History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 66

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 66
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 66

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

purchased a farm on section 36, in Union township, which he recently sold. His wife was Mary E. Morgan. They have two children-Florence and Eugenie.

DELLINGER OR WANATAH, FLOURING MILL.

This manufacturing enterprise is one of the most notable and conmendable features of Greene; as it is of that class of indus- tries, around'which other business interests cluster. It is the largest mill in Butler county. The name "Wanatah" was bestowed upon it by P. N. Dellinger, in honor of the daughter of Big Thunder, a Sioux chief. The mill was completed by E. Hiller, in 1875; the frame being raised on the 3d of November, 1874. Its size is 40x50 fcet, with an office 20x20, a stone basement, and two stories and a half, frame, with a dam eight feet high. The liberal citizens offered to raise $2,000 to assist the building; but it was refused. The mill was equipped with four run of stone, including one for feed, and had a capacity for grinding one hundred barrels per day; the average work being about four hundred barrels per week, and doing the custom business. At the time of erec- tion the cost of the whole property was said to be $18,000. Mr. Hiller was un- fortunate with his management, as the high water came upon him and washed out the dam shortly after its completion. This was barely repaired when another fit of anger came upon the powerful Shell Rock, and again the dam went careering down the stream. After this had been repeated several times Mr. Hiller's supply of funds began to run out, so the mill was mortgaged, and then re-mortgaged, until

finally Mr. Hiller, in 1877, had to suc- cumb, and the property went into the hands of George W. Dellinger, of Ripon, Wis- consin, who has been in the business since 1844. The dam had in the meantime been put in shape, and the machinery was set in motion by the new management under the most favorable auspices. The dam, while it has never washed out or been rebuilt since 1877, has been greatly repaired and strengthened, being now of crib timber with stone filling, extending all the way froni eight to thirty feet below the bed of the river. No race is required, as the mill building is located directly over the dam on the east side of the river. Mr. Dellin- ger got the property through mortgage; yet it has cost him fully $22,000 in cash. The mill was continued in its original shape until 1882, when it was almost entirely remodelled, the system of burrs being dis- pensed with, and the patent corrogated roller process introduced; putting in three double sets of rollers; the burrs are now used for grinding rye. The capacity is thus rated at seventy-five barrels of flour, and fifty barrels of rye flour per day, while about two car loads of feed are ground each week. The brands manufactured are the "Roller King" (patent), and "Gilt edge" (straight), for which markets is mostly found in New York and the eastern States. The mill employs six hands, and is ably managed by P. N. Dellinger and his brother, Burt, sons of George W. Dellin- ger, the owner. P. N. Dellinger, has been a resident of Iowa since 1870, coming here in 1875. His brother, Burt, has charge of the office. Mr. Dellinger was born in Pennsylvania, in 1843; coming to Iowa in 1870, he engaged in milling in Chickasaw

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

county. His wife was formerly Miss Belle Clark, a native of Rhode Island. Previous to the breaking out of the rebellion, she removed with her father's family to Vir- ginia, and, in the early days of the war, the family figured quite conspicuously as Unionists in rebeldom, but finally made their escape to the north. Mrs. Dellinger is a lady of more than ordinary culture and intelligence.

MASONIC.

Alpha Lodge, No. 326, A. F. & A. M., was organized in 1873, with the following gentlemen as its charter members: E. S. Thomas, G. L. Mills, C. S. Stranahan, E. S. Case, W. H. Nichols, E. Jordan, F. D. Mabee, Frank Beals, Charles Klobe, S. T. Hotchkiss, C. C. Huckins, W. H. Smith, A. Glodery, and Hugh Johnson. The first officers of the lodge were as follows: E. S. Thomas, W. M .; G. L. Mills, S. W .; C. S. Stranahan, J. W .; W. H. Smith, Treasurer; C. C. Huckins, Secretary; E. S. Case, S. D .; W. H. Nichols, J. D .; Hugh Johnson, Tyler. The presiding- officers, since its organization, have been, in sequence, as follows: E. S. Thomas, three years; E. S. Case, one year; G. L. Mills, two years; J. W. Kmsig, one year; W. H. Lyferd, one year, and V. C. Birney, two years, he be- ing the present presiding officer. The order has lost but two members by death, C. P. Leaman and William Young. The total membership, since organization, has been eighty-three. The present member- shin is fifty. The lodge has been very suc- cessful, eml racing, as its active members, many of the most influential and respected citizens of Greene and vicinity.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

