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 39

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 39

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).

W. J. Kinsley, Master of Accounts, Science of Accounts, Plain and Ornamental Penman- ship.

C. W. Wallace, B. S., Language and Liter- ature.

Mary Adamson Colbert, B. S., Orthography and Assistant in Latin.

T. D. Davis, Musical Director, Voice, Piano, Harmony and Counterpoint.

Mrs. Kate Myers Kinsley, Voice Culture, Theory, Piano and Organ

Miss Alice L. Burton, Art Director, Oil Painting, Crayon, Portrait Drawing, etc.

W. T. Larimore, Manager, Department of Shorthand and Type-writing.

J. L. Stephens, Mrs. Rosa L. Larimore, John M. Davis, Assistants in Shorthand and Type-writing.

G. A. Spelbring, Band and Orchestral In- struments.

Colonel Charles V. Mount, Military Tac- tics.

George C. Reams, Manager, Department Telegraphy.

James R. Hanna, B. S., History and Geog- raphy.

Harry Wilson, B. D., Theory of Book- keeping.

M. S. King, Assistant, Commercial Law and Actual Business.

Hattie Strong, Private Secretary.

Walter Stephens, Librarian.

The Western Normal College, under its present management, is not only an honor to Shenandoah and Page County, but to the State of Iowa as well. It is well-and favor- ably known throughout the great West, and its growth has been phenomenal.

VILLAGE OF BINGHAM.

Bingham is a little station and trading point on section 36 of Grant Township. It was platted December 12, 1879. It is on the Wabash route, the Omaha & St. Louis road. It was named by Colonel Baker, in honor of liis old home town-Bingham, Maine.

Early after the village was platted, a gen- eral store was opened by Joseph Starbuck. He moved to Yorktown when that place was platted as a station point on the H. & S. Railroad line.

The next to deal at Bingham was the firm of Peck & Reitseltz, in 1882. Peck with- drew, and his partner carried on considerable business two or three years, but finally failed. The next goods were owned by Mentzer Bros., of Shenandoah. They were succeeded by Will Flickinger, who remained until the winter of 1887-'88. O. H. Frink started a general merchandise store soon after the last- named left the field open, and continued until November, 1889, when he was elected County Treasurer, and sold to John Baynes.

Eddie & Smith erected a large steam grain elevator in 1880, which was finally burned in 1887-'88.

The present grain dealers are Joseph Aurcher and Rose & Co.

A general repair shop, doing wagon-work, blacksmithing, etc., is among the long-estab- lished concerns of value to the village. J. S. Cuttell is its proprietor.

Henry Reid, who runs Rose & Co.'s ele- vator, also deals in coal, fence posts, etc.

Colonel Baker, who named the place, owns

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

a good farm on section 36, and is an exten- sive commission dealer in hard-wood lumber, piling, plank, etc., and sells largely to railroad companies throughout the western States. He represents large Arkansas mills.

A postoffice was established in 1880 at Bingham, with Joseph Starbuck, postmaster. The office has since been in the hands of Miss Alice Baker, Henry Rieseltz and O. H. Frink.

KGW

387

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

TARKIO TOWNSHIP ..

CHAPTER XXIV.

ARKIO is the second from the west, as well as second from the north line of the county. It is now described by congressional township No. 69, range 38, but formerly took in nearly the west half of the county. Everything considered, in the light of agriculture, horticulture and stock-raising, this is looked upon as one of the finest por- tions of Page County. Its domain, fertile and rolling, and watered by the East, Middle and West Tarkio rivers. Along the two foriner named there is considerable native timber. As one passes through this goodly land and views its fine farms, with large, well painted farm houses and out-buildings, they are at once struck with the thrift and success attained by the early settlers, who, with but a few exceptions, came to the coun- try poor men.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

As early as the autumn of 1852 Isaac Miller settled on a claim on which "Tarkio City" was afterward platted. B. Harrill came at about the same time, and settled on section 25. He died a few years ago in Mis- souri.

But prior to these was a man named Jeffer-

son Phillips, who came to Tarkio in 1850, settling on section 22. He soon sold and went to Kansas, where he subsequently died.

Samuel Peters settled in 1850-'51 on sec- tion 35, but remained only a short time.

P. A. Griffy came from Platte County, Missouri, April 7, 1852, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 26, where lie still resides. He is the only member of the first pioneers of his township.

In 1852 came Isaac Miller; William Mil- ler, who settled on section 20, on West Tar- kio River; Elijah Miller, afterward county surveyor and school superintendent. He also platted "Tarkio City."

