USA > Iowa > Chickasaw County > History of Chickasaw and Howard Counties, Iowa > Part 21
USA > Iowa > Howard County > History of Chickasaw and Howard Counties, Iowa > Part 21
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
J. M. Gilliland, for three terms clerk of the courts, is still a resi- dent of New Hampton, was admitted to the bar, but is not in the practice.
J. H. Gurney came in 1873, was for a number of years in prac- tice here, but now resides in Nebraska.
A. C. Boylan entered into practice in New Hampton, in 1878, and is still an active member of the New Hampton bar.
George E. Stowe, also in active practice here, came from Chi- cago in 1880.
W. J. Springer, still in practice here, came in 1879.
R. E. Ronayne came to New Hampton in 1880, and in 1882 re- moved to Aberdeen, Dakota.
John R. Bayne came to New Hampton in 1879, and removed to Oregon in 1882, locating subsequently in Minnesota.
Samuel Young lived in this township, but never in New Hamp- ton. He was admitted to the bar, and was county surveyor at an early day.
O. K. Hoyt came from Illinois in 1871, and moved to Humbolt, Iowa, in 1880.
-
221
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
The first lawyer in Chickasaw county was G. W. Howard, who subsequently became state senator, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of Hon. J. H. Powers to enter the military service during the war of the rebellion. Howard was afterward appointed major of the 27th Iowa infantry, and served through the rebellion. He now resides at Waterloo, Iowa.
The next attorney was F. D. Hall, who was at one time prose- cuting attorney of the county, and who now live in Richland township.
A. G. Case, now president of the First National bank of Charles. City, and of the First National bank of Nashua was the next attor- ney who came to Chickasaw county.
J. H. Powers was the fourth attorney to locate in the county. A biographical sketch of Mr. Powers will be found in detail else- where. It is sufficient here to say that he is still a resident of New Hampton, whose destinies he has had by no means a small share in shaping, a remark which is equally true concerning Mr. Power's close indentification with the history of the entire county.
D. A. Babcock, of Bradford township, was never regularly ad- mitted, although he succeeded at one time in being elected to the office of prosecuting attorney, the time of his election being at the organization of the county. It is stated that, on account of his not having been admitted to practice, he was ineligible to the office, and in this connection the following anecdote is told:
While returning from the memorable county seat fight, which will be long remembered in county annals as the Battle of Bailey's Lane, his horse was drowned in crossing a slough, and as a means of getting compensation for the loss of the animal, he presented a bill against the county for salary, as prosecuting attorney, during the time he would have served, in that capacity, and the part of the little reininiscence, which the pioneers particularly laugh over is, that the claim was actually allowed.
PHYSICIANS, SURGEONS AND DENTISTS.
Dr. H. M. Mixer located in New Hampton in 1865, and still resides here in the practice of his profession, the firm now being Drs. Mixer & Gardner.
Dr. Babcock located here in January, 1867, and continues to practice his profession in New Hampton.
In the early part of 1870, Dr. Biederman came to New Hamp-
1
222
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
ton, but remained here only about one year, going from here to Bremer county, Iowa:
Dr. E. H. Olmsted came to Chickasaw county in 1857, locating first at Fredericksburg, where he remained until 1872, when he changed his place of residence to New Hampton, and has been in constant practice here ever since.
Dr. I. K. Gardner located in practice at Lawler in 1870, from which place he came to New Hampton in 1878, forming the part- nership with Dr. Mixer, mentioned above.
Dr. Isaac Prince came here in 1878, but remained only five or six months.
Dr. F. Nestman came in 1880, and remained several months.
Dr. Keith remained here about one year.
Dr. A. Sterzi located in New Hampton in August, 1880, and is still engaged in practice here.
Dr. A. E. Clark, dentist located here in 1879; and Dr. J. T. Ferguson, also a dentist, located here in 1877. Both gentlemen continue to practice their profession in New Hampton. Dr. D. J. Pollock opened a dental office here about the year 1869, remained about two years, and moved away to a subsequent location unknown. Dr. J. P. Campbell, also a resident dentist, died in 1879.
Mrs. Dr. Sterzi is also a regularly educated medical practitioner, and is in active practice of the profession.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF NEW HAMPTON.
On the 8th day of February, 1858, a meeting was held in the school house-being the log house formerly occupied by H. Gurley, as a dwelling, store and post office, at which time it was resolved, "To take the preliminary steps to organize a Christian church that shall embrace all evangelical christians" under said resolution a committee of seven was appointed consisting of Gideon Gardner, David Edwards, D. Calksin, Caleb Arnold, Walter E. Beach, Dr. J. F. Willson and J. H. Powers, to report a basis, articles of faith and covenant. W. E. Beach lived in Jackson- ville and Dr. Willson in Richland, and neither of them ever met with the committee.
