. of which forty-six are in the high
school. The school contains a good library, put in in 1899 partly by donation,
but chiefly by subscription.

C. K. Dukes took the superintendency of the school in January. 1894. re-
maining for six years, until his death in 1900.

J. E. Cnnd.v was superintendent of the school for two and one-half years,
resigning to take nj) the duties of Iiis |)resent position of county superintendent
of schools.

IT. C. Moeller is the pri'sent snpei-intendent. and Mi.ss Helen Wilson, his
a.ssistant. The grade teachers an; Beth Newton, Luella Pogue, Ethel Thorpe,
Minnie Tutt and Maggie Kanally.

The present board of directors are ,S. A. Beason, A. J. Davie. E. P. Krausc
C. J. Ixohinson. (i. W. (Jlianey. P. (J. Redlield. secretary.

TlllO FUiST CONGREGATION.VL CHtlRCII.

The I'^ii'st Congregational ( linrch of Newell was organized October 21, 1871.
Meetinus had been held in stores and homes, thei'e being no other buildings in
which to hold a public gathering. In stoi'es. nail kegs and boxes w(>re used as*
seats. This manner of liolding i-eligious sei-vices se(>med strange and unusual
to ]iersons coming from the east and accustomed to a well efpiipped eluirch
l)nilding. At a meeting held in the home of (J. W. Stevens, the organization of
the Congregational cliiwrh was effected. The following |)ersons were the
charter membeis: .Mi's. .Maria Reynolds. ]\lrs. Ilattie R. Nicholson, Mrs, Mary
I. Stclihins, .Mrs. Lewis II. (iordon, Henry A. Chi.shnian. Mrs. Sarali E. M.
(Jordoii. Will. .\. ii'cynolds and .\lliert W. Eno.

In 1872-:? the tirst church building was erected, a small frame building in
the southwest portiim of the town. The tirst money Tor this church was raised
bv Mrs. G. W. Stevens and Mrs. Waterinan. who did lanndry work in the hotel

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 171

then run by the Stevens', they having the hotel in their home. A sociable was
lield. netting- fifty dollars, and this snm was also turned over to the church.

In the fall of 1881 this church Iniildino' was moved to the site of the present
structure, and was used until VMS when it was torn down and the present brick
structure erected in 1903-4. The church has now a property valued at eleven
thousand dollars. There are one hundred and eighty members in the church.

Mr. Lewis Gordon was the first deacon.

The following men have served as pastors during the church's history: A.
V. House, W. J. Smith, C. M. Schwarzaur, Asa Countryman, Philo Gorton, A.
A. Baker, James R. Kaye, Marston S. Freeman, N. F. Gouglas, W. G. Johnston,
Wni. B. Pinkerton, E. F. "Wheeler and F. II. Anderson,

In 1901 the church celebrated its thirtieth anniversary.

The present officers of the church, aside from the pastor Frank II. Anderson,
are: Jlrs. Comina Davie, clerk; and F. G. Redfield, treasurer.

The Sunday school was organized with the church, and has always contin-
ued a strong one; the present enrollment numbers one hundred and twenty-five.
H. C. Moeller is the superintendent. Clayton Redfield, secretary, and Edgar
Norton, treasurer.

The- Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor has an enrollment of
thirty-five members with Elizabeth Newton, president; Gladys Harvey, vice
president ; Frances Redfield, secretary ; and George Conley, treasurer.

There is also a Ladies' Aid Society with Mrs. Sophia Anderson, president;
Mrs. II. C. Moeller, secretary; and Mrs. J. T. Norton, treasurer. The ladies
of the church also conduct a Bible class, following systematic study of the Bible.
.Mi's. II. C. ]\Ioeller is president; Mrs. E. C. King, secretary; and Mrs. F. II.
Anderson the class leader.

NAIN D.VNISII EVANGEIJC.Mj IjITTHERAN CHURCH.

Tlie Danish Lutheran church in Newell was organized ]\Iay 11. 1884. Their
tirst pi'dpci'ty consist(>d of a parsonage. Tliis was later sold, and in 1892 the
church moved out to its present site at the edge of town, where they now own
five acres of ground, on which stands their chruch building and parsonage. In
1901 the church building was remodeled and enlarged into the present structure.
There are one hundred and twenty members of the church, and three hundred
and twenty-five communicants. The society is a strong one, in good condition and
increasing steadily. They are now working for a society building to be erected
near the church.

Rev. August Faber is the present pastor. The present officers of the church
society are J. C. Aroe, president; A. C. Anderson, secretarv and trea.surer;
triistees: L. Smith, P. Johnson. C. Christiansen. Miss Emma Grau is secretary
of the Sunday school.

The Young People's society has an enrollment of sixty -seven members with
Rev. Augiist Faber as president; Jliss K. Mikkelsen, secretary; and Jliss K.
Bodholt. treasurer.

172 IITSTORY OF BFENA VIRTA COTTNTY

Tlie present officers of the Ladies Aid society are: president, Mrs. Anna
Grail: secretary, Jlrs. 'Slary Xeilson, and treasurer. Mrs. Sophia Olson.

THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIU'RCH.

Any definite data concerning the early history of the Methodist church is
uno])tainable. as the early records of its orpinization can not be found. It is
very probable, however, that the church was organized .iust a few years after
the Congregational church, as up to 1877 the Methodist society used the Congre-
gational church building. A man named White was preaching for the Metho-
dists at that time, living on a farm a short way from town. In 1877 they built
their fii-st church, and in l!i():? this was enlarged and remodeled, making the
present structure. The church was incorporated at the same time they built
their cluircli in 1877. and the i)oard of trustees at that time were John Van
Cleve. J. J. I'ark-er, E. W Foy, J. J. Allee, S. V. iloore, J. W. Doxsee, and S.
Bogenrief.

Prior to 1883 there is no record of the ministers who served, except Revs,
White, Richards. Shesler and Franchier, whose names were obtained from
memory. From 1883 the following men have served as pastors: F. il. Ander-
son. George E. Stump, J. W. Mills. J. W. Spangler, W. II. :Montgomery, II. II.
Crim, T, S, Basset, J. A. Lory, A. R. Archi1)ald, V. C. Thomas. G. W. Shidelcr.
I. M. Hargett. and E. C. Richards, the present minister.

The present officers of the cluirch arc : Trustees : S. A. Beason, G. L.
Elli.son, .\. J. Davie, C. J. Robinsnn. James Rogers. Win. Hnxlable, N. M.
Layman.

Stewards: Mrs. A. J. Davie, Mrs. C. J. Robinson, Mrs. James iiogers, ]\Irs.
Vr.ink Point. II. M. Sliook. J. R. Holt/,. John Williams, C. A. Allison.

The enroilnii'iil of Die cliiirrh is one hundred and thirty-six.

The Sunday scIiikjI. willi an enrollment of one hundred ami ciglil. lias Ihi'
following officers: S. A. Heason, superintendent; Mary llditz, secretary; Homer
Ellison, treasurer.

Following arc tiic otlicers i\\' llie Eiiwoi'tii jjcague: President. .Icaniic
Ellis; secrelai'y. Joliii Rogers; Ircasurer, Lyle Smitli. Thi' (■nrdlliiicnl is alioiit
thirty.

The ladies of the cliun-ii liave a Ladies Aid sciriely wilii .Mrs. Win. lluxtai)i(',
])resi<ient; Mrs. C. J. Robinson, secretary: and Mrs. J. C. Layman, treasurer.

Tlie Methodist charge in Xewell includes the (lailiraetli churcli appointment
in the country. ^'he present trustees of tliis ciuirch arc G. F. Peck. I\. J.
I'arpcr and !■'. .1. Huss.

The stewards are: iMrs. D. J. IMarple, Mrs, Clara Miiiier. Mrs. F. J. i?us.s,
R. J. Paei)er. and (i. F. Peck.

They iiavc a Sunday srhooj with an ciinillini'iit of scvent.v-livc. 1{. J.
I'aeper is tile supcrinteudciit, and Mi.ss Kcssic P)nght the secretary.

.Miss Opal Minicr is pi-esident of the Epworth League, and ^h's. Clara
.Miiiier the president of the I^adics Aid society.

Tlie riirdliniriit (if the cbun-h in town is one linndrcd and thirty-six. and
that of tile tiailiracth i-liun-h is aliinit fifty-six.

, HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 173

THE DANISH BAPTIST CHURCH OP NEWELL.

Tlu' Danish Baptist cIuutIi was organized October 1. 1884. Rev. Hans
Nelson, the first pastor, organized the cluireh with nine inenil:)e!'s, four of whom
are still living in Newell. The meetings were held in the old brick sehoolhonse
until about 1890. when they built their first ehureh. a small frame building.
About 1903 this was remodeled and enlarged into the present Iniilding. They
also own a pareonage whieh was purchased three years ago.

Mr. Nels Christiansen was the first deacon of the church, and together with
Mr. Paul Winther constitute the present deacons. Other officers of the church
are : P. Christianseu, secretary, and N. L. Peterson, treasurer.

They have a large Sunday school with an enrollment of about one hundred,
and a membership of over forty in the Young People's society, of which Will
Frandsou is president. There is a Ladies Society with Mrs. N. Jensen as presi-
dent and also a Young Ladies society, called "Farther Lights Society," of which
.Mi.ss Bertha K,iarsgaard is president.

The membership of the church numbers one hundred and two. Rev. L.-
Thompson is the present pastor. The society is planning to celebrate their
twenty-fifth anniversary in the fall of 1909.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The Catholics have held services in and about Newell for nearly forty years,
hut not until about 1882 was the organization of the church effected. The
present church building was erected in that year, the building of the church
following closely the organization of the church society. The membership then
consisted of thirty or thirty-five families. For ten years prior to the building
of the church in 1882, the priest from Storm Lake held services in the town hall
and private homes. For some little time before this a priest from Fort Dodge
held mass in the homes. Newell was then a charge in the Fort Dodge circuit.

There is now a membership of about eighteen families, aggregating one
hundred souls. Services are held every three weeks, the church being in the
charge of the resident priest of Storm Lake. Until 1908 there had always beeii
a committee of three who looked after the affairs of the church, but now the
priest attends to all affairs. No further data is obtainable.

ROYAL LODGE NO. 428 A. F. & A. M.

The Masonic lodge was organized June 7. 1883, with about fifteen charter
members, the following being the first officers: L. T. Swezey, master; A. Pratt,
senior warden ; J. V. Compton, junior warden.

There are very few of the charter members still living in Newell, S. D.
Driver and J. J. Allee probably being the only ones.

174 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

The Indite was organized in the hall they occnpy at present, but they have
sinee used two other halls, and then moved back into the original hall.

The present olificer.s of the lodge are : Master, H. C. Gordon ; senior warden,
Jlr. A. M. Jlorse ; junior warden. Thos. Householder ; secretary, Chris. Aroe ;
treasurer, S. D. Driver; S. D., Chas. Collins; J. D.. :\rr. Halrick; Tyler, Percy
Jloorehonse ; stewards. E. C. Avery and Giiy Mack.

The present membership numbers about forty.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

Rex Lodge No. 242. was organized August 14. 1800. The following were its
first officers: C. C, Thos. W. Anguin ; V. C, Perry J. I\riller; M. A., J. L.
Mankey; 1\I. P.. C. E. Davis; 0. (}.. Henry Fisher; C. C. John P. Lawton ;
Prel.. E. Trumbeur; M. E.. W. H. Mentor, Jr.; I. G., Casper Althen ; K. of R.
& S.. C. W. Bean.

There are fifty-one members of the lodge, the following being the present
officers: P. C. C. E. C. Avery; C. C. C. A. Allison; V. C, Benton Harkins;
Prel., H. C. Gordon; K. of R. & S., H. A. Harvey; M. of E., P. G. Redfield; M.
of W., J. L. JIankey; M. of A.. Oscar Sanuielson ; I. G., P. C. Peterson; 0. G.,
John Rodda, Jr. Trustees: H. C. Gordon. A. J. Larson, and J. P. Jensen.

I. O. 0. p. LODGE NO. 232.

The Odd Fellow lodge is without doubt the oldest lodge in the town of
Xewell. It was first organized shortly before 1872. but of the organizers there
is scarcel.\- a iiii'irilici- now li\'iiig in Newell. Tlii' buililinu' in whii-h tlii'.N' had
their hall was burned, and their charter and records were destroyed. But the
lodsre was reorj,'aiiized and obtained a new chai'ter October 17. 1872. For many
ycal's lliey used what is now the K. of P. Iiall. luit what was then the 1. O. O. F.
hall. About four years ago the lodge purchased a one story building on Main
street, which was raised to two stories. tlu> upper rooms being usetl for lodge
rooms, and the ground lloor rented I'or storerooms. It is the intention of the
lodge to hiive the ground Hoor titteii up for a kitchen aiul social rooms.

The following are the present oilicers: N. ().. G. M. Alice; V. (}., A. E.
Conch; recording secretary, W. J. Newton; linancial secretary, J. H. Williams;
treasurer, P. G. Redfield; warden, Henry Pratt; conductor, B. Harkins; chap-
lain, John Evans; T. G.. J. C. Thompson: O. G.. Prank Williams; 1{. S. S.. J. P.
Bellows; L. S. S.. Henry i'oint ; K. S, to .\. G.. N. Par.sons; L. S. to N. G., J. S.
Cheney; R. S. to \'. G.. .Matt Cheney: L. S. to V. (J., George Rogers. Trustees:
II. C. Rogers, Thos. Mankey, and M. Parsons.

The; lodge has now a membership of one hiuidred and lil'teen.

REBEKAIl LdlKflO NO. 258.

The KebeUah lodge of Newell had its l)ej,dnning on the 18tli da\' of October.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 175

1894. It was organized with forty-nine cliarter members, having the following
as its first officers: N. G., Mrs. Helen Pratt: V. G., Mary Magness; secretary,
Agnes Morse ; treasurer, Fainiie Ellis.

There are one hnndred and seventeen members iu Ihc lodge, and the follow-
ing are its present officers: N. G., Christina Sharp; V. G., Ilattie Cheney;
secretary, Comina P. Davie; treasurer, Martha Rust; financial secretary, Anna
Point.

MISSION CHAPTER NO. 401 0. E. S.

The present Eastern Star lodge began its existence October 24, 1906. About
fifteen years before this, however, a lodge was organized, but it was disbanded,
and remained so for several years, until the organization of the new lodge in
1906. Tlie charter members of the new lodge were: Mrs. Sophia Anderson,
:\nss Iva Aroe, iMrs. Mary Reason, Mrs. IMyrtle Collins, Mrs. Ida Davie, Mrs.
Alice Iloyne. Mrs. Jennie Iloltz, IMrs. Geraldine Hoiiseholder, Mrs. Alice Jensen,
Mrs. Kaia Larso>i, Mrs. Agnes Morse, Mrs. Sarah Pratt and Miss Lulu
Moorehouse.

The lodge meets in the K. of P. hall, the second Tuesday in each month.
There is an enrollment of forty membei's. with the following officers: W. M.,
Jlrs. Ida Davie ; A. M., Mrs. Alice Jensen ; secretary. Miss Lulu IMoorehouse.

KISMET CAMP NO. 447 M. W. A.

The Mt)dern Woodmen of America were organized in Newell October 3,
1891. There were sixteen charter members, as follows: J. P. Lawton, F. A.
Gillcey, Judson Woodring, E. Carson, J. T. Norton, W. A. Waterman, A. B.
Spencer, G. W. Chancy, C. Jefferson, C. J. Robinson, James Nelson, James
Jensen. J. L. Stocker. O. S. Coe, W. L. Forbes, and B. Traumbaur.

The lotlge occupies the K. of P. hall. The present membership is one hun-
dred and thirty-three, ami the following are its officers: II. C. Gordon, V. C. ;
W. II. Wright, W. A.; C. L. Barnard, clerk; G. W. Chaney, banker; C. A. Alli-
son, escort; F. C. Foley, physician ; Ed Clark, watchman; W. L. lloltz, sentry.

COURT OP HONOR NO. 796.

The Court of Honor, composing sixty-three charter members, was organized
in Newell on the 12th day of October, 1898. Its first officers were as follows:
II. C. Gordon, W. C. ; Viola Ilains, W. V. C. ; J. P. Lawton. recorder; Mary
Lewis, chaplain; T. A. Powell, treasurer; Anna L. Point, conductor; F. L. Point,
guard; Frank Sauter, sentinel; F. C. Foley, medical director.

There is at present a membership of fifty-three, with the following officers:
Mrs. Ida Davie, chancellor; Mrs. Mary Brown, vice chancellor; Mrs. Anna M.
Point, conductor; ]\Irs. Lydia Stocker. chaplain; H. C. Gordon, recorder; F. L.
Point, guard; J. C. Brown, sentinel; F. C. Foley, M. D.

176 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

THE DANISH BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICA.

The organization of the Danish Brotherhood of America was effected Decem-
ber 17. I'JOl. There were eighteen charter members of whom the following
were the fir.st officers : Jens Christensen. P. P. ; Niels P. Jensen. P. ; Matt
Nielsen, V. P. ; Niels P. Jensen. S. ; Hans Christensen. T. ; Peter I\[athiesen. G. ;
0. P. Olson, I. G. ; Hans Mathiesen. O. G. ; August Nielsen. T. R.

The lodge meets in the K. of P. hall. There is an enrollment of forty-three
members, with the present officers: P. C. Peterson, president; Carl P. Hoag,
vice president; August Nielsen, e.\-president ; Chris. Frederiksen, secretary; L.
P. Madisen, treasurer.

DANISH SISTERS SOCIETY IN AMERICA.

.Vu.xiliiiry to the Danish Brotherhood is the Danish Sisters society which was
instituted on the 21st day of April. 1908. The following per.sons constituted the
first officers : Ida M. Mathisen. P. P. ; Eugeline M. Hoeg. P. ; Marie H. Pedersen,
V. P. ; Tillie Christensen. S. ; Laurine Mathisen, T. ; Christine S. Jensen, G. ;
Christine M. Paulson. I. G. ; Dorthea K. Kinerup, 0. G.

The name of the lodge is Henriette Lodge. No. 109.

G. A. R.

On .May 27. 1886. the following veterans of tiit^ Civil war organized their
branch of the Grand Army of the Republic: P. T. Anderson. F. 11. Smith. W.
A, Welch, C. F. Chipman. W. 11, Stott. E. A. Knapp, J. T. Chaney. J. L. Doxsee,
J. R. Hunt, H. J. S<-oville. M. :\I. Tyfe. Sylvester Culven. Joseph Schultz. R. H.
Smith, Loyal Kuney. and Daniel Wood.

TIIK WO.MAN'S I{I01;IK,I'' CORPS N(1. 278.

The Woiii.iii's Relief Corps was organized in Newel! on March 1"), 1894.
compo.sed of the following members: .Maggie Doxscc. Ida C\uiniiig]iam. Mary
Chaney, Belle Norton, Lucy Stetson, Agnes L. .Miller. .Mary Parsons. Ollie
Gilkey, Caroline Mankey, Helen Scovil, ]\Iary Brown, Isabella Davie, Lottie A.
Robiii.son. Sophia Anderson. Eldona Reddcld. Arena Blakesley. Carrie Schultz.
Alice Rogers, IMatilde Tuteli. Catherine Fulmcr, Lavina Tutell. Maggie Tutell,
Augusta Patzke, Jane Parsons, Emma Stott, Helen Pratt, Ella Shumway, Myrtle
Parker, Faiinv Ellis, Cori-ina I'ai-sons. Kate Forbes and Julia Parker.

THE SEVENTH HAY ADVKXTIST CIH^RCII.

'I'he Seventh Day Adventists of Newell organized themselves during the
latter i)art of May. 1908. The organization thus formed was the Sunday school,
and sixteen persons constit\ited the meml)erslii|). Klmcr Olson was elected the
icadei- for the society. Flossy Atwood. superintendent of the Sunday school;
Anna Peterson, secretars'; and Mrs. M. L. I'eterson. treasurer.

LAKESIDE DRIVE.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 177

The meetings were held for several weeks in a hall, a vacant store building,
and when that became occupied, they met around at the homes of the members.
Anna Peterson is the superintendent of the Sunday school, and Elmer Olson
the secretary, the latter beinfj also the leader of the society. There is a present
membership of nineteen persons.

THE BROTHERHOOD OP AMERICAN YEOMEN.

Newell Homestead No. 678, of the Yeomen lodge was organized February
22. 1901, with about thirty-five charter members. The following were elected
the first officers : G. L. Frcdenberg, foreman ; Maude B. Dodge. M. of C. ; A. F.
Morse, correspondent; D. B. Oillman, M. of A.; James O'Brien, physician; D.
C. Fulmer, overseer ; Albert Winter, watchman ; Frank McFarland, sentinel.

The lodge has a present membership of thirty-eight; the officers are consti-
tuted as follows: E. K. Bergmer, foreman; Agnes E. Morse, correspondent;
Charles Prentice, M. of A.; Mrs. Alta Dodge, M. of C. ; C. H. Trabu, physician;
M. Steger, overseer; Oscar Sanuielson. watchman; S. Callahan, sentinel.

SIOTTX RAPIDS.

Sioux Rapids, as a town, dates from the year 1882. when, on tlie 1st day of
May a meeting was held in the office of Hoskins & Toy. bankers, and the first
step was taken to incorporate. Twenty-six years before Abner Bell and his
party of settlers came to the county and located near the site of the town and
remained there. Tliis was th(> principal s(>ttlemcnt in the county and remained
so until the south part of the county settled up after the coming of the Dubuc[ue
& Sioux City railway.

In the year 1858 Luther TI. Barnes, an early settler, laid out a town plat
on extensive lines and called it Sioux Rapids. Mr. Barnes believed the location
would attract a population of large numbers and be equal to the larger cities of
our country, but he was doomed to disappointment. He left the counti-y, hav-
ing sunk all of his fortune in this unlucky enterprise, and badly broken in
spirits. The settlers never took Barnes seriously and when he had departed
the.y used the stakes which set out his city for firewood.

Nothing came of the town and site until the ,vear 1869 when Richard
Ridgway, who had taken the land iipon which the site was situated, as a home-
stead, and who built a house where J. P. Farmer's home now stands, sold it to
D. C. Thomas and David Evans and they at once platted it into town lots. They
gave it the name of Sioux Rapids, the name selected by Luther Barnes. The
same year the count.y seat, which was situated upon section 7 of Lee township,
was moved to the village of Sioux Rapids and located on block 12. A court-
house was biult in 1871, and the town began to assume the appearance of the
metropolis of the count.y.

Business houses were at once attracted to the town. Oilbert. Halverson &

178 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTxV COUNTY

Jaci)bs(!ii iipc'iu'tl the first store in the town and they were siieeeedcd by other
firms. J. M. Iloskins opened a loan office and later a bank, James F. Toy of
Storm Lake being interested in the venture with Mr. Hoskins.

The fir.st ofifieers. elected in 1882. were as follows: James M. Iloskins.
mayor ; Thos. H. Pittam, recorder ; John Halverson, P. W. Goodrich, P. F, Swan.
Ileni'y Jacobsen. George A. Thompson and H. D. Smith, couneilmen. Since then
J. J. Deupree, J. J. Dnroe. Miles IMoe. W. E. Brown. F. F. Faville. Lyman
Johnson, D. F. Johnston. H. H. Hunter, F. A. Gabrielson, E. D. Peck. A. L.
Freelove. A. L. Zinser. M. W. Hoskins, A. B. Snyder. D. C. Skinner and II. C.
Plager have been mayor, the latter being the present incumbent. At this time
F. B. Parker is clerk and II. II. Hall. E. C. Matteseu, C. B. Anderson, P. A.
Saxenis and 0. P. OLson are couneilmen.

On January 1. 1877 the courthouse was burned to the ground and as a
county seat fight had been instituted by Newell and Storm Lake the county
supervisors refused to authorize the building of a new building. In 1878 the
i|uestion of location was submitted to a vote "f the people of the rouiity aiul the
courthouse was transferred to Storm Lake.

This was a bad blow to the town, and naturally the citizens felt disappointed
for a time, but the coming of the Chicago & Northwestern railwa.v in 1882 was
what the town needed more than the courthouse and new vigor was at once felt
in everv line of activity. New business houses were built and the population
increased rapidl.v. In 1885 the cen.sus showed six hundred and sixteen people.

In 1000 the I\I. & St. L. railway was built through from Spencer to Storm
Lake and this again added new stimulus to the business of the town, which is still

fell.

.\ water works system was installed in the town in 1889 and four .years
i\isn the l<nvn bought tlic elect ric light plant, which is now being operated by
tile nninii-ipalit\'. I'owcr is Pni'nislie<l by the milling i-oiiipany and a low rate
is charged to consumers, yvt the town is making a profit on the service that will
soon pay for the investment.

Every line of business is well represented. There are two banks, three
general stores, hardware and drug stores, clothing and furniture stores, and
everything that is demanded in a irood. live town.

NOW AND THEN !

In the issue of the Sioux Rapids Press for June 11, 1885. an anonymous
wi'itcr paints a i)icture of the town as it appeai-ed at that time, and as it looked
in 1867.

"EiL'hteen >cars ago we passed through Sioux Rapids and stopped at a log
liotcl ncai- by. Tlien we could travel for miles across the prairie without
passing a house, and stand on more than one bill and look in vain in every
dii'cction for sign of a human habitation. Again, after an alisence of three
years, we visited the |)lace to find a few scattered iidiabitants living near the
county scat. The town consisted of a few small houses and had grown in
im|)orlancc since our pi-evious visit. Among the inhabitants was a lawyer with

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 179

a loriEj head and a lame leg who entertained ns in primitive style in a mansion
built of sun dried bricks. A young and inexperienced doctor boarded at the
log hotel on the hill and wanted to sell us a homestead claim in the suburbs, four
miles distant, for four hundred dollars.

"Then there was no church edifice or resident preacher, and but little to
betoken the progress that has been made. A strolling preacher reasoned of
righteousness, repentance and judgment to come in a small building which was
i-rowded with the lame lawyer and his twenty-nine neighbors.

"Now how changed! Some of the old settlers have moved into h(mses not
made with hands; others have sought homes in other portions of our fair land
and little is to recall the Sioux Rapids of 1870.

"Again we stand mid scenes of the past to find a city where wild beasts
dwelt and a tliriving people growing rich where solitude was only broken by the
war whdop of the savage and the cry of wild birds and beasts. Brick blocks
and palatial residences have taken the place of adobe houses and log huts and
man's energy, attended by God's blessing has developed some of the vast
resources of our soil and changed the wilderness into the fruitful land."

THE PUBLIC SCHOOL.

The tirst schoolhouse ever erected on the present site of Sioux Rapids was
built in 1856 on the northeast corner of section 12. 02-37. This schoolhouse was
later moved to a place about half a mile south, and was used here as a school
Tuitil the county was divided into townships in 1869. A schoolhouse was erected
in 1870 on block 11. and this building was used as a sub-district school until
March. 1878. when on the 11th of that month the Independent district was
organized. The district was formerly compo.sed of a part of Lee township, but
the independent district included with this also a part of Barnes township.
The forming of the district in this way was vigorously opposed by those living
across the river, who favored a district including the town oidy. There were
several residents across the river who would add materially to the strength of
the school, if the district could be made to extend over their territory. The
towms-pe'ople saw this, so they wrote up their proceedings, sent them to the
legislature, and had them legalized, and published as a law before the residents
across the river were scarcely aware of what had occurred. Thus the district
composes a part of Lee and a part of Barnes township.

In September 1878 an addition of one room was built onto the schoolhouse.
A. S. Neweomb was the first teacher employed under the independent district,
having taught since its organization in "March. When the additional room was
built in the fall, IMrs. Newconib was employed as the teacher for that room.
The first school board was constituted as follows : S. S. Warner, H. Jacobson,
and James M. Ho.skins.

With the advent of the C. & N. W. railroad in 1882. and the consequent
increase in population, a larger building was required for school purposes, so a
building of four rooms was erected in 1883, costing sixty-five hundred dollars.

180 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

This constitutes the front part of the present structure. While this was being
built, the ^lethodist church was rented for the use of that part of the school
which could not be accommodated at the schoolhouse. The new building served
llu- needs of the school until 1898. In the summer of that year an addition
was erected, together with the installation of a new steam heating plant. This
constitutes the present building, standing as it does on the top of a hill, near
the edge of the town, from which can be obtained an excellent view of the town,
the river beyond, and the surrounding country.

The following are the present teachers in the school : superintendent, W. J.
Hunt; principal. Abbie Laughlin ; first assistant principal. Ivah McCredie;
second assistant. Clara L. Farmer; grade teachers: Lida Rurkholder. Florence
Jeffrey, Mable Elder, Frances Evans. Minnie Steen. and Iowa Wray. The
total enrollment at the present time is two hundred and eighty.

The board of directors is composed of the following men: E. ^1. Diiroe.
P. A. Saxerud. N. A. Lundvall, F. K. Northey, Geo. S. Cate.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. ^

The P.aptist chui-rh in Sioux Rapids had its beginning August 11. 1881.
when Rev. V. Bloodgodd. wiio lived and preached at that time in Spencer, came
and organized the society with about twelve members. P. W. ftoodrich was .^•'l
elected the first deacon of the church, and also the superintendent of the SundaV
school. II. 1) Smith. W. IT. Scarborough, and P. W. Goodrich con.stiti;ted
the first trustees.

Rev. Bloodgood reiiiaincd in Spencer for sometime after the organization
of the church in Sioux Rapids, but eame to the latter place every alternate
Sunday to conduct the services which were held in a schoolhouse in the country,
and in the Methodist church in town. In 1SS4 the present church building,
which was also the first one. was creeled, Wiien the :\r. & St. L. railroad was
constructed through the town, reiiuiring removal of several residences, a house
was bought and moved on the lot beside the church and was made the parsonage.
The church .society nnw owns a good property, valued at twenty-three hundred
dollars, and free from debt.

The ministers who have served during the history of the clnireh are Revs.
V. Blor)dgood. Jenkins. Perry. Grote. John Firth, who is now a missionary in
India. W. 1'. Pierce. E. W. Lyman. E. G. Boyer. Luther Ross. C. ]\I. Wilcox,
J. 11. Brace, a student who preached during vacation. A. J. Ilislup, Wm.
Edwards, a supply from ^Marathon. T. M. T'>vans. who supidied for one .year,
living in the <M)uiitry at tiie same time, and J. V. Wright.

The foUowing persons constitute the present officers of tlie church: deacon.
Geo. Ross: tru.stees: A. B. Clans. R. W. Thomas, (ieo. Ross. D. S. Williams, and
Jean .\cklcy; clerk, Miss Jennie Tlinmas; ti'easurer .\. 1'.. Clans. The society
has an enrollment of twent.v-five active, resident members.

The Sunday school has an enrollnnMit of al)out thirty. Mrs. (ieorge Ross
is superintendent. .Miss Alice Trusty, secretary, and -Jennie Thomas treasurer.

HISTORY OP RUENA VISTA COTTNTY 181

The Baptist Youno- People's Union lias a membership of twenty-sis with
;\rrs. Viola Claybaugh. president. J. V. Wright, ^eoretary, and ]\Iary Myers,
treasurer.

There is a Ladies Aid Society with IMrs. Cora Streeter, vice-president,
acting president, and J. V. Wright, secretary.

The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society has Mrs. Geo. Ross as
president, INIiss Jennie Thomas, secretary, and ]\Irs. Alice Wright, treasnrer.

There is a Yonng People's Sewing Circle with the following officers: pres-
dent. IMiss Jenni(> Thomas, secretary. Jennie Crain. and the treasurer, J. V.
Wright.

THE FIRST CONGREG.VTIONAL CHT'RCH.

On November 4. 1875. a council of pastors and delegates from neighboring
churi-hes was held in the public schoolhouse of Sioux Rapids "to consider, and
if deemed advisable, to assist in organizing a Congregational church." Rev.
Ephraim Adams, Home ^Mi.ssionary superintendent. Rev. W. J. Smith of Xewell,
and Rev. W. L. Coleman of Spencer were the ministers present. It was
"deemed advisable" and the organization of the church was effected with
twelve members. The first officers recorded are those serving in 1878 ; at that
time H. H. Gleason, and S. S. Warner were deacon.s. and A. S. Newcomb was
the clerk.

About 1881, during the pastorate of Rev. A. JI. Beaman, the first church
building was erected, which is described as "an humble chapel, twenty by thirty-
six", and it stood across the street, a block south of the present site. It
was afterward removed and converted into the present parsonage upon the
construction of the present church building in 1888.

The officers of the society are as follows; deacons: Geo. Gate and C, G.
Conley; deaconesses: Mrs. J. P. Farmer and Mrs. C. G. Conley; trustees: C. G.
Conley, T. M, Murdoch, and H. II. Hall : clerk. Susan Parker ; treasurer, Geo.
Gate. The enrollment numbers at present one hundred and twenty.

The officers of the Sunday school are composed of W. J. Hunt, superintend-
ent. Quincy Boynton, secretary and treasnrer, and ;\Irs. Lucy B. Smith,
assistant superintendent.

The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor have a membership of
thirty-three ; Emily Eade is president, and Oscar Rosell, secretary.

The Ladies have their Aid Society with Mrs. T. ]\I. ^Murdoch, president,
and Mrs. F. H. Helsell. secretary.

The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society has for its officers:
Mrs. H. II. Hall, president, aiul Mrs. B. L. Parker, secretary.

There is a Home Departnu^nt Sunday school, consisting of forty-two meni-
Ijci-s, at the homes of which meetings are held for the study and discussion of
the regular Sunday school lessons. Jlrs. B. L. Parker is superintendent.

These ministers have served as pastors in the church : Revs. Smith. A. M.
Beaman, E. P. Hughes. W. C. Hicks, Hand, T. C. Walker. Burns. J. K. Nutting,
Fisk, Ira Holbrook, R. T. Jones, and Rev. C. N. Martin, who is the present pastor.

182 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

NORWEGIAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

The clmreh bearing the above name was organized in Sioux Rapids, May
11, 1871. C. W. Johnson was the first leader of the society. Other officers
elected were Svend Pederson, secretary; Ole H. Dahl, cashier; Peter Johnson,
O. Storla, and H. Storla, deacons; Peter Jacobson, and Ole Halvorson, trustees.
A. P. Aaserid was the first minister.

Services were held for several years in the courthouse, which was then
situated in Sioux Rapids, and also in the schoolhouse and in private homes. The
first church, a building thirty by forty, was erected in 1882. An addition,
twenty-four b.v twenty-eight, was built in the sununer of 1894, besides a small
part for the altar. The present parsonage was erected in the summer of 1891,
and the society now owns a splendid property in every respect.

The present officers are constituted as follows: deacons: T. Colby, B. 0.
Christenson, A. Tallakseu ; trustees : P. E. Barstad, A. Refsland, and H. L.
Halvorson; secretary, G-. 0. Osmundsoii. Tlie membership of the chiu'ch
society numbers three hundred and thirty.

The Sunday .school: II. B. Urdahl, supei'iiitcndcnt, and Sophia Crdahl,
secretary.

The Young People's Society: Half dan Helmers, president.

Lee Centre Ladies Aid Society (in the country) : ]\Irs. Albert Hanson,
is president.

Sioux Rapids Ladies Aid Society ; Laura Landsness, president, and Mrs.
II. Helmers. secretary.

There are two societies composed of the young ladies of tiie churdi, one
called The Young Ladies Society, with Augusta Joluisou as president, and the
other called the Young (iirl's Society, wi(h Julia Clu'istensen as its president.

Tile pi-csent pastor is now organizing an English liutlicran church in Rem-
brandt, at wliich place he has been holding services since the fall of 1908.

The following ministers have been jiastors of this church: Revs. A. P.
Aaserid, Anion .loluison, I'. .Matsoii. II. (). Ili'liuci's. ,-in(i tiic present pastor,
Henrv Noss.

THE SEVENTH \y\\ ADVENTISTS.

^ The Seventh Day Atlventists of Sioux I\,-ipi(is organized themselves into a

•y church society on the 20th day of August, in the year 1902; and at that time
twenty persons signed Tor nicmlxTship in the organizal ion. L. S. Scott was
elected the first elder, ('. W. IlollinLTsworl li. deacon; ]\lrs. ('. II. Tyrrell, clerk;
Mr. C. 11. Tyrrell, secretar\- and I I'easnriT : and Jlrs. ('. W. lIolliiii;-swortii,
missionary secretary.

Their first building was a portable tabernacle, a steel frame l)iiilding with
corrugated ii'on roof, which was erected immediately following the organization
of the soeiet.v. This continued to be their meeting place until the summer of
1907, when it was taken down aiul replaced i)y their present wooden frame
building, twenty-two by thirty-eight, including the pulpit addition.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 183

There have been sixty-one members taken into the eluirch, of wliom thirtj'-
nine are still active resident members. L. S. Scott is the present elder for the
society, and I. T. HoUintrsworth and Henry Hanson compose the deacons ; the
clerli is Mrs. C. H. Tyrrell ; secretary and treasnrer,- Henry Hanson ; missionary
secretary, Mrs. C. Davis.

The Sabbath school is composed of forty-eight members ; Mrs. C. H. Tyrrell
is superintendent, and Mrs. C. W. Boynton, secretary.

The Young People's Society of the Seventh Day Adventist church consists
of between fifteen and twenty members with A. R. Smouse. president, and Elmer
Hanson, secretary.

In connection with the church, the society also conducts a general school,
along the lines of the pul)lic school, with the elimination of those features which
do not confoi-m to their religious ideals. The school holds its sessions in a
rented building situated at the edge of town. This school was instituted about
six years ago, but they have not held sessions every consecutive year since that
time; the second term was held about four years ago, the third one being the
]) resent term. The first teacher was Miss Edna Schee, the second Mable Naggle,
and the third and present teacher is A. R. Smouse, with his wife as assistant at
times. There is an enrollment of about sixteen pupils ; the school holds sessions
the same as other schools, except that the length of the term *iis year (1908-09)
is seven months.

C. W. Boynton, who lives in Sioux Rapids, is one of the four state directors
of the church in Iowa. He has in his district fifteen churches under his
supervision.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIIUKCH.

The Methodist Episcopal church at Sioux Rapids really dates back to 1859
when Rev. 0. S. Wight of Cherokee preached a sermon at the home of Luther
11. Barnes, near the present site of the town. ilr. Wight was looking for
l)romising places in which to hold meetings but was evidently not favorably
impressed as it is not shown that he returned. In 1864 Rev. Seymour Snyder
made trips to the settlement on the Little Sioux river in this county and
preached "at intervals at the home of G. W. Struble and W. S. Lee. Prom then
until 1872 there is no record of meetings held, but that they were is undoubted.
In 1872, Rufus Eancher, who had a homestead east of Sioux Rapids, was ap-
pointed by the northwest Iowa conference to supply the Sioux Rapids charge,
which he did. In 1873. J. S. Zeigler was sent, followed in 187'4 by C. W.
Wiley. The Sioux Rapids circuit was divided in 1875, the west half being
called the Peterson circuit and the east half retained the name it had borne
before.

Included in the Sioux Rapids circuit were the following appointments :
Douglass, Liberty, Herdland, Gillett's Grove, Pickerel Lake and Jlenoti. Of
these the first four were in Clay county and the others in Bnena Vista. Ser-
vices were held at Sioux Rapids every Sunday morning, and in the other charges
from two to four weeks apart.

184 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Rev. L. B. Keeling c-ame after Mr. Wiley and Seymour Snyder was re-
turned in 1876, the grasshopper year. Mr. Snyder also served in 1882.
Although times were very hard in 1876 Mr. Snyder had the satisfaction of seeing
the original church of the society erected, a frame building thirty by forty in
size, at a cost of seventeen hundred dollars.

William McCready came in 1877, and Rufus Fancher in 1870-80; 0. H. P.
F'aus in 1881, at which time the circuit was again divided and Sioux Rapids
was made a separate charge, with but two circuit charges. Since then A. J.
Beebe, W. J. Suckow, J. C. Baseom, F. L. Moore, Z. C. Bradshaw. C. II. Hawn,
F. S. Joray, Jos. Jeffrey, S. P. Marsh, J. E. Edwards. II. D. Trimble and H.
W. L. Mahood have served as pastors.

The Sunda.v school, missionary societies and Epworth League, as well as
the church, are all in flourishing condition. « The church has weathered some
hard storms and stress, but now, with a commodious house of worship and a
devoted people, the days of trial are over.

THE MASONIC LODGE.

Masonry began in Sioux Rajiids when Entcr])rise Jjodge No. 332 of the
above order was instituted on the 4tli day of June, 1874. Among its first officers,
W. L. Pratt was master; Gustave (iilbert. senior warden: and Lot Thomas,
junior warden.

Tlic lodge was organized in the hnll in Echo Blocl<, which continued to be
their meeting place until November T), 1880, when the building was burned, the
records and charter of the lodge being tlestroycd with tiie building. A (hijili-
eate charter was obtained shoi'tly afterwai-ii, but the lodge was not active until
about 1884. DifPerent lialls were rented succcssivel.v for several .vears. They
have occupied their present hall from the time the building was erecteil in 1900.

The present elective officers are as follows : E. W. Clark. M. W. ; E. R. Cone,
senior warden; 11. L. FMrnicr. junior warden; I']. .1. Xorris, secretary; and J. P.
Farmer, treasurer.

CHAPTER, ROVAI, AIH'II MASONS.

The Chapter of the Royal Arch .Masons was organized May H, 1898, with
fourteen chai-ter members. Tiie following composetl the tii-st otlicei-s : .1. E. Ilcn-
riques, M. H. II. P.; IT. 11. Ilnntcr, E. K. ; d. C. Allison, E. S.; F. H. Helsell,
treasurer; C. B. Mills, seeretary, also C. of TI. ; E. J. Norris, P. S. ; W. II.
Pratt, R. A. C. ; S. (J. Nordslrum, M. 3rd V.; II. W. Mayne, M. 2nd V.; A. S.
Weir, M. 1st V.; II. D. Smith, guard.

Tile present (iflieers arc constituted as follows: 1']. ,] . Norris, E. II. P.; E. W.
(Jlark. E. K. ; J. R. Schweitzer, E. S.; L. R. White, treasurer; F. K. Northey,
secretary; S. W. Whitehead. C. of II.; E. M. Bowers, P. S. ; W. II. Scarborough,
R. A. C; G. W. Galiiiiiore. .M. 3r(l V.; W. M. Skclton. .M. 2nd V.; E. R. Cone,
M. 1st V.

WEST BRIDGE.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 185

ORDER OP EASTERN STAR.

Buena Vista Chapter, No. 309, of the Order of Eastern Star began its
existence on the 26th day of April, 1901. Seventeen persons composed the
charter membership of the lodge, of whom the following officers were elected:
W. M., Mrs. Lucy B. Smith; W. P., H. J. Leyson; A. M., Mrs. Ruth Leyson;
secretary, Mrs. Donna Ebersole ; treasurer, Mrs. Ada M. Mills ; conductress, Mrs.
Agnes Lundvall ; A. C, Mrs. Belle Colwell ; chaplain, Mrs. Mary Thomas ; Adah,
Miss Mary Leighton ; Ruth, Miss Ida Leighton; Esther, ]\Irs. Kate Noris; Mar-
tha, Mrs. Lucinda Durkee ; P^lecta, Mrs. Louise Pratt; warder, Mrs. Atta
Leighton; sentinel, E. J. Noris; marshal, ]\Irs. Rose Hoskins ; organist, Mrs.
Flora Hunter.

The lodge has now an enrollment of seventy-six members. Of the present
officers. Alpha Clark is W. M. ; H. L. Farmer, W. P. ; Miss Mary Leighton, A.
M. ; Mrs. Lucy B. Smith, secretary ; Mrs. Lela Bowers, treasurer ; Miss Clara L.
Farmer, conductress; Miss Glenora Helsell, A. C.

I. O. O. p. LODGE.

Buena Vista Lodge No. 574, of the order above named, was instituted April
6, 1893. There were eleven charter members as follows : M. S. Ilelland, A. H.
Retsloff, J. J. Graham, G. A. Thompson, Oscar Miller, J. G. Hollingsworth,
Wm. F. Ilartman, J. H. Divine, P. G. C. H. Johnson, A. E. Wright, and L.
Thorson.

The lodge was organized in the upper room of an old building standing on
the south side of the street, and which was then used as a store but now used as
a warehouse or store-room. This continued to be their meeting place until
1895, when they moved into their present hall ujion the construction of the build-
ing in which it is located.

There is a membership of sixty-seven, of whom the following constitute
the present officers: J. H. Hale, N. 6. ; D. W. Eiler, V. G. ; Geo. D. Plager, secre-
tary; 0. W. Eaton, financial secretary, M. P. Typper, treasurer; 0. L. Byam,
warden; E. E. Smith, conductor; P. 0. Holland, I. G. ; T. H. Whitehead, 0. G. ;
C. P. Sickles, R. S. to N. G. ; Geo. Skelton, L. S. to N. G. ; Z. T. Holdon, R. S. to
V. G. ; C. E. Jacoby, L. S. to V. G. : D. S. Williams, chajilain ; Geo. Streeter, R.
S. S. ; Geo. Price, L. S. S.

SIOUX VALLEY ENCAMPMENT NO. 208. L O. O. P.

The Encampment of the Odd Fellow Lodge was organized January 20,
1905. The following five men composed the charter members: C. P. Sickles,
E. E. Smith, I. R. Fairehild, 0. L. Byam, and C. W. Jones.

There is a present enrollment of thirty-five members, with the following
elective officers: P. A. Saxerud, C. P.; P. O. Holland, H. P.; Clarence Mc-
Danel, S. W. ; Howard Byam, J. W. ; Perry Sickles, R. S. ; Geo. S. Gate, F. S.

186 HISTORY OP BTTENA VISTA COTTNTY

REBEKAH LODGE NO. 887.

Sioux Valley Rebekah Lodsje began its exi.stenee September 17. 1897. The
eharter member.ship was composed of the followiug persons : Charles C. Grue,
A. H. Retsloff, Lillian Retsloflf, J. H. Divine, Carrie E. Divine, 0. L. Byam,
Mary J. Byam, J. W. Smith, Martha W. Smith, C. P. Sickles, J. M. Donaghu,
Jessie Donaghu, P. 0. Holland, D. S. Williams, Nellie D. Williams, Nellie M.
Harriman and Elizabeth Mustell.

The present olficers of the lodge are constituted as follows : N. G.. Mrs.
Pearl Jacoby; V. G., Mrs. Minnie Schaller; secretary, Ora M. Williams; financial
secretary, C. P. Sickles; treasurer, Mrs. Jennie Northey ; chaplain, Mi-s. Ala
Byam; 0. G., :Mrs. Ada Smith; I. G., Mrs. Jessie Struthers ; R. S. to N. 6., Mrs.
Ercy Wills; L. S. to N. G.. Emina Schaller; warden. Jlrs. Gustavo Perkins;
conductress. IMrs. Marv Bvam.

MODERN WOODMEN OP .\MERICA.

Sioux Rapids Camp No. 322S. of the ilodern Woodmen, was organized on
the 23d day of September, 1895. There was a charter membership of twent.y-
four, from whom the following persons were elected to be the first officers: M.
C. Struble. V. C. ; T. B. Brown. W. A.; N. A. Lundvall. banker; Adelbert
Tymeson, clerk; W. S. Perkins, escort; Elba Clark, watchman; Chas. Cady,
sentry; S. G. Nordstranm, physician; C. B. IMills, delegate; James Morris, Prank
Schweitzer, and W. J. Crawe, managers.

The lodge occupied the Masonic hall until 11)00; there were no meetings of
the order froiii this tiim- niilil 190(). when they moved into the I. O. O. P. hall.
There is a present enrollinent of thirty-five members. No meetings are held,
although the organization is kept up. The officers are composed of the follow-
ing: V. C, P. K. Northey; A. L. .lohnson. W. A.; II. J. Ley.son, E. B. ; Scott
Whitehead, clerk; II. M. Adams, escort; Chas. Marshall, .sentry; Chas. Cady,
watchman ; E. E. Smith, i)hy.sician ; E. M. liowers, N. A. Lundvall, and W. M,
Iloskins, managers.

COURT OF HONOR.

Logan Court No. "jIO df the aliox'c naiiied ui'dcr, was iiislitutc<l in Sioux
Rapids October 21, 1897. The organizati(m was eiTedcd in llic (J. A. K'. hail.
.Afterwards the I. O. O. P. Iiaii was rented as their meeting j)lace.

'i'lic liillowing persons were elected the first officers: Grant Bruner. eliancel-
lor; Rebecca P]llis, vice chancellor; Alice E. Johnston, recorder; A. B. Stevens.
chaplain; E. R. Ellis, treasurei'; Cai'fie Divine, conduct I'ess ; A. B. Clans, guard-
II. W. llulil)ell, 0. G.; II. W. liulihejl and .1, II. Divine, medical examiners; 0, F.
Pairbaiiks, A. I'.. Stevens and Plorence G, Morris, directors.

The lodge has once had an enrollment of one hundred and twelve members;
the membership at present is sixty, headed by the following officers: P.' A.

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 187

Gabrielson. P .C; Geo. S. Gate, chaiu-ellor; I. R. Pairehild, V. C. ; Thos. M.
Murdoch, rectu'der; C. E. Jacoby, chapbiiii; E. M. Bowers, eondnetor; G. W.
Streeter, guard; Liicinda Durkee, sentinel; E. E. Smith, M. D. ; I. R. Fairchild,
E. M. Bowers and E. W. Clark, directors.

HOMESTEADERS, NO. 101.

The Homesteaders Lodge began in Sioux Rapids wlien sixty-one per.sons,
on March 19, 1907, formed tliemselves into the order of that name. The first
officers elected were as follows : P. A. Saxrude, president ; Henry A. Burkholder,
vice president; C. G. Gustavesou, secretary; T. H. Whitehead, treasurer; Carl
G. Rosell. marshal; Oscar Eaton, chaplain; E. E. Smith, M. A. A.; Chas. 01m-
stead, herald; I\Irs. Emery Marry, lad.v of charity; Mrs. J. H. Collins, lad.v of
entertainment.

The enrollment of the lodge at the present time is thirty-two, with officers
as follows: president, Thos. Whitehead; vice president, Lewis Hollison ; secre-
tary, Oscar Eaton; treasurer, E. E. Smith; chaplain. H. J. Ackley; M. A. A,,
J. Iluntlev ; herald, N, Bredvick ; marshal, Carl Rosell.

BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICAN YEOMEN.

Sioux Rapids Homestead, No. 465, of the above named order, was organized
on the 17th day of April, 1900. Twenty-six persons composed the charter
membership. The officers at the present time are: C. C, Grue, foremn; C. W,
Jones, M. C. ; Oscar Eaton, correspondent ; R. Pairehild, ph.vsieian ; Carl Rosell,
overseer; Geo. Collins, sentinel; John Reng, guard. Thirty-seven members
constitute the present enrollment.

THE COMMERCIAL CLUB.

The organization of the Commercial Club was effected September 1, 1908,
fort.y-eight persons signing for membership at that time. Officers were elected
as follows : H. J. Leyson, president ; Geo. S. Cafe, vice president ; C. E. Ryder,
secretary ; Ralph Martin, treasurer ; H. L. Parmer, O. Oberg, N. A. Lundvall, R,
B. Smith, and Geo. G. Plager, board of managers.

The Club occupies rooms on the upper floor of the Parmers and Merchants
Hank l)uilding. Beside other rooms, they have a large reading room which is
open to the members and their visiting friends at all times.

The officers at the present time are composed of the following men : H. L.
Parmer, president; Geo. S. Cate, vice president; Geo. Sherman, sccrt>tary; Scott
Whitehead, treasurer. The enrollment ;it jjrcsent is composed of about fift.v
members.

188 TTTSTORY OF BFEXA VTSTA COUNTY

THURSDAY AFTERNOON CLUB.

The above named elnb is an organization of the ladies of the town, formed
for the pnrsuanc-e of systematic study in literature and art. It is a matter of
interest to note this inclination for literary pursuits is not new to the ladies of
Sioux Rapids, their first society for this purpose being formed as far back as
1886. At that time their organization was known as "The Literary Club."
In 1889 The Literary Club was formed into Th(> IMystei-y Cluli, which continued
until 1897. when the present Thui-sday Afternoon Club was formed. Pour
remaining members of the former organization. Mrs. W. 11. Pratt, Mrs. F. D.
White, Mrs. J. P. Farmer, and Mi-s. F. II. Ilclsell. were instrumental in organiz-
ing the new society. Officei-s were elected as follows : Mrs. W. H. Pratt, presi-
dent ; Mrs. Lyman Johnson, secretary ; and Mrs. T. G. Thomas, treasurer.

The officers at the present time are: President, iMrs. P. H. Helsell;
secretary, Mrs. I. P. Davidson; treasurer. j\Irs. R. B. Smith.

LINN GROVE.

When the Northwestern railway was li\iilt through the north part of Buena
Vista county in 1881 a station was e.slablislied at Linn (trove, and a de])ot was
built there the same year. Prior to that time a settlement had been located near
1 he ohl mill dam in the Little Sion.x river for many years, that being one of
the earliest settlements in the county. Th(> old mill supjilied the peo])le of
that part of the county with grist for years.

No town had been built, nor does it appear that any had been contemplated.
The mill was situated on the river at the mouth of a "gulch." near which was
a fine grove of native timber and it was the timber that attracted the builder
(if the 1)1(1 111)11 iiiid the settlers who look the land nearby.

But with the coining nj' the railroad in 1881, and the building of the station,"
the importance of the ])lace as a business location soon made itself known, and in
1883 C J. Brostad & Compaiiy built a store building and put in a stock of goods.
They had the situation to themselves for two years, when, in 1885, Thompson
& Bulaiid built an elevator and began to buy grain and stock. Not long after
this A. .). Iii-eda put ill a hardware stocJ<. also building a building, and the
Wisconsin Lumber Ccmipany established a yard at the Grove, and the town was
an assured fact. ('. Ij. Ward had been located there for some time, owning the
mill, and lie ii|>(iied a loan iit'liie which soon was changed into a bank. In the
meantime .several new residences had been erected on the hill above the town,
and when a site for the new schoolhouse was wanted that, also, was built at the
head (if the street leading u]) the hill from the business section of the town.

The town has never been organized or incorporated, although at least three
efTorts have been made to do sn. the first of which was December 18, 1894. and
the last about six years ago. It was proposed to include in the town limits a
.sectiiJii (if laiiil. III' (Uie mile si|uare, but the propusiticin was defeated.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 189

The town is a splendid business place, having three stores, two banks, two
hardware and implement stores, a dniii' store, three elevators, a brick and tile
plant, and all other business places usually found in a town of this size.

The records of the township show that in January, 1867. the officers were
as follows: I. T. Hollingsworth, clerk; Charles H. Dahl, assessor; Abner Bell,
Geo. W. Struble and Henry Steen, trustees and Christian Johnson, road super-
visor. The present officers of the township are A. L. Campbell, clerk; W. P.
Anderson and R. T. Morris, .justices of the peace ; P. I\I. Pindley, constable ;
Ole Cleaveland. a.ss&ssor. and Harold Haroldson. James Lesis and Ole Miekelson,
trustees. The town is governed, with Barnes township, by the trustees and
.justices of the peace.

THE PUBLIC SCHOOL.

The Independent District of Linn Grove was very probably organized in
the summer of 1892. as the first meeting of any board of directors for an Inde-
pendent district was held August 1, 1892. The board at that time consisted of
0. A. Miekelson. H. E. Loe, C. L. Ward and 0. L. Hesla.

The school building under the township district was situated on the site of
the present one. When the Independent district was formed, an old schoolhouse
across the river was fitted up into two rooms, and to this place the larger pupils
were sent, and the smaller ones to the schoolhouse situated in the town proper.
H. L. Pierce was the last teacher in the township district school, and Miss Julia
Brown was the first teacher under the Independent district. Twenty-seven
I)upils constituted the enrollment of the school at that time.

During the year 1894. a schoolhouse. thirty-six by fifty-four, was erected,
costing one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine dollars. Before it was
tiiiisliid. however, the plans w'ere changed somewhat whereby an addition, cost-
ing six hundred dollars, was l)uilt. In 1901 a heating and ventilating apparatus
was installed. This constitutes the present building. The old buildings were
both sold when the new one was erected, and one of them is still used as a
residence near the site of the present building.

The present enrollment of the school is one hundred and twenty-seven.
The corps of teachers is constituted as follows : Miss Ida M. VanBuskirk. prin-
cipal; Elsie Lake. Theresa Loe, and JIable Rider, the grade teachers.

The present board of directors is composed of the following men : A. L.
Campbell. Joseph Roberts. W. P. Batten. Lewis Johnston and H. 0. Hanson.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

The First Regular Baptist church of Linn (Jrove was organized on the 18th
day of December, 1889. by Rev. Robert Carroll, missionary of the State Conven-
tion and Home Mission Society in the Northwestern District of Iowa. The fol-
lowing persons composed the membership of the church at its organization : J. R.
Pindley. Mrs. J. R. Pindley. Dr. and Mrs. Wm. B. Hall, ]\Irs. Sarah Evans. John
E. Bloodgood, Mrs. Jessie Bloodgood, ]Mrs. Ida Buland. James Pindley was
elected the first deacon, John E. Bloodgood, clerk, and Wm. B. Hall, treasurer.

100 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

In 1890 the first board of trustees was elected as follows : Thos. Evans, K.
Huland, II. W. :Mayiie, W. B. Hall, and J. R. Pindlcy. In the same .year their
first chureh building was erected, costing one thousand four hundred and forty-
three dollars "from foundation up." This constitutes the present building.
The society held services in the Union church building until their own was
erected. The Union church is so called because it was erected by popular
subscription, and is open for the use of all denominations. Besides the church
the Baptists own a parsonage, which together with a lot, was purchased in 1900,
and rebuilt in 1903, twelve hundred dollars being expended for this work.

The following ministers have been pastors of this church : Revs. John
Firth, a supply, F. L. Ketman. a student, A. Amburn. n supjily, Thos. E. S.
Sapham. W. A. Nelson. C. W. C. Erickson, 0. W. Catlin, G. 'SI. Bcntley, R. E.
House, J. W. Oliver, W. T. Reese and J. V. Wright.

The officers of the church at tlic present time arc: C. I. Pease, clerk; Lewis
Lewis, treasurer; Chas. Hanson and Ijcwis Lewis, deacons; S. G. Buland. Lewis
Lewis, D. W. Evans and James Morris, trustees. The enrollment numbers
sixty-two.

