History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 119

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 119
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 119

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).

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

marriage-Cora, Dora, Anson and Char- lie.

In June, 1867, Thomas Mickley settled in Bremer county. He is a son of Henry and Mary (Burcolter) Mickley, natives of Pennsylvania, and is one of a family of ten children, five brothers and four sisters. His birth place was Lehigh county, Penn- sylvania, where he was born April 5, 1820. While still a boy, Thomas learned the tail- or's trade, which occupation he followed · for fifteen years. In 1838 he removed to Seneca county, New York, and there worked in a distillery for a number of years, and then became proprietor of the same, and operated it for five years. Jan- uary 7, 1840, he was married to Miss Mar- garet Miller, a native of Seneca county, born February 2, 1823. Six children have been born to them, five of whom are now living-Stephen E .. William H., Cornelia F., wife of Adrian Van Nordstrand; Mary E. wife of Daniel Newell; Jennie V., wife of Homer Healey. Since his settlement in this county, Mr. Mickley has been en- gaged in farming. He and his wife are members of the M. E. church, of Janes- ville.

Israel Freeman, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Franklin county, Vermont, November, 1829. He is a son of Mitchell and Mary (Post) Freeman. The former was a native of France, but reared in Canada and the latter a native of the last named country. When Israel was six years old, he removed with his parents to Chittenden county, Vermont, there remained until he reached his majority, and then went to the State of Massachusetts, where he was en- gaged in getting out ship timber. In 1856, he follwed Horace Greeley's advice

by coming west. He first located in Fill- more county, Minnesota, and while living there became acquainted with and married Miss Mary E. Lamb, December 16, 1857. They have had a family of eight children -Stewart, Angie, Frank, Delia, Cora, Belle, Ella M., May and Maud. In No- vember, 1865, Mr. Freeman removed to Bremer county, purchasing a farm in Jefferson township, upon which he lived for eleven years. He then sold it and came to his present place in Jackson town- ship. His land in this county consists of 113 acres, which is valued at $45 per acre. He votes the republican ticket and has held local offices of trust.

John C. Hand, a son of Dr. Wm. R. and Phoebe (Annin) Hand, born Septem- ber 29, 1827, in Bedminster township, Som- erset county, New Jersey. When he was a small lad, his parents removed to Hunter- don county, New Jersey, where his father followed his profession for a number of years, and then located in Nottaway county, Virginia, where he shortly after- wards died. During John C's younger life he thought of becoming a physician, and therefore began reading medicine, preparatory to entering college. After a few months' study, however, he abandoned the idea, and determined instead, to devote his life to farming. In 1853, he was mar- ried to Miss Mary Rittenhouse, born No- vember 1, 1832. Six children have been born to them, five of whom are living- Emeline, William, Silas, Fannie and Frank. During the month of April, 1864, Mr. Hand came to Bremer county, Iowa, and settled on his present farm in Jackson township, where he owns 187g acres of land, valued at $45 per acre. The family

S , F, Shepards

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

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are members of the Presbyterian Church of Janesville.

Chester Cadwallader, one of the enter- prising farmers of Jackson township, came to Bremer county in the fall of 1861, and moved his family herc in 1862. He was born in LaPorte county, Indiana, Decem- ber 3, 1836, and is a son of Byron and Sarah (Hague) Cadwallader, who were born in the State of Virginia. Chester was one of a family of eight children, six of whom are now living. His youth was passed in his native State, where he also obtained his cducation. The first school hc ever attended was held in a log cabin, with slabs for seats, and pins drove into the wall and slabs laid across them for writing desks. In 1858 he was married in Indiana, to Miss Laura Shaw, a native of . Vermont, born in 1826. They have three children-Eva, Minnie and Martha. For some years after coming to Bremer county Mr. Cadwallader taught school during the winter season, and farmed in the summer timc. He owns a beautiful farm of 130 acres, valued at $50 per acre. In early life lie was an abolitionist, but at the time of the organization of the republican party, he joined it. He represented Jackson and Washington townships in the board of supervisors for three years. At one timc, his father lived in Bremer county, but at the end of three years, removed to the State of Wisconsin, where he died. His mother is living in Bremer county, at the advanced age of 82 ycars.

