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 98
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 98
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929
HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
Abbott, and after following dim traces for weary hours, they found him as before described, laying upon his back, with his frozen features but slightly distorted. Alonzo Willson went to Mason City in search of coffins for the two unfortunates, and owing to a scarcity of lumber, was obliged to take part of a store counter furnished by Judge Long, out of which to make them, and, with the help of a ear- penter, the rude coffins were finally made, and the remains of the poor unfortunates were buried at Owen's Grove.
Of Charles Wicks but little was known, save that he was a native of Massachusetts, and a single man who made his home at Mr. Pierce's.
Andrew Jackson Abbott was from New Hampshire. He was born in October, 1825, and remained with his parents on a farm until nineteen years of age, at which time he commenced working at the trade of stone cutter, following it for several years in the New England States. He was mar- ried Jan. 3, 1854, in Rutland, Vt, to Louisa C. Marsh, a native of the same county and State. For a time he was over- seer of the stone works on the Wabash railroad, in Indiana. In March, 1855, he took his wife and daughter back to Ver- mont, remaining there a short time him- self, then returned to the west, coming to Iowa in search of work, meeting the sad fate recorded. Ilis daughter, who was a mere babe at the time of his death, was afterward Mrs. H. M. Vernall. In December, 1857, Mr. Abbott's widow mar- ried his brother, Emri Abbott, and by this union there were two children-Andrew J. and Roberta E. Emri Abbott enlisted in the 32d Iowa Volunteers, served one year,
his health failed him, and after a linger- ing illness at his home, he died Feb. 22, 1866. Mrs. Abbott has since had the care of the estate, which included 400 acres of land in Cerro Gordo county, 120 of which was deeded to her eldest daugh- ter, Mrs. Vernall.
PORTLAND MILLS.
The Portland Mills are located on the north side of Lime creek, which furnishes a twelve foot head of water. The build- ing is three stories high, 30x48 feet in size, and is provided with three run of stones and six sets of rollers. This mill was built in 1870 by James T. Graham at a cost of $10,000, but it has since been greatly im- proved, making the value at present about $20,000. Mr. Graham sold to James D. Shehan in 1873, and he, in 1877, to C. J. Coggin.
CHEESE FACTORY.
Among the leading enterprises of Cerro Gordo county is the Portland Cheese Fac- tory, erected in 1879 by James Parker. It was still operated by him in 1883. A. S. Felt is deserving of special credit for this enterprise as he donated the site for the factory. He also furnished the stone for the building and did work and gave cash to the amount of about $1,000. The factory is located on the right bank of Lime ereek near the Portland Mills. It is 30x60 fect, and 20 feet high, ineluding basement. It is a lime stone structure. Its cost, to- gether with the machinery, was about $4,000. There is an engine room, 18x18 feet, which has been added, which, with other improvements, makes the property worth upwards of $5,000.
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
RELIGIOUS.
The first sermon preached in the town- ship was delivered by Rev. Holbrook, a Methodist minister, in a log school house on section 1, in 1856. The Baptists and United Brethren each had organized societies in the township, but only one re- mained in 1883, the Evangelical Associa- tion, formed at a school house in district No. 4, in 1872. The first members were: J. J. Long and family, H. H. Long and family Samuel Spotts and family. Their class leader was J. J. Long. Rev. George Young blood, their first regular pastor, was suc- ceeded by Revs. Knoll, Methfersel, Nahar, Fink, Kinsberlong and Kletzzing.
The society in 1883 had twenty members. In 1880 a union Sunday school was organ- ized and continued two years, when it was changed into an Evangelic school, having for its first superintendent Henry Good. The present superintendent is William Gannon.
EDUCATIONAL.
In the fall of 1856 the people of the northeastern part of Portland township erected a log school house, and in the win- ter of 1856-7 held the first school, which was taught by Truman Judson. Among his pupils were Isaac, Adaline and Lucin- da Reed, also Samnel and Ellis Brown, and four children of Mr. Williams', two of Mr. Bunce's and three of John Brown's. There were nine districts in this township and ten school houses, in 1883.
FIRST EVENTS.
The first death was Wallace McGregor, who died in the spring of 1857. His re- mains are buried near Benjamin Reed's.
The first birth was Sarah, daughter of John and Ann Brown, which occurred in August, 1855.
The first marriage was that of Mitchell Jackson and Sylva Reed, a daughter of David Reed. The ceremony was per- formed by Rev. Meade, at the home of the bride. This couple now reside in Floyd county.
