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 109
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Many were the threats made against the life of John Ellsworth by the infuriated miners, and it is probable that if he could have been found on one or two occasions, that he would have suffered at their hands. But the excitement soon died away. Ells- worth continued to provide "entertain- ment for man or beast," and affairs in Hardin settled down to its normal condi- tion, the inhabitants content to get their gold as some would-be-fishermen secure their fish, by rendering an equivalent.
The matter was not allowed to rest here. In 1857, O. M. Holcomb, the first pub- lisher of the Hardin County Sentinel, spent the entire summer in prospecting up and down the river, and reported that he, too, had found gold. His discoveries, however, caused no excitement, the people being determined to take matters coolly and philosophically, and if gold was really found in paying quantities, there would be time enough to purchase a pick and shovel.
Twenty-four years-almost a quarter of a century-had passed away, and the gold fever of 1853 had almost passed from the recollection of the oldest inhabitants, when,
on Thursday, April 5, 1877, the memories were revived, and people became once more excited. About seven miles north of Eldora, on the Iowa river, a bed of black sand was noticed, and sparkling among the emory-like particles were glittering specks, as of brass filings. Some old miners, drawn to the spot by instinct, got pans and went to work eagerly and in silence. Each pan of the black sand worked out fifty cents of the bright metal, which they pronounced, with a most con- fident air, pure gold. The Eldora Ledger, of April 6, says: "William A. Saucer, of Eldora, happened along at the time, gath- ered up a lot on the point of his knife from the work shop of Lew Lytle, wrapped it in paper, and brought it to the Ledger office for inspection. It is gold beyond a question. A portion was taken to our jeweler, Mr. Nuckolls, who submitted it to every test, and then declared it to be 'true grit.' From whence these diminutive nuggets and fine particles of gold are washed, we are unable to state, but there must be a magazine near by from whence the gold-dust drifted."
Like the first, the excitement about this discovery soon passed away, and no one became millionaires. That pure gold does exist among the rocks and hills along the Iowa river through Hardin county, can hardly be questioned; but that it can ever be found in paying quantities, is ex- tremely doubtful.
€
TEMPERANCE.
The cause of temperance is one that has always enlisted the services of the moral and benevolent of earth. As far back as the history of the world can be traced, intem-
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perance has existed. Laws have been promulgated against it, warnings have been given over and over again, and yet man will continue to use the intoxicating cup, notwithstanding Solomon, the wise man, has said, "Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth the color in the cup, for at last it biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder," and a greater than Solomon has added, "That no drunkard can inherit the kingdom of Heaven."
In the first half of the present century but few large distilleries existed, while now every neighborhood must have its "still." A new settlement was no sooner formed than an enterprising individual would erect his still, and commence the manufac- ture of whisky, pure and unadultered. The surplus corn of the country could be used in no other way; at least such was thought to be the case. Every merchant advertised whisky as one of the specialties of his store. The whisky jug was thought to be an indispensable help in the harvest fields, or at house-raisings, log-rollings and corn-huskings, nor was the decanter, with its exhilarating contents, generally wanting .at social gatherings. Liquor bought by the gallou, and even by the barrel, was kept in the house for daily use. Before partaking of breakfast the glass was passed around and partaken of, to give an appetite, and in the evening was used as a "night- cap" before going to bed. When bittered by some herb or drug it was used as a sovereign remedy for some of the ailments flesh is heir to, and often as a preventive.
Whisky was generally considered neces- sary at every house-raising. It must be borne in mind by the reader that in the
early day the houses built were invariably of hewn round logs, and it required the assistance of a large number of men to erect one. The necessity of having a supply of whisky at these raisings often put the pioneer to considerable inconven- ience, and occasionally delayed the raising a much longer time than desired.
