USA > Iowa > Chickasaw County > History of Chickasaw and Howard Counties, Iowa > Part 19
USA > Iowa > Howard County > History of Chickasaw and Howard Counties, Iowa > Part 19
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47
About 1856, when the minds of all were excited, with the growing importance of the town, a large three story hotel was partially erected, but it was never enclosed, and long stood, a monument to the fallacy of human foresight, and was known to all for many years, as "Brink's Folly," after the man who essayed to build it. It finally, was torn down and used for kindling wood.
Henry Johnson was the first justice of the peace, and a rough uncouth specimen he was, many irreverent storys are told of him, among others, is related, that the first oath in the township was administered by him, under the following circumstances: A man named Horton, being arrested for stealing hogs,was brought before Johnson for trial, who at once proceeded to swear the prisoner, in a manner unprecedented, and probably unequalled in the annals of justice.
"By the uplifted hand of Almighty God, did you steel those hogs ? if you did, you hope to be teetototally, G-d-d-ned. So help you God."
History doth not record his answer, but it is to be supposed that the tremendous force of the oath brouglit the necessary con- fession from the criminal, if criminal he was.
The first physician who located at Bradford was a "root and herb doctor," as he was called, whose name was S. C. Haynes, who located there about 1855. He was an eccentric genius, and drove instead of horses, a pair of Elk harnessed to his wagon or sleigh. In 1856, Dr. S. S. Troy, a regular practitioner, came to Bradford
197
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
and entered up on the duties of his profession, which proved quite lucrative, here he staid healing the sick, and succoring the wounded, until he entered the service of the government in the great Cival war, as Leiut. of Co. H. 4th Iowa Calvalry, afterwards promoted to Captain; when he trurned from the front, he located at Nashua, where he still resides, being engaged in practice of medicine, and the senior partner in the drug house of Troy and Morrison.
NASHUA.
This most important and prosperous town is located on the Cedar river, opposite the mouth of the Little Cedar; immediately north of it lies a heavy body of timber. On ground high enough to be above all fear of a flood, yet with a gentle inclination eastward, and amply protected from the prevailing high winds, by high ground crested with woods.
Most valuable and excellent water power is afforded by the Cedar river, on the north of the town, and the Greeley flouring mill, thereon erected, is said to be one of the best in this section.
A fine broad and well graded street, one block west of the track of the C. F. and M. Divison of the Illinois Centrol R. R. is lined with substantial buisness houses, many of them quite ornamental, brick and stone being the favorite, materal of which they are built. The residence portion of the city lies west of this, and many handsome nay palatial, mansions, adorn, and are adorned by the beautiful groves of the trees in which they are embowered. Broad avenues lined with trees, lie before the eye and excuse the pride its inhab- itants take in their town. Andreas State atlas, says of this city.
"A large section of surrounding country in Chickasaw and Floyd and Bremer counties contributes to the commercial importance of the place. This portion of the Cedar Valley justly celebrated for its productiveness, and the advanced state of improvement which it displays. Here in the midst of such a country, with no important town nearer than Waverly in one dirction and Charles City in the other, Nashua is most advantageously situed to draw the mercantile trade, and the grain of the country to its market for shipment or manufacture from a wide distance.
198
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
"The business of the town is extensive and continually increasing. It embraces a large number of good mercantile houses, in all branches, shops of nearly all descriptions, good hotels, foundry, bank, printing office, dealers in grain, farming implements, lumber etc., etc. It is represented by a liberal array of talent in the legal and medical professions.
"The town has several church organizations, and good houses of worship. Its public schools are well maintained, and graded upon a most efficient system, employing a principal and three or more assistants as instructors. They are provided with a commodious and well furnished puble school building which affords ample facil- ities for the purpose.
"Excellent building stone is found in quarries convenient to the town, and an abundance of good brick manufactured near by."
