History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 54

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 54
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 54

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).

PARKERSBURG POST-OFFICE.

This was the first office established in this part of Butler county, and, for the first few years of its existence probably supplied a larger area of country with mail than any other. The luxury was instituted in August, 1855, by the department at Wash- ington, through the influence of Mr. P. P. Parker, who had settled on section 31 of Albion, in 1854. He sent in the applica- tion recommending that the name be Al- bion, as that was the name of the township; but he was notified by the department that there was already one post-office in Iowa, named Albion, and that Parkersburg would be the name of this office, in honor of Mr. Parker, who was to be first post- master. The first mail was carried through

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

from Cedar Falls to Fort Dodge in the old fashioned saddle-bags, on horseback. The mail consisted of about a half dozen letters. In a short time the stage route was established from the terminal points above mentioned, and the ambulances stopped at the door of Mr. Parker's resi- dence, where the office was kept. After retaining the office for several years-until during the war-when he became tired of it, he resigned in favor of Stephen Morse, who received his commission, and in due time the office was removed to his cabin, about half a mile east of Mr. Parker's. This would have been satisfactory except for the fact that the stages refused to stop there, and to get the mail Mr. Morse was obliged to go half a mile to intercept them. It would not work, and finally, after having been postmaster some six months, he re- signed, and Thomas Russell took charge, moving the office to his residence, half a mile further east. This made matters worse, and at the end of six months, P. P. Parker was obliged to take the office back to his house, and again become postmaster. Thus the matter remained until the village of Parkersburg was platted and the first train of cars had run up to the depot: At this time, in 1865, Mr. Parker had the office moved to the store or Joseph Demmick, who was depot agent, and appointed de- puty; then, as soon as possible, Mr. Parker resigned in favor of that gentleman. Within a few years James Parker was commissioned, and a few years subsequent his son, James F. Parker, the present in- cumbent, received the appointment. The office is neatly fitted up, and is kept in the same building as the Beaver Valley Bank, on Main street.

DEATH OF J. D. PARKER.

J. D. Parker, who had for three years prior to his death been postmaster at Park- ersburg, died, from a species of heart disease, on Saturday, the 21st of Septem- ber, 1872. He was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on the 17th of January, 1820, and was therefore in his fifty-third year. He was a man of most generous impulses, and left many warm friends to mourn his loss. The public lost a faithful servant, and the family a kind and indul- gent husband and father.

James F. Parker, postmaster, and cashier of the Beaver Valley Bank, is the son of James D. Parker, who came here in 1867, and engaged in the hardware business with M. Dees. He followed that business until his death. James F. Parker was appointed postmaster as successor of his father. He has been cashier of the Beaver Valley Bank since 1877.

INCORPORATION.

The village of Parkersburg became an incorporated town early in the year 1875, and has since retained its dignity under a very creditable management. The first election was held in the spring of 1875. The following were the first officers, viz .: Mayor, C. S. Lobdell; trustees, N. T. Man- ley, Joseph Kellogg, Jurgen Renken and F. L. Dodge; . recorder, N. T. Johnson; treasurer, J. F. Parker; marshal, W. I. McLean; street commissioner, D. W. Schoolcraft. The first meeting of the council was held on the 4th day of March, 1875, pursuant to a call of the mayor, at the office of the recorder, N. T. Johnson. After the preliminaries usual to such occa- sions, the new board proceeded to transact

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

their first official business. It was resolved that the recorder be instructed to confer with other incorporated towns in relation to ordinances for the government of the town, and shortly afterward, a long list of effective ordinances were submitted, many of which are still in force.

In relation to the actions and doings of the council, but little has transpired that would be of general interest. A detailed review of their meetings would be dry reading. This community has always been fortunate in obtaining the services of good and competent men to control its municipal affairs. There has been no useless waste or extravagances attending the financial department of its public busi- ness. It will, however, be necessary to a complete history of the town to give the names of the various officers who have officiated since the organization, and it is herewith presented.

