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 27
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 27
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VILLAGE OF EARLING.
This is a sprightly village of 500 people, sitnated twelve miles from Harlan, the county
seat of Shelby County. It is on the east branch of the Mosquito River, and also on the Council Bluffs branch of the great Chi- cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. Spe- cifically, it is located on section 5, township 80, range 39, and was originally platted Sep- tember 1, 1882, by the Milwaukee Land Company. Its original name was Marthan, but it soon took the name of Earling.
The first to engage in business was Wen- dell Like, who opened a general store during the month of September, 1882. Another early dealer was a Mr. Mason. In October, 1882, Byers & Eggen started a general store, and afterward failed. The next to embark in general trade was W. W. Maysent & Co., who commenced in November, 1882. They are still doing a thriving business under the firm name of Maysent Brothers. They carry the largest stock in the place. Another quite early firm was J. Dickey & Son, general dealers, whose stock was destroyed by fire in the autumn of 1884, in which about a dozen other business houses were consumed, badly crippling the business of the new village. The first to handle a stock of general hard- ware were Kuhl Brothers (Joseph and Peter), now owned by Peter Kuhl. August Schnnett- gen commenced to handle hardware and fur- niture in 1886 and still continnes, having the only stock of furniture in the place.
The first to deal in farm implements were Ford & Son, in 1883; they also carried on blacksmithing. John Lorge followed in the same line of trade.
The pioneer blacksmith of Earling was Frank Narnth, who commenced work at the forge in the antumn of 1882, and is still thus engaged.
Fritz Wilke has been the shoemaker of the village from the time it first had a name.
The livery business was at first conducted by B. F. Lawson, who operated from 1882
282
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
until 1886, when Matt P. Kuhl succeeded him, and is still carrying on the business.
Coenen & Mentzer, of Harlan, were the pioneer lumber dealers, and finally sold to Theile & Wilwerding, who are still among the dealers in lumber and coal. Hesse & Hsse engaged in the lumber trade in 1885; they also deal in coal.
The first to deal in grain and live stock were G. II. Doughty & Co., who erected an elevator in 1883. About the same time D. H. Huntoon also built a grain elevator, and commeneed dealing in grain and stock. The firm's name now goes as " The Huntoon Com- pany." In 1888 Ray & Thode engaged in the same business, having a warehouse through which their produce is handled.
As soon as the village was fairly started Miss Lizzie Wilwerding opened a millinery shop, which she still manages. She is now the wife of Frank Theile.
Among those who have worked at harness business may be named John Lorge, Fred Fass and Robert Ford.
John Noonan opened the first mneat shop in the fall of 1882, and operated the same for a year or two, when he was succeeded by Wilcox & Koling; their business was de- stroyed in the fatal fire of 1884. Bollerman & Ford then engaged in the same trade, which at present is represented by C. H. Bollerman.
The drug trade of Earling was first started in 1883, by Ed C. Brown, who in 1886 sold to W. R. Brown. After a time he moved the stock to Council Bluffs, Iowa. The next to deal in drugs was Charles Flusche, who op- erated a while and then moved to Westphalia, Iowa, where he is still in drug trade. In the autumn of 1888 G. R. Roush put in a good stock and is now the only dealer.
Among the various comers and goers in the profession of practicing physicians may be
mentioned Drs. MeKenna, Cassady, Walters, and the present physician and surgeon, Dr. L. Moser, who came to the place from Coun- cil Bluffs in the fall of 1888.
The only commercial hotel of the place is the Commercial House, erected in the fall of 1882, and since managed by its proprietor, Frank Hillas, Sr.
TIIE POST-OFFICE
was established in the month of October, 1882, with Joseph H. Kuhl as postmaster. He served until 1884, and was succeeded by Ed C. Brown, who was postmaster until 1885, when Mr. Kuhl again took the office, having received his commission from President Gro- ver Cleveland, in June of that year, and is still holding the office at this time-Novem- ber, 1888. It was made a money-order office in July, 1884, the first order, for 810.90, be- ing issued to Nicholas Peters, July 27, that year. The total number of money-orders issued up to November 7, 1888, was 3,339- nearly 1,000 per year.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.
The educational and religions spirit has ever seemed to be uppermost in this village. The large, commodious frame school building which stands just over the line, in Union Township, is a monument of good sense and an index to the educational interest of this people. It was erected in 1884. It is a two- story frame structure, in which three able teachers instruet in a graded system of pub- lic schools.
