Biographical history of Page 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 of Page County, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families; and a concise history of the county, the cities, and the townships, Part 36

Author: Lewis and Dunbar, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis & Dunbar
Number of Pages: 946

USA > Iowa > Page County > Biographical history of Page 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 of Page County, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families; and a concise history of the county, the cities, and the townships > Part 36

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

FIRST EVENTS.

The first two settlers were John Pelham and John Hadden, who came in 1850.

The first churchi was erected in 1871.

The first physician to practice was Dr. Brackner, of Essex.

The first male child born was Emil, son of John and Louisa Anderson, born October 12, 1870.

The first female born was Ella S., daughter of Isaac and Fredrika Johnson, born October 10, 1870.

RELIGIOUS.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran was formed in 1870, by the following members: N. P. Larson and wife, C. A. Falk and wife, J. P. Nelson and wife. Rev. B. M. Halland, of Stanton, Iowa, was the first pastor. He was followed by Rev. A. G. Skeppstedt, who in turn was succeeded by Rev. N. G. Dalıl- stedt. In 1872 the congregation erected a frame church building, which soon proved too small for the rapidly growing attendance.

In 1876 a more spacious and imposing structure was built, capable of seating 600 people. The last structure is 44 x 88 feet, with a tower ninety-nine feet high. The cost of the building was $8,000. In 1880 there were about 700 members in the congregation. At present (1890) there are 336 communi- cants, representing 638 sonls, in the congre- gation. The church is one of the most prosperous in all Page County, and its influ- ence is felt far and wide. The church prop- erty all told cost $14,600. It consists of a fine frame edifice, provided with the only pipe organ in Page County-cost $1,600; a two-story parsonage; a residence for tlie use of the organist and school teacher. Jan- uary 1, 1890, the society liad on hand $500. The pastors have been: Rev. A. G. Skepp- stedt, Rev. N. G. Dahlstedt, Rev. C. Walleen, Rev. A. F. Nelson.

The church supports two parochial schools -one by the church and one on section 17, The total attendance is 120. John A. Ahl- strand has served as organist and parochial teaclier since 1885.

A Methodist Episcopal society was formed many years ago in the north part of Fremont Township, and a neat church built in the grove, but on account of foreign element and

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

removals the society does not hold services now. Most of the members reside in Mont- gomery County.

SCHOOLS.

Fremont Township is populated for the most part, at present, by Scandinavians, who have as finely improved farms and beautiful homes as almost any other part of Page County. The greater number are intelligent and kindly take to American institutions. The church of their choice seems pre-emi- nently the Lutheran. In school matters, at times, the Swedes and Americans do not al- ways agree, the former contending and voting for less months in the school year than is deemed well by the Americans. The Swedes have schools in connection with the church which are attended well, and this detracts from the common public somewhat; however,

as a general rule these foreigners believe in educating in the English as well as their own tongue, as may be evinced by considering the fact that Fremont Township to-day supports nine district schools, upon which there is an average attendance of over 300 pupils.

NYMAN POSTOFFICE.

The only postoffice or trading point in Fre- mont Township is Nyman, in the north part of the territory. It was established January 10, 1887. Mail is received and sent to and from Red Oak each Wednesday and Saturday. Joshua Tridolph is postmaster. He also operates a general store, which was first opened in November, 1886. A blacksmith named John O. Anderson is also located here. The Evangelical Lutheran Church is situated at Nyman, thus making it quite a trading point for the residents of north Fremont.

363

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

PIERCE TOWNSHIP.

CHAPTER XXII.

IERCE is the northwest corner towii- ship of Page County, with Montgomery County on the north, Fremont Town- ship on the east, Grant Township on the south, and Fremont County on the west. It is congressional township 70, range 39, west. Its only town is Essex, situated on sections 26 and 27. It is a magnificent agri- cultural district, its first settlement being made at Franklin Grove. But little effort was made to improve it until the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy branch of railway passed through its fair domain in 1870. The only stream worthy of special note is the Nishnebotna River, which courses through the eastern and central part, leaving a very productive and large valley on either side. The only native timber is found at Franklin Grove, on the northern line; but hardy pio- neers have planted out thrifty groves, which now tower high and serve as monuments to good sense and culture.