While intemperance largely exists, it is evident that it has greatly decreased within the past generation. Accord- ing to population there are not as many drunkards, nor is there as much liquor consumed as a third or half a cen- tury ago. This leads to the further declar- ation that can well be sustained, that the efforts put forth by the temperance peo- ple in times past have not proven a failure. That organizations have flourished for a time and then ceased to exist proves nothing. These organizations were but human instrumentalities brought forth by the necessities of the hour, their design being to accomplish a certain purpose then apparent. It is not to be expected that they will be as enduring as the hills, or so strong that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against them." If they accom- plish good work for the time, well and good. If it be found that there is a radi- cal defect in their organization necessita- ting a change, let it be made, and let it not be imagined because they are defective and have not accomplished all the good their most sanguine supporters antici- pated, that nothing has been done. All over the country can be found sober, hon- est and good men, who, but for the effort put forth by the members of some tem- perance organization that had ceased to exist, would now fill a drunkard's grave.
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Notwithstanding whisky is thought to be a preventive for nearly every disease, it has been proven by actual statistics to be a source of disease, the habitual drinker being more liable to attack from various diseases than the total abstainer. Especial- ly has this been proven to be the case in diseases of an epidemic nature, such as cholera.
Hardin county has ever been arrayed upon the side of temperance. Organized in 1853, the first issue made upon the temperance question was in 1855. The General Assembly of the State passed an act submitting to a vote of the people the question of the adoption or rejection of a law similar to that known as the Maine Liquor Law. This question was submit- ted at the April election. Hardin county cast 153 votes for and 95 against the law, a majority of 58 for the law.
The Independent Order of Good Temp- lars originated in 1851, and was the out- growth of a desire to unite all the members of a family in one order, and with the laud- able object of "saving the fallen and pre- venting others from falling." The first lodge of Good Templars in this county was instituted about the year 1859, since which time the order here has liad seasons of prosperity and seasons of adversity. Like all other human organizations, its members at times are enthusiastic, and work to- gether in harmony, and success therefore attends their every movement. Again, divisions occur; the members refuse to co- operate with one another, and the order takes a backward stride.
There are at present but two lodges in the county, one at Gifford and the other at Alden.
The laws of the State exempted wine, ale and beer from the prohibitory law. In the winter of 1869-70 the General Assem- bly passed an act permitting counties to vote upon the question of prohibiting the articles mentioned. The Board of Super- visors of Hardin county, at its June ses- sion, passed a resolution authorizing the County Auditor to issue a proclamation submitting the question to the voters of this county. But little was said publicly about the matter, but the friends of tem- perance went quietly to work, and when the vote was counted, it was found there were 908 for the measure and 584 against, thus giving the measure a majority of 322.
Contemporaneous with the Sons of Tem- perance was an organization known as the Temple of Honor, which combined the principles of temperance with the benev- olent features of such organizations as the Masons and Odd Fellows. Each person desiring to become a member of the order had to be proposed for membership, and was to be of the requisite age and in good health. A fair degree of success attended the order throughout the State, though but one Temple was ever organized in this county-the one at Eldora, which was or- ganized in February, 1879, and existed about two and a half years.
An organization known as the State Temperance Alliance sprang up some years ago, of a semi-political character. It was first known in this county early in the year of 1879.
According to call, a meeting was held in Porter & Moir's hall, Eldora, Friday, January 25, at 2 P. M., for the purpose of forming a Coun'y Temperance Alliance. Dr. King was made temporary chairman,
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but being called out, Edward Estabrook was chosen to fill his place. A portion of scripture was then read, and the audience was led in prayer by Elder D. R. Dungan. J. P. Pinkham, Chairman of the State Temperance Alliance, then gave an excel- lent address, stating the condition of the cause in the State, showing the need of organized effort in order to suppress the evils of intemperance. He showed by the State Secretary's report that the cost of criminal prosecutions arising from the traffic in alcoholic liquors is most astonish- ing; also that about 94 per cent. of crime in the State is to be attributed to that traf- fic; that 55 per cent. of our insane are from the same cause.
A vote was then taken on the propriety of the organization proposed, nearly all present voting for it. The organization was then formed by electing D. R. Dun- gan, President; M. Frisbie, Secretary; Rev. C. M. Howe, Treasurer; and one Vice- President from each township.
While the committee on nominations were out, the audience was amused and en- thused by a telling speech by D. R. Dungan.
