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 41
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 41
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One of Mr. Fessler's little girls was burned to death while playing near a burning straw pile, about 1878.
In 1883, Matthew Peafau, who was working in the township, met with a vio-
lent death. Ile was at Faulkner, where he had received money from his father, in Germany, with which he was to purchase land. He was in good spirits, walking on the Iowa Central track, when he looked back, at the same time catching his foot in a frog of the track, throw ing him under a passing train, killing him instantly.
ORGANIC.
In 1870, Wesley Brogan drew up a pe- tition to have a township set off from Oakland township. He was aided by John Griggs. They received thirty-one signers and the petition w's granted to them that fall. The first election was held at a school house on section 16, Oeto- ber 16, at which time there were thirty- two votes cast for the following officers: Long Salley, clerk; J. F. Moats, assessor; B. F. Cogswell, John Griggs and H. Tal- helm, trustees. Wesley Brogan was ap- pointed clerk in place of Salley, and Nelson Salley, assessor, in place of Moats.
In 1883 the township officers were: Ed- ward Ryan, clerk; M. H. Sheldon, asses- sor; Newton Penny, Henry Fessler and Joseph Studer, trustees.
SCHOOLS
The first school was taught by Jennie Roberts at the house of J. F. Moats, in the winter of 1869-70. The same winter Miss Sperry taught at the house of Hum- phrey Talhelm. In 1883 there were eight school houses in Grant township. At this date there were 211 scholars in the town- ship. Much attention has been given to educational matters in this part of the county. The patrons of the schools have always selected the best men for school officers, and employed the best of teachers.
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY ..
CHAPTER XXI.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP.
Hamilton was detached from Reeve township in 1871. It comprises town- ship 91, range 21 west. It is a prairie township of the most fertile quality, bounded on the north by Marion, on the east by Reeve, on the south by Lee and on the west by Morgan townships. In the southern part the land is rolling, through which runs a small stream, along the banks of which are considerable tim- ber. The soil is a sandy loam, with a clay sub-soil. The northern portion of the township is a level prairie, of a deep black loam, a large portion of which is low and swampy. The total number of aeres in the township is 23,040, the as- sessed value of which was $249,936. The township is well adapted to stock raising.
SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement was made by Rich ard and John Bingham who came from Indiana, together with a man named Lampman, in 1855, pre-empted land and erected log cabins. They only remained a year or two, the former returning to In- diana, and the latter going to California, where he shortly afterward died.
The next to settle were Robert and An - drew Hamilton, from whom the township was named, Robert Derrah and William Braden. At this time not a single house appeared in the whole township and these four families camped out in a tent by a grove across the line for a few weeks, in
what was afterward Reeve township, while Andrew Hamilton was building a small log house on his claim, where all four families lived until the following au- tumn, when each provided himself with a cabin home of the same kind rude, though warm and comfortable.
Andrew Hamilton came in the fall of 1855. He was born in Dunnigal county, Ireland, in 1828. He received a common school education in his native country. In 1848, he came to America and settled in Harrison Co., Ohio, where he was engaged in farming. flere he lived until 1855, when he bought a lot of stock and came to Iowa, stopping in Independence for a few months, but the same year com- ing to Franklin county and settling on the farm where he still lives, and on which he built the first log house in the town- ship. He continued to live in that house until 1873, when he built the house where the family now live. His father, Aaron, lived with him until his death in 1859. Mr. Hamilton makes a specialty of stock- raising and has a farm of 220 acres in this township and 160 acres in Lee township. The township of Hamilton was named in his honor withont his knowledge or con- sent. He helped to build the Methodist church, of which he has been a member for about five years. In politics he is, and has been all his life, a strong republican. He was married, in 1862, to Jane Stock-
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dale, a native of Ireland, who came to Iowa with her parents in an early day. They are the parents of eight children- Charles S., Robert, Willie, Frank, Jesse, Asbury, Lillie May and Johnnie C.
Robert Hamilton was born in Donegal county, Ireland, in 1826, and came to America in 1847, first settling in Ohio, where he worked by the month for nine years, when he moved, May, 1856, to Franklin Co., Iowa, and entered eighty acres on section 25 and has added eighty acres more, now having a fine farm under cultivation. He is a member of the Method- ist Church, is a republican, and has been township trustee several times. He was married in 1854 to Mary Scott, of Jeffer- son Co., Ohio. They have four children -James A., David, Charles and Bessie.
