History of Hardin county, Iowa, together with sketches of its towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 108

Author:
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1002

USA > Iowa > Hardin County > History of Hardin county, Iowa, together with sketches of its towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 108

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Globe Lodge, No. 310, A. F. and A. M., was first opened under dispensation, Jan- uary 6, 1872, with the following named officers: Dr. W. P. Penfield, W. M .; A. G. Miller, S. W .; A. H. Barnes, J. W .; J. D. Stark, Treasurer; W. H. Buck, Secretary; Morris Penfield, S. D .; David Trip, J. D .; S. O. Davidson, Tyler. Members present: J. Haas, E. L. Lyon, W. H. Rodwell, Samuel Patton, J. C. Adams, David Ank- rum, B. J. Parish, C. Griffith, Joel Cary, H. N. Lyon, B. A. Beeson. The first elec- tion of officers under the charter was held July 16, 1872, when the following named were chosen: W. P. Penfield, W. M .; H. S. Humiston, S. W .; S. J. Arnett, J. W .; G. Van Voorhis, Treasurer; W. H. Rod- well, Secretary. The office of W. M. was afterward filled by H. S. Humiston, S. J. Arnett, R. H. Stevenson and J. W. Smith. There has been on list of membership, to the present time, about 60 members. The present officers are: J. W. Smith, W. M .; G. Van Voorhis, S. W .; Calvin Whinery, J. W .; W. H. Rodwell, Secretary. There are now on the rolls 25 members in good stand- ing, the lodge being in good condition.

Temple Lodge No. 155, A. O. U. W., was organized in March, 1878, with the following named charter members: J. A. Boyer, J. A. Ingles, William H. Buck, H. M. Humiston, C. A. Lindley, L. J. Lind- ley, O. D. Wood, H. H. Hendryx, Peter Strohm, D. R. Giles, Calvin Whinery, Cal- vin Lindley, W. H. Floyd, F. W. Pills- bury, C. Schaffner, deceased; A. English, T. J. Lockard, A. H. Pearson, J. W. Law- rence, J. C. Frederick, C. N. Howland, J. R. Lockwood, Wesley Barnes, C. A. Bill- ings, J. W. Smith and W. H. Rodwell. Its officers were: Cyrus Shaffner, P. M.W .; F. W. Pillsbury, N. W .; Horace Humiston. G. F .; E. English, O .; J. A. Boyer, Re- corder; William H. Buck, Financier; J. W. Lawrence, Recorder. Its present officers are: W. H. Floyd, M. W .; H. H. Hen- dryx, P. M. W .; Calvin Lindley, O .; J. W. Lawrence, Foreman; D. R. Giles, Recorder; J. A. Boyer, Financier. The Lodge meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. There are 18 regular mem- bers in good standing. The Lodge is in good financial standing, and is working under the Grand Lodge of the State. The Lodge has lost one member by death-Cyrus Shaffner.

The Ladies' Cemetery Association of Union, Iowa, was organized December 24, 1875, with the following officers: Mrs. Farewell Barnes, President; Miss Ada Beecher, Vice-President; Mrs. John De- vine, Secretary; Mrs. O. B. Chapin, Treas- nrer; Trustees, Mrs. Crider, Wood and Mrs. Thompson. Articles of incorporation were filed for record August 15, 1876. With this small band of earnest workers the enterprise of securing a suitable burial place originated and carried successfully