VILLAGE OF PORTLAND.
The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company put in a side track on section 18, and in 1878 A. S. Felt laid out a portion of the southeast quarter of said section into town lots and called the same Portland. He also set out a large number of shade trees along the streets. The village has not made a rapid growth, on account of its proximity to Mason City. It, however, has two general stores, two ware houses, flouring mill, cheese factory, blacksmith shop and postoffice. A. W. Mullan was the first merchant. He erected a store and commenced business in Octo- ber, 1879. His store was destroyed by fire, but he soon rebuilt and now occupies a store, 20x40 feet, and two stories in height. There is a large wing to the building which he uses for dwelling purposes.
The second store building was erected by A. S. Felt in the summer of 1880, and Oct. 25, of said year, his son opened a gen- eral mercantile business which he contin- ued until May 1, 1883, when he closed out and removed to St. Cloud, Minn., but in a few weeks thereafter the store was re- opened by D. W. Anderson.
The first grain warehouse was built in 1877 by Bassett & Hunting, of McGregor. In 1879 the firm removed the same to Clear
931
HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
Lake and supplied its place by a larger one removed from West Union.
The second warehouse was erected in 1880 by A. B. Tredway, of Nora Springs. He sold in 1882 to A. W. Mullan.
A postoffice was established in 1874 and James Shelian appointed postmaster. This office was discontinued in 1876, and re-es-
tablished in 1877, since which time A. W. Mullan has been postmaster.
A blacksmith shop was erected by A. S. Felt, which was first occupied by William McKey. He was succeeded in February, 1882, by C. A. Hawley, who in the spring of 1883 purchased the same. Mr. Hawley also does wood-work.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP.
This township was organized on the | of John Shobe, who settled in what is 29th of September, 1876, and at that time now Richland township, Franklin county, in 1856, and resided there until 1876, when he moved across the county line into Cerro Gordo and settled on section 34, Pleasant Valley township. comprised congressional township 94 north, range 21 and 22 west, but when Grimes township was formed, in 1880, it was reduced to its present limits compris- ing congressional township 94 north, and range 21 west. The name Pleasant Val EARLY SETTLEMENT. ley was suggested by Robert Bugher, and The first man to locate within the pres- ent limits of Pleasant Valley township was J. W. Goleen, who settled on the southwest quarter of section 35, in about 1856, and remained a resident of the town- ship for nearly twenty years. as the township contains a large amount of what is known as "second bottom lands" along its streams, the name is very appro- priate. The township is well supplied with good, pure water by the West Fork and Beaver Dam creeks and their tributa- Mr. Cortell settled on the southwest quarter of section 36, in 1856 or 1857, and thus became the second settler. He en- listed in the 32d Iowa regiment, and now fills a soldier's grave. ries, and is thereby especially adapted to stock farming. The soil is very rich, and as there is but little wet, marshy land in the township, it ranks among the best in the county. The only natural timber in Pleasant Valley township is located on sections 34, 35 and 36, and is known as Shobe's Grove, a name given it in honor
Daniel Warner settled on the southeast quarter of section 35, about 1864, and re- sided on the same about two years; then sold to William Bailey.
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
M. Austin settled on the southwest quar- ter of section 34, about 1870. He now resides in Dakota. After Austin came Harmon Dilts, II. W. Rood, William Cath- cart, Robert Bugher, A. W. Stover, N. E. Willard and others of whom sketches ap- pear in the following pages.
Harmon Dilts is the oldest living settler of Pleasant Valley township. In 1868, while living in Henry Co., Ill., he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, and in 1869, in company with his wife, came to Iowa, resided the first winter with John Crapser, and the following spring moved into the house with George B. Rockwell, and the following season cultivated sev- enty acres of land now occupied by the village of Rockwell. During this time he continued to improve his own land, and in 1871 purchased a house, 14x18 feet, of Mrs. Dillingham, at Linn Grove, which he had moved on his own farm the next Decem- ber. In March, 1872, he moved on his own land which he has increased to 160 acres, now under good cultivation. Since 1875, in addition to farming he has fol- lowed herding, taking care of from 400 to 1,000 head of cattle annually. He was born in Wabash Co., Ind., Oct. 4, 1846, his parents being Thomas R., and Jane (Grant) Dilts, who, in 1854, removed with their family to Henry Co., Ill., remained there till 1871, when they came to Iowa and settled near Rockwell. In 1868 Har- mon Dilts married Mary C. Geer. They have three children-Barton, Sophia and Elmer. Mr. Dilts is a republican, has held township and school offices, and is a member of the Christian Church.
