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 90
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 90
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The harness business in 1883 was con- ducted by G. P. Utendorfer, who was doing an extensive business.
The blacksmith trade was at this time represented by Charles Zeidler and M. F. Snider.
H. R. Hansen carried on the boot and shoe business of the place.
A. Uetz kept the only restaurant of the village.
G. P. Utendorfer is the harness maker in Rockwell. He went into business here in the fall of 1876, and is the only harness marker ever in the village. He was born in Warren Co., Penn., in 1851. His par- ents removed to Sauk Co., Wis., when he was a child. His father, George H. Uten- dorfer, died in June, 1878; his mother is still living. He learned his trade at Prairie du Sac, with James Bailey. Since he came here he has built up an extensive and lucrative business, is a good workman, and possesses the confidence and respect of the community. His wife was Sarah
2
C. o Harris
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations.
HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY. 853
Newell, a native of Pennsylvania. They have two children-Jay D. and Ada. Mr. Utendorfer is also a breeder of thorough- bred fowls, and his yard is known as the Kirtland Poultry Yard. He has several varieties, all of which are of the best blood in the country : Plymouth Rocks, Black Cochins, Houdans, S. S. Polish, White Leghorns, New American and Ham- burg Ile sells eggs from these finest blood at low prices.
Hans R. Hansen, boot and shoe maker, located in Rockwell in 1875. He was born in Denmark, in 1846, the family emigrating to the United States when he was ten years old and settling in Waukesha Co., Wis., where his father lived until his decease. His mother now lives in"Ne- braska. He learned his trade in Wankesha county, and followed it several years in Randolph, Dodge Co., Wis. He married E. A., a daughter of C. Heyer, a native of Wisconsin. They have three children- Minnie, Harley and Jessie.
John S. Hutchins came to Rockwell in 1876. He is one of the firm of Bowe & Hutchins, dealers in farm machinery, also insurance, real estate agents and notary public. The firm was established in 1880. Mr. Hutchins was born in Winnebago Co., Ill., in 1858. He lost his father when he was seven years of age, and until he was sixteen years of age he lived with a sister in Missouri. When he came to Rockwell his mother, Mrs. Loomis Benjamin, was living here. She died in February, 1880, and Mr. Benjamin died in 1878. John S. Hutchins followed teaching for a number of years, mostly in Franklin county, and in the meantime attended the Iowa State University, where he was a student about
two years. Mr. Hutchins is a brother of Dr. J. H. Hutchins, of Hampton. His wife was formerly Mary R. Ashman, born in Franklin Co., Iowa.
POSTOFFICE.
A postoffice was established in October, 1860, at the house of G. A. Fuller, the first postmaster. The name of this office was Linn. Mr. Fuller enlisted in 1862, and his wife continued in charge of the office until his death, when she returned to New York, and was succeeded by J. J. Rogers. In 1871 the office was removed to Rockwell, and W. R. Putnam became postmaster. It became a money order office in 1879, the first order being drawn by Dexter Bros., the amount being $18.05, in favor of the Davenport Glucose Manu- facturing Company. The first order was paid to Mrs. Clarissa Bigelow, amount $25. Mr. Putnam continued as postmas- ter until his death, which occurred Jan, 7, 1876. His wife, Mrs. Martha Putnam, was commissioned as postmistress, May, 16, 1876. Mr. Putnam was born in Ston- ington, Conn., Jan. 22, 1812. At the age of four years he removed with his parents to Oswego Co., N. Y., where he was reared to manhood. Mr. Putnam was twice mar- ried; first in 1839 to 'Mary A. Crary, of Onondaga Co., N. Y. She died in 1852, leaving four children-Addie, now 'Mrs. O. A. Sutton; Eliza, deceased; D. C. and I. W. He subsequently married Miss M. L. Reynolds, of Cazenovia, N. Y. They removed to Hardin Co., Iowa, in 1864, settling at Xenia, engaging in the mercan- tile business. He came to Rockwell in
1871, and built the Putnam House. Mr. Putnam left three chi dren-Mattie L. wife of Dr. Miller; Thomas N., who in
77
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
1883 lived at Brainard, Minn., and Fred R. They lost a son, Frank L., who was killed by accident on the railroad in 1873.
