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 80

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 80

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about twenty-three, and Grant, aged about eighteen years. They are sons of James Brown, who owns a fine farm in Benton township, and has lived there probably fifteen years. John Hall, a stout young fellow, whose home was formerly in East- ern Iowa, is aged about twenty-two years; he makes his home with John Millhollen; the latter married a daughter of James Brown, and is therefore a brother-in-law to Frank and Grant Brown. Lloyd Hin- kle, aged twenty-two years, was raised in Andubon county, and makes his home at James Brown's. Jesse Millhollen and his brother John are aged, respectively, about thirty-three and thirty years; both are married, and one of the Millhollen family, who have lived in Cass or adjoin- ing counties for twenty or more years. Robert and George Van Winkle are two more, and Will Northgraves, son of the late Philip Northgraves, an old and re- spected citizen, is still another of the band. Carl Strahl does not live many miles away. The wild and riotous life which the young men herein named have been leading, began in a mild form of fights at elections, disturbing public meet- ings, dispoiling harness, removing ivory rings, etc., and then being accused of these things their passions were aroused for revenge toward their accusers. They are all the time having imaginary griev- ances for which they want to take revenge on everybody. There is a sort of spirit among them which canses them to take advantage of the peaceful disposition of others for the purpose of frightening and terrorizing. Tohave their ill-will for any cause is to endanger life. Many of their neighbors, if not all of them, keep shot

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

guns in their houses, loaded to the muz- zle, and carry shot-guns when they go away from home. James Brown, father of the 'Brown boys,' is a good man, and ought to have raised his sons to a better style of life-and the boys had better settle down while there is yet time. There is but one end to the career they they have started upon-and that is death. They may kill others first, but they will finally get sent to their long home with their boots on. Roll Strahl has already met his death.

"Robert Van Winkle, George Van Winkle and Will Northgraves have left the country, being charged with the Bal- lard robbery, the job being planned by 'Old Knowlton,' who is always away on an 'excursion." It is reported that Carl Strahl has said that his son Roll was killed because he knew who committed the Bal- lard robbery; that Roll took the two Van Winkle boys and Will Northgraves to Des . Moines about a week after the Ballard rob- bery, and that Roll came home driving a very fine pair of matched horses. The theory is that the robbers gave Roll the horses for driving them away. It is also reported that 'Old' Knowlton got three hundred dollars for planning the robbery. It is said that the quilt in which the Bal- lard papers were found in the road after the robbery, has been identified as having been used by one of the Van Winkle boys as a saddle blanket. John Anderson, of

Exira, is also one of the same crowd. He is in jail, accused of burning hay belong- ing to a man by the name of Rogers, and of setting fire to a saloon in Brayton. Del Anderson is a younger brother, and is also a bad citizen.

"Whisky is the first assistant of all these semi-outlaws, and is always called to their aid when they want to raise a rumpus.

"For the good of society, the security of life and property, this outlawry in north- east Cass and southeast Aububon should be suppressed, and suppressed with a whirl, even if desperate means should be required. Men who own farms and pay taxes for the support of the government are entitled to protection,and should have it. The question as to whether a number of 'young bloods' can trample down and terrorize three or four townships of people with impunity, should be settled in the negative, most emphatically.

"James Brown and the other relatives and friends of the Brown boys, and others herein named, many of whom we know to be good men and good citizens, should use their influence toward restoring peace and order on Crooked and Troublesome creeks. They could do much if they would try."

Owing to the sudden and violent ending several of this crowd came to, this vicinity is now ranked among the peaceable and law-abiding communities of this county.

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.'

CHAPTER XXV.

NOBLE TOWNSHIP.

