USA > Iowa > Davis County > History of Davis County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc. > Part 61
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FRANKLIN LODGE NO. 14. A. F. AND A. M.
This lodge was instituted by Ansel Humphrey, G. M., and its charter is dated June 7, 1848. The first officers were H. B. Horn, W. M .; J. J. Seł- man, S. W .; J. W. Ellis, J. W. The present officers are J. P. Toombs, W. M .; J. M. Logan, S. W .; L. L. Bingaman, J. W .; W. J. Law, Treasurer; J. L. Allison, Secretary; D. R. Allender, S. D .; N. S. Johnson, J. D .; C. M. Burgess and J. M. Sloan, Deacons; and S. Hulet, Tyler.
The present membership is about 90. They have a fine brick hall, built in 1870, at a cost of $2,500. They have no Grand Lodge officers now, al- though William J. Law has been P. Jr. G. Warden.
INFIRMARY.
Prominent among the notable institutions of Bloomfield is the infirmary of Dr. E. J. Shelton. The doctor, though in the prime of life, is an old res- dent of the county, and a practitioner of long experience, thorough training,
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HISTORY OF DAVIS COUNTY.
and extensive research. He graduated from the Ohio Medical College, Cin- cinnati, in 1855-6, and at once began practice in this county. In 1863-4, he graduated from Keokuk College of Physicians and Surgeons; and in 1872-3 he took a course at Bellevne Hospital Medical College, New York. The infirmary was established in 1869. It was the natural outgrowth of the doctor's increasing practice and his reputation in the treatment of certain classes of diseases, and was designed to meet a want long felt in the circle- of his practice; that is, better facilities for treating a class of patients that could not receive the proper treatment at their homes. As the doctor's snecess in this line of practice and the advantages afforded by the infirmary became widely known, the number of patients that came in from abroad, and the consequent demand npon his time and the capacities of the institu- tion, continually increased. This necessitated enlargement of the building and increase of the facilities from year to year, until 1878, when a very large and elegant addition was made to the building, and improvements were made in every department. Since that time, the business of the infirmary has increased so much that another large two-story addition has been com- pleted to accommodate the needs of the enlinary department. For a num- ber of years the doctor did not advertise; not so much as a eard in a news- paper. But as his business began to increase, so as to take him from gene- ral practice, he began in a moderate way to advertise; first, by a card, and finally by a small cirenlar simply announcing that he would treat cancer, in its various forms, hemorrhoids, fistula in ano, and nasal catarrh, and give special attention to all chronic diseases, and diseases of the eye and ear, eur- viture of the spine, enlargement of the bones, elnb foot, and the whole range- of the deformities of the human figure are made subjects of special study and treatment at the infirmary. In 1875, Doctor Shelton employed Miss Sadie Toombs to take charge of the female department, which has been been under her care ever since. This lady is thoroughly fitted by a long course. of study for her position, and has proved an able and valnable assistant. In the past few years the surgical department of the infirmary has acquired a great reputation through the larger number of skillful and successful oper- ations performed by the doctor, with the assistance of Doctors J. W. Cald- well, W. H. Shelton, E. K. Shelton and F. M. Fenton. The recovery of patients under surgical treatment has been greatly facilitated by their being constantly under the immediate attention of Doctor Shelton and his assis- tants. Doctor E. K. Shelton, son of Doetor E. J., is associated with his father in the practice. Great care and pains were bestowed upon the young doctor's education, and he entered npon the duties of his profession with a thoroughness of training and equipment which few physicians enjoy. The
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HISTORY OF DAVIS COUNTY.
following ontline sketch of the course of study pursued by him will show the ripeness of his attainments and the manner in which he grew into the practice. He attended Cincinnati College of Medicine and surgery from October 1, 1873. to March 1. 1874; was under instructions at home until September 28, 1874; then attended the same college until March, 9 1875. From April 1 to June 18, was under private instructions in surgery and diseases of the eye in the City, St. Louis and St. Luke's Hospitals, St. Lonis. From that time to September 15 was spent at home, in reviewing, with a little practice. Then he returned to Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, and graduated March 1, 1876. From that time until June 1 was spent in the hospitals in St. Louis, for the purpose of gaining practice and perfecting himself in surgery and diseases of the eye. Then he practiced as home until January 1, 1877; then remained in the different wards of the hospitals at St. Louis until the following July; then practiced at home until November 15; then took another course in the St. Louis hospitals, ending February 15, 1878.
