USA > Iowa > Cerro Gordo County > History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races > Part 100
USA > Iowa > Franklin County > History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races > Part 100
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Nelson Vernall was the youngest, and now the only one living, of eleven chil- dren. He came to Iowa in 1869, and bought the southeast quarter of section 25, Mason township. He has improved his land and erected the dwelling in which he now resides. He was born in Franklin Co., N. Y., in 1821. His younger days were spent in school and on the farm. He was married Jan. 1, 1845, to Miss E. B. Waite, of Vermont, and continued to live on the farm with his parents until their death, and until 1869, when he sold the homestead and came to their present home in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Vernall have three children-Herbert N., Mary S. and Charles F. Nelson's father, John Ver- nall, was born in Westchester Co., N. Y. July 10,1775. He was married Sept.28, 1797, to Sophia Sponer, and settled in Franklin Co., N. Y., where they lived until 1831, then removed to Franklin Co., Vt., and bought a farm near St. Albans where he lived till his death, July 7, 1857. His widow, who was born June 5, 1779, died June 3, 1861.
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
Patrick O'Neil is a native of Ireland, born in 1843. In 1860 he left his native land for America, and landed at New York, going thence to Ulster county, where he was employed in farming for one year, then went to Phillipsburg, where he en- tered the United States' service as team- ster, then went to Washington,and joined the army of the Potomac. He was with the first brigade, second division, eleventh army corps. He remained in the govern- ment service three years, then returned to New York, and from there went to Rock Co., Wis., where he was employed at farming during the summer seasons, and in the pineries during the winters, until 1869, when he came to Cerro Gordo county and bought land on section 1, Mason township, where he now resides. He was married in 1875 to Maggie Chala- han. They have three children-James, Daniel and Mary.
In February, 1870, Edwin G. Joy started from Wisconsin with a span of horses for Iowa,arriving here in nine days, and at once settled on section 16, Mason township, on land which his father had purchased for him the previous year. On this farm he has ever since made his home. He was born in Booneville, Oneida Co., N. Y., his parents being Edward and Caroline Griffin. When he was three years of age he was adopted by Abiathar Joy, of Jefferson Co., N. Y., with whom he lived until he was seventeen, when the family moved to Wisconsin and settled near Beaver Dam, Dodge county. He attended the common schools, worked on the farm, and at the age of nineteen went into L. E. Platt's store, at Beaver Dam, as clerk, where he remained about three
years. On Ang. 15, 1862, he enlisted in company E, Ist Wisconsin Cavalry, and started for Missouri, but at Cairo he was taken sick and was honorably discharged Nov. 6, 1862, on account of disability, when he returned to Wisconsin. As soon as health would permit he engaged in farming, which he pursued for three years then went to Beloit and became traveling salesman for a marble firm. Here he was married March 19, 1868, to Anna E. Ackley, of Beloit, Wis., and after contin- uing as salesman for about fourteen months, he returned for a few months to Beaver Dam, and from there came to his present home in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Joy have five children-Earnest, Carrie, Harry, Minnie and Mattie.
Henry A. Gillett bought the southwest quarter of section 21, Mason township, in 1870, and has since resided here. He has erected good buildings and has a very comfortable home. He has since bought other lands and now owns 320 acres of improved land. He was born in La Fayette Co., Wis., July 14, 1839. His parents were early settlers of that county. The father, Philo Gillett, was a native of Con- necticut, and the mother, Mary (Deboe) Gillett, a native of Virginia. Henry's younger days were spent on the farm and at school. In June, 1861, he enlisted in the 3rd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, company I. He re-enlisted Dec. 13, 1863, at Wartrace, Tenn., and served till the close of the war and was discharged with his regiment, July 18, 1865. This regi- ment took an active part in the war, and was at the front from first to last, bei g in the battle at Antietam, Chancellorville, Gettysburg, with Sherman on his march
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
to the sea, and in many other struggles of that campaign. After his discharge he re- turned to Wisconsin and engaged in min- ing one year, then went down the Missis- sippi and followed boating until the fall of 1869, when he returned to Wisconsin, spent the winter in La Fayette county, and in the spring of 1870 came to Cerro Gordo county. ' In 1869 he was married to Jen- nie Rawe, a native of England. They have had seven children-James A., Nettie, Mary J., Harry, Philo, Ida, who died in infancy, and Dasie Alice.
