USA > Iowa > Story County > A history of Story county, Iowa: Carefully compiled, from the earliest settlement to the present, March 1, 1887. > Part 19
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
Howard at or near the southwest corner of section 7, then passing through, in a zigzag form, sections 18, 19, 30 and 31-crossing the township line into Milford, near the southeast corner of section 31. Keigley's branch of Skunk river passes through the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 31, very near the south- west corner of Howard Township. This creek was thus named after Esq. John H. Keigley, an early settler, and a worthy man. There are several smaller creeks passing through Howard. Bear Creek runs from the northeast part through it southwesterly and empties into Skunk River in section 6, township 84, range 23, crossing the south line of Howard, (south line of section 32.) This creek, as well as "Bear Grove," received its name from the circum- stances of a black bear having been killed on it by Isaac Smith, one of the early settlers. "Long Dick" Creek, the main branch, enters the north line of Howard, as well as the north line of Story County, in section 3, about the Bog Springs, then passes southwesterly and enters the Skunk River in the southwest quarter of section 18, township 85, range 23. It is said this creek (on which the old Smith mill stood,) received its name from the incident of a man, by the nick-name of "Long Dick," in looking over the country, up and down the creek, got lost and had to stay on the prairie one or two nights-yes, and just think of it-among prairie wolves and Indians-the Indians one hundred miles away; why, it was terri- ble! Well, he finally got back to settlement as Long as ever; so the creek was named "Long Dick."
There was a town laid off, October, 1854, on the southwest quar- ter of the northeast quarter of section 18, township 85, range 23, called "Smithfield," very near to this celebrated mill, you can read about it as described by my friend, R. W. Ballard.
There was once considerable timber along the western border of the township and some in Bear Grove, but much of the larger tim- ber is now missing. The improvements in this township, within the last ten or fourteen years have been brisk; and especially within the vicinity of the railroad.
There are several in Howard who ship a great many cattle, hogs and grain and perhaps horses. I will name a few of them: Jonas Duea, H. C. C. Duea, O. O. Helgen, Mr. Michaelson, Sowers and Evanson.
Even Sowers & Minkler, of Milford, and Lockwood & Bechtel, of Nevada, ship cattle and hogs from Roland.
There are many who raise cattle and hogs for sale, and supply ship- pers; some of whom may be named, viz: Jonas Duea, John Christian, Giles A. Fenn, M. Erickson, John Michaelson, O. Laughland, Abel Olson, Elias Johnson, Oliver Thompson, M. Hegland, Ole O. Heg- land, S. Opstret, Ole J. Olson, John Ritland, Jeremiah Olson, Ole Ritland. Many raise and ship their own stock.
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
There are still others, in Howard, who are active, energetic farmers, and others, stirring citizens, who should be named, Sol Switzer, Paul Thompson, John Nelson, John Evanson, John Twedt, H. J. Wulfsburg, Knute Thompson, John James, R. W. Ballard, H. L. Ballard, H. F. Ferguson, B. S. Rasmussen, Erick E. Evans, K. Olson.
During the year prior and to November 1, 1886 there were fifty- three cars of grain, and one hundred and thirty-five cars of stock shipped from Roland.
The creamery at Roland makes about 1,000 pounds of butter per day during six months of the year. The tile factory makes an es- timate of 200,000 tiles and 150,000 brick during the season.
LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP.
A HISTORY OF LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP FROM ITS EARLY SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION TO MARCH, 1887 .- CONTAINING, ALSO, A NOTICE OF MANY OF ITS CITIZENS.
POPULATION-TOWNSHIP 920, STORY CITY 595-1,515.
Elsewhere will be found a history also of its first settlement. It was named after Gen. Marquis De Lafayette, that distinguished and noble Frenchman who aided us so nobly in the Revolutionary war to secure for this nation our "National Independence." Lafayette Township was organized in 1854, now comprising only Township eighty-five north, range twenty-four west.
The brief items, with dates, were partly culled from our county papers.
STORY CITY ITEMS.
STORY CITY, Dec. 17, 1878.
Good sleighing and lots of farmers in town every day.
Our poultry man, N. B. Jacobs, is taking in large quantities of turkeys and chickens daily.
Business is brightening up since the snow came.
The people of Story City were thrown into a state of excitement and alarm by a prairie fire which started in Hamilton County and
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
burned in a southeasterly direction toward this place. Fortunately the wind subsided and the fire was put out but not until it was within two miles of Story City. Much property was consumed in Hamilton County, consisting of barns, corn-cribs, fences, &c., one man named Oleson losing forty tons of hay.