THE SCHOOLS.
The first school in Bloomfield was taught in 1846, in a private house, west of the northwest corner of the public square. The teacher was Mrs. Mary Gibson, wife of Rev. Gibson. This was a subscription school, with an attendance of twelve pupils.
The first school house was built in 1849, at a cost of $300, a frame build- ing, 24x40. It was in the southeast part of town, and gave accommodation to fifty pupils. School was discontinued in this building in 1858, as the year before the district had been divided and two briek school buildings erected, one in the northwest part of town in 1857, and the other in the southeast part of town in 1858. They were 25x38 feet in size. The first teacher in the northwest building was Joseph McCarty. In 1858 Mr. and Mrs. McCarty kept a select school in Bloomfield, and from their published report, found in an old newspaper published at the time, we copy the fol- lowing: "Whole number of scholars in primary department, 50-whole number in high school, 62-total 112-average attendance primary, 46- average attendance in high school, 55-average in both 101."
The magnificent school building of which the city is now so proud, is 74x83 feet in size, three stories in height with a basement containing the steam heating apparatus, and was erected in 1875 at a cost of $22,500 It occupies, with the play ground, an entire square, and is located one block northwest of the court house. The first teacher who had the pleasure of teaching in it was Mr. S. T. Ballard. The number of pupils enrolled in 1876, was 426, the number now enrolled is 525.
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HISTORY OF DAVIS COUNTY.
SOUTHERN IOWA NORM SCHOOL.
This well known institution of learning was organized and the college building erected in 1874; 40x50 feet ground plan, and two stories higli, containing six rooms. The cost of the building was $10,000, raised by sub- scription. The number of pupils attending the first term was about 100. Thomas Eavis purchased the building in 1878 and sold it to Prof. Summers. in April 1881. The school has six teachers, Jesse Summers, principal ; Mrs. Rena Summers, S. II. Strite, Miss Sadie Gooding, O. II. Langwell, and Miss Bardu. The attendance at present is 125.
BANKS.
The banking house of Steckel and Overton was organized and commenced business January 1, 1879. They own and occupy the building formerly owned by the First National Bank, on the northwest corner of the square. They do business as a partnership, which makes all their private property liable for the debts of the bank. They also do a general law, loan and real estate business.
Bradley's Bank, located under the Trimble House, on the northwest cor- ner of the square, was established March 1, 1877, by William Bradley, and has a capital stock paid in of $25,000 and do a general banking business. The cashier, who has had entire control of the institution since its com- mencement, is William J. Law.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The Bloomfield public library was organized in 1869, with the following members: R. W. Dodd, T. Holmes, S. T. Ballard, A. M. Post, A. Streckel, L. V. Foster, A. Dodd, M. T. Paxton, S. Rush, F. C. Overton, D. H. Payne, F. W. Eichelberger, J. B. Weaver, A. Plank, and J. A. Demuth. The li- brary commenced with 200 books in 1869, and now contains over 300. It is steadily progressing in usefulness.
HOTELS.
The Wilson House, originally the "American," was built in 1853 by James Cobb, for a store room and private residence. It was changed into . a hotel in 1856, and with the additions and other improvements it is now one of the best hotels in the county.
The Trimble Honse commenced business July 11, 1881, and is first-class in all its appointments.
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HISTORY OF DAVIS COUNTY.
The Eagle House, originally "Martins Hotel," was built in 1857 by Wm. Martin, at a cost of $5,000. It now bears sad evidence to the power of time, wind and water.