The Sunday school has a member.ship of over one hundred; Lewis Lewis is
superintendent and iliss Geo Mayne, seci'etai'.v.

There is a junior B. Y. P. U. with Mary Morris, president ; Earl Campbell,
secretary; Thos. Harris, treasurer.

The ladies of the church have their Aid Society ; Mrs. Maggie Roberts is
president; Miss Mary Morris, secretary; and ]\[iss Guennie Lloyd, treasurer.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The Calvinistic ^Ictluidist church (Welsh Prcsb.vtcrian ) was organized
June 8, 1!)()7. The organization was effected by Rev. Hugh Owens of Ottawa,
Maine, who had been duly appointed bv the Presbyterv, and the Rev. W. S.
Harris of fjinn (irovc. Tlic new society was called "The Riverside Church."
There were twenty-four c-liai'tcr iiii'inhers, from wlnmi tlie following were elected
officers: J. G. Tjlo.vd. secretary; J. T. Evans, treasurer; Henry Hecs. Elmer
Evans and John Evans, elders.

T'he societ.v holds its services in llir I'nion cluircli liuildinLi'. meetings being
held in the evening onl.v. The present membership is about I weiit.v-eight ; the
officers are constituted as follows: llenrv Recs. I). ('. .lones, and lOlmer Evans,
elders; Mrs. A. J. Erii-l<soii. seci-ctary; D. ('. .loiies, t I'rasur'cr. I\ev. W. S.
Harris is the present pastor.

Tlie Ladies .Aid have the following officers: President, Mrs. E. W. Evans;
vice ])i'esi(lcnt. Mrs. Andrew Rees ; secretary, Miss Grace Llo.yd ; treasurer, Mrs.
C. E. l'>i-os1cn.

MODERN WOODMEN OP AMERICA.

i>inn Grove Camp No. 4854. M. W. .\.. was iiistitufcd June 25, 1897.
Twenty-one persons composed the charter membership as follows: G. B. Ander-
son, Ben.j. Hidand, S. (i. Buhuul. Thomas David, Henry Dedeu, Harry Bowling,

HISTORY OP HUENA VISTA COUNTY 191

Frank G. Ellis. Joe Enghuul, F. II. Findley, H. T. Planslnirg, C. S. Goodrich,
A. W. Jones, R. F. Hughes. Osear A. Goodrich, Wm. Lewis, H. W. Mayne, Albert
E. Phelps, Arthur Phelps, Henry L. Pierce, Joseph Roberts and Ole O. Strome.

The lodge used the rooms above the restaurant until 1908 when they moved
into their present hall. The.y have an enrollment of forty-seven members, with
the following officers: ^latt Peterson, V. C. ; Ira Fountain, banker; James
Morris, clerk ; Geo. Reese, W. A. ; Ansker Nord, watchman ; John Leehy, sentry ;
Geo. Desriglle. escort; E. E. Smith, physician; Geo. DesrigUe, Carl Rokkon, and
J. W. Davis, managers.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

JUDGE T>OT THOMAS.

No history of BiieiiH Vista cduiity would lie coiiipli'te without extended
anil prominent reference to Jndiri' Lot Thomas, for the pnblie life nf no other
man of the eommunity has been more varied in serviee. more constant in honor
or more fearless and npriffht in action. His name adorns the pag:es of Iowa's
judicial history as one who stood as the emliodiment of the ideal in the admin-
istration of justice, neithei' partisan prejudice nor personal bias deflecting him
in the slightest degree fnun the straight path of the law.

Judge Thomas was born in Fayette county. Peinisvlvania, October ]7,
18-1.3, and was reared to farm life, remaining on the old homestead until
twenty years of age. He had previously mastered the elementary branches
of learning in the public schools and at that time he entered the Vermillion
Institute at Hayesville. Ohio, where he pursued his studies from 186-i until 1868.
He was ever an apt and earnest .student and the same thoroughness character-
ized him in his preparation of legal cases in later years. He remained at
home long enough to cast his first presidential vote for General Grant in the
fall of 1868 and the same day started for Warren county. Towa, thinking that
the new and growing west ottered better ojipoi-tuiiitics. For two years he
devoted his time to teaching school and to the study of law in that county, and
in 1S70 matriculated in the law department of the state university of low^a,
whei-e in two years he completed the full course. He then located for practice
at Storm Lake in the fall of 1871. but as Sioux Rapids was then the county
.seat, he removed thither that year and was a practitioner at the bar there until
Storm Lake was chosen as the county seat in 1877. and he retvirned to this city.

In his profession no dreary novitiate awaited him. On the contrary his
practice steadily increased from the beginning both in volume and importance,
for he early demonstrated his power and ability in coping with the intricate
and complex problems of the law. His mind was analytical, logical and
inductive in its trend, and he determined with remarkable rapidity what were
the salient points in his case and so presented them before the court that he
seldom failed to win the verdict desired. His recognized ability led to his
selection for county attorney and he also served as mayor of the towii. In
1884 he was chosen judge of the fourteenth district, taking to the bench the
same (lualiticatious that had characterized him as a man and citizen — lofty

194 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

patriotism, high ideals and the faithful performance of every duty. His deci-
sions were marvels of judicial soundness and it was seldom that the higher
tribunals had occasion to reverse an opinion that came from his court. The
opinion of no .iudge in the state was received with greater respect. His keen-
ness and .iudieial turn of mind, his strict sense of justice, his entire freedom
from influence of any kind and his thorough uiulerstanding of the law won
him recognition in his judicial capacity which was state wide. He had the
full confidence of the entire har. the entire respect of the other representatives
of the bench in Iowa and that his course received the endorsement of the gen-
eral public is indicated by the fact that he was four times elected to the office.

At length, on the 26th of August, 1898. Judge Thomas resigned in order
to accept the republican nomination for congress from the eleventh district.
He was elected after one of the most interesting political contests in the state
and was afterward reelected to the fifty-seventh and fifty-eiglith congresses,
closing his career March 4, 190,"). He proved an able working member in the
national halls of legislation, lieing connected witli many important construc-
tive measures, while his efforts in the committee rooms were of a most valuable
character. He served with distinction on the judiciary and claims committees,
where his opinions were always received with respect and were carefully con-
sidered. He never took part in the del)ates which won the plaudits of the
multitude but wielded great influence among legislators, who had the highest
regard for his opinions. At no time vs^as the honesty of his purpose or the
soundness of his judgment called into question, and while some differed from
him as to a political policy, they ever cntertMincd for him the highest personal
respect.

In IST.'i Judge Thomas was united in marriage to Jliss Oma E. Barton, of
Ashland, Ohio, and they became the parents of two sons and a daughter:
Clarence L., now an able lawyer of ^luskogee, Oklahoma ; Frank, who died in
February, 1907; and Cora.

Judge Thomas was devoted to his family, being always a man of domestic
tastes who found his greatest happiness at his own fireside. He was never a
rol)ust man and often sheer will power kejit him at liis professional and official
duties when his health demanded rest and i|uiet. At the close of his tliird term
in congress, on the 4th of IMarch, 190"), he decided to go to California, hoping
that a stay in that siuniy clime would prove beneficial, but wliile enroute to the
coast he passed away at Yuma, Arizona, on the 17th of JIarch. No death in
Storm Lake has been more <leeply regretted, for the entire community
I'ccognized in his passing tiie loss of one of its most distinguished and honored
eitizen.s — a man wlmse in rd was no less conimeiulaWe in his social and com-
munity interests than it \\'as in his professional career. He had displayed
somid judgment in business matters and had made judicious investment in real
estate, so that he left his family well provided for. He built one of the
finest homes in the city of Storm Lake and aided in developing the county in
many material ways, lie was a thorough student of sociological and economic
problems, was interested in social reform and was a stalwart and inicomprom-
ising champion of civic purity, his leadership in this direction proving an
element in municipal honesty. He attained a high degree in Masonry, was a

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 105

member of the Mystic Shrine, and from the age of twenty-three years was
connected with the Presbyterian church.

In a review of his life a local writer said of Judge Thomas: ''It requires
the discriminating mind, the enlightened conscience, the even temper,
patience, profound knowledge of legal principles and of men ; inflexible devo-
tion to the eternal principles of justice and a disregard of self, to make the
great judge, and all of these essentials Judge Thomas possessed to an unusual
degree. They made him one of the best and strongest judges who ever sat on
the district bench in this state. He presided at the trial of many cases of
great importance and rendered many decisions involving!* large interests, in
which great knowledge of the law was required, and as to facts and law he
was nearly always right. The records of our state court of last resort show
that there are few, if any, of his contemporaries on the bench who committed
fewer errors.

"He was sympathetic as other men. luit he never permitted his .sym-
pathies to cloud his judgment. He did not leap to the conclusion of his cases,
but formed his opinion only when he had examined the law and the evidence
witli painstalving care and felt that so far as he was able, by th(night and
study, he knew what the decision should lie and he then rendered it. And he
possessed the rare faculty of so announcing a ruling or decision as not to give
offense to the losing party. The good faith of his conclusions was never
questioned.

"The physical strength of Judge Thomas was not e(|ual to the duties
whicli fell to him and wliich he attempted to perform. During the last winter
of his life he attended the sessions of the House when so weak he was com-
pelled to recline on a couch, l)eing unable to be absent when important
questions were decided. He held (uit to the end, discharging, so far as he
could, every duty of his office; and when all had lieen done and the speaker's
gavel had fallen for the last time, he gave attention to his own welfare. It
was thought that he might be helped by the mild air aiul the balmy sea
breezes of the Pacific coast, and thither it was decided to go and the journey
was commenced. But just before it was ended, and less thau two weeks from
the close of his official duties, the end came and the worn out body was at rest.

"The life thus ended was a useful one, although the mind was always
stronger than the body. Indeed, it is marvelous that one with so weak a
physique should have accomplished more than did most of his contemporaries.
Of the thirteen attorneys whose chief employment was the practice of the law
in the year 1870, in the counties of the judicial district over which Judge
Thomas afterward presided, five died before him and but seven are l)elieved
to be living. Of the seven, three moved from the state many years ago and
others from the district; and one has but a nominal residence within it. Of
the original thirteen but four are known to be practicing law, and of these but
two are practicing in the state. Of the three hundred inhabitants of Storm
Lake who were here when Lot Thomas first came to the town, fewer than a
dozen remain, and the proportion of the settlers of that year in the entire
county who are still here is small. These facts are suggestive of the power

196 lUSTUKY UF BUENA VLSTA COLUXTY

of will which sustained Jud^e Thimias in his life strufislt's when iiiost men
would have given up in despair.

"But however well he filled his pai't as i-itizen. attorney and law-maker.
we turn to his record on the beneh with most satisfaction. There he did his
l)est work and won his greatest triumphs. He did this, not through fortuitous
opportunit.v. but by the force of natural powers guided by training and expe-
rience. His judicial career merits the highest praise and may well be emulab'd
by generations of .iudges yet to be. Rarely will it be excelled."

FREDERICK P. FAVHjLE.

Frederick P. Faville, United States attorney for the northern district of
Iowa, was boi-n in Mitchell. Iowa. June 5. 1865. His father, Amos S. Faville,
was a most distinguished and honored citizen. A native of Herkimer county,
New York, he was Itorn in ISS:!. His early life was devoted to farming and
after a trip around the world he came to Iowa, settling on a farm in Jlitchell
county, entering the land from the government. He was the first county sur-
veyor of that county and the second to fill the position of county .iudge. He
was also deputy United States internal reveinie collectoi- for what is now the
third district. He was a member of the thirteenth general assembly of Iowa
from Mitchell and Howard counties. He taught the first school in the
county, organized the first Sunday school and was one of the early officers of
the Congregational chnrcli which numbered him among its devoted members.
He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity and his political allegiance
was given to the republican party. A man of letters, college-bred and with
strong native intelligence. Judge Faville was well qualified to occupy the posi-
tion of prominence and inflncnce which he did in 1hc ])nbiic life of tlic state.

His wife's maiden name was Esther D. C'rai-y. She was i)orn in Knox,
Albany county. New York, in 1S.S8. and was descended from Puritan ancestry
and from Revolutionary stock. Jlrs. Faville was a iiicnd)ci' of Ihe Congrega-
tional church and like her husliand was greatly intcreslcd in tiic intelbn'tual
;ind moral progi-css of the community wiiere Ihcy resided. His death occur-
I'cil in I)cc(Mnber, 1900. whib> siic passed away in Xoxcmbcr. 1902. They
wer(^ the parenls ol' livi' cbildi-cn, of whom I'l'cdcrick \'\ i<'a\'illc was the third
in order of birth.

Frederick P. FaviMc was a |inpil in the pulilic scbools of Mitchell, Iowa,
in his early l)oyh()od and ai'l<'rward attended the (!edar Valley Seminary, at
Osage, and later graduated iVom the Iowa State College, at Ames. He ni^xt
entered the State University of .Maryland, where lie was a law student in 1889
and 1890. He further continued liis pi-eparalion foi' the bar as a student
in the Stale Univei'sily of Iowa. IVom which he was gi-aduated with the class
of 1891. In the s])ring of 1892 he began practice in Sioux Rapids, where he
I'cmained uidil the sjiring of 189;"). when he came to Storm Lake to assume the
duties of the ot'ficc of <'ounty Jillorney and here he h;is lived contiiuiously since.
He continued in the pri\alc practice ol' law with growing success until March

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 197

15, 1907, when he was appointed Jiy President Roosevelt to the position of
TTnited States attornej' for the northern distriet of Iowa, and is now the
inenmbent in that office.

He belongs to the Masonie fraternity. His political allegiance has ever
l)een given to the republican party. For four year.s he served as county
attorney and in 1904 he was on the national repuljlicaii ticket as presidential
elector from the eleventh district.

In December, 1891, Jlr. Faville was married to Miss Cora Thornbnrg, who
was born in Orchard, Iowa, in 1866. They have two children, Stanton S.
and Marion B. The parents arc iiii'mbcrs of the Presliyterian chiu-eh, of
which Mr. Faville is a trustee.

Mrs. Faville is much interested in the social and literary life of the city.
She is president of the Ti;esday Club, a ladies' literary organization, and eliair-
man of the book committee of tlie triistees of the pnlilic library.

A. M. CONNER.

A. M. Conner is one of the prominent business men of Buent Vista county,
now actively engaged in merchandising in Alta, where he has been located for
twenty-one years. Ilis energy and enterprise not only constitute a factor
ill his personal .success but have also been elements in the growth and upbuild-
ing of the town. A native son of Iowa he was born in Plainfield. iMarch 27,
1S68. and is a son of Aaron Conner, of whom iiiciitinn is made on another pag'^
of this volume. There were but two children in the family, the other lieing
a daughter. Ina, now the wife of Ed Larson, one of the prominent Imsiness
men of Alta, mentioned elsewhere in this work.

Pursuing his education in schools of Alta, A. Jl. Conner was graduated
with the class of lS8fi. From early lioyhood he has been connected with
mercantile interests and in early manhood entered into partnership with his
father and mother in the eondiu't of a store, which has figured as one of the
principal commercial interests of Alta for man.v years. His sister is now a
partner in the business. After the father's death. A. ]\L Conner took charge
of the store. He had previously been manager of the dry-goods and grocery
department, and upon his father's demise assumed entire control, and is now
at the head of the business, which is constantly growing in volume and
importance. He carries a large and well selected line of goods, and the taste-
I'ul arrangement of the store, as well as the reasonable prices and the
straightforward business policy here followed, has constituted an element in
the success of the luidertaking. ^Ir. Conner and his mother are both stock-
holders in the First National Bank and they are also stockholders in the Fair
Association. He is interested in all I hat tends to promote activity along lines
of general development and improvement and cooperates in many measures
for the public good.

In June, 1891, was celelirated the marriage of ^Iv. Couiiei' and Miss
Lillian E. Parker, a dau'ihter of W, \V. P.-irkcr. a well Icnowii and iiilhicntial

198 TTISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

farnior of this eoinmiinity and one iif its early settlers. Two ehildren grace
tliis marriage. Floyd Arthur and Fern Amelia. In his political views llr.
Conner is a democrat and while he has never sought nor desired otifiee he has
served as a member of the city cnnncil and he always keeps well informed on
the questions and issues of the day. Both he and his wife are members of
the Methodist Episcopal church and are interested in conimunity affairs. ^Mr.
Conner belongs to the Masonic lodge and both he and his wife are well kiuiwn
socially, the hospitality of the best homes of the community being freely
accorded them.

ANDREW R. BROWNE.

The enterprising little city of Alta finds a worthy and progressive repre-
sentative in A. R. Browne, who for twenty-one years has been connected with
the First National Bank and is now its cashier and manager. His business
integrity stands as an unquestioned fact in his career and he enjoys to the
fullest extent the confidence and good will of his fellow townsmen ami all
with whom business or social relations have brought hiiu in contact. He was
born in Buena Vista county. August 8. 1871. His father, Frederic B, Browne,
was a native of Canada, born March 25, 184.S, and was a son of Frederic B.
Browne, Sr., a native of England, who in early life crossed the Atlantic to
Canada. He later removed to Buffalo, New York, and afterward to Wis-
consin, settling near Oconomowoc, where he spent his last years. His son and
namesake was reared I" niaidiood in tliat state and was iiiari-icd to Miss
Hannah Russell, a native of Vermont and of Scotch lineage. After the out-
break of the Civil war Fi'ederic B. Browne, Jr., enlisted for service in the
Union ai-niy and joined the Twenty-eighth Wisconsin N'olunleer Inl'anfry. On
the exi)iration of the first term he veteranized aiul remained at tiu> front
throughout the entii'c ])<'riod of hostiliti(>s. covering four years. He was pro-
moled I'roni llu' ranks and i-oniniissinned secimd lieutenant in recognition of
his meritorious conduct on the lield of battle. After the war he was lu)norably
discharged and returned home with a cri>ditalde military record, continuing
his residence in Wisconsin until isiitl, when lie I'inioved to Buena Vista county,
Iowa. This section of the? slate was tlien largely unsettled and unimproved,
and I'riim the governmenl he entered a lioniestead claim in Coon township. He
th<'n broke the sod. planted his ei'iips and in tlii' eoiirse of time opened up a
good farm which he continued to cultivate for several years. He afterward
removed to Sioux Kai)ids and in 1S77 became a resident of Storm Lake, in
which year the e(uuity seat was located there. In 1881 he came to Alta and for
a nund)er of years was cashier of the bank iu're. contiiuiing thus in active con-
nection with the financial interests of the town until his death. He was a well
known business man and his enterprise and energy led him to success.

A. R. Browne was largely reared aiul educated in Alta and when but six-
teen years of age took a position in tiie bank, where he served in variou.s
capacities, winning successive promotions as he demonstrated his ability and

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 201

thoroug-h knowledge of the duties entrusted to him. His identification with
the bank eovers a period of twenty-one years, and sinee 1896 he has been its
cashier. On a reorganization of the hank, under the name of the First
National Rank of Alta. in 1904, he became one of its stockholders and direct-
ors and continued iiis duties as cashier and manager. The institution now is
practically under his control and the community recognizes in him a safe con-
servative hanker, whose Inisiness methods are reliable and who recognizes fully
the obligations that devolve upon him as the custodian of the funds of others.

Mr. Browne was married in Alta, December 4, 1893, to Miss Dora
Johannessen, who was born in Iowa, and was reared in Alta. There are two
daughters of this marriage, Florence B. and Mildred. The parents are mem-
Iters of the Presbj'terian church and Mr. Browne is serving as one of its
trustees and its treasurer. They are both interested in the church work and
are associated with many of the church activities.

Mr. Browne is a Master Mason, loyal to the teachings and purposes of the
craft. He has been a supporter of the republican party since age conferred
upon him the right of franchise and he is now serving as a member of the city
council and acting as chairman of the heat and light plant. He is a bi'oad-
minded man, whose breadth of view recognizes, not only possibilities for his
own advancement, liut for the city's development as well, and his patriotism
prompts him to utilize the latter as quickly and as effectively as the former.

HERBERT C. GORDON.

Herliert C. Gordon, who since 1893 has lieen editor and [U-oprietor of the
Newell Mirror of Newell. Iowa, was born in Gilboa. Scholiarie county. New
York, July 26. 1858, and is a son of Seth Edward and Anna (Freese) Gordon,
who were likewise natives of New York. The former was a sou of Elias
Gordon, who was also born in the Empire state and was a farmer by occupa-
tion. He wedded JMary Jane Goodman, and they became the parents of
twelve children. S. E. Gordon and wife died in Sac county at an advanced
age. The maternal grandfather of Herbert C. Gordon was John Freese, a
native of New York, who also made farming his life occupation, and died
when well advanced in years. His wife liore the maiden name of Rhoda Rose
and had also reached old age when slie was called to her final rest. They too
had a large family.

Seth E. Gordon engaged in tilling the soil in Schoharie county, New York,
\nit at the outbreak of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal con-
siderations and offered his seiwices to the government. He was assigned to
duty with the Seventy-seventh New York Heavy Artillery, and served for
three years, being a non-commissioned officer. When the war was over he
removed to Iowa, settling in Sac county in ilarch, 1806. There he engaged
in farming, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which he after-
ward added another (|uarter section. His home was about seven miles from
Sac City, in Douglas township, and he continued to engage actively in farming

202 HISTORY OF BUEXA VISTA COUNTY

until his life's labors were ended in death in 1889, when he was fifty-five years
of age. His wife died in 1901 at the age of sixty-six years. Both were
members of the Fir.st Day Adventist church. Mr. Gordon held the office of
supervisor in Sac county for many years and was an influential citizen of his
community. Their family numbered three sons and two daugthers : Francis
Eugene, now living in Sac City; Herbert C. ; Marion L.. whose home is in
Auburn, Illinois ; Nellie J., the wife of Charles B. Hazard, of ^Marathon, Iowa ;
and Mary A., the deceased wife of George Gordon.

Herbert C. Gordon was a lad of eight years when he came to Iowa with
ids parents. He was reared upon the home farm in Sac county, and attended
the district schools until the age of seventeen years, when he began teaching.
He followed that i^rofession luitil twenty-one years of age, when he began
learning the printer's trade in Sac City, and in 1S89 came to Newell, where
lie entered the employ of J. C. Blair of the Newell .Alin-or. and also acted as
assistant postmaster for four years, having charge of both the postoffice and
the paper in the absence of Mr. Blair. After four years' connection with the
Mirror he purchased the plant in September, 189:i, in partnership with J. P.
Lawton, and they continued together for nine years, when in 1902 ilr. Gordon
purchased his partner's interest and has since been sole proprietor. The
I)aper is republican in politics and the plant is an exceptionally good one for
a town of this size, the ofHcc being equipped with power presses run by a gaso-
line engine. The Mirror is a liright, well edited paper, fair in its discussion
of public questions, and its gi'owing circulation makes it an excellent adver-
tising medium.

On the 29th of Se|)li'iiilH'r, ISSI, .Mr. Gufdon was married to ]\riss Eleanor
L. Pierce, a daughter of Howard A. and Maudaiie L. (Knight) Pierce. Mrs.
Gordon was born in Butte county, California. Her father was a native of
Maine and lives at Bayou Tjacomb. Louisana. Iiut iiis wife died a number of
years ago. Their children were 'i'homas S., Ivlward I),, Elt'anoi- L., Marian
N., Daisy and Bertha M.

Mr. and IMrs. Gordmi lia\-r liccdinc the parents oT I'linr children: Grace
M., Daisy A., Neva H., wlio are living; and one son who died in inraney. The
eldest daughter is the wii'e of Eai'l C. King, of Newell; and Dai.sy A. married
Clarence L. Barnard. oT this city, l)\' whom she has one son, Sumiu'r Gordon
r.arnard. Airs, Eleanor Gurdon dieil in l!)(l() at thi' age oC thirt\--nine years.
She was a mendier of the Fifsl Day Advent ists elnu'eh anil was a most estima-
ble lady, whose death was deeply regretted liy many friends. On the 2:!d of
September, 1901, Mr. Gordon was again niar-ried. his second union lu-ing with
Mrs. Anna Cox, the wife of I'erey 1'. Cox. and the daughter of K'osallia
Thompson.

Mr. and Mrs. (iordou are niendiers of the l''irst Congregational chiireh,
and he is a valued represetdative of several fraternal organizations. He
belongs to Royal Ijodge, No. 428, F. & A. M.. of which he is seidor warden.
He also belongs to Rex Jjodge, No. 242, K. 1'.. and Kismet Camp, No. 447. M.
\V. A., of which he has been consul for a mnubei- of years; aiul to Manilla
District id' the Court of IIoiu)r. in which he is recorder. His political allegi-
ance has always been given to the re|inblic;in part\ ;ind he is now s<'rviug as

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 203

township elerk. He has been ohairmaii of the county central committee and
is an active and earnest worker in behalf of party principles. His position
on a matter of vital importance is never an ei|uivoc;d one, ;nid it is well known
that his influence is always given on the side of progress, reform, development
and municipal advancement.

PATRICK MORRISSEY.

Patrick Morrissey is well known as a breeder of pure-blooded cattle, and
is one of the extensive and successful stock-dealers of Nokomis township. He
makes his home on section 22. where he has one hundred and twenty acres of
good land that is well improved. The farm is neat and attractive in appear-
ance and is pleasantly situated about a mile from Alta. Mr. Morrissey was
liorn in Dubuque county, Iowa, March 25, 1862. and is a son of James
Morrissey, a native of Ireland, who was reared and married in that country.
He afterward emigrated to the new world, settling in Dubuque county. Iowa,
among its pioneer residents. In 1871 he removed to Alta and near by pur-
chased land, which he improved, .just across the road from the present home
of his son. He owned one hundred and sixty acres of land but lived in town
and liis sons operated the farm. He was also the first section boss to locate
at Alta and filled that position for a number of years. After losing his wife
he returned to his native country in order to visit his friends in the old world
and still lives in Ireland. His family numbered three sons and three daugh-
ters, namely: James, who is now living in Minnesota; Michael, of South
Dakota; Patrick, of this review; Marie, residing in Alta; Mrs. Jessie
Wilkinson, also of Alta ; and Mrs. A. C. Rader, of the same place.

Patrick Morrissey was reared to manliood in Alta, and was a pupil in the
public schools, ac(iuiring there the education which fitted him for life's prac-
tical and responsible duties. In the periods of vacation he assisted in
carrying on the home farm and after leaving school he engaged in clerking
for a time. Later he was appointed postmaster of Alta under President
Cleveland's first term and filled the position for four years, capably controlling
the affairs of the office and discharging his duties with promptness and fidel-
ity. He has also filled other public offices, serving in the town council while
a resident at Alta, and also becoming officially connected with schools, acting
as president of the school lioard of the independent district. He is now
township clerk and has been a delegate to the numerous conventions of
his party.

Mr. Morrissey was married in Alta, in 1895, to Miss Kittie Evans, who
was born in Illinois and was reared and educated there, coming to Iowa when
a young lady. Following his marriage Mr. ^lorrissey bought laud and
located on his farm about IDOl. lie has since rebuilt and remodeled the
house, has put up a good barn, has fenced the ]3lace and has Ijrought the fields
undei- a high state of cultivation. in connection with the raising of cereals
best adapted to soil and climate he has ;ilso made a specialty of raising polled

204 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Durham oalllo, haviiiii' a iminhcr of registered stock. lie now has a fine herd
of thirteen head with an imported male, and has (|uite extensively engaged in
breeding. lie niak'es exhibits at tlie county fairs and has received first prem-
iums on his stock. He also raises thoroughbred Chester "Wiiite hogs and this
branch of his liusiness has also proven profitable. He was one of the origina-
tors of the Farmers Elevator Company and its first president. He also
assisted in the organization of the Creamery Compan}'. in which lie is a
stockholder.

Unto ilr. and JIi's. Jlorrissey have been l)orn four daughters: .Maud.
Millieent, Lola and Helen, and three of them are students in the Alta schools.
Mr. ilorrissey is a member of the Masonic fraternity, has passed through all
of the chairs in the local lodge, serving as its treasurer, aud is also past
master. He is likewise a member of the fraternal insurance order. He has
been a director of the Fair Association for fifteen years, and is interested in
all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the community along lines of
material, social, intellectual and moral development. His success is due
entirely to his own labors, and his energy aud tliligeiU'C have constituted the
strong features in his prosperity.

C. G. CONLEY.

The steps in the orderly progression which mark the life record of C. G.
Conley are easily discernible. As the years have passed his powers have
constantly expanded tJn-ough exercise aud activity in the business woi-ld and
he has gone forward step by step until lie is today occupying a position of
prominence in commercial circles in Buena Vista comity, being now president
and treasurer of the Sioux Rapids Hardware Company.

He was born in JIadrid, New York, in 1854 and is a son of A. B. and
Nancy (Kingsbury) Conley, who always remained residents of the Empire
state. The son aecpiii'cd liis education in the |)ui)lic schools and was a i)upil
oi' John S. ]\Iillcr. When about sevenleen years of age he started out in life
on his own account and was eniiiloyed for a time at farm labor but his ambi-
tion led liim in other directions and, coming to the west in si'arch of broader
opportuniti(!s, he secured a clerkship in a dry-goods store at Union Grove,
Wisconsin, becoming an employe of tlie firm of Humphrey & Coburn.

JTr. Conley occupied that position I'oi- a few years and then came to Sioux
Rapids, wlieii^ he engaged in clerking for P. W. Goodrich for about one year.
During that lime be devoted ail of his leisure hours to the study of telegraphy
and in 1882 hei anie assistant agent and operator with W. II. Pratt, agent at
Sioux Rapids. .\ lew months later he was assigned to a position on the con-
stnietion train as held operator and thus moved from place to place with the
extension of the roail. lie was aflei-ward stationed at Eagle Grove as
operator for the Northwestern Railway Company and in 1884 he gave up his
position with the Northwestern to enter commercial life, believing that his
previous experience and his well earned i-apital now Justilied him in this step.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 205

Tnriiins: liis attention to the hardware trade in Sionx Rapids, he hecame a
nienilier of the firm of Smith & Conley. and when J. J. Duroe was admitted to
a partnership tlie name was ehanged to Smith. Duroe & Conley, and when IMr.
Smith sold out the name of Duroe & Coidey was assumed. Tliey conducted
the store with jjood success until 1892, when the business was changed, becom-
ing a part of the new organization known as the Sionx Rapids Hardware
Company. The original otificers were J. J. Duroe, president ; F. A. Gabrielson,
vice president; and C. G. Conley, secretary and treasurer. There is an
authorized capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars with a paid up stock
of fifteen thousand dollars. A full and complete line of everything in hard-
ware and also farm implements of all kinds are carried. The business has
constantly grown in volume and importance and is today one of the leading
commercial concerns of Sioux Rapids and this part of the coimty. The build-
ing which they occupy is their ovra property and was erected in 1901. The
]iresent officers of the company are: C. G. Conley. president and treasurer,
and E. F. Conley, vice president and secretary. They are located on the
most prominent corner in the town and the store is conducted along modern
business lines and is bringing siibstantial profits.

Mr. Conley was married in 1885 to Miss Elnah Duroe. a daughter of J. J.
and Agnes (Sands) Duroe. lioth of whom were natives of New York, whence
they came to Iowa in 1868. ilr. and Mrs. Conley now have four children:
Agnes E.. a leading instructor in the music department of the Breck School at
Wilder, Minnesota ; C. E. ; James ; and Lucile.

Mr. Conley votes the democratic ticket and the family attend the Congre-
gational church. They are interested in those things which contrilmte to
public progress and cooperate in many movements for the general good. Mr.
Conley stands as a mair of strong and well defined enterprise and early realiz-
ing that advancement depends upon individual effort intelligently directed he
has bent his energies toward gaining that success which is the goal toward
which all business men are striving. What he has accomplished represents
the fit utilization of his innate powers and his record is that of a man whose
business development has been a source of lienefit to the community as well as
to the individual.

JAMES H. O'DONOGHUE, M. D.

The conscientious and zeahnis performance of his professional duties,
combined with his comprehensive and accurate knowledge of the principles
of medicine and surgery, has made Dr. Janu's II. O'Donoghue one of the
l)rominent and successful ]ihysicians of Storm Lake. He was born in Cal-
lioun county. Iowa. July 8, 1868.

His father, Michael O'Donoghue, was a native of New York. He died in
^larch. 1869. at the early age of twenty-eight years. He was a college-bred
man. a fine mathematician and a capable civil engineer. In 1863 he went to
Illinois and during the period of the Civil war was principal of the schools of

206 TTTSTORY OF UTTF.XA VISTA COUNTY

Roekford, Illinois. lie was one of a family ol' fourteen ehildren, twelve sons
and two daiighters and eight of the sons were soldiers of the Union army.
;\lichael O'Donoghne gave his politieal allegianee to the democratic party and
was ever loyal in the support of his honest convictions. At the time of his
death he was engaged in teaching in the school at Lake City. Iowa. Desiring
to be at his homestead at Twin Lakes to attend a me-eting of the settler.s
March I, he closed his school early on Friday afternoon and set out to walk
from Lake City to Twin Lakes, a distance of twenty miles across the prairie.
He passed through the Gregg settlement at dn.sk, having easily made the first
eight miles of the journey. The remaining twelve miles would be across
unbroken prairie, no human habitation intervening, but although it was begin-
ning to snow he declined the urgent hospitality of Tillman Gregg and struck
fearlessly across the trackless prairie toward his distant homestead and was
jiot again seen alive. \Yhen the three days' blizzard had abated and eom-
mimication was reestablished between the settleiuents, the startling tidings
was passed from mouth to mouth that O'Donoghue was lost in the snow
and soon posses, consisting of all the able bodied settlers of the coiinty, were
tramping the prairie seeking for the body, but so thoroughly had the terrific
snow storm obliterated every trace that it was not until the 20th of JIarch that
the body was found by a hunter, Renaldo Gray. :\lr. O'Donoghue had cov-
ered over nineteen mHes of the journey through the night, buffeted by the
storm, only to perish within a half mile of his goal, the boundary of his home-
stead. Such was the fate of a pioneer. He left a widow and two eliildren.

Mrs. O'Donoghue bore the maiden name of Catherine Cannell and was
a native of the Lsle of :\Ian. When seven years of ag(> she accompanied her
mother to Illinois and after the early death of her husband she lived upon the
claim which he lia<l entered from the government and jjroved up the prop-
erty. She now makes her home in Kansas City. Jlissouri. at the age of
sixty-five yeai's. and is Ihe wife of Rev. Dr. J. B. Trimble, a well known
missionary, now acting as secretary of the Kansas City district of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. The mother of our subject is also a member of the
same deiiominalion. ]',\ her tii'st mari'iage she had two ehildren but the elder,
Ida, died at the age of eleven .vears,

Dr, O'Donoghue pursued a public-sel 1 education, was giMdualed from

the high school of K'ockwi'll City. Iowa, with the class of ISS:!. and then con-
tinued his studies in Kpworth Seminary of Kpworth, this state, until he was
graduated therefrom in 1SS7. In that year he came to Bnena Vista county
and entered upon educational work as principal of the schools of Alta, where
he remained for two years. He then went to Hloomington. Nebraska, to
accept the superiutendcncy of the schools at tliat place and later he aeeeptea
a position as one of the faculty of .Morningside College at Siou.x City, where
lie remained for a .veai\ lie was likewise superintendent of schools at Cor-
rectionville, Iowa, for Tour years, and during the last six years of his teaching

(experience he was superintendent n\' the scl Is at Storm Lake. Ilis efforts

in educational lines constituted an important element in the intellectual devel-
opment of the state, for he was a capabb> instructor and held to high ideals
recognizing the value ol' intellectual training and development as a prepara-

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 207

tioii for life's cares and responsibilities. His teaching was not eontinuons
however, for at intervals he became a student and made that steady progress
which results from close application and tlioroughne.ss in school work. Hr
was graduated from ]\loriiingside College in lSf)2 with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts and won the degree of blaster of Science on his graduation from the
State University of Iowa. With broad literary and general knowledge to
serve as a foundation for his professional learning, he took up the study of
medicine and spent one year in Sioux City ^Medical College and one and a half
years in Edinburgh University in Scotland. He is a life member of the Chem-
ical Society of Edinburgh. In further preparation for his chosen calling he
attended the lectures and clinics of the Illinois iledical College of Chicago
during five summers, and was there graduated in 1904. The same year he
located for the practice of his profession in Storm Lake and has here since
remained as an able physician and surgeon, whose ability is demonstrated in
tlie excellent results which follow his administration of remedial agencies.

On the 30th of December. 1890. Dr. O'Donoghue was married to Jli.ss
Jeannette M. Fairburn. who was born in Dubuque count.v. Iowa. Feljruary 18,
1866. They have three children, Archie. Dorothy and Don.

Dr. O'Donoghue and his wife are consistent members of the Jlethodist
Episcopal church and he is e((ually loyal in his allegiance to the Masonic fra-
ternity. He served as master of his lodge for a number of years and has
taken the Royal Arch degrees. In politics he is independent, voting for men
and measures rather than for party, yet he is never remiss in the duties of
citizenship and his endorsement and aid are given to many movements for the
public good. In professional lines he is connected with the County, State and
American I\Iedical Associations and thus keeps abreast with the progress of
the profession, while in tlie faithful performance of each day's duty he finds
encouragement and inspiration for the labors of the succeeding day.

DANIEL F. KENNEDY.

V Daniel F. Kennedy, a prosperous and progressive farmer and stockman
residing on section 20. Washington township, where he owns and operates a
rich and productive farm of two hiuulred and forty acres, was born near
La Salle. La Salle county, Illinois, Decend)cr 16. 1862. His father, John
Kennedy, a native of Ireland, emigrated to the United States when a young
man, first locating in the state of New York. STd)se((uentlj' he removed west-
ward to Illinois, becoming one of the pioneer agriculturists of La Salle county,
that state, where he opened up a new farm. There he also celebrated his
marriage to Hiss Ellen Wolfe, a luitive of Ireland. He still resides in La
Salle county, being now a hale and hearty old gentleman of eighty-nine years.
His wife, however, was called to her final rest in 1899. T^nto this worthy
couple were born four children, two sons and two daughters, namely: Daniel
P., of this review; John, who <iwns and operates the old homestead farm in
La Salle county; Nellie; and Annie.

208 IlLSTOKY OF lUlENA VISTA COUNTY

Daniel F. Kennedy was reared on the home farm and obtained his educa-
tion in the common schools. After attaining man's estate he purchased a
good farm near Streator. La Salle county, and there successfully carried on
agricultural pursuits for a number of years. On the 21st of February, 1901,
he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Flannigan. a native of La Salle county,
Illinois, and a daughter of Edward Flannigan, who was also born in La Salle
county and is a prosperous farmer there. Subsequent to his marriage Mr.
Kennedy came to Buena Vista comity. Iowa, and located on the place where
ho now resides on section 20, Wa.shington township. In addition to the
work (if general farming he is also engaged in raising and feeding high-grade
stock, his carefully directed labors and capable Inisiness management bring-
ing to him a gratifying measure of success in his undertiikings. He has
fenced and tiled the ticlils and altogether has a model farming property,
while his residence is e((uipped with all modern conveniences and accessories.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have been born four children : JIary, Alice,
Jlabel and Gladys. Mr. Kennedy gives liis political allegiance to the men
ajid measures of the democracy but has no desire for the hcniors or emolu-
ments of office. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of
the Catholic church at Storm Lake and are widely and favorably known as
l)eople of genuine personal worth and many excellent traits of character.
Recognized throughoiit the county as a representative and progressive agri-
culturist, as well as public-spirited citizen, the life record of Mr. Kennedy
I'Muniil fail to 1)1' 111' intiTi'st to inan\' of mir readers.

SCOTT CASPER BRADFORD.

Scott (-aspei- iiradriii'd, tlic cxtciit and iin])(ii'tancc <il' wiidse liusincss inlci'-
ests have proved a valuable factoi' in the business development of Storm Lake,
was boi'n in Marion. Indiana. June 2. lS(i2. the only son of Casper and Saraii
((.'ocidan) HiMdl'iird. Tlir ratlicr, a iiativr of Virginia, was boi-n in 1,*^:{1 and
was of English descent, ti'aeing his ancestr\- back to Governor Bradford, wlui
was eiiief executive of Virginia in enlonial days. The family was represented
b.\ valiant scibliers in the iievnlut iimary war.

(';isper Bradford became a farmer by oeeupation and prior to 1840
removed from the Old Ddininion to Indiana, settling in Grant county, when>
he I'hlei-i'il land rnmi the ^uNei-nnient. The district was then an unbroken
wilderness, but he cleai-ed the land of its for(>st growth anil u])on the farm
whieli he tlu're developed spent his remaining days. Th(> old Bradford home-
stead isslill in |)ossession (il'tlie raiiiil\-. .\s tlii' lather tilled the soil and
cari'ied on the woi'k of the fields he became pi'osperous iind in the latter part
of his lile \v;is enabled to enjoy many of the comforts and some of the luxuries
which go tn make life wurtli living. The Bradford family were stanch
abolitionists and Casper Bradfoi'd took an active part in the conduct of the
underground raili-oad pi-ior to the Civil war. assisting many slaves on their
way to freedom in the north. When the republican party was formed to pre-

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 211

vent the further extension of slavery, he joined its ranks and vjiited for
Ahraliani Liiieohi. lie did not long live to see the country freed from the yoke
of slavery, however, for his death oecurred in 1865. His wife, wlio in her
maidenhood was Sarah Coehlan. was luirn in Guernsey eonnty, Ohio, in 1838,
and is now living at Ames, Iowa. She is of English lineage. After the death-
of her first husband she was again married in 1878. l)eeoming flic wife of
Thomas Ilardeastle, an Englishman who follows farming in this state. The
two daughters of her first nnirriage are: Isabel, the wife of Charles Moses, a
farmer living at Ames; and ]\Iargaret, the wife of William Hardeastle, who
also carries on agricultural pursuits in the same locality.

Scott C. Bradford was the son of the family and was reareil upon the
home farm. He acquired his education in the country schools of Indiana and
Iowa, coming to this state in 1875 with liis mother, who located on a farm near
Anu^s. There he remained until 1883 and supplemented his early education by
study in the Ames high school, while in 1885 he entered the lovpa State College
at Ames, and was there graduated with the class of 1888. Jlr. Bradford
entered upon business life in an educational capacity, becoming principal of
Ihe schools at Sioux Rapids, Iowa, in 1888. At the end of the year, however,
he accepted the position of assistant cashier in the Parmer, Thompson &
Helsell Bank, a private concern at Sioux Rapids, where he contiiuied for a
year. He was transferred by this firm to a branch house at Marathon, where
he acted as assistant cashier until the fall of 1892, the institution in the mean-
time becoming the First National Bank. At that date he was elected clerk of
the district court and continued in the office for six years, discharging his
duties in a manner so prompt and capable that he won the entire commenda-
tion of all concerned. In 1895 he was appointed receiver for the Buena Vista
State Bank and so capably conducted its affairs during his receivership that
when llir business of the bank was closed up he paid one hiuulred cents on the
dollar and only assessed the stockholders four per cent. In 1896 he formed a
partnersiiip with Judge Lot Thomas in the conduct of ;i banking, real-estate
and loan l)usiness, which connection was continued under the firm style of
Thomas & liradford until 1 !)()(). when. Judge Thonuis was elected to congress.
Sir. Bradford then bought out his partner's interest and continiied the busi-
ness alone for one year.

On the expiration of that period he sold out to Schollar & Son, who con-
tinued the busiiu'ss under the name of the Citizens Bank. Since that time Mv.
Hradfiii'd lias coiitiiied his atlentions to tlie I'eal-estatc business and to other
concerns, which liave proven of sulistantial benefit to the comnuuiity and a
source of profital)le income to himself. He has conducted mauy important
realty transfers and in the fall of 1899 he built the Bradford Hotel, the leading
hostelry of Storm Lake, at a cost of thirty thousand dollars. It is one of the
ornanu'uts of the city, being a hotel of which a city of much larger size might
well be proud. In 1899 Mr, ]5radford established the St(U'm Lake Butter Tub
& Tank factory, and has since continued manufacturing interests along these
lines. The first factoi-y was destroyed by fire but a larger one took its place,
and the enterprise is now one of the important industrial concerns of the city,
capitalized for ten th(nisand dollars. It furnishes employment to a large num-

212 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

bcr of vvorkiiu'ii and keeps in cii'culat inn thi-dn^h its payi-dll a yoddly smn
of money.

Ou the :id of April. 18Sf). Mr. Bradford was marriod to Mi.ss Catherine
Hannum, who was horn in Ohio in 1867. and is of English lineage. Iler
parents were Robert and TIann;di Tlannnni, the former a miller by trade.
Removing to Iowa in Uie 'fiO.s they settled near Ames. T^nto Mr. and IMrs.
Bradford have been l)oi'n fonr ehildren: Bernice L.. Aura Tj.. Gladys M., and
Sarah Catherine.

Mr. Bradford is a member of several fraternal organizations. lie is thus
connected with the Masons, Knights of Pythias. Odd Fellows, the Woodmen,
and the Eastern Star. He exercises his right of franchise in the support of the
men and measures of the republican party, and though he has never sought
political office he is one of the most prominent factors in the life of Storm Lake,
taking an active and helpful part in all that perlains to its intellectual and
.social progress. For four years he was i)resident of the board of trustees of
Buena Vista College and is still one of its mend)ers. He was likewise presi(hMit
of the board of trustees of the Carnegie Librai'y when the lilii'ar\- building was
erected, and is still serving on the bo;u-d. He is .justly accounted on(^ of the
most progressive and enterprising residents of Storm Lake, wielding a wide
intiuence in i)ublie aflfairs and leaving Hie impress of his individuality for good
upon the community. He stands as a splendid representative of American man-
hood and chivalry, and his genuine wiu-tli. broad mind and ])ublic spirit have
made him in this comiiiuiiity a director of public thought and o]iinion.

C. H. WEGERSLEV.

( '. II. Wegersli'V. wlio for iii,-iny \ears was ideiitilied witli jouriialist ic in-
terests as editor of the Alta Advertiser, but is now |)ract icing law. was horn
in'Broager. Sddeswig. Cerniain'. February '2\. 1S74, his iiarents being Jacob
and Christian (Fisk) Wegerslev. the fnrnier of Danish and the latter of Swe-
dish birth. The father was a cai'|ieiitei' by trade. In the coiinnon schools
C. H. Wegerslev began his education and, continning his studies, was grad-
uated from th(> Alta high school with the class of 1S!)I). Tie also pin-sued a
course in the Iowa State l.^niversity and was graduated rnmi the I;nv depart-
ment in the class of IftOS. He has always been a student of history, political
science and economics. .M'tci- leaving the public schools he liecame identified
with llie pi'intiiiL;' business, with which he was associated for fifteen years, find-
ing the |)ursuit congenial as well as profitable. He has lived in Alta since his
arrival from I"]urope in 1S84, and was from ISOO until IDO") editor, i)ulilisher
ami printer. .M'ler lil'teen years' connection with tlic .\dver1 iser. however,
lie sold out in the lattei- yeai'.

In politics Mr. Wegerslev has always been an eariiesl ri'pnblican. progres-
sive in his party views and liiicral in iiolitii'al cree<l. The only ol'lice that he
has evei' tilled is that of postmaster of Alta, in which he served f(U- eight years
or from ]S'M until l!)()(i. During his business life he contributed to all the

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HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 215

pnl)lie enterprises of the town, giving;' iietivc ;inil lielpful sup])ort to many
inoiisnres for the jreneral <;oo(l.

On the "ith of Xnvcinber. IS!)!). IMr. Weg-erslev \v;is married (o !Miss Mae
Tineknell. and they have one daugliter. Janet, now three and a half years of
agc- ilf- Wejrerslev is a member of the Kiiiylits of I'ythias. has filled all of
the ot'Hees in t.lie local lodg-e and is a menilici- of the Tnwa grand lodge. He
is also connected Avith the Jlasons and the Woodmen. He belongs to no church
but attends religions services and believes in a liberal religion, with freedom
Id think as consci<'nce dictates.

JOHN A. JIILLER.

John A. Miller, residing on section '27. Storm T^ake townshi]i. where he is
snccessfnlly engaged in farming and stock-raising, is well known as a prosper-
ous and progressive citizen of Buena Vista county. Born in Germany,
September 3, 1855, he was there reared and educated, and in 1874 married
Miss Margaret Groat, also a native of the fatherland, born March 16, 1856.
Two of their children were born in that country, and in 1883 Mr. Miller
emigrated with his little family to the United States, locating in Storm Lake,
Iowa. Scorning no employment that would yield him an honest living, he at
tirst worked at anything that came to hand bxit later engaged in truck
gardening, successfully following that line of activity for ten years. He
tirst rented land but later, when his financial resources had increased, bought
a tract of twenty acres east of Storm Lake. On selling this place he pur-
chased the farm where he now resides (in section 27. Storm Lake township,
situated within a mile and a half of Storm Lake. The property embraces
eighty acres and he has placed thereon many substantial improvements which
enhance its value and attractiveness. He has added to .ind remodeled the
residence, erected three good barns and likewise planted an orchard. His
well directed labor and sound .judgment have brought him a most gratifying
measure of prosperity in his farming operations and as a stock-raiser he has
also met with well merited success.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born seven children, namely:
Professor Harry iMiller. who is at the head of a school at Calmar; John, who
recently drew a claim in Rosebud reservation and is going there to farm;
Treno, a graduate of the Storm Lake high school, who is now a teacher of this
county; ilargaret, the wife of Floyd Binkley. of Canning, South Dakota;
JIary, who is a school teacher; Albert 11.. a student in the Storm Lake high
school; and William, who passed away at the age of two years. The parents
are justly proud of their children, to whom they have given the advantages
of a good education, and all arc well known in Sluvni Lake and throughout
Buena Vista county.

In his political views Mr. .Miller is a republican but has never sought nor
desired office, preferring to give liis inulivided attention to his private busi-
ness interests. He is a faithful member of llic Methodist Episcopal church at

216 UlSTOHY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Storm Lake, and his iipright. honorable career has won for liini the respect
and esteem of all with ^rhom he has been associated. When he arrived in
this county twenty-five years ago, a stranger in a foreign land, lie had to
depend entirely upon industry and diligence in the struggle for a competence.
These cjualities, however, he possessed in abundant measure and in their
utilization has gained the success that now entitles liim to representation
among the enterpri.sing and substantial citizens of this county.

WILLIA]\r A. JONES.

William A. Jones, cashier of the Security Bank, is well known in business
and financial circles in Storm Lake and Buena Vista county. His record has
been characterized by that steady progress which results from the expansion
of one's innate powers ami talents and hy a ready mastery of the duties
which each day lirings. lie was born in De Witt county. Illinois, in 1853,
his parents being Arthur C. and Nancy (Swisher) Jones, both of whom were
natives of Ohid. The father was of Welsh lineage. A tanner by trade, ho
followed that occupation in Illinois and Uien turned iiis attention to farming
there. At an early age he went tn De Witt county, where he entered a tract
111' land fi'om tlie government and began converting the wild prairie into well
improved fields. To his original holdings he also added and became a pros-
perous farmer, who met success in the tilling of the soil and also in handling
cattle. His political views were in accord with the principles of Ihe repub-
lican party, and the motives wdiich governed his life were largelj' found in his
religious faith as a meiidiei- of the ^Fethodist Episcopal church. His wife
belonged In the sanir ehui-eh. was an earnest Christian woiium. and bnlh
en.ioyed the full confidence and esli'cm of those who knew them. T1h> death
of Mr. Joints occurred April 2."), 1874. when he was about sixty years of age,
while his wife died March 25, 1882, also al liu' age of sixt>- \-ears. They were
the parents of eight children, of wliom two died in infane.v.

William A. Jones, th(> fiftli in order of birth, was reared on the home
farm and attended the country schools, woi-king in the fields through the sum-
mer months, wliilc in the winter seasons he pursued his education. He
continued on the old homestead until 1882 when, thinking to find other busi- ■
ncss pursuits nuire congenial and profitable, he tni'iied his attention to
merchandising. lie Iwnl taken up his abode in Storm Lake in the spring of
1878, but in the I'all of that year he removed to a farm in Hayes township,
which III' had |)i'eviously purchased. 'I'liei-e he resided until 1881, when lu'
again came to Storm Lake and entei-ed the implement liusiness in connection
with tleorge W. I'errine, undci* the firm name of Perrine & Jones. After a
short time, however, he sold out to his ])artnei- and again resumed agriculturiil
|iursuils in Majile \'alley township, where lie remained for a year and a hall'.
On the expiration of that ])erio(l iu' came to Storm Lake and bought a s(o(di of
dry goods, formei-ly owned by a Mr. Robinson. This was in 18S.'i and he con-
tinued successfully in tiiat line of business until J.inuary, IDOS. having a large

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY ' 217

and well appointed store, wliile a liberal patronage was accorded him. On
the 18th of Fehnuiry of the same year he went into the Security Bank, a, pri-
vate institution, having a capital of fifty thousand dollars, and has since been
its cashier.

Mr. Jones was married to Miss Nellie G. Spooner, a daughter of J. C.
Spooner. a pioneer farmer of Grant township. ]\lr. Jones belongs to the Odd
Fellows society, while the religious faith of his wife is that of the Presbyterian
church. In politics he is a republican and though he never seeks nor desires
office he is a loyal advocate of its principles, for he believes that they consti-
tute the basis of sound and progressive government. He has always
preferred to concentrate his energies upon his busines affairs and his life has
been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition
of labor, so that he is numliered today among the substantial citizens of Buena
Vista coimty.

OSCAR M. NELSON.

Oscar M. Nelson, one of the practical, progressive and respected farmers
of Nokomis township, is living on section 13, where he owns and cultivates a
farm of one hundred and twenty acres. He is numbered among the old set-
tlers of the county, for Buena Vista was still largel.v an undeveloped region
when he took up his abode within its borders in 1873. He was then a youth
of ten years, his birth having occurred in the city of Rockford, Illinois, October
14. 1862. His father, A. P. Nelson, was a native of Sweden, who in early man-
hood came to the new world, settling in Rockford. Illinois, where for fourteen
years he worked at the miller's trade. He was married at Rockford to Miss
Mary S. Styf, also a native of Sweden, and three sons were born unto them
ere their removal to Iowa. Mr. Nelson visited this state in 1872, purchased
a tract of raw land and the following year removed his family to this place.
With characteristic energy he began to till the soil and improve the farm, and
made it one of the well developed properties of that localit.v. Both he and
his wife have passed away and in their death the connuuuity lost two of its
industrious and worthy citizens.

Oscar M. Nelson is one of two living sons, his brother, J. A. Nelson, being
a resident of Minneapolis, Jlinnesota. A younger lirother, Bmil. died at the
age of twenty-two years. Oscar M. Nelson was largely reared on the home-
stead farm in this county and to some extent attended the primitive schools of
the neighborhood, but is largely self-educated, for it was necessary that he
assist his father in the arduous task of developing a new farm. He gave to
his father the benefit of his services until he had attained his majority, and
then piu-chascd a part of the old home place and liegan farming on his own
account.

Mr. Nelson made further preparation for having a hiune of his own by
marrying in June, 1888, Miss Anna C. Bladine, who was born in Sweden but
was reared in America. For a year after their marriage the young couple

218 iriSTOin" OK lU'KNA VISTA COUNTY

lived ii|)oii till- iKirthcni j);irt i>l' the lioinc farm and later Ifr. Nelson pufeliaseil
the interest of the other heirs in the property. He has since relxiilt and
remodeled the dwelling, has also put up a good barn and outbuildings, and
has thus furjiished ample shelter for grain and stock. He has now a well
improved place, the farm being divided into fields of convenient size by fences
that are always kept in good repair, while the latest improved machinery fa-
cilitates the work of the fields. IIi' iMiItivates the cereals best adapted to the
soil and climate and in addition he also raises some cattle, horses and hogs.
He and his brother owned one of the first steam threshers in the county and
also one of the first corn-shellers. ojieratiug this for a number of years aiul
thus adding materially to their annual income. Aside from his farming. Mr.
Nelsou is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator, the Alta Creanun-y and the
Fair Assoeiation.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have been born three sons and si.x daughters,
who are yet living: Lenora, Ruth, Lillian, Elida, Elsie, Inez, Oscar II.,
Curtis and Everett. They also lost their three eldest children in infancy.
Politically IMr. Nelson is a republican and that he has the confidence, regard
and good will of his fellow townsmen is indicated by the fact that he has
served for fourteen years as township assessor. In November. 1908, he was
elected county supervisor for a three years' term. He is likewise a member
of the Alta Lutheran church and Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is
well kiu)wn in Alta, Storm Lake and, in fact, throvighout Buena Vista county,
as a man of much l)usiness abilily and as a pul)lic-spirited citizen, whose laixirs
are iu)l selfishly centered upon his own suci'css but have eonstitut(Ml an ele-
nuint in the upl)uildiug of the communit\'.

Wll-LIA.M .1. .MI.\.\H1).

"William .1. Minard is successfully following farming on eighly acres of
land sihiated on section !). .Maple Valley lownship. which he owns, and he also
operates an adjoining tract of eighty acres belonging to a sister. He came to
Hucna Vista ciuuity in 1S7S when nuich of the land was still unimproved and
undeveloped and has seen the .•ounty grow into one of the rich agricultural
districts of the state.

Mr. Minard was born in I'lstei' eonnt.w .Vew York. January 12, 1852, a
son of .lames .Minard. who was horn in the same county. November 12, 1825.
In the paternal line the faiiiily cumi's of French ;nicestry and represi'ntat ives
of I hi' name sei'veil in the K'eviilntionary waiv The father was reared in
Ulster county and was there nnii'ried Id .Miss Sai'ali .1. Turpening, who was
likewise a n;itive df Ih.at iMjnnty. Tliey there remained nntil after the birth
of their two ehh^st children, wln'ii. in IS.")!!, Mr, .Minard removed with his
family I(j La Salle comity, Illinois, and purchased a farm of eighty acres,
which he cleared and developed, and l.ater added one hundred and twenty
a(-res more. Five moi'c children were added to the hou.sehold in La Salle
count \, and there he rearctl his family, and engaged in general fanning pur-

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 219

Kiiits. He evpiitiially came to Bueiia Vista county and invested in land for
his children. He then returned to the Prairie state and opened a mercantile
enterprise in Ijeland. conducting the same for three years. On the expiration
of that period, however, lie returned to his farm hut later sold his farm prop-
erty and took up his abode in Aurin-a, Illinois, where he spent his remaining
years, his death there occurring in 1901. when he had reached the age of
seventy-six years. His widow still survives and yet makes her home in that
city. Of her family of seven children, two sons and two daughters survive,
namely: William J., of this review; Edward J., who is engaged in merchandis-
ing in Aurora; Mrs. J. H. Husk, who makes hcv home in Shalibonn. Illinois;
and llrs. T. R. Davis, a resident of Aurora.