Of the remainder of the committee G. Gardner was a Congrega- tionalist, David Edwards a United brethren, Denizen. Calkins, a free will Baptist, Caleb Arnold a close communion Baptist, and
223
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
J. H. Powers had never been a member of any church, although reared as a Presbyterian.
On the 13th of the same month the committee reported a basis, articles of faith and covenant and the name given the church was, "The Pilgrim Church of New Hampton."
On May 25d, 1865, the articles of incorporation were prepared and the society received a corporate existence under the name of "First Congregational Ecclisiastical Church Society of New Hamp- ton," and the church became known as the First Congregational church of New Hampton.
On Sunday morning the 14th of February, 1858, the citizens met in the log school house for the purpose of organizing the church. The Rev. J. C. Strong, who was then the pastor of the Bradford Congregational church, was present to aid in the services, and the church was organized, with Gideon Gardner, Naomi Gardner, Harrison Gurley Isabella .Gurley, Jas. D. Colt, Amelia Colt, Jason Morton and J. H. Powers as members.
On the 5th day of February. 1859, the Rev. J. C. Strong again preached for the church and C. O. Case, May Case, Christiana Morton, Hannah Morton, John L. Vanauken, Emma Vanauken, G. A. Hamilton and M. H. Hamilton made application to become members of the church and were admitted. The regular pastor was called in the person of the Rev. Thos. N. Skinner, who com- menced his labors on July 5th 1862, and continued to act as pastor until the summer of 1864, preaching every alternate Sunday in New Hampton and Fayette.
During the year 1863, the present church building was erected at a cost of $1,670; $500 was donated by Jay Cooke, and $200 by the Boston Congregational Union. The record shows the follow- ing report of building committee, which was adopted: "Size of house, 28x36; windows, 12 lights, 9x16 glass; height of room 14 in the clear; three windows on a side.
To the Rev. Thos. N. Skinner, much of the success in building was due, he working with his own hands whenever opportunity offered. The church was not finished for occupancy until 1865, and was not seated until 1866.
Rev. Harvey Adams was the successor of T. N. Skinner and entered upon his pastorate December 1st, 1866, and closed his services as. pastor of the church, December 25th, 1870.
Rev. Thomas Boyne was the successor of the Rev. Harvey
.
1
224
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
Adams, and entered upon his pastorate, February 19th, 1871, and continued and terminated January 28, 1876.
Rev. J. M. Riddlington was a Methodist minister, who had been stationed at New Hampton the preceeding year, and was at his request placed upon the retired list on account of poor health.
He was hired to fill the Congregational pulpit for six months, preaching the first part of the time every Sabbath, and after his removal to Cresco every alternate Sabbath.
At the February meeting February 3, 1877. Rev. C. A. Marshall; he having preached for the church three months on trial-was chosen pastor of the church and closed his services as acting pas- tor January 20th, 1880.
The Rev. E. C. Moulton who is now pastor commenced his ser- vices, February, 1882.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SOCIETY
is one of the leading organizations of New Hampton, and occupies a handsome structure, 34 by 66 feet in dimensions, which was erected in the winter of 1872-3. Rev. Mr. Wilcox the first regular pastor preached in the old court house. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Hazleton, who remained two years, and during whose adminis- tration the society purchased Dawes Hall, fitting up the upper story of the building as a parsonage. Rev. J. W. Bissell was the next pastor, and remained one year, being succeeded by Rev. C. H. Taylor. Mr. Taylor was the pastor two years, and it was during his stay that the present edifice was erected. Rev. Nathaniel Pye succeeded Mr. Taylor remaining two years, and was followed by Rev. John Baldwin, who also remained two years, being succeed- ed in turn by Rev. S. Sherin. Rev. Hager came in 1880, and was succeeded in 1882 by the present pastor, Rev. J. W. Jones. The present trustees of the society are Dr. A. Babcock, W. D. Stafford, W. L. Darrow, I. H. Minkler, A. McDonald, E. S. Fitch, J. T. Fer- guson. Mrs. A. Babcock is the recording steward the others being J. A. Albertson, W. L. Darrow, W. D. Stafford, A. McDonald and J. T. Ferguson
ST. JOSEPH'S CATAOLIC CHURCH
on south Broadway, was erected some thirteen years ago. A foundation was first laid on Main street, diagonally op- posite the Central House, but the site was subsequently changed to the present one. The congregation was organized April 3rd, 1870 J. W. Mitchell being elected treasurer. A soliciting
.