That sub-division of Cass county which is known by the name of Noble township, lies in the south tier, the second from the west line of the county, and is bounded as follows: On the north by Bear Grove, on the east by Edna, on the west by Pleasant, and on the south by Montgom- ery county. It comprises all of congres- sional township 74 north, range 36 west. It is intersected by Seven-Mile creek, Three-Mile creek, and the Rose Branch of Seven-Mile. The West Branch of the Nodaway intersects the southeast corner of the township, entering from Edna at the southeast quarter of section 36, and passing into Montgomery county at the center of the south half of section 34. The Seven-Mile creek enters the township from the north, between sections 5 and 6, and follows the section lines with remark- able closeness till it passes into Montgom- ery county on the line between sections 31 and 32, The Rose Branch of Seven-Mile rises in the north part of the township about the center of the Second school dis- trict, and flows southward, inclining a little toward the west, till it passes out of the township and county from the south- east quarter of section 32. The Three- Mile creek comes into the township from Edna at the southeast corner of section 1, and flows southwestwardly till it has its

confluence with the West Nodaway, on the west line of the southwest quarter of section 35. Besides these streams, the township is splendidly watered and drain- ed by numerous little rivulets, branches of the streams mentioned. Thus one of the great requisites of a good locality for both grain cultivation and stock raising is supplied by nature. No railroad has as yet been built through this township, though the settlers find an easily accessible market for . their pro- ducts at stations but a short dis- tance from its borders, so that no incon- venience is felt on this account. The country is beautifully diversified, with its many streams large and small, its rolling farms and luxuriant meadows, while nu- merous artificial groves afford a pleasant contrast to the fields of grain and prairie grasses. The improvements are almost uniformly of a neat and substantial char- acter, giving strong evidence of the thrift and taste of the inhabitants of this garden spot. Besides the artificial groves, the streams are wooded along a good portion of their length in the township.

ORGANIZATION AND GROWTH.

On June 11, 1870, Noble township was set off from Edna. The election warrant was issued to T. G. Davis, and the elec- tion for purposes of organization was held

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

at school house No. 1, in October, 1870. At this election, township officers were chosen as follows: trustees, U. Daft, H. S. Liston, and William E. Buckley; clerk, E. J. Shields.

Since that time, the growth of the township has been steady and rapid. In 1870 the population was three hundred and ninety-five; in 1875, it was five hun- dred and sixty-three; and in 1880, it looms up with eight hundred and forty-five; since that time the progress has been equally favorable, and the new accessions have been of the better classes.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first white man who made a settle- ment was John Rose, who settled in what is now a part of Noble township, in the year 1855, and was the pioneer settler of that locality. Mr. Rose met his death in a singular manner about the year 1857. On a cold day in that year he was in the Lewis flouring mill, wearing a shawl wrapped around his throat. The shawl caught in some of the mill gearing and Mr. Rose was drawn so tightly against the machinery that he was choked to death. Two of Mr. Rose's sons now live in Mont- gomery county. At one time, a petition was presented to the board of supervisors, asking the organization of what is now Noble township, proposing then to call it Rose township, but the prayer of the petitioners was not granted.

Melton Smith was the second settler to locate in Noble township. He came in 1857, and took up a claim for the purpose of improvement.

The next white man who came within the borders of what is now Noble town-

ship with the intention of making a per- manent settlement, was Uriah Daft. Gathering up their household goods in Ripon, Wisconsin, the family started on their overland journey, and continuing in a southwestward course, inspecting the country as they went, brought up here on the 18th day of October, 1858. It was many miles to the nearest settlement, but the beauty of the country which met their view presented too strong a temptation to be resisted, and Mr. Daft determined to stop and build him a house. Accordingly he staked out a claim on section 28, and erected his cabin-the second house in the township. He maintained a good reputa- tion among his neighbors when the settle- ment commenced in earnest, until his death, which occurred December 6, 1873.

Thomas Davis, one of the pioneers of Noble township, first set foot on her land later in 1858. He took up a claim' on sec- tion 33, and built a cabin-home there.

Thomas Davis was born in Pennsylva- nia, March 24, 1836. He was reared upon a farm. In 1858 he came to Cass county, and purchased eighty acres of land in the northeast quarter of section 33, town 73, range 36. In June 1860, he was married to Amanda J. West, a native of Indiana. In 1861, they started with an ox team for Colorado. Mrs. Davis drove the team while her husband drove some stock. They started May 4th, and arrived in Black Hawk City, late in June. He en- gaged in teaming there, one and .a half years, then returned to Noble township, and purchased land in the southeast quar- ter of section 28, where he improved a fine farm and resided until his decease,

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

September 6, 1883. Mrs. Davis still oc- cupies the homestead. She has eight chil- dren-Truman W., Perry A., Emile N., Eddie T., Emma C., and Matilda L.

