USA > Iowa > Story County > A history of Story county, Iowa: Carefully compiled, from the earliest settlement to the present, March 1, 1887. > Part 17
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Nina Sheffield, Charley Grove, O. B. Peterson.
ZEARING.
Minerva Wickham, Ira Bowman,
ROLAND.
Belle Hegland, L. A. Stueland,
M'CALLSBURG.
Eva Spencer, John Egnes.
ONTARIO.
W. H. Jonhron.
GILBERT.
Lillian Barker.
COLLINS.
Mary Bedell,
Rhoda Shinkle, Ella Ozmun.
STATE CENTER.
Edward Binder,
Carolina Binder.
Inez C. Myers.
HUXLY.
Lewis Ness.
BANGOR.
Maggie Herlocker.
BROMLY.
Ola Pennington,
LE GRAND.
Luella E. Mote.
Commenced August 9.
3
Maud Flickinger,
Elma Lewis, Elbert Thatcher, Lola Hahn.
B. M. Rasmussen, Christine Roe, Amelia Relland.
SHELDAHL.
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
A COMRADE OF 1812.
One of the most interesting characters which has ever attended any of the meetings of the National Association, was present at this re-union, and his presence on the stage yesterday was the occasion of a voluntary ovation to him. Mr. Micah French, of Story County, was a private soldier in the ranks of the American Army which repelled the invasion of the last British arms on free American soil. A reporter of the Register called on Mr. French yesterday with a view to learning something of his remarkable career. He is feeble and gray with age, but is in possession of all his faculties save that of sight, which is almost gone. His recollection of the events of three-quarters of a century ago is not at all times per- fectly clear, but enough was learned to give a fair idea of his life. He was born in New York on April 6, 1792, and from that State enlisted at the early age of twenty years in the army of the then Republic. He served through that war faithfully and was honor- ably discharged. He was in many of the most sanguine engage- ments, his company being in the command which moved to the north on the invasion of Canada.
At the battle of Queenstown, known to every school boy, Mr. French was wounded by a musket ball in his arm. This ball he carries yet, and is probably now the only living American who has the honor of carrying a British bullet fired on American soil. He served in the Black Hawk war, enlisting from Illinois, which was then a far west country. His three sons and every grandson, who was old enough, enlisted in the Rebellion. While yet the central portion of Indiana was held by the Miami Indians he moved to that country, but now for thirty years he has lived in Story County. His life has been a plain and simple one, and he bids fair to live several years more .- Des Moines Register .- (August 2, 1886.)
Monday morning Company G. went to camp at Marshalltown for the annual drill and to have a regular lark. The boys will have a good time and return to business improved greatly in color, and it is to be hoped, in health as well.
The Company is reported by the Times-Republican as composed of the following officers and men:
Captain-J. R. Mccutchen.
First Lieutenant-O. A. Lyssand.
Second Lieutenant-U. S. Alderman.
Sergeants-George Briggs, Frank Burdick, Edwin J. G. Reid.
Corporals-C. P. Murphey, William Fifer, William Bates, Chas. L. Covell.
Musician-Bert B. Childs.
Privates-H. A. Armstrong, Frank A. Boynton, Harry F. Child, William Chapman, Frank E. Cook, C. W. Earle, Albert W. Fry, William Fitchpatrick, Norillo F. Gillispie, James G. Hastings, M.
-
164
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
Hiland, M. Hastings, Martin Hardesty, Neils Jager, Anton P. Johnson, Osmund S. Nelson, Edgar Statler, Homer W. Smay .- (August 2, 1886.)
THE GREAT CHICAGO & NORTHWESTERN RAILWAY.
There is something wonderful about the energy and push of this peer among the railways of America. Under the matchless execu- tive ability of General Manager Marvin Hughitt, and his able assistants, Mr. W. H. Stennett, and Messrs. R. G. Hare and W. A. Thrall, of the Passenger Department, Mr. H. R. Mccullough, of the Traffic Department, and Messrs C. C. Wheeler and H. G. Burt, Superintendents of the leading divisions of this mighty thoroughfare, the old Chicago & Northwestern Railway has taken a rank excelled by no road in the world. It not only keeps its 5,000 miles of track in the best possible condition, but it is con- stantly pushing itself northward and westward, opening up new sections for pre-emption and settlement. During the past year it has made many new conquests of territory, and many extensions and improvements-Of these the following are among the most prominent: A new line from Belvidere, Illinois, south to the coal fields west of Peru, a distance of seventy-six miles; from Center- ville, D. T., to Yankton, D. T., (new line,) distance of thirty miles; from Valentine, Nebraska, west to Chadron, a line of one hundred and thirty-seven miles. Grading is progressing on a new line from Chadron north towards Rapid City, near Deadwood; also a line from Chadron west. At Winona, Minnesota, a mammoth eleva- tor was erected; a new passenger depot at Madison, Wisconsin, and six new iron spans have been placed in their Mississippi River bridge at Clinton, while others will be added this winter .-- Ames Intelligencer .- (January 7, 1886.)
