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PAST AND PRESENT
OF
O'Brien and Osceola
Counties, Iowa
BY
HON. J. L. E. PECK and HON. O. H. MONTZHEIMER For O'Brien County
AND
HON. WILLIAM J. MILLER For Osceola County
VOL. I
ILLUSTRATED
1914 V B. F. BOWEN & COMPANY, Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana
៛
786357
P
DEDICATION.
This work is respectfully dedicated to THE PIONEERS
long since departed. May the memory of those who laid down their burdens by the wayside ever be fragrant as the breath of summer flowers, for their toils and sacrifices have made O'Brien and Osceola Counties a garden of sunshine and delights.
PREFACE
All life and achievement is evolution; present wisdom comes from past experience, and present commercial prosperity has come only from past exer- tion and suffering. The deeds and motives of the men that have gone before have been instrumental in shaping the destinies of later communities and states. The development of a new country was at once a task and a privi- lege. It required great courage, sacrifice and privation. Compare the pres- ent conditions of the people of O'Brien and Osceola counties, Iowa, with what they were a half century ago. From a trackless wilderness and virgin land, it has come to be a center of prosperity and civilization, with millions of wealth, systems of railways, grand educational institutions, splendid in- dustries and immense agricultural productions. Can any thinking person be insensible to the fascination of the study which discloses the aspirations and efforts of the early pioneers who so strongly laid the foundation upon which has been reared the magnificent prosperity of later days? To per- petuate the story of these people and to trace and record the social, political and industrial progress of the community from its first inception is the func- tion of the local historian. A sincere purpose to preserve facts and personal memoirs that are deserving of perpetuation, and which unite the present to the past, is the motive for the present publication. A specially valuable and interesting department is that one devoted to the sketches of representative citizens of these counties whose records deserve preservation because of their worth, effort and accomplishment. The publishers desire to extend their thanks to the gentlemen who have so faithfully labored to this end. Thanks are also due to the citizens of O'Brien and Osceola counties for the uniform kindness with which they have regarded this undertaking, and for their many services rendered in the gaining of necessary information.
In placing the "Past and Present of O'Brien and Osceola Counties, Iowa," before the citizens, the publishers can conscientiously claim that they have carried out the plan as outlined in the prospectus. Every biographical sketch in the work has been submitted to the party interested for correction, and therefore any error of fact, if there be any, is solely due to the person for whom the sketch was prepared. Confident that our effort to please will fully meet the approbation of the public, we are,
Respectfully,
THE PUBLISHERS.
25
CONTENTS
O'BRIEN COUNTY
CHAPTER I-THE BEGINNING
The Pioneer of O'Brien County-Creative and Administrative Periods-Nam- ing of County-William Smith O'Brien-In the Beginning-Court Record as to Organization of the County-Organization Election-First General Elec- tion-Bad Work in Organization and First Elections-O'Brien County to the Front-Hannibal House Waterman. the First Citizen-Winter Ox-Team Trips -Indians in O'Brien County-Indian Outrages-Courage of the Immigrants- First White Child-Proposal to Organize a County-The Bosler Crowd-Fort Dodge Crowd-Waterman's Land Jumped-First Actual Homestead Entry- Frederick Feldman, "Old Dutch Fred."
CHAPTER II-FIRST EVENTS
48
A Session of the First Boodle Board-Division of the Spoils-Scalping of Soldiers' Bounty Money-First Things Done-First Record Entries-The Old County Debt-The Aftermath and the County Treasury-Road Surveys and Charges for Bridge Building-Curious Swamp Land Contracts-Bridge at Waterman Ford- Curious Expenses-Swamp Land Swindle.
CHAPTER III-THE EARLY SETTLERS 65
First Settlers a Desirable Class-Their Origin-Conditions and Customs of the Early Settlers-Prairie Land-First Crops-Hardships and Disadvantages of the Pioneer Farmer-Prairie Fires-Foreign Population-Population Statistics.
