History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 45

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 45
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 45

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SHELL ROCK PHYSICIANS.

The first physician to locate in this town was Dr. John Scobey, who came here in May, 1855. He continued a lucrative prac- tice until 1875, when he retired from active professional work. He is still a resident of the village where he first hung out his shingle, and is an honored citizen.

The present representatives of the med- ical profession are Drs. E. H. Dudley, W. H. Smith, E. L. Thorp and E. E. Sill.

Doctor John Scobey, the first physician of Shell Rock, was born in Francistown, New Hampshire, April 19, 1800. His early life was passed in his native State, where he received an academic education, and entered Dartmouth Medical College in the

S.B. Enrique A.c.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

year 1824. He diligently applied himself, and graduated in medicine in 1826. Soon after leaving college, he located at Bethle- hem, in Northern New Hampshire, where he practiced his profession for five years, and then removed to Concord, Vermont, where he remained another five years. At the expiration of this time he went to Truxton, New York, where he practiced for two years, and then decided to seek his fortune in the west. He located at Jack- son, Ohio, where he lived for twenty years. In May of 1855, he came to Shell Rock, Iowa. He is the oldest living physician of Butler county, and for a number of years after his settlement here, the doctor's ride carried him all over this county, and over portions of adjoining counties. For the past seven years the doctor has almost entirely given up practice, being con- tent, in his ripe old age, with the lau- rels he has so justly won by his knowl- edge of and faithful attention to the study of medicine. Mr. Scobey has always taken great interest in the improvement of Shell Rock, and in his younger days was greatly interested in the politics of the country. He was married in 1825 to Miss Nancy Wallace, of Antrim, New Hamp- shire. Seven children have blessed this union-Joseph, the eldest son, was an attorney of the State of California, and also a member of the legislature of that State. He died there, July 21, 1866; Philomelia is the wife of Phineas Weed, of Shell Rock; Leander is engaged in business at Ackley, Iowa; Daniel, who now resides in Color- - ado; John, who lives in Shell Rock; Annette, wife of Oscar Eastman, of Shell Rock; Adelaide, wife of William Palmer, of Pierie, Dakota.

Doctor E. L.Thorp was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, May 17, 1836, and is a son of H. S. and Emeline (Lacey) Thorp, who also are natives of Massa- chusetts. In 1838 his parents moved to Kenosha county, Wisconsin, and herc the doctor grew to manhood. He attended the academy at Kenosha, and afterwards entered Beloit College, at Beloit, Wiscon- sin. Here he studied for some time, and then went to Chicago and studied medicine in Rush Medical College of that city. Upon leaving this college he came to Shell Rock, and here in 1865, began the practice of medicine; he continued his practice for some years, and then went to Cincinnati and entered the Eclectic Medical College of that city, and graduated therc in 1877. After receiving his diploma he returned to Shell Rock, and again took up his profes- sion which he still practices. In politics, the doctor is a republican, and has held the office of supervisor of the county for one term. He was married in 1857 -to Miss Anna Eliza Clarke, who is a native of Kenosha county, Wisconsin. They have two children-Emma, wife of C. E. Skinner, of Shell Rock, and Frank. Mr. Thorp was engaged in the drug business for twelve years in Shell Rock, is the oldest practicing physician of the place, was postmaster of Shell Rock for eight years, and supervisor for one year. He is a member of the State Board of Health.

Doctor E. H. Dudley was born in Rut- land, Wisconsin, May 12, 1848. He is a son of S. E. and Cynthia (Chapin) Dudley, who were early settlers of Dane county, Wisconsin. Young Dudley received a classical education at Evansville Seminary, Evansville, Wisconsin, graduating from

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

there in the year of 1868. In April of 1864, at only sixteen years of age, he enlisted from the Seminary into Company C, 49th Wisconsin Infantry, and served as a non-commissioned officer until the close of the war, after which he remained on provost duty until November of 1865, when he was honorably discharged at St. Louis, Missouri. Upon receiving his dismissal from the President, he returned to the seminary, and, as we have said before, graduated in 1868. Soon after leaving school he began the study of medicine, and afterwards entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, where he graduated during the winter of 1874-5. Between his courses he practiced medi- cine at Broadhead, Wisconsin, with Doctor Boughton, a former preceptor. In 1875 he located at Shell Rock, Butler county, Iowa, where he has since been practicing; he now enjoys a large and well earned patronage. He is one of the charter mem- bers of the Butler county Medical Associ- ation, and is now president of that society. He is also a member of the State and American Medical Association, and De- cember 1, 1880, he was appointed United States Medical Examiner for pensions. He was married in 1869 to Miss Mary Austin. They have four children --- Samuel O., Edward Henry, David Austin, and Jennie Chapin.