One of the pioneer Methodists of Cold- water has kindly furnished the major part of the following historical sketch of this denomination :

In the earlier history of Methodism the northeastern part of this great State com- prised what was known as the "Iowa Mis- sion," which was a wild and sparsely set- tled region, where the weary and lonely itinerants found a laborious task in search- ing out the settlers. In the year 1853 the Rev. Mr. Ingham was the worker in this field, and Rev. Andrew Coleman-or, as he was usually called, "Father Coleman " -was presiding elder. The latter gentle- man died in 1882, after having preached for sixty-two years. In the spring of 1853 Brother Ingram started upon his round of three hundred and fifty miles on horse- back, fording and swimming the streams in his course until, on the 18th of June, 1853, he arrived at the cabin of James Grif- fith, in the northeastern part of Coldwater, and found as hearty a welcome as ever a worn-out preacher enjoyed. He stopped over night and partook of the corn cake and deer meat which Mrs. Griffith knew so well how to cook. Mr. Griffith called in his few neighbors, and the minister preached the first sermon to the settlers of Coldwater in a log cabin 14x16 feet in size. Elder Ingham is now living in Toledo, Iowa. .

The next year Rev. William Gough was the preacher on this circuit. He was a noble and zealous worker, and is still liv- ing near Bristow, Iowa. He was followed in the year 1855 by the Rev. William P. Holbrook, who was also a hard worker and a zealous christian. He has long

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

since gone to his reward. In this manner preaching was continued at irregular in- tervals, without local organization, until the town of Greene was platted, when, in the spring of 1872, the Rev. Philip W. Gould organized the "Class of Greene," with the following members: James Grif- fith and wife, Mrs. Ella Soesbe, Mrs. Mary Spaulding, and Mrs. Courtwright and daughter. J. H. Cooksey was class leader, and James Griffith, steward. Dur- ing the following year Rev. G. R. Ward was the preacher in charge. His health failing him, he has since quit the ministry. In 1874 James H. Gilruth dispensed the gospel in Greene; but finding that he was out of his element he has quit the busi- ness and gone to farming near Davenport, Iowa. He was followed in 1875-6-7 by Rev. Enoch Holland, now in Nebraska. In 1878 and 1879 Rev. George B. Shoe- maker, a young man with true and sound religious principles was sent as pastor and did efficient work while here. He is now preaching in Traer, Iowa. Next came David E. Skinner, who filled the pulpit for a time; but his health being poor he left the charge without a pastor, and the pre- siding elder sent Rev. John A. Brown to fill the vacancy. Mr. Brown is a promis- ing young man, a hard student, a good preacher, and is universally liked. His time expires 'on the 30th of September, 1883.

The presiding elders since 1871 have. been, in succession: John W. Keeler, Jolın Bowman, S. W. Ingham, John T. Crip- pen, and the present official, Daniel Sheffer.

In 1877 the society erected, in the west- ern part of Greene, a neat little house of worship, size 32x50 feet, at a cost of $3,000.

It was dedicated on the 8th of September, 1877, by Elder S. W. Ingham, a little more than twenty-four years after his father had preached in Mr. Griffith's house. The present trustees of the M. E. Church are: Samuel W. Soesbe, William A. Griffith, Henry W. Smith, James Fiddick and Isaac S. McPherson. The society owns a parsonage worth about $500, in trust of Joel Door, James Griffith, F. Delker, H. W. Smith and M. Joslyn.