The subjoined came to the township prior to the civil war -- 1861: W. Jefferson Phil- lips, Samuel Peters, P. A. Griffy, Isaac Mil- ler, William Miller, E. Miller, George Miller, Dan. Cheshire, David Smith, David Loy, B. Harrill, Thomas Weaver, N. Snodderly, Henry Snodderly, John Stewart, the McDonald fam- ily, William Floyd, Stephen Reasoner, C. C. McDonald, Isaac Loy, H. N. McElfish.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first death now recalled by old settlers was that of Matt. Branham, in 1853-'54.

388

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

The first birth was William Griffy, born in December, 1852.

The first marriage was that of Elijah Mil- ler to Miss Aletha Loy, in 1852.

The first school was the one held at Tarkio- village. It was taught by D. Miller, in a log house built in 1856.

The first religious services were held at the log school-house at Tarkio village, by Rev. Samuel Farlow, the pioneer Methodist ininister.

The first frame house erected in the town- ship was that built in 1859 by Peter A. Griffy. It was of hard native lumber, sawed at a mill on the Tarkio.

The first postoffice was at Tarkio, kept by Isaac Miller. Mail came over the route from Hawleyville to Sidney. "Jim" Haw ley was among the favorite and young mail- carriers.

SCHOOLS.

As before mentioned, the first school was held at Tarkio, in a log cabin, with D. Miller as instructor. As the township settled and developed, great attention was paid to school matters, and at this date we find a high standard of public schools in nine districts, and an enrollment of over 252 pupils' names.

VILLAGE OF NORWICH.

Norwich was platted in November, 1882, on section 29. It is a station on the Humes- ton & Shenandoah Railway, and only has a dozen or so houses.

The first to embark in trade at this point was J. H. Neeley, in the fall of 1882. He liad been similarly engaged at Tarkio village, and at once moved his frame store building to the plat and added thereto. The same still serves him as both store and residence.

In the spring of 1888 came C. P. Hale, who opened a small grocery stock, which business he still follows.

The postoffice was established at Norwich in 1882, removed from Tarkio and renamed. J. L. Maxwell held the office at Tarkio, and also at first at Norwich. In 1885. J. H. Neeley succeeded him under Cleveland's ad- ministration, but when that ended so did Postinaster Neeley's duties as postmaster. In 1889 C. P. Hale was commissioned post- inaster.

The business interests of the place in 1890 are the general store of Mr. Neeley, C. P. Hale's grocery store, the postoffice, a small grain business of Gwynn Bros., and W. S. Lillie's blacksmith shop.

The churches are the Methodist and Pres- byterian, both having good buildings.

The Presbyterian Society was organized in 1882 with fourteen members, by Rev. Will- iam McKee. The church edifice was built in 1882, at a cost of $2,100. Reed & Tay- lor, contractors at Shenandoah, built it. It is 32 x 44 feet, and seats 225 people. The present membership of the church is thirty- one. A Sunday-school is kept up, which now averages fifty-four pupils. The Superintend- ent is Charles Lingo. The present Elder is John Louden. Among the ministers who have served are: Rev. Middleton, Rev. T. C. Smithı (supply), Rev. O. H. Banard (sup- ply), Rev. Milford (ordained), Rev. A. B. DeLong, present pastor.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was formed at Tarkio village away back in the "'50s." A church was built by the society in 1888, at a cost of $1,500. It stands in a commanding place at Norwich. A good Sunday-school is sustained. Mrs. Isaac Loy is the present superintendent. George H. Ferris is the class-leader. Early meetings were held at the old log school-house.

TARKIO VILLAGE (DEFUNCT).

According to the county plat books, a vil- lage was platted by Robert Miller on sections

389

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

34 and 35, on August 26, 1859. The name appears on the first plat as " Tarkee City." It was located eight miles west and one mile south from Clarinda. In July, 1860, it con- tained five houses, one school-house, one church, three dwellings. The plat was laid out with two squares-one for business pur- poses and the other for a church square. Notwithstanding the fine farm section envi-

roning this place, it did not bloom into any- where near the airy hopes of its projectors, and when the real object for which it was started had failed (the location of the county seat), it fell into a dreamless sleep and is now only known in the record-book and in the memory of a few pioneers: it has gone back to the native elements; or, as has been said by another, " It has quit!"

390

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

RODAWAY GOWNSHIP.

CHAPTER XXV.

S now constituted, Nodaway Township is described as congressional township 69, range 37 west, and a fractional half of 69, range 36. In all, its territory contains about fifty-eight sections of land. Originally it took in all the north half of Page County. Much of its history is interwoven in the Cla- rinda City history, and also in the county chapters of this work.

