USA > Iowa > Story County > A history of Story county, Iowa: Carefully compiled, from the earliest settlement to the present, March 1, 1887. > Part 27
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268
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
FIRE AT CAMBRIDGE.
Fire! fire !! fire !!! was the dreadful cry from all directions in Cambridge last Saturday at about 8:30 P. M. Hundreds of persons rushed to the spot marked by the flames and found the furniture store of Henry Fatland all ablaze. Joining this on the south was the agricultural implement house of B. O. Fatland, which was soon wrapped in flames. On farther south was a building owned by Solomon Hagen, and used as a billiard room below and a tenement house above. In about twenty-five minutes from the time the fire started in the furniture store this building was on fire.
Of Henry Fatland's building and stock only an organ, a few chairs and a stand were saved. The loss on building and contents were $2,200. Of B. O. Fatland's building and stock there was saved about $500 of stock. Loss on stock and building $2,800. Hagen's building entire loss being about $900.
North of the furniture store was the smith and plow shop be- longing to Christ. Osmundson. This building was only saved by the greatest efforts. Damage to building and contents $150. On farther was the residence and shoe shop of C. Peterson. Damage to contents $25.
The snow was falling, and the wind blowing from the northeast, and only for these favorable conditions was the loss as small as it now is.
Men, women and children did all possible to save the burning buildings and contents.
Cambridge should have some means of combatting fire; but has from time to time done a great deal of talking about it-"Only this and nothing more."
We have been informed that Henry Fatland had insurance on building of $400; and on stock $1,200. B. O. Fatland had insur- ance on building of $400; on stock 1,600. Hagen, Osmundson and Peterson had no insurance .- (Intelligencer, Jan. 8, 1887.)
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
INDIAN CREEK TOWNSHIP.
A HISTORY OF INDIAN CREEK TOWNSHIP FROM ITS EARLY SETTLE- MENT AND ORGANIZATION TO MARCH 1887 .- CONTAINING, ALSO, A NOTICE OF MANY OF ITS CITIZENS.
POPULATION, TOWNSHIP, 847; MAXWELL 339; TOTAL 1186.
Elsewhere will be found a partial history of its early settlement. The Township received its name, "Indian Creek," from the name of its longest stream of water, "Indian Creek." But how the creek got its name, "Indian," the deponent saith not. The Town- ship ,was organized in 1853-comprising now only township 82 north, range 22 west. Maxwell, the only incorporated town now (1886) in the township, was incorporated, by vote, December 17, 1883-for incorporation sixty-seven votes; against it none.
The following brief items were partially culled from our county papers.
IOWA CENTER ITEMS.
The Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company have had a corps of men going over the survey, through the southern part of this county, straightening the line as much as possible. The present indications are that the railroad will enter the county near the center of the east line of Collins Township, pass about half a mile north of the White Chapel, and cross Indian Creek near the King crossing. Although their railroad employes are not very communicative, yet the indications look as though the company designed building the road at once.
The burning of the flouring mill at Mitchellville has caused a big run on our mill, but so far, Uncle Peter has been equal to the occasion, and served all patrons satisfactory.
Dr. Joor has hung out his shingle for the practice of his pro- fession, at Iowa Center. He is a graduate of the Medical Depart- ment of the Iowa City University, a close and careful student, and we trust will be successful in his new location. His industry and perseverance certainly merits success .- (Sept. 14, 1881.)
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
INDIAN CREEK ITEMS.
James Fields had a horse killed by lightning on last Friday at 11 A. M. - (May 31, 1882.)
Mrs. Agnes Harsh, daughter of Robert Bradshaw, died very suddenly, last Wednesday, and was buried at the Peoria City ceme- tery, the remains were followed to their last resting place by a very large number of friends.