On the 15th of September, 1877, a Sun- day school was organized with forty scholars, which has grown in interest and numbers until there is an enrollment of 100 and an average attendance of seventy. J. S. McPherson was elected the first superintendent, and still occupies the po- sition; Miss Hannah D. Shook is secretary, and S. W. Soesbe, treasurer.

The church has never had a special re- vival, but is established on a solid basis, and has grown in interest and grace from its original number of ten to a present membership of over fifty.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

To get at the foundation of this society, we must go back in date to June, 1863, when the organization was effected of the Presbyterian church of Coldwater. This took place at the Hart school house, on sec- tion 13, with the Rev. Richard Morrill of- ficiating, and the following charter mem- bers: Solomon Sturtz, Rebecca Sturtz, Henry McNabb, John Sturtz, Emanuel Leidig, Susan Sturtz, Elizabeth Sturtz, Anna E. McNabb, Rebecca Leidig, Sarah C. Sturtz and John McNabb.' This organ- ization continued in force until May 19, 1872, when it was re-organized as the First

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Presbyterian Church of Greene, by a com- mittee from Waterloo, consisting of Rev. George Graham and Rev. W. R. Smith. Ruling elders, A. D. Barnum and Seman Armstrong, and with the following char- ter members: Henry McNabb, Solomon Sturtz, Mrs. Rebecca Earnest, Mrs. Sarah C. Hart, Mrs. Ellen Paulsy, Emanuel Lei- dig, Mrs. Rebecca Leidig, Mrs. Jennie P. Bently. The first ruling elder was Henry McNabb, and the trustees were, Solomon Sturtz, A. D. Barnum and Edward Jordan, of Greene; and Dr. J. F. Eley and W. C. Rowley, of Cedar Rapids; C. H. Bently, secretary. This organization was per- fected at the Moore school house, and commenced its good work with the most favorable outlook for the future. The first pastor was the Rev. George Graham, of Clarksville, who preached every alter- nate Sabbath for five years. He was fol- lowed by Rev. David James, who officia- ted for one year, and in succession came Revs. Joseph Gaslor and E. J. Marshall, each about one year. The latter was drowned in the Shell Rock river, in August, 1882. The Greene Press, of August 3, 1882, gave the following account of the sad affair:

REV. E. J. MARSHALL DROWNED IN THE SHELL ROCK RIVER WHILE BATHING.

"Last Tuesday evening, about eight o'clock, a party of bathers, consisting of Rev. E. J. Marshall, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, in Greene, W. C. Fabriz, E. W. Parno, Will Cheeney and George Gates, went in bathing in the mill pond at the north end of S. Thomas & Co.'s warehouse, and all started to swim to the center pier of the bridge, half way

across the river. Rev. Marshall was not able to keep up with the rest of the party in the race, and fell behind. When about sixty feet from the shore, he turned around and began to come back. After swim- ming a short distance he disappeared un- der the water for a moment, arose to the surface again, and began swimming. He had not proceeded over ten feet before he disappeared a second time, no one realiz- ing that he was drowning. Not coming up again, a boat and grappling irons were secured quickly, and the body of the un- fortunate young man recovered by Mr. Fabriz, assisted by L. Downs. About fif- teen minutes elapsed before he was taken out. Drs. Huckins, Birney and Johnson were quickly on hand, and with the assist- ance of many willing and sympathizing friends they worked over the body for two hours in hopes that life might return; but all efforts were fruitless, and the young minister of fine education and much prom- ise, without a relative near, was a corpse in a strange land.

"The appalling news spread like wild- fire over our little town, and hundreds of persons collected at the river to get a glimpse of him who, for about five months, had proclaimed to them the unsearchable riches of Christ.

"The deceased was sent to Greene last January, from Chicago, by Rev. Baird, synodical missionary for the northwest. He was unmarried, an Englishman by birth, thirty-two years of age, and had been in America about one year. He was a close student, a deep thinker, and in the- ology was well versed. He was a gradu- ate of the Manchester and Leeds Colleges, England."