Stephen Deyoe sought a home in Iowa in 1869. After prospecting through north- ern and central Iowa, he finally purchased land on section 25, Mason township He has 240 acres, which he has so improved and beautified that he has now a most de- sirable and comfortable home, with all necessary outbuildings. He was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., June 30, 1837. In 1852 his parents removed to Iowa Co., Wis., where they purchased a farm and were among the early settlers. His father died July 8, 1878. His mother still re- tains the homestead in connection with two of her sons. Stephen remained with his parents until twenty-four years of age, when he bought land and settled in Dodge- ville, Iowa Co., Wis., remaining until the spring of 1870, when he removed his fam- ily to their new home in Cerro Gordo county. He married Mary A. Watkins, of Worcestershire, England. They have four children-Albert M., William J., George and Clyde.
Kettle Paulson, who settled in Mason township in 1872, was born in Germany, at Schleswig, Holstein, Feb. 27, 1845. He attended school there until sixteen years
of age, after which he worked on a farm. In 1870 he left Germany and came to America, landing at New York city, and from there he came to Iowa, stopping in Clinton county, where he was engaged in farming for two years. From there he moved to this county and rented land in Bath township for one year, and then moved into Falls township and purchased land on section 32. Here he lived two years, making improvements on his land, but finally sold and removed to Mason township and purchased land on section 34. On this place he has erected fine buildings, and planted out a beautiful grove. He was married in 1872 to Mrs. Emma Hansen, by whom he has six chil- dren-Caroline, Johanna, Thomas, Matil- da, Emma and Clara.
Washington Brentner was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Aug. 9, 1829. IIe made his home with his parents until 1850, when he went to California and en- gaged in mining for three years ; then was engaged by the California Steam Navigation Company, and remained in their employ seventeen years. In 1872 he engaged with the Central Railroad Company, and was in their employ six years. In 1878 his father visited him in California, and he returned with him to Iowa. He spent the winter at Forest City with his sister. In the spring of 1879 he settled on his farm, where he now resides, on section 2. Ile was mar- ried in 1861 to Mrs. Sarah E. Roberts, who bore him four children-George G., Alfred R., who is now in California, Maud E. and Jennie E. Mrs. Brentner was born in New York city, in 1839, and died in California in 1873.
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
William Hill bought the farm on which he now lives on section 23, and settled on it in 1880. He owns a fine farm, well improved, rich soil, and well watered by living springs. He was one of the early settlers of Clayton Co., Iowa, having come there from Ohio in 1850. There he took government land near Garnavillo, where his wife died, after which he returned to Ohio. In 1851 he went to California, went into mining, and in company with Thomas Strain, opened a blacksmith shop and supply store in the mountains, in which he continued for three years, then returned to Minnesota and bought govern- ment land and settled in Olmstead county, where he remained twelve years, then sold out, came to Iowa and settled in Winneshiek county, eight miles from Decorah, remaining there until 1880, at which time he came to his present home in Cerro Gordo county. He was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Nov. 12, 1823, lived on a farm until he was fourteen years of age, then went to Franklin coun- ty and spent three years learning the blacksmith trade; returned to Muskin- gum county and worked as a journeyman at his trade till 1841, then opened a shop in Hancock county and run that until 1850, when he came to Clayton Co., Iowa. He was married in 1843 to Catharine Benham, also a native of Ohio. She died in 1850, leaving one child-Mary E. He was married the second time, Dec. 16, 1860, to Mary F. Duncan, of Coshocton, Ohio. They have six children-Mark W., Andrew J., Fred, Alma, Jessie and Cleora.
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ORGANIC.
Mason township was organized Dec. 17, 1856, and was the fourth township in the county, at which time it comprised nearly one-fourth of Cerro Gordo county. The following were the first set of township officers of the township as it was bounded in 1883: Trustees, J. M. Dougan, B. A. Bryant, H. K. Perry; clerk, S. H. Sheldon. In 1883 the officers were H. Keerl, II. K. Perry and B. Bryant, trustees, and A. R. Sale, clerk.
SCHOOLS.
All of Mason township, except that ter- ritory belonging to the independent school district of Mason City is in what is known as Mason township school district at large, in which there were nine school houses in 1883, at which date the following were the directors: Isaac Clark, F. E. Temple and S. G. Nelson. J. G. Brown, secretary of the board of directors.