James Edwards came late in 1859, but did not buy land. In 1860 he removed to Union township.

Evan J. Shields came in May, 1864, and took up a homestead on the north half of the northeast quarter of section 32, which place has since been his home.

E. J. Shields, one of the prominent men of Noble township, was born in Butler county, Ohio, on the 28th of January, 1828, and there grew to manhood. In 1852 he moved to California, and there spent three years in mining and lumber- ing. On his return he settled in Butler county, Ohio, and there lived until 1856, when he emigrated to Iowa, and settled in Delaware county, where he was en- gaged in farming and in clerking in a store until 1864, when he came to Cass county, and took a homestead on section 32, Noble township, where he has since resided. In 1855 he was married to Sarah Jenkins, who was born in 1834. They have been blessed with six children, five of whom are now living-Harry M., Luela, Charles : D., Everett J., Walter, died in infancy, and Florence J. Mrs. Shields died in May, 1874, leaving her lonely hus- band and children to battle alone with the world. Mr. Shields has held several offices of trust, and was elected county supervisor in 1868, and was the first town- ship clerk of Noble township. He was also elected supervisor in 1875, and had the honor of naming Noble township.

J. C. Davis came to the township in 1867, and made his home for a time with

his brother, Thomas G. Davis. In 1870 he bought land on section 33, where he now resides.

J. C. Davis has been a resident of Noble township, since 1867. He was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, August 23, 1845. His parents were William and Mary Davis. He remained with his par- ents in his native county until the time when he came to Cass county. On his arrival here, he stopped with his brother, Thomas G. Davis, for a time. He was married October 1, 1873, to Rachel Dnjar- din, a native of France. She died in 1878, leaving one child-Emma R. He was married in December, 1878, to Sarah A. McCue, who was born in Pennsyl- vania. By this union there are three chil- dren-Silas C., Alma P. and Jennie A. Mr. Davis bought land in 1870, on section 33. It was at that time unimproved, but is now in a good state of cultivation.

Robert B. Newlon bought one hundred and sixty-eight acres of land on section 1, Noble township, in 1868, and settled on it in the spring of 1869.

Robert B. Newlon came to this county in 1869, and bought one hundred and sixty-eight acres of land on section 1, township 14, range 36, now known as Noble. He settled on the place the fol- lowing spring. He is a native of In- diana, born in Washington county, May 10, 1838. His parents were Smithson and Nancy (Wilson) Newlon. The former was a native of Virginia, and the latter of North Carolina. When Robert was one year old, they removed to Edgar county, Illinois, where he grew to man- hood and received his education in the public schools. He was reared a farmer.

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

In 1853 he went overland to California, being six months on the way. He en- gaged in livery business at Viaseta, one and one-half years, then worked at mining ' until 1856, when he returned home, via Nicaraugna. He engaged in the drug busi- ness at Dallas City, Hancock county, Illi- nois, continuing there until April, 1861, when he enlisted for three months. In May he re-enlisted for three years in company I, of the Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, and served until the expiration of his term of enlistment. He took part in the battles of New Madrid, siege of Corinth, Stone River, Lookout Mountain and others. He was wounded in a skirmish before Nash- ville. He was honorably discharged at Chattanooga, and returned to Dallas, Hancock county, where he remained until 1869. He was married in that year to Mary E. Bright, a native of Vermillion county, Indiana. They have ten chil- dren-Nettie, Sarah, Leander B., Alta, Be- bee, Hiram, Ella, Emma, May and Oliver. Mr. Newlon was one of the men who assisted in the organization of the Repub- lican party in Hancock county, Illinois. and was intimately acquainted with Abra- ham Lincoln. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Robert Miller came to Cass county in 1875 and bought eighty acres of land on section 29, Noble township. He im- proved the land, planting an orchard and vineyard, which are now thriving, the latter producing abundantly. He was born in Pennsylvania, May 15, 1817, and when quite young his parents settled in Alleghany county. When Robert was sixteen years of age they moved to Mer- cer county. He remained at home until

twenty-one, when he started for himself. He followed common farm work until twenty-five, when he bought and paid for one hundred acres of land in Mercer county. He then learned the carpenter and cabinet maker's trade and soon started a cabinet shop. He next sold his shop, going to the city of Alleghany, where he resumed the same business. He was mar- ried on the 10thi of August, 1847, to Matilda Gillaspey, a native of Westmore- land county, Pennsylvania. Of this union there are five children-Arlinden C., Josiah E., Julia A., Mary J. and Wil- liam J.

