USA > Iowa > Floyd County > History of Floyd County, Iowa : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 74
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104
803
CEDAR TOWNSHIP.
Charles H. Towner, farmer; P. O., Charles City. His father was James S. and his mother Eveline (Barney) Towner, natives of Vermont. The father came to Illinois at an early day, where he died; the mother still lives there. Charles was born in Vermont, Nov. 4, 1834, where he was educated. He worked at farming, and came to Illinois in 1848, where he lived until 1856, when he moved to Iowa and bought a farm. He now owns 285 acres of excellent land on section 36, where he now lives, and has under a high state of cultivation. In 1856 he married Louisa Bennett, who was born March 22, 1839, in Illinois, a daughter of Stephen and Betsey (Knickerbacker) Bennett, natives of Dutchess Co., N. Y. They moved to Illinois in 1837, where Stephen died, and in 1855 Mrs. Bennett and family came to Iowa, where she still lives with her children. By the above union there are six children-George, born April 27, 1859, married; Owen C., April 16, 1862; Oscar J., Sept. 16, 1865; Royal C., July 27, 1868; Mary E., Aug. 29, 1875; Ralph S., Dec. 17, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Towner are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church. He votes the Republican ticket.
William B. Towner, farmer; postoffice, Charles City ; son of James S. and Eveline (Barney) Towner, natives of Massachusetts and Ver- mont respectively, who were the parents of six children-William B., Charles H., Mary E., Carlos C., F. B. and Eveline. Three live in Iowa, two in Illinois, one in Michigan; all born in Vermont. William B. was born in Castleton, Rutland County, Vt., Dec. 25, 1831, where he was educated. In 1864 he came to Floyd County, Ia. He now owns 203 acres of fine land on sections 35 and 36, mostly well improved. In 1856 he married Harriet A., daughter of Edward and Harriet (Golden) Darby, of England. They came to the United States many years ago, and Edward died in Illi- nois, where his wife still lives. By the above union there are five children-Adrin J., Ella M., Cora M., Edward J. and Fred- erick H. Mr. and Mrs. Towner are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church, Mr. Towner votes the Republican ticket, and has held several township offices; is Secretary of the School Board and Justice of the Peace; has held each of these offices some ten years, and was County Supervisor four terms.
Chester M. Townsend, farmer and stock-raiser; postoffice, Charles City; son of John C. and Lucinda (Underwood) Town- send. The subject of this sketch was born in the State of New York, Dec. 6, 1837. He was educated in Iowa and has followed farming. He owns 535 acres of land on sections 1, 30 and 31, Cedar
804
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
Township. He also owns 320 acres in Dakota. In 1866 he mar- ried Harriet, daughter of John and Mary A. (Park) Hill, natives of New York and Massachusetts respectively, both decoased. By this union there are three children-Schuyler C., born July 10, 1868; Rollin M., Aug. 26, 1870; Gertie V., Sept. 2, 1877. In1861 Mr. Townsend enlisted in the Third Iowa Infantry, Company I, Captain M. M. Trumbell, and served three years in that regiment, and in February thereafter re-enlisted in the Second U. S. Veter- ans, General Hancock's Corps, Company H, and served one year. While in service he was engaged in many of the hard-fought bat- tles: that of Pittsburg Landing and Hatchie River, where he was wounded in the abdomen by a canister ball striking on the U. S. belt plate; siege of Vicksburg and Jackson, Miss., where he was taken prisoner and sent to Libby Prison, Richmond, and to Belle Isle. He was discharged at the expiration of the three years' ser- vice, at Davenport, Ia., and in Washington, D. C., at the expira- tion of the one year's enlistment. He votes the Republican ticket.
John C. Townsend, farmer; postoffice, Charles City; was born in the State of New York, Sept. 18, 1813, where he was educated. His father was Chester, and mother Delight (Wilber) Townsend, natives of Massachusetts and Rhode Island respectively. They moved to New York in 1801, and lived there until 1839, when they came to Gratiot County, Mich., where they died. John C. has followed farming, and in 1854 came to Iowa and took up his pres- ent farm of 160 acres on section 36, where he has lived ever since. He owns 163 acres adjoining. In 1835 he married Lucinda, daugh- ter of Chester and Theda (Trask) Underwood, natives of Massa- chusetts and Connecticut respectively. They are both deceased, Mr. Underwood dying in Genesee County, N. Y., and Mrs. Un- derwood, after again marrying, in Walworth County, Wis. Lu- cinda was born in Massachusetts, Dec. 12, 1813. This union has been blessed with four children, three living-Chester M., born in New York, Dec. 6, 1837, married and living near his parents; Li- vonia J., wife of Lorenzo J. Dawley, of Minneapolis, born June 17, 1840; Jerome W., married, living in Kansas, born Aug. 17, 1844; Viola H., born January, 1852, died Aug. 7, 1858. Mr. Town- send is a Spiritualist. He has held many of the township offices; has been County Supervisor, and has faithfully discharged all the duties. He votes the Greenback ticket.