Robert Darrah came in 1856, settling on section 36. He was born in Ireland, Dec. 25, 1819. He came to America in 1848, locating in Harrison Co., Ohio. While in his native count y he received a liberal education, and learned the trade of shoe- making; also was engaged in manufac- turing fine linen; but after he came to Ohio he engaged entirely in the shoe- making business. In 1855 he came to Iowa, settling at Independence, where he remained until the spring of 1856, when he came to Franklin county, in company with the Hamilton brothers, and soon af- ter bought the farm where he still lives. Afte coming here he bought 100 acres and built a log house in which he lived until about six years ago. He was instrumental in getting the township of Hamilton set off, and by him the township received the name of Hamilton, in honor of Andrew and Robert Hamilton, his brothers-in-law.
Ile taught the first school held in the township in the winter of 1857-8, in a little log shanty, there being eight or nine pupils in attendance. He was justice of the peace for about four years; was town clerk for five years; was one of the first petit jurors in Franklin county; was trustee of the town for a long time; was school fund commissioner for two years; was see- retary of the school board and levied a tax of $550 to build a school house; and was also school treasurer for some two years. He has been a republican all his life, and is a member of the Methodist Church. He was married in 1852 to Elizabeth Hamil- ton, sister of Robert and Andrew Hamil- ton. They have had eight children, six of whom are now living-Mary C., engaged in teaching; Jennie, died at the age of fifteen; John II., lives in Lee township; Lizzie L., teaching; Nancy A., teaching; Robert A., lives at home; Eva, died at the age of ten, and Walter H.
Thomas Stockdale came into Hamilton township in 1859, prior to which he had lived in Hardin county, where he had re- moved from Beloit, Wis. He was born in Ireland, in 1833, and his opportu- nities for an education were limited. In 1851, he emigrated to America, and set- tled in New York State, where he engaged in farming three years, then going to Wisconsin, he settled in Beloit, finally coming to his present home on section 26. He has 360 acres, under a good state of cultivation, valued at between $7,000 and $8,000. He has about seventy-five head of graded stock, and is energetic and suc- cessful. In politics he is a republican. He is a member of the Methodist Church, which, in 1881, he assisted largely in
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
building. He was married in January, 1859, to Catherine Hamilton, who died in August, 1877, leaving four children- Stewart, Charles, Lucilla and Aaron. He was again married in September, 1878, to Caroline Killions, a native of Illinois. They have two children-Fred and Maggie.
C. Cobble, from Pennsylvania, and two brothers named Kempthorn, from Wis- con-in, were the next settlers.
J. W. Wallace settled in Hamilton township in 1861. He is a son of William and Mary Wallace. He was born Nov. 10, 1817. His father was a Presbyterian minister, but owned a farm in Harrison Co., Ohio, where the subject of this sketch was born, grew up and received a common school education. Mr. Wallace lived in his native place thirty-two years, then spent six years in Guernsey Co., Ohio, then came to Iowa and settled in Alamakee county. He entered land in Hamilton town- ship, Franklin county, the same year, on which he now lives. He lived in Clayton, Iowa, for five years, and in 1861, settled on his farm in Hamilton township. He has 880 acres of land, 520 acres of it in a body, and all under cultivation. He does an extensive business in stock, as well as grain raising. He was one of the trustees of the town for sometime, and also school director. In politics, he is a thor- ough republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was married in 1845, to Mary Guthrie, a native of Ohio. They are the parents of six children- Margaret J., Robert C. and William M., (twins), Thomas M., J. Elliott and Samuel D.
Among those who came to the township in 1861, were John and David Elliott, who came from Ohio, together with William Ganfield. The latter was born in Som- ersetshire, England, in 1831. He was reared in the country and his school ad- vantages were those pertaining to the country. He emigrated to America in 1850, first going to Monroe Co., N. Y., where he remained five years, then to Dubuque Co., Iowa, staying six years, and then moved to Franklin county, settling on section 26, taking 120 acres of land, to which he has added 160 acres, making a most desirable home. He is making a specialty of stock raising, is working into cattle, and is mak- ing a success of it. In politics, he is a re- publican. He was trustee one year, road repairer, school district treasurer one year, and is the present treasurer of the school district of the township. He was married in 1853, to Rebecca Walker, a native of Ireland. Their children are-William G., Nathaniel, John W., Henry B, Annie, Ida, Emma and Arthur.
