USA > Iowa > Chickasaw County > History of Chickasaw and Howard counties, Iowa, Volume I > Part 24
USA > Iowa > Howard County > History of Chickasaw and Howard counties, Iowa, Volume I > Part 24
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When Jowa became a part of Wisconsin, by the act of April 20, 1836, the first Legislature of that territory set about amending the laws, and one of the amendments was the act of December 6, 1836, providing. "That each county within this territory now organized, or that may hereafter be organized, shall constitute one township for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of the amended laws."
The act of Congress organizing the Territory of Iowa, approved by President Van Buren, June 12, 1838, contained a provision that all township officers should
OLD LOG HOUSE, NASHUA
Erected and used for a residence in the early '60s by Richard Bean. The house is located two blocks west of the bridge, near the river bank, and is one of the pioneer houses of the town. There were but few other houses in Nashua at the time this was built.
RUINS OF GRISTMILL ON LITTLE CEDAR RIVER
Built in 1875 by Eastman & Laird, on the site of a sawmill that was built and operated at a much earlier date by a Mr. Butterfield, and perhaps others.
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be elected by the people. In his message of November 12, 1838, to the first Legislature that ever convened in Iowa, Governor Robert Lucas said :
"The subject of providing by law for the organization of townships and the election of township officers, and defining their powers and duties, I consider to be of the first importance and almost indispensable in the local organization of the Government. Without proper township regulations it will be extremely · difficult, if not impractical, to establish a regular school system. In most of the states where a common school system has been established by law, the trustees of townships are important agents in executing the provisions of its laws."
On January 10, 1840, Governor Lucas approved the act providing for town- ship organization. Under this act the question of forming a new township was to be submitted to the voters residing within the territory it was proposed to include in said township, and if a majority of the votes were in favor of the proposition, the township should be organized. With some supplementary legis- lation, this system remained in force until after the admission of the state, in 1846. Most of the counties created by the act of 1851 were declared to be a single township, and so remained until the local authorities saw fit to make a change.
Under the law providing for the first organization of counties, the county judge was clothed with almost supreme power in the administration of county affairs. The act of the Eighth General Assembly, which became effective July 4. 1860. abolished the office of county judge and provided for the election of a board of supervisors, comprising one from each township, the supervisors so elected to take office January 1. 1861. All the townships in Chickasaw County were created under the former administration of county affairs by a county judge. There have been no material changes in townships since the county supervisors succeeded in this function. A detailed account of the boundary lines and official establishment of the several townships is given in another chapter. The province of this chapter will be to give something of the local history, the early settlers and settlements and matters of interest pertaining to each of the townships.
A REVIEW OF TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION
By reference to the official action recorded elsewhere, it will be seen that at the time of organization the whole county was included in one precinct, or town- ship, known as Bradford. At the March term of County Court, 1855. the County of Chickasaw was divided into five election precincts, or townships, namely : Bradford. Chickasaw, Brink, Obispo and Yankee. At the March term, 1856, the east half of Bradford Township was set off and organized as Richland Township; and Brink Township was equally divided by a line running north and south, making two townships, the west half under the name of Deerfield and the east half under the name of Washington. By this act Brink Township was eliminated as a political division of Chickasaw County.
After these changes were made by the County Court, in 1856, the township map of Chickasaw County showed that Obispo and Yankee townships covered one-half of the east side of the county, and Chickasaw Township included a large section of the central part of the county. At the April term of court other divisions were made in some of these larger townships. The east half of Chick-
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asaw Township was set off and organized as Dayton Township; out of Yankee Township three new townships were created, known as New Hampton, Stapleton and Fredericksburg. At the March term, 1858, Obispo Township was equally divided by a line running north and south, and two new townships created, the west half under the name of Jacksonville and the east half under the name of Utica, and the euphonious name of Obispo is eliminated. Another township, Dresden, was created by the County Court in 1859, by taking a section off the east side of Richland and a section of the west side of Fredericksburg. A slight change was also made by taking part of the east side of Dayton Township and attaching this to New Hampton Township. The townships as thus established have remained without change. In the order as they appear on the map, begin- ning at the southwest corner of the county, and reading from left to right, they are :
Bradford, Richland, Dresden, Fredericksburg, Chickasaw, Dayton, New Hamp- ton, Stapleton, Deerfield, Washington, Jacksonville and Utica.