G. W. Sowers has again made large shipments of hogs and cattle. OR.
Mayor Wier will deliver his address of welcome before the Min- isterial association next Thursday afternoon .- (Story City Herald, Aug. 23, 1882.)
The town will be flooded with preachers from all parts of the Des Moines conference who come to attend the Ministerial associa- tion which convenes next Thursday and remains in session until Sunday. There will be forenoon and afternoon sessions each day and preaching in the evening .- (Story City Herald.)
Hans Hanson, of Story City, was adjudged insane by the proper authorities last night, and is to be taken to the poor farm to-day for care and safe keeping .- (Nov. 29, 1882.)
Very little grain has come to town this week, and dealers have been taking time to settle up old accounts. The snow lies in solid drifts along the fences; and the children enjoy the fun coasting it affords .- (Jan. 17, 1883.)
The convention here on Saturday of the teachers of Hamilton and Story counties was quite interesting. Instructive lessons were given by Superintendent Richardson on writing, geography and map drawing; and by Supt. Roe, in arithmetic. The absence of Prof. F. E. Plummer of Nevada, through failure in connection of trains at Ames was regretted .- (Jan. 17, 1883.)
Since the exit of the late, not lamented blizzard, this little burg has been as brisk as a bee hive. Of course producers have been the main factors in creating the stir and keeping tradesmen busy. Butler & Molstre have received more corn than was anticipated for this season and found it of better quality. The orders they are filling indicate preparation for considerable building in this vicin- ity on the opening of spring .- (Jan. 31, 1883.)
Merry girls and boys and the spirit of earnest work have filled all departments of our school since the return of pleasant weather. -(Story City, Jan. 31, 1883.)
The spirit of the still filled five or six of our town boys a few nights since, and thereupon, His Honor, the Mayor, emphasized the fact that " the way of the transgressor is hard," by imposing upon each offender a fine of from five to eight dollars .- (Jan. 31, 1883.)
We have to record the sad event of Mrs. Bristow's death. Mrs. Bristow resided in Nevada before her marriage, and she is remem-
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
bered there as Miss Martha Tegland. The very large attendance at her funeral attests the regard in which she was held by this community, and sympathy with the bereaved husband and his motherless little flock .- (Jan. 31, 1883.)
At Willow Grove, five miles southeast, the large congregation of Rev. Evans was swelled by a goodly number of our people; and, after the service, visiting friends in the party were treated to a view of that interesting wonder, the Watkins flowing well, from which pours out unceasingly a stream sufficient to run a great, old-fashioned mill .- (Story City, Jan. 31, 1883.)
STORY CITY.
Bad going has checked business somewhat, but it is the general verdict that the past season has developed far more business than was anticipated. In due time the city is to receive an accession by immigration, as Mr. Molstre, who is agent for the Dominion line, has just forwarded $416 passage money for four persons from Norway.
Examinations were held on Friday, and Saturday came the expo- sition which was a most creditable and interesting display of the handiwork of the pupils in general. The collection comprised a great variety of articles, ranging from the cake and cushion and shingle boat manufactured by the least of the flock, to the elaborate crochet and needle work and nice pieces of cabinet work by the older pupils. An article belonging to the last mentioned class was fashioned from thirty-six different kinds of wood, nearly all of which are native to this region. Saturday evening brought a crowd of visitors. They were entertained with good music by Miss Rich- ards, the band and the glee club, and by several interesting addresses. Prof. Leighton's speech was an expression of thanks to patrons and pupils; Capt. Wier called to mind the growth of edu- cational advantages since his early days in a log school house; Dr. Allen encouraged the teachers with appreciative words; and Mr. Evans noted some widely differing sources of education and reminded that the wholesome lessons of the good school displace the pernicious influences of the street .- (Story City, March 7, 1883.)
A Story City correspondent writes to the Register as follows:
STORY CITY, March 6, 1883 ..
While through your columns most of the young cities of the state have begged space to lend their virtues, Story City has stood back, carefully noting the prosperity of others and comparing their advantages with those of our own. We now beg space to say that we have two railroads,-one the Central of Iowa, terminating here, -- several finely stocked stores, bank, steam grist mill and about 700 inhabitants.
We particularly pride ourselves in our artesian wells, one in the suburbs of the town, having power to throw a stream through an
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
inch pipe thirty feet high. In the spring, above this powerful well, is to be made a beautiful lake, well stocked with fish. Col. Scott, of Nevada, being one of the prime movers in its construction.