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forward. Four and one-half acres of land was purchased of John Devine, January 25, 1876, at $75 per acre. The grounds are beautifully located, one-half mile south of the village, and were laid off by W. A. P. Eberhardt, the present County Sur- veyor, and the price of the lots fixed at $15, $10 and $5, according to the location. The total cost of fencing was $112. The first money paid into the Treasury was $25 received from those who joined the Asso- ciation, paying a membership fee of 25 cents each. The first lot purchased was by O. B. Chapin, who generously gave $30 to aid in the good cause. Mr. Devine do- nated at the same time one years' interest. November 11, 1876, the cemetery was dedi- cated, the services being conducted by Rev. J. W. Clinton, of Marshalltown, and at the same time a public sale of lots was held, amounting to $100. On the 25th day of January, 1879, all the indebtedness of the Association was paid off, leaving a small sum in the Treasury. The services of Mr. Hendryx having been secured to act as agent for the selling of lots and collect- ing on those already sold, there was soon enough on hand to commence the work of ornamenting the grounds. Since which time 250 evergreens and 70 forest trees have been planted, and other improve- ments made, at a cost of $125; with quite a respectable sum in the treasury to make other improvements. The ladies of this association are deserving great credit for the manner in which they have conducted this enterprise.

TOWN OF GIFFORD.

This town was laid out in 1875 by C. T. Gifford, the surveying and platting being

done by E. W. Lathrop, Jr., and filed for record in September, 1875. The descrip- tion accompanying the plat says that it "is situated on that part of the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 5, township 86, range 19, lying south and west of the track of the Iowa Central Rail- road." There were three additions made in 1880, by Dr. R. H. Sheffield, D. Ankrum, and E. Peat.

The town is now the junction of the Iowa Central and Northwestern Railways and is twenty-one miles north of Marshall- town, and the same distance south of Ack- ley. The location is one of the best in the county, being high and dry, with the Iowa river in proximity with water power that might well be utilized by several manufac- turing institutions.

Gifford has now a population of about 200, composed principally of those from Illinois, Ohio. and New York, who are good, substantial and enterprising citizens. The business of the place is now repre- sented as follows: Three dry goods or general stores, one hardware, by Blables & Stratton; one pottery manufactory by C. W. & G. H. Tolman; two hotels, one meat market and one drug store.

C. W. & G. H. Tolman commenced the manufacture of pottery ware in the town in the fall of 1881. They were formerly engaged in the same line of business at Eldora, from which place they came to Gifford. They manufacture all kinds of stone ware, selling principally in the north - ern part of the State. The amount made per month is about 9,000 gallons.

The first Baptist Church of Gifford was organized in September, 1881, with eight constituent members-David Ingram and

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

wife, Jesse Turner and wife, Mrs. Dennis Putman, Mrs. George Cobb, Mrs. F. Goldin, and Miss. Hall. Rev. T. F. Babcock was the first and only pastor; David Ingram, Deacon; Mrs. Putman, Clerk. The Sabbath services are held in Gifford's Hall. Under the teachings of the Rev. Mr. Babcock seven have united with the church.

There is also in the village a Union Sab- bath School, with an average attendance of seventy scholars, in which much inter- est is being taken.

The cause of temperance is represented by the Good Templars. Gifford Lodge, No. 259, I. O. G. T., was organized April 3, 1878, and for a time did good work. It surrendered its charter in February, 1881. On the 18th day of November, 1881, Gravel Diamond Lodge, No. 50, was or- ganized with 38 charter members, with the following named as its first officers: Jonathan Kinman, W. C. T .; Anna Shef- field, W. V. T .; F. L. Stratton, W. S .; I. E. Blakeslee, W. F. S .; C. T. Gifford, W. T .; William M. Hayes, W. C .; Pitt Sheffield, W. M .; Dollie Anderson, W.I. G .; Marian Hayes, W. O. G .; Sadie Campbell, R. II. S .; Nettie Johnson, L. H. S .; Flora Babcock, W.D.M .; Mary Vigars, W. A. S .; William M. Hayes, L. D. Since its or- ganization, much interest has been mani- fested in the cause. The lodge meets every Saturday evening, with nearly every member in place. There are now 65 good working members on the roll, with the following named officers: C. C. Brown, W. C. T .; Mary Vigars, W. V. T .; F. L. Stratton, W. S .; T. F. Babcock, W. C .; John Goodwin, W. F. S .; Ettna Moore, W. T .; Wm. M. Hayes, W. M .; Flora Babcock, W. I. G .; Pitt Sheffield, W. O.G .;

Annie Ankrum, L. H. S .; Dotty Anderson, R. H. S .; Katie Ankrum, W. A. S .; Nellie Anderson, W. A. N.

