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 67
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 67
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The cost per pupil in 1878 was $2.40, while in 18SS it was but 82.20, with far greater advantages. (See village history for other educational matter.)
The following will show the advancement made in educational matters in the last dee- ade, as shown by the reports of the Andu- bon County superintendent of schools:
NAME OF DISTRICT.
1878.
1888.
SCHOOL8. |PUPIL.8.
PUPILS.
Audubon.
8
222
10
292
Ind. Dist. of Audubon ..
7
416
Cameron.
3
23
9
161
Dougl
3
60
9
186
Exira
8
236
9
319
Ind. Dist. of Exira
Q
140
1
256
Greeley
1
119
Hamlin
1
110
9
310
Leroy.
3
69
8
183
Lincoln
3
28
197
Melville.
5
54
9
187
Oakfield.
5
30
9
175
Sharon
2
3
8
174
Viola.
5
111
9
201
-
Total.
49
1,205
115
3,283
663
HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
AUDUBON COUNTY SOLDIERS.
Audubon Connty, at the breaking out of the great civil war, had but a small popula- tion, amounting to less than 500. Iler quota of men, called for by the government, was twenty-two; about one-half this number vol- unteered, while the balance remained to be made up by draft. It should not be under. stood that this constituted the total number of Andnhon County men who served in the Rebellion, for quite a number went to Des Moines, Council Bluffs, and various other localities, and entered the army, hence by that act were not credited to this county, as shown by the Adjutant General's reports.
There is no greater-ahnost impossible- task for a local historian to undertake than to give the complete roster of the soldiery which went from any given county, from the reason above named, as well as from the fact that official reports are anything but fully complete in all their details. From the best information which can be obtained from the soldiers themselves and other early citizens, the following are about the facts concerning the county's war record-at least all of those given served in the Rebellion, from this county, and if there were others whose names should appear, their omission is not intended, but because no data could be found regarding additional names. If there are any such they must have been among the list of men who were drafted, or who went from other loca- tions, and in order to take advantage of a bounty were credited to other than their own home county. The subjoined served under the several heads of either volunteers, were drafted and furnished a substitute, or served as drafted men themselves:
Volunteers: Captain Charles Van Gorder, Company B, Thirty-ninth Infantry.
Richard S. Hallock, United States Colored Infantry.
Robert Oliphant, Company B, Fourth In- fantry.
Orland Jones, Second Iowa Battery, killed.
John T. Jenkins, Second Battery.
Silas D. Burns, Second Battery.
Charles HI. Norton, Second Battery.
John W. Davis, Company L, Fourth Car- alry.
William Anderson, Company B, Fifth Iowa Infantry, killed.
John Anderson, Seventh Iowa Cavalry.
D. L. Anderson, Company D, Seventh Iowa Cavalry.
W. F. E. Smith, Fourth Cavalry.
Lyman Jordan, Fourth Infantry, died.
Hiram Simmons, Fonrth Infantry.
Washington Hardy, Fourth Infantry, died.
John W. Montgomery, Company E, Third Infantry.
Frank Smith, Seventh Cavalry.
James Jones, Second Iowa Battery.
William M. Nelson, Company D, Twenty- ninth Iowa Infantry.
James Robison, Company D, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry.
James S. Smith, Fourth Infantry.
James F. Smith, Company I, Twenty-third Iowa Infantry.
Drafted: John Crane, James Poage, Rich - ard Eault (these three sent substitutes), Henry Eagan, James Eagan, James Howlett, Samuel Howlett, Nathaniel Wiggins.
RAILROADS, THE " SQUATTERS," ETC.
Every community has to undergo a greater or less amount of annoyance, in order to ob- tain its railways. While the policy of our national government has, for the most part, been prudent and wise in its granting wild lands to the aid of railroad construction, yet it has not been without its abuses, which in some instances has amounted to no less than high-handed robbery. In 1866, what was
664
HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
known as the " Mississippi and Missouri River Railway Company " was given a grant of land by Congress, for the purpose of con- structing a railroad across the State, which was to pass through Andubon County. This company failed to meet with the stipulated requirements and claimed to have gone into bankruptcy, whereupon the Rock Island & Pacific Company bought them out (?) and got an additional grant from Congress for the same purpose. The lands granted them in this county amounted to 163,000 acres, most of which was choice soil, having been selected by the company. However, many would-be settlers did not believe this company could hold such lands as they had not fully complied with the law in regard to their surveys and other stipulations. So these settlers " squat- ted " on these lands, the same as they would have done on government lands where grants had not been given. About 150 such settlers located in Audubon County, and commenced to open up farms, but the money power of rich railroad corporations prevailed in Con- gress as against actual settlers, and the gov. ernment officers were ordered to eject the unfortunate " squatters" from these lands. All but about a dozen of these settlers finally gave up, but these refused to go and some violent measures had to be resorted to, including the pulling down of houses and other improve- ments, in order to gain possession of the lands claimed for the railroad company. Among such lands was the traet upon which now stands the town of Audubon, the original claimer of which finally compromised by tak- ing a lot in the plat upon which his house had been built.