FOUNDRY.
The only foundry this city ever had was built by S. H. Horn in 1876, but closed up the succeeding year. and is now used by Wallace & Langenstein as a
WAGON FACTOY.
They commeneed business in January 1880, and have invested in their business a capital of $5,000.
PLOW FACTORY.
Capt. Spencer built a plow factory and commeneed business sontheast of the square in 1850, and had an invested capital of $1.000. But in 1861, finding the business unprofitable, he closed up.
Bloomfield is well laid with sidewalks to its remotest limits in several directions. The streets are also all planted with shade trees aloug either side, which gives the town a beautiful forest like appearance, and adds to the comfort and pleasure in warm weather.
All branches of mercantile pursuits are carried on and seem to be in an exceedingly healthy and prosperous condition, evidenced by the immense amount of building which has taken place in the past year. The trades and professions are all fully represented, and are handsomely supported by a magnifieant agricultural and grazing country surrounding the city. This eity is made up of an intelligent, moral and thrifty elass of people, peenliarly healthy, handsome, and happy.
Another peculiarity, is the great eminence which some of her lawyers have attained, and the number of prominent offices in the State; which have been filled by her citizens. In regard to three of her prominent lawyers, we copy the following anecdotes from the Burlington Hawkeye.
LAWYER'S JOKES.
TWO GOOD ONES TOLD ON JUDGE TRIMBLE, GENERAL WEAVER, AND " MAS. JONES."
The Hawkeye's Keokuk correspondent is of a reminiscent turn of mind, and has unearthed the following good stories told of three eminent Iowans, one of whom has recently returned to Burlington:
And Hon. II. H. Trimble, an old-time resident of Bloomfield, Iowa, and. the Nestor of the Davis county bar, has become, at least, a temporary resi- dent of Burlington. Risking the charge of telling tales out of school, we-
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HISTORY OF DAVIS COUNTY.
will venture at least a couple of jokes by way of introducing Judge Trimble at his new home, where he is already well known.
VANISHED SPIRITS .- Years ago, when there were not many railroads in Iowa, Judge Trimble and M. II. Jones, known as Mas. Jones for short, an- other Bloomfield attorney, had occasion to attend court in Keosauqua. The means of conveyance then was by stages, and. it was nearly time for the ve- hicle to start, bearing the two Bloomfield lawyers to their homes. A par- ticular friend of Judge Trimble, not finding him, saw Mr. Jones, and hand- ing a half pint flask, filled with choice liquid, remarked courteously:
" Mr. Jones, you are going out with Judge Trimble, and I can't find him, will you please hand him this bottle? It contains some very fine brandy."
" With pleasure," retorted Jones with one of his most significent smiles."
" All aboard." was the ery, and the two Bloomfield lawyers were soon rattling over the country road homeward bound as fast as the conveyance of that day would convey them.
Some distance out on the road Jones thought of the bottle he had prom- ised to hand to Trimble, and taking it from his pocket he deliberately drew the eork, and just as deliberately emptied the whole contents down his throat.
With a look as sober as that of a total abstainer he handed the empty bottle to the judge, remarking:
" By the way, Judge Trimble, here is a bottle a friend of yours in Keo- sanqua requested me to hand to you."
BUTTERMILK FOR Two .- It was on another similar trip that a trio of Bloomfield attorneys were caught ont on the road somewhat fatigued from traveling. These were Judge Trimble, M. II. Jones and Gen. James B. Weaver. late greenback presidential candidate. General Weaver is a great temperance man and a stringent abstainer.
Passing a farm-house it was suggested by General Weaver, we believe, that they alight and seek a glass of buttermilk. It happened that the lady of the house had just finished churning and that she was a whole souled hospitable Irish woman, but whose seanty surroundings showed that she was not able to contribute much and have anything left herself.
