History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 71

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 71
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 71

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).

dren are-Oscar, Annette, Eva, Ethel and Blanche.

John Giblin was born in Ireland in 1830, and was brought to the United States by his parents when he was only two years of age. The family first stopped in the New England States for about seven years, and then emigrated to Illi- nois, where the father died in 1880. The mother is still living. In 1850 John Gib- lin went to California, where he was en- gaged in mining about two years, and afterward in general merchandising, until 1863, when he went to Idaho Territory, from there to VanCouver's Island, and thence to Montana. In 1867, at Freeport, Illinois, he married Miss Ann Marlow. They now have five children-Emma, Ella, John P., Lizzie and Thomas. Soon after their marriage Mr. Giblin and wife came to Butler county and settled where they now reside. In 1870, however, they re- moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, and there carried on a general mercantile business for seven years.

Nathan Linn, an early settler in Butler county, was born in Washington county, Maryland, September 26, 1819. When but two years of age his parents emigrated to Knox county, Ohio, where he received his education in the district schools. In 1851 he removed to Illinois and bought a farm near Oxford, Henry county, where he lived until 1854, when he sold his land and started for Iowa. He spent the win- ter in Carpenter's Grove, and in the spring went to Ripley, entered a claim and went to work breaking; but soon finding that the land overflowed, he left it and went to Monroe, where he took a claim on section 10 and erected a log house. He

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

lived there until 1879, when he sold out and removed to Jefferson, where he bought a farm on section 31, on which he now re- sides. In 1840 he married Miss Sophia Daniels. They were blessed;with six chil- dren-Millison A., Racliel, William P., Harriet, Mary and Charlotte. Mrs. Linn was born in Knox county, Ohio, Septem- ber 5, 1821, and died February 27, 1876, while visiting her daughter in Illinois. Millison Ą., the oldest child, was born in Knox county, Ohio, June 15, 1841, and died in Henry county, Illinois, in Febru- ary, 1881.

William Van Vlack entered the land he now lives on in 1857, but did not become a resident of the county until 1860. He - first resided on section 36, but only tem- porarily, as he at once commenced improv- ing his land. In 1862 he settled on the same, and made farming his business until 1869, when he removed to New Hartford, and for two years dealt in agricultural im- plements, at the end of which time lie again returned to his farm. Mr. Van Vlack was born in Albany county, New York, in 1836. He was left fatherless at the age of four- teen years. At the age of nineteen he emi- grated to Illinois, and resided in DeKalb county until he came to Iowa. In 1857 he married Miss Rebecca Olmstead, a native of New York.' They now have five chil- dren-Charles, Eugene and Howell,(twins), Dwight, and Oliver Judd.

R. W. Hunter, son of James and Caro- line (Mears) Hunter, was born June 12, 1858. After receiving a good common school education at the home schools, he, in 1875, entered the Lenox Collegiate In- stitute, of Hopkington, Iowa, where he graduated. He then entered the law de-

partment of the Iowa State University, and graduated from it. He is now pursuing his profession in Arberdeen, Dakota. In 1881, October 19, Mr. Hunter married Miss Olive A. Merrill.

BUTLER CENTER.

This town has been considered a point of some importance, being geographically located very near the center of the county, from which fact it derives its name, but at the present writing it seems to be on the wane.

Andrew Mullarkey and Col. Thomas entered the land upon which stands tlie village, in 1853. The same parties platted the town in the spring of 1855. It is lo- cated on the northwest quarter of section 18, township 91, range 16, and is naturally very favorably placed, as far as a site is concerned. At an election called for the purpose, on April 4, 1859, this village had a majority of twenty-one in its favor for tlie re-location of the county seat, which heretofore liad been at Clarksville. Be- fore the records were moved, however, an injunction was sworn out, and the removal was stayed. In July following, the dis- trict court adjudged the election void, be- cause of certain irregularities. On the 4th of April, 1860, another election was held, resulting in a majority of eighty votes for Butler Center, and the county seat was removed accordingly. Mr. Mul- larkey owned a large amount of land in this vicinity, and was instrumental in ac- complishing this result. He was gener- ous and liberal minded, and donated to the county two acres of land upon which he had erected a court house. Induced by these considerations, the apparently

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

probable permanency of the county seat, and the flattering prospects for the future, lawyers, doctors, editors, dentists, represen- tatiyes of the different professions, expon- · ents of various religious creeds, and other necessary elements of civilization, came together and formed a settlement, and it seemed for a time that Butler Center was certainly destined to become the "future great" of Butler county. But now how changed-the deserted streets, empty houses, vacant lots, dilapidated fences, signs of dissolution and decay, present themselves on every hand, speaking of things that were, suggesting things that "might have been." This change has been wrought mainly by the re-location of the county seat, tlie lack of railroads being the main factor which occasioned its re- moval.

