USA > Iowa > Chickasaw County > History of Chickasaw and Howard counties, Iowa, Volume I > Part 25
USA > Iowa > Howard County > History of Chickasaw and Howard counties, Iowa, Volume I > Part 25
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About 1856 the Bradford boom was at its height. Town lots had increased in price and were in great demand. The construction of residences and business houses was active, business enterprises of various kinds were in a flourishing condition, and optimism of the citizens generally prevailed. Even those who were not so decidedly optimistic could perceive visions of a future city of metro- politan proportions. But there was one citizen whose far-sighted vision was defective. It was a Mr. Brink, who about that time conceived the idea that Bradford needed a commodious hotel with modern appointments. With that idea in view, he began the erection of a large three-story hotel, with accommodation for a large number of guests. But the building was never completed. The frame- work was erected and stood for some time, an object of uncomplimentary remark as to the fallacy of the projector's foresight, and was finally torn down and the material used for fuel.
S. C. Haynes was the first physician who located in Bradford. He belonged to the school of "root and herb" doctors, a class of practitioners that was very popular among those who were afflicted with the maladies peculiar to those times. This "Doctor" Haynes drifted into Bradford about 1855 and soon found a large practice. He is described as a typical old-time nature doctor, and withal a somewhat eccentric genius. One of his eccentricities was the manner of his travel about the country visiting his patients. Instead of using horses as a motive power he had a pair of elks harnessed and hitched to a light wagon, or a sleigh. With this outfit he drove about the country, attracting the attention and the curiosity that such an equipment would invite, and receiving no incon- siderable amount of advertisement by the way. How long this eccentric healer remained is not on record, but probably not long after the advent of a real doctor. This was in 1856, when Dr. S. S. Troy, a regular practitioner, located in Brad- ford and entered upon his professional duties. Doctor Troy was a well-educated man and a good physician, and soon acquired a lucrative practice. He was also an excellent citizen and exerted a good influence in the community. He con- tinued in practice here until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he entered the service as lieutenant in Company H of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry. Returning from his army service, he located in Nashua, where he resumed his practice, and
CEMETERY.
TWO VIEWS OF GREENWOOD CEMETERY, BRADFORD TOWNSHIP
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also became the senior partner of the firm of Troy & Morrison, engaged in the drug business.
PRESENT TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS
Following are the names of the officials at present serving: Trustees, R. L. Barber, W. J. Fisher and D. J. McGrath; clerk, F. C. Cagley ; justices of the peace, H. T. Dexter and N. E. Gary ; constable, F. R. Shope ; assessor, C. M. Freedurg. Population in 1915 was 819.
FINANCIAL REPORT, 1916
Amount on hand January 1, 1916. $ 126.89
Received from county treasurer. 2,169.27
Received from other sources
$2,296.16
Disbursements
2,239.54
Balance on hand January 1, 1917.
56.62
$2,296.16
CHAPTER X TOWNSHIP HISTORY-CONTINUED
JACKSONVILLE-UTICA
JACKSONVILLE ORGANIZED, 1858-POPULATION-BOUNDARIES ESTABLISHED-A SUR- FACE SURVEY-EARLY SETTLERS OF DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES-CHARACTERIS- TICS-PIONEERS OF FOREIGN BIRTH-BUILDINGS AND BUSINESS ENTERPRISES- AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES-POPULATION IN 1915-PRESENT TOWNSHIP OFFICERS -TRUSTEES' FINANCIAL STATEMENT, 1916. UTICA TOWNSHIP-ORGANIZED 1858 -PHYSICAL FEATURES-FIRST WHITE SETTLERS-NORWEGIANS AND OTHER NATIONALITIES-RISE AND FLIGHT OF LITTLE TURKEY-SAUDE, THE ONLY VIL- LAGE-PROSPECTS OF PERMANENCY-TOWNSHIP POPULATION, 1915-PRESENT TOWNSHIP OFFICERS-TRUSTEES' FINANCIAL STATEMENT, 1916.
In the organization of Chickasaw, a section in the northeast corner of the county, in area comprising one-fourth of the county, was established as one of the five election districts of Chickasaw County. To this large division of the county the euphonious name of Obispo was given. It was composed of congres- sional townships 961/2 and 97, ranges 11 and 12. The boundaries of Obispo district remained without change until 1858. At the March term of the County Court, 1858, an order was made designating congressional township 96 and the south half of township 97, range 12, as a new township under the name of Jacksonville, and from this date Jacksonville has been one of the political divi- sions of Chickasaw County. At the time of the county organization the large territory comprising Obispo Township was sparsely settled, the population being only 488, as compared with Bradford Township, of one-half the area, with a population of 589.
