History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 115

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 115
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 115

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Jacob Ward was born March 1, 1833, in Licking county, Ohio. Three years after his birth, the family removed to De Kalb county, Illinois, where he passed his time until grown to manhood's estate, working on his father's farm and attending the dis- trict school. In the fall of 1864, he came to .Bremer county, Iowa, settling on a

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

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farm in Franklin township, where he has since resided. On the 1st day of March, 1855, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Margaret C. Perry, a native of New York, and born in 1831. Three children have blessed this marriage-Leonard Adolph (deceased) Rosalia J. and Ambrose Perry. Mr. Ward is a republican, and has held poli- tical offices.

One of the early settlers of Bremer county-Canfield Garrod-was born in Tioga county, New York, on the 13th day of September, 1823. Five years after his birth, the family forsook their old home for a new one in Loraine county, Ohio. Ten years later they removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, thence, seven years after, to Walworth county, Wiscon- sin, where they remained but two years, and then came to Iowa, locating in Jones county, where Mr. Garrod entered some land. Afterward he entered the land in Franklin township where he now resides, but did not settle on it until three years later. November 24, 1856, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Elizabeth Everson, a native of Norway, born December 22, 1833. While she was a child, the family emigrated to the United States, settling in Wisconsin, where Elizabeth grew to wom- anhood. Six children have been born to them-Jeremiah, Ancel, Andrew (de- ceased); Mary, Milo and Elsie. Mr. Gar- rod is at present justice of the peace of Franklin township. He is a republican in politics.

Charles Liebert, a native of Prussia, was born in 1835. While in that country he obtained a common school education, fol- lowed by an academic course, and some years later he attended a medical school

in Berlin, Prussia, where he studied veter- inary surgery. In 1855 he came to the United States, and after spending some time in New York City, removed to Penn- sylvania, where he continued to reside un- til 1865. At that time he came west to Bremer county, Iowa, settling in Franklin township, where he has since lived, practic- ing veterinary surgery in connection with farming. He was married in 1858 to Miss Catherine Herbert, also a native of Prus- sia; she died in 1880. They have had four children. Mr. Leibert was again married February 7, 1881, to Miss Carolina Ernst, a native of Illinois. In politics, he is an independent. He has held the office of constable. He and his wife are members of the German Methodist church.

R. V. Dibble, a native of Schoharie county, New York, was born in 1814. When he was thirteen years old, his par- ents removed to Oneida county, where Richard grew to manhood on a farm. His marriage with Miss Fanny Barnes, a native of New York State, occurred on the 11th of January, 1837. They have had five chil- dren-Francis, Elmora (deceased,) Ira, Luzette and Herbert. Mrs. Dibble died March 2, 1858. Five years previous to his wife's death, Mr. Dibble located in Stephenson county, Illinois, where he con- tinned to live until 1862. At that time he came to Bremer county, Iowa, settling on his present farm in Franklin township. Mr. Dibble was again married, October 2, 1858, to Amanda Rathburn, who was born in Herkimer county, New York, in 1836. They have had two children-Fanny and Floyd. Mr. Dibble is a staunch republi- can and has held several offices of trust. -

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

He and his wife are members of the M. E. church.

William Harwood was born in Herkimer county, New York, May 29, 1828. He obtained a "district school" education, and passed his youth on a farm. He also learned the carpenter's trade in his native State. Subsequently he removed to Wis- consin, where, in 1852, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Lucia Sabin, a native of Burlington, Vermont, born July 18, 1828. After his marriage, Mr. Har- wood removed to Stephenson county, Illi- nois, where he continued to reside until 1856, at which time he made a year's visit to Bremer county, Ia., and then returned to Illinois, where he lived until January, 1863. At that date, he enlisted as corporal in Company E, One Hundred and Forty- seventh Illinois Infantry. While in ser- vice he was taken sick, and upon his way home, grew so much worse that he was placed in a hospital at Jeffersonville, Indi- ana, and there died, August 5, 1863, leav- ing a wife and four children-Lewis C., William H., Frank N. and Lillian S .- to mourn him. In 1866, Mrs. Harwood, with her children, came to Bremer county, Iowa, and has since, with her own and her sons' exertions, supported the family. Her son, L. C., was born in Stephenson county, Illi- nois, in 1853. He obtained a good com- mon school education, and since reaching his majority, has identified himself with the republican party. He has held several of the local offices, and is at present, clerk of Franklin township.

ORGANIC.

