History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 56

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 56
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 56

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).

The first two houses erected in the vil- lage were built by Charles and S. B. Ensign, the former on lots 6 and 8, block 6, and the latter on lots 1 and 3, block 11. This was in the spring of 1856. Charles Ensign had the first deed issued after the village was laid out, and had his house ready for occupancy about the middle of May, when he brought his family from Waverly to occupy it-thus being the first resident in New Hartford.

G. W. Ensign came with Titus and S. B. In the spring of 1857 he erected a building on block 6, and put in the neces- sary machinery for cutting hard wood shingles. This mill he ran for five or six years, when the building was removed to lot 8, block 12, Root's addition, and with some changes is now used for a barn by Dr. Hagey.

Soon after this R. Shaw arrived, and built on lots 2 and 4, block 11; E. L. Shaw, who did the same on lots 2 and 4, block 10; E. M. Shaw, on lots 6 and 8, same block; Nelson Childs, on lots 5 and 7, block 8. E. M. Shaw erected a blacksmith shop on lot 7, block 11. Dr. Joseph Casto erected

a house on lots 2 and 4, block 8, where L. L. Smith now lives.

E. O. Stevens bought the house built by, S. B. Ensign on lots 1 and 3, block 11, and soon moved into it. Shortly afterward Willian Jones occupied it for a short time. Late in the summer, or early in the fall, Mr. Jones erected a building just west of the present store of Mr. Bourquin's, and started a saloon.

Martin Bailey, ,of Cedar Falls, made arrangements to erect a store building on lots 1 and 3, block 1, which was completed and ready for occupancy in August, 1856, at which time he brought his family and goods, and established the first store in New Hartford. He remained until May, or April, 1860, when he removed to Butler Center, where he is still living, engaged in agricultural pursuits.

In the fall of 1856, D. N. and Elijah Root, of Orleans county, New York, bought the west half of the northeast quarter of section 33, of Solomon Lash- brook, and platted what is known as Root's addition to New Hartford. During the winter of 1856-7 an election was held at Martin Bailey's store, to vote on the annex- ation of said addition, which resulted unan- imously in favor of it. The judges of this election were Robert Shaw, Lansing Mor- rison and Dr. Casto; clerks, Martin Bailey and Charles Ensign.

D. N. Root purchased the building erected by E. L. Shaw on lots 2 and 4, block 10, and enlarged the same for a hotel, it being the first hotel in the town- ship.

After this the immigration set in so rap- idly that it is impossible to note them in detail.

463

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

After the Messrs. Root had made an ad- dition to the village, D. N. Root, fur- nished with a "site of the town on paper," visited the Eastern States and disposed of quite a number of lots, and other parties soon became interested in the welfare of the growing village.

In August, 1860, E. Bourquin arrived here from Dubuque and commenced trad- ing in general merchandise, being the only store in the village at that time. In 1861 Mr. Bourquin sold his stock to a Mr. Welch, who supplied the wants of the peo- ple until the next fall, when Mr. Bourquin again bought the stock, and has continued in business ever since-the first ten years in a store building standing in the eastern part of town, but since 1871 on the corner of Main and Packwankie streets. He does a business of about $30,000 annually.

Eugene Bourquin is a son of J. P. and Elizabeth (Ray) Bourquin, and was born in France in May, 1832. He came to America in 1854, and first located near Detroit, Michigan, where he remained some time, and then moved to Dubuque, Iowa, and engaged in the grocery busi- ness. Mr. Bourquin has held the office of school. director, and was postmaster for eighteen years. In 1859 he was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Jardee, who is a native of New York State. They are the parents of four children-Afred, Lu- cien, Lewis and Julia.

HISTORICAL ITEMS.

The first birth in the township was Annie, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wil- liam Jones, during the time they occupied a part of O. E. Stevens' dwelling, in the latter part of August, 1856.

The second birth was a daughter, Celia, to Mr. and Mrs. Martin Bailey. This oc- curred on the 30th of December, 1856.