When the Rock Island Company built its Audubon branch from Atlantic, in 1878, its constructors had to survey and grade through a corn-field which covered the principal part of the present town. Hence it will be seen
that the county has paid well for its railroad advantages; yet the advent of these roads de- veloped the country as nothing else could possibly have done.
The Rock Island & Pacific Company pro- vided a splendid ontlet overits main line, via Atlantic, for all produce grown in the south- half of the county, so rich in agricultural wealth; but it still remained for capital to develop the northern portion of the county. Consequently, in addition to the Audubon branch of the Rock Island Road, which is twenty-six miles in length, there was still a good field for a northern outlet, via Manning and Carroll, at which latter place was the main line of the Chicago & Northwestern Road.
The Audubon & Carroll branch of the Chi- cago & Northwestern Railway built its line to the former named town in the early part of 1882 without expense to the tax payer. This gave the county seat a new boom, as it greatly reduced freight rates to and from the east. Large grain elevators, corn eribs, etc., were built at once upon the depot grounds and are still potent factors in the commercial interests of Audubon. With the view of giving the reader a more comprehensive view of Audu- bon County, the following table is shown, the same having been carefully compiled in 1887 by station agents for publication in a small deseriptive pamphlet issued at Audubon. It shows the produce exported from Septem- ber 1886, to September, 1887-one year's erop:
PRODUCT.
NO. OF ('ARS.
VALUE.
Corn.
3,500
$525,000
Oals ..
800
160,000
Barley
93
26,040
Rye.
101
64,320
Wheat
123
43,050
Timothy
12
19,200
Callle and hogs.
967 (Per car, $950) 918,650
Total
$ 1,756,260
665
HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
STOCK-RAISING.
This branch of farm industry has grown to be one of vast importance in Audubon County. Much ot this business is in the hands of men who have means to carry on their affairs on a large scale, and they have spared no pains to improve stock, until all of the best breeds of cattle, horses and swine are now represented. The number of cattle alone in the county in 1887 was 16,997, which were' assessed at $204,928-this being less than one-third their actual valne. This number is highly complimentary to so new and undeveloped a county. Here there are many advantages in stock-growing ..
Among the heavier dealers, those who operate stock-farms or "ranches," may be named Charles Stuart & Son, nine miles east of the county-seat; William M'Lerans, one mile west of Andubon, and Thomas Mussons, ten miles east of Andubon.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Very early in the history of Audubon County did the settler see the need and prize the value of forming an agricultural society. Such an organization was perfected prior to the Rebellion, but finally went down. About 1870 a joint-stock company was organized, doing business at Exira, under the name of the Audubon County Agrienltural Society. This, however, did not seem to meet with popular approval among the farming classes, as the teachings of the " Grange" movement had instilled into the minds of farmers a dis- trust for all stock companies.
Upon the completion of the Rock Island road to Andubon measures were taken to re- organize the society and proenre suitable grounds for annual exhibits, while the prop- erty could be obtained at cheap rates. But the old stockholders opposed anything which
sought or tended toward the npbuilding of the new county seat town. The Exira people bitterly opposed the removal. The people of the central and northern portions of the county then considered the propriety of hold- ing a fair at Audubon. A call for a meeting was published, and none but farmers were asked to sign such call. The first meeting was held at the freight-house in Audubon, called to order by I. A. Shingledecker, and Captain Stuart placed in the chair, but he was obliged to go away on the incoming train, so Mr. Shingledecker took the chair. An or- ganization was then perfected by the election of George Gray as President; D. Barlow, Vice- President; H. U. Funk, Secretary; A. H. Roberts, Treasurer. Also township directors. The newly-formed society had neither land nor money, so snecess depended on the work- ing force found within the society. How- ever, the third week in September, 1879, was fixed as the date for holding a county fair. Up to the 4th of July not a dollar had been raised. On that day the sale of men- bership tickets was begnn at Luecock's Grove and about $60 realized. During the next few weeks the society, through the ageney of E. J. Freeman, procured forty acres of land, which was a donation by the Rock Island Railway Company. Subscription was eirenlated, and some funds raised, with which needed improvements were made on the grounds. But the work could not be com- pleted in time, so the fair was postponed until October 1. In the meantime work went on with a rush, and the county-seat contest grew hot, Exira people straining every nerve to defeat its removal to Audubon. Many of the farmers in the south part of the county had never yet seen the new town of Andn. bon, hence had no just conception of its growthlı. It was desired that these people should visit the place; so E. J. Freeman got
666
HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
the railroad company to run special cheap trains during the fair week. The weather proved excellent, and a large crowd were pres- ent. The number of entries was large, and the exhibit a good one. The total receipts from all sources were $711, while the pre- miums paid amounted to $702.