The surface characters of the eastern and western halves of this long township are widely at antipodes, and the geological feat- ures correspondingly diverse.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

As it now stands, Nodaway was first set- . tled in 1850 by Isaiah Hulbert, on what is now known as the Neff farm. In the spring of 1852 came Henry D. Farrens, and soon thereafter Messrs. Stafford, W. Lavering and John Dodson, who settled where Thomas Jones (colored), now lives. In 1854 came Isaac Van Arsdol, who is still an honored resident. See personal sketch regarding his settlement. In 1856 came " Sol " Round, Cyrus Creel, James McCowan, Alexander Davie, T. T. Pendergraft, Henry Hakes,

Henderson Cooper, James Jackson, John Thornberry and a great many others-good and true men, even the mention of whom space forbids.

For "first events" the reader will please refer to city chapter.

SCHOOLS.

The pioneer school of the township wa taught at Clarinda: see city history. A the country has developed decade after decade, school-houses have been provided of an ex- cellent style. The best of teachers have been employed ,and good progress the happy result. To-day Nodaway Township has, within its borders, fourteen school-houses, and a total enrollinent of 1,120 pupils.

CHURCHES.

Aside from two churches at the village of Yorktown, in the western part of the town- ship, and those found in the city of Clarinda, Nodaway has a large German society and five church edifices on its extreme northern line; also a Methodist Episcopal church on section 18, called Summit Church.

The German Lutheran Church (Evangeli-

391

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

cal) is known as Emanuel Church. This society was early in the field. The few fami- lies of this faith held services at private houses; one would read a sermon, and then prayer and social exercises were had. This commenced in 1868. It was no hard matter to conduct such services, for all the older ones had been trained to worship from their infancy in their fatherland. .

In the fall of 1868 Rev. Landgraff, from Atchison, Kansas, came to the township and conducted the first communion service; it was at the house of Fred. Sundermann. In August, 1869, an Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized, with the following as voting members-heads of households: Henry Drift- mier, Henry Sunderman Fred Sundermann, John Groeling, William Sundermann, Henry Otte, Fred Kneust, Fred Barthel.

In the fall of 1869 a frame building was erected at a cost of $1,000-$600 in cash and $400 in work contributions. Each member owned timber land and each agreed to fur- nish so many logs and timbers for the frame. The house was 16 x 32 feet and fourteen feet high. It was arranged so that the pastor lived in the lower story. It stood where now stands the present inaguificent church building-on the northwest corner of section 2, of Nodaway Township. In the spring of 1876 it was totally destroyed by fire, and in just two months, to a day, a new building was ready for the pastor to live in. The cost of this parsonage was $740. In 1877 a school- house was built, costing $700. Its size being 24 x 34 feet. This served for both school and church purposes, until 1885, when the pres- ent church was erected at a cost of $4,460. It is 40 x 60 feet, with twenty-foot posts. Its spire is ninety-eight feet high, and can be seen for many miles around. It towers up, a practical monument to the devotion and christian liberality of the German people of

this section of Page County. It was built by Welch & Bridgeman, contractors at Cla- rinda. Its seating capacity is 380 persons. It was hiandsomely furnished and paid for by the day of dedication. The boys of the con- gregation purchased the two fine-toned bells, now swinging in the belfry: one weighs 340 pounds and one 730 pounds. The cost of both was $214. Besides these the boys car- peted the aisles, while with funds raised by the girls of the congregation an eight-day clock was purchased. The ladies furnished the means with which to carpet the altar and pulpit, besides doing other material help.

The pastors of this church have been: Rev. Louis Hanniwald, Rev. August Lohr, Rev. C. F. W. Brandt. The last named is the present pastor: he came in September, 1877. He serves also at Red Oak and Page Centre, each month, and has charge of the German day-school about three days per week. The present number of scholars is forty-three. Each pay $2.50 per year, tuition fee. The common branches are taught in German: also religious training is given.

The present membership of voters in this church is thirty-six, while the number in the congregation is 363.

The present trustees are: Fred Sunder- mann, Henry Graebert, Harmon Freuden- burg. The present school directors are Fred Vinthaust, Harmon Sunderinann and Henry Goecker.

Summit Methodist Episcopal Church, on section 18, is another church edifice of Nod- away Township. This society was formed with about sixteen inembers, in 1874, during the month of May. The first class-leader was D. HI. Payton. At first services were held in Summit school-house on section 17. In 1882 a frame church was built, at a cost of about $2,600. The same was dedicated, January 27, 1883, by Rev. H. H. O'Neal, of

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

Red Oak, Iowa. The present membership of this church is about thirty-two.

The present class-leader is D. Gifford. A Sunday-school is sustained, which now numbers about twenty; its superintendent is Mrs. Elizabeth Jewell.