Our growth is solid and substantial, and business firm. Some enterprising firm would do well to start here a clothing and boot and shoe store.
At our city election to-day was developed considerable feeling over the selection of mayor for the ensuing year. W. A. Wier, the former incumbent, being elected by a strong majority, however. W. D. Gaudrup, the only contestant, already serves Denmark in the capacity of consul, and a question arose as to his eligibility to any office in this country.
Easter was observed by the Lutheran societies with appropriate services .- (Story City, March 28, 1883.)
G. W. Haitsell is sole proprietor of the American House now, his brother John having retired .- (Story City, March 28, 1883.)
The editor of the Herald has returned from his trip to Chicago. -(March 28, 1863.)
Cold! Colder !! Coldest !!! No trains from Thursday till Mon- day. It is pleasanter to burn coal now than it is to draw it. Five or six of our citizens who started for the coal banks Thursday returned Saturday nearly frozen, having shoveled their way back through the drifts .- (April 24, 1883.)
Mrs. Logan, a lady living near Roland, died of consumption on Wednesday. A husband and children are bereaved by her death .- (April 24, 1883.)
Will Wier, from the Iowa Agricultural College, reposed under the home roof Friday night .- (May 2, 1883.)
A new picket fence in front of the School House improves appearances and indicates public spirit .- (Story City, May 2, 1886.)
Opening cellar drains is the order of the day. New and larger tiling in our main street drain is talked of and hoped for .- (Story City, May 2, 1883.)
The telegraph fever has broken out, and wires extend in various directions through town .- (May 2, 1883.)
A heavy rain fell last Saturday morning, cutting out the roads in many places. Three bridges were rendered impassable until rebuilt .- (July 22, 1885.)
A ten year old son of R. Bonde was drowned in Skunk River, Sunday afternoon. He tried to ford the river and was immedi- ately swept away by the swift current. His body has not been recovered, although a constant search is being made for it by forty
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
or fifty men. Another child of the same family was nearly drowned in a railroad culvert the same afternoon, but she recovered after about two hours' work over her. This community sympathizes with the parents who deeply feel the sudden loss of their son .- (Story City, July 22, 1885.)
A young woman was killed by lightning a few miles west of here last Saturday morning. She was married last spring .- (July 24, 1883.)
Lightning followed a telegraph wire to Dr. B. F. Allen's house, Tuesday morning and tore off a window casing with some lath and plaster, but did no other damage .- (July 22, 1885.)
It is reported that several parties are preparing to buy poultry here this winter. It will make trade lively for there is plenty of poultry to be sold .- (December 2, 1885.)
Mr. Swan will probably move his bank fixtures this week .- ยท (December 2, 1885.)
A set of scales will be placed on Ludwig's corner this week. James Jacobson will use them in buying grain this winter. There will be a dozen, more or less, grain buyers for the winter and we look for lively times .- (December 2, 1885.)
STORY CITY .- Our little town was livened up last Saturday by a visit from Sheriff A. K. Banks, who proceeded "to crawl" the bil- liard halls. At T. C. Miller's ranch four kegs of beer was seized. Sheriff Banks not wishing to give Jim Lewis, the proprietor of the other billiard hall a chance to secrete his stock of anti-prohibition, deputized C. Nelson and A. S. Helvig to raid Lewis's ranch. Nel- son and Helvig made themselves the laughing stock of the town by allowing Lewis to carry out and empty-before their very eyes- two kegs of beer. Hamilton and Dale's drug store was searched but nothing criminating found. We are glad to note this action against these open violaters of the law. For the last year the two billiard halls have been nothing but grog shops, where all persons who understood the way could get liquor. So degenerating an effect has this had upon the community that many of our towns- people, both old and young, have sought the hidden way and exchanged a character of temperance for one of intemperance. It seems to have been the purpose of a large class of men in Story City to set the prohibition law at nought, and a brave man is he who has started this crusade. He can not but know that two- thirds of the people and the press, will give him free advertising of such a nature that hell will seem too good a place for hini. But the good wishes of the churches and the help of all sober, industri- ous and temperate people is with him .- Ames Intelligencer .- (March 4, 1886.)
The fire apparatus bought by the council this spring, is at hand. It consists of a double cylinder force pump and four hundred feet
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
of two inch hose with hook and ladders. This will give us a fair fire protection .- (1886.)
Story City is preparing to celebrate the Fourth of July in grand style.