Upon the second day of April, 1855, an election was held at the house of Ichabod

Richmond. The officers appointed to hold this election were: Judges, I. Richmond, Wm. F. Peck and Ormel Clark; clerks, Wm. P. Sanders and Wm. F. Peck. The persons voting at that election were the above named, and John McRea, Theodore Link, Wm. Taylor, H. Kniffken, H. Buck- holt, H. Drunkenmoller, John Koch, Isaac Guard, John Barker, J. Book, Simeon Peck and Noah Porter-in all 17. The follow- ing officers were elected: Justices of the peace, Ichabod Richmond, Simeon Peck; constables, Noah Porter and Wm. M. Peck; trustees, J. F. Barker, Wm. H. Taylor and John McRea; town clerk, Ormel Clark; assessor, Wm. M. Peck. The following named are the officers of this township for 1883: Trustees, Geo. Neal, John Knittle, Henry Wermacher; clerk, L. C. Harwood; assessor, John Knittle; justices, E. W. Leonard, G. Vanderwalker; constables, Wm. Brechner, J. Richards.

FIRST THINGS.

The first house built in the township was on the south half of the northwest quarter of section three, in the 'spring of 1854; it was constructed of logs, and was built by Melton Harrington.

The first marriage in the township was that of Henry White, of Buchanan county, Iowa, to Miss Elizabeth Richmond, in 1856, Ichabod Richmond, her father, per- forming the ceremony.

The first white child born in the town- ship was Frank McCrea, a son of John and Phœba McCrea.

The first death was that of Mary Ellen Kerr, daughter of Francis Kerr, Septem- ber 27, 1854, and in eight days thereafter the father was numbered among the dead.

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

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The first school was taught by widow Greeley, in the winter of 1855, in the house of Ichabod Richmond.

The second school was taught in the house of J. M. Ellis, in the winter of 1856, by Mrs. J. M. Ellis.

The first school house was built on the northwest quarter of section 10, during the fall of 1857. It was constructed of logs, 16x20 feet; inverted slabs with wooden pins for legs, constituting the furniture.

The first religious service was held in thic house of Mrs. Elizabeth Kerr, by Rev. Mr. Abbott.

The first election was held in the house of I. Richmond, in August, 1855.

The first bridge built across Buck creek was on the public road east of Ellis and Fortners, in the winter of 1857-8. The bridge across the Wapsie-known as Taylor's bridge-was built in the early spring of 1859, at the point where an iron bridge has since been erected.

The first postoffice established was "Eagle," on section 22, at the house of Thomas Fortner, and Fortner was the first postmaster and W. O. Walker, the mail carrier.

POSTOFFICE.

As stated, the first postoffice was "Eagle." The next, "Grove Hill," was established in the summer of 1859, Francis Harwood being the first postmaster; after a short time this office was also discontinued, but was re-established in 1869, with H. C. Peck as postmaster, who has since remained in charge, and keeps the office in his residence on section 15. Mail is received three times each week. There is another postoffice in

this township called "Key," which was established about 1876 or 1877. George Vanderwalker was the first postmaster. He was succeeded by F. H. Page, who is the present incumbent. It is on the same route with Grove Hill, and has mail four times each week. .

MERCANTILE.

There is one store within the limits of this township, kept by Howard Page, who established the business in 1882. There is also a blacksmith shop on section 21 which has been in operation since 1856; the proprietor is George Kaun.

CEMETERY.

There is but one cemetery in the town- ship, located on section 4.

The first burial here was the remains of Simeon Peck, in 1855.

FLOWING WELLS.

This township has four flowing wells. One situated on the farm of B. F. Call, on the southwest torner of section 15, fur- nishes about sixty gallons of water per minute. This well is ninety-two feet deep, and is strongly impregnated with iron.

The other wells are on the farms of George Smeltzer, on section 22; Joseph Collier, on section 19, and Marvin Perry, on section 32. The quantity of water flow- ing from the first two is small, but the lat- ter furnishes an abundant supply. Other wells in this township are bored through the blue clay to this sub-strata of water, and varying in depth from 75, to 140 feet. The water rises to within a few feet of the surface, and remains in undiminished quantity.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

EDUCATIONAL.

School matters have not been neglected in this territory, and early in the settlement schools were held at different places, until such time as houses could be built, and ·districts organized. There are nine build-

ings in the township, valued at $700 each. They are in good repair, and well fur- nished. The character of teachers em- ployed has been such as generally to give satisfaction, the schools being in fairly good condition.

CHAPTER XX.

FREDERIKA TOWNSHIP.