Here the county seat remained until the fall of 1881, when it was removed to Alli- son.

The first business houses have lierein- before been noticed, in the account of early settlement. After the election which decided upon the removal of the county seat, the town presented much the appear- ance of a "place on wheels," as house after house made its disappearance and traveled Allisonward.

A newspaper was first published here in 1860 by William Haddock, and was called the Butler County Jeffersonian, which was afterward purchased by Martin Bailey, under whose management it appeared the first week in January, 1861. From this time it was called the Stars and Stripes. The paper is now defunct and the material removed elsewhere. William Haddock en- listed in the army, raised a company and

obtained a commission as captain. Mar- tin Bailey is a resident of Butler Center, and is. one of the editors of the agricul- tural department of the Allison Tribune. He has taken an active interest in Butler county since August, 1856. At that time he engaged in general merchandising at New Hartford, and was therefore the first merchant of that place. In 1855 he asso- ciated D. N. Root as partner, and the busi- ness continued under the firm name of Bailey & Root; but Mr. Bailey soon be- came convinced that he would never be a successful merchant, and therefore, in the winter of 1858-9, he purchased his part- ner's interest and closed out. the business. In 1859 Mr. Bailey was appointed deputy county clerk and made out the tax lists for that year. In January, 1860, he be- came deputy county treasurer, removed to Butler Center, then the county seat, and served in that capacity for over two years. On May 1, 1863, he entered the United States service as clerk in the quartermas- ter's department at Sioux City. In 1865 he was transferred to Dubuque and after- ward to Waterloo, where he was dis- charged October 31, 1865. He then re- turned to his home, and has since been en- gaged in farming. He now owns a fine herd of Jersey cattle. His farm, contain- ing 160 acres, lies adjoining the village plat of Butler Center, and his home is sup plied with all the necessaries of the best social life. In politics Mr. Bailey was formerly a whig, but in 1856 he joined the republican ranks and has since stood by the same. He has often held local offices, serving as justice of the peace for several years. He is a lover of the public schools, and always takes an active interest in edu-

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

623

cation. He is at present secretary of the school board of this township. Martin Bailey is a son of Joseph and Patty (Tullar) Bailey. He was born in Oswego county, New York, November 7, 1819. His father was a preacher in the Christian Church, and as he was a man of only lim- ited means, Martin worked for other par- ties during the summer and attended school during the winter seasons. At the age of twenty he commenced teach- ing, and taught thirteen winter terms. In 1845 he emigrated to Illinois, where, in 1847, he married Miss Mary A. Clark, a native of Vermont, and in 1853 came to . Iowa and settled in Black Hawk county. In 1854 he was elected clerk of the court and served one year. When the county seat was removed from Cedar Falls to Waterloo he resigned the office, and was employed in Andrew Mullarky's store one year. He then engaged in general mer- chandising at New Hartford. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have had five children, two now living -- Celia and Datus.

SALOONS.

Butler Center in its palmy days had its share of drinking places, and those who patronized the same. Upon the principle that a town to build up and secure trade must furnish the necessary inducements, these places were allowed free course, as a general thing, and carried on the busi- ness without molestation,

The first place of this order was opened during the war, by Bennett & Embody. They were followed by Jolin Court, who added to the business a billiard hall. Then came James Evans, Crandall and others.

There being at times three such places in the village

The true sentiment of the people has been recently manifested at the polls- Jefferson township giving four majority for the amendment.

No saloon has been in the village since the removal of the county seat.

1 EDUCATIONAL.

The first school was taught by Alzina Waters, in the Lewis building. Martha Niece afterward taught in the house built by Enoch George, and "boarded 'round." There is now in the district containing Butler Center a good school building, the pupils .being under the efficient manage- ment of Misses Ella and Margaret Mul- larky. The former is a graduate of the Normal School at Cedar Falls. There are fifty-five pupils; an average attendance of about forty-five. Including this school house there are six school buildings in Jefferson township.

FIRST THINGS.

Wm. Wright was the first blacksmith.

