USA > Iowa > Cherokee County > Biographical history of Cherokoe County, Iowa : Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each ; a condensed history of Iowa, with portraits and biographies of the governors of the state ; engravings of prominent citizens in Cherokee County, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families. A concise history of the county, the cities, and townships > Part 31
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MUSICAL ASSOCIATION.
This association was formed as a branch of the Northwestern Iowa Musical Association, in the spring of 1889, with a membership of about fifty persons, Its officers are: Benja- min Radcliffe, President; G. M. Barr, Sec- retary; F. S. Barns, Treasurer. Its object is the cultivation and advancement of musical talent in Northwestern Iowa, and at the town of Marcus in particular.
THE CITY SCALES.
Great dissatisfaction arose among the farm- ers and business men concerning the weigh- ing of farm produce, and after a considerable contest it was voted to establishi a city scale, which was placed in operation in 1887, since which time both farmers and stockmen, to- gether with business men of Marens, have been well pleased. The scales are located near the depot and warehonses, at the foot of the main street. They are enclosed within a comfortable building, which furnishes the weigh-master, who is hired at $50 per month, with a suitable office. The charges are 10 cents a dranght, and 10 cents for each five hread of swine or cattle.
COMMERCIAL INTERESTS OF 1889.
The " first events " enumerated at the out- set of this chapter give the reader a fair un- derstanding of how and by whom the first business interests of Marens were conducted, and the following will serve well to inform
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
him as to the business of the town at present, July, 1889:
General Dealers, Keogan Bros., J. H. Hyndman, Shelden & Barnes, W. J. Creg- low, C. F. Collier & Son, P. Myers, M. Chris- tianson, Theo. Hager; hardware dealers, Cisne & Eichhorn, Henry Nieman; grocers, Will- iam Ross, A. H. Dwight; drugs, George Bros., Failing & Bartlett; furniture, E. E. Martin, C. F. Collier & Son; lumber dealers, I. M. Jackson, Thomas Patton, P. N. Brown; boots and shoes (exclusive), John Ernster, Martin Myer; livery stables, P. B. Nelson, Daniel W. Hine; agricultural implements, P. B. Nelson, J. O. Barns, John Baird, Cisne & Eichhorn; jewelry, H. H. Neiman; harness- makers, H. Mankey & Co., M. R. Stewart; meat markets, Jacob Fike, W. Watt; tin shop (exclusive), J. Clauer; clothing (exclu- sive), G. M. Barr; photograph gallery, H. D. Chatterton; stock dealers, Williams Bros. & Wilson, E. S. Edmonds; grain dealers, Far- mers' Elevator Company, Dickey & Co., E. J. Edmonds; millinery, Miss Annie Over, Miss Connell; hotels, Commercial House, Marcus Hotel, Central House; newspaper, The Marcus .News, Frank Lewis, editor and proprietor; flour and feed, J. H. Hyndman; blacksmith shops, R. W. Heath, A. B. Olson, Jones; physicians, Dr. Muller, C. A. S. Prosser, Dr. Failing; attorney, Benjamin Radcliffe.
BANKING.
At present there are two excellent banking- houses at Mareus, both private institutions.
The Citizens' Bank is the joint property of F. S. Barns and M. A. Creglaw, who also operates a bank in Clayton County, Iowa, of which Mr. Creglaw is the president, while his partner, Mr. Barns, is president of the Citizens' Bank at Marcus. Notwithstanding this is a purely private banking concern, its
methods of doing business are strictly in keeping with the finest National or stock company State banks; every department is conducted upon thorough business principles and there is a large property value behind it. Its present standing is very high-few better in Iowa. They are located in a spacious and elegantly built and furnished brick building, two-stories high, costing 84,600. The inner arrangement as well as the superb furniture would do to adorn the finest of city banking- houses. The president and cashier, F. S. Barns, is an excellent scholar, a careful and judicious business man, whose judgment is looked upen throughout the Northwest as being far above that of the common bankers. They do a general banking business, make collections, issue home and foreign exchange and deal extensively in real estate. This bank was organized in 1884, and now has a cash capital of $50,000.
The Bank of Marcus was organized on private funds of Gund & Hiltgen, in June, 1881. First operated in the small frame building now used as a millinery store, which in 1883 was moved and the fine briek banking- house the bank is now operated in was erected. At first it had a cash capital of $20.000, but now they carry $50,000. Mr. Hiltgen withdrew in 1887, since which date Louis Gund as president, with his daughter, M. Gund, have conducted the bank.