In the year 1876 the following were the officers: Mayor, C. S. Lobdell; recorder, N. T. Johnson; treasurer, J. F. Parker; marshal and street commissioner, R. T. Bartholomew; trustees, J. Kellogg, F. L. Dodge, T. J. Burt, C. G. Courtright and J. Kennedy.

In 1877-Mayor, N. T. Johnson; re- corder, F. H. Rix; treasurer, J. F. Parker; assessor, W. W. Cartner; trustees, J. Ken- nedy, T. J. Burt, J. Goodale, Charles Char- nock and Lewis Davis. .

For the year 1878-Mayor, O. B. Court- right; treasurer, J. F. Parker; recorder, M. J. Downey; trustees, J. Kennedy, J. Goodale, F. Parris, Val Lahr and F. H. Rix.

For 1879-Mayor, N. T. Johnson; re- corder, M. J. Downey; treasurer, J. F.

Parker; street commissioner, N. Goodale; trustees, J. Goodale, O. B. Courtright, Val Lahr, F. Tammen, George C. Parris and J. Kennedy.

For 1880-Mayor, C. S. Lobdell; re- corder, W. Smith; treasurer, J. F. Parker; trustees, Lewis Davis, J, Kennedy, George C. Parris, J. Goodale, F. Tammen and Val Lahr.

For 1881-Mayor, William H. Burdick; recorder, A. N. Ferris; trustees, Val Lahr, J. Collins, C. Murray, J. Kennedy and George C. Parris.

The present officers are: Mayor, C. S. Lobdell; recorder, R. G. Renken; treas- urer, Frederick Parris; marshal, Martin Cartner; street commissioner, J. D. Cra- mer; assessor, Lewis Davis; trustees, A. O. Strout, J. Kennedy, J. W. Ray, Joseph Collins, N. T. Johnson and W. A. Smith.

Several years ago a calaboose was erected by the city for a receptacle of re- fractory persons, which is still in use. It cost less than $100. The City Hall was constructed in 1880, near the lock-up, and is a neat and substantial two-story frame building, size 18 by 28 feet, and cost in the neighborhood of $1,000. Meetings are sometimes held- at- the hall, although as a rule the mayor's office, on Main street, is made the place for sessions.

As many of the others who have been prominent in town government are noted elsewhere, we here append a biography of the present mayor of Parkersburg:

Charles S. Lobdell, the present Mayor of Parkersburg, is a native of Johnstown, New York, where he was born in 1806. His father, Abijah Lobdell, was a native of Massachusetts, his family being num- bered among the early settlers of New

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

England. His mother was born in the State of New York. Mr. Lobdell has spent many years of his life in the South. In 1829 he went to the parish of Feliciana, Louisiana, where lie was for a time study- ing law with an elder brother, John L. Lobdell, who located there in 1825. In 1832 lie engaged in merchandising, which he continued till 1836, when he returned to the State of New York. In 1841 he was elected by the people to the position of postmaster of Johnstown, which he held until a change of administration occurred. He then determined to resume mercantile business, and for the purpose of learning more thoroughly the different phases of trade, he went to New York City, and en- gaged in clerking for two seasons. He, however, purchased a farm in his native county, and for a time was interested in farming. He afterward was for several years engaged in the manufacture of gloves and mittens. In 1847 Mr. Lobdell returned to Louisiana, and, with a brother, William S. Lobdell, purchased a sugar plantation at West Baton Rouge. This business occu- pied his attention until the war of the re- bellion compelled them to give it up. From 1862 to the close of the war, he was at work buying and selling the produce of the country-cotton, sugar and molasses. After the close of the war Mr. Lobdell re- moved to the State of Wisconsin, pur- chased a farm, and engaged extensively in the raising of hops. In 1869 he came to Parkersburg, where he has since resided. Ile came here when the town was in its infancy, and has always been deeply inter- ested in its growth and prosperity. He lias becn justice of the peace since 1873, and has served as mayor four years. These

