History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 116

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 116
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 116

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).

D. P. Walling was born in Tompkins county, New York, July 10, 1820, and is the son of Peter and Esther (Bigelow) Walling, both native Americans. He lived at home, working on the farm and teach- ing school winters, until 23 years of age, when he removed with his sister and set- tled in McHenry connty, Illinois. While there he worked rented land and taught school winters, and was married, May 11, 1848, to Miss Lois J. Gillett, daughter of David and Chloe Gillett. They have had eight children, seven of whom are now living-Leroy N., born March 19, 1849; Zurie L., born June 7, 1850; Everett P., born December 28, 1851; Lula May, born

November 26, 1863; David G., born March 16, 1865; Lillian J., born April 25, 1867; and Vinnie Ream, born February 12, 1871. In 1855 he came to this township, and after a short stay went to Waterloo, where he farmed for two years. In 1859 he went with his family to Pike's Peak, and engaged in the dairy business, and built the first house erected on South Boulder River. He returned to the township in 1863, and bought his present farm from Jeremiah Turk. He owns 280 acres of land in the township, sixty acres under timber and worth an average of $30 per acre. In 1868 he was elected to the State Legislature from the Forty-eighth Repre- sentative District. He has been town trustee and town clerk, and has held other offices. He is in religious matters a spir- itualist, and is politically a republican.

M. L. Boyer, wagon-maker, Frederika, was born in Montour county, Pennsyl- vania, October 4, 1847, and is the son of Christopher and Mary (Haynes) Boyer, natives of that State. In 1863 he went to Hillside, Dubuque county, Iowa, and be- gan to learn his trade with an elder brother. He came to Frederika in 1867, and started, on his own account, the busi- ness which he has since profitably con- ducted. He was married November 5, 1871, to Miss Caroline Johnson, daughter of S. M. Johnson. They have had six children, four of whom are living-Wil- liam S., Benjamin F., Martin L., and Caro- line E. Having a thorough knowledge of his trade, and being its only representative in the township, Mr. Boyer finds plenty of work to do, and shares in the prosperity of the district.

1050

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

ORGANIC.

The township was organized in April, 1854, and the election for officers was held at the house of William R. Bostwick, the names of the voters being, Loren Rima, Crawford Thoroman, Silas Watrous, L. C. Rima, William R. Bostwick, M. F. Gil- lett, Charles Edwards, Andrew Gillilan, and Ariel Rima.

The first officers were: L. C. Rima, justice; Ariel Rima, constable; M. F. Gil- lett, clerk; William R. Bostwick, Loren Rima and Crawford Thoroman, trustees.

The present township officers are as fol- lows: Dr. L. S. Boyce, Alonzo E. Johnston, justices; M. F. Gillett, clerk; J. W. John- ston, assessor; Nelson Felt, Christian Kuhrt, H. M. Pickel, trustees.

FIRST THINGS.

The first death was a child of a settler named Robinson-who lived on what is now section 3, of Fremont township, but was then in Frederika township-in No- vember, 1853. M. F. Gillett and William R. Bostwick arranged for the funeral, and dug the grave. Charles Edwards made the coffin.

The first marriage was that of M. F. Gillett and Olivia Walling, March 20, 1855. They were married by Levi C. Rima, who was the first justice, and they were the first couple he was called upon to unite.

The first birth was a child of Jeremiah Turk, who lived on section 32.

The first sermon preached in the town- ship was by Rev. Father Jenkins, at the house of William R. Bostwick, in April, 1854.

The first school was taught by D. P. Walling in his own house on section 19, during the winter of 1855-6.

The first school was commenced in the summer of 1858, on section 19, and was occupied as such the following winter. Porter Bement was the first teacher.

The first saw-mill was built by Loren Rima in the village of Frederika. It was in running order in June, 1855. Water was the motive power.

A steam power saw-mill was built by A. F. Martin in the village of Tripoli, in the fall of 1853.

The first cluster of houses in the town- ship was called Martinsburg, after A. T. Martin who located it. Its name was after- wards changed to Tripoli upon its being made a postoffice. A. T. Martin was the first postmaster.

The first officers of the township were as follows: L. C. Rima, justice; Ariel Rima, constable; M. F. Gillett, clerk; Wm. R. Bostwick, Loren Rima and Craw- ford Thoroman, trustees.

The first house in the township was built by L. C. Rima, on section 18, in 1852. It was constructed of logs, and has since been torn down.

The first frame house was built in Tripoli, in 1855, by A. T. Martin; it still stands on section 33, its original location.