FLOYD TOWNSHIP.
ORGANIC.
For a large portion of the following history we are indebted to Hervey Wilbur, Esq., of Floyd.
The township of Floyd was one of the original four townships carved out of the entire territory of Floyd County, Sept. 4, 1854, by John M. Hunt, County Judge. It then comprised the Con- gressional townships 96 and 97, in range 15; 96 and 97, in range 16; and the east half of 96 and 97, in range 17. The boundary lines of Floyd Township as now defined are more irregular than those of any other towrship in the county. Mitchell County and Cedar Township in Floyd County lie on the north; Cedar, Niles and St. Charles townships on the East; St. Charles and Ulster townships on the south, and Ulster and Rudd townships on the west. It contains forty-three sections of land, of which about three and a half sections are heavy timber.
March 5, 1855, sections 25 and 36, and the south half of section 26, and all of section 35 in township 96 north, of range 16, and a strip ten miles wide from the south side of township 96, range 15, were detached from Floyd and attached to St. Charles Township; D. Wiltse, acting County Judge.
March 3, 1856, the south half of section 3, township 97, range 15, and the four north tiers of sections in township 96, range 15, and sections 21 to 28 inclusive, and sections 34, 35 and 36, in township 97, range 16, and sections 1, 12 and 13 of township 96, range 16, were detached from Floyd and formed into a township called Cedar; A. L. Collins, County Judge.
March 25, 1856, the north half of sections 24 and 26, township 96, range 16, was detached from Floyd and attached to St. Charles Township; A. L. Collins, County Judge.
At the June session of 1862, of the Board of Supervisors, the west half of section 18, township 96, range 15, was detached from Floyd and attached to Niles Township; Chester Butterfield, County Judge.
(805)
806
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
THE FIRST WHITE SETTLERS.
The first white settlers in Floyd Township were John Clark and Sherman who came as trappers and adventurers in 1851, the former settling on section 8, and the latter on section 9. Each broke and planted this summer season two acres of ground. C. P. Burroughs and H. M. Brown came into Floyd Township in 1852. Burroughs bought Sherman's choice claim, while HI. M. Brown, with a few dollars induced Clark to leave what has since been con- verted into a valuable home, and go further west to surprise the mink and some other locality with less civilization. Jefferson C. Muchler, Oliver Hubbard, Samuel Nims, Moses Chapman and Smith Hyler also come as settlers this year.
Two children were born this year-one to John Clark and wife, and one to Charles Twite and wife, but which was first, the old ladies cannot say. George Patterson, a young man boarding with Mrs. Nims, died in October, 1852.
In 1853 came David Bates, N. A. Rice, Wm. Carl, Wm. Mont- gomery, Marvin S. and Edward Heath, John W. and L. G. Bur- roughs. At this time a little settlement had commenced in the north part of the township. Cutler's water saw-mill on Rock Creek was built this year, and Coleman Bumgartner and others had settled in that vicinity; this settlement was called Watertown. Just oppo- site, on the east side of the Cedar, Win. Gilman opened the first store in what was then Floyd Township. In this year was organized the Methodist Episcopal society, Rev. Schamp, by name, pastor. The first meeting was held at the home of H. M. Brown.
In 1854 came M. G. Cook, J. B. Dawley, Peter Schamp, Philip Shorkey, Henry Ingram, H. M. Nye, E. H. Morrison, Hiram Smith, Moses Conger, John Richardson, B. B. Van Steenburg, and a few others.
The Tatums, H. Hogan, J. H. Story, and Silas Sinith were early settlers. In this year occurred the famous Indian scare of Floyd County.
In 1855 some prominent men came: James Griffith, the Sprague brothers, Chester Butterfield, Andrew Rice, and others. This year James Griffith finished and set going the first water saw and grist mill in the township; the grist-mill had two run of stone. Andrew Sample had previously begun the work. Thomas Sprague opened the first store and postoffice this year-was the first Postmas .; ter and William was his deputy. The building he opened in was pur-
807
FLOYD TOWNSHIP.
chased in St. Charles, torn down and moved to Floyd; it was composed of poplar logs. Andrew Rice set in motion, this year, a steam saw-mill, raising his smoke stack on Christmas day, amid great rejoicing. The Village of Floyd was laid out this year by James Griffith and Henry C. Tatum. Gilmantown was also laid out this year.
