USA > Iowa > Chickasaw County > History of Chickasaw and Howard Counties, Iowa > Part 42
USA > Iowa > Howard County > History of Chickasaw and Howard Counties, Iowa > Part 42
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January 20th the Howard County Times was born. The pro- prietors, Messrs. Wood & Mix, establishing the same under the most favorable circumstances. This paper passed through many hands since, but has never lost its prestige, as one of the brightest and best of northern Iowa's papers.
1868.
The board of supervisors submit to the action of the qualified electors, the question of levying a special tax, to furnish the necessary funds to purchase a poor farm, and erect suitable build- ings, but on account of the hard times, owing to the depreciation in values, consequent on the close of the war, the people of the county saw fit to deny the tax, and for the time being the matter was dropped.
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HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY,
The matter of the McGregor railroad again crops out, in a petition to the legislature of the state, praying that body not to legalize the action of a former board of supervisors, donating all the swamp lands of the county, to the road, on the plea, that the said company had not complied with the terms of its contract. This matter was afterwards carried into the courts, and consider- able litigation carried on, but in the end the matter was com- promised, and the railroad allowed to hold possession of the lands in dispute, on the condition that the company put a depot. at the town of Chester.
On the night of March 15th, the office of the county treasurer was burglariously entered, the safe broken open and the contents, amounting to $13,000, abstracted. There has been no clue to the thief or thieves, nor never will be, in all probability, but suspicion was, and is, rife. This loss was a serious loss to the county, al- ready burdened with debt, and helped to retard the settlement of the county.
The railroad locate their depot within three-fourths of a mile of Lime Springs and the new town, Lime Springs station, sprung into being. This town, like its neighbor, Cresco, grew with a surpris- ing growth and before winter had cast its snowy mantle over the ground, quite a town stood on what was a before a fertile farm- Among the first merchants in the place, we find the names of Peter Velie, Jr., S. L. Cary, J. F. Cameron, W. F. Daniels, J. E. Foster, C. C. Hewitt, Joeseph Knowlton, H. P. Marsh, M. M. and A. E. Marsh, Ohlquist Bros., and Alonzo Pettit.
The postoffice at Lime Springs station was established this year, with James Greenleaf as postmaster; he however, did not occupy the position, but about a month when on his resigning it, Alonzo. Pettit was appointed, and still holds that office.
The town of Cresco is incorporated, and an election held for city officers, April 20th, resulting in the choice of Isaac Gregory, for mayor; W. R. Mead, recorder; Henry Widner, attorney; B. Chapin, treasurer and L. T. Woodcock, J. Clemmer, John C. Clark and John E. Peck, as council.
1869.
The station at Chester, located this year, and the business of the town receives a new impetus.
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HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
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The independent school district of Cresco, organized, this year and the main part of the school building, at that place erected.
The Methodist church, in Jamestown township, was organized during the course of this year, by Elder Mapes, with some fifteen members.
1870. -
The indebtedness of the county in its present state of floating warrants proving an incubus upon the finances of the treasury, the board resolved to bond it and create a sinking fund for the re- demption thereof. This was accordingly done, and bonds issued in sums of $100, and the whole debt placed in shape. It is owing to this and the able management of the funds since, that the county enjoys its present good financial condition.
By the law of the state board, the of supervisors is reduced, this year, to the number of three.
The bridge at Lime Springs, then in the process of construction, falls in ruins.
Presbyterian and Baptist churches in Lime Springs station, built during the year.
James Hendricks builds and opens the hotel in that part of the town of Riceville, which lies in Howard county.
1873.
'October 21st, the Cresco Times, passed into the hands of L. E. 'Smith, who is at present the sole proprietor and owner.
The People's Representative, a weekly newspaper, starts on the stormy sea of journalism. This paper seems to have succumbed to the tide of adverse fates, as it no longer exists.
At the election, held in October, this year, "Jerry" Barker, re- ceived 656 votes, and W. W. White, 651, for auditor. The latter being the incumbent of that office, contested the election, claim- ing illegal votes on the part of the opposition. The matter continued for some time and the conflict waxed warm. The board of supervisors took the matter in hand and decided to appoint Mr. Barker to the office, claiming the right to do so; to this Mr. White objected, saying that the board had no right to remove him, and that the law approved of his right to hold the office, until his suc- cessor was elected. He was shortly reminded of the fact, that as he had been appointed by the board, to fill a vacancy, and not selected the same power could rescind the appointment. This
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HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
view of the matter caused Mr. White to surrender, and Mr. Barker entered upon the duties of the office, early in the ensuing year.