The first frame barn was erected by David Gillett, in 1857, on section 29. It was 30x40 feet, 16 feet posts, and is still standing. This barn was considered at that time a remarkable building, and was a land mark for years. Such and such a direction, or distance, from the "big red barn," was a frequent instruction given to . persons inquiring for different locations.

1051

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY."

EDUCATIONAL.

As stated, the first school was taught by D. P. Walling, and the first school house was built on section 19. There are now five districts and six school houses within the limits of the township. „ The buildings are all frame, and cost about $500 each, on an average. All are well furnished and supplied, and the educational facilities of this township will compare favorably with other sections. Wages paid are from twenty to forty-five dollars per month.

RELIGIOUS.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Lime Rock was organized about 1858, with the following named members: John . Henry and wife, Norton Henry, Mary Hen- ry and John Austin. Mr. Spencer was the first class leader. Among those who have served as pastors were Elders Webb, Zim- merman, Dorson, Hayward, Borp, and then Dorson again; afterward Barnard, Bailey, Bell and Hewett. Services were · held at the Rima school house for a num- ber of years. Afterward in a building located on section 7, which was erected for general purposes, and had a.board of management consisting of G. M. Bowers, N. C. Baxter, William Hinkley and John Ager .. This building was acquired by the church in May, 1878, and on the 28th of that month the following board of trus- tees were elected: G. N. Bowers, N. C. Baxter, William O. Service, J. H. Michner and N. J. Henry. The condition of the church at the present time is not very prosperous.

Prior to the organization of this class, a Sabbath School was organized with Nor- ton Henry as superintendent. At the

present time, Mary Hinkley is superin- tendent. There is an average attendance of about 25.

CEMETERY.

There is one cemetery in this township, located on section 19. It consists of one acre of ground and is owned by Mrs. Olive Gillett. The first interment here was the remains of a son of Mr. Robinson, during the fall of 1853. The next was a daughter of D. P. Walling, in the fall of 1855. Then in February, 1856, all that was mor- tal of Nathan Main was here consigned to the grave. Esther Walling was also here buried in March, 1856.

POSTOFFICE.

Frederika postoffice was established on section 14, in what is now Douglas town- ship. It remained there about four years with G. F. Sayles as postmaster, when it was moved to section 13, same township, and John Mitchell was commissioned post- master. There it remained about four years; then L. C. Rima was made post- master and it was removed to his resi- dence on section 18. In 1874 it was re- moved to the village of Frederika and J. M. Johnston received the appointment. He remained in charge of the office until his death in 1870. He was followed by Thomas Taylor, the present incumbent. Mail is received three times each week.

VILLAGE OF TRIPOLI.

The land on which was platted this vil- lage, was owned by A. T. Martin, who had the place laid out in 1856-it was located on section 33. Different branches of trade were represented here for a number of

1052

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

years, until 1880-81, when the place was literally moved, so far as buildings were concerned, to the railroad in Fremont township, one and one-quarter mile dis- tant.

VILLAGE OF FREDERIKA.

The land on which this place was plat- ted was owned by John Henry. Itis loca- ted near the center of section 7, and was surveyed by H. S. Hoover, county sur- veyor, in 1868, at the instance of John Henry. This is now the only village in the township, and the different lines of

trade are represented by William Smith, proprietor of Frederika mill, which has three run of stone, water-power with a ca- pacity of about sixty barrels a day-a most excellent quality of flour is manufactured here. Seth Adams, dealer in general mer- chandise; G. N. Bowers, dealer in general merchandise; H. M. Pickle, a general store, conducted by his wife and children: Charles Matthews, blacksmith shop; Louis Butts, blacksmith shop; M. L. Boyer, wa- gon shop; James Howell, hotel and saloon: Dr. L. S. Boyce, physician; Thos. Taylor, shoemaker.

CHAPTER XXI.

FREMONT TOWNSHIP.

The township of Fremont comprises Congressional township 92, range 12, west of the 5th principal meridian.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

George Kimbal made a claim of 240 acres on sections 10, 11, 12 and 13, in Novem- ber, 1853, and settled thereon in 1854. He yet resides on the old homestead.

R. D. Titcomb made a claim on sections 10 and 11, at the same time with Mr. Kim- bal, and also settled on the claim in 1854. He remained here until 1863, when he re- moved to Waterloo, Black Hawk county.