The first attorney in the place was P. J. Dougherty, afterward of Mason City; the second was James H. McConlogue; but in 1883 the town had no representation of the legal fraternity.
The first physician was Dr. J. C. Le Fevre, who removed to Randall, Wis. In 1883 the medical profession was repre- sented in Rockwell by Dr. E. C. Miller and Dr. Thomas A. Smith.
The Rockwell Creamery, located a half mile west of town, was established in 1882 by a joint stock company, composed of the citizens of Rockwell. J. A. Felt- hous, J. B. Piersol and Wm. Henderson were the first directors. It was after- wards leased to R. I. Jakway, of Nora Springs, who had much experience in but- ter making. The creamery was run by a four-horse power engine, and had all the modern improvements for butter making.
SCHOOLS.
The first school in Rockwell was taught by Prof. S. W.Cilley, a graduate of the Uni- versity. of Vermont, at Burlington. He taught during the winter of 1871-2, and was a very successful teacher. In 1883 he was practicing law at Minneapolis, Minn. He taught in the present school house, which was erected in the summer of 1871. The main part of this building is 26x40 feet, and two stories high. It is a frame build- ing divided into two rooms above and one large room on the first floor. The build- ing is also used for church purposes. The building and furniture cost about $3,000. The school is graded, including a high
school department. In 1883 the average attendance was 100.
The following are the names of the principals since the village was started : Prof. S. W. Cilley, one year ; Prof. Charles Hemming, one year ; Emma Hemming, one year; Prof. J. C. Kling, three terms ; D. D. Ford, one term ; Miss Humphrey, one term ; Prof. D. A. Ham, one term; Libbie Webster, one term; Prof. A. W. Wier, fifteen terms These principals have been assisted by numerous teachers.
SOCIETIES.
Fraternity Lodge No. 344, I. O. O. F., was organized April 18, 1877, by D. D. G. M., U. R. Jeffers, of Hampton, Iowa. The charter members were : E. C. Miller, W. J. Todd, J. B. Piersol, Charles J. Behr and Samuel Vandervoort. The first offi- cers were : E. C. Miller, N. G. ; Samuel Vandervoort, V. G. ; Charles J. Behr, R. Secretary ; W. J. Todd, treasurer; J. B. Piersol, P. Secretary.
The following is a list of the noble grands, with the time they served : E. C. Miller, eight months ; S. Vandervoort, six months ; W. J. Todd, one year ; J. B. Piersol, one year; H. R. Hansen, one year ; C. J. Behr, one year ; G. Uten- dorfer, six months ; C. W. Harris, six months. At one time the lodge numbered thirty-three, but in 1883 it had but twenty- five. Only one death had occurred pre- vious to June, 1883, at which date the fol lowing named officers were serving the lodge : E. C. Miller, N. G .; J. W. Combs, V. G .; C. P. Kenyon, secretary ; G. P. Utendorfer, treasurer.
855
HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
CHURCHIES.
Rev. W. P. Bennett, a Congregational minister, preached the first sermon. The discourse was delivered in the school house. He organized a society here. The Rev. Loomis Benjamin preached a dis- course at about the same time.
The religious organizations here, in 1883, were the Methodist Episcopal, Con- gregational, Roman Catholic, Christian and Baptist. The Congregational and Roman Catholic denominations each have buildings. The Methodists in 1883 wor- shiped in the Congregational church, as did the Baptists. l'he Christian denomi- nation held services at this date in the school house.
The Congregational Church of Rock- well was organized April 26, 1873, by Rev. W. P. Bennett. The membership at first were : C. Carriel and wife, Lura Carriel, Mrs. Caroline Felthous, J. A. Felthous, Hattie Hutchins, Mrs. Nancy Rogers, Anna Rogers, J. A. Barnes, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Rockwell and Miss M. E. Rockwell.
