USA > Iowa > Shelby County > Biographical history of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa. Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each; portraits and biographies of the governors of the state; engravings of prominent citizens in Shelby and Audubon counties, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families. A concise history of the counties, and the cities and townships > Part 23
USA > Iowa > Audubon County > Biographical history of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa. Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each; portraits and biographies of the governors of the state; engravings of prominent citizens in Shelby and Audubon counties, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families. A concise history of the counties, and the cities and townships > Part 23
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THE FOURTHI INFANTRY, COMPANY "B." -- Benjamin T. Lakin, Hiram Simmons, veteran. William Longcor, Daniel White, James E. Reed (died), Elias Monroe, John E. Knott, James Harwell, William Cuppy (died).
THE THIRTEENTHI INFANTRY (UNASSIGNED). -Charles E. Butterworth, William H. Buck-
250
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
holder, Albert Crandall, Alfred Jackson, Samuel W. Kemp, Milton Lirich, William Frantz, veteran.
THE FIFTEENTH INFANTRY, COMPANY " H." -Henry Frantz.
THE TWENTY-THIRD INFANTRY, COMPANY " I."- Jesse Casteel, Merriman Carlton, David Duckett, Martin Obrecht, William A. Rigg, Milton H. Stanton, Ed. A. Sweeney, Harvey Inglesbee, II. N. Baughman, Will- iam Frantz, George Castell.
THE TWENTY-NINTH INFANTRY, COMPANY " C."-George W. Hedge, First Lieutenant,
Company "C;" Charles W. Oden, Quarter- master; David Romig, William B. Tarkington.
THE NINTH CAVALRY, COMPANY "M."- Harvey Ingelsbe, John Dewell, J. N. Wy- land, James G. Kemp, Peter H. Longcor, Joseph A. Bunnell, Daniel S. Bowman, Samuel Cammel, John Fritz, Luther Ingelsbe, Robertson Kairns, James Rhodes, Warren Wicks, Daniel Watesbury, Michael White.
THE FOURTH CAVALRY, COMPANY "L." __ I. L. Leoney (died).
FOURTHI CAVALRY .- Charles C. Rice, Colo nel; Nicholas White.
KGW
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
251
CHAPTER V.
THE NEWSPAPER PRESS.
HE local press is justly considered as among the most valuable institutions of every city, town, village and county. Every community regards its particular paper as of peculiar importance, and this not merely on account of the fact already mentioned, but because these local newspapers are the safe re- positories wherein are stored the facts and events, the deeds and the sayings, the under- takings and achievements, that go to make up final history. One by one these seem- ingly trivial matters are placed in type; one by one these papers are issued and read; one by one these papers are gathered together and bound into files, and then another volume of real and true local history is laid away in an almost imperishable state.
The people of each community naturally have a pride in their own home paper. The local press, as a rule nowadays, goes on ahead, coupled with the railway, as vanguard to civilization and refinement. They nearly always reflect the true character of a people by whom they are read, and their advertise- ments are indices to the growth and financial prosperity of a town or city. Judging from this standard, Shelby County has ever had wide-awake, enterprising business men.
The first newspaper issued in Shelby County was the New Idea, started by Sam- uel Dewell, at the now defunct village of Simoda. Its first issue was dated soon after that place was platted in 1858, and was later known as the Gazette, but, like the embryo town, soon " died in the shell," when another
journal representing the interests of Simoda sprang into existence. This was known as the Shelby County Reporter. Volume I., No. 1, of this pioneer sheet was dated March 5, 1859. It was Democratie in its polities, and was a live local paper, advocating the removal of the county seat to Simoda from Shelbyville. It was edited by Major P. Bull. Its size and form was that of a five-column folio. It carried on a personal and bitter warfare against Judge Tarkington and the people of Harlan, indulging in much slang and personal abuse. Its second issue had the following in bold head-lines: " Our County a Kingdom Where a Tyrant Doth Rule." Its opponent was the Shelby County Courier, published at Harlan. When the county-seat "Simoda war " had ended both journals sank into oblivion, and were both hard to bring back by the historian.
