History of Cass County, Iowa; together with sketches of its towns, villages, and townships; educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of old settlers and representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, and a brief review of its civil, political, and military history, Part 41

Author: Continental Historical Company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 918


USA > Iowa > Cass County > History of Cass County, Iowa; together with sketches of its towns, villages, and townships; educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of old settlers and representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, and a brief review of its civil, political, and military history > Part 41


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None of these three appear upon the records of the county, but have been gathered either from the parties interested or their friends and neighbors.


The first that appears to have been made a matter of entry, and which has been preserved, was that of William Por- ter to Catharine Pickett. License was granted in accordance with the law of the State, on the 13th of August, 1855, and they were united in wedlock on the day following by his honor, W. N. Dick- erson, the County Judge.


The next was the license issned to James Adkins and Elizabeth A. Lookabill, on the 31st of August, 1855.


312 HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.


Licenses, during the year 1856, were is- sued to the following parties:


John Dyer and Mary Porter, February 4th. They were married by W. H. Dick- erson, the County Judge on the 6th of the same month.


E. V. Smith and Julia L. Knowland, February 27th.


Asahel B. Davis and Emma Roe, March 18th, married the same day by Rev. J. S. Rand.


Allen J. MeCarty and Nancy Ann Bren- ton, March 14th. John Erwin, a justice of the peace, performed the nuptial cere- mony.


D. J. Smith and Mary A. Fansler, April Ist. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Bowater Bales.


Clarence Porter and Polly Pickett, July 2d. The were married by W. N. Dicker- son, County Judge.


Edward Gingrey and Almira Donar; July 27. J. W. Brinkerhoff, J. P., per- formed the rite.


IIudson Reynolds and Martha E. Chap- man, September 15th. Rev. J. S. Rand certifies that he performed the ceremony.


Robert F. Kirk and Lucy F. Lock wood, October 12. Married by Rev. Bowater Bales.


G. E. Haycook and Zereula M. IIedges, October 25th. United by the same party.


Morris Albough and Lucy Ann Brad- shaw, October 10th. Judge Dickerson performed the ceremony.


Elya L. Pearson and Adeline M. Brink- erhoff, December 27th. Married by J. W. Brinkerhoff, J. P.


This comprises all the licenses issued


during the year 1856. In 1857 licenses were issued as follows:


To William Bryan and Helen Porter, February 10th. Married by E. W. Dav- enport, acting County Judge.


Frank Nortman and Catharine Stoodt, January 26th. Married on the 22d of the following month, by P. Kanawyer, J. P.


Alexander Kenaney and Susan Stewart, August 30. Married by Rev. Bowater Bales.


Amasa Chapman and Amanda Dyer, August 7th. Married by G. B. Hitch- cock.


Henry Pappe and Sarah J. M. Porter, October 6th. Married by George B. Hitch- cock. .


James Duncan and Emily Fansler, No- vember 26th. Married by Judge Lorah.


George M. Elsey and Adamantine Little- field, December 1st. Rev. J. M. Rust performed the ceremony.


Reuben Goucher and Catherine Settzer, December 2d. Married by John Irvin, J. P.


Albert Wakefield and Ellen North- graves, December 31st. Married by R. D. McGeehon, J. P.


In 1858 licenses were issued to the fol- lowing parties:


Henry L. Bradshaw and Mary E. Long, April 5. Married by H. Smith, J. P.


Cyrus Baughman and Ruth A. Clark, April 2.


Simeon Fees and Fannie Alexander, May 3d.


George Conrad and Elizabeth Doner, June 2d.


William Chapman and Elizabetlı Dyer, August 8th.


"'IX


D & Kellogg,


Sarah & Kellogg


/


317


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.


James Baxter and Euphemia Richard- son, August 12th.


Henry Wormington and Hannah Hop- ley, August 18th.


John B. Carey and Mary C. J. Cross- thwait, December 19th.


George I. Turner and IIannah Mahan, December 2d.


In 1859 licenses were issued to the fol- lowing:


Joseph Everly and Adelia Page, May 10th.