The Annual Re-union for 1886 of the old soldiers in Story County will be held at Nevada, on Thursday and Friday, the twelfth and thirteenth of August, prox. As Nevada is the central town in the county, the attendance should, and we hope will, include every ex-union soldier within the limits of Story County. We know the hospitable people of our sister town will extend to them a gen- erous and cordial welcome; while the comrades and others there will regard it a pleasure to open wide their doors and give the boys of '61-5 such a whole-souled greeting as will bring their hearts to their lips. Let the comrades make, by their presence, the re-union of '86 memorable for numbers and enjoyment.
The Faculty of the Agricultural College extended an elaborate reception, Friday evening, to Dr. Chamberlain, the new president. There was a dress parade by the college battalion, a banquet, an
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
address of welcome by ex-President Welch, a response by Presi- dent Chamberlain, and toasts by representatives of many parties interested in the success and usefulness of the college. The wel- come to the new president was hearty and unanimous and appeared to be a finale of the differences which have existed among the friends of the college .- Nevada Representative .- (August 4, 1886.)
A Little York girl, while lisping her childish prayer at her mother's knee before retiring, stopped in the middle of her devo- tions and said: "O, Lord, please wait a minute until I scratch my toe."
CEDAR RAPIDS.
Advices from Belle Plaine say that the artesian well is still vom- iting out a stream as large as the fore wheel of a wagon. The Chicago Engineer, George Morgan, arrived. He believes it will in time exhaust itself. A cone, twenty feet in length and tapering from twelve to thirty inches, is being made from heavy boiler iron. This will be fastened to a five inch tube loaded with sand and sunk, in the hope that it will gradually settle in the hole and plug it up. The story in the papers about an immense and increasing damage is an exaggeration. The surplus water is being led off by two chan- nels, which will be sufficient to prevent an overflow.
The civil engineer, George Morgan, stated that the discharge of water was 5,000,000 gallons daily with a pressure of twenty-six pounds to the square inch. There is no immediate danger from the overflow and the excitement has about subsided. The five inch pipe to be sunk to-morrow with the cone-shaped top will be seven- ty-five feet long and the success of the experiment will depend upon sinking it in the exact center of the well. If it does not suc- ceed a twenty inch well will be sunk below the water point, which is expected to stop the water flow, as the last well stopped the other seven. The proposed new well will be fitted with a cap so that when the geyser is filled up the water may be forced back again into the seven wells which have ceased flowing. The only danger apprehended is that when the water is cut off the loose soil for a number of feet about the well, which is bouyed up by its pressure, may cave in, making a bad hole in the street. This will be about fifty feet deep, since the soil to that depth is com- posed of sand and gravel, when the impervious bed of clay which the water cannot wear away to any extent. The crisis is supposed to be past .- Nevada Watchman .- (September 3, 1886.)
The painting of the Court House by Mr. Davis has been com- pleted and the work is well done and looks well. The contract price for the work was $240 and the material used cost $192.66.
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
There will be some little extra charge for work, that will come before the board for their action, which will swell the total a trifle. The total cost will thus be a trifle over $432.66. That is quite a con- trast with the bid of some of the competitors .- Nevada Watchman. -(October 29, 1886.)
MAXWELL SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVENTION.
The Convention of the Sunday Schools of this district assembled here October 10th and held a very successful meeting. O. B. Ingalls, our worthy President, was on hand, as he always is, when anything is going on that pertains to Sunday Schools. He is an indefatigable worker and by his continual labors the members of our Sabbath Schools are continually on the increase. Dr. Bunce was present and favored us with his views on temperance in all things, more especially on rum and tobacco. He being able to tell so much from actual experience, and so many being present that knew what he had been, his remarks produced a profound impres- sion. May he be the means of bringing many out of the miry pit and placing their feet upon the rock Christ Jesus, who only is able to save fallen humanity. Our district President, A. L. Golden, was present and gave a good report of the Sunday School work in this district. The Rev. R. A. Ferguson spoke upon the topic "Watch- man, What of the Night?" and encouraged the hearts of the workers by his eloquent remarks. He was unexpectedly called away in the afternoon to attend the funeral of Mrs. Alex. McCon- nell, who resided about two miles southeast of this place. These conventions are stirring up the people to greater zeal in the Sun- day School work and are conductive of much good. May the good work go on, until all church members and young people shall be found enrolled as earnest workers in studying the truth which is in Christ Jesus. WORKER.