The following have served as pastors to date: Rev. H. J. Everly, Rev. L. P. Crouch, Rev. James Prince, Rev. J. T. Wornum, Rev. J. B. Bartley, Rev. J. F. Campbell, Rev. Charles Burley, Rev. D. Pruitt, Rev. Frank Beckwith, Rev. Amburn, Rev. R. E. Carter, Rev. J. L. Johnson.

VILLAGE OF YORKTOWN.

This is a station on the Humeston & Shenandoah Railroad, five miles west of Clarinda. It is situated on section 31. It was platted April 3, 1882, by C. E. Perkins. It only contains a few dozen houses, and the present business interests are as follows: Joseph Morley, dry goods and groceries; Scales & Ernst, drugs and groceries; Steve Patton, hardware and harness shop; C. P. Haley, blacksmith; Steve Patton, postmaster.

CHURCHES.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was formed in the fall of 1884, by a dozen mem- bers; at first they held services at the school- house. They have no building as yet. The present membership is about thirty persons,

A Sunday-school, superintended by D. Riden- our, averages an attendance of forty.

The pastors who have served this charge are: Rev. D. Pruitt, Rev. Beckwith, Rev. Amburn, Rev. R. E. Carter and Rev. J. L. Johnson. The present class-leader is Frank Patterson. The present pastor has charge also of the work at Norwich, "Summit," " Cramers " and Page City appointments.

The Presbyterian Church at Yorktown was formed early in the spring of 1884, by Rev. J. H. Malcom, with twenty-four mem- bers. The present membership is about forty. The first Elders were Oscar Borthwick, Sharp McClellen and J. M. Campbell; Deacon, D. A. Wiles.

In 1883 a neat frame church was built; its size is 30 x 40 feet and its cost was $1,500, without furniture. One lot was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Perkins, a railroad town plat man, and his wife, and the other lot was pur- chased for $125 cash. Johnson Clark, of Coin, built the house.

A good Sunday-school is maintained, averag- ing about thirty-five scholars. Oscar Borth - wick is the present superintendent. The same pastor of this church also has charge of that at Norwich. The pastors have been: Rev. J. H. Malcom, one year; Rev. O. H. Banard, two years; Rev. T. J. Milford, one year; Rev. T. C. Smith, and Rev. A. B. De Long, who came October 1, 1889.

393

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

VALLEY TOWNSHIP.

CHAPTER XXVI.

ALLEY, the extreme northeastern town- ship of Page County, is congressional township 70, range 36 west. It is situated with Montgomery County north; Taylor County east; Nebraska and Nodaway Townships south, and Douglas Township west. It is a very well improved section, having many of the wealthiest farmers in the whole county. The Chicago, Burlington & · Quincy Railway traverses tlie township from north to south, en route from Villisca to Cla- rinda, witlı the village of Hepburn located on section 20.

The Nodaway river courses its way in a direct north and south direction. Along this stream is found, liere and there, considerable timber. The broad valley on either side is an excellent and well improved farm ¿district.

Valley was at one time known as Dyke Township, after one of the first settlers within its limits. It has been known as Valley since 1858, when it was changed by County Judge S. F. Snider.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first white man to invade Valley Town- ship for the purpose of making for himself a

home, was Alexander Dyke, who came in the early part of 1850 and settled on section 16, where he remained until his death, in March, 1880.

The next to settle was (Judge) S. F. Snider, who came in 1851 and settled for a time on section 28. He was afterward elected County Judge, and is now living at an advanced age in Colorado.

Reuben Trout came from Ohio, September 28, 1853, and is still a resident. He says that when he came to the township, in 1853, that there was then already liere Dr. Graves, on the north line of the county; he afterward moved to Hawleyville and practiced a while, and from there moved to Indiana.

Tilman Loveless also settled on the north line and remained until 1864, when he re- moved to Missouri, and there died.

A. M. Tice settled in 1853 on section 36. He died in 1887, on section 22.

Ezra Heady took land on section 27.

F. W. Higgins settled in the north part of the township, and is still a resident.

Reuben Coffinan settled on section 16, re- tained several years, but finally removed to Kansas, where he has since died.

394

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

A. J. Petty was also a settler of section 16. Later he moved to Indiana.

James Insco and Louis Van Devener came about 1854.

Henry Beavers settled on section 21, and in 1862 he removed to California.

Hugh Moffitt came as early as 1854, while William Copeland came about 1852. " Cope- land's Grove" was named from him.

In the fall of 1856 Nathan and William Orme came in. William Orme was known as Square Orme, he being a justice for many years; he died in 1868. Jesse Orme came in 1856, and is now living in Nodaway Town- ship.