Charles Kempthorne settled, in 1868, on the northwest quarter of section 25. He was born in England, June 14, 1840, emi- grating with his parents to the United States, in June, 1850. He first settled at Lower East Fork, Jo Daviess Co., Ill. Soon after they removed to Benton, Wis., where his father engaged in farming. He worked on his father's farm until the 3d of June, 1861, when he enlisted in the 3d Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, company I, for three years or during the war. He was engaged in the battles of Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Antietam; at the latter engagement he was wounded in the right wrist. He was honorably discharged
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
from the service, on the 29th day of June, 1864, at Washington, D. C. The follow- ing compliment was paid him by his com- mander: "One of the best soldiers I ever met with; has not been reprimanded since under my command." After having the army he returned to Platteville, Wis., and entered the Platteville Acad- emy, where he received more than a common school education. In Sep- tember, 1867, he was married to Jane Richards, of Benton, Wis., by which union there were seven children, five of whom are living -- three boys and two girls. In March, 1868, he removed to Iowa, and located in Hamilton township, where he owns 320 acres of land, which is under a tine state of cultivation. He makes a spe- eiality of grain and stock raising, and is one of the most successful farmers in the township. He is a republican in polities and has held nearly all the offices of the township.
E. H. Stenson came to the township in 1870, settling on section 21. He is a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Kelley) Stenson, born in Stephenson Co., Ill., Jan. 24, 1843, being the oldest of a family of six children. He grew to manhood on a farm, receiving a good common school education. In 1862, he left his father's farm and enlisted as a private in com- pany I, 74th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving a little over three years. He was wounded at the battle of Resaca, Ga., May, 1864, in the left foot, and was an invalid for a long time, after which he was detached for light duty at Nashville, Tenn. He was transferred to the 36th, and did special duty as mail carrier at New Orleans La., for about five
months. He was in the battles of Perry- ville, Ky., Stone River, Mission Ridge, and in many smaller engagements. He now receives a pension of two dollars per month. After he returned from the war he went to Stephenson Co., Ill., and en- gaged in farming until 1870, when he came to Iowa and settled on the farm in Hamilton township, where he has lived ever since. He has held nearly all the local offices in the town. He was school director for about six years, was town trustee four years, assessor three years, and has been town clerk for the past four years. He taught school in sub-district, No. 5, Hamilton township, two terms, in the winters of 1876-7 and 1882-3, and was secretary of the school board for about six years. He was married, Feb. 22, 1874, to Maria Underkaffler, a native of Wis- consin. They have three children-Lida, Cora and Jesse.
Edward Scuntlebury came to Iowa in 1876, settling first in Wayne county, where he farmed two years, removing then to Hamilton, where he purchased 160 acres on section 16, and since that time has been successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising, his stock being all graded. He rents the adjoining 120 acres and farms heavily, together with dairying. He was born in England, in 1834, and re- ceived a limited education, being brought up on a farm. In 1867, he emigrated to America, going first to Warren, Jo Da- viess Co., Ill., where he engaged in farm- ing thirteen years, when he went prospect- ing through Kansas, Oregon, California and other States until 1876. He was mar- ried, in 1863, to Elizabeth Ormrod, also a native of England. William, Charles, Jo-
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
sephine, Frank, Ella and Edward, Jr., are their children.
Jacob Pearson purchased his present home in 1874, and settled on it in 1879. He had but little means when he came, but by industry and economy has acquired a large farm and as fine buildings as any in the township. He was born in Mont- gomery Co., Penn., in 1837, where he re- ceived a good common school education, and then learned the machinist trade, working at it in his native place until 1865, when he went to southern Illinois and followed his trade eight years. He was city marshal of Pana, Ill., and in Feb- ruary, 1876, removed to Fort Dodge, Iowa, working at his trade for three years. In politics he is a republican. He was a school director one year. He is of Quaker descent and holds to the religion of his forefathers. He was married, in 1860, to Sarah Jane Millard, a native of Pennsyl- vania. They have three children-Joseph, HIenry and Jimmie.