CHAPTER IV-THE UPBUILDING
76
Constitutional Debt Limitation-Taxpayers' Association-Picnic-Two Views of the Debt Proposition-Its Final Disposition-Resumption of Cash Pay- ments-A Notable Meeting-Tax Sale of 1880-Rebonding of the County Debt.
CHAPTER V-HOMESTEADS AND FREE LANDS 85
Squatter Lands-Litigation Over the Overlapping Lands-Granting Act of Congress in Aid of Railroads-Fight Between Railroads-Milwaukee Railroad Land-Commencement of Real Squatter Possession-Exciting Times-Old Settlers Become Factor-Land Jumping-Inconsistent Statutes-Land Office Trials at Des Moines-Final Suit and Decree-Evictions-Homesteaders Not Favorable to Squatters-Sioux City Land Squatters-Odd Incidents in Evic- tion Cases-Squatters' Union-A Unique Banquet-List of Sioux City Land Squatters and Railroad Contract Men.
CHAPTER VI-COUNTY GOVERNMENT 108
Administration of County Affairs-County Auditor-County Judges-Archi- bald Murray-Andrew J. Edwards-The County Treasury-Contested Elec-
CONTENTS.
tion-Second Period of Auditors and Treasurers-County Treasury on a Banking Basis-Charles A. Winterble and Other Auditors-County Recorder's Office-County Surveyors-Supervisors-County Attorneys-County Farm and County Home Building-Electric Light Plant-Other County Improvements -Large Problems.
CHAPTER VII-COURT HOUSES OF O'BRIEN COUNTY 129 Old Log Court House-Court Record Pertaining Thereto-Court House of 1870-Supervisors' Record-Court House at Primghar in 1874-Paine's Store -Present Court Couse-The Public Square-Jail History-More on the First Court House.
CHAPTER VIII-STORMS, PRAIRIE FIRES, GRASSHOPPERS, ETC. 139 Cyclone of June, 1882-Cyclone of June, 1914-Blizzards and Snow Banks Blizzard of January, 1SSS-Prairie Fires-Towns in Danger-Grasshoppers- The Plagues of 1873-4-5 Legislative Relief for the Stricken Settlers.
CHAPTER IX-COUNTY SEAT CONTESTS 153
Contest in 1872 Between O'Brien and Primghar-Sheldon vs. Primghar and Sanborn vs. Primghar in 1879-The Sanborn Raid-Contest Between Prim- ghar and Sheldon in 1911-Record of Supervisors-List of Petitioners-Legis- lative Amendment-New Hub Hotel at Primghar.
CHAPTER X-OLD SETTLERS' REUNION 169 First County-wide Reunion-Decorations-Reception of Visitors-Great Pa- rade-O'Brien County Relics.
CHAPTER XI-AGRICULTURE 177
A Prairie County-Grass a Blessing to the Early Settlers-Land the Basis of Wealth-Rivers and Streams-Groves and Tree Planting-Products of O'Brien County Soil-Their Variety-Uniformity of the County-Fruits-Wild Prairie Flowers-Modern Farm Conveniences-Development of Public Roads -Farmers' Meetings-Farmers' Institutes-Stock Sales-No Minerals in the County-Large Ranches-D. Edward Paullin-Franklin Teabout-John H. Archer-Chester W. Inman-Jonathan A. Stocum-Samuel J. Jordan.
CHAPTER XII-EDUCATIONAL 194
Education One of the Earliest and Chief Thoughts of the People-Schools of the County-Early School Houses-Growth of Educational System-Substan- tial Character of Present School Buildings and their Equipment-Lecture Courses-Teachers' Institutes-Parochial and Church Schools-County Su- perintendents-Decline of Rural Schools.
CHAPTER XIII-INDIAN OCCUPANCY 200
Prehistoric Races-The Mound Builders-Tribes Which Once Occupied O'Brien County Soil-Government Exploration-Treaties with Indians- Military Forts-Mistrust of Indians-Black Hawk-Outline of Treaties- Incidents.
CHAPTER XIV-REMINISCENCES 205
Recollections of Mrs. Roma Wheeler Woods-Difficulties Encountered by Newcomers-Notable Astronomical Events-"Dutch Fred"' -- Village of O'Brien -Death of Fred Beach-Attempts to Secure Land-Faulty Deed Descriptions
CONTENTS.