A meeting was held in the evening, ad- dressed by Mrs. Aldrich and Mr. Pinkham. Ninety-eight persons were enrolled as members of the Alliance that evening.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
The General Assembly of this State passed an act submitting to a vote of the people a constitutional amendment pro- hibiting the manufacture or sale, as a bev- erage, of all alcoholic liquors, including wine and beer. The fight was a bitter one throughout the State, and the friends and opponents of prohibition were equally well
organized. In Hardin county it was a foregone conclusion as to the result, the only question was one of majority. The friends of prohibition were the most out- spoken, and put forth every effort to poll their full strength. The election occurred on the 27th of June, 1882.
SHOOTING AFFRAY AT ACKLEY
A large number of men engaged in build- ing the Dubuque and Sioux City (now the Illinois Central) Railroad, were waiting at Ackley for the weather to moderate before beginning operations, in the spring of 1866. On Sunday, March 18, Clay Kelly called at the store of Daniels & Gorg, composed of B. Daniels, H. Daniels and M. Gorg. Kelly was intoxicated and very abusive. He attempted to throw the show case of the firm on the floor, but was prevented and. shoved out of doors. Kelly started off in a rage, and soon returned armed with a short, sharp shoemaker's knife. In the meantime Gorg, who was at the elevator, was brought to the store by one of the Daniels, who told him what had transpired. After repairing the door broken by Kelly, they were about to lock up and depart. On the step they met Kelly, who demanded of the two Germans why they had put him out, and swearing they could not do it again. After some hard words, Gorg told his partners they had better go in. Kelly followed after them, threatening all the time. Gorg told him that he would not get angry, and only laughed at him, where- upon, Kelly, with an oath, called him a coward and a hypocrite, and struck him on the chin. Gorg retreated toward the end of the store, pursued by Kelly. He then drew his revolver and fired, but the cap
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failed to explode. He still fell back till the end of the store was reached. Here Kelly seized hold of Gorg with his left hand, his head resting on Gorg's breast, and his right hand holding a knife in a striking attitude. At this critical moment in the struggle, Gorg placed the muzzle of his revolver near the left ear of his antago- nist and fired. The ball, after passing through a heavy cloth cap, penetrated the head so far as to fracture the outer and inner plate of the skull. The wound was not pronounced mortal, but Kelly died nine days after.
Gorg, after firing the shot, delivered himself up, and was taken to Eldora and lodged in jail. A preliminary examination was held before S. W. Knowlton, Justice of the Peace, and the facts brought out substantially as here given H. L. Huff, W. J. Moir and E. W. Eastman appeared for the State, and Judge Porter for the defense. Gorg was acquitted.
DOUBLE TRAGEDY.
The Eldora Herald of April 9, 1879, con- tained the following account of a tragedy that occurred at Gifford April 7, 1879 :
One of the most fearful and bloody tragedies that fill the crimson aunals of crime, and the most terrible that has ever darkened the history of Hardin County, occurred at the small station of Gifford, six miles south of Eldora, on Monday morning at about 11 o'clock.
John Bell, a fiue looking young man, about 21 years of age, with black hair and mustache, was telegraph operator and station agent. He came here from Oskaloosa, where his parents now re- side, and, from all the information that we could gather, has always borne a splendid reputation for faithfulness and steady habits.
About six weeks ago there came to Gifford a Miss Eva Roberts, a prepossessing young lady,
about 19 years of age, medinm size, brown hair and dark eyes. She came from Grinnell, where we learn her parents now reside, but at the time of the tragedy, were absent in Chicago. Her parents are said to be wealthy, but Eva has been for some time uncontrollable by them. Although she came to Gifford ostensibly to visit Mrs. Sachra, it was afterward learned that she ran away froin nome and refused to return. A couple of weeks ago her mother came to take her home, and they got aboard the train, but soon after the train got in motion Eva jumped off and would not return home.