School house No. 7 was built on the southeast quarter of section 2, in 1861. Sarah McPeak taught the first school. In 1880 this building was destroyed by fire and another immediately erected upon the same site. 'A. H. Cumming was the first . to teach in this house.
The school house in district No. 2 was built in 1879 on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 6. Ella Miller was one of the first teachers.
The first school taught in the neighbor- hood where No. 4 now stands was taught by Mrs. Frank Temple, in 1862, in a house owned by Dr. Huntley, located on section 16. A stone school house was built a few years later on the southeast quarter of section 17, and was in use until 1880, at which time a frame building was erected
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
on the northwest quarter of section 17. The first teacher in this building was Rushic Cilley.
The first school house in district No. 5 was first located on section 21, but in 1870 moved to section 23, at which time arrangements were made to crect the present building. Frank Dunham was the first teacher in this house.
The first school house in the neighbor- hood of district of No. 6 was moved from section 21, in 1870, and located on the northeast quarter of section 23. This building was used about three years, and another erected on the southeast quarter . of the northeast quarter of section 23. Anna Brightman was the first to teach here.
There was a stone school house built in 1857 on the east side of Lime creek, on the southwest quarter of section 12; this was used for several years. The present house was built in 1878, and is situated on the west side of Lime creek, on the south- west quarter of section 12. Cora Brown was the first teacher here.
The school house in district No. 8 was built in 1874 or 1875. It is located on the northwest quarter of section 36. Nettie Barney was the first teacher in this build- ing, but prior to this date a school had been held in Joseph Rule's house, on see- tion 35, taught by Louise Vandermark and Dora Armitage.
The school building in district No. 9 was moved from Lake township in 1879. EHen Barton was one of the earliest teachers.
No. 10 was built in 1881 on the southeast quarter of section 20. Anna Grippen was the first teacher.
QUARRIES.
The streams which make glad the hearts of the people of this county have evidently worn their way through ledges of lime rock, and along their banks these ledges present perpendicular walls of nat- ural masonry, rising in many places to a height of more than thirty feet, in regular strata, varying in thickness from six to ten inches. The stone is of a very supe- rior quality for building purposes, and can be obtained in almost any required dimen- sion. It is easily quarried and exists in unlimited quantities, and as there is no other building stone between this locality and the Missouri river, it is evident that these quarries are destined to become a literal mine of wealth to their possessors. NURSERY.
A. L. Grippen came from Waukon, Iowa, in 1877 and started a nursery on section 22. His stock was selected from the Iron Clad Nursery of Waukon. In 1883 he had twelve acres in his nursery, the fruit including all the hardy varieties.
DEPARTED PIONEERS.
Horace Green, who was born in Cayuga Co., Ohio, in 1817, was among the first settlers in Cerro Gordo county. He came to Mason City in 1856. The following is from the pen of an old settler who expe- rienced the struggles and privations of pioneer life with the subject of this mem- .oir:
"He came to this county in June, 1856, and built a little cabin near Lime creek timber, and there he bent his energies to- ward the development of his farm. He was then forty years old. He built his camp fire about three miles north of Mason City, but soon after moved their cabin to
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
his farm which he?,last occupied, and around the spot where the smoke curled gracefully from his rustic cabin, now stands the monuments of his faithful hus- bandry, and there, like guiding sentinels, stand lofty trees of his own planting, and fruit trees, each spring time sending out their blossoms to his memory. In 1859 he moved into Mason City and opened what is known as the Waukousa hotel, where he and his wife ministered to the wants of the eating public. After several years at this he changed to other business. He spent his last years and was cared for by Dr. Noyes."
Mrs. J. M. Dougan, wife of one of Mason City's most prominent citizens, died of a cancer at Eureka Springs, Ark., in June, 1881. She was a noble lady, noble in good deeds, and rich in those treasures which adorn true womanhood. Tender of heart, she gave to the suffering poor unspar- ingly of her means. She was public spir- ited in a high degree, and active in every worthy cause. One of the best mothers and noblest wives. From a busy life of good deeds she has gone to her reward.