These men were among the first per- manent settlers of the township, but were

preceded by three men who made squatter's claims in the fall of 1853. One of these men was named Butler. The three squatted in the southwestern part of the township, on Crane creek, in a grove which was given the name, and was long known as Butler's Grove. It is now known as Tegmeier's Grove. They only remained here until the spring of 1854. Butler sold his claim to Russell and Fletcher, who came from Maine. Butler was a character in his way, and cared but little for the laws of his country. While in this town- ship he lived with two wives, taking them with him on his removal to Butler county. There the authorities took notice of his

1053

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

mormonish proclivities, and compelled him to abandon one of his wives. He became disgusted with such interference and left for parts unknown.

Another settlement was made in the fall of 1853. Two hunters and trappers- Robinson and Carter-located on the northwest quarter of section 3, where they remained until March, 1854, when they sold their claim to Hiram and Henry Lester for $100. They laid claim at this time to over five hundred acres.

The Lester brothers settled on their claims in May, 1854, where Hiram still resides, the oldest living settler in the township. Henry, in May, 1864, removed to California, where he yet remains.

John Franklin settled on section 14, August, 1854. He died in 1860, his widow surviving him until 1876. Several of the family yet reside in the township.

Matthias Wuest settled on section 14, in 1855, and yet resides on the old home- stead.

Mr. Sattersfield came in 1855, and loca- ted on section 23, where he remained until 1856. Mr. Adkins also settled in the township in 1855, locating on section 24, where he remained until the following year.

The first ground broken in the township was on the 25th of May, 1854, on the Titcomb farm, section 10, by R. D. Tit- comb and George Kimbal. During that season a crop of sod corn was raised by R. D. Titcomb, Hiram Lester, Henry Les- ter, Mr. Russell and Mr. Fletcher.

George Kimbal, the first mentioned, was born in Germany, June 15, 1832, and came to America, with his parents, in 1847. Upon their arrival in this country, they

settled in Bloomfield, Walworth county, Wisconsin. In 1853 George made a claim of 240 acres in Fremont township, Bremer county, Iowa, and the year following made a trip here, but after a few months' sojourn returned to Wisconsin. In 1856 he came with his family, and settled on his claim, where he has since. resided. He now owns 195 acres, all of which are under im- provement. Mr. Kimbal has held the offices of constable, road supervisor, and school director. In 1855 he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Pranty, who was born in the State of New York; she bore him three children-Eva Adella, William P. and Carrie B .- and died in the fall of. 1876. He was married the second time in 1878, to Mary E. Wilson, who has borne him one child-George.

Hiram Lester, one of the oldest settlers living in this township, is the eldest son of Charles and Lydia (Pixley) Lester. He was born in the town of Whitehall, Wash- $

ington county, New York, February 25, 1820. He received his education in his native county, and passed his youth there, on his father's farm. When 22 years of age he came west to Kenosha county, Wis- consin, and afterward's lived in that and Lake county, Illinois, twelve years, en- gaged in farming. In February, 1854, he, in company with his brother Henry, made a trip through the State of Iowa, and in May, purchased and settled on a claim in Fremont township, Bremer county, where he has since resided. Although Mr. Les- ter has seldom taken an active part in pol- itics, he has always used his influence to keep the right men at the head of affairs. He has held the office of county supervi- sor two years; in politics he is a democrat,

1054

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

and cast his first presidential vote for Mar- tin Van Buren. December 10, 1860, Mr. Lester was married to Miss Frances H. Markell. They have two children-Laura and Charles H.

Matthias Wuest was born in Rhine Pro- vince, Prussia, near Cologne, August 24, 1813. He learned to read under his fath- er's instruction, then attended the high school until he was eighteen years of age. His English education has been acquired at odd nioments. Until he was seventeen years old, his life was passed on his fath- er's farm, except the time spent at school. At that age he began learning the carpen- ters' trade, and at nineteen, volunteered in the army and served three years. Upon returning to civil life, he followed his trade, and in 1837 was married to Miss Mary Kopp, who also was born near Col- ogne. During the last five years spent in his native country, Mr. Wuest was en- - gaged exclusively in stair-making. In 1848 -during the Revolution-he became a" Liberal and was chosen a delegate to elect a representative. About this time he read a book descriptive of America, and think- ing he would like the country, decided to cross the ocean and settle here. Accord- ingly in 1852, he, with his family, came and located first in Chicago, but one month after his arrival, left because of cholera becoming an epidemic. Upon quitting that city he settled in Freeport, Illinois, where he remained, working at his trade until the summer of 1855, when he came to Bremer county, Iowa, and entered eighty acres of land on section 14, Fremont township, where he has since resided. Since his settlement here, he has added one hundred acres to his original eighty.