-Futile Attempt to Sell School Lands-The Grange Movement-Gen. N. B. Baker Library-Fine Spirit of the Early Pioneers-1873 a Notable Year and at Hard One for the Settlers-"Library Parties"-The Grasshopper Plagu ?- The County Debt-Remarkable Pioneer Women.
CHAPTER XV-REMINISCENCES 222
Mrs. C. V. Van Epps' Story-A Trip in a Prairie Schooner-Many Surprises Earliest Habitations-Sod Houses-Carroll Township-Winter of 1872-3- Early Epidemics-Dark Days-First School House-First Congregational Church, Sheldon-Railroad Land.
CHAPTER XVI-BANKS AND BANKING 230
First Banking Enterprise in O'Brien County-Primghar's Banks-John R. Pumphrey-Ralph Hinman-Sheldon Banks-Banks at Sanborn-Paullina Banks-Banks in Hartley-Moneta-Sutherland-Archer- Gaza-Calumet- O'Brien County's Substantial Banking System-Development of Land by Bankers-Banking Statistics.
CHAPTER XVII- THE COURTS 249
Two Courts of Record-The District Court and Circuit Court-Judicial Dis- tricts-District Judges-First Term of Court-Some Early Judges-Attorneys -First Grand Jury-Admission to Practice in Early Days-First Jury Case- Early Rules of Court Practice-Early Circuit Judges-A Judicial Joke-A Popular Clerk of Courts-Sheriffs-Clerks of Courts.
CHAPTER XVIII-THE O'BRIEN COUNTY BAR 262 First Lawyer in O'Brien County-Personal Mention of Some of the Early At- torneys-Those Who Are Now Engaged in the Practice Here.
CHAPTER XIX-LITIGATION IN O'BRIEN COUNTY 276
Much Probate Work, but Decrease in Other Litigation-Big Questions in the Early Days-The Overlapping Land Suit-Taxation Questions-The Teabout Failure-Taxpayers' Association-Tax Title Suits-Israel Lash Litigation- Elizabeth Streeter-Suits to Quiet Title-Referee in Bankruptcy-Estates- Justices' Courts.
CHAPTER XX-THE PRESS 287
Value of Local Newspaper -First Paper in O'Brien County-F. M. McCormack -Brief Review of the Various Newspapers Which Have Existed Here and Which Have Contributed to the Development of the County.
CHAPTER XXI-MEDICAL HISTORY OF O'BRIEN COUNTY 302
Antiquity of the Practice of Medicine-Heroes Among the Pioneef Physicians -Modern Progress in the Practice of the Healing Art-O'Brien County Hos- pitals-The O'Brien County Medical Society-List of Registered Physicians- Ignorance and Superstition on the Part of the Laity Superseded by Intelli- gence and Common Sense.
CHAPTER XXII-THE CHURCHES OF O'BRIEN COUNTY 311
Methodists First on the Ground-Methodist Churches in the County-A Sod Church-First Sermon Preached in the County-Congregational Churches- The Friends Society-Evangelical Churches-German Evangelical Lutheran Zion Churches-Norwegian Lutheran Church-Christian Reformed Church-
CONTENTS.
Evangelical Association-Christian Churches-Church of Christ, Scientist- Presbyterian Churches-Reformed Church in North America-German Evan- gelical Church of North America-Catholic Church-Other Religious Societies -Church Statistics-Young Men's Christian Association.
CHAPTER XXIII-LODGES OF THE COUNTY. 346 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, with Its Several Branches-Independent Order of Odd Fellows-Knights of Pythias.
CHAPTER XXIV-TOWNS AND TOWNSHIPS 354
Incorporated Towns-City Government-Names of Townships and Their Gov- ernment-Platting of Towns and Their Additions-Floyd Township-City of Sheldon-National Guard-Sheldon District Fair-Franklin Township-San- born-Lincoln Township-Fiddle String Township-Hartley Township-Town of Hartley-Carroll Township-"Pathfinder of O'Brien County"-Archer- Summit Township-Primghar-Center Township-Omega Township-Moneta -Baker Township-Dale Township-Highland Township-Gaza-Grant Township-Caledonia Township-Germantown-Union Township-Paullina- Liberty Township-Calumet-Waterman Township-Sutherland.