A SURFACE SURVEY
A general survey of conditions and resources of Jacksonville Township demon- strates that the surface and soil is very similar to that of the rest of the county. "The township is well watered by Crane and Plum creeks, and the Little Wapsie traces its course through almost the entire length of the township. The soil
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is generally of a rich black loam, such as is usually found in bottom lands, with some sandy tracts found near the creeks and the river. The native grasses that originally grew in abundance in the prairie land afforded sustenance for the stock of the early settlers, and this grass still grows in great abundance on the uncul- tivated lands, affording advantages for stock raising, a business in which the farmers of the township are largely engaged.
Originally, there was a heavy growth of timber along the streams, and it was here that the first settlements were made. For the most part, this timber was not of large growth and not of the kind for the manufacture of lumber. But it served the early settlers a good purpose in the supply of fuel, and for building their primitive cabins, and for rails with which to fence their land. The timber is nearly all gone, but some of the old rail fences made from this timber still can be seen in that section.
THE EARLY SETTLERS
The uncertainty that obtains in the early history of all communities, as to the identity of the first settler, confronts the historian in the effort to decide that question for Jacksonville Township. But the weight of evidence seems to give to Henry Shaffer the distinction of the first pioneer who located within the bounda- ries of what is now Jacksonville Township. The same evidence fixes the time of settlement in the year 1853. In 1854 Hazzard Green located in this township, and was probably the second permanent settler. In the same year, and the year following, several more immigrants seeking homes found the object of their search in Jacksonville Township. Among these were: John Davidson, Hiram Palmer, R. H. Mills, T. E. Mills, J. Fitzpatrick, Frank Dane, John Conner, S. Shaft, B. B. Orton, W. F. Beach, J. H. Dickens, John White, E. C. White, Jess Sabin, Enos Sabin and numerous others found locations in different parts of the township during the years 1854 and 1855. During those years the advantages and opportunities offered by this township, in the matter of rich, fertile lands at a very reasonable price, was an attraction that influenced many prospectors seeking a home to decide that Jacksonville Township was the ideal place to locate. And the prosperity that crowned their labors in after years justified their decision.
The most of these early settlers were of American birth and came from some of the eastern states ; and they were mostly young men who had the education and refinements that pertain to the older communities. Because of these advantages, these early pioneers were influential in the promotion of civic affairs in their respective neighborhoods, and they were active and influential in the affairs pertaining to the township and county. Among the first things to which these early settlers gave their attention was the establishment of schools and churches. Schoolhouses were located near the most thickly settled parts of the township and usually nearest to the most influential citizen of the neighborhood. These school- houses were crude structures, built of logs where timber was accessible. But they served the purpose in giving the children of the community the advantages of at least an elementary education. These schoolhouses also served the purpose- of a church for a time.
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From the best information obtainable, the first school in Jacksonville Town- ship was in a log cabin located near Crane Creek, probably in 1854. A man by the name of Cole is said to have opened a school in the Village of Jacksonville some time in 1855.
PIONEERS OF FOREIGN BIRTH
In the settlement and development of the great Northwest the hardy people who came to this country from foreign lands contributed a very large part. Among these were Norwegians and Swedes, who came in large colonies and set- tled largely in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and the Dakotas; many of these nation- alities found locations in Northern Iowa. Some of the early settlers in Jackson- ville Township were of Norwegian nativity, and it is to the industry and thrift which characterize these people everywhere that development of this township is largely due.
Concerning the foreign pioneers of Jacksonville Township, W. J. Nugent, in a sketch published in the "Chickasaw Historical Atlas," has this to say :
"The first Norwegians to settle in Jacksonville bought land near where is now Jerico, in the year 1864. Land at this time was cheap, ranging from three to six dollars per acre. The names of those first settlers were: Thomas Hal- verson, Ole Anderson, Hans Oleson, Jetmund Knuteson, Halvor Nelson and Otto Oleson. They came to this place from Dakota. A few years previously they passed out and beyond Chickasaw County, only to find themselves in a short time in the midst of Indian warfare; and this, combined with the customary Dakota drought, grasshoppers and Indian savagery, caused them to look eastward for more favorable conditions. These they found in Jacksonville Township. They were of a hardy race, toilers who first saw the light of day amid the rocky crags and storm-swept coasts of Norway. In their new surroundings they found more congenial conditions than had been their lot up to this time. Accustomed to hard work, and knowing the needs of frontier life, they immediately began the erection of houses for their families and stables for their stock. It was not long before many others were attracted to their little settlement. Attle Attleson and his sons, Peter and Tolof Johnson, Andrew Gordon, Melchior Johnson, Lewis . Robinson, Halvor Munson and the Iversons were among those who came. From the foundation laid by the first six families has arisen a prosperous and intelli- gent community that extends over nearly the entire county.
