History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 100

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 950

USA > Iowa > Kossuth County > History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 100
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 100
USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 100

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

"Hyd. chlo. Mit .; " also some "pot. ass. nit .; " which he informed me was a mis- take, as he did not order either the "pot. ass. nit.," or "hyd. chlo. mit.," but had ordered "calomel and salt peter." The balance of his stock in trade was an ar- tiele that passed under the name of "bug juice," "fire water," "red eye," "spt fru- menti," and plain "whisky." All these names were very well known, and the article was in good demand at that time.

But things have somewhat changed Our friend, the doctor, druggist and spiritual medium, has gone farther west, 1 presume to improve and grow up with the country. Some very amusing and in- genious methods were adopted to test the qualifications of the new doctor. This seemed to be the all-absorbing question in the domestic circle. One of the citizens said he had a method by which he could prove whether the doctor knew bis busi- ness or not. So he came into the only store in town, at that time, and called on on a lawyer and school teacher, who pro- fessed to be Latin scholars, to translate for him a prescription he was possessor of, and which was, no doubt, written by a good physician. The prescription proved too much for the Latin scholars, and was referred to me. It was very plain and was a follows:

R. pulv. spee et opii, grs. XXX.

Hyd. cum creta, grs. XXX.

Quinia sul., gr. X. MX.

Ft. chts. No. X.

Sig. Take a powder pro re nata.

The abreviations being understood, and my ability to explain the contents of the prescription, was sufficient evidence to this gentleman of my qualifications. This

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

brought me another patient, in the person of his mother, who was fortunate enough to recover.

Another somewhat amusing thing oc- eurred. A lady of English extraction was taken siek, and of course there is always some one who has a remedy for any disease flesh is heir to. So my English friend was blessed (?) with a neighbor of this kind, and was advised to take a bottle of Ayres' Sarsaparilla. This did not have the desired effect and the next neighbor came to her relief and ordered a bottle of Walker's California Vinegar Bitters. This she stated was a sure cure for the disease. The bottle was procured and taken as directed. It had the desired effect, that is, of giving me a case. On my first visit I found Mrs. D- in an advanced stage of typhoid fever. It is hardly necessary to state that the natural tendency of typhoid and the action of Vinegar Bitters did not go very well to- gether. To give the husband's words- "The stuff tore my wife all to pieces!" However, a good constitution, and favor- able surroundings, cheated the new ceme- tery out of a victim, and showed the friends what meddlesome quackery and patent medicine would have done, had not proper and timely assistance been ren- dered.

To give something of the inconven- iences of early practice in this county I will relate a few of the many ex- periences through which I have passed. A family living about six miles from town was attacked with typhoid fever. The first taken siek was the noble sire, who was a staunch believer in spiritual- ism, and of course my friend, the spirit

doctor, was called. It is unnecessary to state that at the expiration of ten or fif- teen days the noble old gentleman had "climbed the golden stairs," or, as the boys say, had "gone to be an angel." When the balance of the family, five in number, were taken sick, I was called to administer unto them. On my arrival at the place, I found a log cabin, the size of which was 9x12 feet,four feet in height on the sides, and containing one room, which served as kitchen, parlor, bed-room and cellar. In my daily calls, my custom was to ask the good mother how the children were getting along. She would answer by calling each by their respective names, which were very similar and sounded very much to me like Ham, Shem and Japheth. I was somewhat like the Dutchman, who didn't know whether he was "Hans what was living, or Jacob what was dead," so I was compelled to tell the good woman that she must desig- nate them as oklest or older, youngest or younger, etc.

She answered me by saying: "Good God, doctor, how can I, when they are all twins?" I will state that all five recov- ered, and are to-day honest, industrious young men, and are citizens of Winne- bago county.

This is a somewhat brief reminiscence of the early practice of medicine in this county. But things have greatly changed and in place of the dug-outs, straw sheds, log cabins, and other primitive habita- tions, we have as fine dwellings as one can find in any country, and a large per cent. have accumulated considerable of this world's goods.

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

I will state, in conclusion, in place of being the only physician in Winnebago county, we have twelve to fifteen, and I can proudly state that they are a corps of young, enterprising and efficient physi- cians in whom any county might take just pride. In our history they have stood nobly by when suffering and death was near, and have by their skill and atten- tion, banished hours of pain and fought the battle with death successfully. The privations through which they have passed, the inconveniences which they have experienced in attending to the wants of the suffering, may not now be fully appre- ciated, but that day is not far distant when the due meed of praise shall be given, and they will receive their reward.

