USA > Iowa > Jackson County > Annals of Jackson county, Iowa, Vol 1-6 > Part 58
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Here, as elsewhere, death came, and in less than one month the mother and two grandsons were numbered with the dead. Their remains were con- veyed to Cemetery Hill and interred by the husband and son, no one being present but the members of the family.
The first sermon preached here was by Rev. Jeremiah Farrier, a seceder clergyman, form Galena. The congregation numbered seven. After this the place now known as North Bend was settled, and a school was taught by J. W. Butler.
A class for religious services was organized in 1850, and in 1854 a Sunday school was organized, and has been continued through the summer season ever since, and is now in a prosperous condition.
Here a Congregational church was organized in 1655, under the name of Rock Creek; and in 1859 a Baptist church was organized under the name of North Bend.
The fourth settement was made in the southwest corner of the township by B. F. Hull, S A. Richardson, Lyman Wright, Wm. Haylock and others, in 1845.
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The first marriage here was that of Nelson Kimball and Hannah Stalcop. The ceremony was performed by Rev. George Larkin.
There was a school house built in 1847, and a school taught by Miss Wentworth.
The first buried in Fairfield grave yard was B. F. Hull.
Au M. E. class was organized here in 1849, and a Sunday school was organized some time after.
Here the first celebration was held on the Fourth of July within the township.
THE RESOURCES.
Niagara limestone is found in great abundance for building purposes and for making lime. In some places it is stratified and easily convertible into use, and will doubtless ere long be a source of wealth. Timber abounds and grows so rapidly that there are more solld inches of wood in the town- ship now than when it was first settled. Water is pentiful. The Maquoketa river flows through the township. Water is usually obtained for culinary purposes by drilling. The soil is productive and may be brought to a high state by cultivation.
THE STAPLE COMMODITIES
are wheat, corn and oats, horses, cattle and swine. Garden vegetables of all kinds grown in a temperate zone can be raised here with profit.
CASUALTIES.
Three have been killed by accident, one committed suicide, one found dead, one drowned
EDUCATION.
Fairheld's educational facilities are equal to, if not in advance of those of her compeers. There is generally eight months school in the year. Her growth in school facilities has kept pace with her improvement in other respects. Starting with one small school in a log hut, she has at present eight districts with splendid large schoolhouses, well equipped for training the youthful mind. She has furnished for the public good one lawyer, two teachers and numerous school teachers. Her talent being entirely too hon- est to reach high stations has remained in comparative obscurity.
MANUFACTORIES AND TRADE
The township has no manufactories or mills, except one steam saw mill, but there are such institutions near her lines. She contains one store and two blacksmith shops. Workers in wood are numerous. Many farmers do their own making and repairing.
HEALTH AND MORALS.
She has not within her limits a lawyer or a doctor. Neither could make a living without combining some other occupation with the practice of his profession. The inhabitants are generally peacable and healthy. This hap- py moral and physical condition may be partly attributed to the fact that there is not now and never has been a saloon within the limits of the town- ship.
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CHRISTIANITY.
Christianity was introduced with the first year's settlers, and although the followers of Jesus were few they bore the standard of the cross through all the privations and hardships of pioneer life, until it became honored and respected among men, and believed on by the many. More effort has been put forth to unfurl the banner of the Gospel in Fairfield than in any other township in the county. She has within her territory but one meeting house, but the large and commodious school houses furnished ample accom- modations for meeting and Sabbath schools.
NOW AND THEN.
Now the people live on luxuries. Then on necessities.
Now they live on the choicest viands, fine flour, preserves, pies, pud- ding, pickles and canned fruits. Then they lived on hog and hominy, veni- son, fish, samp potatoes, pumpkins and wild plums.
Now they ride in splendid carriages drawn by fancy horses. Then they rode in lumber wagons, drawn by oxens.
Now they count their money by dollars, hundreds and thousands. Then they counted it by cents, picayumes and bits.
Now the children attend school in school houses well equipped and study reading, writing, arithmetic, spelling, English grammar, history, geography and physiology and school teachers get from $18 to $45 per month. Then they attended in the log hut and studied spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic, and teachers got from $1,50 per week to $12 per month.
Now the evening twilight is melodious with the sounds of the organ and the engine whistle. Then it was made hideous by the scream of the panther and the howl of the wolf.