In addition to the above array of business interests at Marcus, it may be added that the town has a fine telephonic communication with Sioux City and Newell; also all inter- mediate points. The American Express Com- pany is represented here.
A steam flouring-mill was erected a few years ago, which employed the roller system. A. Henshaw built the mill, and it was de- stroyed by fire in 1887.
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
PILOT TOWNSHIP.
ILOT is directly south from Cherokee Township, west of Pitcher, north of Silver and east of Rock. It embraced at one date all the south half of the county, but assnmed its present boundary-congres- sional township 91, section 40-in 1869.
Pilot is traversed by the Illinois Central Railway and the Little Sioux River. The populace here depend largely upon Cherokee and Quimby for mail and trading facilities. Here one finds a large quantity of fine stock- raising land, which is well watered. There are over 700 population, four-fifths of which are American-born and English-speaking people.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Robert Perry, who was the first white man to visit Cherokee County with the view of making a settlement, came from Eastern Iowa in May, 1856, looked the county over and determined to locate in what is now known as Pilot Township. He went back to his family in Clayton Connty and returned in the month of June. In the month of May came the Milford Colony, which located at Cherokee, while George W. Banister, in com- pany with others, came on from Hardin Connty, Iowa, and settled on section 9, his present home farm, about two miles south of the city of Cherokee. This company landed in Pilot Township, June 17, 1856. The band was composed of the following: George W. Banister, who settled by pre-empting a quar- ter of section 9, township 91, range 40; John Moore took land on section 28 ; Charles Moore, on section 29; Alfred Moore, on sec- tion 34; J. T. Lane, on section 32; Martin Burns, on section 16; I. N. W. Mahaffay, on section 16; Jacob Miller, section 32; Marvin Allison and John Banister settled the same year.
None of the above named are residents of the county now except George W. Banister; some have died, while a greater portion were scared away by the early Indian troubles and general hard times.
In 1857 but one settler made his way to Pilot Township-George Coonley, of New York State, who claimed the north half of section 10, township 91, range 40, upon which he platted the village site of Pilot Rock, in 1859. It was near the junction of the two Illinois Central Railway lines. Here he erected a hewed-log cabin and remained until the Pike's Peak gold-mine excitement of that year, 1859, when he went to that famous country and succeeded well at mining. Ile sold out his property and has never re- sided here since.
O. S. Wight, who settled on section 16, and Thomas Scurlock, who settled on section 28, were the only ones in addition to those mentioned who came in prior to the Civil War. Wight soon moved to the south part of Pilot Township, but later on moved back to another portion of section 16, where he still lives. Scurlock came here from Hnm- boldt County, Iowa, just before the breaking out of the war and is still a resident.
FIRST EVENTS.
The first settler was Robert Perry.
The first band or colony who made settle- ment was the one headed by George W. Banister. in June, 1856.
The first birth in the township was a danghter born to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Moore, in the fall of 1856.
The first to die in the township was the wife of John Moore, in 1859.
The first marriages were those of Jasper and Newton Senrlock, in 1866. Jasper mar- ried Angeline Huntley, and his brother, New- ton, married lier sister, Anice Huntley. They
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
were united by County Judge George W. Banister, in his house.
The first school was taught by Mrs. Carl- ton Corbett, at a log school-house, in 1860, near the present home of Mr. Pierson.
The first log house was erected by Jacob Miller, on section 32, in 1856, at a point near Rogers' mill.
The first frame building was the school- honse built in 1868, on section 29. It was inade from lumber sawed at Banister's mill.
The first postoffice was Pilot Rock, and it was kept at Postmaster O. S. Wight's resi-
dence. It has been discontinued. Mails were not at all regular, especially in winter of 1856-'57, the snow-bound winter of Iowa history. No mails run, and the settlers in Cherokee County did not know who had been elected President of the United States until Carlton Corbett ventured out over the crusted snow banks in the spring and brought back the news of James Buchanan's election.
In 1868, or about that time, Ruben Rogers built a saw-mill on the Little Sioux River, in Pilot Township. He finally added burrs and did grinding to quite an extent.
Abont 1870 Fred Stiles put in a grist-mill a mile and a half above, on the same streamn. Ile sold to E. H. Wise about 1874 and the mill was finally removed to other parts.
RELIGIOUS.
There are two religious denominations in Pilot Township-the Methodist Episcopal and the Wesleyan Methodists. The home of the former is on section 25, while the latter has a building on section 29.