Dr. W. H. Smith was born in Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, February 9th, 1851. He is a son of Charles and Margaret (Hazleton) Smith, who were early settlers of that county, and their son W. H. was among the first white children born in Scott township, of Sheboygan county. Dr. Smith's early education was received a t

home, and he supplemented this with two terms in the graded schools of Hartford, Wisconsin. He then entered Wayland University, at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where he completed his classical course in the year 1871. Soon after he began the study of medicine with Dr. Therom Nich- ols, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, now of Fort Dodge, Iowa. He entered the Chicago Medical College in 1873 and graduated from there in 1878. After receiving his diploma he practiced at Sheboygan for a short time and then located at Shell Rock, Iowa, where he now enjoys an extended practice. He is a member of the Butler County Medical Association, of which he is now secretary, and is also a member of the State Medical Association. Dr. Smith was married in May, 1878, to Miss Ella A. Mansfield, of Greenbush, Wisconsin.

Dr. E. E. Sill, homeopathic physician, was born in Allegany, Cattaraugus county, New York, October 13, 1858, and is a son of Rev. S. and Mary (Pierce) Sill. Two years after the doctor's birth his parents came west and located at Sharon, Wis- consin, where his father was pastor of the Baptist Church for three years. In 1863 they came to Shell Rock, Iowa, where they remained six years. The doctor's classical education was obtained in Osage, Iowa, at the Cedar Valley Seminary. His medical education, though not yet completed, is good, he having studied for several terms under Drs. Frank Dunton, of Osage, and M. H. Chamberlain, now of Waterloo. He located at Shell Rock in April, 1881, and now enjoys a good practice.

APLINGTON.

E. L. Blackmer, M. D., was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, August 12,

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

1842. He attended the district school in his younger days, and also three terms at the academy in Durand, Illinois. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. C. N. Andrews, Rockford, Illinois, re- maining in his office one year. He was subsequently in the office of Dr. J. Y. Campbell, of Durand, two years. In 1867 he went to St. Louis and attended a course of lectures at the St. Louis Medical Col- lege, and then located in Van Buren county, Iowa. He subsequently graduated from the St. Louis Medical College. In 1868 he located at Butler Center, where he remained until December, 1873, when he removed to Aplington and engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1880 he bought one-half interest in the Aplington mill, and in 1882 became sole proprietor. Dr. Blackmer was united in marriage, in 1872, with Harriet Davis, a native of Con- necticut. They have three children- Harriet, Ralph and Auzman.

THE BUTLER COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

The object of this association is in con- junction with the State Medical Associa- tion. None are admitted as members except those who are graduates of a college that is recognized by the American Medi- cal Society, and conforms to the code of ethics of that society.

The Butler County Medical Association was organized on the 2d of April, 1878, the first meeting being held at Butler Center. The first officers were elected as follows:

President, I. R. Spooner, of New Hart- ford.

Vice-President, E. L. Turner, of Bristow. Secretary, F. H. Boucher, of Clarksville.

Treasurer, H. L. Isherwood, of Shell Rock.

Censors, M. I. Powers, of Parkersburgh; J. H. Brower, of Butler Center; and E. H. Dudley, of Shell Rock.

The charter members were as follows: F. H. Boucher, of Clarksville.

J. H. Brower, of Butler Center.

E. H. Dudley, of Shell Rock.

H. L. Isherwood, of Clarksville.

M. I. Powers, of Parkersburgh.

I. R. Spooner, of New Hartford. E. LeLoy Turner, of Bristow.

D. M. Wick, of New Hartford.

William Young (deceased), of Greene. Since organization the following new members have been added to the association:

Dr. William Robinson, of Cedar Falls.

" A. O. Strout, of Parkersburgh.

" W. H. H. Hagey, of New Hartford.

" W. H. Smith, of Shell Rock.

The Presidents have been as follows, commencing with the first:

Dr. I. R. Spooner, of New Hartford.

" M. I. Powers, of Parkersburgh.

D. M. Wick, of New Hartford.

E. H. Dudley, of Shell Rock.

Of the members of this Association, five are members of the State Medical Society, as follows: .

Dr. E. H. Dudley, of Shell Rock.

