USA > Iowa > Jones County > History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present, Volume I > Part 56
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"June 17 and 18, 1843, witnessed the arrival on the prairie of Otis Whitte- more and wife, with a brother-in-law, John H. Eaton. He soon after laid claim to his old premises on Bowen's Prairie, which he commenced improving and on which he resided some twenty-four years, when, nine years ago, he moved to Monticello, where he now resides. He took a prominent part in building the Congregational churches both at Cascade and Bowen's Prairie. About the year 1854, he opened a store on Bowen's Prairie, and for several years supplied most of the inhabitants with dry goods and groceries. In 1860, he was elected a representative to the state legislature. He has always been a staunch advocate of temperance, freedom and the moral reforms of the day.
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"In 1854, Philip Cline arrived on the Prairie and purchased the premises known as the Cline farm, where he continued to reside for some thirty years, when he moved to Nebraska. He was a native of Virginia; moved thence to Ohio; thence to Illinois, and finally to Bowen's Prairie. He has seen a large family of children grow up under his care; several have died; one still resides here. Three others are nicely situated with homes of their own. His oldest son, William influenced by the glaring reports from California, about the year 1850, joined the crowd of adventurers, and after an absence of three years, returned, not as too many are foolish enough to do, 'with an elephant on his foot and a flea in his ear,' but did the more sensible thing of returning with a pocket full of rocks. Surely this double present of a husband and a fortune must have been somewhat bewildering to any young lady, and we must not be much surprised if his fairy bird was not an exception. Be that as it may, he is now living in very comfortable style in an elegant mansion, with his wife, and children, with an abundance of rich acres surrounding him, and I presume, hardly dreams that some twenty-six years have glided away since the enact- ment of the drama just described.
"William Brazelton moved to the prairie in the year 1845, and first settled on the premises now owned by A. R. Doxsee, and upon which he resided until the year 1849, cultivating and improving his farm, and burning brick. He erected the first brick house built in this vicinity, being the one now owned and occupied by the widow of Robert Bunting. He subsequently moved to Independence, Buchanan county, where he opened a hotel and ran it with profit to himself, and satisfaction to the traveling public. Believing the locality an unhealthy one, he sold out and returned to the Prairie, and purchased the farm on which his son now resides. By availing himself of all the modern improve- ments in husbandry, and in building and household conveniences, he rendered his premises an inviting resort for all lovers of scientific husbandry. He now resides near Monticello and having been successful in accumulating a compe- tency sufficient to release him from the necessity of physical toil, it is to be hoped that he will still continue to be, as he has been, the defender of an hon- est appropriation of the revenues."
OFFICIAL ROSTER-RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.
1854-Trustees : William C. Johnston, William Tibbitts, Francis Dawson; clerk, L. C. Eaton; assessor, Fletcher Burnight; justices: Barrett Whittemore, Samuel E. Bachus; constables : Lucian Rice and W. M. Butler. Election was held April 3, 1854, in schoolhouse in district number two.
1855-Trustees : William Tibbits, William Crusenberry, John Taylor; clerk, Samuel E. Hillis ; assessor, Barrett Whittemore ; constables : Ezra Kidder, Jona- than Croston.
1856-Trustees : William C. Johnston, Jacob Hamilton, Francis E. Ross; clerk, B. J. Kenyon ; assessor, B. J. Kenyon; justices : Benedict J. Kenyon, Sam- uel G. Bachus; constables : Ezra Kidder, Jonathan Croston; county supervisor. Edmund S. Blodgett.
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1857-Trustees: William C. Johnston, Stephen Palmer, J. B. Ross; clerk, W. B. Blodgett; constables : Francis Dawson, J. B. Ross.
1858-Trustees: Joseph Scott, William Brazelton, Samuel Stanley; clerk, W. B. Blodgett; justices, Joseph Z. Scott, Samuel G. Bachus; constables, W. S. Blodgett, James Henderson; road supervisors; number one, Francis Dawson; number two, Ebenezer Little; number three, W. Milligan; number four, E. Oliphant.