TOWN OF WHITTEN.

This enterprising place is one of the youngest towns in the county, being laid out in the fall of 1880, which at present writing makes it less than two years old. C. C. Whitten was the original proprietor of the town plat, which is situated on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 13, township 86, range 19- Union township. The town is on the line of the Chicago and Northwestern Rail- road, and lies about thirty-five miles north- west of Tama. It has a population of about 350, showing a pretty rapid growth, and is represented in the following lines of business: Two dry goods stores, two grain elevators, one hardware store, one. harness and shoe shop, one restaurant, one drug store, one furniture store, one wagon and blacksmith shop, one livery stable, one meat market, one millinery store, one bar- ber shop, one jewelry store, one lumber yard, two grain buyers, two physicians.

G. Barnes & Sons were the first to do a general merchandise business in the place. In July, 1881, they erected their present business house, which was one of the first buildings erected in the town, and on the 16th day of August, of the same year, put in a stock of general merchandise. The "sons" have general charge of the busi- ness, and are young men of energy. They carry a stock valued at $4,000, and have a good trade.

C. M. Warring, jeweler, embarked in business in 1882. He carries a fine line of silver and plated ware, watches, clocks and

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

jewelry. Being a practical jeweler, he does all kinds of repairing of watches, clocks and jewelry.

W. S. Lane is one of the dealers in gro- ceries, crockery and everything usally kept in a first-class grocery store. He com- menced his present business in this place in the spring of 1882.

William A. Reynolds & Lockwood com- menced their present business in Septem- ber, 1880. They carry a full line of gro- ceries, glass ware, crockery, tobacco, cigars and such other goods as are usually found in a well regulated grocery store.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Whitten was organized in September, 1881, with W. A. Mackintosh, M. L. Barnes, Annie Barnes, William Wilkin- - son and wife, and Mrs. Chuseuas, mem- bers of the first class. Rev. Frank Cole- man first served the church as pastor and was succeeded by Rev. Edward Hoskyns, in charge of the Union Circuit. The church, being young and weak in mem- bers, has not attempted the erection of a

house of worship, but meets for that pur- pose every alternate Sabbath in the school house. Since its organization W. H. Barnes and wife have united with the or- ganization. A union Sabbath School is held and has an attendance each Sabbath of about fifty. A. B. Strauss is the pres- ent superintendent.

The Christian Church of Whitten was organized in the spring of 1882, and com- posed of the following named members: John Irvin, E. R. Irvin, Fannie Herr, J. E. Herr, Mrs. Herr and Miss Herr, Cal- vin Hadley and wife, L. W. Price, Paul- ina Price, Eva and Mary Price, Mrs. Strauss, Mrs. Beardsley, Mrs. Foster, J. Asher and wife, Joseph Foster and wife, Samuel Mason and wife, Mrs. Mason and Mrs. Hobaugh. The trustees of the church are J. Q. Irvin, J. E. Herr, and Calvin Hadley. Elders, L. W. Price and Calvin Hadley. Deacon, S. B. Ross. A church edifice was erected at a cost of $1,600. To J. L. Irwin much credit is due for the construction of this house.

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. .

· CHAPTER XXXV.

MISCELLANEOUS.

In this chapter are presented a number of historical events too short to be each incorporated in a chapter, but of sufficient importance to have a place in this volume.

FIRST EVENTS.

Greenberry Haggin and family were the first permanent settlers of Hardin county, locating here in 1849.

Abram Grimsley was the first black- smith, locating in Union township in 1850,

The first election was held March 2, 1853, at the house of Henry Abrams.