Robert Clark, or Judge Clark, as he was known, was among the old residents of Cerro Gordo county, and from an incom- plete obituary the following is obtained: "He was a native of New York, but came to Iowa, where he spent over twenty-two years of his life. He was the first justice of the peace to receive a commission in Cerro Gordo county. For several years he lived in Winnebago Co., Iowa, where he filled the office of treasurer for ten years. He died at Forest City Aug. 12, 1876, aged fifty-one. It was estimated that fully 2,500 people attended bis funeral, the ser- |
vices being held in a grove near Mr Burn- ap's house, at Forest City. Every body seemed to regard him as a near, dear, and personal friend, and mourned for him as such. Winnebago, Worth, Hancock and Cerro Gordo counties were all represented at this funeral. Mr. Clark was a Royal Arch Mason and was buried with Masonic honors, over 120 members of the order be- ing present and taking part in the ceremo- nies, which were of the most imposing character.
On the morning of Aug. 14, 1877, at Plymouth, this county, Rev. J. B. Burn- ham died. He was born Ang. 13, 1809, and was consequently sixty eight years old. He was converted-born again-Sept. 29, 1830, at which time he united with the Methodist Church. In October, 1835, he married Clarissa Maria Spink. He was admitted to the traveling connections June 24, 1836. He was ordained deacon June 10, 1838, by Bishop Morris, and ordained elder June 21, 1840, by Bishop Roberts. He was an itinerant Methodist preacher for thirty years, coming to Iowa about the close of his active ministry, and has re- sided since at Mason City until the time of his death, except a short stay at Ply- mouth, where he gave up life's work, de- parting in triumphant faith. A pleasing incident occurred in early life, which had a tendency to confirm his faith in the Di- vine call to the ministry, to himself and wife, who were journeying to a session of the Troy conference. While on the way his wife, who had been praying for guidance in life's work, as a herald of the cross, said to him, "We shall be sent to Joy circuit." The reason was asked, and she said she had been praying and something told her.
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY. 955
They journeyed on and at conference, when the appointments were read, the bishop reaching the name said, "J. D. Burnham, Joy circuit." Thirty years of life spent as a traveling minister, years of toil, of self denial, of heroism, of incidents thrilling, soul stirring and pathetic. The old times Methodist had to be on the con- stant move. Souls were considered of more value and moment than home and family surroundings. In those days it usually took four weeks to the circuit. Elder Burnham left on his trip one time, leaving his daughter very sick; while he was absent his child died, and as death came stealing over the loved one, she looked up into the face of her mother and knowing death was very near, she said, "Tell papa I am going to Heaven-tell him to preach good and 1 meet me in Heaven," and thus the sweet child passed from death. A few years ago
he stood beside the open grave of his wife. She too departed in the triumphs of faith and love. Standing there, while the clods of the valley were falling on the coffin, he could say, "There will be a meeting soon in Heaven." When the elder was pros- trate on his death bed, and his body suf- fering terrible pains, with a clear mind, he would break out singing, "On Jordan's stormy banks I stand," and as the twi- light of death settled over him, he would forget all else save Jesus, whose name would quickly arouse him. Thus in faith he settled down in death's cold embrace, with these as his last words: "I am nearing the throne." He left three children-Mrs. S.J. Waterbury, Mrs. L. A. Page and C. H. Burnham. His funeral services took place at Plymouth, Rev H. W. Bennett officia- ting. The remains were deposited in the Mason City cemetery.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
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MASON CITY.
This is the county seat of Cerro Gordo county, and is situated on sections 3, 4, 9 and 10, of Mason township, at the june- tion of Lime and Willow creeks, about four miles northeast of the center of the county. In 1883 it contained about 4,200 inhabitants. It was laid out June 28, 1855, by John B. Long and George Brentner. It is generally conceded that it took its
name from Masonic Grove, which was called so by John D. Long, an early settler, who made great pretensions to Free Mason- ry, but in fact was a "snide" of that order. It was through his influence a post office was established. He asked that it be called Masonville, but upon finding an- other by that name in Iowa, it was changed to Mason City.
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
Mason City has many natural advan- tages, among which are timber, fine build- ing stone, potter's clay and good water power. There are but few towns of its size and wealth that are as well built and contain so many elegant and substantial business houses and residences. The town is settled largely from the eastern and New England States, containing but a small foreign element. A large, beauti- ful stone school building, located in a commanding position, is one of the ob- jects which attract attention of strangers who visit the city for the first time, while a number of commodious, elegantly de- signed church edifices beautify the appear- ance of the city, which indicate that the religious and moral wants of the commu- nity are not forgotten or neglected. Being surrounded on all sides by a rich and well improved farming section, it has secured an unusually large and desirable retail trade, which the generous, enterprising and thoroughly honest business habits of its tradesmen, will long retain. The place has excellent hotel accommodations, and being only nine miles from Clear Lake, it receives much of the financial benefit de. rived from that popular watering place, throughout the summer months. Three lines of railway enter the city-the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, running east and west, across the State, traversing the rich agricultural section between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers; the Cen- tral Railway of Iowa, running north and south, connecting St. Louis and St. Paul, and the Austin branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul line, which runs from Mason City to Austin, Minn.