.
.
225
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
committie of six was appointed. When the building of the edifice was decided upon, there was but $50 in the treasury of the congregation. Owing principally to want of funds, and the con- sequent necessity of borrowing, the costs of the structere exceeded what it would otherwise have been, the total cost being about $4,000. A handsome brick parsonage was erected in 1879. The congregation which at the beginning was very small,there being at that time not more than three Catholic familes in New Hamp -. ton, now represents some two hundred families living in the town and surrounding country. It is gratifying to note that St. Joseph's is now entirely free from debt. At the time of organization the wants of the congregation were attended to by Rev. Fr. Harrison. Rev. J. P. Probst was the first officiating priest and was succeeded by Rev. Patrick Burke; whose successor was Rev. John L. Gosker. Rev. Fr. Leahey the present pastor succeeded Rev. Fr. Gosker, and through his indefatigable efforts, both the speritual and tempo- ral affairs of the congregation continued to improve. There is now little for the committee to do as the congregation is firmly estab- lished in the community. .
The Catholic cemetery is located on the southwest quarter of section six about one half mile from New Hampton. The ceme- tery has been established now about ten years, is advantageously situated, well laid out and fenced. Improvements in other direc- tions are in immediate contemplation and will no doubt be effec- ted during the current year.
GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN ST. PAUL CONGREGATION OF NEW HAMPTON.
This society was organized March 15th, 1871, by Rev. John Klindworth, of Galena Illinois and Ed. Wachtel, of New Hamp -. ton. The first members were Fred Deppe, H. Deppe, Chr. Rabe, . Fr. Kempendorf, Aug. Kempendorf, I. Reith, George Danner, Fr .. Piehn, Fr. Siminck, Herm Christopher, Aug. Tiepan, Rev. Ed. Wachtel was the first regular pastor and still has pastoral charge .. The church membership comprises twenty-two families. Services. were at first held in the court house hall, then in the English Congregational church. and afterward in Dawes' Hall. The present church edifice was erected in August, 1880. is 52 by 28 feet in dimensions, and cost $1,900. The present church officers are: Fred Deppe, treasurer; George Danner, H. Deppe Albert
226 1
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
Drawelow, trustees, Aug. Arndt deacon; Th. Jaehrling president; Albert Drawelow secretary.
THE GERMAN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF NEW HAMPTON was- organized June 20th, 1874, by Rev. Henry Hess of Fort Atkinson, who was the first (and still continues to be the) pastor. There are fifty-three members of the society. Services were first held in the old Congregational church. The present edifice was erected in 1879, is 26 by 38 feet in dimensions and costs $1,500. The following are the present officers of the society: Trustees B. Blatte, V. Boos, H. Rehorst, H. Robrock, C. K. Staples. H. Christoph and V. Boos are the deacons; F. Kempen- dorf is the secretary; H. Rehorst, treasurer; Joshua Sutter, Sun- "day school Superintendent.
HOPE EPISCOPAL MISSION,
" of New Hampton, was organized July 30th, 1877, Rev., D. W. Tolford conducting the first service and continuing to officiate for some time thereafter. As yet the mission has erected no church edifice and services have been for two years or more discontinued. The organization is, however, kept intact by the wardens, S. J. Ken- yon and Samuel Young and no doubt the near future will witness a revival of interest, with consequent growth of membership and all that it implies.
NEW HAMPTON LODGE NO. 84, A. O. U. W., was instituted September 2d, 1876, with the following fifteen charter members: J. F. Babcock, Lee Chapman, Charles A. Harris, Amos Babcock, Jr., T. H. Schulte, E. P. Sherman, William D. Collins, John Kress, Thomas Iverson, John McLaren, James A. Albertson, A. E. Bigelow, W. W. Birdsall, L. W. Smith, Oliver K. Hoyt. The first officers were as follows: Amos Babcock, Jr., P. M. W .; T. H. Schulte, G. F .; W. W. Birdsall, Recorder; A. E. Bigelow, Receiver; E. P. Sherman, I. W .; O. K. Hoyt, M. W .; John McLaren, Overseer; L. N. Smith, Financier; C. A. Harris, Guide; Thomas Iverson, O. W, The present officers are: A. E. Bigelow, P. M. W. and M. W .; J. A. Albertson, Foreman; John McLaren, Overseer; E. N. Olmstead, Recorder; E. P. Sheffield, Fi- nancier; W. L. Darrow, Receiver; C. A. Harris, Guide; G. R. Mc- Mullen, I. W .; E. P. Sherman, O. W. Thus far there has been but one death in the lodge membership, that of D. J. P. Camp- bell, which occurred in the autumn of 1879. Dr. Campbell was by profession a dentist, and was for a number of years receiver of
1
227
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
the lodge. Meetings are held semi-monthly, in W. J. Springer's office, on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings in each month. There are about thirty-six members, and the lodge is prospering. finely.