S. N. Jones, a son of Francis Jones, was born and rcared in Columbia county, Geor- gia. About 1807 he, in company with six families of friends, emigrated to Miami county, Ohio. At that date that section

of the State was- one vast wilderness, and our new settlers were obliged, among other hardships of pioneer life, to burn and dig out mortars in stumps, with which to grind their corn. The subject of this sketch was born in Miami county, Ohio, January 7, 1821. During 1857 he removed to Indiana, and while in that State was married to Miss Elizabeth Foor, who died soon after. He was again married, this time choosing for a helpmeet Elizabeth Beals, who bore him two children-George W. and Adelia A. In 1857 Mr. Jones came to Bremer county, Iowa, and the fol- lowing year removed to Franklin county, where he continued to live until 1863. At that date he returned to this county, loca- ting on his present place in Jackson town- ship. He owns 90 acres of good land, valued at $40 per acre.

E. M. Dougherty, an enterprising mer- chant of Janesville, and also an early set- tler of the county, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, July 7, 1832. When fifteen years of age he learned the shoemakers' trade, which occupation he followed for a number of years, In 1853 he, in company with his father, came west for the purpose of securing a good location for settlement. During their trip his father purchased the land upon which he now resides. In 1854 they settled permanently in Bremer county, and the subject of this sketch employed his time in helping his father open up his farm, and by working at his trade. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B, Thirty- eighth Iowa Infantry, and served until the close of tlic war. He participated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, the cap- turc of Fort Morgan, and was color-bearer at the charge on Fort Blakesly, planting the

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

first colors on those walls. In the fall of 1863, while crossing the Gulf of Mexico, their ship was caught in a terrific storm, which disabled it to such an extent that they were forced to return to Galveston, and then by rail to New Orleans, where they re-shipped, and proceeded to Texas. While in that State Mr. Dougherty was taken sick, and sent home on a furlough. While recuperating his health he was mar. ried, in this county, May 11, 1864, to Miss Mary J. Pattee, a daughter of Colonel Pattee, who was also a pioneer of Bremer county. During the fall he returned to his regiment, which was stationed at Don- aldsonville, Louisiana. After being mus- tered out, he returned to his home and worked at carpentering for one year, and then engaged in buying produce and stock. Later, he embarked in the mercantile trade, which business he has since followed with good success. Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty are members of the M. E. Church. Kate, Fred, Marion C., and Lucy L. are their children.

R. W. Clewell, a merchant of Janesville, and an old settler of the township, is a son of David and Hannah (Gross) Clewell, who were married in the State of Pennsyl- vania, and removed to Seneca county, New York, in 1831. They had a family of eight children, who lived to reach majority. Their son, R. W., was born in Seneca county on the 4th day of February, 1831. When he was seventeen years old he learned the shoemakers' trade, which oc- cupation he followed for many years. In 1856 he settled in Janesville, where he worked at his trade for some time, and then added a stock of ready-made boots and shoes. In 1879 he added dry goods,

and in 1881, groceries. Mr. Clewell now carries a large stock, and is doing a lucra- tive business. In 1854 he was united in marriage with Miss E. M. Leddick, a daughter of Jacob and Harriet (Bigelow) Leddick. She was born in Seneca county, New York, March 27, 1835. One child blessed their union-William M., now book-keeper for a mercantile firm, of Du- buque, Iowa.

Hugh Ballantine, farmer and stock- raiser; is a native of county Antrim, Ire- land. At the age of seventeen he came to the United States, and settled in St. Lawrence county, New York. In 1861 he enlisted in company G, Sixteenth New York Infantry, but shortly after was taken sick and discharged. In the spring of 1862, he re-enlisted in company C., 106th New York Infantry, and was a participant in the following engagements-battles of Martinsburg, Mine Run or Locust Grove, Culpepper Court House, Manassas Gap, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Ann River and Coal Harbor, where he was wounded in the right arm, breast and left thigh. He was then taken to a hospital at Philadelphia, where he remained until the close of the war, and then returned to St. Lawrence county. Shortly after- ward he turned his face westward, tarry- ing not, until he reached Janesville, Bre- mer county, Iowa. There he spent a few years, engaged in a flouring mill. In 1867 he returned to St. Lawrence county,where his marriage with Miss Margaret Wallace occurred. He brought his wife to his western home and in 1872 purchased his present farm of 176 acres, which is under excellent cultivation and valued at $50 per acre. His wife has borne him two child-

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

ren-Wallace A. and Frank E. Mr. and Mrs. Ballentine are members of the Pres- byterian church.

ORGANIC.

