USA > Iowa > An illustrated history of the state of Iowa, being a complete civil, political, and military history of the state, from its first exploration down to 1875; > Part 46
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RIPPEY is in the southeast, on the line of the Des Moines and Fort Dodge Railroad. The original platting of the town dates from 1855, but when the railroad passed by the old site at some distance, a new Rippey sprang up near the station which was established, and toward that point the old settle- ment is gradually wending its way.
Paton is a station on the Des Moines and Fort Dodge Railroad, located in a good neighborhood, and around that center of interest a small village is rapidly extending.
| in its slow course, has houowed out the only considerable valley which varies this aspect of the country, but that depression near the eastern bound- ary of the county is not great enough to require a qualification of our state- ment as to the general charasteristics of this region.
The formation of the country almost necessitates thorough natural drain- age. Creeks, spring branches and riv- ulets meander over and through the surface of the land at little distances from each other, serving the purposes of the farmer to perfection. Sloughs and swamps have made their own channels to the rivers and other water courses, leaving the soil clear of those spots which otherwise might endanger life by the accumulation of vegetable deposit in a state of decay.
Nearly the whole of Grundy county lies in the valley of the Cedar. The water is good in this county, and the disease which in some sections of the northwest keeps men and women help- less, shivering creatures for months to- gether in the intervals of raging fever, are happily unknown in this section.
Grundy County is seated in the heart of a truly magnificent country, which lies between the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad and the Iowa division of the Illinois Central, bound- ed on the east by Cedar river and on the west by the river Iowa. Grundy county has not made much stir in the great world yet, but it contains the es- sentials of great wealth. The popula- tion of this county has before it a time of great prosperity, and the quiet dis- semination of intelligence among their friends and families in distant and long settled country secures a steady and valuable stream of immigration. The surface of the country is gener- ally high rolling prairie, well drained and swampless, with a soil which will repay labor and capital expended upon it to the remotest ages. The air is bracing, and the blood seems to leap rather than course through the veins under its invigorating influence. It will thus be seen that for residence and for agricultural pursuits, it would be difficult to find a spot surpassing Grundy county in the state of Iowa. The face of the country undulates gen- tly as it retires from the field of sight, leaving an impression of hills and valleys without end, unmarked by em- inences and without any considerable depressions. The Black Hawk river, | quently to yield ninety I ushels to the
The soil chiefly found here is a rich, black loam, such as may be found at intervals all over Iowa, capable of do- ing good service in periods of drought by reason of the moisture held in the interstices for such occasions, and by means of the drainage of superfluous water through its pores to the con- ducting substratum. The soil is just as exceptionally good when other lands are all but desolated by long contin- ued rains and floods. Actual sub- mergence is the only form in which injury of that kind could come fatally upon this county, and that contingen- cy is remote. Every year the furrow falls with the same regularity, and in due course the land is adorned with golden grain, the husbandman's heart being rejoiced by the abundance with which his labors are rewarded, and his granary bending beneath its load. The soil is made more productive by reason of the presence of sand in its composition, as the heaviest shower will not give a deposit of standing water on the average soil for any time, however short. Clay is also a part of the surface soil and the farmer knows its value in giving strength to produce cereals. Corn has been known fre.
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acre, wheat thirty bushels, oats seventy and even in some cases eighty bushels. Such figures may well cause surprise, but as Burns says :
" Facts are chiels which winna ding, And damma be disputit."
The stone resources of other coun- ties are not prominent features here in Grundy county. The lost rocks which elsewhere are oftentimes troublesome to the agriculturist, however useful to the builder and lime burner, are ull- known in this portion of Iowa. This is a prairie county emphatically, there being only about three thousand six hundred acres of timber, according to the government survey returns, in all this area. Most of the farms want more wood than they carry, and it will be one of the cares of the wise agri- culturist to plant groves without delay. The largest bodies of native timber are found at Fifteen Mile grove, in the southeast of the county, and Hickory grove on the banks of Black Hawk creek - quite near the center of the county. When first found by the early settlers the wood standing was gen- erally of large growth and valuable, but the continuous drain upon such limited resources, has reduced the main bodies now to stinted hazel and the growths known as the oak barrens. Happily the farmers as a class are remedying this defect by carrying out considerable planting operations, which will in many ways improve the aspect of Grundy county.
