USA > Iowa > Johnson County > History of Johnson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, and its townships, cities and villages from 1836 to 1882 > Part 69
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In area of land under cultivation and amount of produce, the increase was still greater, while conveniences of every kind were multiplied, and the log cabins were replaced by substantial dwellings, with all the com- forts of the farm-houses of our eastern neighbors. There is an opinion prevailing among Iowa farmers that during the last years of the war and for a year or two after the close, that there was a kind of "golden age" for farmers, though it is doubtful if such is the case when we consider everything. True, the land was new and the crops produced large, and it seems as if prices were immense, for wheat brought $2.50 per bushel, and other produce in proportion; but then everything that farmers bought was fully as high, proportionately, as the produce which they sold. So the advantage only extended to those who had old debts to pay, and this is one instance where it was an advantage to have debts to pay.
Rapid as the progress of the town of Oxford was during the period covered by the previous chapter, that of the township was hardly less.
The census report of 1875 gives the following items of information of general interest:
Number of dwellings 182
66 " inhabitants 1009
Natives of Iowa.
445
Number of voters 215
Average increase since 1869, from 20 to 25 per cent. Increase in the county during same period about ten per cent. A good showing for Oxford.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Acres improved land
12,889
Bushels wheat
61,853
corn
.197,687
66
oats
23,021
potatoes 7,167
Being an increase of from fifty to sixty per cent. in six years.
Apple trees in bearing
1,034
not bearing
4,206
Bushels apples
430
Pounds grapes
14,317
Gallons sorghum
1,104
Tons hay
1,410
Number of horses and mules.
632
milch cows
659
" other cattle.
1,234
" cattle sold for slaughter
293
66
hogs on hand .
2,642
66
sold for slaughter
2,330
Pounds of butter.
31,132
A few words relative to the Grangers or Patrons of Husbandry will be in order. This society had in Oxford township three granges or lodges, one of which held its meetings at the school-house in district No. 11, another in No. 6, and another at Oxford.
In 1874 a "joint stock company," composed of members of several granges in the vicinity of Oxford, was formed, and erected two buildings at Oxford, one to be used for a general store, the other as an agricultural warehouse.
The store was opened and continued to do business for some three years, and the general impression has been that it was not a great success. At all events, the store was discontinued, and the "company" dissolved, the property being sold to Mr. McCandless in 1879. The buildings are now occupied by Robinson's drug store, and Mrs. Heartwell's millinery estab- lishment.
In 1872, Wilson and Estabrook began to deal in coal, which began at that time to be used, and has now nearly superseded wood as an article of fuel in the town of Oxford. A list of Oxford's business houses in 1881: General stores, 5; grocery, 1; hardware 3; drugs and medicines, 2; millin- ery and notions, 3; jewelry and music, 1; books and stationery, 1; furni- ture, 1; undertakers, 2; flower and feed, 1; meat market, 1; bakery and confectionery, 1; livery stables, 2; lumber yard, 1; coal yard, 1; brick yard, 1; barber shop, 1; picture gallery, 1; flour mill, 1; hotels, 3; news- papers, 2; physicians and surgeons, 3; ministers, 4; lawyer, 1; notaries public, 2; dentist, 1; music teachers, 5; milliners, +; dressmakers, 6; agri-
38
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
cultural implement dealers, 4; grain dealers, 5; stock buyers, 3; machine shop, 1; blacksmith shops, 4; tin shop, 1; carpenters and joiners, 4; wagon makers, 3; harness shop, 1; shoemaker shops, 3; elevator, 1; grain houses, 2; corn shellers, 4; teamsters and draymen, 4; milk dealer, 1; and saloons, 6. There was shipped from Oxford station on the C. R. I. &. P. R. R., from Sept. 1, 1880, to Sept. 1, 1881, as follows: Live stock, 121 cars; corn, 436 cars; wheat, 21 cars; other grain, 59 cars. And in addi- tion to this large quantities of potatoes, butter, eggs, seeds and miscella- neous articles aggregating many car loads.
The area included in the region for which Oxford is the commercial point is not confined to Oxford township, but extends several miles in all directions, notably to the south, and southwest into the finest agricultural regions of Johnson and Iowa counties.
CHAPTER X .- PART 3.
CHRONICLES OF CLEAR CREEK.
BY MRS. MARY A. HAMILTON. [Compiled and written especially for this volume:]
To those worthy pioneers and good citizens, Messrs. Bryan Dennis, J. M. Douglass, J. J. Shephardson, Geo. Dennison, J. D. Calony, E. Abrams, J. R. Willis, Hon. Rolla Johnson, Hon. Geo. Paul, Elder Ragan, Rev Pugh and to Mesdames Dennis, Sarah L. Douglass and Ellinor Colany, are due the grateful thanks of the writer for their generous aid and co-op- eration in preparing these sketches.