The first school was in Eldora township in 1853.

Nicholas Rice and a Mr. Williamson built the first saw mill on the Iowa river, above the present town of Steamboat Rock in the spring of 1853.

Lewis Hayden built the first grist mill at a point on the Iowa river where Hardin City was subsequently located.

The first political convention was held at the house of Reuben B. King in the spring of 1853. Mr. King lived south of the present town of Eldora.

The first farm house in Hardin county, was erected by the Edgington Brothers at Eldora in the fall of 1853.

William Fagg brought the first reaper to Hardin county in 1857.

George Reed, four miles east of Eldora, in 1866, started the first dairy in Hardin county.

Joseph H. Kidwiler is supposed by many to be the first born in Hardin county, but this claim is disputed by Samuel Smith, the present President of the Old Settlers' Association of Hardin county. Mr. Smith asserts, and produces his family record to prove, that his wife gave birth to a child in July, 1850. The child lived several months.

CLAIM LAW.

In nearly every community throughout the West was organized, at an early day, committees to protect the rights of actual settlers to their claims made from grasping speculators; and woe be to the man who violated the claim law, if he could be found. There was only one case tried in this county. About the year 1853, a man from Marshall county entered the claim of one of the Millers living in Pleasant township. Ile was arrested, taken before the club, and duly tried. He concluded the best policy was for him to deed the land to the claimant.

THE CYCLONE.

On the 3d day of June, 1860, a storm passed over the southern portion of Har-

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

din county, which has never since been equalled, and it is hoped will never be. The Hardin Sentinel of June 6, gave the following account of the storm and the damage done:

On last Sunday afternoon a tremendous storm passed over this county, spreading devastation and death in its train. It appeared to arise im- mediately northwest of New Providence and travel in a northeasterly direction. There were ten or twelve houses blown down in New Provi- dence, and several persons seriously injured. Owing to the fact that nearly all the citizens were attending meeting at a place southeast of town, out of the main course of the storm inany es- caped who otherwise must have perished in the ruins.

The scene presented after the storm at the premises of Michael Devine, in Union township. about seven miles south of Eldora, beggars all description. About 4 P. M. a messenger arrived in town, informing the citizens that Mr. Devine's house had been blown down and several of the family killed. In company with many of our citizens we repaired to the spot of the tragic scene, and there beheld what we hope to God we may never again be called upon to witness. The house of Mr. Devine, which was a two-story brick building, was leveled to the earth, scarcely one brick remaining upon another. Out of the nine persons comprising the family, four were in- stantly killed, and the remaining five more or less injured. Two of the wounded-a little boy and girl-have since died. Mr. Devine himself escaped with a severe injury on the shoulder. John Birch, a son-in-law of Mr. Devine, together with his wife and child, escaped, although Mr. Birch had his thigh broken and was otherwise injured. His wife and child received but very little injury. The appearance of the mangled bodies, as they were taken from the ruins or picked up from the prairie, was truly horrifying and awful. The body of Mrs. Devine was picked up several rods from the house, with the head com- pletely severed from it, and which had not been

found at dusk on Sunday evening. Two chil- dren, apparently between the ages of 10 and 12 years, and a son about 20, were so crushed that it was impossible to recognize them as human beings.

The house of the widow, Mrs. Christ, standing within a few rods of Mr. Devine's, was literally torn to atoms and scattered broadcast over the prairie. The family consisted of Mrs. Christ, two sons and two daughters, who were all more or less wounded, the old lady probably mortally. As near as we could ascertain, it appears that most of the family took refuge in the cellar, and consequently escaped with but slight injuries. The old lady, however, did not succeed in getting into the cellar, and was dashed out amid the flying timbers and furniture. The house being a small, wooden one, afforded more chance of escape than that of Mr. Devine's, which is prob- ably the only reason why the Christ family were not all instantly killed.