Among the first to settle on the site of the now town of Nashua we find the name of Mr. John Hall, who came here in the summer of 1854, when there was but one log house, and erected a frame building, but no sash or doors could be had nearer than McGregor, and he and his family were compelled to pass the winter in it without the necessary protection against the wintry blasts. In 1855 several more families moved in, and among them were those of Jas. Helms, George O'Donnell, H. Hall, J. D. Hall, Jacob Hall, Edward Hall, Owen Teeney, John. O'Donnell, Hugh O'Donnell, Jas. Welch and Enoch Woodbridge (universally known as Deacon Woodbridge). The land belonged to Andrew Sample, but selling or trading a halfinterest to Enoch Woodbridge, they platted a town, and called it at first Bridgeport, but it was shortly afterward changed to Woodbridge, but was altered to its present name by E. P. and C. Greeley, after Nashua, N. H.
The man who first essayed to start a store was Smiley Sample, a brother of Andrew, who had a small place where he dispensed groceries and liquors, this was in the spring of 1856, although it is claimed by some that E. P. Greeley had the first store where every thing was kept. Mr. Greeley started his place in the same year at any rate. B. T. Hall now a resident of the town being his clerk, business however becoming good he was followed shortly afterwards by others, and we find among the merchants, who saught the patronage of the people in 1857, and 8, the following names: Veter and Rupe, general merchandise, Trott and Green,
.
199
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
dry goods and groceries, Geo. T. Butterfield, Enoch Woodbridge Elihu Hall, Geo. H. Fountain and Jas. A. Webster. In 1857 Andrew Sample erected a grist mill which stood for ten years when it was torn down. for the erection of the Greeley mill.
John Hall was the first carpenter and millright, and with him may be named, Stephenson, the date of whose location was almost ยท identical; John Butler was the first blacksmith, John Colt the first wagon-maker.
During the year 1856, A. D. Babcock a free-will Baptist preached at the house of Joh'n Hall, there being no church.
W. Read was the first shoemaker in Nashua and this disciple of crispin located himself here about 1855.
The city of Nashua was incorporated under the law of the state of Iowa in 1867, we give a copy of the petition for said incorpora- tion presented to the board of supervisors June 3rd 1867.
To the honorable board of Supervisors of Chickasaw county, Iowa.
We, the undersigned residents and legal voters within the following described territory, being anxious that the same should be incorporated, and that we may enjoy the privileges conferred by the statute of Iowa upon corporated towns, petition your honorable body asking that the following territory be set apart for that purpose, namely :
The south half of section 18, excepting the north-east of the southeast quarter. The north half of section 19. The west half of the north west quarter of section 20 and west half of the south west quarter of section 17, the same containing seven hundred and sixty acres (760) in township ninety-four range fourteen and includeing within it the present part of Nashua as recorded, in the recorder's office of Chickasaw county, Iowa, and appended hereunto is a map or plat of said territory.
And we further ask that the name of such incorporated town be Nashua. And we hereby appoint and authorize the following named persons to present this petition to your honorable body viz: E. D. Woodbridge, R. M. Nevins, E. P. Greeley, S. P. Leland, Andy Felt, S. W. Byers and John Coler. In the hopes that our humble petition may be granted by your honorable body we sub- scribe our names here unto.
Signed by S. P. Spindler and 36 others.
4
200
1
1 HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
The board of supervisors took immediate action on the above, and by a vote, the prayer was granted, and steps were taken to perfect the incorporation.
In 1868 Rosenbaum Bros. opened a banking office which was most successfully conducted until 1870, when a stock company was formed, who bought out the above firm (they retaining some interest) and organized the bank of Nashua.
In 1877 a bank was started in a small way by A. J. Felt. who continued it until in March, 1879, when the First National bank was organized with a capital of $60,000 A. G. Case Pres., A. J. Felt cashier. In January, 1880, deeming that one bank was sufficient for the needs of the community, the bank of Nashua was merged into the First National bank. Shortly after which A. J. Felt retiring Amos Case became cashier.