William J. Minard was educated in the public schools of Leiaiul and was
a little lad of four years when the family removed from the Empire state to
La Salle county, Illinois. After completing his studies he returned to the
home farm and there remained until the father engaged in merchandising in
Leland, when the son assisted him in the store for three years.

It was while making his home in that city that Mr. Minard was married
on the 17th of March, 1875, the lady of his choice being Miss Eva B. Heeox,
who was born in Utiea, New York, but was taken to Illinois when but two
years of age. She was a daughter of Levi Hecox, one of the early settlers of
Illinois. Following their marriage the__^joung couple located on his father's
f'arm, which he operated for one year, while during the succeeding two years
JMr. Jlinard operated the Hecox farm. He then removed to Buena Vista
county and located on his present fai-m, this comprising eighty acres situated
"u section 9, Maple Valley township. Jlr. Minard spent fifteen hundred dol-
lars in tiling his land, so that it has been made very rich and arable. He
has fenced the fields with woven and barbed wire, has built a fine modern
residence, sTirronudcd by a nice lawn and shade trees, and everything aliout
llie place is kept neat, presenting a thrifty appearance. Mr. Minard is one
of the largest stockholders in the Farmers Elevator at Alta, and was one of
the chief organizers of the Farmers M\itual Insurance Company and of the
Fair Association, owning stock in !)oth organizations.

As above stated Mr. I\Iinard was married in 1875 to ^liss Eva B. Hecox,
whose death occurred about five years later, the date being May 17, 1880, She
was the mother of two daughters: Nettie E., the wife of E. S. Judd, inter-
ested in the Yeomen Insurance Company of Billings, .Aloiitana; and Mabel E.,
who is well educated and is now a teacher in the Aurora high school. 'Sir.
Minard was married a second time, this union being with Josephine ]\I. Benson,
the marriage being celebrated February 23, 1889. i\lrs. .Minard was born in
l'.uena Vista county, and by her marriage has become the mother of four chil-
dren: Maud E.. Warren L., Leland J. and Alice.

In his political views Mr. Jlinard is independent, voting for the men
whom he deems best qualified for office, regardless of party ties. He has
served as township assessor for two years, while for twelve years, or from
■March, 1896, he has kept a record of the rainfall in the state and the United
States, and has also been crop reporter of Maple Valley township for the state
and the Fiiited States. Fraternally lie is a :\lason. belonging to the blue lodge

220 TTTSTOHY OF RFFA'A VIST A COTTNTY

at Alia, while both he and his wife arc iiii'iiihcrs of the Eastern Star. lie i.s
a man of excellent bn.siness (•ai)acity and soiind judgment and the .sneeess
which he today enjoys is well meriteil. for it is the result of his own well
directed labors and careful management.

THOMAS WALPOLE.

Til n histoi-y of Buena Vista county it is imperative tliat mention lie made
of Thomas Walpole. who for thirty-six years has lived within its borders, wliile
his residence in the state covers more than a half century. Throiighout his
life he has made good use of his opportunities and though no sperial ad-
vantages aided him at the outset of his career he has worked his way steadily
upward to achii've success as the result of the simple weight of his character
and ability.

lie was born in Groton, Tompkins county. New York. September 21. ISf);").
His parents were James and Julia (IMurphy") Walpole. The father, who was
a farmer by occupation, died in the year 1874. The mother, a lady of much
foi-ce and capability. kci)t her nine cliildn-n togethci- and gave all a good
English education. She faced a difficuU situation for there was an indebted-
ness on the fai-m when her husbaml died and they had to face. too. the hard-
ships ol' pioneer life. While comparatively little is known concerning tin'
ancestral history of the faiiiil.\. it has been learned that a iiul>lic vohune gives
an account of the family name originating in S])ain. from which countr\'
mi'iniiers of the family moved to Prance, from France to England, and from
England to Ireland. James Walpole was lior'ii at Drumshambo. county
Lcitfim. Ireland. Februai'y 2. 1S:!2. and his father was Thomas Waljiole. The
uiotlicr ol' our subject was b<irn in Cork. Iri'land. August 5, 1S:{2, and she was
a representative of one of the old aiul well known families of that land.

Thomas Waljiole. the eldest of nine childi-en. pursued his ethu-ation in the
common schools and also a business coui'sc at Valparaiso, Indiana, while I'oi-
one term he was a sludcnt in Ihe Southwest crn Xormal School at Shenandoah.
Towa. lie was but two years ol' age when, in ISoT, he was broiight by his
parents to Delaware county, jnwa. Early in life he manifested a literary
taste and studious habits, showed ajititude in the work of the schooli'ooin and
made continuous i)rogress in intellectual liiu's. In 1878 he removed with his
parents to a farm in .Maple Valley township. Itui'ua Vista county, and as his
father died soon afterward the work ol' Ihe farm devolved to a considci'ablc
extent upon him. He began teaching in I S74 and devoted the sunnnei- months
to the labors of the fields. With the I'xcciition of the year 1870-81). which
he spent in pursuing a business course in \'alparaisii. he engaged in ti'aching
through the winter months until 1882, lie then acceptcil the superint<'iulency
of the pid>lic schools of .Mta. where he remained until 1884. During that
year, in connection with .\. ('. Smith as a partner, he bought the weekly paper
known as the Advertiser, later his brother. E. E. Walpole, became the successor
of .Mr. Smith, and still later C. H. Wegerslev succeeded his brother in the

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 223

publication of the paper. From 1888 until 1896 he was also county superin-
tendent of schools of Buena Vista county anil under his guidance the schools
nuide substantial progress. In 1895. however, he sold the Advertiser and in
1896 purchnseil the Storm Lake Tribune, which he consolidated with the
Pilot uniler the name of Pilot-Tribnne, with A. C. Smith as a partner. In
1904 hf purchased Smith's half -interest and in 1906 sold a third interest in
the paper to C. H. J. Mitchell and has since continued in active connection
with the paper, which is one of the leading coimtry newspapers of this part of
the state. In 1898 llr. Walpole was again called to office, being appointed
postmaster at Storm Lake, and in 1902 and again in 1906 he was reappointed,
so that he is now serving for the third term. His administration of the
affairs of the office has been entirely satisfactory to the general public and that
he has the endorsement of the authorities at Washington is indicated by his
reappointment.

On the 11th oi 'Slay. 1887. ;\lr, Walpole was unitetl in marriage to iliss
Jlinnie Darnell, of Alta, Iowa. Both the paternal and nmternal ancestor.s
of Jlrs. Walpole were represented in the Revolutionary war. There have
lieen four children of this marriage. Elsie. Fay. James Wilbur and Eileen.

Mr. Walpole is identified with several fraternal organizations. In 1895
he became a IMason and is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen,
the Modern Woodmen of America and the Court of Honor. He attends the
Presbyterian church and as has already been indicated is a republican in his
political views and affiliations. His public service has l)een characterized by
a continued loyalty and progressiveness that is mo.st commendable, while
through his journalistic interests he has done nnieli to ])roiniite substantial
progress in the county. He has an extensive and favoralile acquaintance,
while those who come within the closer circle of liis friendsliip find him a most
congenial and warndiearted g<'n11eman.

LOREX GREEN.

Loren Green is a successful agriculturist of Coon township, operating
one hundred and sixty acres of land. He was born in Sauk county.
Wisconsin, Feln-uary 12, 1877, and attended school in his native city to the
age of twelve years. At that age he came with his mother to Buena Vista
county and has here made his home to the present time. The mother, Mrs.
Jemima J. Williams, bore the maiden name of Hutchins and was born in
Indiana. Her father was a farmer and his family numbered ten children,
the brothers and sisters of ilrs. Williams being: Sanmel, a farmer of Kansas;
AVilliam and Elza, who follow farming in Wisconsin ; Hannah, the wife of
Nathan Davis; Rebecca, the wife of D. IMiller; Ella, the wife of Roy Carpenter;
and four who died in childhood.

As above stated, Loren Green began his education in (he Wisconsin
schools and after coming to Buena Vista comity he continued his studies in
the riimmon sebnols to the age of seventeen years, subsecpient to whicli time

224 ITTSTOFTY OF BT'RXA VTSTA COUNTY

he spent two yeai's in Huciia Vista College. Ilaviiio- obtained a good
practical education he then engaged in teaching for two years and subse-
quently was employed for a similar period as a clerk in a store. Indoor life
did not prove congenial to him, however, and he (h'cided to take up farming
and to this end took up a homestead claim in Coon township. Each year he
harvests good crops as a reward for the care and lal)or which he bestows
upon the fields.

Mr. Green chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life
Miss Etta Ellis, who was born in P>nena Vista comity. Septemlier 22. 1S7S, a
daughter of II. and E. I. Ellis, who now make their home in Storm Lake, the
father l)eing a retired farmtn-. ilr. and I\Irs. Green have an interesting
little son, ]\Iarviu E., who was born Octolier 10. 1901.

Mr. Green gives his political support to the repul)]ican party and has
served as a school director, while at the present writing he is serving as
township clerk. His fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. In every relation of life in which Ik- is found he is known to
be the same honorable and honored gentleman, who fully merits the confidence
and esteem in which he is uniformly held, while his estimable wife, who has
spent her entire life in Ruena Vista county, is also well known and shares in
the high regard in whii-h her hushand is held.

EDGAR EUGENE MACK.

An enumeration oT thi' men of the present gcnei'ation who ha ve won honor
for themselves and at the same time have honored the state which lliey repre-
sent would be iiH'omplete were there failure to make itrominent reference to
Edgar E. Mack, who i-csides in Slorm Ijakc hut has not confined his activity
to local interests. He has extended his efforts to various lines wherein the
commonwealth at large has benefited and tliroughont liis entire career there
has never lie<'n an esolerii- phase. His linsiness and polilieal record will alike
bear close scrutiny and he will gain therel)y the confidence and I'espect of his
colleagues and associates. He was i)orn in Leicester. Addison-eounty, Ver-
mont. .Inne 14. 1S,")(). In tin' palernal line he conies of Scotch Irish ancestry,
although prior to the emigration lo Ainerica the .Macks lived in the north of
In'land. whence they made their way to Londonderry. New ITampsliire. in the
eighteenth century. The family was represented in the colonial ai'my during
the ■Revolutionary war. Robert .Mack, the great-grandfather of our subject,
being a non-commissioned ollicei' in a .\'ew Hampshire regiment. James
Madison Mack, lallicr of Iv Iv .Mack, was born in Leicester, Vermont, and died
in .Innc. l!)!),"). al the age of eighty-seven years. In early life he served as a
colonel in the state militia of \'ermon1 and in ])ossession of his son Ed^ar are
various military commissions. Throughout much of bis business career he
I'ollowed the occu])ation of farming, but during the last twenty-six \-eai's of
his life he lived in honorable retii'emi'Ut from labor, making his home with his
son in Storm Lake. In the east he was I'ecognized as a citizen of prominence

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 225

and influenoe, who in 1850 was elected to represent his district in the Vermont
legislature. He left the impress of his individuality in other ways upon pub-
lie thought and action and was well known as a progressive man whose labors
were of marked benefit to the community in which he lived. His early politi-
cal allegiance was given to the whig party. whi!i» later he became an advocate
of republican principles. His religious faith was tliat of the Congregational
church. He luarried Betsey Maria Parks, who was born in Goshen, Vermont.
She was a member of the Jletliodist Episcopal church and died July 2, 1879,
at the age of fift.v-four years. The family of this worthy couple nimi})ered
six children, all sons, including twins. Two of the inunbei' died when sixteen
years of age.

Edgar E. Mack, the second in order of birth, was in his eleventh year
when his parents removed to Lake county. Illinois, in April, 1861. There
Ihey remained for two years, after which they went to Alden, Iowa, where
they lived until ]\Iay, 1870. In that year they took up their abode in Xewell
township. Buena Vista county. wh(»re James JI. JIack secured a homestead
claim then lying in Coon township. Mr. Mack of this review accompanied his
father on his various reiuovals and in the passing years assisted him more and
more largely in his business duties.

In the fall of 187-1, however, he was elected clerk of the district and cir-
cuit court, at which time he removed to Sioux Rapids, then the county seat.
He had acquired his education in the country schools and in the high school of
Alden, and had manifested special aptitiule in his studies. At the age of six-
teen years he began teaching school but. not content with the educational
advantages he had himself enjoyed, he studied Latin and other branches dur-
ing this period, reciting his lessons to ministers in the vicinity. It was his
ambition to liecome a member of the bar l)ut this plan was frustrated by the
illness of his mother and financial causes. As it was necessary that he pro-
vide for his own support, he secured a situation in a store at Newell, but later
the stort' failed and ilr. ]\Iaek was appointed assignee of the stock. He then
sold out the business to good advantage, the firm settling with its creditors,
after which business was resumed, Mr. Mack remaining with the house until
1875. In the fall of 1874 he had received the nomination for clerk of the
courts and no higher testimonial of his capability, fidelity and methodical, sys-
tematic discharge of his duties can be given than the fact that he was reelected
six times, holding the office for fourteen years. His name in the community
became a synonym for official integrity and faithfulness. In October, 1878,
the county seat was removed from Sioux Rapids to Storm Lake and in order
to discharge his official duties he also liecame a resident of the latter city,
where he has since remained.

A man of resourceful ability and undaunted enterprise, Mr. Mack has
wjitehed his opportunities for legitimate .ulvaiu-ement and has been a promi-
nent factor in the biisiness development and progress of the city and county.
While still in office he erected the ^lack block and upon his retirement from
the position of clerk of the courts in JanuMr\-. 1889. he opeiu?d a real-estate,
abstract and loan office in his own building. In 1890 he entered into partner-
ship relations with James De Land, iiiidi-r llic fii'ni style of Mack i^ Dc Land.

226 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

iuid till' Itusincss \v;is I'lii'tliiT cxtciidril ill its seope hy nddiiig: a law (k'part-
iiiciit. Business was iiiaintaiiicil l)y these two gentlemen until July. 1907,
when ]\[r. De Land retired to devote his entire attention to the praetiee of law,
and Jlr. 'Slai-k was then joined by his eldest son, Guy E. ]\Iaek. nuder the firm
st.yle of ilack & Mark, the junior partner now having ofifiees at Newell, for
the operations of the house have not been eonfiiied to Storm Lake, but have
eovered a wide territory in the eonduet of a constantly growing and remuner-
ative business. Edgar E. JIack was also instnnnental in organizing the Elec-
trie Light & Power rompany. which was incorporated in JIareh. 1892, with a
capital of tweuty-fivc thousand dollars. He became president of the company,
with E. C. Cowles as vice president and C. W. Seidel as secretary. Since that
time Jlr. Jlack has acquired the interests of his partners in the business and is
today sole owner of the plant, which is an enterprise of much worth to the city,
.IS well as a soiirce of substantial revenue to the owner. It is well known that
what 'Sir. JIaek undertakes he accomplishes, for he has the ability to improve
opportunities to their l)est advantage and to shape complex and even diversi-
fied interests into a harmonious and unified whole.

On the 13th of September, 1875, Mr. Mack was united in marriage to Miss
Ellen B. Ayers, who was born in Goshen, Vermont, I\Iay 1, 1848, and is of
Scotch Irish lineage. She. too. was descended from Revolutionary stock, the
family being represented in the Continental army. Mrs. .Alack was a member
of the Presbyterian church and a most estimable lady, whose (■ircle of friends
was almost coextensive with the circle of her acquaintance. She died Feb-
ruary C, llliMi, leaving six children: Nellie R., the wife of John A. Van
Wagenen. county attorney of Pierce county, Nebraska, iiy whom she has one
child. Pierce; Grace H.. who has been graduated in music and resides at home,
Guy E.. a lawyer by pniressimi. wlm is a ])ai'tiiei' of his father, having ot'lices
at Newell, where he is mayor of the city, and perhaps the youngest mayor in
northwest Iowa; Frank \V., a graduate of Ames Electrical School, who is man-
ager of his fallier's ])laiil ; IJiirt W.. a teacher by profession, who is studying
music in Chicago; and Beatrice .J., at lioiiie. All are graduates of the Storm
Lake high school and the sons are graduates of the commercial department of
the Buena Vista College.

While Mr. Mack has led an I'xli'eiiiely Inisy life in his official and coiiiiiier-
cial relations, he has \-e1 I'dunil oppoi-lunity to cooperate in movements that
have been of distinci lienetit to the e(iniiniiiiil\- along various lines. He is a
helpful member id' the Presbyterian chnrcli. in which he has served as trustee.
He has also been a ineiriber of the boai'd of trustees of the Huena Vista Col-
lege since its organization and Inr I be ])as1 twenty years has been president
of the Cemetery Associat i(ni, and alsd member and president of the school
board for nine years. He belongs In the Odd l<'ell(iws. Knights of Pythias
ami .Masdiiii- Ind'/cs and in the lasl named ri-ateriiit\- has attained the Knight
Ti'Uiplar degree and is also a imnibcr oj' the Mystic Shrine. His position on
political matters has never been an eipiivocal one. for he is widely known as
one of the leading rci)iiblieaiis of his sectimi of the state. Aside from the
local offices which he has filled he has served as state senator, being elected in
1889 to represent the fiftieth district in the npper house ol' the towa assembly

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 227

for four years, tlic district then comprising; Hnmljoldt, Buena Vista and Poea-
liontas counties. Dnrint;' tlie sessions in wliich he served he was connected
witli much important constructive legislation and witli the active work of vari-
ous committees of wliicli he was a memlicr. In 1S90 he was elected a member
of the republican state central committee and acted as its chairman in 1891-2.
He was made a member of the state delegati(ui and delegate at large and was
then chosen chairman of the delegation at the national convention in Jlinne-
apolis in 1892, the other delegates at large being Governor Gear, James S.
Clarkson and Cady Chase. He has been most active in l)ehalf of his party's
interests and has served as chairman of the county central committee. He
understands the best processes of managing political interests to produce
effective results and over the record of his oiificial career as well as his private
life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. He has an extended
personal acquaintance with the leading men of this state and with many of
national reputation, who give to him warm friendship and admiration. The
terms progress and patriotism might well be considered the keynote of his
character, for throughout his entire career he has labored for the improvement
of every line of business or public interest with which he has been associated
and at all times has liceii actiuitcd by a fiilclity to his country and her welfare.

HON. FRANK N. BUCKINGHAI\I.

Hon. Frank N. Buckingham, wlio in 1904 represented Buena Vista county
in the state legislatnr(\ is a public-spirited man, doing all in his power for the
betterment of his connuunity and the country at large. He is also one of the
successful farmers and stoclc-raiscrs of Elk township, owning three hundred
acres of land on section 34 and sections 2 and 'A. Nokomis township. lie was
born in De Kalb county. Illinois. ]\Iarch 26. 1857. a son of A. W. Buckingham,
wild was born in Essex. Connecticut, whence he accompanied his father,
Nathan Buckingham, on his removal from that state to De Kalb county. He
located on a farm near Somonauk and there the son grew to mature years.
He was married to Miss Mary Zerlina Chcevcr. a native of Hartwiek, New
York. A. W. Buckingham spent the remaiiuler of his life in De Kalb C(mnty.
Illinois, and passed away October 9. 1900. His wife still survives and now
makes her home with her children.

Frank N. Biu-kingham is the oidy son of the family, his sister being
Jennie E., the wife of Watts A. Jolmson. an attorney of Princeton, Illinois.
The son was reared in his native county and when starting out in life on his
own accoiuit he clerked in a store for tliree years at Somonauk and the last
year acted as manager of the enterprise. He was mari'ied there December
28, 1880, to Miss Olive Philpott. who was likewise a native of that county.

Following their marriage the young couple began Iheir domestic life
upon a farm which ilr. Buckingliam rented for two yeai-s. While in Illinois
lu^ bought ninety acres in Iowa comity. Iowa, which he later sold, and tlien
came to Bmuia Vista coinity. where lu' has since lived. Ilis first purchase

228 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

consisted (iT twd huiidrcil ,-iiul forty iici'cs. Tln-rp was not a fence on the place
and only a ci'ude dwellinu' when lie took possession but in due course of time
he ti'ansfoi'nied this into a cultivated tract, improved with good buildings.
He has i)uilt a fine counti'y residence, has one of the largest barns in the
county and also has numy subslantial oul buildings upon the place, while a
wind piunp forces an ample supply of water to various parts of the place for
the stock and for household use. He has since added to his original purchase
until the place now embrace.s three hundred acres, all in one body, on section
84r, Elk township and section.s 2 and 3, Nokomis township. With its many
liiiildings and appointments the place presents ([uite the appearance of a little
village. -Mr. Buckingham gives his tinu' to general farming and to stock-
raising, feeding about four carloads of cattle and the same amount of hogs for
the market each year. Jlr. Buckingham also finds time for outside intere.sts
and assisted in organizing the Fair Association, of which he is a director, and
he is also a stockholder and director in the opera house at Alta.

A stanch supporter of the republican party, he was in 1904 elected a mem-
ber of the legislature, in Avhich he served two sessions, being on the committees
of ways and means, pharmacy, miuiicipal corporations, fish and game, mines
and mining, and in this coinicction he gained distinction and honor not only
for himself but for the state whose interests he was serving. He considers
his greatest work in the legislature was as a member of the drainage commit-
tee in connection with R. ^I. Wright, of Fort Dodge, ami O. H. Courtwright.
of Waterloo. I'p to this time the state had no drainage laws, and ;\Ir.
Buckingham was sent to llliiuiis to investigate the subject, it being largely
thi-ough his labors and efforts that the law passed liotii houses. He has also
filled the offices of townshii) clerk and assessor and for a number of years has
been president of tile school board. llis entire political sei'vicc has i)een in
the interest of the peo])le and he has won their confidence and high regard.
He has served them faitbl'idly in the ])ast in every capacity and this is the best
reeomniendal ion any man cjin liavi' for future claims.

.Mr. Buckingham's family muniicT-s three children: Cora, a young lady at
home; Jay A., who is mai'ried and o])erales one of his fafhei-'s farms; and
Almus W.. at iiome. .Mr. I!uekingliam bi'bings to the Knights of I'ythias at
.\!ta and is also an » )(l(l l''ellow ,-iiid a .Mason.

L.\RS F. r.l..\l)TNE.

Lars Iv lUadine. owner of the .Mai'atlion i;r|iublir since .\ugust. IS!)."), has
colli itniously and caiiably filled the position of postmaster since December,
ISO". lie was born in Sweden on the 2.")th of February. ISTo. his jiarents
being .John ami ('allirrine liladiiie. the former a I'ni'niture dealer.

Lars K. I?laiiini' ac(|uired his education in the schools of Alta. Buena
Vi.sta county. Iowa, and subseipicntly. having determined to familiarize himself
with the printing business, served his apprent iceship in the ol'tice of the .Mta
.\dvcrt iser. then pnlilisiled by 'riiiiiiias Walpijje. lie left the .\d\'cl't iser oltice

IILSTOHY OF BUENA VISTA l:()1:XTY 229

to assist L. C. Bradford in rcsurreL-tiiig the JIarathon Republic in 1892, at
which time the paper was sold to Henry Stevens. Afterward he worked as a
journeyman printer, and in August. 1895. Iwught the ■Marathon Republic,
which he still owns. In December. 1897, he was appointed postma.ster by
Charles Emory Smith, postmaster general, was reappointed in l!)On by Presi-
dent JIcKinley and in 1904 and 1908 received the appointment to that office
from President Roosevelt. His long retention in the position stands in incon-
trovertible evidence of his promptness an<l fidelity in the discharge of his
duties and he is widely recognized as one of the best public officials and lunvs-
pajK'r men of the county.

On the 31st of ^lay, 1900. at Xewell. Iowa, occurred the marriage of Mr.
Bladiiie and Miss Inez W. Waterman, a native of Xewell and a daughter of
Mr. and ilrs. W. A. Waterman, hei' father liciiig a pioneer settler and mer-
chant of Buena Vista county. By this union lu)s l)een born one sou. Burrows.

A stanch republican in his political views. Mr. Bladine has always taken
an active part in the local work of the party autl for ten years has been a mem-
ber of the county central connnittee. of which he served as chairman in 1901.
Fraternally he is connected with I'uiversal Lodge. A. F. & A. M., of ilarathon,
Iowa, Sioux Rapids Chapter. R. A. ]\I.. Ci'usade Commandery. K. T., Cherokee
and Za-Ga-Zig Temple, A. O. X. JI. S., of Des Moines, Iowa. He is likewise
president of the Corn Belt Editorial As.sociation. Both Jlr. and ^Irs. Bladine
are widely and favorablx' known throughout the entire connnuuit\-. having
gained many friends during the long period of their residence here.

HEXRY JOHX P.EIIREXS.

Like many a man of foreign i)irth, Henry John Behrens. fully appreciat-
ing the advantages ami possiljilities which the new world offers, has through
the inherent force of his character, worked his way upward until today he is
classed among the substantial agriculturists of Buena Vista county, owning
four hundred and forty aci-es of well improved land in Coon. Fairfield and
Lincoln townships. He was born in Germany. October 26. 1833. a son of
Dietrick and Doi-a (^Meinking) Behrens. both of whom were born in Germany
but are now deceased. The other (diildreu of their family are: William and
Dick, both residents of Chicago, Illinois: Mary, the wit\' of Henry Papen-
iiouser ; Louise, the wife of Ileury Timkc ; and Lena, the wife of William
Scharkopf.

Henry John Behrens. tlie other member of the Family, was reared in iiis
native land and attended school to the age of fourteen years. He then started
out to make his own way in the world, working as a farm hand for ten years.
On the expiration of that period he purchased a small tract of land and estab-
lished a home of his own by his nuirriage to ]Miss Sophia Brackmau, who was
likewise a native of Germany. Believing tliat he might better provide for
himself and family in the new world, Mr. Behrens eventually decided to emi-
grate to America, I'pon arriving in the new world he located near Chicago.

230 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Illinois, hul liiter, in ISSl). lie I'eniovi'd to Buciia Vista county, Iowa, and look-
ing around for a favorable location decided iipon Coon township as a place of
permanent abode. He here purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land,
to which he has added as the years have gone by, so that his farm property
now embraces four hundred and forty acres. All this is well improved with
good buildings and the land has beeji made very productive thrmigh the rota-
tion of crops aiul the practical nu'thods of agriculture which he follows.

The marriage of ^Ir. ami ^Irs. Behrens has been blessed with six children
but two died in infancy. The others are: Dick, residing in Jlinnesota; Dora,
the wife of John Severs; William, living in Fairfield town.ship; and Hein\v,
at home.

^Ir. Behrcns is a member of the Kvangelical chiu'ch and in politics is a
i-epublican. He has filled the office of road supervisor but otherwise has
never sought nor desired iiid)lic office. He is a nuui of excellent business
ability and foresight as is attested l)y the success which he has achieved since
taking up his abode in America, for the fine farm which he today possesses is
the result of his own labor, econom,\- and careful management.

BARTON B. BRIDGE. M. D.

1)1'. P>artoii li. iSridge. endowed by natiu-e with strong intelligence, has
so used his native talents and powers that he is ranked today as one of the
most succe.ssful physicians of Buena Vista county. He is located at Alb(>rt
City, where he has a large and growing lu-acfice. bis coniprehcnsive energy
and knoM'ledge ol' the medical science well iinalifying liiiii for the oncr-ous
duties that devolve ujion liim in this connection.

A native of ('anada. he was born in Ontario. Xovcmbci' l'!(. ISTI. His
father, Andrew Bridge, residing at I'tica. Xcw ^'cn'k. was I'ornicrly owner of
an extensive aviai'.v but is now living in I'et irenicnt . Tlu' niolbcr, who liore
the maiden name of .Maliabi .\nn Smith, also yd survives. Dr. I'.ridge (races
his aneesti'v ba(d\ in unbroken line to .Vnetje Jans Webber, who was born in
Holland in 1()()4. and was a granddaughter of King Ge<irge III or W of
Holland. She was married first in Holland to John Roellolfson in Kil'S. ;ind
in 1630 they eaine to .\meriea. They h;id I'oui- children, .-ind John K'oellofTson
died in f()37. after which his widow, in 1()3S. became the wife of the Rev.
FiVeradus Hog;irdus. Thei'e were four children by this marriage, of whmn
William Bogardus was lioni December 1."). Ki:)!!. He niai'i'ied W'gntie Sybranl
August 30. ]C)')9. and tlic,\- had a daughter. .Vnetje Bogardus. who was Ixu-n
October 3. 1()()3. and was mai-l'ied Januarx' '2.'.). KiS'J. to Jacobus Hrower. Of
this iiiai'riaL'e lln're was a large family including .\dam Hrower. who was
born May 2'.). IfilXi. and was married July l-"). 1717. 1o Deborah .Mien. Their
son, Lazarus Brower. who was bor?i Juiu' 'J3. 173!. wedded Frances IMori'is
and had a son .\aroii Brower. born January 30. 1760. Aai'on lirower had a
daughter Elizabeth, who became the wil'e of William Jackson, aiul their
daughter. Hlizabeth J;Hd\Son. born February IS, LSlU. married William Smith.

DR. B. B. BRIDGE

HISTORY OF lUIENA VISTA COUNTY 233

in 184-1:. I\rr. and ^Irs. Smitli woro the grandparents of Ur. Bridge of this
review. Their thuiglitcr. JFahahi Ann. t)orii .Ma\' 22. 1850. was married
Septenihi'i' 17, 1869, to Andi-ew liridge. Of this marriage liiei-e were liorn
six ehikh'en : Lucy Anierilla Celestine, horn Jul.y 21, 1870, is now the wife
of Andrew Howie, a resident of Ontario. Barton Brower is the next of the
famil.A'; Fergus Ross, liorn Deecndier 2. 1878, is a resident of. Utiea, New York.
Edna Fh/renee Pearl, horn Oetolier 21. 1881, is now dereased. Olive Edith
Mabel, horn Felnniar.v 18. 1884, is at home. IIart)ld Gordon Salem, born
Jainiary 11. 1891, is a baker by trade now living at Kingston, Ontario.

Dr. Bridge was educated at Queen's Universit.v in Ontario and after a
thorough course was graduated from the medical department with the class
(if 1900. He to(d< honoi's in all i)f his studies, manifesting especial aptitude
in thrii' mastery and receiving a gold medal — one of the two medals awarded
in the medical and surgery department. This is the highest honor that any
student can attain and but one medal can be awarded to an individual student.

In the year of his graduation Dr. Bridge came to Albert Cit.w where he
opened an office and has since i)een engaged in practice. His labors are effective
forces in che(d\ing the ravages of disease. He has studied broadly and has
comprehensive knowledge of the iirincijiles of nuMlicine and surgerx', keeping
in constant touch with the advancement that is being nuide by the profession.

On the 2r)th of Decendier. 1899, Dr. Bridge was nmrried at Battersea.
Ontario, to ^liss Oai'rie .Ma,\iicw. a daughter of Lucas and .Martha .Ma.^•he^\•,
but the former is now ileceased. I'nto Dr. and Mi's. P)ridge havr bet-n born
two sons, Flo.vd Cursou and Barton Llo.vd.

Dr. liridge is serving as president of the i)ublic school board and tlic
I'ause of education finds in him a stalwart friend. He gives his political
support to the republican i)art.\- and is interested in all that pertains to the
welfare aiul progress of the c(jmnuinit.\". being a cooperant factor in man.v
nieasui'es for the public good. In his profession he has made substantial
progress. If the minister is austere we think it is i)ecause he is engaged in the
contemplation of things which are beyond our ken; if the law.\-er is lirusk
and crabbed we are apt to regard it as a mark of genius; but we demand of
the ph,\sician a genial nature and a cordial spirit that will promote a spirit
of hopefulness. Ur. Bridge is lacking in none of the requirements of a suc-
cessful iih.Nsiciaii. and lie is doing good work for mankind, public confidence
in liis :ibilit.\' being attested liy the liberal patronage that is now accorded him.

WARNER C. KINNE.

On the list of Bueiia Vista county's honored dead a[ii)ears the name of
Warner C. Kinne, who for man.v ,vears was one of its leading and inlluential
residents. He left the impress of his individuality for good upon the public
life of Storm Lake and was closely connected with the upbuilding and develop-
ment of the city in various ways. Moreover, in all life's relations he stood
foresnuarc to every wind that blows and when he passed away in 1904. he left

234 HISTORY OF RUENA VISTA COUNTY

'x'hind tlie iiicinory n\' an iu-tive, lioiuii-alili- ;iii(l npi-iylit life, wliidi m.-iy well
serve as a soiu-c-c of insjiiratidii and cncoufafrcnicnt to tliosc who knew him.

Mr. Kinne was horn in La Salle eonnty. Illinois, in 1840. and was of
Seoteh ancestry. His parents were Eli ]\I. and .Alaria (Heath) Kinne and
were also natives of Illinois, liut at an cai-ly day removed to Wisconsin. Spend-
"ng his boyhood and youth in his parents' home W. C. Kinne was afforded the
educational advaiitasjes offered by the common schools and also by an acad-
emy. Prior to his removal to Iowa he engaged in teaching school and also
devoted some time to farming. He arrived in this state in 1872. settling on
a farm in Maple Valley township, Buena Vista county, where he secured a
tract of railroad land, .\<it a furrow had been turned nor an improvement
made, but with characteristic energy he began its development, devoting the
two succeeding years to the work of the tields. Thinking he saw a more
advantageous business opening, however, he removed to Storm Lake in 1874.
and became identified with the eify during the early era of its progress and
upbuilding. He purchased a general stock of goods of W. H. McCune and
thus founded the establishment, which is today the oldest and most important
mercantile enterprise of the eit>'. With the exception of about two years,
he was continuously connected therewith up to the time of his death. lie
erected the first store building of any importance in Storm Lake, its local ion
being at the southwest corner of Ijake avenue ami Fifth streets. From lime
to time he enlarged his facilities to meet the gi'owing demands of his trade and
in 19(10 he erected an addition to his original storeroom, which had a frontage
of twenty-five feet and when the new ])art was completed there was a total
frontage of the double stores of fifty feet with a de])th of one hundred feet.
He was careful in the selection of his goods, studied the trade, the market, and
the demands of liis pati'ons. and by unfaltering enterprise and miassailalile
business melhods gained tlie success which made him one of tlie substantial
citizens of the community. Thei-e was not a single esotei'ie phase in his
career. Ho based his business priiuMples and actions upon the rules wliieli
govern unabating industry and strict unswerving integrity and the same (|ual-
ifies characterized him in the other relations of life. Few men of the county
enjoyed a wider accpuiiiilance or had in larger measiu'e the good will arul con-
fidence of those with whom they were bi'ought in contact. lie left to his
family the pi'iceless heritage of an inihlemished nanu' as well as the substantial
benefits which accrued from his business enterprise.

On the 26th of January. 1862. Mr. Kiniic was married to Miss Rowena K.
rnderwood. who was born in ristci' county. New York. .\|ii-il 24. 184.'l a
(hnighter of i5(>njamin F. and ICIi/a .lane ( I)c Ijamateri I'nderwood. of New
York. They have become the parents of three sons: Fli l'\, born in Iowa
c()M7ity, Wisconsin, March S. 186:!. was a stiulent in the high school at .\voca.
Wisconsin, and the State' I'liiversity of Wisciuisiii, .-it .Madison. He afterward
en"aKcd in thi' dr\ig business at .\voca i'nv a numln'r of years and in 18!)')
came to Storm Lake. He luu! been re,-ired by his gi-aiidpareids in Wisconsin
and did luit come to Iowa at the time of bis pai-euts' removal, but when he
arrived in Storm i-ake he .ioined bis fatlier in his mercantile enterprises here
and is today a iiartnei' in the Kiniie store and a wortliy suci'cssor of his father

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 235

in the conduct of a business which has assumed extensive proportions. In
]897 he was married to Miss Ida M. Pelton, of Storm Lake, who has been
actively connected with the store not only since her marriage but for ten years
l)revious. She is a daughter of Ira C. and Jlary E. Pelton, Mho were pioneer
residents of Mitchell county. Iowa. Warner K., the second son, was born in
Wisconsin, married Marie Nelson and died in July, 1907, at the age of forty-
two years. Roy U., born in Storm Lake in 1879 married Alice M. Bell, of
Clarion, Iowa, in 1904, and they have one child, Catherine Rowena. The
widow and surviving sons and daughters-in-law now constitute the firm of W.
C. Kinne Company, incorporated, successors of the fiilher in a general mer-
cantile store. They now carry a stock valued at thirty-five thousand dollars,
and their annual sales have reached a large figure. The concern is the oldest
establishment of the kind in Buena Vista and well merits the lilieral patronage
accorded it b.y reason of the straightforward liusiness policy which has ever
been maintained in connection with the affairs of the house.

Mrs. Kinne survives her husband and is well known in Storm Lake, where
she has long made her home. She holds membership in the Presbyterian
church and has ever been prominent in the social circles of the city. Mr,
Kinne gave his political allegiance to the republican partj', while fraternally
he was connected with the JIasons and Odd Fellows and exemplified in his life
the beneficent principles upon which those orders rest. By the consensus of
public opinion, he was accounted one of the foremost citizens of Buent Vista
county, his life record constituting an integral chapter in the history of
Storm Lake.

RICHARD OLNEY.

A well improved and highly cultivated tract of one hundred and sixty
acres, situated a mile and a half north of Marathon, in Poland township, is the
liome of Richard Olney, who is numbered among the substantial citizens of
Buena Vista county. The family was founded in the new world by Thomas
Olney, who was born in Hertford.shire, England, and who arrived in Salem,
Jlassachusetts, April 2, 1635, on the ship Planter. He was appointed a sur-
veyor in January, 1636, and was granted forty acres of land at Jeffrey Creek,
now known as Manchester, near Salem. He soon became associated with the
followers of Roger Williams, who advocated peculiar views on political and
religious matters, and for that reason was excluded from the colony March
12, 1638. Prior to this time, however, in company with Roger Williams, Mr.
Olney had visited Narragansett Bay in quest of a place of abode, where they
might live outside the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts colony, and accord-
ingly formed a new settlement at the head of the bay, which they named
Providence, in grateful remembrance of their deliverance from their enemies.
They, with others, thus became the original thirteen proprietors of Providence,
having purchased their rights from the Indians. Thomas Olney became a

236 HISTORY OP BUBNA VISTA COUNTY

prominent factor in the life of the cohmy and was one of tlie fomiders of the
First Baptist chnreh in Providence.

Richard Olney, a direct descendant of Th,.iuas Olnev. was l>orn in Warren
eonnty. Pennsylvania, November ], 1844. a son of Stephen and Alice fGood-
neh) Olney. Iwth of whom were natives of the Empire state. The family
came to Buena Vista county in 1809 and settled on the northwest quarter of
section 10. Poland township. Richard is the eldest of three children, the
others being: Dr. Stephen Olney. who is mentioned elsewhere in this work;
and Julia G., deceased. The mother died at the age of sixty-five years, while
the father still survives at the extreme ,,ld age of ninety years, making his
home with his son, Richard.

,^ Richard Olney was a youtli of fifteen years when he l>egan learning the
printer's trade at Warren, Pennsylvania. He was engaged in this Ijusiness
for ten years, or until 1867. when he entered the service of the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company as station agent at Struthers. Ohio. He was later appointed
postmaster and also had charge of a store at this place. In 1877, making. his
way to Iowa, he invested his fimds in farm laiul. which he bought from eastern
speculators, paying for the same fi'om a dollar and a C|uarter to twenty dollars
per acre. This tract comprised one hundred and sixty acres, which he
improved and placed under a high state of cidtivation. After a residence of
five years on the farm he removed to ;Maratlion and entered the service of the
Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company as telegraph operator. He was
also appointed postnuister at this place and likewise conducted a real-estate
business. In 1885 he established the first l)ank at this place, called the Mara-
thon Bank, but now known as the First National Bank. In 1888 he removed
to the Indian Territory and was employed at Goodland. by the St. Louis &
San Francisco Railway Company. In 1889. however, he returned to Marathon
and after a year organized a cooperative store, conducted by a stock company
consisting of about three hundred families. Tliis concern conducted business
under the name of The Farmers Supply Coinpany aiul for twelve years Mr.
Olney acted as its efficient manager. Tlirongh his executive aliility and care-
ful management the concern enjoyed unbounded success, an investment of less
than nine hundred dollars bringing to the stockholders a net profit of over
sixteen thousand dollars. At the end of twelve years ^Ir. Olney resigned his
position therewith and onoe more resumed farming, being thus engaged for
threeyears, when he was elected secretary and manager of the Farmers Grain
Company of Marathon. After one and a half years he once more returned
to his farm, where he has since made bis borne. This tract comprises one
hundred and sixty acres, situated on s(>c1ion 10. Poland township, and is one
of the fine farms of this section of Buena Vista county.

Mr. Olney pos.sesses considerable literai-y ability and in 1S72 was editor
and publisher of the Youngstown Weeldy Courier at Youngstown. Ohio.
Whatever he undertakes is carried i'orwai'd to sueeessful completion as is indi-
cated by the iniportiint enterprises witli wliicli lie bas been connected and
which have met with such deserving success,

]\lr. Olney was married August 1. 1868. to Miss Mary E. Henry. ,\ daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. William Ileni-y. natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, re.spec-

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 237

tively. Of the family of nine children horn nnto Mr. and Mrs. Olney, six of
the niimher still survive, namely: William H., who resides at Poland. Ohio;
Mary E., the wife of William Donaldson, a resident of Clay county, Iowa;
Richard H., who is engaged in merchandising in Marathon; Leslie J., at home;
Norris G., who is with his hrother Richard in the store; and Florine F., at
home.

Independent in his political views and affiliations. Jlr. Olney is a public-
spirited citizen and ever works toward high ideals, being a man of practice
rather than of theory. For several years he has served as county surveyor
and in many other ways has contributed toward the general advancement and
improvement of Buena Vista county. A gentleman of culture, a fine scholar
and still a student from habit ; a man towering high above his fellows, all rec-
ognizing his superior ability and worth of character and ever read.y to pay
deference to his excellent ([ualities, he is yet modest and retiring. Vanity is
not one of his characteristics.

FRED C. FOLEY, M. D.

Fred C. Foley, who followed his preliminary professional labors as a
teacher in the schoolroom by a careful preparation for the practice of medi-
cine, is now a leading and successful physician and surgeon of Newell, his
ability being demonstrated in the excellent results which follow his profes-
sional labors. He was born in Arlington, Iowa, December 29, 1868, and is a
son of Thomas and Jeannette (Hall) Fole.v, both of whom are natives of Illinois.
The former was a son of Thomas Foley, a native of Canada and a tailor by
trade, who lived near the city of Prescott. There he spent his entire life,
passing away at the age of seventy-five years. His widow is still living at the
very advanced age of ninety-five years, and possesses in a remarkable degree
all of her faculties. She makes her home in Clayton, New York, and is greatly
esteemed in that locality. Their family numbered seven sons: Thomas,
James, John, William, Joseph, Frank and Bernard.

The maternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Scotland, aiul
followed the occupation of farming as a lifewoi-k. He was married in his
native land and on emigrating from Scotland he and his wife settled in Can-
ada, l)ut later removed to Illinois, becoming pioneer residents of that state.
They took up their abode near Rockford, where ^Ir. Hall followed farming
until his labors were ended in death when he was yet in the prime of life. His
widow survived to the age of eighty-five years. They were the parents of five
sons and seven daughters: William. James, Jolui. Lovejoy, Thomas. Ellen,
Kate and Martha (twins). Sarah, Agnes, Jeannette and ^Margaret.

Thomas Foley, father of Dr. Foley, is a contractor and builder living in
Rockford. Illinois. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist
church and are people of the highest respectability. Their family numbered
two sous and a daughter, the brother of (un- subject being Dr. Clarence L.

238 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Foley, a practicing dentist of Roekford. Illinois; and :\Ia Hrllc. mIso living in
Rockford.

Dr. Foley was reared to manhood in New Milford, Illinois, and after
attending the pnblie schools there nntil he had mastered the elementary
branches of English learning he became a student in Rockford. Later he
engaged in teaching for several years, but thinking to tind other professional
labors more congenial and profitable he matriculated in F\ush Jlcdical College
of Chicago, where he completed the full cnurse I)y graduation with the class of
1894. In that year he came to Newell, where he has since remained and in
his practice has met with gratifying success. He is very careful in the
diagnosis of his cases, and while never hasty in discarding the old and time-
tried methods of practice, whose value has been proven, he yet keeps in touch
M-ith all the progressive ideas of the profession, and utilizes every method
which his .iudgment sanctions as of worth in his work of restoring health and
checking the ravages of disease. As he has prospered in his undertakings he
has made .iudicious investment in property.

On the 26th of June, 1895. Dr. Foley was married to IMiss Lena Redfield.
a daughter of John and Eldona (Gilbert) Redfii'ld. They became parents of
a daughter who was named Eldona, for her maternal grandmother. The
mother died in 1899, and Dr. Foley has since married Miss Caddie Maukey, a
daughter of James and Lizzie Mankey. Her death occurred in 1903, and Dr.
Foley wedded Miss Fern Fay Ashley, of Des Moines.

Dr. and Mrs. Foley attend the Congregational church and occupy a prom-
inent place in the social circles of the city. He belongs to the Masonic and
the Odd Fellows lodges and gives his political allegiance to the democratic
party, but while he is interested in all that pertains to public progress and
cooperates in various measures for the public good, his attention is chiefly
given to his professional duties and he keeps in touch with the advancement
of the medical fraternity through his membership in the iiuciui Vista Count.v
Medical Society; the Sioux Valley Medical Society; the Iowa State Medical
Societv, and the American .Medical Association.

JUDGE ARTIITTR I). HAILIE.

The lejral profession demands not (uily a high ordei' of aliijity lint a rare
ciindiinat ion of talent, learning, tact, patienci' and industry, 'i'lie successful
lawyer and the cinnpeteni .judge must he a man of well i)alanc(>d intellect,
thorougid\' familiar with the law and practice, of comprehensive general
inf(n-niat ion. posscssi'd oC an analytical mind and the sell'-cont nil that will
enable him to lose his iinlividuality, his personal feelings, his pre.judices and his
jx'culiarities of disposition in the difrnity, impartiality and e(|uity of the office
to which life, propeiM.w rigid and liberty must look foi- protection. Possessing
these (|ualities Judge Arthur 1). Bailie .justly merits the high honor which was
conferred upon him by his elevation to the district bench and that he has

A. D. BAILIE

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 241

proved an ablo and competoiit .indge is iiidicatod liy the fact that lie is now
serving for the third term.

Judge Bailie was born in ^lason. Illinois. July 1. 1857. His father, Andrew
Bailie, is a native of Cineinnati, Ohio, and still resides at Mason, Illinois. He
is of Scotch ancestry and a son of Robert Bailie, who was a farmer by occupa-
tion. Andrew Bailie, however, put aside the work of the fields and became a
contractor and builder. He removed from Ohio to Illinois about 1853 or 1854.
settling in Effingham comity, where he worked at his trade. He became pi-os-
perous and was identified with many of the important building operations of
that locality. At the time of the Civil war, however, lie put aside all business
and personal con.siderations and enlisted in defense of the Union cause, joining
Company E of the Fifty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he served
for more than three years. He enlisted at JIason and saw much active service
nt the front. He still carries a bullet in his right arm, having been wounded
ill the battle of Stone River. His in,]uries necessitated his remaining in the hos-
pital for some time, after which he rejoined his regiment. Later he was
captured and was incarcerated in Libby prison for three months, after which
he was exchanged and returned to his regiment. His life has been one of
activity and honor, winning for him the un(|ualified respect and confidence of
his fellow citizens. His political allegiance has been given to the republican
party since its organization and he has filled a number of local offices. Fra-
ternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge, while his religious faith is
indicated bj- his membership in the ^letliodist Episcopal church, of which he is
a trustee. He married iliss Sarah ^Viiitt>rringer. who was liorn in Knox
county, Ohio, and was of Dutch descent. She. too, was a member of the I\Ieth-
odist Episcopal church and died in that faith February 2, 1894. They were the
parents of ft)ur children, of whom one died in infanc.v. The daughters are:
Eva. the wife of Charles Sisson, now agent for the Illinois Central Railroad
Company at ^Mason. Illinois; and Gertrude, who is also living in ]\Iason.

Judge Bailie, the only son of the family, olitaiiied his education in the
public schools of Mason and at Normal, Illinois. He also attended a private
.school for a limited period and later became a teacher in the district schools
of his native state. He regarded this, however, merely as an initial step to
other professional labor and began reading law in the office- of Wood Brothers,
attorneys of Effingham, Illinois, with whom he remained for three years. He
was admitted to the bar at Mount Vernon, Illinois, in July, 1881. and in October
of that year entered upon active practice at Storm Lake, Iowa, continuing a
leading member of the liar until elected to the bench of the district court. He
was first appointed to the position by Governor Leslie ^I. Shaw to fill a vacancy
and on the 26th of June, 1908, was renominated for a third term. His decisions
indicate strong mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law
and an unbiassed judgment, and these qualities combined with the readiness
with which he grasps the points in an argument make him one of the most
capable jurists that has sat upon the district bench in Iowa.

On the 9th of November, 1882, Judge Bailie was united in marriage to
Miss May Mills, who was born in Charlest(m. Illinois. :\rarch 26, 1859. Their
second child died in iiifancv and Ihey now have a daughter. Ethelyii. and a

242 ITISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

son, Robert. Tlir purnits are meniljers of the Presbyterian chureb, in whicb
Judge Bailie is serving as a trustrc. He also ])elongs to the JIasonic and
Knights of Pythias fraternities and in the former has attained the Knight
Templar degree. His politieal allegiance is given to the republican party and
he served for several terms as mayor of Storm Lake, giving to the eity a busi-
nesslike and progressive administration. He also filled the office of county
attorney and was formerly active in the work of the party, serving for some
time as chairman of the county central connnittee but since his election to the
bench he has withdrawn from participation in political work, allowing nothing
to interfere with the capable and unbiased performance of his duty. He stands
as one of the eminent members of the bar in his section of the state and is no
less honored for his personal worth than his professional acciuirements.

ELI AS L. O'BANION.

Elias L. O'Banion, with a creditable official and business record, may well
be classed with the representative citizens of Storm Lake. He was born in
Kentucky in 1848, a son of John P. and Kuth (Turner) O'Banion, who were
likewise natives of the Blue Gra.ss state. The father is of English lineage and
in early life was a hunbermaii and miller but in later years turned his attention
to general agricultin'al pur-suits and won substantial success in his farming
operations. His politieal allegiance has long been given to the democratic
party and he is a devoted member of the Christian church. He now lives near
Decatur, Illinois, at the age of eighty-two years, but his wife passed away in
1S95 when sixty-three years of age. She, too, was a member of the Christian
church and was of English descent. The ancestors of our subject in both
paternal and maternal lines came fi-om England and settled in Virginia during
an early period in its colonization, while later they went to Kentucky. They
were in sympathy with the attempt of tiu' colonies to throw off the yoke of
British oppression in 177(1 and I'l^presentalives of iiotli families served in the
Continental army.

Elias L. O'Banion is the eldest of a family- of nine children, eight of whom.
reached adult age. He was a pujiil in the public seiu)ols of Illinois after the
removal of the family from Kentucky to that state in the year ISoT. He was
reared upon the home farm in .Menard county and followed general agricul-
tural pursuits continuously until ISDI, manifesting a spirit of enterprise and
ililigence in all of his farm work. He came to Iowa in 1878 and settled in
iMaple Valley township upon a farm which he rented. As soon as his indus-
try and econoin.\' brought him sufticient capital he purchased land in
Washington township and tliere carried on general farming until 1891, when
he came to Storm Lake and for five years successfully conducted a meat mar-
ket. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and al)ility, called him to
office iu 1897, when he was elected sheriff. On his retirement from that posi-
tion he turned his attention to the real-estate business, in which he is still
engaged, and since 190') he has also engaged in the sale of threshing machines

HISTORY OF BTIENA VISTA COUNTY 243

and other farm machinery and supplies. As a business man he has been very
sneeessful, his perseverance and utilization of opportunity winning him a place
among the prosperous residents of the county.

In 1873 Mr. O'Banion was married to ;Miss Fannie A. Leavitt, who was
born in New Hampshire in 1848 and was of Englisli ancestry. They became
the parents of eight children : Clarence W.. who is in a packing house at Bal-
timore, Maryland ; Josie G.. a teacher by profession, who liv€s at home ; Walter
J., who is engaged in the butchering Jnisiness at Cherokee ; Archie L., of Cali-
fornia, who is meat and stock inspector for the United States government;
Florence, the wife of T. F. Wait, a physician of Keota, Iowa; Allen, a teacher
by profession, who is now a student at Ames Agricultural College ; Eai-l, who
is employed as a clerk and resides at home ; and Guy, who passed away when
nine years of age.

ilrs. O'Banion is a meral)er of the Christian church. Mr. O'Banion
belongs to the Odd Fellows society and gives his political allegiance to the
democracy. He filled the office of sheriff for one term, was a member of the
city council for fifteen years and in the spring of 1907 was elected mayor of
the eit3', in which position he gave a public-spirited, progressive and business-
like administration. His official record has always been characterized by the
utmost devotion to duty and he is in thorough sympathy with every movement
Ihat teiuls to benefit the cmnmunity ahmg substantial lines of progress.

AARON CONNER.

Aaron Conner was so closely connected with the business development
and the substantial growth of Alta and this section of Buena Vista county as
to render his life record an integral chapter in its history. Honored and
respected by all. there was no man of the community who occupied a more
enviable position in commercial or financial circles, not alone by reason of the
success which he achieved but also owing to the straightforward business
policy which he ever followed. He cast in his lot among the early settlers of
Iowa and from that time forward labored earnestly and effectively for the
welfare of the state.

Mr. Conner was Iku-u in Ohio, ilarch 19, 1844. and was a son of Thomas
Conner who removed to Iowa when the state had but few residents. He lived
for a time in Delaware county. His son, Aaron Conner was reared to man-
liood in Iowa and at the time of the Civil war espoused the Union cause, enlist-
ing in 1862 as a member of the Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with
which he served for three years. He continued at the front until hostilities
had ceased, save for a brief period when he was ill with measles and returned
home on a furlo\;gh. a man being sent with him to care for him. He partici-
pated in many of the hotly contested battles of the war and at its close was
honorably discharged, for he had always been loyal to the old flag and the
cause which it represented. During his absence at the front his people

244 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

removed to Delaware county, this state, where he joined them, remaining on
tlie home farm for two yeai's.

Mr. Conner was then married, on the 17th of February, 1S67, to Miss
Martha J. Thompson, a native of Kane county, Illinois, born near Elgin and
a daughter of George G. Thompson, who was born, reared and married in
Greenbrier county, Virginia. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Cynthia
Surbaugh, was also born in the Old Dominion and was of German lineage.
Mr. Thompson removed westward to Illinois, making the journey across the
country with teams. He settled in Kaiu' county, where he entered laud from
the government and opened up a farm, which he continued to cultivate for
nineteen years. He afterward liought and owned two farms there, bvit event-
ually sold his propert.y in Illinois, removing to Iowa in 1862. He then
purchased land in Buchanan county, where he improved a farm of four hun-
dred acres, whereon he spent his last years, his death tlu're occurring some
nine years prior to the demise of his wife.

Following his marriage Mr. Conner located in Plainfield, where he engaged
in general merchandising. He carried on that business at that point for
live j'ears and then sold out, joining his father in the conduct of a similar
inisiness at Manchester, Iowa, where he renmined for about seven years. He
then disposed of his stocl< and i-emoved to Alta. where he opened a stock of
groceries but later he added lioots and shoes and conducted the business up to
the time of liis death. He built a large doul)le l)rick business block aiul also
purchased a neat residence in the town. His store was one of the leading
coiiunereial enteri)rises here and he was also a stockholder in tlie Alta
National Baidv, of which he was serving as vice president at the time of his
(ieatii. He also aided in organizing and l)eeame one of the stockholders of
I lie i'.ucna Vista County Fair.

I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Conner were born two chibli-en : A. M. (Joiuier. who
is represented elsewhere in tliis volume ; and Ina .M., the wife of Ed Larson,
of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. ^Ir. Conner was a
prominent Mason, who bc^longed to the Blue lodge of Alta, to Cherokee chap-
ter, and to the commandery and Mystic Shrine. He was one of the earliest
mcndjers of the Alta lodge, filled all of its offices and was a past master. Both
he and his wife were mend)ers of th(> Eastern Star, in which Mrs. Conner also
Idled all of the chairs and sei'ved as the first \vorlh.\- matron. Mr. Conner
likewise l)e]onged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he was
honored witli the various oilicial positions and was a past noble grand, while
both he and his wife were connected with the Hebekahs. Always interested
in his old army comrades, he joined the Grand Army post, and served as its
coiiMiiander for several yeai's. He was one of the most prominent and pub-
lie-spirited citizens of Alta, respected by all who knew him because of his
genuine personal wortli, his l)usiness enterprise and iiis loyal citizenship. He
was laid to rest with ^lasoinc honors aiul so uscliil and active had been his life
lliat Ins death came with a sense of personal licicavement to the entire com-
nuniity. Following the death ol' bei- husband .Mrs. (Jonner took charge of the
store, in which she still owns an interest. She lias been very prominent in
the ladies' auxiliary of both the Masonic and Odd l-'ellows societies and is

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 245

well known in the social circles of the city, her many good (jnalities winning
for her the kindly i-cg-anl and friendship of all with whom she has lieen
associated.

GUY E. MACK.

It is a well known fact that the attorney has been a more prominent
figure in political and public circles than any other man. The reason for this
is not hard to find, for the habit of tlmrough examination into every question
in order to get to the root of the matter qualifies him for the discharge of
onerous public duties as well as the clear presentation of a case before the
courts. This power of analysis in public life assists him in understanding
every situation and solving every problem that is presented to him in his offi-
cial capacity. Mr. Mack, therefore, is proving a capable officer as mayor of
Newell, and at the same time is conducting a large business in the practice of
law. his ability bringing to him an extensive clientage.