-(October 13, 1886.)
SABBATH SCHOOL CONVENTION.
The Sabbath school convention called to meet at the chapel in Franklin township October 17th, got at work in good time in the forenoon with a fair attendance from Nevada, Ames, Bloomington and the surrounding country. The convention was opened in the usual manner by Bro. Howland, of Milford. The lesson was read responsively and explained by Bro. Ingalls, of Nevada. The ques- tion " When and for what purpose should lesson helps be used" was discussed by Messrs. Jas. Brown, T. C. Miller, Hardcastle and Wright, of Ames. After an intermission the afternoon session opened with song and praise service conducted by Mr. Wingert, of Nevada, and in which, besides the choir, Messrs. Ingalls, Brown, Howland, Fegtly, Miller, Bunce, Hardcastle, Wright and Ferguson
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
participated. Mrs. Fegtly and another lady also took a part. 'What is the greatest need of the Sabbath school of to-day" was well handled by Mr. Hardcastle. " What is being done in the Sabbath school-the outlook," was answered by Howland, Ingalls and Fegtly. "From what standpoint shall temperance be taught in the Sabbath school," was responded to by Dr. Beverly, of Ames, who showed the evil effects of intemperance. He was followed by Dr. Bunce, of Nevada, who gave a temperance speech with the "right kind of a ring to it." "How can we have the most and best influ- ence with our class," by Mrs. Fegtly was well handled. Mrs. Orson Brown played the organ in the forenoon and Mrs. Wingert in the afternoon. The convention was one of the best of the season.
(Oct. 20, 1886.) F.
The new church-United Brethren in Christ-four miles south of Ames, will be dedicated on Sunday, November 7, 1886. Sermon by Elder Geo. Miller. All are invited. COM.
This new church is in the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of section 25, township 83, range 24; was built in 1886.
The Nevada Fire company, October 4th, elected the following officers for the ensuing year: Fire marshal, T. P. Worsely; assist- ant, W. H. Jones; president, J. H. Boyd; secretary and treasurer, L. H. Proctor; foreman of engine, John Peterson; assistant, Al. Fry; foreman of hook and ladder, Geo. Brady; assistant, Z. Pres- nell; janitor, Al. Fry .- (1886.)
ACTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
On motion, the salaries of the officers were fixed as follows:
Clerk of district court fees not to exceed thirteen hundred dol- lars ($1,300).
County recorder fees as provided by law.
Deputy clerk, six hundred dollars ($600).
On motion, the Nevada Representative, Ames Intelligencer, and Nevada Watchman were selected as the official papers for the ensuing year.
The treasurer was authorized and instructed to transfer $471.90 from the domestic animal fund to the county fund as provided by section six of chapter seventy of the laws of the twentieth general assembly .- (Jan. 10, 1887.)
A large company of ladies assembled in G. A. R. hall Friday evening of last week, to witness the installation ceremonies of the new order of W. R. C. recently established at Ames. There were present also quite a number of gentlemen, " lookers on in Venice," and of course to give tone and eclat to the occasion! Mrs. Nichols, the commander of the department of Iowa, a very accomplished lady, was the installing officer, and went through the service of installation with much grace and dignity. During the open session eloquent addresses were made by Gen. Geddes, Prof. Wynn
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
and Col. Bigelow. At the close of the oratory the gentlemen were very politely bowed out; and the ladies held a secret session of a couple of hours, to perfect themselves in the established work. The corps is now fully equipped for active duty, and will do valiant service in the cause of humanity. *
* * Its deeds of kindness and charity will be felt by many old soldiers and their families. The corps will meet in G. A. R. hall every alternate Friday after- noon. The Post, at its meeting Saturday evening, granted to the corps the free use of the hall .- (Ames Intelligencer, Feb. 10, 1887.)
SCHOOLS AND SOCIAL CONDITION.
The schools of the county are in a most excellent condition. Our teachers of country schools are better qualified, continue in the same schools longer, and in all respects do much better work than formerly. The town schools of the county are graded and doing creditable work, while the schools of Nevada and Ames, with high school departments, are second to none in similar towns in the state. The school buildings of both town and country are, as a rule, in a good state of repair and some of them are exceptionally fine structures. The taxation necessary to secure these desirable educational results is voluntarily imposed and cheerfully paid. -(Nevada Representative, Dec. 29, 1886.)
