History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, Part 94

Author: Union Publishing Company (Springfield, Ill.) pbl
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 990

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 94
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 94

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).

Jacob P. Hill, of the firm of Hill Broth- ers, proprietors of Lincoln Flouring Mills, is a prominent business man and a leading citizen of the township of Lincoln. He was born in Rockland county, N. Y., Jan. 8, 1855, and the same year his father's family emigrated to Whitewater, Wis., where Mr. Hill, Sr., followed the business of a cooper until the year 1862, when he enlisted in the United States service, where he remained until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1864. The wife and mother then removed with her chil- dren to Jefferson Co., Wis., where she lived till her family grew up and com- menced life for themselves, when she re- moved to Rockford, Iowa, remaining there till 1881, when she removed to Clear Lake, this county, where she now lives. Four of her five children are now living-Geor- giana, now Mrs. William Hill, James, Jacob P. and Susie, now Mrs. Franklin Ayers.

Jacob P. Hill resided in the State of Wisconsin until 1873, when he came to Floyd Co., Iowa, and followed the cooper business till 1877, when he made the acquaintance of and married Rebecca Hiller. He then, with his wife, removed to Cherokee, Iowa, and engaged in the

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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.

milling business with P. F. Fassler under the firm name of Hill & Fassler, merchant millers. The same year Mr. Fassler with- drew from the milling business and it was continued then under the firm name of Hiller & Hill, with J. P. Hill manager until 1881, when Mr. Hill sold out and came to this county. Their two children are-Edward Leroy and Nora Zuella.

James Hill, of Hill Brothers, mill pro- prietors, is son of George and Ann Conk- lin Hill. He was born in Rockland Co., N. Y., in 1852, and accompanied his father's family to Wisconsin, and in 1870 came to Rockford, Iowa, where he en- gaged in coopering until that business be- came unprofitable, when he interested himself in milling, which has since occu- pied his attention. In 1882, conjointly with his brother, he purchased Lincoln Mills, where he is still engaged in busi- ness. He was married April 23, 1876, to Alma Walker. Their sons are named George and Guy.

Daniel Watts was born in England, in 1822, and received the training and in- struction required for the duties of a bailiff, general auctioneer and appraiser. He is a man of unusually fine business qualifications and exhibits the rare qual- ification of ambidexterity, using both hands in penmanship with equal facility. He is highly esteemed by his fellow citi- zens and is prominent in all public inter- ests. He married Mary Ann Ind, and in 1854 emigrated to Canada, where he man- aged a meat market and afterwards a hotel until 1863, when he engaged in farming. Two years later he came to the United States and purchased a farm in the vicinity of Milton, Wis., where he

resided, in order that his children might have the advantage of good schools. His wife died Sept. 27, 1868, leaving seven children-George A., James, Henry, Dan- iel, Fannie, William and Sarah. Mr. Watts married his present wife, formerly Mrs. B. A. Sumner, in 1871. He came to lowa in 1875 and settled on section 28, Lincoln township, where he now resides.

George A. Watts, eldest son of Daniel and Mary Ann (Ind) Watts, was born at Bristol, England, April 26, '1849. He came to Canada with his parents and in 1865, to Wisconsin, where he followed the trade of machinist in Milwaukee and Racine and afterwards at Chicago. He became a residentļof Lincoln township, in Cerro Gordo county, in 1874. He pur- chased unimproved land, but has now a fine residence and a farm under good im- provements. He was married in 1869 to Mary J., daughter of Thomas and Jane Giddings, of Dane Co., Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Watts have three children-George Wilbert, Harry Earl and Lavergne G. Mr. Watts is a man of good business qualities and is highly respected as a citi- zen, having been honored with several offices in his township.

Thomas H. French was born in Eng- land, July 16, 1851. His parents, Thomas A. and Susanna (Pitman) French, came to America in 1855, and after a stay of one year in the city of New York, went to Rock Co., Wis., and afterward to LaFay- ette county, in that State. The mother died in Angust, 1863. Five children reached maturity-Henriette, Thomas H., Mary Ann, Martha and Florence. The father died in Texas. Thomas H. French was reared a farmer, and remained a resi-

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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.

dent of Wisconsin until 1875, the date of his settlement in Lincoln township, Iowa. He pursues the vocation to which he was trained, and has a valuable farm of eighty acres, located on section 16, of this town- ship, and under good improvements. He was married in 1878 to Ella, daughter of Ross and Ellen (Bentley) Whitman. Le- roy, Claude and Luella, are the names of the children of this household. Mr. French is a republican.

