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 71
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In August, 1879, Mr. Chas. Colany had three head of fine horses and a new open family carriage stolen. One horse was subsequently found. The rest of the property was never heard from.
The grain house at Tiffin was burned by sparks from a locomotive.
On the Nathaniel Scales farm there is a piece of slough that was set on fire in the spring, to burn the grass off, and it burned all summer. It was discovered to be a peat bed, and burned twelve feet deep. Several others in the township in the same condition.
ACCIDENTS.
About twenty-five years ago a young man named Dicus, a brother of James Dicus of this place, was drowned near Strickler's dam while bathing.
About eighteen years ago a man named Lysle, living in Oxford town- ship, fell off a load of lumber while driving on the state road near where Mr. Jno. Fisher now lives, and was killed by being run over.
In September, 1865, Mr. Eli Brooks, a gentleman who, a few years before had bought what was then known as the Haller farm, met with an accident resulting in almost instant death, that cast a gloom of sorrow and regret over this community. Mr. Brooks was a heavy stock dealer, and spent much of his time in the saddle buying and selling stock. He used for this purpose an unusually fine horse that was a great favorite- spirited, but kind, and was not supposed to be vicious or easily frightened. On the morning in question, different persons met him in an unusually happy frame of mind, singing at the top of a remarkably fine voice, good, old-fashioned Methodist melodies; for he was a Methodist class-leader, steward and exhorter. An hour or two later some friends invited him to stop and refresh himself with watermelons. He hastily slipped his halter in the form of a slip noose over his arm, and alighted. As he sat there pleasantly chatting, his horse, from some unexplained reason took fright suddenly, and bounded off with the speed of the wind, dragging him by the arm till he was torn, mangled and bruised almost beyond recognition, and instantly killed.
About five years after this his son, William Brooks, and another young man named Charles Ellsworth, were killed by the caving in of a well, at the bottom of which they were at work laying up a wall of stone for the water basin.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
BIG THRESHING JOBS.
J. M. Douglass once threshed out of stack, 1,038 bushels of oats, hav- ing moved 3 miles and thrashed in two different places, in one day. On another occasion he threshed 14 bushels of oats in two minutes by the watch.
On still another occasion he threshed 345 bushels of oats in one hour and forty-five minutes. Affidavit! All these with the same machine-a Massillon separator.
John Donaldson, J. C. Hamilton and John Colors threshed 565 bushels of oats in 4 hours and 20 minutes, out of shock in field. Had to check up to let in teams, and were hindered with green hands and bothersome belting, or they would have threshed several thousand bushels more.
EARLY PREACHERS AND CHURCHES.
Israel Clark of the Christian or Disciples Church preached the first ser- mon at Sprague's grove, and baptized three or four persons in Clear Creek, near Douglass saw mill.
Constantine Evans, an uneducated man of the same section, devoted his Sabbaths to preaching, and his week days to farm labor.
The first Methodist preaching in this township was in 1844, by Rev. Edward Twining, now Elder Twining. The M. E. Church of this township was organized under his administration. It has not been with- out a preacher or discontinued services in 38 years.
Of the Presbyterians there was no organization; but Rev. Ward Talbott preached here occasionally in 1843-44, at the house of John McConnell, an elder of the church. Rev. Hazzard of Iowa City also preached for this church occasionally in 1847-48.
The Baptist Church was organized in 1853 by Rev. Dexter P. Smith, of Iowa City. Prior to that time, however, Wm. Henry Headly, an early settler of good repute, frequently preached that doctrine, but died before his hopes of establishing a church were consummated. He was the father of Mrs. George Dennison. Of this church some have died, many have moved away, and many were absorbed into the Christian Church, under the preaching of Elder J. C. Hay. A few of the old standard bearers remain, who cannot conscientiously adhere to other than Baptist tenets.
During the winter of 1867-68, Elder John C. Hay preached in what was then known as the Johnson school house. During a revival or pro- tracted meeting, he organized the church. There were many who had been members in other places. To this church were added then, and subseqently, many from other churches, principally Baptists. Elder Hay, is now [1882] minister to the Christian Church at Minneapolis, Minnesota. The church now has a large and interesting Sabbath school, and is at present in a most united and prosperous condition under the leadership of. Elder Ragan. Having organized this church, Elder Hay looked to its
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
perpetual accommodation. As the Christian Church was not at the time, considered strong enough to build a meeting house controlled exclusively by themselves, it was proposed to build a union church to be used by the Christian and Methodist churches on alternate sabbaths, which was accordingly done, and the present building-frame, 44x30-was erected at a cost of $2,800.
