History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 87

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 87
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 87

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).

In 1872 Colvin & Arnold opened a gen- eral stock of merchandise. In 1874 this partnership was dissolved, Mr. Colvin re- maining at the old stand, Mr. Arnold building, and opening a stock of his own. During the spring of 1880, Mr. Colvin closed out his stock, and removed to Plain- field, Bremer county. He is now in Da- kota. After the dissolution of the old firm, Mr. Arnold formed a partnership with Mr. L. L. Hatch. This firm is yet in the trade.

Following them came Duboys Bros., who commenced business in 1878. They re- mained in the trade but a short time, when they made an assignment.

E. M. Haven came, also, about this time. He remains, and carries a general stock.

In 1882 H. A. Wheeler engaged in gen- eral merchandising, and still continues.

The harness trade was first represented by Kocker & Lichty, in August, 1878. This partnership continued until 1879, when Mr. Kocher purchased the interest of his partner and associated with him Mr. Holtz, who remained his partner until 1880, when the interest he represented was purchased by Mr. Kocher, Sr. This establishment is now doing business under the firm name of Kocher & Son.

The next to engage in this line of trade were Hoffman & Laster, from Waverly. They continued here in business about two years, when they removed their stock to Sumner, Bremer county.

Following them were Hultz & Connelly, who commenced business in October, 1880. They were in business but a short time, when C. L. Jones purchased the interest of Mr. Hultz. They are still in the business, under the firm name of Jones & Connelly.

Kocher & Kocher, father and son, deal- crs in hardware, at Bristow, entered into business here in 1879. Jeremiah Kocher was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1822. He removed to Dixon, Lee county, Illinois, in 1856, where he engaged at the trade of carpenter, and came to But- ler county with his family in 1861, set- tling on a farm in Jackson township, three miles west of the village of Clarksville, purchasing the farm of Joseph Crawford, of Dixon, Illinois, continuing on the farm until 1880. He has seven children. John W., a partner with him in the business, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylva- nia, in 1848, and came to Butler county with his father. John W.'s wife was Miss Ida A. Ripsom. They have four children. J. W. Kocher is a tinner by trade and car-

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

ries on that line of business in connection with the hardware trade.

James Connolly, of the firm of Jones & Connolly, hardware dealers, is a native of Wellington county, Canada, where he was born in 1849. He came to Bristow in 1869. He is a blacksmith by trade, and was engaged in that business for ten years previous to engaging in his present busi- ness. His wife is a native of Pennsylva- nia, and a daughter of W. W. Royer, of West Point township. The firm of Jones & Connolly was formed in October, 1881.

Charles L. Jones, of the firm of Jones & Connolly, is one of the early settlers of West Point township. His residence in this county dates from November 27, 1855. He was born in Elmira, Chemung county, New York, in 1836. In 1852 he removed with his father's family to Linn county, this State, and came here !in the fall of 1855, as stated. Mr. Jones purchased a farm of Mr. John Hewitt, on section 30, in this township, and engaged in farming until February, 1864, when he entered the army, as a member of the Second Iowa Cavalry. He served in the army until September, 1865, participating in a num- ber of general engagements. He enlisted as a private, but later, was made sergeant. Mr. Jones resumed farming on his return from the army, which he continued until 1879, when he engaged in the sale of farm machinery, and in the fall of 1880, added the hardware trade to his business. Mrs. Jones, formerly Miss Catherine Hewitt, was a daughter of Mr. Thomas Hewitt. They have four children-William E., Eugene A., Elmer S., and Annie L.

Frank A. Jones, a brother, came several years later, and bought the farm of George

Lash, This was the first farm settled in West Point township; a part of the plat of Bristow is included in this farm. He engaged in farming, and also in keeping hotel. He built the hotel known as the Jones House, in 1878. Another brother, Edward F., came here in 1867, and pur- chased a farm, which he sold in 1872, and removed to Jackson county, Kansas. Mr. Jones' mother died in Marion, Iowa, after which his father, H. Jones, returned to the State of New York, where he died in 1864.

A drug store was opened by D. F. Ells- worth, who remained in the business a short time, going to Dakota in 1881.

John B. Playter established his business in September, 1875. He is a son of Henry J. Playter, was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1855. He was educated at Cornell Col- lege, Iowa. He was married to Miss Mary Betzer, daughter of Peter Betzer, of West Point township. Mr. Playter is a gentle- man of more than ordinary attainments, a careful and competent druggist, and pos- sesses in the highest degree the esteem and confidence of the public.