The Shelby County Courier first greeted its patrons January 30, 1859. It was a ereditable looking paper, several copies of which are now highly prized by some of the old settlers as mementoes of the long ago. In size and form it was a six-column folio, and was independent in its polities. Its editor and proprietor was J. B. Besack, who prior to this had been editor of the Jasper County Express. It was an even match for Major Bull, of the Reporter of Simoda, the rival town, and frequently referred to its editor's writings as " Bull Bellowings," " Kieked by a mad bull," etc., while in answer the editor of the Reporter styled hint
252
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
as " Bees wax drippings,"-his name being Besack. In it was published an account of the first agricultural society, with a long premium list; the fair, however, never mate- rialized! Its career, like the Simoda paper, found the end of its mission with the county- seat settlement-both living long enough to say very many mean things of each other.
The Herald was started December 18, 1874, by Campbell & Musgrave. It was a seven-column folio, and Republican in poli- ties. It only ran a few weeks until a change was made, which has been going on ever since, until its identity was absorbed in what is now the Republican. Campbell dropped ont and Mr. Musgrove operated alone until May 6, 1875, when he took in as a partner F. II. MeIntosh, who Musgrave, in intro- dueing him to his old patrons, said through his columns was a man of fine enlture, an excellent writer, and with all of an untar- nished character. However, within a few months the yonng journalist (MeIntosh) stole $30 from his fellow neighbor, HI. C. Holcomb, and " skipped the town," going to Council Bluffs and from there went to Texas.
The next change on the paper was in Sep- . tember, 1875. After having been closed abont a month, G. D. Ross took charge of the plant. He changed the motto of the journal from "Independent in all things- neutral in nothing," to " Republican-always for the right." The 17th of July, 1879, Robert W. Robins became proprietor of the paper, with John L. Long as a silent partner. January 22, 1880, a half interest was sold to C. R. Pratt, of Conneetient, when the name of the firmn became "The Herald Printing Company." In November of that year C. R. Pratt sold to E. R. Parmelee. Jannary 5, 1882, S. K. Pratt purchased a half inter- est from Parmelee, when the firm was styled
Pratt Bros., which continued until July 12, 1883, when they sold to W. W. Girton, who soon took W. M. Oungst as a partner. They had both been connected with the Harlan Hub, which was merged into the Herald, and its name changed to the Shelby County Republican-its present name. This change was effected in July, 1886, when Girton sold to C. W. Rhinesmith. Perhaps no paper in Iowa has had more changes than this plant, considering its age.
The Shelby County Record was founded by R. H. Eaton in July, 1870. It went through several changes in proprietorship. Woods & Robins conducted it awhile, then Robins sold to Woods, who was connected with it when it was merged, together with the Harlan Hub, into the Shelby County Republican in 1875.
The Harlan Hub was established De- cember 9, 1880. It was a Republican paper which advocated the prohibitory constitu- tional amendment. Its founder was W. M. Oungst, who after a year took W. W. Girton in as equal partner. The plant was merged into the Herald in July, 1883.
Under all these manifold changes the paper has been a live local journal, and well supported by the people of Shelby County.
The Harlan Tribune (Democratic) was first lannched on the sea of journalism June 11, 1879, by A. D. Tinsley and U. S. Brown. It was started as an eight-column folio, and has always adhered to the true democratic principles and been the leading official organ of Shelby County. Tinsley purchased Brown's interest February 18, 1880, and operated it until May 10, 1882, then sold to E. T. Best, of the Chariton (Ia.) Leader. December 19, 1883, another change was effected, by which Best sold to G. W. Cullison and J. D. Walker; they continued as partners until February 27, 1884, when Cullison sold his
253
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
share to Walker, who conducted the paper alone until January 1, 1885, then sold to the present proprietor, W. C. Campbell, who has made radical changes in the plant, both as to mechanical and general newspaper tone. July 11, 1888, it was enlarged to a nine-column folio, and a Campbell cylinder press was put in at the same time, which gave the paper one of the best outfits owned by any printing establishment in this sec- tion of Iowa.
