History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 112

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1316

USA > Iowa > Butler County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 112
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 112

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The association was called to order by the president, Hon. D. P. Walling, who made a few appropriate remarks. The following officers were elected for the en- suing year: O. C. Harrington, president; Charles Hastings, viee-president: Frank A. Lee, secretary; William P. Harris, treasurer.

The president introduced as the speaker of the day, V. B. Grinnell. Mr. Grinnell said that in an unguarded moment he had promised the president that he would make a few minutes' speech after dinner,

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

but did not know he was to be the speaker of the occasion. He then gave an inter- esting account of his early experience in the county. How he took the hack at Du- buque and came to Independence, and from there walked to Dayton Township; stop- ped on the way at a hotel where he had some bread that would make E. C. Ben nett's red hog squeal; stopped in Frank- lin township where a lady got dinner for him; never had a dinner that tasted so good in his life. The house in which the lady lived was built of logs, and had augur holes bored in the sides, in which stakes were driven, and upon these were laid rails and some hay, which constituted the bed. The chamber floor was made of rails and hay also, and fourteen slept in . one bed up there. In speaking of the Wapsipinicon, Mr. Grinnell said that the traditions were that the bed of the river was made by a large serpent crawling through the mud.

" Mr. Sewell made a motion that all who came to the county before July 1, 1872, be considered old settlers, and eligible for membership in this association. After considerable discussion the motion was laid on the table until the next annual meeting.

"John Chapin and wife; V. B. Grinnell and wife, and E. J. Dean became mem- bers of the association, by paying the membership fee of $1.00.

"After dinner V. B. Grinnell was called on for his five minutes' speech, and res- ponded in a few humerous remarks. He was followed by O. C. Harrington, E. J. Dean, Allen Sewell and Dan Fitchthorn.

"On motion of Dr. Burbanks, and as amended by V. B. Grinnell, all old settlers were required to have their photographs, as well as photographs of settlers, deceased, so far as possible, in the hands of the secretary before the next annual meeting, and that the secretary. be empowered to pro- cure a suitable frame therefor.

"On motion of the secretary the follow- ing resolution was unanimously adopted:

"Resolved, That a vote of thanks be tendered the Baptist Society for the use of their church; to Rev. R. Norton for his efficient services as chaplain; to the martial band and glee club for their excellent music; to V. B. Grinnell for his happy speech; to A. T. Martin for his superior coffee; to D. P. Walling for his interest and services as president; to E J. Dean and family, and other citizens of Tripoli for the kindness shown to the members of this association."

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

1013

CHAPTER XVII.

DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP.

This territory lies in the northern tier of townships in Bremer county, and is bounded by Chicasaw county, Polk, Warren and Frederika townships, respectively on the north, west, south, and east. It is an agri- cultural township, having no village or railroad within its boundaries. The Wap- sipinicon river runs through a portion of section 1, when it flows into Frederika · township, then entering again on section 12, makes a short curve, and leaves on the same quarter. Three creeks flow toward the south that have their source in the southern part of the township-Erskine run, Quarter-section run, and. Crane creek.

The soil is a dark, sandy loam, with clay sub-soil, very rich and produc- tive, but inclined, in places, to be flat. Much of this land, that years ago was con- sidered swampy, and not desirable for cul- tivation, now comprises rich and produc- tive farms. This is a prairie township, having very little natural timber, except- ing about five hundred acres on sections 1 and 12. The population consists mainly of Germans, althoughi other nationalities are represented.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Albert Stannard, the first settler of this township, came from Battle Creek, Michi- gan, with a son and daughter-the former,

sixteen years old, the latter two years younger. They came in the fall of 1852. Mr. Stannard cut hay to supply his oxen for the winter and to cover a rude hut which he constructed of logs and poles, on the bank of the Wapsipinicon, in which they lived during the winter. He was followed next summer by Crawford Thor- oughman and Andy Gulen, his son-in-law. Albert Stannard, Asa Adams and Louis Branch left the township in May, 1861, bound for California. Stannard died on the way-Adams changed his route and went to Oregon, where he has since lived, and Branch went on to his destination.

John Mitchell was a settler of 1855, and located on section one.

John Acken selected a home the same season on section 12.

James H. Eldridge also came in 1855, -and located on section 18.