It was dedicated in 1869 by Elder Hay. It soon transpired, however, that this enterprise was to be a signal failure, as all union church affairs generally are. Dissensions, misunderstandings and difficulties of prece- dence arose. About this time the Annual Conference stationed Rev. Den- nis Murphy at Tiffin M. E. Church. Rev. Murphy, though then young in the ministry, was considered one of the most brilliant and promising preach- ers in the conference. He and his wife were taking a course at the Iowa State University, which accounts for his being stationed at so small a place as Tiffin, so he could preach Sabbaths and attend the University week days. His powerful doctrinal Methodism called forth like power- ful doctrinal sermons from Elder Hay, until the alternate sermons verged into the finest oratorical display ever witnessed in so small a place. Each congregation sided with their own preacher. The whole matter culmi- nated in the refusal of the church for a special meeting occasion. This led at once to the rupture of the union so long threatened. The Meth- odists withdrew, leaving the chapel they had helped to build to the sole occupancy of the Christian connection. Then, under the guidance and direction of Rev. Mr. Murphy, they built for themselves a frame church at a cost of about four thousand dollars, with a corner tower eighty-four feet in height. This church was dedicated September 15, 1873, by Rev. Bunner Marks, free of debt. It is said to be the best finished church for the money in the State.
The Christian Church has since been thoroughly repaired, tower fin- ished, calcimined, painted, refitted with carpets, and is now as neat and tasteful a church as can be found in any small country town.
The earliest members of the Christian Church are Mrs. Susan Doug- lass, Mrs. Philo Colany, Mrs. Sarah Douglass, Mrs. Ruth Davis, Mrs. Talbott and others.
The names of pastors who have successively preached at the Christian Church are, John C. Hay, J. C. White, John C. Hay [again], R. H. Ingram, L. L. Lane, A. J. Garretson, E. L. Posten, G. Applegate, John C. Hay [again, on his return from Europe], and James H. Ragan. Present mem- bership eighty.
The Grace Methodist Episcopal Church is situated in section 28, town- ship 80, range 7. The names of original members were: L. Morehead and wife, C. P. Slaght and wife, Wm. Wolfe and wife, Wesley Reynolds and wife, Asa Ruckman and wife, David Hudnut and wife. Organized in 1857. The record of a still earlier organization has been lost. Its date cannot be given; but the following persons were members of it: Mr.
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and Mrs. Keeler, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. King, Mr. and Mrs. Meachem, Miss Mary Heuston, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs. Yale Hamilton, Mr. J. Shepardson, Mrs. Mary McConnell.
The following is a list of the early Methodist preachers: Rev. Jenni- son Kellogg, Bowman, Swaringer, Emory Miller (now D. D.), E. C. Twining, Wm. Pasten, J. B. Hill, J. R. Cary, J. A. Wilson, James Coats, Thos. Miller, Dennis Murphy, R. Noble, J. E. Carley, R. A. Carnine, E. Sampson, R. J. Kenyon, G. N. Story, and H. F. Pugh; the latter being in present charge [Sept., 1882].
In the early settlement of the country preachers were assigned large districts, which compelled them to travel long distances. Appointments often were twenty and even thirty miles apart. On one occasion our preacher had to go to Newton, Jasper county, to attend a conference, with two others from Marengo. They traveled in regulation style, on horse- back, with saddle-bags for clothing, Bible and hymn-book: also carrying blankets and luncheon for case of emergency, as the settlements were sparse, there being only one or two stopping places on the way, a dis- tance of sixty miles. Snooks' Grove was twenty or twenty-four miles. The Snooks family were the only residents of the grove and were reputed hard cases, very profane, etc. Riding up to the door they introduced themselves as gospel missionaries, and requested entertainment for the night, which was very cordially granted by Snooks. " Yes, yes, gentle- tlemen, walk in. We neither fear God, man, nor the devil, and are not afraid of losing our scalps, either." They were treated with genuine hospitality, and in the early morning sent on their way rejoicing.
CEMETERIES.
The first cemetery was located on the stage farm, then occupied by Mr. Keeler. The cemetery association was organized in 1842, a deed made of the land, but through carelessness was never recorded. Mr. Paster bought the farm and gave notice for people to remove their dead, which they neglected, thinking any time would do. The next spring the land was grubbed out, plowed up and put into grain; and there is nothing now to mark the spot where so many sleep. The following are a few who are remembered to have been buried there: Wife and two children of J. R. Trillis, Lyman Frost, Dr. Frost, a wife of Samuel Heuston, Jack- son Frost, Jarvis Frost, Henry Headly, Thos. King, Mr. Keeler, Mrs. Clapp, Wm. Clark.