James Sharpe settled in 1875. He was born in Ireland, in 1813, and came to America in 1872, settling in Butler Co., Iowa. He was there for two years and then, in 1875, came to this township and settled on section 22, engaging in the stock-raising business. He was married, in 1837, to Elizabeth Irwin. They had nine children, all coming to this county together. In religion Mr. Sharpe is a Presbyterian, His wife being a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a republican.
J. J. Sharpe, son of James and Eliza- beth Sharpe, was born in Ireland, in 1859. He was brought up on a farm, receiving a common school education; came to
America, in 1871, and settled in Butler county, where he rented land until he came to Hamilton township, in 1875, and bought the eighty-acre farm where he now lives, his father living with him. He deals in Durham cattle and a graded Nor- man horse, having fifty head of stock, be- sides five horses. In religion he is a Presbyterian.
Anthony Snyder, who came in 1878, is the son of Philip and Matilda Snyder. He was born in Chamberlain Co., Penn., in 1840, and came to Franklin Co., Iowa, in 1878, locating on section 32, Hamilton township, where he has 240 acres of land, on which he has made all the im- provements. When he was seven years of age he came with his parents to Miami Co., Ohio, being there brought up on a farm and receiving a common sohool edu- cation. In 1873 he left Ohio and went to Kansas, remained there two years, then moved to Jones Co., Iowa, remained there three years and in 1878 came here. In May, 1864, he enlisted in the 147th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was for five years a member of the Ohio National Guards, and was a non-com- missioned officer. He was present at Early's attack on Washington. He has been a town trustee since the fall of 1879. He is a member of the Odd Fel- lows. Mr. Snyder was married in 1868, to Madora Cramer, a native of Ohio. They are the parents of seven children, four living-Lucinda Jane, Nettie May, Argus Franklin and Lulu.
Thomas Malone located in Hamilton township in 1878. He was a son of Thomas and Mary (Flannigan) Malone, was born in Worcester, Mass., April, 1852.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY Astor, Lenox and Tl'den Foundations.
g. W. Wallace.
mary Wallace.
THE NEW YORK. PUBLIC LIBRARY
4 . te or and T' ten
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
383
When he was about four years of age, he removed with his parents to Wisconsin, and settled near Milwaukee. Here he was brought up on a farm, receiving a common school education. He spent nine years in northern Wisconsin in the Inmber and agricultural business for himself, but in 1878 came to this county and settled on à farm of 160 acres on section 13, Hamilton township, that he had bought some ten years before. Here he built a fine brick house, (it being the only brick house in this township) at a cost of about $700, aside from his own work; he paid five dollars per acre for his land, and it is now worth twenty-five dollars per acre. He has seven fine horses; the value of his stock may be estimated at not far from $2,000. The greater part of this wealth he has accumulated since he became of age, having but $900 to start with. He has taken an active part in the politics of the township, is, and always has been, an indepenpent, voting for the best man. He was married in 1877 to Hattie E. Clark. Three children have blessed this union-Thomas E., John C. and Eleanor A.
N. J. Wanamaker located in 1879, on section 17. He was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, in 1838. When he was fifteen years of age his parents moved to Grant Co., Wis., where he grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving but a limited education. He lived at home until 1871, when he came to Iowa, first settling in Hardin county, then removing to Kossuth county, thence to Floyd, and finally to Franklin county in 1879, locating on a farm in Hamilton township where he bought eighty acres of land. Here he has
erected his buildings and has made good improvements. In the fall of 1879 he was elected town trustee, and also in 1880 elected to the same office on the republi- can tieket. He has been almost a life- long republican, his first vote only being cast for Stephen A. Douglas. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted in the 25th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, company C, and served for three years. He was in the battle of Resaca, and in many other im- portant engagements; was also with Sher- man in his march to the sea, but never received a scratch. He was mustered out at Washington, D. C., and then returned to Wisconsin. He is a member of the school board. Mr. Wanamaker was mar- ried in 1867 to Orphelia Hirst, a native of Ohio. Mable, Elsie, Roy and Willie, are their children.
FIRST THINGS.
The first child born in the township was John, a son of Robert Darrah. He was born in the winter of 1857, and in 1883 was a resident of Lee township.