William Blackwell run his lines the same year, around a farm on section 31, and Simon George established himself on section 30. Then followed Frank Good- win, who died in May, 1881, and Benja- min Goodwin, now living in the north part of the township, on section four- Thomas Lashbrook, now living in Wa- verly; R. G. McDonald, Malcomb Fisher, Robert McCracken, who went to Ireland, last April; Jack McCracken, also an early

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

settler, and went to Ireland a number of years ago; James Leaman, Timothy Clearg, Chauncy Brooks, and others, followed in rapid succession-a number of which are mentioned-George Sailes came in 1855, and settled on section 24, lie sold out and went to Kane county, Illinois.

J. S. Leaman, a son of Isaac and Re- becca (Spencer) Leaman, was born in Boone county, Illinois, on the 17th day of September, 1837. He remained in his na- tive county until nineteen years of age when he, with his parents, emigrated west. Isaac Leaman, father of J. S., who is now living in Charles City, Iowa, was born near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the year 1809. His youth, and the first years of his manhood were passed in the State of Ohio. . In the spring of 1837 he moved to Illinois, and for eighteen years lived in Boone and DeKalb counties. Here he formed one of the early pioneers, and had Indians as neighbors for several years after his arrival. He witnessed and took no small part in the developments of that section of the country. In the year 1855 he made another move westward, and took up his abode in the township of Frederika, in Bremer county. Mr. Lea- mon has raised a family of ten children, six boys and four girls, all of whom are now living, with the exception of tlie second daughter. James S. is the second eldest child of his father's family, and is the oldest son. In the spring of 1859 he moved to the township of Doug- las, where he has since lived, always tak_ ing an active part in the growth and de- velopment of his township, and a lively interest in public affairs. His farm con- tains 160 acres of prairie and 10 acres of

timber land. August 19, 1858, he was married to Miss C. M. Goodwin, a daughter of J. P. Goodwin, an old settler of this township. Mrs. Leaman is a native of Essex county, New York, born the 2nd day of July, 1838. She moved to Illinois at the age of ten years, and in 1856 came to Iowa, Ten children have been born to them, eight of whom are now living-four boys and four girls.

Timothy Cleary, a native of Tipperary, Irelend, was born in 1822. In May, 1851, he came to America, and upon his arrival worked for one year in the State of New York, and then moved to Illinois, where he remained until the spring of 1855, when he came to Bremer county Iowa, and made a claim in Douglas township. He then worked in Minnesota and Illinois for the three following years, and in the fall of 1858, settled on his claim. His farm con- tains 420 acres on section 24. He was married in White Hall, New York, in 1853, to Miss Mary McCormick, also a native of Ireland. They have had eleven children, nine of whom are now living-Mary A., Martin, Thomas (deceased,) Katie, Sarah J., John, Emma, Tim, George and Thomas (twins,) Jessie (deceased.)

R. G. McDonald, a native of county Antrim, Ireland, was born January 4, 1833, and there his life was passed on a farm until he was eighteen years of age. At this period he emigrated to America, and landing in New York State, worked there one year, and then moved westward, locat- ing at Racine, Wisconsin, where he re- mained one year. He then went south, remaining there one and one-half years, when he returned to Racine, where he passed another year. In October, 1855, -

H. Coddington.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

he came to this township, and in company with a cousin, whose name also was Robert McDonald, purchased 240 acres of land on section 1. Shortly after, his cousin moved to Minnesota, and the subject of this sketch bought a part of his land. Mr. McDonald is one of the oldest living settlers of this town. He camc here a poor man, and has, by persevering toil and good management, acquired a competence. He, with his four sons, are the possessors of eleven hun- dred acres of excellent land. The farm is located on sections 1, 2, 11 and 12, and is drained and watered by the Wapsipinicon river, which runs through it, and which is skirted with timber in abundant supply for fuel. He was married in Racine, Wis- consin, February 14, 1855, to Miss Ann McDonald, a native of his own county. She came to America with her parents at the age of threc, and grew to womanhood in Racine. They were the parents of twelve children, eleven of whom are liv- ing. Mrs. McDonald died at their home, October 1, 1881. The children are all living at home with the exception of the eldest son, who is married and lives on an adjoining farm. The children were born as follows: John William, born March 24, 1856; Samuel, March 3, 1858; David, January 29, 1862; Mary Ann, April 20, 1864; Margaret E., January 24, 1866, Agnes in 1868; Sarah Elizabeth, October 1, 1870; Robert, March 29, 1873; Julia, July 23, 1875; Emily, July 4, 1877; Liddie, Septent- ber 21, 1879.