BRADFORD TOWNSHIP
The first of the hardy pioneers who found their way to this part of the state located in what is now Bradford Township, Chickasaw County. At the time of the advent of the first white settlers in that vicinity all the rest of the county, and the country round, lay in primitive solitude. Long before any settlement within the boundary of the present county, or before even the State of Iowa had laid aside her territorial swaddling clothes, an Indian trading post had been established by the Government in the vicinity of the site where Bradford Town was afterwards located. This was about the year 1840. The country round about, in fact all of the present county, was inhabited by the tribe of Chickasaw Indians, of whom Bradford was the chief. The county took its name from this tribe, and the township was named for the chief. Bradford was a widely known character in this section of Iowa in the early history, and had much to do with Government dealings with the Indians and the treaties that finally effected the relinquishment of the lands in this section for the settlement of the whites. There are persons yet living who remember Bradford, as he was a familiar old Indian chief in the vicinity for some time after the coming of the first white settlers.
The Indian trading post referred to was located about two miles northeast of the present Town of Nashua, and about one mile from old Bradford. The post consisted of a log house used as a store room, and one or two log cabins. Peter Schemp was the Indian agent in charge, who, as an old citizen describes him, "could entertain a bar-room full of guests and loafers, composed of Indians and roughnecks." He probably. had other qualifications for the efficient discharge of the duties for which he was employed by the Government. The agency was abandoned about 1850, and Peter Schemp seems to have been in charge most, if not all, the time during its existence, since 1840.
AN ENTERPRISE THAT FAILED
Along in the early '40s the Government contracted with a man named Wheeler to break and fence a large body of land in the vicinity of the Indian trading post,
SOLDIERS' MONUMENT, GREENWOOD CEMETERY, BRADFORD TOWNSHIP
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with a view of establishing this as a reservation for a tribe of Winnebago Indians. One informant states that this body of land comprised 400 acres; another states that there were 2,000 acres in the tract. Whatever may have been the extent of the area, it was all fine land and suitable for the production of large crops of corn and other grains necessary for the sustenance of the numerous tribes of In- dians for whom it was prepared. In addition to the products that might be obtained from the cultivation of this land, the country abounded in all kinds of large game, including bears, elks, and deer, and the streams were filled with fish, so that there need be no lack of fresh meat. It would seem that this was an ideal place for a tribe of Indians-the squaws could find plenty of employment cultivat- ing corn, while the men could enjoy themselves hunting and fishing.
After the ground had been broken and all fenced, the Indians were brought onto the land, but the experiment proved a failure, like many other experiments of the Government to encourage the Indian to cultivate industrial habits. Some pretense of cultivating a crop was made for one season, but the greater part of the land was left to the growth of native grass. During the following winter the Indians burnt most of the rails with which the ground was fenced, for fuel ; the few rails that were left were used to fence off a small patch of ground for the squaws to cultivate. The Indians finally abandoned the "reservation" and removed farther west, leaving the fine tract of land that had been set apart for them to the white settlers, who were attracted by the opportunities afforded.
This section of the county was visited first, probably, by traders and trappers, who traveled along the Cedar River, where there was an abundance of game. These visits must have been as early as 1850, at least reports regarding the abundant forest and the fine agricultural resources of this section began to be talked about in the older settlements of the state about that time. It was these reports that prompted the venturesome pioneer to turn his footsteps in this direc- tion.