"The German element was not extensive in the early days of Jacksonville. In the northern part were Chris Kirshman, Michael Weigel and his son. Andrew, and C. G. Miller. Some time later John Moetsch and August Mettner settled there. A little west of the village of Jacksonville was located George Zigler. Michael Leichtman came a few years later. These were all thrifty farmers and in a very short time had secured for themselves and families a competency, which is a strong characteristic of the Teutonic race.
"The English that settled in Jacksonville were not numerous. John Gray settled in the southern part of the township at an early day, and John Gospel settled in the northern section. They were both fine specimens of sterling man- hood and were among the best settlers. They early secured good farms."
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CHICKASAW AND HOWARD COUNTIES
BUILDINGS AND BUSINESS ENTERPRISES
Hazzard Green is given the credit of having built the first house in the town- ship, a log hotel located on the site where the Town of Jacksonville was after- ward platted. Green conducted this hotel until 1857, when it was torn down. About the same time that the hotel was built, Allen & Wilkerson, of McGregor, built a branch store at this place. This was the first store in the township and was built about 1855. It was a small board shanty, 14 by 20, hurriedly con- structed, with no plastering or other provisions to withstand wintry weather com- mon to Northern Iowa. The following winter was extremely severe and the clerk who attended store in that unprotected shack was compelled to wear a heavy over- coat and overshoes in order to be reasonably comfortable. The customers were few ; only the people who from dire necessity were compelled to brave the deep snow and wintry winds to secure the necessaries of life.
In 1856 a blacksmith shop was opened in this place, and the same year Julius P. North opened a hardware and tinshop. These industries gave indication that this was destined to become a real town, and the owners of the ground decided to have it platted in town lots. At first the town was called Greenville, in honor of the man who built the first house. When it was surveyed and platted by J. H. Dickens the name of the town was changed to Jacksonville. For a few years Jacksonville was quite a live, thrifty village, and gave promise of becom- ing an important business center. A number of town lots were sold, new houses built, several stores were opened and there was about everything necessary for a well established town. But, in 1869, when the railroad was located and left Jacksonville some distance off the right of way, the fate of the town was sealed. It passed through the same experience of several other villages of early promise in Chickasaw County. The merchants that had started business in Jacksonville removed to Lawler, the other business enterprises closed up or moved else- where, and eventually Jacksonville's name was "Dennis."
AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
In farm products Jacksonville Township ranks with the best in the county. No better land for producing nearly all varieties of grain can be found any- where, and in no part of this or any other county in the state are there more progressive, up-to-date farmers than are those of Jacksonville Township. The farms and farm buildings, the elegant farm residences and all the appointments and surroundings indicate thrift acquired by the application of modern methods of farming.
Farming in Jacksonville Township, as in all sections of Northern Iowa, has undergone material changes since the early settlement. In early times farmers devoted most of their time and labor to raising wheat, and made that the prin- cipal crop. There was always some uncertainty as to the production of the wheat crop, on account of the uncertainty of the climate. A short crop yield was not an unusual experience, and an occasional almost failure of the crop was taken as a matter to be expected, in the course of human events. So, the farmers kept on cultivating wheat, until they were thoroughly discouraged by the wheat failure of 1878. Then they applied some intelligent thought to the
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SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH, REILLY RIDGE PARISH, CHICKASAW CO.
SACRED HEART PARSONAGE, REILLY PARISH, CHICKASAW CO.
Vol. I-16
RIDGE
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subject and the result was a determination to abandon the single crop idea and adopt diversified farming. In accordance with this determination, attention was given to the raising of a variety of grains other than wheat, including oats, corn, barley, etc. In addition to the cultivation of these farm products, the farmers of the township have engaged extensively in the raising of fine stock, for which the abundant grazing land is well adapted. The excellent returns of revenue from this diversified industry has proved the wisdom of the adopted method of farming.
