History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 58

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 58
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 58

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).

Shortly afterward, District No. + was formed. This district is without a house, and the scholars attend in other districts.

District No. 5 is holding school in a house in the northeastern part of section 21, which was erected in 1882. It is a frame building, and is very neatly fur- ' nished. David Mckinney taught the first school here.

The school house in District No. 6 was erected in 1874, on section. 23, and was a very neat frame building. This building was demolished by the tornado in 1878, and the present building was erected the same year. The first school was taught by Miss Annie Ward. Miss Susie Frisbie taught the first school in the present liouse.

District No. 7 erected their school house on section 35, in 1882, and the first school was taught by Miss Florence White.

The school house for District No. 8 was erected in 1863, on section 34, and the first school was taught in the winter of 1863-4,

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

by Miss Addie B. Fay. That school house was used until 1882, and the scholars of the district now attend in No. 7.

School District No. 9 erected their school house in 1868, on section 32. In 1873 this house was removed to section 29. The first school was taught in Sylvanus Hamb- lin's house, on section 30, in 1862, by Mrs. Mary Smith. Two or three terms were taught in this place.

COLDWATER POST OFFICE.

This office was established in Franklin county a number of years ago. About 1875 it was moved to Bennezette town- ship, and John H. Lockwood was ap- pointed postmaster, with the office at his house on section 6. Mail arrived there twice a week from Sheffield and Marble Rock. The office is still in existence at the same place.

John H. Lockwood was born in Saratoga county, New York, November 24, 1817, where he received his education in the district school, with one term at the Schuylerville Academy. In 1865 he came to Iowa and lived for a while with his brother, who was one of the pioneer set- tlers in Franklin county, just across the line. He bought wild land in the town of Bennezette, on section 6, which he has im- proved. On December 30, 1846, he mar- ried Miss Mary M. Fax. They have seven children-Edwin A., Olive E., Harvey J., Emily F., Eliza C., Ida May and Dora E. Mr. Lockwood was for some years super- intendent of schools in his native town of Wilton, as well as teacher in the public schools of New York State and Iowa.

WILSON'S GROVE POST OFFICE.

This was an office established in April, 1878. Milton Wilson was postmaster, with the office at his house on section 15. Mail " arrived once a week from Greene during the first year, and after that twice a week from Sheffield. The office was discon- tinued in the fall of 1880.

INDIAN WAR.

It is said by early settlers in this vicin- ity that the northern part of Bennezette was once the scene of an Indian battle. The account of the tragedy is somewhat incomplete, as time has marred the mem- ory of those who were cognizant of the facts. It seems that two tribes, the Win- nebagos and Sioux, carried their fight into Butler county, and in manœuvering the Winnebagos found a good place for de- fense on section 5. They threw up earth- works and fortified themselves as best they could. The Sioux discovered them, and greatly outnumbering them rushed down upon the little band. A terrific conflict ensued, in which the Winnebagos were almost annihilated. This is said to have taken place in 1853, and the early settlers used to visit the scene of the combat and pick up many trinkets, such as knives, broken guns, beads and jewelry.

OFFICIAL ORGANIZATION.

According to the first division of the county into townships by Judge Palmer, in February, 1855, Bennezette was made a part of the township of Ripley, then embracing nearly one-half of the county. On the 3d of March, 1856, another division occurred, and the territory now comprising Bennezette was made a part of Coldwater,

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

and merged into the organization of that township. In this shape matters remained for about two years, when on the 4th of March, 1858, it was set off from Coldwater, and ordered organized by Judge Converse, Samual Overturf being authorized to call the first election. This same gentleman bestowed the name of Bennezette upon the township, after his town in Elk county, Pennsylvania.

FIRST ELECTION.

The first election was held at Samuel Overturf's house on section 35, on the 5th day of April, 1858, and the following officers were elected: Clerk, William P. Woodworth; trustees, Ira A. Chamberlin, Milton Wilson, Samuel Overturf; road supervisor, Cyrus D. Chamberlin; consta- bles, Thomas Overturf, Orrin C. Smith.