Various denominations have used this school-house for a place of religious worship. The most of the population in both Earling and the surrounding country are Roman Catholic, who, in 1887, erected a fine church edifice, including two school-rooms - the second story being used for church purposes. The building eost the congregation $3,000,
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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
and the excellent and large parsonage, built in 1888, cost $2,200. The rooms are finely finished and are heated by a furnace from below. The first services held at Earling, and for some considerable time, were conducted in John Long's implement house, and in other business rooms. At that time this was within Westphalia charge and was attended by Father IIummert. It became a congre- gation by itself in 1885. At present the enumeration is eighty-five families. They own a block of land in one of the choicest lo- cations within the plat of Earling, besides two acres used for cemetery purposes, just outside the limits.
COMMERCIAL INTERESTS IN 1888.
The following were the firms doing busi- ness at Earling in November, 1888:
Maysent Bros., general dealers. Frank Theile, general dealer.
Peter Kuhl, exclusive hardware.
August Schunettgen, hardware and forni- ture.
Lorge Brothers, farm machinery.
C. H. Bollerman, meat market.
G. R. Roush, druggist.
Frank Hillas, " Commercial IIotel."
Fritz Wilke, shoe shop.
L. Moser, physician and surgeon. Frank Nauroth, blacksmith.
Matt P. Kuhl, livery and feed barn.
The Huntoon Company, grain and stock. Hesse & Hsse, lumber and coal. Theile & Wilwerding, lumber and coal. G. H. Doughty, grain and stock. Ray & Thode, grain and stock. Robert Ford, harness shop.
Dean & Rethlefren, restaurant.
Mrs. Frank Theile, millinery.
Anton Zender, temperance saloon. John Loeltz, temperance saloon.
Joseph H. Kull, postmaster and notary public.
PANAMA.
This is an incorporated town, made sueli in the spring of 1886. It was originally platted by the Milwaukee Land Company, for railway purposes, May 17, 1882. It is geo- graphically situated on section 23, township 80, range 40, in Washington Township. It is distanced twelve miles northwest of Har- lan, and about the same distance southwest of Defiance, the nearest banking points, aside from Portsmouth, six miles to the southwest. It is beautifully situated, between two quite elevated ridges of land, so common in Shelby County, and cannot be seen until one comes within a few rods of the town plat, reminding one of some of the pretty places in the New England States, except the country is void of timber.
The first to engage in commercial calling were Wheeler & Kleeb, who handled a general stock in 1882. The firmn was changed first to Kleeb & McCoid, then to Williams & Co., who operated a year or so, and then, in 1885, became the property of George W. McCoid, who still owns it.
The next to go into trade in the general line was George Holderfer, who commenced in 1883, remained a year and removed to Harlan. Sale & Lake were another firm, who commenced operations in the spring of 1884; they ran about a year and sold to J. D. Lake & Co., who finally closed out to George W. MeCoid in 1887. The fourth general dealer in Panama was Swenning Bros., who began in the autumn of 1886, and is now known by the title of Nels Swenning. Then came Kleeb & Shoreth, in the summer of 1887, with a general store, which is still in opera- tion.
The first to deal in drugs was F. J. Swen-
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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
ning, who located in 1882, and still continues. The other drug store was started by Dr. A. E. Gregg, in 1888; he simply earries an office stock of pure drugs, but no general line.
The hardware trade was at first represented by a Mr. Eby in 1882, who operated a year or so and then sold to Nels Swenning, who still carries on the trade. Another hardware dealer at present is J. M. Pieffer, who left his farm in 1888 to enter mercantile business.
The furniture trade has been handled by various parties, in connection with other lines, and is now carried on by Nels Swen- ning, together with other general stock.
The first to deal in grain and live-stoek was Louis Shroett. At present D. S. Kin- sella runs an elevator. Lassell & Crandall are also engaged in the same business, but only use a warehouse.
P. B. Hunt sold the first lumber in Pan- ama. L. II. Lassell bought the stock and handled the same until the fall of 1888, and sold to the Green Bay Lumber Company.
The pioneer harness-maker was E. Lowell, who commeneed in 1882, but finally quit. T. A. Kavanaugh next embarked in this impor- tant line, and enjoys the sole trade to-day.
The first shoemaker, Martin Nager, came . in 1883. Hle is now at IIarlan, and Panama has no shoemaker.
The first to handle millinery goods was Mrs. W. II. Mytenger. Since then a dozen have come and got rich (!) and left the town. At present the business is well conducted by Misses Kleeb & Franklin.
The first hotel was built in 1883, called the Lowell Ilouse, after its owner. There have been several so-called hotels from time to time, but at this date the town supports one good house known as the City Hotel, run by Frank Miller.