A native of Storm Lake, he was born February 28, 1880, and is therefore
yet one of its young men. His parents were Edgar E. and Ellen B. (Ayres)
Mack, natives of the state of Vermont. The paternal grandfather. James M.
JIack, was also born in the Green ^Mountain state and was of Scotch-Irish
descent. He followed the occupation of farming and about 1868 removed
westward to Iowa, settling in Newell township, where he homesteaded a claim
of one hundred and sixty acres. It was entirely destitute of improvements
when it came into his possession, but with characteristic energy he began its
development and converted it into a good property. His wife died at the
age of sixty, while he survived to the advanced age of eighty-seven years.
Their family numbered six children : Frank P., Edgar E., Fred W., Julian,
Wilmer and Elmore.

Of this family, Edgar E. Mack was reared to the occupation of farming
and at an early period in the settlement of Iowa became a resident of Alden.
He afterward removed to Buena Vista county with his father during the latter
'fiOs, and took up his abode in Newell, where he acted as a clerk in the store
until 1874. In that year he went to Sioux Rapids to resume the duties of
clerk of the district court, and served for fourteen years in that capacity, his
long incumbency in the office standing as an incontrovertible proof of his
ability and fidelity. About 1877 the courthouse at Sioux Rapids was
destroyed by fire, and the coimty seat was removed to Storm Lake. At that
time Edgar E. Mack became a resident of that city, where he has since made
his home and is now numbered among the prominent business men there. He
is engaged in the practice of law. in the land business, and is proprietor of
the electric light plant at that place. His enterprise and activity constitute
him an important factor in the business development of the community. He
has also been one of its political leaders, having been elected to the state sen-
ate and by reelection was continued in that office for two terms, during which
time he was connected with much constructive legislation and with important

246 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

work done in the committee rooms. He was also chairman of the republican
state central comjnittee in 1893, and has been one of the influential workers in
party ranks. In 1906 lie was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who
(lied on the 6th of February of Ihat year, at the age of fifty-seven. She was
a member of the Congregational church, to which ;\Ir. .Mack also belongs.
Their family numbered three sons and three daughters: Nellie E., the wife of
J. H. Van Wagener, of Pierce, Nebraska ; Grace E., of Storm Lake ; Guy E.,
of Newell, Iowa; Frank W., of Storm Lake; Burt M. and Beatrice J., also of
Storm Lake.

In taking up the personal history of Guy E. Alack we present to our read-
ers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in this county.
He was reared in Storm Lake and attended its public schools until he was
graduated from the high school with the class of 1898. He afterward spent
one year as a student in the Buena Vista College, at Storm Lake, and for two
years was in the law, abstract and loan office of his father and James De Land,
devoting his time to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence. He then
be(;ame a law student in the Iowa State University, where he was graduated
in 190;3 and, following his admission to the bar in the same year, he located
for practice in Newell in 1904. Here he has continued to the present time
and has secured a good clientage that has connected him with much important
litigation tried in the courts of the district. He is also his father's partner
in the law practice in Storm Lake.

Reared in the faith of the republican party his maturer judgment sanc-
tioned its principles and its policies, and since age conferred upon him the
right of franchise ^Ir. Mack ha.s voted for its candidates. For four years he
filled the office of town clerk ere his election to the position of mayor of
Newell in the spring of 1908. lb' 1m loiit;s to the Congregational church and
is identified with several fraternal orders, including the Masonic lodge of
Newell, Newell Lodge, No. 132, 1. (). (). F., and the Modern Woodmen of
America. He is a progressive, pulilic-spii'ited citizen and ,-ui al)li' lawyer,
who is makiufi steady proii'ress in his chosen profession, while the woi't h ol' his
public service is widely acknowleilged.

COLOXEL GEORGE CURRIER.

(■(ibiiicl (icorsic ('iirrici' Ims I'oi' nini'c Ihini a third of :i century been a
resident of I'.ueiui \'ista count \- ami (hirine' this lime has been closely asso-
ciated with various business interests which have been an elenicnl in the

county's irrowth. lie is. moi ver, I'ntilled to representation in this volume

from the I'acl tiiat he is a veteran of the Civil war. loyally aiding in the pre-
sei'vation of the I'nion. He was one of live bi'others who wore the bliu' during
that dai-k hour in our country's history and ncvei- did he falter in the per-
formance of his duty whether stationed on the lonely picket line or in the face
of danger on the firing line.

GEORGE CURRIER

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 249

He was born in Readfielil, Maine, June 29, 1842. His father, James C.
Currier, was also a native of that town and his life record covered a span of
eighty-two years, his death occurring in April, 1888. He was of English
descent and grandson of Jonathan Currier, who was a member of a New
Hamp.shire regiment at the time of the Revolutionary \yar. He served as
orderly sergeant and laid down his life on the altar of liberty, being buried
at Valley Forge. He was a member of the regiment being commanded by
Colonel John Stark, the hero of the battle of Bennington. His son, Samuel
Currier, father of James Currier, was a physician at Readfield, Maine, and
served as a major in a Maine regiment in the war of 1812.

In his early manhood James Currier devoted his energies to teaching
school, and after his marriage ti;rned his attention to general agricultural
pursuits. In 1852 he removed to Massachusetts, where he resided until his
death aiul in community affairs he took an active and helpful part, giving
earnest support to many measures and movements which were of direct bene-
fit to the locality. He si^rved as deputy sheriff and constal)le and voted with
the whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new
republican party, marching under its banners until his demise. He was a
man of broad mind and lil)eral views, who recognized the good in all and
believed that the world was constantly growing bettei-. He held membership
in the Universalist church and at a ripe old age passed fr(un this life. His
wife bore the maiden name of ^rehital)le Harding, and was born in Wellfleet,
Massachusetts. She died August 8, 1876, at th(> age of sixty-six years. She
was of English descent and was also a representative of Revolutionary stock,
for her grandfather, ]\Ioses Nickerson, was a private in a Massachusetts regi-
nu^nt. He drew pension from 1817 until his death in 1842, the government
thus recognizing the aid which he had reiulered in the establishment of a
republic. Like her husband, ^Irs. Currier was a member of the Universalist
church. They became the parents of thirteen children, eight sons and five
daughters. Five of the sons were valued soldiers of the Union army in the
Civil war and though all were woiuuled all lived to return to their homes.

George Currier pursued his etlucation in the schools of Natick, Massa-
chusetts, and Readfield, Maine, after which he learned the shoemakers' trade,
which he followed until the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the
south in 1861. He watched with interest the progress of the war until, feeling
that his first duty was to his cinuitry, he enlisted on the 4th of January, 1862,
at Cambridge, ^Ma.ssachusetts, joining the Thirteenth Regiment of Massachu-
setts Infantry under, command of Colonel Leonard. He served with Com-
pany H for three months and was then honorably discharged because of
disability. On the 4th of January, 1864, having sufticiently recovered, Mr,
Currier reenlisted as a member of the Seventh Massachusetts Battery and
continued with that conunand for alxnit twenty-one months, or until the close
of the wai'. He took part in the engagements of Mans\u- Plains, Yellow
Bayou, Chevalier Bayou, Mobile, Fort Blakely and was wounded in front of
Spanish F(U-t at ^Mobile. He was, however, only in the hospital for a short
time and he attained the rank of gunner. The military history of the family
is a most creditable one. Samuel Currier, the eldest brother of our subject,

250 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

joined the boys in Itlno of Company C, Thirteenth Massachusetts Infantry and
rose to the rank of first lientonant in the Forty-first llassaehnsetts. which he
snliseqnently joincMl. ^Vllil(' still serving with the Thirteenth, at the battle of
Antietam. he was reported mortally wounded. His father then went to the
front after him and returned with him to his home where, nnder eareful inirs-
ing, he reeovered. Charles P. Currier, another brother, was a member of
Company I, Thirty-ninth ^Massachusetts Infantry and attained the rank of
orderly sergeant. He lost a leg in the battle of the Wilderness, was captured
and taken to Lihby Prison, where he remained for about four months and was
then exchanged. He returned home at the close of the war but is now
deceased. Joseph Currier also became a memlier of Company f. Thirty-ninth
Massachusetts Infantry and was company sergeant. He was captured and
sent to the prison at Salisbury, where he remained for thirteen weeks. It
was after he was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness that he was cap-
tured, James Currier enlisted as a private in Company H, Thirteenth
Massachusetts Infantry, under Colonel Leonard. He was wounded in battle
and was in a three days' fight at Gettysburg in the Shenandoah valley and
was captured, but was paroled and sent to Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio.
Samuel Currier was captured in tlic fii'ld hospital at Chambersburg, Pennsyl-
vania, but was at once paroled.

In taking up the personal history of George Currier we present to our
readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Storm
Lake. He remained a resident of New England until 1866, when he removed
to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where he made his home for two years, and in
1868 became a resident of Dallas county, Iowa, where he lived for a year and
a half, and in 186!) took uji a homestead in Grant township. On the 1st of
May, 1870, he located on this farm which he tilled and cultivated until the 1st
of May, 1875, when be came to Storm Lake and engaged in the lumber busi-
ness. Soon afterward hi' was called to official duty, iteing appointed city
marshal and street commissioner. In 1877 he purchased the general store
of J. A. Campbell and carried on the business for five years, after which he
sold out and bought an interest in a coal, Ininhcr and implement business, con-
ducting this business nnder the (inn name of Sweetser & Currier. Three
years later lie sold out an<l again located on the farm, to which he added by
additional i)in-chases, while for eight \-ears he tilled the soil, thereby winning
a fail' measure of jirosperity in farming operations. On the expii'ation of that
period he retires! to Storm Lake and was aftei'ward api)ointe(l superintendent
of roadmaking ami city weighmaster. He has also i)i'en a niemlier of lh(> city
council and in his dilVerent official positions has discharged his tluties with
promptness and lidelily. lie was also further identilied witii business inter-
ests here as a grain lni\-ei- and i-ond\ii-ted llie St. i'aul l^- Kansas City elevator
for two years, but is now living retired.

in 1866 Mr. Currier was married to .Miss .\ilclia K'okes, who was born in
Appleton, Maine, in 1845 and is a daughter of Lincoln and -Alary A. (Gordon)
Rokes, both of whom died during hci' early girlhood. They were of English
lineage and the father was a coojx'r l)y trade, .Mi-, and .Mrs. Currier are the
parents of a daughter and son: .Mar_\- Isaln'l, who was born in Stockton, Wis-

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 251

cousin, is the wife of August Dugloseh. a clothinn: inercliant of Stonu Lake,
and they have one ehihl ; Edward C, the son, was bom in Redfiekl, Iowa. He
is now in the wholesale glass and paint business at Sioux City. He, too, is
married and has one child.

:\rr. Currier is a member of Edward D. Baker Post No. 80, G. A. R., of
which he has been adjutant twelve years and is a past commander. He
received the title of colonel by appointment as chief mustering oflficer in the
Grand Army of the Republic by General Newman, on whose staflP he served.
He is also a member of the ^Masonic fraternity and both he and his Avife are
members of the Universalist church, in which he is now serving as a member
of the lioard of trustees. He likewise belongs to the Sons of the American
Revolution, and is also interested in everything pertaining to religious mat-
ters. In his political views he has ever stood by that party which was the
main defense of the ITniou during the dark days of the Civil war, voting the
republican ticket. He was the first township clerk of Grant township and one
of its organizers, and he has also served as a member of the school board.
Patriotism might well be termed the keynote to his character. It has been
manifest in all of his relations of life and is evidenced by his faithful service
in office and his cooperation with the various movements which have tended
to promote the interests of county, state or nation. lu 1907 he spent four
months traveling through the east, visiting the Jamestown Exposition and
many points in the New England States.

GEORGE WITTER.

George Witter, whose business activity is now confined to the supervision
of his invested interests, was for many years one of the most enterprising and
progressive merchants of Storm Lake, and his business aifairs contributed in
large measure to the upbuilding and prosperity of the city, as well as to his
individual success. There are few men who continue in trade for forty years
that enjoy so spotless a record of business integrity, and his record may well
serve as an example that might profitably be followed. He was born in
Dubu(|ue county. Iowa. x\pril ]. IS")!. His father. Geiu'ge P. Witter, was a
native of Germany and came to the United States in 1846, in which year he
located in Dubuque county upon a farm which he entered from the govern-
ment. He had acquired his education in the schools of his native land and
had there learned and followed the weaver's trade but in this countrj- his
entire attention was given to general agricultural pursuits. Becoming a
naturalized American citizen, he gave his political support to the whig party
until his death, which occurred in 1852 when he was forty-two years of age.
Both he and his wife were consistent members of the ilethodist Episcopal
church. Mrs. Witter, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Peter, was
born in Germany and passed away in July, 1872, at the age of sixty-one
years. They were married ere their emigration to the new world and they
became the parents of twelve children, of whom five are yet living: George

252 HISTORY OF HUENA VISTA COUNTY

and Adam, ^lio arc residents of Hiiciia Vista cminty; and three sous now liv-
ing in Dul)u<|ue eoinity.

George Witter, the youngest of the family, was reareil upon the home
farm and attended the district schools near by. also pursuing his studies in a
private school at Galena, Illinois. There he learned the carriage-making
trade, which he followed for about ten years, on the expiration of which period
he removed to Storm Lake in the spring of 1878 and here engaged in the fur-
niture and undertaking business. For thirty years he was a factor in the
commercial circles of the city, retiring on the 1st of January, 1908. He has
been vice president of the Commercial National Bank of Storm Lake since its
organization. He had been very .successful .nid had developed an enterprise
which is second in importance to no establishment of this character in north-
western Iowa. His business policy was one well worthy of emulatiim. His
jialh was never strewn with the wreck of other men's fortunes, nor was he
ever known to take advantage of the nec'ssities of another in a commercial
transaction. He won his success thrcnigh close application, enterprising
methods and honorable dealing, and while promoting his individual interests
he also contributed to a great extent to the upbuilding of the city. In 1878
lie erected a frame building in which to carry on his inisiness and in 1881, in
order to meet the growth of the trade, he erected a brick structure twenty-one
l)y one himdred feet. His Inisiness still grew, however, and in 1888 he built
a two-story L, extending east from the rear and facing on Eri(> street. This
is now occupied by the Vidette office. In 1899 he erected another liusincss
block west of and adjoining his original property on Fifth street. It is
thirty-five by ninety feet and three stories and liasenu'nt. It has a pressed
brick front and is a modern establishment in all of its appointments and equip-
ments. The block has a frontage of sevt'nt \-tive feet fi-om tlie Ei-ie street
comer west on Fifth street.

In 1878 Jlr. Witter was uniird in marriage to Miss Kate Bauman. wiio
was born in I)ul)iH|Ue county, Iowa, in IS.")."), a daughter of John and Mary
Bannian. who were natives of Germany, am! mi coming to tliis country settled
in l)ul)U((uc i-ouiily in the early 'r)Os, .Mr. ami Mrs. Witter became the par-
ents of five children: Lora, boi-n Seplnulicr 14, 1879, who passed away July
1"), 1880; Ella N., whose birtii occurred in 1SS2 and who is supervi.sor of art
in the Jluscatine schools; Willard W.. I)nrn March S. 1884. who is at home;
Florence F., whose natal day w.is .Inly 27. ISS."). also at lidnie; Frances M.,
born September 12. 1887, who is snpci'xisor of music in (he Slorm Lak(\
schools.

The parents ai-e members of (he (ierman .Metiiodist ehui-eii. in the work of
which they take a most active ami helpful interest, .\s his financial
resources have increased Mr, Witter has eon1i-ibut(>(l more .ind more largely
to its support and I'or (he i)as( (hii-(y \-ears he has been superintendent of the
Sunday school. While he l'i'ec|uently gives his i)olitieal su|)poi-( to the i-epub-
lican party, lu' is a stanch advocate of temperance and casts an independent
local ballot. He has served as member of the school board and no interest for
the benefit of the community along material, intellectual, socual or moral
lines fails to receive his eiulorsemeiit and heart.>- cooperation. In 1902 he

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 253

ere(!ted one of the most handsome residences of Storm Lake and in this he and
his family are now comfortably situated. He thoroughly enjoys home life
and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. He is
always courteous, kindh^ and atfable and those who know him personally have
for him warm regard. A man of greai natural ability, his success in business
from the beginning nf his residence i' Storm Lake has been uniform and
rapid. As has been truly remarked, after all that may be done for a man in
the way of giving him early opportunities for obtaining the requirements
which are sought in the schools and in books, he must essentially formulate,
determine and give shape to his own character, and this is what Mr. Witter
has done. He has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and
gained the most satisfactory reward. His life is exemplary in all respects
and he has ever supported those interests which arc calculated to uplift and
benefit humanity, while bis own high mora] worth is deserving of highest
commendation.

WILLIAM GUTEL.

Although "William (iutcl lias resided in Huena Vista county only since
1895, no native born s<in is nmre loyal to its best interests or takes a more
active and helpful part in promoting measures that have proven of direct
benefit to its citizens. Jlr. Gutel was born in Livingston county, Illinois.
March 2.5. 1865. a son of Theodule and Catherine E. (Fevre) Gutel. both of
whom were born in France. The father emigrated from his native land to
the new world when a young man and first locat(Nl in Ottawa. Illinois, and
was there married. He later took up his abode in Livingston county, that
state, and engaged in farming and there reared his family. He still siu'vives
and yet makes his home in Livingston comity.

William Gutel was educated in the common schools of his native county
and was reared to farm life, assisting his father in the operation of the home
farm until the time of his marriage, which occurred February 22. 1893. when
he led to the marriage altar Miss ilargaret Laase. wlui was likewise a native
of Livingston county. Following their marriage the young couple located on
a farm, which Mr. Gutel operated for two years, or until 1895. when he came
to Buena Vista county and invested in his present farm of two hundred acres,
.situated on section 17. Washington township, convenient to the city of Storm
Lake. This farm was fairly well improved when it came into his possession
but he has since added many other improvements. He has laid twenty-five
thou.sand tile, thus affording excellent drainage to the land, which has thereby
been made very productive, and he has also erected some buildings on the
place. He saw, too, where the entire land in Washington township could be
made much more productive if properly drained and he was instrumental in
having a big ditch dug to furnish an outlet for the water which lay in the low
land and in this manner the various farms of this section have been made more
valuable. Mr. Gutel is engaged in farming and stock-raising, making a spec-

254 HISTORY OF BUBNA VISTA COUNTY

ialty of high grade Aliprdeen Angus cattle. His labors are ever of a practical
nature and have resulted in bringing him a gratifying success.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Gutel has been blessed with eight children,
of whom three died in infancy. Those living are William, Hai-ry, Roy,
Ernest and Clara. Mr. Gutel formerly supported the republican platform
but now votes independently. He served as road supervisor for three years,
while for six or seven years he has been a school director. He has also been
tovimship clerk and has served as a delegate to county conventions and as a
member of the petit jury. He and his wife attend and support the Methodist
Episcopal church. He joined the Masonic order at Dwight, Illinois, some
years ago and has transferred his membership to the lodge of Masons at Storm
Lake. When he foresees the need of improvement or reform in any line in
his communit.v he is not slow to advocate the question and through his push
and progress many public measures have been carried forward to completion
and the public at large has benefited thereby. He is, however, genial and
affable, every ready to receive suggestions from others, according to all the
rights and privileges that he exerts and he is well liked liy all with whom
business or social relations bring him into contact.

EDWARD NUTE.

In the history of those men whose activity and diligence in former years
constituted the basis of their pi-esent success, enabling them now to live
retired, is numbered Edward Nute. a resident of Alta. There are many
reasons why he should be mentioned in this volume: first, because he is an
honored veteran of the Civil war; secimdiy. because he has lieen a progressive
farnun- and energetic business man of Maiilc Valley township; and thirdly,
because his life in all of its varied |)hases has been in accord with the princi-
ples which govern upright, honorable manhood, lie has lived in Buena Vista
county since ]87o, and for twenty years was associated with the fai-iniiig inter-
ests of Maple Valley township. His birth occurred in Steuben county. New
York, November 1, 1827. His fatlier, Reuss<>laer Nute, was a nativ(> of Ver-
niniit, liiiiMi ill 1801. He mai-iMcd in Stenbcii rdunty. New Voi-k. Miss p]ve
Hruner, a luitive of Herkimer county, that state. \^y trade the fatlier was a
carpenter and joiner and was coiniected with Imilding o]ierati(ins in the
Empire state uiitii his rcnidval In Illinois. He liccaiiie one of the pioneers
there, settling in Kain^ county in the fall nl' IS.'iS. only six years after the
Blai'k Hawk war. Latci- he removed to Conk count\'. where he opened up a
rami, living tlirrr at a time when Cliicago was a little village of scarci'ly any
industrial nr conniiercial importance, lie afterward returned to Kane county,
settling at Dundee, wlu're he died in ISTfi. at the age of seventy-five years.
His wife survived him I'm' some tiiiir and passed away in Dundee October
5, 1800.

Edward .\utr and niie daughter are the niily survivnrs of a family of nine
children, six sons and three (laiiglit<'rs. He was only ten years of age at the

MR. AXD MRS. KDWARD Xl'TK

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 257

time of the removal of the family to Illinois, and was reared in Kane and Cook
counties. He is largely a self-educated as well as a self-made man, and in
the lessons of life he has gained much valuable knowledge and experience.
At the time of the Civil war ho put aside all business and personal considera-
tions and joined the arm.y, for he had watched with interest the progress of
events in the south and his patriotic spirit was . aroused by the continued
attempt of the south to overthrow the Union. Therefore, in 1861 he offered
his services to the government, and was mustered into the United States
Army in September as a member of Company A, Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteer
Infantry. He then went into Missouri and Arkansas, participating in the
battle of Pea Ridge. He was latei- in tlie engagements of Perryville, Ken-
tucky, Stone river, and Chickaniauga. At the last named he was wounded
by a gunshot, being struck in tlic l)od>-, and from September, 1863, Tintil the
following April he was in the fiehl hospital. He veteranized on the 1st of
January, 1864. and was then granted a thirty days' furlough, which he spent
at his father's home. On the expiration of that period he returned to his
regiment at Cleveland, Tennessee, and later joined General Sherman in the
Atlanta campaign, participating in the engagements up to and including that
of Resaca, where he had a finger shot off, disabling him for a time. He had
previously suffered with malarial fever at Cleveland, Tennessee, and was sent
back to Jefferson barracks, near St. Louis, where he remained in the hospital
until October when, having partially recovered, he left that place. Later,
however, he became hospital steward, thus serving for over a year, or luitil
the close of the war, when he was ordered to Springfield, Illinois, and was
honorably discharged, arriving home in October, 186.5. He made a creditable
record, for he never faltered in the performance of any duty, whether sta-
tioned on the picket line, or in the midst of the firing line.

When the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Nute began farming on
his father's land in Cook county, and there carried on general agricultural
pursuits for ten years. He was married soon after his return from the war,
the marriage being celebrated near Amboy, in Lee county, Illinois, on the 19th
of November, 1865, Miss Kate Conderman becoming his wife. She was born
in the town of Howard, Steuben county, New York, and she has two brothers
living: S. S. Conderman, a resident of Idaho; and Daniel Conderman, living
in Lee county, Illinois. There are also two surviving sisters, Mrs. Betsy
Ilinz, of Dixon, Iowa; and Mrs. Lucy Pickle, of Steuben county. New York.
The father was Solomon Conderman, who removed from New York when Mrs.
Nute was but fifteen years of age and settled in Lee county, Illinois.

For about ten years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Nute remained in
Illinois and in 1875 removed to Iowa, where he purchased partially improved
land. The tract comprised eighty acres, of which seventy-five acres had b^en
broken and a small house had been built thereon. With characteristic
energy he began the further development and improvement of the place,
building a good house and barn, a coal house, granary and corncribs. He
also set out an orchard and made the place one of the valuable farm proper-
ties of the locality. For twenty years he continued to successfully cultivate
this farm in Maple Valley township, and the years lirouglit him a gratifying

258 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

measure of prosperity as a reward for his earnest and discriminating la1)ors.
At length, when he had acquired a handsome competence, he rented the farm
and removed to Alta, where he and his wife are now living. He has since
enjoyed a well earned rest, deriving a good income from liis property and
other invested interests.

In his political views lie has been a republican since the organization of
the party and prior to that time was a whig, supporting General Taylor in
1848, General Scott in 1852, and then voting for John C. Fremont in 1856,
since which time he has supported every nominee of the repulilican party.
He has cast his ballot at sixteen different presidential elections, ami on twelve
occasions voted for the victorious candidates. While on the farm, he filled
the office of town clerk and overseer of roads, and was also officially identified
with the schools, serving on the school board for two years. Both he and his
Avife are earnest Christian people, liolding mend^ership in the ^Tethodist
Episcopal church, and he is a prominent member of the S. A. Hurlbut Post,
No. 82, G. A. R., of wliich he has served as commander, while for niiu> years
he has filled the office of chaplain. He is now over eighty-one years of age
and is a well presei'ved man. very active for one of his .years. Few of the
old soldiers who saw duty for four years on the battle-fields of the south are
so well preserved. He relates many interesting reminiscences of his army
life and of the early days in Buena Vista county as well. In times of peace
he has been as loyal to his country as when he followed the old flag on south-
ern battle-fields. Never has he been remi.ss in liis duties of citizenship nor
neglectful of his oiiligations to his fellowmen, bnt lu' has been faithful to every
trust reposed in liim, guiding his life by honorable principles and the teach-
ings of his church.

FRANK II. HELSELL.

ft is a comparatively rare occurrence that a [)i'ofcssioual man proves
e(|nally competent in lines of commerce or finance. But .such has been the
history of Judge F. IT. Ilelsell. lawyer, .ini-isf and banker, whose activities
have gained him distinction at the bar, in poliljcal circles and in those lines
of business which touch the moneyed interests of northwestern Iowa. His
life has i)ecn varied in its scope, honora])le in its purpose, far-reaching and
beneficial in its affairs. He has exerted a wide-felt influence in his section
of the state by his l)usiness enterprise and activity and l)y reason of his politi-
cal prominence, for lie is known as on(> of tlic foremast republicans of the state,
having comprehensive understanding ni' I he questions affecting local and
national welfare He was born in Ohio in 1858. his parents being Jes.se and
Eliza A. (Sniiili) Ilelsell, who were natives of Penn.sylvania and Massachu-
setts, respectively. Coming to Iowa in ISfiM they settled first in Cedar county
and afterward removed to Sac county, where the father died October 10,
1892, at the very veneral)le age of eighty-seven years. He was a Lutheran
minister, devoting many years to that holy calling and his influence was of no

HISTORY OF miENA VISTA COUNTY 259

restricted order. One son of the family, W. A. Helsell, is an attorney at law
at Odebolt, Iowa.

Supplementing his literary education liy preparation for a professional
career, Frank H. Helsell was a student in the Illinois College and for a long
period was connected with active practice in Buena Vista county. In later
years, however, other business affairs have largely claimed his time and atten-
tion. He opened an office in Sioux Rapids in 1882 and in addition to a large
private practice he became local attorney for five dififerent railroads, includ-
ing the Chicago & Northwestern; the Chicago, Rock Island & Pennsylvania;
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul ; the Missouri & St. Louis ; and the Illinois
Central. In his work before the courts he displayed all of the elements of
an able advocate and safe counselor. Preparing his cases with great thor-
oughness and care he has ever presented his cause in clear, logical and force-
ful manner, his success as a practitioner being due entirely to his own efforts
and merits. He has argued many cases and lost but few. No one better
knows the necessity for thorough preparation and no one more industriously
prepares his cases than Judge Helsell. His course in the courtroom has
always been characterized l)y a calmness and dignity that indicate reserve
strength. His handling of a case has always been full, comprehensive and
accurate. His analysis of the facts, clear and exhaustive. His ability as a
lawyer led to his selection for judicial honors and in 1898 he was elected
judge of the district coiu't, serving on the bench for two and a half years. He
then resigned in order to give his attention to private business interests which
were constantly growing in volume and importance. At the ensuing election
although there were six other candidates in the field and Judge Helsell had
said that he would not accept the nomination, he was renominated by a unani-
mous standing vote of the convention and declined. His opinions while on
the bench showed great research, industry and care and challenged the
approval of and commended themselves to the bench and bar.

As the years have passed, however, the private business interests of Judge
Helsell have been continually growing and he is now interested in seven dif-
ferent lianks. He stands today as one of the most prominent representatives
of banking interests in northwestern Iowa and has been the organizer of five
different national banks, including the First National Bank of Marathon, the
First National Bank of Laurens, the First National Bank of Peterson, and
the First National Bank of Havelock, Iowa, together with the First National
Savings Bank of Spencer, Iowa, of which he is a director. He is also inter-
ested in the Greenville Baidi and the Peterson Bank and has been general
attorney for all of these corporations. He is a man of well balanced capaci-
ties and powers, possessing in large measure that quality which, for want of a
better term, has been called commercial sense. He easily avoids the mistakes
and disasters that come to those who, though possessing remarkable faculties
in some respects, are liable to erratic movements that result in unwarranted
risks and failure. He recognizes possiblities that others pass by heedlessly,
possesses sufficient courage to venture where favoring opportunity is pre-
sented and his judgment and even paced energy generally carry him forward
to the goal of success.

260 HISTORY OF BUENA VTSTA COUNTY

On the 12th of August. 1880, ^Iv. Ilclsell was married to 'SUhh Nora Love
Glenn, a daughter of James R. and Sarah (Love) Glenn, who were natives of
Virginia and became residents of Illinois during the pioneer epoch in its his-
tory. The father died in 1905 but the mother is still living in Omaha,
Nebraska. Five children were l)orn unto Judge and ^Mrs. Helscll : Glenora,
who resides at home; Charles A., an attorney of Oklahoma; Corrinne, who is
in the bank; Virginia, a student in college; and Laura, at home.

Judge Helsell is identified with the llasonic lodge at Sioux Rapids, the
Knights of Pythias and the Elks. A stalwart republican, he was a delegate
to the national conventions of 1888 and 1896. He has exercised a wide
influence in public affairs and few men are more prominent or more widely
known in northwestern Iowa. His prosperity is well deserved for in him are
embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and
industry that never flags. Public-spirited and progressive, his cooperation is
given to every movement tending to promote the intellectual, political and
material welfare of the community.

J. W. ALPERS.

J. W. Alpers, who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Coon
township, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, September 8, 1859. His father,
Jacob Alpers, whose l)irth occurred in Germany. January 24. 1820. emigrated
to the Hinted States when twenty-five years of age and took up his abode in
New York. There he was first employed as clerk in a store and later
enlisted in the Ignited States army, being engaged in fighting the Indians dur-
ing his six years' term of service. Subsequently he was employed in a siigar
factory for eighteen years and on the expiration of that jieriod purchased a
farm in Missouri, on which he made his home for twenty-three years. His
wife bore the maiden name of Hannah Cralaman and the record of their chil-
dren is as follows: Mary, who is the wife of Henry Hoemann ; Minnie and
Lizzie, both of whom are deceased; J. W.. of this review; .\ugust. a resident
of ^lissouri; Annie, the wife of Fred Brandt; and Henry, who lives on the old
homestead.

J. W. Alpers attended the schools of St. Louis until seventeen years of
age and then turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. Removing
to Iowa, he purchased his present farm of one hundred and twent.y acres in
Coon to\\'nship, Pnena Vista county. The property is lacking in none of the
improvements and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century and
in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates tlie supervision of a practical and
progressive owner. Mr. Alpers has planted a innnber of fruit trees and in
his farming operations is meeting with the success which is ever the reward
of earnest and unremitting energy when guided by soinid judgment.

The lady who now hears the name of Mrs. Alpers was in her maidenhood
Miss Augustine Ehlers and by her marriage has become the mother of the fol-
lowing children: "Willie; Ernest; George; Mary; Freda and Fred, twins;

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 261

Minnie; Annn ; and Walter, and all are at home excepting George, who is now
attending college at Seward. Nebraska.

Mr. Alpers give.s his political allegiance to the men and measures of the
demoeracy, while his religious faith is indicated liy his membership in the
Lutheran church. He is widely known as a man of unfaltering integrity and
worth and well deserves representation among the progressive and public-
spirited citizens of the county.

C. J. JIMMERSON.

C. J. Jimmerson is one of the active and prosperous farmers and stockmen
of Elk township, where he operates a farm of three hmulred ajid twenty acres
(if rich and productive land. He was born in Red "Wing, Minnesota, on the
15th of August, 1854. His father, J. E. Jimmerson, whose birth occurred in
New York in 1826, was there reared and in early manhood took up his abode
near Peoria, Illinois, where he wedded iliss Margaret Doty, a native of the
Prairie state. After carrying on farming there for some years Mr. Jimmerson
removed to Red Wing, Minnesota, and in 185& located in Benton county, Iowa,
where he opeued up a new farm. Subsequently he went to New Hartford,
Butler county, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1902. His
wife, however, still survives him and makes her home in New Hartford.

C. J. Jimmei"Son accompanied his parents on their removal to New Hart-
ford and was there reared and educated. In 1872 he came to Storm Lake and
was employed as a farm hand for two or three years, on the expiration of which
period he entered upon a clerkship at Storm Lake, working for the Russell
brothers for about foiu- years. On the 12th of February, 1879, he was united
in marriage to Miss L^icy J. Angler, who was born in Garnavillo, Clayton
county, Iowa, but was largely reared in Storm Lake, where she taught school
for several years prior to her marriage.

Subsequent to that important event in their lives the yoi;ng couple took
up their abode in Alta, where Mr. Jimmerson was connected with the elevator
business for seven years, being employed by E. W. Benson, A. Leander aiul J.
W. Slutz successively, and acting as grain buyer during a part of the time. In
1892 he located on a farm and has since been connected with agricultural pur-
suits, having lived on his present property since 1899. During the first five
years he carried on farming for a friend, C. W. Garberson, l)ut has since been
engaged in agricultural interests on his own account, meeting with a gratify-
ing and well merited measure of prosperity in his undertakings. He is likewise
engaged in raising and feeding stock and fattens about two carloads of cattle
and three carloads of hogs annually. He resides on section 33. Elk township,
and is well known and highly esteemed throughout the conununity as a man
of excellent business ability and unfaltering integrity.

Unto Mr. and !Mrs. Jimmerson have been born fourteen children, of whom
the following are living: James B., Roland J., Ned D., George C, Eugene M.,
Calvin D., Murray A., Lillian E., Grace V., Maggie L., Ollie M. and Hazel E.

262 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

They lost a son. Charley, who died nt llie age of eleven years, and an infant

girl.

In his politieal views Mr. Jimmersoii is a stalwart republican and takes an
active and helpfnl interest in the local work of tlie party. He has served as
road supervisor for two years and for six years has capably tilled the office of
assessor, being still the incumbent in the latter position. For several years
he did effective and beneficial service for the cause of public instruction as a
member of the school board, and has likewise been a delegate to numerous con-
ventions. Fraternally he is connected with the :Modern Woodmen, while his
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodic Episcopal
church of Elk township. Mr. and Mrs. Jimmerson are people of genuine per-
sonal worth and many excellent traits of character aiul are widely and
favorably known throughout Buena Vista county, where they have long
resided.

EDWARD LARSEN.

Edward Larsen is one of th(! substantial residents of I'uena Vista county,
who for a number of j-ears has been actively engaged in business in Alta. He
is numbered among the early settlers of the county, having resided within its
borders since 1874, and within this period he has labored as effectively and
earnestly for the pulilir welfare as he has foi- liis individual success.

A native of Norway, he was born lu'ar Christiania. May 5, ISfi,'). His
father, 6. Larsen, was also a native of the land of the midnight sun and after
adainiiii: his majority, was there married 1o (iuena ( lunniansoii. They emi-
grated to tlie new world in 1870 and were residents of Chicago i'or- about four
years, after which they came to Iowa and toolc up Iheir abode on a farm. The
falher spent his last days in Alia, however, jiassing away here in 1SI)4. bul the
mother still survives. Their f'aniil_\- iiiunbered ten in all. of \vli(iiii four sons
and two daughters are yet living.

Edward Tjarsen was but a young lad w hen lie aceomiianied his parents (ui
their voyage across the Atlantic, and with them he came to fowa in 1874. since
which time he has lived in Buena Vista count.\'. lie i)ursued his education in
the Alta schools and before he had [)ut aside his te.xt-books he devoted a por-
tion of his time to clei'king. He al'fei'ward secured a j)()sitiou as salesnuui in
the store of S. L. Hall & Coni])any, with wlnun he leariuHl the drug business,
making a profound study ot pharmacy. lie ((niliiuied with that firm for nine
years, on the expiration ol' whicli period he lionghl out the drug store and con-
tinued the business alone. He carries a good line of drugs, medicines, paints,
oils, tobaccos and cigars, has a soda fountaiii. aiul also serves ice cream. He
has built up a good busiuc^ss and has one of the leading establishments of this
kind in his section of the country. Possessing considerable mechanical skill
and ingenuity he has wrought out a n\unber of fine pieces of cabinet w-ork for
his store and home. In early life he learned architecture and plumbing, and
followed those lines of business for a inmiber of years. He possesses much

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 263

musical talent and because of his love for the art organized a band, and is now
the leader of the Alta orchestra. He has Ijcen connected with various busi-
ness enterprises, which have proven elements in the substantial development
of the town, and he erected here a good brick business block and also one of
the most neat and attractive homes of the city.

On the 2f)th of June, 1894, Mr. Larsen was united in marriage to Miss Ina
M. Conner, a si.ster of A. M. Conner, one of the prominent business men of
Alta. Mr. and Jlrs. Larsen have two children, Hubert C. and Guena M.
Politically, Mr, Larsen is independent, voting for men and measures rather
than party. He has been elected to several positions of honor and trust in
which he has discharged his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to his
constituents. He and his wife attend and support the Alta Presb.\i;erian
church, and he i.s a Master Mason of Alta Lodge. A. F. & M., while both are
connected with the Eastern Star. Mrs. Larsen has served through the various
chairs of the order and is a past worthy matron. Her home is .justly noted for
its gracious and warm-hearted hospitality, and is the center of a cultured
societ.y circle.

FRITHIOF EKSTAM,

Frithiof Ekstam, who since 1884 has lieen successfully connected with the
mercantile interests of Jlarathon as a dealer in boots and shoes, was born in
Sweden on the 31st of December, 1849, his parents being John and Eliza
(Cannon) Ekstam. The father's demise occurred when his son Frithiof was
about nine j-ears of age, and the mother also died in Sweden in June, 1874.

The year 1869 witnessed the arrival of Jlr. Ekstam in the United States,
He had gained a comprehensive knowledge of the boot and shoe business in
his native land and on coming to this country sought employment in that line.
He first located in Chicago, Illinois, and was there during the great fire of
1871, at which time the firm for which he worked had their building and its
entire contents destroyed. All those in need from losses sustained in the fire
were given free board for a short time. Leaving Chicago, Mr. Ekstam went
to Rock Island. Illinois, but after a brief interval returned to the western
metropolis and again secured employment in a retail shoe store. For several
years he was connected with the boot and shoe trade in that city and at one
time was general manager for a brother of the senior partner of the firm of
Loeb. Koen & Company of New York cit.v.

In the spring of 1884, Mr. Ekstam left Chicago and came to Jlarathon.
Inwa. er(>cting the seventh building in the place. At the fall election of that
.\car there were only twenty-seven votes cast in the township, so sparsel.v
was the county settled at that time. Here he established business and pros-
pered from the start. As a dealer in boots and shoes he has gained an exten-
sive anil jirofitable patronage and has, moreover, won recognition as a most
prosperous and public-spirited citizen of the count.v. He is likewise the

264 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

owner of one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land on sections 22 and 32,
Poland township.

In 18S0 Mr. Ekstam was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Widen, a
daughter of Gustavus Widen, a native of Sweden, who came to the United
States in 1872. settling in St. Charles, Illinois, where he purchased some
unimproved land at twelve dollars an acre. Mr. Widen passed awa.v in 1885.
having for a number of years survived his wife, who was called to her final
rest in 1878. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ekstam have been born seven children,
namely: Maude, at home; Victoria Elizabeth, who pa.ssed away in 1885, when
sixteen months old ; Esther, who is attending school at Cedar Falls, Iowa ;
Fred, a student in tlie Northwestern University at Chicago ; Lydia. who is a
school teacher; John Elmer, who is employed in adrug store; and Eva, who
is also still under the parental roof.

In liis political views Mr. Ekstam is a stalwart repul)lican, while his
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran chureli. He
has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek his fortune in the
new world, for here he found the opportunities he sought and in their utiliza-
tion won the measure of success that now entitles him to representation among
the prosperous and enterprising merchants of tliis county.

JOSEPH R. NOEL.

From pioneer times until 1905 Joseph R. Noel was actively identified with
the agricultural life of Buena Vista county but he is now living retired in a
comfortable home in Sioux Rapids, enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of
a long active career. He was born in Putnam county, Iiuliana. IMarch 15,
1845, a son of George W. and Dulcena (Thornton) Noel, both of whom were
natives of Kentucky, whence they removed to Indiana in early life and were
tJHTc nuirricd. In 1850 they made Iheir wa.v to Dallas counly. Iowa, when the
country was still in a wild and unsettled condition, the nearest market being
at Oskaloosa, eighty miles distant, while there were many other inconveniences
and iuirdships to be met. The father was a lawyer and for several years
was engaged in jjractice at Hedfield, Dallas count.\', but when the Civil war
l)roke out he felt that his first duty was to his country and accordingly in the
fall of ls(i2 he enlisted as a niemi)er of Company II. Thirty-ninlh Iowa Regi-
ment. His first engagement was at Parker Cross Roads in Tennessee' and hi'
was subsequently in a number of minor engagements. lie was captured
at Corinth .iust prior to the battle at that place. On the night of the third
day after the surrender of Vicksburg, anxious to convey the news of the
surrender to his edinpaTi.v. he and a comrade named Roop started on the
perildiis joui'Mey liut nil the way were captured by Quantelle's forces and as
nothing was ever after heard of them it is supposed they were shot liy the
rebel commander.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. George Noel were ten children, of whom
but four survive, uamely : Joseph R., of this review; F. W,, wlin wedded a

J. R. NOEL

HISTOEY OF BUEiNA VISTA COUNTY 267

Miss Fink and resides in Redfield, Towa ; V. N., who wedded a 5Iiss Spillers
and resides in Roekwell City; and ^Martha A., the wife of Jonathan A. Bailey,
a resident of Redfield. One son. "William T. Noel, enlisted for service in the
Civil war. enlisting as a member of the Seventeenth Regiment of Fowa Vohni-
teer Infantry. Becoming ill, he was taken to a hospital in Keokuk, Iowa,
and after several months of suffering passed away, being then a youth of
eighteen years.

Jt)seph R. Noel of this review was a youth of seventeen years when the
I'ather was taken away, and upon himself and his sister Jlartha rested much
responsibility and the support of the family. He was the second in order
of birth in a family of ten children, so that it naturally followed there was
much arduous labor to be perf(UMned in the support of tlie younger members.
Provisions were very high, tlour being eight dollars per hundred weight, and
other commodities sold in proportion, while the products which were for sale
commanded very low prices. ilr. Noel raised sheep and traded the wool for
flannel, from which to make clothing, and for a pair of boots he had to give
from fourteen to sixteen pounds of wool. By hard work and careful manage-
ment the younger children were kept in school until they were provided with
such education as was to be had at that early period. Mv. Noel remained
in charge of the home farm until he attained his majority and at that time
some of his younger brothers were able to assume the management of the
homestead.

Joseph R. Noel then felt justified in providing a home for himself and to
this end he was married to Miss Rose Puffer, a daughter of Mr. and Mre.
William Davis, but who was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. John Puffer, of Redfield,
Iowa. Following their marriage the young couple took up their abode in a
little town which is now a suburb of Redfield and IMr. Noel engaged in farm-
ing on a small scale and also conducted a cabinet repair shop. In 1869,
l)elieving he might enjoy better advantages in a new but rapidly developing
country, he located on section 84, Lee township, Buona Vista county. This
was all wild and luiimproved but he at once began to cultivate the soil and in
due course of time the land was in a very productive state. He likewise
improved the property with a house and substantial outbuildings for the
shelter of grain and stock, and as time passed and the sale of his crops added
to his financial reso;irces he invested in nuire land until his place embraced a
half section in Lee township. lie made his home thereon for thirty-five years,
or until 1905. when he retired to private life, taking up his abode in Sioux
Rapids, where he purchased a comfortable home.

The marriage of Mr. and 'Sirs. Noel was blessed with the following nanu'd
children: Archie E., who wedded Jliss Jennie Freeman and resides on a farm
in South Dakota ; Cora J., the wife of Martin Van Buren Leeper, residing near
Redfield, Iowa; George P.. who resides in Oakland. California; Plattie E., the
wife of C. T. Likins, a resident of F(U't Dodge, Iowa ; William, who died
when nine years of age; Mary B. S.. the wife of Elmer Stewart, wlio lives at
N'allejo, California ; Leota D.. who makes her home in Monterey. California ;
and Frank D., of Oakland, that stale. The mother who was born on February

268 HISTORY OF liUENA VISTA COUNTY

4th. 184r), (loparted this lif(> April IS, 18<S7. at the comparatively early age of
forty-three years.

.Mr. Xoel has lieen a life-long' republieaii, while his religious faith is
indicated liy his membership in the Methodist Episcopal ehureh. In early
life, deprived of many of the advantages and privileges which most youths
enjoy, and with heavy responsibilities resting upon his young shoulders.
]\Ir. Xoel worked his way, and in later life, foreseeing the advantages to be
enjo.yed in the pioneer district of Huena Vista county, he jourTieyed thither and
as the years passed by. through his careful management and close application
he accumulated the competency that now enables him to spend the even-
ing of his da>s in honorable retirement: His strongest characteristic has
been his resolute, determined spirit, for many a youth would have grown
discouraged at what seemed almost insurmountable difficulties but not so
with Mr. Noel. He worked on uncomplainingly and he is now able to look
back over a life well spent, feeling that he has done his full duty to his
younger brothers and sisters and to the members of his own household and
enjoy in comfort and ease his remaining .vears.

FRED SCHALLER.

Among the enterprising, foresighted and progressive business men of
Storm Lake is Fred Schaller, senior partner of the firm of Schaller & Sou,
proprietors of the Citizens Banl<. His business has l)een characterized by
that stead.v progrcssiim whirh fdliows liroad experience and energy intelli-
gently applied. He was born in Woerth. German>-, in 1848, and attended the
schools of his native town while spending his t)o\hood days in the home of his
parents, Chrisliaii and Barbara Sidialleiv Tiu' I'athrr was a wagoniuaki'r.
under whose direction Fred Schaller leai-ned tlie trade.

Our sui)ject came to the Fnited States in 18(i(i and for a liricf period
wcirki'd a1 w agonnia]<ing in HufTaJn. Xcw York, after which he removed to tlu'
middle west in 18(i7. settling in Cla.xton county, Iowa, where he worked at
wagonniaking and carpentering. Five yeai's were spent in that county, after
which he removed to Sac county, wIki-c hi' had previously purchased a tract
of land that was entirely uncultivated and unimproved. In the fall of 186!)
he iiroke the sod with three yoke of oxen, al'tei' whi<'h he retni'ued to Clayton
count \'. Tlu're he was married in 187.'!. auil with his bride relin-ned to his
claim in Sai- cnunly. His cash cajiital a1 that time comprised but one hun-
dred diillai's. but Ihe young couple possessed resolute hearts and willing
hands and coui'ageously took uj) the task of improving the I'ai'm and making
a inline. ^'ear after year Mr. Schaller cultivated th(> fields aiid as time passed
won a gdiidly liinin<-ial return for his labors. A{ length he i>ut aside general
agricultural |iursnils and in ISSl renidNcd In Storm Lake, but still owns the
Sac county property, upon which In' has nevei- placed a mortgage.

For five years after his removal lo the city Mr. Schaller engaged in clerk-
ing in a general store and then, when he felt his experience and capital

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 269

justified the course, he embarked in business on his own account with a small
stock of general merchandise, conducting this enterprise imtil 1888. He
then purchased the two-story brick building adjoining his present bank build-
ing on the south and stocked it with a large line of goods. As the years
passed he conducted an extensive, growing and profitable business until 1892,
when he sold his stock and retired from commercial circles, enjoying a well
earned rest until 1896. Indolence and idleness, however, are utterly foreign
to his nature and with a desire to again become a factor in commercial life
he once more entered his former store and conducted the business there until
1901. In that year he and his son purchased the lianking business of Thomas
& Bradford and have since conducted the institution under the name of the
Citizens Bank of Storm Lake. It is now the property of the firm of Schaller
& Son and they conduct a general banking business along safe conservative
lines, which has made theirs one of the leading financial institutions of the
county. As the years have passed and Mr. Schaller has prospered in his
undertakings he has made jiulicious investments in real estate from time to
time, and is now the owner of about eight hundred and fifty-five acres of land
lying in Sac and Ruena Vista counties. Much of this is improved and consti-
tutes a valuable property from which he annually derives a substantial
income.

In 1873 Mr. Schaller was married to Miss Katherine Miller, of Clayton
county, Iowa, who was born in Germany in 1852, and was a daughter of Jacob
Miller. They became the parents of two children, the elder, George J.
Schaller, was born in Sac county. Iowa, December 24, 1873, and attended the
country schools and the city schools of Storm Lake. He worked in his fath-
er's store for a number of years prior to 1892, when he became connected with
the financial interests of the county as an employe in the Commercial State
Bank. There he continued in 1896, after which he spent one year with the
J. P. Dickey Company, dealers in lumber and machinery at Storm Lake. He
was then called to public office, serving as deputy clerk of the courts from
January 1. 1897, until January 1, 1899. On the expiration of that period he
returned to his father's store and the association continued until they retired
from mercantile life. He is now the junior partner of the lianking firm of
Schaller & Son, and is recognized as a yoimg man of excellent business abilit.y
and undaunted enterprise. On the 5th of April, 1900, he was married to
Miss Eloise Warren, who was born in Blackhawk county, Iowa. They are
parents of three children: Katherine, born November 3, 1903; Harry W., born
January 25, 1905; and Earl, January 12, 190S. Clara A. Schaller, the daugh-
ter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schaller, was born July 9, 1877, in Sac county, Iowa,
became the wife of W. L. Sedgley, a merchant of Storm Lake, and died June
4, 190-4, leaving one child, Clarence.

Mrs. Schaller is a devoted member of the Presbyterian church and a most
estimable lady. Mr. Schaller gives his political allegiance to the republican
party and his fellow citizens have called him to a numlier of local offices. His
son is also an advocate of republican principles and is a member of the
Odd Fellows society. The family is one of prominence here and the name of
Schaller has long stood as a synonym for integrity and enterprise in commer-

270 HISTORY OF BTTENA VISTA COUNTY

eial and financial circles. Coming to America as a young man of seventeen
years Mr. Schaller has never had (icrasion to regret liis determination to seek
a home in the new world, for liere he found the opportiuiities he sought and in
thiir utilization has hmg since passed from humble and unimportant environ-
ment to a place of prominence and responsiliility in the busiiu'ss world.

ARTHUR LEE WHITNEY.

Arthur Lee Whitney is one of the members of the Buena Vista county ])ar,
having practiced at Storm Lake since October. 1905. He was born in Black
Hawk. Iowa, September 21, 1874.

His father, Joseph L. Whitney, a native of Canada, is now living, at
Schaller, Iowa, at the age of sixty-three years. He came to the United States
when seventeen years of age and settled in Blackhawk county. \vher(> he
engaged in teaching school for several years, beccmiing thus early connected
M-ith the educational development of the country. He afterward went to
Nebraska, where he took up a homestead claim, upon which he resided for
five years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Iowa and estab-
li.shed his home in Pier.s()n. where he was pastor of the llethodist Episcopal
church for three years, also giving a portion of that time to pastoral work at
Washta. He was ordained to llic ministry in Sioux City and was then
assigned to the Hubbard church, where he continued for five years, doing
earnest and effective work in l)ehalf of tlie religious development of the com-
munity. He also served as pastor of the Methodist church at Rockwell City
for two years, spent five years at Alta, three years at Odebolt, three years at
Early, and is now resident pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at
Schaller. He is a man of influence and his consecrated work and untiring
zeal have made his labors a wonderful feature in the success of the Methodist
ministry. In his fraternal relations he is connected with the Odd Fellows,
while his political belief is indicated in the support which he gives the repub-
lican party. He married Martha Walling Batchellor, who was born in
Providence. Rhode Island, and is now living at the age of fifty-eight years.
She, too, is a meml)er of the Methodist cliurch and is of mucli assistance; to h(M'
liusl)and in his work.

Arthur Lee AVhitney is the second in order of t)irth in the family of six
cliildi'cii. Owing to tlie itinerant customs of a ^lethodist minister his boy-
hoiiil and ynuth wrrc passed in various towns, wliere he ])iirsui'(l liis education
as a publi(- school student. He also atteMided Moniingsiih" College for three
years and later took up the study of law. matriculating in tlie law department
of Drake University in thr tall ol' IS!)!), Following his graduation he was
admitted to the Bar in May. 11)01. and began practice nt Alta in June of that
year. In October. 100."), he sought a broader field of labor offered in tlie
county seat and removed to Storm Lake, where he has secured a good clien-
tage that has connected him with much of the iniiiortMiit litigation brought
in the courts of this district. He formed a partnershi]) with F. F. Faville

HISTORY OF BUBNA VISTA COUiXTY 271

UIH

iler the firm style of Faville & Whitney. In November, 1904, he was
ted founty attorney, and the capability and impartiality with which he
discharged the dnties of the ofifice were indicated in liis reelection for a
second term. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he
is in hearty sympathy with its policies.

On the 10th of October, 1906. :Mr. Whitney was married to Jliss Bertha
liathbun. who was liorn in King.sley. Iowa, in February. 1884. They occupy an
envial)le position in the social circles of the city, and ^Mr. Whitney is numbered
among the valued meml)ers of the Masonic fraternity, while both he and his
wife are connected with the Eastern Star. He also belongs to the Knights of
Pythias lodge, the Elks lodge at Le Mars, and the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. He possesses laudable ambition for advancement in his profession
and knowing that it can be done only by individual merit he prepares his
cases with great thoroughness and care, iuid his devotion to his clients'
interests is proverbial.

PETER C. BODHOLDT.

Peter C. Bodholdt, whose residence in l>uena Vista county dates from
1879, owns and cultivates a tract of land on section 12, Providence township.
His original holdings in this county were one hundred and sixty acres and
that he has prospered as the years have gone by is indicated in the fact that
he today owns about seven hundred and twenty acres. His fields are care-
fully tilled and in addition to raising the crops l)est adapted to the soil and
climate he is also quite extensively engaged in raising cattle.

Mr. Bodholdt was born in the province of North Schleswig, Germany,
January 3, 1853. That district, however, was formerly a part of Demark.
and his grandfather, Knud Bodholdt. spent his entire life in Denmark.
Between the ages of eighteen and thirty-six years he served in the Danish
army and both he and his wife died in middle life. They had three sons:
Nels C Clans and Christen. Clans Bodholdt. father of our sulijcrt, was born
in North DenmarJc. and having arrived at years of matiu-ity he married Karen
Johansen, who was also born in North Schleswig. She was a daughter of
Peter Johansen. who died in Denmark when about eighty-five years of age,
while his wife passed away in middle life. Their family included Johan,
I\laren. Karen, Elizabeth and Bodelstine.

In early manhood Clans Bodholdt learned the Ijlacksniitli's trade, wliicli
lie follo\\c(l tor many years. He was an energetic man who made good use
of his opportiuiities and en.joyed the respect of those with whom he was asso-
ciated in his native country. He died in Schleswig in April. 1903, at the age
of seventy-nine years, having for several years snr^^ved his wife. Their family
nundjered three sous and three daughters: Metta ]\Iaria, the wife of Hans
Hansen, of Schleswig; Peter C. : I\Iaria Christine, the wife of ilartin Holtz. of
Cedar Falls, Iowa ; Knud C. who is mentioned elsewhere in this review ; Hans

272 HISTORY OF RUENA VISTA COUNTY

C,. who was a twin hrolliL-r of Kinid, and is now deceased; and Anna C, the
wife of Hans Grau.

Peter C. Bodholdt spent the tirst eighteen years of liis life in tlie h))id of
liis nativity and there learned and followed the hlaeksmith's trade. He deter-
mined to eonie to America for he realized that the advantages of the new world
were sni)erior to those furnished in his native country and. aml)itious to suc-
ceed, he crossed the Atlantic to America in 1871, settling in Jackson county,
Iowa. A few weeks later he removed to Clinton county, where he followed
his trade and then went to Black Hawk county, where he resided for five years.
In 1879 he arrived in Bueua Vista county, which was then comparatively new
and unimproved. In the thirty years of his residence here he has lived to see
many changes and his labors have been -an clement in tlie development which
this part of the state has enjoyed. He at first purehasctl one lunidred and
sixty acres of land in Providence township, which he improved and as he has
prospered in his undertakings he has extended the boundaries of his farm until
he now owns seven hundred and twenty acres. He is therefore one of the
extensive farmers of the county and his proj)crty is valuable owing to the many
modern accessories and c(|uipments he has placed thereon. He pays consid-
erable attention to fattening stock, feeding all of his corn and also purchasing
a considerable amount for that purpose. He is one of the largest stock ship-
pers of tliis locality and the extent of his b\isiness makes him one of the most
prosperous residents here.

In 1879 Mr. Bodholdt was united in marriage to .Aliss Mary E. Naeve, who
was bull] near Davenport in Scott county, Iowa, where lier parents, Nicholas
and Louisa (Honike) Naeve, located on their emigration from Germany in
1848, being natives of South Schleswig. Her father was a cooper liy trade and
followed that pursuit in early life but later purchased a farm and ilevoted liis
attention to its cultivation. His wife died in 1901, at the age of fifty-six
years, but he is still living. His parents. Henry and Louisa Naeve. also came
to America and died near MuscMtine. Iowa. Mrs. liodhoblt "s iiiaterna] grand-
parciit.s were Henry and Lizzie Honike, who came to the new wcu'ld al)ont 1848
and died at an old age. iMrs. Bodholdt is one of a family of eleven children,
.seven sons and four (laughters, (ine of whom, William, is now deceased. Thos<'
living are: Henry; Mary E. ; Louisa; Fred; Christ; Nicholas; -lohii ; .\niiie. the
wife of Peter Ehlers; Lena, the wife of Peter Schroeder: and Albert.