FOREST CITY PHYSICIANS.

Prior to 1865, when a physician was needed, people had to go to Mason City, Clear Lake or Bristol, as there was no doctor then located in the county. This necessitated long, hard drives before a physician was reached, and many times the patient was dead or beyond the reach of recovery when the doctor came. Fi- nally, however, the advent of the first physician into the county obviated these difficulties. Dr. W. H. Jones located at Forest City in 1869, and thus became the first resident physician of the county. He still lives in Forest City, where he has a large and increasing practice.

William 1I. Jones, M. D., the oldest practicing physician in the county, was born in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, Oct. 7, 1843. When nine years of age his parents emigrated to America, and lo- cated at St. Charles, Kane Co., Ill., re- moving in 1853 to De Kalb county. His

father, John H. P. Jones, was a regular practicing physician, a graduate of the London Medical College. He practiced his profession in De Kalb county for many years. In politics he was a strong abolitionist, and his time was given to the cause. Previous to coming to Ameri- ca he was surgeon in the British navy on board the ship Nimrod, and was also sta- tioned at Bombay and Calcutta at the time of the cholera. Dr. W. H. Jones, the subject of this sketch, when sixteen years of age, began reading medicine in his father's office. At the breaking out of the war he entered the army, enlisting in company D, 39th Illinois Infantry, and participated in several engagements,among which were: The battles of Winchester, Cedar Creek and second battle of Maloon flill, at which place he was taken siek and sent to the hospital at Philadelphia, where he remained some months. He re- turned to his regiment at Suffolk, Va., was sent to South Carolina, and was at the capture of Forts Wagner and Sum- ter. In 1863 the regiment veteranized and returned home on a furlough. He was then sent to the army of the James, under Gen. Butler. He was wounded at Cha- pin's Farm, and soon after was discharged on account of physical disability. He then returned to De Kalb county, and again commenced reading medicine. In 1865 and 1866 he attended lectures at the Rush Medical College. In August, 1866, he was married to Hattie Silkworth, by whom there has been five children, four of whom are living-Maud, Ada, Ernest II. and Claire. In 1869 he removed to Winnebago county. He 1873 he attended the Keokuk Medical College, where he

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

graduated. Dr. Jones is vice-president of the Medical Society of Northern Iowa, of which he was one of the founders. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, having served as master of the lodge; also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

In 1871 Dr. William VanDuzen came to Forest City and entered into partnership with Dr. Jones. Dr. VanDuzen was a native of Wisconsin, his father being a practicing physician at Mineral Point, that State. After a residence of about six months in Forest City, he went back to Wisconsin and is now practicing at Arena, Iowa county. Dr. Van Duzen was a grad- uate of the Miami Medical College, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was well posted and gave promise of making a successful prac- titioner.

Dr. P. C. Jones located at Forest City, in 1872, and remained nearly two years. He was born June 28, 1834, in Sonth Wales, England. His early life was spent in that country, and there he received a classical education. In the spring of 1852 he came to America, and immediately set- tled in DeKalb Co., Ill. The following fall his parents also crossed the ocean, and followed their son to his new home. Upon their arrival, P. C. began the study of medicine with his father, who was a physician. Subsequently he attended Rush Medical College, Chicago, and af- terwards the University of Medicine and Surgery, at Philadelphia, where he grad- nated with the class of 1872. Dr. Jones then located in Brown Co., Wis., where he practiced for a short time, then came to Winnebago Co., Iowa. On his removal from Forest City, he went to Tama county,

this State, locating at Dysart, where he is now practicing.

Dr. J. S. Wright came from Osage, in 1877. He studied medicine with Dr. J. E. Nichols, of Osage, for five years, and was well up in his profession. He did not have much practice, however, and left the county after a stay of about one year.

In the fall of 1883 the medical pro- fession of Forest City was represented by Drs. W. II. Jones, J. A. Hewett, J. W. David, H. R. Irish and W. R. Franklin.

In 1874 J. A. Hewett, M. D., located in Forest City. He is a graduate of Bennett Medical Collage, Chicago, Ill., and for a number of years was United States exam . ining surgeon, for pensions, receiving the appointment Sept. 5, 1877.