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

The society, within a year after organi- zation, determined to ercct an edifice in which to worship, and accordingly in 1873 their neat building was constructed on the hill overlooking the town from the east, size 40x50 feet, at a cost of $3,500.

The present officers are as follows : Elders, S. Sturtz, O. L. Crandall, and C. H. Bentley; trustees, Solomon Sturtz, C. HI. Bentley, A. D. Barnum, J. L. Cole, C. T. Lamson, O. L. Crandall, and James Pennock; secretary, C. H. Bentley; treas- urer, S. Sturtz. The society has had no pastor since the drowning of Mr. Marshall. It is in a healthy and growing condition, however, now having a membership of about thirty-six.

A Presbyterian Sunday School was or- ganized in 1879, which is still in a thriv- ing condition, with a membership of about eighty, and an attendance of sixty. - A. H. Beals is the present superintendent.

GERMAN BAPTISTS, OR BRETHREN.

The founder of this denomination, in this locality, was Elder Philip Moss, who ar- rived in Coldwater in October, 1855, from Carroll county, Indiana, settling with his family upon a claim near Greene. The first religious services, to followers of his faith, were held at his house the fall of his arrival, and as soon as the school house, known as No. 1, was completed, preaching was continued during the time of his min- isterial labor-a period of about five years, when it was abruptly terminated, March 5, 1860, by the grim messenger of death. At this time the society had a membership of about fifty. An organization was effected in June, 1857, with the following members: John Hardman and wife, Jacob Reprogle

and wife, Benjamin Eikenberry and wife, Felix Landis and wife, Jacob Harter and wife, and a few others.

Upon the death of Philip Moss, John H. Fillmore was called to the pastoral duties, and filled the pulpit for about three years. Following him came John F. Eikenberry, who is still in charge, assisted by his brother laborers, Benjamin Ellis, John E. Eikenberry, Humphrey Fallhelm, and others. Special revival services have been held by David Bromer, J. H. Bowman and Eli Grouel, with good success, and large additions were made to the membership.

In 1873, the house of worship was erected in Greene, at a cost of $4,000, size 40x60 feet, being the finest church edifice in this part of the county. The present officers are J. F. Eikenberry, N. Trapp, and E. Moore, ministers; and F. Landis, William Moore and Henry Eikenberry, deacons. The membership is about 104.

A Sunday school was organized in con- nection with the church in 1873, with N. Trapp as superintendent. The present officer is Elihu Moore. The church has only lost one member by death, Benjamin Ellis, in 1881. Services are held every Sunday.

Rev. John F. Eikenberry, the present pastor of the German Baptist Church, re- sides on section 19, and is one of the ear- liest ministers of Butler county. He is a native of Virginia, and was born in 1831. John Eikenberry, his father, also a native of Virginia, removed to Indiana with his family about 1834, being one of the pio- neers of that State. Mr. Eikenberry was brought up in Carroll county, and there married Elizabeth Moss. They removed to Butler county in the fall of 1855, and

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

have resided on their present farm since that time. Mr. Eikenberry bought a part of his farm from the government and a part of Mr. John H. Miller. He has been engaged in the ministry since 1861, hav- ing been pastor of the society here since that time. Besides attending to his duties as pastor of the church, he has also im- proved a large farm-leading a life of industry and energy. Elder Eikenberry has eight children-David, William H., Barbara, now Mrs. John Moore; Benjamin F., Mary A., Susan, Minerva, and Edwin. The two oldest were born in Carroll county, Indiana, the others in Dayton township. Mr. Eikenberry has a brother, Elias, who came here at the same time. He now lives on section 18, Dayton town- ship.