The livery business was first represented by Kleeb & Chamberlain, but later fell into
the hands of Frank Miller, who had the mis- fortune to have his barn destroyed by fire in the fall of 1886. He only received a hundred dollars insurance, but he rebuilt and is still running.
The pioneer blacksmith, who came as soon as the town started, was Martin Kwapis- zewski, a Polander, who is as thorough in his trade as his name is long! Ile is still pounding away at his glowing forge, a highly respected citizen of Panama. The other black- smith shop of the town is run by Fred Konz.
The wagon shop of Panama was started in 1882, and is still directed by Casper Oppold, who is an excellent workman.
The first to deal in agricultural implements were Wheeler & Kleeb, who sold to W. W. Wheeler. Robert Ford also handled such goods for a time. At present (1888) the farm machine business is principally in the hands of George W. MeCoid.
The first and present barber is R. H. Story.
A brick-yard was started in 1886 by L. W. Lantz, who makes an excellent quality of red briek.
The town, which was incorporated in 1886, has been under the following mayors: L. H. Lassell, C. M. Wilder, W. J. Wieks, A. K. Grow and L. H. Thorne.
THE POST-OFFICE
was established in 1882. The first postmas- ter was J. W. Kleeb, who was succeeded by W. II. Mytenger, in November, 1883. The office became a money-order office in August, 1886, the first order being made out for Julia Anderson, payable to the Crystal Mills at Council Bluffs, the amount being 823. The total number of orders issued up to Novem- ber 12, 1888, was 1,601.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.
Up to 1887 the public school was held in adjoining distriet school buildings and in a
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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
public hall. At that time a fine frame build- ing was erected on the high ridge overlook- ing the town from the west. It cost about $2,000. It accommodates two departments, and is the most sightly, commodious build- ing in Panama, and bespeaks the good sense and intelligence of the town.
The church organizations are the Roman Catholic and Methodist Episcopal, both having good church edifices. The Methodist church was built in 1887, at a cost of $2,000. The society was organized in 1885, by Rev. Linn.
The Catholic church began operations in Panama in 1885, having formerly belonged to the Westphalia church. They have a house of worship costing $1,600, and have a mem- bershipof twenty-fivefamilies. Father Josephı B. IIummert is the present pastor.
The Mormons have quite a settlement in this vicinity, and hold occasional services, but have no regular society.
The only civic society in Panama is a be- nevolent order known as the Ancient Legion of Honor, which was formed in 1888. There are about twenty-five members at present.
A big flonring mill was moved from De Witt, Iowa, to Panama, in 1883, and was conducted until the autumn of 1888, when it was removed to Darlington, Missouri.
The town is made up of live, energetic business men, who never do things by the halves, even to the ratification of a Presi- dential election, as one of the dealers there said when Harrison was elected, "We will paint the town more than red!" This, of course, was from the Republican portion of the place.
PORTSMOUTH.
Portsmouth is situated ten miles from the county seat, Harlan, directly west, and is on sections 16 and 17, township 79, range 40. The plat was filed August 17, 1882, by the
Milwaukee Land Company. The land was originally owned by William Williams, who sold to the railroad or land company. The railroad is the Council Bluffs branch of the great Milwaukee system, and is the only road through Portsmouth.
The first general dealer of the place was P. J. Korth, who sold the first goods in Sep- tember, 1882. About the same time Burtis & Walters put in a general stock, but sold to J. II. Pingerton in 1886, who finally removed with the stock.
The first hardware was sold by O. C. Bet- terman in the fall of 1882; he continued until 1887, and sold to Jacob Korth, who still remains in trade, carrying a fine line of hardware and stoves.
The first to sell drugs were Kull & Dohr- mann, in 1882. They sold to A. O. Mudge. The second drug store was opened afterward by Charles Dohrmann, of the above firm.
The first practicing physician was Dr. A. E. Noon, who came in 1882, and who sold his practice or left it with the present physi- cian, Dr. Charles Teske. Other physicians have come and gone.
The only furniture dealer is J. C. Pfeifer, who came in 1882, and still follows the same.
The pioneer agricultural implement dealer was George Battey, who commenced in 1882. He sold to Korth & Wehr. Sims Bros. next engaged in the same line, but the firm is now Sims & Houghton.
Lumber was first sold by Henry Dohr- mann, but he was succeeded by Korth & Wehr.
George Battey engaged in grain and live- stock business in 1882, and later on Sims & Houghton.
The pioneer harness-maker was George Lafflin, who sold to Hammess Bros., and in 1886 they to L. F. Kellogg & Co., who still carry on the business.