The Wesleyan Methodist Church, of Pilot Township, was formed in December, 1869, by twelve persons. In the spring of 1882 a building was erected 24 x40 feet, costing $1,700. It is a frame structure and comforta- bly seats 150 persons. The present member- 26
ship of this religious denomination in Pilot Township is twenty-four. The following have served the church as Pastors: Rev. Levi Rogers, Rev. John Calderwood, Rev. David Menge, Rev. C. C. Reader, Rev. John Balch, Rev. D. R. Stanford, Rev. J. Tripp, Rev. John Balch. The Trustees are: James War- burton, B. Rogers, Joseph Little; Stewards: Joseph Little B. Rogers, Mrs. Rachel Por- ter and Mrs. Louisa --; Class-leader: James Warburton; Mrs. Rachel Porter, Sec- retary.
SCIIOOLS.
The first term of school in this township was taught by Mrs. Carlton Corbett, in 1860, in a log house. The people of this locality have always been up with sister sections in sustaining the best of public schools. They have built school buildings from time to time and are now fully supplied. As will be seen by the county superintendent's report, October. 31, 1888, Pilot Township had eight ungraded schools; employed six male and thir- teen female teachers. One hundred and forty-five pupils' names were then enrolled. The school-houses are all first-class, and none but the best teachers are employed. With a showing like the above, is it any wonder the county has such exceptionally good school facilities ?
PITCHER TOWNSHIP.
HIS township, which now comprises all of congressional township 91, range 39, was constituted by the Board of Super- visors September 6, 1869. It originally be- longed to Pilot Township. It is bounded by Buena Vista County on its east, Diamond Township ou its south, Pilot on its west, and is south of Afton. The topography of this township is quite similar to its sister town- ship on the north-Afton. However there is some difference in the land as much
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
of it lies in the Maple Valley-that stream crossing the township from north to sonth. The market place is the sprightly town of Aurelia, on the main line of the Illinois Cen- tral Railroad. Outside of the incorporation of Anrelia, in 1885, there was a population of 455 American and 155 foreign.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement of most every new country is at the outset commenced by a roving, unsatisfied sort of men, who leave the finest of lands to go on in quest of some yet undiscovered country. Such was the dispo- sition of him who first claimed a homestead in Pitcher Township - Harvey Wamsley, who took lands on the north half of the northeast quarter of section 6, in 1867. He lived in a small sod shanty and tilled a small patch of ground, but lived principally on what he could realize from hunting and trap- ping. He soon left the county, going to Washington Territory, where he engaged in a similar life. While digging ont some wild animal during the past year (1889), he was buried in a landslide, and died before he could be rescued.
The first settler in the township who was of the genuine type of staying men was Hon. Horatio Pitcher, who came from Boston, Massaclinsetts, in the spring of 1868. He traveled thronghont Western Iowa and finally concluded Cherokee County offered the best inducement for men with limited means, and accordingly he located in what is now known as Pitcher Township. When this sub-divis- ion of the county was set off as a civil town- ship, by common consent (suggested by the ladies present) it was named in honor of the first active settler, Mr. Pitcher. He entered all of section 34, which he still owns and farms, together with eighty acres in another section. He broke sixty acres the first year
and put the same into corn the next season, a thing he says he would not do again. The sod was tough and the soil hard to cultivate. He was then a single man and thought he could better care for the corn crop than for a wheat harvest. His first crop was not a real bonanza for him, yet paid fairly well, as he found ready market for his corn among thie railroad graders, who were working the Illinois Central line through at that time. His was the first house of any sort built within the township. He hauled the pine Inmber sixty miles, the nearest yard being located at Dennison, Crawford Coanty. The frame was sawed from native timber, at the Cherokee saw-inills. This house, together with large additions, forms Mr. Pitcher's present residence. See personal sketch else- where. .
The same year, 1868, came John Fletcher, an English coal miner, who settled on section 6, where he lived abont ten years and then moved into Cherokee Township. J. Robin- son also caine the same season and took up land on section 6, where he still resides. No others came to the township nintil 1869, when the lands belonging to the railroad company were thrown into market. That year' there was an immense influx and nearly all the lands were taken as homesteads or else were purchased. There was no Government land left by 1871.