David Robinson and Mary E. Clark, August 16.


Nelson Ball and Mary E. Judd, Aug- ust 3.


Daniel Palmer and Sophia Morris, Sep- tember 8.


Nehemiah C. Moffett and Sarah I. Lit- tlefield, October 6.


John A. Smith and Martha Morris, No- vember 3.


Ozro Stout and Esther J. Lorah, No- vember 8.


Licenses were issued in 1850 to the fol- lowing couples, who were duly joined in the bonds of matrimony:


Otis Hardenberg and Margaret IIopley. Jolin E. McConnell and Mary Early.


John W. Brown and Nancy A. Cannon. Lewis Beason and Augusta Wooster. B. J. Walters and Mattie Douther. Frederick Merrihew and Hannah Smith. Terry Landers and Phoebe Phipps.


John Whitney and Louisa M. Page.


Joseph Porter and Hester E. Atwood. Lorenzo Teague and Susannah String- ham.


William S. Reynolds and Arabella L. Macomber.


Jacob Neth and Louisa Worth.


William McMillan and Laomia Teagne. Andrew Barenger and Mrs. Philena Gronshaw.


The following table shows the number of marriages contracted from the year 1854 to 1883 inclusive:


1853 1


1870


54


1854


3


1871


58


1855


2


1872


63


1856


12


1873


80


1857


8


1874


117


1858


9


1875


149


1859


7


1876


143


1860


14


1877


140


1861


15


1878


154


1862


13


1879


158


1863


12


1880


18t


1864


22


1881


189


1865


17


1883 200


1866


27


1883 .198


1867


30


1868


29


1869


34


Total. .2,139


A glance at the foregoing figures shows conclusively that the matrimonial market is affected by tlre state of the times. In 1854, and for the first few years the coun- ty was too sparsely settled to furnish any indication of it. In 1858 banks suspended and a season of depression set in, and there were fewer marriages contracted for several years, although this county was not visibly affected until 1860, when there were only a few marriages. Again, in 1875, hard times caused a visible decrease in this respect. The war, too, caused a falling off in the number of marriages an- nually contracted, but in 1864 and 1866, when the boys in blue came home, there were larger numbers of licenses issued by the county clerk than in any prior years.


FINANCIAL.


The following will show the value of the taxable property and amount of tax levied each year, from 1872 - to 1884. Prior to that time the reports are not accessible:


21


318


IHISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.


1872.


Lands.


$2, 469, 812


Town property.


249, 254


Personal property 715, 376


Total valuation of the county ... $3, 434, 442 Total tax levied. 87, 689.46.


1873.


Lands exclusive of town property,


acres.


.359, 425


Value of lands.


$2. 517, 866


Town properly.


217,279


Personal property


427,596


Railroad property in the county


241,736


Total valuation of the county.


$3, 404, 477


Total tax levied


93,695.62


1874.


Lands in county exclusive of towns,


acres. 359, 425


Value of farm lands $2.544, 699


Value of town property 197,146


Value of personalty.


454, 626


Value of railroad property


282,941


Valuc of telegraph lines.


6,232


Total valuation of the county ..


$3, 485, 641


Total tax 1.vied.


100,933.25'


1875.


Value of farm lands.


$2, 842, 155


Value of town properly 257,324


Value of personaly. 541, 238


Value of ra lroad property.


293, 929


Value of telegraph property


9,188


Total valuation of county


$3,913,834


Total tax levied.


108,541.69


1876.


Land exclusive of town property,


acres. 360,648


Value of farm lands. $2, 842, 155


Value of town property. 271,295


Value of personal property


679, 374


Value of railroad property


315, 905


Total valuation. ..


$4,087, 431


Total tax levied.


117, 842.09


1877.


Land exclusive of town property,


acres ..


.358, 893


Value of land.


$3,009,293


Value of town property.


313,919


Value of railroad properly.


310, 411


Valueof persoually ...


610,837


Value of telegraph property


1,165


Total valuation of county


$4,245,625


Total tax levied.


118,366.58


1878.


Value of lands exclusive of towns.


