History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 118

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 118
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 118

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).

Most branches of business are here well represented, and Tripoli seems to be mak- ing some advance.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXII.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP.

This township is located in the south- western corner of the county, having Washington on the north and Jefferson on the east. It is three miles wide, by eight miles long, containing about 15,360 acres. Two rivers traverse the township. The Shell Rock entering on section 20, flow- ing through 21, 28, 29 and making exit on 33, and the Cedar flowing from the north crosses the boundary line on section 19, then traversing sections 25, 24, 23 and 26, leaves from 35. There are two railroads; the Illinois Central running through about the center, and the Burlington and Cedar Rapids running diagonally through the western portion of the township. The soil is a dark loam and inclined to sandi- ness in places. It is well timbered, and contains many excellent farms.

EARLY SETTLEMENT,

There is frequently a difference of opinion as to the first settlement of a town- ship, and we present herewith the date, as near as they can be ascertained, upon which numerous early settlers arrived.

Ezra G. Allen was the first settler in this township, and came from Lynn county in 1848, locating on section 25. Here he re- mained until January, 1852, when he re- moved to Horton in this county.

J. T. Barrick was the next settler. He came here with his family in 1849, and was the founder of the village of Janes-

ville. Isaac Barrick, his son, yet remains a citizen of the township.

Isaac Barrick was born in Highland county, Ohio, January 25, 1834, In 1849 he came to Bremer county with his parents, and has since made it his home. During the second year of our late rebellion he en- listed in Company B, Thirty-eighth Iowa Infantry, and served until its close. He participated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and also in the charge on Fort Blakesly. During his term of service he crossed the Gulf of Mexico four times. His regiment was consolidated with the Thirty-fourth Iowa before the close of the ' war. Mr. Barrick was mustered out at Houston, Texas, and discharged at Daven- port, Iowa. On the 19th day of December, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Wagoner, of La Porte, Indiana. They have three children-Emeline, Georgiana, and Edwin. Mr. Barrick owns . 160 acres of land, which is under excellent cultivation, and valued at $50 per acre. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. His father, John T. Barrick, is a native of Kentucky, but, when a mere child, was taken to Ohio, and reared by an aunt. Upon reaching his majority John returned to the State of his birth, and was there given, by his father, a plantation and ten slaves. The gift he refused, because of his opposition to slavery, which was decid- edly marked in consequence of his educa-

Isaac Barrick,

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

tion, having been reared by a Quaker family. Returning to his foster State, he followed the trade of a carpenter and joiner. In 1840 he removed to Muscatine county, Iowa, and while there erected a saw mill. In-1845 he located in Cedar Falls, Black Hawk county, and was the first person to utilize the water power at that place, building its first mill. In 1849 he came to Bremer county, and founded the town of Janesville, naming it for his wife, Jane (McPherson) Barrick. Here he built and operated the first mill in the county, (at the same time carrying on his farm), and also erected the first frame house in the town of Janesville.

Isaac McCaffrey was also a settler of 1849, and selected a home on section 32, where he remained about two years, when he removed to Kansas.

Aaron Moore, James H. McRoberts, Rev. S. W. Ingham, and Rev. S. T. Vail, also came during the same season.

· Aaron Moore selected a location on sec- tion 21, and remained about three years, when he moved to section 20. He is now living near Shell Rock.

J. H. McRoberts, located on section 25, where he remained until his death, which occurred in October, 1852. The farm was occupied by his sons a number of years. It is now owned by J. St. John and C. K. Loveland.

Rev. S. W. Ingham settled on section 20, where he erected a cabin, and remained a few years, when he removed to Tama county., :

William Payne was a settler of 1850, and came from Linn county in the spring of that year, but was formerly from Ohio. He located near the present site of Janes-

ville, on section 36, where he remained until the fall of 1853, when he sold to Judge M. Rowen. The place is now owned by Briden and Sevenson.

Rev. S. T. Vail selected a home in Janesville, being the first preacher in this section of the country.

During 1851, J. H. Martin, Samuel Jen- nings, Simeon F. Shepard, Wm. Mc- Henry and Abraham Myers arrived.

J. H. Martin located on section 26, re- mained there a few years, when he sold to Maxfield brothers, and removed to sec- tion 22, and thence to Oregon.