The first death was the wife of Dr. Joseph Casto, who passed away on the 31st of December, 1856. The second was that of a Mr. Hare in the winter of 1856-7. The third was of a daughter of Charles Ensign in July, 1857.

During the winter of 1857 a "singing school" was organized by Robert Shaw, and many pleasant social hours were passed by the lovers of music in this town.

EDUCATIONAL.

The first school was opened about the first of January, 1857, Charles Ensign be- ing the teacher. Mr. Ensign taught for a term of three months, and was again chosen for the summer term. There being no school house in the district, the house of the teacher was used. On account of sickness and death in his family, Mr. En- sign was unable to finish the term. He therefore resigned, and Mrs. Sarah Dean was engaged to finish the term, the school being held at her house for the remainder of the year.

A school house was built during the year 1857, but was soon found to be un- suitable both in size and accommodations, and in 1867 a very good two-story building was erected, both stories being furnished for school use.

Among those who have filled positions in the New Hartford schools, are the fol- lowing gentlemen: Messrs. Ensign, Hunt- ley, Maxwell, White, Rogers, Stanton, Lucas, Maryatt, Savage, Lyon, Harwood, Atwell, Plummer, McElwain, Campbell,

464

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Enos, Lynn, Bellows, Shepard and Hunter -and the following ladies: Misses Rob- bins, Rhodes, McGill, Olmstead, Chapman, Caldwell, Maxwell, Converse, Prince, Wolcott, Ricks, Guthrie, Stanton and Currier.

The present building was erected at a cost of about $2,000. There was quite a controversy about this structure, and also as to who should fill the offices. Even in those early days, when political purity was proverbial, there was plenty of wire-pull- ing and sharp dodges, which would com- pare very well with modern practices. At one time the schools of New Hartford were considered the most efficient in the county, and had scholars in attendance from all parts of the county. It was set off as an independent district in the winter of 1871-2.

RELIGIOUS.

The citizens of New Hartford had learned, it might be said, from the his- tory of the world that the school house and the church were its greatest civilizers, and arrangements were early made for the preaching of the gospel. In the latter part of 1856, Rev. Nathan Olmstead preached the first sermon in this village, services being held in the store of Martin Bailey. .

A meeting was held in the early part of 1857, in the school house (then in Mr. Ensign's house). Mr. Olmstead and Harvey Smith conducted the services, at which a class of the Protestant Methodist denomi- nation was formed. The members were: E. M. and Robert Shaw, with their wives, Nelson Childs and wife, and Charles En . sign and wife. Nelson Childs was chosen

as the first class-leader. No church edifice was ever erected by this denomination. Services were held for a number of years, but were finally abandoned, in 1870.

About the same time, in 1857, a Baptist Society was organized. Among the first members were Joseph Collins and wife, E. H. Collins and wife, Eber Dunham, Lois Dunham, Joseph Casto, Norman De- voe, S. B. Ensign and wife, Lewis Ham- mond and wife, and Daniel Pickett. Joseph Collins and Daniel Pickett were chosen deacons; Norman Devoe, church clerk. The first minister was Rev. I. R. Dean.

A' Union Sabbath School was formed in May, 1857, at a meeting held in the school room at Charles Ensign's. That gentle- man was chosen superintendent. This school thrived for about five years, after which the Baptist and Methodist Episco- pal denominations each had a distinct school.

The Baptist society built a church in 1866, at a cost of $5,500, being the first building of the kind in the county used ex- clusively for church purposes. They also own a good parsonage, worth $1,500. The present membership of the church is 87. Following Rev. I. R. Dean in pastoral work, were Rev's. Gibbs, A. Orcutt, Wil- liam Wood, E. G. O. Grout, D. P. Maryatt, Mr. Cox, Judson H. D. Weaver, L. D. Lamkin, William M. Simmons and Wil- liam C. Pratt, the present pastor.