Aug. 1st 1880.Louis Slimmer cashier of the Butler Co. bank, Clarksville, Iowa, and Lipman Loser late cashier of the bank of Nashua, opened a banking office under the firm name of Loser and Slimmer, which has proved more than successful, and is one of the prominent business houses of the city.
The first grist mill in Nashua, was one built in 1857, by Andrew Sample, J. S. Hall and T. Ervin, being the carpenters and mill-right. This mill stood for eight years and was torn down by E. P. Greeley to build the present fine one which enjoys the reputation of being one of the best in the northern part of the state. It is a large frame structure with stone basement, built in a substantial and workman-like manner. Has six run of stone, and does a large buisness. A new feed mill has recently been added.
For many years this part of the county possessed a fine agricul- tural society, but about two years ago the corporation puchased the groun s for a public driving park where the owners of trotting stock could exercise their fleet steppers, thus freeing the streets of their racing and allowing the ordiances against fast driv- ing to be more vigorously enforced. We have endeavored to get hold of the records of the agricultural society but have been un- able to do so.
The first school was taught in a little shanty in the eastern part of the town of Nashua in 1856 by Miss Maggie Nichols, an adopted daughter of Enoch Woodbridge, and out of this small beginning
.
-
1
201
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
has grown the present fine schools of the town, of which see else- where-
A steam saw mill was built by Charles Greeley, on the outskirts of the town, in the year 1858, which was afterward purchased by a Mr. Fisk, who removed it to some place in the state of Minne- sota.
A hotel the first in the town of Nashna was erected by Montgom- ery in the year 1857, J. S. Hall being the contracting carpenter. It was considered a wonderful affair in its time and if we consider its surroundings perhaps it was. Like many another hotel, it has had varying fortunes and having changed hands a number of times is now conducted by J. D. Noyelles who makes a model land- lord.
The Patterson House is of more recent date, having been altered from a dwelling and largely added to in 1873. The picturesque site of the hotel, standing back from the street and embowered in trees, makes it peculiarly striking, which added to the really good accommodations afforded and the presence of "mine jolly host," J. W. Patterson, invites the weary traveler to stop and rest.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The Congregational church at Nashua was organized July 7th, 1866, its charter members being:
P. F. May and wife, W. R. Cheney and wife, H. Fountain and Mrs. Hannah Fountain, Mrs. Edw. Hall, Mrs. Enoch Hall, Mrs. Alic. Stocks, Mrs. Selah Billings, Henry Baker and wife and Ira Mead.
Hiram Fountain was the first deacon of the church and Rev. J. K. Nutting of the Bradford church the first acting preacher.
Rev. R. J. Williams began his labors as pastor in 1868, and was succeeded in 1870 by Rev. M. B. Page, a devoted minister of Christ, whose walk was a fit example of his teaching, and who died on the field. The present church edifice was erected in 1870, at a cost of $3,500.
In 1882 it was repaired, repainted, fenced and otherwise im- proved and adorned, and is now a very neat and comfortable place of worship.
The Rev. W. B. Page was followed in the pastorate by the Rev. J. G. Spencer and he was succeeded by Rev. L. D. Boynton, who
1
202
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
remained with the church, and ministered to their spiritual needs for five years.
In the same year Aaron Dodge was elected deacon, and with the venerable P. F. May, has remained the faithful deacon of the church to the present day.
Rev. L. D. Boynton retired from the care of this flock in 1878, and in February, 1880, the present pastor, Rev. C. A. Marshall commenced his labors in the vineyard of the Lord; supplying the- two pulpits of Bradford and Nashua. To the last named gentle- man we are indebted for these facts, which he has kindly furnish- ed at the expense of time and trouble.
METHODIST CHURCH.
This is one of the finest church edifices in the county, if not in. this part of the state, and deserves more than a passing mention. It was erected in 1878, at a cost of $12,000 and we are given to un- derstand is nearly paid for. Red pressed brick with trimmings of cream colored stone is the material used, and the architect has so skillfully blended the gothic with the renaissance order of archi- tecture that the effect is more than pleasing. And standing on ele -- vated ground, is the most prominent feature that strikes the eye.