positions he still holds. He is a man of generous impulses and kindness of heart; possessing in a high degree the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. Though long a resident of the southi, liis sympathies were strongly with the Union during the war; politically he is a repub- lican. His wife was formerly Susan R. Coffin, born in the State of New York. They have no children. In 1874 Mr. Lob- dell's attention was called to the subject of spiritualism, by reading a work on that subject by Robert Dale Owen. He began a series of investigations, whichi continned for a year, when he became convinced of the truth of the spiritual philosophy. Since that time he has given much thought and investigation to the subject, and de- rives much happiness from the knowledge afforded by this philosophy.

EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES.

The Independent School District of Parkersburg was set off from the district township, and was organized in the spring of 1871, at which time an clection was held, and the following officers were de- clared elected: President, M. I. Powers; secretary, R. L. Chase; treasurer, W. Howenstein. The first meeting of the board was held on the 24th of March, 1871; it was resolved that the secretary and treasurer be required to give bonds in the sum of $1,000 each; the president was authorized to purchase the necessary books and blanks. The members of the board at this time were J. Goodale, W. A. Allen and L. D. Davis. The next meeting was held on the 28th of March, 1871. The length of the summer term was fixed at three months, commencing on the 1st day of

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

May; the salary of teachers not to exceed $45 per month, which was a little in excess of the amount paid to the prior teacher, F. H. Rix.

In 1872 the question of the district issu- ing bonds to the amount of $2,500 to assist in building a school-house was submitted to a vote; the project was carried by a majority of 38. Plans were drawn, and a building 24x24, two stories high, was erected in the southern part of the town. In this shape the school building remained until 1878, when the increasing attendance demanded an addition. An "L" was added to it. The building is now 24x36, built by Elliott Brothers, of Grundy county, the contract being let for $1,493. This makes a substantial and neat looking build- ing, a credit to the town, and, for the present, at least, is sufficiently large. to accommodate all the departments. The present officers of the district are as fol- lows: President, N. T. Johnson; secretary, Fred. A. Dodge; treasurer, W. M. Howen- stein; members of the board, Fred Parris, J. Collins and L. Davis. At present the teachers consists of E. Bellows, principal; Mrs. E. C. Bush, first intermediate; Miss Maggie E. Wicker, second intermediate; Mrs. F. H. Rix, primary.

A list of the various principals who have managed the schools, is as follows: Frank L. Dodge, J. E. Davis, Mrs. W. C. Brecken- ridge, G. P. Linn and E. Bellows; the latter being the present principal.

E. C. Bellows, principal of Parkersburg graded schools, was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, May 8, 1854. He came to Iowa in 1873, and for three years was oc- cupied in attending a graded school and in studying medicine with Dr. Spooner, of

New Hartford. He taught his first term of school in Root's district, Beaver town- ship, beginning May 1, 1876. He remained in the same school the three succeeding terms, completing the year. He taught the school in Jamison's district, in the same township, during the winter of 1877. He then attended the State Normal School at Cedar Falls for about two years; was principal of the school at New Hartford during the fall and winter terms of 1879, and has been principal of the Parkersburg school since the spring of 1880. Mr. Bel- lows possesses the qualification of a suc- cessful teacher-a love for his profession. His methods of instruction are approved by our best educators, and lie has the happy faculty of interesting his pupils, while he commands their respect-ele- ments in a teacher which render the imn- portant matter of good government com- paratively simple.

The Parkersburg schools are second to none in Butler county.

RELIGIOUS.