William Cathcart came to Cerro Gordo county, in 1871, subsequently spent two
winters in the Wisconsin pineries, and in 1872 bought eighty acres of his present farm, which he has increased to 160 acres, under good cultivation. He was born in Canada, May 30, 1846, his parents being John and Ann Cathcart, both natives of Ireland. He was reared on a farm, at- tended the common school, one winter being spent at school in Maine, and for several years followed logging and lum- bering. In the spring of 1873 he married Anna Thompson, a daughter of Judge W. E. Thompson. They have had five chil- dren, two of whom are living-John W. and William D. Mr. Cathcart is a re- publican, is now a township treasurer, and a member of the M. E. Church.
Howard W. Rood came in 1873, and is engaged in stock farming, having an excellent farm of 280 acres. He was born in Dane Co., Wis., July 20, 1849. His parents, Abram and Elizabeth (Baker) Rood, still reside there. He received a good education, attending the State Uni- versity, at Madison. He farmed and taught until 1870, then spent eighteen months in Nebraska, when he returned to Wisconsin. In 1872 he came to Iowa and purchased eighty acres of his present home, then returned to his native State. He came to Iowa in 1873 and commenced im- proving and enlarging his farm. He mar- ried Nettie E., a daughter of W. E. Thompson, July 21, 1874. They have two children-Arthur and Ida May. Mr. Rood is a republican in politics, and has held various offices of trust. They are members of the M. E. Church.
Among the places which deserve spe- cial mention, is the Pleasant Valley Stock Farm, of William Winter, 'located on
G
933
HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
sections 33 and 34, in Pleasant Valley township. In 1878 Mr. Winter erected a house on this land, and settled on it in 1880. He has now a fine residence, good and commodious barns, extensive cattle yards, substantial fences, groves, orchards and shade trees. The farm is well watered by the West Fork, and is one of the finest stock farms in northern Iowa. Still Mr Winter is not limited to this farm, as his real estate numbers about 1,000 acres, and his cattle ranches are located all along the valley of the West Fork, in Pleasant Valley, Grimes and Union town- ships. For about ten years he has been engaged in breeding shorthorned cattle, and now has a herd of 120 full blood. He also breeds Poland China hogs, and has some good blooded horses. He also herds annually about 2,000 head of stock for other parties, keeping them in five differ- ent ranches. William Winter was born in England, Dec. 5, 1832. On the 28th day of May, 1852, he married Sarah A. Robinson, and some years later emigrated to the United States and settled at Buf- falo, N. Y. They have six children -- Wil- liam R., Charles A., Anna M., now the wife of W. A. Kaynor, of Sanborn; George E., Lizzie A. and Frank O. Mr. Winter spent one year in the employ of Lewis F. Allen, who is the principal breeder of blooded stock in the United States, and it was during this time that he became im- bued with a desire to engage in stock raising. After leaving Mr. Allen he engaged to supply the city of Buffalo with shade trees, and followed this for two years. The trees along Niagara street toward Black Rock and other parts of the city are monuments of his work.
From Buffalo Mr. Winter removed to St. Joseph Co., Mich., thence, in 1859, to Iowa, and settled near Cedar Falls where he engaged in real estate, contracting and building, and stock growing until 1873, at which time he transferred his interests to Cerro Gordo county. He is a man of ex- cellent business qualifications, and is especially adapted to the business in which he is engaged. In politics he is a republican, but does not take much interest in politics, and is a member of the A. O. U. W.
Andrew W. Storer has been a resident of Pleasant Valley township since 1873, at which time he bought 160 acres on sec- tion 23, and at once commenced improve- ments, teaching school in winter and farm_ ing in the summer. He now owns 280 acres and is one of the leading farmers in the township. He is a republican, was the first road master of the township, and has also held other offices. In December, 1878, he married Ettie Cannon. They have two children-A. Willis and Eunice C. Andrew W. was born in Wisconsin, Jan. 15, 1851, received a common school education, with one term at the State Uni- versity at Madison, and remained in his native State until 1873. His paren s, who reside in Dane Co., Wis., are Daniel *and Eunice ( Palmer ) Storer.
N. E. Willard has resided in Pleasant Valley township since 1874, and owns a fine farm of 240 acres. He is a native of Oneida Co., N. Y., born Jan. 5, 1850. His parents were Edwin and Alvira ( Green field ) Willard. His mother died in New York. Tre family removed to Delaware in 1868. He received a good common school education, and in 1874 removed to
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
Iowa. Dec. 23, 1874, he married Char- lotte Tree, of Rockwell, born at Marble Rock, Floyd Co., Iowa. They have two children-Lillian and Mary.