Inside the same good taste prevails, the painting being in those light creamy tints that blend so beautifully with the pale brown. with which it is diversified. A fine double banked chandelier lights up theauditorium, and stained glass windows add to the- rich effect.
The main room will comfortably seat some 350 people, and al ready the membership numbers 220. Rev. E. S. Thorpe is the present pastor, and under his administration the church is pros- pering finely.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
was organized in 1873, and the edifice was built in the same year, and is a neat and substantial frame building. The Rev. Father McGrath of Charles City, having charge of the spiritual welfare the flock.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Owing to there being no present rector of this church, we were unable to procure any reliable data in regard to it, but simply notice that there is such an organization.
SCHOOL.
A fine large brick building, surrounded by a fine play ground,
203
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
and shaded by noble trees, and situated in the pleasantest part of the town, stands the school house, And when speaking of it the eye of the citizen lights up with concious pride for it is regarded by all as the finest one in the county, both by reason of the build- ing and the high grade and excellency of the teaching.
There are three grades, viz: primary, grammer and high school. The primary and grammer departments consist each of four grades, the high school of three; the whole course is intended to occupy the term of eleven years, and the graduates from its higher branches, can readily, without any intermediate study, enter our state university, or any other college of like standing.
The principal, Mr. Henry Felker, is spoken of as one peculiarly fitted for the responsible position which he holds, and is assisted by six lady teachers, whose standing in the profession is second to none.
The text books used are, Appleton's readers, Robinson's arith- metics, Reed and Kellogg's lessons, Harper's geographies, Quack- enbos' History of the United States, and the Spencerian system of penmanship. The aim of the board and principal has been to de- velope as near a perfect mode of instruction as is compatable with strictly practical view of life and its duties.
The board of school directers for the independent school district of Nashua, in 1880-1 was: R. A. Flemming, President.
Wm. B. Perrin, Secretary.
I. H. Bradford, Treasurer.
BOARD.
A. G. Lawrence, Geo. T. Bellamy,
R. A. Flemming, A. J. Felt,
W. A. Williams, H. T. Dexter,
The present officers and directors are:
H. H. Hopkins, President.
B. A. Billings, Secretary.
L. Loeser, Treasurer.
BOARD.
R. H. Fairbain, H. H. Hopkins,
R. M. Nevins, A. A. Turner,
E. R. Richardson. H. T. Dexter.
Anchor Lodge, No. 89 A. O. U. W. was organized in Nashua
.
204
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
Dec, 22d, 1876 with fourteen charter members. The officers chosen at that meeting were: P. M. W., W. A. Williams; M. W., E. C. Weeks; G. F., R. A. Flemming; Overseer, H. H. Conklin; Guide, Geo. C. Willard; Rdr, J. A. Weeks; Financier, H. A. Hopkins; Receiver, Wm. Lester; J. W., C. W. Strohn; O. W., J. H. Mitchell.
The lodge has prospered well ever since its inception and' report with an average membership of twenty eight, in the six years of its existence there had occurred but one death to mar the per- fect circle of fraternity that bind them together. The membership to-day is thirty-three and the officers, Jos. F. Grawe, P. M. W .; W. S. Skinner, M. W .; T.Alred, Foreman; Jas Hershberg, Overseer; Geo. C. Millard; Rdr., Thos. S. Bradford; Financier, H. T. Dex -. ter, Receiver; O. S. Wherland, O. and J. W.
MASONIC.
The masonic lodge was organized by Dr.S. S. Troy, master un- der a dispensation, in June, 1869, with twenty-two charter mem- bers. It now consists of about sixty brothers in good standing. Has a fine hall, fitted up in a good style, for the celebration of the rites of the order. The chapter was organized in 1871 and has a healthly growth.
NASHUA POST.