CHAPTER XXV-O'BRIEN COUNTY IN THE HUMOROUS. 455
Eccentric Dr. Longshore-"Pomp" McCormack's Jokes-Wolf Scalp Joke- O'Brien County Solon-A Revival in the Court Room-The Judge Needed a Sweat-Joke on a Bank Cashier-Superiority of Archer Over Omaha-Master Wirt Close's Oration.
CHAPTER XXVI-MISCELLANEOUS 468
Farmers' Mutual Insurance Association-Present Officials of O'Brien County -State Officials-Distinguished Citizens of the County-Official Vote, 1912- Population and Other Statistics-County Expenditures-Cemeteries-The Herd Law-Early Relations With Cherokee County-Abstracts of Title- Early Incidents-The Hay Twister-O'Brien County Agricultural Society- County Sealer of Weights and Measures-Lost Lumber-Highest Point in Iowa-Congressmen-Prehistoric Fortifications and Burial Mounds-Curious Incident-Prairie Chickens-Other Game- John McCormack-Reminiscent In- terview of B. F. McCormack-Record of Old Soldiers Who Have Lived in O'Brien County.
CHAPTER XXVII-THE SCRUB POET 506
A Little Spice and Many Local Hits-Townships of O'Brien County-Charge of the Grasshopper Brigade-Tenting. Camping. Farming on the Old Prairie Ground-First Starts of Towns and Railroads-That Martyred Wagon-The County Seat-John Ker, Squatter-The Pioneer Is Going, Gone-An Agricul- tural County-Marching to Victory-Let the People Vote-"Leedle Yoh"- When the Squatter Squatted His Squat, etc.
CONTENTS
OSCEOLA COUNTY
535
CHAPTER 1-GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY
Original Prairie Land-Scarcity of Timber-Streams-Hills-Lakes- Charac- ter of Soil-Survey by Jefferson Davis, and His Report on Soil-Organization of Osceola Township-Its Name-Anxiety of Early Settlers to Get in Ahead of Railroads-Sibley, the First Town Site Laid Out-Official Record of County Organization-First Tax Levy-First Election and County Officers - First County Nominating Convention-Osceola County Cursed by Grafters and Looters-Grand Jury Indictments-An Unjust Debt-Roster of County Offi- cials-Auditors-Treasurers-Recorders-Clerks of Courts-Sheriffs-Super- intendents of Schools-Surveyors-Coroners-County Attorneys-Supervisors -First Term of Court and First Grand Jury-First Court House-Finances- Increase in Land Values-Appraisement of Public Utilities.
CHAPTER II-TOWNSHIPS OF OSCEOLA TOWNSHIP 544
Allison Township-First Officers-First Settlers in the Various Sections of the Township-Baker Township-Land Speculators-Early Settlers-Henry Dunkelmann's Experience-East Holman Township-Its Pioneers-Fairview Township-Magnificent Natural Features-Names of Early Settlers-First Township Officers-Present Officers-Gilman Township-Early Settlers- Goewey Township-Those Who First Came Here-Wealth in Legitimate Farm- ing-Narrow Escape From Death in a Blizzard-Harrison Township-Soil of Inexhaustible Richness-Mennonites-May City-Horton Township and Its Pioneer Settlers-Immigration of 1883-5-Ocheyedan Township-The Home- steaders-Hardships of Joseph P. Tower-Viola Township-First Settlers- Recent Arrivals-Public Schools and Officers-West Holman Township- How the Various Sections were Settled-Misfortunes of J. B. Jenney-Wilson Township-Early Homesteaders-Schools.