FIRST EVENTS.
April 2, 1855, the first election was held in the township. E. H. Morrison, was elected Clerk; William Gilman, J. P; Humphrey Hogan, Assessor, and H. M. Brown, J. W. Burroughs and Samuel W. Nims, Trustees. The first County Convention was held this year at John Ball's in what is now Ulster Township. C. P. Bur- roughs was nominated as School Fund Commissioner, and William Montgomery, Sheriff. They were elected. Floyd had no political dictator. The first marriage license in the township was granted to Marvin S. Heath and Lucy A. Smith, daughter of Hiram Smith, Sen.
In the summer of 1856 B. B. Van Steenburg built a house on his land just north of town; he, George Lorillard and Frank Nosser kept bachelor's hall until the fall of the same year. The house was then moved to Carl's addition, and used as a boarding house for mill hands. The steam mill was moved on to the addition in the fall and commenced work about Dec. 15. The name of the firm was B. F. Nosser & Co. The first school was opened this year. The house was built by N. A. Rice, Moses Conger, C. P. Burroughs and H. M. Brown. The teacher's name was Phylinda Burroughs. The scholars' names were Minerva Brown, Malinda Brown, Louisa Conger, and Sarah Fisher, an adopted daughter of N. A. Rice. This was known for years as the " little white school- house." It stood near the present stone school-house in District No. 3.
In 1856 E. H. Morrison was elected Clerk; Thomas Sprague, Wm. Carl and Lorey Franklin, Trustees; Silas Smith, Assessor; Humphrey Logan, Justice of the Peace. Moses Conger was ap- pointed Justice of the Peace, to fill vacancy by resignation of Wm. Gillman.
In 1856 Wm. Carl laid out his addition to Floyd Village, on the west of the original plat. In 1857 Griffith and Chittenden laid out an addition. In 1858 Wm. Montgomery laid out his ad- dition on the south of the original plat. These additions and the
SOS
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
original plat covered about 250 acres of land. At this time antic- ipations ran high and it was hoped to make this a county seat, and with her splendid water-power it was thought much manufacturing would locate here. For a time the town grew faster than the country, and the sound of the hammer was heard from "early morn to dewy eve," and lots sold at "fine" figures. But disappoint- ment was in store for the Floydites. A prospective new mill and partly finished bridge were swept away by a severe freshet, and the county seat was in 1859, decided lost, and town lots declined. But at the time of building the McGregor & Sioux City R. R., and the Cedar Falls & Minnesota R. R., property again revived and up went our present mill, school-houses and church edifices. But alas, the roads missed us, and confidence in town lots gave way, and their owners commenced to vacate them, reverting them back to farm lands; the present town of lots covers only about eighty acres. But, though thus reduced, Floyd has quite an extensive trade, and is one of the six railroad towns in the county, and is a very pleasant little town to live in.
SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, ETC.
The schools of the township have increased in importance and we now have eight, with a corresponding number of good school- houses, and large enrollment of scholars. An independent school district was organized March 22, 1862, and in 1867, it was voted to build a school-house; a block of land was purchased and O. Haven contracted with to build. The total cost, as now completed, $10,000. House accepted in 1868. First school was taught in 1870. The house is conspicuous from all points. Its belfry is quite a good observatory. From it the cars can be seen entering into both Floyd and Charles City. The country surrounding Floyd at a great distance looks like an exquisitely drawn map.
[We have been unable to obtain statistics.]
Resident physicians: Dr. L. Birney, settled in 1856; Dr. Ellis, also Dr. J. D. Mckenzie, in 1874; Drs. Hammond, Brown and Mc- Ewen, were here temporarily.
The Methodist Episcopal society was organized in 1857, I. D. Rust in charge. The church edifice was erected in 1862, and dedicated Jan. 19, 1863. The Christians were organized in 1861, Peter Deyo, preacher. In 1870, the Presbyterian church organized and built a house of worship. Marvin Jones was the pastor.
809
FLOYD TOWNSHIP.
The Ladies Union League was organized in 1863,Mrs. I.M. Merri- man, President-about 100 members. The same year the gentle- men organized a Union League, Otis Haven. President -- with about 100 members. Patrons of Husbandry organized in 1873, D.C. Sutton, Master. There have been organized four lodges of Good Templars. The ladies first union sewing society organized in 1857; second sewing society of the M. E. church was organized in 1858 and has been perpetual. It has earned and disbursed more than $1,000; it has mostly been expended about the church and parsonage. The sewing society of the Presbyterian church was organized by the ladies in 1870. The Ladies' Union Temperance League was organized in 1874, as was also the Foreign Missionary Society.