ARCANA LODGE, NO. 274, A. F. & A. M.
The charter was granted June 8th, 1870, the lodge having been- organized under dispensation August 13, 1869, with the following officers: F. D. Bosworth, W. M .; James F. Babcock, S. W .; D. A. Jackson, J. W .; Z. Bailey, Secretary; A. E. Bigelow, treasurer; A. Babcock, S. D .; Z. Barrett, J. D .; L. B. Davidson, Tyler. F. D. Bosworth was W. M. from 'August 13, 1869, to June 1st, 1871, be- ing succeeded as follows: C. A. Harris to June, 1874; A. Babcock, to June 1877; C. A. Harris, to June, 1878; A. Babcock, to June, 1880; A. B. Harris, to June, 1882. The present W. M. is A. Bah- cock. There were thirteen charter members; the present mem- bership (October, 1882,) is sixty-seven. F. D. Bosworth died Dec. 19th, 1881. The lodge has also lost two other members by death, Z. Bailey and J. P. Campbell. Meetings are held in Masonic hall in the Sieh block, on the first Tuesday evening on or after the full. moon. The lodge is in a prosperous condition.
THE V. A. S. FRATERNITY, NO. 101,
of New Hampton, was instituted in July, 1882, with the following- officers: I. K. Gardner, Rector; H. H. Potter, Vice-Rector; George E. Stowe, Scribe; W. L. Darrow, Questor; John A. Ryon, Usher; J. T. Ferguson, Speculator. The membership is about 25, and meetings are held in H. H. Potter's office, on the first Tuesday evening in each month.
THE CHICKASAW COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
was organized in 1859, with W. E. Beach president, H. Gurley secretary, C. O. Case treasurer. The executive committee was composed of one member from each organized township, as fol- lows; J. A. Sawin, Deerfield; S. W. Byers, Washington; H. Cook Obispo; Thomas Staples, Stapleton; Fred Padden, Fredericks- burg; L. J. Young, Dayton; Hiram Bailey, Richland; William Tucker, Chickasaw; John Bird, Bradford; J. H. Powers, New Hampton. Subsequently J. H. Powers was elected president, which office he still holds. The object of the society is to collect. and preserve historical facts with reference to Chickasaw county.
.
228
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
W. C. T. U.
This society was organized August 26th, 1876, with about twenty members. The first officers were: Mrs. W. D. Gardner, president; Mrs. Lizzie Baldwin, Mrs. Eliza Marshall, Mrs. Mandana A. Silsbee, vice-presidents; Miss E. C. Stebbins, secretary; Mrs. H. C. Mapes, treasurer. Mrs. Hannah Cotant is the present president; Miss Stebbins, recording and corresponding secretary; Miss Abbie Pow- ers, financial secretary; Mrs. I. H. Gurley, treasurer. This organ- ization has done effective work, in the temperance cause, and holds itself in readiness at all times to respond to the call of the presi- dent to re-engage in the good work.
I. O. G. T.
The Independent order of Good Templars has led a varigated existence in New Hampton, the first lodge having been organized in 1860, This lodge having demised, another was organized in 1867, which in turn yielded up the ghost, and on its ruins still an- other lodge was organized in 1876. At present there is no lodge of this order in New Hampton.
THE AMENDMENT CLUB OF NEW HAMPTON
was organized in 1881, with about sixty members, and continues with abont the same membership. Its primary object was to aid in securing the adoption of the constitutional prohibitory amend- ment. Its officers were:
Professor H. A. Simons, president; Mrs. C. E. Hagar, vice- president; E. P. Sheffield, secretary; O. B. Sherman, treas- urer. This organization prosecuted a vigorons campaign, and did effective work, the county being carried for the amendment by a decided majority, as will be found to be recorded elsewhere.
THE COUNTY POOR FARM.
At the election held in October, 1871, a tax of two mills on the dollar was voted to be levied, for the purpose of purchasing and stocking a poor farm. The total vote on the proposition was 1,438; 1003, for, and 435 against.
