USA > Iowa > Jones County > History of Jones County, Iowa, past and present, Volume I > Part 64
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His plans having failed in the new town of Canton, He gathered his traps and away took his flight,
Resolved he would no longer deal in wild phantoms,
But carefully husband his hard-gotten rights.
"Uncle Jesse arrived in the hamlet in 1853 and pitched his quarters on a suburban enclosure to the southeast of the mercantile headquarters. The cabin constructed was of the rustic orders, and its architectural plan combined parlor, bed-room, kitchen and workshop. Jesse still followed breaking, and when not busy in that line, he could be seen in the garb of a wheelwright, swinging the hammer, shoving the plane or drafting proportions for vehicles, and when the same was completed, Aunt Lize would act as saleswoman and advertising agent by going through the country trading them for cattle and corn. Right here we might tack the placard 'The First Wagon Manufactory of the Village.'
"The water for household use at this period was scarce and the hamlet boasted of no 'Par-terre and water works.' Little Billy Tomlinson's hand cart was pressed into service and christened the 'Aqua Apparatus.' Trips were made daily to Prairie Creek a short distance to the west and Adam's unadul- terated was supplied in large quantities to the villagers, and by way of an oppo- sition line Aunt Lize would often trudge her way to Roger's Ford on the Mineral to gather supplies for washing. Having parted with their stove in Canton, she substituted the door yard for it; and when the hour of repast would arrive. the faggots were kindled and soon the air was filled with perfume from her pastry and vegetable cooking.
"Uncle Jesse, after a short stay, sold out to Ben Lappan, and then took his flight to Daniel Barnhill's. Lappan immediately took possession of the premises and ushered into existence the first blacksmith shop and dwelling house combined.
"The mercantile headquarters mentioned above. were erected under the supervision of Joseph Smith. Peter DeWitt laid the foundation, Jim Camp and Jerry Wilder enclosed it, and Lafayette Smith, with capital furnished by his father, Joe Smith, placed goods in to the amount of four thousand dollars. J. C
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Overley made trips to Davenport and Rock Island to replenish the stock, and in 1854, it received the name of the 'Prairie Store;' and one hundred and fifty names were noted on the books as patrons.
"George Sutherland, the hamlet naturalist and geological searcher planted his brogans on this vast, extensive strata of 'secondary formation' in a very early day, even before the sun of the '40s had begun to shine over this vast and limitless prairie. Mr. Sutherland was a close observer, and in this adopted home, he was always on the alert for curiosities of every sort. In 1842, he became particularly interested in a large comet. At the close of day, when nature was drawing her sable curtains and the sun was blending sunset hues, its extensive tail could be distinctly seen.
"In 1854, Mr. Sutherland made a settlement north of the hamlet and east of J. C. Overley's. He built a two story cottage fronting toward the hamlet, but surveyors later placed a thoroughfare north of the building, making the back of the cottage, the front.
"Joe DeLong, one of the original 'Hoosier Nine' who staked their bases on the plat, came in 1852 and took up his abode at the log cabin structure of Isaac Overley. Here he remained for some time annoyed by the wolves.
"The first conflagration of the hamlet was the burning of the log cabin. Mr. DeLong's family lost all their wearing apparel, but what they had on their persons. On the ruins of the cabin, DeLong and Overley erected a frame build- ing, and DeLong remained till he came into possession of the residence of Mr. Baufsinger. situated on the line of S. D. Titus and John Filson, a short distance southwest of the latter. With the consent of Mr. DeLong, the prin- cipal men of the hamlet moved it to the top of Prairie View, a few rods west of Alexander Sutherland's. Here it was used for school purposes and Miss Cynthia Carter was mistress of the hamlet temple of learning. Mr. DeLong finally donated a beautiful plat for the school ground and took possession of the dwelling, remodeling it for household purposes. The scenic artist could here gather a beautiful variety of scenery to place on canvas. Mr. DeLong tells me that the present site places in view nine church edifices and the curling smoke of two hun- dred dwellings.
"In 1855, Ed. Barnhill, after a prospective stroll, planted his feet on an attractive spot east of Alexander Sutherland's, and after the order of prairie tactics, took up his line of march and stepped off the proportional limits of his future home.