The Industrial American, the latest news- paper publication in Shelby County, was established July 16, 1887, by A. T. and M. B. Cox. It is a six-column quarto, one side home print and the other from the Sioux City Newspaper Union. In April, 1888, H. C. Hanson bought M. B. Cox out the firm name now being Cox & Hanson. This jour- nal is an advocate of the Union Labor party, and has a large circulation among the various county farmers' alliances. As an advertising medium for the merchants and professional men it has no superior. The political stand- ard which it so faithfully npholds is constantly growing in popular favor.
The Shelby News, published at Shelby, is a good local journal, fully up to the times and always found working in a correct man- ner for the village of Shelby and its surround- ing country. It was founded in 1877, its first issue being dated March 22 of that year. Its founder was El. L. Heath, who owned and conducted it until April 8, 1880, when it
became the property of John Pomeroy, who is the present proprietor. In polities it is a consistent advocate of Republican principles. It is of a seven-column folio form and printed by a Washington hand-press. At this date one-half of the printed matter is run by the Western Newspaper Union of Des Moines, Iowa. The local department is replete with the latest, spiciest news items, giving its patrons all the comings and goings of their town and county.
The Defiance Argus, one of the fixtures of Shelby County newspaper publications, was founded at Defiance, Iowa, in 1882, the first issue being printed on June 10 of that year-the same season the railroad was being construeted through the place. Its present proprietor, F. Bangs, was its founder and has constantly worked for the best interests of the territory in which it cireulates. The office met with a misfortune in 1883, by which all was lost in a fire; but it came forth from the ashes brighter and better than ever. It was at first a five-column quarto in size and form, but at present is a seven-column folio. Its local department is well filled eaclı week with every local happening. Politically the Journal stands independent, being a news chronicler, rather than an assumed party organ. It may here be stated that Mr. Bangs has not " amassed a great fortune," but by the aid of his good wife and daughter, who use both brain and muscle on the Argus, manages to pay his bills and live.
254
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
CHAPTER VI.
VARIOUS THINGS.
POPULATION IN 1885 BY TOWNSHIPS.
Total.
Foreign Born.
Cass.
874.
144
Clay.
1,024.
380
Douglas.
843
101
Fairview
800.
250
Greeley
702
79
Grove.
788.
62
Harlan
2,564.
317
Jackson
824. 350
Jefferson
846.
95
Lincoln.
854.
140
Monroe
1,102
459
Polk
584
89
Shelby.
1,383.
244
Union
1,096
175
Washington
764.
149
Westphalia
1,198.
491
Total.
16,306 3,501
Total, 1854, 326; 1860, 810; 1870, 2,540; 1880, 12,696.
VALUATION OF PROPERTY.
In 1854 the total valuation, per assessment of all the taxable property, both real and per- sonal, was only abont 820,000. The growth has been gradual and good until in 1887 it is found that the assessed valnation was $4,163,266.
There were at this date 36,612 head of cattle, valued at $243,337; 11,268 head of horses, valued at $282,828; 735 mules, valned at $20,919; and 1,022 sheep, valued at $1,022.
It may here be added that in 1888 the dog tax amounted to $998.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The first county fair was a fair one, and was the source of much amusement as well as gratification to the farmning and industrial
classes of Shelby County. It was held in the beautiful antumn time of 1870. The display of vegetables, grains, etc., was indeed good, considering the short notice given, together with the other important fact that no agri- cultural society had been formed at that time. This pioneer fair was held in and near the old brick school-house which stood where now stands the Methodist church in Harlan. One of the principal and langhable attractions there seen were two babies- Willie, son of A. N. Buckman, and Julia, daughter of J. C. Buckman.