B. H. Gardner, a native of Stephentown, Rensselaer county, New York, was born on the 25th day of September, 1828 When twelve years of age, his parents moved to Orleans county, and in 1843 came west,

and settled in Rock county, Wisconsin, near where Broadhead now stands. Here B. H. passed his early life, attending the district schools, and helping his father about the farm. After reaching his major- ity, he returned to Orleans county, New York, and for two years worked as engi- neer in a saw mill, after which he moved back to Wisconsin, and followed the sanie occupation for two or three years. He next engaged in farming for a few vears, and in May, 1863, came to · Bremer county, and worked a rented farm in La- fayette township, for two years. In 1865 he purchased a farm on section 31, Doug- las township, where he has ever since re- sided. His land consists of eighty-two and one-half acres in Douglas, and ten acres of timber land in Lafayette township. His sons, Charles and Francis, each also own and manage eighty acres of land in this township. Mr. Gardner has been a mem- ber of the board of trustees for several terms, and has held the office of secretary in his school district for ten years. He was married, in Green county, Wisconsin, June 13, 1858, to Miss Harriet Lampson, a native of Ohio, born in 1839. While she was quite young her parents moved to Wisconsin, where she grew to womanhood. Six children have been born to them- Francis, born November 22, 1860; Harley and Charley, (twins), born May. 30, 1862; Edith, born November 5, 1866; Mattie, born August 19, 1870, and Ernest, -born March 4, 1875.

M. S. Littlefield, a son of D. K. and Dollie (Sawyer) Littlefield, was born in Piscataquis county, Maine, on the 7th of December, 1833. He received his educa- tion in the common schools, and, when

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

grown, helped his father on the farm. The family remained in that section of the country until 1855, when they emigrated to Kenosha county, Wisconsin, where they remained eight years, and M. S. employed his time for five years, during the winter months, teaching school. In the fall of 1863, they came to Iowa, purchased a farm in Polk township, Bremer county, which they opened up, improved and afterward sold. In October, 1878, Mr. Littlefield bought a farm in Douglas township, where he has since resided. He now owns one hundred acres here, and also seven acres of timber in Polk township. He has held the office of clerk of Polk township for six years, and has held school offices in that township and Douglas, at various periods, and is now secretary of Independent School District No. 3. He was married, in Polk township, on the 31st day of October, 1872, to Miss E. A. Collins, a native of Orange county, Vermont, born August 22, 1852. Mr. Littlefield's mother died in Piscataquis county while he was still a babe, and his father married Miss Polly Buck, a native of Maine. The second wife died in Polk township, August 31, 1878, and was buried in the Horton cemetery. M. S. Littlefield's father was born in New Gloucester, Cum- berland county, Maine.

M. Potter was born May 5, 1833, in Franklin county, New York, where he grew to manhood on a farm. He received a common school education, and when old enough learned the mason's trade, which occupation he has since followed, in con- nection with farming, until the last few years. In August of the second year of our great rebellion, he enlisted in com- pany F, 142d New York Volunteers, and

served until honorably discharged at the close of the war. Upon returning from the army he sold his farm in New York, and in August of the same year, came to Iowa. Here he purchased a farm of 80 acres on section 19, in the township of Douglas, and has there since resided. Mr. Potter has held the position of county supervisor for three years, and has also held other town offices at different times. He was married in his native county, No- vember 3, 1859, to Miss Orville Clarke, of the same place, who was born July 25, 1838. They have two children-twins- Harmon and Herman, who were born Au- gust 15, 1861.

L. P. Wilson was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of June, 1837. Here he received his education in the com- mon school, and remained with his parents on their farm until he reached the age of twenty-five. In the spring of 1855, the family moved west and settled in Buch- anan county, Iowa, where L. P. farmed until 1864, when he came to Bremer county. He first settled in Franklin town- ship, living there until the spring of 1872. He then came to Douglas township, and settled on the farm where he now lives, and which he had purchased the year pre- vious. Mr. Wilson takes great interest in stock raising, hogs being a specialty with him. He has from seventy-five to one hundred of the celebrated Poland-China breed, and owns seventeen full-blooded animals of that breed. Around the build- ings, is a fine grove of shade trees of his own planting, which lessens the excessive heat of summer and breaks the coldest winds of our northern winters. On his farm is also an orchard- of seventy-five

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

thrifty trees. He was married in Buch- anan county on the 12th of March, to Miss Olive Lucinda Tucker, who is a native of Tompkins county, New York, born Octo- ber 20, 1842. Three children have been born to tliem-Samnel Parks, born March 2d, 1863, in Buchanan county; Mary Jane, born Angust 29, 1864, in Bremer county; Perry Ulysses, born October 6, 1865, in this county.