On last Saturday, Mr. Fred Leonard, who has been failing for several months with that dreaded disease, consumption, passed over the "Jordan of Life." Fred was well and favorably known, has lived with us many years, occupying important positions and ap- pointments at different times. At the time of his death was post- master of Iowa Center. He was twenty-eight years of age, and leaves a wife and four little children to mourn their loss. They have the true sympathy of many friends.
IOWA CENTER NEWS.
One hundred and five cars of Texas cattle passed over the, Mil- waukee road last Sunday. They were drawn by seven engines .- (August 25, 1882.)
Grain in this vicinity is being stacked in fine condition.
The silver wedding at J. W. Maxwell's is pronounced a most en- joyable affair. Quite a numerous company, consisting of friends from Nevada, Colo, Maxwell and residents here, assembled. The hospitality and entertaining powers of the host and his excellent wife were unsurpassed, and to say that each guest had a good time is saying very little. A list of presents would fill a column.
Maxwell is still booming and bids fair to make one of the best towns in the county.
The lumber is being put on the ground to-day for Heitchen's ·building. It is to be twenty-two by sixty feet, twenty foot posts and tin roof, and is located just south of S. E. Cooper & Co's. furniture store.
Mr. Roe, of Jones County, has the foundation almost ready for his grocery. The building is to be the same size of the one above mentioned and on the same side of the street, a few rods south.
The new store on the east side of Main street, just south of Raff's hardware store, is almost done and presents a fine appear- ance.
The elevators will be ready for business in a few days. Lots of grain coming in to-day. Farmers must be threshing.
Peter Baker is now well established in the restaurant business and keeps a fine house.
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
S. E. Cooper & Co., are unloading another car of furniture to- day. They handle lots of it.
Mr. Metcalf, the Milwaukee Railroad man is in town to-day looking up matters generally. He says the piling will be here soon for the wagon road across Calamus, south of town. The Railroad Company furnish the piling free of charge. I hope the people will see that we have a good road in that direction. Now is the time to work while the ground is dry.
Dr. Goodman's new residence is almost enclosed. It will be one of the finest in the county. He also has a fine office on the street and is doing a good business.
We are sorry to announce the death of Thomas Dunlap, just east of town. He was an old resident of this county, loved and respected by all who knew him.
MAXWELL.
The ladies of the M. E. Church have made all the necessary arrangements for a public Thanksgiving dinner and supper on Thursday next, in Starr & King's building, for the benefit of the M. E. Church, now in course of construction .- (Nov. 29, 1882.)
The tile works are burning their last kiln for the winter. The proprietors expect to commence operations March 1st, doubling the capacity of their works.
The Maxwell House is doing a land office business, so to speak, crowded to excess.
The freight war between the C. M. & St. P. and the R. I. R. R. has its effects at Maxwell, as the live stock buyers have been pay- ing Chicago 'prices for hogs during the past week. Farmers are taking advantage and selling their stock. Several car loads were shipped on Saturday.
In consequence of the church being freshly painted the ladies of the Methodist Episcopal Church Aid Society, were compelled to postpone their social and supper for one week, or from May 2nd, to Wednesday, May 9th .- (May 2, 1883.)
The sixty-fourth anniversary of the Lodge of I. O. O. F. was a success in every respect. The social at the hall was enjoyed by the brethren, their wives and invited guests; and the supper at the Bowen House was par-excellence.
The school board selected a site for the school house and accepted plans at their meeting last Saturday. The work will be pushed forward at once.
Arrangements are being made for a grand, old celebration here July 4, 1883.
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
The Methodist Episcopal Church will be dedicated next Sunday, the Rev. Paxton, of Waterloo, Iowa, officiating.
The Odd Fellows are making arrangements to build a new and larger hall for their use.
A movement is on foot to incorporate the town. We have grown to such size that we require a different form of government from the present.
The township trustees have appointed J. F. Allen, justice of the peace; C. E. Kelley, constable, and George W. Olinger, road supervisor, to fill vacancies.
G. W. Boitnott and H. Brubaker, have returned from their trip to Kansas; and, while they are pleased with their trip report Iowa as good enough for them.