The meeting for organization was at the residence of Rev. C. Carriel. Mr. Carriel was a carpenter by trade and preached occasionally. He was an early settler of the village, but afterward moved to Minneapolis, where his wife died and he then moved to Hardin Co., Iowa, where he lived in 1883. The first officers of the church were : J. A. Barnes and Mrs. G. B. Rockwell, deacons ; J. A. Felthous, clerk ; C. Carriel, George B. Rockwell and Mrs. C. Felthous, trustees. The first regular pastor was Rev. W. P. Bennett, of Mason City, who preached semi-month- ly for two years, from the date of organi-
zation. The next pastor was Rev. George B. Adams, who remained but two months, during his vacation of 1876, and who afterward graduated at Yale Theological School. Succeeding him came Rev. W. T. Blakesley, semi-monthly, from Mason City. Ile was a native of Ohio and a graduate of the Western Reserve College, also of Andover. He was pastor for six months from November, 1876. The society was without a pastor during the greater part of 1877. In May, 1878, Rev. C. J. Richardson served the Church. Ile was a graduate of Dartmouth College and Yale Theological School. He remained with the church until the fall of 1879. The church building was erected while he was pastor, he being instrumental in the work. He was succeeded by W. H. Brocksome, from Lime Spring, who preached semi-monthly for one year. The society was then without a pastor for nine months. The next pastor was Rev. Charles W. Willey, born in Ireland, Nov. 9, 1847, educated at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa. He removed to Marshall- town after a year's pastorate. He was succeeded by Rev. James Alderson, who was there in 1883.
The church edifice, built in 1879, cost about $2,200. In 1883 the church officers were : George B. Rockwell, and T. M. Brown, deacons ; G.B.Rockwell, A.Bruce, C. Graham, Mrs. C. R. Felthous, and Margaret McMullin, trustees ; J. A. Felthous, treas urer ; J. S. Hutchins, clerk. The mem- bership at this date was thirty-seven.
The several protestant churches all united in holding a union Sunday school of about 150 members.
856
HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
The first Methodist preaching at Rock- well, was in the month of October, 1869. Rev. W. S. Darwin was the first preacher. The first class was organized by Rev. W. W. Miller in 1872, and a church organiza- tion incorporated Dec. 11, 1875. The first trustees of the society were : George E. Lyman, George Gibson, Francis Walter, Albert Bruce and George H. Felthous. The first members were Francis Walter, Rev. Loomis Benjamin, Mary Benjamin, M. E. Kenniff and M Kenniff. The first services by the society were held in the school house at the grove. The names of the different pastors down to 1883 are as follows: W. S. Darwin, W. Gough, W. W. Miller, E. Hoskins, A. J. Griswold, G. Crinklow, W. W. Robinson, O. Sprowl. F. M. Coleman, E. A. Hawn, C. H. Gram- ley and E. Will. In 1883 George Folsom was class leader, and George Lyman, Mrs. M. Dexter, and Mrs.G. Felthous, stewards. At this date the society numbered forty- two, and was reported by one of its mem bers, as "peaceful and prosperous." In connection with the church the society have maintained their share of a union Sunday school.
The Christian or Disciple Church was organized, in 1876, by Rev. Charles W. Sherwood. The first members were: Silas W. Geer and wife, D. S. Trapp and wife, Thomas R. Diltz and wife, Jane Dexter, Enoch Garrison and wife, William Foster and wife, Effe Geer, Philip Brisbin and wife, John Kew and wife, Fannie Sher- wood, Harmon Diltz and wife, John Nel- son and wife, Joseph Gilchrist and wife, Bertha Hemming, Lizzie Hoddow, Joseph Dexter and John Knesel and wife. Rev. Charles W. Sherwood was the first pastor;
Silas S. Geer and Joseph Gilchrist, elders; Thomas R. Diltz and D. S. Trapp, deacons. Prior to 1883 they held services in the school house, at which time the society numbered forty-two.