SECOND ELECTION.

At the regular election, October 12, 1858, the following officers were elected: Trustees, Ira A. Chamberlin, Milton Wilson, Samuel Overturf; clerk, William P. Woodworth; assessor, William A. Keister.

1859-Trustees, Ira A. Chamberlin, William A. Keister, Milton Wilson; clerk, William P. Woodworth.

1860-Trustees, Charles Miller, William H. Muffley, Orrin C. Smith; clerk, William P. Woodworth; assessor, Ira A. Chamberlin. 1861 - Assessor, Ira A. Chamberlin; clerk, Oliver Evans; trustees, Sylvanus Hamblin, Milton Wilson.

1862-Clerk, Oliver Evans; trustees, Ira A. Chamberlin, Sylvanus Ilamblin, Milton Wilson.

1863-Trustees, Milton Wilson, Charles Miller, James Mitchell; clerk, William P. Woodworth.

1865-Clerk, Milton Wilson.

1866-Trustees, Oliver Evans, Ira A. Chamberlin; clerk, Milton Wilson.

1867-Assessor, William A. Keister; trustees, William A. Keister, Oliver Evans, W. P. Woodworth; clerk, Milton Wilson.

1868-Trustees, Byron S. Adams, James Mitchell, William A. Keister; clerk, Milton Wilson; assessor, Silas Knipe.

1869-Trustees, Byron S. Adams, James Mitchell, Loughridge Barne:t; assessor, Ira A. Chamberlin; clerk, Milton Wilson.

1870-Clerk, M. Wilson; justice of the peace, M. Wilson; assessor, W. A. Keister; trustees, L. Barnett, J. II. Lockwood, Ira A. Chamberlin; constable, B.H.Barnett.

1871-Trustees, L. Barnett, J. H. Lock- wood, Ira A. Chamberlin; clerk, M. Wilson. 1872-Trustees, Charles Wilkins, E. A. Lockwood, Peter Ebling; clerk, M. Wilson. 1873-Trustees, P. Ebling, Charles Wil- kins, John H. Lockwood; clerk, M. Wilson. 1874-Trustees, Ira A. Chamberlin, W. F. Crouse, William Hassell; clerk, M. Wilson; assessor, J. H. Lockwood.

1875-Trustees, William Hassell, W. A. Keister, Ira A. Chamberlin; clerk, M. Wilson.

1876-Trustees, Ira A. Chamberlin, W. Hassell, W. A. Keister; clerk, M. Wilson.

1877-Trustees, J. E. Downing, H. J. Lockwood, W. A. Keister; clerk, M. Wilson. 1878-Trustees, J. E. Downing was elected for three years; William Wray for

NOTE-The records of the clerk's office are lost until 1865.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

two years, and G. N. Carpenter for' one year; clerk, M. Wilson.

1879-Trustee, G. N. Carpenter; clerk, John F. Clark; assessor, Peter Ebling.

1880-Clerk, M. Wilson; assessor, Ira A. Chamberlin; trustee, William Wray; justices, C. B. Head and W. A. Keister; constables, Peter Ebling, J. A. Keister.

1881-Trustees, J. E. Downing, W. F. Crouse, to fill vacancy; justice, L. L. Mabary, to fill vacancy.

The present officers of the township, who were elected at the November elec- tion in 1882, are as follows: Justices of the peace, Ira A. Chamberlain and W. A. Keister; township clerk, Milton Wilson; constables, G. W. Wilson and Peter Eb- ling; assessor, J. F. Clark; trustee, W. F. Crouse.

SPECIAL ELECTIONS FOR THE REMOVAL OF

THE COUNTY SEAT.

An election was held April 5, 1858, for the removal of the county seat from Clarksville to Georgetown. There were twelve votes cast, all in favor of removing the county seat to Georgetown.