Mr. Wuest has held the office of trustee several ternis, besides being assessor and holding other minor offices. He belongs to no political party, but be believes in "equal rights to all," and his religion is the "Golden Rule." They have had nine children, seven of whom are now living-Peter, who now lives in Nevada; Frank, now living in Nashua, Iowa; Christina, wife of David Bessemar, of Waverly; Kate, wife of Hon. Louis Han- chett; Sabella, wife of Leroy Walling; Mary, wife of Sanford Ferror; and Albert who now owns a drug store in Tripoli.

James Brown was born in Somersetshire, England, May 27, 1816. He received his education in England, and was reared on a farm, and, when old enough, followed that occupation. In 1850 he came to America, and settled in Kenosha, Wiscon- sin, where he engaged in farming for five years. In the fall of 1855 he came to Fremont township, Bremer county, Iowa, and entered 200 acres of land; he now owns 320 acres, besides 20 acres of timber. The year following his arrival here, he brought his family and began the im- provement of his farm. Mr. Brown has held the offices of trustee and road super- visor, several times. He was married in England, in 1850, to Elizabeth Watts. They have six children living-John E., Frederick G., Seth H., Edgar Herbert, Albert J., and Mary E.

John Moehling was born in Germany, October 13, 1830. When he was twenty- one years of age he came to America, and after spending one year in Cook county, went to DuPage county, Illinois, where he lived three years. In 1855 he came to Bremer county, Iowa, locating in Maxfield

1055

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

township, where he entered 77 acres of land. He also entered 40 acres of timber in Jefferson township. In 1869 he came to Fremont township and settled on sec- tion 10, where he now owns a farm of 338 acres. Mr. Moehling was the first justice of the peace of Maxfield township, and was afterwards clerk of that township. The latter office he has also held in Fre- mont township. In September, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Wehrmacher. Six children have been born to them, three of whom are now liv- ing-Henry, Sophia and Annie.

A. T. Martin, a son of Ira and Ann (Thompson) Martin, was born in Washing- ton county, New York, October 8, 1818. When twenty years of age he came west, and, after remaining two years in La Porte, Indiana, moved to McHenry county, Illinois, where he lived for about fifteen years, engaged in farming the greater part of the time. In the fall of 1855 he came to Bremer county, and first located in Frederika, where he started a steam saw-mill and had the honor of sawing the first lumber in this part of the county. Mr. Martin purchased his farm in Fred- erika two years previous to his settle- ment here. The first sermon in the old town of Tripoli, was preached in his house and the first Sabbath School was also held at his house and conducted by his wife. He remained in that township eight , years and then settled on section 4, Fre- mont township, where he lived until his removal into the village of Tripoli, in Feb- ruary, 1882. Mr. Martin now owns 107 acres of land. He was the first postmaster of the old Tripoli postoffice, and has held the office of justice of the peace. He was

married in 1840 to Miss Harriet Branch, who was born in the State of Vermont. Seven children have been born to them, of whom six are now living-Charles I., now living in Fremont township; Emma C., now the wife of T. O'Bryan; Mary, now the wife of H. W. Lobdell; Asa, who - is now living in Kansas; Ella, wife of E. L. Starbuck, of New York city, and Hat- tie, who is teaching in Illinois. Sidney, the second son, was killed by a saw-log falling on him, August 15, 1856. Of Mr. Martin's early life in this county, much can be said. His house, which was known far and near as the "big" house (it was 18x24) was a home for all, and many an early settler will cherish a warm place in his heart for A. T. Martin and wife; re- membering their hospitality when starva- tion stared thiem in the face, and must surely have come, liad not the "latch- string" ever been out at Martin's.

M. M. Watkins is a son of Emanuel Miner and Anna (Barr) Watkins, and was born in Windsor county, Vermont, May 19, 1829. When he was ten years of age, the family moved to St. Lawrence county, New York, where he remained until 1845. At this time he went to Rock county, and afterward to Walworth county, Wisconsin, where he followed the trade of a carpen- ter. Some time after, lie moved to Mc- Henry county, Illinois, and was engaged for five years in wagon-making. In the spring of 1855, he came to Bremer county, Iowa, and settled near Horton, on a farm. There he lived eleven years and then re- turned to Aurora, Illinois, and engaged in manufacturing doors, windows, sashes and blinds, and also engaged in the lumber trade for five years. Upon leaving Aurora,

1056

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

he returned to Bremer county and turned his attention to farming, in Lafayette township. In February, 1880, he moved to Tripoli, and again engaged in the Ium- ber business. Mr. Watkins was married to Miss Lorica Terry, in 1852. They have had four children-May, wife of C. A. Austin, of Sumner; Ralph R., who is now in business in Waverly; Frank W., who died in 1874; and Mary, who died in 1876. Mrs. Watkins died in 1862, and in 1871 Mr. Watkins married Miss S. Dette Terry, who is a sister of the first wife. They have one child-E. Ray.