Samuel Jennings was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, on the 13th day of May, 1823. His father, Samuel Jennings, was a native of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Ohio in 1812, and soon enlisted and participated in the war with Great Britain. After the war he engaged in blacksmithing, which trade he followed for a number of years. In 1832, he removed to Owen county, Indiana, where he engaged in farming, and where he remained until his death. He married Sarah Smock, by whom he had twelve children, six sons and six daughters. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common schools of that State. The seats of the school house were made of slabs hewn from the timber. The light was received by cutting out a log and putting in 8x10 glass. On the 10th day of December, 1848, he married Miss Mary J. McHenry, a daughter of Wm. and Catherine (Ashbough) McHenry, natives of Kentucky, who emigrated to Indiana previous to the War of 1812. She was born in Owen county, Indiana, July 9, 1828. Eight children blessed this union,

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

seven of whom are living-William S .. Sarah C., Catherine L., Lucretia J., Eliza- beth E., John H. and Edward L. In the spring of 1851, Mr. Jennings, with his family, left Indiana and emigrated to Jones county, Iowa, where he remained until the following fall, when he removed to Bremer county and located on the place where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs Jen- nings came to the county poor, but by hard work and economy have accumulated a fine property, having 500 acres of land valued at $45 per acre. Mr. Jennings was a member of the first petit jury of Bremer county.

Simeon F. Shepard, one of the earliest settlers of Bremer, was born in Madison county, New York, September 12, 1818. He is a son of Orrin and Electa (Fish) Shepard, natives of the State of Connecti- cut. Simeon was one of a family of twelve children, nine of whom are now living. About 1836, his parents removed to Alle- ghany county, New York, and thence to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where his father died April 16, 1851, and his mother, April 28, 1873. The subject of this sketch was married in Chautauqua county, New York, July 8, 1844, to Miss Susan W. Pitcher, a native of Cataraugus county, born March 6, 1820. Seven children have been born unto them, five of whom are now living-Martha E., George C., Maurice, Homer and Charles M. In 1847, Mr. Shepard emigrated with his family to Du- Page county, Illinois, and thence, in 1851, to Bremer county, Iowa. He had pre- viously purchased the claim where he now resides, and on which he has lived for thirty-one years. At the time of his set- tlement in this county, there was not a

house where the present town of Waterloo now stands; the rivers without bridges, and one could ride for miles without meet- ing any obstruction from fences. But what a change can be seen now in passing over, the country. Either thriving towns and villages meet the eye, or beautifully cultivated farms, upon which, are substan- tial residences and farm buildings. Mr. Shepard at one time owned 520 acres of land, which he has since divided among his children. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and his wife of the Presbyter- ian. In politics he has always adhered to the principles of the republican party. During 1857 and 1858, he assessed the county.

William McHenry located on section 32, where he remained until his death, which occurred about 1863. The farm is now owned by Samuel Jennings and his son, William.

One of the earliest pioneers of this county was Abraham Myers. "He was born May 9, 1810, in Westmoreland coun- ty, Pennsylvania. He was one of a fam- ily of seven children, four of whom are now living. During his early life, Abra- ham learned the coopers' trade, and fol- lowed that occupation for some years. On the 28th day of March, 1883, he was united in marriage with Miss Hester Anu Shepard. In 1851 they removed to Bre- mer county, Iowa, locating on section 21, Jackson township. There they lived three years and then settled on their present placc. Mr. Myers was in Waverly at the timc that city was located. Though not an ordained minister, he occasionally preached at that time, in private houses and school houses. He, with his family,

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

emigrated to this State and county with an ox-team, and drove their cattle along with them. It was a wet spring and the water was very high. At Janesville Mr. Myers lashed two canoes together and ferried his family across the river. He now owns 120 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre, and on which are comforta- ble farm buildings. Mr. Myers and wife are, and have been for many years, mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Frank Coddington, one of the enterpris- ing farmers, and an old settler, of Bremer county, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, June 22, 1830. He was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools, finishing with the grammar de- partment. In the spring of 1853, he emi- grated to Belvidere, Boone county, Illinois, and while there was engaged in railroad- ing. In September of the same year, he came to Bremer county, Iowa, locating on a farm on section 34, where he now re- sides. Mr. Coddington was married in the town of Belvidere, April 29, 1855, to Miss Harriet R. Stewart, daughter of William Stewart, born in Chautauqua county, New York, July 30, 1835. Four children have blessed this union-Mary E., now the wife of Albert Rowen, son of the late Judge Rowen, of Parker, Dakota; Jessie A., now a student at Osage, Iowa; Alva B., and William S. When Mr. Coddington came to this county, he was the possessor of but a few hundred dollars, but by economy and strict attention to business he has ac- cumulated a fine property, and to-day is one of the "well-to-do" farmers of the county. He owns 120 acres of excellently located land, on which is a fine brick resi- dence, the upright part being 28x32, and

the ell 20x26. The building is two stories in height, and was erected at a cost of $3,000. His main barn is 36x40, and the addition 16x64. Mr. Coddington, his wife and two daughters are members of the Baptist Church.