James Connor was born in Ireland in 1820. He continued to reside in his native country until about thirty years of age, when he emigrated to America, locating in Cleveland, Ohio. He made that city his home until 1864, when he came to Bre- mer county and settled in Douglas town- ship, where he now owns 120 acres of land on section 14. He was married in Cleve- land, Ohio, in December, 1855, to Miss Mary Costello, of that city. She is a na- tive of Ireland. They have seven chil- dren living-James Edward, Patrick John, Elizabeth Ann, Thomas William, Mary Ellen, Margareta and Robert Henry.

Thomas Sinderson, a native of Lincoln- shire, England, was born December 22d, 1819, and grew to manhood on a farm in his native place. When grown, he served as a groom until 1858, at which time, he emigrated to America, and located in Bel- videre, Illinois, where he lived for seven years. In April, 1865, he came to Bremer county, Iowa, and settled in Donglas township, where he purchased 120 acres of land on section 14. He also owned ten acres of timber in the township of Fred- érika. Since Mr. Sinderson's first settle- ment in this county he has resided on his farm, on section 14. He was married in England in 1850, to Miss D. Smith, born

February 19, 1826, and who is also a na- tive of Lincolnshire. Eight children have been born to them, six of whom are now living. Charles, born September 28, 1853; Arthur, born November 1, 1855; Emma, born July 8, 1857, died February 1, 1859; Alice, born July 7, 1859, died March 7, 1879; Ellen, born September 24, 1861; Keziah, February 28, 1865; Sarah, July 13, 1866; Emma, May 30, 1869.

Joseph Beck was born in Gros de ching, France, on the 22d day of May, 1830. At the age of sixteen, he emigrated to Amer- ica, and located in Rensselaer county, New York, where he lived for ten years. He then moved to DuPage county, Illinois, where he farmed for twelve years. In the spring of 1866, he came to Bremer county, and lived in Polk township for three years. In the fall of 1869 he purchased and moved on the place where he still lives. His farm is located on sections 29 and 30, and consists of 160 acres. He was married in Chicago on the 22d day of November, 1855, to Miss Mary Jamieson, born in Ireland March 16, 1836. When ten years of age, she came to America with her parents, and grew to womanhood in Albany, New York. In the spring of 1855, she moved west, to DuPage county, Illinois. Nine children have been born to them, six of whom are now living. The names of said children are-Libbie, Perry, Emma, Ida, Roy, Charles, and Mary, Samnel, Jose- phine, deceased.

John W. Shirley, was born in LaPorte county, Indiana, on the 3d day of October, 1836. When he was five years of age his parents moved to Winnebago county, Illi- nois, where John was reared on his father's farm, and received an education in the

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

common schools. In the spring of 1864, he left his home, and for nearly two years. engaged in mining in Nevada. Return- ing to his former home, he passed a short time, and in 1866 came to Iowa, locating in Douglas township, Bremer county, and the year following his arrival bought the farm on which he has since lived. This land comprises 240 acres on section 10, and three, and ten acres of timber in the township of Frederika. Mr.Shirley has held the office of trustee for two terms, as well as other town and school offices, and is pre- sent chairman of the board of trustees. He was married in Schenectady county, New York, in 1859, to Mary A. Rainbow, a native of New York, who died in Illinois, in the spring of 1864. On the 19th day of November, 1868, Mr. Shirley married Miss Elizabeth E. Felt, who was born Septem- ber 21, 1843, and who is a native of Madi- son county, New York. Two children have been born to them-Mary Delia, born September 26, 1869, Raymond Felt, born August 13, 1882.

J. B. Olney, a native of Chenango county, New York, was born May 31, 1837. When seven years of age, his parents moved to DeKalb county, Illinois, and settled on a farm, where he remained until twenty- seven years of age. February 25, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and served until honorably dis- charged at the close of the rebellion. Up- on leaving the army, he passed the follow- ing winter at his former home; and in the spring of 1866, came to Iowa, locating in Warren township, Bremer county, where he stayed one year, and then came to his present home in Douglas township. He owns 160 acres on section 36,and also some

land in the township adjoining. Mr. Olney has held the office of justice of the peace for the past four years; has been assessor for two terms, and has held other local offices. He was married in DeKalb county, Illinois, February 25, 1858 to Miss Fidelia A. Barringer, a native of New York, born December 1, 1842. They have two children living-Florice Edward, born April 3, 1862; and Volney, born August 17, 1870. Mary Ann died in the spring of 1862, aged three years and two months.