No one man deserves so much credit for his untiring energy and liberality as E. J. Free- man, who superintended all the work of the fair grounds.
In the fall of 1879 the violent winds blew down the fair ground fenees, and about 2,000,
feet of lumber were stolen. These losses were met and the repairs made.
When the Northwestern Railroad was built its line badly ent up the fair grounds and other grounds had to be procured. The society now owns forty acres, upon which tract they have commodious buildings, shed . ding, etc. It has come to be one of the per- inanent fixtures of the county, each annual exhibition growing better, and the feeling once existing seems fast fading from the minds of those who at first opposed the so- ciety in locating its home at Audubon.
667
HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
CHAPTER VIII.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES.
RECORD OF VILLAGE PLATS.
AYTON, the first village of Audubon County -- now defunct -- was platted July 9, 1855, bythe county judge. It was sit- uated on the east half of the northwest quarter of section 22, township 78, range 35, west. It was designated as the first county seat, the board of commissioners giving it its name.
" AUDUBON CITY" was platted September 3, 1856, by Thomas Lewis and N. Hamlin. D. M. Harris was connty judge and P. I. Whitted the surveyor. It was located on the southwest quarter of section 25, township 78, range 35, west, and is now numbered among the defunct villages of the county.
EXIRA was platted June 1, 1857, by County Surveyor P. I. Whitted and acknowl- edged before County Judge D. M. Harris. It is situated on section 4, township 78, range 35, west. Ilouston's addition was au- thorized to be platted by A. B. Houston, September 2, 1878.
WEST EXIRA was platted March 29, 1879, by H. F. Andrews, William F. Stotts, Henry B. Houston and John N. Griggs.
OAKFIELD was platted January 4, 1858, by Erasmus Bradley and Alva B. Brown. It was located on the west half of section 20 and the northeast quarter of section 19, town- ship 78, range 35, west.
LOUISVILLE was platted June 4, 1866, by N. Hamlin. It was situated on the northi-
west quarter of the southwest quarter of section 16, township 78, range 35, west, and is now defunct.
HAMLIN was platted April 29, 1873, on sections 1 and 2, township 79, range 35, by N. Hamlin, I. N. Donnell, P. G. Bryan, George W. Seevers, H. W. Maxwell and H. D. Thompson, under the title of "The Hamlin Town Company." It is now defunet.
AUDUBON was platted by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, Septein- ber 23, 1878, on the southwest quarter of section 21, township 80, range 35, west. Hart's addition to Audubon was platted April 3, 1886.
The Rock Island Railroad Company made additional plats, dated as follows : June 20, 1879; May 24, 1880; January 4, 1882.
BRAYTON was platted December 16, 1878, by John S. and John P. Jenkins, consisting of thirty acres on the south side of section 19, township 78, range 35.
GRAY was platted Angust 10, 1881, on the sontleast quarter of section 12, township 81, range 36, west, by George and Fanny Gray.
Ross was platted July 28, 1882, by The Western Town Lot Company.
KIMBALLTOWN, the last village platted as yet in the county, was platted June 2, 1888, by Hans J. Jorgenson, on the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 30, township 79, range 36, west.
668
HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
AUDUBON.