Jones didn't want any buttermilk, so two brimming glasses were poured out for Trimble and Weaver. Smacking their mouths over the delightful beverage they pronounced it splendid, and insisted on Jones taking a glass, but Jones insisted on declining.
Finally, when, the glasses were emptied, the lady was asked the price. She had never sold any buttermilk and didn't have the slightest idea.
They insisted on her fixing a price, while she continued to avow her ig- norance of the value of that quantity of the article.
At last, with the courtesy and dignity characteristic of lawyers of the hairy nation, one of the lawyers suggested that Mr. Jones kept a number of cows, being an amateur farmer as well as lawyer, and they would leave itto him, as he was certainly an expert in the price of buttermilk. To this the lady very pleasantly and readily assented.
" Well," said Jones, looking out of the near corner of his left eye, " I guess it is worth a dollar a glass."
The matter had been left to arbitration, the damages awarded in an agreed case, and of course no lawyer could go back on that, so each of the attor- neys paid his dollar, but neither has ever since that time called in an ex- pert to fix the price of buttermilk for him.
D. V. Dooley M.L.
SAVANNAH, 10WA
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HISTORY OF DAVIS COUNTY.
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSIIIP.
Population in 1880, 1,193 .- This was originally, congressional township 69, range 14: but has now been cnt up so as to be almost impossible to deseribe. First, Drakeville township has been formed out of the northwest corner; West Grove township has taken part of the southwest corner, and large pieces have been added to it trom Perry and Grove townships. We shall, therefore, reter the reader to the chapter on township organization, for a history of these changes. It was named from the county-seat.
The following were the township officers elected in Bloomfield township in Oct. 1858, for the ensuing year : Justices-W. L. Oliver, Win. Cameron, S. Greenleaf. Constables-H. C. Benge, J. W. Vanhook, A. Morgan. Assessor-D. Sloan. Clerk-C. H. MeBride. Trustees-E. M. Nelson, W. Peason, and H. A. Spencer.
The officers who were holding at the time of this election, were : Trus- tees-E. M. Nelson. Daniel Sloan, D. R. Reeves. Clerk-Richard Raw- lings. Justices-Wm. L. Oliver, W. Cameron, R. T. Peak. Constables- H. C. Benge, Jos. Willson, Jeff Easley. This township contains 26,104 aeres of land, and is divided into nine school districts.
Among the earliest settlers were Charles and' Leroy C. Evans, now in Missouri, who eone here in 1840; Dr. Selman, who came in 1843, Noble C Barron, John W. Ellis, Col. S. S. Carpenter, Samnel Seele, Mathias D. Ham, George W. Lester, Loyd A. and Ephriam M. Nelson, Reason Wilk- inson, Israel Kister, John Baldridge, William T. Johnson. Frank Street and others. The original town plat is on the claim of Noble C. Barron. The settlement began in May, 1843, although some persons had been here selecting claims with a view to finding the center of the county, where they hoped to start a town that would be selected as the county-seat.
Captain Horn, in speaking of the early settlement of this township, says that Abram Weaver and others made a survey and determined the center of the county to be about two miles sontheast of Bloomfield. Mr. A. D. Williamson, C. Dilliner and others also tried it, and located the center on the north side of Fox River, some two miles northeast of the present loca- tion of the county-seat. John W. Ellis, John W. Alley. Dr. Selman and others formed another party, and about the first of April. 1843, with com- pass and chain, made a survey for the purpose of finding the center of the county, and determined in their minds that the present location of the connty-seat was the center of Davis county. Mr. Ellis and some others se- lected their claims, which they took possession of as soon as the Indians were removed, which took place some thirty days afterwards.
17
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HISTORY OF DAVIS COUNTY.
The first child born in this township was Mary Jane Evans, daughter of Leroy and Martha Evans, born January 1, 1842.
The first regular physician was Dr. J. J. Selman, who still lives in Bloom - field. The first weaving of cloth was done by Mrs. Jonathan Evans, de- ceased, mother of Charles Evans, who deceased in 1874. The nearest mill for this township was Keosanqua, twenty-five miles away.