Now money is an equivalent for all dues and the acquisition of wealth is man's master passion. Then the currency was an exchange of commodities or labor, and there was such a desire to pay back in the kind received that Squire Reed married Wm. Conway "on tick, " and waited till Conway was elected Justice of the Peace, and then Conway married Reed to his third wife to pay the debt, no interest being allowed on anything except money.
Now, at the last election, there were 165 votes polled. Then at the first there were 7.
Then the people were all on a level, and sympathy and kindness were extended to all. Now pride and vanity show their undignified heads, and caste is seen in all communities and assemblies.
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST.
Whereas, the founders of our government in its infancy invoked the blessings and protection of Divine Providence, to which may be ascribed their great success: It seems titting that at this centennial celebration grateful acknowledgement should be made to the Supreme Ruler of the World for the protection and blessings He has conferred upon us and we would suggest that thirty minutes be set apart for public, religious and devout thanksgiving to Almighty God for the blessings that bave been bestowed upon us as a township, and humbly invoking the continuance of His favor and His protection. JOHN HOLROYD.
All of which is respectfully submitted. DAVID BLAKELY, WM. E. REED.
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PROMINENT IOWANS RESPOND.
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Many Promise to Be Here to the Dedication of the Governor Ansel Briggs Monument.
Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Friend :- Yours of the 2nd at hand, I am sorry to say that it will be impossible for me to attend the unveiling services of the Ansel Brigg's Monument.
I hope you will have fine weather and a big crowd. I will keep in mind the date. I expect to make a trip to Canada about that time or a little
before. Yours respectfully, W. I. BEANS.
Corydon, Iowa, Aug. 4, 1909. Hon. J. W. Ell's, Maquoketa, lowa.
My Dear Mr. Ellis :- I am just in receipt of your kind invitation to attend the unveliing of the monument erected to the memory of Iowa's first Governor, "Anse Briggs", and I desire at this time to express to you and to the members of the Jackson Co Historical Society, my appreciation of your kindness and to assure you that it will afford me unbounded pleas- ure to be present with you and enjoy the exercises attendant on this uoble and patriotic occasion, so long delayed.
Comrade Ellis, you are entitled to the lasting gratitude of the people of your county, and not only them, but the people of the entire Sta'e of Iowa, for your efficient efforts in securing the appropriation, which assured the completion of this tribute of respect to 'Our First Governor." Personally I am glad that it was my privilege to have a small part in this matter as a member of the 33rd G. A., it was my vote that was first recorded in favor of the measure. Again thanking you and wishing you and the society the very best success, in the exercises of the day, I regret very deeply that it will be impossible for me to be present.
With best personal regards for yourself. I am,
Very truly yours,
W. P. ALLRED.
Deep River, lowa, Aug. 3rd, 1909.
Mr. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
My Dear Mr. Ellis :- Your invitation to attend the unveiling of the Ansel Brigg's monument as member of the 33rd G. A. is received.
I will be pleased to attend said service, if I am in the state at that time. I thank you for the invitation. I often think of the pleasant hours we spent together last winter. Wishing you happiness and all the good things of life. I am, Yours truly, G. W. TILTON.
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Reinbeck, Iowa, Aug. 6, 1909. J. W. Ellis, Maquokea. Iowa.
Dear Sir :- Your very kind invitation of the 2nd to be present at the nveiling of the monument to the Hon. Arsel Briggs is just received, and I am very sorry that business engagements make it impossible for me to ac- cept. I am glad that your people are taking an interest in perpetuating the memory of this distinguished man and with best regards. I am,
Sincerely yours, SHERMAN W. DEWOLF.
Council Bluffs, Iowa, Aug 5, 1909. Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
My Dear Ellis :- I have yours of the 2nd inst., extending to me an in- vitation to attend the unveiling of the monument erected to the memory of Ansel Briggs, on Sept. 22nd.
I am not certain as yet, that I can attend your exercises, but hope to do so. I trust that you may have a profitable day and a large attudance.
Yours very truly, C. G. SAUNDERS.
Lenox, Iowa, Aug. 4, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Sec., Maquoketa, Iowa.
My Dear Sir :- Yours of the 2od enclosing invitation to unveiling of a monument erected at the grave of the first Governor, was received. I thank you very much for the honor extended, but am sorry that business over which I have no control will make it impossible for me to attend, much as I would enjoy being present. I took great pleasure in supporting the meas- ure for the appropriation, thinking that it was the proper thing for the people of the State to do. Wishing that your undertaking may prove a suc- cess and that the day may be propitious. I remain,
Sincerely yours, T. W. BENNETT.