The present officers of the churchi are -- George M. Bronson, A. V. Sprague, E. S. Philo, Daniel Pickett, deacons. Miss Lot- tie L. Dwight, church clerk; E. Bourquin, William Strong, A. V. Sprague, trustees.

465

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

The Sunday school in connection with this church has a membership of 65, with the following officers: G. M. Bronson, su- perintendent; Mrs. Jesse H. Pratt, assist- ant; Frank Bolton, secretary; Trilla Pratt and Julia Bourquin, organists.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CLASS.

The circuit which originally included this town, embraced a large extent of ter- ritory, but in 1857, there being a sufficient number, a class was organized at New Hartford, with E. S. Maxwell for class leader, and having the following members: E. S. Maxwell and wife; Mr. Shaw and wife; Robert Shaw and wife; Mr. Childs and wife. Meetings were held every two weeks in the old log school house. The church experienced from time to time re- vival seasons, when goodly numbers were added to the society. The first sermon preached by a representative of this denom- ination was at the residence of Charles Ensign, in 1856. Soon afterward this class was formed and the gospel regularly dis- pensed. The following ministers have since presided: Rev's. Taylor, George Mur- phy, Glasner, Ward, McGee, Bargett, Mc- Kim, McKee and W. Ward Smith, the present pastor. The membership having largely increased, more room was a neces- sity, and in 1871 a neat and commodious house of worship was erected, at a cost of $3,000. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. A. B. Kindig. The present membership is 62, with the follow- ing named officers: Class leader, Ira Bicksby; trustees, C. Ensign, E. S. Max- well, W. H. Hunter; stewards, H. G. King, E. S. Maxwell, John Dixon, Mrs. Nancy Ensign and Mrs. Jane E. Crane. A neat

parsonage building has just been comple- ted. The church is free from debt, and in a prosperous condition.

SALOONS.

New Hartford has always taken an ac- tive part in the temperance cause. Several attempts have been made to carry on the liquor traffic, but none of them have suc- ceeded. About 1862 one Miller, a car- penter by trade and saloon keeper by pro- fession, pursued his dual calling for a short time.

In December, 1857, H. S. Burch opened a stock of intoxicating liquors, and for a short time was allowed to sell the same without open protest. But the evils were not long in manifesting themselves, and the citizens determined to test his lawful right to disturb the peace. Accordingly a search warrant was issued and placed in the hands of Morey J. Hewett, deputy sheriff of the county, who found and took possession of the liquor. When the day of trial came Mr. Burch agreed to the de- struction of the liquor and promised not to engage in the traffic in the future.

In March, 1859, M. J: Coon arrived at New Hartford and became a guest at D. N. Root's hotel. It was soon discovered that he had one or more casks of liquor in his wagon, and that he had either sold or given away enough to cause the beastly intoxication of some of the citizens. The inhabitants were incensed at the audacity of the man, and again proceeded to get possession of the liquor on a search war- rant issued by Martin Bailey, justice of the peace. The officers executed the war- rant, and while the citizens were sending to Clarksville for M. M. Trumbull to prose-

466

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

cute the case some of the principal wit- nesses placed themselves beyond the reach of subpænas. When the day of trial came a compromise was made, Mr. Coon getting his liquors again on condition that he leave the county with them and never re- turn to engage in the business, which agreement he has since observed.

POST OFFICE.

In the summer of 1855 the government established a post office in the village called Beaver Grove, and S. B. Ensign was appointed postmaster; but on account of an office established at Taylor's Hill, a mile and a quarter southwest, at about the same time, the government discontinued the supplies for the village office, and the citizens of New Hartford had their mail matter brought from Cedar Falls by pri- vate conveyance until arrangements were made for regular supplies.