Mr. J. D. Gamble had the misfortune to lose two valuable horses in one day recently. One of them fell dead without apparent cause while at work; the other one was killed by falling on a harrow.
C. A. Wood shipped a car of fifty-four hogs, Saturday, that weighed 17,700 pounds; average, over 327 pounds. Good hogs. Among them were eight hogs brought in by George Lash that averaged 425 pounds .- (May 30, 1883.)
The celebration was a grand success in every respect, musically, socially and financially. A shower in the morning settled the dust and the day was cool and pleasant. The procession was! well handled by Marshal J. G. Wills and numbered over 158 teams. The State Center Cornet band, Colo and Maxwell Martial bands, and the Maxwell Glee Club, gave all the music the people could wish. J. R. Hays Esq. gave an oration, leaving out the usual "spread eagle gush," which was highly appreciated by his large audience, and was deservedly commented upon, as a model address. We desire to thank John R. for this favor, and hope to return it in the future. The shady grove was just splendid. The crowd estimated at from 2,200 to 2,500. Not a fight, nor a man under the influence of liquor on the ground .- (July 4, 1883.)
At last-The church bell of Maxwell rung its first death knell last Thursday afternoon, since the town was recorded. Jacob Flora, one of our most worthy and respected citizens, who has been suffering for many months with that dreaded disease consumption, passed away. He died happy and with decided hopes of a future life of eternal glory. The funeral services were conducted in the Methodist Episcopal Church by the Rev. Samuel Gokenhour assisted by Rev. Daniel Brubaker .- (Sept. 26, 1883.)
Samuel Vincent died of hemorrhage of the lungs in Dallas County, Sunday last. The remains were brought here on the even- ing train and conveyed to his home near Iowa Center, Iowa. It is indeed sad to be thus claimed by the hand of death, in the very
273
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
prime of life, as was the case with both of these young men. Surely in the midst of life we are in death.
Rev. Conrad preached his first sermon in the Methodist Episco- pal Church, last Sunday morning. The congregation was well pleased with his effort and believe that he will do a good work in this vicinity during the coming year .- (Oct. 10, 1883.)
The Meyer Bros. are enlarging their livery barn to almost double its former size, and will add several new turn-outs; increas- ing business the cause.
Mr. Shaffer is building an addition to the Maxwell House, 16x40 feet, two story. He can't now accommodate his large patronage.
There were twenty-five car loads of grain and stock shipped from this station last week. Who says we have not got the boss busi- ness town?
The remains of Charles A. Goldsberry arrived from Denver, on Friday night and were taken in charge by Social Lodge, I. O. O. F. The funeral services were conducted according to their ritual, the sermon being preached by Rev. Conrad, after which the body was taken to Iowa Center and buried with the last sad and impressive rites of the order. The sorrowing family have the true sympathy of the entire community .- (March 5, 1884.)
A serious accident occurred at Mr. George Tomlinson's, near Peoria City, last Friday. While threshing clover, John Tomlinson was engaged in feeding the huller, and by some movement the sleeve of his coat caught in the teeth and his right hand and arm was drawn into the machine, tearing it to shreds to the elbow, one tooth passing between and severing the elbow joint. The arm was amputed above the elbow by Drs. Goodman and Joor. ST. CRIS.
J. R. Wood has been secretary of the Indian Creek District Township for ten or fifteen years, during which time the condition of the schools, financially and otherwise, has greatly improved. Mr. Wood has no doubt done his full share in securing this improvement .- (Sept. 9, 1885.)
Our school house is looming up magnificently and will be com- pleted within two weeks. It is roomy, conveniently arranged, and the third in size in the county. It is a credit to the town and vicinity, giving us school privileges fully up to the requirements. -(Nov. 25, 1885.)
Mr. Forbes has his new elevator finished, except his feed grind- ers, which will be ready for grinding all kinds of feed this week.