"In the mercantile line, Lafayette Smith sold out to a young man by the name of Nixon. Jesse Tomlinson made his second appearance in the hamlet and partook of the hospitality of William Barnhill. By way of nick-name, some of the settlers christened it 'Bucksnout Tavern.' After enjoying the comforts of home here for a short time, Uncle Jesse, in company with Joseph Barnhill, bought out Nixon. Uncle Jesse then took lodgment back of the store, and while Barnhill figured as chief salesman, and counter jumper, Uncle Jesse strolled about the hamlet, only making his appearance when the funds were to be divided. The firm finally sold out, Smith taking possession a second time. Uncle Jesse moved into his former home which was then know as the Johnson cottage. Here he followed wagon making again, converting the old building that Lappan had
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bought, into a blacksmith shop. During his stay, he often made trips for wagon timber, with the trusty rifle as his only companion. Adam Sutherland informed me that he witnessed, at one time, on an old Indian trail, herds of deers num- bering thirty-three. The American elk also roamed over the prairies to the number of forty and upwards. Robert Sutherland, while turning over the soil for the summer's campaign, unearthed a monster buffalo skull which is sufficient proof that the buffalo once made this his tramping ground.
"Smith sold out a second time, and Joseph Barnhill came in as sole pro- prietor. Smith purchased of S. D. Titus, seventeen acres of land at five dollars an acre, situated on the west side of the state road midway on Lookout Point. Here he erected a brick building, the basement of which the hamlet also pro- cured for school purposes, and Miss Mary E. Titus was the first instructress in this section.
"The winter of 1856 was very severe. The moistened meadows were con- gealed to marble. The flowing surface of the mineral was chained to its banks.
"January 19, 1856, gloom and mourning settled cloud-like over the hamlet. Death had entered the home of John Filson. The chain was severed and a golden link taken. Emeline Filson, the oldest child of John and Jemima Filson, and the flower of the hamlet was interred 'neath the clouds of the valley, and her spirit took its flight to the God who gave it.
"The first temple of worship was erected during the summer months of 1856 under the supervision of the Campbellites on a half acre donated by John Filson. Jesse Davis and Joe Barnhill were the two employed to enclose it. When the naked timber supported the roof, the first sermon was preached by the Rev. McConnel; the church never had any formal dedication. The temple stood on the south side of the road, directly opposite Mr. Filson's. Joe Barnhill officiated, occasionally, so also did Dr. Lucy, James Anderson, Martin Sweeney and John Coston Eames. The latter was termed the great rhymster of the vicinity.
"The mercantile center takes another change. Joe Barnhill retires and Ben West takes the oath to supply the needed articles to the best of his ability. In his trade he was honest and generally gave a person an idea what he paid for goods and that he would make just twenty-five per cent.
"At the northwest corner of the church lot, Joe Barnhill erected the second blacksmith shop and Felix Baysinger sends the hammer's sounding talk through the hamlet.
"Fred Houser became one of the village blacksmiths, and Henry Byers under a shed projection carried on wheelwrighting, and Uncle Jesse and Aunt Lize Tomlinson in the fall of 1857, gathered up their traps and nestled down on a rise of ground just half a mile south, there to till the ground on a large scale.
"Dr. McKean and lady made their appearance when the leaves, in rich sum- mer splendor, had clothed the trees in emerald green. The village gave them a warm reception and they soon became cheerful companions in society. The doctor found quarters in the two back rooms of the widow Johnson's dwelling. After remaining here a season, he procured ground to build on, a few rods north of the shady enclosure with the assistance of Hi Fuller. The doctor soon had a square roofed cottage to join the number fast looming up to public gaze. Dr. McGrew, now a first class druggist in Wyoming, came to study under him.
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"In 1858, Hi Fuller built on the southeast corner of State and Mineral Creek roads. He fitted up a storeroom in front, apse fashion to connect with the dwelling. Here he emptied his cart of notions, added a supply of drugs and was counted an excellent druggist.
"In 1858, another conflagration visited the village. On close observation, it was found to be a residence occupied by one Sanders in close proximity to where Stephen Walsworth's mansion now rears its head. Sanders and wife, I am told, had some trouble and some predict that the home burning was the cause of some of it.
THE GREAT BEAR HUNT OF 1859.