The office at New Hartford was estab- lished in 1858, and was first kept in Root's hotel, D. N. Root being commissioned deputy postmaster. Dr. Joseph Casto, the first postmaster, was succeeded by C. H. Chamberlain, Dr. J. A. Guthrie, J. P. Wood, E. Bourquin and J. S. McElwain, the present incumbent. The office, of course, was changed from one place to an- other as the officers changed. It was made a money-order office on the 15th of August, 1881, and the first order was sent on that date by David Diltz to William Ewald, of Waterloo, the amount being $10. The first order received was paid on the same date to Dr. Wm. H. H. Hagey, the remittor being W. C. Sackett, of Ster- ling, Illinois, to the amount of $9.75.

PRESENT BUSINESS.

The business interests of New Hartford at present are represented in all the various lines. The business men are an energetic, enterprising class. We present in this connection a short historical resume of the different establishments.

Martin Bailey has already been men- tioned as having started the first store in New Hartford. He now lives in Butler Center.

The business house of E. Bourquin has already been noticed at length.

The New Hartford creamery was estab- lished in 1877, by a stock company. In the spring of 1880 E. Bourquin pur- chased the property, and now does a busi- ness amounting to $20,000 annually. The building which it occupies is 24x75 feet, one story in height, a five horse steam engine, and an eight power boiler is the propelling force.

The grain trade is carried on exclusively

- by J. Paulger & Son. A warehouse was erected by Root & Beckwith a number of years ago, and after running it for about six years, it was sold to E. Bourquin; it was sold again to E. Williams, who was succeeded by the present owners, J. Paul- ger & Son. The elevator was built by T. Beswick, in 1876, and was afterwards sold to J. Paulger & Son. Its size is 24x40, two stories high.

The drug business was established in the fall of 1880, by Wick Brothers, who are now doing a good business.

The hardware store and the lumber yard of J. Paulger & Son was established by J. Cousins, and was purchased in July, 1882, by the present owners. J. Paulger

Peter boyle.

469

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

& Son established a coal yard in 1870, and still continue the business.

John Paulger, of the firm of Paulger & Son, was born in England, on the 5th day of April, 1825. He was reared on a farm and followed the occupation of a farmer while in that country. Upon his arrival in America, in 1869, le came to Iowa, and settled in New Hartford, Butler county. Soon after his settlement here he became engaged in the coal trade, and at present deals in grain, lumber and hardware, and is one of the "live" business men of the town. He was married in 1848 to Miss Ann Hobson, also a native of England. They have six children-John Hobson, who lives in England; Alice, also living in England; F. W., who is in partnership with his father; Grace Ellen, the wife of G. P. Linn, of Sumner; Frank O., who lives in Nebraska; and Annie, who is still at home.

In the fall of 1860, G. W .Maxwell estab- lished a general merchandise store, which he still carries on, doing a good business.

In the fall of 1867, R. D. Strickland opened a general merchandise store in a part of the building he now occupies. He now does a business of $5,000 annually. He is a son of Chandler and Hannah (Wil- lard) Strickland, and was born in Watson, Lewis county, New York, October 19, 1832. There he received a common school edu- cation, and spent the first thirty years of his life. In 1862 he moved to Herkimer county, New York, where he lived three years, and thence to Parkersburg, West Virginia, where he engaged in trade for some time. In 1867 he came to New Hartford, Butler county, and engaged in

the mercantle business, in which he still continues, enjoying a good trade.

J. R. Fifield was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, on the 10th day of August, 1841, and is a son of Robert and Betsy (Perkins) Fifield. His mother was a native of New York State, and his father of Vermont. J. R. received his education and grew to manhood in his native county. During the first year of our late rebellion, he enlisted in Co. F, 60th N. Y. Infantry, as a color sergeant, and was discharged at Wautchie, Tennessee, in 1863. . He after- wards re-enlisted in the veteran volunteer corps-same regiment-and was again honorably discharged at Annapolis, Mary- land, in 1865. Upon receiving his dis- missal he returned to his native county and engaged in the furniture trade until 1872, when he came to Iowa and settled in New Hartford, Butler county. The year follow- ing his arrival he again embarked in the furniture business, and continued in that branch of trade nntil 1878, when lie opened a wagon shop. Mr. Fifield was elected president of the school board in 1882. He was married in 1865 to Miss A. I. Hutchinson, a native of New York. They have two children-Maud A. and Allie.