John Bloker was born in Erie county, New York, September 16, 1837. He is a son of Jacob and Hannah (Bowers) Blo- ker. John remained in his native State until sixteen years old, and then, in com- pany with his parents, removed to Bremer county, Iowa. Upon their arrival, his pa- rents purchased a farm, and continued to live on the same until their death. They were members of the Presbyterian Church. In 1866 John Bloker was united in mar- riage with Miss Delia Harris, a native of Lake county, Illinois, born in July, 1850. She was a daughter of Jesse Harris. They have a family of three children-Frank, Walter and Edith. Mr. Bloker owns 180 acres of land, valued at $45.00 per acre. The family are members of the Presbyte- rian Church, of Janesville ..

E. W. Fish, a pioneer of Bremer coun- ty, was born in Otsego county, New York, May 31, 1825. He is a son of Rev. Abra- ham Fish, a Methodist minister and pio- neer of Otsego county, New York, who is still living, at the advanced age of 88 years. When E. W. was nineteen years old, he removed to Rochester, New York, where he remained until 1849. During his residence tliere he was united in mar- riage with Miss Elizabeth M. Predmore, who borc him one child-Elizabeth-and died in 1846. Upon leaving Rochester, Mr. Fish located in Erie county, Pennsyl- vania, where he married Miss Lorella Taber, who has borne him five children,

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

Harvey E., Horace G., Alice C., Annette C. and Bertha A. In September, 1853, Mr. Fish settled in Bremer county, Iowa, and during the first four years of his resi- dence here, was engaged in building and contracting. He then embarked in his present business, wagon and carriage making. Mr. Fish came to this county with just eleven dollars and a set of car- penters' tools. To-day he is known as one of Janesville's enterprising business men, having a good business established there, and owning property in the town valued at $3,000. He also owns a farm of 65 acres, valued at $50 an acre, in Black Hawk county. In politics he is a republi- can, and has held the offices of justice of the peace, township clerk and school treasurer.

B. F. Davis, who ranks among the pio- neers of Bremer county, was born in Yates county, New York, August 6, 1826. When seventeen years old, he learned the trade of a carpenter, which occupation he fol- lowed until the fall of 1854. His marriage with Miss Jane E. White occurred in 1848. She was born December 10, 1831, in New York State. There, also, three children were born to them- Emily F., Mary J., and Anna E. In 1854, the family left their old home in the Empire State, for Bremer county, Iowa, arriving here on the 15th day of October. They first settled in Janesville, and at the end of two and one- half years, settled on their present place, where three more children were born to them-Catherine R., Lydia M., and Ella C. Mr. Davis owns 115 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. In politics, he is a republican.

David High, one of the old land marks of Bremer county, is a native of Franklin

county, Pennsylvania, born on the 30th day of March, 1823. He is a son of David and Lydia (Bohrer) High. He was one of a family of three sons and six daughters. In 1837 his parents emigrated to Fairfield county, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm, and received his education. He was married in Fairfield county, May 4, 1843, to Miss Margaret Kern. By this union there were six children, all living to be adults; three of whom are now living -- Lydia E., wife of F. J. Pattee, of Kansas; Esther C., wife of Amos Garner, of Wa- verly; and David S., of Dakota. In 1845, Mr. High left Ohio for Clinton county, Indiana, where he remained until 1854, when he came to Bremer county, Iowa, locating on section 18, where he remained a short time, and then removed to the place where he now resides. Mrs. High died March 5, 1861. She was a member of the Baptist Church. December 24, 1862, Mr. High married Miss C. Kccler, a daughter of Rev. James Keeler, who came to the county in April, 1854. She was born in Wallingford, Connecticut, April 9, 1825. One child blessed this union-James. Mr. High is one of the most prosperous citizens of Bremer county, having a farm of 466 acres, worth about $20,000. This property has been accumulated since his arrival here. His portrait is given in this volume.