According to the poll-books of the assessor the following named made up the voting population April 1, 1870: Hugh and Will- iam Fraser, section 22; Ruben R. Whitney, section 22, still there; Oscar Chase, section 28, deceased; Daniel Wightman, section 26, removed; William Farrar, section 32, re- moved; Ed. Morgan, section 32, removed; Daniel McMullen, section 36, reinoved; Benjamin F. Jennings, section 36, removed; Horatio Pitcher, still a resident; Calvin Mc-
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
Mullen, section 36, removed; John H. Greg- ory, section 20, deceased; Blair Severence, section 18; Harvey Wamsley, deceased; James N. Rice, section 6; Henry Bremer, section 6, still there; Jolin Fletcher, section 6, removed; Jolin Robinson, section 6, still there; George Gardner, section 8, removed; Francis McGuire, section 8, still there; Jolin McGuire, section 8, removed; Samnel Foust, section 18, still there; Adam Lutz, section 18, dead; William Perkins, section 18, re- mnoved; Jacob Foust, section 18, still there; John J. Hitchcock, section 18, removed; William Hitchcock, section 18, removed; Robert D. Russell, section 18, removed; Da- vidson Russell, section 28, deceased; J. B. Chapin, section 28, now of Fargo, North Dakota; E. M. Giles, now a resident of Washington Territory.
ORGANIC.
Pitcher was formed in the autumn of 1869 and the first township election was held Oc- tober 12, that year, and the judges of said election were: Oscar Chase, Horatio Pitcher and R. R. Whitney. The following voted at that election: R. R. Whitney, Oscar Chase, William Perkins, Adam Lutz, William Far- rar, William Fraser, Hugh Fraser, James H. Gregory, II. Pitcher, Daniel Wightman, Davidson Russell and R. D. Russell.
EARLY EVENTS.
The first birth in Pitcher Township was that of Carrie Whitney, born in November, 1869, on section 22. She is now the wife of Dr. Frank Myers, of Sheldon, Iowa.
The first school was taught by Miss Wheeler, in 1869.
The first house was built in 1869, by Hora- tio Pitcher.
The first stock was shipped from this part of the connty by Horatio Pitcher, who shipped
a drove of hogs from Aurelia before any stock- yards were provided and had to drive them (or tried to) through the little grain ware- house, using it as a chute to rush the swine into the car. Mr. Pitcher prior to that time had butchered hogs, and says that one porker would glut the market at Cherokee, and then he would dress another and the day follow- ing take it to Storm Lake, where he would glut that market!
RELIGIOUS.
The first religious services in Pitcher Town ship were held at School-house No. 7, by the Christian denomination, headed by a Mr. Bradfield, who aided in organizing a society, which finally went down. At present there are buttwo religious societies, aside from those at the village of Aurelia, viz .: The Mt. Zion Brethren Church, and the Dunkard, properly called German Baptist. The Brethren Church dates its organization from September 17, 1883, when the society was formed by Elder John Nicholson, of Hudson, Iowa, at School District No. 6. They had gone by another name until the meeting of the Dayton, Ohio, Conference decided that the church be here- after named Brethren. The following were the first members: Elias Leonard, S. B. Reist, Jolm Forney, E. L. De Vore, Peter Wine, Solomon Grove, Mary Templeman, Sarah Miller, Carrie Templeman, May For- ney, Mrs. Emma De Vore, Katie Reist, J. W. Ilinkle. This people believe in taking the gospel as laid down by Christ and the apos- tles as their rule and guide in life.
S. B. Reist and Solomon Grove were chosen Deacons, and Elias Leonard, Pastor, by the laying on of hands by Elder John Nicholson. Trustees: E. L. De Vore, John Forney, J. W. Hinkle; Clerk, J. W. Hinkle. The Pas- tors have been as follows: Elias Leonard, S. B. Reist, chosen January, 1884, and served
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
until April 16, 1887, when the present Pas- tor, S. Grove, was chosen. There has been a membership of sixty, but at this time only forty-six belong.
A neat and well-furnished church edifice was erected in 1888 and was dedicated in October of the same year. Its cost was $1,563; size 26 x40 feet. As to business methods, this denomination is congregational. The peculiarities of this sect are, that they are not allowed to take oatlıs, and are non- resistant as to war. They are governed by the 18th chapter of Matthew. They prac- tice trinal baptismn, being immersed, face downward, three times in succession. They also commune by the preparation of a full supper, and when ready feet washing is prac- ticed; they eat supper and then partake of bread and wine.
The German Baptist Brethren Church was organized in 1876 by Rev. E. K. Beegliley and Rev. Jacob A. Murray. The first member- ship numbered ten. The first minister was Rev. Jolin Earley. The first deacon was Kellin Leonard. The first services were held at the residence of Rev. John Earley and then later at the Center School-honse. In 1887 a commodious house of worship was built at a cost of 81,300; it stands on the southwest corner of section 15. Its size is 30 x 50 feet, with fourteen-foot posts. It seats 400 people. The present membership is eighty.