J. W. David, M. D., Forest City, was born in Richland Co., Ill., Feb. 28, 1841. He is a son of Isaac David, a native of Luzerne Co., Penn., who emigrated to Richland county, where he became ac- quainted with Cecelia Ruark, whom he married. By this union there were eight children, seven sons and one daughter. In 1846 he removed to Grant Co., Wis., where he engaged in farming. Here he remained until his death, which occurred in 1879. Dr. David was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools. In September, 1858, he com- menced attending Platteville Academy, which school he attended for four years, and teaching winters in a district school. In 1862 he commeneed reading medicine, but the war breaking out, he joined the 30th regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer In- fantry, company B, and was sent to Min- nesota at the time of the Indian trouble. In 1864 he was promoted to post hospital

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

steward, at Frankfort, Ky. Ile was dis- charged at Madison, Wis., in 1865. He then attended lectures at the Rush Medi- cal College, Chicago, Ill., graduating therefrom in 1869. He then returned to Ilighland, Grant county, where he em- barked in the drug business in connection with the practice of his profession. In 1874 he removed to Muscoda, of the same · county, where he remained six years. In 1880 he located in Forest City. He was joined in wedlock, in October, 1866, to Jennie Green. Three living children bless this union-Laura, Cecelia and Lister. Dr. David is a Master Mason, also a mem- ber of the A. O. U. W. and G. A. R.

W. R. Franklin, M. D., of Forest City, was born in Rockford, Ill., Nov. 14, 1859. His parents are Stephen R., a native of Maryland, and Anna E. (Gillis) Franklin, of Washington Co., N. Y. They were married in Rockford, Ill., where they set- tled at an early day. There the doctor grew to manhood, receiving his early edu- cation in the Rockford schools. He afterward attended the State Normal, of Normal, Ill. After leaving school he en- tered the office of Dr. Hill, of Rockford. He graduated at the Chicago Homcepathie Medical College, March 1, 1883. Soon after, he came to Forest City, where he started in his profession, and by elose at- tention to business has built himself a practice of which he may be justly proud.

Harry R. Irish, M. D., was born in Dane Co., Wis., Oet. 1, 1860. His parents were David and Harriet (Brown) Irish, who located in Dane county in 1853. Dr. Irishi graduated from the medical depart- ment of the Iowa State University with the elass of 1883, and soon after came to

Forest City, where he is now associated in practice with Dr. W. IT. Jones, the oldest praetieing physician of the county.

LAKE MILLS PHYSICIANS.

The first physician to locate at Lake Mills was Dr. A. L. Shay, who swung out his shingle in 1871. He remained two or three years, then moved to his farm in Worth county, where he died in 1876. Dr. Shay was a graduate of the Chicago Medical College, and was a good physi- eian.

The representatives of the medical pro- fession now located at Lake Mills are Drs. J. M. Hull, C. E. Keeler and W. L. Gundlach.

Justin M. Hull, M. D., son of Rev. O. P. Hull, was born at Albion, Dane Co., Wis., June 9, 1845. He enlisted in 1862 in company L, 3d Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, and after fourteen months of service was discharged by reason of an in- jury received at the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark. He was married Oct. 6, 1863, to Mary R. Stewart, who was born at Albion, Dane Co., Wis., June 16, 1845. Mr. and Mrs Hull are the parents of two children-Nora, born March 3, 1866, and Nathan J., born June 12, 1871. Dr. Hull is a graduate of the Bennett Medieal Col- lege, of Chicago, Ill. The last ten years of his practice has been at Lake Mills, where he now resides. He was elected in 1879 to the State Legislature, repre- senting the counties of Worth, Winne- bago, Hancock and Wright in the 18th General Assembly. In 1881 he was appointed by Gov. Geer a member of the State Board of Health. His term expiring Jan. 1, 1884, he was re-appointed by Gov. Sherman for a term of seven years, ending

816

IHISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

Jan. 1, 1891. Ile is a member of the I. O. O. F., A rora Lodge, No. 412; also a member of the G. A. R.

C. E. Keeler, M D., a native of Black Hawk Co., Iowa, was born June 25, 1854. He removed with his parents to Worth county, locating at Bristol, where he re- sided until 1880, removing to Nebraska, and after remaining one year, removed to Lake Mills, where he has since resided, following the practice of his profession, and engaged in the drug business with J. M. IIull. He is also agent of the American Express Company, and postmaster of Lake Mills, being appointed Jan. 23, 1883, by Timothy O. Howe. He was married to Elizabeth J. Hancock, of Missouri Valley, Towa, Oet. 11, 1881. She was born in Dubuque, Iowa, in November, 1859, and is a member of the M. E. Church. Dr. Keeler has been following his profession since 1879. He has a good practice and a large circle of friends.

In 1879 Dr. J. B. Hirsch located at Lake Mills for the purpose of practicing his profession. In 1881 he removed to Blue Earth City, Minn., where he How enjoys a large and lucrative practice. He is a graduate of Rush Medical College, Chi- eago, Ill., and is a first-class professional man.