Our town is booming. Many buildings are going up and not a vacant room of any kind is to be had, to accommodate new comers.
The band boys have made extensive preparation for their fair 18
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
and festival, which is now under way and will continue until Thursday evening. Many new novelties by way of amusements are being introduced, and a grand good social time is being enjoyed
The I. O. G. T.'s had a social and supper in their hall on last Friday evening, which was enjoyed by the members of the mystic tie.
Mrs Charlotta Oxley, aged seventy-five years, mother of John and Thomas Oxley died last Friday; the funeral services were held in Peoria City, on Sunday, conducted by Rev. Sway.
The gravel pit expectations are running high, but we will not squeal this time till we get out of the water. ST. CRIS.
It was undoubtedly a surprise to many persons, although the change had long been anticipated, to learn that last Friday's Reg- ister contained the appointment of D. M. Ruth as postmaster of this place, and Mr. McNall was to step down and out. Mr. Ruth has not yet taken possession of the office, but will most likely do so before long. We believe we are safe in saying that Mr. McNall has devoted himself very closely to his office, giving satisfaction to the entire community, and we are sorry to see him yield that posi- tion, but if .there must be a change we are glad to see Mr. Ruth receive the appointment, as we think he is worthy of the position and will endeavor to discharge his official duties to the best of his ability .- Maxwell Tribune .- (Dec. 16, 1885.)
Our old friend Albert McNall has been relieved of the arduous duties of postmaster, and on January 1st, the keys, bags, etc., were handed over to Daniel Ruth, who has opened the post-office tem- porarily in Mr. Roe's store room .- (Jan. 13, 1886.)
The dedication of our new school house, on New Year Eve was a decided success in every particular; the building presented a fine appearance, illuminated in each story. The exercises were interesting, the supper excellent and the treasury replenished about $30. The citizens of Maxwell and vicinity, can well be proud of their school privileges, and if properly managed will induce many good citizens to locate here to receive the benefits thereof.
Death has again visited our vicinity, and taken from us one of our oldest and most respected citizens, Mrs. Anna Miller, aged seventy- four years, died at the residence of her son, Samuel Miller, in Deer Grove, a week ago last Saturday afternoon. Mrs. Miller was a con- sistent christian, and always ready to administer to the sick and afflicted, extending to them needed aid. The funeral services were held in Iowa Centre, Iowa, Rev. Evans officiating; the interment at Woodland Cemetery.
The many friends of Mrs. John C. Hotchkiss regret to hear of her death, in Des Moines, and extend to her family and her many relatives, in Story County, their true sympathy.
.
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
Mayor Goodman held his first court last Monday. His honor was so elated that he set up the apples, and Fred sleeps again. W.
THE PRESS .- The Maxwell Tribune commenced about January, 1883, and is Republican in politics-weekly, by hand press.
Maxwell was laid out as a town, December, 1881.
Among the first settlers I will name some of them :- Jeremiah Corey, Mr. J. Corey, Sr., T. C. Davis, W. K. Wood, Jesse R. Wood, Chris C. Wood, John G. Wood, Milton Arnold, Judiah Ray, Jacob Ray, Wm. Alderman, Hezekiah Alderman, Mark D. Sheldon, X. A. Welton, G. M. Maxwell, Daniel Maxwell, N. Webb, Thomas Hall, Thomas Dunlap, Henry Phillips, Wm. Brodie, Mr. - John, Hiram Vincent, Ephraim Bowen, W. V. Smith, Joseph Brubaker, Henry Funk, Dr. Spring, - Grubb, D. F. Shope, John W. Daw- son, Geo. N. Kirkman, Jas. Sellers, Z. Lamb, Alex. McConnell, - Pearson, N. P. Hall, - Olinger, Peter Gordey, John S. Wood, Elisha Alderman, Mr. Neal and Adolphus Prouty.