Waterloo, Iowa, Aug. 3rd, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, lowa.
Dear Sir :- Your kind invitation to be present at the dedication of the monument of Ansel Briggs, Iowa's first Governor, duly received and want to thank you for this iuvitaton. Mrs. Feeley and myself have been planning on attending these exercises, so we will be present on September 22od. Yours sincerely, GUY A. FEELY.
Albia, Iowa, Aug. 3rd, 1909. Hon. J. W. Ellis Maquoketa, Iowa.
My Dear Ellis :- Your invitation to the dedication of the Brigg's monu- ment has just been received and I wish to thank you for the same. If cir- cumstances are steh that I can be there I certainly will, as I would like very much to go. You are to be congratulated upon your success in getting the appropriation through, as I understand that it has been attempted sev- eral times before this last session aud it is a great honor to Jackson county to furnish the last resting place of the first governor of Iowa.
With best regards, I am, Yours truly,
THOS. HECKENLOOPER.
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Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Aug. 3, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, lowa.
My Dear Sir :- I am in receipt of your invitation to attend the dedica- tion of the Brigg's monument on September 22. while I cannot at this time give a definite answer, I hope that I may be able to be present. I have no doubt that the occasion will be a pleasant one. You will probably and rightfully take a great deal of satisfaction in seeing the monument erected, and dedicated as it was due wholly to your efforts that the appropriation was made. Trusting that the occasion will be one of great pleasure and satisfaction to you. I remain, Yours very truly,
ERNEST R. MOORE.
Boone, Iowa, Aug. 3, 1909
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maqu keta lowa.
My Dear Sir :- Your favor with invitation to the unveiling exercises of the moi ument to Gov. Ansel Briggs, at Andrew next month. is received, and I thank you for the same. It recalls to my mind the vicissitudes of House File No. 1, last winter, and now that the purpose of the bill is about to be realized, I deisre agiin to congratulate you for whatever sentiment or spirit is aroused by the state assisting in the erection of this monument, to one of her worthy pioneers, to you should be given the credit. I think I can share in the spirit of this occasion, even though unable to be present, and with the people of your countr, feel that in honoring the memory of Ansel Briggs they horor themselves and the whole State. With kindest regards. 1 am, Yours truly, W. W. GOODYKOONTZ.
Delmar, Aug. 3rd, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, low3.
My Dear Sir :- Today I rec. ived your kind invitation to be present at the unveiling of the Ansel Briggs' monument at And ew, Iowa, on Sept. 22, 1909. Nothing preventing I shall be there ou that date. I am pleased to see your photo on the back of the invitation as a recognition of your faithful services in getting the appropriation through the 33rd G. A. May the day be a beautiful one is the wish of your friend and brother member in the House of Representatives. Very Respectfully,
A. W. KENDALL.
Bloomfield Iowa Aug. 3 d, 1909.
Hop. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
My Dear Mr. Ellis: - I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your invitation to attend the unveiling of the monument in memory of Ansel Briggs, first Governor of Iowa, Sept. 22, 1909. I very much regret that it will be impossible for me to attend these services and assure you that my best wishes are with you on this occasion. Your people certainly are under many lasting obligations to y. u for what you accomplished in the securing of the appropriation for this wortby purpose and man .. I beg to be
Yours truly, I. T DABNEY.
Dubuque, lowa, Aug. 3, 1909
My Dear Mr. Ellis :- Will try to be on hand at Andrew on Sept. 22nd. Very truly yours, A. F. FRUDDEN.
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Sioux City, Iowa, Aug. 4, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
My Dear Mr. Ellis :- Your announcment of the dedication exercises of the Ansel Brigg's monument received Allow me to congratulate you and the officers of your association, on securing this monument to the first Gov- ernor of Iowa If it is possible for me to be present with you I will do so. With kind personal regards. I remain, Yours truly,
W. L. HARDING.
Des Moines, Iowa, Aug. 4, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, lowa.
My Dear Sir :- 1 desire to acknowledge your favor of recent date with invitation to attend the exercises at the unveiling of the monument erected in the cemetery at Andrew, in your county, in honor of the memory of Hon. Ansel Brigge, first Governor of this state. These exercises to occur on September 22ad. Please accept my thanks for the coutesy extended. I will endeavor to be present and think that I will be able to be there on the occasion referred to. It is difficult for me to make a positive appointment for a date so far ahead because of business matters that are likely to arise most any time. However, will do the best I can in the matter.