286
HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
The first blacksmith to wield his hamtner in Portsmouth was Charles Miller, who later sold to Charles Peck, and he to Max Stolz, who is still one of the two blacksmiths- John Hammer, who came in 1887, being the other.
William Strauss, the barber, located in 1884, and is still thus engaged at Portsmouth.
Matt Peterson opened the first meat mar- ket in 1883, and sold to Rankin & Co .; this market is now controlled by William Rankin.
It may here be recorded that P. J. Korth built the first residence in Portsmouth, in July, 1882.
The first to engage in the hotel business were J. A. Korth & Co., in 1882. They built what was termed the " Portsmouth House," which was sold in 1883 to James Murtough, who still eondnets it.
The Bank of Portsmouth was opened in 1884 by D. F. Paul, and is still doing a fine banking business.
The first to engage in the livery business were J. F. Adams, who sold to John Leinen, and he to Frank Hammes. The business now belongs to M. Hammes.
The pioneer millinery store was opened by Misses Flagler & Harter. At present Mrs. W. C. Strauss transacts this branch of busi- ness.
A publie hall was built in 1884, during the skating-rink craze, for rink purposes. It is 36 x 80 feet. It was built by J. L. Birk, but now belongs to C. L. Peck. It is used for all publie gatherings and is a fine-looking build- ing, nicely sided and painted.
The village was incorporated in 1883. The first mayor was A. W. Sims. The present mayor is I. E. IIonghton.
THE POST-OFFICE
was established in 1882 with George Walters as first postmaster. In 1886, he was sic-
eeeded by P. J. Korth, who is the present in- eumbent. It became a money order office in 1886, the first order being issued to S. T. Thompson for 860 payable to Lears Jackson of Story City, Iowa. The full number of orders issued up to November 12, 1888, is 694.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.
The present condition of the public schools at Portsmouth is very good. A two-story fine frame school building was erected in 1886, having two departments. It cost about $2,500, and is of an excellent style and well furnished. The present principal is U. L. Bailey.
The two churches represented in the town by regular organized societies are the Roman Catholic and Methodist Episcopal, each of which has good church property. The Method- ist people, in 1885, erected a neat structure suitable to the size of Portsmouth, costing $500. Its size is 28 x 46 feet. The society is very small, having five members when first organized, and at present it is only double that small number. It certainly speaks well for the " faithful few " who thus seek to uphold the Standard of the Cross.
The Roman Catholic Church at this point began its work abont 1876, when three fami- lies, named Korth, Herkenraft and Linan, set- tled about two miles east of Portsmouth. In 1878 they built a church, under direction of Father Weber, of Westphalia. It was situ- ated on the sightly ridge, and the place was for a long time known as " Cologne Settle- ment." The congregation was a part of a mission belonging to Neola charge, and was at first attended by Father Kempker. In November, 1885, it received a resident pas- tor-Father Hummert. In the summer of 1886 their church in the country was blown down in a wind storm, after which they erected one in the town of Portsmouth. It
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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
is 30 x 60 feet with an addition. This con- gregation owns three and a half acres of land and a parsonage with six rooms. The church is valued at $2,200. The congregation now enumerates sixty families.
In 1882 an Odd Fellows' lodge was regu- larly instituted and carried on for some time. It had a charter membership of ten and reached as high as thirty, but finally they fell out by the way and are now disbanded.
The only destructive conflagration which has ever taken place at Portsmouth was the burning of Mr. Battey's grain elevator in 1887. The same was rebuilt that year.
The only man doing a general merchan- dising business in the place, who has been identified with the town from its beginning to the present, is P. J. Korth, who has stuck by the old stand, believing in honest dealing; he has built up a fine trade.
THE PRESENT BUSINESS.
P. J. Korth, general dealer.
Burton & Helwig, general dealers.
M. J. McHenry, general dealer.
Jacob Korth, hardware. Charles Dohrman, hardware.
J. C. Pfeifer, furniture.
Korth & Wehr, farm machinery.
Sims & Houghton, farm machinery. O. W. Mudge, drugs.
H. F. Kellogg & Co., harness shop.
W. C. Strams, barber shop.
C. L. Miller, wagon shop.
John Hammerand, blacksmith.
Max Holtz, blacksmith.
Korth & Wehr, lumber dealers.
George Battey, grain dealer.
Sims & Houghton, grain dealers. James Murtaugh, hotel.
VILLAGE OF WESTPHALIA.