1859-Trustees: William Brazelton, J. Hickman, Francis Dawson; clerk, W. H. Hickman; assessor, Fletcher Burnight; justices: William C. Johnston, N. W. Austin; constables : Franklin Dalby, Henry Rotherham.
1860-Trustees : Joseph Hickman, W. Brazelton, E. Oliphant; clerk, Francis Dawson; assessor, Samuel Stanley ; justice, William Tibbitts ; constables : Samuel G. Bachus, John King; road supervisors : number one, S. G. Bachus; number two, S. A. Palmer; number three, A. Gordon; number four, A. Brazelton; num- ber five, J. Cana ; number six, A. Van Zant.
1861-Trustees : Joshua Carter, William Brazelton, George McBees; clerk, William J. Bunting; assessor, William Brazelton; justices: Samuel Brazelton, Bernard B. Connel; constables : Cyrus Whittemore, Cyrus Gopp.
1862-Trustees : Joshua Carter, William Whittemore, Francis Dawson; clerk, L. C. Eaton; assessor, William Brazelton; justice, Moore Briggs; constables : Cyrus Whittemore, Samuel G. Bachus.
1863-Trustees : J. King, Samuel Woodworth, Ezekiel Oliphant; clerk, W. H. Hickman; assessor, W. J. Bunting; justices: William Tibbits, B. Connel; Constables : James Van Zant, E. Heney.
1864-Trustees : Samuel Woodworth, Joseph King, Daniel Harrington; clerk, John Foulks; assessor, W. J. Bunting; contables : Mitchel Scott, O. F. Tibbits.
1865-Trustees: Daniel Harrington, J. B. Ross, Joseph Hickman; clerk, Joseph Hickman; assessor, Bernard Connel; justices : Bernard Connel, Orlando F. Tibbits ; constables : Harvey Daley, Patrick Smith; road supervisors : number one, Robert Snowden; number two, William Whittemore; number three, Ebene- zer Little; number four, Alfred Brazelton; number five, Patrick Doland; num- ber six, Timothy Sullivan; number seven, O. F. Tibbits.
1866-Trustees : Robert Snowden, William Brazelton, William Reed; clerk, J. R. Stillman; assessor, Barrett Whittemore; justices: S. G. Bachus, William Brazelton ; constables : Frank Whittemore, Jonathan Croston.
1867-Trustees : Bernard Connel, Ezekiel Oliphant, S. Woodworth; clerk, W. J. Bunting; assessor, Samuel G. Bachus; justices : E. Oliphant, B. Connel; constables : Sheldon Hickman, Hosea Oliphant.
1868-Trustees: Bernard Connel, Alfred Brazelton, Samuel Yousse; clerk, W. J. Bunting; assessor, Benjamin Crawford; justices: E. Oliphant, Alfred Brazelton ; constables : Samuel Woodworth, John Haney.
1869-Trustees: Joseph Hickman, Dominic Dehner, George McLoes; clerk, E. C. Beaumont; assessor, Benjamin Crawford; justices: E. Oliphant, Henry Kaylor ; constables: John Haney, Samuel Yousse; collector, Hosea Oliphant.
1870 -- Trustees: Joseph Hickman, H. F. Kaylor, John McQuillen; clerk, Benjamin Crawford; assessor, Hosea Oliphant; justices : E. Oliphant, William Tibbits; constables : Hugh Lavery, Samuel Yousse; road supervisors: number
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one, David Beatty ; number two, J. D. Sullivan; number three, Samuel Yousse; number four, Nicholas Knapp; number five, James Sheridan; number six, Peter Rogers; number seven, H. F. Kaylor.
1871-Trustees: Joseph Hickman, Samuel Woodworth, Ezekiel Oliphant ; clerk, Benjamin Crawford; assessor, Hosea Oliphant; justice, O. C. Harris; constables : John Haney, Lafayette Cline.
1872-Trustees: Ezekiel Oliphant, Joseph Hickman, Samuel Woodworth; clerk, Benjamin Crawford; assessor, H. F. Kaylor; justices: John Huntoon, E. Oliphant; constables, John Haney, Samuel Yousse.