Nathan Olmstead preached the first sermon in the saw-mill, in 1856.

Charles Stewart, with Andrew Mullarky as chief proprietor, erected the first saw- mill, which was propelled by steam, and "raised" on the 5th day of May, 1856, and by whom it was controlled for four or five years, when it went into the hands of other parties, who conducted the business a number of years, until Yoder & Allen removed the machinery to Cerro Gordo county. The building was then used by Sam Williams for a stable. At length

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

I. W. Camp bought it for taxes, when it was torn down.

The first burial in the cemetery, located one mile east of the town, was that of Jane Stewart, daughter of Chas. Stewart, in the summer of 1857. The next was John Stewart, son of the same party, about ten days afterward. The next was Freddie Santee, son of Joe Santee, within two weeks of the last named, and soon after, a child of Adam Conn.

The first boy born in the village was a son to Martin Bailey.

The first justice of the peace was H. H. Margretz.

POST OFFICE.

The Butler Center post office was estab- lished in 1856, mail being received by car- rier by way of Cedar Falls, once a week. The first postmaster was H. H. Mar- gretz, followed by Hugh Mullarkey, W. A. Lathrop, J. H. Plater and H. N. Walker, the present incumbent. It was made a money order office in July, 1875, Geo. M. Craig purchasing the first order, in favor of S. T. McMoran, Saint Paris, Ohio, for $40.00. The first money paid was to R. L. Chase, order issued at Green, Iowa, for $25.64. In 1871, a daily mail was had on the Waverly route by way of Clarksville, afterward by way of Shell Rock. A week- ly mail was also received from Parkers- burg for two or three years, then tri-week- ly and afterward, daily. On the present route from Parkersburg to Allison, there is a daily mail, and a tri-weekly mail from Willoughby.

Butler Centre has now but one store, the business being conducted by H. N.

Walker, and one blacksmith shop, the proprietor being John McCarty.

H. N. Walker, the postmaster and store- keeper, is an honest, upright gentleman, social with everybody, courteous to all, whose removal would prove a public cal- amity. He purchased the business of H. C. Plater, in 1871. He has had several different persons associated as partners at different times, until 1878, since whichi time he has conducted the business alone. He was appointed postmaster in 1871. Mr. Walker was born in Vermont, Janu- ary 17, 1830. His parents, Reuben and Lydia (Miller) Walker, were also native's of said State. He was brought up on a . farm in the Green Mountain State, where he remained until 1865, when he came to Iowa and engaged in the dairy business at Dubuque until he came to Butler Center. In 1869 he married Miss Caroline French, of Vermont, a native of Pennsylvania. They now have six children-Viola, Lydia, Minnie, Lottie, Abbie and Charles.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This church was organized at But- ler Center in 1873, by Rev. William Smith, although services had occasionally been held for years previous to this. The first members were, James Barlow and wife, James Hunter and wife, W. C. Thompson and wife, Mrs. B. J. Merrill, Miss Emma Tompkins, James Robbins and wife, Duncan McGregor and wife, and Duncan Stewart and wife. Rev. W. Smith was succeeded, in 1875, by Rev. John Gourley. The society now has a membership of about twenty-five. Meet- ings have always been held at the court house.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Rev. Richard Merrill, an active and earnest worker in this church, an early settler in Butler county, was county super- intendent of schools for a number of years, and is noticed at length in the chapter on that subject.

There has been an organized Sabbath school in Butler Center since about 1864. The first superintendent was George M. Craig, now of Allison. At present there are about forty members of the school, and an average attendance of about twenty-five.

CHAPTER XXVII.

MADISON TOWNSHIP.

This township lies in the western tier of Butler county. On the west lies Frank- lin county, and the township of Pittsford on the north, Ripley on the east, and Washington on the south. It is a full congressional township, embracing town- ship 91, range 18, containing an area of about 23,040 acres.

The surface of Madison is a rolling prairie. The soil consists of a rich, dark loam, although in places it is inclined to be sandy. The supply of water is very good. There is also a great deal of excel- lent grass land, and stock raising is carried on very profitably. Through portions of the township, pass the streams of West Fork, Dutchman's Creek and Main's Creek. The valleys of these streams are low and rich, with sandy beds. The timber supply is limited, being mostly confined to Bear Grove.