E. S. Winans first came to Cerro Gordo county in 1855, but as he was a single man, he remained but a short time. Af- ter leaving he followed boating on the Mississippi river. In 1862 he enlisted in company C, 3rd Wisconsin, and served twenty-nine months, and was discharged on account of disability, caused by a wound received at the battle of Chancel- lorville. He returned to Iowa and en- gaged in farming in Worth county. In 1879 he came to Cerro Gordo county, set- tling where he now lives in Lincoln town- ship. He owns 180 acres of excellent farm land.' His residence was erected in 1880, and is the best in Lincoln township. He was born in Ohio, Nov. 6, 1829. His parents were H. S. and Rachel Winans. He resided in his native State until 1854. In 1857, at Berlin, Ohio, he married Amelia Faukell. They have three chil- dren-Henry S., Edward W. and O. B. In politics he is a republican. He served as county supervisor of Worth county. He is member of the Masonic fraternity.

ORGANIC.

Aug. 20, 1861, the clerk of the board of supervisors issued a call for the first elec- tion on the second Tuesday in October. The voters met at the house of John Rus-

sell. Gabriel Pence was chosen chairman, John Pence and James L. Fry, judges. This election resulted as follows : Gabriel Pence, supervisor ; A. W. Pence, John Pence and Abel Clark, trustees ; James Speers, clerk; Gabriel Pence, assessor ; James Fry and Ira Williams, justices of the peace; George Pence and Abel Pence, constables. Officers serving in 1883 were: D. Bryson, John Pence and George P. Dempsey, trustees ; S. H. C. Class, clerk; G. W. Aldrich, assessor.

SCHOOLS.

The first school was taught by Nancy Williams, in 1857, in the house of Mr. Williams. The pupils were the three daughters and one son of John Russell, two of Mr. Robinson's, three of Abel Clark's, and five of Mr. Williams', also a son of Henry L. Brown.

This township is made up of seven school districts.

District No. 2 was provided with a school house in 1865, and was located on section 9. It is a frame building, costing $450. The first teacher was Mrs. John Law.

In district No. 3 a school house was provided in 1869, at a cost of $950. This is a frame structure, located on the south- west quarter of section 29. The first school taught here was by Ellen E. Willis, who had fourteen pupils enrolled.

Districts No. 5 and 6 each have good school houses. The former is situated on section 21, and the latter on section 11.

District No. 7 was formed in 1875. The present school house, erected at a cost of $550, is on section 18. Alice Cobb, now Mrs. Andrew Brown, taught the first

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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.

school. She had about twenty scholars enrolled.

POSTOFFICE.

Rock postoffice was established in 1863, with Gabriel Pence as postmaster. He was succeeded by B. G. Richardson, W. P. Yokum, E. O. Thompson and J. H. Hazelbarger.

CEMETERIES.

The first burying place in Lincoln town- ship was located on the northwest quarter of section 5, and known as the Osborn cemetery. The bodies buried there have all been moved to other grounds. The present cemetery is located on section 8. The first interment was George Clymer, who died in 1871.

RELIGIOUS.

The first religious services held in the township was at the house of Gabriel Pence, in 1858, by Rev. James Hawkins, who was a Methodist clergyman ; there was no class formed, however, as there were not members enough in the vicinity to warrant it. The first organized society was perfected at the house of Gabriel Pence, in 1860, by Rev. Musselman, a United Brethren preacher. The first members were : A. W. Pence and wife, John Pence and wife, Richard Osborn and wife, and Mrs. George Pence. Meet- ings were held at Gabriel Pence's resi- dence for nearly a year, and in the school house until 1876, when a church building was erected. Rev. Musselman was suc- ceeded by Revs. Murphy, Preston, Potter, Martin, Kanouse, Lash, Morris, H. H. Shields, Howard, Hall, Laughlin, Fulcun- ner and Rev. Mr. John, who was pastor in 1883.

The class in 1883 numbered about twenty-five. The society have a parson- age near the church.

The Methodists had preaching at vari- ous times, but no organized class until 1872, at which time a protracted meeting was held by Rev. Mallory, in the school house. In 1876 they built a church edifice. In 1883 Rev. Elliot was the pastor in charge. The society also maintained a good Sunday school.

LINCOLN SPRINGS CREAMERY.

This branch of industry was established, in the spring of 1883, by S. H. C. Class and John Johns. It is situated on sec- tion 9, at a point where gushes out a large cold spring, forming a steady stream almost ice cold. The size of the Cream- ery is 18x24 feet, two and one half stories high, costing $1,250. Both butter and cheese are manufactured here under the direction of Mr. Johns, whose long ex- perience has made him an expert at the art of butter and cheese making.

MILLS.