1873-Trustees : Thomas McQuillan, Joseph Hickman, John Haney; clerk, Benjamin Crawford; assessor, Hosea Oliphant; justices: Thomas McQuillen, Barrett Whittemore; constables: John Haney, Samuel Yousse.
1874-Trustees : Thomas McQuillen, H. F. Kaylor, Joseph Hickman; clerk, Benjamin Crawford; assessor, Hosea Oliphant; collector, Hosea Oliphant; jus- tice, William Whittemore; constables: John Haney, Theodore Little.
1875-Trustees : J. C. Huntoon, Joseph Hickman, Thomas McQuillen; clerk, Theodore W. Little; assessor, Hosea Oliphant; collector, Barrett Whittemore; justices : Thomas McQuillen, T. W. Little; constables: Hosea Oliphant, J. C. Huntoon; road supervisors: number one, William Moore; number two, S. A. Palmer ; number three, -; number four, J. C. Huntoon; num- ber five, George Patterson; number six, Richard McQuillen; number seven, T. W. Moore.
1876-Trustees : T. W. Little, Joseph Hickman, John Haney; clerk, T. H. McQuillen; assessor, Hosea Oliphant; collector, Barrett Whittemore.
1877-Trustees: Joseph Hickman, T. W. Little, John Haney; clerk, T. H. McQuillen ; assessor, Hosea Oliphant; collector, Thomas H. McQuillen; justices: T. W. Little, John Haney ; constables : Hosea Oliphant, F. W. Moore.
1878-Trustees: John Haney, T. W. Little, Joseph Hickman; clerk, T. H. McQuillen ; assessor. Hosea Oliphant; collector, T. H. McQuillen.
1879-Trustees : Joseph Hickman, T. W. Little, John Haney; clerk, T. H. McQuillen ; assessor, Hosea Oliphant.
1880 -- Trustees: Joseph Hickman, T. W. Little, John Haney ; clerk, T. H. McQuillen; assessor, Hosea Oliphant; collector, T. H. McQuillen; road super- visors : number one, Robert McNally; number two, Dennis Sullivan; number three, ; number four, Robert Toppen ; number five, John Niblo; number six, R. McQuillen; number seven, John Switzer.
1881-Trustees: Robert McNally, Martin Buol, John Niblo; clerk, J. D. Sullivan; assessor, Richard McQuillen; collector, Fred Penniman; justices : T. W. Little, John Haney; constables: Richard McQuillen, Clark Carter.
1882-Trustees : John Niblo, Martin Buol, Robert McNally; clerk, William Moore; assessor, Richard McQuillen; justices : T. W. Little, John Haney; con- stable, Timothy Sullivan.
1883-Trustees: John Hines, Robert McNally, John Niblo; clerk, John Haney ; assessor, Richard McQuillen ; justices: John McConaughy, Jr., T. W. Little ; constables : John O'Brien, Michael Marshfield; collector, T. W. Little.
1884-Trustees: John Hines, John Niblo, Robert McNally; clerk, John Haney.
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1885-Clerk, John Haney. Record is blank as to the other officers for this year.
1886-Trustees : Adam Hein, Patrick Rogers; clerk, John Haney.
1887-Trustees : Robert McNally, Adam Hein, Patrick Rogers; clerk John Haney.
1888-Trustees : Robert McNally, Patrick Rogers; clerk, John Haney.
1889-Trustees : Patrick Rogers, chairman ; clerk, J. M. Hickman.
1890-Trustees : Patrick Rogers, chairman; clerk, J. M. Hickman.
1891-Trustees : Patrick Rogers, chairman; clerk, Thomas McGovern.
1892-Trustees: Patrick Rogers, John O'Brien; clerk, Thomas McGovern; assessor, John Haney.
1893-Trustees : John O'Brien, Patrick Rogers; clerk, Thomas McGovern.
1894-Trustees : John O'Brien, chairman; clerk, Thomas McGovern.
1895-Trustees : George Hein, John O'Brien, Patrick Rogers; clerk, Thomas McGovern.
1896, 1897, 1898 and 1899, record is entirely blank.
1900-Trustees : R. Gerdes, Thomas McQuillen, Patrick Rogers; clerk, Thomas McGovern.