CHAPTER III-CITIES AND TOWNS
593
Sibley, the First Town in Osceola County-Early Business Interests-Pres- ent Business Concerns and Their Location-Municipal Items-Present City Officers-Ashton-First Called St. Gilman-Location-First Buildings and Business Interests-Present Enterprises-City Officials- Harris-Town Or- ganization-Present Business Interests-City Officials-Ocheyedan-Its Be- ginning-Public Utilities-Business Directory-City Officers -- Cloverdale- Allendorf-Melvin-A Thriving Little City-Principal Business Interests.
CHAPTER IV-RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF OSCEOLA COUNTY 606
First Methodist Episcopal Church of Sibley-First Preaching Service in the County-Melvin M. E. Church-Methodist Churches at Ashton, Harris and Ocheyedan-St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Ocheyedan-Congre- gational Church at Sibley-German Lutheran Church, Sibley-Ocheyedan Congregational Church-First German Presbyterian Church, Sibley-First Baptist Church, Sibley-Evangelical Lutheran Church of Horton Township- German Lutheran Church of Viola Township-Hope German Presbyterian Church-Catholic Church at Ashton-St. Andrew's Catholic Church at Sibley.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V-MEDICAL HISTORY OF OSCEOLA COUNTY
628
Dr. H. Neill's Interesting Review of the History of Medicine in the County- Many Old Soldiers Among the Early Settlers-Personal Mention of Some of the Early Practitioners-A Record of Many Interesting Surgical Cases and Other Ailments-A Young Woman's Heroism-Epidemic of Diphtheria-Auto- biography of Doctor Neill-Some Curious and Unusual Incidents in His Long Practice Here-A Human Pincushion.
CHAPTER VI-THE LEGAL FRATERNITY 647 First Attorneys in Osceola County-Personal Mention of Some Early Law- yers-Men of High Character and Eminent Ability.
CHAPTER VII-MILITARY HISTORY 652 Many Early Settlers Veterans of the Civil War-L. G. Ireland Post, Grand Army of the Republic-List of Old Soldiers in Osceola County.
CHAPTER VIII-EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS 660
The Johnson Murder-The Shooting of George Groen-The Freezing of Baker and Jenkins-Death of Edward Larrality by Freezing-The Freezing of Doctor Hall-Fred Knaggs-Accidental Death of C. D. Wilbern-Peter De- Bloom Killed by Train-Herman Fry Killed by Falling Tree-Accidental Death of Edward Larrahty.
CHAPTER IX-MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST 670
Educational History-Schools in the Various Townships-Value of School Froperty-First Things of Osceola County-The Iowa Land Company, Lim., of London, England-The Fuel Question in Early Days-Hay Twisters-Early Planting of Forest Trees and the Beneficent Results-Transportation- Prairie Schooners-Advent of the Railroads-The Grasshopper Scourge- Interesting Agricultural Facts-Pioneer Letters-A Marvelous Change Since Pioneer Days-Early Hardships and Discomforts-Ode to Osceola.
BIOGRAPHICAL
715
1
HISTORICAL INDEX
O'BRIEN COUNTY.
A
Abstracts of Title. 478
Administrative Period 26
Agricultural Society.
481
Agricultural Statistics
474
Agriculture
177
Altitude
482
346
Archer
398
Business Interests 399
Churches
319
1
How Named
398
1
Incorporation 398 1 I 1
Platting of
358
Postmasters
399
Schools
399
1
Archer Bank
241, 247
Archer, John H.
191
Archer Superior to Omaha
464
Army Record of Old Soldiers
499
Attorneys, County
121
Attorneys of O'Brien County.
262
Auditors, County
108, 118
B
Baker Library 214
Baker Township
420
Early Settlement 420
1
Old Soldiers
500
Organization
420
Population
420
Squatters
1
1
Balkema, Nicholas I
469
Bank Statistics 1 1
245
Banks and Banking
230
Banquet of Land Attorneys
105
Baptist Church
337
Bar of O'Brien County
262
Beach, Fred, Death of.
209
Black Hawk
202
1
Blizzards
143
Boodle Board
48
1
1
1
1
F
Bosler, James W.