The present ministers are Rev. John Earley and Rev. James Hardy, of Afton Township. The Deacons are: K. Leonard, Jacob Miller, Elias Forney, John S. Fox and John Morgan.
A Sunday-school is held in connection with church services. The membership of this denomination are from different townships in Cherokee and adjoining counties.
SCHOOLS IN SUB-DISTRICTS.
Miss Mary Wheeler, now Luther Phipps's wife, taught part of a term of school at the
house of the first settler, Harvey Wamsley, in 1869; the term was completed in Afton Township. The first school-house was erected in Pitcher Township, in 1873. There were in fact three all finished at the same time- the one in District No. 7, the one in District No. 3, and also the one in District No. 9. The citizens of this subdivision are of the progressive type, and never count mor.ey lost which they pay toward school purposes. The school-houses are first quality, well kept up and beautifully situated. As a rule good teachers have been engaged, and rapid progress in studies has been the result. In October, 1888, by official report made, there were eight school-honses within Pitcher Town- ship. Five male and six female teachers were employed that year, and there was a total enrollment of 212 pupils.
FATAL ACCIDENTS.
The only cases of fatal accidents occurring in Pitcher Township were the two following: A few years ago a man who was running a steamn threshing-machine across the township, had the misfortune to have a bridge, over which he was running his traction engine, go down with him. As the bridge fell he was caught between the engine and its tender and crushed to death. The other fatality was that of Mrs. Grigsby, who was killed during the cyclone of June, 1885, on section 24. John Gilbert's wife was seriously injured at the same time, but finally recovered.
THIE MAPLE VALLEY INSURANCE COMPANY.
There was a general feeling among the farmers of this part of Cherokee County that they were paying too much for insurance; accordingly the matter was talked up and as a result the above-named company was duly organized, May 30, 1883. At once about $100,000 worth of farm property was insured, and the best of results have attended the
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HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY.
association ever since. The most prosperous farmers in the county are now members. At this date (September 15, 1889) the company is carrying risks to the amount of $220,000. The first officers of the company were: Hon. Horatio Pitcher, President; Thomas Park- inson, Vice-President; Hon. J. C. Lockin, Secretary. This company now operates in Cherokee County in all sections east of the Little Sioux River.
AURELIA.
Aurelia, named after the daughter of Jolin I. Blair, the railway builder, is the only town in Pitcher Township, and is located on sec- tion 10, township 91, range 39, and is about eight miles southeast of the county seat. It is a station on the main line of the Illinois Central Railroad. Its history dates from the time of its original platting, February 15, 1873, the same being executed by J. H. Mc- Alvin for the Iowa Falls and Sioux City Town Lot Company. For full description of the various additions, see " Recorded Plats" in index.
Aurelia, one of Cherokee County's best and brightest towns, furnishes an excellent market and trading point for the prosperous farmers of the eastern portion of the county. It is surrounded by one of the most beauti- fully rolling prairie farming countries in all the great Northwest. Its people are Ameri- can and of the best type of business men- liberal and enterprising, yet prudent in all they undertake. In 1889 its population numbered 790.
THE COMMENCEMENT.
The first business house erected was the general store of Clarkson & Simpson.
The first residence was that built by R. R. Whitney.
The first hotel was built by W. C. Marsh in 1876. He operated the same two years,
and sold. It was known as the Marsh House, and was destroyed in the fire of 1883.
The first grain warehouse was built and operated by R. R. Whitney in 1871.
The first regular grain elevator was built by Clarkson & Simpson in 1872.
The first lumber was sold by R. R. Whitney. The first live-stock dealers were Clarkson & Simpson, in 1872.
The first general store was that operated by Clarkson & Simpson.
The first grocery store at Aurelia was operated by George Wharton.
The first to handle drugs was George En- right, in 1877. He sold to W. H. Reynolds.
The first dealer in agricultural implements was the firm of Chase & Davis, who also handled lumber about one year.
The first hardware dealer was S. A. Frisbie, in 1876.
The first furniture dealer was C. C. Grew, in 1878.
The first livery stable was conducted by Nelson & Siglin in 1877-'78.
The first meat market was that of Ed. Daniels.
The first jeweler and repairer was J. W. Mc Millen.
The first physician and surgeon was Dr. W. F. Quirk, in 1877.
The first attorney was F. R. Willis.
The first bank established was the Bank of Aurelia.
The first newspaper was printed at Storm Lake, and edited at Aurelia. G. L. Bailey started the first home paper, known at first as the Clincher, afterward changed to the Independent. For further particulars see Press chapter.
The first blacksmith shop was run by S. J. Reimstead.
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