A fire department has been organized in our little city, and now we are prepared to battle with the fire fiend should he ever make his appearance. The officers of the company are as follows: R. Boyd, foreman; J. H. McElwee, assistant foreman; O. B. Peterson, secretary, T. T. Henryson .- (June 17, 1886.)
A tile factory has been started and is now in successful operation under the efficient management of Messrs Butler and Peterson.
From four to six loads of hogs are shipped from here every week.
Story City is twenty-three years younger than Fairview. Story City was laid out as a town in 1878, while Fairview was laid out in 1855. The place was known for many years as Fairview only.
The name of the postoffice was first called Story City, and the first postmaster was Fred W. Rhodes, and the business of the office commenced late in 1856 or early in 1857.
Rhodes was succeeded by Noah Harding in 1857 or '58; Lars R. Larson succeeded Harding and retained the office until he was suc- ceeded by M. Swartout, February 1, 1886, who is still postmaster.
The first water power saw mill was built by Mr. Brown. It was northeasterly of the artesian well. It sawed but little for want of water power. The early history of Howard and Lafayette, to be found elsewhere, will give further items of early times, (see R. W. Ballard's letter.)
Story City and Fairview were incorporated as one in December, 1881, as Story City. We may say: "United, we Stand divided we fall."
Under the head of "Directories" can be found the business men of Story City.
Lafayette is a very noted name. All American readers, doubt- less are familiar with the name. Southwesterly from Story City, some distance from town, a considerable portion of the land is flat and wet, but not so many ponds as are in some other parts of the county. By tile draining it surely will be very productive. The township has two streams that are named-the Everlasting Skunk, (otherwise, by act of Legislature, called "Chicaqua,") is one of them and Keigley's branch is the other one. Skunk enters the township in the northeast quarter of section 12, township 85, range 24, and passes down and crosses the township line into section 7 for a very short distance, then crosses back to section 12 near the south- east corner of 12, then crosses into the northeast quarter of the
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
northeast quarter of section 13, township 85, range 24; and again re-crosses into Howard Township to section 18; then gets back into the southeast quarter of section 13, then cuts across west of the east quarter section corner of 13, then crosses the east line of the southeast quarter of section 13 two or three times and gets into the southwest quarter of section 18, township 85, range 23. This stream, surely is very crooked.
There once was some timber in sections 12, 13 and southeast quar- ter of section 36.
Keigley's fork enters the north line of the township at the north quarter section corner of section 5, township 85, range 24; then winds through sections 5, 8, 16, 22, 26 and 36, touching sections 21, 27 and 35. It finally empties into Skunk river a short distance below Soper's mill, and near the center of the northwest quarter of section 7, township 84, range 23. This creek was named, as has been said, for Esq. John H. Keigley, who settled near it in early times. He was and is yet a worthy citizen. I have known him nearly thirty years in Story County and think I am entitled to an opinion.
THE PRESS .- "The Review," is published weekly by H. C. Carl- son, and is politically Democratic.
There is a tile factory established at Story City by Butler & Peter- son.
The business men of Story City will be given in its place (see "Directory") in Index.
For Mills, Cemeteries, Groves, Tile Factories, etc., see the index for reference.
The D. & M. Railroad passes through this township-entering near the center of southeast quarter of section 33, then runs through 33, and passes at or near the quarter section corner between sections 27 and 28, then in almost direct line to Story City passing through sections 22 and 14-touching near the northwest corner of 23. From Story City north on or near east line of sections 11 and 2. The Iowa Central & Northwestern road enters the town- ship eighty or one hundred rods north of the southeast corner of section 12, then a little south of west to its junction with the D. M. & M. R. Road at southwest part of Story City. This is a good shipping point for stock and grain. Several engage in shipping live stock and grain from here, some of whom I will name: John McEllery, Randall Company, Butler & Molstre, Mr. Hayden.
There are three elevators on the Northwestern Railroad, oper- ated by horse power. A good flouring mill. A nice two story school house, with a good bell on it, costing $3,500.
There is a Creamery here, but did not learn the business it is doing.