THE FIRST SETTLERS
It is generally conceded that the distinction of being the first settler within the domain of Bradford Township belongs to Truman Merritt, who came here with his family in 1848, and settled on the east side of Little Cedar, near the place afterwards known as Greenwood. Here he built a rude log cabin for a dwelling, the material for construction being cut from the abundant woods in this section. Two years later a daughter was born to him, the first white child born in the county. The daughter grew to womanhood and married Awry Earl. About this time a number .of other settlers came in and took up land claims on land warrants that had been issued to them as soldiers of the Mexican war. These early pioneers were fortunate in getting first choice of locations along the river on the second bottom land, which has proved to be the very best land in the State of Iowa. About 1851 some other settlers came into the township, among whom were John Bird, J. A. J. Bird and William Tucker, followed soon after by Edward Gillett, Edward Jones and his sons Alexander and John, Andrew Sample, Mr. Case and others. A son born to Mr. Case, Elmer by name, born in 1851, near Greenwood, enjoys the distinction of being the first male white child born in the county.
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There is a tradition handed down from that early time that about the year 1850 there came into the county a man by the name of DeForest ; that he was a bachelor and lived as a hermit in the woods. His vocation was that of a hunter and trapper, and he spent his time when away from his lone cabin roaming through the woods and along the river in pursuit of game. He afterward aban- doned his hermit life and removed to the Bradford settlement, where he died.
According to the statement of an "old inhabitant," the first house built at the place that afterward was the Town of Bradford was built by J. Watson in the fall of 1850. Mr. Watson, and probably the others who came about that time, was attracted here by what was called the "big woods." This was a body of fine timber land, eight miles wide by forty miles long, located in the forks of the large and small Cedar rivers. It was noted far and wide as being the largest and finest body of timber in the state, if not in all the northwestern states. This, with the fine body of fertile lands of the surrounding country, offered advantages which the pioneer seeking a location for a home was quick to see ; and this accounts for the fact that Bradford Township and the southwestern part of Chickasaw County was so far in advance of the central and northern parts in early settle- ment and industrial development.
The Bird brothers, John and J. A. J., settled at the place where the Town of Bradford was subsequently platted, and the emigrants that arrived during 1851 and 1852, for the most part seem to have selected that vicinity for a loca- tion. Here then grew a town, just above the junction of the two Cedar rivers. which, in the expectation of the early settlers, would become the metropolis of the west, a Chicago of the Iowa prairies. But, like many other promising towns of the great West, their expectations were not realized. For a time the town grew in population rapidly, houses, stores and hotels were built; the county seat was located there and the prospects were as favorable as the most optimistic of the promoters could desire. The first courthouse was built in Bradford in 1854; it was a primitive log house, with rough floor and without ceiling or plas- tering, common to the architecture of those early days. There was nothing sub- stantial nor attractive about the structure, but it was the first and only courthouse in the county at the time, and served the purpose for a seat of justice and for all public meetings of the county.
The removal of the county seat to New Hampton, in 1857, was the first blow to the prospects of Bradford. Then, a few years later, when the first railroad was built through that section of the county and Bradford was left some distance off the right of way, the finish of Bradford was apparent. Nashua, a straggling village on the Cedar River, was made a station on the railroad and immediately began to assimilate the glory that had hovered around Bradford. Gradually the people of Bradford moved away, some to Nashua and many followed the county seat to New Hampton, and Bradford became a deserted village. At present there are only a few houses in the place, and nothing to indicate that there was once here a thriving town with great promise.
BRADFORD ACADEMY
While there is nothing here to indicate that this was once a thriving town and with brilliant prospects for permanent and substantial growth, there yet remain some historic relics that serve to bring pleasant memories to those who
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OLD ACADEMY BUILDING, BRADFORD
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knew the town in its better days. One of these historic relics is the old Brad- ford Academy Building, a brick structure which is still standing but has been converted into a residence.