Among the early settlers of Bremer county we find D. B. Dougherty, who set- tled here in the spring of 1854. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, January 6, 1808. While a young man he learned the shoemakers' trade, which occu- pation he continued to follow many years. He was married in Beaver county, Penn-

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

sylvania, in 1831, to Miss Eliza Crail, a native of that county, born August 30, 1809. They have five children-Eli M., Edward C., Sarah S., Marion B., and Eliza J. Upon coming to this county Mr. Dougherty and family made the trip to Muscatine, by water, and from there to Jackson township, by team. They first lived for a short time with a family by the name of Pitcher, and then removed into a small cabin 12x14 feet, where they re- mained two months. While living there Mrs. Dougherty says a storm came up, and the poles of which their dwelling was made, were so small that she could see them bend. As soon as possible Mr. Dougherty erected a cabin on his own place, it being the first one on the prairie. Into this the family moved before the sides were chinked enough to keep the wind from blowing rain clear across the room. Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty have been members of the Methodist Church for many years, and since their settlement in this county have done much toward building up and sup- porting the same. They own a farm of 80 acres, valued at $50 per acre, and on it are comfortable farm buildings.

William N. Gaines, one of the earliest settlers of Polk township, Bremer county, is a native of Madison county, New York, where he was born November 16, 1825. He is a son of Obed and Lydia (Connable) Gaines, who were born in the State of Vermont. When William N. was eight years of age he was "bound out"' to a man by the name of Newcomber. In 1835 he removed with him to Kirkland, Ohio, and thence, in the summer of 1838, to Kane county, Illinois, where he worked at the carpenter's trade. During the fall of 1853,

he came to Bremer county, Iowa, locating in Polk township, in the neighborhood of Plainfield. There he opened a farm and subsequently erected the first hotel in the town, and was its proprietor for a number of years. Mr. Gaines was the first post- master in the township. The office was then known as Polk Precinct, but was af- terwards changed to Syracuse, and still later, to Plainfield. . In 1854 Mr. Gaines was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Swain, a native of Waukegan, Illinois. They have had five children-Mary E., wife of James D. Miller; William H .; Charles E .; Florence L. and Jeannette. Mr. Gaines has a farm of 200 acres of land in Bremer county, also owns 360 acres in Wadena county, Minnesota. On his farm in this county, is a comfortable residence and a barn 38x50, with basement. In 1854 his parents started west, but while on the road his mother died, leaving the father to finislı the journey alone. While living herc he made his home with Wm. N. and a brother. He died in Polk township and was buried at Plainfield.

William Briden, a native of Yorkshire, - England, and an early settler of Bremer county, was born January 6, 1808. In 1831 he left his native country for the United States. Upon landing in New York City, he immediately proceeded to Livingston county, on the Hudson river, where he was engaged as gardener. One year later he removed to Westchester county, New York, where he had charge of a stable of thoroughbred horses. During the fall of 1834 he removed to Chicago, Illinois, and the following spring made a claim at Des Plaines, Cook county, which he immedi- ately began improving. January 8, 1837,

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY. /

his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Curtis, a native of England, occurred in that country. They have had two children- H. T. and Henry W. She died in Eng- land, January 25, 1842; she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1843 Mr. Briden removed to White Pig- eon, Michigan, where he married Mrs. Mary Burnan, a native of Yorkshire, Eng- land. They had one child -- John. She died January 28, 1852; and was, also, a member of the Methodist Church. May 18, 1854, Mr. Briden was married to Mary Ann Cleaver, who was born February 9, 1826, in Columbia county, Pennsylvania. They have had one child-Mary E., now the wife of George E. Sevison, of Janes- ville, Iowa. The same year of Mr. Bri- den's last marriage, he came to Bremer county, Iowa, and · settled in Jefferson township, where he continued to reside until 1868, when he removed to his pres- ent place in the town of Janesville. He came to this country a poor man, but by economy and good management, has accu- mulated a. very comfortable property, and has also been able to give each of his children a good start in life. At one time Mr. Briden owned 1440 acres of land in the central part of Iowa.

Others came during the years of 1853 and 1854, and the township then filled up with a good class of people; sketches of some are here presented.