The first post-office in the township, and probably second in the county, was at Goshen and was called "Goshen." Jeremiah Corey, Sr., was post-master. Goshen was on the west side of Indian Creek, and in the northeast quarter, of section 21, township 82, range 22. The office was moved to Iowa Center.
This township is one of the good ones as to soil. Its native tim- ber belts along its streams were better divided over the township than most others. In many places the timber was of better quality than in many other parts of the county, excepting Franklin Town- ship. Indian Creek Township is well supplied with creeks. The two Indians forming into one Indian, and some other small creeks. Ruffle Creek shows itself in section 2, then passes through section 10, (running through the south part of Iowa Center,) and enters Indian in the northwest quarter of section 16 at or near the junc- tion of the two Indians. Rock Creek has its start in section 7, township 82, range 21, then runs sputhwesterly through sections 12, 13, 14, 23, 22 and 27, and empties into big Injin in the north- west quarter of section 34. In section 27 it passes near the town of Maxwell.
I now return to the Indians, though they are not for war, yet I must say something about their intrusions on the township. East Injin commences his assault by breaking over the north line of the northeast quarter of section 4, then marching through sections 4, 9 and 16 where the big Injin is met and a halt is called for a time. Then comes the West Injin from the northwest, commencing his out-break on the north line of the northwest quarter of section 6, then he passes southeast through sections 6 and 8 and meets 'tother Injin in the northwest quarter of section 16, and the two Injins there formed an alliance and made Big Injin. Then he commences
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
his assault by rushing through sections 16, 21 and 22, disturbing the line between sections 27 and 28, then breaks through section 34, and quits the county near the southeast corner of section 34. This closes the Injin raid in Story County.
Deer Grove is explained more fully by reference to "Groves" in the Index. "Mills," see Index for mills.
Iowa Center was laid out in August, 1855, but was doing some business in 1854, as the writer hereof knows, from having been there and took dinner with "Jerry Corey."
The town was laid out principally on the west quarter of sec- tion 10, with a tier of blocks off the east side of the southeast quar- ter of section 9.
If the proprietor of "Dayton," (Milton Arnold,) had had as good talkers to work up his interests in Dayton as Jerry Corey and Tommy Davis, Iowa Center might, to-day, be of the past, just as Dayton now is. Then it is presumed Dayton would have been re- corded and shown to be a live town on the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 9, township 82, range 22. But Jerry and Tommy could out-talk Arnold. I met all of them, (the three,) in 1854, at which time Dayton was nicely staked off. But haps and mishaps occur very frequently. So good bye, Dayton, Story County, Iowa.
Maxwell next comes up twenty-six years after Iowa Center was laid out. Maxwell was laid off as a town in 1881, on the Chicago Mil- waukee & St. Paul Railroad. It was laid out on the northwest quarter of section 27, and was incorporated in December, 1883.
It is a place of stir and business, and promises fair for the future. For its business see "Directories" in the Index. For "Tile Man- ufactory," see Index. For "Cemeteries," see Index.
The tile factory is one of the profitable institutions of the town- ship.
The Maxwell Tribune, a weekly newspaper, commenced publica- tion about January, 1883, and is still prospering. It is Republi- can and makes a good paper.
The school houses are not all in their regular places as yet so as to form two mile square school districts. Iowa Center has a good two story school house.
There are several church buildings in the township. There is an Evangelical Church at Iowa Center. There is a M. E. Church building at Maxwell, noticed elsewhere.
Those who ship stock and grain may be named as follows:
W. K. Wood, Curt. Wood, R. A. Robinson, David F. Shope, Geo. Lash, Samuel Miller, Jacob Ray, J. Freed, Miller & Co., and O. Lash.