1874.
The school building, at Cresco, proving not large enough, the west wing, of that structure, was built this year, adding consider- able more room.
The Methodist church of Riceville, was erected and dedi- cated in the early part of the year. This is one the neatest speci- mens of gothic architecture in the county.
1875.
The wrought iron bridge at Florenceville is construeted during the year.
1876.
The first normal institute, in the county, is held during the spring of this year. J. C. Gilchrist, of St. Paul was the director and was assisted by J. Breckenridge, of Decorah, and Miss Bucklin, of Cresco.
In May, of this year the town of Lime Springs Station is incor- porated.
December 31st, the court house, at Cresco, is destroyed by fire and all the court records and valuable papers reduced to ashes. The fire is thought to have been of incendiary origin, but of this there yet lacks proof, About midnight the alarm was given and all hastened to the burning building, but to late to be of any good, as the flames had gained such a headway as to defy their feeble efforts. A strong effort was made to save the papers in the court room, but the heat and the dense volumes of smoke drove back, all such as volunteered for the forlorn hope. In a few short hours the building was reduced to a pile of glowing ashes, and smoking heaps of rubbish.
1877.
This year will ever remain notorious, from the defalcation and absconding of the treasurer, Frank Kyte. It seems, that Monday, July 12th, the news was received in Cresco, that Mr. Kyte was drowned at McGregor, the afternoon before. On receipt of intlli- gence, several of the most prominent citizens, left for the point in question to verify the report, and if true, to recover the body. On their arrival at that city they found that, althoughuous efforts
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HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
had been, and were being made that no sigus of the corpse were visible. After developments opened the eyes of all, and the con- viction was forced upon them, that instead of being drowned, Frank Kyte, had decamped with $18,500 of the county's money, and that the story of his drowning was a plot, to cover up his. tracks.
The corporation of Cresco, extends its limits southward so as to take in the bluff, whereon rested the legal county seat, and so ab- sorbing, as it were, that honor. This settled the county seat ques- tion, it is hoped definitely.
1878.
The people of the county, seeing that a rigid adherence to the letter of law, and a strict government of the bond of Frank Kyte, the defaulting treasurer, would work the financial ruin of many persons who had signed it, petition the board of supervisors to compromise the matter with them. This was accordingly done, and the matter rested.
1880.
The new court house, at Cresco, rebuilt and re-occupied by the county officers.
The first class to graduate, from the Cresco high school, held its commencement exercises this year.
1881.
The debt, of the independent school district of Cresco, is bonded by resolution of the board of school control.
1882.
Jail and sheriff's residence erected, in court house square, by the county.
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HOWARD COUNTY BIOGRAPHIES.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
VERNON SPRINGS TOWNSHIP.
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A. B. Barnes, farmer, P. O. Cresco; born in N. Y., in 1830, and is the the third son of Charles and Sarah Barnes. At the age of twenty-five years, he came to Iowa, and lived in Clayton and Lucas counties until, coming to this county in 1866. He has filled the offices of assessor and trustee, and owns 320 acres in section 3. He was married in 1852; to Miss Fidelia Adams, they have five. children, Charles C., Willard A., Sarah E., Edwin C. and Ed- gar J.
Joseph Batterham, farmer, and superintendent of the "county poor farm," also owner of eighty acres in section 16, was born in England, in 1842, and is the oldest son of Joseph and Mary A. Batterham. At the age of twenty-one years, he came to the U. S. and first settled in Cook county, Ill., where he remained until coming to this county. In 1880, Mr. Batterham, assumed the mangement of the poor farm, and has proved himself, the right man in the right place. He was married in 1870 to Francis Bat- terham, and their children are, Mary L. and Grace M.
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HOWARD COUNTY BIOGRAPHIES.
Sylvester Barnes, farmer, P. O. Cresco; born in N. Y., in 1841, and is the oldest son of James and Mary Barnes. He came west at the age of fifteen years, settling in this county, and state. H. was married in 1861, to Miss Catherine Ferrie, their children are, John W., James H., Maggie, Andrew, Joseph, Michael, Amanda, Frank, Leo and Sylvester. Mr. B. owns 160 acres of land, in section . 32, valued at $25 per acre.