Arlinden C. Miller, son of Robert Mil- ler, was born in Butler county, Pennsyl- vania, on the 28th of June, 1849. He was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools, until nineteen years of age, when he went to the oil regions and learned the carpenter trade, remaining there two years. He then went to Mer- cer county and worked at his trade until 1872, when he removed to Montgomery county, Iowa, and there worked at his trade. In 1874 he purchased eighty acres of land in Noble township, Cass county. In 1880 he went to the mountains, and traveled through Wyoming, Utah and Idaho, being absent about eight months. In 1883 he sold to his brother, Josiah E., and purchased another eighty in the same township, where he now resides. In 1883 he was married to Margaret J. Ingraham, a native of New York State.

Josiah E. Miller, second son of Robert Miller, was born in Butler county, Penn- sylvania, on the 13th of August, 1854. When but one year old bis parents moved to Mercer county, where he grew to man-

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

hood and made his home until 1875, when he came to Cass county, Iowa, and worked in company with his father until 1883, when he purchased his brother's farm, now one of the best in the township. In connection with his farm he runs a cane mill, which produces annually about two thousand five hundred gallons of syrup. He was married on the 11th of Septem- ber, 1883, to Jennie E. Saunders, a native of. New York.

J. B. Hall is a native of New York, born in Chautauqua county, in 1830. He is a son of David and Ann Hall, natives of New Jersey and early settlers of his native county. David Hall purchased of the Holland company timber land in that county, improved a farm and resided there until his decease. J. B. Hall grew to manhood in his native county, where he was brought up on a farm. He ob- tained his education in the public schools. In 1854 he came to Iowa, locating in Johnson county, where he rented land for a time. In 1860 he bought land in Penn township, built a house and lived there three years, then traded for a larger farm in Madison township, where he remained until 1870. He then sold and bought three hundred and twenty acres of unim- proved land in section 7, of Noble town- ship, Cass county. He remained a resi- dent of Johnson county until 1872, then removed to his farm in this county, which is now nearly all improved and fenced. He was married in 1857 to Eliza Alt, a native of Clark county, Ohio. Four chil- dren have been born to them-Reuben, Clement, Ollie and Alice. Mr. Hall has held offices of trust in the township and

is at present a member of the board of trustees.

Robert Davis settled upon the farm he now occupies on section 33, Noble town- ship, in 1878. He is a native of Pennsyl- · vania, born October 12, 1847. He grew to manhood in Venango county, was brought up on a farm and educated in the public schools. He was married in 1872, to Martha Bartley, and they settled in Butler county, where they remained until coming here. They have five children- William, Elmer, Mary, Cora and Ida.

John Tanner was born in Switzerland, on the 2d of March, 1842. In 1865 he came to America, and located in Hancock county, where he was engaged in farming until 1873, when he came to Cass county, Iowa, and located in Noble township. He rented a farm until 1876, when he pur- chased land on section 13, which was at that time a wild prairie, and in the course of a few years had one of the finest farms in the township. Mr. Tanner was mar- ried, in 1877, to Catharine Hinnieschiedt, a native of Pennsylvania. They have been blessed with four children-Anna Elizabeth, Annie Mary, John Philip and Caroline.

Charles Bibb came to Cass county in March, 1874. He purchased, at that time, unimproved land in the north west quarter of section 25. He now has a. desirable place with good improvements. He was born in West Virginia, March 7, 1853, and was two years old when his parents emigrated to Iowa. They stopped one year in Scott county, then moved to Mar- shall county, where they were pioneers, and bought land, making their home there until Charlie was fifteen years old. They

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

then moved to Pike county, Missouri. He lived with his parents until twenty years of age. He still remained in Pike county one year, then came to Cass connty. He was married, in 1881, to Louisa Anderson, a native of Pike county, Missouri. They have two children-Jessie and Mabel. Mr. and Mrs. Bibb are members of the Bap- tist church.