The water supply and drainage sys- tem here prevailing has been hastily glanced at, but it is necessary to give a few details as to the principal streams. Black Hawk creek is a slow moving stream which passes through Grundy Center, and leaves the county in the line of the southeastern township. The water course does not favor rapid and sparkling action on the part of the stream, and it considerately reserves its forces, but should dams be con- structed in favorable locations, there might be found and made many valu- able water powers below Grundy Cen- ter. Timber skirts this stream in all its windings, but the supply is very far from being equal to the demands of settlers. The Beaver in the northwest. and the Wolf in the southeast, are also timbered, but not heavily, and Bear creek in the s uthwest is almost en-
tirely bare. Such an absence of wood detracts materially from its attractions, in the eyes of prudent men, seeking locations for profitable farming, and beyond doubt many have wandered to " fresh woods and pastures new," who might with advantage, in spite of this privation, have made their homes in Grundy county. If there has been no vast area of forest land to meet the de- mand for fuel, there has been the ad- vantage of the soil, being ready for the plow immediately the farmer was ready to begin, without stumps and debris to encumber his manifold operations in subduing nature to man's use.
The delay which was very notice- able in first settlement does not make itself apparent in subsequent growth. The broad fields and prairies are being cut up into thrifty farms of convenient extent. and the Garden State is deserv- ing its repute hy the rich returns which gladdeu every holding.
Coal heds are mined in Hardin county, and all the facts favor the sup- position that the coal measures pass under the higher formations of this county, but it is generally conceded that deep mining alone will reach the treasure. Rock suitable for building will long be at a premium here.
The first white settler seems to have built a cabin in this county in 1853, choosing for his home a spot in the township of Franklin, in the north- east. Some other settlers soon follow- ed, but it was not until 1855, that farm- ing operations commenced on any con- siderable scale, with commensurate success. The county organization was effected in the following year, and the county seat located at Grundy Ceu- ter.
Railroad facilities pass the borders of Grundy county on two sides, but there have been no roads constructed through the district, consequently most of the produce of the fertile lands al- ready mentioned assists to build up flourishing towns at the shipping points most convenient in adjoining counties. There is a third line of rail- road within easy distance of the coun- ty line, hut Cedar Falls and Waterloo, in Black Hawk county, the town of Ackley, in Hardin, and Marshalltown, in Marshall county. must long continue to he enriched by traffic which owes its origin to the fertility and enterprise of Grundy county.
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During the war, when other coun- ties were organizing companies for service in the field, the men of Grundy county were as patriotic and as self-sacrificing as their neighbors, but circumstances prevented the name of Grundy from becoming prominent. Over one hundred and thirty men were sent into the field from the hearths and homes of this new settlement, but they were enrolled in the squadrons of neighboring organizations and assist- ed materially to win the battle for brotherhood and freedom.
GRUNDY CENTER is on Black Hawk creek, near the center of the county, as its name implies. The town is built on high rolling prairie, with a fine farming country stretching around it in all directious beyond the range of vision. The first settler came here in 1855, and, before the end of that year, he had many neighbors close at hand. Some person with astronomical pro- clivities procured a change from the euphonious appellation Grundy Center to Orion; but the name of the great belt was no where in the competition, official circles did not encourage pro- vincial capitals to go on starring expe- ditions, and somehow everything set- tled back into the old groove with the time honored description and respecta- ble, if somewhat prosy, name of Grun- dy Center. There have been several papers started in this county seat, but, as a rule, they speedily satisfied every- body, and then died for want of an object. There is now a good republi- can paper published here, the only is- sue in the county. The court house is a fine structure, which cost $10,000 when erected several years since.
Guthrie County is twenty-four miles square, and contains a superficial area of five hundred and seventy-six square miles. This county is the fourth from the southern and also from the western boundary of the state. The surface is well drained and excellently watered. Numerous streams traverse the country and the supply of water for stock pur- poses is at all times ample.
powers arc ready for the hand of man on all the principal streams; but few of these aids to wealth have yet re- ceived attention. The water generally is clear and soft, well adapted to do. mestic use, and should woolen mills at some future time be established here, it will be found that those streams are well adapted for cloth manufacture, especially in the process known to the initiated as milling cloths. Springs, which rise in many parts of Guthrie county, do not burst through the soil, but continue a lateral course until some river bank is reach- ed, down which they trickle from the rocky formation into the stream be- low. Seeing how few and remote are the eminences in this country from those now under description, it is somewhat remarkable that so many springs are found percolating through the soil and the lower formation. Their value is none the less appreci- able.
Extremes of rain and remarkably dry seasons do not immediately affect the water supplies of this county, al- though, of course, a long cessation of rain would dry up every spring; but, as a rule, these fountains of supply are perennial. Well water, good for stock and for most domestic uses, can be found at moderate depths generally, but the gravel beds must be reached, and upon some of the uplands consid- erable work has to be done before a permanent supply of the desirable ele- ment can be secured.