There are no villages or railroad stations within the limits of the township, and the

marketing points are mostly Aplington, Ackley and Dumont. The farmers devote most of their attention to raising corn, wheat, oats and stock. There are many good pieces of land yet for sale in the township, and Madison will be an excel- lent farming township when fully devel- oped. The population of Madison, ac- cording to the census of 1880, was 473. The assessed valuation of personal prop- erty is $25,511; of lands, $120,521.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

To learn with any degree of accuracy the first actual settler of a locality that has been settled for a generation is a more difficult task than would be imagined by one who has never undertaken it, for no matter how authentic the source of infor- mation, or how conclusive the evidence brought to bear, there will be some one who will emphatically deny the assertion and bring up another candidate for patri-

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

archal honors. It is best, as a rule, in or- der to avoid any misunderstanding or any chance for dispute, to adopt the order of arrivals, as near as can be ascertained, and - the reader can select a first settler to his notion. In the language of Mark Twain, yon can "read the facts and take your choice."

The settlement of Madison began in 1854, and the first to put in an appearance for the purpose of making a permanent home was undoubtedly Nicholas Hart- graves, a native of North Carolina. He came to Iowa from Indiana in 1844. In 1852 he came to Butler county and stopped at Beaver Grove, where he remained for two years. In 1854 he pushed his way farther westward and settled in what is now Madison township, on section 17, his present home.

In 1855 Noah Hartgraves, a brother to Nicholas, arrived in Madison, and planted his stakes adjoining his brother, on section 18. He remained here for five or six years, when he moved to Tama county. He is at present living in Osceola county.

A little later in 1855, two more pioneers in search of a home, settled in what is now Madison. They were Ephraim Hizenton and his son, William, from Illinois. Wil- liam took a claim on section 14, and erected a cabin. In 1858 he died of hydrophobia. The father made a claim on section 15, but did not prove up. He lived on his son's place for a few years, when he removed to Beaver Creek, where he died in 1880.

During the same year-1855 -- William Mason and Fred Moffatt, natives of Eng- land, came here from Massachusetts. Mr. Mason claimed the south half of section 24, and Mr. Moffatt the south half of section

13. In 1866 they traded their property for a woolen mill at Cedar Falls.

Abijah Stacy, a native of Indiana, moved here from Johnson county, Iowa, in the spring of 1855. In the following Novem- ber, death called him from all earthly labors.

In 1857 Jacob Yost settled on section 16, and remained for a few years. He is now living in Ripley.

Peter Coyle, a native of the loved Emer- ald Isle, came here in 1858, from Illinois, accompanied by his son-in-law, Thomas Gallagher, and wife. They came with ox- teams, the trip taking about two weeks. Peter Coyle settled on section 10, remain- ing there until 1875, when he removed to Ackley, his present home. He was a prom- inent man in public affairs, and for many years was chairman of the board of county supervisors. His son, Edward, now lives on the old homestead.

Thomas Gallagher is now living on sec- tion 9. His wife died on November 27, 1872, and left many sincere friends and relatives, who mourn her loss.

James Wilkerson, an Englishman, came here in 1856, and settled upon a farm, on section sixteen, where he remained for. about two years, when he removed to Han- cock county.

After this, settlement was slow for a number of years, but it revived again after the war. In 1865, a number came from Wisconsin, among whom were Amos E. Hartson, Samuel B. Gordon and Solo- mon Harvey. Hartson was a native of Pennsylvania, and settled in his present home, on section seventeen. Samnel and Thomas Smith were also natives of the same State. Samuel located on section

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

two. He died in 1871, at the residence of Solomon Harvey. Thomas located on sec- tion seventeen, and in 1881 removed to Wright county. Gordon was a native of the same State; he found a home on section twenty, where he remained until 1876, when he removed to Turner county, D. T. Solomon Harvey was a Vermonter. He made a claim on section sixteen, where he continued until 1875, when he removed to his present home in Ackley.

In 1867, Walcott Watson, a native of Connecticut, moved here from Wisconsin, and settled on section twenty-one, where he still "holds the fort."

Elisha Scott also came at an early day, but has since moved from the township and county. At last accounts he was liv- ing in Nebraska.

HISTORICAL ITEMS.

- The first birth in Madison occurred March 1, 1855, a son, Marion, to Nicholas and Sophia Hartgraves. He is now living in Kansas.

The next birth was on the 26th of No- vember, 1856, a daughter, Melinda, to the same parents. In. December, 1878, she married James. Harris. . They are now liv- ing in Keokuk county. .