The first township election was held in April, 1854, at the house of Charles N. Martin, on section 13, now in Washington township, at which election sixty-one votes were cast. The following persons were chosen to hold said election: James Queen, E. W. Fish, clerks; S. F. Shepard, Samuel Clayton and Thomas J. Sewell, judges; and the officers elected were: Matthew Rowen, and R. J. Elsworth, justices; P. B. King and Wm. B. Hamil- ton, constables; T. J. Sewell, James Boyd and James Queen, trustees; E. W. Fish, township clerk.

The present officers are William Briden, Samuel Jennings and R. Simpson, trustees; W. W. Wyant, clerk; D. Smalling,assessor; W. H. Rich, justice; Edward Pitkins, constable.

EDUCATIONAL.

The first school taught in the township was at Janesville by Rev. S. T. Vail. This was a subscription school. The first regular district school was taught by Dr. Loveland in a log school house on section 35, about eighty rods north of the present school building. This was the first school building erected in the township. There are now seven districts in the township, not including the Janesville independent district. These seven districts have good substantial buildings, five of which are constructed of stone, and all well furnished. The present school property of the town- ship is valued at about $7,000, and the

school facilities compare favorably with other localities."

CEMETERIES.

There are two cemeteries in this town- ship-"Janesville Cemetery" and "Wuest Burying Ground"-the former is located one-half mile north of Janesville-the first interments were two sons of V. Thomas, who were drowned in a lake near the Ce- dar river, in 1850. The latter is located on section 19, and the remains of Miss Dryer were the first interred, in 1853.

FIRST THINGS.

The first religious services were held at the house of William Payne, by Rev. S. T. Vail, during the fall of 1850.

The first marriage ceremony united Jo- seph Thornbrew and Miss Kane.

The first birth was a son to John and Jane Barrick, January 2, 1853.

The first girl baby was "Ada," a daugh- . ter of Asbury and Hannah Leverick.

POSTOFFICE.

The first postoffice in this township was Janesville, established in 1853, with John Hunter as postmaster. He was followed by G. W. Maxfield, F. A. Morton, Wm. Morehouse, F. A. Hotchkiss, J. M. Leslie, H. Morehouse, W. H. H. Gable, W. H. Rich, W. B. Mallory, and the present in- cumbent, Miss Loretta Mallory. It was made a money order office in August, 1870.

TOWN OF JANESVILLE.

This is the only town in the township. It is located on the Cedar river, six miles south of Waverly, and is the oldest town in the county. The first settler was John

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

T. Barrick, who was born in Campbell, Virginia, November 20, 1808. In 1809 he went to Highland county, Ohio, where he remained until March, 1849, when he lo- cated in what is now Janesville. His only neighbors were the Indians. In the im- mediate vicinity there were camped at one time, 1,700 warriors. Mr. Barrick's first trading points were Cedar Rapids and - Dubuque; the journey to the latter place being long, tedious and dangerous. While he was gone Mrs. Barrick remained at home, surrounded by dusky warriors, who were liable to become dangerous on the least provocation. It was no enviable po- sition for a timid woman to be placed in, but Mrs. Barrick was not one of the kind to exhibit fear. To the noble pioneer wo- men, much is due from those now enjoying the results of their sacrifices.

Among the first settlers of Janesville, were William Payne, Aaron Moore, Philip King, Charles Martin and wife with three sons, John, Samuel and William, who lo- cated here in 1850. The first store was opened by Hunter & Leverich, they kept a general assortment, including whisky. Keeler & Olmstead soon after established a business as dealers in general merchan- dise. The first postmaster was John Hun- ter, who held the office two years, when George Maxfield was appointed in his place, then Elder Morehouse succeeded him. The first death was a child of Wil- liam. Payne, and the second that of Rev. Solomon T. Vail, a Methodist preacher.

The first school was taught by this same minister, and was a subscription school. The next school was taught by Mr. Knapp. The first regular district school was taught in 1854.

RELIGIOUS.

The regular Baptist church, of Janes- ville, was organized April 17, 1858, by representatives from the churches at Du- buque, Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Wav- erly. The sermon on that occasion was preached by Rev. A. G. Eberhart.