"On a summer's morn, when the sun was gilding the eastern horizon, Mrs. Isaac Overley stood in her cabin door, noting the visible tokens of a glorious day. She had received but a glimpse, when to her sudden surprise, a monster black bear stood before her as a prominent object in the scenic display. Mrs. Overley at once communicated the news to her husband, who making his appear- ance, found old bruin exerting all his powers, sending forth clouds of dust from the breaking near by. Mr. Overley having no fire arms, started forth immediately to alarm his nearest neighbors, depending only on what he could pick up on the chase. John DeLong, at the time with horses harnessed, was moving out to enter on his day's work. Discovering the intruder, he quickly let go one of his horses, and with the other in full speed, and leaping over rail fences, he set forth for the field of action, the snorting of the animal and the clinking of the chain harness foretelling Isaac of the near approach of help. Old bruin reluctantly leading, the line of march was taken up. Passing along the hill to the north, they were joined by George Sutherland who procured a rifle at Billy Clark's
"Mr. Sutherland opened fire and the conflict commenced. Not satisfied with such an introduction, the bear with raging instincts full, turned upon his tor- mentors furiously and began to defend himself desperately. Billy Clark made his appearance on a horse and demanded his rifle. Sutherland gave it up and witnessed the fruitless attempts of Billy to win the prize, while the horse, bent on fun, reels old bruin heels over head as he is making a circuitous route toward J. C. Overley's. When opposite the latter's mansion, Sutherland procured another weapon, and the aforesaid Billy attempted to take this away also, bent on having the glory of the chase himself. At this juncture, the settlement was fully aroused, lining the rail fences like chickens preparing for the roost.
"The tableau now turned, and George Sutherland now had the trusty weapon in his hands, and the pursuit was pushed forward once more with a bold front. Uncle Billy Overly had full view of the pursuers passing his door, and he increased the company by sending forth his dog Cuffie. Bruin acknowl- edged the arrival by suddenly checking his canine propensity in a suffocating embrace, violently hugging and compressing his chest, then sending him forth in mid air on an aerial voyage to the amusement of those present. As soon as Cuffie lit on solidity, he firmly fixed his tail between his legs and made quick steps
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for the house. The crowd called in vain for Cuffie to come back, but Cuffie could not hear.
"The tidings of the chase had now reached the ears of the settlers to where Alonzo Jones now lives, and as the party came along in pursuit, they beheld the fence lined with spectators with now and then a burnished musket gleaming forth in the sunlight. The excitement began to increase, and missile after missile pierced bruin's sides from all directions, but old bruin firmly sat up on his haunches and bade defiance bravely. As he neared a culvert in the neigh- borhood, George Sutherland dealt the deadly blow.
The ball it flew and the bear he growled,
As Sutherland's missile pierced his hide ; It sapped his vital energies,
So he flummuxed, flickered and died.
"The Indians consider the bear one of the noblest objects of the chase. Every part of the animal was valuable to them. Its intestines and claws they strung on deer sinews and wore them as ornaments.
"A husking bee was given at Isaac Overley's and news went abroad that, in the way of refreshments, the bear was to be served up. The consequence was a large gathering at Isaacs, and I am told there was such a demand for bear meat that an inch of the flesh was a large quantity to receive. What a sweet flavor must have greeted their nostrils as they beheld the fueled chimney blazing high, the tankards foaming and the strong table groaning, while the smoking sirloin stretched from side to side! With butcher knife they deep incisions made and talked the while of Johnson's glory ne'er to be defaced. For they all killed the bear.
"The second artist to visit the hamlet was a Major Hayes, direct from Penn- sylvania. Mr. Filson offered him the use of a room in the southeast corner of his dwelling here. The major began operations, and the neighbors flocked in, bent on having good looking pictures, even if they were pock-marked, big lipped and cross-eyed individuals. The major procured many of their shadows, then bade adieu to the hamlet, carrying with him the handsome little sum of eighty dollars for his labors.
"Another mercantile change must here be recorded. Dergin & Roach entered the trade ring and bought out West. They remained but a short time, when the partnership was dissolved, Roach going out and Scribbins coming in, the firm name changing to Dergin & Scribbins.
"The first school building was erected on a green plat a half mile south of the hamlet and within a few steps of the residence of Jesse Tomlinson. The Main street in the hamlet was taken as the division line and the urchins on this side took their way to this spot.
"What is now known as the Kellum house, situated on the south side of Main street, just west of the Temple of Worship, was originally built by Fur- burluson Tuft. In 1860, Hiram Bushnell occupied the building and enrolled himself as another of Johnson's blacksmiths. Mr. Bushnell however tarried here but a short time. George Stuhler, (now of Monticello) then occupied the residence and established the first boot and shoe shop. He soon gathered in
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quite a custom and began making model coverings for the various sizes of pedals.