EARLY SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIC.

The first actual settler in Pierce Township was made by a man named Dexter Stillman about 1850. He was a Mormon, who with

thousands of others would not go to Utah with Brigham Young, on account of polyg- amy, hence sought for himself a home in what was then a howling wilderness, with In- dians and wild beasts on every hand. He did not live many months, however, and his claim was sold to Aaron Kinyon, who, with a man named Martin A. Jones, planted what is known as "Franklin," on sections 2, 3 and 10 of Pierce Township. This was in 1860. Nathan Lewis came about 1850 also.

A. C. Gilmore removed frem Hawleyville in 1853, and he says at that date the follow- ing were the settlers of Pierce Township, as best he can recall them:

Lewis Hunt came in 1852. He had five sons, and all were in the Union army during the civil war; he tried to enlist but was re- jected. Two sons lost their lives in the serv- ice, and one was crippled for life. The father now lives in Nebraska.

Doran T. Hunt, a large land-holder here at an early day, removed to Nebraska, where he died in 1885. His son-in-law, J. M. Davis, settled on section 5. He now lives in Oregon. He, in company with a large num- ber of others, came to Page County fromn

364

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

Ohio early in the fifties, and were all radical Democrats. They were bitterly opposed to going to war, and when it was enacted they nearly all sold out for what they could get, and removed to Oregon, not wishing to take part in so unholy a thing! Mr. Davis vowed he would never shave his whiskers or cut them until a Democratic president was elected, and he kept sacred that rash vow 111)- til Grover Cleveland was seated. He came all the way across the western plains, and on to Washington, to take part in the ceremonies, after which he shaved!

Another pioneer was W. C. Goff, of sec- tion 7; he is still a resident.

Aaron Kinyon and John Kerns located on section 11 in 1853; they were of the Ohio band and moved to Oregon.

Joseph Ross also selected a part of section 11 and remained until his death, many years afterward. His wife survived until 1884.

Hamilton Miller came in prior to the re- bellion and took land on section 2, but later removed to Oregon.

Asel and George Martin located on a part of section 11. George went to Montgomery County afterward and there died about 1880. His brother Asel died on his farm, before the close of the war.

Job Morris came in about 1852, locating on section 22.

Other early comers, of some of whom men- tion has been inade, were: Levi and Marion Hunt, Benjamin Kinyon, Martin A. Joncs (who opened a general store at a point where A. C. Gilmore now lives). By reference to the biographical department of this work, much can be gleaned of early and more re- cent settlers.

Pierce Township was organized January 20,1858.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first white man to improve the land

of Pierce Township was Dexter Stillman, about 1850.

The first birth was probably Frank Still- man, who died when a child. A rough stone slab marks the resting place bearing the in- scription Frankie Stillinan.

The first death was in the Stillinan family, either the father, Dexter Stillman, or the son Frankie.

The first marriage in the township was Robert W. Soward and Rhoda Martin, in 1858.

Andrew R. Martin and Miss M. I. Tabor were united about the same date.

The first term of school was tanght by Miss Emily Ripley, in 1856, in a log cabin built by Dexter Stillman. The first school- house proper was built in 1857, at Franklin Grove, on section 3. It was a frame house and the best in Page County for many years. A. C. Gilmore taught the first term in this house. He was paid $15 per month and had a large school of big scholars, some of whom wore the "loyal blue," from 1861 to 1865.

The deep-seated moral tone of this school district began away back in those early days and has ever been noticeable. The " bad boys ". of other schools have never found company here, and much of the mean capers of pupils elsewhere has never annoyed this part of Pierce township.

The first religious services held was by the Ohio colony, who were Methodist people. I. C. Hunt was their preacher.

The first brick house in the township-in Page County also-was built by A. C. Gil- more, who burned the brick and erected the same in 1866. It was built on section 3.