The Lincoln Mills were located on the right bank of Lime creek, which furnishes a nine foot head. These mills were built by N. C. Carpenter, who commenced to operate them in 1879, but were not com- pleted until 1882. In March, 1882, Mr. Carpenter sold to J. P. and James Hill, who now operate the same under the firm name of Hill Brothers. It is run as a cus- tom mill. This mill is 26x40 feet, besides wheel house, and is two stories high, con- taining three run of buhrs. The poweris derived from a forty inch turbine wheel. The cost of the property was $4,500.

HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.

893

WINTER NIGHT'S EXPERIENCE.

In the winter of 1856-7 two sons of Ira Williams, Reuben and David, aged twenty and fourteen years, respectively, went over to Horace Green's, a neighbors, to water his cattle. They left home about 10 A. M., and owing to the extreme cold weather, they had to go up the stream in search of another place at which to water the stock. They finally succeeded in water- ing them, but while doing so a violent storm arose with such fury that they could not get the cattle to return, and in their attempt they themselves were lost, and compelled to remain out all night. After wandering some time they found a small grove, in which they took shelter, and kept on the move all night to keep from freezing to death. They finally thought the storm had abated sufficiently to admit of their venturing home, but they again soon lost their way, and were also unable to return to the clump of trees, around which they had tramped so many long hours as their only refuge. David became exhausted and Reuben gave him

his left hand, keeping his right one in his pocket, as he knew the one exposed would be frozen soon, and he took the precau- tion to save the right hand. In this man- ner they moved along not knowing whither they journeyed, keeping pace across the stormy prairies, until the bitter night had passed away, and the sun had made its cheerful appearance in the eastern horizon, when they found, to their utter astonish- ment, that they were near Mason City. They were overheard by two men, who were cutting wood and who came to their relief, taking them on into Mason City. Reuben could still walk, but David was completely exhausted. David, very nat- urally, was the first to receive medical attention, and thus was saved from much suffering endured by Reuben, who lost his right foot, and half of the other, also a finger on his left hand. David lost a part of his right foot and two toes from the other foot. The latter resided in Worth county in 1883, and Reuben was a resident of Minnesota.

CHAPTER XXX.

LIME CREEK TOWNSHIP.

This is in the northern tier of town- ships in Cerro Gordo county, bounded on the north by Worth county, on the east by Falls township, on the south by Mason township and on the west by Lincoln,

comprising congressional township 97, range 20 west. This township is mostly a prairie township, with an occasional natural grove, around which the first settle- ments were made. Lime creek, the prin-

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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.

cipal stream, is one of the finest water courses in the county. It enters the town- ship on section 19, and passes through its territory in a southeasterly direction, making exit from section 34, into Mason township. Some of the best tilled farms of the county are situated along this stream, and the passer-by cannot help admiring the beautiful farm houses, large barns, well cultivated lands and apple orchards.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first settlement in what is now Lime Creek township was the second in Cerro Gordo county, and it was effected by David and Edward Wright, who set- tled on the northeast quarter of section 28, sometime during the month of Sep- tember, 1853. They were natives of the State of New York. David Wright after- wards removed to section 29, where he resided for several years. At this early date deer were plenty, and one day while Mr. Wright was out hunting his dogs gave chase to a deer. The frightened animal becoming tired in his race for life, sought refuge in the creek near Mr. Wright's house, whereupon Mrs. Wright rushed bravely to the spot, and with a hatchet killed the animal, which was half buried in the creek. The family subse- quently removed to Northwood, where Mr. Wright died in 1881, and Mrs. Wright died in May, 1883. Edward Wright re- moved to the State of Oregon, where he died. His widow resided in that State in 1883.

In 1854 Wellington Benton settled on section 28, where he resided until 1869, then removed to Newton Co., Mo.

Henry Martin, a native of Vermont, en- tered the northeast quarter of section 21. In 1855 he erected a log cabin on the same, which served as a residence until 1866. He then built a stone dwelling, and in 1882 erected his present spacious farm house.

Stephen Wright, a brother of David and Edward Wright, in the same year settled on section 28.

James G. Beebe, came from La Salle Co., Ill., and resided on section 28 until 1870, then removed to Mason City. In 1883 he resided near Motley, Minn.

A. Beebe settled on section 27, and re- mained a resident of the township until some time during the civil war .. He then returned to Eldora, Hardin county, where he has since died.

Seth B. Stevens also came from La Salle Co., Ill., and has since resided on section 22.

Jacob Van Curen came from Indiana, in 1854, and resided on section 27[until 1862, then emigrated to Oregon.