High rolling prairie is the general feature of this county, with an incli- nation toward the valleys, as though these formations had come, not from abrasions of the surface, but from some undermining process which had in part affected the surrounding country when the superior formations fell into the forms which they now present. Along the streams are some ridges which break the average formation, and were for a time looked upon as undesirable from a farmer's stand- point; but experience has proved, in spite of the broken exterior which they present, that these ridges make very desirable farms and parts of farms, consequently they are now be- ing very largely taken up. When the county was originally surveyed, some sections were reported as swamp lands,
Middle and South Raccoon rivers are the principal streams, and these, with their affluents, such as Brushy Fork, Bear, Beaver and Mosquito creeks, stretch over a wide area of country. The Middle river waters the southwest of the county. Good water | but the progress of settlement has
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changed that state of affairs, and all parts of the county thus condemned have been converted into thriving farms. There is hardly any land in Guthrie county too wet for farm- ing.
Middle river valley is well defined, and, like all the rest of the streams which flow through this county, the waters are collected by a system of ravines and minor streams which com- mence at the very crowning line of the watershed.
The western range of townships bordering the divide between the watersheds of the Mississippi and the Missouri is distinguished from the eastern by its undulating prairies. The formations between south Rac- coon. Brushy Fork and middle Rac- coon exhibit nearly the same features as the foregoing, the symmetrical ridges are flanked by graceful ascents which terminate one or two hundred feet above the valleys in summits, round and bold. The valley of the middle Raccoon is narrow and in some feat- ures presents a slight variation but the general characteristics are similar. In parts of this county the soil is main- ly composed of the well known bluff deposit, which has been already de- scribed in all its main features, and again in other districts the soil is that rich black loam containing more or less of sand which may generally be looked for within the drift region. Native forests are confined almost en- tirely to the valleys and ravines, where the trees were comparatively safe from fires, in the period anterior to settle- ment, but there are many districts in which the protecting care of the white man has given a start to what may be- come large forests, in the course of a few years, although his share consists entirely in the immunity from conflag- ration which he steadily aims to secure. The growth of timber is so rapid here that groves planted but a few years since are already productive in some degree, and the supply over the county generally, although confessedly small, is so well distributed that few settlers are more than five miles from belts or groves which will suffice for every present need. The prairie land has produced timber in considerable quan- tities in former ages and will do so again whenever and wherever the na- tive growths are defended from the
destroying element which so long made its ravage there unchecked.
The agricultural resources of Guthrie county must for many years be the chief reliance of that region and will always be very important. The two qualities of soil named and the rich valleys and bottom lands which in a small degree may be found, give al- most every variety of growing power which could be desired. There is a forcing quality claimed for the soils iu Guthrie county, which compels all vegetatiou to push ahead faster here in other soils apparently just as fertile elsewhere. Corn and wheat are staples but it would be hard to name a crop proper to this state which would not come to perfection in this county. Central Iowa is a perfect garden in the hands of good farmers, and this coun- ty is equal to the best in that range of country wherever farms have been established.
Stock raising has been a favorite pursuit with many of the wealthier farmers who could afford the necessary outlay preliminary to great successes, and now there are very few men pos sessing farms of any extent who do not carry some blooded stock from which very valuable results may be secured in the future. The natural advantages of this county for the prosecution of that pursuit are first class. Wild grasses are very nutritious and inviting streams sparkle as they murmur re- joicingly on their way through water courses which are bordered by living green in the valleys and arable lands specially adapted to shelter and feed cattle. Wild fruits were at one time prodigal of growth in this county, but the march of cultivation demands that the land shall be used for wiser pur- poses, hence the planting of orchards and the multiplication of all the best varieties of fruits large and small will cause this county to become a great fruit producing centre before many years have passed away. The begin- ning of the new era can already be seen in Guthrie county.
Railroads are essential to the growth of any community in the present day, and in that respect Guthrie county is not left out in the cold. The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific R. R. tra- verses the southern tier of townships and the Chicago and Northwestern can be easily reached from the North.
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ern tier. whereby all portions of the county are supplied with the great re- quisites for travel and traffic.
Guthrie county has good coal beds, although the measures here have not been extensively worked. Enough has been done to demonstrate that whether regard be had to quantity or quality, this region will compare fav- orably with any of the surrounding counties. In the western portion there have been no exposures, but those best qualified to judge have no doubt that the different strata of the coal measures underlie the whole ex- tent of the county. Some beds have been worked, and while they are not quite so thick as those in Des Moines valley they are otherwise quite as good, and when the demand, local or gen- eral, becomes large enough to call for deep shafts it is probable that beds quite as profitable in every way will be found. The presence of coal in such quantities will give this county great aid in developing nascent man- ufactures.
Stone for building purposes must al- ways be an object among civilized communities, and in the supply of that commodity, nature has not been pro- digal to Guthrie county, but there is enough for all present demands and further exposures may reveal a surplus. The stone available for the manufac- ture of quick lime is ample for every purpose. Good clay, which will be turned to account in making bricks is commonly obtainable, and sand is also plenty. With such supplementary supplies there will be no failure of building materials.