1
32, 41
1
Bounty Money Scalped
51
Burial Mounds
484
C
Caledonia Township 1 1 430 1
Old Soldiers
501
1 I 1 1 Settlement 430
Calumet
442
1
Business
Interests
444
I
1
1
1
Churches
319
1
First Election
443
1
1
Location
442
Old Soldiers
501
1
E
Park
443
Platting of
1 358
1 1 I Postoffice 444 1
1 1 Public Improvements 443 .
Calumet Bank
242, 247
"Calumet Independent"
1
300
1
Cannon, Charles C.
469
Carroll Township
1
1
391
Early Settlers
391
First School
225
Old Soldiers
501
1
1 Pioneers 393
Reminiscences 1
222
Squatters
106
Catholic Church L 1
338
1
Center Township
417
1
Early Settlers 1
417
Location
I
1
1
I
1
1
1
Old Soldiers
501
I
Organization
417
1
I
1
1
1
1
I
1
I
1
1
1 1
I 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
1
106
417
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Chautauquas 198
Chickens, Prairie 488
Christian Churches 332
Christian Reformed Church
331
Christian Science Church
332
Church of Christ
332
I
Church Schools
199
Church Statistics
1
Churches
311
249
City Government
354
Clerk of Courts.
261
Congregational Churches
322
Congressional Districts
483
Congressional Land Grants
86
Congressmen
483
Constitutional Debt Limitation
76
Contested Election
114
Contests for County Seat 153
County Attorneys
121
County Auditors
108,
118
County Debt
56
County Debt Rebonded 83
County Expenditures
474
I
County Farm
123
County Government
108
County Home
123
County Judge
109
1
County Officials, 1913 470
County Organization Election 31
County Recorders
119
Entry of First Homestead
45
Estates
285
Evangelical Association 1
331
1
Evangelical Churches
327
Eviction of Squatters
96
Expenditures, County
474
Expenses, Curious Early
62
Court Held in Paine's Store 134
Court House, Log.
42. 129, 137
Court House History 129
Court House Public Square 135
Court Proceedings
276
Courts, The 249
Creative Period 26
Crops, First
70
Customs of Early Settlers 68
Cyclones
139, 142
Dale Township 422
Description
122
1
1
1
1
1
Old Soldiers 501
1
1
1
1 1
Settlement 422 1 1 L 1
Soil
422
Squatters 105 1 1 1 1 1
Death of Fred Beach
1
1
1
1
209
Debt, County
56
Debt, County, Rebounded. 1
83
Debt Limitation
76
Dedication of County Home.
1
124
1
District Court
249
District Judges
1
249
Doctor, the First
1
53
Doctors, First
302
Doctors, Registered
306
I
"Dutch Fred"
36, 45, 446
E
Early Settlers 65
Early Settlers, Customs of
1
68
Educational History
194
Edwards, Andrew J.
111
Election Contest 114
Election, County Organization 31
Election, First General
31,
42
Election, Second General
32
English Settlers 66
County Records
119
County Seat Contests 153
County Superintendent Schools_
_19
199
County Supervisors
120
County Surveyors
120
County Treasurers
113
F
Farm Improvements 188
Farm Products
181
Farmers' Institutes 189
Farmers Mutual Ins. Ass'n. 46S
Farms, Large
190
Feldman, Fred
36, 45, 446
Fiddle String Township
383
1
1
1
1
1
Circuit Court
1
1
343
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
D
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Fires, Prairie 73, 147
First Crops 70
First General Election 31,
42
First Grand Jury 252
First Homestead Entry
45
First Jury Case 253
First Physicians in County 302
H
Hartley 384
Beginning of
384
Business Directory 389 1 1
Churches
1 317 1
1 First Officers 385 1 1
1 1 1 Incorporation 384 1 1
1 1 Mayors 390 1
Old Soldiers
1 503 1
Platting of
357
Postoffice
388
1 1 Present Officers 387
1 1 Public Utilities 388
T School History 385
Soldiers' Monument I
388
1 Hartley Banks 239, 246
I "Hartley Journal" 299 1 1
"Hartley News" 300
"Hartley Record"
299
I Hartley Township 384
Old Soldiers 503 1
F Highland Township 423
Old Soldiers 502
Hay Twister
479
High Schools 1
195, 197
Hollanders 68
Homestead Entry, First.