A postoffice was established in 1860, known as " Franklin Grove." M. A. Jones was postmaster. The office was discontinued about 1878.

365

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

CHURCH SOCIETIES.

The Christian (Disciple) Church was or- ganized in 1867 by Elder Cook, with nine- teen members, who worshiped at Franklin Grove school-house. Its present member- ship is about twenty. Many have removed and died.

A Sunday-school was kept up until 1889. A. C. Gilmore was for many years its super- intendent.

The "New Light" Christian Church was a society organized at an early day.

A Baptist society has recently been formed in the western part of the township. They, in company with the " New Light " church, purchased a school-house and rebuilt the same, and hold services there at this time. The building is on section 8.

SCHOOLS.

No part of Page County has been blessed with more perfect schools than Pierce Town- ship. Beginning in 1856 in a rude log cabin, withi Miss Emily Ripley as teacher, the school systeni has broadened and deepened in scope of magnitude and perfection until to-day (1890) we find the township to contain seven excellent school buildings, and a total average enrollment of 137 pupils. The good man- agement of these various public schools las given an educational turn as well as a moral tendency, which has given rise to a noble type of character among the young of the township.

THE TOWN OF ESSEX.

Essex is a small but thriving incorporated town of abont 700 population, which is located on section 26 of Pierce Township, and which was platted by J. N. Denison, trustee, September 15, 1870. It is an important station on the Red Oak branch of the Chica- go, Burlington & Quincy Railway. It was

incorporated in 1873. The first commercial interests of the place were as follows:

The first hotel opened was conducted by John Dempsey; the first hardware sold was handled by Day & Maloney; the first to deal in furniture was John Lagerquist; in general merchandise, Jones & Brackney were the pioneers at Essex. The first to deal in drugs was Dr. Burhans. The first grain elevator was erected by J. W. Alden, and the first lumber was handled by John Falder. The legal profession was at first represented by L. Q. Hanna, while Dr. Bracken was the first to practice medicine. The pioneer liveryman was Patrick Gillighan.

The pioneer society interests were as fol- lows:

The first religious denomination to erect a house of worship was the Baptists, in 1876.

The pioneer schools on the town plat were taught by George Thomas and John Dragoo. Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of United Workmen lodges were soon instituted.

Essex Lodge, No. 320, I. O. O. F., was organized under a grant of October 21, 1875, witli the following charter membership: J. N Page, I. B. Chrissinger, J. M. Falder, J. D. Smith, Aaron Morris, G. S. Green, G. B. Stanfield, T. E. Burdick, C. C. Wilson. J. N. Page was the first Noble Grand; G. S. Green, V. G. In 1880 the membership was fifty- five, with D. H. Still as Noble Grand.

The present membership is thirty-six. The present officials are: W. E. Keister, N. G .; Thomas McMaster, V. G .; N. C. Nelson, Sec .; John Lagerquist, R. S .; A. M. Stearns, Treas. The order is in a prosperous condi- tion.

Ancient Order of United Workmen .- Hercules Lodge, No. 36, was formed Novem- ber 29, 1875, by the following charter mem- bers and officers: I. B. Chrissinger, P. M. W .; P. H. Dunlap, M. W .; Noalı Fairber, C. F .;

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

J. N. Page, O .; J. P. Cook, Recorder; J. W. Alden, Fin .; M. A. Jones, Rec .; H. T. Bur- dick, Guide; J. H. Teachout, I. W .; N. W. Nelson, O. W .; Z. Anderson, P. R. Granger, A. J. Anderson, H. P. Taylor, C. Nichols, O. A. Rogers. In 1880 the lodge had thirty- three members.

At this date (1890) it numbers seventeen, and has the following officials in charge: Josepli Buck, M. W .; E. A. Poe, Rec .; G. B. Jennings, Fin .; Lavene Anderson, Recorder.