The facilities for worship in Parkers- burg are above the average, there being several thriving and prosperous societies, each with a neat and comfortable church edifice. In this connection is presented a history of the various organizations:

The followers of the Catholic faith have held services in this vicinity for a good many years. The first, it is claimed, was held at the residence of Daniel Dow- ney, on section 9, about the year 1861, at which meeting the congregation consisted of but three families. Services were held at Mr. Downey's residence for about twelve years. The first pastor was the

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Rev. John Shields, who officiated for about six years, when he was succeeded by the Rev. T. F. Gunn, who remained four years. Following him was Rev. Peter O. Down, now of Independence; then Rev. Michacl Flavien; afterward Father Ryan; next Rev. Patrick Smith, and last Father McKabe, who still presides. During Rev. Smith's pastorate, in the summer of 1877, the church at Parkersburg was erected, at a cost of about $1,300, and was dedicated the following spring. Tlie church is in a most prosperous condition, having a mem- bership of twenty-five families, and is en- tirely free from debt.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of this place was organized by W. O. Glassner in March, 1869. Among the first members werc the following: J. L. Johnson, James Gallard, D. Jay, C. and O. E. Spicer, E. B. Lamb, R. Daniels, C. Kemmerer, B. Brut- ley, F. C. Burdick, Jesse Owen and others. The first officers of the organization were F. (. Burdick, James Gallard, J. L. John- son, C. Spicer and J. Goodale. The first religious services were held in the school housc. The pastors, from the organiza- tion until the present time, are as follows: Rev. W. O. Glassner, one year; Rev. J. A. Kerr, one year; Rev. J. N. Platt, one year; Rev. W. Mitchell, one year; Rev. Bargelt, one year; Rev. George Elliott, one year; Rev. S. Sherrin, one year; Rev. O. H. Sproul, one year; Rev. J. G. Wilkinson, two years; Rev. J. M. Hedges, two years, and Rev. W. F. Barclay, two years. A majority of these divines held revival meetings while in charge. In 1870 the church was built, size 36 by 56, at a cost of $3,000, in which services are at present held. The present officers are C. Stone,

J. Bailey, R. F. Shauntz, C. Wolf and W. Howenstein. The membership of the so- ciety is now about forty. The church is free from debt and prosperous. .

The M. E. Sunday school was organized "in 1870, with J. Goodale as superintendent. At present the following are interested in its management: Miss Mately Bush, Miss Anna Goodale and Mrs. J. Spieer. The attendance ranges from forty to sixty, and the school is in excellent order.

The Congregational Church of Parkers- burg was organized in 1869 by Rev. J. N. Williams. Its first religious services were held at the depot of the Illinois Central Railroad, and subsequently in the old school house. In 1870 the present church edifice was erected at a cost of $3,500. Rev. Mr. Williams, who organized the church, became its first pastor. He remained some two or three years, and was succceded by Rev. L. D. Boynton, who remained several years. Rev. H. H. Robbins was the next pastor. At the expiration of two years he was succeedcd by Rev. H. M. Amsden, and in turn by Revs. Alexander Parker,- G. W. Dorscy, II. M. Sly and J. P. Richards, the latter being the present pastor. The present officers of the church are I. E. Manley, R. R. Horr, and G. A. Warren, trustees; Fred Parrish, clerk; T. Wonderly, treasurer. The Sunday school was also organized in 1869, and is in a prosperous condition.

The Baptist Church of Parkersburg was organized by Rev. T. H. Judson, on the 27th of October, 1870, with seventeen members, as follows: A. Pingrey and wife, M. S. Miller and wife, Samuel Conn and wife, James Hall and wife, John Hall, H. H. Twining, George M. Cooper and wife,