· Amos D. Cooper was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, April 3, 1827. He is the son of Amos and Jane (Downing) Cooper, who emigrated in the spring of 1836, to Highland county, Ohio. The sub- ject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and educated in the primitive schools of

that day. His mother died in Ohio, and father in Muscatine county, Iowa. In 1855 Mr. Cooper was married in Powe- shiek county, Iowa, to Miss Rachael A. Larkins, who was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1829. In 1854 he removed to Cedar Falls, and in 1857 came to Bremer county, where he has since resided. The wild prairie land upon which he settled, has been transformed into a highly culti- vated farm, and to his original possession he has from time to time added more land, until he has now 359 acres, of which 284 is under cultivation. In politics Mr. Cooper is a republican. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

C. K. Loveland was born in St. Law- rence county, New York, on the 31st day of August, 1837. When nineteen years of age he came to Bremer county, Iowa, where he spent three years-a portion of the time teaching school. In the mean time he pre-empted a piece of land, which he afterward sold, and then returned to his home in New York State; he there re- mained until 1862, then again came to Bremer county, and has since made it his home. May 23, 1867, he was joined in wedlock with Miss J. L. St. Johns, who was born in Cataraugus county, New York, January 1, 1851. She is a daughter of James St. Johns, who came to Bremer county in 1855, and is a-native of Sara- toga county, New York. Five children blessed their marriage-Cora E., Annie A., Vinnie, Julia A., and Mary L. Mr. Love- land's farm consists of 180 acres of land, valued at $45 per acre. On itis a fine res- idence, erected at a cost of $1,500, and a barn that cost $1,000. In politics he is a

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

republican. The family are members of the M. E. Church of Janesville.

Enos F. Shaw, an enterprising farmer of Jackson township, is a native of North- field, Vermont, born on the 20th day of March, 1828. There he was reared on a farm and obtained a common school edu- cation. During 1854 he went to Califor- nia, where he remained eight years, work- ing in the mines. In 1862 he returned to Vermont, and the same year came to Iowa, settling in Bremer county. He en- listed in Company B, Thirty-Eighth Iowa Infantry, in January, 1864, and served until the close of the war. He partici- pated in the capture of Fort Morgan, and also in the charge on Fort Blakesly, his regiment being the first to plant the col- ors on those walls. Mr. Shaw was mus- tered out at Houston, Texas, and discharged at Davenport, Iowa. He then returned to Bremer county, where he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Cadwallader, a native of Henry county, Indiana, born Oc- tober 23, 1825. He owns 20 acres of tim- ber and also 160 acres of farm land, on which he has a beautiful residence and a large and commodious barn 36x72, built at a cost of $1,200.

Daniel Pierce, an enterprising farmer of Bremer county, is a native of St. Law- rence county, New York, born December 22, 1824. Heis a son of Amasa and Alma (Baldwin) Pierce, whose married life was of sixty years duration. His mother died in 1880, but his father is still living in St. Lawrence county, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Daniel was reared and educated in his native State. In 1851, he was united in marriage with Maria Love- land, also a native of that county, born in

1833. They have a family of six children -Royal A., Mary E., Lilly M., Amasa L., Matthew E. and Hattie M. In 1865, Mr. Pierce left his home in New York for Iowa, and upon reaching Bremer county, pur- chased his present farm in Jackson town- ship. He owns 140 acres of land which is well cultivated and valued at $50 per acre. In 1882, he built a fine residence at a cost of $2,000. The family are members of the M. E. Church of Janesville.

William H. H. Youngs, a dairyman of Jackson township, settled in Bremer county, on his present place, in . 1864. He owns a beautiful farm of 212₺ acres, which is under excellent cultivation, and valued at $50 per acre. In 1865 he turned his attention to cheese-making, building the first cheese factory in the county. He now keeps an average of thirty liead of cows, from which he manu- factures 1,000 pounds of cheese monthly. He also buys milk enough to make another 1,000 pounds. Mr. Youngs is a native of St. Lawrence county, New York, where he was born July 22, 1840. He is a son of Amasa and Sibyl (Hutchins) Youngs. His mother was born in Middletown, Vermont; June 28, 1801, and his father in Pownall, Vermont, October 10, 1799. They were married September 14, 1821, and have been members of the Methodist church for over fifty years. Their home is now in Jackson township, where they expect to pass the remaining years of life. William H. H. was reared and educated in his na- tive State. During 1860 he was joined in wedlock with Miss Jane Steele, who was born in 1841, and is a daughter of Joseph Steele, of St. Lawrence county, New York. Four children have blessed their

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 118

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