Henry Eikenberry, a deacon of this so- ciety, has been a resident of Butler county since the spring of 1855. His father, Ben- jamin Eikenberry, was born and brought up in Preble county, Ohio. He removed to Carroll county, Indiana, where he lived for many years, coming to Coldwater township, Butler county, in 1855, where he purchased a farm of John H. Miller. This farm included the business part of the present village of Greene. His house was just east of the mill, where the stone building called the Centennial Hall now stands. In August, 1871, he removed to Black Hawk county. His wife was Cath- erine Moss. They had nine children, six of whom are still living-Henry H., Wm. E. H., John E., Mrs. Sarah Sturtz, Levi, and Harvey. Henry H. was born in Car- roll county, Indiana, in 1834, and came with his parents to Greene in 1855. He owns a farm adjoining the town of Greene.

His wife was Miss M. L. Harter, daughter of Jacob Harter, a native of Virginia, who settled in Dayton township in 1855, where he still resides. Her mother's maiden name was Jemima Zook, a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Eikenberry have six chil- dren-Amanda E., now Mrs. Charles E. Wilhelm; Francis M., Aaron H., Minerva, Arthur, and George. They lost their fourth child -- Charles E.

UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST.

This denomination effected an organiza- 、 tion in the township of Coldwater in the year 1859, Rev. John Buckmaster and Rev. Israel Shafer officiating. The first officers were-D. W. Miller, class leader, and J. M. Miller, steward. The first services were held at the house of Widow Hall. The presiding elders, since 1860 until the present time, have been in sequence, as follows: David Wenrick, until 1865; G. H. Watrous, until 1868; S. D. Stone, one year; G. H. Watrous, one year; Enoch Fathergill, one year; Israel Shafer, two years; M. S. Drury, three years; M. Bowman, one year; S. Sutton, two years; D. Wenrick, one year; William Cunningham, two years and for the .com- ing year of 1883. The pastors in succes- sion, from 1860, liave been as follows: Revs. James Murphy, J. H. Knouse, Simon George, one year; J. Murphy, one year; J. Lash, one year; J. N. Martin, two years; J. Trenholm, one year; J. Baskerville, one year; L. T. John, one year; M. M. Taylor, two years; J. Lindsey, one year, and for the coming year of 1883, George W. Ben- son.

In the absence of the class record it is impossible to give the membership of the

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

575

society since its organization. The pres- ent officers are: W. A. Keister, class leader, and J. Miller, steward.

NOTES OF INTEREST.

The first birth in the town of Greene was that of a pair of twin girls born to Mr. and Mrs. J. Farrel, of the Gault House.

The first marriage of parties belonging here was that of N. W. Thomas and Miss Lucy Perry. There being no officer here "to perform the ceremony, they were mar- ried in Clarksville on the 11th of Sep- tember, 1872. The first wedding was that of Mr. J. Temple, S. W. Soesbe officiat- ing.

The first death in town was that of Willie, son of Frank W. Smithi.

PROSPERITY OF GREENE.

In the issue of the Butler County Press on the 9th of September, 1874, the editors say: "At no time have we seen a greater degree of prosperity in our town. The number of new buildings in course of erection is great, while all our industries are enjoying a fine degree of growth and enlargement. This state of facts shows that our industries are not of the musli- room sort, but legitimate and demanded by the country."

FIRST FLOUR SHIPMENT.

The first car-load of flour was shipped from Greene on the 15th of April, 1875, and another lot was sent on the fol- lowing Monday. This was the first lot manufactured by the Dellinger Mill.

DIRECTORY.

A. F. and A. M., Alpha Lodge, No. 326 -V. C. Birney, M. W .; O. D. Barnum, Sec.

Beals, Prof. A. H .- Principal Public Schools.

Birney, A. F .- Drugs, paints and oils. Birney, V. C .- Physician and surgeon. Brown, Rev. John A .- Pastor M. E. church.

Bruce & VanSaun-Grain.

Bruce, Vehon & Co .- Lumber.

Burlett, A. J .- General merchandise.

Butler County Press-Geo. E. Delevan, editor and proprietor.

City .Restaurant-Gates Bros., proprie- tors.

Cole, J. L .- Drugs, paints, oils, news depot.

Dellinger, B. M .- Flonring mill.

Earnest, I. M .- Agricultural implements. Earnest, John-Lumber and coal.