Mr. Van Patter and family came from Illinois and settled on section 28, where Mr. Van Patter, while plowing in the field, suddenly fell dead from heart disease. His son, John Van Patter, resided on the homestead until 1882, then went to Dakota, and now lives near Chamberlain.

Seth B. Stevens, another settler of 1854, became a resident of Lime Creek town- ship when it was still designated in the official papers as township 97, range 20. He was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., June 20, 1824. His parents settled in La Salle Co .. Ill., when he was fifteen years old. In 1854 he came to Cerro Gordo county and settled on section 22, of this town-

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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.

ship. He belongs to the long catalogne of the Union's defenders, having enlisted in the 14th Iowa regiment, in company C, Oct. 24, 1861. He went with the regiment to Dakota, on frontier duty, and veteranized in the spring of 1864. In April, 1865, he was prostrated by disease, and discharged from the hospital in August, 1865, when he returned home. He has been a pros- perous farmer and is now the proprietor of a half section of land.

In 1855 John Russell came to Cerro Gordo county, removing from Jackson Co., Iowa, with seven or eight yoke of oxen, and at the same time bringing about forty head of cattle. When he arrived in the county he purchased more stock, thus increasing his herd to over sixty head. The following winter, 1855-6, was very severe and as his stock was not properly sheltered over forty head perished in the storms. Mr. Russell first settled in the timber near Lime creek in a log cabin 20x32 feet It was covered with the fash- ionable roofing of that day, shakes, which was made by himself. This spa- cious cabin had a wide doorway so as to admit a yoke of yearling steers, with which he used to haul large logs into the cabin to be burned in the fire-place. In 1856 he came to Lime Creek township and settled on section 30; one year later he removed to section 29. He now resides in Mason City.

John J. Russell is the son of John and Matilda (Ferguson) Russell, pioneers of Cerro Gordo county. He was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Nov. 5, 1838. His par- ents became residents of Iowa, and he reached man's estate under the personal care and guidance of his father. In Octo-

ber, 1861, Mr. Russell made the cause of the Union his own, by enlisting in the 14th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. His com- mand went to Fort Randall, Dakota. In 1864 he was transferred to the 41st Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and later to the 7th Iowa Cavalry. He received an honorable discharge Oct. 31, 1864, and returned to his home. In 1867 he located upon the farm he has since occupied, on the northwest quarter of section 33, in Lime Creek township. ] He was mar-

Miss Hartshorn, of DeKalb Co., Ill.

ried in 1866 to William Arthur, Hester H., Charity, Mary E., Nannie, Julia and Bettie are the names of their seven promising children. Mr. Russell has been several times chosen by the votes of his townsmen to fill offices of trust, and is the present asssessor.

Thomas B. Wilson, a native of Ver- mont, came to Iowa from LaSalle C .. , Ill., and in 1855 settled on section 27. He died in 1871, and his wife died in 1878. Paul Dennis, a son-in-law of Mr Wilson, came at the same time. He first located on section 27, and afterwards removed to section 20. In the same year Timothy H. Parker, a native of Pennsylvania, came from Indiana. He left his family in Dubuque while he came to Cerro Gordo county, purchased land on section 34, Lime Creek township, and made necessary preparations for his family, which he removed to their new home in the spring of 1856, where he still resides. Mr. Par- ker brought five horses, one wagon and a car iage to the county.

Ambrose M. Bryant is one of the pio- neers of Cerro Gordo county. He came in 1855 and pre-empted the southwest

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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.

quarter of section 9. For many years his house stood alone on the prairie, the set- tlement in the early days being along Lime creek, and it was twenty years before any improvement was made in the north- ern part of the township. He made a spendid selection of land, upon which there are never failing springs of good water. He is a native of New York, born in Chenango county, Oct. 2, 1833. His younger days were spent on the farm, where he remained until 1855, then came west. He has engaged in grain and stock raising in which he has been successful. In 1883 he had 400 acres of improved land. In 1860 he built a frame house, and in 1872 a large barn. He was married in 1860 to Mary Dennis, a daughter of Paul and Mary Dennis. They have been blessed with five children-Paul, Jessie, Seth, Jethro and Walter.

Timothy H. Parker is a leading repre- sentative of the pioneer corps of Cerro Gordo county. He settled here in 1855. Mr. Parker was born in Broome Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1818. His parents went to Erie Co., Penn., in his youth and a few years later to Trumbull Co., Ohio. Their final move was to Jay Co., Ind., where they were pioneers. Mr. Parker was married in Mercer Co., Ohio, Oct. 17, 1839, to Elizabeth De Hayes. She was born in Preble Co., Ohio. They settled in Jay Co., Ind., where they remained until 1855, when they set out to find a new home farther west. In the spring of 1856, they pitched their tent on section 34, which has ever since been their home, Mr. Parker having come the previous year. They have nine children-Betsey A., Martin B., Margaret J., Ellie C.,

Francis S. and Frances E. ( twins ) Lydia L., Mary L. and Willie H.