MILITARI.
In 1861 Floyd furnished the first volunteers for the war of the Rebellion-Norman Wolcott, N. R. Rider, Wm. Tottlar, Henry King, James Baker, P. W. Snyder, and A. N. Dickey. These seven young men were drawn up in line just before leaving Floyd, and the citizens passed them, taking each by the hand, and bidding him good-by. The act was simple but solemn. Our country was in danger; and here were her defenders. These volunteers were escorted to St. Charles by nearly the whole town of Floyd, drums beating, fifes playing, and flags flying. Just before arriv- ing at St. Charles we were met by a very large concourse of citizens from that town. It was just after dark, and the flag's could scarcely be seen, enough however, so we knew " our comrades were there." Here our seven volunteers were joined by seven from St. Charles, and after marching in procession a little we were escorted into Gilbert's Hall. This hall was never more densely packed. If martial music were ever played, the drum and fife made music now. After order was somewhat restored, H.Wilbur, of Floyd, was made chairman of the joint meeting. KateWright gave an address of welcome to the Floyd people, after which numerous speakers were called out. . There were no Whigs or Democrats at this meet- ing. All were Union men, and Union women. Here commenced the breaking up of two great political parties. A new issue presented itself, such as these United States had never seen before. It was union or disunion, and every man arrayed himself on the side of his choice. It was the spirit of this night that saved the country. These joined the Third Iowa at Cedar Falls, and were never accredited either to St. Charles or Floyd. W. P. Gaylord
.
$10
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
and HI. Wilbur were appointed a committee to get these several volunteers accredited to their own towns, but in consequence of red tape this deserved result was never obtained.
During these years Floyd was quite a military camp. A com- pany of infantry, with James Griffith as Captain, was formed and drilled on our streets. Cavalry men appeared riding and maneuver- ing, and much talk was made in reference to forming a company for this branch of the service. The drum and fife were heard al- most every evening, and meetings for the purpose of raising vol- unteers were frequent. At these meetings, the speakers were generally enthusiastic, and met with good results. Floyd sent out over sixty soldiers; was credited by the authorities with only about thirty-five. In consequence of this, a draft came, calling for two men from Floyd. Rev. Preston, of the Christian church, and Rev. Wm. Smith, of the M. E. church were the drafted men-a remark- able providence, the solution of which is: the devil overruled the drawing, but God overruled the devil by procuring substitutes for the drafted ministers. In 1863 the ladies sent off two large boxes of sanitary stores for the relief of sick and wounded soldiers. In 1864, at a school exhibition held in the M. E. church, H. Wil- bur, teacher, over $40 in cash was raised and sent for the same purpose. Relief was also liberally given to the Chicago and grass- hopper sufferers.
GENERAL HISTORY.
From a few acres only, tilled in 1855, with the rudest, imple- ments, the people can now feed thousands with our surplus prod- ucts. Instead of the old-fashioned single or double shoveled plow, we now ride through our corn-fields on our two-horse sulkies. In- stead of the square or a drag with twenty-four teeth, we now sweep over the ground with our Scotch harrows of forty-two teeth,. or still more improved harrows of seventy-two teeth. Instead of hand-sowing our grain, we now drill, or sow broadcast with our seeders. Instead of the hoe for planting, we use the hand or horse planter, planting from five to twenty acres per day of corn. Instead of McCormick or other old reapers without rakes, we now proudly ride along on our Little Champions or other self-rakers, followed by a quarter score of binders; or, prouder still, we mount our harvesters, taking our two binders with us, working in the shade. Or, another step in advance, goes the man with his team, reaping and binding alone, while others, with their headers, cut and.
811
FLOYD TOWNSHIP.
stack their grain the same day. We now ride leisurely along on our mowers, cracking our whips at the dandelion heads, followed by the strippling of the West, perched on his horse rake.
Previous to 1857 there was no resting place for the dead, and a temporary organization of the people was formed, and the follow- ing Board of Trustees was elected: I. D. Rust, James Griffith, Chester Butterfield, H. M. Nye and G. N. Miner, who were to select a place for, and cause to be laid out, suitable grounds for a cemetery. These trustees selected a part of the northwest quarter of the-southwest quarter of section 22, township 96, range 16, "being four acres and sixty-nine and three-fourths square feet of ground.