REMINISCENCES OF THE EARLY SETTLERS.
Jonathan Sprague staked out his claim on the piece of land as the farm now owned by Bryan Dennis, Esq., and built for his family his little home of logs in the grove adjoining the cultivated fields on the west, which was then, and for years after known as the Sprague Grove settlement, from Bloomington [Muscatine] on the east as far west as emigration reached. He came here in 1839, from Ohio; was father-in-law of Mr. John Hart- well, now living in Oxford, and who, with his wife and family lived for some time in this grove. Sprague's claim was on section 29, range 80 north, 7 west.
James Douglass came from Ohio in 1839; settled in Oxford township, just west of the township line, where he resided until he died, and was buried in Tiffin cemetery. His wife survived him a number of years, living on the same farm till a short time before her death. She moved to Oxford, where she died, and was buried beside her husband in Tiffin cemetery.
In the last of May, 1839, Ebenezer Douglass, wife and family, from
·
599
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Ohio, settled on a claim adjoining this township line on the west, now con- stituting the farm owned by Hezekiah Hamilton, whose wife is a daugh- ter of Ebenezer Douglass. Mr. Douglass died 18 , and was buried in Tiffin cemetery. His wife, "aunt Sarah," as she is affec- tionately called by the neighbors, many of whom have known and loved her during her sojourn of forty-three years in this vicinity, is still living in an honored old age, making her home with her son, J. M. Douglass and family.
John N. Headly and Sam'l Hueston came together on April 6, 1839, from Ohio. Headly settled on a claim on Sec. 27, Range 7, where Wm. Wolf now lives, and Hueston settled on the farm now owned by Mr. Perry Tantlinger, Sec. 28. Mr. Hueston now lives at Koszta, Iowa county. Mr. Headly is dead and his wife is married again and now lives near Koszta.
Joshua Switzer came to Liberty township, Johnson county, in 1838; to this township in 1839: lived here four years; moved back to Liberty township.
David Switzer (his brother) came from Indiana in 1838, and took up a claim on Sec. 1, Township 80 N., 7 W. It was there that the first dam in the county was built and first mill erected, in the spring and summer of 1839, and was in successful operation in October of the same year. The dam is now known as the Strickler Woolen Mills, although this latter property has been removed to Nebraska.
Mrs. M. A. Dennis (now McConnell) and her three children, Bryan Dennis, I. V. Dennis and Adaline Dennis, now Mrs. A. J. Bond, from Ohio settled in this township April 6, 1839, on the farm now known as the John Porter farm. She was subsequently married to John McConnell, who died April 19, 1846, and she has since made her home with her son, Bryan Dennis. She still lives [Sept. 20, 1882,] at the honored old age of S5, loved and respected by all who know her.
Bryan Dennis came to this township with his mother in 1839; was married to Agnes J. McConnell, October 30, 1844, in Iowa City, by W. R. Talbott. Bought the Sprague claim, moved his young bride thereon, and there established a home noted for its comfort and hospitality far and wide. Mr. Dennis was a man of note among the early settlers, aiding in public counsel and objects of general welfare from his boyhood-a posi- tion of honor, trust and usefulness he has never abandoned.
George Dennison came from Illinois with his family April 12, 1839, and settled in Penn township, which was then in Clear Creek precinct. Moved to where John Brant now lives in 1840; moved to Bloomington (Muscatine) 1846; moved back to Penn township, 1850; to where he now lives in 1852, and where, after so much moving, they-he and his wife-expect to end their days. Sturdy and independent, they cling to the customs and traditions of other days. To them we are deeply indebted for facts and reminiscences of early times.
600
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Henry Springmeyer came from Germany to Iowa City in 1838 or '39; was married in 1842 by a Catholic bishop at a private house, as there was no Catholic church erected in Iowa City at that time. Came to their present homestead in what is now Clear Creek township in 1851- at that time part of Union township. They reared a family of eight children, two of whom still reside here, Mrs. Robert Anthony, and Henry J. Spring- meyer. The latter now lives at Linn Grove farm, near his old home. He was married to Miss R. W. Denney, September 16, 1866. They have a family of eight children-the only family in this township with seven successive sons. Of course the seventh son is destined to be a phy- sician (?).