W. L. Gundlach, M. D., located at Lake Mills in the spring of 1881. Ile is a na- tive of Germany and has a good classical edneation. In 1883 he attended Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Penn., and returned to Lake Mills, where he has since been located.

In May, 1881, Dr. David C. Aas came to Lake Mills, and commenced the prac- tiee of medieine with Dr. J. M. Hull. Dr. . Aas was born in the parish of Thoten, Norway, on the 12th of April, 1853. Hle was from childhood, a bright, talented boy and was a close, attentive student. Ile eommeneed in the common school of his native country, and after his fifteenth year worked partly at the harness trade, also began a college course of study, which he did not complete on account of his com- ing to America. After his arrival in the United States in 1875, he pursued the study of medicine and graduated with honor at Bennett Medical College, Chicago, Ill., in the spring of 1881. Shortly after his grad- nation he located in Lake Mills and contin- ued in practice until his death, which occurred Nov. 21, 1881. Dr. Aas was a young man of thorough integrity, faithful to his profession, was intelligent and tem- perate, and won his way to the hearts of the people.

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IHISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

CHAPTER XII.

AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND DAIRYING.

Winnebago county has a soil that is ad- mirably adapted to the raising of all the cereals, and is fast becoming one of the best and most prosperous agricultural counties in northern Iowa. Its people are awake and keep step with the progressive march of the times in all that pertains to a eivilization of happiness, industry and culture. Its future possibilities may be set high among the cluster of its hundred sisters, a star of pride to the noble State. The early, pioneers did not come loaded with wealth, and, in fact, few had more than enough to barely get settled upon their lands; but they came with that which was, in those days, equal to it-training in agricultural pursuits, brawny hands that were able and not ashamed to do hard work, and in connection with indus- trious habits, they possessed the energy and determination to win success. The country was new, and there was no alter- native but that success must be wrought from the soil-which was their only wealth and their only hope. And, in spite of all obstacles and inconveniences to be encountered, success has attended their efforts, and the transformation from the primitive to the present comfortable condition of things accomplished. Nor is the end yet reached, the county still has a vast mine of agricultural wealth yet

undeveloped, which, as the years roll on, will grow more and more valuable, and when the years of cultivated maturity shall dawn to transform the yet unsub- dued prairie to waving fields of growing grain, Winnebago will occupy a place among the foremost ranks of Iowa's banner counties.

Early in the development of this conu- ty, wheat was the main product, and for a number of years excellent crops were raised with scarcely a failure. At the present time it has partially given up its former place to other cereals, while the farmers find many other avenues in which to devote their time and energies. The general theory-or it might, more pro- perly, be said -- it is known in a general way, that the wheat belt has been travel- ing westward ever since it was first start- ed at Plymouth, Mass., when the pil- grim fathers landed there over 260 years ago. At first it moved on its westward way very slowly, and, but fifty years ago, the valley of the Genesee, in New York, was the great wheat raising region. But when Michigan, Illinois and Iowa were opened up for cultivation, the wheat growing center began its kangaroo jumps toward the setting sun, and lowa was for years its resting place, but how long it will be before its now receding

818

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

line will pass clear beyond the confines of Iowa and land in Dakota and Nebraska, time alone can determine.

The staple productions of Winnebago county are wheat, oats, corn, barley and potatoes, but all other varieties raised in this portion of the State do well. Buck- wheat, millet, broom-corn, sorghum, flax and tobacco have been raised in small mantities with a flattering degree of suc- cess, proving that with proper care and attention these varieties can be produced in unlimited quantities. The tame grasses, including timothy, red-top, and clo- ver, have been cultivated by a few farm- ers, to a limited extent, and in every in- stance have exhibited remarkably rapid and luxuriant growth. These, however, have not been cultivated to any great ex- tent, as the large quantity and excellent quality of the native grasses have proven more than sufficient to meet the wants of farmers and those engaged in stock rais- ing.

The following statistics, compiled from the United States census report of 1880, show the number of acres under cultiva- tion and the amount of productions for that year:

Number of acres improved. 53,070

Total value of all productions .. $ 298,004

Number of acres sown to wheat. 19,964

Number bushels of wheat raised. 207,356

Number of acres of oats sowu. 3,654 Number bushels of oats raised 134,920 Number of acres of barley sown. 602 Number bushels of barley raised. 13,484

Number acres of corn planted

1,774

Number bushels of corn raised.