Audubon, the county-seat of Audubon County, and the mart through which flows the principal commerce of one of Iowa's most thoroughly prosperous and rapidly grow- ing counties, was platted by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, September 23, 1878. The first sale of town lots was made October 15, of that year, the first day's sales amounting to $6,190. These sales were confined almost entirely to bnsi- ness lot limits, and property changed hands at fabulous prices. Before the sun had shed its evening twilight rays lot purchasers had already commeneed the work of excavating, preparatory to building business houses. The following winter between fifty and seventy carpenters and masons were kept constantly busy. They persevered against fearful odds, the chief of which was the long distance which building material had to be transported hy wagons -- everything having to come from Carroll or Atlantie. The land upon which the city is situated was a part of the numer- ons tracts granted to the Rock Island Rail- road, at quite an early day. While the railroad has been greatly benefited by the enterprise of the business men of this thriving mart, on the other hand the city was created and fostered by the railroad company. Geo- graphically, Audubon is situated on the southwest quarter of section 21, township 80, range 35, west, and in Leroy Township, which places it nearly in the center of the county, only deviating a mile and a half from a true center. For a record of the various plats, original and additions, see " Record of Plats," in the beginning of this chapter. Like ancient Rome, it stands on many hills; however, they are but slight, rounded ele- vations; in no instance, do they amount to an abruptness, which occasions side-hill " washes," or in any other manner preeludes
the building of business or residence property. By nature, Audubon is finely situated, com- manding as it does, an outlook, in every direction, upon one of the most truly pietur- esque and enchanting farm landscapes which ever charmed the eye and pleased the mind of cultured man. The luxuriant growth of grass, the waving panorama of green, grow- ing erops, the rich mellowness of sunny autumn time, reflecting the promise of the early spring, all become factors, or brushes, as it were, in Nature's hand to complete the beautiful landscape, causing the spellbound beholder to exelaim, " Verily a thing of beauty is a joy forever."
To give an idea of the rapid growth of Andubon, it may be stated, upon authority of reliable records, that the assessed val- nation of the tract of land upon which the city stands was less than $800 as against $90,000 the following year; this, it should be remembered, was the assessed valuation.
In 1880, on the first day of June, accord- ing to the State census returns, Audubon had a population of 800, which has steadily in- creased until we find by the census of 1888 (taken for school purposes) that it has up- ward of 1,800, the growth of less than one decade.
FIRST EVENTS.
The first birth in Audubon was Daisey Andnhon MeKinley, to whom the railroad company gave a town lot in compliance with an offer made and spread upon the county records at the time the village was platted, to the effect that the first child born should be granted a lot. This child was born in the fall of 1878, but died when less than a year old.
The first wedding, where invitations were sent out, was that of John A. Nash and Miss Gertrude Russell, who still reside in Audu-
669
HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
bon, Mr. Nash being among the most promi- nent men of the place; also a member of the law firm of Nash, Phelps & Green.
The first train of cars ran to Audubon in the fall of 1878, via the Rock Island branch.
The first town lot was sold October 15, 1878.
The first brick building was Charles Stuart & Son's office building near the Rock Island depot.
POSTOFFICE HISTORY.
A postoffice was established at Audubon, February 15, 1879. The first postmaster to serve was A. L. Sanborn, who served until January, 1883, when E. Il. Kimball took the office and condueted it a year, and was suc- ceeded by Captain Foster. Ile held the office until January 25, 1888, and was succeeded by R. M. Carpenter, the present incumbent. There has been more or less trouble over this important office, the same here as elsewhere. Sometimes men unworthy the position have been in the office, and again good efficient men have been displaced by political wire pulling, " nonpartisanship," ete. However, the present postmaster is well pleasing to the general community.
The first money order issned from the Andnbon office was dated August 2, 1880. It was issued by Hiram" Miller, remitter to Morris Miller, Villisca, Iowa. The amount was for $5. The last serial number of money orders issued from this place, up to Deeem - ber 28, 1888, was 11,168.
EARLY BUSINESS INTERESTS.