To look at the ruins of the two houses, one would suppose that it was an utter impossibility for a single individual to escape a certain and terrible death, yet, out of thirteen persons who were in the house, seven are living, of which six will probably recover, and possibly the seventh may also recover.

It is impossible to convey a correct idea of the effect and fury of this terrible storm to the minds of those who were not on the ground to witucss the devastation and ruin that was left in its path. School houses, barns, sheds and fences were blown for miles across the prairie, and the life- less carcasses of horses, cattle, hogs, etc., were strewn in every direction along the trail of the storm. Scarcely a vestage of any thing pertain- ing to household goods or furniture can be seen in the vicinity of where Mr. Devine's house stood, The very corn growing in the fields is torn out by the roots, and the ground looks as though the locusts of Egypt had made a devour- ing march through the country.

The tornado crossed the Iowa River at Sander- son's mill, blowing down houses, trees, fences, etc., in its roaring march. In the vicinity of the

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

mill, several buildings were torn from their foun- dations and riven to atoms. A Mrs. Garrison was instantly killed, and others in the house more or less wounded.

After crossing the river the furious tornado did sad havoc among the timber and settlements that came in its way. The house of Alexander Smith was completely destroyed, and every one of the inmates more or less injured. So far as we have been able to trace it, this tornado was doing its work of destruction with unspent fury. We have been informed that an auxiliary of the main tornado passed through the north end of Marshall Connty, some three miles south of its course, uprooting large trecs and tearing down fences, but causing no destruction of life. Our informant says that it produced a noise similar to that of a hundred trains of cars all in motion at one time.

The Appearance of the Storm.

There is considerable difference of opinion in regard to the appearance of the tornado. But the most general version of the thing is that it came to the earth in the shape of a whirlwind, and covered a strip of country about eighty rods wide. It appeared to be hollow in the centre, with a transparent, blood red color, while the two sides werc black and covered with every conceivable sort of substance that had been torn from the path of the roaring and crashing de- . stroyer. Its course was about due east. We believe that the history of this tornado will prove it to be one of the most frightful in appearance and dreadful in results that ever visited the West, or, probably, any portion of the country.

P. S -Since writing the above we learn that the little daughter of Michael Devine is living yet, and that five instead of six of the family are dcad.

The following is a list of the dead, wounded and those whose houses were swept away, as far as we have been able to ascertain :

Houses Demolished.

Dr. Eli Jessup, Dr. Tuller, David Hunt, E. Andrews, Henry Witham, William H. Crook,

Thomas Buckloo, W. E. Andrews, Wm. Stage, Jonathan Small, D. Arnold, A. M. Mulford, Henry Plummer, George West, Catherine Christ, Michael Devine, Joseph Hida, Daniel Went- worth, Jesse T. Turner, Isaac Garrison, Jolin Bircli, Alex. Smith, Arthur Johnson, Lott Clover, Wm. Shortridge, Reuben Long, John Galaway, B. S. Parish, Wm. Bates, William Vinton and Mack Modlin; also three houses in Quebec, the names of the owners not having been ascertained. The houses of Widow Rachel Bedell and Robert King, in Providence, were ruined, and five or six others moved from their foundations. The houses of L. F. Sanderson, David Abbott, Palmer Turner and Wm. Lockard were unroofed and otherwise injured. Besides these and all the outbuildings in the route, two school houses and two or three blacksmith shops were entirely con- sumed.

Killed.

Mrs. Michael Devine, Wm. Devine, Eva De- vine, George Devine, Mrs. Isaac Garrison and a child whose name was not learned.

Wounded.

John Birch, thigh broken ; Michael Dcvine, shoulder broken and badly bruised ; Safrona De- vine, shoulder and collar bone broken and badly injured ; the widow, Mrs. Christ, thigh and shoulder badly broken and fatally woundcd ; Elizabeth Christ, Catherine Christ and Job Christ, injured ; Adam Christ, badly injured ; two children of Isac Garrison ; Daniel Went- worth and wifc; Jesse Turner; Alex. Smith, wife and child ; Wesley Smith !; John Galaway, wife and child ; B. S. Parish and Alanson Banks, all injured, some very badly.