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Thomas P. Davies, farmer, P. O. Cresco; was born in Wales, in 1817, and is the second son of Thomas and Ann Davies. He came to America when twenty-one years of age, and landed in New Orleans, where he remained three years, and then went to Cincinnatti, Oho, remaining there until 1844, in which year ho went to Janesville, Wis., and lived there until 1855, he then came to Iowa, settling where he now resides. He has been swamp land commissioner, notary public and justice of the peace, several years, and took an active part in the locating and building of the C., M. & St. P. R. R. He owns 374 acres of land in section 35 and 26. He was married in 1847, to Mrs. Maria J. Granda, a native of N. Y .; her maiden name Vinnie Gibbs, she is the daughter of the . Hon. Dr. Leonard Gibbs, a physician of emimance and ex-circuit judge, and custom house officer, her first husband died in the year of 1843.
B. D. Evringham, farmer, P. O. Cresco; born in Canada, in 1832, and is the third son of Jacob and Margaret Evringham. His par- ents moved to Illinois, when he was eight years of age, and re- mained in that state seven years, then removed to Dubuque county, Iowa, and seven years later to Clayton county, in 1858, he came to Howard county. He was married in 1857, to Miss Eliza- beth Moon, by whom he had five children-Frank D., Helen M., Mary J., Emma R. and Ida E. His wife died in 1871, and he was again married in 1873, to Miss Helen D. Hunt; their children are, Effie F., Edith L., Mabel D., Bertha C. and Alice E. Mr. Evring- ham, is a veteran of the late war, having enlisted in the thrity-
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HOWARD COUNTY BIOGRAPHIES.
·eighth Iowa volunteer infantry. under Col. Hughes, serving in the western department, he received promotion from orderly seargent, to second lieutenant and was discharged at Davenport, Ia., in 1865. He owns a farm of eighty acres in section 34, valued at $50.00 per acre.
J. M. Field, farmer, P. O. Cresco; born in England in 1817, and is the oldest son of Wm. and Susan Field, he came to the United States at the age of twenty-four years, and lived in New York thirteen years, then came to Howard county, Iowa. He owns 120 acres of land in section 28, valued at $50.00 per acre. He was married in 1842, to Miss Sophia A. Loors, their children are Ella D., Alice M., Cora L. and Ida B.
William Kellow, Senior, farmer, P. O. Cresco; born in England, in 1822, and is the eldest son of Joseph and Mary Kellow. He came to the United States, in 1852, stopping two years in Indiana, he then came to Howard county. He owns sixty acres of land in section 27, valued at $50 per acre. He was married in 1845, to Miss Maria Rawle, and their children are, Joseph C., William, Jane, Samuel R., Maria R. and Mary L.
W. K. Barker, of the law firm of Barker Bros., attorneys at law, was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1845, is a son of Jer- remiah and J. L. Barker. In 1857, he came to Howard county, and located on a farm, one and one-half miles east of where Cresco now stands. In 1863, he enlisted in company B, seventh Iowa, volunteer infantry, and served until the close of the war; was in all the battles that his regiment participated in going with Sher- man in his march to the sea. The next ten years was spent in teaching and farming, and in '76, he began reading law, with Mr. Reed, and in 1877, was admitted to practice. He married Ada C. Brown, of Massachussetts, and they have one child, William Floyd.
G. W. Halsted, farmer, P. O. Cresco; born in Ohio, in 1834, and is the eldest son of S. L. and Mary Halsted, who removed to Wis- consin, when he was twelve years of age; he remained there until
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HOWARD COUNTY BIOGRAPHIES.
1856, when he came to this county and state. He owns 230 acres of land, in section 31, valued at $20 per acre. He was married in 1861, to Mrs. L. C. Jones, and has four children-Wilton E., Es- tella A., Nellie F. and George A. Mrs. Halsted had one child, a daughter. by her former marriage-Alice E. Jones. In 1863, Mr: Halsted enlisted in the seventh Iowa infantry volunteers, at New Oregon, and was detailed at Davenport, as forage master. He was. disabled by a fall from his horse, and was finaly discharged in 1865.
J. J. Lowry, sheriff; was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, in 1845; he is a son of Jacob and Henrietta Lowry, natives of Ger- many. When he was twelve years of age, he removed with his parents to Winnesheik county, this state, where he remained but two years, when he came to this county. In 1866, he engaged in the drug business, which he continued until 1877, when he sold his business to C. J. Webber. Two years later he was elected sheriff of Howard county, and was re-elected in 1881, and still holds the position. Mr. Lowry was married to Jennie Mullen, a native of Wisconsin, they have two children, Frederick B. and Norbert J. Mr. L. and family are members of the Luthren church.
G. E. Marsh, attorney at law; was born in Cateraugus county. New York, in 1853; is the son of G. O. and E. A. Marsh. In 1866, he came west with his parents, and located at Jessup, Buchanan county, Ia., where he made it his home until 1876. He read law with Lake & Harmon of Independence, and was admitted to prac- tice, in 1876. He went to Ossage, and for a short time practiced law, and soon after came to Cresco, and is now a member of the law firm of Reed & Marsh.