S. H. Tucker is a resident of section 11, Noble township, where he has improved and. fenced his land, and has erected a frame house, which is of great beauty to his place. He was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, on the 25th of March, 1835, and is the son of Mason and Lou A. (Huff) Tucker. His father was a na- tive of Ohio, and his mother a native of Kentucky. In 1842, the family came to Iowa, and settled in Des Moines county, where S. H. grew to manhood. In 1860, he returned to Tippecanoe county, and there enlisted in company G, Fortieth In- diana Infantry, and served until 1866, during which time he participated in sev- eral of the principal battles of the army. After his discharge he settled in Des Moines county, and there remained until 1872, when he came to Cass county. Mr. Tucker was married, in 1871, to Rebecca W. Kirby, of Ohio. Three children have been born to them-Cora, Ella and Ida.

Rev. George Youngblood is a native of Caanda, and was born on the 22d of Febru- ary, 1842, When about fifteen years of age he moved with his parents to Grey county, and there grew to manhood. He there received his education, and prepared himself for the ministry. In 1864 he came to the United States, locating in Michi- gan, and in April, 1865, he enlisted in the

Twenty-second Michigan Infantry, and served until the close of the war. After his discharge he came to Iowa, and settled at Des Moines, where he remained until 1868, when he commenced preaching in Madison county, and being there about one year, he was appointed to the charge at Grand View, Louisa county, and there remained one year. IIe has since preached at Clermont, Abbott, New Hampton, Floyd Valley, Fort Dodge, Muscatine, and several other smaller places. In May, 1883, Mr. Youngblood came to Noble township, Cass county, and has since been a resident of this township. He was married, in 1870, to Sarah Byerts, a na- tive of Pennsylvania. They bave been blessed with five children-George F., Susie M., Mattie I., Myrtle B. and an in- faut.

Levi Mountain came to Cass county in 1869, and purchased two hundred and eighty acres of land on sections 1 and 2, Noble township. He and his brother were at first in partnership, but his broth- er soon sold the land and Levi has since. remained there. His farm now contains two hundred acres of improved land, and an orchard of one hundred and fifty trees in bearing condition. He was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, on the 10th of June, 1843, and there grew to manhood, and received his education in the public schools, and when nineteen years old began teaching. He enlisted in. company K, Sixth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, in 1864, and served until the close of the war. He then returned home, and taught school during the winter, and in the spring began farming. In 1867 he came to Muscatine county, Iowa, and re-

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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

mained there about two years, when he came to Cass county. Mr. Mountain was married in 1871, to Abbie Herrington, also a native of Pennsylvania. Their union has been blessed by four children - Alice, Albert, Myrtle and Minnie. Mr. and Mrs. Mountaiu are members of the Christian church.

Austin H. Smith, on section 35, came here in 1871 and bought two hundred and fifty acres of land. At the time of his purchase there was a small frame house upon the place and sixty acres broken. He has since enlarged the house and built a large frame barn. He has all the land improved and is engaged in raising graded stock. He is a native of Ohio, born in Green county, March 28, 1823. When he was two years of age, his parents removed to Gelana, Illinois, where his father en- gaged in mining lead. They lived in Galena and vicinity until 1828, then mov- ed to Missouri and remained two years. Then they moved to Quincy, Illinois, where they lived until the spring of 1833, when they returned to Galena. The fol- lowing July they moved to Dubuque, then in the Northwestern Territory. In 1838, his father entered government land, six miles from the city, to which he re- moved his family. There the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. . He was married January 26, 1847, to Maryette Estabrook, a native of Essex county, New York, After his marriage he settled upon the homestead, and remained till 1851, when he traded for land in the western part of the county, to which they removed. The following year (1852) he went to California, going overland with a pack horse, and was on the road seventy-four

days. He worked at mining in different parts of the State, remaining there two years, then returned home and resumed farming. In 1860 he went to Pike's Peak and spent a few months in mining, return- ed and remained until 1864, when he again . started for the mines, going this time to Montana. After an absence of one and a half years he returned to Dubuque coun- ty, where he remained until 1871. Mr. . and Mrs. Smith have had eleven children- Ambrose C., Harriet A., Francis V., Mary Florence, Laura A., James A., Eliza A., Nancy M., George A, Margaret A., and Clara Bell. Clara Belle was born Janu- ary 20, 1869, and died July 31, 1870.

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

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