This ground they purchased by note of H. M. Nye, expecting to pay said notes by funds to be raised by sale of lots. Said ground was laid out into lots by J. G. Shoemaker, surveyor, and lots were sold at public auction, when only enough was raised to pay the cost of surveying, and nothing was left to pay on the note. But few deaths occurring, and no one seeming to have money to pur- chase lots in advance of death, the payment of the note and interest was delayed until the holder thereof became anxious for his pay. Thus matters continued until 1862, when Chester Butterfield, L. G. Burroughs, J. W. Burroughs, Jacob Whitbeck, Wm. Montgom- ery, Wilder Butterfield, S. A. Quinby, Silas Smith, H. M. Nye, Joseph Monson, L. K. Lee and H. Wilbur assumed the contract, paid the debt, and became sole proprietors of all unsold lots. L. G. Burroughs was the first President; H. Wilbur, Secretary. This company caused a plat of the ground to be recorded, and sales are now made by lots, the company giving deeds therefor. That Floyd is not exempt from death, is evidenced by the number of monu- ments and mounds raised there to mark the sleeping place of dear ·ones departed. All these mounds and monuments have been raised during and since 1857. That death is no respecter of persons, age or sect, is apparent from the great variety in size of these sleeping abodes, and of the names and ages of their respective occupants. Comparing the living with the dead, Floyd is at least as healthy as any of her surrounding townships. In proportion to present pop- . ulation, I venture to say more old settlers remain in Floyd than in :any other township in the county.
By a vote to move the court-house site from St. Charles to the geographical center, taken April 5, 1858, there were, for removing, 453 votes; against removing, 434 votes; giving nineteen majority
812
HISTORY OF FLOYD COUNTY.
or removal. Judge Ripley was County Judge, and Silas Smith was both Treasurer and Recorder. Soon after this vote, Judge Ripley ordered the county records to be moved to Floyd. As there were no buildings at this time at the center, it became proper for the county judge to designate a place for a temporary court-house. Floyd was so designated and a portion of the records moved here and recording done. But, before our people became fledglings, an injunction was served on the county judge, not to remove any more books to Floyd, and commanding him to return those already there. The injunction was quashed, but by some " hook or crook," the matter was carried to the Supreme Court, and decided against the removal of the site in 1859.
Thus was the " cup of joy" forever dashed from the lips of Floyd Township. Could the people of St. Charles blame the people of Floyd for feeling very, very sore over this ? As an immediate course of rejoicing, and before the controversy was ended, a Fourth of July celebration at the geographical center was determined on by those friendly to the removal. Those opposed celebrated at St. Charles. Before the vote was taken to remove, a sharp controversy had been carried on through the newspapers, by W. P. Gaylord in favor, and some St. Charles man against it, the St. Charles man alleging the soil to be so poor and wet at the center, that nothing but turnips could be raised there. Nevertheless, prepara- tions for the celebration at the center went on enthusiastically. The center of the county was mathematically determined, and a nice liberty pole was visible from a spot in the Rudd road, west of Floyd, for quite a number of years, or until the farmer routed it to make room for his breaking plow. The 4th of July, 1858, came. and the people of Floyd were ready for the occasion. Silas Smith and J. P. Webster acted as marshals for Floyd. Two lumber wag- ons coupled together as one, with seats all around facing inward, with graceful boughs intertwined, made a most luxurious palace. for its inmates. To this grand car were attached ten yoke of oxen guided by drivers who knew how to run a twenty-four or thirty- inch breaking plow. Next to this was one double wagon seated and furnished with trimmings the same as the first, and to which was attached five yoke of oxen guided by equally efficient drivers. Next this, horses and footmen, horses and carriages completing the" procession. To a greenhorn the scene was really exciting. The crack, crack of the whip; the gee, haw, come along Bright, Buck and Berry, Duke and Dime, were really amusing as well as exciting.
813
FLOYD TOWNSHIP.
Not far out from Floyd a rattle-snake was caught, and Jack Croft took it by the nape of the neck with one hand and by the tail with the other, and passed it between his teeth, chonking it as it passed through. Next, a stripped gopher was caught and thrown into the large wagon alive, just to amuse the ladies. Arriving at the Big Slough-it showed its correct name, and ladies and gentle- inen had to come down to terra firma and pass over the slough on a temporary brush and limb bridge. There was not a fence or a house between Floyd and the center. It looked like going out to sea in a great meadow. Arriving at the center we were lustily cheered by West-siders who had already arrived. We marched a few times around the pole, until the whole ox-cavalcade was formed in procession, and then we wended our way to the grove near Sprague's, where arrangements had been made for speaking. Judge Ball read the Declaration of Independence, and W. P. Gay- lord was orator. I. D. Rust, of Floyd, was chaplain, and Smith and Webster, marshals of the day.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.