Robert Bugher purchased his present home in 1874. He was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, Jan. 5, 1825, and is the eldest of eleven children, nine of whom are living. His father, Isaac Bugher, was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Illinois. His mother, Isabelle ( Hailyer ) Bugher, was a native of Virginia, and now lives in Adair Co., Iowa. Robert learned the carpenter trade of his father, but his health being inadequate, he became a farmer. In 1845 he married Elizabeth Lazier, a native of Virginia. In 1848 he emigrated to Henry Co., Ill., where he followed farming and was very successful. Being desirous of obtaining more land, thus giving his sons better facilities, he removed to Iowa and secured the south half of section 9, in Pleasant Valley township, for which he paid $10 per acre, unimproved. It is a most desirable location, being well watered and having but little waste land to mar its value. When first removing, he lived one year on an adjoining improved farm, and in the meanwhile built his pres- ent spacious farm residence, and has since so improved, built and beautified his home, that he now possesses one of the finest farms in the county. He gives his princi- pal attention to stock farming. He is democratic in politics. He served as jus- tice of the peace fourteen years in Illinois, and has held the same office in Iowa. He has also been trustee of township, school director, etc. He is highly respected as a citizen, and in social life is affable and courteous. He has been a member of the
Masonic fraternity since 1848. Relig- iously, he is a Baptist. His children are -Nettie, wife of Marshall Carver, Lan- der, Isaiah, Isaac, Alpheus, Robert and Cemantha.
Albert Cornell resides on section 36, where he owns 160 acres of land. He came to Iowa in 1874. He was born in New York, June 30, 1842, and is a son of Owen and Theresa Cornell, who emigrated to Illinois in 1846, where Albert was brought up on a farm. In 1862 he mar- ried Esther A. Abrams, daughter of H. J. and Rachel ( Ray ) Abrams. He contin- ued to farm in Lee Co., Ill., until he came here. Mr. and Mrs. Cornell have eight children-Mortimer, Emma, Rachel A., Harry, Lonnie, Katie, Ray and Mina. Mr. Cornell is a democrat in politics, and has been honored with various township offices.
George Pollock and wife came to Cerro Gordo county in 1875, and settled in Pleas- ant Valley township where they have a comfortable home. He was born July 29, 1832, in Scotland, and at an early age commenced work in the mines, which he followed in his native county until he was nineteen years of age, then went to Ire- land where he spent nine months, thence to England, where in 1856, he married Sarah Royston. She is a consistent, ear- nest Christian lady, beloved by all who know her, and always ready to extend a helping hand to the poor and needy. In 1862 they came to the United States and first settled near Galena, Ill. In 1865 they went to Colorado, remaining in the west until 1875, when they came to their pres- ent home in Iowa.
John Harrown.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY Astor, Lenox and Tiden Foundations.
HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY. 937
O. F. Hovey was born in Orange Co., Vt, July 11, 1825. His parents, were Al- fred and Abigail (Howard) Hovey. He was left motherless when twelve years of age, but his father subsequently married Sarah Hendricks: At the age of eighteen years, he went to Shellsburg, Wis., where he was first engaged in staging, then min- ing and afterwards engaged in farming In 1856 he went to California. While there, he had the misfortune to loose his right hand and have his left badly crip- pled, by coming in contact with a circular saw which he was operating. In 1858 he returned to Wisconsin, from whence in 1876, he came to Iowa and settled where he now resides. In 1851 he married Sarah Halstead, daughter of John and Sarah Halstead, and they now have six children -Alva F., Alfred E., Eugenia J., now Mrs Lorenzo Fousler, Clara M, Charles F. and John H. Politically, Mr. Hovey is a republican, and was the first assessor of Pleasant Valley township. His relig- ions connections are with the Baptists.
J. D. Abrams came to Iowa in 1869, first settling. in Franklin county, but in 1876 located on the northeast quarter of section 36, Pleasant Valley township, where he has since resided and owns 160 acres of land. He was born Sept. 24, 1842, in Wayne Co., N. Y. His parents, Henry J. and Rachel (Ray) Abrams, emigrated with their family in 1857, to Lee Co., Ill., where J D. Abrams was brought up on a farm. In 1862 he enlisted in company K, 75th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, served three years, participated in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookont Mountain and the Atlantic cam- paign, after which he returned home and
resumed farming until he came to this county. In 1867 he married Almira Shoudy, whose parents, Israel and Abi- gail Shoudy, were among the earliest pioneers of Lee Co., Ill. They have three children-Fred C., George D. and Le Roy. Mr. Abrams is a republican, has been clerk of Pleasant Valley township since its or- ganization, and is a member of the G. A. R., and enjoys a social chat with old comrades.