1901-Trustees : Patrick Rogers, R. Gerdes, Thomas McQuillen; clerk, P. Fill.
1902-Trustees : R. Gerdes, Patrick Rogers, Thomas McQuillen ; clerk, Thomas McGovern; assessor, Theodore Maire.
1903-Trustees: Patrick Rogers, Thomas McQuillen, R. Gerdes; clerk, Thomas McGovern; assessor, Theodore Maire.
1904-Trustees : R. McQuillen, Patrick Rogers, R. Gerdes; clerk, Thomas McGovern; assessor, Theodore Maire.
1905-Trustees : Patrick Rogers, R. McQuillen, R. Gerdes; clerk, Thomas McGovern; assessor, Theodore Maire.
1906-Trustees: Patrick Rogers, R. McQuillen, R. Gerdes; clerk, Thomas McGovern; assessor, Theodore Maire.
1907-Trustees : Patrick Rogers, Richard McQuillen, R. Gerdes; Clerk, F. H. Kurt; assessor, Theodore Maire.
1908-Trustees: Patrick Rogers, R. McQuillen, R. Gerdes; clerk, F. H. Kurt; assessor, Theodore Maire.
1909-Trustees : R. Gerdes, H. Behrends, John O'Brien; clerk, F. H. Kurt; assessor, Joseph Dehner.
ROME TOWNSHIP.
Rome township was not the first one to be settled in Jones county, but it was among the earliest. The people of this township are fortunate in having preserved for them the history of the early settlement from the pen of one who was on the scene in an early day and can write from his personal knowledge of the matters treated. The Reminiscences of Rome, written by R. J. Cleave- land and preserved in the history of 1879, is a valuable chapter of history, and
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is well worthy of a place in this history. We give Mr. Cleaveland's reminis- cences as the same that appears in the old history, supplemented with additions taken from the original manuscript, now in the possession of D. E. Rummel in Olin. This should be read from the viewpoint of 1879.
REMINISCENCES OF ROME-1840-1841.
By R. J. Cleaveland.
"On the 9th of September, 1840, a cold, misty rain falling, my wife and I, after fourteen days' ride, in a lumber wagon, from Logansport, Indiana, ar- rived at the log cabin of Norman B. Seeley. This dwelling stood near where the town well now is. Here the hearthstone and one log still remain to mark the spot. Mr. Seeley's house, sawmill and blacksmith shop were the only structures here-the latter roofed with a rag carpet.
"My wife was an only daughter, and the motive which prompted this long journey was to give her mother (old Mrs. Seeley) a home with us. Thirty miles from our destination, we learned that Mrs. Seeley had died in July of that year. But we came on, though with ardor dampened-hopes withered. The country appeared in consonance with our feelings, a dreary waste of prairie-except Wal- nut Creek and Wapsi timber, 'Sugar Grove' and 'Big Woods'-to the north and east. The beautiful groves of young timber on the right bank of Walnut from the bridge to Sibbals Creek, was then all prairie, and the view without obstruction.
"On the left above the bridge from Mr. Gilman's house to far above Moore's, was a large and fine grove of white oak long since cut down by the greedy pioneer.
"Here I commenced my first lesson in chopping, plowing, mowing and farm work in general. Here we succeeded, though poor, indeed, we both were, in all except brave hearts and strong arms, in gaining a home in these then western wilds. I had but two dollars left when we arrived.
"The Indian, wolf and deer, and other wild animals were almost the sole occupants of the soil. N. B. Seeley, John and Joseph Merritt, Isaac Simpson, Moses Garrison, Orville Cronkhite, George Saum, Thomas Green, Horace Seeley, Francis Sibbals, E. Booth, the Reeds, Browns, Joslyns, and others were in Jones county before me.
"At that time there were no railroads west of Buffalo, New York, and no telegraphs. The mails crept slowly and sadly along in stage coaches, and letters were subject to twenty-five cents postage. There were no bridges nor stores away from the 'Father of Waters.' Many a time I have walked to Dubuque and back, bringing a pack of thirty to fifty pounds of groceries for myself and neighbors.