Very sincerely yours, W. C. HAYWARD, Secretary of State.
Iowa City, Iowa, Aug. 4, 1909.
Hon J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, lowa.
My Dear Ellis :- I am in receipt of your kind invitation to the Brigg's monument dedication, Sept. 22, 1909. I thank you for thus remembering me and nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be with you on this happy occasion and to again meet you, and circumstances permitting, I hope. to avail myself of your kind invitation and with kind personal regards. I am as ever, Your friend, GEO. W. KOONTZ.
Guthrie Centre, Aug. 4, 1909.
J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir :- I beg to acknowledge receipt of your esteemed favor of the 2nd, inviting me to attend the public exercises attending the unveiling of the monument erected to the memory of Ansel Briggs on the 22nd of Sept .. at hand. I appreciate your courtesy and regret to inform you that other engagements will make it practically impossible to be present on that occa- sion. Very truly yours, W. K. DEWEY.
Rep. 31st district.
Hampton, Iowa, Aug. 5, 1909.
HIon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
My Dear Mr. Ellis :- I am in receipt of your kind invitation to attend the exercises of your Historical Society on Sept. 22. I regret very much my inability to be present. Our court will be in session at that time.
Very sincerely yours,
WM. D. EVANS.
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Odebolt, Iowa, Aug. 4, 19 09.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Mr. Ellis :- Your very kind invitation of the 2nd inst, to attend the public exercises at Andrew, Iowa, Sept 22nd at hand. I do not know just how I will be situated at that time but if I can get away without too much inconvenience I shall be glad to be with you on that occasion. al- though I very much doubt if I will have time, as I expect to be in the west up to nearly that time and will probably have a stack of work to clean up before I can take another trip Thanking you for your very kind invita- tion, I am, Truly yours, JOSEPH MATTES.
Marion, Iowa, Aug. 4th 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Sec'y. of Jackson Historical Society, Maquoketa, Io wa.
Dear Mr. Ellis-I beg to acknowledge receipt of your invitation to at- tend a monument dedication, in honor of Ansel Briggs, and wish to thank you for the same. At the present time I fear business matters will prevent my being away from home on that date I should be very much pleased to attend so important an event and if I can arrange business matters so that I my be able to attend, will advise you.
Yours very truly, J. W. BOWMAN.
Office of Wm. Larrabee, Clearmont, lowa, Aug. 4, 1909. J. W. Ellis, Secretary, Maquoketa, lowa.
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Dear Sir :- Thanks for the invitation to attend the public exercises attending the unveiling of the monument erected in memory of Governor Ansel Briggs. I feel thankful that the Jackson County Historical Society has received for the people of the state this memorial of Governor Briggs. It is pleasant to contemplate the imp.ovement made in lowa since the ad- ministration of Governor Briggs. The happy and prosperous condition of our people at the present time. Yours t: ully, WM. LARRABEE.
New Hartford, Aug. 4, 190 9.
Hon. J. W. Ellis Maquoketa, lo va
Dear Sir and Freind :- Replying to your kind invitation to be present at the unveiling of the monument of Governor Briggs, say. that it would give great pleasure to be present at the time and place you name. and if nothing transpires to prevent, I expect to be with you on that occasion. Yours very truly, J. A. COUSINS.
Hampton, lowa, Aug. 4, 1909.
Ilon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, lowa.
My Dear Sir :- While I greatly appreciate the invitation to the monu- ment dedication Sept. 2 it will not be convenient for me to be present on that occasion as I have planned to go to the Pacific coast at that time. I want to congratulate you upon the success of the undertaking for I well re- member the hard work and anxious hours you spent in getting it through the legislature. With kind regards. I remain, Yours truly, N. W. BEEBE.
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Clinton, Iowa, August 4th, 1909.
Hon. J. W Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir-1 am in receipt of an invitation addressed to Hon. Karl John- son requesting my presense at the dedication of the monument of Iowa's tisrt governor, and please accept my thanks for the same, as I take it that the above named Honorable gentle nan has received the invitation intended for me. If possible I shall be pleased to be present.
Yours very truly,
J. L. WOLFE.
Leon, Iowa, Aug. 3, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir-Your invitation to attend the public exercises attending the unveiling of the monument erected in Jackson County, Iowa, to honor the memory of Ausel Briggs first Governor of the State of Iowa, on the 22nd day of September, 1909, received. I thank you for this invitation and con. gratulate you on the success of your effort in securing the return to Iowa soil of the body of Governor Briggs and the erection of a suitabe monument to mark his grave in his lowa home. I am not sure that I can attend, but will if I can conveniently. Very truly yours,
Rep. 33rd G. A.