William Hunt located on section 25, his present home, in 1877. Ile is a native of England, born Nov. 1, 1848. IIe emi- grated to the United States in 1869, mak- ing his home at LaFayette Co., Wis. In February, 1875, he married Maria, daughter of William and Eliza Cook. They at once removed to Iowa, residing at Sheffield until 1877, when they purchased their present farm of 160 acres, which he has well improved and beautified. They are the parents of four children-Wil- liam, John, Ella and George.
O. B. Moran located where he now lives, in Pleasant Valley township, in 1877. He was born in Westchester Co., N. Y., in November, 1835, resided there until 1848, then went to London, Conn., residing there in the family of Staunton Hewitt untill he reached his majority, then came to Iowa, stopping first in Clay- ton county. In 1865 he went into Frank- lin county, but soon returned to Clayton county. In 1866 he again went to Frank- lin county, and engaged in farming in Richland township until 1877, when he came to his present home. He married Mary A. Shobe, daughter of John Shobe. They have two children-John A. and
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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
Myrtie L. In politics Mr. Moran is a democrat.
Michael V. Moroney purchased the farm on section 1, Pleasant Valley town- ship, in 1878. It was then almost wild prairie land, but by labor and thrift he has converted it into a fine well improved farm. He was born in Ireland, Oct. 2, 1846. When four years of age his parents emigrated to the United States, settling in Outagamie Co., Wis., where they were among the pioneers. He received a good common school education, remaining at home farming until 1878, when he was united in marriage to Margaret Reddin, when they at once came to Iowa, locating on their present home. He is regarded as one of the leading men in the town- ship, and has held various offices of trust. They have two children-Ellen and Mary. His mother lives with them, his father being dead.
ORGANIC.
The first election was held at the Bugher school house, on the 7th day of November, 1876. W. E. Thompson, Rob- ert Bugher and Harmon Dills served as judges, and A. W. Storer and J. D. Abrams, as clerks. The following named persons were elected as the first officers : Township trustees, John Shobe, N. E. Willard and George Pollock. The latter refused to qualify and Harmon Dills was appointed to fill the vacancy. Township clerk, J. D. Abrams ; township assessor, O. F. Hovey ; justices of the peace, Rob- ert Bugher and W. E. Thompson. In 1882 the officers were as follows : J. W. Crouse, trustee ; John Toulonse was elected clerk, but failed to qualify and J. D. Abrams was appointed to fill vacan-
cy ; W. E. Thompson and M. V. Mo- roney, justices of the peace, and Andrew W. Storer, assessor.
EDUCATIONAL.
The first school in the township was held in a small school house erected at Shobe's grove. The funds to support the school were drawn from Geneseo town- ship, of which Pleasant Valley township at that time formed a part.
The second school house, which is known as the Bugher school house, was erected on the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 9, on land donated by Robert Bugher, who was the prime mover in obtaining the school. Mr. Bugher met the school board at Mason City, and although there were not the required num- ber of pupils necessary to compel the board to build a school house, he suc- ceeded in getting the unanimous consent of the board to erect a school house at a cost of $700. This was done in 1875, and in the winter of 1875-6 a school was taught, Lizzie Egloff being the first teacher.
In 1876 a school house was erected on the southwest corner of section 25, and it is known as the Hovey school house. Miss E. J. Hovey, now the wife of Lorenzo Fausler, was the first teacher.
In 1878 two school houses were erected, one on the southeast quarter of section 28, and one on the southeast quarter of sec- tion 14. The latter is known as the Pony school house, a name given it on account of its small size. Lizzie Haddow was the first to impart instruction to the pupils who attend at this place. The township now has six school houses, and its schools rank well with the older parts of the county.
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939
HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.
RELIGIOUS.
In February, 1877, Rev. W. H. Drake organized a Methodist Episcopal society, which now holds its meetings at the Pony school house. Rev. Drake was succeeded in time by Rev. F. F. Franklin, Rev. E. M. Keeling, Rev. W. P. Phifer, Rev. S. C. Platts, Rev. B. Webster and Rev. A. A. Wilcox. The society now numbers about twenty members and is in a good
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