The Denny family came to Iowa in 1861, being driven from near Mem- phis, Missouri, by rebel guerrillas. Escaped with sick wife and children, left all else to be destroyed. The wife and mother died soon after her arrival, from effects of excitement and the journey, but was greatly comforted to leave her family in a free country, and that she could be buried in a state where the chains of slavery were never felt.
Hon. Geo. Paul came to this township in 1843; married a daughter of H. H. Winchester. Full particulars concerning his notable career will be found elsewhere in this volume.
George Dennison; 1839 in the county; in the township in 1843.
Jackson Sanders, 1842.
Samuel Lovejoy and James Stone, both young men, came in 1840.
Joe Brown, 1841.
James Montgomery, 1842.
Jarvis and Jackson Frost, 1841.
Lyman Frost, senior, uncle to Frost Bros., 1840; Lyman Frost, junior, (son), 1842.
Henry Usher, blacksmith, with first shop in Sprague's grove, 1841.
Tom Spicer and family, 1841.
In 1843 came the Keelers and the Kings, and two Shepardsons (J. J. and N.) came in 1842 to Penn township,
Virgil Lancaster, 1848, a widower with a large family of girls-much appreciated in the new settlement.
Wm. Lancaster, 1843.
Yale Hamilton and family, and son-in-law and daughter, and Wm. Mas- sey and family came to Liberty township in 1845, also to this township, 1845.
Wesley Reynolds and wife, a son-in-law and daughter of Yale Hamil- ton, settled here the previous year on the farm on which they have since lived.
J. R. Willis came to this county in 1841; settled in the township, 1845. He was a man of unusual strength, and was remarkable for feats of activ- ity. He could hold 100 pounds with one hand stretched out horizontally, and could jump 16 feet at a stand-still jump. He was married in Febru-
601
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
ary, 1841, to Rebecca Lancaster, who died in September, 1854. He mar- ried again, and this second wife dying, was married the third time, the lady still living. He had three children by his first wife, one of whom, Mary Alice Gruwell, is now living in Kansas.
Constantine Evans, from Kentucky, in 1843.
John McConnell, a widower with family of 8 children, mostly grown, came in 1840, and bought a claim just east of the Abrams cheese factory ; still known as the John McConnell farm. Mrs. Bryan Dennis is a daugh- ter of his; also Mrs. Wm. K. Talbott, whose labors as one of the first teachers in Iowa City are well remembered as are those of her husband, the founder of Snethen Seminary at Iowa City in 1844.
Isom Holler, in 1845; quite a rough and disreputable character. He had a reputation for being quarrelsome, and kept it up by beating his wife and family on any or no provocation.
Spicer Jones, now living in Louisa county, settled here in 1839.
James Hollowell from Michigan, 1840.
John Conns, father-in-law of Wash. Hulburt, 1843.
In the fall of 1839 Archibald Gilliland first came to Clear Creek town- ship, leaving his family behind until he prepared them a home. He bought a large claim in four sections, but built his home in section 26, township 80, range 7, on the site where G. W. Watson now lives. He came from Illi- nois directly, but from Pennsylvania originally. He boarded at Mrs. Den- nis'-now McConnell-for some time and worked at his trade. Moved his family to Iowa City from Illinois in 1840, where he remained for two years to give his family the privileges of schools, then settled on his claim in 1842, where he resided until he died. His claim embraced a farm of 500 acres-a large farm for those days. He was county commissioner for three years, and justice of the peace for quite a number of years; and it was then considered remarkable that in all that time he never had a suit brought before him, spending days at a time to reconcile disagreeing par- ties, rather than neighbor should go to law with neighbor. He was an active politician, of the democratic school of politics, but took earnest sides in favor of "no license," during the agitation of that subject. He died in 1852, leaving to his family a handsome property, accumulated by his thrift and economy. His wife survived him thirteen years. His family con- sisted of nine children, six of whom are now living. These are James Gilliland, living in Madison township, blind by accident. For thirty-three years he has, with unequaled industry and ingenuity, made his way in the world and provided abundantly for his family. He guides and directs farming operations for others, and does much work by the wonderfully acute sense of touch that would seem almost impossible, such as hoeing garden, pitching on or off a load, repairing fences, trimming trees, &c., &c. His farm has one of the largest and finest orchards in that section of the country, and abounds in all manner of small fruits. His family con- sists of his wife, two sons and adopted daughter.
602
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Mrs. Elenor Colany, wife of Charles Colany, who with their family of seven children, mostly grown, constitute a family of whose merits the least is the fact that Mr. Colany pays the heaviest tax in the township.
Freeman Gilliland lives in Shelby, Shelby county-five children.