Tlic marriage of .Mr. and .Mrs. I'.ddliobit has been blessed with ten chil-
dren: Hans C, who is cultivating one of his father's farm, married Mettie
S<iretiseii and they have one daugliter. Sine: Kmil N., who also follows farm-
ing, married Anu'lia Peter.son. and they have a daughter. Esther; Carrie E. is
the wife of .\. Peterson and has one daughter. iMabel ; Ijizzie is the wife of
Albert II. Peterson; .\nnie ami Mettie are bolli at home; Lena died at the age
of three years; I<la. Lrn;i and .\skel are all yet with their parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Bodholdt hold membership in the Lutheran chin eh. His
political support is given to the democratic party and his fellow townsmen,
recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office.
He has served as school director, as asses.sor and trustee, and in these various
positions he has discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. He is

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 273

well known in Buena Vista county, where he has now made his home for almost
three decades. During this period the country has largely emerged from
pioneer conditions and taken on all of the evidences of a modern progressive
civilization. Mr. Bodholdt has assisted materially in the advancement of the;
county, his large holdings indicating most clearly that his life has been a very
busy, active and useful one. In all of his dealings he has l)een thoroughly
reliable, and his energy and integrity are perhaps his most salient
i/haraeteristics.

GEORGE A. DALZIEL.

George A. Dalziel, a prominent and influential citizen of Buena Vista
county, resides on his neat and well improved farm of one hmidi'ed and sTxty
acres on section 35, Nokomis township, in the cultivation of which he is suc-
cessfully engaged. He likewise has a tract of eighty acres in Washington
township and a highly improved farm of two hundred and forty acres in Cher-
okee county. Moreover, he is numbered among the pioneer settlers of the
count}', the year of his arrival being 1875. His birth" occured in Penobscot
county. Jlaine, January 13, 1850. His eductional advantages in early life
Were very limited but through reading, observation and experience he has
become a well informed man. When eighteen years of age he made the jour-
uey westward to Illinois, locating in Rutland, La Salle county, where he
operated a farm until IS'-t. In that year he removed to Buena Vista county
with a mule team and purchased the farm on which he now resides. The fol-
liiwing year he located thereon and gradually converted the raw land into rich
and productive fields, fenced the property and erected a small house. Later,
however, lie built a commodious and substantial residence, four good barns,
wiudpumps, feedmills and all necessary outbuildings for the shelter of grain
and stock. Subsequently he liought an eighty-acre farm in Washington town-
ship, and later was given a farm in Cherokee county by his father-in-law. Mr.
Dalziel was the principal promoter and organizer of the Farmers' Mutual
Insurance Company of Buena Vista county in 1887, since which time he has
continuously served as its secretary. For the past fifteen years he has devoted
his time and attention to the interests of the company, which cai-ries risks
amounting to three million dollars. He is likewise a stockholder in the city
heating plant and the opera house, having been inti'rested in the erection of
the latter. Few men are more prominent or nuu-e widely kimwn in Buena
Vista county than Mr. Dalziel. He has been an important factor in business
circles and his prosperity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the charac-
teristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never
flags. He is pulilic-spirited, giving his cooperation to every movement which
tends to promote the moral, intellectual aiul material welfare of the
community.

On the 26th of Feliruary. 1880, occurred tlu> marriage of Mr. Dalziel anil
Miss Mary E. Shaffer, a native of Macon coiu]ty, Illinois, and a daughter of

274 HISTORY OF BUENA VI8TA COUNTY

George Shaffer, wIki amv to this eouuty in 1875. Mrs. D;il/,i('l, wlm was at
tliat time tliirteeii years of age. aeeompanied her parents on this removal.
I'lito iiur sul)jeet and his wife has been l)orn one son. Frank Ira Dalziel, who
operates the home farm and also keeps about forty liead of Hereford cattle.

In his political affiliation Mr. Dalziel is a supporter of the labor party, vot-
ing for tlie man whom he believes best qualified for office. He is now past
grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has served through the
chairs, having joined the fraternity at Alta. The Knights of Pythias lodge
at Alta also numbers him among its worthy exemplars.

When he first arrived in this county Mr. Dalziel found Storm Lake but a
crossroads village containing one store, and Alta also boasted Init one mercan-
tile establishment. During the first year of his residence here he went to
Storm Lake and piirchased every poiuid of meat to be had in the town. There
was not a pound to be bought in Alta. In the third of a century which has
sincffe elapsed he has been an interested witness of and also an active partici-
pant in the work of development that has transformed this part of the state
from a pioneer region into a thickly populated district, in which all the evi-
dences of our modern civilization abound.

ISAIAH T. HOLLIXOSWORTH.

It has l)ccn the endeavor of the publishers of this volume to collect and
|ibicc in enduring form a liistory of the lives of those who have aided in the
growth and development of this section of Iowa, and to preserve their recollec-
tions of [)iouecr days. Years roll by so rapidly that time is already thinning
(lie ranks of those who were the vanguard of civilization in the northwest, and
only as the jiai-ticipants in 1i:c events of early days tell Ihc laic of lifr iicrc
when Bnena Vista county was a pioneer district, can wf hope to have an
authentic record. No one is more deserving of honoi'abl{> mention in the
annals of llic couiit\' tlian Isaiidi T. Hollingsworlli. wiio has l)een most closely
connected with the early development and the later progress. It is therefore
with pleasure that we prepare his life record, knowing that it will be received
with interest iiy many of our readers.

He was born on file Sth of March. 1842. in Grant county. Indiana. His
fatlu'r, Michael Ilollingsworth. was a farmer l)y oc<'upa1ion and was born in
Indiana, May 2, 1812. His wife, a native of Ohio. \\ns liorn Jidy 4. 1S14, and
they were married August 19. 1881. The former was a son of Richard and
Sarah Hollingsworlli. both natives of South Carolina, while the mother of our
siilij(U"t was a daughter of Isaiah and ICIizaiictii (Coxi Tliiniias. who were like-
wise natives of South Carolina but came to Ohio at an early date and there
spent the remainder of their lives. The Ilollingsworths came of a family noted
for longevity and are nf (ii rman descent. The parents of our sub.ject are both
now deceased. The father died February 22, 1880, at the age of seventy-seven
years, and the mother passed away March If). 1f)04. Their children were as
follows: Harriett, born June 6, 1884, was liie wife of Richard Ridgeway and

'si

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 277

resided for a time in Sioux Rapids. Town. Imt later removed to Kansas. She
died May 22. 1887. leaving three children : Loretta, horn in Miama county, Indi-
ana, died in the same state. Luella died in Sioux Rapids in May, 1875; Edwin
S. is living in Wichita. Kansas. Nellis F. makes his home in Gettysburg, South
Dakota. Nettie J., twin sister of Nellis. is the wife of James Goucher and lives
in McLouth, Kansas. Joseph, who was horn July 24. 1857, is a resident of
Callaway. Nebraska.

Isaiah T. Ilollingswortli was reared in his native state and is indebted to
its public school system for I he educational privileges which he enjoyed. He
assisted in the work of the home farm and at the age of twenty years took the
preliminary steps toward having a home of his own in his marriage to Miss
Mary E. Brown on the 7th of September, 1862. Mrs. Hollingsworth is a daugh-
ter of Jacob and Hannah (Jlartin) Brown, both of whom were natives of
Chester. Pennsylvania, and are of English descent. In early life they became
residents of Richmond. Indiana, and in 1856 removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
In a brief time, however, they went to IMadison county, Iowa, where their
remaining days were passed. The mother died May 6, 1858, at the age of forty-
one years and the burdens and responsibilities of caring for the family largely
devolved upon Mrs. Hollingsworth. wliich duties slie -cheerfully assumed. His
father died in 1878 at the age of sixty-eight , years. jMrs. Hollingsworth was
born August 27. 1844, in Wayne county. Indiana, and is the third in order of
birth in the following family: William S. and Ruth N., who are now deceased;
Mrs. Hollingsworth ; John M., wlio nuirried Hannah See and resided in College
View, Nebraska; Benjamin Franklin, who is living in Taylor coiuaty. Iowa;
Sydney A., Sarah I., and Rebecca, all now deceased; and Amanda L., the wife
nf Lafayette Moore, a resident of Clarke county, Iowa.

Following their marriage Jlr. and IMrs. Hollingsworth settled on a farm
in Madismi coxuity. Iowa, where they remained until 1864. when, in company
with ]Mr. Hollingsworth 's parents, they canii' to liuena Vista county. The
Little Sioux river was then the I)ound;iry line of the white settlement toward
the northwest. Beyond were roving tribes of Indians, while the government
Iroops were stationed at different forts along the frontier to guard the
pioneers. The Indians were then at peace but llu^ settlers lived in a constant
state of dread, not knowing when the red men would break faith. Around
stretched the boundless prairies with only two liouses l)etw(^i'n Sioux Rapids
and Fort Dodge, a distance of seventy-five miles.

It was a summer day in the latter part of June that the Hollingsworth
families halted on the site of Sioux Rapids under tlu' shade of a big willow tree
which is still standing. There they prepared and ate their first meal. They
lived for about a year in a double log house wliich had been used as a fort. Mr.
Hollingsworth secured a government claim comprising the northwest quarter
of section 18, Barnes township, and in the fall of 1865 removed to that place.
It was slow work bringing the hnul under c\dtivalion hut each year he would
break and plant a few acres. There was no object to c\iltivate much more than
would supply the family as the long distance from nuirkct made it impossible
to dispose of farm products to advantage. Some time later, however, the rail-
roads were Iniilt, bringing the people into closer communication with the

278 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

places where sales could he made. It was after that that the thousands of set-
tlers came into this favorable resiiou. selected farms and made improvements.
The rich soil yielded abundant crops and it seemed that prosperity woiihl lie
the rule in the comity hereafter, hut the financial panic of 1873 proved a set-
back and this was followed by the grasshopper plague, which proved almost
more disastrous than the Indian massacre. Great swarms of grasshoppers
covered the fields, destroying every vestige of the crops, and this occurred
through three successive years. Times were then very hard. Unable to raise
enough to supply their needs, thousands of the settlers left, and those who were
unable or luiwilling to leave and abandon their claims engaged in trading,
securing muskrat skins and other furs which served as legal tender. There was
no sale for the land, but when the grasshopper plague was over conditions soon
became better and from that time the county has en.ioyed :ni unbroken period
of prosperity.

As the years passed Mr. Hollingsworth brought liis farm under eultivatinn
and met witli success in his undertakings. The rich soil yielded abundant
crops, for which he found a ready sale on the market. In 1889, thinking that a
change of climate might prove beneficial to his impaired liealth, he moved witli
his family to Willow Springs, Missouri, and for two years conducted a trading
post at Sterling in the mountains. He next went to Mountain Grove. Missouri,
and purcliased a small tract of land, on which he lived until April 16, 1894. He
devoted part of that year to study in the Bible Institute at Kansas City, and in
Springfield, Arl<aiisas. In the autumn of 1895 lie returned to Sioux Rapids, for
after much wandering, he came to the conclusion that (liere was no lietter place
of residence than Iowa. The family luul resided in .Missouri foi- six years and
during much of that time ]\lr. Hollingsworth liad devoted his attention to mis-
sionary work. He is now living in a comfortable residence just outside of Sioux
Rapids, where he owns a good tract of land and is engagi'd in raising fruit,
vegetaliles and poultry.

Mr. IloUingsWdi-tli and his family have borne their full share in the growth
and development of Ihe county. They liave seen the ox-teams and prairie
schooners replaced by a net work of railroads, while the log cabin and dugout
have given way before iine modei'ii residences. The days of want and privation
have long since passed and Buena N'ista comity is now llic abiding place of a
contented and prosperous people. Where were once wild prairies covered with
the native grasses tliere are today seen richly cultivated fields iiiid orchards,
while the pastures ai-e tilled with large IutcIs of cattle and oilier livestock. Mr.
and Mrs. Hollingsworth have done much to hi-ing almut the present prosperous
condition of the county ami, moreover, they have always stood for law and
order, justice and righteousness.

As the years pas.sed their home was blessed with seven children : John G.,
their eldest son, born May 20, 1864. was married November 22, 1884, to Rhoda
Christy and has two children, IjCI-o.s and Ray; Charles W,, l)orn August 17,
1865, was married January 1, 1887, to Gu.ssie V, Clark and had three children:
Effie E., Ethel, who is now deceased, and Chester, who died when he was nine
years of age; Benjamin \<\. l)orn April 14. 1867, was married July 29, 1887, to
Fanny JIathers and has two children: Ivliiji ;ni(l Ethel: Anne, born 'Slay 22,

. HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 27&

1870, is the wife of B. F. Cliristy, of Clark coniity, Sontli Dakota, and their chil-
dren are Leslie L., Carl, Floy, Loreii, Granville and Rlioda ; William, who
married Bertha Patterson, is living in Gettysburg, South Dakota; Mary Edna
is the wife of Andrew Brown, also of Gettysburg; Addie became the wife of
William Johnson, May 5, 1904, and they reside with her parents.

Besides rearing their own family Mr. and Mrs. Hollingsworth have reared
and educated two other children who are now happily situated in homes of
their own. Most people of their age would feel that. they had done enough for
others, but Mr. and Mrs. Hollingsworth have recently adopted a young boy
from the Orphans Home at Ottumwa. Iowa. The little fellow is indeed fortu-
nate in coming into such a good home, where he will receive all the care,
attention and love which any child has the right to expect from parents. Mr.
and Mrs. Hollingsworth are both well known for their kindly nature and gen-
erous spirit and truly the world is better for their having lived. No one holds
a more enviable position in the regard of the general public and of their
friends than do these worthy people and it is with pleasure that we present
their record to our readers.

W. E. PARTRIDGE.

W. E. Partridge, now living retired in Alta. is numbered among the old
settlers^ of Bnena Vista county and is one of the few remaining veterans of the
Civil war. He is a native of England, born in Berkshire, Jime 3, 1833, a son
of James and Anne (Edwards ( Partridge, who spent their entire lives in that
country. The father was a mechanic, being a wheelwright by trade, and he
also engaged in farming. His family niunbcred thirteen children, of whom
twelve grew to years of niaturit}'.

W. E. Partridge, whose name introduces this review, spent the years of
his boyhood and youth in his native land and when fifteen years of age accom-
panied a brother to the United States. He first located in ^Maryland and
secured work on the construction of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in that
state, after wliieli he spent two years in working on the canal. Pie then took
up his aijode in Pennsylv;inia. and from that state removed to Illinois, where
he engaged in farming until 1882. when he came to Buena Vista county and
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 34, Nokomis town-
ship. This was an uncultivated and unimproved tract when it came into his
possession but he at once began to develop the land.' erected a good house,
barns and outbuildings, and now has a well improved and valuable farm prop-
erty, whereon he made his home for twenty-seven years. He planted a good
orchard, which is now in bearing, and beautiful shade trees add to the attrac-
tive appearance of the place. In addition to general farming he engaged in
raising stock, keeping registered shorthorn cattle and good grades of hogs.
In 1908 he removed to Alta and is now living retired.

Mr. Partridge's private affairs were interrupted at the time of the Civil
war, when, loyal to the best interests of his coiuitry, he enlisted Sepember 9,

280 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

1861, at Aurora, Illinois, as a member of Company F, Thirty-sixth Illinois
Infantry, joining the regiment at St. Louis. From that city they made their
way to Rolla, Missouri, and Mr. Partridge participated in many of the
important battles, including Pea Ridge, Perryvillc, Chiekamauga, Spring Hill,
Franklin and Nashville, and was with Sherman on his march to Atlanta. He
was also for four months on duty at New Orleans, his regiment acting as
guard to General Sheridan. After a hard service lasting four years and two
months, he was mustered put at New Orleans and was honorably discharged
at Springfield, Illinois.

When the country no longer needed his services, Mr. Partridge returned
to Illinois and took up his abode in Kankakee county, where he purchased
eighty acres of land, which he operated for sixteen years prior to taking up
his abode in Iowa. It was prior to his enlistment for service in the war that
Mr. Partridge was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Harriett
Cottew, who was likewise born in England, coming to America when but two
years of age. Their marriage was celebrated in Ottawa, Illinois, in 1860, and
their union has been blessed with ten children: George, who follows farming
in Nokoniis township; ilartha, the wife of William Miller, a farmer of Linn
Grove, Iowa ; Lizzie, the wife of Charles Reese, of Nokomis township ; Charles,
who follows farming on the old homestead in Nokomis township; Lincoln, who
is engaged in farming in ^Minnesota ; Ida, the wife of G. H. Tutt, a resident of
Marathon, Iowa; Kate, the wife of John Sassman. who follows farming near
Albert City, this state ; Frank, who carries on farming near Marathon ; Hugh ;
and William, who died when eighteen months old.

Mr. Partridge gives his political support to the republican party and cast
his fir.st presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln. He has held some town-
ship offices. He keeps in touch with his old arm,y friends through his
membership in the Grand Army of the Republic at Alta, of which he has served
as vice commander. He has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal
church at Alta for several years. His labors have contributed in substantial
manner to the development and progress of Buena Vista county and not only
as a worthy pioneer settler but also as a loyal defender of the Union cause he
is well deserving of mention in this volume. His circle of friends is large
and all esteem him for his genuine worth. in 1!)08 he had the pleasure of
visiting his old home in England, where he reiiiained from July 12 until the
23d of August.

J. HAMILTON LA GRANGE.

J. Haniiltiin I^a Grange is known in liusiness circles of Storm Lake as a
real-estate, loiiii and insurance agent and abstracter, while in the public life
of the comnuniity he is prominent, his influence being a factor in political cir-
cles, while his efforts in behalf of municipal progress along the lines of a clean
and straightforward administration of city affairs is widely acknowledged.
He is now filling the position of alderman ami in other places of official prefer-
ment has manifested his public spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty.

J. H. LA GRANGE

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 283

Mr. La Grange is a native of Albany, New York, born September 30, 1849.
In the paternal lines he comes of French ancestry, although the family was
founded in America in colonial days, and was represented in the Continental
army in the Revolutionary war. His father, Isaac J. La Grange, was born in
Albany county. New York, and devoted his life to farming and stock raising, his
well managed business affairs bringing him a goodly measure of prosperity. He
wedded Mary E. MeCormack, who was born in Albany, New York, and was
of Scotch descent. She held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church
and was a devoted mother to her four children. The death of the father
occurred in 1853, while the mother passed away in 1874 at the age of
forty-nine years.

J. Hamilton La Grange was the second in order of birth in the family and
was partially reared upon the farm in the east, while the coimtry schools
afforded him his educational privileges. He came to Iowa in 186.5 at the age
of sixteen years, .settling in Winthrop, Biichanan coimtA'. where he secured a
clerkship in a store in 1873. He had spent the intervening years upon a farm,
rendering active aid in the work of the fields. Thinking, however, to find
commercial pursuits more congenial and profitable, he sought employment in
that line and remained in the service of others xmtil 1880, when he engaged
in business on his o^vn account at Wintlirop. conducting his store there
until 1886.

In the latter year Mr. La Grange removed to Storm Lake and was con-
nected with Senator Edgar E. Mack in his abstract office for four years, thus
gaining the practical experience which constituted the basis for his present
success in that line. In April, 1890, he was appointed a clerk in the United
States Census office at Washington. District of Columbia, and there continued
for sixteen months, after which he returned to Storm Lake and purchased a set
of abstract books. He has since engaged in that business and also conducts a
real estate, loan and insurance agency, having secixred a good clientage in all
departments. His enterprise is an essential factor in his success, and laudable
ambition has prompted him to put forth unremitting efforts in the attainment
of the prosperity which he now enjoys. He may justly be called a self-made
man for, with no pecuniary advantages at the outset of his career, he has
steadily worked his way upward by his own efforts.

On the 6th of December, 1877, Mr. La Grange was united in marriage to
Mi.ss Maria L. Goodell, who was born in Pardeeville, Wisconsin, in 1857. They
have four children: Don G., who is in partnership with his father; P. L., a
pianist, who is with the Katherine Ridgeway Concert Company; Zoe M., at
home; and Wynn C, also under the parental roof. Mrs. La Grange and the
children are members of the Presbyterian church, and the position of the
family is one of social prominence, while the hospitality of their own home
is one of its attractive features. Mr. La Grange has taken the degrees of the
lodge, and chapter in Masonry and is in thorough sympathy with the benefi-
cent principle of the craft. In politics he is a republican, recognized as one
of the leaders of the party in this county, and upon its ticket he was elected
in 1892 to the office of county auditor, in which he served until the 1st of
January, 1903, or for a period of ten years. He then retired from the office

284 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

as he had entered it — with the confidence and good will of all concerned, hav-
ing made a most creditable record in that capacity. He served for twelve
years as a member of the school board and did effective work in upliolding the
standard of public education. He is now serving as a member of the city
council from the fourth ward, and in this as in the other offices which he has
held, he is discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity which are win-
ning him high commendation.

HENRY W. KRAITSE.

Henry W. Krause is a leading representative of commercial interests in
Storm Lake, being at the head of the extensive furniture, undertaking and
music house that is conducted under the corporate name of The H. W. Krause
Company. From a humble beginning he has worked his way steadily upward
in the business world, winning the entire respect of his associates and the
admiration of contemporaries. His life record began in Viroqua. Wisconsin,
May 13, 1870.

His father, August Krause, was born in Germany, April 18, 1844, and was
but fourteen years of age when he came to the United States in the spring of
1852 with his parents, Carl and Kntherine Krause, also natives of Germany,
the former born Novemlier 4, 1817, and the latter October 5, 1817. The family
located in Wisronsin. where the grandfather of our siiljject followed the shoe-
maker's trade for some years. He lionght a i-laiiii near Rockford in Floyd
comity, Iowa, and moved to this state, where he and his wife remained resi-
dents until called to their final rest.

August Krause grew to niaidiood in tlic Badger state and after the out-
break of hostilities between the north and the south he joined the Union Army
in 186.'i, becoming a member of Company H, Thirty-fifth Wisconsin Volimteer
Infantry, with which he served until honorably discharged in 1866. While
crossing the Mississippi he was struck by a floating log and the injury which
he has sustained has occasioned him trouble ever since. Coming to Iowa in
1866, he located upon his father's farm in Floyd county, which he cultivated
for two years, and then bought a farm four miles from Rockford, whereon he
resided for fifteen years. He then put aside agricultural pursuits and removed
to Charles City, where he made his home for eighteen years, but is now living
retired in Appleton, Wisconsin. He obtained a good common-school education
in early life, was industrious and frugal and in the careful management and
conduct of his farming interests iiict with a creditabk' and gratifying measure
of success. He has never enjoyed robust health since the Civil war. He
maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his member-
ship with the Grand Army of the Republic. He belongs to the Methodist
Episcopal church ami is a rei)ul)lii-an in his political views.

August Krause was married in Plattville, Wisconsin, June 10, 1868, to
Miss Elfrida Schlung, who was liorn in Germany, j\lay 2"), 1848, aiul like her
husband is a Methodist in religious iaitli. 'i'liis worthy couple are the parents

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 285

of five children: Henry W., of this review; John W., who was born May 26,
1874, and is a carpenter and contractor living iu Minneapolis; Benjamin E.,
who was liorn December 9, 1878, and is a mechanic residing in Neeuah, Wis-
consin; Edwin A., who was born December 25, 1882, and is traveling for a
IMinneapoli.s drug house; and Mary, who was born June 16, 1884, and is the
wife of August Bueholz, a merchant of Appleton, Wisconsin.

Henry W. Krause was reared on his father's farm and lessons of industry
and economy were impressed upon his mind and have borne rich fruit in later
years. Having mastered the elementary branches of English learning in the
])ublic schools, he later attended Galena (111.) College, now located at
Charles City, Iowa. Before entering college he clerked for an uncle in
Charles City and later went to Ada, Minnesota, where he seciired a position in
a store. After a year spent at that place, he went with his brother to Duluth,
Minnesota, where he accepted a position in the department store of I. Preimuth,
with whom he remained for eight years, gaining a comprehensive knowledge
of business methods and commercial priucijjles. That he proved capable and
reliable is indicated by the fact that after the first year he was given charge
of one of the departments and during the last six years of his connection with
llie house he was Imyer for that large store.

In February, 1901. Jlr. Krause resigned his position there for he felt that
if he could make money for his employers he could also make money for him-
self. He then came to Storm Lake at the solicitation of his brother-in-law, A.
G. Hoch and entered into the large furniture and undertaking establishment
of George Witter, purchasing a half interest in the stock and busiiu>ss, at
which time the firm style of Witter & Krause was assumed. The business was
thus conducted until January 1, 1908. when it was incorporated under the
name of The H. W. Krause Company. This is one of the largest concerns of
the kind in northwestern Iowa. The stock comprises furniture, carpets, rugs
and pianos, and an \mdertaking department is also coiulucted. Their floor
space comprises twenty thousand square feet and the business is capitalized for
twenty thousand dollars.

On the 27th of February, 1894, Mr. Krause was married to Miss Julia P.
Hoch, who was born in Dubuque county, Iowa, January 16, 1872, and is a
daughter of John and Katarina Hock. Her father was a pioneer .shoemaker
of that county and is now living retired at Storm Lake, where he took up his
abode in 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Krause have become the parents of two sons
and two daughters: Harold H., born in 1895; Alvin A., in 1897; Katherine P.,
in 1902; and Leta J., in 1903.

Mr. Krause votes with the republican party but the honors and emolu-
ments of office have no attraction for him. He is a faithful member of the
ilethodist Episcopal church, in which he has held all the offices and takes an
active part in its work. He was one of the organizers of the Storm Lake
Chautauqua Association, was its first treasurer and secretary, and has been a
director. Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enter-
prising city of Storm Lake than Mr. Krause. He has been an important
factor in business circles and his prosperity is well deserved as in him are
embraced the characteristics of an unl)eiuling integrity, unaliated energy and

286 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

industry that never f^a^s. He is pi;l)lie spirited, giving his cooperation to
every movement whieh tends to promote the moral, inteHeetnal and eommer-
eial welfare of the eoilnuunity. -wliilc his personal worth has gained him the
unqualified confidenee and res])ect of liis fellownien.

PROFESSOR JESSE ELLWOOD CUNDY.

Alert, energetic, realizing the possil)ilities that lie before the public-school
system, and laboring earnestly to secure the support of the general public in
lines of educational progress, Professor Gundy is doing excellent work for the
public schools of Buena Vista county. He was liorn in Taylor county, one oi
a family of eleven children, ten of whom reached adult age. The
father, Edwin L. Cundy, was born in Ontaria, Canada, in 1849, was of English
descent, and in the year 1850 was brought to the Ignited States l)y his parents,
William and Mary Cundy, who located at Elk Grove, Wisconsin. There
Edwin L. Cundy remained for several years and eventually lie became a farmer
a7id removed to Taylor county, Iowa. In that locality he bought laiul which
he cultivated and improved for eight years, after which he took up his abotle
in Corning, Adams comity. He was engaged in Ihe milling business there
until 1890, when he returned to his Taylor county farm, upon which lie lived
until 1906, when he removed to South Dakota, bis death occurring in that state
im the 12th of January, 1907. He was a good business man and met with fair
success in his undertakings. Ever loyal to the teachings of the Jlethodist
Episcopal church, he served as one of its officers, and his life was in consistent
harmony with its teachings. His polilical belief was that of the democratic
party and in his fraternal relations he was connected with th(> Masons and the
Woodmen of the World. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Bell
Bosisto, was born in Elk Grove, Wisconsin, is of English lineage and is now
living at Artesian, South Dakota, at the age of firt\-six years. She is also a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Jesse E. Cundy spent his early boyhood on his lallnr's I'arm. He attended
Ihe pid)lic school in the acquirement of his educalidii and for nine years was
a pupil at Corning, Iowa. On the expiration i>\' I hat period his parents
rc^turned to the farm, after wiiich he had only the ,iil vantages of the district
schools to aid bini in his educational progress. lie was eighteen years of age
when in 1894 lie liegan teaching and devoted three years to that profession,
but, desirous to promote iiis own intellectual advancement he became a student
in the State Normal School at Cedar Palls in the spring of 1898, and during the
succeeding three years completed the work of the regular course. He also
taugiit to some extent at intervals during those years. In 1901 he secured
llir position of principal in the sc^hools of Brooks, Adams county, this state,
where he continued for a year and a half, when he accepted a call from the
.schools of Massena, Cass county. He aflerwarrl devoted one year to his pro-
fession in Nodaway, and lor two and a ball'. years was locatcil at Newell, Buena
Vista county.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 287

111 the fall of 1906 he was elected county superintendent on the democratic
ticket and so acceptably did he fill the office that he was reelected in 1908,
receiving over four hundred majority, while the county went fourteen hmidred
majority in the national and county elections. He received the largest vote
in Storm Lake ever given any candidate regardless of party. Thus his elec-
tion has come in substantial recognition of his work and able service.

On the 2r)th of December, 1903, Mr. Cundj' was married to Jliss Minnie
Newton, who was l)orn in Newell township in 1880, a daughter of John and
Anna Newton, of Newell. They now have two little daughters: Dorothy,
who was liorn June 12, 1904; and Carol, liorn Septemlier 4, 1908.

Both Professor and Mrs. Cundy are members of the Jlethodist Episcopal
church, and he has served as a teacher in the Sunday school. He takes an active
and helpful interest in church work and in the Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation and is now a member of the executive committee of the county
organization and is acting as chairman of the religious work committee. In
his fraternal connections he is an Odd Fellow and a Modern Woodman. His
face is strong with a resolute and determined Init altogether genial e.xpression
and this well typifies his character. That he is personally popular was indi-
cated by the large majority which he received as a candidate for the county
superintendency of schools. He has made continuous progress in his profes-
sional career and every change in his position has brought him deserved
promotion. As county superintendent he has done good work in every dis-
trict and he inspires teachers and pupils with nnicli of his own zeal and
enthusiasm for the profession.

WILLIAM LUCIA.

William Lucia, a successful and enterprising agriculturist residing on sec-
tion 31, Elk town.ship, was born in McHenry county, Illinois, April 23, 1873.
His father. Eli Lucia, a native of Vermont, was there reared and in early man-
iiood journeyed westward. Iiecoming one of the first settlers in JFcHenry
county, Illinois. He had to haul his goods from Chicago liefore the railroad
was built and experienced many of the hardships and privations of pioneer
life. Subsequent to the death of his first wife he married Mrs. Angeline
Deno, a widow, who was a native of Canada. He carried on agricultural
pursuits in ]\IeIIenry county f(n- a number of years and his two sons and two
daughters were all born there. In 1878. however, he came west to Iowa, pur-
chasing one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie, where his son now
resides. He broke and improved the land to such an extent that it annually
yielded golden harvests, and here reared his family ami sjieiit his remaining
days, passing away in 188"). His wife, long surviving him, was called to her
final rest in 1902.

William Lucia was reared on the old homestead farm in this county,
ac(|uir('d a public-school education and assisted his father in the work of the
fields until the latter 's death. Subsetiuently William and liis In-other. Nelson

288 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Lucia, now of Los Angeles. California, eondnoted the place together for three
years. On the expiration of that period our sul)jeet bought the interest of
till' iitlior lieirs and has since remained in possession of the home farm, which
lie has brought under a high state of cultivation and improvement. The place
is enclosed with woven-wire fencing and is lacking in none of the accessories
and conveniences of a model farming property of the twentieth century. In
addition to the work of the fields he is also engaged in raising and feeding
high grade stock, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying
annual income. He also operates another tract of eighty acres in addition
to the home farm and is widely recognized as a progressive and up-to-date
agriculturi.st, whose success is but the merited reward of his untiring industry
and capable management. He is likewise a stockholder in the Farmers' Ele-
vator Company.

On the 6th of January. 1898. in Cherokee comity, Iowa, ;Mr. Lucia was
united in marriage to IMiss Hannah j\l. Henderson, a native of Hamilton
county, Neljraska. and a daughter of Elias Henderson. The latter passed
away in Cherokee county, and i\Irs. Lucia was subsequently reared by an uncle.
By her marriage she has l)ecome the mother of two children, Lucile J. and
Uwight W.

In his political views llr. Lucia is a stanch republican but has no desire
for the honors or emoluments of offi^■(^ preferring to give his undivided atten-
tion to his i>rivate business interests. Thirty years have passed since he
came to liuena Vista county. This region was then a vast open praii-ie and
seemed to liold fortli little promise of early developnuMit. but .Mr, Lucia has
witnessed a most wonderful transformation as the wild tract has grMdually
beciiini- ;i |)riiiliir1 ivi' and Ihirkly settled district.

KUFUS CKEENE. .m.

Rufus Greene, Jr.. is one of the successful l)usiness men ;nid valued citi-
zens of P>uena Vista county, who for many years was identified with
agriciillnr;il luirsnits lint is now living i-etired in l\Iarathon. His birth
occni'i'cd in Carroll. Chau1aiii|ua cnnnty. New York, June 4, 1S.'5(), his pariMils
being Rul'us and Mary Shrllnn (I'oltwood) Greene. His ancestry can be
trari'd liMrk to 'I'inintliy (Jreene, Sr.. his great-grandfather, who was proba-
bly burn about the year 1700 . lint little can be ascertained conc<>rning
his ])Mri'nts or lineage. The eniincnt genealogist, James Savage, the anlhor
of ii gcncalogiral dirl iuiNiry uT the first settlers of New England in fonr vol-
umes, on which he expended twenty years' labor, says: "There were in the
New England colonies before 17(10 A. D.. eighty persons by the name of
(ireeiie, who may be regarded ;is the rniiiiilers of the rjunilies." Therefore
to find the father of Timothy Greene. Sr., is no easy task. The Christian
name Timothy figin-es conspicuously on family records, being found in every
generation of the descendants of Timothy Greene. Sr., to the present time and
in some generations several lieiii' thai name. The rondness for the n;ime looks

MR. AND MRS. Rl'FT^S GREENE

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 291

as thdiigli it hnd heen in the family before A. D. 1723, and that the. family
name was only contiinied when it was given to Timothy Greene, Sr. Though
there is no oificial reeord to be found, there are various evidences to indicate
that Timothy Greene, Sr., was a soldier of the French and Indian war, that he
was in the service for quite a lengtli of time and that he was employed as a
scout during a portion of this service. When the Revolutionary war broke
out he was past the age limit that would make him subject to military duty.
Que of his neighliors, however, lielonged to a company which was called out
and lamented bitterly being compelled to go into the army, as he said, "to
certain death," crying like a baby over his expected military service. Timothy
Greene listened to his weak complainings with great disgust and finally
exclaimed: "You coward, if you will take my team and do my haying I will
take your musket and serve in your place. I know the smell of gunpowder
and am not afraid of it." The neighbor replied that he would do this gladly
and went to his home. Timothy Greene, Sr., and his son were actively
engaged in the liattlcs which preceded the surrender of Burgoync. The
father returned from the campaign late in the fall when the groi;nd was frozen
and covered with snow but not a swath of his hay had been cut by his neighbor
who had promised to take care of the crop and M'ho had harvested his own
crop in good condition.

Tradition says that Timothy Greene, Sr., was. a man of strong will, of
great energy and persistency of character; that he was patriotic and that in
troublous times no one was in doubt as to his position. He was firm and con-
sistent in his religious convictions and habits and gave freely in sxipport of
Ihe cliurch and in aid of every good oljject. He has been described as tall,
broad shouldered, erect, large boned, with large muscles and large joints and
very muscular hands. In fact he was a stalwart man, having not an ounce
of adipose tissue and was of herculean strength. Sometimes he would walk
into a cooper shop where his grandsons were at work and, looking at a barrel
just completed by them, he would say in sportive mood, "Bo.y, this is not good
work;" and then without apparent effort he would tear off the hoop made of
hickory. By main force he could lift logs onto a sled where two men of ordi-
nary strength would use skids and roll or slide the log on with handspikes.
Tradition also says that his wife, Emma Ellsworth, was a woman of strong aiul
decided character, hopeful, cheerful, deeply religious, fond of her Bible and
church and adorned with a meek and (piiet spirit. She was a relative of
Chief Justice Ellsworth, being descended from Sergeant Jonas Ellsworth, who
M'as born in England in 1629. His name first appears on the town records of
Windsor. Connecticut, in connection with his marriage, Noveml)er 16, 1654, to
Elizabeth Holcomb. In 166") he liought the property afterward known as the
Chief Justice Ellsworth place in Windsor, Connecticut. Sergeant Thomas
Ellsworth, son of Sergeant Josiah Ellsworth, was born September 2, 1665, and
his daughter, Eunice Ellsworth, born March 29, 1717, became the wife of
Timothy Greene, their s(Ui. Timothy Greene, Jr., being born January 4, 1748.
Friun this line are descended the ancestors of our subject. Another branch of
the family included Captain Jonathan Ellsworth, who was born June 28. 1669.
and was a lirotber of Sergeant Thomas Ellswortli. Ilis son. Captain David

292 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Ellsworth, was horn AugiLst 3. 1709. and became the father of Chief Justice
Oliver Ellsworth, horn April 29. 174r). This shows that Emma Ellsworth was
a first cousin of Captain David Ellsworth and a second cousin of Chief Justice
Oliver Ellsworth. Timothy Greene, Jr.. was also a second cousin of Chief
Ju.stice Ellsworth. From every fact which can be gleamed regarding the
Greene family it is shown that they were stanch, upright, patriotic and God-
fearing citizens.

Rufus Greene, Jr.. whose name introduces this record, was given a good
education in his youth and for five years was a teacher in the public schools of
Chautauqua county. New York, after which he was elected to the office of town
superintendent of schools in Carroll, New York. He was also a trustee of
the Universalist Society in Carroll, New York, and an intluential resident of
his commimity. In 1871 he removed westward to Pocahontas county, Iowa,
and located on the farm of Thornton, Greene & Company, comprising nineteen
hundred and twenty acres, with its buildings on section IS. ilarshall township,
then called North Dover. As his outlook on that farm was quite discouraging,
Rufus Greene that fall selected a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres
on section 30. which was beyond the railraod limits and took up his abode there
in the spring of 1873. He improved and occupied this farm until 1892, when
he removed to Marathon and has since lived retired. During the first few
years of liis residence in Iowa tliere were many discouraging things. The grass-
hoppers devastated the country for about three years and as no crops were
raised there was little money in circulation and times were very hard. Mr.
Greene would liave sold all of his interests in the county at that time for fifty
cents on the dollar could he have secured a purchaser, but as the years passed
and the counti'y improved his holdings became very valuable. When the
property of Th()riit<ui and Greene was divided JFr. Greene came into possession
of nine hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Ruena Vista and Poca-
hontas counties, liecoming one of the extensive landowners of tliis part of the
state. He now owns laud in California. ,

Mr. Greene was married in 1857 to Miss Kate Lois Gould, a daughter of
John Deoth and Hannah (Ruffam) Ooidd. of Erie. New York, who arrived in
Pocahontas county, Towa. in 1871. In 1906 he was called upon to mourn the
lo.ss of his wife, who died on the 18th of December of that year. They had two
children, both born in Chautau(|ua county. New York, but the younger, Mary
H.. died in 1898 at the age of thirt.v-one years. The son. Rufus Erwin, born
iji 1865. married Frances Jane Kihl)le, a native of England. For a time he
engaged in teaching and farming in Pocahontas county, but in 1895 removed
to Sioux Rapids and is now engaged in farming in Kansas.

In his political views Rufus Greene, Jr., is a stalwart republican, while his
religious faith is indicated by his mend)ership in the Universalist church. Fra-
ternally he is connected witli the Masons at Marathon. He is a tall and
stalwart man. six ird in lM'ij,dit. In physical makeup he could answer the
description of his great-grandfather. Timothy Greene, Sr. His life has
l)een well spent and he en.io.vs the uufiualified confidence of his fellowmen. He
has seen the wild luibroken prairies of the northwest converted into fertile
fields wliile groves have been planted, schools established and clnirches built.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 293

Through his labor he lias aided in laying the foundation of progressive citi-
zenship here and has been known as the enemy of every evil and the advocate
of all substantial reforms. He is unassuming, sincere, sympathetic and
upright, and his life influence during all these years has lieen that of a cul-
tivated mind and pure character. While he laI)ored diligently for many
years, he is now enal)led to rest in the evening of life, enjoying well merited
retirement from labor. Honorable in every relation, he commands in unusual
degree the respect and good will of those who know him.

WILLIAM A. WATERMAN.

William A. Waterman is the oldest merchant of Newell. While promot-
ing individual success he has also advanced the general prosperity, being a
public-spirited citizen who in various ways has displayed marked devotion to
the general good. Mr. Waterman was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, Jan-
uary 15, 1847, and is a .son of Ilezekiah R. and Caroline P. (Rounds) Water-
man, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Bridgeton,
Maine. Hi.s father, Joseph Waterman, was a native of Providence, Rhode
Island, where he engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods. He died at an
advanced age, while his wife had passed the ninetieth milestone on life's jour-
ney when called to her final rest. They had five children .- Andrew, Hezekiali,
Joseph, George and Abigail. The mother of William A. Waterman was a
daughter of George and Rebecca (Prentiss) Rounds. The father of Rebecca
(Prentiss) Rounds was Samuel Prentiss, a native of Cambridge, Massachusetts,
and a graduate of Harvard College of the class of 1771. He married and set-
tled in Cambridge. l)ut not long after nuived to Gorham and was that town's
first postmaster. George Rotuids was a native of Maine and of Scotch
descent. He followed the occupation of farming as a life work and died in
middle life, but his wife was more than ninety years of age at the time she
passed away. They had several children, including Caroline P. Rounds, who
became the mother of our subject. Our su])ject's maternal grandmother was
a half-sister of George L., George D. and Sargeant Prentiss. The last named
was a celebrated lawyer, who had the distinction of being the greatest attorney
living south of the Mason & Dixon line in his time. George D. Prentiss
founded the Louisville Courier Journal and is the author of the Closing Year,
and George L. was a famour preacher of New York and a friend of Henry
Ward Beecher. The grandmother was also related to the William Deering
family.

Hezekiah Waterman also followed general farming and in the year 183:?
left New England for the middle west. He settled in Wisconsin and in 1837
took up his abode at Milton, Rock county, that state, where he purchased and
improved a farm, becoming owner of two hundred acres. He held various
town offices and was a worthy and influential citizen of his community. His
first wife was a Miss Johnson and they had one son, Henry, who now resides
in Janesville, Wisconsin. Following her death he wedded Caroline P. Rounds,

294 HISTORY OF JniENA VISTA COUNTY

and Williiiiii A. Wateruiim was the only child of that iiiiioii. The dcalh of the
father oeeurred in Milton, August 11, 1884, at the age of seventy-three years.
Upon the home farm in Rock county, Wisconsin, William A. Waterman
was reared, attending the district schools in the fall and winter months, while
later he became a student in Milton College. He was also trained to habits of
industry, economy and thrift upon the home farm and remained with his par-
ents until he had attained his majority. He was a young man of twenty-four
years when in 1871 he came to Newell, Iowa, erected a store building and
engaged in general mercliandising, in which lie continued for a few years. He
then began dealing in grain, live-stock and machinery, carrying on business in
those lines for a few years but for the past quarter of a century he has been
connected with the hardware trade and now has a well appointed store. There
is today no merchant in Newell who antedates his arrival here and wilh the
commercial development of the town he has been closely associated and at all
times has held to a liigh standard of commercial ethics.

On the 17th of January, 1872, Mr. Waterman was married to .Miss Eliza
W. Burrows, a daughter of Stephen and Martha (Root) Burrows. Her pater-
nal grandfather was a native of New York and in that state Stephen Burrows
was also born, while liis wife was a native of Virginia. She was a daughter
of Ammon Root, who was born in (lie Old Dominion, i'oliowed tlie occupation
of farming and served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812. He died
on Monday night, Decendier 25. 189:1, at the close of his Inmdredth Christmas
day. Mr. and ;\Irs. Stephen Burrows became early residents of Rock county,
Wisconsin. It was he who invented the first boring machine for boring
rifles, which was placed in use by Remington Brothers. He originated the
i(h'a wliicii made possibU' the patctiting of the cotton gin by Whitney, the har-
vester by Marsh brotbers. the clover huller, and many other epoch-making
machines. Jlr. liurrows' inventive genius was displayed in nuniy other ways
which have contributed materially to the industrial and commercial develop-
ment of the country. lie died at Whitewater, Wisconsin, duly 18, 1880. His
family iuiml)ered eiglit children: De Ette. Ellen, Alvin I).. Eliza W., Clara,
Edward. Alice M. and Francis.

Unto Mr. and 5Irs. Watennan were born five cliildi'cii: .Mice C,, (he wife
(d' E. E. lioyne, a resident of Rolfe, Iowa; Inez I)., the wife of L. E. Hladine,
a resident of Marathon. Iowa, by whom she has one son. John Burrows
liladine; Jay Herbert, who is a partner wilh his father in the hardware busi-
ness, is married and has om- djiughler, Marion; Glen B.. who is a i)rac[icing
dentist at Peterson, Iowa; and Charles R., who is a student in the Iowa State
College, at Ames, Iowa.

Jlr. and Mrs. Waterman are nu'inbers of the Congregational (duirch. He
belongs to N'ewell Lodge, No. 2:52. I. O. O. K. and also to the .Modern Wood-
)uan camp. Ills political allegiance is given to the democracy and his standing
in the comiinniity is indicated by the fact that he has continuously served as
a member of the city council since its organization. He has also for many
years been a nicndici' of the school board, serving a part of the time as its pres-
ident and has been both school clerk and city clerk. He regards a public
ollice as a public trust and his loyalty in official positions stands as an unques-

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 295

tiiinod fact in his cai't'cr. He has labored effectively and earnestly for the
welfare (if the eomiminity, realizing fully the oblig;ations and responsibilities of
citizenship, and at the same time he has conducted a successful business enter-
prise which makes him a representative and valued resident of Newell.

P. A. JACOBSON.

P. A. Jacohson, engaged in the mainifacture of wagons at Sioux Rapids,
was born in Norwa.v. April 20. 1836. He has therefore passed the seventy-
seventh iin'lestone on the journe,\' of life and though W(>11 advanced in .vears is
still an active factor in the world's work. His parents were Jacob and
Johannah (Peterson) Jaeobson. who spent their entire life in the land of the
midnight sun.

P. A. Jaeobson was reared and educated in his native country, remaining
a resident of Norway until he attained the age of thirty years, coming to
America in 1866. He first located at Stoughton. "Wisconsin, where he
remained for four years and then came to Sioux Rapids. Buena Vista county
was still a pra,irie district. The work of improvement had scarcely been
begun here and much of the land was still unclaimed and uncultivated. The
district, however, was becoming settled by an industrious and enterprising
class of people and Mr. Jaeobson cast in his lot with the early settlers, open-
ing a wagonmaking and blacksmithing shop at SioTix Rapids. He had learned
file trade in his native country and throughout his entire life he has confined
his attention to this line of business. His youth was a period of earnest toil,
for in addition to blacksmithing and wagonmaking he spent some time work-
ing on the farm, and during the winter months he devoted much time to
fishing on the ocean coast. The habit of industry which he thus formed
characterized his work after he came to the new world and he has always led
a i)usy. useful life. Now in his declining years he finds more contentment in
working in the shop and looking after the business than he could secure in
retirement from lalior. In fact, he could never be content without some busi-
ness interest to occupy his lime and attention. He has a well equipped shop,
supplied with the latest tools, machinery and modern appliances for carrying
on his work. A few years ago he w-as persuaded to give up his business and
take life easy. Init he found that doing nothing was to him harder work than
the labors to which he was accustomed, and after a short time he became dis-
contented, but when once more in his shop, working with his tools, he felt that
he was not wasting his time and contentment returned. In addition to his
industrial interests he owns one-half section of land in Dakota and has resi-
dence and other property in the town.

In 1858 Mr. Jaeobson was married to Miss Johannah Jaeobson and tlie.\'
have become the parents of two sons, Andrew and John. The former married
Julia Olseu and lives in South Dakota, while John wedded Lena Jensen and
also lives in South Dakota. There are two children to this marriage, Guy
and Laura. The brothers are now engaged in merchandising, having a well

296 TITSTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

equipped store. The family are all membei-s of the Lutheran churcli and in
this eomunuiity have the warm regard and uii(|ua]ified friendship of those with
whom they have come in contact.

Mr. Jacobson has always voted with tlu' repuldican party since he became
a naturalized American citizen and his son John was elected on that ticket
to the office of county clerk of Buena Vista county, which position he accepta-
bly filled for eight years. Mr. Jacobson has never had occasion to regret his
determination to seek a home in the new world for he has here found the
opportunities he sought, and by his energy and determination has steadily
worked his way upward, being now in possession of a good property and busi-
ness which supplies him witli all of the comforts and some of the luxuries
of life.

W. S. VAN BUSKIRK.

Business enterprise and activity finds its root in laudable ambition. It
is the man who is not satisfied l)ut recognizes the possibilities for further
development, who finds genuine pleasure in the .solution of difficult business
problems, that is not only winning advancement for himself l)ut is aiding in
pushing forward the wheels of progress for the world at large. Of this class
of men W. S. Van Buskirl< is a worthy representative. Tie has been a resi-
dent of Alta for about twenty-five years and is actively engaged in dealing
in buggies, wagons and harness. He is numbered among the old settlers of
the state, dating his residence in Iowa from 18.")(). His birth occurred in Ham-
ilton, Monroe county, Pennsylvania, February 21, 1844.

His father, Hamuel Van Buskirk, was also a native of the Keystone state,
as was his wife, who bore the maiden name of .Miss :\Iary Ann McXeaJ. Hnlli
were reared in Pennsylvania ami a Her their marriage they settled on a farm
in Monroe ecmnty, where all of their cliildren were born. In ISilG tiiey
rcniiivi'd westward to Iowa, taking up their nbode in Delaware county, where
the father purchased a fai-ni. (ui wliicli sonic iniprcivcim'nts imd i>een made.
There he carried on general agricultural pursuits for some years, but after-
ward renH)ved to Buciui Vista coiuity, settling in Alta, where his last days
were passed.

W. S. Van Buskirk was a youth of twelve; years when the family left the
place of his nativity. He had i>egun his education in Die pni)lic schools there
and lie continued ii in the seiiools of fowa. During the periods of vacation
he assisted in the woi'k ol' I be home farm, giving his father the benefit of his
services until he reaclicd the ;ige of twenty-one years, when he fitted up a

i)real<ing le; f oxen and engaged in In-eaUing jirairie for several years.

He broi<e hundreds of acres in Delaware county and thus materially aided in
the upbuilding of tlie state at different times. He ,ind his brother purchased
and (ipcT-ated ;i threshei' Tor several years ami hitei-. going to Dubuque county,
Iowa, Mr. Van Buskirk. witli the proei'cds oi' his farm labor, purchased eighty
acres of prairie land, wliieii he broke and fenced. He also built upon it a

\V. S. VAN BUSKIRK

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 299

ciimfnrtahle home and there earrierl mi p^eiieral farming for four or five years,
when he sokl that property.

"While living in Diil)iique connt.w .Mr. Van Buskirk was married, on the
1st of Mareh, 1872, to Anna Tineknell, a native of Dubuque county, and a
sister of Fred Tineknell, eashier of the Alta Bank. Following their marriage
Mr. Van Buskirk Ijrought his liride to Buena Vista county, where the pre-
vious year he had purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw and
undeveloped prairie in Maple Valley township. This later he placed
under the plow and converted it into productive fields. The same fall he
bought eighty acres adjoining. He then made a permanent location in Buena
Vista county and afterward liought land near Alta. He also bought forty
acres additional just across the road, placed it under the phnv and for a num-
ber of j-ears devoted his time and energies to the work of the farm. He
became connected witli tlic mercantile interests as proprietor of an imple-
ment l)usiness and, in connectitJU with Samuel Parker, established and
conducted a lumbei-yai-d for a few years. Pin'cliasing a few implements, he
gradually liuilt up a business in that line Imt in later years closed out that
department. At the present time he carries a large line of buggies, wagons
aiul harness, and occupies a liusines lilock which he erected and still owns.
At different times lu^ has invested in farm property and owns a number of
farms in the county. lie has developed mucli land here and thus contributed
in a large measure to the early progress of the connty in agricultural lines.
At different times he has owned four or five places and he still lias two Inui-
dred and forty acres south of town and three hundred and twenty acres in
Lincoln township. The former tract is the first farm which he ever purchased
on coming to the comity. It is supplied with all modern improvements and
the many evidences of a model farm of the twentieth century. He has been
a breeder of Aberdeen-Angus cattle for a number of years and has a herd of
over sixty head of pure blooded registered cattle. He thus ranks with the
leading stock raisers of the state for his herd is one of the finest in the county
and at its head is an imported male. In addition to his property in Buena
Vista county he also has four hundred and eighty acres in Minnesota and
formerly owned land in South Dakota, but has sold the latter.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Van Buskirk have been born four daughters and two
sons. The elder son, Charles, is associated with J. M. Wegerslev, who is post-
master and editor of the Alta Enterprise, while Ralph is a farmer of Nokomis
township. The eldest daughter, Belle, is the wife of W. 0. Tompkins, a min-
ister of the Methodist Episcopal church, well located at Cherokee, Iowa; Ida
is a graduate of Cornell College, of Iowa, and is regarded as one of the most
successful public school teachers of this part of the state, being principal of
the Linn Grove school ; Alice is the wife of Charles Abbott, a farmer of Noko-
mis township ; and Nellie is at home.

On the 17th of April, 1902, Mr. Van Buskirk was calh'd upon to mourn
the loss of his first wife. He was again married in 1906, his second union
being with Mrs. Mariette (Houser) Meigs, a native of Pennsylvania and the
widow of Samuel Meigs.

300 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Mr. Van Buskirk gives his political allegiance to the republican party,
but has never soi;ght nor desired public office. He is a member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church, of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the
Fraternal Insurance Company. His life has been successful owing to his
enterprising industry and well directed laltors. He has worked his way
steadily upward, has made judicious investments in property and as the years
have gone by, has become one of the prosperous and energetic citizens of
Buena Vista county, his business activity and unquestioned commercial honor
gaining him a promiiu'ut jilace among the representative residents of north-
western Iowa.

ALFRED R. BIDDLE.

Alfred R. Biddle is now proprietor of the Columbia Hotel and has become
very popular, both in his capacity as host -and traveling salesman, for he was
upon the road for several years prior to entering upon his present business
connection. His birth occurred in Fleming county. Kentucky, in ISSD, he
being the sixth in order of birth in a family of seven children, whose parents
were Steven and Elizabeth (Shockey) Biddle, who were likewise natives of
Fleming county. The father, who was born in 1813. was of English lineage,
while the mother was of German extraction. His time and energies were
devoted to general mercantile pursuits, in Mbicb lie was quite sueeessfnl. and
in 1S6-T he removed from Kentucky to Mai'im I'ounty. Illinois, where be con-
tinuously carried on farming until his death. He hold memliersbip with the
Baptist church and gave his political allegiance 1o flie whig party until its
dissolution, when he .joined the ranks of the new repul>liean party aiul con-
tinued to follow its banner until his demise. He passed away in ISSO, having
long survived bis wife, who died in 1854. She too was a loyal iiiemtjcr of the
Baptist church.

As a farmer boy. Alfred R. iJiddle spent 1li(> da.vs of his boyhood and
youth and attended the country .schools. lie was identified with the work of
the fields in Illinois until 1880, and in the spring of 1881 he came to Iowa, set-
tling in Storm Ijake. where he engaged in the machinery business. He was
afterward iipon the road for ahmit (en years as a machinery salesman, and in
that connection gained a wide and favorable acquaintance. When he left the
road he became the proprietor and host of the Columbia Hotel, and is still
conducting the establishment, which he lias made a popular hostelry.

In 1876 Mr. Biddle was married to Miss Lillie J. Jones, who was liorii in
Illinois and died in 1888, at the age of thirty-five years, leaving three cliil-
drcii : lioitiia P., the wife of Curtis Bethard, of Storm Lake, who is pilot on
the steamer running to the Casino; and f'^va .M.. and Ethel P.. liotli now
deceased. In March, 1893, Mr. Biddle was again married. Iiis second union
being with Lyda E. Hancock. Her death occurred in Novemiier, 190G.
There was one child i>\' this marriage, Jennie M;ilicl. boi-n in 1894.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 301

Mr. Biddle is a member of the Baptist ehureh and <>f the Odd Fellows
society. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and
measures of the democratic party and has done effective work for the city's
substantial improvement in his faithful service as alderman for the past fif-
teen years. He was elected cliicf of the Storm Lake Fire Department in 1882
and has since acted in that capacity. Iioing perhaps, today the oldest fire
chief in point of continuous service in the United States. "What he has done
in behalf of the city has been for its good and upbuilding and his labors have
been eminently practical and helpful. He has a wide acquaintance in the
community and among the traveling public, and a genial disposition and cor-
dial address are qualities which have won him popularity and high regard.

CHARLES A. FULTON.

Charles A. Fulton is a public-spirited citizen, interested and active in the
work of promotion and progress that is lieing carried on in Buena Vista
county. He owns and operates a farm of two hundred acres on section 16,
Hayes township, and deserves mention among the substantial agriculturists
of this locality. He is a native son of this state, born in Cedar county. Sep-
tember 16, 1865, and is one of a family of three sons and one daughter, born
of the marriage of Robert and Jane (Wiley) Fulton. The father was bom
in Pennsylvania in 1818 and removed to Warren county, Ohio, when a young
man. It was in the latter place that he was married to Miss Jane Wiley, who
was likewise a native of the Keystone state but was reared in Ohio. Mr.
Fulton was engaged in farming and stock-raising in Warren county until
1861, when he opened up a farm in Cedar county. Iowa, and taking up his
abode in that section of the country he became one of the large landovmers,
owning at one time eleven hundred acres. He and his wife spent their
remaining years in Cedar cmnity. the father passing away in 1887, while the
mother survived for only about a year, her death occurring in 1888.

Charles A. Fulton was reared on the home farm in Cedar county and
after completing the high-school course entered college at Norton, while later
he pursued a commercial course at that place. After completing his educa-
tion he returned to the home farm and there remained for some time. He
was married on the 15th of Novendier, 1886, to Miss P.vra McQuillen, who was
horn and reared in Cedar county, Iowa, a daughter of Cyrus McQuillen, a
native of Ohio.