165,907

Number acres of buckwheat. . 9

Number bushels of buckwheat raised,

123

8 Number acres of rye sown.

Number bushels rye raised. .

185

Number of tons of hay mown

20,022

Number acres of flax sown. .

Number bushels of flax raised.

891

Value of orchard products.

531

Number acres of sorghum 12

Number gallons of sorghum molasses. 999

Number bushels of beans raised .. . 140

Number acres of Irish potatoes. . 335

Number of bushels of potatoes raised. . 28,066

Number acres of sweet potatoes ..

Number bushels sweet potatoes raised. 50

Number pouuds of hops raised. . 722

Number pounds of tobacco raised .. 9,692

TABLE OF VALUES.

Lands exclusive of town property. .$ 794,516

Value of town lots .. 12,427

Value of personal property. 87,381

Total value of farms in county, includ- ing land, fences, and buildings. 1,156,810

Cattle assessed in county 4,124; value. 24.645

Horses assessed in county 1,695; value. 38,216

Sheep assessed in county 807 ; value .. 403

Swine assessed in county 1,056 ; value. 552

Value of railroad property per assess- ment .. 41,900

Grand total valuation in county. $1,362,334

HORTICULTURE AND FOREST TREE-PLANTING.

(By Eugene Secor.)

Horticulture is still in its swaddling clothes in this county, yet when we review the ground gone over by the pioneers in this work, since its first settlement, we cannot but admit that some progress has been made in this department.

Ever since Eve bit the traditional crab apple in the Garden of Eden, man has been trying to improve its quality aud ex- tend its area of cultivation and useful- ness. The time is not very far back when it was said, and quite generally be- lieved. that "you can't raise fruit in Iowa." But the ever restless Yankee, in his desire to improve his surroundings and to bring to his prairie cottage all the luxuries en- joyed in his boyhood home, is ever on the alert for improved fruits, flowers and or- namental trees with which to adorn and beautify the landscape, and add to the comfort and health of the family. This desire has added to our list of fruits, flowers and shrubs, many hardy varieties not known in the milder elimates of south-

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

ern and central Europe, and the United States east and south of us. Experiments are being made, and will undoubtedly con- tinue to be made, until our list of hardy fruits shall be much larger than at pres- ent. Since it has been learned that the Russians successfully cultivate apples, pears, plums and cherries in a latitude as far north as Winnepeg, and in a climate more trying than northern Iowa, it has given a fresh impetus to fruit culture here, and the Russian varieties are being more largely planted.

Our excellent State Horticultural So- ciety annually publishes a volume of trans- actions, invaluable to the fruit grower. Those who have procured these volumes and thoroughly informed themselves in regard to the failures and snecesses of the pioneer orchardists, are succeeding.

Previous to the year 1860, we suppose there was not a single fruit tree in this eounty, except those planted by the hand of Nature. Among these wild fruits were found some that deserve to be preserved and added to our list of desirable acqui- sitions. Especially fine were the red wild plums, some of which were nearly, if not quite, equal to our present (Miner). They are still the main dependence of the housewife for sauce and preserves. Crab apples were very plentiful in the edge of the timber, and used to be hawked about the streets of the town at fifty cents per bushel. They were nice to look at, as good keepers they beat anything we ever saw. The black currant, the gooseberry, the raspberry, blackberry, black wild cherry, choke cherry and high bush cran- berry, also abounded in the timber, and

the strawberry was found further out on the prairies.

About the first, if not the first, fruit trees planted in this county, were brought here in the spring of 1861, by my brother, David Secor, from Westchester Co., N. Y., in a trunk. They consisted of a few of the varieties common there, and were not selected with any view to adaptation to this climate. I think he brought two kinds of cherries, one sweet and the other sour; some quinces, gooseberries, currants, strawberries and running blackberries, (or dewberries,) and a lot of apple seeds, principally from the Rhode Island green- ing, Baldwin pippin, ete., and some peach pits. The following spring, the writer brought from the same place, and in the same way, more fruits, and also some trees of red cedar, sweet chestnut, yellow and flowering locust and sassafras. It is need- less, perhaps, to say that the most of these trees proved worthless in this climate. We sneceeded in raising peach trees to the height of six or seven feet, only to be frozen root and branch the first hard win- ter. Some of the seedling apple trees raised from those seeds are still alive and bearing. The currants, gooseberries and strawberries did well, and proved to be the advance guard of numerons varie- ties which have since been introduced and successfully cultivated.

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History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago counties, Iowa; together with sketches of their cities, villages, and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 100

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 950

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 950