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Ruth Cooper, Mrs. S. Lynn, Mary Coryell and W. L. Laurence. The first officers were: Dcacons, M. S. Miller and Joseph Collins; trustees, J. Collins, A. Pingrey and A. J. Cummings; clerk, H. H. Twin- ing. The first religious services of this denomination were held at the Congrega- tional Church in Parkersburg, and after- ward for a time in district school houses. A hall near the depot was fitted up shortly, in which devotional services were held for two years. After that time, the Union Hall, on Main street, was used until the completion of their church edifice, which was ready for occupancy and dedicated on the 31st of October, 1880, by Rev. J. Sun- derland. The first pastor of the organiza- tion was Rev. T. H. Judson, who remained from October 22, 1870, to June 28, 1871. He was a man of energy and ability, and did much toward building up the society. He is now at Swan Lake, Dakota. Rev. E. P. Barker next filled the pulpit, and remaincd until in March, 1872. He is now a resident of Hardin county. Following came Rev. C. Spragg, F. H. Judson and A. E. Simons. During the latter's term the church was erected. He was a man of decided ability and push. In March, 1881, the present pastor, Rev. J. B. Edmonson, took charge of the good work, and is doing effective service. The church is a neat frame structure, which was erected at a cost of about $1,200, and has a capacity for seating an audience of 300. The pres- ent officers of the church are as follows: Deacon and clerk, Joseph Collins; trustees, A. J. Cummings, W. H. Burdick and H. H. Twining. The total membership since organization has been 104; present mem- bership, sixty-one.

The Sunday school was organized at the same time as the church, and now cnrolls thirty-five members.

SPIRITUALIST SOCIETY.

The Spiritualists of Parkersburg and vicinity met on the 12th of January, 1873, at the residence of W. A. Curtis, pursuant to notice, for the purpose of organizing a society for the promotion of scientific and religious knowledge. The meeting was organized by clecting Mrs. Lydia Bawn president, and W. A. Curtis secretary. Resolutions and regulations were adopted, and the following officers were elected: President, P. P. Parker; vice-presidents, Mrs. Lydia Bawn and C. B. Dodge; secre- tary, W. A. Curtis; treasurer, P. Wemple; trustees, Francis Bawn, Isaac Waters and F. L. Dodge.

The subject is still being agitated by the people.

MASONIC LODGE.

In May, 1868, a dispensation was granted to seven members of the Masonic frater- nity, and the first formal meeting of Com- pass Lodge No. 239, was held May 26, 1868, and ever since then the stated meet- ings of the Lodge have been held Wcdnes- day evening on or before the full moon of each lunar month. Harley Day was Wor- shipful Master during the year the Lodge was worked under dispensation. On June 2d, 1869, a charter was issued to Compass Lodge No. 239, by Reuben Michel, Grand Master, and T. S. Parvin, Grand Sccretary. M. I. Powers was chosen W. Master of the Lodge. The Lodge has had seven' Masters, as follows: Harley Day, M. I. Powers, R. L. Chase, D. W. Schoolcraft,

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

E. E. Savage, N. T. Johnson, and the pre- sent Master, A. O. Strout. The Lodge has had 115 members since its organization, but, as many have demitted and gone to other localities, it now has 55 members. There has been but two deaths-Isaac DePew and J. F. Root-but several former members died after having demitted and removed from here. The Lodge now occu- pies a fine comfortable hall, is prospering nicely, while peace and harmony prevails.

ODD FELLOWS.

Parkersburg Lodge, No.258, I. O.O.F., was organized April 26, 1873, by Welling- ton Russell, D. G. M .; with the following named charter members: James Muncy, Isaac DePew, C. S. Lobdell, Thomas Cur- tiss and D. W. Currier. Its first officers were C. S. Lobdell, N. G .; James Muncy, V. G .; P. P. Parker, secretary; Isaac DePew, treasurer. The following named have filled the office of N. G .: C. S. Lob- dell, James Muncy, N. T. Johnson, F. L. Dodge, H. Wood, D. D. Pierce, H. B. Perry, John Bird, H. Ballhausen, J. E. Kellogg, Wm. Pierce, J. M. Hedges, R. T. Bartholomew, W. H. Beckwith. The following named have died since the organization of the lodge: Isaac DePew, E. L. Galpin, John Erb and S. Morse. The total membership has been 95, with a present membership of 34. The lodge is in a healthy, prosperous condition.

DIRECTORY OF PARKERSBURG.