Napoleon Swim came prior to 1855, set- tling on section 25, remained five years and removed.

Jonathan, son of Judge Snider, was an early settler also.

L. H. Wilder came in 1856, to the center of the township. He was an early county clerk.

The Rounds family came in 1856-Solo- mon, Levi and James. The father also came; he was a veteran of the war of 1812.

Joshua Rounds came a year later.

SCHOOLS.

The first school was held in a log cabin built for that purpose, on section 27, in 1853. Miron Quimby was the first teacher. As the township settled up much attention was paid to educational matters. The wages then paid were from $15 to $20 per month.

Many of the brave soldiers who went forth from Page County lived and attended the pioneer public schools of Valley Township. Many went fortlı to do battle, and many are now slumbering in a soldier's grave in a southern clime. At this date, 1890, the township is well provided with good school buildings. There are nine in all, and the

superintendent's report shows an enrollment of 272 pupils.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

Valley Township has always been guided by a moral and religious element.

" North Grove" Methodist Church was formed in 1859. The original menibers were William and Elizabeth Orine, J. A. Busey and wife, Henry Beaver and wife, A. Beaver and wife, C. Kennett and wife, O. F. Hen- slaw and wife, Mrs. Caroline Osborn. Origi- nally services were held at the school-house, but in 1877 a church was completed, and dedicated by Rev. B. F. Crozier. Its cost was $2,000. Among the pastors who have served are: Revs. Samuel Farlow, Martin, Smith, Reed, Thorn, Lovejoy, Keru, Gibson, Brand, Everly and Bishop.

In 1880 the church numbered seventy, and it is now in a good condition.

Rose Hill United Brethren church was formed in 1868 with nine devoted members: George Hagley and wife, S. Markel and wife, William Sullivan, Maria and Sarah Shepherd, L. Markel and Samuel Wolf.

In 1873 a frame chapel was erected in the southwestern part of the township, at a cost of $600. It is still in use, though the hand of the elements has marked it for speedy decay.

Hepburn United Presbyterian "Mission " was fornied March 16, 1879, under pastoral care of Rev. D. Dodds. There were nine original members. In 1878 a church edifice was erected at Hepburn at a cost of $1,700. It is a two-story structure, 22 x 40 feet. The present membership is about twenty. Rev. D. Dodds is still the faithful pastor. A Sun- day-school of thirty-five is sustained, with W. J. Williams as superintendent.

A Christian church was formed in 1889, with thirty-two members. Rev. Isaiah Mof- fitt is the pastor. This society is east of

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

Hepburn a mile or so and they thus far have met at a school-house, but are now planning to erect a church building.

The Methodist church was formed at Hep- burn in the fall of 1887, with a membership of twenty five persons. Services were held in a school-house, which is still continued. A parsonage was furnished in the autumn of 1889. This is " Hepburn charge," with George Wasson as class-leader. A Sabbath- school is kept up in warm weather only.

MILLS.

At an early day there was a steam saw- mill located about a mile northeast from present Hepburn. It was on section 21 and called the Latty steam mill, and from it came much of the early-day hard-wood lumber. It went down over twenty years ago.

The only mill in Valley Township is a steam saw and feed mill below the village of Hepburn. It is owned in Council Bluffs and run by Olof Leden.

E. P. Bager built a water buhr mill, south of Hepburn, in 1875, which in 1881 was burned. It was rebuilt, a very large mill, with six run of improved bnhrs. This was destroyed by fire in 1887.

VILLAGE OF HEPBURN.

Hepburn, named in honor of Colonel " Pete" Hepburn, of Clarinda, is a station on the Clarinda branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railway. It is eight miles north of Clarinda and some less south of Villisca. It was platted in the month of January, 1873, on section 20. It is of but little business consequence, yet makes a good small market and trading point for the farmers of Valley Township. Its population will not exceed 100.

The first to engage in merchandising at this point was Messrs. Growling & Sunder- manı.

The first house was erecred by Mr. Field, the same is now owned by Mrs. E. Tice.

POSTOFFICE.

Prior to railroad days there was a post- office established northeast of Hepburn, known as Meed postoffice, with O. G. Rob- bins first postmaster. The office at Hepburn was opened in 1873. The following, perhaps one or two others, have served as postmasters: John Groling, Fred Fisher, John Hulgren, Frank Shum, George Davis, George Robb, A. J. Heady, C. J. Carlson, Winfield Tufts, C. B. McColin, George Robb (second term), John Langford, A. J. Heady (second term), Alfred Falk.

ODD FELLOWS LODGE.

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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