$3, 006,460


Value of town property.


320,390


Value of personal property


590, 845


Value of railroad property.


302,280


Total valuation as assesscd.


.$4, 219, 975


Tax levied


116,542.10


1879.


Lands exclusive of town property.


acres.


360, 237


Value of land. $3,083, 663


Value of personal property 975, 313


Value of town property.


514, 617


Value of railroad property.


335,012


Total valuation as assessed


$4, 908, 605


Total tax levied including rail-


road tax.


154, 195.41


1880.


Land exclusive of town lots, acres. .. 359, 940


Value of land.


$3, 608, 096


Value of town property 566,709


Value of personal property.


974,895


Value of railroad property.


346, 000


Total valuation of county.


$5,495, 700


Exemption for trees planted, $118, 335


Tax levied.


124, 774.30


1881.


Lands, exclusive of town property,


acres.


.358,964


Value of land $3,953.943


Value of town lots 657,956


Value of personal property.


919,748


Value of railroad property


401,763


Total valuation of county


$ 5,933,310


Total tax levied.


130,756.94


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.


319


1882.


Landa exclusive of town property,


acres.


.358, 964


Value of land.


$3,465, 265


Value of town property.


577,184


Value of personal property


1,011,600


Value of railroad property.


401, 762


Total value of county


$5,455, 811


Tax levied


151, 754.84


Tree exemptiona.


$1,153.83


1883.


Landa, farm property, acres.


356, 799


Value of lauds.


$4,843, 395


Value of town property


917.245


Value of railroad property


392, 148


Value of personal property


996, 722


Total value of county.


$7.149.510


Total tax levied.


.224, 150.80


1884.


Landa exclusive of town lota, acres. . . 356, 799 Value of linds. $4,843, 395


Value of town lots: -


Atlantic


.$678.785


Anita.


81, 330


Lewis.


62, 186


Griswold ..


45,447


Grove City ..


3,450


Marne 23, 565


Wiota


18,285


Lorah


1,413


Reno


2,984


917,445


Value of railroad property.


385. 281


Value of personality, including stock, 1, 006, 001


Total assessed value of county. .. $7, 152, 122 Exemptions for trees planted $38,069


STOCK.


0


As it might be of interest to note the. growth of the stock interests of the county, the following tables are given, as taken from the records in the auditor's office:


1873.


8,566 cattle assessed in county, value, $


24,110


4 266 lioraea,


84, 655


305 mules,


8,981


807 sheep,



607


11,812 swine, “


14,765


Value of stock assessed.


$


133.118


1874.


11,128 cattle assessed in county, value, $ 122, 323


5,129 horses,


115,663


377 mnles,


12,903


539 sheep,


402


13,325 swine, “


16, 232


Value of stock assessed


$267,523


1876.


13,427 cattle


$166,876


6,786 horses


155,482


635 mulea.


21,050


995 sheep. .


1,000


13,594 swine


19,464


Value of stock, as assessed.


$


363, 872


1877.


12,126 cattle


$141, 523


7, 084 horses. 161,077


. 750 mules.


23, 636


1 511 sheep


1,6:9


19,114 swine.


23,139


Total value of live stock


$350, 904


1878.


19,186 cattle, assessed at.


.$131, 268


7 579 horses,


170,507


741 mules,


23,036


1,403 sheep,


1,406


28,530 awine,


34, 491


Total value of live stock


$360,708


1879.


12,353 cattle, assessed at. $192,117


7 398 borses, 275,537


754 mules,


36, 348


1 366 sheep.


1,847


34,875 swine,


64, 543


Total value of live stock.


$570, 392


..


320


IIISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.


1880.


15.066 cattle, assessed at. $238, 492


7.622 horses,


270,220


832 mules,


39,541


995 sheep,


1,438


34,253 swine,


64,447


Total value of stock. $614, 138


1881.


19,452 cattle, valued at $262,266


8.045 horses,


215,965


805 mules,. .€


26,278


1.707 sheep,


2,39%


31,173 swine,


62,372


Value of live stock. $569,273


1882.