According to the census of 1915. Jacksonville Township had a population of 1,135. The present officers are : Ole Jerde, Andrew N. Anderson and Joe Ralph, trustees ; Sjur G. Attleson, clerk; C. J. Slindee, assessor. The trustees' financial report for 1916 shows the following :
Amount of funds on hand January 1, 1916. .$ 112.48 Received from county treasurer. 2,824.36
Received from other sources 72.59 $3,009.43
Disbursements
3,041.62
Overdrawn January 1, 1917.
32.19 3.009.43
UTICA TOWNSHIP
Utica Township comprises the eastern half of what was formerly Obispo Township. Utica is geographically described as congressional township 96 and the south half of 97, range II. This township was established by order of the County Court at the March term. 1858, at the same time of the organization of Jacksonville. Utica is located in the northeast corner of Chickasaw County and comprises an area of fifty-four square miles.
PHYSICAL FEATURES
In agricultural and natural resources, Utica Township ranks second to none in the county. The land is fine rolling prairie, of deep black soil, thoroughly drained by Little Turkey River, Saude River. Crane Creek, Frog Creek and numerous smaller branches. Tracts of fine timber grew along these streams and it was here that the first settlers located, the groves of timber being a protection against the western blizzards that prevailed during the winter season. The timber also served the pioneer a useful purpose in providing fuel. and material for cabins for a home and for fencing the land.
EARLY SETTLERS
There is here, as in other townships, some difference of opinion as to whom belongs the distinction of being the first settler. It is definitely stated that James Lyon, familiarly known as Judge Lyon, located on a tract of land in what is now Utica Township in 1852. But there is what seems to be credible authority for the claim that Terrence Commerford came about two years prior to this ; that he located on a tract of land and built a cabin here in 1850. Whatever the facts as to the priority of settlement, between Lyon and Commerford, it is reasonably
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certain that they were the vanguard of the colony of homeseekers who came later. Among those who composed this colony of pioneers, and contributed a large part in the settlement and development of what is now Utica Township, are the following familiar names :
George Clapper, William Everingham, John S. Lee, S. H. Sanford, Noel Gates, John Farrel, Sr .. Pat Connell, Hugh Johnson, Jeremiah Courtney, Thomas Heath. John Allison, Sylvester Reilly, Yankee Smith, P. Gorman, Thomas B. Kelly, Owen Galligan, John Carlon, Patrick Carlon, William Galligan, Thomas Smith, T. N. Reilly, Owen Reilly, Matthew Smith, James Griffin, Sr., George B. Arnold, T. R. Kelly, W. C. Mitchell, James McGinn, Thomas Whalen, Andrew Winter, Joseph Trout, John Landsverk. Ole Swenumson, Ole Johnson, Peter Johnson. Gregor Oleson, Alf Olesen, John Saul. Ole K. Oleson, Ole Sanderson, Ole E. Natvig, Malker Munson, Lara L. Navig, Jacob Malechek, Albert Ceaser, Frank Prochaska, F. J. Klimesh. Albert Panos, John J. Novotny. A. Jones, Frank Tupy, Frank Pechota and Mike Mahoney.
It will be observed that the above list of names indicates that a large number of the early settlers of Utica Township were of foreign birth. It was a cosmo- politan colony that entered the lands, plowed the unbroken prairie sod and estab- lished the first permanent homes in Utica Township. They were Americans, Nor- wegians, Bohemians, with a few representatives of the Irish and German races : and it is the descendants of these rugged and industrious pioneers that have cultivated the lands and developed the fine farms, second to none in the county.
FIRST TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS
The first election for township officers was held in 1858, at the house of Hugh Johnson. The officers elected were: Trustees, Terrence Commerford, Jeremiah Courtney and Thomas Heath ; assessor, Thomas B. Kelly ; clerk, Thomas Whalen; justice of the peace, Jeremiah Courtney. D. R. Kirby was the first representative from Utica Township on the county board of supervisors. He was elected in 1861 and served two years, when he was succeeded by Terrence Com- merford, who served 1863-64 and again in 1869-70. Others who represented this township on the board of supervisors were: James Goss, 1865-66; E. Shepard. 1867; G. C. Cleghorn, 1868. James Lyon, one of the first settlers in this township, was elected the first county judge, at the organization of the county, and served until October, 1855.