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
Among the stock raisers and feeders for sale, and other farmers of energy and life, may be named the following:
Jesse R. Wood, Wm. Golden, John Dunahoo, Jacob Ray, M. Elli- son, S. Whitaker, Lot Moore, W. C. Hall, Isaac Horton, T. Mona- han, Thos. Fitzgerald, James Thompson, M. D. Sheldon, W. V. Smith, J. W. John, W. J. Venneman, Robt. Bradshaw, C. Byers, T. V. Maxwell, S. J. Miller, Noble Hall, A. J. Marshall, R. R. Thompson. A. McConnell, M. Pearson, John Oxley, A. Wells, David F. Shope, G. W. Boitnott, G. W. Olinger, J. D. Gamble, R. M. Scott, L. Flickinger, Thos. Conly, E. C. Fair, W. C. Geary, L. Coggshall, Arch Ray, John Ray, Geo. Wells and J. Wells.
Maxwell has a Creamery which is three years old and is owned or under the control of Messrs King, Dickey & Hill.
Mr. R. R. Thompson is the proprietor, or one of them, of a Tile Factory a short distance east of Maxwell. See in Index, "Tile Factories."
Maxwell has had three Mayors: J. W. Maxwell, Dr. S. T. Good- man and J. O. French.
The post-masters have been A. F. McNall and D. M. Ruth, the present one for Maxwell.
Iowa Center has for post-mistress Mrs. Frank Higley. At this date, (January 1887,) Iowa Center is the only post-office in the county not on a railroad. There was once a post-office called "Goshen," which has been noticed.
Maxwell has a Methodist E. Church organization numbering about eighty-five members. The Cumberland Presbyterians may have from thirty-five to fifty members.
The "Civics" are indicated as follows in membership: Masons, "Herald Lodge," fifty-five; "Social Lodge," fifty-two; I. O. G. T., forty; G. A. R., forty-one. This is a good showing for Maxwell.
Maxwell has a beautiful school house-brick-and it is situated on a nice elevation-costing near $3,000. They have a good and graded school with a corps of live teachers. Maxwell has life.
The old cemetery in the southeast part of town it is presumed, will be moved ere long. Some of the graves will be hard to find. I found about sixty-five graves, but I think there are more. The new Cemetery is in the southwest corner of the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 22, township 82, range 22.
The number of cars of grain shipped from Maxwell during the last three or four months, was fifty-eight cars. The number of cars of stock shipped, in same time was eighty. This was for June, July, August and September.
There are two elevators in Maxwell, but steam power is used at one only.
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HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
Mr. F. A. Jackson is the station agent, and he seems to be ac- commodating and attentive.
At Iowa Center there are about fifty members of the Good Templars in their organization.
R. A. Robinson has a nice looking dwelling-well and tastefully finished. Wm. Golden has a good house-one of the good ones of the township. His barn may be the best in the county, and yet it is possible it may not be. It is the best I've seen. W. K. Wood and Jesse R. Wood have good dwelling houses. Each one is one and a half or two stories high and a nice outside appearance. There are other good dwellings and barns in the township I did not get to see.
IOWA CENTER.
The coal prospectors struck a paying vein of coal at a depth of 108 feet, southwest of the mill at this place, last week. All that we need now is the right company to take hold and push the work, and by the time snow flies again we can supply the surrounding country with coal .- (April 28, 1886.)
MAXWELL FIRE.
The fire broke out about 12:30 Monday morning in Horton & Son's drug store, catching from stove or flue. It spread north to Magee's harness shop and south to the corner. Losses as follows, as nearly as can now be ascertained :- S. E. Cooper & Co., furniture, building total loss, stock nearly all saved, fully insured. Goodman, room and hall, total loss, no insurance. I. O. G. T. and G. A. R. hall, total loss, no insurance. Dickey, Hill & Co., building total loss, insurance $600. Stock about half saved in a damaged condi- tion, insurance about $2,000. C. H. Dickey, household goods, etc., total loss. Bank of Maxwell and building vault all safe, building total loss, insured. Junius Pearson, household goods, total loss, no insurance. W. H. Barnes, law office, papers and books saved, safe not open was in the fire. Maxwell Tribune, saved type, books and small press, insured for enough to cover loss.
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