Bradford Academy was started through the influence of Rev. J. K. Nut- ting, D. D., while he was the pastor of "The Little Brown Church," another his- toric structure, of which further mention will be made. Doctor Nutting was a man of education and influence and deeply interested in the establishment of facilities for education in the community. He interested the people of that community in the project of establishing a school where the youth might have the best educational advantages. He secured as a teacher, William P. Bennett, his nephew, who was a graduate of Williams College and thoroughly qualified for the work. A school was opened in the fall of 1865 ; one room in what was known as the old Carey Building being used for that purpose. With only six pupils at the start and only this one small room as a place to conduct the school, the pros- pect for a success of the enterprise could hardly be regarded as encouraging. But the attendance increased and the interest of the community in the school continued to grow, until it was decided to purchase the brick schoolhouse that had been erected some time previous. A stock company was formed for this purpose and the purchase made. The building was remodeled and fitted and equipped for the requirements of the proposed academy. The educational advan- tages here afforded were superior to any of the schools in this section of the state, and students were attracted by these advantages from all parts of the country. There were students from as far as McGregor and from Mason City and other places. Until the establishing of high schools in the growing towns of Northern Iowa, the Bradford Academy accomplished a strong work in fitting young people for college and preparing them for teaching.
Mr. Bennett was principal of the academy until 1870, when he gave up the place to enter the ministry. His brother, George Bennett, was for a time asso- ciated with him in the work. Mr. A. C. Hart followed Mr. Bennett as principal ; he was succeeded the following year by John and Joseph Grawe. After a year or two Joseph Grawe left to take up editorial work. John Grawe remained as principal of the school until 1877.
During its prosperous years the attendance at the academy averaged from eighty to one hundred and twenty-five students, and the influence of the school was of untold value to the community, in that it created an atmosphere of intel- ligence and a moral uplift among the people generally, and molded a character for morality and usefulness in the students who received instruction in the insti- tution. Many of the students became successful teachers and professional men, and at least six of the students entered the ministry. Although Bradford Acad- emy existed as a school for only twelve years, it was at a period in the life of the community when the school could, and did, exert an influence that was lasting.
For a few years following the close of the academy the building was used as a township high school. But this was abandoned and the building was finally sold and converted into a dwelling, and as such it is at present occupied. The old building still retains its familiar outline ; many of the forest trees are still stand- ing in the grounds surrounding, and there is enough about the premises to stir the memory and awaken pleasant reminiscences in the minds of those who have occasion to revisit the scenes of other days.
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"THE LITTLE BROWN CHURCH"
Another of the landmarks in the history of Bradford is "The Little Brown Church.' This church was erected in 1862, through the influence and energy of Dr. J. K. Nutting, then pastor of the Congregational Church, and the church still stands as a fitting monument to his memory. Dr. W. S. Pitts has made this church immortal through that beautiful song, "The Little Brown Church in the Vale." This church is still in good repair and is regularly used as a place of worship. It is an object of interest to visitors and tourists from all parts of the country.
HOW THE SONG WAS WRITTEN
The following account in Dr. W. S. Pitts' own words tells how the song became identified with the church. Doctor Pitts says :
"One bright afternoon of a day in June, 1857, I first set foot in Bradford, Iowa, coming by stage from McGregor. My home was then in Wisconsin. The spot where the 'Little Brown Church' now stands was a setting of rare beauty. There was no church there then, but the spot was there, waiting for it. When back in my home I wrote the song, 'The Little Brown Church in the Vale.' I put the manuscript away. In the spring of 1862 I returned to Iowa and settled at Fredericksburg, inasmuch as my wife's people were there. In the winter of 1863-64 I taught a singing class in Bradford. We held our school in the brick building known as the academy.
"In the year 1859 and 1860 the good people of Bradford determined to build a church. I will not undertake to tell of the trials, the disappointments and the successes that followed ; suffice it to say by the early winter of 1864 the building was ready for the dedication. While I was holding the singing school, near its close in the spring, the class went one evening to the church. It was not then seated, but rude seats were improvised. My manuscript of the song I had brought with me from Wisconsin. It had never been sung before by anyone but myself. I sang it there. Soon afterward I took the manuscript to Chicago, where it was published by H. M. Riggins. It won a speedy recognition locally and with the years won its way into the hearts of the people of the world.
"Soon after its publication the church at Bradford, which had been painted brown (for want of money to buy better paint, some say), became known as 'The Little Brown Church in the Vale.' My hope is that it will stand for a thousand years and call the old man and his descendants to worship."