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J. A. Dilworth, proprietor of the Dilworth house, was born in Philadelphia, November 26, 1838, and is a son of 'Norris C. and Martha R. Dilworth. When he was yet in infancy his parents. removed to Connecticut, where he grew to manhood. In 1861 he enlisted in company F, fifth Connecticut volunteers, and served
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HOWARD COUNTY BIOGRAPHIES.
three years and three months. In 1865 he came west, locating in Lake City, Minn., where he remained five years. The next two years he made several changes, and, finally, in 1872 took charge of the Dilworth house, of which he is now owner and proprietor. He married Julia I. Holmes, also of Connecticut, and they have four children, Henry N., Justina, Otto L. G., and Julia.
Fred. Miller, dealer in harness, saddles, boots and shoes; was born in Bavaria, in 1834; came to America, in 1850, and located in New York city; the same year he went to Savannah, Georgia, and thence back to Niagara Falls, and thence he came west, to Winona, Minn., where he remained twelve years; from there he went to McGregor, and finally settled, in Cresco, where he now resides. He has been twice married, his first marriage was to Harriett Tubbs, a native of New York, and who died in 1868, leaving two children, William and John. His second marriage was to Caroline King, a native of Germany; they have three children, Jennie, Lottie, and Albert.
G. Meverden, dealer in furniture; was born in Holland, in 1834; is a son of Richard and Harriett Meverden. He came to America, in 1852, and settled, in Wisconsin, in 1865; then came to Conover, and six months later came to Cresco, where he has since resided. He married Bertha Grenwold, a native of Germany; they have two children, Hattie and Daniel.
L' Swensen, proprietor of the Cresco tow mill, erected in 1876, was born in Norway, in 1841, came to America, with his parents, when yet an infant; locating in Racine county, Wis. The subject of this sketch learned the trade of machinist, in Chicago, and Milwaukee, and has since been engaged in the same calling. In 1874 he came to Cresco and started a foundry, which he after- wards sold to Mr. Lowry. He married Annie Johnson, also a native of Norway; they have two children, Rosa May, and Johnny.
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HOWARD COUNTY BIOGRAPHIES.
J. J. Mason, proprietor of the Webster house; was born im Vermont, in 1812; is a son of Elias and Betsy Coburn Mason,. both natives of Massachusetts. When the subject of this sketch was twelve years of age, his parents removed to New York, where he lived until he reached his twenty-first year. In 1837 he came- west, locating in Chicago, thence to Milwaukee, and in 1855 he came to Iowa, locating in the town of Howard, Afton township, this county. The following year he went to Decorah, farmed a short.time, and soon after purchased the Decorah house; one year- later he moved to Waukon, and "was a resident of Allamakee- county for some time. He kept the Mason house a short time. Mr. Mason made a number of changes within the next few years, and we will only record his keeping the winnesheik house, in Decorah, in company with A. J. McClasky, his son-in-law. In 1880 he purchased the Webster house, of which he is still pro- prietor. His wife was Diana C. Orton, a native of New York.
Wentworth Bros., proprietors of meat market, Cresco, Iowa. These enterprising young men established their business in Sep tember of 1882, and are doing the leading business in their line, in Cresco. A. N. Wentworth, the elder brother, was born in Canada, in 1854, and in 1870 came to Cresco; he married Maria Hamilton, and they have four children, two sons and two daughters. W. A. C. Wentworth, the younger brother, was also born in. Canada, being four years younger than his brother; he came to. Cresco, in 1872.
O. N. Hoyt, physician and surgeon, was born in Magog, Canada, east, in 1843; is a son of Nason and Miranda Hoyt. When he was thirteen years of age, his parents removed to this county, located in Paris township. O. N.'s early life was spent on his father's farm, and when yet a young man, he engaged in teaching, which he followed ten years. In 1873 he was elected county superintendent, which position he held two terms. He graduated at the Hahneman Medical College, at Chicago, in the class of "79.
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HOWARD COUNTY BIOGRAPHIES.
He was married to Amelia E. Laskey, a native of Chicago; they have two children, Jessie and Alonzo.
William Wilbraham, attorney at law; was born in Malone, Franklin county, N. Y., in 1846; is a son of Joseph W. and Jane Wilbraham. In 1851 he went with his parents to LaPorte, Ind., at which place he made his home until 1878. In 1862 he enlisted in company E, fourth Indiana cavalry, and served until the close of the war. In 1878 he came to Cresco, read law with C. F. Breckenridge, and was admitted to practice in April 1881. He married Celesta Webster, a native of Indiana.