Mountain Lodge, No. 360, A. F. & A. M., was chartered June 7, 1876, by the following members: B. M. Webster, O. M. Burhans, B. S. Pendleton, O. A. Rogers, C. B. Pendle- ton, H. T. Burdick, H. D. Graves, J. Cald- well, R. Holland, R. Fallers. In 1880 the lodge numbered forty-four. At present the lodge has thirty-two members, and the fol. lowing are officers: W. N. Maloney, W. M .; B. S. Pendleton, S. W .; G. B. Warner, J. W .; C. B. Pendleton, Treas .; J. P. Nye, Sec.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

As was common in other portions of Page County at an early day, the first religious services were held at private homes and in school buildings.

The Baptist Church was formed January 15, 1876, by Rev. E. D. Lockwood, with nineteen members. In 1877 a church edifice of fine proportions and good size was erected at a cost of about $3,000. The society grew to be quite strong, both in membership and spiritual power; but as the foreign element canie in and purchased property of many of the members, who in turn removed, while others passed from earth, we find at pres- ent no regular society; yet about twenty per- sons hold the property. The church stands idle, a monument to the devotion of other days. The pastors who served were: Rev. E. D. Lockwood, Rev. Morgan Edwards, Rev.

R. J. Reynolds, Rev. H. B. Foskett. The last named served six years, retiring in 1883. Rev. Shoemaker (supply).

The first deacon was G. A. King.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church was formed in the autumn of 1876, with thirteen members and forty communicants. The same year the old frame school-house was purchased and remodeled at a cost of $1,000. In 1880 the membership was 200 souls. The present number of communicants is 158. The total membership is 344. The church, parsonage and grounds are valued at $2,250.

Rev. J. E. Rehnstrom, who resided at Red Oak, was pastor nearly from the formation of the church to November, 1884, when Rev. C. G. Widen took charge of the congregation and became the first installed pastor.

There are two ladies' aid societies connected with this church, which do good charitable work. Also a young people's society of forty members. This is of a Christian literary character.

The Presbyterian Church at Essex dates its organization from November, 1878, with O. A. Rogers, J. B. Baird, W. H. C. Moore, Mr. Portlock, Miss Portlock, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Flemmer, and a few other members, in all numbering twenty three.

In December, 1879, a frame edifice was bnilt at an expense of $2,500. The same was dedicated in January, 1880, by Rev. J. R. Brown, assisted by Rev. A. R. Baird. It was free of any debt at the time.

Rev. J. R. Brown served the church until in April, 1880, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. S. Jones; then came Rev. E. Middle- ton, Rev. T. C. Smith, Rev. J. T. Killen and Rev. A. M. Barrett. The present member- ship is thirty-five. Many have sold ont and removed, and most of those who left sold to foreigners of other religious faith.

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

The Swedish Methodist Church was formed July 3, 1884, with eight members. The pres- ent membership is thirty. The pastors who have served are: Rev. Olin Swenson, Rev. H. L. Lindquist, Rev. C. T. Livin, Rev. C. J. Anderson. Au edifice, costing $2,000, 30 x 45 feet, was erected in 1886.

The Methodist Episcopal Church dates from February 22, 1873, when Essex charge was formed. Rev. J. W. Prince was- placed in charge. The first services were held in the depot, no other place being obtainable. At first there were but six members.

In 1879 a church was built, costing $2,400. The following have served as pastors at Essex: Rev. J. W. Prince, Rev. J. A. Rev. J. W. Wharton, Rev. T. C. Barnhart, Rev. Charles Leach, Rev. Marks, Rev. C. W. Brener, Rev E. E. Lymer, Rev. Stahl, Rev. F. T. Stephenson.

The present class-leader is David Bass. The trustees are: M. F. Banister, David Bass, S. N. Anderson, J. W. Simpson.

INCORPORATION.