The Baptist Church was organized April 13, 1878, by Rev. Austin Gibb, who was the pastor at Mason City at the time. The original members were: James Bruce, Ann Bruce, Charles T. Bruce, William B Bruce, Nelson J. Grummon, Romelia Grummon, Hans Hansen, Eda A. Hansen, Gifford D. Rice, Emma Rice, German Hunt and John Cook, who was deacon. James Bruce was the first clerk, and Hans Hansen the first treasurer. The Church was served by Revs. Button, of Sheffield, two years ; W. C. Bryant, a student, six months; and J. F. Bryant, who was still pastor in 1883. The society numbered thirty-seven. They worshiped in the Con- gregational church previous to 1883, at which date N. J. Grummon was deacon, James Bruce, clerk, and Francis Bruce, treasurer.
ROCKWELL CORNET BAND.
This band was organized Nov. 22, 1877. E. E. Arquette was chosen president, Al- exander Moir, secretary, and Dr. E. C. Miller, treasurer. C. E. Densmore was the first leader of the band; following him were B. F. Kinyon, Ray Densmore and C. P. Kinyon. Mr. Densmore, the first leader, was chiefly instrumental in forming the band; he and C. P. Kinyon having previously belonged to a similar band. They have from time to time had various instructors, and became a well trained band, which was the pride of the village.
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
INCORPORATION.
Rockwell was incorporated in September, 1881. The first officers were: James How- land, mayor ; Peter Fries, Jr., recorder ; George H. Felthous, J. A. Felthous, I. B. Patterson, Myron Dexter; B. A. Angell and Daniel Newell, trustees; G. W. Howard, treasurer; G. M. Strong, marshal.
The municipal officers in 1883 were : E. C. Miller, mayor, J. H. MeEwen, re- corder ; George H. Felthous, James How- land, I. B. Patterson, Daniel Newell, George W. Howard and John Kinyon, trus- tees; E. F. Gould, marshal.
The town of Rockwell has had a fortu- nate experience in dealing with beer sa- loons. The dominant sentiment of the place has always been hostile to such places, and whenever one has started, its natural tendency to overstep the bounds of the law has been promptly made the occasion of its suppression. In this way, at different times, five saloons were sup- pressed previous to the incorporation of the town. Since that event the temper- ance party has prevailed at every election, and ordinance No. 1 provides a fine of not less than fifty dollars or more than $100 for every sale of beer or other intox- icating beverage. This was soon followed by an ordinance, with the same penalty, prohibiting billiards and other public gambling devices. The work of suppress- ing the saloons that were started in the town previous to its incorporation was very easily managed in the first two in- stances, but the later ones were more ob- stinate, and required a vigorous applica- tion of legal suasion, which the people were ever ready to promptly administer. In the spring of 1878 the third saloon
was opened, and ran briskly till the eve- ning of June 15, when a boisterous, drunken brawl in the street in front of the building, furnished provocation for a suit against the proprietor for selling beer to a minor, the offense having occurred a few hours before. A judgment in favor of the school fund for $100 and costs was ob- tained against the saloon keeper, and nearly enough collected by execution to pay plaintiff's costs. This saloon closed out July 4, 1878. In 1880 two more sa- loons were opened in the place-one each side of the railroad. In the fall of that year a suit was begun against the keeper of one in the west part of town, for selling beer to a person who was in the habit of be- coming intoxicated, which, after a pro- tracted wrestling by the jury, resulted in a verdict for the defendant. This defeat suggested the need of a better organiza- tion of the temperance force, and more systematic work in their efforts to main- tain the supremacy of law and order. Ac- cordingly, in January, 1881, the Rockwell Temperance League was organized with a stock subscription of about $300, which was to be assessed and collected as needed to defray expenses of the organization in prosecuting violations of the liquor laws. The officers of the league were : G. B. Rockwell, president; James Howland, vice-president ; J. A. Felthous, secretary and treasurer. The first work of the league was to employ E .. Andrews, a de- tective from Alta, Iowa, who came after the snow blockade in the latter part of March, 1881, and worked up the two sa- loons, securing several bottles of whisky and wines, which were properly la- beled and filed with the secretary