A. L. Whitney, a native of Delaware Co., N. Y., and a blacksmith by trade, came to the county in 1858, and first loca- ting at Mason City, he opened a shop and pursued his trade for about ten years. He now resides on section 28, where he has also erected a shop.

David Dunbar, a native of Pennsylva- nia, took up a claim, on section 16, some time previous to 1860, as in that year he sold to Levi Parker, who still resides on the place.

Leonard Hill, a native of Putnam Co., N. Y., came from Linn Co., Iowa, in 1860, and settled on section 34, where he tilled the soil until his death, which took place in 1882. His family still reside on the homestead. Leonard Hill settled in Cerro Gordo county in 1860, and was a pioneer not only of this county but of the State, of which he became a resident in 1856. He was born in Putnam Co., N. Y., June 6, 1821. He passed his early life in school and on his father's farm, but when he was seventeen, was thrown upon his own re- sources by the death of the latter. He went to the city of New York, and served three years learning the trade of a mason. He acted three years in the capacity of foreman with his employer and then came west. He stayed two years in Wisconsin working at his trade, going back to New York at the expiration of that time. He invested his money in a sloop and engaged in the Hudson river traffic. But he had imbibed a strong regard for the west, and in his own words " never saw a train start for the west, without a desire to go." At the expiration of two years he sold his

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations.

Leonard Hill ,

Larinda B. Hill. .

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations.

HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY. 901

sloop and turned his face toward the set- ting sun. He settled in Linn Co., Iowa, where he took the contract to build the Western College in that county. He was married Jan. 15, 1857, to Lorinda Berger, a native of Stark Co., Ohio. The family resided in Linn county until 1859, when they came to Cerro Gordo county. Mr. Hill bought land on section 34, and also on section 3, of Mason township. His first house was built of plank and lined with stone. In this the family lived seven years, then going to Mason City, where Mr. Hill worked at his trade. In 1874 he built a fine two story brick house on sec tion 34, Lime Creek township, and took possession in November of the same year. He died there April 27, 1882. Mr. Hill's entire life was characterized by industry, energy and perseverance. He left to his family the fruits of a life of thrift, and to his townsmen the record of his honest and upright career. He is survived by his widow and five children-Laura, William F., Byron, Kate and Carrie.

Levi Parker, a representative of the pio- neer element of Cerro Gordo county, is a son of the Green Mountain State. He was born in Franklin Co., Vt, April 2, 1822. His parents removed to Illinois in 1840 and were pioneers in Lake county. His father bought government land which he put under first class cultivation and oc- cupied until his death. Mr. Parker also bought government land, built him a home and resided there until 1860, when he sold out and moved westward. He bought school land on section 16, Lime Creek township. The family occupied the log house first erected for several years, when their present frame building was built.

Mr. Parker was married in 1845 to Martha C. Vandermark, a native of the Empire State. The family iuelndes seven chil- dren-Martha C., aged 37; Silas G., aged 35; Stephen F., aged 33; Albert L., aged 31; Alonzo M., aged 28; Obed H., aged 25; John W., aged 21.

Josephus Cooper was a native of that portion of the State of Virginia which is now West Virginia. He was born in De- cember, 1808, and when twenty-one years of age went to Illinois, where he settled in Stephenson county. The land he there purchased became his through government patent and he is in a double sense a pio- neer. He put his farm in good condition with improvements and in 1857 sold out and came to Iowa. He tarried one year in Dubuque county and set out for Bremer county, then in its primal state. He lo- cated twelve miles north of Waverly, re- maining until 1860, when he removed to Floyd county. Four years after he came to Lime Creek township and purchased a farm on section 1. On this place he put excellent buildings and first-class improve- ments, and here he passed the remainder of his life. He died March 6, 1879. He was a kind-hearted, generous spirited man, and left a splendid record among his fellow men. His wife, Ibbie (Tucker) Cooper, died in 1860. Six of their eight children are living-Jane, Emeline, Jesse, Emery, Rebecca and Josephus. Eliza died in 1866; Elizabeth, in 1876. Josephus, youngest son, occupies the homestead. His brother Emery and a sister reside with him. Emery Cooper owns a farm in Worth county.

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History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, Part 94

Author: Union Publishing Company (Springfield, Ill.) pbl Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union publishing company Number of Pages: 990

Author: Union Publishing Company (Springfield, Ill.) pbl
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 990