Another novel feature was the races, which consisted of various kinds, including a free- for-all trotting race, which brought Thomas Castile cantering into the ring with his trotters attached to a sulky plow, from which the gang of plows had been detached. Next came a man with his team attached to a big farm wagon; the third entry being David Wells with his trotting colt, which he led. Everything being ready, the word Go! was pronounced with no uncertain sound, when pell mell they went. After gaining the first quarter all broke into a dead run, coming in on the homestretch midst great excitement and applause. There seemed to be a vast attendance of dogs who saw the rumpus, when they, too, took a hand by commencing to bark and growl, and finally all became enraged and engaged in a fearful fight. The exact number of people present is now un- known, but all old settlers seem to agree in the opinion that there were fifty dogs present!
255
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
Notwithstanding the dog fight the farmer's team, with the big lumber wagon, came out ahead, and took the purse of $3! The race- track was just leveled off by good Mother Nature, except that a mowing machine had been once or twice around, cutting its clean swathe of grass.
The following year the Shelby County Agricultural Society was formed upon the stock company plan. Thirty enterprising men formed the society. The shares were $5.00 each, and every share represented a vote to its owner; 116 shares, amounting to $580, were sold. The first officers were- William Wyland, President; A. N. Buck- man, Secretary; J. W. Davis, Treasurer. The body was regularly incorporated, and has since operated in a fairly successful man- ner, each season holding its exhibits. In June, 1872, James Long sold the society sixty-five acres of land for $1,100, upon which to establish fair grounds and trotting park. The first annual exhibition was held in the fall of 1872. In 1878 the society seemed to be in good financial standing, and so great was the faith of G. D. Ross, who was at that time editing the local paper of Harlan, that he agreed and was granted the right to do all necessary printing for that year, providing the society would give him all over the amount of the previous year's receipts, which was $478.
In 1879 the former grounds not being suitable were sold for $350, and forty acres purchased northeast from the business por- tion of Harlan, for which $1,600 was paid. All needed improvements, such as floral hall, stock sheds, etc., were added to the newly bought premises, also a half-mile race- track made for the use of horsemen. In 1885 the receipts were $1,216, and in 1886 reached nearly $1,600.
The officers elected for 1889 were: J. H.
Louis, President; George Paup, Vice-Presi- dent; M. K. Campbell, Treasurer; L. Gin- gery, Secretary. At the present date (1888) the society are owing about $1,600, but are in possession of a fine property and in good working order.
MEDICAL SOCIETY.
The Shelby County Medical Society was organized in June, 1887.
The charter members were: J. C. Dunlavy, E. A. Cobb, E. J. Smith, J. H. Waite, E. B. Moore, W. T. Branson, W. B. Cotton, A. E. Gregg, N. H. Burks (deceased), S. H. Walters, N. J. Jones, J. Smiley, C. Tiske.
The first officers were: E. A. Cobb, Presi- dent; N. J. Jones, Vice-President: J. C. Dunlavy, Secretary; E. J. Smith, Treasurer.
The society is in good working order; it is recognized by the State and National socie- ties, with all of which it is working in unison.
SCHOOL POPULATION.
School
TOWNSHIP.
Graded Schools.
Ungraded Schools.
Population of 1888.
Jefferson.
2
9. 350
Greeley
9
211
Union.
3
8 375
Grove.
9
260
Westphalia
2
6
382
Washington.
2
8
319
Douglas.
10.
359
Polk.
Jackson
9
351
Harlan
10 depts ... .
8.
835
Lincoln.
9.
308
Cass
2
7. 246
8.
436
Fairview
9
282
Monroe
9
346
Clay
9
321
Totals.
25
136
5,588
THE MARRIAGE RECORD.
The first marriage certificate issued in Shelby County was granted to John Budd to marry Sereldue Jordan. It is dated April 18, 1853, and the ceremony was performed
9 207
Shelby
4
256
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
by County Judge Vanansdall. The following gives the number of inarriages for each year since the time the county was organized until the present-1888:
1853
4
1854.
2
1855
4
1856
5
1857
7 1858.
12
1859
5
1860
13
1861.
8
14 1862
4 1863
1864.
4
1865.
6
1866
13
1867
14
1868.