Mrs. Millie Colany, wife of J. D. Colany-two sisters married two brothers-citizens highly esteemed for their integrity and moral worth; five children.
Mrs. Ettie Brown lives in Greene county ; five children.
Andrew Gilliland, Poweshiek county; one child. These are the descendants of Archibald Gilliland and wife-worthy descendants of wor- thy ancestors.
Nathaniel Scales, from Tennessee, came to the county in 1840, in the township in 1844 or '45; still resides on the same place, in the eastern part of the township; a man of much means and influence.
John McConnell was born in 1785, in Virginia; came to Iowa in 1839; to this township in 1840; was a widower with eight children, mostly grown. Staked out his claim on land still known as the John McConnell farm, where he lived till his death, April 19, 1846.
He was married to Mrs. Mary Ann Dennis in 1841. Those of his chil- dren now living are Mrs. Jane Westbrooke, Joliet, Ills., Mrs. H. A. Tal- bott, Woodhull -- her husband, Rev. Wm. K. Talbott, a Presbyterian min- ister. The Medley, published in Iowa City, Iowa territory, June, 1846, · contained the following notice of Mr. John McConnell:
DIED.
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."
In Johnson county, April 19, after about three days' illness, Mr. John McConnell, aged 61 years. The deceased was one of the first settlers and a regent of the Iowa State University. He had performed the office of Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church for twenty-five years past in various places in which he had resided."
May 10, his daughter, Miss Isabella McConnell, also died, aged 24 years. She yielded her life a voluntary sacrifice to her watchful and untir- ing care over the sick beds of her father, brothers and sisters.
Mr. A. J. Bond is daughter of Mrs. M. A. McConnell, and one of the early settlers in this township, where she has married and is at present residing. April 3, 1851, Miss Adaline Dennis was married to Mr. A. J. Bond, Rev. Hardy, officiating.
Wesley Reynolds came to this township in 1840; bought the land where he now lives, which was then a claim owned by Ebenezer Douglass. Mr. Reynolds entered the land when it came into market. He has a fine orchard of over 100 trees-mostly apple-and all variety of choice small fruit. His family consisted of twelve children, eight of whom are now living-Wm. Reynolds, Shelby; John N. Reynolds, Kansas; I. P. Rey- nolds, Bryan Reynolds, Charles Reynolds, Mrs. Mary Dawson, Mrs. Lydia Hudson, all of whom live in this township-and James Reynolds in
603
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Kansas. Four of his sons were in the army-all that were old enough to go,-all gone at one time-and all re-enlisted but Bryan, whose time had not expired when the war closed. This latter was under age; and his parents feeling that they had given enough to their country in the three already gone, refused consent, but Bryan counted home and country before father and mother, and ran away and enlisted. His discharge shows that he was in fifteen battles; it is rather remarkable among so many soldiers in one family that not one was wounded or sick except I. P., who was discharged for ill health, came home, got better, and re-enlisted.
John Hawkins and wife come from Ohio, and settled on a claim just east of this township line on the farm now known as the John Able farm. They had one son who married a Miss Fishbeck of Ohio, and they in turn had one son-grandson of the old people ind the joy and comfort of their hearts; he distinguished himself in the army, but we have not the proper data to attempt any account of his record. The old people moved to Iowa City where they were widely known. Mr. Hawkins, Sen., took the Cali- fornia fever when at its height and went to California in 1850, where he . soon died. His son died in Iowa City, and his widow-the son's widow- subsequently married Mr. Lyman Holt. Mr. Holt died and his widow went to Ohio, where she married again and died. Her son, Jas. Hawkins, devoted himself to his grandmother-"Auntie Hawkins" -- as she was familiarly called, who idolized him as only a fond grandmother can idolize a promising, high minded and honorable young man. He was a captain in 22d regiment Iowa volunteers, was married in Iowa City. He and his wife decided to go to California for their health, and Auntie Hawkins, having no ties but the dear ones of early association decided to accompany them. Her only other living relative-a niece named Miss Jane Hill, who was married to Elder Bowman, a distinguished Methodist minister, the founder of Mt. Vernon College, and a minister yet of great power and influence in Iowa, had also gone to California for her health. "Auntie Hawkins" has died, since going to California; also her grandson and wife, leaving two children.
Mrs. Bowman is also dead. Her husband returned after her death to Iowa, and is still living. Thus ends an imperfect sketch of a once notable family of early settlers, known to very many in the county, ending in sad- ness and death, one after another till all but the two young children are gone.