The Exchange Hotel, the only one in town, was originally built for a store. It has thirteen rooms for the accommodation of guests.

There are three blacksmith shops in town.

OTHER SETTLERS.

Many other persons of more or less prom- inence have contributed toward the build- ing of this township, and its present pros-

470

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

perity is largely due to their influence. Limited space forbids the mention of all, but the following will be found a sufficient number to show the character of this set- tlement, which is largely made up of a thrifty, energetic class of intelligent farmers:

J. F. Bolton was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, on the 14th day of January, 1825, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Falls) Bolton. His mother was a native of Pennsylvania, and his father of Vir- ginia. When J. F. was five years old the family moved to Giles county, Virginia; there the son grew to manhood, and re- ceived a common school education. In April, 1854, he came to Iowa, and took a claim of 160 acres on section 21, Beaver township, where he still resides. His brother George resides with him. Mr. Bol- ton's father died in Cedar county, Iowa, in 1858; his mother followed in September, 1878.

Samuel Fetters is a son of Philip and Catherine (Dickerhoff) Fetters, and was born in Stark county, Ohio, September 9, 1827, where he remained until twenty-six years of age. His early life was passed on a farm. He then spent one year in the State of Indiana, and in 1854 moved to Black Hawk county, Iowa; from there he mnoved to Willoughby, Iowa, where he re- mained four weeks; then removing to New Jerusalem, Butler county, remaining until the following August, he returned to Willoughby, purchased town lots, and built a house, dwelling there about twelve years; he then purchased and settled on a farm on section 8 of Beaver township, where he now owns 110 acres of land. Mr. Fetters was postmaster at Willoughby two

years, and has also held the offices of trus- tee and constable. In 1850 he was married to Miss Catherine Ann Daniels, a native of Ohio. They have had eight children, five of whom are living-John, Clark, George, Samuel and Ida May, the wife of William M. Olmstead. Mr. Fetters' father died in 1855; his mother followed in 1862.

T. G. Copeland is a son of Joseph and Clarinda (Litchfield) Copeland, and was born in Courtland county, New York, April 8, 1817, where he remained for thirty-nine years, with the exception of one and one-half years spent in Illinois. While young he learned the boot and shoe trade, following that occupation most of the time while in Courtland county. In 1856 he came to Shell Rock township, Butler county, Iowa, and during the spring of 1857 moved into the village of Shell Rock. During the year 1859 he was in partnership with O. S. Newcomb. Early in the year 1865 Mr. Copeland settled on his farm in Butler township, and there re- sided for eleven years. He then came to Beaver township and settled on a farm on section 9. He held the office of coroner of Butler county for four years. In 1841 he was married to Miss Serepta Couch, who bore him six children, four of whom are now living-George R., Willis D., Charles F. and Horace E. This wife died in 1875, and in 1876 he was married to Hannah A. Couch, widow of Wilson Couch. She had eight children by her first husband, four of whom are now liv- ing-Manderville A., Albert A., Adelaide, wife of Burton Hollenbeck, and Ella, wife of Elbert Tabor.

E. W. Ensign is a son of Titus and Lu- cretia (Belden) Ensign, and was born in

471

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Wyoming county, New York, on the 26th day of June, 1844, where he remained until 1857, when the family moved to New Hartford, Iowa. In May, 1864, E. W. en- listed in the one hundred day service, in Company E, Forty-fourth Iowa Infantry, and served until honorably discharged

September 13, 1864. Returning to civil life Mr. Ensign engaged in milling and farming. In 1866 he was married to Miss Martha A. Raymond. They have eight children, all of whom are living-Susan, Jennie, Flora, Charles, Nellie, Harry, May and Lewis.