32
1869
24
1870
24
36 1871
1872.
45
1873
37
1874
41
1875.
55 1876
68
1877
63
1878
74
86 1879
1880.
106
1881.
143
1882
129 1883
170
1884.
.200
1885.
168
1886.
120
1887.
210
Total
1,775
FARMERS' MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY.
This institution found its origin in the " Advance Alliance" of Polk Township, in 1886, through the efforts of their secretary, H. C. Ilanson, and T. B. Olson, their presi- dent. It was, however, reorganized at Har- lan, February 12, 1887, by the following in. corporators: A. N. Buckman, James M. Pratt, II. B. Kees, Jacob Anderson, M. Lar- son and L. D. Sunderland. The first officers
under the new organization were: A. C. Buckman, President; H. C. Hanson, Secre- tary. The present officials are: M. Larson, President; L. D. Sunderland, Vice-Presi- dent; A. N. Buckinan, Secretary, and J. K. Barber, Treasurer. The concern is managed and directed by nine trustees or directors, who at present are as follows: H. B. Kees, L. D. Sunderland, Jacob Anderson, J. M. Pratt, Henry Niemann, W. H. Townson, Ole P. Erickson, Fred Grobmiaer, P. B. Allen.
The prime object of this company is to furnish a good but inexpensive fire insurance on farm property-nothing taken within towns or villages. It is a purely co-operative company, and is doing a good, safe business.
THE COUNTY POOR-FARM.
In 1882 the question of the county pur- chasing land and improving the same for a permanent poor-farm, was submitted to the tax-payers of Shelby County. The vote stood 1,399 for and 666 against. The measure having been carried by a good majority, the board of supervisors at once bought 120 acres of land on section 36 of Lincoln Town- ship, paying about $5,000 for the same. In 1886 they let the contract for a poor-house, which, together with the necessary out- buildings, barns, etc., cost the county in round numbers abont $6,000. The farın is well improved, and affords the best possible means for taking proper care of the unfor- tunate and helpless people who claim Shelby County as their home.
TIIE COUNTY JAIL.
March 2, 1880, the board of supervisors awarded the contract for building a fine brick jail and sheriff's residence combined in one structure. It is a fine two-story building, built of solid brick masonry. The contract for the building proper was let to J. O. Wickersham and HI. Knowles, for $4,600.
257
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
The iron work, including jail cells, was awarded to P. J. Pauley Bros. for $375, making a total outlay of $4,975. Before the construction of this building the county was put to great trouble, as well as useless ex- pense, in taking care of their prisoners, as they were compelled to lodge such characters in the jails of neighboring counties.
CHURCHI OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
This is a branch of the Galland's Grove Conference, and was organized October 21, 1859, by Elder E. C. Briggs and Elder Will- iam Blair. The names of the members com- prising the organization were as follows: William Vanausdall, Uriah Roundy, Rena Roundy, John A. McIntosh, Melinda McIn- tosh, Alexander McCord, Sybil McCord, Elizabeth J. Williamson, Alexander Hunt, Mary Hunt, Lewis Jackson, Elizabeth Thomas and Alexander Black. The first presiding elder was William Vanausdall, and was suc- ceeded as follows: John B. Hunt, Benjamin Crandall, Robert Ford, Ingaert Hansen, Ralph Jenkins, Absalom Huykendall, Eli Clothier, Milton Lynch, John A. McIntosh, John Hawley and Alfred Jackson.
In 1888 the membership was 276.
In 1880 the society commenced the erec- tion of a neat edifice, which was finished in 1881, at a cost of $1,300. At first their services were held at private houses, later in a log school-house which was accidentally burned, when they built a log church which served until the new church was built.