Brown hematite iron ore has been found in limited quantities in the coal measures, and in some other positions also, but the highest authorities are of opinion that the " finds " are too lim- ited to be of value in any other than a purely scientific sense. Sometimes the learned are mistaken in their estimates, aud nature has put many surprises up- on the savants, but in the matter of iron mining there has been so much of in- quiry, and so many opportunities to observe, that it is highly probable the authorities are correct. Of course a large discovery of iron ore would change the whole future of this part of the state of Iowa.
The first settler in this county built his log cabin in Jackson township, in
the southeastern part of the county. in 1848, and the county was organized in 1851, the county seat being located at Panora, but when settlement increased it was found desirable that a more easily reached point should be chosen, instead of the village first selected, in the eastern part of Guthrie county. There was a hard fight made on both sides, and the town of Guthrie Center was built, as a rival to the first judicial center. The first vote in its favor was procured in 1859, whereupon the change was at once made to Guthrie Center, but two years later that vote was reversed, Panora having made a successful rally of its friends, which enabled it to hold the reins of the coun- ty until 1873, when Guthrie Center finally secured the honor of being the seat of administration for the county. A new resident in that county who has had much experience elsewhere, says: "There are fewer criminal cases here than in any other county of the same population In which I have lived." There are several newspapers pub- lished iu this county, and the press is, as usual, of much value even when not brilliant, as sometimes happens.
GUTHRIE CENTER has already been incidentally mentioned, as the county seat, and the geographical center of the territory in which it sits as a beacon set upon a hill. The banks rise gently from the South Raccoon river to the high rolling prairie on which this town is located. Half a mile from the town there are high ridges which re- cede until in some parts they are fully a mile away, presenting a most enchant- ing picture of fruitfulness and beauty, as the rounded hills are occupied farms in a high state of cultivation, with many orchards, which in their season enhance the beauty of the prospect.
The town was first laid out in 1855, but the log cabin, the first dwelling erected here, dates from the following year. There is an excellent water power procurable at this moment adjoining the town plot, which would be capable of driving almost any force of ma- chinery that could be desired, with comparatively small outlay. There is a good quarry open about one mile and a half from the town from which can be obtained an excellent stone for build- ing, and much that is fit for making quick lime. Coal can be readily pro- cured and timber is abundant. From
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the highest point on the town plat, a | should be mentioned to give a toler- large stream of water springs from the ably complete idea of Guthrie county, Morrishurg, near the South Coon river, was laid out in 1855. Dale City on the same river, is eight miles west of the old county seat, Panora, and Dal- manutha, which was laid out in 1855, bnt has been content hitherto with very moderate progress. ground, and with little cost it could be made to supply the whole town with all the water necessary for domestic use. There are, thus briefly described, within the limits of Guthrie Center, the essentials for a very considerable population and the means for their beneficial employment. Add to these many beauties and advantages, a good shipping point for produce, and the town would speedily become a popu- lous city.
STUART is still young as a town, but it is beyond question the most import- ant place in Guthrie county. Here the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific rail- road have made a station, and the agri- cultural country, for a long distance around, makes the place the headquar- ters for trade and shipment. The town occupies a part of Adair county, cros- sing the border of the county in which its growth commenced. A division station at this point, and extensive shops for repairing, and other works, in connection with the same company, make the town of Stuart still more important as a center of business and industries. West of Des Moines, Stuart will soon be one of the most stirring places on the line of the C., R. I. & P. R. R.
PANORA, the oldest town in the county, and twice the county seat, is situated on the Middle Raccoon river, in the eastern section of the county, with plenty of wood and coal, and fine water powers, besides good agricultural lands well improved; lacking only railroad facilities to enjoy the highest prosperity.
GUTHRIE is the station next to Stuart on the railroad, and was laid out in 1868-9. Surrounded by good land and well drained, it will become a great shipping station and a desirable resi- dence. Wood, coal, water, and fer. tility will give Guthrie a good future.
CASEY is a station on the southern boundary of the county, part of the town being built in Adair county. The town was laid out in 1868, and is al- ready a place of considerable business, the shipping of grain being a specialty here. Indian Branch, one of the tribu- taries of the Middle Raccoon river, flows by the town, and is skirted hy considerable groves of timber.
Hamilton County was allowed an organization separate from Webster county by the legislature of 1856-7, and Webster City was then nominated as the county seat of the new organiza- tion. High rolling prairie predomi- nates in Hamilton county, with tiin- bered land following the water courses; but the lands so situated are not heav- ily wooded in this section of the coun- try. Boone river flows from north to south along the western boundary, and has provided mill sites enough to make flour of all the grain that the county will ever produce. There are lakes supplied by beautiful fresh water springs in many parts of this county on the prairie, and, as these lakes abound in fish, besides being frequent- ly visited by wild fowl, they are often places much haunted by sportsmen with fishing rod and gun. Some day they will become places of popular resort in a much wider and more ex- travagant sense.
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