The first blacksmith shop was opened by Mr. Hepner, who remained until 1865, and went to Cedar Falls. Barnett Neal was next to follow this business. He re- mained about one year. Then came Mr. Wagoner for a short time, when he re- moved to Pittsford township. During this time, 1869, James Connolly, from Canada, opened a shop bnt in 1882 he sold it to G. G. Coonly, who had been in business in another shop since 1876; he is still follow- ing the trade. Henry Underkafer came in 1879 and engaged in the same business which he continues.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

On the 16th of November, 1881, an order was issued by the district court, appointing H. J. Playter, S. B. Uyrick; R. B. Lock- wood, James Connolly and L. L. Hatch, a board of commissioners, to call an election for the purpose of ascertaining the views of the people as to incorporation. An elec- tion was therefore called for the 15th of December, 1881, at which time tlie incor- poration was decided upon, and the follow- lowing officers were, on the 10th of Janu- ary, 1882, elected: Mayor, T. E. Newbury; recorder, W. F. Early; trustees, Wm. Ar- nold, J. W. Kocher, James Connolly, A. H. Hitchcock and S. Gibson; treasurer, J. W. Kocher; marshal, S. Kennison; street commissioner, John Boston. At this elec- tion there was a tie vote for mayor, Mr. Newbury and Mr. Durand each having re- ceived thirty votes. The question was decided by drawing apples from a box, the one drawing the last apple being the successful candidate.

At the annual meeting held on the sixth of April, 1882, the following officers were elected: Mayor, F. E. Newbury; recorder, W. F. Early; trustees, W. B. Dubois, James Connolly; treasurer, C. T. Coonly; assessor, L. L. Hatch; street commissioner, John Boston; marshal, S. Kennison. The recorder left the town shortly after the election, and F. H. Playter was appointed to fill the vacancy.

EDUCATIONAL.

Upon the organization of school districts, Bristow was included in the territory com- prising the entire township. An indepen- dent district was formed, June 26, 1876, and comprised four sections of land-17, 18, 19, and 20. The southeast quarter of

section 13, and the northeast quarter of section 24, of Pittsford township, was an- nexed during the winter of 1881-2, by a special act of the legislature. The first school house, a frame building, 18x24 feet, was erected on the northeast of section 19, on land owned by F. E. Newbury. This building is still used for school purposes.

The second building erected was a structure of more importance, arranged for two departments, and desirable in all its appointments. It cost $2,200, and was completed in 1880: The first school in this building was taught by O. H. Scott, as principal, assisted by Miss Ella Gibson in the primary department. Mary Mellenger taught the school in the old building dur- ing the same time. There was an attend- ance of 41 in the higher department, 34 in the primary, and 25 at the old house, mak- ing a total attendance of 100. School is in running order, in all these departments, the present winter-1883-with Miss Hat- tie Ripson, principal; Miss Jennie Wray, assistant, and Mrs. Ella Gibson in the old building. There is an attendance of 119.

The schools are in a flourishing condi- tion, and the educational facilties of this town speak well for the place.

HOTELS.

"Farmers' Home" was the title of the first place for entertainment in Bristow. This house was opened by George Trindal, in the fall of 1863. He continued as land- lord until 1870, when he sold to Joseph Merrill, and moved on a farm, on section 31, where he still lives. The building is now used as a farm house.

The next hotel was kept by Jolın A. Weeks, in 1865. It was, in part, built of

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

logs, by George Lash, in 1856. Mr. Weeks continued here until 1869, when he moved to Cedar Falls. He now lives in Dakota. He was succeeded by F. A. Jones, who purchased the property, and fed the hungry within its walls until 1878, when he erected a more commodious structure, now called the Jones House. He rented the same to F. A. Newbury, the present proprietor.

The Eagle House was built and opened during the fall of 1878, with E. J. Stoddard as landlord. He continued in the busi- ness until the spring of 1880. He was succeeded by William Refsnider, who re- mained until the fall of 1880, then Stod- dard again had control until 1882, when the house was closed, and is now used as a residence.

F. E. Newbury, who succeeded Mr. Frank Jones as proprietor of the Jones Hotel in Bristow, on March 16, 1881, was born in Kenosha county, Wisconsin, Janu- ary, 1845, where he was brought up. His father, Henry A. Newbury, still resides on the farm where he settled when Wiscon- sin was still a territory. Mr. Newbury was a soldier in the army during the war; enlisting in Company G, Forty-third Wis- consin Infantry, in 1864, and serving until the close of the struggle. He has been a resident of this county since 1867, settling on a farm on section 19, which he still owns. His wife was Sophia Pierce, a daughter of Carleton Pierce, of Kenosha county, Wisconsin, where she was born. They have two children-Henry and Floyd. Mr. Newbury keeps a good hotel, and is a popular landlord.