During the June term, 1872, the board of supervisors reported that after spending three days in inspecting various farms, they had purchased a poor farm located as follows: on the south half of the southeast quarter of section twenty-four, and the north half of the northeast quarter of section twenty-five, township ninety-five,
229
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
west of range thirteen, containing 160 acres, on the town line road, two and one-half miles south of New Hampton. One hundred acres were "broke," there were a young orchard and a never failing stream of water. The purchase also included one reaper and mower combined, one horse rake, one plow, and one harrow. The farm was purchased of Don. A. Jackson, the price paid being $20 per acre, or $3,200 in all. A resolution was also adopted, providing for receiving bids for the erection of a suitable building. .
At a special session held October 7th, 1872, a contract was award- ed A. W. Utter, New Hampton, for the erection of a county poor farm building, for $1,360.80, six hundred dollars of which was to be paid down, the balance on the completion of the building.
CEMETARY ASSOCIATION.
The officers of this association are: H. Gurley, president; G. A. Hamilton, secretary; D. A. Jackson treasurer. The associa- tion was organized about the year 1861. The cemetary grounds are located in the southwestern part of town, are handsomely laid out and well fenced.
COURT HOUSE BUILDING.
The habitat of the county officers at various times in the early history of the county, has been detailed at sufficient length else- where. The records of the June meeting, 1865, give the following details concerning the first building erected, especially for county purposes. At this meeting the following proceedings were had in relation to the erection of a county building:
Resolved, That Palmer of Jacksonville, Haslam of Dayton, and Woodbridge of Bradford, be a committee to enter into an agree- ment with, and if practicable make a contract with any responsible parties, for the erection of a county building, according to the plan and specifications now on file in the office of the clerk of the board. And if they deem changes or additions necessary, to stipulate for the same to be paid out of the county. funds, but in no case to exceed $500.00 for such last mentioned purpose.
Resolved, That said committee be empowered to offer the con- tractor an interest of ten per cent. payable out of the county funds on sums due for the erection of said building, and payable, out of the swamp land fund, until said fund shall be received by the county, and paid over to said contractor or his order.
230
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
Resolved, That the committee report their doings in the premises ', together with a copy of any contract they may enter into for the action of the board.
J. K. KRONINGER.
This contract entered into on this 6th day of June, A. D. 1865, by and between Chickasaw county, state- of Iowa, of the first part and J. H.Powers of the second part, witnesseth: that the said party of the second part agrees to erect and finish according to the specifications now on file in the office of the board of supervisors, a county building the work to be done in the style of the work done on the Congregational church in New Hampton, and the weather work to be of good pine lumber; the building to be erected in a good, workmanlike manner, finished inside and out and painted with two coats of paint of white lead or zinc, said building to be plastered and complete for use,. the seating used being the seats now owned by the country for county purposes. The walls of the building to be double plastered by lathing and plastering between the studding; the vault to be square as platted and the entrance to the same being under the stairs and to have double doors of boiler iron, one open- ing inside and one outward, with good iron hinges and iron fastenings for the same, and the walls of said vault to be at least sixteen inches thick with an opening in the same, and at least the outer wall to be of brick or stone. Said building to rest upon a good substantial stone foundation in height similar to the one under the Congre- gational meeting house in New Hampton; said building to be completed on or before the 26th day of November A. D. 1865.
And the party of the first part agrees to pay the said party of the second part, for the erection of said building as above described the following sums, and on the conditions and terms to wit:
Eight hundred and forty dollars ($840) paid down in cash.
Five hundred dollars($500) to be paid when the building is raised, said payment to be made by an order on the funds in, or to come into the possession of the country as '"swamp land funds," with interest thereon payable out of the country funds at ten per cent. per annum payable annually, until the county shall
231
HISTORY OF CHICKASAW COUNTY.
receive money from the United States as said "swamp land funds" and until the same is paid the said J. H. Powers, or his order;
Five hundred dollars ($500,) when the building shall be enclosed payable on the conditions, and in the manner above stated; and eleven hundred and sixty dollars ($1,160,) payable as the foregoing, out of the said swamp land fund when the building is completed; and G. W. Butterfield, W. E. Beach and W. B. Grant shall be a committee to examine, and if found complete according to this contract, to accept said building from the hands of the contractor, previous to his receiving his last payment
And it is further stipulated that the said J. H. Powers enter into bonds running to the county, in the sum of thirty-five hundred dollars, with surety to be approved by the clerk of the board of supervisor, F. D. Bosworth and A. E. Bigelow, before he shall be entitled to draw any of said money. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands this 6th day of June A. D. 1865.
WM. PALMER, WM. HASLAM, E. D. WOODBRIDGE,
we being appointed a committee to let contract for building county building: to approved by the board.
J. H. POWERS. HIRAM BAILEY. Chairman Board Supervisors.
Your committee to whom was referred a resolution in refer- ence to the erection of county building would respectfully report:
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.