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
of the league. On the afternoon of April 2, two constables, armed with search war- rants and a suitab'e posse, divided their forces and made simultaneous descent upon the quiet of the unsuspecting saloon keeper The company visiting the cast saloon was composed of constable George M. Strong, assisted by J. A. Felthous, W. A. Rugg and J. S. Hutchins. The force for the west saloon consisted of constable. F. C. Bowe, attended by William Foster and Jame's Howland. Toomit these names would be to neglect the duty of a faithful historian. In each case a warrant for arrest for alleged violation of the liquor laws was first used to place the saloon keepers in custody, after which the premises were thoroughly searched and kegs of whisky, also bottles and kegs of wine, not "to the manor born," were seized in each place and soon graced the hands and shoulders of the members of the posse, who formed in single file procession, and marched with their trophies to the temple of justice. This novel street parade was witnessed by many people, with pleasure by the tem- perance people, with chagrin by the drunk- ards party, with astonishment by all. A
few days later nine trials were held, which resulted in the condemnation of liquor, which was destroyed, together with the bottles and kegs.
The details of the raid, as well as the work of the detectives, were arranged by the executive committee of the league. The west saloon closed out at once, and was followed by the east one on the 1st of May, 1881. Some months later the keeper of the east saloon was imprisoned in the county jail, at Mason City, for non-payment of a fine imposed by the district court of the county, for violation of law at Rock- well. So he was added to the long list of those who demonstrate that "the way of the transgressor is hard." The proprietor of the saloon building contributed $115 to the fund of the Temperance League to reimburse the expenses it incurred in the prosecutions. Thus ended the experi- ence of the town of Rockwell with that disgrace to Christian civilization - the American saloon. Since that time, the morals of the town and vicinity have made steady and decided improvement, which is recognized by all.
859
HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXVI.
GRIMES TOWNSHIP.
This township is bounded on the north by Union township, on the east by Pleas- ant Valley, on the south by Franklin county, and on the west by Hancock county, and comprises congressional town- ship 94, range 22 west.
Grimes township is all prairie land with rolling surface; the upland is a gravel loam. There are some extensive sloughs with surrounding flat lands that furnish an excellent grazing territory, which is utilized during the summer months by large herds of cattle. Two small streams run in a southeasterly course through the township.
The first actual settlement was made in 1869 by Lorenzo Pratt, who settled on section 30, and remained there until 1881, in which year his wife died, after which he moved to Hancock county. The next set- tler was Henry Prescott, who located on section 35, where he still resided in 1883. Mr. Prescott was born in New York, Nov. 26, 1828, and at the age of twenty-one went to Illinois. In 1856 he married Miss E. McNish, and in 1860 came to Floyd Co., Iowa, and from there to Cerro Gordo county, in 1876. The third settler was Peter Severts, who settled on section 29, in 1879. The same year John Hunter came and remained two years after which he moved to Wright county.
Charles A. Winter, a prominent agricul- tural and stock farmer of Grimes township, is located on the northeast quarter of sec- tion 24. His farm of 240 acres was pur- chased by his father in 1871, and is devoted to stock-raising The present proprietor has been a resident since March, 1880. He has added buildings to the value of $2,000. and the place is supplied with all first class facilities for the business which chiefly occupies Mr. Winter's attention. His parents, William and Sarah (Robin- son) Winter, settled in Black Hawk county, coming thither from Michigan, in August, 1859. Mr. Winter was born May 13, 1856, and grew to manhood in Black Hawk county. He was. reared to the duties of an agricultural life, and was mar- ried May 31, 1876, to Ida May daughter of E. M. and Mary J. Stead, of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Their two children are deccased. Mr. Winter is a gentleman of perseverance and energy, and of upright, trustworthy character. In politics he endorses the prin- eiples of the republican party, and has served his township as trustee and treas- urer.