Eikenberry, Rev. John-Pastor Ger- man Baptist Church.

Ellis, W. F. & Co .- Hardware.

Emmet House-Mrs. V. Morrison.

Fabriz, W. C -- Barber.

Feyereisen; H .- General store.

Fowler, Mrs. C .- Millinery.

Gates House-Gates Bros., proprietors.

Glodery, Andrew-General merchan- dise.

Green, C. M .- Attorney at law.

Harlinske, F .- Merchant tailor.

Halstead, Miss Myra-Millinery. Huckins, C. C .- Physician.

Huckins, F. W .- Agricultural imple- ments.

I. O. O. F., Elm Springs Lodge, No. 318 -A. J. Burlett, N. G .; M. W. Miller, Sec. Jackson, Frank D .- Attorney at law.

576 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Johnson, Dr. A. K .- Physician and surgeon.

Kean, R .- Blacksmith.

Kinsey, J. W .-- Agent B. C. R. & N. Ry. Kussel, Isaac-Clothing and gents' fur- nishing goods .-

Lloyd, A. S .- Barber.

Mabie, F. D .- Restaurant.

Madison House-S. Webber, proprietor. Mills, G. L .- Grain and stock.

Miner, R .- Furniture dealer.

Nevins, Dr. John-Physician.

Osier, J. W .- Drugs, paints and oils.

Parno, E. W .- Dealer in watches, etc. Pennock, James-Boots and shoes.

Riner, W. W .-- Hardware and Post- master.

Schucknecht, A. C .- General merchan- dise.

Sessions, E. H. & Co .- Dry goods, boots and shoes.

`Shell Rock Valley Bank-C. H. Wilcox, cashier.

Shoemaker, J. F .- Dentist.

Snyder, P. B .- Dentist.

Soesbe Bros .- Lawyers and real estate agents.

Steve, J. D .- Meat market.

Stober, L. J .- Harnessmaker.

Thomas, A. S. & Co .- Farm machinery.

Tyler & Son-Groceries and provisions.

Williams House-G. W. DeGraw, pro- prietor.

Wilson, E. F .- Livery stable.

CHAPTER XXIII.

DAYTON TOWNSHIP.

This sub-division of Butler county lies in the northern tier of townships, and is among the banner farming localities of Northern Iowa. Floyd county lies on the north; Jackson township on the south; Fremont on the east, and Coldwater on the west. It is a full Congressional township of thirty-six sections, embracing the terri- tory of township 93, in range 16, contain- ing an area of 23,040 acres, a great portion · of which is under a high state of cultiva- tion.

The land in Dayton is mostly high rol- ling prairie of great fertility. It has an excellent soil for mixed farming, and a country admirably adapted by nature for stock raising and dairy purposes. The Shell Rock river traverses the township from the northeast to the southeast, and parallel with it is the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad. Coldwater creek enters Dayton by way of section 19, and empties its waters into the Shell Rock, in section 29. Flood creek rises in Minne-

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

sota and flows in a southerly direction through Dayton, making its confluence with the Shell Rock river in this township. It will thus be seen that the township is ·well watered, and possesses in a high degree those requisites necessary for manu -. facturing purposes, which no doubt will be well utilized at some time not far distant. Along the Shell Rock river in places, and at the mouth of Flood creek, are groves of timber.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

There is some uncertainty as to who was really the first to push their way into the fertile prairies of Dayton in quest of a home. There is abundant testimony, how- ever, that the honor is due to William Goheen, who settled here in March, 1:52.

Mr. Goheen was a native of the State of Indiana, and came here with his family, bringing three horses. He entered three forty acre tracts of land in the center of Dayton township. He built a little hewn log house, where he remained braving all the vicissitudes of frontier life, and defend- ing his family from danger and want until June, 1853, when death called him, and left the family to mourn the loss of a brave husband and father. This was the first death in the township.

During the same year James Griffith came with his family, and erected his cabin in southwest quarter of section 18, Dayton township. He is treated at length in the history of Coldwater township.

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 66

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