Frederika township is one of the five townships comprising the northern boun- dary of the county, being bounded on the west by Polk and Douglas townships, and on the east by Leroy and Sumner. At this date it consists of eighteen and one- half sections, and had at the census of 1880, a population of 514. It contains much good land but at least one third of it is still unimproved.

Bremer county and Frederika town- ship were so named after Frederika Bre- mer, a very popular Swedish novelist. This township is watered by the Wapsi- pinicon river, which passes diagonally through it from northeast to southwest, entering on section 6, passing thence into Douglas township, it returns on section 7, then runs through sections 18, 19, 20, 29, 23 and makes its exit on the west half of 34. The soil is generally a dark, sandy loam. The surface of the land is slightly rolling. When first settled, about one-

third of this territory was timber, but the quantity has now been reduced to about one quarter. The inhabitants are mostly American and principally from New York State.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Levi Rima, with his family and his father, Loren Rima, were the first settlers and came to the township September 20, 1852, locating on section 18. Loren Rima returned to Illinois in the spring of 1853, but came back to Bremer county in the fall of the same year, accompanied by two other sons-Ariel and Gideon, and a daughter-Lucinda. George Rima, a brother of Loren, came to the township, while Loren was in Illinois arranging for the removal of the rest of the family.

William R. Bostwick and family came in August, 1853, and also M. F. Gillett, during the next September.

Crawford Thoroman and Andrew Gilli- lan came to the township in June, 1853.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

Albert Walling and mother, with his sisters, came in October, 1853, from Steu- ben county, New York, and settled on section 19. The mother died in 1856. Albert removed to Illinois in 1857.

Jeremiah Turk came at the same time from the same State, with his, family, loca- ting on section 32. He removed to Mis- souri where he yet lives. His place was purchased in 1863 by D. P. Walling, who now occupies it.

William R. Bostwick, resides on section 29, Frederika township, was born in Mont- gomery county, New York, November 30, 1814, and is the son of Daniel and Eliza- beth Brewer Bostwick, both of whom were native Americans of Dutch extraction. When sixteen years old he came with his parents to Rochester, New York, where they remained for about two years, and then removed to Cayuga county, Ohio. Four years later he came alone to the west, and spent about five years working on farms in LaPorte county, Indiana. Re- turning home. he stayed with his parents for the next four years, and then again came west, and began to make a farm upon land which he had previously bought in McHenry county, Illinois. On February 26, 1846, he married in LaPorte, Indiana, Miss Margaret Jane Finley, daughter of Samuel Finley, and niece of Rev. James B. Finley, then a very well known Metho- dist preacher, of the west. He brought his wife to his farm in McHenry county, and after seven years, sold out and came to his present location August 3, 1853, where he has ever since resided. He was the second settler in the township, only Levi Rima and family being before him. Mr. Bostwick has had three children, two

now surviving -. Sylvester D., born Janu- ary 29, 1847; William E., born April 26, 1850, died April 12, 1872, and Arthur L., born April 13, 1858. Together with his eldest son, Mr. Bostwick owns and farms 440 acres of land, 80 acres being timber. He has taken his full share of duty in the administration of the affairs of the town- ship, having filled the offices of supervisor, clerk, and other offices. In politics he is a republican. He started in his battle for a home with nothing to aid him but a stout heart and his bare hands, and all he now owns and enjoys, he owes to his own efforts and the efficient assistance of his wife and family.

Levi Rima was born in the State of New York, September, 1816, and was the son of Loren and Katherine Rima, natives of the same State. When very young lie came with his parents to Ohio, and after a few years removed with them to Stephen- son county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood and married January 4, 1844, to " Miss Juliet Jane Gillett, eldest daughter of David and Chloe Gillett, by whom he had two children, one dying in infancy, and the other, Charles L. Rima, born Novem- ber 12, 1848, in Stephenson county, Illi- nois, now . the oldest living settler in Frederika township. Levi Rima came to this township September 20, 1852, with his family and his father, Loren Rima, settling on section 18. They built a little log cabin, 14x16, which remained standing for a number of years. They were the first settlers in Frederika township, and had no neighbors nearer than Horton, in Polk township, nine miles distant. He had made entry of 120 acres at the government land office at Dubuque, and witli a stout

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

heart, entered upon the task of making of it a farm. He was possessed of those sterling and undaunted qualifications necessary to a pioneer settler, and struggled manfully under all the disadvantages to which he was exposed till he had accom- plished his object. He died February 2, 1874, at the old homestead, and was buried in the cemetry on Mr. Alcock's land in Douglas township. He was a strictly honest, quiet, orderly, peaceable man, of few words, slow but sure in his under- takings, and strictly temperate. In a word he was a good man, and liis worth was recognized by his neighbors. He was the first justice of the peace in the township, and held the office till his death. He also held many other offices of trust and honor in the administration of its affairs, and all of them with credit to himself. His death was deeply mourned, especially by the old settlers to whom his sterling qualities had endeared him. His son still resides at the old homestead. He married January 20, 1875, Miss Mary E. Walters, daughter of John Walters and Lucy, Dick. He owns 235 acres of land in Frederika township, and 80 acres in Douglas township.