21,853 cattle, valued at. $288, 419


8,503 horses,


228, 957


884 uiules,


27,928


2,191 sheep,


3,026


33,456 swine,


62,659


Value of live stock. $610,989


1883.


22,936 cattle, assessed at. $308, 726


8 618 horses, ..


218,716


859 mules,


26,578


2,169 sheep,


3,463


31,185 swine,


79, 183


Total value of live stock $636,666


1884.


21,504 cattle, assessed at $277,926


9,072 horses,


234, 006


906 mules,


27,692


2.546 sheep, assessed at.


3,425


30,302 swine,


67,058


Total value of stock assessed.


.$610, 107


REGISTRY OF DEEDS.


The first deed filed for record upon the books of the county, bears the date of June 17, 1853, and was executed by Fran- cis E. Ball and Ilarriet Ball, and conveyed the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 8, in township 75, range 37, (Cass) to Stephen Carey. The tract contained forty acres, and the considera- tion therefor was $300. This instrument was acknowledged before C. E. Wood- ward, the same date as executed and filed for record.


There are now forty-eight books of deed records covering both farm and town pro- perty. There are, also, ninety-four books of miscellaneous records, among which are those for the mortgages, chattel mort- gages, indexes, etc. The whole number of books in the office are 143, and are ar- ranged in most excellent order in a large, light and well ventilated vault.


The first entry of land appears to have been made by Jeremiah Bradshaw, upon the 20th of May, 1853, and covered the northwest quarter of section 9, township 75, range 35.


321


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.


CHAPTER IX.


POLITICAL.


In this chapter it is the design to pre- sent all the items of interest connected with the political history of Cass county, the principal issues which occupied the attention of the people during the vari- ous campaigns since the organization of the county, both local and general, so far as it is possible, and following this a com- plete abstract of the votes cast at each election, drawn from the official sources. There is always a fascinating interest man- ifested in the political history of a Na- tion, State or country, and especially is this true in a free land, where, in the eyes of the law, all are upon an equality; where it has been shown that even the humblest-the rail-splitter or the tow- path boy-can attain the highest honor - that can be bestowed upon an American citizen. We delight to see merit reward- ed; we are pleased with the onward pro- gress of one from the lower walks of life, as step by step he mounts the ladder of fame. Even if we do not reach the high- est pinnacle, ourselves, we may flatter ourselves that our children may attain it, and thus rest happy in the conclusion.


There is an excitement about a political campaign which all enjoy, and, although to the disgrace of the party using it, per- sonalities are often indulged in, as a gen- eral thing all yield gracefully to the ver-


diet of the people, and submit themselves unto "the powers that be." This is as it should be, and speaks well for the Ameri- can people.


It is the intention to sketch, at as much length as space will admit, the issues of each campaign both large and small. As a general thing, the local complexion of every campaign in this county, has hinged on the comparative merits of the indi- vidual, and, the main or local questions that arise in all communities, only to be lost in the oblivion of years. The Demo- cratic party being in late years particular- ly, in the minority, their chief reliance has been, in all county matters, to join forces with the independent voter, and the disgruntled Republicans, and support- ing either candidates of their own or such as chose to run independent of party lines. Following this resume will be found the abstract of the official vote at every elec- tion, of which record can be found.


The first election was held the first Monday in April, 1853, at "Bradshaw's store" at Indiantown as provided by the Act of Assembly. No official record of the election is to be found in any of the county offices; nor are any poll books to be found. The earliest record kept by the county judge, J. W. Benedict, is not to be found in the county auditor's office,


322


IHISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.


and as it was not more than a hat would accommodate, it is presumed that Bene- dict took it away with him when he left the county, a number of years ago.


The records of the vote of the county, are very incomplete, and at this late day, it is impossible to obtain any information in regard to it that will bear upon its face, any indications of accuracy.


The first election of which there is any record upon the books of the county, was that which took place in the month of June, 1858. This was on the question of establishing a general banking law in the State, and on the institution of a State Bank. But one hundred and forty-three ballots were cast in Cass county, the ma- jority being in favor of both measures.