In Providence, Henry Witham, wife and son, Martin Witham, badly injured ; Alfred Dorlad, skull fractured, supposed fatally ; Sarah Hensly and Samuel Sherman, badly injured, supposed fatally ; Henry Bliss, badly hurt; wife of Dr. Tuller and small son of E. Andrews, slightly in jnred. There were several persons injured at and about Quebec, whose names are not yet learned.

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

The following biography was received by the compiler of the history too late to appear in its proper place in the history of Eldora township:

L. M. Follett was born at East Berkshire, Vermont, August 10, 1840. In 1855, with his parents, he moved to Richford, Wis- consin. On October 31, 1864, he enlisted in Company C., 44th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the rebellion. He was honorably discharged August 28, 1865. After a suc- cessful business career and a residence of twenty-seven years in Wisconsin, he moved, in April, 1882, to Hubbard, Iowa, and in August, following, purchased and mnoved on to what is known as the "Mason " farm, containing 280 acres, on the west half of section 25, in Eldora township. On the 21st day of April, 1867, he married Ellen F., daughter of N. B. Woodruff, deceased. Mr. Woodruff was formerly a prominent business man of Richford, Wisconsin. She was born at Kenosha, Wisconsin, Septem- ber 11, 1847. They have had four children, three of whom are living-Alta, born at Coloma, Wisconsin, January 8, 1868; Stella, born at Richford, Wisconsin, December 27, 1869, and died, April 19, 1870; Guy, born at Richford, Wisconsin, May 24, 1871; Myrtle, born at Richford, Wisconsin, July 8, 1878. While a resident of Wisconsin Mr. Follett filled various offices of trust. For three years previous to his removal to Iowa, he was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of his town. The Follett Brothers are intelligent, enterprising and public-spirited men. Their father at one time was a member of the Legislature in Vermont. Their grandfather was a Cap-

tain in the war of 1812, a member of the Vermont Legislature eight years, and a Judge. They are descendants of the first Governor of Vermont-Governor Chitten- den-and first cousins of Judge Follett, of Newark, Ohio, and Hon. John F. Follett, ex-Speaker of the Ohio Legislature, and now Congressman elect of the First Con- gressional District of Ohio.

GOLD IN HARDIN COUNTY.

In the spring of 1853, shortly after the organization of the county, John Ells worth imparted the information to a faithful few that he had discovered gold upon his farm a short distance south of the present town of Eldora. The gold fever, consequent upon the discovery of the precious metal in California, was yet at its height. Pros- pecting was going on in almost every State in the Union, and dreams of future riches derived from the working of a mine . of gold upon their place, took possession of the minds of thousands. Farm opera- tions were neglected in many localities, and with pick and shovel, the farmer went out to search for the gold that was sure to be hid among the rocks on his place.

It was but a short time when the news spread far and wide that gold had been discovered in Hardin county. The press of the country took it up, and the farther from home the news reached, the more marvelous were the stories told, and instead of having an Eldora here in Hardin, it was certain that it was a veritable Eldorado.

Soon the prairie schooners wended their way hither, and during the summer it is estimated that between two and three thousand persons visited the supposed mines, coming here with hopes and leaving

W. J. Shaver.

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

very much disappointed. Some would spend a few days in the neighborhood, while others would not remain an hour. Often, it is stated, that on arriving within a few miles of the place, the men would stop to enquire the way, and ask after the prospects of the mines. When told that there was probably no gold to be found, they would drive on, swearing that the peo- ple here did not want any one to come, but desired to keep all the gold themselves. On returning with blasted hopes they never thought to stop and apologize for their rude conduct.

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History of Hardin county, Iowa, together with sketches of its towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 108

Author: Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1002

Author:
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1002