The present township cemetery was first used by a man named Dowd, on whose claim it was located to bury two of his children, and by com- mon consent it was used for that purpose, although there was no deed given for the land until 1863, when a deed was presented to an association by J. C. Hamilton, son of Yale Hamilton, who bought and entered the Dowd claim, and resided thereon till he died, and was buried in this cem- etery. An effort was made to plat out the ground, but this was difficult
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to do, as the early graves had been placed irregularly, and it was found that one of the streets was arranged to cross the graves of Mr. and Mrs. Yale Hamilton, and the heirs objected to this so strenuously that the plat was rejected, and no other having been adopted, there is much confusion and irregularity in burying in this cemetery.
LYCEUMS.
The first lyceum was organized November 10, 1842. The first meet- ing was held at the residence of Bryan Dennis, Esq., where most of the meetings were subsequently held. From papers yellow with age, pre- served by Mr. Dennis, we extract a few articles that would be well to incorporate into the constitutions of its successors, as well as many other societies:
Art. 2. It shall be the duty of the president of this society to call this lyceum to order at 6 P. M.
Art. 3. After this lyceum is called to order, no person shall be allowed to hold any conversation whatever with a member or spectator that will disturb the house.
Art. 10. No person shall be allowed to use any disrespectful or con- temptous language against officers or members of this association."
Among the names of early members who are named as debators are:
Bryan Dennis. Archilald Gilliland J. H. Frost.
Samuel Hueston. H. H. Brown. Carlos Frost.
Andrew Hallenbeck. Spicer Jones. J. L. Frost.
Grant Packard. Joseph Brown. Henry Headley.
S. C. Hawkins. Nicholas Shepardson. John Conn.
David Switzer, and others.
The first officers of the lyceum were: President, John Conn; vice- president, John Headley; secretary, Bryan Dennis; treasurer, J. L. Frost.
There was a fund raised for expenses, principally paper and light. The former was inexpensive and was of the coarsest grade of foolscap, while for the latter the lyceum put on aristocratic airs with tallow candles, which were considered quite an advancement towards luxury from the lard lamp, consisting of a saucer of grease with a twisted rag for a wick. This was the more common form of light. In these crumpled yellow papers we find a few of the questions debated:
1. Are the works of Nature more admired than those of art. De- cided in the negative by both argument and merit of the question.
2. Has the use of intoxicating liquors been more injurious to the world at large than slavery? Decided in affirmative on arguments, but negative on merit.
3. Has the art of navigation been of more benefit to mankind than the art of printing? Decided in affirmative on argument; negative on merit.
4. Does the disposition of man court wealth more than honor? De- cided in negative.
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5. Are the principles of man innate or acquired? Decided in affirma- tive on argument; negative on merit.
6. Should property exempt from execution be specified in state consti- tution ?
7. Ought we to encourage home industry to the exclusion of foreign goods? Decided in affirmative on argument; negative on merit.
8. Would the growing of wool enhance the prosperity of this state more than the culture of hemp?
Be it remarked that this discussion was not nearly as irrelevant as would appear. The growing of hemp had been a much talked of industry, and a small mill for manufacturing it in various forms had been established near what is now known as the free bridge at Iowa City, near Folsom's hill.
9. Is it right in any case for the law to take human life? Decided in affirmative on argument; negative on merit.
One of the liveliest debates occurred between the bachelors on one side and married men on the other, on the question, --
10. Does a life of protracted celibacy tend to the injury of society? Decided in affirmative on argument; negative on merit.
Another question that is remembered with interest, was,-
11. Is phrenology as a science calculated to benefit a community? Col. Trowbridge, of Iowa City, was invited to speak on this occasion, but it proved inclement weather, and he did not come out till several weeks after. when he delivered a lecture on the subject.
12. Is the making or vending of ardent spirits consistent with morality? About this time "compositions," as essays were then called, were intro- duced into the order of exercises; and Mr. James Gilliland, then a young man, read the first production.
13. Is a liar more injurisus to society than a thief ? Decided in affirm- ative both on argument and merit.
Here they dipped into theology.
14. Are the sun, moon and stars, and the rest of creation, the works of nature? Decided in affirmative on argument; negative on merit.
15. Is it right for the Governor to grant pardon in capital offenses? Decided in affirmative on argument; negative on merit.
16. Is direct taxation a more fair and equable way of raising a revenue than by tariff ?
This closes the time stained fragment of documents. Much in them would be worthy of preservation as showing bias of thought, and the principles of early settlers. We have recorded decisions for this reason.