Among other prominent business men and influential citizens in this thriving

town are S. Kenison, H. A. Wheeler, J. H. Neal, Emmett M. Haven and Robert B. Lockwood.

Dubois & Kenison, lumber dealers in Bristow, are the successors of W. P. Smith, whom they succeeded November 7, 1881. Sevedra Kenison is the son of John Keni- son, who was born in Canada, and re- moved when a young man to Illinois; thence to Alamakee county, in this State; thence to Grundy county, and finally to Butler county, in 1865, settling in West Point township on a farm now owned by Joseph N. Neal. He afterwards removed to Pittsford township, where he resided until his death. His wife is also deceased. They had six children, all of whom are living. Sevedra Kenison was born in Freeport, Illinois, and came to Butler county with his parents, and has been a resident of this county since that time.

Horace A. Wheeler, general merchant at Bristow, commenced business April 22, 1882. Mr. Wheeler was born in Boone county, Illinois, October 14, 1847. He came from Illinois to Butler county in 1872 and purchased a farm in West Point township of L. H. Yamwell, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He sold to Benjamin Bates and engaged in business as above stated. His father is Adam Wheeler, of Clarksville. His wife was Lucy Arnold, born in the State of New York. They have three children-Cora, Harmon, and Leon.

John H. Neal, harness-maker, Bristow, succeeded M. B. Wilson in the fall of 1881. He learned his trade with Mr. Wil- son, who is now . a resident of Wright county, Iowa. Mr. Neal is a son of Joseph N. Neal, of West Point township. He

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

was born in Monroe county, Ohio, in 1857. His wife was Miss Mary Hatch, of Bristow.

Emmett M. Haven, general merchant, of Bristow, established a grocery business here in November, 1879, and engaged in general merchandising in April, 1881. Mr. Haven was born in Illinois, and brought up in Rockford, Floyd county, Iowa. He has always been engaged in his present business, having been for many years a clerk. He first came to But- ler county in 1870, and was a resident of Clarksville for about five years. Mr. Haven keeps a full assortment of general merchandise, has established a good bus- iness, and is having an excellent trade. His wife was Miss Sarah E. Hull, of Jones county, Iowa.

Robert Barrett Lockwood, of Bristow, was born in Durham county, England, in 1816. He resided in London for many years, where he held for some time the position of notary public, and was engaged in the practice of law for many years. He emigrated to the United States in 1857, settling on a farm in Dubuque county, Iowa. He was engaged in the cultivation of his large farm in that county for many years. Mr. Lockwood was a member, for some time, of the board of supervisors, of that county. He came to Butler county in 1875, and again located on a large farm, but has now retired. Mr. Lockwood is a gentleman of good education; has read extensively, and is possessed of much general information. He has twice married; his first wife died in Du- buque county. His present wife was Mrs. Chapline, widow of Charles J. Chapline, a prominent citizen of Dubuque. Mr.

Lockwood has five children, two sons and three daughters. Mrs. Lockwood has three sons by her first marriage.

RELIGIOUS.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized during the summer of 1855, by Rev. Mr. Swearingen, from Clarksville. Among the first members of this class were John Lash and wife, P. Miller, and Mr. and Mrs. George Lash. Rev. Mr. Swear- ingen continued in charge, holding service once every two weeks, until 1857, when Rev. Alva Freeman, from Franklin county, ministered to the spiritual wants of the people, and a parsonage was erected for his use. He remained two years, when he removed to Grundy county. The society was then left without a pastor for some time. Afterward the United Brethren sent Rev. I. Shafer here, who remained for a time. They still have an organiza- tion, with Rev. George Benson as pastor, with a membership of about twenty-five, holding service once every two weeks in the Presbyterian Church.

Rev. George Benson was born in Gen- nesee county, New York, in 1844. When three years old he went with his parents to Wisconsin, where receiving a good com- mon school education, he grew to man- hood. He engaged in the ministry in 1873, and in 1880 came to Bristow. Mr. Benson was married, in April, 1866, to Miss Millie A. Pond. They have two chil- dren, both of whom are members of the United Brethren Church.