Here is a scrap from "Tiffin Topics" concerning old settlers of Johnson county. In March 1880, it was written: Mrs. Sybil Harris, her son, Mr. Van Harris, and two orphan grandchildren whom she has adopted, all from near Leadville, Colorado, are visiting the brothers of Mrs. Har- ris, H. and J. C. Hamilton, and her sister, Mrs. Reynolds. Mrs. Harris was among the early settlers of Johnson county. She is a fine talker and her reminiscences of early times in Johnson county are as interesting as
604
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
the wildest romance. Many who read these lines will remember that she and her sister Mrs. Betsy Ann Massey, set the first fourth of July dinner in Iowa City, celebrating the laying out of the town in 1840. The dinner was in the capitol square, now the university grounds. Thirty was the largest number that could be accommodated at the tables at one time, and the entire settlement had been scoured on both sides of the river to procure dishes for even that many, as none were to be had at the stores.
Mrs. Harris at the death of her husband, met with many sad reverses of fortune, and after a time joined her eldest son, Van, who had ranged the western domain from the Rio Grande to British Columbia, and who was one of the early and lucky ones in Leadville, Colorado. Fortune has smiled benignly on their united ventures, and she has returned to Iowa to enjoy the advantages of civilization once more, and to educate her grand- children. Mrs. Harris is a lady of more than ordinary ability, and the romantic vicissitudes of her life render her society and conversation peculiarly interesting. She has located her future home in Montour, Tama county.
This history would be incomplete without some mention of Esq. Robt. Walker, one of the earliest settlers of Johnson county, who spent the later years of his life in this township, and was buried in Tiffin cemetery. He was a man of much influence in early times, was the first justice of peace in Johnson county, held offices of public trust, and had much to do with early county affairs.
Robert Walker, Esq., was born in Schenectady, N. Y., Oct. 4, 1802; was married, Feb. 19, 1823, to Miss Ellen Mc Wade. Six children were given to the wedded pair. They came to Iowa in 1838, and settled in Pleasant Valley, where, after a number of years, his wife died. In 1853 he moved to Iowa City, where he was married to Mrs. Avis Mygatt, who still lives to mourn his loss. They moved to Clear Creek township in 1850. He died Oct. 28, 1879. In religious belief he was an ardent Universalist, and sustained his belief by a life of irreproachable morality.
Prominent among early settlers was H. H. Winchester, the Wolfe family and Colany, Slaght, Saxton and Chipman were added to the little group of early settlers a few years later, and brought with them a breeze from the outside world, better and more convenient ways of living-and the new and old settlers soon assimilated. John Saxton and Orville Chipman served as justices of the peace, the latter for several terms.
Among the number of good substantial citizens that came to this town- ship in the fifties were the Williams family. Col. John Williams was promoted in the army, and on his return was elected county judge. He died in Iowa City, but was buried in Tiffin cemetery. Hon. Rolla John- son lived in Iowa county before coming to this township, and while living there was a member of the Iowa legislature. Wm. Clark, a kind-hearted excellent man, now dead, served as justice of the peace.
605
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Hon. George Paul is a gentleman whose ability has made him a distin- guished factor of Iowa politics, and whose life and labors have been given more distinctively to the county and State, and especially to the State University, than to this township in which he lives; but he says of him- self in this connection, "I am a Clear Creek man, most emphatically. I first bought the claim in 1842, and entered the land that I now live on with but one object in view, that of making a permanent home for myself and my then prospective family, and I have never changed my mind."
Mr. Bryan Dennis was one of the early justices, and still relates with considerable gusto his feats in the marriage line. He tied the knot matri- monial for Isom Holler and his poor, much-abused wife so tight that the unhappy pair struggled in vain for twelve years to undo-and which was finally cut by an axe that the sorely tried woman raised at last in self-de- fense.
The old settlers now living in this township are: Hon. Geo. Paul and wife, Mrs. Chas. Colany, Mrs. John Colany, Sarah L. Douglass, Wesley Reynolds and Susan, his wife; J. M. Douglass, H. Hamilton and wife, J. C. Hamilton, Mrs. A. J. Bond, Bryan Dennis and wife, Mrs. Mary McConnell, J. J. Shephardson, George Dennison and wife, Henry Spring- meyer and J. R. Willis.
Of the number who settled here in early days the following are known to be dead:
Virgil Lancaster and seven of his family, H. H. Winchester and wife, David Switzer and wife, Sam Holler, John Saxton, Archibald Gillilland, wife and oneson, John Headly and father, Henry Headly, James Doug- lass and wife, Ebenezer Douglass, Jackson Frost, Jarvis Frost, Yale Ham- ilton and wife, Dr. I. P. Hamilton, son of Yale Hamilton, and Jonathan Sprague and wife.
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