John Chapin was born in the town of Heath, Franklin county, Massachusetts, August 16, 1817. He is a son of John and Clarissa (Patterson) Chapin, who were born in Massachusetts, and were descend- ants of Deacon Samnel Chapin, who set- tled in that State in 1634, and was one of the founders of Springfield, in 1642. When John was eleven years of age the family moved to Alleghany county, New York, where he remained until 1837. At that time he came west to Geneva, Wis- consin, and, as soon as land came into mar- ket, purchased a farm. In June, 1856, he came to Iowa and settled on his farm- . which he had purchased the year previous -- on section 27, Fremont township, Bre- mer county, and now own 120 acres of fine land. Mr. Chapin has held nearly all of the town offices; has been a member of the board of supervisors eight years., He was married in 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Ann Williams, who was born in Easton, Wash- ington county, New York. They have seven children-Angeline, Juliette, wife of G. W. Price, and now living in Wiscon- sin; John, who lives in Washington Terri-

tory; Rhoda, Elizabeth, Clementine, wife of Henry Rausch, and Carrie D.

J. O. Bucknam was born in Otsego county, New York, November 10, 1822. He remained in his native county until twenty-three years of age, then came west and settled in Walworth county, Wiscon- sin, and engaged in farming. In 1856, he came to Bremer county, Iowa, and settled on a farm on section 11, Fremont township, which land. he had entered in 1854. From Mr. Bucknam's settle- ment here until his death, November 8, . 1878, he took an active part in both the town and county politics. He was mar- ried August 23, 1849, to Miss Dianthia Chapin, who bore him four children- Alletta, now the wife of Frank Williams; Ella, now the wife of Charles Nafus; Clara and Elbert-and died in 1862. He was married in March, 1863, to Miss A. J. Southwick, who was born in Wayne county, New York, and came to Bremer county, with his mother, in 1861.

Robert Jolly was born in London, Eng- land, on the 15th day of August, 1824. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Somersetshire, where Robert grew to manhood. In 1847 he left his native land for America, and, soon after his arrival, located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming. In June, 1856, he came to Bremer county, Iowa, and bought a farm of forty acres, on section 11, Fre- mont township, where he now lives, and at present owns 120 acres. Mr. Jolly was married, in 1855, to Sarah Ford, a native of England. They have had three children -Sidney, Edwin, and Mary. Mrs. Jolly died March 13, 1864. In October, 1864, he was again married, chosing as a wife

1057

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

Julia Sherman, who was born in the State of Ohio. She has borne him three children -Albert, Grace, and Ervin.

After the year 1856, others came in; but the township did not rapidly fill up. A few sketches are here presented of some of the representative citizens.

Hugh Hazlett, a son of John and Eliza- beth (McIntyre) Hazlett, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, May 25, 1825. He came to America, with his parents, and settled in Utica, New York, where he re- mained until 1854. At that time he came west, and engaged in farming in Stephen- son county, Illinois, for six years, then came to Bremer county, Iowa, and settled on section 24, Fremont township, where he now resides, and owns 200 acres of land. Mr. Hazlett is the present justice of the peace, and has filled that office for several years. He belongs to the demo- cratic party, and cast his first presidential vote for Martin VanBuren, in 1848. He was married in December, 1849, to Miss Eliza Jane Young, who was also born in County Antrim, Ireland. Five children have blessed this union, three of whom are now living-James Young, who now occu- pies a position in the office of the Second Auditor of the Treasury, at Washington, D. C .; William G., who lives in Fremont township, and Louis C., who lives at home.

J. J. Cook, a son of Wyatt and Sophia (Root) Cook, was born in Huron county, Ohio, February 12, 1837. He received his education and grew to manhood in the county of his birth. In October, 1860, he came to Bremer county, and settled on section 1, Fremont township, where he now owns 400 acres of land, of which 300 are under cultivation. Mr. Cook has held

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 116

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