The first death occurred, also, in 1857. Nathaniel Walker, a brief resident of the township, died at the house of Robert Hamilton. The second death was Aaron Hamilton, father of Robert and Andrew, who was eighty-four years old.
The first wedding, was that of James Faun and Margaret Braden, a daughter of William Braden. The ceremony was per- formed by James Rucker, a justice of the peace, and took place at the residence of William Braden, in 1858.
The first religious services held, were at Andrew Hamilton's house, in 1857. The name of the preacher is unknown. A church was built by the Methodist Society,
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
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in the fall of 1881, on Robert Hamilton's farm, the grounds being donated to the society. The building cost $1,400, and was dedicated that fall by Rev. Milliner, of Iowa Falls, assisted by the pastor, Rev. Jacob Haymond.
The first postoffice was established about 1870, in the house of A. C. Wright, with Nelson Wright as postmaster. He held it for three years, at which time it was discontinued. Since then the people have gone to Hampton for their mail.
ORGANIC.
In 1871, the township of Reeve was again sub-divided and re-organized and this portion named Hamilton, in honor of the Hamilton brothers.
The first election was held Oct. 10, 1871, when the following named were duly elected to office: Trustees, R. J. Elliot, R.
Hamilton and J. W. Wallace; assessor, I. W. Myers; clerk, D W. Elliott; justices of the peace, D. M. Pratt and Asa Wright; constables, J. E. Bahcan and Albert Miller. In 1883, the officers were: E. H. Stenson, clerk; H. E. Latham, assessor; A. Snyder, trustee; Thomas Malone and James Stock dale, constables.
EDUCATIONAL.
The first school in the township was taught by Miss Bell Birkett, in 1863, in a frame building, which was first erected on section 25, then moved to section 26, again removed to another part of the section, but finally re-located on section 25, under the new arrangement of having school houses two miles apart. In 1883, the township had six school houses valued at $4,000. The average attendance was 190 scholars.
CHAPTER XXII.
HAMPTON CITY AND WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
This beautiful and enterprising city was laid out in 1856, by James B. Reeve, George Ryan and wife, and Job Garner. While there may be nothing really re- markable in the development of the past, or anything striking in the present, still there is much that cannot fail to be of interest to those who have been closely connected and identified with the city in all the various changes that have occurred from year to year. To those who have watched the growth and progress from
its earliest origin, when Franklin county was but a wild prairie country, until the present time, the accomplishment of by- gone days would seem now like a great task, but it is in fact the sure and legiti- mate results of an advanced state of civili- zation.
Hampton is situated two miles east of the center of the county, in the civil township of Washington. The incorpo- rate limits of Hampton embraces all of this township. Three lines of railway
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
pass through Hampton, connecting it with the leading markets of the north, east and south. They are the Central of Iowa, running north and south ; the Dubuque & Dakota, operated by the Illinois Cen- tral Railroad Company, running east from Hampton ; and the Iowa Central & North- western, operated by the Central of Iowa Railroad Company, running from Hamp- ton to Belmond, twenty-two miles to the west. The city is surrounded by some of the finest and most productive agricultural and stock-raising lands in the State, which is a guarantee of a permanent and ever increasing trade.
There are many imposing and substan- tial brick blocks to be seen upon the busi- ness streets, and a stroll about the place discloses many fine and impressive resi- dences, surrounded by beautiful grounds, made charming by their fine shade trees and lawns. An abundance of shade trees adorn the streets, which are level and well improved, giving the place an appearance which would do credit to a much older city.
Among other notable features of the place, are the public square and city park. The land was donated at an early day, by the projectors of the city, to be used for county purposes, and that which now comprises the city park was afterwards transferred to the city, and improvements made thereon. Shade trees were set out, and a band stand erected. These grounds have become a much frequented place of resort.
The location of Hampton is exceedingly healthy; the inhabitants are possessed of high intelligence, and the society is of the most refined and desirable character.
THE BEGINNING.
About the first settler in the region of Hampton, was James Van Horn.
Amon Rice settled just northeast of the limits of the present township of Wash- ington, in 1855, and erected a log cabin about one fourth of a mile south of where Beed's mill now stands. In 1883 he was still making that place his home.
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