The first members of the church were as follows: Robert Bisby and wife, Wil- liam Fairburn and wife, M. L. Stuart and wife, William Stuart and wife, Isaac Creighton, Frank Coddington and wife, L. Stewart and Randall Churchill. At a business meeting, held June 12, William Fairburn and Frank Coddington were chosen deacons and Robert Bisby, church clerk. The first religous services of the denomination were held at the school house. The church has been in charge of the following pastors: A. D. Bush, for one year, H. H. Burrington for four years and Samuel Sill for two years. In Febru- ary, 1866, the organization decided to build a house of worship, which was erected during the following summer. It is 34x26 feet, was completed and furnished at a cost of $4,500, and was dedicated, free from debt, on the 3d day of Febrn- ary, 1867. The dedicatory sermon being preached by G. J. Johnson, of Burling- ton. About this time a Sabbath School was organized with H. L. Crosby as super- intendent, having an average attendance of one hundred. T. H. Judson was pas- tor at the time of dedication, and George Morehouse was clerk. The present offi- cers of the church are-F. Coddington, William Fairburn, M. L. Stewart, R. W. Clewell and B. F. Davis, Trustees; F. Cod- dington, Secretary. The church, at the present writing, (January, 1883,) is with-

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

out a pastor. Seventy-seven persons have united with this church since its organiza- tion, but its present membership is much reduced by death and removal.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF JANESVILLE.

This church was organized at the resi- dence of Matthew Rowen, December 17, 1853. Its corporate members were J. Ackeson Taylor, of the Presbyterian Church of Peru, Indiana; Mrs. Abbe Ann Taylor, of the Presbyterian Church of Logansport, Indiana; Matthew Rowen, Mrs. Lucy Jane Rowen, Miss Susan Row- en, of the Presbyterian Church of White Pigeon, Michigan; Amelia A. Hunter, of the Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Mrs. Moranda Pitcher, of the Pres- byterian Church of Jamestown, New York; and Mrs. Susan W. Shepard, of the Presbyterian Church of Janesville, Iowa. J. A. Taylor and Matthew Rowen were elected ruling elders of the church.

The first religious services of the denom- ination were held at the residence of Mat- thew Rowen, by Rev. N. C. Robinson, of Vinton, who supplied the church for one year. He was succeeded by Rev. J. M. Phillips, in January, 1855, who continued his services for two years, services still be- ing held in Matthew Rowen's house. Rev. William J. Harrison, of Waterloo, took charge of the church in July, 1858, and held services alternately with the Meth- odist Church,in the stone schoolhouse, un- til July, 1860, when Rev. John Glass be- came pastor of the church. The services were continued in the stone schoolhouse and the hall building during the entire period, five years, of Mr. Glass' labors.

In February, 1866, the church being without a minister, Rev. John B. Clinton was employed as supply for a few months.

During the summer of 1866 the church edifice was erected. The dedication ser- vices was held on Thanksgiving day. The building is of wood structure, in size, forty by sixty feet, and is surmounted with a tower. The expense of construction was about $6,000.

Rev. G. H. Chatterton took charge of the church in October, 1866, before the building was dedicated, and supplied the church one year.

Rev. James Agnew was his successor, and continued his services until April, 1869. During the summer, from May to September, the church was supplied by Charles M. Howe, a theological student from Auburn Seminary. In November 1869, Rev. Stephen Phelps, from Waterloo, took charge of the church but was obliged to relinquish it, after eight months of ser- vice, on account of impaired health. Rev. A. R. Olney, of Waterloo, became pastor in July, 1870, and continued his ministra- tions until November, 1874. The church

was without regular supply for a few months, until June, 1875, when Rev. W. W. Whipple, of Illinois, became its pastor. His term of service continued until April, 1880, when failing health necessitated en- tire relief from all responsibility, and his work was given up ..

Rev. Charles M. Howe, of Eldora, Iowa, who had formerly supplied the church when a student, was engaged to take charge of the church, April, 1880, and is the present pastor.

Since the organization of the church there has been several revival seasons of

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

particular interest. Those deserving spe- cial mention occurred: The first in 1858; the second, under Rev. John J. Glass' ministry, in 1861; the third, under Rev. A. R. Olney's ministry, in 1871; the fourth, under Rev. W. W. Whipple's ministry, in 1876; the fifth under Rev. Charles M. Howe's ministry, in 1881.

The present officers are, Elders, J. A. Taylor, T. V. Axtel, A. D. Cooper and S. N. Byram; Trustees, H. R. Paul, Ira Small- ing and Robert Simpson.

Total membership since organization, 239; present membership, 102; and the present condition of the church is pros- perous.

The Sunday School was organized in 1853, at Matthew Rowen's house, and Matthew Rowen was its first superin- tendent.

Its present officers are H. R. Paul, sup- erintendent; Rev. C. M. Howe, assistant superintendent; John Wyant, chorister; and Frank Wetherel, treasurer and libra- rian. Its enrollment is 110; average atten- dance, 60.