This little village derives its name from the German province of Westphalia, and is
situated on section 21 of the township bear- ing the same name. It may well be called the center and headquarters of the German Catholic settlement. A post-office was estab- lished in 1875, with Joseph H. Kuhl as first postmaster. Following him came William Flusche, who served until 1884, and was suc- ceeded by the present incumbent, Michael Wilwerding.
The village was platted by Emil Flusche, June 22, 1874. The early history of the place will be found recorded in the subjoined sketch of the German settlement, they being one and the same in fact. The present busi- ness interests of the village of Westphalia are conducted as follows:
Michael Wilwerding, general store.
Charles Flusche, drugs.
John Kohles, general storc.
Joseph Rossenthel, blacksmith.
F. Hesse, carpenter.
W. Hodapp, shoemaker.
Peter Emig, temperance billiard hall.
The place was platted June 22, 1874, by Emil Flusche.
The nearest railroad station is Earling, abont five miles to the northwest. A stage runs tri-weekly to Harlan, the county seat, also to Dunlap. There are abont seventy inhabitants at the present time. It being entirely a Catholic township, the only church edifice is the fine brick building at West- phalia, costing $16,000. The surrounding country is of the richest soil in Shelby County, and is all well improved.
THE GERMAN CATHOLIC SETTLEMENT.
One of the most thoroughly prosperons portions of Shelby County is that territory embraced in Westphalia Township (except the northern tier of sections), and sections 24, 25 and 36 of Washington Township. It is what is known as the German colony, but
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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY.
more properly termed the German Catholic settlement, the history of which is as follows: On March 1, 1872, A. H. Kettler made a contract with the railroad land company, by which he had full control of all lands within Westphalia Township, then known as Sum- ner Township. The object, as agreed upon in the terms of said contract, was that a colony be formed at once. Mr. Kettler was to receive 50 cents per acre commission on all lands sold to actnal settlers, and an equal amount was to go toward the Catholic church, as it was understood that the settlement was to be confined to German Catholics. An- other stipulation was that Mr. Kettler was to have forty settlers within the township on or before cighteen months from date of contract. September 1, 1872, Emil Flasche came from Grand Rapids, Michigan, in response to a newspaper advertisement published by the founder of the colony. He built the first house, situated on section 23. The next set- tler was Joseph Flusche, who came from Minnesota, October 14, 1872. About a month later Charles FInsche came fromn Grand Rapids, Michigan. In November of the same year Herman Schwarte built the second house in the settlement, on section 26. On the 16th of March, 1873, there came from the province of Westphalia, Germany, August Flusche, Emil Zimmerman and John Rueschenberg. Among the next settlers were William Flusche, an elder brother, and their mother and annt, Clara Feldmann, the bride of Charles Flusche, also John Zimmerman and family, who built the third house, the same being situated on section 22. May 28, 1873, Rev. John Kemker, of Council Bluff's, Jowa, arrived and conducted the first mass service at the residence of Emil Flusche, on section 23. The same day he also blessed the first marriage ceremony in uniting as man and wife Charles Flasche and Clara Feldmann.
Other early settlers were Frank Hesse and Richard Schneider, who came from West- phalia, Germany. In the autumn of 1873 a house of worship was provided. It stood where the priest's house now stands. No- vember 6, 1873, the land company, by repre- sentatives, J. L. Drew and a Mr. Van Tyle, came to the settlement and transferred the agency of the colony to Emil Flusche.
Among others who came from Germany in 1873 was the family of Mr. Sasse, also that of Mr. Hendichs. In the spring of 1874 came Joseph Blum, Peter Kaufmann and the families of Messrs. Kuhl, Loehr, Frund and others, from Fond du Lac, Wis- consin.
On the 13th of April, 1874, the settlers elected as their representatives Joseph H. Kuhl, Fred Lochr and Mathias Frund, who perfected the township organization of West- phalia, named after the province of same name in Germany. The same year the first school building was erected on block 8, town plat of Westphalia; the priest's house, 18 x 36 feet, which is now used as part of the school building, was also built. The first school board was duly clected March 1, 1875. The officers were: Joseph F. Kuhl, Presi - dent; August Kemmerich, Secretary. Mr. Kuhl was the first township clerk, also bc- came the first postmaster, his commission dating from 1875. He was succeeded by William Flusche, in 1876, who held the office until 1884, when Michael Wilwerding was appointed and is still holding the office. The first teacher in the settlement was Anton Strneder, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who is now a priest at, or near, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The first school was opened December 7, 1874, with sixteen pupils present. The first priest was Rev. John Kemker, who came from Council Bluffs once a month. He was fol- lowed by Rev. Henbucher, of the same place.
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