The only other lyceum of which there was any record was established in the winter of 1865-6. Mr. Wm. Wolfe was its first president. The following names are remembered of those who took prominent part in the discussions. Wm. Wolfe, Rolla Johnson, Bryan Dennis, Joe Douglass, Will Doty, Riley Dennison, Chas. Johnson, J. R. Willis, H. Hamilton, John Dawson, sr., John Dawson, jr., Taylor Dawson, N. W. Reynolds,
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Morris Brown, John Douglass. The meetings were largely attended, the young ladies keeping up their part of the exercises by music, recitations, essays, and a paper that was a source of much good natured and harm- less amusement. Many of the members moving away the following spring and summer, the meetings were discoutinued. When the " Blue Ribbon Brigade" was organized literary exercises were a marked and pleasant feature of the meetings. The young people entered into these with a zest, and earnest desire for improvement.
POLITICS.
The strength of the political parties-Republican and Democratic- have been about equally divided in this township in its past history. Each party with a small majority has attained ascendancy by turns. The greenback party are, however, threatening to change the slate. On the prohibitory constitutional amendment (June 27, 1882,) the vote stood a tie. The contest was very bitter, and those who sustained the measure were proud of their record in keeping the rum party at bay. There was no politics In this vote. Here, as elsewhere, prominent democrats voted for it, and prominent republicans against it, while the greenback party with three exceptions, voted against it. There was only one saloon at Tiffin, and that has been wiped out. No saloon now in the township.
Slavery was thoroughly discussed and abolitionists to be found not a few to take part in "the irrepressible conflict." In 1841 Wm. Stuart, a strong anti-slavery man, now living on the Iowa river between Solan and North Liberty, lectured on the subject several times in various parts of Clear Creek precinct. He was a type of the early abolitionists, of strong will, thoroughly posted on the leading questions of the day, and had few equals in debate.
Warren Spurrier, of Big Grove township, with the same convictions as to the righteousnes of the cause,;made "boiled down abolistionist" speeches; being well informed on his pet subject, and a fine speaker. Alonzo Den- nison, John Conn and John Hollinbeck were all considered wild on the subject. They were full of argument on every opportunity, but made no speeches.
UNION SOLDIERS FROM CLEAR CREEK.
The following is as correct a list as we were able to procure of the soldiers enlisted from this township: Ist Iowa-Cyrus Douglass, Wm. Reynolds, Alonzo Walker, Wm. Marvin. All in Company B., and all participated in the battle of Wilson Creek, the first battle fought in Mis- souri.
6th lowa-Capt. Jno. Williams, enlisted second company raised in Johnson county, Company G., 6th Iowa. Promoted to major of regiment 1862. Promoted for bravery at the battle of Shiloh [see particulars else- where] to colonelcy of the regiment with rank of brevet brigadier general. J. M. Douglass enlisted as a private; promoted to 2d lieutenant on
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being mustered in. Resigned Sept. 3, 1862. Re-enlisted and com- missioned 2d lieutenent Company G, 47th lowa.
George Madden, wounded at Shiloh: Wm. Davis, promoted to 3d corporal, killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; John Ditto, corporal, taken prisoner at Shiloh, Aprtl 6, 1862; Michael Ditto, killed at Atlanta, July 22, 1864: Almond H. Frazee, veteran, discharged in 1865. Enlisted in regular army; discharged for disability: pensioned $50 per month: Thos. B. Haller, died of fever Nov. 16, 1862; Austin A. Hull, killed at Atlanta, Georgia, July 22, 1864: John K. Smith, discharged for disability June +, 1862: pensioned $4 per month.
14th lowa .-- John Douglass, wounded at Ft. Donelson, struck by a shell; L. Davis, prisoner, confined in half a dozen different prison pens: Chas. Slaght. John Reynolds, Wm. Reynolds, re-enlisted: I. P. Reynolds, B. W. Reynolds, Jas. Cropley, Wm. Cropley, John Howlet, - Emerson.
22d Regiment. Chas. Johnson. Henry Rutter, died of comsumption contracted in the army: I. P. Reynold, first time, pensioned: John Karns, Thos. Haller, Chas. Lewis.