The Story County attendants upon the meeting of the State Teachers' association were: Supt. Roe, Prof. and Mrs. Weld, Prof. Wynn, Prof. Chevalier, Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Payne, Mrs. M. E. Boynton, Misses Sara Kraiger, Belle Garrett, Emma Purkhiser, Hattie Smith, Alice Lewis, Nellie Fahnestock, and Mattie Living- ston and Messrs. Clark McLain, Frank Shutts and. E. L. Erickson. -(Nevada Representative, Jan. 5, 1887.)
The senior class in our public school is spoken of with the highest commendation. In the markings for seniority of place, Miss Lanning captured the honors with an average of ninty-eight in a possible one hundred, followed closely by others whose relative standing had to be determined by fractions. No higher evidence of the excellent character of our high school and the good work being done by Prof. Chevalier and his assistants could be desired. The junior class is also well advanced in their studies, and promise to equal the standing of their predecessors, coupled with an honest endeavor to eclipse them. If our citizens will give Prof. Chevalier a hearty and cordial support, he will make our public school equal to any in the state .- (Ames Intelligencer, Jan. 6, 1887.)
169
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
LINCOLN TOWNSHIP.
A HISTORY OF LINCOLN TOWNSHIP FROM ITS ORGANIZATION TO MARCH, 1887 .- CONTAINING, ALSO, A NOTICE OF MANY OF ITS CITIZENS.
POPULATION 666.
#
Elsewhere will be found a history of the first settlement of Lin- coln Township. It received its name in honor of A. Lincoln, the President of the United States. He was a noble man most surely. The township was organized in 1867, comprising all of township eighty-five north and range twenty-one west.
The brief items, with dates, were culled in part from our county papers.
ZEARING, Story County, Iowa, Jan. 21, 1882.
Names seem to be plenty for this place. The railroad company have now named the station Ashhurst. I suppose they did it for the purpose of making it convenient for the citizens of the place. I do not see what is gained by naming the station a different name than the town has, viz., Zearing.
There have been several additions to the list of persons doing business lately.
Mr. Brooks, from Mitchell county, Iowa, has his building nearly completed and is opening up a good stock of dry goods, boots and shoes.
Messrs. Patton & Johnson have a fine building and are opening up a large stock of hardware. They also have a first-class tin shop in connection with their hardware.
Messrs. Granger, of Colo, and N. R. Clift are each in the grain business, they are paying good prices for grain, and are shipping about two car loads of grain per day.
Mr. Hawley, of Colo, has shipped two or three cars of hogs from this place.
It is quite inconvenient for those doing business here on account of no post-office here, Colo and Illinois Grove are the nearest post-offices.
Dr. Squires, of Illinois Grove, the former postmaster there, has been commissioned postmaster for this place. I wish he could commence his duties at once.
Major Hix is station agent at this place. He has been in the
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
position about two weeks and appears to be quite at home in the office.
Threshing and corn husking is about finished in the township. Yours truly, EB.
The buyers in Zearing are paying thirty-five cents per bushel of eighty pounds for corn and there is quite a large amount being hauled to town .- (November, 1882.)
Henry Orthman, a German, living about two miles south of Zear- ing, committed suicide Monday morning of last week by shooting the top of his head off with a shot-gun. Orthman had had poor health for a number of years and had been worse for some time past, and it seems was tired of living and so took this method of ending his existence .- (November, 1882.)
Dr. Newton is building a residence in the east part of town. Messrs. Thatcher & Norton are building a good livery stable in the west part. Mr. Tooker has finished the inside of the hotel building in good shape by plastering, putting in bed-rooms, etc .- (Zearing, November, 1882.)
The Northern Light, of Latrobe, is to be removed to Zearing and issued as a republican paper. Messrs. Lewis will improve the pros- pects by the change of location quite materially. Of course we wish them abundant success .- (December, 1882.).
THAT CONVENTION AT ZEARING.
At about seven o'clock last Sabbath morning, August 20th, in company with that genial companion, Rev. M. L. Mun, the writer hereof started overland for Zearing to attend the first quarterly meeting of the county Sabbath school association.
A pleasant drive of three hours brought us to the end of our journey, and we were surprised to find so much of a town, and it is so pleasantly located.