E. J. SANKEY.
West Union, Iowa, Aug. 3rd, 1909.
Hon J. W. Ellis Maquoketa, Iowa.
My Dear Mr. Ellis-I have your kind invitation to attend the dedica- tory services of the Ansel Brigg's monument on Sept. 22nd, for which I thank you very much. If possible I will be with you on that date. Wish- ing you a very successful event, I am Yours very truly, HENRY L. ADAMS.
Orange City, Iowa, Aug. 3, 1909.
IIon. J. W. Ell's. Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir and Friend-I received your invitation of the 2nd inst. to at- tend the exercises in connection with the unveiling of the Ansel Brigg's monument on the 22 id of Sept. I should be very glad to accept this in- vitation, but our term of court commences on the 13th of that month. and it will therefore be impossibe for me to do so. Since adjournment of the session I have been quite busy and not met many of the members. Should occasion present itself to bring me your way I will be sure to call on you for a visit. Yours very truly, GERRIT KLAY.
Rep. 33rd G. A.
Des Moines, Aug. 4th, 1909.
Hon J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, lowa.
Dear Sir -- I have your kind invitation to attend the exercises attending the unveiling of a monument to honor the memory of Gov. Ansel Briggs. In reply will say it will be impossible for me to attend. Thanking you for the invitation, I am, Yours very truly,
W. W. MORROW, Treasurer of State.
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Grundy Centre, Iowa, Aug. 6 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis.
Dear Sir :- I wish to acknowledge receipt of your invitation to attend the dedication of the monument erected to the first governor of Iowa. I would enjoy meeting you again, also I would enjoy the exercises at this dedication. I do not think it possible that I can get away at that time. My time is taken up very fully now. If when the time comes I can get away I will take it in, but as things look now I do not expect to be so for- tunate. Yours truly, R. M. FINLAYSON.
Elliott, Iowa, Aug. 6, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Sec., Maquoketa, Iowa.
'Dear Friend :- I received your kind invitation to attend the services connected with the unveiling of the monument erected to the memory of the late Gov. Ansel Briggs, first governor of this state. Thanks for the invitation, but under the circumstances it would be almost impossible for me to attend, as my wife and I expect to start next week for Seattle. I feel as if I would like very much to see all of the members of the last G. A. Again thanking you for the invitation, I remain,
Yours Sincerely, C. E. DE WITT.
Dept. General Instruction, Des Moines, Iowa. Aug. 5ht, 1909. Mr. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
My Dear Sir :- I regret that it will be impossible for me to be present at Andrew on Sept. 22 on the notable occasion of the unveiling of the mon- ument erected by the State of Iowa to the honor and memory of Ansel Briggs, first governor of the state of Iowa. The erection of the mounment is a fit- ting, if tardy recognition of the life of this sturdy pioneer.
Very respectfully, JOHN F. RIGGS.
Des Monies, Iowa, Aug. 6, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, lowa.
My dear Sir :- It would give me great pleasure to be present at the dedication of the monument erected to the memory of Gov. Anssl Briggs, Sept. 22ud, but I think it would not be possible for me to be present. Please present my compliments to the officers of Jackson County Historical Society, and assure them that I appreciate the honor of being invited to witness the ceremony. Very cordially, HENRY SABIN.
Adjutant General's Dept., Des Moines, Iowa, Aug. 6, 1909. Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, lowa.
Dear Sir :- I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your kind invita- tion to be present at the unveiling of a monument erected in the cemetery in the town of Andrew Jackson county, Iowa, to honor the memory of An- sel Briggs, first governor of the state of Iowa, and I rerget very much that I will be unable to be present at that time.
Very repsectfully, GUY E. LOGAN, Adjutant-General.
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Bellevue, Iowa, Aug. 13, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis,
Dear Friend :- Yours of the 2nd reached me on my return from western trip. I shall try and be present unless some unavoidable matter that needs my presence, should come on same day. Very truly yours,
A. G. KEGLER. Des Moines, Aug. 12, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
My Dear Sir :- I am in receipt of your programme and announcement for the Ansel Brigg"'s monument dedication to be held at Andrew in your county on the 22nd day of Sept., 1909 If my official engagements do not interfere I will try to be present on that date. Yours very truly, H. W. BYERS.
Ilion, N. Y., Aug. 12, 1909.
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