This newspaper was established in the fall of 1869, it is believed, but in the absence of files it is not beyond a mere peradventure. Andy J. Felt was the original proprietor and sole editor until 1873, when the office was purchased by Jos. F. Grawe, who still continues in its editoral chair. The Post is a six-column quarto with patent insides, and is published weekly. The mechanical work is well and neatly done, and editorial department well conducted. In political complexion it is strongely republican, and is the only paper published in the town. The office is well supplied with material, and keeps four compositors busily at work. The paper re- ceives liberal patronage both in its advertising department and in. ' the job work department.
205
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
.
CHAPTER IX.
NEW HAMPTON TOWNSHIP.
A write-up of New Hampton, town and township, should be a fair reflex of the difficulties attending western settlements; not that there were unusual obstacles in the way, or that there were privations, or dangers, beyond those commonly met with under similar circumstances; in fact it is but a record of the upbuilding of a prosperous community, upon the bleak bosom of the boundless prairie, with little or no adventitious aid and with no attempts at what the distinctively American language terms booming.
1
The records of New Hampton township date back to April 6th, 1857, bearing which date the following record appears:
"Township 95-12 was organized under the name of New Hamp- tou township, on the 6th day of April, A. D. 1857, by virtue of a warrant issued to David Edwards, by Lorenzo Bailey, County Judge of Chickasaw county. Attest H. Gurley, Clerk of Elec- tion."
On the first Monday of April, 1857, an election, was held at the house of David Edwards, the board being organized by S. M. Prentice, Esq. of Richland township.
1
206
1
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
Gideon Gardner, John Patten and Homer Hamlin were the judges, and David Edwards and Harrison Gurley clerks of the election. The following persons were elected to their respective offices: Gideon Gardner and James Melenda, justices of the peace; Oscar Carpenter and Elias Marsh, constables; De Witt C. Chapman, town clerk; Joseph Gardner, road supervisor; J. W. Vanauken, Denizen Calkins, N. D. R. Cole, trustees.
The following officers were elected April 5th, 1857: J. W. Van- auken, Denizen Calkins, Daniel Shook, trustee; Dan Pepper, E. W. Parker, constables; H. Gurley, township clerk.
April 24th, 1858 Gideon Gardner resigned the office of justice of the peace, and the trustees appointed Caleb Arnold to fill va- cance.
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1858.
Denizen Calkins, Daniel Shook, N. D. R. Cole, trustees; Caleb Arnold, James Melenda justices of the peace ; B. E. Morton, con- stable; D. W. C. Chapman, assessor; H. Gurley, township clerk.
OCTOBER, 1859.
Philip Vanorsdoll, G. W. Pepper, Edward Bell, trustees; H. Gurley, clerk; A. L. Jackson, assessor; James E. Yaunce, justice of the peace; M. C. Roby, D. W. C. Chapman, constables.
NOVEMBER, 1860.
Gideon Gardner, member board of supervisors; James E. Yaunce, George A. Hamilton, justices of the peace; H. Gurley, clerk; A. D. Jackson, assessor; Joseph Gardner, D. W. C Chapman, J. K. Kronagar, trustees, for short term; Denizen Calkins, N. D. R. Cole, Orlando Roberts, trustees for 1861; M. C. Roby, C. T. Craft, constables.
OCTOBER, 1861,
N. D. R. Cole, David Edwards, J. K. Kronagar, trustees; E. G. O. Groat, assessor; A. D. Jackson, Dan Pepper, constables; L. J. Young, clerk. 4
OCTOBER, 1862
David Edwards, J. K. Kronagar, W. T. Paul, trustees; G. A. Hamilton, Joseph Young, justices of the peace; L. J. Young, clerk; G. A. Hamilton, assessor; J. D. Arnold, George Colby, con- stables.
OCTOBER, 1863.
J. K. Kronagar, member board of supervisors; David Edwards,
1
207
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
W. T. Paul, A. T. Jackson, trustees; B. E. Morton, clerk; L. J. Young, assessor; E. T. Runion, Dan Pepper, constables.
NOVEMBER, 1864
N. D. R. Cole, W. T. Paul, A. D Jackson, trustees; G. A. Hamilton, Joseph Young, justices of the peace; L. J. Young,clerk; A. H. Bartlett, assessor; A. D. Jackson, John Geer, con- stables.