The subjoined is very nearly if not quite a complete directory of the business concerns of Audubon in January, 1880, when the place was but little more than a year old:
Bunking, Whitney & Van Gorder; real estate, Nash & Phelps, Funk & Funk, Love & Van Pelt, H. W. Hanna, E. J. Freeman,
Andrews & Armstrong; attorneys, J. M. & R. W. Griggs, Nash & Phelps, Stotts & Nichols, Love & Van Pelt, Funk & Funk, Andrews & Armstrong, J. W. MeCord, II. W. Hanna; general merchandise, B. F. Howald, Wilson Burnside, G. B. Russell, Lundy Bros., C. Egbert (clothing); groceries, E. S. Foster, Consigny Bros., Frank Gleason ; clothing, Evan Davis, J. H. Kate, William Mallory; hardware, Martin & Keller, S. II. Schryver; agricultural implements, Williams & Morrow, S. H. Schryver; physicians, J. D. Holines; J. T. Breneman, P. M. Sheafor, J. Cloughly, S. II. Phelps ; jewelry. E. W. Beghtol; newspapers, " Times " and " Advo- cute" ; millinery, Mrs. Frank Gleason, Mrs. Newmire and Miss Donaldson; lumber deal- ers, Charles Stuart & Son, A. A. IInbbard, II. Umphrey; furniture, W. IF. Miller, Horace Prentice (W. H. Seott, manager); barbers, Wilson Blackwood; meat market, A. A. Zaner; harness shops, D. E. Soar, Louis Tramp; blacksmiths, Neil Ross, Keen & Jump, R. G. Sands, II. B. Wilson; grain dealers, Charles Stuart & Son, George Gray, Wilson Burnside; plow works, Steel & Young; drugs, A. II. Roberts, W. Cloughly, J. T. Breneman; draymen, James Benefield, Joseph Allee, A. II. Herring, Joseph Heath and James Pollett; livery, I. N. Simpson, W. P. Gardner, Good- win Thompson; shoemakers, Mr. Ott, John Both; art galleries, T. B. Mendenhall, I. E. Hilsaback; hotels, " Walker," " Grant " and " Weston."
INCORPORATION AND WATER-WORKS.
Audubon became an incorporated town in 1881. The following have served as mayors of the place: E. J. Freeman, 1881; J. Maek Love, 1882-'83; J. D. Holines, 1884-'85; Charles Bagley, 1886-'87; A. F. Armstrong, 1888.
The first to hold this office was elected
.
670
HISTORY OF AUDUBON COUNTY.
without a single opposing vote and could have held the office for any number of years had he so ehosen. Ile has had more to do with the eare of the town and all her improve- ments, including the water-works, than any twenty men of the place.
No more effective system of water-works can be found in Iowa than here. The plant is of the " direct pressure " style; the water is pumped by steam from a well located in the lower part of town, near the Rock Island depot, and is foreed through a six-meh main up the principal street, through the publie square, and to a large water tauk, similar to those used by railroads; this tank holds 34,000 barrels of water, which comes through a main 2,500 feet long. The pumps are worked by a good sized engine, simple in its construction. 'The pressure derived from the 138 feet elevation of these works is eighty pounds per square inch, while the amount of water capable of being forced through the main to the tank is 10,000 gallons per hour. The water thus supplied proteets the town against fires, as well as all who may need it for domestic purposes. Besides, the town has a hook and ladder appliance; also two hose carts with 2,500 feet of hose. No destruetive fires have occurred since the water system was put in. It has cost the town about §10,000, and has always been cared for by E. J. Freeman.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Audubon is already widely known for her excellent schools. Her first attempt at edu- eational matters was when the place was first started; a frame school building was erected, which was 18 x 24 feet. This was built in the autumn of 1878. Miss Kate Cameron tanght the first term of school the following winter. With the almost magic like growth of the town more school-rooms had to be
provided; one by one they were added, but they did not meet the approval of a highly enterprising class of citizens; even the one built in 1880, which was two stories high, containing four spacious rooms, failed to give sufficient room. This building cost $5,000. In the winter of 1886-'87 three schools, in- dependent of the four conducted at the High School building, were taught. This system became obnoxious to the citizens, and the general public sentiment was in favor of better buildings. A vote was taken and the measure carried by a large majority. Ac- cordingly the contract was let and carried out for the present elegant High School build- ing, which from first to last has eost not far from $15,000. The design combines botli beauty of construction, symmetry and pro- priety. It is located on a commanding site, convenient to all parts of the place, and by the foresight of those who had the work in hand, the spacious grounds devoted to this purpose make it quite exempt fromn danger of fire by its surroundings, etc.
For scholarship, ete., see educational item elsewhere in this work.
CIVIC SOCIETIES.
Grand Army of the Republic, Allison Post, No. 34, was organized April 19, 1881, by twenty-two charter members. This post was named in honor of a Hardin County (Iowa) comrade named Robert Allison, who was Captain of Company C, Sixth Iowa Infantry, and was killed at Mission Ridge, Tennessee. The original post, as above described, only existed about three months. Its first com- mander was C. S. Foster, and Beach Rhooder was its adjutant.
As more soldiers moved to the county, greater interest was taken, and finally the society was revived. The date of the re- organized post was May 4, 1883. The fol-
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