C. R. Harmon is a son of C. E. and Hannah E. (Smith) Harmon, and was born in Saratoga county, New York, December 31, 1845. When he was ten years of age his parents moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, where they remained two years, then came to Butler county, Iowa, first settling on the southwestern quarter of section 15. After living here some time they moved to New Hartford village. The son re- mained at home until nineteen years of age, and then began life for himself by entering E. Bourquin's store as clerk. Here he labored for several years, and finally opened a store of general merchan- dise in the town of New Hartford. In September, 1881, he settled on his farm on section 17. He now owns 240 acres of land. Mr. Harmon is at present assessor of the township, having previously filled that office two terms. He was married on the 1st of January, 1872, to Miss Mary Childs, also a native of Saratoga county, New York. They have four sons living- Willie J., Fred C., Arthur N. and Harry F. In May, 1864, Mr. Harmon enlisted in the one hundred day service, and after

five months of service was honorably dis- charged.

E. S. Maxwell is a son of Anthony L. and Rachel (Stafford) Maxwell, was born in Saratoga, Saratoga county, New York, December 2, 1818. He remained in that county until 1857, then came west to Iowa, and settled in Beaver township. During his second year here he purchased a farm on which he lived for three years. Since that time he has been in business at New Hartford. Mr. Maxwell has been trustee of the town several times. He was mar- ried in 1839 to Miss Amy Quackenbush, also a native of New York State. They have four children-George W., John E., Carrie, wife of Edwin Williams, of Cher- okee; and Hattie, who is living at home.

Baldwin D. Lewis (deceased) was born in Erie county, Ohio, March 10, 1830, where he passed his early life, on a farm. He was married in March, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth Phelps, a native of Maryland. When she was eleven years of age her parents moved to Ohio, where the daugh- ter grew to womanhood. In 1857 she, with her husband, came to Iowa and loca- ted on a farm on section 19, of Beaver township, Butler county. Six children were born to them, five of whom are living-Adella, the wife of Elias Harmon; Josephine, wife of George Caywood; Milo, Callie and Ida. Mr. Lewis died in Sep- tember, 1872.

Jacob M. Knipe was born in Montgom- ery county, Pennsylvania, June 30, 1848, and is a son of John S. and Mary (Mosser) Knipe, who were both natives of Pennsyl- vania. In 1860 the family moved to Iowa, and settled on a rented farm on section 15, of Beaver township, Butler county. The

472 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

father afterwards purchased a farm on sec- tion 16 of the same township, which, upon his death in 1880, fell to a family of seven > children. The mother died in 1878. In 1872 Jacob settled on his farm on section 8, where he now resides, and owns 193 acres. Mr. Knipe is at present one of the constables of the town. He was married in 1872 to Miss Anna Bolton; they have three children-Bertie, Edith and James. For seven successive winters Mr. Knipe taught school in this county.

L. L. Smith was born in Granby, Hamp- shire county, Massachusetts, May 12, 1830, and is a son of Elisha and Nancy (Goldth- waite) Smith, also natives of Massachusetts. When he was twenty-three years old he came west to Illinois, and settled on a farm in Bureau county, where he remained until 1860. In March, 1860 he came to Albion township, Butler county, and lived on a farm for three years. Afterwards he became proprietor of the hotel at New Hartford, remaining there until he took the office of sheriff, January 1, 1868, which office he held four years, and then returned to New Hartford, afterwards engaged in farming about three years, he finally settled himself in the insurance business. Mr. Smith has held the office of justice of the peace most of the time since 1872. In May, 1864 he enlisted in Company E, Forty-fourth Iowa, and served as First Lieutenant until honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, in September of that year. In 1851 he married Miss Adelia Dwight, also a native of Hampshire county, Massachusetts. Six children have been born to them, three of whom are now liv- ing, to-wit-William D., who is now prin-

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

History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 56

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