1
45
Homestead Law . 1 1
65
1
1
Hospitals
1
1
304
Hub Hotel
167
Humorous Incidents
1
1 1
455
Hunter, A Noted
490
I
Improvements, Farm 188
Incident, Curious Indian
487
Incorporated Towns 354
Independent Order of Odd Fellows 350
Indian Incident, Curious
487
Indian Occupancy 200
Indian Scare
455
Indian Treaties
201
Indians in O'Brien County
37
(11/2)
Grant Township-Continued.
Natural Features 427
Old Soldiers 502 1
Grasshoppers 149 1 1 I
Groves
1
1
1
1
1
1
1 1 1
1
Government, County 1
108
Grand Jury, First
252
Grant Township 1
1
1 1
426
I 1 I First Settlers 427 1
Milwaukee Road
429
1
I
431
Location
Platting of
1
431 359
Postoffice
432
German Evan. Church of No. Am 336 German Evan. Luth. Zion Churches_ 327 German Settlers 68
Germantown
Game, Wild 489
Gaza
423
Platting of 358
375
1 1 How Named 375 1
Old Soldiers 502 1
1 Population 376 1 1 1 1
Settlement
1
375
1 Squatters 106
Fraternal Societies 1
346
Freemasonry 346
French Settlers
74
Friends, Society of 325
Fruits
I
1 1
1 1
362
1 How Named 1 1 1 1
361
1 Location 362 1 1 1
Old Soldiers 501 1
Squatters 107
Foreign Fopulation 75
Fort Dodge Crowd 42 1 I
Franklin Township 1 1
Floyd Township
361
I
I
Early Settlers 1
First Things
52
I
1
First White Child 41 1
Flowers, Wild
188
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Woodstock, Known as 424
Gaza Bank 242, 247
187
G
1
I
1 1
L
180
First Record Entries 53
First Sermon in County
313
1
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Inman, Chester W. 192
Institutes, Farmers' 189
Institutes, Teachers' 198
Irish Settlers 1
67
J
Jails 136
Jokes Reminiscent 462
Jordan, Samuel J. I 1 1
193
Judges
249
1
1
Judges, County
109
Jury Case, First 1
253
Justices' Courts
286
1
K
Knights of Pythias
352
L
Land Grants, Congressional 86
Land Investors 244
1 Land Jumping 43. 1
92
Land Litigation
94
1
1
Land Loans
178
1
1
Land Office Trials 93 I
Land Squatters, List of 1 1
105
1 Land Values 178 1 1
Lands, Overlapping
85
1
Lands, Squatter 85 I
Law Suits 276
Lawyers of O'Brien County 262 1 1
Lecture Courses 198
Legal Questions 277
Liberty Township
442
Old Soldiers 504
Library, First Circulating 53
Library, Gen. N. B. Baker 214
Library Parties
218
Lincoln Township
382
1 Old Soldiers 503
List of O'Brien Soldiers 499 1 I
1 Litigation 276 1
Litigation, Land 94
Little Sioux River 179
Lodges
346
Log Court House 42, 129, 137
Mc
McCormack, B. F. 491
McCormack, F. M. (Pomp) 290
McCormack, John
490
M
Masonic Order 346
Medical History 302
Medical Progress
309
I
Meeting, a Notable
81
Memorable Winters
146
Methodist Churches
311
Milwaukee Lands
86,
95
Minerals, Lack of
190
Miscellaneous
468
Moneta
419
Business
Interests
419
Churches
321
Fires
420
1
First Things
419
1
1
Incorporation
419
Platting of
357
Moneta Bank 240,
247
Mound Builders
200
Mounds, Burial
484
Murray, Archibald
110
N
Naming of County
28
Newspapers
287
Norwegian Lutheran Church
330
Notable Meeting
81
0
O'Brien County
Agricultural
So-
ciety
481
"O'Brien County Bell" 290
O'Brien County in the Humorous.
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