28th Regiment, Co. E .- John D. Colany. At the organization of the company was a private; was promoted to corporal, then to 2d sergeant, then to Ist lieutenant; carried a musket 18 months: was in thirteen battles which were inscribed on the regimental colors: was never absent from his company during three years service, without orders. What a glorious record! That old musket and sabre will be a precious heirloom when handed down in his family with the story of his valor. Patrick K. Con- avor, died of wound: Isaac Carlton, died of sickness; T. J. Brown, private, promoted to corporal: James M. Dicus, was taken prisoner at the battle of Winchester Heights, taken to Libby prison, afterwards exchanged; Chas. H. Dennison, died of sickness at the seige of Vicksburg; J. M. Frazee, Chas. F. Heubener, a mere boy, recruit, came to the company at Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, and was taken into the fight at Sabine Cross Roads next day, marched with the company about thirty-six miles during the day and night, beside the labor and fatigue of the battle; Aaron Hig- gins, John Heofer, enlisted private, promoted corporal, killed at battle of Sabine Cross Roads: Milo Higgins, was sent from Vicksburg, after- wards died: John O'Riley, Alexander Riley, was taken prisoner at Vicks- burg, afterwards exchanged: Philip Smith, disabled at the battle of Port Gibson: David Wilson, Jeremiah Wilson, wounded at the battle of Wil- son's Creek.
28th Iowa, Co. G .-- Bryan Reynolds, ran away from home to enlist, as he was under age, fifteen battles are marked on his honorable discharge, in which, strange to say, he never got a scratch.
47th Iowa, Co. G .-- Capt. Ben. Owens, vice John Williams, promoted; J. M. Douglass, enlisted in this company as private, was commissioned 2d lieutenant: I. P. Reynolds, re-enlisted: Lorenzo Davis, taken prisoner
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at battle of Shiloh, was in rebel prisons at Memphis, Mobile, Kahaba, Macon, and Libby prison at Richmond.
BATTLE OF SHILOH.
From J. M. Douglass we learn some particulars in regard to the part taken by the Sixth Iowa infantry, -- of which company G was largely enlisted from this township-about which there has been some conflicting statements. We propose to give the correct version, that justice may be done to those who distinguished themselves for promptness and efficiency on that trying field of action.
The first engagement was the battle of Shiloh, March 6, 1863. Capt. John Williams-captain of Co. G,-was on the sick list, as was also Lieut. Miller; and J. M. Douglass was put in command of the company. Capt. Williams rose from his sick bed and joined his regiment on their going into battle, and was shortly placed in command of the regiment by Col. McDowell. He commanded the regiment until it was repulsed, with severe loss in dead and wounded, at which time Capt. Williams was wounded by a shot in the thigh; the regiment become badly disorganized and fell back in much confusion to the river. J. M. Douglass now reported his company, of which he had been placed in temporary command, to Col. McDowell for duty, and was ordered, with Adjutant T. J. Ennis, to organize the regiment and support the battery on the hill. On the morn- ing of the 7th, by request of the line officers, J. M. Douglass assumed command of the regiment, (orderly sergeant Jas. J. Jordan then com- manding company G,) and had it attached to Gen. Garfield's brigade, and followed the rebels about six miles; but not gaining on them, returned to camp. Capt. Williams was considered by all his comrades as brave and efficient a commander as ever left the State. He was promoted to the rank of Major of the regiment, and brevet Brig. General for bravery at the battle of Shiloh. He resigned his command as Lieut. Colonel of 47th Iowa, on account of his wounds.
As to the 6th regiment, and our own company G, the battle of Shiloh was their first engagement; and at from sixty to eighty yards distance, without breastworks, they fought the 6th and 7th Tennessee, and 6th Louisiana infantry, three regiments deep.
THE LADIES' FLAG.
ยท One occasion of much interest at the time, was when the first three companies of the 14th Iowa volunteers - quite a number of company C having been recruited from this vicinity-passed through the township in the fall of 1861, on their way to Ft. Randall, and camped on the grounds of the widow of Jos. Douglass, commonly called, by friends and neigh- bors, "Aunt Fanny." This township owned a beautiful silken flag made by its ladies during recruiting time, and on hasty consultation it was agreed to proceed en masse to camp, and present the colors to the regiment, which was accordingly done, by the light of a blazing straw
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stack, amid much enthusiasm. The presentation speech was made by Bryan Dennis, Esq., captain of Home Guards, Col. John Pattee, of Iowa City, responding for the regiment. Several prominent gentlemen present were called upon for a speech, but declined. The writer hereof, then known as Miss Mary Washburn, a student of the Normal School in Iowa City, happening to be present, accepted the pressing invitation of Capt. Dennis and Col. Pattee, and addressed the regiment briefly. And as a bit of romance, I will add that this occasion incidentally resulted in chang- ing the name of Washburn to Hamilton the following spring.
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