Mr. Bell formed an attachment for Miss Rob- erts, and they were together a great deal, he changing his boarding place to where she was stopping. There is no evidence that she looked upon him as being anything more than a friend, while his attachment ripened into love But, some three weeks ago, there came to Gifford one Rev. Haugawout, a preacher of the Advent per- suasion, who was engaged in carrying on a series of meetings until a little over a week ago. He is said to be a man of family, now living with his second wife, and his home is in Traer, Iowa. It was noticed by the people that the minister manifested an attachment for Miss Roberts, which was reciprocated by her ; and a little girl at the inquest testified that she saw the minister place a note in Miss Retorts' hand, and the little girl was given a nickle not to tell of it. When the minister left Gifford, Evaleft about the same time, and it was afterward learned that at Lis- comb she was joined by a man answering the description of the preacher, and she intimated before she left that she might join him down the road, in answering remonstrances of her friends against her going away. She returned the latter part of last week, aud uothing unusual occurred. On last Sunday she wrote a letter, and, not wish- ing it to pass through the postoffice, she gave it to Mr. Bell to mail on the train going south on last Monday morning. It was learned that she at times, when away from home, had gone under the assnmed name of Stephens, and it was also learned from Mr. Bell, after the tragedy, that
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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.
the envelope was addressed in that namc. He, among others, suspieioned her conduet with the minister, and it is supposed he mistrusted that this letter was intended for him. Instead of mailing the letter Mr. Bell opened it, and by it hc found, undoubtedly, that his worst suspicions were fully verificd, as he remarked to a friend that "that matter is as we supposed." The se- quel to the awful tragedy is found in this letter, which is as follows :
SUNDAY AFTERNOON, April 6th, 1879. 5
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My Dear Friend : I have arrived homc, and waited long enough to know there is no such thoughts or insinuations cast on our going away together ; not one word has been spoken in re- gard to such, and I am confident there is no such fecling in any respect, and I have not mentioned your name only in a serious way, but am going to be baptised when you come. But, my darling friend, it don't seem possible I have got to wait so long before I can see you ; and since I visited my friend at the Rapids I fcel so free to love you 1 ean but tremble at the thought of it. I am no longer under any obligations to him, and told him so. Oh ! but how he has thrown himself away ! He has got to be a perfect old toper. He has gained twenty pounds since last Decem- ber, and he is growing worse all the time, and I told him I'would nevnecarry him as long as hc drank, and he knows I won't so long as he heard me say so.
I am just going to leave the boys alone and love you, for I know you will accept every bit I can give you. All you want and all I possess you have. I cannot understand how and why we happened to learn from one another the truth from our hearts. * * *
I know I can not but love you, and I will show from my looks and actions that I love you better than my whole life. Since you told me what you did I can but idolize you, knowing how dearly I loved you before you told me all you did, and now it is that much more to contend with. It seems an age since I saw you, but, my
darling, you are with me daily in mind. But do forgive me for writing such feelings and thoughts, but I am writing my feelings from the bottom of my heart, and I cannot write to you and not write about what I am thinking, but will not write longer at this time. Please answer soon . Truly your sincerc friend, EVA.
Herc was revealed to him her love-for another. In the conquest for her heart his rival was the victor. It maddencd him. Jealousy, the green- cyed monster, took possession of him. He began at once to prepare for the awful scene that fol- lowed. He telegraphed his people at Oskaloosa that he would kill himself soon. He telegraphcd the girl's people to come and take care of her body. He borrowed money sufficient to balance his accounts with the railroad company and re- mitted it, telling them to send a man to take his position without any delay. He then went to his and Eva's boarding house, and invited her to walk up the railroad track to the gravel beds, about eighty rods north of the depot, saying that he was going there to mark some cars. Putting on a sunbonnet they walked away together, no onc naying any particular attention to them. What words passed between them on that last walk has never been revealed, and may never be.
When about half way to the gravel-pit, and near the whistling-post, firing was heard, and Mr. Peet and others, looking in the direction of the par- tics, saw the smoke, the girl prostrate upon the ground, and Mr Bell flourishing a large-sized revolver and still firing. They hastened to the scene, but before they arrived Mr. Bell was lying by her side. On reaching the spot they found that Eva was gasping in death, but her murderer was still alive. An examination of her clothing showed that she was shot three times-once through the heart, once in the abdomen and once in the arm; and that he was shot twice in the abdomen. She died almost instantly, and a post-mortem examination and inquest was held on Monday afternoon, which revealed substan- tially the facts as herein stated.