M. I. Powers, of Parkersburgh.

66 William Robinson, of Cedar Falls.

A. O. Strout, of Parkersburgh.

" D. M. Wick, of New Hartford.

W. H. Smith, of Shell Rock.

Dr. E. H. Dudley, of Shell Rock, is the only one who is a member of the American Medical Association.

The Butler County Association meets once in four months.

360

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

The following is the constitution and by-laws drawn up by the society:

ARTICLE I .- This society shall be known as the Butler County Medical Society, and its mem- bers shall be graduates of some respectable reg- ular school of medicine, who possess a good moral and professional reputation.

ARTICLE II .- The objects of this society shall be the advancement of medical knowledge, the uniformity of medical ethics, the elevation of the character and the protection of rights and interests of its members, and the study of the means calculated to render the medical profes- sion most useful to the public and subservient to the interests of humanity.

ARTICLE III .- SECTION 1. Names of candi- dates for membership, with the date and place of their graduation, shall be prepared in writing by members having personal knowledge of their qualifications, who may add other facts relative to them which may aid the censors in the dis- charge of their duties.

SECTION 2. The censors shall, after investiga- tion of the character and standing of candidates proposed, report thereon at the next regular meeting, when, if two thirds of the ballots de- posited are favorable, they shall be declared duly elected.

SECTION 3. Candidates rejected for member- ship shall be ineligible thereto for twelve months after such rejection.

SECTION 4. Members-elect shall sign the con- stitution and by-laws, with the name of the insti- tution of which they are a graduate, and date of graduation, before admittance to the full privi- leges of the society; and neglect of this pro- vision for one year may involve the forfeiture of membership.

ARTICLE IV .- All resignations of member- ship shall be made in writing and be accom- panied with a certificate from the treasurer, that all dues to the society have been satisfied; but no member shall be permitted to resign while charges are pending against him

ARTICLE V .- Violations of the laws of this society may be presented to the board of censors in written charges against members accused, who shall be informed of this fact by the board after due investigation. The censors shall report on such charges at the next regular meeting, when sentence of expulsion, suspension or reprimand may be passed, by a two-thirds vote of the so- ciety, upon such accused as fail to exculpate themselves.

ARTICLE VI .- The officers of this society shall be a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and three censors, elected by ballot, at annual meetings, on second Tuesday of June, and serving till the election and installation of their successors.

ARTICLE VII .- SECTION 1. A fee of not less than $1.00 shall be due from each member, on and after each annual meeting.

SECTION 2. A fee of not less than $2.00 shall be due from each member-elect upon his signing the constitution.

SECTION 3. Non-payment of dues for one year shall be reported to the society by the treasurer, and non-payment of the same for six months thereafter, shall be also reported in like manner, and involve forfeiture of membership.

ARTICLE VIII .-- The code of ethics of the American Medical Association is a part of the regulations of this society.

ARTICLEIX .- Alterations of, or amendments to, this constitution may be made at regular meetings, by a three-fourths vote of menibers present, provided written notice of the same has been given at the previous regular meeting.

In acknowledgement of having adopted the foregoing articles, and of our willingness to abide by them and use our endeavors to carry into effect the objects of this society as above set forth, we have hereunto affixed our names.

M. I. POWERS, Pittsfield, Mass., at Berkshire Medical College, November, 1865.

E. H. DUDLEY, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill. Session 1874-5.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

D. M. WICK, Chicago Medical College, Chi- cago, Ill. Session 1874.

I. R. SPOONER, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill., February, 1867

WILLIAM YOUNG, Ann Arbor, in year 1868 or 1869; re-graduated at I. S. University in 1875.

H. S. ISHERWOOD, Rush, June, 1877.

F. H. BOUCHER, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 1877.

J. H. BROWER, Medical College of Ohio, Cin- ciunati. Session of 1876 and 1877.

E. L. TURNER, Rush Medical College, Chicago, February, 1877.

BY-LAWS.

ARTICLE I .-- SECTION 1. Regular meetings shall be held at Butler Center, at 1 p. m , on the first Tuesday of June, October and February, unless otherwise provided by the society.

SECTION 2. Special meetings may be called by the president, on written request of three mem- bers, and shall have cognizancc only of such business as is specified in the calls for the samc.

SECTION 3. Seven members shall constitute a quorum requisite to elect officers and alter or amend the constitution and by laws. Three members shall constitute a quorum sufficient for the transaction of ordinary business, and for literary or scientific purposes a quorum shall always be presumed, unless an actual count be demanded.