DRAKEVILLE TOWNSHIP.
Population in 1880, including town, 599 .- This township is composed' of sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, and 18, congressional township. 69, range 14, and a part of section 31, township 70, range 14; more fully explained in the chapter on township organization. It was named for the Hon. J. H. Drake, now deceased, one of the early pioneers of the county, and whose name stands among the most prominent in its history.
Among the early settlers of this township were William Hawley, who- came here about the year 1840, and settled on section nine; M. English, who came in 1841 and located on section nine; John A. Drake, who came in 1846 and located also on section nine; John Grady, William Seaman, Willis- Faught, and C. C. Taylor, who came in 1846; Joseph Hole, who came in 1843 and located on section six; C. M. Jennings, in 1843; Thomas Lockman, A. V. Lockman, R. IIonsley, M. Childers and David Shields came in 1847, and A. J. Guile in 1848.
Drakeville township was originally a part of Bloomfield township, but those who settled in what is now Drakeville township were L. N. English, Linzy Towbridge, Ezra M. Kirkham, Joseph Vials, John Fitzgerald, Mr. Fitzpatrick and others.
A story is related of L. N. English, of this township, and the way in which his appointment as Territorial Justice was procured. It is stated that Mr. Van Caldwell had a claim in dispute, and ascertaining the opinion of Mr. English touching the validity of his elaim, he went to Burlington to get Governor Chambers to appoint him. . The governor had some personal knowledge of the unfitness of English for the position, and declared that he would not give him the appointment, as he was a notorious drunkard. Cald- woll was willing to admit that his friend English drank some. "sod-corn · whisky," and that in case of emergency he would get drunk on "corn in the shock," but contended with the governor that there was but one other man in Davis connty that was qualified for the position, and that he was liable to indictment for having two wives. English was appointed and Caldwell gained his suit.
The first death which occurred in the township, was a son of Silas Kirk -
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HISTORY OF DAVIS COUNTY.
ham, who died on section two in 1843, and is buried in the Breeding ceme- tery.
Dr. East was the first physician in the township. He came here fromn Muscatine, and died in Taylor county, Iowa, in 1867.
The first minister in the township was Levi Fleming, of the Christian church, and the first services were held in a log school house in Drakeville.
The first school in the township was a subscription school tanght by Ben- jamin Cyler, in Drakeville. He had fifteen pupils. He is now living near Orleans in this county. The first school house was built of logs, in Drake- ville in 1845, by donations.
The first weaving of cloth was done by Mrs. Trobridge, who died in Put- nam county, Missouri, in 1879, at the age of 69.
The nearest mill in those early days, was at Bentonsport, forty miles away, and all supplies were hauled from Alexandria, Missouri.
CHRISTIAN CHURCHI.
The Christian church in Drakeville was organized in 1846; the original members were Hon. John A. Drake and wife, John Baldridge and wife, C. M. Jennings and wife, Ezra Kirkham and wife, C. Rall and wife, John Ed- wards and wife, Thomas Edwards and wife, Alexander Breeding and wife, Ephraim Nelson and G. W. Luster and wife. Their church building was erected in 1853, a frame, costing $600. The different pastors have been Levi Fleming, who preached for the first twenty-seven years, having associated, with him Jesse Higbee for the last four years; Elder Thompson, Amos Buchanon, Leander Lain, II. Northcutt, Elder Stanley, A. Mulkey, D. Mor- Jr, and J. H. Hedricks.
· LODGES.
Jefferson Lodge, No. 86, A. F. & A. M. was instituted by J. Sanford, Feb. 16, 1856. The charter is dated June 5, 1856, and the charter members were Wm. C. Johnson, W. M .; Alexander Gaston, S. W .; J. W. Baird, J. W .; Wm. Van Benthusen, secretary; A. J. Guile, treasurer; J. Hickman, S. D .; P. B. Marcy, J. D .; Samnel Stackhouse, tyler. They being the first officers as well.