J. M. McCoy, lumber dealer, Cresco; was born in Linden, Vermont, in 1840, and is the youngest son of William and Johanna McCoy. When he was six years old his parents removed to Nashua, N. H., where he lived until he was eighteen years of age, and then came west, to Dodge county, Wis., where he made his home until 1876. Mr. McCoy opened a lumber yard in Decorah, which he conducted during 1864 and 1865; also had yards in Postville, Castalia, and Ossian. He came to Cresco, in 1876, and took charge of the lumber business, of Day Bros., which position he still holds. He purchased a, farm of 800 acres, in partnership with a Mr. Hale, which he still conducts. He married Ida Dexter,. a native of New Hampshire.
E. E. Bertrand, photographer, and dealer in musical instrument, Cresco, Iowa; established business in 1871; was born in Vermont, in 1853, came west in 1860, settling in Ripon, Wis., thence to St. Charles, Minn. He learned his trade in Rochester, Minn., and then came direct to Cresco, and established business for himself. Mr. B. is said to have the best photograph rooms in the state; he makes a specialty of instantaneous dry plate work.
C. F. Webster was born in Richland county, Ohio, in 1830, and is the son of Asaph and A. Webster, who were natives of the state of New York. When but four years old his parents moved to Joliet, Illinois, where he lived two years, and then moved to
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HOWARD COUNTY BIOGRAPHIES.
LaPorte, Ind., remaining in the latter place twenty years, and in 1856 came to Howard county, locating at Howard Center, where he resided until the year 1860, when, being elected to the office of bounty clerk, he took up his residence at New Oregon, the county seat at that time. On the expiration of his term of office, in 1864, he returned to farming, and continued therein until he was re-elected, in 1874, since which period he has held the office. Mr. W. was married to Serena I. Irvin, a native of Ohio; they have three children, Clara E., Allie I., and Edith May.
John E. Peck, county auditor, elected in 1877-was born in Oneida county, N. Y., in 1832; is a son of Edward and Mary Eastman Peck, both of whom are natives of New York. When 19 years of age he came to Chicago, and was for a time employed by a lumber company. In the fall of 1853 he went to Janesville, Wis., where he engaged in the lumber trade. In this he continu- ed until 1856, in which year he came to McGregor, Iowa. Here he remained in the same line of 'business until 1862, in which year he enlisted in Co. I, 27th Ia. Inf., serving until the close of the war. He was promoted from a second to first lieutenancy soon after enlistment. After the the war closed he went to Con- over in the interests of a lumber firm, and in 1866 came to Cresco, indentifying himself with the lumber trade, and selling his bus- iness to Carver, Jacobs & Co. in 1874. He then entered the ma- chinery business, in which he continued until his election to the county auditorship as recorded above. Mr. Peck is a member of the Congregational church, and is in politics a republican with greenback, anti-monopoly proclivities. He married Mary E. Barnes of New York, and has three children, Addie B., Charles B. and Louisa M.
W. H. Patterson. County recorder, was born in Erie Co., Penn. in 1838, and is a son of William & Mary Campbell Patterson, both of whom were born in New York state. When he was seventeen
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years of age his parents removed to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, thence to Euclid and soon after to Ashtabula, Ohio. In April 185-they came to Iowa and located in south west part of this Co., where the subject of this sketch lived until 1860, when he was appointed deputy recorder, & treasurer, which position he held until Aug. 1862. Then enlisted in Co. I, 38th Iowa Vol., as 2nd Lieutenant & was soon after promoted to first Lieutenant; he was discharged in. Louisiania, after serving two and one half years. On his return to this Co., he engaged in the drug trade which business he con- tinued a short time. In 1865 he was appointed county recorder, and he has been elected to the same position at every election since that time. He received his education at the Asbury sem- inary, Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He married Sarah Carpenter a native of New York, they have six children, namely William, Wilber, Arthur, Henry, Joseph and Fritz. Mr. Patterson and wife are members of the M. E. church, his political views are republican.
A. F. Baumgartner, grocer and part proprietor of the Lime Springs mills, is a son of C. and Fredricka Baumgartner, and was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1856, and lived in that city until 1876 when he removed to Cresco, Ia., and was employed as clerk in one of the business houses there. In 1879 he opened the grocery house of A. F. Baumgartner & Co. In February, 1883, he purchased an interest in the Lime Springs mill.
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