Richard Mertersburg Hartgraves was born July 9, 1858.

The first marriage ceremony in Madison was performed in 1860 by Peter Coyle, at his house, and joined in marriage Elisha Scott and Miss Sally Taylor. It is said that a wedding party had been arranged, a dinner prepared, guests invited, and everything was in order for a good time. When the time arrived a sister of the bride, who was opposed to the match, per-

suaded her not to go to the wedding. The guests, together with the minister who had been selected, met at the appointed place and hour; but as there was no bride the dinner was eaten and the party dis- persed. One of the neighbors went to scc the girl and persuaded her to change her mind. In the afternoon she met her affi- anced, and together they proceeded to Jus- tice Coyle's, where they were made one. Nine years later she was drowned in the West Fork while attempting to cross the river at the time of high water. Her hus- band was with her, but escaped.

The first death occurred in November, - 1855, and Abijah Stacy quietly passed away. He was buried at Beaver Grove without any funeral services. His widow, at last account, was in Wisconsin.

OHIO STOCK FARM.

Some years ago, a stock company was formed in Ohio, under the caption of the Ohio Stock Breeding Association, the par- ties being John K. Green, of Cincinnati, Judge R. W. Musgrave, and Luther A. Hall, of Tiffin City, Dr. George Sprague and others. The company purchased, through Dr. 'Sprague, the originator of the concern, 6,000 acres of land, mostly lying in Madison township. He came here at an early day, importing with him a splendid herd of Short Horn cattle. The affair was not a success as the country was not far enough advanced to support such an enterprise. Sprague struggled man- fully for a time, but finally gave up and the land was divided among the stockhold- ers. He retained some and J. K. Green got about 3,700 acres. Dr. Sprague, after giving up this idea, removed to Des Moines

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

and started the Iowa Homestead, a farm journal of wide reputation and a success- ful paper. He is still at the head of it, which, with the help of his sons, is making just what the farmers of Iowa are in need of.

ORGANIC.

Prior to its organization as a separate township, Madison composed a part of Ripley, and remained as such from 1855 to 1860. In 1860 it was set off by Judge Converse, and ordered organized. The name of Madison was proposed by Peter Coyle, and it was ratified by a meeting of the citizens.

The first meeting for the election of officers was held at Jacob Yost's house, on section 16, and the following were chosen: Dr. George Sprague, Peter Coyle, trustees; Peter Coyle, justice of the peace; Peter Coyle, assessor. Jacob Yost held some office, but it has been forgotten.

The town matters have been managed in a satisfactory manner. They have no hall, but meetings are held at the school house of District No. 4, on section 17.

Among those who have been prominent in township government, and have held office at various times, are the following: T. W. Smith, Solomon Harvey, J. O. Slade, Jas. Baker, Walcott Watson, Edward Coyle, A. E. Hartson, A. B. Watson.

At the election held in November, 1882, the following officers were elected: G. R. D. Kramer, M. Kirby, justices of the peace; B. J. Ruiter, town clerk; J. Ben- nett, R. Hartgraves, constables; A. E. Hartson, assessor; John Kirby, trustee.

RELIGIOUS.

The first Catholic services held in the township were held in 1865, at the house of Peter Coyle, and presided over by Father Shields, of Waverly. A child of John Cunningham was baptized at the time. Quite a number of meetings were subsequently held at the same place.

The Methodists, in 1867, held services in the school house of District No. 4. The first to officiate was Rev. Captain Williams, of Ackley, who was also an auctioneer. No organization was attempted at this time. In 1871 a society organization was effected by Elder Wakely, with a small membership. The following are among the ministers who have officiated here: Revs. Bargelt, Bodgett, Smith, Murphy, Cooley and Sproul.

A Sabbath school was organized in the summer of 1867, with N. R. Carpenter as superintendent. This school was continued for a year or more,

In the summer of 1882, a school was again started with about thirty scholars. Miss Aggie McMurray, a teacher in District No. 4, was superintendent.

EDUCATIONAL.

The first school house in the township was erected in 1860, on section 14, in Dis- trict No. 1. The old school house was moved away in 1870, and in 1872 a board shanty was erected, in which one or two terms of school were held. The present school house was built in 1873, at a cost of about $400. It is located in the south- western part of section 13. Miss Carpen- ter was the first teacher in the township. In 1868 District No. 2 was organized, and a school house erected, on section 16, at a

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 71

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