April 4, 1859, there was another election held to vote on the removal of the county seat from Clarksville to Butler Center. There were thirteen votes cast- twelve for removal and one against.

On the second day of November, 1880, at the general election, they were again called on to vote for the county seat re- moval. There were seventy-eight ballots cast. The result was: For Allison, sev- enty-two; against, six.

SETTLERS OF LATER DAYS.

In this connection is given the personal history of some of the representative citi-

zens of Bennezette who arrived later than those already treated:

Benjamin H. Barnett, a native of New York, was born in October, 1845, in the City of New York. In 1852, when he was but seven years of age, his parents settled in Dubuque county, Iowa, which he made his home until November, 1863, when he enlisted in Company K, Ninth Iowa Cay- alry, remaining with the regiment until February 1, 1866, when he was honorably discharged at Little Rock, Arkansas. He then came to Butler county, and bought land on section 1, in Bennezette township, which he has since improved. He was married in 1873 to Miss Lulu Crabtree. They have two children-Elsie and Lee.

Edward Cummings, a native of Ver- mont, was born in Windsor county, August 25, 1824. He attended the district school and one term at Kimball Union Academy, at Meriden, New Hampshire. When quite a young man he went to Ohio, where he spent a year; then returned to Vermont and remained one year with his parents. He then went to Wisconsin, where, on account of ill health, he re- mained but one year and went to Ohio. In 1844 he located in Iowa county, Iowa, being among the early settlers. He made some improvements on a claim and one year later sold out and returned to Ohio, there learning the carpenter's trade. In 1850 he started across the plains with two horses and five oxen, in company with three others, for California. The company broke up before he got there, and he joined another. He finally sold his inter- est in the team, and buying a horse and saddle completed his journey on horse- back, arriving at Placerville after about

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

one hundred days. He there engaged in mining eight years; then went to Hum- · boldt, where he engaged in the lumber business two years, and then to Los An- gelos, where he engaged in farming one year. He then started on his return by the southern route, passing through Ari- zona and New Mexico, making short stops on the way. He arrived in Texas and spent the winter near Sherman. In the spring he started for Missouri, intending to spend the summer there. As it was in .war times, he found it rather hot for him there, so he removed to Iowa, where he spent the summer. In the fall he returned to Ohio, and in the spring went into the government service, in the quartermaster's department, going to Cincinnati; then to Cattlesburg, where they joined Garfield's command; then to Flat Lick, via Louis- ville. In four months he returned to Ohio. In 1866 he came to Tama county, Iowa, removed from there to Butler county, and bought his present home on section 35, Bennezette township.

Willianı Lovell is a native of England, born December 7, 1817. In 1844 he came to America, landing at Quebec. He spent four months near Toronto, then moved to Michigan. The winter of 1849-50 he spent in Louisiana. In 1857 he settled in Will county, Illinois, remaining there until 1866, when he came to Iowa, and settled in But- ler county, buying land in the township of Bennezette, on section 24. In 1875 lie built his present home. He married, in 1852, Miss Anna Hart, a native of York- shire, England. They were blessed with seven children-Philip, Sarah, Mary, Emma, William M., Frank and Louisa. Louisa died February 14, 1870, three years of age;

Emma died May 28, 1875, fifteen years of age; Mary died March 22, 1881, twenty- three years of age.

Francis Maxwell is a native of Donegal, Ireland, born in 1845. In 1863 he left his native land for America. Landing at Que- bec, he went to Canada West, and spent a year farming, near Guelph, then moved to Ogle county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming and selling dry goods until 1867, when he came to Iowa, and located in But- ler county, buying land in Bennezette township, on section 10. In 1875 he built the nice frame house in which he now lives. On September 13, 1867, he was married, in Illinois, to Miss Jane Dailey, a native of County Monahan, Ireland, but came to America with her parents when quite young. They have one son-Charles L.