The young couple began their domestic life in Cedar county and there
made their home until 1890, when they removed to Buena Vista county and
Mr. Fulton purchased his present home farm, comprising two hundred acres,
situated on section 16. Hayes township. At that time, however, it presented
quite a different appearance from what it does today, for Mr. Pulton has
erected a nice modern house, a good barn and other outbuildings, has fenced
and tiled the land and has made it a valuable as well as attractive property.
With his general farming pursuits :\Ir. Fulton also raises and feeds stock,

302 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

shipping both cattk' and hogs to the city markets each year. He is meeting
with success in carrying on Iiis business affairs and today he is numbered
among the worthy citizens of Buena Vista county.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Fulton has been blessed with a son and
daughter. Robert Cyrus Fulton is a graduate of the Storm Lake high school
and is now a student in Ames Agricultural College. Ethel May is a young
lady at home. Mr. Fulton gives his political support to the republican party
and -^vliile making liis home in Cedar county served as justice of tlie peace and
as township clerk. He has been active in the promotion of many measures
whereby tlie citizens of tliis district have lieen benefited. He was instrumen-
tal in securing the rural mail route out of Storm Lake and was also the
promoter of the Independent Telephone Compan.N'. He is a member of and
a director in the Farmers Institute and also a meml)er of the Chautauqua
Association. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, of which Mr. Fulton is a steward, while he is likewise serving as
superintendent of the Sunday school, and his wife is also a worker in the Sun-
day school. He takes a deep interest in the moral development of this
community while his own example is well worthy of emulation. Fraternally
he is identified with the Odd Fellows, the Yeomen, in which he is an officer,
the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal
Neighbors, and in all these various organizations is popular with his fellow
members. He is a man of strong conviction, opposed to misrule in public
affairs and his labors have been of direct benefit to the community in which
he lives. While all recognize his superior ability and worth of character and
are ever ready to pay deference to his excellent (lualities, he is yet modest and
unassuming in manner and all esteem him for what he is.

ALP.ERT C. FULLER. JR.

Tlie educational interests of Storm Lake arc well i-i'|ii'csi>iited by Professor
Albert C, Puller, Jr.. now city .superintendent of schools. One of Iowa's
native sons, he was born May Ifi. 1877. His father. Albert C. Fuller, Sr.,
who,se birth occurreil in Oneida counly, \cw York, is of Holland ancestry
and is a college-bred man. Removing from New York to the middle west
about 1865. he first settled in Rockford, Illinois, whore he worked for a time
at the painter's trade. About 1868 he removed to Ruchanan county, Iowa,
where he engaged in farming for a brief period and then went to Wright
county. Town, where he took up a homestead claim. This ho improved and
cultivated and when he had aerniired a Iiandsonic cmiipolciicc he retired to
private life in 1896. now enjoying a well earned rest in a ])leasant home
at Dows, Iowa. He has attained the ago of sixty years. In his political
views he is independent but formerly was allied with the democratic forces.
In his fraternal relations he is an Odd Follow and is a iiicmhor of the
Presbyterian church — associations which indicate much of the character of his
interests and the rules which have governed his conduct. He married

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 303

Florence A. ilcCluer, who was born in Cattarangns oonnty, New York, and is
now fifty-six veai-s of age. She is of Scotch extraction, her parents, Mr. and
^frs. James McClner, having come from the land of liills and heather. Mr.s.
Fuller is also of Presbyterian faith and like her husband shares in the high
I'egard of all with whom they have been brought in contact. Their family
numbers four sons. Merton L. is connected with the United States weather
bureau at Canton, New York. He is now the professor of meteorology in St.
Lawrence University, New York, and for a tiine held a chair in Buena Vista
College at Storm Lake. James E. is principal of shorthand and typewriting
in the Goldey Business College at Wilmington, Delaware. Albert C. is the
third of the family. Roy E. is secretary of the Young People's Forward
Movement Association of New York City, in which connection he does both
office and lecture work.

Professor Albert C. Fuller attended the district schools and later became
a student in the State Normal at Cedar Falls, where he was graduated in 1899
with the degree of Master of Didactics. He has since been connected with
educational Avork and is a prominent representative of the public school inter-
ests of the state. In the fall of 1899 he accepted the prineipalship of the high
school at Manning, Iowa, and a year later was made superintendent of the
schools there, continuing in that capacity for three years. He had the super-
intendeucy of the city schools at Sidney for one year and since 1904 has been
superintendent of the Storm Lake schools. In the meantime he has pursued
his own education during stammer sessions in the Iowa State University and
likewise pursued a course in the Armour Institute of Technology in Chicago,
and also at Chicago University.

In 1901 occurred the marriage of Albert C. Fuller and Miss Olive
Whitmore, who was born in Jeiferson coiinty, Iowa, December 18, 1876, and
is a daughter of George and Margaret Whitmore. the former a farmer. Three
children have been born of this union. Alberta, Ruth and Robert. The par-
ents are members of the Presbyterian church and Professor Puller is a Mason.
He is interested in all that pertains to intellectual development and progress
and has become a member of the Iowa Historical Society, the North Central
Teachers Association, the Science & ^Mathematics Teachers A.ssociation, the
Iowa Manual Training Teachers Association, the State Teachers and North-
western Iowa Teachers Associations.

FRANK G. REDFIELD.

Frank G. Redfield. assistant cashier in the ililler & Chaney Bank, and
almost a life-long resident of Newell, was born in Phoenix, New York. Sep-
tember 23, 1871, his parents being John T. and Eldona (Gilbert) Redfield, of
whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. He was two years of age at
the time of the removal of the family to this city, where he has since resided
and in the acquirement of his education he passed through the public and high
school and later liecame a student in the Port Dodge College. On leaving

304 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

college he worked for his father in connection with the elevator, implement,
stock and grain business for several years and following his marriage became
connected with the Miller & Chancy Bank, of which he is now a partner, serv-
ing as its assistant cashier since 1894. He has thoroughly mastered the
banking business in all its departments and is a capable and courteous officer,
popular alike with llu' patrons of the bank and his associates in its
management.

On the 24th of October, 18!)4. .Mr. Redfield was married to Miss ]\Iary I.
.Miller, a daughter of De Witt C. and Agnes B. (Lawson) Miller. They are
parents of four children. Frances. Eldona, John Miller, and an infant son.

Mr. and Mrs. Kedfield hold membership in the Congregational church, are
interested in its work and contribute generously to its support. He also
belongs to Newell Lodge, No. 232. I. 0. 0. F., and Rex Lodge, No. 242, K. P.
His political allegiance is given to the republican party and his opinions
carry great weight in its local councils. For a numl)er of years he has been
a member of the city council and has exercised his official prerogatives in
support of many measures that have been matters of civic virtue and pride.
He has also been secretary of the school board for the past sixteen years and
the cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend. His standing in regard
to his brethren of the fraternities with which he is connected is also indicated
in the fact that he is serving as treasurer of l)oth lodges in which he holds
membership. In his business career he has made steady progress and with
his constantly expanding powers has gained a place among the men of
affluence of this community. He today owns a third interest in the Miller &
Chaney 15aiil<, while iiis landed j)ossessions include a (|iiarter section in Sac
county, a (|uar1cr section in Miiniesota and other |)i'o|)ei1_\- in ih,. .state of
Washington.

JAMES TTOL.MES.

James Holmes, who owns anil operates a farm of two liundred acres sit-
uat.'d on sections 29 and :',(), Washington township, is also well known as a
breeder of pure-blooded IVrcheron horses. He was born in Stark eountv,
Illinois, near Toulon, March 2. 1852, a son of John Holmes, a native of Ire-
land who, on emigrating to the new world, located in Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania, where he worked at his trade of a tailor. He was married to Miss
Sarah McKenty, and later removed to Stark county, Illinois, where he engaged
in farming. His family numheiv,! twelve children, of whom seven survive:
George, a resident of Alia ; Rose ; John ; Samuel ; .lann's, of this review ;
Elizabeth; and Mary Ann. Robert, who serve.! in I he Civil war. died in'
Toulon, Illinois.

James Holmes, whose nann' introduces this I'cview. was reared on the
home farm in Stark county and was educatc'il in the di.slrict schools near his
father's home. He purchased a farm when starting out to make his own way
in the world and was engaged in I'anning in his native county until 1895

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 305

when, believing that Iowa offered better advantages to the agriculturist, he
removed to Buena Vista county and pixrchased two hundred acres of land on
sections 29 and 30, Washington township, and has since been engaged in gen-
eral farming and stock-raising. He also breeds pure-blooded Percheron horses
and commands good prices for his stock, one two year old animal bringing
him five hundred dollars.

Mr. Holmes was married in Stark county, Illinois, March 4, 1885, to Miss
Jane MeCurdy, and their union was blessed with three children: John, a
young man at home ; Alexander ; and Rose. They lost their first-born, Nancy,
who died in infancy. The wife and mother died in the faith of the Methodist
Episcopal church, September 9, 1900.

Politically ]\Ir. Holmes is a republican and for a long period has served as
a school director, while in Iowa and Illinois he has served as highway commis-
sioner. Mr. Holmes owns stock in the elevator at Alta, and also owns a good
residence property in the village. His home farm, too, has been greatly
enhanced in value through the improvements he has here made, for he has
built a large barn, has set out an orchard, installed a system of waterworks
on the place, and now has a model farm property, his home being considered
one of the attractive places of this section of the state, while the hearty good
cheer whii-h there is found makes it a favorite resort to many friends.

I. B. CHRISTENSON.

Those who contend that success is the result of propitious circumstances
or the outcome of genius have Irat to examine into the life records of the great
majority of successful men and they will find environment and influence have
but little to do with individual progress in the business world. On the con-
trary it is the man who in early life makes his services of value to his
employer and who is diligent, persistent and enterprising that gradiially
works his way iipward and eventually reaches the goal of prosperity. This
fact is evidenced in the life record of I. B. Christenson, who since 1885 has
been engaged in merchandising in Sicmx Rapids. He was born in Christiania,
Norway, July 12, 1860, and is a son of C. B. Christenson, who came to America
in 1865. He settled first in Chicago, where he remained for several years,
and during that time followed the shoemaker's trade. In the hope of better-
ing his financial condition in the growing west he removed to Sioux Rapids in
1880 and here in connection with work at his trade ho also followed the occu-
pation of farming.

1. B. Christenson attended the public schools in Chicago and being of an
alert and receptive mind, quick to observe and comprehend, he soon acquired
a practical knowledge outside of the information obtained from his text-books,
learning to correctly value the peo{)lc and circumstances tliat make up life's
contacts and experiences. He was but five years old when brought by his
parents to the new world, and is thiu'ouglily American in liis ideas and inter-
ests. In 1885 he l)ecame connected with mercantile pursuits in Sioux Rapids

306 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

and under tho firm name of T. B. Christ enson has conducted a prosperous busi-
ness to the present time. Through close attention to every detail and
unfaltering allegiance to the principles of fair dealing and honest treatment
he has won an extensive patronage from the people of Sioux Rapids and the
surrounding country. No merchant of this part of the country stands higher
in public regard and esteem or more fully enjoys the trust reposed in him.

Mr. Cliristenson is broad and liberal in all of his dealings and also in his
vievFS of life. He is interested in those concerns which aflfeet the public wel-
fare, nor does he hesitate to give of his time and means to fiirther measures
for the public good. He is a citizen of worth who has never been so absorl)ed
in his own affairs as to forget his duty to his fcllownien or to the community
at large.

CLINTON J. ROBINSON.

Clinton J. Robinson has been a resident of Newell from the age of four-
teen years and is now a leading representative of its commercial interests as
proprietor of a furniture and undertaking establishment. He was born in
Phoenix, Oswego county. New York, Feliruary 8, 1867. and is a son of
William and Charlotte (Munger) Robinson, who were likewise natives of the
Empire state. Itwa.s in the same state that Harry S. Robinson, the grandfather
of our subject, was liorn. and for many years he followed the occupation of
farming in Oswego county, his last days being passed in Phoenix, where he
ilied at the v(U'y venerable age of ninety-four years. In early manhood he
married Miss Nash, who was aliout eighty-six years of age at the time of her
death. They were the parents of four sons and three daughters: Benjamin;
Jay; Charles; William; Mary, the wife of Eugene Crandall ; Martha, the wife
of Bert Cathcart ; and Emma, the wife of James Kerns. The maternal grand-
father of Clinton J. Rolnnsoii was also a native of New York and carried on
farming pursuits in Oswego ronnly until he passed away in middle life. In
his family were the following rliildrcn : William, (ieorge, Sarali, Laura,
Charlotte and Marcella.

In tracing the ancestral history of Ihc I'amily to a still more remote
period it is found that Benjamin Robinson, Sr., the grcat-graniUaf her of our
subject, was l)orn in Slephenlown, New York, in 1786. When ])ut a lad he
removed to the town of Manlius, where he renuiined uiilil 1804, and was then
engaged by Henry Bush, of Volney, New York, to go and teach school in that
town. ^Mr. Bush was authorized by the inhabitants to pay six dollars per
month for a teacher but ^Ir, Robinson declined the position uidess he could
be paid eight dollars per moiilli, whii-li sum was linall\- agreed upon and the
young schoolmaster started I'oi' Volney. On the way Mr. Bush recjuested Mr.
Robinson not to disclose the fact that lie was to have over six dollars per
month, saying that be proposed to pay the extra two (h)]lars out of his own
pocket. Jlr. Robinson opened school in 1804 in a log sclioolhouse just over
Seneca Hill, that being the first scluxd ever taught in tlu; town. At that time

EDNA ROBINSON

CLINTON J. ROBINSON

WILLIAM ROBINSON

BENJAMIN ROBINSON

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 30n

tlicre was hut one frame house upon tlie site of the present village of Fulton.
In 180(1 Mr. Rohinson was married to Miss Sweet, with whom he lived forty-
eight years. In 1812 he taught the first school in the present town of Grandy,
then Hannibal, in a little log schoolhouse and from that time became closely
identified with the interests of the locality. He served in the war of 1812 and
always took an active interest in public at¥airs.

Reared in the Empire state, William Robinson early became familiar
with farm life but chose an industrial career and became a contractor and
builder. He arrived in Newell, Iowa, in the spring of 1881 and still makes
his home here. In early manhood he became a soldier of the Union army,
serving as a private of the One Himdred and Eighty-fourth New York Volun-
teer Infantry. When hostilities had ceased he again resumed carpenter work
in New York and lived in Syracuse for ten years before his removal to Iowa
in 1881. He has since been connected with building operations in Newell
and many evidences of his skill and handiwork are seen in the substantial and
attractive homes of that town. Both he and his wife are faithful members
of the Methodist church. Their family numbered four children: Clinton J., of
Newell, Iowa ; Grace, wife of F. L. Sauter, of Le Jlars, Iowa ; William H., of
Detroit, Michigan ; and Vincent M., of St. Joseph, Missouri. Having spent
the first fourteen years of his life in the state of his nativity Clinton J.
Robinson then accompanied his parents to Iowa and has since lived in Newell.
His early education was acquired in the pulilic schools of Syracuse, New
York, and he afterward attended the high school of this city. He then
learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for sixteen years, since
which time he has been connected with mercantile pursuits. He purchased
the furniture business of P. Meighen and has conducted the store to the
present time, carrying a large and well selected stock of furniture. He also
does an undertaking i)usiness and both departments receive a liberal patron-
age. His business methods are straightforward and honoralile and his entire
eonniiercial career will Ijear the closest investigation.

Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Robinson was married on the
18th of December, 1889, to Miss Johanna Rothe, a daughter of William and
Christina Rothe, who came from Germany to the new world and settled first
in Connecticut, whence they removed to iliueral Point, Wisconsin, about
1865. The father died there when seventy years of age, l)ut the mother still
survives and makes her home with her daughter in Newell at the age of
seventy-nine yeai-s. They were the parents of eight children: William;
Carrie; Lena; Emeline; Catherine; Johanna and Emma (twins); and Louis.
Mrs. Roliinson was l)orn in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and by her marriage
has liecome the mother of a daughter, Edna, who is now attending college in
Sioux City.

!\Ir. and Jlrs. Robinson hold membership in the Jlethodist Episcopal
church, are interested in its work and generous in its support, ilr. Roljinson
is now serving as one of the board of eliurch trustees and is likewise a mem-
ber of the school board of Newell. He belongs to the IModern Woodmen camp
and his political allegiance is unswervingly given to the republican party.
While there have been im unusual chapters in his life record, it is tiie history

310 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

of a man who in every relation has been faithful to the duties devolving upon
him, and his citizenship is such as constitutes the substantial basis of the
country's stability and prosperity.

FAWCETT WETHERALL.

Fawcett Wetherall, who is successfully engaged in farming and stock-
raising on his finely improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Coon
township, was born in Cumberland county, England, November 13, 1850, his
parents being John and Jane E. Fawcett Wetherall. who were also natives of
England but arc now deceased. Oui- subject had Init one sister, Eleanor, who
died at the age of eleven years.

Fawcett Wetherall attended the schools of his native land until sixteen
years of age and then took up the work of farming, which line of activity
claimed his attention until he had attained his majority. Having determined
to establish his home in the ne-\\- world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United
States, locating first in Summit county. Ohio, where he followed general agri-
cultural pursuits for five years. Coming to Buena Vista county, Iowa, in
1877, lie took up his abode near his present farm of one hundred and twenty
acres of land, four miles north of Newell, wliich lie purchased in 190.'1 He
has a number of fruit trees and in addition to the work of general farming is
also engaged in raising stock, both branches of his business liringing to him a
gratifying annual income.

Mr. Wetherall was united in marriage in 1877. to Miss Anna Point, a
native of Ohio, whose parents are now deceased. The record of their chil-
dren is as follows: Shirley E., who wedded Leonida Lee; Fra A., the wife of
Hanford Pyle; Nellie K., who is attending school; and Nealia E.. who <licd in
infancy.

]\lr. Wctlicrall and his wil'c. having resided in this coiiiity for more than
thirty years, have gained inaii\- warm friends here and are, moreover, widely
recognized as people oi' grnuinc personal worth, wliose lives have ever lieen
upright and honorable.

WIIiLIA:\I HOLMES.

Sini-i- 1S7(I William llolincs has been identified with the airricultural life
111' I'.uriiM \'ist,-i county and he today owns a good I'ai-ni of two liundred and
forty- acres, situated on section ;{2, Scott township, which he rents, while he
inakes his home on forty acres near the city. He was born in Ayrshire, Scot-
land. January 21, 1843, a son of William Holmes, Sr., who was bm-n in
Duinlriesiiirc, Scotland, and was there married to Janette Reid. They emi-
grateil to the new world in 1858, and locating in Bradford county,
I'ennsvlvania. the lather there engaged in larniing and spent his last years

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 311

in the Keystone state. There were two sons of that marriage, the brother of
our subject beinj;: Robert Holmes, who removed westward to Dallas county,
Iowa, at an early day and homesteaded eighty acres of land. He still makes
his liome in this state. The father was married a second time and by that
union there were five sons, John. Thomas, Frank. James and Charles, and two
daughters, Ellen and ilary Ann.

William Holmes of this review was a lad of fifteen years when he accom-
panied the family on their emigration to the United States. He soon found
employment as a farm hand, being thus engaged for three years, or until he
was eighteen, when he enlisted for service in the Civil war. In Bradford
county on the 26th of August. 1861, he joined a company of light artillery
under General MeClellan. Mr. Holmes participated in many of the most
important battles of the war, including Yorktown, Antietam, Gettysburg and
Bull Run, and was also in the siege of Atlanta. He was later sent to Bridge-
port, Alabama, and at that place was granted a thirty days' furlough, which
he spent at his home in Pennsylvania. When that time had expired he again
joined his command and remained at the front until the close of hostilities,
receiving a most honorable discharge at Key West, Florida.

Returning to the north, Mr. Holmes located in Jasper county, Iowa, where
he engaged in farming for a year and a half and then continued his journey
to Dallas county, farming near Perry for one year. In 1870, however, he took
np his abode in Buena Vista coimty, homesteading a claim of one hundred and
sixty acres in Scott township, where his brother Robert also secured a home-
stead. He then went to Dallas county and spent the winter. It was while
residing there that William Holmes was married February 26, 1870, to Miss
Mahala A. Fletcher, who was born in Cass county, Michigan, but when eight
years of age was brought to Iowa and was reared in this state. Her father,
Thomas E. Fletcher, was born in Canandaigua county, New York, and was one
of the first settlers of Cass county, Michigan.

William Holmes took his young bride to his claim in Buena Vista county.
He built a sod house in which they made their home for some time, and with
an ox team he broke his land. He divided the fields into convenient size by
building fences, set out an orcliard and shade trees, erected good and substan-
tial outbuildings and in due time replaced his little pioneer home with a good
modern residence. As time passed and he prospered in his undertakings he
bought an additional eighty acre tract, thus becoming the owner of two hun-
dred and forty acres. He cultivated this fai-m until 1004. when he leased the
land and purchased forty acres of land near Storm Lake, to which he removed
and which he has since cultivated. He is now numbered among the worthy
citizens of Buena Vista county and the success which he enjoys is well merited,
for it has come to him as the result of hard lal)or and excellent business judg-
ment. He owns stock in the canning factory at Storm Lake and is thus
interested in the industrial life of the city.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Holmes was blessed with twelve children,
of whom nine still survive. The record is as follows : Stella, the wife of
Edward Mainweiring; Leroy, a farmer of Jamestown, North Dakota; Lewis J.,
who resides in Spokane, Washington ; Lottie, the wife of David Seofield, a resi-

312 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

dent of Cherokee county, Iowa; Alice, the wife of A. T. MeCrista, of. Okla-
homa ; Jessie, who died at the age of three months ; Luella, the wife of James
Johnson, of Rncna Visla county; William, a resident of ;\Iarstonmoor. North
Dakota; Tliomas, who died in the fall of 1907 when a young man of twenty-
three years; Ida. who acts as housekeeper for her brother William in North
Dakota; George, who died in October, 1907, when a youth of eighteen years;
and Hazel, a student at Storm Lake.

Mr. Holmes is a stanch supporter of the republican party and several
terms served as township trustee, while for a long period he was justice of the
peace. He has acted as treasurer of the school board for a number of years,
has been highway commissioner and has served as a delegate to county con-
ventions on numerous occasions. Both he and his wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Holmes maintains pleasant relations with
his old army comrades through his membership in Baker Post, G. A. R., at
Storm Lake. Though liorn across the water, he has practically been reared
in this country and has therefore allied himself with its interests. He possesses
all the elements of what in this country we term a "square" man— one in
whom to have confidence, a dependable man in any relation and any emer-
gency. He is always found ready to meet any obligation of life with the
confidence and courage that come of conscious personal ability, a right con-
ception of things and an lial)itual regard for what is best in the exercise of
human activities.

JOHN T. REDFTELD.

John T. Redfield is now living retired at Newell, deriving his income
largely from his extensive investment in land. He was born in Oriskany,
New York, October 'J. 1848, and is of English descent. Tiic Kedlicld family
originated in England and the ancestry is traced back to William Kedfield,
who held an ecclesiastical position in 1218 A. D., under the reign of King John.
The progenitor cJ' the family in America also bore the name of William
Redfield. He landed with a colony in Massachusetts, about six miles from
Boston, in KiHO. and was one of the first to settle on the south side of the
Charles river. Tiie place of his location is now easily established, it being
the northwcsl section (if what is today the town of Brighton.

Theophilns Redticld, grandfather of John T. Redfield, was born in the
state of New York and was a tanner by trade. He removed to Watertown,
New York, where he died in 1858. at the advanced age of eighty-four years.

His wife, in iier maidenl d Ruth I\I. Tuttle, survived him and died at a very

old age. They had ten children: Sophronia. William E.. Maroa, Darius,
Sophia, George, Henry Stone, Emily, James W. and John Calvin.

Rev. Henry Stone Redfield. horn in the Empire state, was a graduate of
Hamilton College and of the Auburn Theological Seminary, after which he
entered upnii the active work of the ministry and largely engaged in preaching
in his native stale, lie was cli;iphiiii in the Tweiity-fcnn-th New York Regiment

HISTORY OF BUENxV VISTA COUNTY 313

(luring tlie Civil war and his later years were passed in Westfield, New York.
He wedded Mary Emeline Shapley, who was also born in New York and died
at Phoenix, that state, in 1870. They were parents of six children: Henry
JFartin, now deceased; James Bartlet, who died at the age of two years; John
T. ; Mary Catherine, who died when three years of age ; "William, of Spokane,
Washington; and Alfred, of Kansas City, Missouri.

John T. Redfield spent the greater part of his youth in Oswego, New York,
and after attending the public schools there continued his education in the
Oswego Academy. He then learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he fol-
lowed until his marriage. On his removal from New York to Newell. Iowa,
in 1878, he purchased a coal Ijusiness and became a factor in the commercial
activity of the t<iwn where his brother Henry was already engaged in the ele-
vator and grain business. They f(u'med a partnership and continued their
interests in the firm name of Redfield Brothers for many years. They bought
both grain and live-stock and sold farm machinery. Their Inisiness consti-
tuted the grain market for a district iriore than thirty miles in area. During
tlie early period of their connection with the business life of the locality
Edward Foy was jmi'chasing nmski-at hides on such a large scale that he paid
out more for hides than was paid for grain and live-stock, as indicated by the
liank books of that period. The Redfield Brothers continued together for
twenty years, at the end of which time John T. Redfield purchased his broth-
er's interests and a few years later sold out to Martin Goltey. Jlr. Redfield
owned the corner store now occupied by J. 0. Erwin. and other property
which he traded for farming land. He now owns eleven hundred and twenty
acres in Sac county but makes his residence in Newell and gives his super-
vision to his land and cattle interests. He handles Aberdeen-Angus cattle
on an extensive scale and during the past three years has exhibited his cattle
at the stock show in Chicago.

On the 29th of September, 1869, ilr. Redfield w^as married to Miss Eldona
Gilbert, a daughter of Joseph and Louise (Haight) Gilbert. By their mar-
riage there are two sons and a daughter : Frank G., the eldest, is a partner
and assistant cashier in the Miller & Chaiu\v Bank of Newell. He wedded
.Mary I. sillier, daughter of De Witt C. and Agnes (Lawson) Miller and they
have four children: Frances. Dona. John Miller and an infant son. Lena
Kate, the only daughter, became the wife of Dr. F. C. Foley and died leaving
a daughter. Dona. Clayton II. has recently completed a coui-se in the Chicago
University.

Mr. and Mrs. Redfield are members of the Congregational church, in
which he is serving as deacon, and in the various church activities they are
deeply interested. He belongs to Newell Lodge, No. 332, I. O. O. F., and votes
with the republican party. At one time he served as justice of the peace,
but has never l)een active as an office seeker, preferring to give his time and
enterprise to his i)usiness affairs, which gradually increased as the years went
by until he is now the owner of extensive farming and cattl<>-raising interests
and one of the most prosperous citizens of his community. He is. moreover,
one of the early settlers of Buena Vista county, having lived here for more
than a third of a century. At the time of his arrival it was a frontier dis-

314 HISTORY OF RFENA VISTA COUNTY

trict. in wliirh the work of iiiiprovcment seemed scarcely begun, the now
thriving cities of Newell and Storm Lake were tiny villages and the homes of
the farmers were widely scattered. ]\Iuch of the land was uncultivated and
only here and there was a tract plowed to show that the seeds of civilization
had been planted in this pioneer district. Mr. Rcdfield has taken a verj' active
and helpful part in the growth and development of the country and through
his careful managed business interests has attained gratifying prosperity.

ARTHUR M. FOSTER.

Arthur :M. Foster, pleasantly located in tlu> new Odd Fellow's block,
where he has (Mmdncted liusiness successfully since 1901, was liorn in Moore-
town, Vermont, Ai)ril 24, 1861. He is a representative of prominent New
England families, and was the youngest of the seven children of Leonard and
Anna L. (Evaus) Fo.ster. The father was born in Vermont and his life span
covered more than ninety years, his ileath occurring in 1897. He was of
English decent, acquired a common-school education and in early manhood
engaged in teaching. Upon the home farm he was i-eared, but he left the
farm to engage in mercantile pursuits at ]\[ooretown, Vermont, where he .suc-
cessfully and energetically conducted business for twenty years. On the
expiration of that period he retired with a handsome competency and removed
to Waterbury. where he spent his remaining days. He was an old-line whig
until the dissolution of that party, when he joined the ranks of the new repub-
lican party. Pie continued to support it luitil his death. He was prominent
in political circles and for six years represented his district in the state legis-
lature, where he took an active part in framing tlu' public policy and
fornudating laws of the coninionwcaltli. t'prighl in all his dealings and
straightforward in vxfvy relation nl' life, he was hcbl in high esteem and liis
many good (|ualities constituted an example well worthy of enudation.
Earnest in his faith as a mcnd)er of the Metliodist Kpiscopal clnu-ch, he took
an active part in its work, iiad sci-ved as stcwai'd and ^dso as leader of the
choir. His wife, who was born in Stratford, \'ernionl, is now living in Water-
bury, at the age of seventy-seven years. She is of English decent and belongs
to a family that was represented in tin' Rivolut ioiuiry war. She holds mem-
bership with the -Methodist Episcoi)al clmrcli, and her life has been that of a
consistent church woman who has always entleavored to closely follow the
teaching of the Scripture.

.\rtliur .M. Foster accompanied his parents on their ninoval to Water-
bur.\, VcniKinl. where he pursued his edu<-ation in the coiiinion schools and in
the Green .Alounlain Seminary nT tlmt plaee, oi' wliieli he is an ahunnus. In
1881 he came to the west and settled al Lone Rock, Wisconsin, where he
embarked in merchandising in connection with his i)rother L, W„ and his
father-in-law. He was thus identified with commercial interests at that place
until 1895, when he removed to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he and his brother
engaged in business until 190]. In that year Arthur M. Foster came to

HI8T0KY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 315

Storm Lake and established a department store in the new Odd Fellow's
block, where he is now uondueting a successful business. He has labored
energetically to win the prosperity which he now enjoys. There is no secret
process by which he has gained his success, for along the legitimate lines of
trade he has steadily advanced, gaining the public confidence and, therefore,
the public patronage, bj' reason of his straightforward dealing and pi'ogressive
business methods.

In April, 1883, Mr. Foster was married to Miss Ella ^M. Fuller, who was
born at Lone Rock. Wisconsin, in 1860. Thej' have two sons: Harry C.
and Lj-nu Emmerson. both of whom are members of the firm of A. M. Foster
& Sons. They are young men of good business ability, and are materially
assisting their father in the management and control of the store.

Mr. Foster is well known as one of the leading members of the Presbyter-
ian church, in which lie is serving as an elder. He is also superintendent of
the Lake Side Presbyterian Sunday school, and is actively interested in all
those projects which have for their object the moral development of the com-
munity. His political endorsement is given the republican party and he
keeps well informed on the (|uestions and issues of the day, so that he is able
to support his position by intelligent argument. He is one of the directors of
the Storm Lake Chautaui|ua Association of Storm Lake, and a memlier of the
school board. Business ability and genuine public spirit are well l>alanced
characteristics of his natiu'c. and be looks at life from tlie rational standpoint
that recognizes the need for physical, mental anti moral progress and
development.

MARinS SORENSEN.

Marius Sorensen, who is engaged in general agricultural pursuits in sec-
tion 1. Providence township, and who is numbered among the wide-awake and
progressive farmers of the community, was born in Denmark, near Wiler,
August 11, 1850. He is a grandson of James and Mary Christensen, who died
at the ages of eighty-six and eighty-seven years respectively. They had six
or seven children, including Soren Jensen, the father of our subject. He too
was born in Denmark, devoted his entire life to farming and died in his native
land in 1868, at the age of fifty-four years. His wife died in 1852. In early
manhood he had married Maria Clau.sen and they became parents of six chil-
dren, of whom three are yet living: Jens Christian Sorensen, of Denmark;
Marius, of this review; and Mary, the wife of Soren Winther, of Denmark.
After losing his first wife the father married Anna Mary Christensen and they
had four children, of whom three are yet living: Peter C. Anton C. and
•Margarita.

Marius Sorensen came to America in 1884. He bad ac(iuired his educa-
tion in the schools of his native eoimtry and had been reared to farm work.
He served in the regular army at three different times, becoming a soldier in
1872, again in 1S74 and 1876. Crossing the Atlantic to the new world in 1884

316 HISTORY OP RUENA VISTA COUNTY

he settled in PonuTdv. Iciwa, whore lie worked on a seetion six months. He
afterward worked at the plastering trade for a year and then turned his atten-
tion to the occupation to which he had heea reared, renting a farm for one
year. At the end of that time he went to Newell and rented a farm in Provi-
dence township, where he lived for three years. He afterward cultivated a
rented farm in Grant township for four years and for one year rented a farm
in Providence township, where he now lives. At the end of that time he
bought the property, comprising one hundred and sixty-seven acres of rich
and productive land, to the further development and improvement of whicli
he has since given his attention. His farm is well equipped witli good build-
ings and everything necessary to facilitate the work of the fields, including
the latest improved machinery.

Pleasantl^■ situated in his home life .Mr. Sorcnsen was married August 2,
I880, to ]\Iiss Sorena Johansen, a .daughter of Johannes and Anna Mett;i
(Jensen) Knudsen, l)oth of whom were natives of Denmark, where they spent
their entire lives. They had four children : Jens Johansen, of Denmark ;
Anna Merta Lena, the deceased wife of Hans Larsen ; Christiana, the wife of
Jorgen Bonde, of Grant township ; and ]\Irs. Sorensen, the wife of our sub-
.ject. Unto Mr. and Jlrs. Sorcnsen has been born a daughter, Metta
Chri.stina, now the wife of Hans C. Bodholt and they have one child, Sena
Bodholdt.

]Mrs. Sorensen was l)orn in Denmark. August 11. 1860. She is an esti-
mable lady, who has proved of nuich assistance to her husband in his farm
work. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sorensen are members of the Lutheran church and
politically he is a republican, giving earnest support to the principles of the
party, for he believes that it contains the best elements of good government.
While he still maintains a f(M>ling of deep interest in tlic land of his liirth. his
strongest attachment is for the land of his adoption, and Buena Vista county
finds in him a worthy representative, active in its interests. As the years have
passed he has gained a place among its substantial and ])rns[)('rous citizens and
his life record shows wliat may lie acroiiiplislicd Ibi'ougli pci'severing and inde-
fatigable industry.

W. W. PAKKKK

\V. W. l'ai-l<er. a well knuwn i-epi-esenfat i vr <\\' the I'arniing interests of
liiiciia Vista county, owns an cxcelh'nt tract nl' land of three hundred and
twenty acres in Xokomis township, and three hundred aiul twenty acres in
Washington township. Tie has lived in this and Sac comities for thirty-six
years, while his residciuc in the state dates from about 1854. He was a little
lad of five years at the time of his arrival in Town, liis liirth having occurred
in Canada, April 21. 184!). ITis father, Joseph I'arker, was born and reared
in England and was a son of William Parker. During his boyhood and youth
Joseph Parker labored in the fields during the day and in the evening worked
in a shop, showing the long hours one had (n wnrlc at that time in England.

HISTORY OF RUENA VISTA COUNTY 321

When a yoiins man he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling in
Canada, where he married ^liss Ann Radford, who was also a native of
England and had spent her girlhood days in that country. For some years
]\Ir. Parker followed farming in Canada, residing there until after the birth
of three of his sons. lie then came to Iowa, settling in Dubucjue county,
where he pundiased a tract of raw prairie and opened up a farm, transform-
ing the wild prairie into rich and productive fields. Upon that place he
reared his family and later he sold the farm and removed to Alta, where his
last years were passed. He died here in 1000. having long survived his wife,
who died in Dubucpie county in 1861, He was an active member of the
Jlethodist Episcopal church and his life was in consistent harmony with its
principles. All who knew him respected liim for his upright manhood and
liis devotion to the principles of justice and truth.

W. W. Parker is the eldest of a family of four sons and three daughters,
six of whom are yet living. He was reared to manhood in Dubuque county,
and is hirgely a self-educated man, becoming well informed through his exten-
sive reading and observation since he attained his majority. His youth was
largely occupied with work on the fields of the home farm, and he gained
practical experience in the best methods of cultivating the crops.

While still living in Dubuque county he was married, February 22, 1870,
to Miss Amelia J. Evans, who was born in Wisconsin, June 28, 1851, but spent
her girlhood days in Iowa, coming to this state with her parents, Mr. and
Jlrs. Samuel Evails, who were of English birth. They lived for some time in
the Badger state ami then came to Iowa. After their marriage Mr. Parker
followed farming for two years in Delaware county, Iowa, and then went to
Sac county, where he purchased land and developed a new farm of three hun-
dred and twenty acres, continuing its cultivation for eight years. He then
sold that property and in the spring of 1880 located on a farm in Btiena Vista
<'ounty, purchasing three hundred and twenty acres of land, known as the
W. H. Farrar farm. He began the further development and improvement of
this place, building thereon a comfortable residence and substantial barn,
fenced the fields and remained upon the farm for six years. He then bought
a residence in Alta, where he now makes his home, but still gives his personal
supervision to the farm. He has since purchased another tract of land of
three hundred and twenty acres in Washington township. It was raw land
when it came into his possession but he has transformed it into a valuable and
profitable tract. He started out in life in limited financial circumstances,
worked as a farm hand by the montli and through his own industry has
gained a place among the substantial agriculturists of the community. He
was eighteen j'ears of age when he started out foi- himself. The father said to
his son, "If you save your earnings, well and goo<l ; if you are disposed to
.squander, I will collect your earnings myself." The son, therefore, was care-
ful to hold on to what he gained, saved tiic money which came to liim in
return for his labor and in the course of time was thus enabled to purchase
property for himself.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Parker have been l)orii two children: Lillian E., born
in Sac comity, July 20, 1872. is now tlie wife of A. M. Conner, one of the

322 HISTORY OF BUEXA VISTA COUNTY

prominent residents of Alta, who i.s mentioned elsewhere in this work. Frank
W.. also born in Sac county. May 12, 1876, married Miss Herma Smith and
follows farming in Biiena Vista county. The mother of these children is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Alta, but Mr. Parker holds
membership in the Pentecostal Nazarene church, and both take an active
interest in religious work.

Politically Mr. Parker is a prohibitionist and a stalwart advocate of the
temperance cause. He has twaee served as mayor of Alta, but has never been
a politician in the sen.se of office seeking, but holding office at the solicitation
of his friends, who recognized in him a progressive and loyal citizen and knew
he would be faithful to the duties of the oiifiee. He and his wife have made
three trips to California, spending two winters there and other points on the
Pacific coast. At the present writing, in 1908, they are preparing to move to
the Golden state and may make their future home there if they are pleased
with it.

Mr. Parker well deserves the success that has come to him for his life has
been one of untiring industry and honest toil. In all his dealings he has lieen
straightforward and all who laiow liim recognize in him a trustworthy
man and one who well merits the confidence and respect which are uniformly
accorded him. He has lived to see the county develop from a wild and
unbroken prairie into a tract of rich and fertile land, divided into thousands
of fine farms wliich are well kept and well improved. Towns and villages
have also sprung up and developed along modern lines and the county has
kept pace with the other counties of this great commonwealth in its intellec-
tual, social and moral progress, as well as its material growth.

JOHN OLTN CONNELL.

John Olin Coinu-ll. carrying on general farming on section 8. Providence
township, is one of the enterprising agriculturists of the comnuuiity. His
place comprises three imiHlrcd and sixty-five acres, which he has converted
from raw prairie into rirh and fertile fields, eousi iliiting one of the fine farms
in the neighborhood, A native of Illinois, he was l)orti in Will county,
November 26, 1858, and is a .son of James and Sarah (Hayes) Connell, both
of whom were natives of County Cork. IitIiiikI. 'I'iu" father came from the
Emerald isle to the new world when a young man. and settled in Joliet, Illinois.
He secured employmeni on llie Illinois and :\lieliigaii eanal. and after a few
years, when his industry and econinny li.iil InMnghl him sufticient capital, he
purchased a farm of one liiuuli'id .nid si.\ty acres, in Troy township, Will
county, Illinois, whereon he rr:ii-cil bis family. As the years passed he pros-
pered and added tn his iii-igin:il linblinjis initil lie was llie owner of four
hundred acres of land. .Mxmt three years prior to his ilemise he retired from
active business life and removed to ^linooka. Illinois, where he died, in 1905,
at the age of seventy-one years. His wife pa.ssed away in lS8:i. Both were
members of the Catlmlie church. .Mrs. Connell was a daughter of Patrick

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY '323

Hayes, who died in Ireland, as did his wife. They were parents of five chil-
dren, three of whom came to the United States": Sarah, the mother of our
subject ; Mary, the deceased wife of John JIcFadden ; and Ellen, the wife of
Patrick T(mhey, of Joliet, Illinois. The paternal (grandfather of Mr. Connell
was Charles Connell, who came from Ireland with his family as passengers
on a sailing vessel which was several months in making tlie trip across the
Atlantic. He, too, settled in Will county,' Illinois, where he died at the very
venerable age of ninety-seven years, while his wife, Mrs. Mary (Mahan)
Connell, passed away at the age of eighty-five years. They were the parents
of two sons and two daughters: John, a resident of Odell, Illinois; Elizabeth,
the wife of William ^Maloy, of Fort Dodge, Iowa ; James, father of our subject ;
Maria, now deceased, whose husband, a ilr. Riley, went to the Civil war but
never returned.

The family of James and Sarah (Hayes) Connell uiunbered two sons and
four daughters, namely: Ellen, who is residing in iMinooka, Illinois; Elizabeth,
the wife of M. J. Pickett, of Dauphin Park, Chicago ; John 0. ; Charles, whose
home is in Channahon. Will county, Illinois ; Delia, who has entered a convent
and is known as Sister ]\Iar.v Clarence, in the Holy Cross Convent of Notre
Dame, at South Bend, liuliana ; and ]\linnie. tlie wife of J\I. F. Riley, of
Wilmington, Illinois.

John 0. Connell was reared in his native ciinnty upon the home farm and
supplemented liis district school education liv a high school course. He lived
at home until he came to Iowa, and worked with his father. Wlien twent.v-
one years of age he came to Iowa, and his uncle. William ^laloy. assisted him
to select the farm, which he now owns and which conipriscs tliree hmidred
and sixt.v-five acres. It was a tract of raw prairie when it came into his pos-
session, but with characteristic energy he transformed it into productive fields.
The land is naturally rich and arable and responds readily to the care and
labor which he bestows upon it. The place has been divided into fields of
convenient size by well kept fences and the latest improved nuu'hincry is used
to facilitate the work of the fields. The farm is supplied with gootl huililiiigs
and everything about the place indicates the careful supervision. pra<-tical
management and progressive ideas of the owner.

On the 5th of January, 1886, ]Mr. Connell was marrieil to Miss Mary •
Kinsella. who was born in Griuuly c(unit,v. Illinois, about three miles from
ilinooka. Her parents, Andrew and Elizabeth (Smith) Kinsella, were natives
of County Wexford, Ireland, and came to America in early life and after their
marriage settled in Grundy count.v. The former was a son of Aiulrew
Kinsella and the latter was a daughter of Thomas Smith, who came to
America and settled at Loekport, New York, where he spent his remaining
days. Throughout his manhood. Andrew Kinsella followed the occupation of
farming to provide for his family, but died at the comparatively early age of
thirty-five years, passing away on the home farm in 1871. His widow still
survives him and makes her home in Minooka. Illinois. TIu\v were parents
of three children : Jane, the wife of James Patrick Clenuan, of Grundy coiuity,
Illinois; ]\Iary, now Mrs. Connell; and one who died in infancy.

324" HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Coniiell were \)nvn eleven ehildren : Sarali. Andrew,
James, Clarence and Clara (twins), George. Francis, John, Charles, Mary
Helen and Evalena ilarguerite. The parents were members of the Catholie
church, and Mr. Conuell belongs to the jModern Woodmen of America. His
political support is given the democratic party and he has been township trus-
tee for several years. He was also township collector and township clerk
while in Illinois. In community affairs he is deeply and helpfully interested,
and has given support to many measures of the public good. He has made a
most creditable record in the Inisiness world and his success is the visible evi-
dence of his industry and thrift, and indicates his capable management and
keen business judgment.

E. J. EDAVARDS.

Examination into the life record of E. J. Edwards Itrings to liglit the fact
that there has been no esoteric phase in his career, but that his methods have
always been such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. He has
wrought along modern business lines, his work characterized by uiiHagging
industry and perseverance. He has l)een a factor in mercantile life in Alta
for fifteen years, and he dates his residence in this county from 1882. A
native of Livingston county, Illinois, he was born August 13, 1871, and is a
son of Charles H. and Helen (Colver) Edwards, who were married in Bureaii
county, Illinois. The father was bnrn in Ohio in 1844, but in early Ixiyhood
went to Bureau county, where he was reared. His wife was a native of
Trineiton and a daughter of one of the first settlers of the county, who secured
an old homestead claim at Arlington following his marriage.

Charles II. Edwards carried on farming in Ijiviugston and IMireini eoun-
ties, Illinois, i'or a nnniber of years, and two children were born prior to the
removal of the family from that state to Iowa in 1882. Here Mr. Edwards
purchased a farm in Nok(unis township, Buena Vista county, where he carried
on general agrieultural pursuits .-nid reared his family. He was for iiian\'
years numbered among the sui)stantial and valued citizens of this conuiiunity
l)ut since IDO:} has made his hom(> in Los Angeles. California. As the years
wiMit li\' lie ])ureliase(i iMnre land iVoin time to time until he became llu> owner
of a half section, constituting a well improved farm. This he cultivated
until l8nL when he put aside the work of tlu' fields and removed to Alta,
where lie liuilt a ri'sidi'iice pi-operly. which lie oecupied until his reimival to
California. He was of a meehanical fui'ii of mind and invented a self-feeiler
for a threshing-machine, but latei' sold his patent. lie now owns jiropiM'ty in
Liis Angeles, where hi' and his wife are cMimroi-tahly situated. The\- were
active and |)roiiiinent iiiemhei-s <if the Methodist Episcojial church of Alta, and
they left iiehind them many warm friends in this commmiity when they
removed to the sunny south.

E. J. Edwards was reared in Itiiena Vista county and was educated in the
public schools, being graduated from the high school of Alta, and later from

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COrXTY 325

the State Normal. Hp w.is ;i teacher here for one winter, after wliich he
l>nrehased an interest in the implement and nuiehinery Inisiness. while subse-
(|uently he extended the scope of his undertakings by adding a line of hard-
ware. He now carries both shelf and heavy hardware, and he was also at one
time engaged in the coal l)iisine.ss. He likewise conducted a dry-goods and
grocery store. Init although he has sold his interests in those lines, he still
retains his hardware and machinery business. What he undertakes he car-
ries forward to successful completion and his energy enaljles him to overcome
all the obstacles and difficulties in his path.

On the 19tli of November, 1897, Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Lizzie
H. Parker, a daughter of Sanuiel Parker, a prominent business man and
farmer of Alta. Mrs. Edwards was born and reared in this county and by her
marriage has become the mother of two children. Fay Marguerite and Mildred
Parker.

In his political views Mr. Edwards is a stalwart republican. He has
always been a temperance man and his influence is given in behalf of that
cause. He l)elongs to the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving
as a trustee, and his wife is fully in .sympathy with him in this work, for she,
loo, is enrolled among the memliers of that church. High and honorable
principles have actuated his life and shaped his conduct in all his relations to
liis fellowmen. During the ipiarter of a century in which he has lived in
Buena Vista county he has enjoyed the esteem and friendship of the majority
of those with whom he has beeu associated.

GEOEGB E. HOBBS.

George E. Hoblts is classed among the old and liighly respected citizens
of Buena Vista county aiul is also one of the wealthiest landowners of this sec-
lion of the state, his possessions comprising four hundred and eighty acres on
section 29, Nokomis township. He was born September 27, 1847, in New
Hampshire, not far from Lowell, and is a son of Francis Hohlis and a brother
of Samuel L. Hobbs, of Storm Lake, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this
volume.

George E. Holil)s was I'eared on a farm within twenty miles of Boston,
Massachusetts, and accjuired a common-school education. Believing that the
new and rapidly developing west offered good opportunities, in 1871, he made
his way to Iowa and purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, which
comprises a part of his present home farm. He broke a portion of the Ian-.,
ami erected a house preparatory to moving his family, and made a permanent
location here in 1875. As time pas.sed and he prospered in liis luidertakings
he added to his landed possessions and now has four hundi-ed and eighty acres
on section 29, Nokomis township. He also at one time owned farm property
in Woodworth and Plymouth counties but has disposed of that. His home
farm is a well improved place, supplied with liarns and outbuildings for the
shelter of grain and stock. In 1906, howt'ver. he iuid the misfortune to lose

326 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

his house ;iii(l ;ill its niiitciits hy fii-i', liiit he has replaced it hy a nice residence.
In addition to cair.Nin^ on general farming, he is also engaged in raising and
feeding slock. shi])|)iiig t'l'oiii tlii-ee to five carloads of cattle and hogs each
year.

In August, 1870, Mr. Hobbs was married in Jlassaehusetts to Miss Joanna
Ilennesy, who was born in the old Bay state. They liave become the parents
of seven children, of whom three died in early childhood, while Frank passed
away wlicn nine months old. Those living are: George E., Jr., who is mar-
ried and is now engaged in business; Frank, who is married and assists in the
operation of the home farm; and Mary, the wife of Al Larson, who is a musi-
cian of note and a member of the Larson Orchestra, while Mrs. Larson is also
a talented musician and is a teacher of music.

Politically Mr. Ilobbs is a democrat and in 1885 was elected county treas-
urer on the democratic ticket, carrying the vote of twelve townships, although
the county had formerly been a republican stronghold. He has also served
as township treasurer and has been a member of tlie school board for several
years. He was reared in the Unitarian faitli, wliile Mrs. Hobbs is a connnun-
icant of the Catholic church. During a residence covering more than three
decades Mr. Hobbs has seen Buena Vista county develop from a prac-
tically unimproved district into one of the fine farming sections of the state
and has seen Storm Lake and Alta grow from mere iiamlets into thriving
towns. He has worked his way steadily upward and through judicious
investments has accumulated a valuable propei-t.\-. which now supi)lies liim
with all ol' tjie coniTorls of life and today he is given i)roniinent jilace among
the substantial citizens of the countx'.

PATRTf'K CLANCY.

Patrick Clancy, a retired agricullurisi residing at Storm Lake, was born
in Ireland in Mardi, l,s:!:i. Tlie father, Timothy Clancy, who was a farmer
by occupation, spent his entire life in the Emerald isle. lie wedded Miss
Catherine Connelly, by whom he had tlie following children: Bridget, Mary,
Maggie, Peter ami Patrick, all of whom ai'e living in llie United States, with
the exception of Mary, who is a resident of Ireland.

When a youth of sixteen years I'atrick Clancy crossed the briny deep to
the United States, wishing to take advantage of the broader business oppor-
tunities which he had heard the new world afforded. He first took up liis
aliode in New Jersey, sul)se(|uently I'emoved to Connecticut and about 1852
.journeyed to Illinois, securing employment on the Rock Island Railroad. He
afterward worked on the Illinois Central and then tui'ned his attention to
I'arming.

Loyally espousing the cause of the Union at the time of the Civil war, Mr.
Clancy enlisted at La Salle, Illinois, May 8, 18(jl, as a private in Company F,
Twenty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His first engagement was the bat-
tle at Lexington, Kentuck\'. Being taken prisoner lie w;is held as such one

HISTORY OF RUENA VISTA COUNTY 327

iiiglit and then paroled and sent to St. Louis. Jlissouri. wliorc he was mustered
out of service. In Octolier, 18G1. he reenlisted, lieeomiiig a private of Com-
pany H. Fifty-eightli Illinois Volunteer Infantry, l)ut was soon promoted to
sergeant and for two years and a half was color bearer of his regiment. He
participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, luka. Pleasant
Hill. Yellow Bayou, and Nashville, Spanish Port, ^Mobile and Fort Blakelj- and
was finally nuistered out at Montgomery, Alabama, April 1, 1866. He was
wountled four times.

In 1882 he came to Huciia Vista county. Iowa, purchasing a farm of one ■
hundred and sixty acres, in the cultivation of which he wa.s successfully
engaged until ^S9'■]. In that year he took up his abode in Storm Lake, where
he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of well eai-ned ease, his unremitting
industry and well directed energy in former years having brought to him a
goodlj' competence.

^Ir. Clancy was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hunt, a native of Ire-
land, liy whom he has the following children : Kate, the wife of James
Connell ; John and Peter, both of whom are residents of Providence township ;
Mary, who is the wife of Charles Grisby ; Annie, who became the wife of Ed
Grisby; Bridget; ]\Iaggie ; and Patrick and Thomas, both of whom are engaged
in farming.

Both Mr. and ilrs. Clancy are devoted members of the Catholic church
aiul are well and favorably known throughout the county in which they have
now resided for more than a quarter of a century. The hope that led Patrick
Clancy to leave his native land and establish a home in the new world has
been more than realized, for here he found the opportunities which he sought
and in their utilization gained the measure of success that now eiial)l('s him to
sjieiid his remaining days in hunorable retirement from lal)or.

IRA J. FROWNFELTER.

Ira J. Frownfelter, successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits on sec-
tion 85, Washington township, was born in Cumberland count}-, Pennsylvania,
;\larch 25, 1855. His father, Solomon Frownfelter, also a native of Pennsyl-
vania, was there reared and married, the maiden name of his wife being
JIartha Shoman, who was likewise born in the Keystone state. Solomon
Frownfelter was a tailor by trade but later became a stonemason, which occu-
pation he followed during his active business career. His entire life was
spent in the state of his nativity and there he reared his family of four sons
and two daughters, the record of whom is as follows : John ; Ira J., of this
review; Leonard, a resident of North Dakota; Luther, of Ilarrisburg, Pennsyl-
vania; Mrs. Ellen Broker, who is a witlow ; and Jane, the wfe of John Harlan.

Ira J. Frownfelter was reared in his native county and early became
familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist,
lieing only eight years of age when he commenced work as a farm hand by the
month. In early manhood he removed westward to Illinois, locating in Piatt

328 ITTSTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

county. ■wIkm-c he was employed as a farm liaiul iinlil the time of liis marriage.
Siil)sei|iieiitly he was engaged in the operation of a rented farm in Piatt county
for five years and on the expiration of that period, in 1893, he came to Buena
Vista county, Iowa. After cultivating rented land for several years he pur-
chased his present farm of eighty acres on section 35, Washington township,
which >inder his management has become a well improved and valuable prop-
erty. He has fenced the fields, put in more than eleven thousand feet of tile
and has e(|uipped his place with all the modern accessories and conveniences
that go to make up a model farming property of the twentieth century. More-
over the success which has cro\vned his lal)ors is entirely the result of his own
industry and perseverance and repi-escnts the fit \itilization of his business
ability and sound judgment.

On the 2d of March, 1888. Jlr. Frownfelter was joined in wedlock to Miss
Mary Armsworth, a native of Piatt county, Illinnis, who was called to her final
rest in September. 1900. The two children of this luiion were as follows:
Harry E., who is at home with his father; and Marion, who passed away when
l>ut four months old.

JOHN FRANKLIN CLOUGH.

•Toliii Franklin Cloiiiili. Avho is a well known and successful representative
of the agricuKural inl crests of 15ucna Vista county, was born in Clayton
county, Iowa, on the 3(1 of October, 18.')9, his parents being Gardner and Laura
(Jcslyn) Clough. 'I'hc paternal grandparents were Jabez and Lotty (Capron)
Clough. the former born June 5. 1794, and the latter February 7. 179fi. They
were married on the lOIJi of August, 1818, and the record of their I'hiidrcn is as
follows: Klnni-;i, whose I)irth occurred January 17. 1819. was united in mar-
riage to Jacob K. Trask on the 19tli nl' .laiiuary. 1842. and pas.sed away
October 24. Ks.")9. Gardner, the father of our subject, of whom further mention
is made below, was Ikumi August 23, 1820. aiul wedded Miss Laura Jo.slyn on
the 31st of Oc1ol)er, 184(). Hiram, whose natal day was May 9, 1822, married
Miss Phebe Bai'retl on tlie 8th of ]\Iarrli. lS4(i. Klcina W., who first opened her
eyes to the light nf day (ni the :'h\ of .Ajiril. Is21. Iiecame the wife of Septy
Waite on the 3d of September, 1850. Edward A., horn December 11. 1825, was
joined in wedlock to Miss Ilapplonia Austin on the 7th of December, 184G.
]\larcellus, born Septend)er 15, 1827, was twice married. On the .30th of
August. 1854, he wedded Mi.ss Mary Young. wIki was called to her lln;il I'cst
Decemljcr 23, 1870, and on the 23d of October, 1875, he was again married, his
se<-ond union being with Amy Rice, who passed away Ajiril 25, 1894. Sarah I.,
i)orn September 28, 1829. became the wife of Walter Levendol on the .3(1 of
September. 1850, and pas.sed away September .30. 1,s(i4. Fanny M.. who was
horn .March 15, 1832. gave her hand in marriage to Edwin Ilai'twell on the 4th
of .Xdviiiilier. IS52. and died October 20, 1855. Jabez Clough. Ihc father ui' this
family, was called to the home beyoiul on the 41h ol' July, 1,S72, while the
demise of his wife had occurred June 19, 1868.

HISTORY OF BTTENA VISTA COUNTY 331

Gardner ami Lanra ( Joslyn) Clo;igli. the parents of John Franklin Clough,
who were natives of Vermont, were married in th(> Green Mountain state and
in the early '50s made the journey westward. They settled first near
Deeorah, Winneshiek county, Iowa, where they entered a preemption claim
of one hundred and sixty acres. About four years later, however, Mr. Clough
sold his interests in Winneshiek county and removed to Clayton county,
where he remained for about two years. At the end of that time, in 1862, he
had made arrangements to engage in the milling V)usiness on the Iowa river in
Allamakee coi;nty, but as the struggle l)etween the north and the south
steadily grew more determined and sanguinary he resolved to put aside all
business and personal considerations and .strike a blow in defense of the
Union. On the 25th of August, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Company I,
Twenty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, commanded by A. J. Smith. His
service included active participation in the battles of Shiloh, Vieksburg
Landing, Bull Run, the siege of Vieksburg, the Red River expedition and the
engagements at Pleasant Hill and Holly Springs. He was honorably dis-
cluirged in the fall of 1865 and then returned to his family in Waukon, Iowa,
where they had been living during the war.