The present officers are Richard Calvert, W. M., Amos Williams, S. W .; -
Alonzo Hannah, J. W .; H. A. Wonn, treasurer; J. R. Shepherd, secretary ; The membership June 1st, 1881, was 52. The lodge meets on Friday night on or before full moon of each month, in a rented hall.
Drakeville Lodge, No. 88, I. O. O. F., was instituted at Drakeville, Iowa, Feb. 23, 1856, by D. D. G. M. Greenleaf, of Bloomfield, Iowa. The char-
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HISTORY OF DAVIS COUNTY.
ter members were John W. Baird, Thos. Hale, Amos Williams, E. S. Truett, A. C. Truett, F. M. Drake, W. Y. Jolly, Jas. M. King, H. B. Green, and S. W. Sayles.
The first officers were Thos. Hale, N. G., John W. Baird, V. G .; E. S. Truett, secretary ; J. M. King, treasurer. Officers appointed : F. M. Drake. Cond .; W. Y. Jolly, warden ; A. C. Truett, I. G .; E. S. Truett, R. S. to N. G .; J. M. King, L. S. to N. G .; Amos Williams, R. S. S. and L. S. V. G; II. B. Green, L. S. S. and R. S. V. G.
Finance Committee : J. M. King, E. S. Trnett, J. W. Baird.
Trustees : H. B. Green, W. Y. Jolly, Amos Williams.
This lodge was prosperous till the war broke out, when most of the mem- bers enlisted, and so depleted their ranks that they surrendered their ehar- ter; the last meeting being held Oct. 11, 1862. The charter, books, etc., were returned to Wm. Garrett, Grand Secretary, Burlington, Iowa, and soon after were destroyed by fire.
The lodge was again organized under a warrant issued in lieu of the charter, February 6, 1875, by D. D. G. M. J. B. Kelso, of Bloomfield. The charter members, on reorganization were: S. W. Sayles, A. W. Stewart, William G. Baldridge, Amos Williams and C. M. Ilurless, William Truax, and L. T. Hatton, joining by card. Officers elected: William Truax, N. G .; Amos Williams, V. G .: S. W. Sayles, secretary; A. W. Stewart, treasurer. Officers appointed: Alexander Dawning, conductor; Marion Taylor, war- den; H. P. Sayles, I. G .; W. H. Lockman, R. S. N. G .; John Hously, L. S. N. G .; Samnel Latham, R. S. V. G .; William Crawford, L. S. V. G .; L. T. Hatten, O. G. Finance committee: S. W. Sayles, Marion Taylor, Amos Williams.
The present officers arc Charles O'Neal, N. G .; L. A. Canady, V. G .; William Truax, secretary; Alex Fouts, permanent secretary; Amos Wil- liams, warden; Peter Rhodes, conductor: A. W. Stewart, treasurer; T. B. Jennings, R. S. N. G .; J. M. Kutch, L. S. N. G .; David Benyle, R. S. V. G .; George Hamilton, L. S. V. G .; E. L. Hotchkiss. I. G. : Josephus Hewry, O. G .; W. J. Coons, R. S. S .; Fielding Smith, L. S. S. The present mem- bership is fifty. The lodge meets in a rented hall, every Saturday night.
Amos Williams is the only original charter member now belonging to the lodge; A. W. Stewart came in by card at its first organization and is still a member; S. W. Sayles, one of the original charter members, died in February 1881, they being the most active members of the lodge.
The C., R. I. & P. R. R., or Southwestern branch, was built through this township in 1871, and the first shipment over the road from Drakeville Station was March 20, 1871, being one piano and stool to William Clark,
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HISTORY OF DAVIS COUNTY.
Centerville. William Truax is the agent, and has held the office since the road was built.
This township contains 7,8683 acres of land, including the town of Drake- ville, which is the only postoffice and railroad station in the township. The township has only two school districts, one being the town.
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