The first Presbyterian Church was or- ganized in Jamison's Grove, on the 31st day of October, 1857, and called the Pis- gah Church, which name it still retains.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Rev. Williston Jones, a missionary from Iowa Falls, officiated on this occasion. The original members of this church were: Samuel Armstrong and wife, John A. Staley and wife, Mrs. Susanna Harlan, Henry Myer and wife and their two sons, Henry and Frederick; Mrs. Brotherton, Mrs. Hannah Moore, Mrs. Isabella Jami- son, and Mrs. Diantha Wickham. Lem- uel Armstrong was chosen ruling elder, and the church was connected with the Cedar Valley Presbytery. The first sac- ramental service was observed on the 27th day of December, 1857.

The first death was that of Diantha Wickham, April 18, 1858. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Williston Jones. This pastor officiated twice each month and served the church for two years. On the 1st day of October, 1859, Rev. G. G. Renshaw was sent to admin- ister to the wants of this people. He was in poor health and died in about one year. After this the church was without a pastor for two years. On June 2, 1862, a supply was found in Rev. Richard Merrill, who continued with this people for about six years. He was followed by Rev. George Graham, from Clarksville, and he in turn by Rev. German H. Chaterson on Febru- ary 11, 187 !. Then in June, 1871, came Rev. W. R. Smith. In 1872 this organi- zation consolidated with the church at Butler Center, and both societies were in- corporated as one, under the name of Pis- gah · Church, with the following officers: Francis McGeachy, A. Woodley and Lewis Nelson, trustees; Robert Smith, treasurer; Robert Given, secretary. In 1873 they built a church 42x60 feet, at an expense of $2,400, in the town of Bristow, the young

people of the community donating a bell. The present officers of the church are: Francis McGeachy and Robert Smith, trustees; Charles H. Stewart, secretary and treasurer; James Harlan and William Wray, elders; Rev. John Gourley, pastor. There have been seventy-four members of this church, and at this date (January, 1883) but thirty-six. There was a Sabbath school organized during the spring of 1858 in a log school house located on section 19, with Lemuel Armstrong as superinten- dent and John A. Staley, assistant. After- ward, sessions of this school were held in another larger school house on section 20.

The first Sabbath school of Pisgah church in the town of Bristow, elected William Ray, superintendent; H. J. Play- ter, assistant; George Given, secretary and treasurer; William Smith, librarian. This organization was effected in 1874. There is now an average attendance of forty-five. The following are the officers: J. M. Gra- hamn, superintendent; H. J. Playter, assist- ant; J. W. Dubois, secretary; W. W. Rob- inson, organist.

GOOD TEMPLARS.

The Bristow Lodge, No. 33, I. O. G. T., was instituted March, 1882, under the . di- rection of George Fisher, of Clarksville, with the following charter members: H. J. Playter, Mr. and Mrs. C. T. Coonley, Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Coonley, Mrs. F. H. Playter, F. P. Hurlbut, O. D. Miller, E. L. Turner, Mrs. M. Murphy, Mrs. R. E. Murphy, Lewis Coonley, S. G. Welcher, G. S. Welcher, Mrs. L. L. Hatch, Miss May Hatch and J. H. Neal. The first officers of the order were as follows: C. T. Coonley, W. C. T .; Mrs. L. L. Hatch,

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY. -

W. V. T .; E. L. Turner, W. S .; F. H. Playter, I. W. C. T .; J. H. Neal, W. M .; O. D. Miller, W. F. S .; and Miss May Hatch, W. T. The office of President has been filled one quarter by C. T. Coonley, and two quarters by F. H. Playter. There has been but one death, which occurred in October, 1882-Mrs. G. G. Coonley. The present roll shows sixty-five members, which is the largest number since it has been instituted. The success of the lodge has been very good, far above the average of such societies, and the present condi- tion of affairs is very encouraging.

ODD FELLOWS.

Garfield Lodge, No. 436, I. O. O. F,, was instituted at Bristow, November 17, 1881, by S. G. Blythe, D. D. G. M., with the following charter members: Peter Ebling, Jacob Krebbs, C. H. Wilbur, C. W. Smith and John Cline. Peter Eb- ling was elected N. G .; C. H. Wilbur, V. G .; J. Krebbs, Recording Secretary; W. R. Nichols, Treasurer, and T. M. Early, Permanent Secretary. These gentlemen held their offices until the first of July, 1882. At the election for the second term of 1>82, the same persons were re-elected. The total membership since organization has been 43; the present membership is 42. The lodge has been a success both frater- nally and financially, and is in a prosper- ous and growing condition, having within a year accumulated a fond of $62 for the widows and orphans.