December 10, 1875, Essex became an in- corporated town. On the vote to determine whether such a step should be taken the returns proved tliat twenty-eight opposed, while fifty- four favored the measure. The first election was held in March of the following year. The first officers were: H. T. Burdick, Mayor; C. Cummins, Recorder; O. A. Rogers, Treasurer; N. Fanber, Assessor; W. H. Guston, Marshal; James Martin, W. Maxwell, J. M. Page, William Maloney, Councilmen. The mayors are given by years below:

H. T. Burdick 1876

I. B. Chrissinger 1877

Al. Halberg 1885 I. B. Chrissinger 1878

W. N. Maloney 1879

W. N. Maloney 1880

D. S. Pendleton .1887 C. M. Falk 1881

D. P. Poe 1883

C. P. Nelson .1884

James Martin 1886

John Lagerquist .. 1888

P. J. Quist. 1882 John Lagerquist .1889

The present officers are: Mayor, John La- gerquist; Recorder, G. B. Jennings; Treas- urer, N. C. Nelson.

COMMERCIAL BANK OF ESSEX.

This was organized in the spring of 1875, by B. M. Webster, in-a frame building. The present fine brick building was erected in 1880. The capital of this concern is $15,000. Their corresponding banks are the Chemical National, of New York, and the Omaha Na- tional, of Omaha. The present officers are: B. M. Webster, President; James Martin, Vice President; H. I. Foskett, Cashier. They do a general banking business, and stand well in financial circles, by reason of able manage- ment.

SCHOOLS.

Essex is fully up to the high standard of Page County schools. The first school was held in a building purchased for that purpose. In July, 1875, a new school-house was pro- jected, and in July, 1876, bonds were issued to the amount of $4,100. The contract was awarded to James Wellwood, of Chicago, at the contract price of $4,850. To complete and furnish the house required $2.600 more. The structure is a large, well-planned brick building in a sightly place and is still used. There are four departments, and each is provided with excellent instructors. The present school board are: Joseph Buck, Pres- ident; D. A. Poe, J. P. Nye, P. Pearson, W. H. C. Moore, C. B. Pendleton, Directors; T. K. Elliott, Secretary; G. B. Jennings, Treasurer. The present enrollment of pupils is 136.

POSTOFFICE.

A postoffice was established in 1871, with R. B. Wood as postmaster. He was followed by M. A. Jones, C. J. Amos, R. B. Wood, William Maxwell, H. I. Foskett, I. C. Pres-

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

ton, A. A. Borden, Richard McCall. The last mentioned was appointed January 1, 1890. It became a money-order office in October, 1877, the first order being sent by Aug. Marks, for the sum of $50, to William Marks, Murray, Iowa. The office had, up to January 20, 1890, issued 12,021 money orders and 6,581 postal notes.

ROLLER MILLS AND ELEVATORS.

J. W. Lyons erected a mill in 1877. At first the old-fashioned stones were employed, but in 1886 C. M. Falk, who had purchased the plant, changed it to a roller mill of fifty barrels capacity. It is propelled by steain power and does excellent work.

In 1879, C. M. Falk also erected an ele- vator of 20,000 bushels capacity. The pioneer elevator, however, was removed to Essex from another point in 1875 by Thomas Cone. Both the milling and grain interests of Essex are extensive.

BUSINESS INTERESTS IN 1890.

Attorneys-G. B. Jennings.

Agricultural Goods-W. N. Maloney, P. J. Quist.

Bank-" Commercial."

Blacksmiths-Osterholm Bros., W. H. Mc- Master.

Drugs-A. W. Barlow, G. B. Ericsson.

Express Company-American.

Furniture-N. J. Gronberg. Groceries-Nelson & Preston.

General Stock-Halberg, Anderson & Pierson, J. J. Johnson, John Lagerquist, Joseph Tavener.

Grain-Faulk & Nelson, Linstrom & Ma- loney.

Hardware-W. N. Maloney, P. J. Quist.

Hotel-" Lindell," William Appleton, pro- prietor.

Harness Shop-A. Brodeen.

Livery-George Raph. Lumber-D. A. Poe.

Postoffice-R. McCall, postinaster.

Millinery-Josie & Selma Falk.

Merchant Tailor --- P. O. Elmquist. Mills-" Roller."

Meat Market-Nelson & Preston.