"The generation of today can hardly dream of the obstacles to be overcome- the hardships borne at that time. Difficulty is the element and resistance the work of every true man or woman. I now thank God for casting my destiny in this glorious and most beautiful state where half my life has been passed. I glory in being a pioneer of Iowa.
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"As I remarked, my wife's mother died on the 9th of July, 1840, only two months before our arrival. The first American flag hoisted in Jones county was hoisted at Rome in 1840, and made by this aged lady. She allowed no other fingers to work thereon but hers, and this was her last work. Here, and at this time, was also the first liberty pole raised, the first postoffice located, and the first district school instituted in the county. The first school was taught in the 'Sugar Grove,' by T. Stivers, Esq., who was the only blacksmith here, and was also deputy postmaster.
"The town was located by N. B. Seeley, and surveyed, platted and recorded by William Hutton, county surveyor, in 1840. At this time, the United States surveyor had just finished his work, and the corners and subdivisions were read- ily found.
"We lived the first two years in a little cabin opposite Smith's mill. In the winter of 1840-1841, my wife taught school in our cabin six hours each day, while I was absent cutting timber for fencing and for building a home. I look back on those two years as the happiest spent time of our lives; hope was strong and bright within, and physical vigor perfect.
"In the spring of 1841, there were ferried across the Walnut two barrels of Illinois whisky. These arrivals were succeeded by more of the same spiritual character for about fifteen years.
"In the year 1841, the patriarch who dealt in the spiritual articles aforesaid built the house now occupied by Uncle Holden. The building now occupied by F. O. Carpenter, and the one where the widow of Thomas Connelly now lives, were also built the same year.
"In the same year, John Hannon, who was a skilled bricklayer, stonecutter and mason, also took up his abode here. He and Seeley blasted a prairie boulder and by much hard and constant labor, made therefrom a set of burr stones, which ground excellent cornmeal and very fair flour. This was indeed an event- ful era in the lives of the settlers here, as previously they had to go a great distance, most frequently to the Mississippi River, in order to reach a mill. But after a few years, this mill was discontinued on account of a defective dam and a lack of water.
"One most important character of this period, I must not omit-the Metho- dist circuit-rider, who has done so much for religion and humanity, who defied the elements and the hardships of this new country, and dispensed the bread of life to the hardy pioneer, men of culture as they were, counting comfort and ease as dust compared to the happiness of saving souls. Elders Rathbone and Hayden were among the first of these, and labored here in 1841. The former now resides in Marion. Both were men of culture, urbane in manners and never weary in doing good.
"In July, 1842, the house now owned and occupied by N. M. Everhart, Esq., was erected by myself. It was for some years the largest house in the county. We occupied it before completion, and passed with only a cooking stove. the severest winter experienced in our lives. I feel confident that the old settlers remaining will never forget the winter of 1842-1843.
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INCIDENTS OF THE FIRST COURT.