When the timber land and choice locations in and about Galland's Grove were taken up, the next settlers had to go to the next best locations and select lands. Such settlement was made at Bowman's Grove, in the center of the county, and soon the county-seat mat- ter, with talk of having it removed from Shelbyville to Harlan or Simoda, caused a
good many to flock to these places and secure farms and town-site property. In 1860, according to the United States census reports, Shelby County contained a population of 820 people, about equally divided between the two townships then organized-"Galland's Grove " and "Round." Up to this date five villages had been platted, viz .: Shelbyville, Itan, Manteno, Siinoda and Harlan. The biographical sketches containcd elsewhere in this volume give much of value concerning the settlement, manners, customs, etc., of this county, and may be considered reliable, given as it has been in nearly every case by pioneers or their children. Besides, much of Shelby County's early history will be found in proper place under the heading of "Towns and Vil- lages."
ELKHORN-(POST-OFFICE AND COLLEGE).
Elkhorn postoffice is situated in the north- ern part of Clay Township. It was estab- lished about 1882. It is in the midst of the heavy Danish settlement of Audubon, Shelby and Cass counties, and about three miles southeast of Kimballton. Jannary 1, 1889, there was a general store conducted by George James; a blacksmith named Niels Hepenson; Martin Learson, harness- maker; John Darffler and Jacob Hansen, carpenters.
The principal feature of this point is the fact that it is the location of the Danish Lutheran Evangelical College. This institu- tion of learning was founded by the influences of the church in 1878, when a building was erected at a cost of $2,000, to which was soon added another department, costing $1,500. This structure was all destroyed by fire April 21, 1886, the loss being only $1,000, as it had been insured. New buildings were at once constructed. The main building is 26 x94 feet, two and one-half stories high.
258
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
The present value of the college property amounts to about $6,000.
The highest number of pupils at any one time has been fifty, the present member- ship being forty-four, each of whom pay $6 per month tuition and $10 per month for board. Among the branches taught are general history, ehnreh history, United States history, history of Denmark, Bible studies, physics, Danish composition, English, com- position and grammar, book-keeping, and Greek as a special branch for those who may desire it. Also the ordinary branches, such as geography, arithmetic, etc.
The object and aim of this college is to give the Danish people a chance to master both their own and the English tongue, and to gain a general seenlar as well as religious education, under the influence of the Danish Lutheran Church.
The presidents have been as follows: Rev. O. Kirreberg, from 1878 to 1880; Rev. H. J. Pederson, from 1880 to 1882; Rev. Kris- tian Anker, at present.
Four teachers are now employed. Two hours each day are spent in teaching the Eng- lish branches. The total number of pupils who have from time to time attended here is 600.
Near the college building stands a neat and tasty edifice, which was erected in 1882, at a cost of $3,000; it is 32 x 70 feet. The ehnreh was organized in 1872, and there are now 160 heads of families belonging to the congregation. The pastors are the same as before named as presidents of the school.
Branches from this church are located at Bowman Grove, Shelby County, with a mnem- bership of fifty, and also one at Oakhill, Andubon County, of forty members. Rev. Kristian Anker has charge of these two branches, as well as the work at Elkhorn. This church and educational institution is
one of great moral and educational value to the Danish people of these western Iowa counties.
THEN AND NOW.
Great has been the change since Abraham Galland first built log cabin No. 1, in what is known, now, as Grove Township, of Shelby County, and the present time-1888. Then all was just as nature had left it. The deer and elk roamed at will; the wolves made the wintry night hideous by a noise which disturbed no one of a civilized type. The same fertile valleys, now productive of im- mense corn erops, were the hunting and camping grounds of the red man, who was indeed " monarch of all he surveyed."
The change has been gradual, but positive. At first there were a few " Mormons," who sought here, amid the native groves, a place of refuge, with the liberty of worshiping as they pleased. The nearest market place at which household supplies could be procured was Conneil Bluff's, and the real home com- forts were very few. With no saw-mills, the first buildings were of necessity very rough and unattractive, yet served the purpose until better could be afforded. Step by step ad- vancement was made until the Rock Island and Northwestern railroads were constructed across the State to the Missouri River, cen- tering at Council Bluff's; froin this time on many of the obstacles were removed and life went somewhat easier, as towns rapidly sprang up, affording much needed in improv- ing the half developed farnis.
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