Opera House-Martin's Hall.

Physicians-Dr. W. H. C. Moore, Dr. W.

T. West, Dr. A. M. Stearns.

Real Estate -- " Commercial Bank."

Shoemaker-William Nelson.

Wagon Shop -- J. M. Carlson, T. H. Mc- Master.

To M. A. Jones attaches the honor of being the first one to engage in general mercandise at Essex. He built the first dwelling-house in 1872, and is the father of the first child born here-Louie Arverta Jones.

The first store was erected by Dr. Bracken, and rented to M. A. Jones.

369

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

GRANT TOWNSHIP

CHAPTER XXIII.

RANT is on the west line of the county, with Fremont County on the west, Pierce Township on the north, Tarkio Township on the east, and Morton Township and about half a mile of a lap-over of Fremont County on the south. Its towns are Shenandoah and Bingham. According to Government surveys this subdivision of the county is described as congressional township 69, range 39. This was originally a part of Tarkio Township. It was one of the last organized in the county, but by no means of the least importance. It has some of the finest farming land in all Page County. Since the completion of the Nebraska City branch of the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quincy railway system in 1870, the growth has been steady and rapid, both in wealth and population.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first man to effect settlement in Grant Township was J. F. M. Porter, on section 4, in August, 1855; he came from Cass County, Iowa, and is still a resident of the township, now owning a farm of over 1,000 acres.

The same year Nicholas Taylor settled on section 31.

The next to come was Edward Whiting, who in 1856 located on lands near present Shenandoahı.

About that time came Reuben Oakes, lo- cating near the present site of the Wabash depot at Shenandoah.

In 1858 Charles Le Baron settled on sec- tion 30; Dan Jones located on sections 3, 4, 6 and 7.

Without special regard to dates and loca- cations it may be stated the following were among the pioneer band: Henry Weech, sec- tion 8; Patrick Porter and his brother Claude, came in 1857, locating lands on section 9; William North settled on a part of his pres- ent farın in 1870; Jeff Williams settled on section 32 in 1868-'69.

From the date of the construction of the railroad through this portion of the county, settlement was effected very rapidly and all lands were soon taken up and improved, giving the country an older appearance than its real age would indicate.

SCHOOLS.

The first school in Grant Township was held in John F. M. Porter's house and taught

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

by Salina Sanford during the year of 1869. The first building was erected in 1871 on section 5. Aside from the splendid college advantages had at Shenandoah, the whole township educational matters have been fully up to the standard. According to the last annual report of the superintendent of pub- lic schools, the township in 1889 contained 918 scholars. The township then contained nine district school buildings.

RELIGIOUS.

The first religious services held in the township was not until about 1869, by travel- ing ministers of different denominations. At present the following denominations are rep- resented in society form, outside of the towns:

CITY OF SHENANDOAH.

This charming little city, though young in years of existence, is replete with events of historic interest. Its name, poetic and sig- nificant, means, Daughter of the Stars. Its geographical location, relative to Page County, is section 19, township 69, range 39, and is in the southwestern portion of Grant Town- ship. It is purely a modern town, with all the features which go toward making up an attractive place, to which live business men and the better, more refined and cultivated class of people naturally gravitate towards as a fit place in which to permanently locate.

Its commencement dates from the platting, September 15, 1870, which was accomplished by J. N. Denison. It has a commanding and beautiful view of the picturesque Nishna- botna Valley, and is to-day one of the best commercial points of its size in all south- western Iowa. Its population, mostly Amer- ican, now numbers about 2,700, aside from college students, numbering 900 more.

Its present population is based on a recent school census.

Its railroads are the Nebraska City branch of the great Chicago, Burlington & Quincy system, the Humeston & Shenandoah road (owned by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and Wabash companies), and the Omaha & St. Louis line (owned by the Wabash com- pany).

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Author: Lewis and Dunbar, Chicago, pub Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis & Dunbar Number of Pages: 946

Author: Lewis and Dunbar, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis & Dunbar
Number of Pages: 946