The election of 1858, was for State offi- cers, member of congress, judge of the district court, district attorney and others. But little enthusiasm prevaded, and the election passed off quietly. The principal contest was over the office of clerk of the district court, E. W. Hen- derson, however, having a majority of 12 over his opponent, A. A. Burnham, on a final canvass of the votes.


In the fall of 1859, there were both 'State and county officers to be elected, and the contest was sbarp in Cass county. Samuel J. Kirkwood was the Republican, and Augustus C. Dodge, the Democratic candidate for governor. Mr. Kirkwood, afterwards known as "Towa's War Gov- ernor," received a majority of twenty- seven in the county, out of a total vote of 331. Henry Temple, the Republican can- didate for county judge, W. S. Newlon, for county superintendent, Samuel Whis- ler for drainage commissioner, and A. J.


Osborn for surveyor, were elected by small majorities, the democrats capturing the other offices of sheriff, and treasurer and recorder.


The country was now becoming deeply moved over questions which stirred the popular heart as none had ever done be- fore. The storm which had been gather. ing ever since the repeal of the Missouri Compromise; the struggles in Kansas, had deeply intensified the feeling of the peo- ple of the North, and John Brown's at- tempt upon Harper's Ferry had been skillfully managed, so as to arouse the fury of the people of the South. That the Territories of the United States should be forever consecrated to freedom was the solemn determination of a large ma- jority of the people of the North and that the boundaries of the institution of sla- very should not be further enlarged. The South, seeking the perpetuation of the in- stitution of slavery, by means of enlarged political power, determined that its terri- tory should not be restricted, but should be extended. The questions dividing parties were chiefly sectional, and pointed directly to war. At this stage of public sentiment, the republican party met in national convention at Chicago, for the purpose of placing in the field candidates for the office of president and vice-pres- ident. The names of Seward, Lincoln, Chase, Blair and Bates were proposed for the chief office. In the convention it was plain to see who was the favorite of the lookers-on. Every mention of Lincoln's name was received with cheer after cheer. Three ballots were taken. On the last, Mr. Lincoln received a majority of the whole number of votes, and was made the


323


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.


unanimous choice of the convention, amidst the most intense excitement. Ilan- nibal Ilamlin, of Maine, was selected as the candidate for vice-president.


The Democratic National Convention met at Charleston, South Carolina, April 23, 1861. The friends of Stephen A. Douglas were active in nrging his claims to the nomination for the presidency, the delegates from the Northern States being instructed to use all honorable means to attain that end. Ilis claims were stoutly contested by the leaders of the democracy of the South, and it was evident some time before the convention assembled, that it would be difficult to come to an agreement, especially as the rule of the Democratic national conventions required a two-thirds vote to nominate. The convention re- mained in session ten days, at the expira- tion of which time no nominations were made. After taking fifty-seven ballots, it was found impossible for any candidate to receive a two-thirds vote of the entire body, as many Southern delegates had withdrawn. An adjournment to Balti- more, June 19th, was agreed upon. The convention met pursuant to adjournment; but even here no agreement could be reached between the factions. After a six day's meeting, Stephen A. Donglas was nominated for president, and Bonja- min Fitzpatrick, of Alabama, for vice- president. The nomination of Douglas was received with great enthusiasm in the North. Mr. Fitzpatrick declining, Her- schel V. Johnson, of Georgia, was sub- stituted, and be accepted the nomination.


That portion of the Democratic conven- tion which seceded, held a convention, June 23d, and nominated John C. Breck.


enridge, of Kentucky, for president, and Joseph Lane, of Oregon, for vice-presi- dent. A "Union" convention was also held, at which John Bell, of Tennessee, was nominated for president, and Edward Everett, of Massachusetts, for vice-pres- ident.


With four presidential candidates in the field, the exciting questions growing out of the institution of slavery, and the threats of secession by a portion of the South, in the event of the election of Lin- coln, tended to make the campaign one of great excitement. "Wide-Awake" clubs, on the part of the republicans, and organ- izations of "Hickory Boys" on the part of Donglas democrats, tended to increase the excitement. Large and enthusiastic meetings were held by each party, in all the leading towns and cities throughout the land, and in many of the smaller vil- lages. The names of the "Rail-Splitter," and the "Little-Giant," became house- hold words, and evoked the greatest en- thusiasm.