"I think it was in the fall of 1841, that the first court was held in the county, being in a log courthouse in Edinburg, not far distant from the present county poorhouse. All who attended court then went prepared to camp out and do their own cooking. The United States marshal attended to the paying of jurors, which was about all the coin that came into the territory for six years. Wheat was then the common medium of exchange and barter. We always had uncommonly lively and jolly times in attendance at court then among some very remarkable and sage worthies, some of whom I shall have occasion to mention hereafter. Judge Wilson of Dubuque, officiated, always coming with gun and dogs to enjoy a little shooting as well as to attend to his graver (legal) duties. But the most remarkable person at that time was Uncle Francis Sib- balds, an Irishman, with all the odd, racy and peculiar characteristics of his countrymen. He lived at that time just over the town line. in what is now Hale township. If his conduct and character were singular, his appearance was no less so. He talked with the richest brogue, ardent in his friendship as in his hatred, illiterate, but warmhearted and outspoken. In short, there was so much unison between us that we were warm friends as long as he lived. Previous to coming to Iowa, he had committed matrimony with an elderly Yan- kee lady-a school marm, sometimes called old maid-a lady very peculiar, as such ladies generally are, but of fair literary attainments for that day, and of high moral and religious character, and who was justly reverenced by her husband. I wish for the sake of truth, it were possible for me to give a clear and accurate personal description of Uncle Sibbalds, but nothing I can say will do him justice! A man of medium size, with rather a worn appearance, indicat- ing hard labor and exposure to the elements, rather past his prime, but on first sight all these were swallowed up and lost sight of in viewing his mouth; so vast, yawning and capacious was it, that when opened, it extended nearly from ear to ear. Not less remarkable than the nose of the Grand Duke of Choss Johannisberger, only it was in this case his mouth instead of his nose, and un- fortunately being somewhat deaf, he kept it open more than was safe or expedi- ent, in order to hear better. And this brings to mind a good joke they got on him while at court in Edinburg. One of the lawyers, an unusually small but carefully dressed gentleman-in short, a perfect little Petit Maitre-being called for by the judge, everybody hunting for and nobody finding him, the precious time of the court wasted, an awful pause pervading the courtroom, a wag had the temerity to tell His Honor he believed old Uncle Sibbalds had greased and swallowed him, as he (Sibbalds) had told him over an hour ago that he felt quite hungry. The court room rang with laughter, judge, jury and all, and, as bad luck would have it, the little lawyer coming in at that moment, and ignorant of the cause, little dreaming that he was partly the subject of it, served only to add to the uproar to such a degree that it could not be stopped. The sheriff had to clear the house, and all business came to a stand for the rest of the fore- noon. If I should live for centuries, I can never forget the scene. The little lawyer stupified with amazement and anger and outraged dignity, and Uncle Sibbalds grinning wider and more ghastly than before. In the midst of the
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uproar, another wag coolly suggested, 'If that had actually happened, the good man had got more law in his belly, than all the other lawyers had in their heads.' And this remark did not tend to lessen the noise and shouting, but rather to in- crease it.
"At the time I am now attempting to describe, indeed during the decade from 1840 to 1850, intemperance ruled with despotic sway the early settlements of Iowa, and yet there prevailed a far more friendly spirit than now.
"We exchanged frequent and friendly visits with Denson, where Massillon now is, and ten miles below, near Toronto, with Samuel Solesby, of Pioneer Grove; Captain S. P. Higginson, of Mariner's Grove near Tipton; with Colonel Preston, Mayor Mckean, and others of Marion. Neighbors were then few and far off, but kind and true, and selfishness little known or practiced.
EARLY MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
"The manners and customs of a new country were novel and unique and would strike a citizen of an old settled country reared to conform to a strict sense of propriety in all things, dumb with amazement at the latitude practiced in the new settled country.
"We were all poor, all eminently dependent on each other, and some appar- ently regardless of all sense of decency, were insatiable in their demands on their neighbors. I recollect I was well stocked with wearing apparel, both for summer and winter, when I came into the country and of course the appli- cations to borrow every article of a man's wardrobe were urgent and frequent. Especially so when there was to be any little gathering, home warming, 4th of July ball and so forth.
"I recollect on one occasion I had two entire suits of clothes on the ball room floor at the same time, not including those on my own back. Neither was my wife suffered to go scot free. She has been repeatedly and urgently impor- tuned to lend a new dress or pair of shoes before ever wearing either. A west- ern practice I always very much disliked was coming to your house at an un- seasonable hour, before breakfast, or before you were up, to borrow something of urgent necessity.
"I remember a case in point which elicited the utmost surprise and horror from some of my eastern friends to whom I related it. I have always been a very early riser in winter as well as in summer. Many years ago I was suddenly awakened on a bitter cold morning in winter by a loud and continued knock- ing. As usual in such cases, I called to the person to enter, to take a seat and rake open the coals in the fire place, and make himself as comfortable generally as the nature of the case would allow, wondering all the time what on earth he could want at such an unseasonable hour. He all the time preserving an ominous silence which lasted some minutes before utterance came to him. At length, when expectation was at its highest stretch, with many hems, and a hol- low sepulchral tone of voice, seemingly from the bottom of his stomach, he asked me for the loan of five dollars! He did not get it, not he. He might have done so, had his visit and application been a timely one.
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