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
There are stock raisers and farmers of energy and business, and others who help make up a business community, among whom I will name: J. F. Brown, W. R. Doolittle, E. J. Watkins, C. H. Watkins, W. A. Wier, Thos. Erickson, C. E. Christenson, Geo. Lar- son, Fred Reischauer, Soren Anderson, Theodore Baldus, William S. Johnson, E. J. Peterson, Christian Peterson, Dan Tressler, C. S. Brubaker, Jacob Jergenson, E. C. Doolittle, Jacob C. Jacobson, John A. McFarlan, John Wirth, Sam Nelson, Hans Hanson, Jacob Lapp, John Rex, Andrew Johnson, Hans Mousland, Geo. P. Brown, Jacob Jacobson, Jacob Born, A. Spring, J. S. Liddle, Jas. McNaug- ton, Martin Johnson; and Robt. Bracken and - Prime settled in 1853; George W. Sowers, La Count, Lambert, H. Burham, - Mc- Collister and Jonah Griffith settled in 1854.
Story City Cemetery is situated on the west half of the west half southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 12, township 85, range 24. Is in the northeast part of. the city.
CHURCHES, ETC .- The St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Story City is a type of the Lutheran Church at Roland, and was built in 1875, costing $6,000. Nine hundred and sixty members (old and young, I presume,) are claimed for it. This and the Roland church are probably the largest in the county. The Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Story City is not a large building, but cost, probably, $2,000. They claim a membership of one hundred and fifty.
The fine brick business house on the south side of Broad street, and owned by S. Larson, cost $8,000. Pretty good for Story City. This is the only town in Lafayette Township.
Story City has had for Mayor Capt. W. A. Wier, who served from early in 1882 to March, 1884. O. B. Peterson was elected March, 1884, and resigned December, '84, and Capt. W. A. Wier filled the vacancy till March, '85 at which time C. W. Allen was elected. He was re-elected March, 1886, and is still the Mayor.
During July, August, September and October, one hundred and six cars of grain were shipped and sixteen cars of stock from the Northwestern station, and for the same time thirty-eight cars of grain, and fifteen of stock were shipped from the Central Iowa sta- tion, Story City, Iowa.
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
A HISTORY OF FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP FROM ITS EARLY SETTLEMENT TO MARCH, 1887-CONTAINING, ALSO A NOTICE OF MANY OF ITS CITIZENS.
POPULATION 899.
Elsewhere will be found also an account of its early settlers. It was named for Dr. Benjamin Franklin, the great and distinguished American Philosopher and Statesman. It was organized 1854, and now comprising only township 84 north, range 24 west.
There are several who ship stock and grain from Gilbert and Ontario, we will name L. R. Jones.
There are those who raise stock and grain for sale, and other farmers and citizens of energy and nerve, some of whom I will name below: W. H. H. Grove, L. C. Allen, Henry Barnes, J. R. Decker, Fred Eckard, L. O. Oliver, D. M. Hayden, I. De Long, C. F. Ruth, Peter Marshall, J. B. Grove, Wm. Arrasmith, R. M. Hunter, F. C. Hunter, D. G. Ferguson, H. C. Wakefield, J. J. Coon, T. A. Barrett, H. C. Cameron, Ira Briley, Elisha Briley, James Briley, I. N. Briley, O. Ward, Eli Zenor, W. H. Zenor, Wm. Men- hennett, Rob. Shearer, T. I. Miller, J. S. Hughes, Jas. Dodds, Robt. Dodds, Jas. Gibson, J. H. Cook, Frank Wilson, A. U. Stewart, Gil- bert Gilbert, Geo. Stitzell, O. D. Allen, A. Van Campen, C. Walters, A. H. Buck, R. R. Craig, W. H. Cole, J. E. Davis, - Cameron, H. C. Foster, F. M. Coffelt, E. Favre, etc., etc.
There have been several fires at Ontario since and including 1869.
Two good store houses-good ones-were burnt, goods included in the year 1869. Hiram Scott owned one of these good buildings and C. & E. Thurman owned the other. Fired by lightning, or so supposed.
The elevator was burnt about 1878-a very fair building. The cause of the fire mysterious. One or two blacksmith shops were burnt since 1870. A store house of G. C. Harrison's burned about 1873. The station [house or depot on the railroad, burnt June
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
30, 1882, cause of fire unknown. A new and substantial depot building was put up on the same spot of the first one; was built in the latter half of 1882. Nevertheless Franklin Township has two live villages-Ontario and Gilbert. Gilbert is situated on sections four and nine, and was laid out as a town, January, 1880.
Ontario was laid out January 16, 1869, on the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 31, township 84, range 24. The townsite of Bloomington is in Franklin, and situated on the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 25. It was laid out in June, 1857, but does not seem to improve. It once had a postoffice, called "Camden," but that long since was vacated. Frank Thompson and I. T. Evans were the postmasters.
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