David Gillett came to the township of Frederika July 10, 1855. He was born in Ontario county, New York, in 1812, moved to Geauga county, Ohio, about 1830, to Stephenson county, Illinois, in 1839, to McHenry county, Illinois, in 1843, and came from thence to Frederika township, as stated. He married in Geauga county, Ohio, Chloe Canfield, a native of New York, by whom he had seven children, six now living-Julia F., (deceased) married L. C. Rima; Lois married D. P. Walling; Eliza Ann married Chauncey Brooks; Su-

san married Robert Skillen; Orrin married Elmira Nettloch; Kate married William Fairburn; Eudora married Al. Pickett. Gillett was among the carliest settlers in the township and built the first frame barn, and the first house with a shingle roof, within its bounds. He was an honest man and a good neighbor, contracted few debts and none that he was unable to meet, thrifty and economical, both of lis words and his means. He died in the lat- ter part of December, 1868, and his wife followed him in September, 1877.

William W. Gillett arrived liere from Chickasaw county in March, 1854, and pur- chased land on section 29, where he re- mained about one year and then returned to Chickasaw county. The place is now owned by L. N. Walling.

In July, 1855, D. P. Walling and David Gillett, with their families, came, and Walling bought land in section 18, Gil- lett in 29.

D. P. Walling went to Pike's Peak in 1858, returned in 1863, and now occupies the Turk place.

Isaac Lehman and Eli Eisenhart came in March 1856, from Illinois. Lehman set- tled on section 7, where he remained until 1864, when he purchased land in Doug. las township, section 14, and moved onto -it. He left Douglas twelve years ago and now lives in Charles City.

Eli Eisenhart was born, September 28, 1830, in York county, Pennsylvania. Hc is the son of John and Catherine Eisen- hart, natives of that State. He grew up on the farm, and learned his father's trade- carpentering. In 1849, in company with a brother and sister, he removed to Cherry Valley, Winnebago county, Illinois, where

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

he worked at his trade for a little over three years. Being smitten with the California fever, he organized a company of eight, and crossed the plains, the journey occupy- ing nearly five months. On arriving, he started a grocery and butcher shop, at Placerville, Eldorado county; but sold out after three months, and turned his atten- tion to mining and lumbering. He then determined, after a stay of twenty-two inonths, to return home by water, and on his way was detained six weeks on the Isthmus, doing military duty, during the occurrence of some local difficulty, until the arrival of regular troops released him, and he continued his journey. He reached his native village in July, 1854. In Septem- ber, of the same year, he returned to Cherry Valley, Illinois, and on the 19th of the next month married Miss Mary Lehman daughter of Isaac Lehman, a native of Ohio, raised in Illinois, by whom he had five children-Arthur A., born March 1, 1856; Melvina L., born July 7, 1858; Alice Louisa, born March 3, 1861; Nettie E., born July 4, 1863, and Carrie R., born September 23, 1865. In May, 1855, he removed with his wife to Bremer county, Iowa, and bought land in Frederika township, and then, fol- lowing the bent of his inclination for an active business life, rented out his land, and opened a general country store in the vil- lage of Tripoli. As the district became populous, his business increased, and grew, under his careful and shrewd management, to be a large and profitable one. After fourteen years of merchandising, he gave it up, and bought the homestead now occu- pied by his widow and family. Heowned and ran a saw mill for almost two years at this time, and afterward turned his atten-

tion, as a capitalist, to what ever enterprises presented themselves in course of the de- velopment of the county. Mr. Eisenhart was sick one and one-half years, with in- flamatory rheumatism, and died September 8, 1877. He was buried in Harlington Cemetery, at Waverly. He was a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, to which body his widow and family also belong. During his life he held, for about three years, the commission of justice of the peace, and, in general, took an active and prominent part in the administration of township affairs and in everything calcu- lated to promote the welfare and prosper- ity of the district. He was a man of fine business ability, of keen perception, great natural shrewdness, and of strict integrity. His death was a serious loss to the county, and he was missed and mourned by many outside the circle of his more intimate friends.