John Maxwell, a native of Ireland, was born in Donegal, September 22, 1839. In 1863 he emigrated to America, in company with his brother, Francis, landing at Que- bec, and going from there to Canada West, about thirty miles from Guelph, where lie remained one year, then located in Cherry Valley, Ogle county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming and selling dry goods, until 1867, when he came to Iowa, and set- tled in Butler county, buying land in the township of Bennezette, on section 10, which he has improved, building his pres- ent fine home in 1880. The two brothers, John and Francis, who came to this country together, now each have a fine farm on the same section. He was joined in marriage, in March, 1869, to Miss Nettie Adams, a native of Jo Daviess county, Illinois. They have seven children -- Willie, Eugene, Ezra, Nellie, Nettie, John, and Grace.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

John E. Downing is a native of Ireland, born June 22, 1837. When quite young his father died. In 1849 he came to Amer- ica with his mother. They landed at Boston, and went to Fall River, where he was employed in the Globe Print Works until 1856, when he went to Michigan, and engaged in the copper mines. He was married there, in 1859, to Catherine Moroney. In 1861 they came to Iowa, and lived in Middlefield, Buchanan county, until 1867, when he bought land in the township of Bennezette, Butler county, on section 26. He soon improved the land, and built his present home. He is the present secretary of the Board of Educa- tion, which office he has held since 1877. He has ten children-Patrick J., Josie, Mary A., Ellen A., Michael, John, Theresa, Bridget, William Henry, and Cecelia A.

Adam Kyle was born at Hessian, now a part of Germany, October 1, 1820. His father died when he was but two years old. When nine years of age he came to America, with his mother. They settled in Pennsylvania. In 1842 he settled in Jo Daviess county, Illinois; one of the early settlers. He there bought mining property, and engaged in mining until 1849, when he started for California, cross- ing the plains with three teams, in com- pany with eight others; taking their camp- ing utensils with them and camping out on the way. They were one hundred and forty days making the trip. They located 'at Hangtown, now called Placerville, and engaged in mining until 1854. He then went to San Francisco, taking a steamer for liome. He crossed the Isthmus, went up the Mississippi river to Rock Island, and there hired a buggy to take him to Jo

Daviess county. He soon after started for Wisconsin, where he settled in Grant county, buying a farm one and one-half miles from Lancaster, where he lived un- til 1870, when he sold it and came to But- ler county, Iowa, buying his present farm, on section 16, township of Bennezette, where he now lives .. He married, Febru- ary 22, 1856, Theresa Foak. They have ten children-Maggic and Elizabeth, thic oldest, are twins; John, Herman, Veronica, Catherine, Adam, Francis, Joseph, and Theresa. Mr. Kyle's mother is still living witlı him, in her eighty-seventh year.

Gawn S. Killen, native of Ireland, born in County Down, April 4, 1832. His father was a mason by trade, and he learned that trade when quite young. In 1848 hc left his native land for America, landed at New York; went to Batavia, and there worked [at his trade, also worked at farm- ing. In 1868 he came to Iowa, and was employed as mason on the Insane Asylum at Independence, three years. IIe then came to Bennezette, Butler county, and bought a farm on section 1, which he has improved, and built his present home. He married in October, 1858, Miss Jane Liv- ingston. They have three children-John, Robert and James.

Michael Wadc was born in Kilkenney, Ireland, in 1831. In 1851 lie left his native land for America; landing at New York he went to Kingston, where he engaged in a stone quarry for one year, getting out flag stones; he then went to Charleston, South Carolina, where he stayed seven months; from there he went to Oxford, Massachusetts, working in a woolen mill six monthis; then returned to Charleston, South Carolina, where he was

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

engaged with the United States Coast Survey, remaining with them eleven years. He then went to Winooski Falls, Vermont, where he was employed in a woolen mill. In 1863 he came to Iowa, and engaged in railroading in Dubuque county until 1868, when he removed to Charles City, remaining in the same business. In 1871 he came to Bennezette, and bought land on section 7, there build- ing his present home. He married in 1858 Miss Mary Breen. They have eight children-John F., Martin E., Catherine, Mary E., William, Margaret and Agnes.