Philip Carpenter was born in Montgoni- ery county, New York, on the 10th day of June, 1830. When he was about six years of age his parents moved to Jefferson county, and four years later, to St. Law- rence county, where his father died. Here Philip remained until about eighteen years of age, and then spent six years in other counties of the State, first going to Oswego county, thence to Onondago county, and, lastly, moving to Rensselaer county, where he remained until the spring of 1854. He then removed to Waukesha county, Wis- consin, where he lived one year, and then located in Fon du Lac county, where he en- gaged in farming for twelve years. He then farmed for three years in an adjoin- ing part of Sheboygan county. In the fall of 1867, he came to Iowa and settled on the place where he has since resided. His farm consists of 120 acres of prairie land, on sections 30 and 31, and ten acres of timber land in Polk township. He was married in Rensselaer county, New York , on the 7th day of Jannary, 1854, to Miss Catherine Miller, a native of that county, born on the 25th day of March, 1836. They, have six children living, and one deceased. -Ida J., born November 22, 1854, in the

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

town of Vernon, Waukesha county, Wis- consin; Mary A., born February 11, 1858, in the town of Marshfield, Fon du Lac county, Wisconsin; Ella, born January 16, 1860, in the same place; Alice O., born August 28, 1864, in the same place; Wesley M., born April 11, 1866, in Greenbush, Sheboygan county, Wisconsin; Vernie E., born May 30, 1869, in Douglas township; Avery D., born February 17, 1871, in Doug- las township. Ella A. died May I, 1863.

W. S. Robinson was born in Piscataquis county, Maine, on the 26th day of Novem- ber, 1837. He remained in his native county until seven years of age, when, with his parents, he moved to Boone county, Illinois, where he lived until within three years of his majority. At . this time his parents located in Crawford county, Wisconsin, and here their son lived with them two years, then returned . to Boone county and purchased a farm where he lived until September, 1867, when he came to Iowa and settled in Douglas township, Bremer county. Here he bought a farm of excellent land located on section 9. Mr. Robinson has held the office of assessor for one year, and at different periods has held other town and school offices. In February, 1882, he was commissioned postmaster of Pony postoffice, which was established at his residence in Boone county, Illinois. He was married in Boone county, Illinois, January 1, 1864, to Miss Mary E. Vaughan, born in Ogle county, Illinois, March 10, 1843. They have two children living -- Ertie E., born December 26, 1866; Ber- tha M., born June 18, 1878.

Diedrich Kierchhoff, was born in Hano- ver, Germany, on the 13th day of Decem-

ber, 1834. He. remained in his native country until he was twenty-one years of age, when he emigrated to America, and settled in the State of Illinois, where, for the greater share of the time, he pursued the carpenter's trade, working in Chicago, Elgin, Freeport, and other points. In the fall of 1868, he moved to Iowa, and loca- ted on a rented farm, situated in the north- eastern part of this township. Here he remained for one year, and then purchased his farm of 160 acres, on section 27, where he has since resided. Mr. Kierchhoff was elected a member of the board of trustees in the fall of 1879, and still fills that posi- tion; he has also been road supervisor for three terms. He was married in Chicago on the 20th day of March, 1866, to Miss Dora Mummealtie, a native of Prussia, born May 26, 1841. Nine children have been born to them, six of whom are living . -Emma, born October 28, 1868; Dora, born January 17, 1872; Mary B., born May 24, 1874; Diedrich, born July 15, 1875; William, born December 5, 1878; Wilhel- mina, born September 17, 1880; Frederick, born January 25, 1867, and died when fif- teen months old; Alvina, born May 19, 1870, and died, aged nine months; Bertha, born July 30, 1882, and died when twenty- five days old.

R. Walker was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on the 9th of September, 1848. While he was quite young, his parents moved to Columbia county, Wisconsin, where he re- mained on a farm until nineteen years of age. In March, 1868, le came to Iowa, and located near Tripoli. Here he lived for a year and a half, after which he lived for a short time at Clermont, Iowa, then went on a visit to his old home in .Wiscon-

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 112

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1316

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1316