RECORDED PLATS.
The various plats of Mason City were filed for record as follows:
The original plat for Mason City was filed for record in June, 1855, by J. B. Long and George Brentner, as proprietors. Irving W. Card surveyed the plat.
Railroad addition to Mason City was platted Dec. 13, 1856. The proprietors were George E. and E. B. D. Woodward. The survey was made by I. W. Card.
What is known on the records as Felt's plat, took in a portion of the original plat, and was filed Sept. 15, 1857, by Paul Felt. The survey was made by A. Gar- ner.
Bright's addition was made Sept. 15, 1869, by Nimrod Bright and wife. Charles McNany, surveyor.
South Mason City was platted Oct. 19, 1869, by the following named persons who gave a half interest in the same to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company as a bonus for locating depot grounds thereon. Thomas G. Emsley, B. F. Hartshorn,John Pratt, W.W.Allen, George Miller, L. J. Waterbury, John S. Stanbery, Russell Smith and their wives. This plat was surveyed by C. F. Vincent and con- tained about 140 acres.
Stanbery addition was filed Feb. 11, 1870, by W. C. and Elizabeth Stanbery, proprietors.
B. Randall's addition was made August 1870. C. F. Vincent, surveyor.
North Mason City was platted March 1, 1872.
Mumford's addition was made April 19, 1873, by J. V. Mumford.
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
James Foster's addition to South Mason City was platted April 18, 1882, by James Foster. C. F. Vincent. was the surveyor.
Parker & Foster's addition was made May 29, 1882, by Horace Parker and James Foster.
Foster's second addition was platted Nov. 27, 1882. James Foster was proprie- tor; C. F. Vincent, surveyor.
Horace Parker's addition was made Nov. 30, 1882. C. F. Vincent, surveyor. EARLY DAYS.
James Jenkinson made the first settle- ment, in 1853, on Lime creek, where Mason City now stands. He was accom- panied by John McMillen, who, in 1854, built and operated the first store in Cerro Gordo county.
George Brentner entered land on sec- tion 9, which is now in the heart of the thriving city, Sept. 15, 1854, and B. B. Richards entered section 10, October 10 of the same year. James Jenkinson lived in a log cabin on Lime creek, at a point now within the city limits. His habitation was of the rudest structure, 12x 14 feet in size. Here he spent the winter of 1853, alone, as Mr. McMillen and J. B. Long had returned to La Salle, Ill., the season being one of great severity. He had some flour and pork, but the spring found him with few provisions. When Mr. McMillen and Mr. Long returned they started a store, Mr. Jenkinson doing the teaming between Mason City and Du- buque. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company B, 32d Iowa Volunteers. He was in active and severe service and was taken prisoner at Pleasant Hill and con- fined at Fort Tyler, Texas, where he was held thirteen months and seventeen days.
The daily rations were a pound of meat and a pint of corn meal. On one occasion the mill where their corn was ground gave out and they were obliged to eat the corn from the cob, a process which gave them a better appreciation of firm teeth than they had before had. Their coffee was made from the siftings of the meal. He was mustered out of service at Daven- port, Iowa, and returned to Mason City and worked as a stone mason. He was born in Lancastershire, England, May 10, 1833, and came to America in 1846, ac- companied by his sister. Ile settled in La Salle Co., Ill., where he remained until he came to Iowa. He was married in August, 1868, to Mary, daughter of David and Ann (Dingman) Ragan. She was born in Joliet, Ill., Dec. 6, 1839. They had one son-Daniel A. In 1870 the family removed to a farm Mr. Jenkinson had bought previous to his enlisting, sit- uated in Lime Creek township and valued at $30 per acre. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and belongs to the Odd Fellows' order.
Among the number who came in 1855 were: Thomas Drummond, A. B. Miller and F. J. Turnure.
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