ARTICLE II .- SECTION 1. The president shall preside at meetings, and perform the customary duties of his office.

SECTION 2. The vice-president shall perform the duties of the president in his absence.

SECTION 3. The secretary shall give notices of meetings, record transactions, have charge of books and papers, and present a report at the annual meeting.

SECTION 4. The treasurer shall receive and disburse all moneys of the society, under the direction of its officers, and retain vouchers for all expenditures.

SECTION 5. The censors shall perform the duties required by the constitution.

ARTICLE III .- Non-payment of dues shall involve forfeiture of franchise at annual meet- ing

ARTICLE IV .- The regulations of Cushing's Manual, when not conflicting with the laws or precedents of this society, shall be recognized as authoritative.

ARTICLE V .- Alterations of, or amendments to, these by-laws require a two-thirds vote at a regular meeting of this society.

ARTICLE VI .-- The following shall be the order of business:

1. Reading of minutes.

. 2. Report of censors.

3. Election of members.

4. Proposition of candidates.

5. Secretary's report (at annual meeting.)

6. Election of officers (at annual meeting.)

7. Reading of papers.

8. Discussion of subjects.

9. Report of cases.

10. Presentation of specimens.

11. Unfinished business.

12. Reports of committees.

13. Miscellaneous business.

14. Adjournment.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

CHAPTER XIII.

AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

Butler county is acknowledged as being among the best and most prosperous agri- cultural counties in Iowa. Its people are awake and keep step with the progressive march of the times in all that pertains to · a civilization of happiness, industry and culture. Its future possibilities may be set high among the cluster of its hundred sisters, a star of pride to the noble State. The early pioneers did not come loaded with wealth, and in fact few had more than enough to barely get settled upon their lands; but they came with that which was, in those days, equal to it-training in agricultural pursuits, brawny hands that were able and not ashamed to do hard work, and in connection with industrious habits, the energy and determination to win success. The country was new, and there was no alternative but that success must be wrought from the soil-which was their only wealth and their only hope. And, in spite of all the obstacles and in- conveniences to be encountered, success has attended their efforts, and the transfor- mation from the primitive to the present comfortable condition of things accom- plished. Nor is the end yet reached, but the county still has a mine of agricultural wealth yet undeveloped, which, as years roll on, will grow more and more valuable, and when years of cultivated maturity

shall dawn to transform the yet unsubdued prairie to waving fields of growing grain, Butler county will occupy a place among the foremost ranks of Iowa's banner counties.

Early in the development of this country, wheat was the main product, and for a number of years excellent crops were raised with scarcely a failure. At the present time it has partially given up its former place to other cereals, while the farmers find many other avenues at which to devote their time and energies. The general theory-or it might be more prop- erly said-it is known in a general way, that the wheat belt has been traveling westward ever since it was first started at Plymouth, Massachusetts, when the pilgrim fathers landed there over two hun- dred and sixty years ago. At first it moved on its westward march, not in a very rapid way, until fifty years ago the valley of the Genesee, in New York, was the great wheat raising region. But, when Michigan, Illinois and Iowa were opened up for cultivation, the wheat grow- ing center began its Kangaroo jumps toward the setting sun, and Iowa was for years its resting place; but how long it will be before its now receding line will pass clear beyond the confines of Iowa and land in Dakota and Nebraska, time alone

363

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

can determine. The gradual increase in stock raising has placed corn in the front rank at present. Flax of late years has been raised quite extensively. Rye, barley and all the cereals common to this latitude do well, and vegetables and small fruits grow abundantly where well cultivated. It was formerly taught that apples could not be successfully raised here, but the county now has many fine and thrifty orchards which have proven the matter quite to the contrary, and have punctured this fallacy. About one-half of the area of the county is under a good state of cultivation.

The following items of statistics of values throughout the county will prove to be of interest:

TABLE OF VALUES.

Lands, exclusive of town property. .. $2, 133, 289 Total number of acres. 366, 025

Total exemptions for trecs planted. .. $105, 044 Total, after deducting exemptions ... 2, 028, 245

Cattle assessed in the county, 24, 516;

value. . $178,123 Horses assessed in the county, 8,207;

value.

234, 685

Mules assessed in the county, 153; value. 4, 562

Sheep assessed in the county, 1,929 head, value. 1,929

Swine assessed in the county, 19,480 head;

value. . 34, 898

VALUES IN THE VILLAGES.