Mr. Paxton, of Ames, and Mr. and Mrs. Howland, of Pleasant Grove, arrived soon after, as did also Mr. and Mrs Geo. Clift, of Hubbard. Mr. J. A. Boston and family, of Warren, and Rev. Johnson, of Colo, were present in the afternoon.
The convention was held in the new town hall, which was well filled with an interesting, as well as an apparently interested, audi- ence, largely composed of young people and children, who gave excellent attention during the somewhat lengthy exercises of the day.
The opening devotional exercises were conducted by Mr. T. B. Howland, followed by the discussion of the topic: "The Sabbath school-what is it doing?" led by Mr. Mun, who, as usual, pre- sented some grand thoughts.
Mr. G. S. Clift led in the discussion of the next topic, viz: "How can we increase the teacher's competency and earnestness?" and gave a very earnest and practical talk. It was evident that he,
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
himself, possessed what he thought every teacher should, to-wit: a full appreciation of the importance of the Sabbath school work.
After discussing one more topic the convention adjourned for dinner.
First after dinner came the Praise meeting, led by Rev. Johnson, of Colo, in an interesting manner, and then the Children's meet- ing, led by Mr. G. S. Clift, who gave the children a nice black- board exercise, illustrating the story of "The Lost Lamb," which he related to them in a pleasing manner. Mr. Mun also talked to the children, and the manner and readiness with which they answered questions, indicated that they enjoyed the remarks of both speakers, and also that their Sabbath school teacher or teach- ers had done good work.
The remarks of Mr. A. Stebbins upon "The Sabbath school teacher out of school," as also those of Mr. G. Paxton on " Shall the Sabbath school scholar attend public worship," were good, being practical and earnest.
.
An election of officers for the township organization resulted in Mr. A. Stebbins being elected president, and Mrs. N. R. Clift sec- retary and treasurer.
Mr. N. R. Clift and Mr. G. Paxton were elected delegates to the district convention, at Ogden, in October.
We should judge that the Sabbath school at this place, under the management of Mr. Clift, is doing a good work, and that Lincoln Township has earnest workers to look after the work there .- (Au- gust 20, 1882.)
Everything is lovely in Zearing. A Christmas tree in Ingrams hall Christmas night was well loaded with useful and handsome presents; and Santa Claus was very well personated by a person clothed in furs and sheep-skin. The hall was packed full of people and a great many were unable to get inside the hall.
The new elevator is being built as fast as possible and will be a great addition to the appearance and business of the town.
W. F. Lewis & Sons are intending to enlarge the Northern Light and print it in Zearing hereafter.
J. C. Burkhart has moved into his new house and is now a citi- zen of the town .- (Zearing, Jan. 3, 1883.) EB.
The following itemized building improvements in Zearing during 1882, have been kindly furnislied us: E. A. Abbott, steam elevator .$ 2,500
500
J. C. Burkhart, dwelling house 1,500
George Williams, dwelling house
300
James Williams, dwelling house
800
Joseph Ingram, store and hall.
1,000
Patton & Johnston, finishing store 200
G. Tuttle, improvements on store 200
Barb wire factory. 200
E. G. Slaight, warehonse.
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
J. McClain, dwelling house 200
Robert Doul, harness shop 1,550
Snider, boot and shoe store. 550
D. A. Tooker, finishing hotel 300
R. Peary, dwelling house. 350
J. H. V. Willetts, drug store 1,000
W. H. Brooks, improvement on store. 200
E. G. Richardson, improvements on house 200
R. R. Company stock-yard. 300
William Thatcher, livery stable. 500
Other Lincoln Township improvements were two new school houses which, including furniture, cost $700 each 1,400
James Carver, new barn .. 500
J. M. Price, hay barn, and farm fences 400
Total improvements .$13,600
(Jan. 17, 1883.)
ZEARING.
Cold stormy weather this week.
The incorporation election held the fourth instant passed off quietly with a good majority in favor of incorporation.
The Odd Fellows organized a lodge in Zearing Monday evening. Quite a number were in town from Nevada, State Center and Hubbard.
The new elevator will be ready to receive grain as soon as the machinery can be put in the building.
The railroad company did considerable extra work last week. It took two days with two or three engines, snow plows, etc., to clear the road from Marshalltown to Story City. They had an engine off the track twice during the time which made it rather interest- ing. We had no mails for three days which was not very interest- ing for us.
The Northern Light has been moved to Zearing and we hear it is to have a new name.
Wm. Golly has rented his building to Pierce Bros., who intend to put in a stock of furniture in a few days.
E. G. Richardson and W. H. Golly are buying live stock here now, and the boys are stirring around as though they intended to buy some.
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