"The Dockstader building erected by Alvin Gee, was used for a postoffice, and a little girl fourteen years of age was the postmistress. I am told this little blossom could neither read nor write and her novel way of tending the office was to hand the mail to the inquirers and let them look it over to their entire satisfaction.
"Dr. McKinsie arrived during the year and put up a building a few rods west of the Bushnell House. He also proved to be an excellent gentleman and a splendid practitioner. He soon became family physician for many families.
"In the winter of 1860, a great revival broke out. Services were held nightly in the schoolhouse. Rev. George Stanley, the officiating minister then on the circuit, had charge of the meetings, assisted by Revs. Williams, Cutler, R. W. Milner, now of Monmouth, and Rev. Alvin Gee. Eighty-one were converted at the meetings and many became useful and shining lights in after years.
"May 1, 1861, what is now known as the Yellow schoolhouse, was erected a half-mile north of the hamlet on a beautiful plat given by John DeLong.
"When volunteers were aroused by the music of fife and drum; when the first war cry was wafted from Maine to Oregon and the seventy-five thousand sprang to arms as if by magic; in that trying time when the sixth Massachusetts regiment were bound to go through Baltimore or die; when the hill tops and valleys echoed to the cry 'We are coming Father Abraham, six hundred thousand strong,' then from the topmost buildings of Johnson floated the stars and stripes; and young men were swelling the ranks dressed in the true colors of the red, white and blue.
"Among her gallant boys were Robert Filson, the beloved comrade and everyday companion of her youths, Samuel Barnhill, James Overley, all con- sidering it meet to die for one's country ; and lastly Henry Overley (oldest son of J. C. Overley) her noble flag bearer. For these braves the Monticello ladies gave a picnic and the Bowen's Prairie ladies presented them a handsome banner.
"Finally Johnson appeared in a holiday attire, crowded the streets and wit- nessed the drilling of troops. Of the four above mentioned, Robert Filson calmly sleeps beneath the sod in the Sunny South land listening for the trumpet to sound for the final summons to muster arms. James Overley, also died at his post, and his father Uncle Billy Overley (at his request) brought him home and he lies buried in yon cemetery south of the hamlet. Henry Overley died wrapped in the nation's starry emblems.
"The McKinsie mansion before mentioned, burned down, and what is now known as the Brown House, was erected by the business men of Johnson with S. D. Titus as their head. After its completion, Mr. J. H. Cooksey entered as harness and shoemaker.
"In 1866, Nathan Clark, now the principal blacksmith of Center Junction, made his appearance and settled in the Bushnell House. He erected a shop and went to pounding iron as his predecessor's had done. He finally came into possession of the Dockstader building.
"Joseph Tomlinson, the natural genius and patent right man, came to greet the smiles of the villagers in 1867. He had been living on a farm just outside
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of Canton. He built a white cottage just west of William Barnhill's to the left of the residence. He had a blacksmith shop and was there early and late, the jingle of his anvil keeping time to the music of his bellows. (Mr. Tomlinson and his faithful wife are now living in Onslow enjoying the comforts which is justly their reward for a life of active toil .- Editor).
"W. W. Sutliff trudged his way into the village in the same year, with his colors to the breeze as clock-tinker. He went merrily on his rounds swinging his tin box as knight the second in the tin box line. At last laying aside the tin box he went to laying a solid foundation . for the extensive barn structure of S. D. Titus. He finally married the widow Corbett and settled down as an inhabitant of Johnson. He now accepts the situation at the Junction, and Artemus Ward-like, laughs all over, wedged in the busted county (cane) seat.
"In the mercantile line, the Prairie store meets with changes. Dergin & Scribbins bids adieu to the storeroom. William Stone assumes its responsibilities and runs it for a season, then J. C. Houser, an acknowledged champion in the dry goods and grocery line, steps in and soon gathers around him the patronage of a large scope of country. Dr. Merriman arrives in the village and takes up his abode in the Mckean building and opens a drug store. Dr. Gilmore comes soon after and has an office in the Fuller mansion. S. P. Collins, the next on deck, builds a fine two-story building on the northeast corner east of this. He erected a storehouse and opens out with drugs, groceries and tinware. Collins & Gilmore have a dissecting operation. A feline creature is laid on the table and its physiological structure and physiognomy are carefully studied, the main point calling for the dissection being the cat's structure resembling the human being.