Surfus Post, No. 105, G. A. R. was organized at Bistow, October 18, 1882, by

Horace G. Wolf, Mustering Officer, De- partment of Iowa, with the following charter members: H. J. Playter, William Jay, II. H. Cass, F. E. Newbury, J. A. Fisher, S. W. Ferris, Peter Ebling, T. J. Hart, L. L. Hatch, L. Austin, Isaac Grove, S. B. Myrick, C. L. Jones, G. P. White, J. Davis, A. Moore, C. V. Surfus and C. Coonly. The following officers were duly installed: Lou Austin, P. C .; C. L. Jones, S. V. C .; T. J. Hart, J. V. C .; L. L. Hatch, Adjt .; S. W. Ferris, Q. M .; F. E. Newbury, Surg .; C. V. Surfus, Chap .; Peter Ebling, O. D .; C. T. Coonly, O. G .; James Fisher, S. M .; John Wieks, Q. S. M. Post meets every Wednesday evening in I. O. O. F. hall. The officers for 1883, were the same as those for 1882. The membership January, 1883, is twenty-six, with recruits coming in at nearly every meeting.

PROFESSIONAL.

This vicinity for a number of years was dependent upon Clarksville and Butler Center for medical treatment. Dr. Cline administered to these wants for a short time. He made his home with H. A. Early. The first regular practicing phy- sician locating here was Charles Me- Cormick, of the homeopathic school, who came in 1870, and remained until 1879, when he removed to Kansas. He was followed in professional labor here by E. L. Turner, M. D., who came in 1874, and still remains. In 1881, J. Krebbs, M. D., commenced practice here and still remains.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

MISCELLANEOUS.

This chapter contains a few historical items, too short for a chapter, but of suf- ficient importance to be incorporated in the work.

THE STORM KING.

One of the worst storms in this section of Iowa, swept over the northern part of the county, on the evening and night of the 4th of June, 1878, carrying with it destruction of life and property. The Butler County Press, in speaking of it says: "During the afternoon a licavy black cloud lay in the north, and at about 7 o'clock in the evening a great bank of clouds came sweeping down the country, bringing wind and deluges of water. The wind blew ter- rifically for over an hour, and the rain came in torrents until late in the night. The water in the river rose rapidly. S. Thomas & Co. worked hard all night to secure their machinery. By 9 o'clock the water had reached its highest point, com- ing within about five inches of the high water mark of 1875. John Feyereisen's house, west side, was struck by lightning, and damaged somewhat, but no one was injured. The ice break above the mill was torn away by the angry elements as though it were but a toy; and much dam- age done to minor obstacles. The dam did not go out, but sustained considerable damage.

"West of the village the storm seems to have been still more severe. In Benne- zette township, a house of Levi Sheets was unroofed, and his goods scattered. A granary of W. S. Starkweather was broken in, and about 500 bushels of oats blown away."

One of the saddest results of the storm was the drowning of Elias German and wife. The Greene Press describes the affair as follows: "Their house stood on the Coldwater bottoms of Walnut Grove. The creek rose suddenly and in a very short time was as high as the top of the stove in the room, when an attempt was made to leave the house in a wagon by Mr. German and wife, their two sons, and Andrew Anderson, son- of Nelson Ander- son, of this vicinity. In doing so the road was missed and the wagon upset. The oldest boy swam ashore. The younger swam and caught hold of a trec, when he asked his brother what to do, and was told to throw off his clothing and swim to where he heard his voice, as it was so dark that nothing could be seen. Anderson clung to the wagon box while it floated down some two or three miles, where it lodged and he was rescued the next morn- ing. His escape is considered miraculous, as he could not swim and was subjected to frequent severe immersions during his perilous journey in the dark among the

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY ..

trees and stumps. The neighbors state they heard him crying for help in the night, but were powerless to render him any assistance. He was rescued by means of a raft, and was found to . be all right, though thoroughly chilled from being in the water so long. Mr. German and wife were drowned, and no one can tell of their efforts to escape. The team was also drowned at the same time by becoming entangled in the har- ness. The body of Mrs. German was not found until Monday, and Mr. German's not until some time after."

George Beaver's house was blown down, and catching fire from an overturned stove, burned.

William Lovell's barn was blown to pieces, and two of his horses killed.

John Schimmerhorn lost a valuable horse by a rail being driven into the barn and through the animal.

The top of P. J. Thornton's granary was blown off, and a quantity of grain scattered. W. Thields also lost a lot of grain in the same manner.

A house belonging to a Mr. Berry was blown down in such a manner as to leave him and his wife sitting in their chairs on the floor. The contents of the house were carried off and destroyed.

Philip Lovell's barn, containing eight horses, was blown away. The next morn- ing all of the animals came back to the house uninjured. A wagon tire was blown off the wheel of Mr. Lovell's wagon. These two items are given on good au- thority.

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 87

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