POSTAL FACILITIES
The people of Utica Township were not well supplied with mail facilities in early times, and there is room for improvement in that respect at the present time, although the establishment of the rural free delivery has remedied the former conditions to a large extent. According to tradition. there was a postoffice estab- lished at Zillo in 1857. How long it continued is not a matter of record. Two other postoffices were established in the township, one at Little Turkey and the other at Saude. Little Turkey was at one time quite a prosperous and promising village. It had a store, a blacksmith shop, a creamery, a church, a dancing hall. and several residences, in addition to the postoffice. But all these have vanished. except the creamery, and Little Turkey has taken its flight.
STMARYS
ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, LITTLE TURKEY, UTICA TOWNSHIP, CHICKASAW CO.
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Saude is the only town worthy of the name in the township. It is located on the river from which it derives its name, which is one of the east tributaries of the Little Turkey River. Saude boasts of a store, a blacksmith shop, two churches and a creamery. The population is not large, but the town is sur- rounded by a thrifty, industrious and intelligent community who are loyal to their town and have an abiding faith in its prospects and permanency.
The population of Utica Township in 1915 was 957. The present officers are : John Lynch, E. T. Smith and F. A. Pechota, trustees ; J. J. Lukes, clerk : William Quirk, assessor. The trustees' report for 1916 follows :
Amount of funds on hand January 1, 1916. . $ 880.04
Received from County Treasurer 3.006.68
Received from other sources 2.50
$3.889.22
Disbursements
3.840.07
Cash on hand January 1, 1917
49.15
$3.889.22
CHAPTER XI TOWNSHIP HISTORY-CONTINUED DAYTON-STAPLETON-DRESDEN
DAYTON TOWNSHIP ORGANIZED, 1859-FIRST ELECTION OF TOWNSHIP OFFICERS- GENERAL FEATURES OF TOWNSHIP SURFACE AND SOIL-EARLY SETTLEMENTS- OPERATIONS OF LAND SPECULATORS-FIRST POSTOFFICE-POPULATION IN 1915 -PRESENT TOWNSHIP OFFICERS-FINANCIAL STATEMENT, 1916-STAPLETON TOWNSHIP ORGANIZED, 1857-EARLY SETTLEMENTS-FIRST POSTOFFICE-LOCA- TION OF RAILROAD, 1869-LAWLER MADE STATION-BECOMES IMPORTANT SHIP- PING POINT-TOWNSHIP POPULATION, 1915-TOWNSHIP OFFICERS, 1917- FINANCIAL STATEMENT, 1916-DRESDEN TOWNSHIP ORGANIZED, 1859-PHYSICAL FEATURES-AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES-POPULATION, 1915-TOWNSHIP OFFI- CERS, 1917-TRUSTEES' FINANCIAL STATEMENT, 1916.
Dayton Township was originally a part of Chickasaw Township, one of the five election districts created at the organization of the county. At the February term of County Court, 1857, an order was made that Congressional Township 95, range 13, be organized as a separate township under the name of Dayton, the name being given in honor of the man who had been the candidate for vice presi- dent on the Fremont ticket the year previous to this. D. A. Jackson was appointed organizing constable and authorized to call an election of the qualified voters of the township to select the necessary officers.
ORGANIZATION EFFECTED
Pursuant to the order of the court, D. A. Jackson, organizing constable, called an election to be held at his house, April 6, 1857, for the purpose of choosing men to serve as township officers. Twenty-three qualified voters responded to the call and proceeded to the formalities of choosing an election board to have charge of the ballots. Eli Darst was made chairman of the organization meeting; E. R. Gillett, was secretary ; and the judges of election were, C. M. Webster, William S. Morley and Wesley Swayzee, judges of election ; D. A. Jackson and L. J. Young, clerks. This election was formally sworn and the ballot was cast and counted. with the following result :
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Trustees, C. M. Webster, Eli Darst and Wesley Swayzee; Levi J. Young, clerk ; E. R. Gillett and William S. Morley, justices of the peace ; E. B. Miller and William Haslam, constables; Z. H. Morton, road supervisor. There were two candidates for each of' these offices and the vote for Morley and E. B. Hewitt, opposing candidates for justice of the peace, was a tie. The choice was determined by lot in favor of Morley.
SURFACE AND SOIL SURVEY
The surface of the land in Dayton Township is somewhat rolling but in no part can it be classed as hilly. The soil is generally a rich black loam with a clay subsoil, and all of it is highly productive. The township is well watered, the principal stream being the west fork of the Wapsipinicon River, which runs in a southwesterly direction through the greater portion of the township. The middle fork of this river also traverses the township. In the early times these streams abounded in beaver. muskrat, otter and mink, and trappers found a con- siderable profit in plying their vocation along these rivers.
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