Joseph H. Brownell was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, February 26, 1834. In 1856 he moved to Winnebago county, Illinois. In 1857 he moved to Iowa, buy- ing land in Black Hawk county. In 1863 he removed to California, where he engaged in freighting and farming for two years, when he returned to farming in Illinois. In 1872 he came to Iowa, buying a farm in Bennezette on section 24, where he built his present home. He married December 2, 1858, Miss Mary Collier, a native of Illinois. They have four children- Florence L., J. Clarence, George W. and Ernestine E.

Franklin Pierce Kent was born in Essex county, New Jersey, September 10, 1852. In 1860 his parents moved to Floyd county, Iowa. In 1863 they moved to Charles City, where he attended school. In 1873 he came to Bennezette, Butler county, settling on his present home on section 8. He married in 1878, Miss Addie Frisbie; they have three children-Vera E., James F. and Annie D.

Jolin Tindal was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, February 3, 1847. His father, who was a farmer, was one of the

first settlers of Tama county, Iowa, mov- ing there in 1852. Here John received his education. In 1876 he came to Ben- nezette township, Butler county, buying his present farm, on section 16. He was married in 1870, to Miss Margaret Crouse. They have three children-Aggie, John H., and Edwin.

L. L. Mayberry is a native of New Jer- sey; born in Warren county, May 23, 1834. In 1840 his parents moved to Oakland county, Michigan. In 1847 they moved to Ogle county, Illinois, among the earliest settlers of that county. L. L.'s younger days were spent on the farm. He was married in 1865, to Miss Mary, daughter of Robert Light, Esq., of Ogle county, Illi- nois. They have four children-William W., Robert R., Margaret E., and James L. March 17, 1877, Mr. Mayberry came to Bennezette township, Iowa, and bought his present farm, on section 31.

Albert Meyer was born in Germany, in August, 1843, where his occupation was farming. In 1866 he emigrated to America. Landing at New York, he started imme- diately for St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was employed in a packing-house eight years. He then engaged in draying four years. In 1878 he came to Bennezette township, Butler county, Iowa, and bought his present farm, on section 21. He was married in 1864, to Miss Caroline Kath. They have two children-Bertha A., and Helena H.

Jacob, son of Elder Philip Moss, was born in Indiana, February 2, 1845. In the fall of 1855 his parents moved to Coldwater, Iowa, where he attended school; later devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. In 1876 he bought a farm in Bennezette

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

township, on seetion 11, moving his family there that winter. He was married in 1866 to Miss Catherine J. Sturtz. They have four children-Clarence, Franklin, Owen and Bertha.

Aaron M. Harter was born in Carroll county, Indiana, July, 1841. In 1856 lis parents moved to Dayton, Butler county, Iowa, settling on seetion 19. His father still oeeupies the original claim. His mother died April 1, 1881, in Vernon County, Missouri. In August, 1862 he enlisted in the Thirty-Second Iowa, Com- pany G. While in the service he lost his eye-sight, and was otherwise disabled; and was honorably discharged July 8, 1865, when he returned home and consulted a physician, with whose assistance his sight was restored. He then eommeneed study- ing medicine, and has sinee practiced, making diseases of the eye a specialty. He has made permanent eures where the patients were totally blind. In 1874 he went to Missouri, where he engaged in mining in Jasper and Vernon counties. In 1875 he returned to Iowa and carried on his father's farm for two years. In 1878 and 1879 he moved to Waterloo, where he praetieed medieine. The year 1880 he spent in Greene. In 1881 he moved to Bennezette, and bought his present farm on seetion 16. He was married in 1868, October 1, to Catherine Earnest. They have two children-Charlie W. and Nora A.