Another settler of 1855 was Asa T. Martin, who came from Illinois with his family and selected a home on section 33, where he remained until 1863, when he removed to Fremont township, section 4. He now lives in Tripoli. His original farm in this township was purchased by Eli Eisenhart. Mr. Martin erected the first steam saw-mill in the township, on section 33. It was a twelve-horse power. He run this mill until about 1863, when he sold it to William A. Carmack, who con- ducted the business a number of years and then sold to Eisenhart and Klingemsmith. The mill was removed in 1873.

In 1856 Thomas Lashbrook came from Illinois and selected a place on section 19, where he remained about two years, when he removed to Douglas township and pur-

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

chased a farm on section 13. From there lie returned to Waverly in 1865, where he yet lives. John Ronco, also, was a settler of this year. He came from Illinois and made his selection on section 30, where he remained until 1862, when he removed to Fremont township, and thence to Fayette county. He returned in 1864 and again located in this township on section 19. In 1867 he removed to Cerro Gordo county, and thence to Minnesota, where le yet lives.

E. J. Walling and family arrived the same year and settled on section 19, where he remained until 1866, then moved to Waverly and thence to Mason City, Cerro Gordo county, where he now lives. The year following, 1857, John Henry came from York State with his family and pur- chased some land on section 7. He there built a grist-mill in connection with the Rima saw-mill, which is now in running order and owned by William Smith. John Henry and wife are now dead. Mr. Henry died in 1869 and Mrs. Henry about a year earlier.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Eli Barnes was born in Broome county, New York, February 2, 1826, and is the son of Daniel Barnes and Ruth Finch, na- tives of the New England States. When 18 years old lie removed, with his parents, to Wayne county, Pennsylvania, where they remained but a short time, and then settled in McHenry county, Illinois. In the spring of 1861, he came, with his family to his present location in Bremer county, where he has ever since remained. His father died in the fall of 1862, and his mother in the spring of 1864. He married

in McHenry county, Illinois, July 22, 1858, Miss Mary Ellen Mulock, daughter of Amsey and Elizabeth (Wyant) Mulock, na- tives of Orange county, New York, by whom he has had three children, two now alive-Rexford E., born November 10, 1856, and Oscar E., born July 26, 1850. During the war, Mr. Barnes took no active part in the ranks, being debarred from service by a physical disability, but he took an active part in upholding the righteous- ness of the issue then at stake. He owns 200 acres of prairie in Frederika township, and 20 acres of timber in, Leroy township, worth thirty-five dollars per acre. He is at present treasurer of Central school district, of Frederika township, and has borne his share of the administration of township affairs; belongs to the "Church of Humanity," and tries to show his reli- gion by his life and acts. He is politically impartial, but in monetary matters inclines to give adherence to the principles of the Greenback party, believing that through their adoption great good would be wrought to our moneyed system and to the Nation at large.

Henry Lytle was born in St. Lawrence . county, New York, July 29, 1839, the son of Samuel Lytle, a native of Massachusetts, and Harriett Ross, a native of Canada. When four years old, he removed with his parents to Wisconsin, settling in Wal- worth county, where he grew to manhood on the liome farm. His father died there a year after his arrival. In 1862 Mr. Lytle enlisted in Company C, Twenty-second Wisconsin, and served with it in the army of the Cumberland, under General Rose- crans. He took part in the defense of Fort Donelson and in the fight at Thomp-

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

1049

son's Station, where he was taken prisoner and sent to Libby Prison. After ninety days he was sent to parole camp at Anna- polis, Maryland, and was regularly ex- changed in July, 1863. He was discharged from service in December of the same year for disability,consequent upon diseases contracted at Libby Prison, and thereupon returned home. He was married, Septem- ber 28, 1865, to Miss Julia Potter, born March 4, 1841, daughter of Richard and Lucinda (Shaw) Potter. They have had had three children-Louise, born June 18, 1868, Georgie, born December 12, 1870; and Mary Grace, born February 19, 1873. He removed to his present home in April, 1874, where he owns and farms eighty acres of land. He has ten acres of timber. He has been road supervisor and school secretary of the central district of the township. On national questions he votes the greenback ticket. Is a member of Lodge No. 77, A. F. and A. M., at Elk- horn, Wisconsin. Mrs. Lytle is a member of the Baptist Church.

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 115

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