OCTOBER, 1865.
Gideon Gardner, member board of supervisors; W. T. Paul, Myron Ives, Gilbert Vincent, trustees; W. Johnston, clerk; E. W. Parker assessor; L. H. Phinney, John Geer, con- stables.
OCTOBER, 1866.
N. D.R. Cole A. D. Jackson, H. S. Gardner,trustees; L. J. Young clerk; A. H. Bartlett, assessor; L. H. Phinney, Nelson Olds, constables; G. A. Hamilton, H. J. Parker, justices of the peace.
OCTOBER 1867. 1
. D. A. Jackson, member board supervisors; M. Burgit, A. S. Gardner, Joseph Young, trustees; G. A. Hamilton, assessor; L. M., Smith, clerk; R. O. Sheldon, constable.
NOVEMBER 1868
J. R. Kenyon, Joseph Young, I. H. Minkler, trustees; Gideon Gardner, J. Colby, justices of the peace; L. J. Young, assessor; L. M. Smith, clerk; Gilbert Vincent, George Reynolds, con- stables.
OCTOBER 1869
Gideon Gardner, member of the board of supervisors; I. H. Minkler, Joseph Young, Don A. Jackson, trustees; W. Parker, justice of the peace; Z. E. Barrett, assessor; L. M. Smith clerk; George Reynolds, R. O. Sheldon, constables.
OCTOBER 1870
D. A. Jackson, W. E. Hurd, J. A. Mixer, trustees; J. M. Robin- son, clerk; Z. E. Barrett, assessor; William Parker, S. J. Colby, justices of the peace; G. H. Reynolds, R. O. Sheldon, con- stables.
OCTOBER 1871
J. A. Mixer, D. A. Jackson, W. E. Hurd, members of board of supervisors; D. B. Sneden, justice of the peace; Robert Shortley,
208
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
assessor; E P. Sheffield, clerk; Smith Healey, R. O. Sheldon constables.
NOVEMBER 1872.
W. E. Hurd, Don A. Jackson, I. H. Minkler, trustees; William Parker, S. J. Colby, justices of the peace; Samuel Cotant, assessor; J. M. Robinson, clerk; A. H. Lillebridge; L. M. Smith constables.
OCTOBER 1873.
I. H. Minkler, Robert Shortley, Hugh Kepler, | trustees; W. Parker, justice of the peace; E. P. Sheffield, assessor; J. M. Rob- inson, clerk;
OCTOBER 1874
The records for this year are incomplete. D. B. Shelden and John Mays were elected justices of the peace; and J. T. Jackson constable.
OCTOBER 1875.
The records for this year are also incomplete. D. B. Sneden and J. K. Kroninger were elected justices of the peace; H. P. Cotant, clerk; Walter Cady, constable.
NOVEMBER 1876
Hugh Kepler, Don A. Jackson, Cornelius Carr. trustees; John Mays, William Parker, justices of the peace; S. R. Wesp. assessor; H. P. Cotant, clerk; Walter Cady, W. . W. Morris, constables.
OCTOBER 1877.
D. A. Jackson, Hugh Kepler, A. A. Brown," trustees;"H. P. Cotant, clerk; S. R. Wesp, assessor; J. H. Gurney, justice of the peace.
OCTOBER, 1878.
F. J. Wesp, Samuel Cotant, Fred Morsch, trustees; E. P. Sheffield, clerk; D. B. Sneden, William Parker, justices of the peace; C. L. Gabrilson, assessor; Lee Miller, Chris Mullen, con- stables.
OCTOBER 1879.
Hugh Kepler trustee; G. A. Hamilton, justice of the peace. C. L. Gabrilson, assessor; H .P. Cotant clerk.
NOVEMBER 1880
C. L. Gabrilson, trustee; Cornelius Carr, D. B. Sneden, justices
.
209
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.