"Hucklebone was proprietor of the first wagon and carriage shop. Byers assumes control next. Under the supervision of Nathan Clark, Arnold begins to drive the spokes and construct gearings, the carriage shop being opposite the mercantile emporium. Imer, a club-footed individual worked in the woodshop next. Robert Patton joined the number and gave Clark assistance in the black- smith shop. Joseph Carr, watch-tinker, arrived and opened out his goods in one end of the carriage shop. Joe Tomlinson and Clark next assumed control of the shops. Jack Davis with Imer, came next as wagon maker and hired Perry as blacksmith, and Perry was followed by Tinker.
"Titus & Walters came in as proprietors of the shop, Davis doing the wood- work, Tinker the iron work, and Milt Goodrich the painting. William Sutliff opened up a boarding house for the accommodation of those employed in the village. Frank Hilermus started the first dray and later Pavey was the proprietor.
"Dr. Phillips arrived and took up his headquarters where Merriman held forth. Dr. Carlisle joined Phillips and the twain put up a drug store south of their residence; the same was finally moved and placed on the northwest corner. James Filson bought out Phillips' share.
"The Odd Fellows in the vicinity rented of S. D. Titus, the upstairs part of the Brown House for a hall, and here they met and enjoyed the fellowship of the order.
"P. B. Lewis came in 1867 from the vicinity of Maquoketa and settled on a beautiful farm south of Jesse Tomlinson's, originally owned by Joseph Tom-
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linson. (This farm is now owned by Martin Hunwardsen Estate .- Editor). A Mr. Mervin farmed forty acres to the east side of the road. The building still stands as a monument of the early days of Johnson. The place might now be properly called the Lewisonian Sulphur Springs, a vein having been struck at a depth of one hundred and ten feet giving forth a constant flow of strong sulphur water. George H. Hill came to Johnson in 1868 and opened out a boot and shoe store in the building originally occupied by Jesse Tomlinson."
THE HARVEST HOME PICNIC SOCIETY.
An organization has been effected by the people of Scotch Grove having in view the holding of a harvest home picnic annually. G. J. Hughes is president ; Miss Blanch Clark is secretary and Donald Sinclair is treasurer. The picnic of 1909 was the sixth annual affair, and was held in Eby's grove near the mill. A program of music and speaking is given in the forenoon, followed by a picnic dinner and sports in the afternoon. These picnics are enjoyable affairs and are largely attended.
AN EARLY CELEBRATION OF JULY 4, 1867.
In searching among the records of the past, we find some minutes of a meeting held preliminary to the celebration of July 4, 1867, which is interesting reading.
At a meeting of the citizens of Scotch Grove, held at Johnson, Jones County, Iowa, on the evening of the second of June, 1867, S. D. Titus was called to the chair, and A. Gee was chosen secretary.
On motion, it was decided to celebrate the national anniversary with appro- priate exercises at the grove of S. D. Titus, near Johnson.
The following officers and committees were chosen for the day : president, Honorable John E. Lovejoy; marshal, Captain F. C. Mckean; assistant marshals, Edward Barnhill, William Barnhill, Joseph Gaut, James Applegate, R. M. Perrine; chaplain, Rev. R. L. Wilson. Committee to procure speaker : A. Gee, Rev. R. W. Milner ; on music : H. S. Byers, John Gibson, M. H. Hoge- boom : on order of the day : Rev. R. W. Milner, S. D. Titus, M. H. Hogeboom, J. C. Houser.
A general invitation is extended to all to be present. No intoxicating liquors will be allowed on the grounds. Wednesday July third, is the day appointed to clear the ground and erect seats. The boys are invited to turn out and help fix up.
From another source we find that Rev. O. E. Aldrich was the orator of the day. and John Russell was the reader of the Declaration of Independence. Sports of all kinds were indulged in, and a horse race was not too wild or sporty for the conservative people of that day.
SORGHUM AND HOPS.
To C. W. Stottlemeyer is due the credit of being the first man to raise sorghum in sufficiently large quantities to ship out in car loads. The raising of sorghum
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had been introduced by the government during the war to take the place of southern sugar, and this had been grown in a small way by a number of farmers.
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