William F. Crouse is a native of Ohio, born in Ashland, March 13, 1841. When in his thirteenth ycar his father died, and his mother with the family moved to Wis- eonsin. In 1866 he married Miss Mary C. Crabtree. In 1869 he came to Iowa, and bought a farm in Bennezette, on sec- tion 24, which he has sinee improved.

They have ninc children, but three of whom are now living-John W., Etta Mabel and Florence May. In 1878 they buried six children in one month. They died of that dread disease, diptheria. Mr. Crouse enlisted in August, 1862, in the Twenty-fifth Wisconsin, Company I. Hc was with the regiment until the elose of the war, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865. He has filled offices of trust in the town, and is at present trustee.

Charles Miller was born in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, the 7th of April, 1834. In the summer time he was engaged on the farm, and in the winter season he worked in the woods getting out lumber. In 1859 he came to Iowa and settled in .Butler county, town of Bennezette, seetion 35. He improved the land, and in 1875 built a substantial frame house. He married in 1856 Miss Catherine Lewis. They have seven children, all boys- G. William, Robert L., Reno J., Charles G., Daniel B., Orley and Lewis.

William Wrey is a native of Ireland, born in county Tyrone in 1829. In 1847 he emigrated to America, and made his home in Philadelphia, where he was employed in a earpet factory, also in a sugar refinery, and in the Pennsylvania R. R. depot. In 1861 he came to Iowa, buying land in Pittsford township. In 1879 he traded his farm there for land in Bennczette on section 31 and 32. He lives on section 31. Isabella Smith became his wife in 1852. She died in March, 1868, leaving eight children. Their nanics are Margaret, Willian J., James M., Robert S., Jane, Ulysess G. and Annie J. He married his second wife, Miss Aravilla Niece, in 1875. She has three children- Harry HI., Andrew N. and Earl R.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXI.

BUTLER TOWNSHIP.

This town lies in the eastern part of the county bearing the same name. Bremer county lies on the east, Jackson township on the west; Fremont on the north, and Shell Rock on the south. It comprises township 92, range 15, containing about 23,040 acres of excellent farming land. The Shell Rock river traverses the township from southeast to northwest. Parallel with it are the railway lines of the Bur- lington, Cedar Rapids and Northern R. R. and the Dubuque and Dakota.

The soil is generally a dark loam with clay subsoil. On the timber uplands it is lighter and mixed with sand in places, and is very productive. There are no very abrupt breaks or bluffs, the surface being nearly level, or generally undulating.

Nearly or quite all the township is in the hands of actual settlers, who have improved it; and there is very little waste land. The main body of timber lies along the Shell Rock river. The population is mixed, many nationalities being represen- ted, but all seem an industrious thriving people.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first permanent settler in Coon Grove was Joseph Hicks, who made his advent in December, 1850, and erected a cabin on a claim one mile west from what is now

Clarksville. His nearest neighbor was James Newell, who, a short time previous, settled at the forks of the Cedar, about twenty miles southeast of hin. Hicks carried provisions on his back during the winter, for the maintainence of himself and family, from Cedar Falls, which was then but a small trading post. Ilis timne was principally occupied until spring, in hunting, fishing, and trapping, when he cultivated a small piece of ground and planted it with corn and vegetables. His wife was a true western heroine, and could "talk injine" or shoot a rifle equal to "any other man." In the spring of 1851 his father, Henry Hicks, arrived from Wiscon- sin, and erected a blacksmith's shop. It is said of him that lie actually charmned the birds of the air with his shrill "whistle," the only luxury he ever indulged in, while he steadily forged the first iron in the Shell Rock Valley. He died in the winter of 1854, was buried on the place; his remains have since been removed to Linwood Cemetery. Joseph Hicks went to Kansas in 1867, where he remained a few years, then returned to the old place. He did not seem contented, however, so started for Mexico, but was delayed on the way near the Solomon river, in Kansas, where he yet remains. He had a brother who came here with his father from Wis-

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 58

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