George Beck, clerk of Grimes township, is a native of the Keystone State; born in Cumberland county, Oct. 18, 1852. He is the son of David and Amy Beck. His parents went in 1854 to La Fayette Co.,
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
Wis., and in 1864 came to Iowa and set- tled in Floyd county, where they still re- side. Mr. Beck was married in 1872 to Francis R. Cook, of Wisconsin, at which time he again became a resident of La Fayette county, in that State. In 1879 he came to Chapin, Franklin county, and in the winter of 1880 settled on section 32, of Grimes township. Mr. and Mrs. Beck have six children-David, William, Fran- cis, Christopher, Ida and Ira. Mr. Beck is a subscriber to the principles of the National greenback party. He has filled various township offices.
S. S. Sanford, township trustee of Grimes since its organization, was born in Illinois, March 6, 1846. His father, Nirnm Sanford, was a farmer, and brought up his son to pursue the same honorable and profitable calling. His mother was Jane Austin before her marriage. Mr. Sanford was an inhabitant of his native State until the age of eighteen, when he went to Watertown, Wis., where he obtained a sit- uation as clerk in a general store. He was there employed two years, when he went back to Illinois and resumed farm- ing. In 1867 he came to Fayette Co., Iowa, where he lived until 1880. Since that year he has been a resident of Cerro Gordo county and of Grimes township. He was married in 1869 to Martha, dangh- ter of William and Eliza Wells. Mr. and
Mrs. Sanford have one son-Lester. Mr. Sanford is an adherent of the republican party.
ORGANIC.
Grimes township was organized in 1880, and the first election held at the house of J. H. Hunter, in April of that year, at which time the following officers were elected: S. S. Sanford, George Beck and Jonathan Mann, trustees; J. H. Hun- ter, clerk; Henry Prescott, assessor; Lorenzo Pratt, justice of the peace; A. H Prescott, constable.
Upon the constitutional amendment in June, : 882, there were nine votes cast for and two against the proposed amendment.
In 1883 the following officers were elected: S. S. Sanford, R. W. Henning and L. T. Lillie, trustees; George Beck, clerk; L. T. Lillie, justice of the peace.
SCHOOLS.
The first school in Grimes township was held in the house afterward occupied by C. A. Winter, in the winter of 1879-80, which was tanght by Jonathan Mann. There were two school houses in the township, in 1883, costing $450 each.
The first death in Grimes township was Cecil M., son of Charles W. and Ida May Winter, who died April 2, 1880, aged two years and eight months. He was buried on the farm.
James. R. Carr.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations.
G
HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
863
CHAPTER XXVII.
GRANT TOWNSHIP.
Grant township is bounded on the north by Worth county, on the east by Lincoln township, on the south by Clear Lake township and on the west by Hancock county, and comprises congressional town- ship 97, range 22 west. This township was originally well timbered, but it was mostly cut off by the early settlers of the county. About onefourth of the territory in this township is low land. The upland is a sandy loam, with here and there a gravel knoll raised far above the com- mon surface. The principal stream is Lime creek, which enters the township on section 19, crosses 20, 17, 8, 9, 4 and 3, where it enters Worth county. Willow creek is a small tributary of Lime creek, rising on section 11, flowing north through section 2 into Worth county.
SETTLEMENT.
The first settler of the township was Abram Bennett, who settled on section 36 in 1855 or 1856. He was a trapper and hunter, to which he gave nearly all his time and attention. He went from Grant township to Colorado, where he shortly afterward died. He erected a log cabin which served to accommodate trav- elers. Mr. Bennett broke the first land in the township. James Spear broke the next land on section 16, in 1860, and George Frost broke thirty four acres on section 34, raising 600 bushels of wheat
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