The following is a complete directory of the present business men of Parkers- burg, and will serve as a recapitulation of the history of the town:

Allen, W. N .- Boots and shoes.

Bailey, James-Blacksmith and wagon maker.

Beaver Valley Bank-B. B. Richards and J. F. Parker.

Bohall, H. A .- Groceries, etc.

Brown, Charles-Blacksmith and wagon maker. ៛

Burnham & Bass -- Furniture.

Bush, E. C .- Carpenter.

Bird, John-Butcher.

Byerly, O-Photographer.

Connell, J. L .- Groceries and bakery.

Cooley, O. W .- Commercial Hotel.

Crossett, A. E .-- Agricultural imple- ments.

Collins Brothers-Creamery.

Conn, Thomas W .- Groceries, etc.

Decker, L. W .- Market.

Dodge Brothers-Proprietors Eclipse.

Exchange Bank-A. Wolfe & Son.

Elchleff, H. F .- Blacksmith and repair shop.

Foote & Mott-Hardware dealers.

Frank, M .- Harness maker.

Ferris, A. N .- Dentist.

Goodale, J. & Co .- General store.

Groat, J. H .- Grain and coal.

Howenstein & Co-Drugs. '

Jackson, R. T .- Grocery. Jensen, D .- Blacksmith.

Kennedy, James-Grain buyer. Kientz, Mrs. Jacob-Restaurant. Lahr, V .- Harness maker. Lingleback, W .- Saloon. Markley, H. H .- Butter dealer.

Mahanke, W. H. & Co .- General store. Manley, N. T. & Son-General store.

Monty, D. C .- Grocer. Norris Sam-Grocer.

Owen Mrs. S. E .- Grocer.

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

451

Parker & Richards-Agricultural imple- ments.

Parris Bros .- Hardware.

Pierce, H. E .- Blacksmith.

Perkins, H. L .- Bakery.

Porcupile, J. H .- Carpenter.

Ray, Frank P .- Druggist. Renken, Tammen-General store. Russell, J. R .- Miller.

Rix, F. H. - Carpenter.

Schultz, E. G .- Jeweler. Taylor, Mrs. H. F .- Milliner. Voogd, O. D. & Co .- Lumber dealers.

Wade, Mrs. P. A .- Milliner.

Wolf & Son-Exchange Bank.

Wonderly, E. J. & Co .- General store. Wheeler, J .- Carpenter.

CHAPTER XIX.

BEAVER TOWNSHIP.

This is the southeast township of But- ler county, joined on the east by Black Hawk county, on the south by Grundy, on the north by Shell Rock township and on the west by Albion. In this, as in all the townships of the county, the government survey remains unchanged, this being a full congressional township, embracing the territory of township 90, range 15, con- taining an area of about 23,040 acres.

There are no very abrupt breaks in the general surface of the township, but through the center, from east to west, there is a ridge of upland. The soil of this upland is a heavy clay, while the low- land ·varies from a black loam to a light quicksand.

There are two main water courscs-the Beaver and the west fork of the Cedar river. The latter enters the township

south of the center of section 6, and cross- ing makes its exit near the middle of sec- tion 12. At this point it has the greatest flow of water, and empties almost directly into the Shell Rock. The Beaver-so named because in early days its waters were the resort of this animal-enters the township on section 31, and taking an east- erly course finally flows through section 36 into Black Hawk county. Both streams have a number of small tributaries in Beaver township. The supply of timber is good. The main groves follow the course of the streams, with the exception of Beaver grove, which consists of several varieties of hard wood. The bottom land extends well back from the streams. The supply of stone is very meager, but therc is plenty of good brick clay. From all these facts it can be seen that Beaver

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

township is well timbered, well watered, and has a good soil. It is an excellent township, with bright prospects.

The Illinois Central Railroad crosses the township from east to west, having been eonstructed in 1864. The only town in Beaver is New Hartford.

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 54

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