THE LITTLE BROWN CHURCH IN THE VALE
There's a church in the valley by the wildwood, No lovelier place in the dale, No spot is so dear to my childhood As ·the "Little Brown Church" in the vale.
How sweet, on a bright Sabbath morning, To list to the clear ringing bell ;
Its tones so sweetly are calling, Oh, come to the church in the vale.
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REV. J. K. NUTTING
DR. WILLIAM S. PITTS Author of the song "The Little Brown Church in the Vale"
These photos. taken by H. D. Jewett, June, 1916, at the fifty-fourth anniversary and reunion of the surviving members, builders and friends of "The Little Brown Church"
"THE LITTLE BROWN CHURCH." BRADFORD
It was this church that gave inspiration of the song "The Little Brown Church in the Vale"
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There, close by the church in the valley, Lies one that I love so well;
She sleeps, sweetly sleeps 'neath the willow, Disturb not her rest in the vale.
There, close by the side of that loved one, 'Neath the tree where the wild flowers bloom,
When the farewell hymn shall be chanted, I shall rest by her side in the tomb.
Chorus
Oh, come, come, come, come, Come to the church by the wildwood, Oh, come to the church in the dale ; No spot is so dear to my childhood
As the "Little Brown Church" in the vale.
PIONEER BUSINESS ENTERPRISES
The distinction of having made the first venture in merchandising in the Village of Bradford belongs to J. A. J. Bird, probably about 1853, if the memory of the "oldest inhabitant" is not at fault. From the same authority the statement is made that this store was kept in a log house that had been built for that purpose, and was a store in name only, the stock of goods comprising only a few articles in demand by that primitive settlement. After a brief experiment, Mr. Bird sold his store to Mrs. Chapman. The next merchandising enterprise was by the firm of Pooler & Nicholas, who opened a larger and more pretentious store, followed by Fritcher & Marinus. Both of these stores carried a general stock of merchandise, consisting of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hard- ware, drugs, etc. Later, other stores were opened, one by Haskell & Manderville, one by a Mr. Eastman, both of whom carried a line of general merchandise ; an- other by Leland & Sample, who made a specialty of clothing and groceries. Has- kell & Hubbell, A. W. Billings and Lonson Covey were also among the merchants of Bradford in those early times. E. R. Dickenson was also engaged in business during the time when Bradford had a prosperous outlook, and he remained for some time after the outlook had vanished, and after all his competitors had retired from business or departed for other fields.
In 1854 a sawmill was erected near Bradford by Andrew Sample. It was operated for a short time and afterward moved away. Following this, two steam mills were erected, one by the Bird brothers and the other by Haskell & Mitchell. These had only been in operation a few years when they were destroyed by fire and were never rebuilt.
During the period of Bradford's business boom the hotel facilities were not overlooked. In 1854 George Brunson erected a small frame building which became famous as the Brunson House. This was the stopping place for all the stage lines and a favorite resort for emigrants and travelers seeking homes in the boundless West. Daniel Fritcher also had a log building in which he provided
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meals for the hungry travelers. As business increased, the Brunson House was enlarged by the addition of buildings to the main structure.
George Brunson, the hotel man, was also interested in other business enter- prises. He erected the first blacksmith and wagon shop, of which William Dow, blacksmith and wagon maker, was foreman. Other shops in the same line were opened soon after ; one by the Ellis brothers, and another by Peter Perkins.
While all these business and industrial enterprises were being added to this rapidly growing town, the facilities for liquid refreshment were not overlooked. A man by the name of Herbert was probably the pioneer in this line of "industry." He opened a small saloon in the early history of the village, probably the first in the township. Whether or not Herbert enjoyed this distinction, it is not probable that he long enjoyed a monopoly of the business; the opportunity for business would certainly bring enterprising competitors. One of these, at least, was a man by the name of Dodge, who kept the leading saloon of that time, which flourished under the euphonious name of "Pig Eye," probably the forerunner and antetype of the clandestine joint of later times, known as the "Blind Pig."
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