Mr. Clough spent the winter there and in the spring of 18G6 came with
his family to the Little Sioux in Buena Vista county, Iowa, securing a govern-
ment claim on the southwest (luarter of section 20. Here he was confronted
by the dangers, hardships and privations of frontier life and found the
iirduons existence of a pioneer doubly hard, as his health had already been
undeti'niined by his long i^ervice in the army, during which time he had
undergone the exposure and fatigue of long, weary marches and many of the
experiences of war in its most cruel aspect. He entered the army a strong,
rol)ust man, of youthful appearance, and at the close of the war returned
liome with greatly impaired health and gray hair. Though coming of a
long-lived race of people, the exigencies of war and pioneer life proved too
much for his constitution and he passed away on the 27th of February, 1877,
when but fifty-seven years of age. As long as memory remains to the
American people they will ciierish and honor the record of those who re-
sponded to the call of patriotism in the darkest hour of our country's history
and who sacrificed so much for the supremacy of the Union.

For the first few years after their arrival in Buena Vista county, Mr.
Clough and his family lived in a sod sh(inty and the nearest market was at
Port Dodge — a distance of seventy-five miles acro.ss the unbroken prairie.
The sod house was finally replaced 1)\- a more comfortable and commodious
dwelling, and gradually more settlers came to the county and the land was
lieing cultivated and improved. Mr. Clougii always took an active interest
in public affairs and for four years served as county supervisor. The
eleven years during which he resided here was the period in which the county
was being opened up to civilization and when the early settler, even though
possessed of indomitable energy and courage, often found the struggle for a
livelihood a most ditticnlt one. Just as the tide was turning and the
pioneers were beginning to enjoy the fruits of their persistency and labor,
he was called to his final rest, thus being denied the pleasure of witnessing

332 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

the growtli and development of the eommiiiiity in whose iiplraildiiig he had
taken such an important part. His wife, however, survived him for a num-
ber of years, passing away on the 17th of February, 1901, when seventy-two
years of age. Unto tliis worthy couple were born four children : Aldine,
who married Adelia Ryder and resides in Salem, Oregon ; Fred, who wedded
Miss Sophia Baneoast ami makes his home in Everly. Iowa ; John Franklin,
of this review; and William, who married Jliss Rose Wengirt and resides on
the old homestead where his liirth occurred.

John Franklin Clough accompanied his parents on their removal to this
county and lived on the old homestead farm here for thirty-five years. He
was seventeen years of age at the time of his father's death and upon him
and his younger brother. William, devolved the support of the family. For
several years the brothers gave their time and energies to the cultivation of
the home place and brought it under a high state of improvement, making it
a valuable and productive property. In 1900 John F. Clough purchased and
located on his present farm, comprising the northwest quarter of section 18,
Lee township, where he has a comfortable home beautifully situated amid a
grove of trees. He is well known as a prosperous and progressive agri-
culturist of the county and richly merits the esteem and confidence which is
luiiformly accorded him.

In 1886 Mr. Clough was united in marriage to Miss Nettie L. Langdon,
a daughter of Samuel Porter and Nancy (Emery) Langdon, natives of
JIassacliusetts and Pennsylvania respectively. Soon after the marriage of
Die i)ai'ents. which had been celebrated in Boone coimty, Illinois, about 1841,
they removed to Columbia coTuity. Wisconsin, where they resided for about
.six years. On the expiration of that period they went to Crawford county,
Wisconsin, and in the spring of 1873 came to Buena Vista coimty, Iowa,
living for a time in Storm Lake and then taking up their abode on a farm
near Sioux Rapids. Samuel P. Langdon passed away on the 29th of May,
1880. and his wife was called to the home beyond on the 2d of February, 1893.
Unto Mr. and IMrs. Clough have been liorn three children: Nellie Augusta,
Isa Emily and Aura Blanche.

In his polilical views Mr. Clough is a stanch republican and fraternally
is connected with the Odd Fellows lodge. No. ')')^, at Sioux Rapids. His life
has been one of continiious activity, in which has been accorded dn(> recog-
iiiliiiii dl' bilidi' and today he is ininibcrcd airiong the substantial citizens of
his countv.

WILLI.VM LEE CLOUGH.

William Lee Cbuigh, a jjrospcrous and enterprising agriculturist, owning
a valualilc and wi'll iniiii'oved farm on section 20. Lee township, was born on
III,. (,1(1 li(inicstc;i(| ill l')neiia Vista county. Iowa. ,\])ril 'A. ISTO. His father,
Gardner Spa\d(iing Clough. is mentioned at length in the sketch of John
Franklin Cbiugli. which is given on anotiu'r page of this work. The work of

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 333

the lionic farm and tlic duties of the schoolroom alternately oeeupied his time
until he had attained his majority and then, in connection with his brother,
John F., he devoted his entire time to the operation of the home place until
about twenty-four years of age. The brothers then divided the property,
John F. taking the north half and William the south, and this arrangement
continued until 1900. when John F. Clough purchased the northwest quarter
of section 18. and William took entire possession of the old homestead, com-
prising- a quarter section of land. Thus he has always resided on the farm
where he was born and in its cultivation and development he has met with a
gratifying and well merited measure of success, being now numl)ered among
the wide-awake and progressive agriculturists of his native county. His
attractive and C(numo(lious residence adds to the beauty of the surroundings
and in its neat and thrifty appearance his farm indicates the supervision of
a practical and enterprising owner. It is located within three and a half
miles of Sioux Rapids, which distance is covered in a few minutes by his
fine motor car.

On the 22d of May, 1894, ^Ir. Clough was united in marriage to Miss
Rose Wengirt. a daughter of T'lrich and Johanna (Wagner) Wengirt, both
natives of Germany. Aliout 1866 the parents crossed the Atlantic to the
United States, taking up their abode in Independence, Iowa, where they spent
the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Wengirt passed away on the 8th of April,
1900. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children, namely:
Ijeona Agnes, Mary Laura and George William.

iMr. Clough gives stalwart support to the men and measures of the repub-
lican party, and his wife is a devoted member of the Catholic church at
Sioux Rapids. He is well and favoral)ly known throughout the county in
which he has spent his entire life and that his career has ever been an
upright and honorable one is indicated by the fact that the associates of his
bojhood and youth are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers.

CALVIN WILLIS GARBERSON.

In the history of the successful men of Buena Vista county mention
should be made of Calvin Willis Garberson, wlm is now living retired in Storm
Lake. For many years, however, he was connected with agricultural inter-
ests, and in the tilling of the soil gained the success which now makes him one
of the prosper(nis and valued residents of this locality. lie was born in
Clarion county, Ohio, September 26, 1846.

His father, Jonathan Garberson. was a native of Ohio, born ^lareh 21,

1821, and his lift>. r )r<l covered the intervening years to January 18, 1876.

The family was founded in America in colonial days, and when the colonists
attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppression representatives of the
name served in the Continental army in behalf of the cause of independence.
Calvin Willis Garberson now has in his possession a sword which belonged to

334 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

his grandfather. Job Garbersoii, wlicti In- was defending American interests
in tlie Revolutionary war.

Jonathan Gar])orson was a miller by trade and, on coming to Iowa ni
1858, settled iipon a farm in Story county which had been purchased by his
father. There lie lived up to the time of his death, liringing his fields under
a high state of cultivation until the place annually yielded rich harvests. It
is now the prt)perty nf his son Calvin. lie was a very industrious man, never
indulfi'iiig in useless expenditure, and though he started out in life empty-
handed he reared a large family and gave to them many of the comforts that
go to make life worth the living. He was a Haptist in religious faith, was
active in church work and served as one of the church ol'ticcrs. His political
views were in harmony with the democratic party and upon that ticket he was
elected to several township offices. He married Lucinda Ami Chapman, who
was born in Ohio and died April 7, 1884, at the home of her son Alvin
Willard, in Elk township, this county, liaving for some years prior to her
death resided with her sons. She was of English decent and in early life
was a member of the Baptist church, but in later years became a member of
the Christian church. By her marriage she became the mother of fourteen
children.

Calvin Willis Garberson was one of twin brothers. There was one older
member of the family. He was reared t<i farm life, early becoming familiar
with the duties and laiiors that fall to the lot of tlie agriculturist. He
attended the i<nuitry schools and aft(>rward pursued his studies in Albion Col-
lege at Albion, Iowa. lie then returned home to take up the work of the
fields with his father ;\\n\ U>\- forty years he has been identified with the farm-
ing interests of Biirna \'ista r(uuity, citliei' in tlie active wuric oi' the fields or
as the owner of good farm property. lie arrived in liiis county May 19,
1869, aiul settled in Elk township, seciniug one-half of the southwest quarter
of section ;W. wliiih lie took iij) as a lioinestead from the government. Not
a furrow had lurn turned nur an improvement made an tlie place, but with
characteristic en<'rgy he began its dev('li>|)iiieiit and soon brouirht the fields
iindiT a, iiigh state of fertility. Witii the except ion of one \-ear lie conlinii-
ously resided in VAk lownsliip until 18i)4. -lie tiien removed to the farm in
Nokomis lownsliip on which lie li\cd foi- six and one-half years, and in 1901
he came to Stni-m I^ake to find hcllci' I'acilities for educating his daughters.
Ilci-c lie is niiw living in hdiKiralile retirement. He has lieeii very prosperous,
and ti-oin lime to lime he lias added to his proi)(>rty holdings until his landed
possessions now aggregate twenty-seven hundred acres in Hueiia Vista and
other count ies.

In lS7:i Mr. Garbersoii was married to .Miss Mary Mathcson, who was
horn near Ti)roiito. Canada. .Iiily 19, 18").'!. and is a daughter of Samuel and
Eli/abetli (Aiiiinnr) Mathcson. Ilcr ])arci)ls came to the ITnited States
April 12, 18()f), and soon afterward settled in Elk township, Buena Vista
county, becoming ])ioneer residents of this pari of the state. They bore their
full share in the work of deveiopnienl and progress as the ('.■ninty was con-
verted from a wild region into one of rich productiveness, settled by a eon-
tented and prosperous jieople. .Mrs. Garberson 's mother died August 15,

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 335

1S71. and was Iniii; siirN'ivcil liy licr lius1>anil, whosi.' death oct-urri'd June 25,

i;jn5.

I'litd .^Ir. and Mvs. Garljerson were horn six children: Wallace Clayton,
iKiw a practieiny: attorney at Sibley. Iowa, who married Lola Carmichael and
lias one ehild ; Gertrude, who died in int'anev; Aura and Rena. both at home;
(irave. who died January 1. 1907. in her twentieth year, when a sophomore
in eollejie ; and Bessie, at home.

Mrs. Oarberson and daughters belong to the Presbyterian church, while
in earl.\- manhood Mr. Garberson held membership in the Christian church.
In politii's lie is a democrat. lie has served as a member of the board of
supervisors and has held a number of tow-nship offices, the diities of which he
has discharged in a prompt and capable manner. His life has been au active,
iiusy and useful inie. and his diligence has been rewarded with success. He
is now one of the extensive landowners of the eount>'. and his large posses-
sions indicate his life of thrift and energy.

HERBERT A. HARVEY.

Herbert A. Harvey, who is the architect of his own fortunes, is now
cashier in the Bank of Newell, and occupies an enviable position in bu.siness
circles by reason of his ability' and enterprise. He was born in Excelsior,
Richland county, Wisconsin. December 6. 1868. and is a son of Dr. Leonard J.
and Elizabeth (Hawkins) Harvey, who were natives of Ohio and Canada
respectively. His paternal grandfather, Hiram Harvey, was also born in
Canada and followed the occupation of farming as a life work. He died in
Newell, Iowa, iu 1897, at the age of eighty-three years, while his wife passed
away at the age of seventy years. Pour of their children died in infancy and
four sons and a daughter reached maturity, namely: Eldah, the wife of
William Caruthers ; Edgar; Leonard J.; Thurber; and Gary.

Dr. Leonard J. Harvey is now following his profession in Alta, Iowa. On
coming to this state in December, 1870, he settled at Storm Lake and the
following July was joined by his family. He there continued to practice for
many years but eventually removed to Alta. where he now makes his honu'.
.\t the time of the Civil war he espoused the Union cause and joined Company
II, Seventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Having been discharged on
account of disability, he later enlisted in Cmnpany C. Twenty-third Wisconsin
Regiment, and was on active duty in the hospital service. He is now a mem-
ber of the Grand Army post at Alta. and also belongs to the Knights of
I'ythias fraternity. The mother of our subject holds membership in the
Methodist church. She is a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Egglefield)
Hawkins. Her father passed away in Wisconsin in 18fi;i at the age of forty-
seven years, and her mother died in 1898, at the age of eighty-five. In their
family were the following children : Elizabeth. Mary Ann, Maria, Eleanor,
Belle. JaiiK's. Thomas and Albert.

336 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Unto Dr. and Mrs. Harvey have been horn seven ehildren, four sons and
three daughters : Minnie, the wife of J. 0. Peterson, of Alta, Iowa ; Charles
L., a resident of Wellington, Colorado; Herbert A., of this review; Ella B., the
deceased wife of J. W. Barber; Cora M., the wife of O. 0. Harlan, of Marion-
ville, Missouri; Ray AV., who died at the age of two years; and Henry C, a
resident of Carthage, South Dakota.

Herbert A. Harvey was reared in Storm Lake from the age of two years
and was a student in the publie sehools until he completed the high-school
course by graduation in the class of 1885. He was engaged in clerking in
P>riiwn Itrolliers store in Storm Lake for six years, after which lie and his
brother Charles L. came to Newell and purchasetl a clothing store, conducting
l)usiness for two years. On tlie expiration of that period Herbert A. Harvey
sold his interests to his brother-in-law. J. W. 15arber. after which he spent a
few months in Wakonda. Soutli Dakota, and later engaged in clerking for two
years. For the past nine years, however, he has been connected with the
Bank of Newell and has been its cashier since IHOO. During this period he
has thoroughly mastered the banking business and the success of the institu-
tion is attributable in no small measure to his efforts.

On the 18th of May, 1892, Mr. Harvey was married to .Aliss Jlyra Judge,
a daughter of Patrick Henry and Delia C. (Sutton) Judge. Two cliildren
have graced this union, Gladys and Doris. Mrs. Harvey was born in Floyd
county, Iowa, and her father was a native of Ireland, while her mother's birth
occuiTed in Canada. They had \\yt) childi'cn. their son hciiig Harold E.. now
living at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

I\lr. Harvey belongs to Rex lodge. No. 242, K. !'., .-md lie exercises liis
right of franchise in support of the men and measures oC llie rcimblican party.
He has been committeeman for Newell township six yeai's. i)eing chairman of
the county central eonnnittee one year of thai time. While lu' feels a keen
int(;rest in the success of the ])afty he has no time nor inclination to seek piililic
office, giving his undivided attention to his duties as i)aid-c cashier. The'
patrons of the hank and those wlm meet him in other relations of life know
him as a genial, courteous gentleman of unreigncd cordiality and good-will.

LAWRENCE FOElJi.

I'rospi'rit y is the rcsiill dt' li.ii'd l,-ihn|- (■(nMhincil with sdond hnsiness .judg-
mi'ul and this ti-nlli is ahnndanlly vi-i'ilii'd in the lil'c of Lawrriicc I'^oell. who
now owns I'linr Innulred ai'i'es ol' x'Mlu.'ihii' land on section 111. Hayes township.
.Mr. h'orll is a native son of Iowa. Ikumi ui\ :\ farm in Jelfei'son townsiiip.
MuliiKpic cnniity, .May 27. IS;")!), a son of (icorgc l''(icll. now a I'csideiit of Storm
Lake. 'i'lie son was reared in his native count.\- to the age of sixteen years
and aiMpiired his education in the district schools near his Tathei-'s honu^. He
aci'ompanied his parents on their removal to lineiia \'ista couiil\' during its
early develoi)ment . The father located on a trad of iniimproved land and
the sou gave liis entii-e time to Ww work of developnu'nl and improvement on

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 337

the hoiiiesti'ad and rcniiniied under the parental roof until lie attained mature
years. He and his father then entered into an agreement whereby they would
share e(|ua]ly in the profits derived from their farming and stoek-raising inter-
ests and in this way the son made his start in the business world.- This not
only l)rought to him a gratifying income, but also a wide experience that
worked to his advantage when lie liegan business alone. He eventually pur-
rhased one liundred and sixty acres of land, to which he has added from time
to time until his phici' now embraces four hundred acres all in one body, and
situated on section lit, Hay^es township. He has fenced and tiled the land,
which is now very productive, has planted an orchard, has erected a good resi-
dence, supplied with all modern conveniences and accessories for the comfort
of the inmates, has built a good barn aiul cril)s, has a wind pump that forces
water to various parts of the farm for watering the stock and there are also
pipes running to the house, furnishing an ample supply of water for household
purposes. Mr. Foell gives his time to general farming and stock-raising, mak-
ing a specialty of red polled cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, fattening from one
to two carloads of each annually. He is also a stockholder in the canning
factory at Storm Lake.

Jlr. Foell established a home of his own in November, 1892, by his mar-
riage to ^liss Clara Fultz. who was iiorn in Allamakee county, this state, and
there spent her early girliiood. but later removed to Bueua Vista county. The
home of Mr. and .Mrs. Foell h:is been blessed with four children, but Guy died
at the age of one year. The others are Karl L., Vernon L. and Caroline.

Politically Mr. Foell has been a life long republican but has never sought
nor desired office, for he finds that his entire time ;ind attention is needed in
his private business affairs. He is a menii)er of tiie Storm Lake Jlethodist
Episcopal church and his fraternal relations are with the Masons at Storm
Lake. He is a public-spirited, progressive citizen, and although he has accum-
ulated a handsome competency he has never allowetl this to in any way affect
his tlemeanor toward those less fortunate. From early youth his duties have
been performetl with the greatest care and business interests have been so
managetl as to win the confidence of the public and the prosi)erity which should
always attend honorable effort.

MRS. AUGUSTA CARPENTER.

.Mrs. Augusta Carpenter is the owner of one oT the beautiful farms of
Providence township. It is situated on section 20, and contains two liundred
acres of rich land well tilled. The liuildings are all modern and of pleasing
style of architecture and in the management of the projierty Mrs. Carpenter
displays excellent business ability. A native of Lexington, Kentucky, she
was a daughter of Benjamin Ludlow and Jane iMorris Burnett. She is
descended from English ancestry. Her great-grandfather was Daniel Burnett.
Her grandfather, David Burnett, was a native of New Jersey and a farmer by
occupation. He also served as justice of peace in his county aiul his decisions
were strictl.y fair and impartial, while tln' many gtiod i|ualilics which he dis-

338 HISTORY OF HUENA V18TA COUNTY

played iu the relations of life gained the liigh regard of those who knew him.
His son, Benjamin Ludlow Burnett, was born in Madison, New Jersey, Sep-
tember 27, 1822, and is still living at the advaneed age of eighty-six years, now
making his home witii his daughter. Jlrs. Carpenter. In early manhood lie
wedded Jliss Jane ^lorri.s, who was born September 2. 1822, a daughter of
Cyrenius Morris, a native of New Jersey and a farmer by oceupation. His
wife bore the nmiden name of Hettie Evans and both lived to an advanced age.
They reared a family of seven children, including Mrs. Burnett, who died dur-
ing the early girlhood of her daughter, 'Sim. Carpenter. In the family were
six children, who are all now deceased with the exception of Mrs. Carpenter.
She was only two and a half \ears old when her mother died and she went to
Illinois when three years of age to live with her aunts, Catharine E. Jlorris
and Julia A. Bunn. of Warren, Illinois, who were her mother's sisters. She
graduated at Trinity Hall, a young ladies' seminary at Beverly, New Jersey,
and in 1886 was also graduated from Oberlin College, completing the classi-
cal course. She afterward engaged in teaching, being connected for a time
with the high school at Coon Rapids. Iowa, while later she was a teacher in the
public schools of Warren. Illinois. She proved n capable educator, imparting
clearly and readily the knowledge she had a(M|uire<l. but she left the school-
room to take charge of a home of her own.

On the 22d of July, 1884, she gave her hand in marriage to Dr. William J.
Carpenter, a practicing physician of Warren, Illinois, who died .Mai-cb f), 1896,
at tile age of thirty-five years. He was of English descent, his parents being
i)orn in England, while fen- some time they made their home near Lena. Dr.
Carpenter was their oiil\- cliihi. He was a gentleman of culture and intelli-
gence ami his loss came as a deep blow not only to his wil'e Imt also to the com-
munity in which he lived. '{'here is one daugliter of that union, ftertriide
Agnes Carpenter, who is with her mother. In lOll.'i they came to Iowa an<l
Mrs. Carpenter came to her tine rami on section 2(1, Brovidence townshi]). In
its management she disiilays excellent business ability and discriniination and
at the same time manifests those attractive social (jualities and traits of char-
acter' which have wnn her many friends, and which render the hospitality of
her home must pleasant to tlmsc to whom it is extended.

LrnwHi .WTiioxv torkelsox.

No history of I'.uena Vista county would he com|)Iete without mention of
flic TorUelson family, for the work of improvement had scarcely been lieguii in
northwestern Iowa when the r,-iniily hdiiie was estalilislie<l Iicit and since that
time rci)i-csetitatives of the name have taken a liel|ifnl part in bringing the
count\' to its present condition of improvement and prosperity.

Ludwig .\ntliiiny Torkc^lson was horn in southern Norway. Xovemlier 14,
lS.")fi, and is a son of TorUcI and Knger Kli/.aheth (Smith) Torkelson. both of
whom were natives of Xorway. although (he Smiths were of Scotch descent.
Torki'l Torkelson caiin' to America in 1S.")7 to hidk over the country anil first

MR. AND -MRS. TORKEL TORKELSOX AXD FAMILY

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 341

visited Chicago, then a small trading point, where he had a brothor-in-law liv-
ing. Thence he went to Winnebago county. Wi.sconsin. where he remained for
about two years and on the expiration of that period sent for l)is family. wlui
arrived in the new world in the spring of I860 after a voyage of about seven
weeks. They joined the husband and father in Winneliago county, where they
remained through the succeeding two years, when, hearing of the opportunities
of the northwest, Torkel Torkelson started on a prospecting trip to that district
of the coinitry.

After reaching Bnena Vista county and looking carefully over the terri-
tory, lie decided to locate in this part of the state. When with his family he
started for his new home the Civil war was in progress and he had to obtain
permission from the state authorities to go from one state to another. In
November they arrived in Fort Dodge, where tlie family remained during the
winter, and in the spring of 1863 they reached Sioux Rapids, where they took
up their altode in a log caliin on the l)anks of the Little Sioux river. There
they spent the sunnner and in the late autumn, hearing numerous rumors of
Indian troubles and receiving warnings that it was dangerous to remain in that
part of the eonnt^', they removed, witli theii' families, into a building on section
8, the settlers tliere fortifying the place and preparing themselves as best they
could against attack. In addition to the Torkelson family the lunise was occu-
pied by the Johnson and Stennerson families, ilr. Torkelson lived on that
place for about three years, after which he built a cabin on the tract of land he
had entered as a homestead — the southwest quarter of section 9. This has since
remained the old home property of the Torkelsons and has never passed out of
the possession of the family. The records of the coiinty also show that this land
has never had a deed or mortgage recorded against it with the exception of the
railroad deed for the right of way. Torkel Torkelson spent his remaining days
iin the old homestead and was a prosperous farmer, adding to his possessions
until he liecame an extensive landowner. He was Iionored and esteemed
throughout the community and by all wlio knew him in other parts of the
county. He served for several years in an acceptable manner in the office of
supervisor and in a private capacity aided in the work of general progress and
improvement. Three times he returned to visit his native land and look again
upon the scenes amid which his earlier days were passed.

His arrival in this county dates l)ack to its pioneer ilevelopment and liis
memory formed a connecting link between the past with its many evidences of
frontier life and the present with its modern civilization. As the years came
and went he bore his full share in the work of development and progress in the
northwest. This brief story of his life will in time be-come a lasting monument
to his memory, more enduring than that of marble or stone. It will in the
course of years be a priceless possession to his cliildren and his children's chil-
<lren who bear his name and have inherited the property which lie gained
through his intelligent labor and unfaltering perseverance. He was a man of
(•ourageous and determined spirit, who bravely faced the dangers and priva-
tions of pioneer life in order to make for his children and his descendants a
home upon the frontier. His work was of an important character as he aided
in transforming tlie wild prairie land into a tract of rich fertility. The family

a42 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

lived ill pioneer st.xle in a little log caliin amid the environment of frontier life,
for when they came to the county much of the land was still unclaimed, being
yet in possession of the government. Not a furrow had been turned nor an
improvement made on thousands of acres which today are comprised within
richly cultivated fields. Wolves were frequently heard howling at night and it
was no unusual thing to see deer and elk and occasionally buffalo, while wild
turkeys and prairie chickens and other feathered game were to be had in abun-
dance. One could ride for miles across the country without a sign of human
habitation in sight. The nearest market was Fort Dodge, a distance of seventy-
five miles, and the trails across this stretch of prairie were intercepted by
sloughs that were almost impassable. Ox teams were used to a great extent as
they were better adapted to cross the sloughs, the cattle being more quiet and
would keep on wading when a team of horses would plunge and worry.

In those days neighbors, though far apart, were well acquainted and hos-
pitality reigned in almost every home. ^Many of the settlers started here
empty-hande.d, possessing nothing save health and courage and willingness to
work. It was not easy to accumulate money and the "beautiful prairies." the
"noble streams" and all the romance and poetic imagery did not permit the
early settlers from becoming discouraged. As an offset to the many difficulties
and hardships which they faced there was the free hospitality, the social
equality and the kindly spirit which were found nowhere else. The traveler
was almost always sure of a welcome in the early pioneer cabin, wiiirh was
never full although there might be a guest for every punclieon. There was
still "room for one more" and a wider circle would be made for the newcomer
at the big fire. It was. however, a time for self-reliance and persevering toil,
of privations cheerfully endured because of faith in the good times coming.
The experience of one settler was just about the same as that of others; they
were almost invariably poor, faced the same hardships and stood generally on
the same footing.

During the tirst few years in wliicli the Torkclsoii raiiiily lived in this com-
munity there was an almost constant dread of Indian oiil lii'eai< and when a
.stranger appeared in the neighborhood all listened anxiously to hear if he bore
the report of "Indians coming." The years passed, however, and pitmeer con-
ditions gave way before the advancing civilization and the Torkelsons
prospered.

The faliicr. Torkel Torkclsoii. reached the ripi' olil age of seventy-eight
years, and passed away February (i, 1!)US, hut his nanu> will ever be inscribed
on the pages of Buena Vista's pioneer histm-w His family numbered five chil-
dren, all yet living: Ludwig Anthony; Lena Marie, tiie wife of E. R.
Stenglaiid. who is living in Des Moines, Iowa; Isabella, tlie wife of T. 0.
Anderson, of Sioux Rapids; Christina, the wife of Ambro.se Stengland, of Cali-
fornia; and Julius, who married .Martini Scgurdson and resides on the old
homestead.

L. A. Tiirki'lsuii was rrared on the nld homestead and assisted in llie work
of the farm until twenty-six years of ag<'. wlien he began farming on his own
account on the place which he now occupies on section 1). Lee townsliij). He is
an energetic agriculturist, wlio uses the latest imiiroved marhinery to carry on

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 343

tlio work of the fields, while his energy and perseverance, guided by sound
judgment, has brought the land under a high state of cultivation. He has
today one of the extensive and jjrosperous farms of the county, owning four
hundred acri's of laiul in one body, together with thirty acres of timl)er land
and tliree hundred and twenty acres of unimproved land in Dakota. He also
has equities in other lands.

On the 9th of Jlay, 1889, Mr. Torkclson was married to Miss Stella
Jacobsou, a daughter of Henry and Martha (Hanson) Jacobson, both of
whom were natives of Norwa.v. Tliis marriage has been blessed with seven
children : Lawrence, Olive, Eilet, Howard, Joyce, Bendi.K and Silvia.

.Mr. Torkclson has been promiiu'ut and active in communit.v affairs and
his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called
him to public office. He has served as trustee of the township for about
eight years, has been school director for about the same time and supervisor
of the comity for twelve years. He always votes the republican ticket and is
a stanch advocate of the principles of the party. He and his wife are niem-
I)ers of the Lutheran church and occupy an enviable position in the regard
and esteem of their fellow citizens.

JULIUS TORKELSON.

Throughout his entire life Julius Torkclson has been identified with
farming interests in Buena Vista county. He was horn in Lee township on
the 17th of January, 1877, and is a son of Torkel and Enger T. (Smith)
Torkclson, the former a farmer by occupation. Spending his boyhood days
luuler the parental roof, he attended the schools of the coiuity in the acquire-
ment of an education and through the periods of vacatiiui worked in the
fields. As the years have gone by ho has continued liis labors on the liome
farm and eventually succeeded his father in the ownership of the place, which
is now his property. Here he has a good tract of land, well improved and
under a high state of cultivation. Everything about the fai'ui indicates his
careful supervision and progressive methods and he is well known as an
energetic, progressive young man of good business ability in his chosen
lif(> work.

On the 28th of Jlay, 1901. in the Little Sioux Lutheran church of Buena
Vista county, Mr. Torkclson was united in marriage to Miss ]\Iai-tha
Sigurdson and unto them have been born five children: Effie Irene, born
April 8, 1902; Aledia Beatrice, who was born Mai'ch 13, 190.3, and died on the
31st of October of the same .year; Christopher Theodoi-e, born Api'il 21, 1904;
Omer Julius, June 29, 190;'); and June Thor, boi'u on the 8th of June. 1906.
Mrs. Torkclson was born in Leland. Illinois, January 4, 1876, and was only a
year old when brought to Buena Vista county by her parents, Tliore and
lugrid Resvold (Olson) Sigurdson, witli whom she renuiined until lu-r mar-
riage. Her father also followed the occupation of farming.

344 IILSTUKY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Jlr. and "Sirs. Torkplson arc nicniliers of the Lutheran Evangelical ehnreh
and are widely and favorably known in the commnnity. ]Mr. Torkelson has
here spent his entire life and the many good traits of character which he has
displayed have won him friendly regard.

MORDECAI ADAMS.

The enterprising little city of Alta numbers among its worthy and repre-
sentative citizens the gentleman Avhose name introduces this review, who for
seventeen years made his home here, while his residence in the county dates
from 1878.

Mr. Adams, now eighty-three years of age, one of the mo.st respected as
well as venerable citizens of this county, was born in Ontaria county. New
York. November 18, 1825. His parents were John and Eliza L. (Davis)
Adams, both of whom were natives of Chester county. Pennsylvania, the moth-
er's birth there occurring in 1771. The father was reared upon what was the
old homestead farm and there his marriage was celebrated. He and his
brother eventually came into' possession of that plac(> and together continued
its cultivation for a number of years. John Adams, however, afterward
removed to the state of New York, settling on a farm in Ontaria county,
where he reared his family and spent his last years, his death occurring in
1840. His wife survived him for a number of years.

ilordecai Adams is one of a family of six sons who reached adult age. l)ut
is the oidy one now living. One daughter of the family also survives. He
spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Ontario county. New York, and
to a limited extent attended the common schools, but is largely self-educated,
and in I he school of experience has learncil many valual)le lessons. In con-
nection with a younger broth(M' be l)ouglil out the other heirs in the old
homestead in the Empire stale, and owned and opei-ated that property for a
number of years. He was married in the town of Ili-istol. Ontario county,
New York. Octol)er 18, 1849. to .Miss Ovanda J. Gooding, who was i)orn January
14, IS'-i]. and was reared in tlie Kinpire state. Removing to Livingston
county. New ^'orl<. .Mi'. Adams there purchased a farm upon wliieli he made
his home for twelve years, when be sold tiiat property and went to Illinois,
taking up his aliodc in Will couidy. wliere lie cultivated a rented farm for six
years. In 1878 he came to Iowa and pni'i-iiased land wliicii had been i>ntered
by his brother, dames 1). .Vdams. who was one of the tirst settlers in this part
of the state. He had l)een a prominent and inllnential resident of the county,
was closely as.sociated with its pioneer develo|)ment and continued to reside
upon his old homestead until his deatii. Tiie tirst election in the county was
held on this farm and Thomas Walpole still Inis the old ballot box. only about
nine votes being cast in tiiat elect ion. The l';irni i-nmiu-ises two hundred acres
and, as stated. Mordecai Adams i)urciiased this property, which he further
developed and iniprovetl, making it a fine, modern farm. He erected a dwell-
ing, also a barn and corncribs, and added all of tlie improvements and

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 345

accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. For thirteen years he
continued to till the fiekis and then sold the property to his son. He still owns
a place of forty acres adjoining Alia, and three hundred and twenty acres of
land in South Dakota. On retiring from the farm he bought a residence in
the town and has since made hi.s home in Alta, being numbered among its
valued and honored citizens. He has done much for its improvement and
progress and his name is inseparably associated with its history.

Unto I\Ir. and Mrs. Adams were born four children : John G., who died in
Livingston county. New York, when but thirteen years of age ; Effie B., who
died in Buena Vista county when seventeen years of age ; Albert A., who fol-
lows farming in Nokomis township; and Ida G.. the wife of Charles P. Holmes,
of Alta.

In polities Jlr. xVdams was originally an old line whig but joined the
republican party upon its organization, and has since been one of its stanch
and stalwart advocates. He served as mayor of Alta for two terms, and gave
to the city a l)usinesslike and progressive administration. While acting as
chief executive, and after that time, he gave supervision to the cemetery, keep-
ing it up for ten years. In 1886 he was associated with thirteen others in
organizing the fair associati(ni. was elected its first president and has served
continuously since, maintaining one of the best county fairs in the state. He
also set out the trees in the Alta Park, was appointed one of the first park com-
missioners and has since acted in that capacity, giving much time to is super-
visi(ni. Although ilr. Adams has reached the eighty-third milestone on life's
journey he is still a hale and hearty man. active and energetic, and while he
has retired from business cares he is yet doing excellent work for the county in
many ways, particularly in the upbuilding and improvement of Alta. His
worth as a citizen has long been widely acknowledged, and his enterprise con-
stitutes a factor in the county's substantial development. His life has been
an honorable and upright one. and his example of pi'ogressive citizenship is one
which might well be followed by others.

ERNEST R. CONE.

Ernest R. Cone, one of the leading business men of Sioux h'apids, was
liorn near Brooklyn. Fowa. December 27. 1875. his parents being W. .M. and
Eliza (Wooley) Cone, both natives of Vermont. They made their way to
Brooklyn. Iowa, in an early day and thence went to Laurens. Iowa, where they
still reside. The father followed general agricultural pursiaits throughout his
active business career, but for some years has now lived I'etired. enjoying in
well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. ilr. and Jlrs. Cone had a
family of six children, namely: Edward; Alfred; Grace, deceased; May;
Ernest R.. of this review ; and Arthur.

Ernest R. Cone enjoyed liberal educational advantages in his youth,
attending the common and high schools and obtaining his prof(>ssional knowl-
edge in a sehoiil of pharniaev. After having worked for some time as clerk

346 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COTTNTY

ill a drug store he bought out the drug l)usiiiess of H. A. Johusou in 1901, and
has since condiieted the establisluuent luider the firm name of E. R. Cone &
Company. He carries a well selected and extensive stock of drugs, wall
paper, paints, oils, etc.. and is widely recognized as one of the successful and
enterprising business men of the county. Straightforward and reliable in all
transactions, he has gained the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens
and well merits the extensive patronage whicli is accorded him.

On the 10th of January, 1900, ;\Ir. Cone was united in marriage to ]\liss
Jennie Cutlibert, a daughter of Charles and ^Fai'y (Woods) Cuthbert, wlio are
of Scotch and English descent.

Since age conferred iipon him the riglit of franchise Mr. Cone has sup-
ported the republican party, believing its jjrinciples most conducive to good
government. Fraternally he is connected with Enterprise Lodge, No. 332,
A. F. & A. Jl., at Sioux Rapids. A young man. he possesses the enterprising
spirit of the west, which lias V)een the dominant factor in producing the won-
derful development of tliis section of the country. Hrooking no obstacles that
honest effort can overcome, he has steadily worked his way upward until he now
occupies an envialih' positimi in tlie l)Usin('ss circb'S of IJucna Vista county.

HORACE S. HTTXTER.

lloraci' S. llunliT, who at vai-icius tiuirs has liecn connected wilii Fai'ming
ami Iniildini;- operations hut is now li\-inii- retired, deriving a substantial aiunud
iiie(une from his landed j)ossessions. makes his home in Newell. He was born
in Fi'ankliii county, Vermont. July 2S, 1S:U, a son of Alanson and Sarah
(.Alalloryi Hunter, both of wIkmii were natives nf the (Jreeii Mountain state.
The paternal grandfather, however, was born at Ticonderoga. New York. He
conducted a saw-mill and also engaged in general farming. His la.st days
were passe. I in Franklin county. Vermont, where he died at a very advanced
age. His wife was Kunice (Allen) Hunter, a relative of Ethan Allen, the
distinguished leader of the rjreen Mountain boys in the i)attle of IJeunington.
They had Fcuir s(ins ;iii.l lour (l;nigliters : Ira. I,evi. 1j1o\(1. Xoah, Lydia.
Eunice, Uetsey and Ilai-iiet. The iriaternal grandfather of Horace S. Hiuiter
lived in Fi-anklin connty, \'erni<iiit. thronghout his entire life and his Family
iiunil(ered <ine son and two danglitei-s: (iilbert, Julia and Sarah.

Alanson Hunter, followinji' the dcciipal icm (if farming as a life work,

removed from Fratd<lin county. \'er nt. to Ohio in lS4(i and settled near

East Xorwalls in Huron county, where he dieil in 1S49 at the age of fortv
years. His wife passed away in linllaiid. .Michigan, in iss:i. when seventv-
seven yciii's of age. She was a most esliiiiabh. bniy .-uid held meini)ership in
the .Methodist chui'ch. \',y her niarriage she hecanie the mothei' of seven chil-
dren of whom four are now living;: Horace S. ; Thalia Elizabeth, the wife of
William Wilkes, of firand Rapids, .Michigan: Stephen W.. a residi'iit of Cus-
ter, Ohio; and Milo ('., locateil in Louisville, Arkansas.

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 347

Horace S. Ilnnter spent the first twelve years of his life in the state of his
nativity and then went to Ohio, where he resided until 1850. when he made his
way westwai'd to Porter county, Indiana, settling near Valparaiso. There
he was employed at farm work lint in 1863 returned to Ohio and became a
resident of Custer. Wood county, where he worked as a carpenter and plas-
terer. He also operated sawmills and followed various other pur.suits that
would yield him an honest living until he .joined the army. He belonged to
the state militia and in 1864 enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirtieth Ohio
Volunteer Infantry for one hundred da.vs' service. He was a private and
with his command did guard dut.v.

The year 1869 witnessed the arrival of Jlr. Hunter in Iowa and for forty
years he has now made his home in this state. He first settled in Sac county,
where he .purchased eighty acres of land four miles south of the present site
of Newell. It was a wild and unsettled district, the ground covered in win-
ter with one <lazzling sheet of unbroken snow, while in summer the prairies
were starred with wild flowers. Mr. Hunter broke the sod and tilled the
lields, carrying on farm work year after year, and adding to his property from
time to time until he was the owner of eight huiulred and eighty acres when
he retired. Always generous with his family he th(>n divided his property
with his children, but still owns a good tract of eighty acres, from which he
derives a sulistantial income. His extensive holdings indicate his life of indus-
try, well directed labor and capalile management.

In 1853 occurred the marriage of llr. Hunter and iliss Laura Ann Dell,
a daughter of Solomon and Eliza (Phay) Dell. They became parents of eleven
children, of whom seven reached adult age. Eliza, the eldest, is tlu^ wife of
John Rodda. of Newell, and they have four chililren, ]\Iert. Jlay, Frank and
John. William, who is farming in Sac coiuity, married Flora xVnn Ellis and
they have three children. ilau<l. Etlu'l and Hazel. John, also a resident
farmer of Sac county, wedded Jlacey Aldrich. Charles, who carries on gen-
eral agricultural pursuits in Sac county, married Dora Harper and they have
three children, Levern, Stewart and Eunice. Harry, who is carrying on farm
work in the same county, married (Jelia Fyfe and has two children. Myrtle and
Ernest. Fox-est, who owns an orange grove at Ontario. California, nuu-ried
Estella Coates, and they have two children. Dale and Wayne. Sarah Ellen,
the youngest, is the deceased wife of Frank Peck. The mother, Mrs. Laura
Ann Hunter, died ilarch 6, 1897, at the age of sixty years. She was a mem-
lier of the Christian church and a most estimable lady who made friends
wherever she went. On the 2d of November, 1898, .Mr. Hunter was married
to Mrs. Annie Messenger, nee O'Hern. who was then a widow. By her former
marriage she had three children: Hattie, William and Fred. The (laughter
is the wife of Charles Ileehtner and has three eliildren : Elsie. Lloyd and
Ernest.

Mr. Hunter belongs to Newell Post, No. -lie, G. A. R. Politiealiy he is a
republican and has filled all the various township oflices, s(M-ving at different
times as supervisor, justice of the peace and school director. He has always
been a capable ofticial and is as loyal today to his country as when he followed
the old Hag on southern battlefields. He justly deserves to lie ealled a self-

348 HISTORY OF BUENA YISTA COUNTY

made m;in witli all of the honor which that term implies, for he started out
ciDpty-hauded and has worked liis way steadily upward, achieving success
through his determination, energy and careful management. In all of his
dealings he has been strictly honorjible and the rest which he is now enjoying
is well earned. He has lived to see remarkable changes in the comity as this
section of the state has emerged from pioneer conditions and taken on all of
the evidences of a modern civilization. His memory forms a connecting link
between the primitive past ami the progressive present and his mind is stored
with man\' interesting reminiscences of the early days.

ALBERT F. JIORSE.

Albert F. Morse, whose administration as postmaster has given universal
satisfaction to his fellow townsmen in Xewcll, well deserved to be mentioned
in this volume as one of the representative citizens of Buena Vista county.
He was born in Will county, Illinois, near Joliet, August 12, 1858. His par-
ents are Adams P. and Anna (Morse) Morse, the former a native of Vermont
and the latter of New York. The father was a son of Ira ]Morse, who was also
l>oi-ii in the Green Mountain state, and who died there in middle life. He
mai'ried Rebecca Adams, who lived to an advanced age and reared a large
lamily. The maternal gramlfather of our subject was a native of the Empire
stale, and followed the activities of farming and died in middle life, but his
wife was w^ell advanced in years when called to her final rest.

Adams P. Morse devoted his time and energies to farming and on leaving
New York removed to Illinois during the early period in the development of
the latter state. He bought land in Will county and there carried on general
farming. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted in Company K, One Hun-
dredth Illinois Infantry, and served for about two years. He was honorably
discliarged on account of illness aiul died soon after his return home, not liv-
ing to see the close of Ihe war which indicated that the preservation of the
I'nion was an assured fact. Ilis wife surviveil him and died when about
thir'ty-eight years of age. They were both .Methodists in religious faith and
were people of the highest res])eclability. Their family nniiibercd three chil-
di'cn : Albert F. ; Palatiah Adams, of .Maniiattan. Illinois; and Flora E., the
deceased wife of Alfreil T. Cole.

Albert F. .Morse was i-earcil in Will county. Illinois, and cai-l\- became
familiar with the work on the home faiMii. He began his education in the dis-
Iricl sihools, afterward attended i)idilic school elsewhere and later became a
student in (irinid I'rairie Seminary, Unarga, Illinois. lie was engaged in
teaching school for several terms and at the time of his marriage turned his
attention to farming in Will county. He came to Buena Vista county in 1885
and purchased eighty aci'cs ol' land i]i Coon township, >u\ which he lived for
several years. (^n si'lling his farm he began clerking in Newell for John
Forbes & Company, with whom he remained for several years, while later he
was employed as salesman for lloyne & Krvin until 1!)()6, when he was

MR. AND MRS. A. F. MORSE

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 351

appointed postmaster by President Roosevelt, and is now the incumbent in
that position.

On the 19th of March, 1879, Mr. Morse was married to Agnes E. Cole, a
daughter of Thomas and Mary (Russell) Cole, who removed to Buena Vista
county about 1888, and settled on a farm near Storm Lake, owning there two
hundred and forty acres. A few years later they removed to the city of Storm
Lake, where the father died. His wife survived him until 1903, and passed
away at the age of eighty-three years. His father was a native of Lincoln-
shire, England, where he spent his entire life. The maternal grandfather of
Jlrs. Morse was Micliael R\issell. a native of Herefordshire, England, where
he owned a vast timber tract, on which he employed a large number of men.
Wlu'n well advanced in years, he came to America and lived with his daugh-
ter in Will count\-. where he died at the remarkable old age of one hundred
and nine years. Ilis children were Eliza, Mary, Ann, Kate, Hannah and Wil-
liam, three of whom died as the result of accidents. In the family of Mr. and
Jlrs. Thomas Cole there were eight children : George W., Alfred T., Edwin P.,
Edgar J.. Sidney L.. Mar,y A., Agnes E., and Kate L.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Morse were born two sons: Albert E., who married
Stella Brown ; and Leighton R.. who is a high school student in Newell. The
parents are members of the Jlethodist church and I\Ir. ]\Iorse belongs to the
JIasonic fraternity. He also holds membership in Newell Lodge, No. 232, I.
O. 0. F. His political support is given to the republican party, and he served
as township treasurer for four or five years. He has always been loyal in
citizenship and progressive in his support of measures for the general good
and in the community he is recognized as a valued resident, well meriting the
respect which is uniformly accorded him. AVhatcver success he has attained
is attributable entirely to his own efforts, for he started out in life empty
handed and has worked his way upward through the careful utilization of his
innate talents and the improvement of his opportunities.

WILLIAM CUN.XINGHAM.

William Cunningham is proprietor of a garage and dealer in automobiles
at Storm Lake, largely liandling the Jackson car. In this connection he has
built up an extensive business which has already reached profitable propor-
tions and which is constantly growing. His birth occurred in Burlington,
Wisconsin, in 1871, his parents being Patrick II. and Anna (Nagle) Cunning-
ham, both of whom were natives of Burlington, where the father still lives at
tlu' age (if sixt\-t\V(> years. Tie was a stock buyer for many years, I)ut is now
proprietor of the Cunningham Auditorium, a summer resort at that place. In
the careful management of his business affairs he has gained a goodly measure
of success and he has become well known in his community by reason of a pro-
gressive and pultlic-spirited citizenship. He votes with the republican party
and for a number of yeai's filled tlie office of sheriff of Racine county, discharg-
ing his duties with pi-omptness and fidelity, lie lielongs to tlu^ Catholic cliurch.

352 HISTORY OF BITENA VISTA COUNTY

oi' whieli his \vif<' was also a communicant. She died in ISTH, leaving five chil-
dren : 3Iary. the wife of Frank Beller. fire marshal and street commissioner of
Burlington; Edward, a real-esate dealer in New'ell. Iowa, and at the present
time state representative ; William, of this review ; Catherine, now ilrs.
Leonard Walker, of Berkeley, California; and Frank, who is engaged in rail-
roading. Following the death of his first wife Jlr. Cunningham married
Loretta Steinhoff, of Burlington, Wisconsin, and their three children are : John,
a stock buyer of Burlington, Wisconsin; Arthur, who is engaged in business
with his l)rother John; and Loretta, who is a teacher of music and is at home.

In the public schools of his native town William Cuiuiingham mastered
the usual l)ranches of English learning and later went to Chicago, where he
secured employment. Some time afterward he was made manager of a cream-
ery at Burlington, Wisconsin, and then again went to Chicago, where he bought
and sold horses at the stockyards, Ilis residence in Iowa dates from 1886, in
which year lu' located at Newell, wliere he was engaged in stock dealing for two
years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Storm Lake, where
he conducted an agricultural imi)lement business until 1905. In that year he
went to California, where he remained for sev(>ral months and on again coming
to Iowa opened his autonuibile garage, where he handles different kinds of cars,
making a specialty, however, (rf the Jackson. His sales in 1907 amounted to
forty-two thousand dollai's and in connection with his sales departinent he cou-
dncts an extensive repair shop.

In 19110 Mr. Cunningham was married to -Miss Hlauche Iiuiian, who was
born in l!eii1on, Iowa, in 1S78, and is a daughter of John and Mary (l)emuth')
Inman, who came to Buena Vista county at an early period in its development
and settled upon a farm in Xokomis township. Mr. Cunningham belongs to the
Catholic church; gives his political support to the republican jiarty and is a
member of the Commercial IMen's Association. Tliere have been no unusual
or exciting chapters in his life record, his coni'se lieing niarlced by that stciuly
progress which results from close apjilication to Imsiness and the wise use of
tlie iipportuiiities whicll liave come to him.

I.A.MES Yl'ILL.

James Ynill operates one hundred and sixt.\' acres of well iiii|)roved land,
situated on scrliiiii '20. Xokomis townshi|). having made his home on this farm
since 18S1. lie was b(iru in Scotland, January 19. 18.")!, aiul was there reared
til the age of nineterii ycar-s. wlien. forseeing that there was no fntui'e there for
him and having hrard and rrad ;i j^reat deal about tiie fi'eedom and the oppor-
Innitx' foi' advani-cnuMit in this cdniitr.w he decided to leave home. It was
lh<'rei'ore in ISTO tlial he emigraled to the I'liited States ami made his way
direct to Jasper eonnt.\'. Iowa. lie was I liei'c engaged in farming for eleven
x'cars, when he came to j'.iiena \'ista eount.s' anil located on the farm of oiu' hun-
dred and si\t\ acres un sect inn L'tl. .Xoknmis lnwiiship. where he now lives.

HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 353

Jlr. Yuill chose as a companion and helpmate for tlic journey of life, Miss
Flora Miller, their marriage l)eing celebrated in Jasper connty in 1876. She
was there born and reared and is a danghter of Thomas G. Miller, who was born
in Londonn enmity. Virginia, wlienee he i-ame to lo«a in 1855 and has lived on
one farm for a half century.

Politically Mr. Yiiill is a republican, i>ut formerly gave his support to the
men and measures of democrac.v. He has never sought nor desired office, pre-
ferring to give his attention to his private i)usiness affairs. Hoth he and his
wife are mendjers of the Alta Presbyterian chureh. and Jlr. Yuill is a Master
Mason, belonging to the bhu' lodge at Alta. and the Eastern Star. He is also
a mendier of the Ancient Order of Tnited Workmen.

CHARLES J. PARKER.

Charles J. Parker is filling the office of sheriff for the fifth term. No
higher testimonial of his efficient service could be given than the fact that he
has continued so long in this position. Abraham Lincoln said: "You can
fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time,
hut you can't fool all of the people all of the time." This fact is again and
again exemplified in public life. While incompetent men may be elected to
office their incapacity is soon manifest and the party does not again call them
to the position. It is, therefore, proof of capability and fidelity on the part of
.Mr. Parker that-he has so long been continued in this office by the vote of the
piiblic. Widely and favorably known his life record cannot fail to prove of
interest to many of our readers. He was born in Dubuque county, Iowa, in
1858, and is a son of Joseph Parker, a native of Somersetshire, England. He
left the mother country and crossed the Atlantic to Canada in early manhood
and afterward came to Iowa, where he died in January. 1900. at the age of
seventy-five years.

Charles J. Parker spent the days of his lioyhood and youth in tiie usual
manner of farm lads. His time was divided between the work of the sciiool-
ro(mi, the pleasures of the playground and the duties of the home farm, and he
continued to till the soil until 18S(i. He removed to Buena Vista county in
1875 and with his brother settled on a farm in iMaple Valley township. There
he continued to cultivate his fields with good success for aijont eleven years.
when he removed to Alta and established a meat market, wliicii he eondiieted
for three years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and turned his
attention to the grain business. Later, he bought a half interest in a hard-
ware stock, forming a partnersiiip with D. A. Wilkenson under the linn name
of Wilkenson ct Company, and while thus engaged in merchandising he also
engagi'd in buying stock. His time and energies were dm'oted to tiiese two
lines of business until he was elected sheriff in November, 1899. lie has
always regarded public office as a public trust, and those with whom he is
acquainted know that no trust reposed in :\Ir. Parker was ever betrayed in the
slightest degree. He has done much to crush out crime in this locality and is

354 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

looked upon liy tln' la\v-;ilii«ling citizens with the utmost favor and with fear
by those who do not hold themselves amenable to the law. He was also mayor
of Alta for four years and likewise served as constable there.

In ]882 llr. Parker was married to Jliss Annie Evans, who was born in
Delaware county. Iowa. October 31, 1860, a daughter of Samuel and Jane
Evans, who were born, reared and married in England and both are now
deceased. Fnto Mr. and Mrs. Parker has been born a daughter. Erma, who
is a student in the Gem City Business College at Quincy. Illinois. The parents
are members of the Jlethodist Episccopal chiu-ch and ilr. Parker is identified
with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has a verv wide ac(|uaintance
in Buena Vista county, and as a Itusiness man. official and public-spirited eiti-
zen enjo.vs the highest degree of coiiHdencc and good will of all who know him.

WILLIAM E. HAIGHT.

A well improved farm of two hundred and eighty acres, situated on sec-
tion 18, Elk township, is tlie honu" of William E. liaight. one of the public-
spirited and progressive pioneer settlers of Buena Vista county. lie was born
in Erie county. Ohio. February '22. 1847. a son of William and Rebecca
(Blackman) Ilaight, the farmer a imtive of Orange county. Xew York, ami the
latter of Erie county, Ohio. The father removed from the Empire state to
Erie county. Oliio. when a young man and there met and married Miss
Blackman. For several years he was engaged in farming in Erie county but
in 18G1 continued his jcmriu-y farther west to Muscatine county, Iowa. He
engaged in farming there for eigiit years and when Buena Vista comity was
opened up for settlement. ^Ir. Ilaight made his way here and homesteaded
eighty aci-cs of land. lie cleared and broke the virgin soil, which in due
course of time brought forth rich harvests, so that his animal income therefrom
soon enabled him to add to his original holdings an additional eighty-acre
tract. lie sjx'iit his remaining years on that farm and died in November,
1897. His wife still survives and yet nuikes her home on the farm.

William F. Ilaight is thoroughly familiar with pioneer life, for it was
during his early manhood that the family located in Buena Vista county am] he
a.ssisted his father in developing the home farm and he also homesteaded an
adjoining eiglity acres, which had lo he cleared and developed into a cultiva-
ble tract. As time passed and he prospei'ed in liis farming op(n-at ions he added
to his origiiuil claim until his farm now cmhraces two hundi'ed ami eighty
acres. lie has liuilt a good residence, harn and other (int liuildings and has
iiuide the place a valuable propeiM.N. In addition to his general agricultural
jtursuits he deals <|uite extensively in stiiei<. raising, feeding and breeditig high
grade animals. He now has a herd of ninety head of sliortlnirn <'attle, with
a pure blooded registered male at the head of the herd. He e.xhiliits his stock
at the county fairs an<l has made two excellent sales at llie .Mta fair.

Mr. Ilaight was niai-i'icd in 1877 to .Miss .Minnie Stevens, wlio was born and
reared in Tama c(innt.\. Iowa, ami prior In her marriage was engaged in teach-

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 355

iiifr. This uiiidii has been bk\ss<Hl with eight children. The sons are:
C'lnrciice. who resides in Colorado; William, a young man at home; and Harry.
Howard and Homer, also under the parental roof. The daughters are; Ida,
the wife of Lester Stewart, of Oliver eounty. Xorth Dakota ; ilyrtle. the wife
of William JIanu. a farmer of Chend^ee eounty, Iowa ; and Pearl, who died at
the age of seven years.

Politieady Mr. Haight is a republiean and has taken an active and helpful
part in political circles. He has served as justice of the peace, as township
trustee and for thirty-two years was township treasurer, his long retention in
office indicating his capability and efficiency. He has also served as a delegate
to county c(uiventions. His fraternal relations are with Aurelia Lodge, K. P.
Since Mr. Ilaight settled here forty years ago he has seen a wonderful change.
At that time there was but one house between Storm Lake and Cherokee and
the village of Alta had not yet been laid out. With other pioneers he met the
problems and applied himself to the task which western life presented with
steadiness and courage and his labors have been of material benefit in the work
that has been accomplished along material, social and moral lines.

JOHN H. WEGERSLEV.

John IT. Wegerslev, editor and part owner with C. A. Van Buskirk in the
pulilication of the Alta Advertiser, has also held the position of postmaster
at Alta since 1906. He was born in Broager. Nord Schleswig, Germany, Jlay
'20. 1876, his parents lieing Jacob and Christina Wegerslev. the former a car-
penter by trade. In October, 18S2. he accompanied his father and mother on
their emigration to the United States, the family home being established in
Alta, Buena Vista county, Iowa.

John II. Wegerslev attended the public schools of Alta until he had
attained the age of fourteen years, when he put aside liis text-books to begin
work as an apprentice in the office of the Alta Advertiser, being employed by
liis brother. C. H. Wegerslev, who was then in partnership with Thomas Wal-
pole. After working for ten years as a printer he became a partner of his
lirother. C. II. Wegerslev, and together they continued the publication of the
Alta Advertiser until 1900. In 1899 he took a civil service examination at
Omaha and in July of the following year accepted a position in the census
liureau at Washington. D. C. He resigned, however, in 1901 and, returning
to Alta, has since edited and controlled the Advertiser and is widely recognized
as a most successful and prominent representative of the newspaper interests
of th(> county.

On the 2(5th of December. 1900. Mr. Wegerslev was united in marriage to
.Miss Ilattie Tincknell, a daughter of F. G. Tincknell. one of the proprietors of
the Bank of Alta. They now have a daughter. Clarion.

In his political views ilr. Wegerslev is a stanch repul)lican and takes an
active part in county, district and state politics. In 1906 he received the
appointment of postmaster at Alta, in which position he has since capably and

356 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

ct'ticicntly scrx'cd. Frjitci'iially lie i.s coiiiH^etcd with tho ]\I;is()iis ami has taken
the chapter degrees, whih' in the Knig'hls ol' Pythias order he has passed
through the eliairs and is a past ehaneellor and a member of the grand lodge of
Iowa. Though horn across the water he is thoroughly American in spirit and
interests and the cnunty of Bviena Vista, where he has now made his home for
a (|uart('r of a centui'.w numbers him among its siibstantial and valued citizen.s.

JAY M. RtTSSELL.