This church has connected with it, a Ladies' Mite Society, a Ladies' Missionary Society, and a society called the Whipple Sunday School Missionary Society, all or- ganized, and doing efficient work.

Rev. Charles M. Howe, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Janesville, was born in Girard, Erie county, Pennsylvania, March 21, 1842. He is a son of Jonah and Harriet (Boynton) Howe, who settled in Erie county about the year 1838. When the subject of this sketch was fourteen years of age his parents emigrated to Ben- ton county, Iowa, and there his father shortly afterward died. Charles then

turned his attention to farming, which occupation he followed until twenty years old, and then attended the Iowa State University, of Iowa City. In 1867 he entered Dartmouth College, graduating therefrom in 1868. Subsequently he spent two years at Auburn Theological Seminary, and one year at the Theological Univer- sity of Chicago, completing his course in 1871. His first pastoral work was in El- dora, Hardin county, Iowa, where he labored eight years and nine months. During the spring of 1880 he came to Janesville, Bremer county, and assumed his present charge. In 1870 he was joined in matrimony with Miss Mary O. Dennis, of Johnson county, Iowa. Four children have been born unto them, three of whom are now living-Lucius E., Charles B., and Helen E.

The first quarterly conference of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Janes- ville, was held December 18, 1852, at the house of William Payne. The work was then known as the "Big Woods Mission." Rev. A. Young was presiding elder. At this quarterly conference, Solomon W. Ingham (local deacon) was appointed, by the presiding elder, preacher in charge for the ensuing quarter.

After the annual conference of 1853, the work was divided, and Janesville appoint- ment fell into the "Upper Cedar Mission," which was composed of the following ap- pointments: Waverly, Moore Class, Janes- ville, and Waterloo, with Andrew Cole- man as presiding elder, and Solomon W. Ingham, preacher in charge.

At the fourth quarterly conference, June 17, 1854, T. Pattee, S. F. Shepard and Andrew Daily were appointed as a board

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

of trustees for the church and parsonage at Janesville. There appears to have been a board of trustees prior to this, but their names and no trace of their appoint- ment can be found.

Janesville circuit was organized in 1854, and the first quarterly conference was held at the house of Mr. Burleigh, November 4, 1854. Andrew J. Coleman was presid- ing elder. Rev. Hiram J. Burleigh, preacher in charge, and E. Kendall junior preacher. The circuit consisted of the following appointments: Janesville, Waverly, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Shell Rock and Moore's Class.

At the fourth quarterly conference, in 1855, the trustees report a deed secured for lots at Janesville for a house of wor- ship and parsonage. The expense of the deed and recording was paid by the quar- terly conference.

In 1856, H. Morehouse, S. F. Shepard and Elias Pattee were chosen as a com- mittee to make arrangements to build a church at Janesville. Rev. Edwin D. Lamb died at Janesville, August 20, 1857, while preacher in charge. He was appoint- ed to this charge in 1855, and was serv- ing his second year. During the confer- ence years of 1856-7, Janesville and Cedar Falls were connected as one work. Janes- ville was set off in 1857 as a station, with an appointment four and a half miles east, then known as Briden's School House, but soon after changed to East Janesville.

The village of Janesville was founded by John T. Barrick, by whom lots 3 and 4, in block 4, were donated to the M. E. Church. When and by whom the first appointment and class was formed, cannot now be ascertained, but must have been

in 1851, or 1852. 'The first class leader of whom any authentic account can be ob- tained was William Payne. HI. More- house, James Boyd, Wm. Briden, S. F. Shepard and W. H. Rich constituted the first board of trustees. This board of trustees held several meetings during 1856 and 1857, with the view of building a church, but after canvassing the ground, it was found at a meeting held September 30, 1857, that it would not be prudent to attempt to build, and the matter was post- poned indefinitely. In 1861, it was found that the church and board of trustees were not properly incorporated under the laws of Iowa, consequently on August 19, 1861, an article of incorporation was properly made out and recorded in the recorder's office of Bremer county, in which article, H. Morehouse, S. F. Shepard, D. B. Dough- erty, H. Weygandt and W. H. Reck were named as trustees until their successors was elected or appointed.

In 1864, a meeting was held for the purpose of arranging to build a church, when a subscription was raised, a portion of which was collected that year and in- vested in material, but the building was not commenced until April, 1865, and com- pleted iu February, 1866. Owing to hav- ing enlarged the original design and add- ing a tower and bell, besides the large rise in material and labor, the society found itself in debt about $1,900, but at the dedication, the sum of $2,300 was secured in pledges.

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 119

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