Mr. Bell at last account was still living, but in fearful agony, and the physicians say he cannot
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ITISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.
survive. He has said but little about the tragedy. When asked by a friend of the preacher why he had done the deed, replied; "Your good prcaeher was the cause of it; he was at the bottom of it." He also stated that the letter was addressed to one Stephens. The envelope being lost, and no names being mentioned in the letter, it was not otherwise known to whom it was directed.
In the afternoon he took a razor from his pocket and attempted to usc it upon his throat, but it was taken from him. Later he said he was not going to die, and attempted to joke with the lady waiting upon him.
The uncle of the girl came from Grinnell for her body, and took it home yesterday morning. He reports that the terrible shock has rendered her mother insane, and, it is believed, perma- nently so.
The father of Mr. Bell, who arrived Monday evening, says that Mrs. Bell will not survive the stroke, she having been in poor health for somc time. All the relatives of both parties are over- whelmed with grief. What a flood of sorrow has flowed from simple imprudence.
Bell died four days after the tragedy.
SHOT HIMSELF.
Charles Carson, a 14-year-old son of Eli Carson, of Grant township, fatally shot himself July 19, 1880. It was supposed that he was crawling through the grass after game with his gun, when the trigger caught and the weapon was discharged. The gun was loaded with shot, the load making a large hole in the right side of the neck, and lodging against the base of the skull. Death must have been instan- taneous. He was accompanied by a little brother, who was too young to give any positive information. He came running home and told them the gun had kicked Charlie over. The mother went out and found him lying in the grass dead with his clothes on fire.
SHOOTING OF CHARLES FLEMMING.
On Friday, February 28, 1868, Enos B. Sellers was in Eldora with his father. They rode home together, and on their arrival found John B. Henderson and Charles Flemming in the house. Enos walked up to Flemming, and, taking deliberate aim with a revolver, shot him through the right breast. Sellers was at once arrested, taken to Eldora and a preliminary examination held. The evidence all tended to conclu- sively show that he was insane, and there- fore not responsible for the deed. He was taken to and confined in the Insane Asy- lum at Independence.
PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.
This order, in 1873, was in a most flour- ishing condition in Hardin county, there being at that time no less than sixteen Granges. On Thursday, June 5, 1873, these Granges had a grand mass meeting at Eldora, in which it is estimated 5,000 people were present. For some cause, all interest has died ont in the order in this county, and nearly, if not quite all, the Granges have ceased to exist.
HARDIN COUNTY MUTUAL PROTECTION SOCIETY.
In the early days of the history of Har- din county, it was infested by a gang of horse thieves, who committed their depre- dations with such cunning that it was utterly impossible to reach them in a legal way. Parties were suspected, but when arrested and tried, the proof was slight or an alabi would be proven by some con- federate, and the guilty would thus escape. The heavy timber along the Iowa river through Clay, Jackson and Hardin town-
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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.
ship was a safe retreat at most all times. Finally, forebearance ceased to be a virtue, and it was determined by the honest men that the gang of horse thieves should be broken up; accordingly on the 4th day of July, 1857, a meeting was held at Eldora, and an association was formed to which was given the name of Hardin county Mutual Protection Society, with J. W. Jones, President; J. M. Scott, Secre- tary; Jonathan Edgington, Treasurer. The' association numbered some of the best men in the county. The following named were appointed a Vigilance Committee: T. B. Knapp, Joshua Ball, Daniel Dillon, Jas. W. Miller, T. N. Hauser, L. F. Sander- son, Jas. M. Buckner, A. W. Parke, Gran- ville Arnold, Henry Graham. The Com- mittee had general oversight of the work of the association.
This association remained in existence about one year, and then disbanded.
In 1858 another association was formed, having the same objects. About fifty of the best citizens of the county were mem- bers of this committee. Henry L. Huff was the presiding officer.
But one trial was ever had. A man liv- ing near Hardin City was strongly su -- pected of being a member of the gang of horse thieves, and was arrested, brought before the committee in the court house at Eldora and duly tried. Evidence was sub- initted to prove the unworthiness of the man; that if he was not a horse thief he was no better than one, and ought to be hung on general principles. No positive proof was furnished, but enough circum- stantial evidence was admitted to enable the committee to decide that he was guilty, and pass upon him the sentence of death.
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