Tlie business interests of Storm Lake find a worthy representative in Jay
y\. Rnssell. who is now engaged in the manufacture of lirick and tile. He was
I'driiierly identifii'd with enntract iiig and building interests, but for some years
has conducted his present enterprise, which is today one of the leading produc-
tive industries of the county. lie is. moreover, entitled to representati(ui in
this \i)lnnie as a jjioneer resident of Storm Lake, for he came to the town
l)efori' the city was laid out and has since been active in its upbuilding and sub-
stantial develo])ment. Tie was born in Cayuga county. New York, in 1840.
Ilis father. Aldeii Rnssell. was a luitive of Vermont and was of Scotch-English
ancestry. The family, however, was founded in America in early colonial
(lays, representatives of tlie name l)ecoming connected with the Plymouth col-
ony of I\Lissachusetls. while others espoiised the cause of freedom and joined
the Continental army in the Revolutionary war.

Alden Russell made the occupation of farming his life work and in follow-
ing that pursuit provided good. sul)stantial living for iiis family. lie removed
Fi-om Xew England to tlie stale of New York and wlien his son Jay M. was
three years of age took up his al)ode in Kane county. Illinois, where he secured
a tract of land ami carried on fiirming. Ilis ];ist days, however, were passed
in AVisconsin. He displayed a keen anil niarki'd iliscriminal ion in his business
affairs and in his win'k was (|ui1e successful. Ilis entire life was in harmony
with his principles as a member of the Baptist church, and his political faith
was given to the di'moei-acy. His wife Ihu'c the maiden name of .\iiiaiida
liennetl. She was Iioimi in the state of .\ew York, was ol' English lineage and
also a representative I'f the old Revolutionary war families. Her father was
a soldiei' of the .Miiliawk waiv .\ lady (if maii\' eslimalile i|naliti<'s, Mrs. R\is-
sell held mendiership in the I'.aptist clnn'i'li and enjoyed the esteem of all who
knew her in church or social relations.

Jay M. Rnssell. one of a family nf fcnii' eliildren. was reared upon the home
farm and attended the eoiiiitry schools, while latci- he was aifofded I lie (ippoi'-
tnnily of pursuing his cilueat imi in an academy. In early life he learned the
cari)enter's trade, being first em|il(i.\eil in bnildinL;' lines a1 Fort Dodge. Iowa.
He had i-iiine Id l-'iiiM Dodge in .lannary. ISd.'), ami there remaiiu'd until June,
187(1. wlii'h he removed to Stiii-m Lake. Here he has siin-e lived, and with the
growth and progress id' the tnwn has hern closely ident ilied. He has erected
many of the pi-niiiinenl structures liei'e. including the coui'thouse, schoolhouse
and olhc)' pidilic Imildings. which still stand as monuments to his thrift ami

TTTSTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 357

nitrrprise. In 1S91 ho tiiriied his atteiitidii to the in;iiuifactiirc of brick and
till' on a tract of hind of forty-six acres on the eastern border of Storm Lake,
lie liMs now carried on the bnsiness for seventeen years, being tlie pioneer in
this industry in tlie county. He employs twenty men. operates four kilns and
sends his product to a large territory. The business methods he has employed
have ever been unassailable and his connnercial integrity constitutes an im-
|)ortant element in his success. He possesses, too. unfaltering energy and
determination and quickly recognizes an opportunity.

In 1868 !\rr. Russell was married to Miss Harriet E. Butler, who was born
in Kalamazoo, ilichigan, in 1840. They became the parents of five children:
Harry, deceased; Bertie and Bessie, twins, both of whom have passed away;
Stella E., who is a graduate of Storm Lake high school and Ames College, and
is now a high school teacher; and Gracie E., who was graduated from the
Storm Lake high sclu)ol and the Buena Vista College, and spent one year a stu-
dent in the State University and is now teaching in the high school of Sac City,
Iowa.

Always in community affairs ilr. Russell has done effective work for the
county in many lines. His business interests have always been of a character
tliat has contributed to public prosperity as well as to individual interests and,
at the same time in other ways, lie has done good W(U'k for the city, withholding
his cooperation from no movement or measure calculated to prove of public
good. He has several times served as a member of the city council and has
exercised his official prerogatives to further the municipal interests of the city
in the lines of material improvement. He has also done good work for the
schools as a member of the board of education. His political allegiance is given
to the republican party, whib' the :\lasonic fraternity numbers him among its
exemplary members.

•TOTTX :\I. JONES.

John JI. Jones, who has been the efficient superintendent of the Buena
Vista county poor farm for the past nine years, was born in La Salle county,
Illinois, December 13, 1858. His grandfather, John Jones, Sr., was a native
of Wales but bnmght his family to the new world and located in Illinois, and
it was in that state that John Jones, Jr,. the father of our subject, was reared.
In l8-t;t he made the overland journey to California, where he spent several
years, meeting with a fair measure of success in his search for the precious
metal. On returning to Illinois he married Jliss Johanna Sly, who was a
native of Ohio and of Irish parentage. John Jones, Sr., was a prominent agri-
culturist of La Salle county, where he owned several farms and reared his
family. He passed away in that county- in 1898 when seventy-seven years of
age, his birth having occurred in Wales in 1821.

John M. Jones was reared to manhood on the home farm and obtained his
education in the common schools. In 1881 he came to Buena Vista count \-.
Iowa, and purchased three hundred and seventy acres of laud which he broke

358 HISTORY OF BUEXA VISTA COUNTY

and l)cy;;m to cultivate, wliilc he also fenced the fielils and erected several good
i)uilding.s. In 1882 he returned to La Salle coiuity and ou the 25th of Decem-
ber of that year was united in marriage to Miss Jennie M. Rartlett, who was
boru and reared at Belvidere, Illinois, and was a daughter of Sylvester
Bartlett, who removed from New York to the Prairie state at an early day.
Mr. Jones subsei|uently returned to his farm in Bueiia Vista county and was
engaged in its further development and improvement for fifteen years, on the
expiration of which period he leased the property and took up his abode in
Storm Lake. Here he conducted a meat market for two years and was then
appointed superintendent of the county poor farm, iii which capacity he has
since capably served. He took up his aiiode on section 24, Washington town-
.ship, and erected a commodious and up-to-date residence with furnace heat,
hot and cold water and all modern conveniences. He likewise built a substan-
tial barn, tiled and fenced the land and has a good system of water works. The
number of inmates at the home averages about seven and the farm is almo.st
self-supporting. For about eight years Mr. Jones also engaged in the raising
of thoroughbred Hereford cattle but recently sold the herd. He still keeps
some high grade stock, however.

Unto Mr. and Jlrs. Jones have been born three children : Raymond A.,
cashier of the Shaler Bank at Storm Lake; and Harold D. and Forest K., who
are students in the Storm Lake high school. 'Sir. Jones gives stalwart alleg-
iance to the repui)lican jiarty and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his woi'th
and ai)ility, have called him to various positions of trust and responsibility.
He has served ;is lownship trustee, member of the school lioard, township com-
mitt('(nnan and also as a delegate to county conventions. Fraternally he is
connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Storm Lake, while
his wife is one of tiie ol'liciar memliers of the Kel)ekah lodge. He is likewise
affiliated with the subordinate lodge and is a member of the Jlodern Woodmen
and the Court of Honor. Having resided in Ibis county for more than a cjuar-
ter of a century, he is well and favorably known here and is moveover widely
recognizeil as a wide-awake, progressive and publir-spirited cili/.en.

WILLI.X.M PIKE.

William Pike is an active and jirogressivc farmi'r and stocdtman residing
on section 21, Hayes township, where be owns and operates a valuable and
well improved farm of lour hundred and twelve acres. His birth occurred in
Hampshire. England, on the IStli of October. 18;').'), his father being Henry
Pike, also a native of that jilace. The lattei- followed agricidtural pursuits
as a life work, and all of his eii;lil rhildren were born in the Merrie isle. The
year 1869 witnessed his emigration to the United Stales, the famil\- home lieing
established on a farm near La Salle in La Salle county. Illinois.

William Pike, who was a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied his
parents on their removal to the United States, grew to manhood in La Salle
county and acquired his education in the common schools. Remaining under

MRS. WILLIAM I'IKE

WILLIAM PIKE

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 363

the parental rodf until he had attained his majority, he tlien purchased a farm
and was sueeessfully eonnected with agricultural pursuits in La Salle county
for several years. On the 20th of February. 1879, he was united in marriage
to Miss Caroline I\Iiller, who was a native of Pennsylvania but was reared in
Illinois. Their children are Robert, Willis. Fraidclin, James, Harrison, Nor-
man and JIabel, of wliom all except the youngest were born in La
Salle county.

In 1894 Mr. Pike came to Iowa, purchasing tAvo hundred and forty acres
of the farm on which he now resides. He at once liegan to improve and
develop the property, added to and remodeled the residence and barn and
likewise erected a new barn, cribs and all necessary outbuildings for the
shelter of grain and stock. As time passed and his foiancial resources
increased he added to his original purchase until his landed holdings noAV
comprise four hundred and twelve acres, all under a high state of cultivation.
In addition to the work of general farming he is also engaged in raising and
feeding horses, cattle and hogs on an extensive scale, both branches of his
business returning to him a gratifying annual income. He is likewise a
stockholder in the canning factory and in the tub factory at Storm Lake and
is widely recognized as a man of excellent business ability and sound judg-
ment, being numbered among the substantial and progressive citizens of
the county.

In his political views Mr. Pike is a stanch republican, while his religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at
Storm Lake, with which his wife is also identified. He is one of the trus-
tees and an active worker in both the Sunday school and church, doing all in
his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. His many good
qualities have won him the regard and esteem of all with whom he has come in
contact and the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of
his acquaintances.

ALEXANDER T. LILLY.

Ale.xandei- T. Lilly, wiio is engaged in farming ami stock-raising on his
farm of two huiulrcd acres in Coon township, where he also conducts a dairy,
was liorn in Ohio on the 20th of August. 1850. His father, Joseph Lilly, whose
birth occurred in Baltimore, ^Maryland, in 1810. followed the trade of black-
smithing in early manhood hut later turned his attention to general agricul-
tural pursuits. He was a democrat in his political views and his religious
belief was indicated l)y his membership in the Catholic church, in the faith of
which lie passctl awa\-. His wife, who bore the maiden name of jMary Fanning
and was a native of Virginia, is also deceased. Unto this worthy couple were
liorn the following children: Edward, deceased; Teresa, the wife of John D.
White; Theodore, who is a farmer in Pocahontas county, Iowa; Joseph, a resi-
dent of Cedar Rapids; Alexander T., of this review; Rebecca, the wife of Dean

364 HISTORY OP BUENA VFSTA COUNTY

I)i'iii;ni; I']li;is, wild lives ill Pdi/alidiitas ('(nuity : Jdliii, nT Fdiida. Iowa; and
.Mary, who ha.s also passed away.

.Vk'xander T. Lilly attended selmol in Linn roiinty, Iowa, until (>ighteen
years of age and then returned to the home farm, assisting his father in the
work of tlie fields until twenty-seven years (^f age. He was then married and
engaged in the operation of rented farms until his savings were suffieient to
enable him to purchase his present plaee of two hundred aeres in Coon town-
ship, Bueua Vista comity. The property is now well improved and developed
and a large number of shade trees greatly enhance its attractive appearance.
In addition to his general farming interests he also raises stock to some extent
and conducts a small dairy, meeting with well merited prosperity in his various
undertakings. He is now numbered among the substantial and enterprising
agriculturists of the county and the success which has attended his efforts is
all the more creditable by reason of the fact that it has come to him entirely
as the result of his unwearied indu.stry and well directed labor.

As a companion and helpmate on life's .journey Mr. Lilly chose Miss
Catherine Mackey, a native of ^Massachusetts, by whom he has the following
children : Ellen, the wife of Thomas Ashley, of this county ; Joseph, who is a
farmer by occupation ; and Lawrence. Teresa and ]\Iartin A., all of whom are
at home.

Jlr. Lilly gives his i)olitical allegiance to the men and measures of the
democracy, and in religious faith is a Catholic. A man of unfaltering integ-
rity and genuine personal worth, he has won the regard and esteem of all with
whom he has come in eontai't in husiness or social relations.

CHARLES O. PORTER.

('Iiai-les O. I'orler is a retircil rariiier living at Storm Lake. lie was for
a long period eoniiecled with agricultural interests and was also well known
as a stoek-dealei'. but when his business activity had brcuigiit him a handsome
<-oiiiI>etence he put aside further business cares and is now living a retired life.
He was horn in .Massaelnisetts in 1S.")1 and was llic finirtli in order oi' birth in
a family of six children, his parents being Oriii S. and .Mary (Royce) Porter.
The parents were both natives of Connecticul and the lormer was of Irish
lineage, while the latter was of W'l'lsli descent. The IJoyee family was repre-
sented in the war of 1,S12. In the year 18"):! Oriii S. Porter left .\ew England
and went with his family to Illinois, sellling iiprui a farm in Will count.w where
he spent his remaining da\s. Throughout his entire life he engaged in the
tilling oi' the soil and met with a creditable and gratifying measure of success
ill his undertakings. Ilis political views were in hai-mony with the principles
of the re|)ublican party. lie died in 1IH)1 at the veneralile age of eighty-four
years, iiaving for some tiiiu; survived liis wife, who passed away in 18i)2 at the
age of seventy-four years, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of
which she was long a consistent member.

RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM PIKE

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 367

Charles 0. Porter was reared to farm life, early Ijeeomiiig familiar with all
the duties and labors that belong to the lot of the agriculturist. He attended
the country schools when not busy with the work of the tields and when he put
aside his text-books he determined to make the occupation to which he had been
reared his life work. In 1883 he arrived in Iowa, settling in Sac county near
the Buena Vista line. There for almost two decades he carried on general
farming, l)ringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and annually
gathering good crops as the result of his diligence and perseverance. He also
engaged quite extensively in handling horses and other stock. He owns a half
section of improved land in Sac county and from this property derives a sub-
stantial annual income. In 1902 he left the farm and removed to Storm Lake,
where he is now pleasantly located in a comfortal)le home, a handsome compe-
tency supplying him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries that go
to make life worth living.

In 1880 Jlr. Porter was united in marriage to Hiss Anna A. Autcliff, who
was born in England in 1851 and during her childhood days was brought to the
Uniteil States by her parents, Jlr. and IMrs. John Autcliff, who established
their home in Will county, Illinois. Mrs. Porter is one of a family of six chil-
dren ; the others being : Harriett, who is now deceased ; Charlotte, the wife of
Henry II. ilerrill, a capitalist of Gladbrooke. Tama county, Iowa; Eliza, the
wife of John Simpson, a farmer and stockman living in Kossuth county; Mary,
the wife of George Aufcliff, a farmer of Indiana; and Jane, who has passed
away. "Sir. and iMrs. Porter have two daughters: Li/.zie A., now the wife of
William Miller, of Alta, Iowa; and Ada B., who is at home and is bookkeeper
for H. W. Krause Company of Storm Lake. The parents are members of the
.Alethodist Episcopal church and have led lives of usefulness, winning for them
the respect and good will of all who know them. Mr. Porter exercises his
right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party
and has served in a number of township offices. In all the relations of life he
has been found loyal to duty and his genuine winMh has gained him the admira-
tion of all and the friendship of man.y.

DAVID S. WILLIAMS.

Among the i-esidents of Sioux Rapids who are now living retired is David
S. Williams, formerly closely associated with agricultural interests, and
through that avenue of activity he won the success that now enables him to
put aside business cares. He has known what it is to work hard and unceas-
ingly i)ut has found also that diligence is the basis of prosperity.

He was born November 24, 1842, in South Trenton, a few miles from Utica.
New York, and is a son of John D. and Mary (Evans) Williams, who were
natives of Wales, They came to America about 1840 and settled in the
Empire state, where they resided luitil 1854, when they removed to Waukesha
county, Wisconsin. After a residence there of two .vears they located in Ber-
lin, Wisconsin, where they spent their remaining days. The father was a

368 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

farmer ami in i'dllowiiii!: that occupation provided for his family, which mnn-
liered ten children: John H., deceased; Thomas and William, who have also
passed away; David S., of this review; William T., a resident of Wheaton, Min-
nesota, who first married Sarah Felton. by whom he had two children. ]\Iattie and
Roy, and after her death he married ajrain and l)y the second union hnd five
children ; Robert and George, brothers of our subject, both of whom are
deceased; Charles ^Morgan, who nuirried Maorgie Jones and lives at Stony
Point, Soixth Dakota; James A., residint;' in Watertown. South Dakota; and
Edward Williams, who is nuirried and resides on the old homestead f(UU' miles
north of Berlin, Wisconsin, this place being the first land which the father
owned in this country.

David S. Williams was a pupil in the public schools in his boyhood days
and assisted in the farm work until twenty-one years of age, when in response
to his country's call, he joined Company P of the Twenty-second Regiment of
Wisconsin Infantry, with Captain Robci't T. Pugh in command of the com-
pany and Colonel Utley in command of the regiment. They were assigned to
the Second Division of the Third Brigade of the Twentieth Army Corps. De-
cember 22, 1863, and were with Sherman on the celebrated march to Atlanta,
where Mr. Williams had the opportunity of casting his first vote, on which
occasion he gave his support to Abraham Liiu'oln. The regiment w^as ordered
from Atlanta to Savainiah and proceeded through the Carolinas to Averys])oro.
At that place Mr. Williams wa.s wounded, was then sent to Newbern and on by
steanier to New York city, where he was honorably discharged May 16, 1865.
It was not until he reached X<'w York thai he heard of President Lincoln's
death nntre than a month before.

On the l!)th of May of that ycai' Mr. Williams returned home hul it was
several iiionlhs before his wound had sufficiently healed to enable him |o
iiecom(> an active factor in the world's work. He nuule preparations for hav-
ing a home of his own by liis marriage in December, 1866, to Wiss Eleano Davis,
a daughter of David and P^li/.abelh (Bennett) Davis, both of whom were
natives of Wales. They came lo Ainei'ica at an early day and settled in Ber-
lin, Wisconsin.

Mr. and Jlrs. Williams residi'd in Hint state until 1861). when on the 2r)tii
of September of that \-ear tlicir reached Clay county. Iowa. There Mr.
Williams seeui'cd a government claim ami began the development of a farm,
upon which he resided until lSi»4. It was an arduous task to develop the wild
land but he broke the sod. planted his liclds anil in ilue course of time gathered
rich harvests as the I'eward for his care aiul labor. lie followed practical,
progr'essive methods of fanniiiti' and eventually gained therei\\- a handsome
eonipetenee. which eiiahh'd him to put aside further business duties. lie then
removed to Sioux Rapids, whei-e he now uuikes his home.

lie has witnessed man>' changes as the work of growth and developnu'ut
has l)ceri carried foi'waril in the county. lie passed tiirough all of 1h(> exjier-
iiiiecs of ))i(ineer life and many hai'dships were met during his first few ^'cars
in the county. The lu'aresi market was at Port Dodge and luit even a box of
matches could lie olitaincd at any closci' trading point. In the year 1869 Mr.
Williams nuide twenty-foui- ti'i|)s ai-ross the pi'airie and through the sloughs

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 369

from Sinnx Rapids to Port Dodge. There were no houses except the Suekow
and Schoomaker homes between the two places and the settlers had to depend
largely upon what they raised for all that furnished their food supply. On
more than one occasion Mr. Williams has fared on steak fried in muskrat oil
and says that after a long trip of forty miles or more it tasted very good.
Another year he made forty trips to Fort Dodge and in the winter had to con-
tend with the snows and the blizzards, while in the spring the sloughs made
travel very difficult. No well graded roads at that time crossed the prairie
and at times even the trail was difficult to find. On one trip his load became
swamped and the team pulled loose from the wagon, which remained in the
slough for over two weeks, but the goods were perfectly safe there, not onlj'
from tlie fact that there were few travelers biit also liecause the early settlers
were strictly honest. In 1870, in company with D. C. Thomas, David Evans,
James Ilawkiicy aiul Josepli Jones, he surveyed the town plat of Sioux Rapids,
he and I\lr. Tlionias Iteing now the only surviving members of that surveying
party. In the survey ^Ir. Williams insisted on making the streets wider but
Mr. Thomas, who was very close in money matters, refused to allow it and in
consequence the town has narrower thorouglifarcs than would have been
secured if Mr. Williams' ideas luul been followed. Few men are better
informed concerning the pioneer history of the coiuitj' or have more intimate
knowledge of the events which shaped its history. In the early days there
came to the district a number of very uni)rincipled men and the county was
swindled out of thousands of dollars by fake contracts aiul in other ways. Mr.
Williams recalls that one small bridge was moved from place to place and
allowed to remain long enough each time to collect on the contract. As the
years passed, however, the conditions of pioneer life gave way before an
advancing civilization ; the wild prairie was converted into rich and fertile
farms; churches and schools were built and the work of development was car-
ried steadily forward until Iowa today has reason to Vie proud of this progres-
sive northwestern county.

In 1901 Mr. Williams was called upon to ludurn the loss of his wife, who
died on the 15th of April of that year. Their chiklren were as follows: Mary
Elizal)eth, the eldest, is the wife of Robert Watson, an extensive farmer, living
in Douglas township. Clay county; and they have three children: Howard,
Elinore and Ruth. John II. Williams, the eldest son, wedded Mary Brown
aiul resides at Newell, Iowa. Edward married Maggie Evans and resides at
OklahonuT City. Hattie is the wife of E. 6. Boyer, of Nebraska, and they have
three children. D. J. is living in Athena, Oregon. Ora ]\laude is at home.
Earnest is employed in a printing office.

Mr. Williams belongs to Buena Vi.sta Lodge, No. 574, I. O. 0. F., of Sioux
Rapids, and to John Clough Post, G. A. R.. which at one time had over seventy
members. The ranks, however, have been tliiniied out to such an extent by
death antl removals that the rcnnaining members now no longer hold meetings.
He votes the republican ticket, supporting the party which was the defense of
the Union in the dark days of the Civil war auil which has ever been the party
of reform and progress. He holds membership in the Baptist church and helped
to build the old pioneer church in Douglas township — the first in Clay county.

370 TTTSTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Sucli ill brief is the hislory of one of northwestern Iowa's honored pioneers and
the record eiiniiot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers who have
long known liim and have ever respected him as a man of substantial (jualities,
straightforward in private life and honorable in all |)iii)lic relations.

LEWIS J. IIETCALP.

Lewis J. ;\lctcalf is tlie owner of valuabli' farming property in the west,
including a half section of land in Storm Lake township. He makes his
home, however, in the city of Storm Lake and from this point superintends his
agricultural interests. He is a native of Lafayette county, Wisconsin, his
birlh having there occurred July 25, 1857. His iiarcnts were John E. and
Harriet Adelia (Richards) iletcalf, the former a native of Delaware and the
latter of Wisconsin. Both were of English descent and the father was a
farmer and stockman. On leaving his native state he rcmoveil westward to
Illinois with his iiarents, being at that time but a mere boy. He was reared
under the parental roof in what was then a pioneer district and he acquired
a common-school education. Attracted by the discovery of gold in California
in 18-19, he made the long journey across the plains and over the mountains
to the Pacific coast and was fortunate in his mining operations there, accum-
ulating several thousand dollars. He afterward located in Wisconsin, where
he worked in the lead mines for some time and subsequently turned his atten-
tion 1o farming and stock-raising. He met with a goodly measure of prosperity
in his undertakings, so that in his later years he was enabled to enjoy all of
the comforts of life. He voted with the republican party and died in 1902
at the age of seventy-two years. He married Harriet Adelia Richards, who
was born in Wiscoiisjii and died in 1878 at the age of thirty-five years. Their
family ninnbered seven children, of whom Lewis J. was the third in order of
birth. Following the loss of his first wif(> Mr. Metcalf afterward married
Nettie Ilerrick, of Iowa, and unio them were ixn-n two ciiildren, but both are
now deceased. in 1S7(J John E. Metralf removed frdiii Wisconsin to this
state, settling with his family at St(irm i>ake. where he I'esided until called
to his final rest in 1901'.

Lewis J. Metcalf sjieiit a |)(ii-liiiii of his yniitli (Ui the home farm and
acquired his education in tiie i)iiblic schools of Dai'liiigtoii, Wisconsin. He
has largely been eiigiiged lliroiighout his connection with business interests in
the work of buying and sliipi)ing cattle, and during the past few years has fed
cattle on an extensive scale. lie owns a half section of Jaiul in Storm Lake
townsiiip, lying partly witliin I In' i-orporat ion limits of the city, has a farm
of a ((iiarter section in South Dakota and a similar anH)unt in .Nebraska,
together with a (piarter section in (irant township, this coiuity. He also has
considerable town property and in I90.'! he built a inodeni residence on Gen-
esee street, it being one of the finest homes in lineiia Vista county. His
extensive landed interests arc the visible evideiii'c of his life of well tlirected
thrift and enterprise. He has worked diligently to secure success and in all

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 371

of his business methods has been straightforward and reliable, so that he
enjoys to the fullest extent the contidenee and good will of his fellowmen.

In 1878 ^Ir. Metealf was married to IMiss Ada Tolley. who was born in
Wisconsin and died in 1886 at the age of thirty years. Their two children
were: Clarett Adelia, a teacher of instrumental music in Storm Lake; and
Roy Harold, who is traveling salesman for a dry-goods house of Omaha,
Nebraska. ilr. ;\Ietcalf chose for his second wife Miss Carrie Mabel Butler,
who was born in Wisconsin. They had two children : Florence Mabel, at
home; and John Robert, who died in 1896 in infancy, ilrs. Metealf is a mem-
lier of the Universalist church. Jlr. Metealf is a stalwart republican in his
political views but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction
for him, as he has always preferred to devote liis attention to his business
affairs. He is a man of determination in all trade transactions and in his
farm work has carried forward to successful completion whatever he has
undertaken. His judgment is rarely, if ever, at fault concerning the value of
propert.v and his judicious investments make him one of the substantial resi-
dents of the county.

H. J. POULSON.

H. J. Poulson deserves mention in this volume from the fact that he is
numbered among Buena Vista county's old settlers, for he has made his home
iiere since the spring of 187-t. covering a period of more than three decades,
lie was formerly actively engaged in farming pursuits and although he still
owns valual)le farm property covering three hundred aiul tAventy acres, he is
now living retired in a comfortable home in Alta.

]\[r. Pmilson was born in Denmark. June 15. 1845. and was there reared
and educated. Hearing favorable reports concerning the advantages to be
enjoyed in the new world, when a young man of twenty years he decided to
emigrate to this country and accordingly, in 1865, made his way to the United
States. He located first in Chicago, Illinois, where he learned the carpenter's
trade aiul sulisecjuently did contracting and building, and he was also engaged
in railroading for a time in that city. It was during his residence there that
he was married, the date being June 2-4, 1871, and the lady of his choice. Miss
ilarie C. Peterson, who was likewise a native of Denmark, where she was
reared.

Following their marriage the young couple remained in Chicago during
the succeeding three years, or i;ntil the spring of 1874. when they made their
way to Buena Vista county, Iowa, where Mr. Poulson had previously made a
trip and purchased land. Taking up his abode thereon. Mr. Poulson at once
lu'gan to clear and develop his tract and in due course of time had opened up
a good farm. He likewise built a good residence, barn and outbuildings and
from his ti'aet of one hundred and sixty acres annually gathered rich harvests.
After a residence of four years on his farm he removed to Alta. where he
erected a modern residence. He there engaged in buying and shipping .stock

372 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

and as he prospered in liis iindertakings, lii» aecnmiilated a competence that
enabled him to invest in more land, becoming owner of two farms in Nokomis
township, one comprising two hundred and fifty acres and a second of one hun-
dred and sixty acres. He still retains po.ssession of this land from whicli he
derives a good rental. He has been an active factor in the advancement of
Alta. having built and operated the flouring-mill at this place for several years.
He has also recently completed a tine modern home for himself. He has led
a very busy and active life and well deserves the rest which he is now enjoying.

The marriage of "Sir. and llrs. Ponlson has been blessed with seven chil-
dren, but one daughter. Emma, died at the age of two years and a son died
in infancy. The living members are: William, who is engaged in business in
Colorado ; Ames, a farmer of Nokomis township ; Emma, the wife of A. B.
Converse, who is connected with the First National Bank in Sioux City, Iowa;
Bertha, the wife of Julius Bold, a luisincss man of Story City, this state; and
Alice, a yovmg lad.y at home.

Where state and national questions arc invohcd Mv. Poulson gives his
political support to the men and measures of democracy, but at local elections
easts an independent ballot. He has filled some public offices, having served
on the village council for eighteen years and has been president of the school
board at Alta for a number of years. He and his wife are members of the
Lutheran church and Mr. Poulson was formerly a blaster Mason but has demit-
ted from that order. He takes a just pride in the progress which his home
town lias made in the past few years and in every movement and measure that
is calculated to !)enefit his community he takes a deep interest. He has made
good use of the opp(jrlunit ies that have come to him since he first located in
America and by his indomitable perscvei'ancc and energy has worked his way
upward until he is now classed with the well-to-do citizens of Buena Vista
county.

JOHN RUSSELL HOWE.

John Rassell Howe is numbered among the pi'ominent pioneer farmers of
Buena Vista county, owning a large amount of land here and making his home
on a valuable tract in Polaiul townshiji. He was l)orn in Lorain counl\-. Ohio,
August 20, 1847, a .son of Willi.iin .ind Elizabeth (Ru.ssell) Howe, natives of
England. They were married in the old country and there remaiiu'd until
three children weii' added to the household. In IS.'^ti the father emigrated
with his fami]\' to .Xnirrica and I'oi' one year engaged in farming in New Jersey.
He then made liis wa.^- to Lorain county, t)hio, where he made his home until
his removal to Fayette county. Towa. in 1855. Later he came to Buena Vista
county and s])cnt liis hist days with our subject, his death occurring in 1897,
when he had reached an advanced age. The mother of our subject preceded
him to the home beyond, her death occurring in 1878. Th(>ir family numbered

ten chihii'en, as follows: Susan, who I ame tin' wife of Thomas Tomlinson,

and died in 1878; William, who weddeil Mary O. liitford but is now decea.sed;
James, who served in the Civil war and died in 18(i2; John R., of this review;

J. R. HOWE AND FAMII.Y

HISTORY OP Bl^ENA VISTA COUNTY 375

Charles, who departed this life about 1878; Anna, who died in 1861; Betsey,
who became the wife of Charles Barnes and died in 1875 ; George who was mar-
ried and departed this life in 1907; j\Iary. who died in infancy; and Jane, who
died in 1875.

John Russell Howe, the fourth in order of birth in the father's family and
the only member of the family now living, remained under the parental roof
until he had attained his majority. He was a little lad of eight years when he
accompanied his parents on their removal from the Buckeye state to Fayette
county. Iowa. At the age of twenty-one years he became apprenticed to a Mr.
Rrainard to learn the blacksmith's trade and remained witli him for about a
year and a half. He then came to Buena Vi.sta county, where he worked on a
farm for ilr. Brainard during the summer of 1869. and the following winter
was employed in a blacksmith shop at Sioux City for a time. Later he went
to Nebraska, where he cut <'ord wood for steamboats, and next secured employ-
ment in a hotel as chore bo.v.

The second year after his arrival in Buena Vista county. 'Sir. Howe worked
as a farm hand at Peterson and then located on a quarter section of land
which he had entered as a homestead. In order to improve the property he
purchased a team of oxen for one hundred and fifty dollars, paying sixty dol-
lars down and giving his note for the remainder. In the fall, after his crops
were harvested, he tried to sell the oxen in order to pay the ninet.y dollar note
but failed. He feels deeply indebted to Stephen Olney, Sr., now the oldest man
in the county, being ninety years of age. who kindly extended the note for him,
allowing ]\lr. Howe to pay the same by chopping wood, hauling hay and in
many other ways. He went to Sioux City to assist a man in proving up his
claim and on his return to Sioux Rapids demanded his pay for this service but
received nothing. He then tried to purchase fifty pounds of flour on credit but
was refused. He next resorted to the expedient of carrying his friend
Brainard 's grist home from the mill with the motive of borrowing some flour.
The next day he took a yearling steer to Sioux Rapids and by selling this was
able to purchase his winter's .supplies. These incidents show the hardships
many were forced to endure in making homes in a new settlement. In those
early days Mr. Howe used hay for fuel, cutting the tall slough grass, which he
twisted into bundles and corded up as we do fire wood. At that time his
nearest postoffice was twenty-five miles awa.v. He continued to operate his
homestead until 1888. when he removed to another tract aiul there remained
until 189-1. when he returned to his original farm in Poland township. He has
here one hundred and seventy-five acres of land on section 22 and in addition
owns much other valuable property, his possessions including about two thousand
acres. His success is well merited for it has come to him only through the most
persistent and determined effort. When coming here in pioneer times he had
to endure many hardships and privations but as the years passed and the
country became more thickly settled, the land became more valuable and Mr.
Howe is now in possession of a handsome competency, derived from his landed
holdings consisting of two thousand acres. He is still actively engaged in gen-
eral farming and is numbered among the substantial aiul honored citizens of
this section of Iowa.

376 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Mr. Howe was married in 1875. the lady of his ehoiee being Miss Mary
Elizabeth Shutt, a daughter of John and Ruth A. (Carroll) Shutt. who were
natives of Pennsylvania and came to Iowa in the fall of 1868, their home Ix'ing
estal)lished in Payette county, where Mr. Shutt passed away at the compara-
tively early age of forty-five years. The mother, however, still survives and
makes her home in Marathon. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Howe have been born seven
children: Minnie, the wife of Enoch Ericson, who resides near IMarathon;
Charles R., who wedded Miss Emma Anderson and lives in Spencer. Iowa ;
"William M.. who wedded Pearl Bettsworth and lives in Terril. Iowa ; Susie, the
wife of Dr. E. A. Russ. of Webb. Iowa; Ru.sh, who died April 7. 190.'), at the
age of sixteen years; Pearl, at home; and Cassius. also under the
parental roof.

]\Ir. Ilowe gives stalwart supjiort to tlie republican party and in religious
faith is a ^letliodist. his daily actions being in luirmony witli his professions.
He is well known as a pioneer of th(^ county and as ajuost indu'Strious and use-
ful man, whose probity is an unquestioned element in his career. His energy
is often at the service of his community and he has tlie love and respect of all
amotig whom he lives. In daily life he is genial and aiTable. In tlie highest
and best sense of the term he is ever and essentially a gentleman, of which fact
his friends bear witness.

WILLIAM DOUGLAS RUST.

William Douglass Rust is a well known real-estate deal(>r of .Xcwcll. also
interested in general mei'cantile ])ursuits. and a life of intense and well directed
activity is liri?iging to him a gratifying success. One of Illinois' native sous
he was Ixirn in IJliiniiiiiiglini, .May '29. 18')*). His paternal grandfather. William
I{iisl. was a native of Tennesse aiul became a pioneer of McLean c(nnit\-. Illi-
nois, wlici'c he followed the occupation of farming. He also worked at the
shoemakei'"s trade, making sliors foi- his children ami his neighbors in addition
to his labors in the fields, having a shoe shop on his farm. That was before
Hloomington had an existence. He nuirried Nancy JIcKee. who was of Scotch
descent, while lie was of English lineage, being descended li'iini one ol' lour
childi'en who cann' rnini England during the early colonizatimi of the new
world and settled in Pennsylvania. William Rust served his country as a sol-
dier in the war of ISI'J and dieil af the venerable age of eighty-tlu'ee years.

His son, .liilin V. Rust, was born in Tennessee and was reai-ed as a fanner
boy in McLean county, Illinois, (lex'oting his entire life to the tilling nl' the soil.
As the years jjassed he ])rospei'e(l in his undertakings, adding to his jiossessions
until at oiii' time h<' owned about se\'en hnndi'ed aci'es ol' land, and to all of his
children he gave a good I'ai'ui. While he enjoyed prosjicrity in his later life,
however, his early yeai's wei'c a pei'ioil of earnest toil, in which he was dejjrived
of many ol' the oppoi't unit iis and advantages enjoyed liy others. So limited
were his linancial i-esoui'ces in youth and early manhood that he mauled rails
in order to earn money with which to buy the cloth to nuike his wedding suit

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 377

and his bride wdvc the chith. After his marriage lie built a small log eabiu
and therein the young eouple began their domestie life, their furniture being
nuide (if slabs eut from logs, while wooden pins, placed through holes bored in
the slabs, held together the various pieces that constitute an article of furni-
ture. His wife baked their bread on a board and they lived in true pioneer
style, sharing in all of the hardships and privations of those early days. John
P. Rust was marrieil to Miss Elizabeth Jane Lindlay, a native of Kentucky and
a daughter of William Lindlay, who was likewise born in that state. Removing
to Illinois, he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of McLean county, where
he followed the occupation of farming. Both he and his wife reached an
advanced age and in McLean county they reared their family. The death of
John F. Rust occurred in 1894 at the age of eighty years. His widow still sur-
vives him at the age of eighty-eight years. For twenty-two years she was an
invalid, her ill health being caused by the fact that she twice broke her hip,
but she is now en.joying quite good health. This worthy couple became the
parents of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, of whom eight are
now living: George W., a resident of Aurora, Illinois; Andrew J., deceased;
Thomas Jefferson and John Lee, who are living in Bloomington, Illinois;
Elizabeth J., the wife of Martin L. Bishop, of Carrollton, Missouri ; Ruth Alice,
the wife of John Kelley, who resides near Bloomington, Illinois ; William
Harvey, who died in infancy; William Douglas; Maggie, who died at the age
of six years ; Minnie, the wife of John Fitzpatrick, of Bloomington, Illinois ; and
Benjamin Franklin,

William D. Rust was reared on his father's farm in McLean county, Illi-
nois, where he attended the district schools, the "little temple of learning"
being a log structure. The methods of instruction, too. were quite primitive
as compared with the methods of teaching at the present day. He worked in
tlie fields when not busy with his text-books and continued at home until he had
attained his majority. He then began renting land and thus continued to cul-
tivate the soil for two or three years after his marriage. In 1883 he came to
Iowa and bought eighty acres of land in Greene county, his father assisting him
in paying for the property. His wife's health failed there, however, and he
therefore sold the farm and removed to Rippey, Iowa, where he engaged in gen-
eral merchandising for several years. He afterward took up his abode in
Webster City, Iowa, where he lived for seven' years, during which time he was
also connected with merchandising.

He next traded his stock for a farm of five hundred and sixty acres in
Buena Vista county about fmir miles northeast of Newell in Newell township,
pacing twenty-seven dollars and a half an acre for this property, which he sold
a few veai-s later for sixty dollars an acre. He now owns a farm of two hun-
dred and forty acres east of the town and another of eighty acres west of the
town, l)oth finely iiiiiH'oved properties. He likewise has a good home in
Newell and other property elsewhere, together with two hiindred and sixty
acres of land in Missouri. Ilis success has come as the direct result of his
perseverance and unremitted diligence. He has been a large breeder of short-
horned cattle and still has both farms stocked with registered shorthorns. He
has done much toward improving the grade of fine cattle raised in the county

378 HISTORY OF BUEXA VISTA COUNTY

;iti(l liis l:il)(irs liave been altciidrd witli a nicasm'e of siioi-ess. wliirli sliows liis
thorough familiarity with the iiusiiioss and that he has followed the best inetli-
ods in acc-omplishing results. On the 1st of ilarch. 1908, he removed to
Xewell. where he is now conducting a real-estate and loan office.

On the 24th of :\Iareh. 1881, llr. Rust was married to Miss Martha J.
Ilartson, a daughter of David and Elizal)eth (Noble) Hartson. ]Mrs. Rust was
born in ]MeLean county, Illinois, her parents also being natives of that state.
The mother died when ]\Irs. Rust was only a little girl, but the father still sur-
vives and now makes his home in Bloomington. They had a family of five
children: ^lartha Jane; William, who is located in Bloomington; Annie, the
wife of Joseph Clark, of Danville. Illinois; Thomas J., whose home is in Geor-
gia; and Sallie, who died inimarried. Unto Mr. and ]\Irs. Rust have been born
two sons and two daug'hters : Emery Andrew, who married Susie Howe and is
a practicing physician, of Webb. Iowa; Stella, who died in infancy; Ethel C,
the wife of Clarence IMason, a resident of Anthoii, Iowa, b_v whom she lias one
son. Keith Douglass; and William David, who is operating his father's farm
west of Xewell. He marri(Ml Rid)y Coid<lin. ilrs. Rust and her children are
members of the Congregational church, while ^Ir. Rust belongs to the Christian
church. He also affiliates with Xewell Lodge, Xo. 2:^2. 1. 0. 0. F.. in which
he has filled all of the chairs and has been a memln'v of the Modern Woodmen
of America for fourteen years. His political support is given to the democracy
and he has held the office of township assessor for four years. In comnuinity
alfairs he is deeply interested and gives loyal and earnest support to every
movement for the pulilic good. His life has been one of well directed thrift
and industr\-. and he has long been accounted one of the most successful and
prominent raisers of tlinrouglibrcd I'attli' in Ibis part of the slate. Ilis l)usi-
iicss all'airs lia\c all been carerully cnnducled and his good managciiiciil is indi-
cjilcd ill tlir cxcellciil sui'cess whii'h has attended his lab(H's.

AUGUST G. IIOCII.

August (i. lloch is pTdprietor of the largest jewelry store in northwestern
fowa. He has eoiiiliii'tcd business in this line at Storm Lake since tiie fall of
189:? aiul is meeting with well merited success in his undertakings. He fol-
lows modern commercial methods and carries on his business affairs along
lines tiiat ncitlnT seel; iKii- i-iN|uii-e disguise. Iowa numbers him among her
native sons and lie hcbnigs to I bat class of cit izcns who uphold its ]>olitical and
legal status and stand as the iidviicates of its progi'ess in all connnendable
lines. lie uas liiii'n in l)ubn(|uc cunntw .\ngust 1, ISTfi, and is of German lin-
eage in liiitb paternal and niatei'nal lines.

John lloch. the iatliei-. was lidpn in Slultgart, Germany, in 18.'ifi, and is
now livini;- at (Jaiena. Illinois. He came to the I'nited States when a lad of
fourteen years in company with his mother, his father having previously die<l.
The fiiiiiily home was eslablislied at Galena, Illinois, and there John Hoch
learned and followed the shoenuiker's trade. He afterward removed to

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUiNTY 379

Diil>iii|Uc (•(iiiiity. IiiwM. wIhtc he lived iiiitil after the ehise of the Civil war.
He worked for a few months at his trade in DulnKiue eovinty following,' the ces-
sation of hostilities hetween the north and the south and then returned to
Galena, where he now makes his home. In his business affairs he has been
prosperous, for his diligence and energy have enabled him to overthhow vari-
ous difficulties and obstacles in his path. He belongs to the Methodist
Episcopal church and to the Odd Fellows society, while in his political views
he has been a stalwart republican since age conferred upon him the right of
franchise. He proved his loyalty to his adopted country by his active service
in the Civil war, enlisting at Rockford. Illinois, in the summer of 1861, as a
member of Company A, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He thus
served until the war ended and was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, July
4, l.sti."). Since that time he has never enjoyed good health, owing to the
rigors and hardships of war. He participated in various hotly contested bat-
tles, including the engagements at Lookout Mountain. Missionary Ridge, Chat-
tanooga, ifurfreesboro and Atlanta, after which the troops returned to
Vicksburg and thence came to the north. He is now an interested member of
the Grand Army of the Republic.

In early manhtiod John Iloeh married Katherine IJriegel, who was born in
Stuttgart, Germany, in 1844. She came with her father and two sisters to the
i'liited States, her mother having passed away ere the emigration of the family.
The father settled in (}alena and there she gave her hand in marriage to ^Mr.
lloeh on the 17th of JIareh. 1869. Like her husband she is a consistent mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, and their upright lives have gained for
them the esteem and good will of all with whom they have been associated.
They became the parents of seven children : Edwin ]?.. who is associated with
iiis brother-in-law, H. W. Krause, in Storm Lake; Julia F., the wife of H. W.
Krause, of Storm Lake; John W., who is manager of the gas plant at Storm
jjake; August G.. of this review; Alfred H., who is a carpenter and makes his
home at Schaller, Iowa ; Lillian G., the wife of R. S. Schaefer, a farmer of
Schaller; and Arthur 0., who is with his brother August.

August G. Iloch attended the common schools of Galena, Illinois, and
clerked in a book store when his education was completed. He was employed
in a building at one time occupied by General Grant. In the fall of 1893 he
came to Storm Lake and has since been identified with the .jewelry business
here, at first securing a clerkship in the employ of Frank Witter, with whom
lie remained as salesman until 1899. In that year he became an equal partner
in the i)usiness under the firm style of Witter & Hoch. and for eight years they
successfully coiKhicted the store, at the end of which time Mr. Witter sold out,
on the 1st of April. 1907. leaving .Mr. Iloch sole proprietor of the largest jew-
elry store in this section of the state outside of Sioux City or Fort Dodge. He
now carries a large and well selected line of goods and has an extensive patron-
age, while his store is a credit to the city and would prove a valuable addition
to many a town of larger size. :\Ir. Iloch has recently purchased a tract of
land of forty-eight acres within the city limits of the west bortler of the lake,
known as the old Benson place. On tliis he has erected a beautiful, modern
residence which he now occupies.

380 HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY

On the Kith (if July, 1903, Mr. Iloch was married to :\Iiss Florence C.
.Schulz. who was born in Colesbiirg. Iowa, December 7. 1879, and is a daugrhter
of Christoph and Katherine Schulz. the former a minister of the German
Methodist church and at one time presiding- elder of the upper Iowa district.
Unto Mr. and ]\Irs. Hoch have been born two children : Katherine, born July
2, 1904; and Winton, July 31, 190"). The parents hold membership in the
First Methodist Episcopal church and take a most active and helpful part in its
work. Mr. Hoch is a member of the choir and for twelve years lias been
treasurer of the Sunday school. He is also president of the local Young Men's
Christian Association, and for three years was treasurer and director of the
Young Men's Commercial Club of Storm Lake. In politics he is a republican
and aside from political connections is interested in all that pertains to the wel-
fare and substantial progress of this part of the state. In him are embraced
the characteristics of unbending energy, unfaltering integrity and industry
that never flags, and he commands in large measure the trust and respect of his
fcllowmen who know him as a courteous, genial gentleman and straightforward
merchant.

JAJIES E. ALLISON.

James E. Allison, who since Jlarch, 1901, has acted as cashier of the First
National Bank at Marathon, Iowa, is a wide-awake, alert and enterprising
citizen, interested not only in the welfnrc nl' the concern with which he is con-
nci-tcd but with the general interests of the village and county at large. Mr.
Allison was born in Peinisylvania. SeptendnM- 29, 1862, a son of James and
.Mai'v (.Mason) Allison, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state and
there lived and died. The fatiici- di'iiarted Ibis life March 30, 1877, at the age
of lifty-seven years, while Die mother, surviving for a long period, passed
away in April, 1893, when seventy years old.

James E. Allison was accoi-ded good I'ducMtioiial advantages. lie tirst
attended the public schools of his native slate and completed the high-school
course, sulise(|uciit to which time he attentled the Twelfth District .Xormal.
C'ompli'l ing his cdiii-at ion :\\ the :ii;c of twenty-two years, or in 1884, he began
teaching school and was thus engaged for a lime. lie then made his way to
the west, believing that he might enjoy better business opportunities than in
the east. His first location was at Atkinson, Nebraska, where he was employed
as bookkecpei' in the (Citizen's Hank ,il that place. He was thus employed for
about five years and in 1S92 was elected cashier of the Exchange Bank of that
city. After a few years be caini' lo Hiicna N'ista county, Iowa, and spent two
years as assistant cashier in tiie bank of HavelcMdc, this state, while for a year
he acted in a similar capacit\' in the baid< at Peterson, Iowa. In March, 1901,
he was elected 111 llic position of casiiier of the Frst National Bank at Mara-
thon, Iowa, since which time he has filled the position in a most able manner,
lie is neglectf\d of no detail of his Inisiness and is regarded in high esteem b.v
his business associates.

HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY 381

Mv. Allison was iiuirricd August 30, 1888, tn Miss Cora Burleson, a dauKli-
ter of Ira J. and Emeline (Hills) Burleson, natives of New York state. In
lS9:i they removed to Omaha, Xeliraska, where they still make their home. The
home of ^Ir. and :\Irs. Allison has been blessed with two rhiUlren : June E., who
was born July 6. 1890, and is in school at Cedar Falls, Iowa; and J. Lester,
who was born September 9, 1893. and is now a high-sehool student in JIarathon.

ilr. Allison gives his support to the republican party, and is a JIason,
belonging to the blue lodge and the chapter at Sioux Rapids, and to the com-
luandery at Cherokee. He is also a Woodman and a Royal Neighbor and is
prominent with the brethren of these various fraternal orders. He has met
with success in his business undertakings and owns land in Dickinson county,
Iowa, and also in Nebraska. His service in the bank is characterized by integ-
rity, accuracy, promptness and courteous treatment of customers. In the
midst of a busy life he finds time for cooperation in any movement for the
advancement and betterment of the city and his high moral worth is acknowl-
edged by all with whom he is associated.

SANPORD MILLER.

The ililler family has iieen prominently identified with the agricultural
development and progress of Nokomis township for the past forty years, the
first representative of the name to come to Buena Vista county being the
father of our subject, Henry Miller, who came here in 1869 and entered from
the government eighty acres of wild and luiiniproved land. The father was
born in Pennsylvania but was reared in Ohio. In early manhood he was
apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade, thus serving for seven years, after
which he engaged in the blacksmithing business for a number of years. He
was married in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Hiles, a native of New Jer-
sey. In 1S5S he removed from Ohio to JIcLean county, Illinois, and there
engaged in farming until 1866, when he removed to Madison county, Iowa,
where he spent three years. He then made his way to Buena Vista county and
entered from the government eighty acres of raw prairie land, which he
developetl and improved, meeting the problems of a frontier existence and
applying himself to the tasks which western life presented, with steadiness and
courage. He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, for he
passed away in 1871. at the comparatively early age of fifty-two years. The
wife and mother survived for a long period, her death occurring in 1898, when
she had reached the advanced age of eight\-two years.

Sauforil Miller, whose nanu- introduces this review, is the youngest son
in a family of nine chililreu, and was born in Brown county, Ohio, March 3,
185.5. Ilis education, l)egun in the common scht)ols of Illinois, was continued
in the schools of Iowa, for he was a lad of fourteen years at the time the family
removed to Buena Vista county. He lost his father when a youth of sixteen
years and much responsibility then rested upon the son. He at once took up
the unfinished work of the father in developing a new farm. He set out an

382 liLSTUKV OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

orchard and also put oiit shade trees, erected a good house, barn and outbuihi-
ings, fenced the fields witli woven wire and made many necessar.y
improvements. He assisted his widowed mother in the management of the
home place and this continued to be her home until the time of her death. The
son is now in possession of the property and is engaged in general agricultural
pursuits and stock-raising, keeping Duroe Jersey hogs and Hambletonian
horses. He homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in South
Dakota, but has recently sold that property.

]Mr. Miller was married June 12, 1888, to iliss Anna Miller, a native of
Kankakee county, Illinois. They have an adopted son, now thirteen years of
age, who is attending school. IMr. IMiller is independent in his political views
and affiliations, voting for the men whom he deems licst fitted for oCficc,
regardless of part>- tics. Ilis religions faitii is indicated l)y his membership
in the Alta Presliytci'ian church. He is thoroughly familiar with tlu' pioneer
conditions that existed when he came as a boy to Bncna Vista county and in
the years that have since come and gone he has rejoic(Hl in the progress that
has been matlc. He is an industrious and useful man in (he comuutnity and
his probity is an uncpiestioned element in his career.

HENHY JACOBSON.

Henry Jacobson is a self-made man wlio has met dil'licultii's witii resolu-
tion, wild has conducted Ids affairs with honor and wlio h;is in tli(> end gained
not only a good competence but also the merited esteem of his fellowmen.
He was born in southern Norway- in 1844. a son of ]\Ir. and Mrs. Jacob
K.jensrnd. who in 1856 cro.ssed the Atlantic witii their family. They landed first
at Qneliec and went to Lansing, Tciwa. where they ai'i-ived im the (ith of
August. ISad. The mother had lieeome ill on the ocean and only lived for a
short time al'lcr I'caching l.iansing. her death occurring when she was about
sixty years' of age. The father conlinned to i-cside al that |)lMi'e until
his demise.

The sons and daughters in that raniil\- were as follows: Ilawkcn and
Engebert came to America but are now deceased. Ole, who had preceded the
family to the new world, acted as their interpreter when the parents and other
chil(h-en arrived, meeting them in Quebec al'ter waiting there for three weeks
ere the ship lirouglit them to harbor. He then escorted the r;iniil\' to Lansing.
Iowa, and two weeks jatei' he went west, beiiiij among the lii'st to go to Pike's
Peak, and wIkmi last heard from was in .\ustralia. Syvcr was ,i fai-nier and
landowner of .Mlaiiiakee ciinnl\. Iowa. I'oi' a number of ye;irs and then removed
to South Dakota, whei-e he died in Dor). Levi, who had also i)rcccded his
parents to .\merica, lived in Albnnakee comity. Iowa, for some time and was
then employed by the govcrnmeni to act as a leamsti'r in I'tah. Finally he
arrived at Pike's Peak and when last heard from, about thirty years ago. was
in Montana. Amund. who resided for a lime in AllamaK-ee county, became
interested in the gold discoveries of the west and went to the miinng regions.

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HISTORY OP BUENA VISTA COUNTY 385

He enlisted in the Second Regiment of Colorado Vohmteei- Infantry and was
killed in Mexico in a skirmish with bushwhackers.

Henry Jaeobson, the youngest of the family, was twelve years of age when
he came with his parents to America and in his youthful days he was thrown
upon his own resources, after which he was employed on various farms until
twenty yeai's of age. Thinking that he could find more remunerative and
more congenial lal)or than the work of the fields, he began clerking in a dry-
goods store at Winona, Minnesota, where he remained for a year and a half and
then returned to Lansing, Iowa, where he again clerked in a general store for
about three years.

On the expiration of that period, in company with two fellow salesmen,
John Halversou and Giis Gilbert, he started for Buena Vista county and
together the three j'oung men opened the first store in Sioux Rapids in 1869.
This was then a pioneer district, in which the work of development had scarcely
been begun. The nearest railroad was at Fort Dodge and from that point they
had to haul their goods with ox-teams. There were but few settlers between
Sioux Rapids and Fort Dodge — a distance of .sixty-five miles across the wild
prairie, which was intersected by numerous deep sloughs. They used four
yoke of oxen in transporting their goods and when crossing a bad slough
would put their teams together, thus transporting a load over a particularly
bad district, after which the four oxen would be hitched to the other load. Mr.
Jaeobson recounts that on one day's travel they made only four miles and it
usually rerjuired the greater part of a week to make the entire trip of sixty-
five miles. By the time they hacl their store and goods ready for business the
settlers, who had Ijcen patiently waiting, gave them all the trade they could
attend to and their ox-teams were kept busy in hauling stock from the distant
market. Sugar sold at the rate of five pounds for a dollar, tea at two dollars
and a half a pound, coffee at fifty cents per pound, flour at seven dollars per
hmulredweight. salt at ten dollars per barrel, kerosene at seventy-five cents
per gallon, liacon at twenty-five cents per p(UU]d, butter at thirty-five cents per
pound, while calii-o lirought frcun eighteen to twenty-five cents per yard and
all other commodities sold at e(|ually high prices. The trade came from a
wide radius of territory, extending as far as Sac City on the south and Spirit
Lake on the north. The "three Norwegian boys" as they were called, soon
built up a prosperous business and the partnership was continued for about
six years, when it was dissolved by mutual consent.

Mr. Halversou first withdrew and later Jlr. Jaeobson bought out JFr.
Gilbert's interest, while subsequently Mr. Halversou again became a partner
of Mr. Jaeobson under the firm style of Jaeobson & Halversou. They
remained in business together for aliout four years, when Mr. Jaeobson pur-
chased his partner's interest. Mr. Halverson starting in business for himself.
Mr. Jaeobson continued to carry on a general mercantile establishment until
1882 and throughout the years enjoyed a liberal patronage because of his
large and well selected line of goods, his earnest efforts to please his patrons
and his straightforward business methods.

Aboiit two years before he closed out his store he had become interested
in other business enterprises, including the establishment of the first creamery

386 HISTORY OF BUENA VISTA COUNTY

in the eouiity. This, however, did not prove a fiiianciiil success. At the
beginning of the season ^Ir. Jacobson had contracted for cream at fourteen
cents per pound but, the price going down, lie was obliged to sell in New York
at thirteen cents per pound. In 1881 his store and almost his entire stock
of goods was destroyed bj' fire and he had no place to shelter the little that
remained. He was therefore obliged to close out the creamery and utilize
the building for a store. This caused a great loss and damage to his business
interests and, moreover, when the Northwestern Railroad was being built
through the town he extended credit to many of the contractors, who after-
ward were unable to pay, thus augmenting his losses. Other complications
arose that eventually caused him to close out his mercantile business and he
then turned his attention to farming on a tract of land of one hundred and
sixty acres which he owned near Sioux Rapids. Here he again met with a
fair measure of prosperity and here remained until 1907, when he sold his
residence and took up his abode in Sioux Rapids, where he is now living
practically retired, occupying a comfortable home and enjoying well
merited rest.

On the 11th of July. 1869, Mr. Jacobscui was married to Miss Mathea
Hanson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Hanson, who were natives of Norway.
Mrs. Jacobson was only two years of age when brought by her parents to
this country. By her marriage she has become the mother of seven children :
Stella, the wife of L. A. Torkelson, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work;
Emma, a teacher in the public schools; Julia, the wife of T. T. Tlinmpson,
who is residing in Provo, Utah, and who is a traveling salesman for the
•Moline Plow Company of ]\Ioline. Illinois, with hi^ad(|uarters at Salt Lake
City; and Madeline, who is a teaclier in the public schools. Three children
of the family are deceased.

Mr. Jacobson is a stalwai't i'cpnl)]ic;ni and liiis ;dwa\s volcd tii.-it ticket
with the exception of one occasion when. l)efore he had attained his majority
and while living in a democratic comnnniity. he was compelled to vote
illegally and against his wishes. Tliis set him to investigating the principles
of the two parties and the result was that he has siiU'C been an ardent repub-
lican. Such in brief is the life history of Henry Jacolison, a respected