Allison $10,727

Greena. 36, 504

Bristow

9,469

New Hartford. 8,012 Clarksville 38, 808

Shell Rock. 36, 776 Butler Center 1,660

Aplington.

23, 235

Parkersburgh.

43,471

Aggregate assessment of reality in

towns.

$208,662

Aggregate value of railroad property as assessed by the executive coun- cil, under chapter 5, title X, of the Code of 1873. $304, 426

Aggregate valuation of personal prop- erty, including horses and cattle ... 652, 273

Grand total valuation in the county. . $3, 193, 606

THE FIRST FAIR IN BUTLER COUNTY.

The first fair held in Butler county was held at Willoughby village, about 1856 or 1857. It was a small affair, but a good time was had. The village at which the fair was held has long since been counted a thing of the past.

BUTLER COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

This was the first organization of the kind in the county. It came into existence about 1857, with James Collar as first president, and James Davis, first secretary. From the first the public seemed to take an interest in the annual meetings of the society, and with a few exceptions, when weather interfered, fairs have been held annually and premiums paid in full. Upon organization the place of holding meetings was fixed at Shell Rock for twenty years. The nineteenth annual fair was held at. Shell Rock on the 28th, 29th and 30th days of September, 1875, and was a success.

The officers at this time were as follows:

Martin Bailey, of Butler Center, presi+ dent.

T. G. Copeland, of Clarksville, vice- president.

J. O. Stewart, of Clarksville, secretary.

364 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

E. Town, of Shell Rock, treasurer.

The board of directors at that time were as follows:

John Hickle, of Clarksville. James Collar, of New Hartford.

J. H. Carter, of Shell Rock.

A. Doty, of Clarksville.

Richard Hughes, of Shell Rock.

I. E. Bussey, of Shell Rock.

S. Rice, of Shell Rock.

The following rules and regulations were adopted for the government of the society, viz:

RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND PROGRAMME.

Entries may be made at the secretary's office, at the grounds, until 12 o'clock M., of the second day.

Entries, except otherwise specified, limited to producers residing within, and life members re siding without, the county. Class 5 open to the world.

Inventors, mechanics and agents not entitled to make entries for premiums, may make entries for exhibition ..

Articles entered must be kept on exhibition during the fair.

Unworthy articles will receive no premiums, even though there be no competition.

Draft teams will be tested and plowing match take place in the forenoon of the second day.

Grange race will be called at 10:30 A.M. second day.

In the afternoon of the second day, 3 minute trotting and running race, exhibition of carriage teams, buggy horses and walking horses will take place.

In the forenoon of the 3d day the trial of dou- ble teams, saddle horses and roadster stallions, will come off.

At noon, third day, annual election of officers. In the afternoon of the third day the sweep- stake and 3:30 trotting race, and ladies' eques- trianship will take place.

A suitable police force will be kept on duty at night to protect the animals, and other property. Committees will attach emblems to articles examined, and in all cases make their reports to the secretary as early as possible.

Protest made against the action of any com- mittee, must be made in writing, at the secre- tary's office, on the ground, and no protest made after the close of the fair will be considered.

Premiums not called for in six months after the treasurer gives notice that he is prepared to pay them, will be forfeited to the society.

When there are articles entered in any class, and the committees do not deem them worthy, they shall not award premiums.

All holders of annual tickets shall be entitled, with their wives and members of their families, under fourteen years of age, to all the privileges of the society, at all its fairs, excepting to vote for officers.

Membership fees, as follows: Life member- ship, $10.00; annual membership, $1 50.

The society is now in prosperous condi- tion, is free from debt, and is efficiently managed by the following, who are the present officers:

J. H. Carter, of Shell Rock, president.

Richard Hughes, of Shell Rock, secretary. Elwood Wilson, of Shell Rock, treasurer.

CLARKSVILLE AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

The Clarksville Agricultural Associa- tion was organized in 1875, and during the same year the fair grounds were purchased of John Hicks and others, containing twenty-five acres. The incorporators werc as follows: E. A. Glenn, G. R. Peet, Ike E. Lucas, L. Bartlett, George Barber, S. McRoberts, Jr., David Crosby, Benja- min Crosby, J. R. Fletcher, and J. O. Stewart. The first officers were as fol- lows: Samuel McRoberts, Sen., president; Ike E. Lucas, secretary; Cyrus Doty, treas-

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 45

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