The Republican State Convention of Iowa met in Iowa City, May 23d, nomin- ated a State ticket, adopted a platform in harmony with the action of the national convention at Chicago, endorsed its nom- inations, and favored rigid economy in State matters. The Democratic conven- tion met at Des Moines, July 12th, nomin- ated a State ticket and passed resolutions endorsing Douglas and Johnson. The "Union" ticket was strongly condemned.


In Cass county the feeling ran high, and the contest was warmly fought by both parties. There was but one county officer to be elected-clerk of the courts- consequently there was little to detract


.


324


HISTORY OF.CASS COUNTY.


from the great national issues. For Pres- ident, Lincoln received a majority of twenty-six, and the whole Republican ticket range about the same. The total vote was 308. The candidates for the connty office mentioned were William Judd and David A. Barnett, but this lat- ter hinging on purely local issues, and per- sonal popularity, resulted in the election of the latter by a majority of seventeen.


The war for the Union was in progress during the political campaign of 1861, and issues, growing out of the war, were form- ing. The Republicans were first to meet in convention, assembling at Des Moines in July. They put in nomination a State ticket and adopted a platform heartily sup- porting the government in its assertion of the right to coerce, denouncing the doc- trine of secession, maintaining the suprem- acy of the Constitution, and declaring in the most forcible language, that the Re- bellion should be put down at any cost.


The Democratic State Convention pass- ed resolutions also, unequivocally con- demning the action of the seceding States, but declaring it to be the legitimate re- sults of the teaching of the "irrepressible conflict," and also denying in toto the right of the government to perpetuate the Union by force of arms. State sovereignty was endorsed, and the opposite doctrine declared to be fraught with disastrous consequences.


Never, perhaps, in the history of Cass county, was there a more hotly contested election than this. Many of the legal vo- ters were absent in the field and the vote was necessarily light, and S. J. Kirkwood, the Republican nominee for the office of Governor, had in this county, a bare ma-


jority of one, in a total vote of 343. For member of congress, representative and senator in the General Assembly of the State and nearly all of the county offices, the Democrats swept the field in Cass county.


The Union army had met with several reverses during the year 1862, and a gloomy feeling pervaded the minds of the people, having its effect upon the canvass for State officers. The Democrats met in convention at Des Moines, and adopted a platform in which they declared in favor of using all constitutional means for the suppression of the rebellion, and opposed to any scheme of confiscation and emanci- pation; opposed to a suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, declaring the supe- riority of the white over the black race, and opposed to the purchase of the slaves. The Republicans, in their platform adopt- ed at Des Moines, resolved that it was the duty of every man to help maintain the government; condemned the course of secession sympathizers, and asked all fa- vorable to giving the national administra- tion honest support, to co-operate with them. In this county the vote was lighter than usual, and the campaign, to a large 'extent, devoid of much interest. There were two tickets in the field, a regular Re- publican and a People's. Every candi- date on the Republican ticket was elected, receiving a majority of from thirty to forty in a total vote of 178, on the home vote.


The Democracy of the State met in'con- vention at Des Moines, the 8th of July, 1863, and nominated a State ticket. Ques- tions growing out of the conduct of the


325


HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.


war still afforded matter for issue between the parties.


The writ of habeas corpus had been sus- pended by the President; martial law had been declared in some of the States not in rebellion, and the proclamation of emancipation had been issued. These measures the Democracy in convention and by resolution opposed, while the Re- publican convention, which convened June 17th, favored each.


In Cass county the campaign was de- void of interest. There were two tickets in the field, a regular Republican and a People's, and a much larger vote was polled than any time since the presiden- tial election of 1860. The Democrats made no nomination for the office of super- intendent of schools, and G. M. Smith, the sole nominee for that office had the suffrages of both parties. The total vote was about 310.




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