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 55

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 55
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 55
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 55

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).

The first settler in the township was John Brown, who located here in 1864, and is still a resident of his original claim on section 36.

John Brown, son of Robert and Anna (Quin) Brown, was born in Westmore- Jand, Aug. 12, 1830. When twelve years of age he left home and worked for a farm- er until sixteen years of age, for $6 a month. He then worked on the Laneas- ter & Carlisle railroad, within sixteen miles of his father's home. He also car- ried picks to a blacksmith shop to be sharpened, making a little more than board. When seventeen years of age, the man for whom he was working was about to move away, 150 miles, and want- el Mr. Brown to go with him. He went home on a visit and informed his parents of his intentions. ITis father did not ob- ject, but his mother being very much op- posed to his going, came out and said; "John, we will never see you again." John answered, "Mother, in one year I will be back." He never saw them again. He was once within thirty miles of home, but being poor and having neither money nor good clothes, he was ashamed to go home, for John was sometimes in rather straightened circumstances. About this time Mr. Brown decided to come to Amer- ica, telling his employer that he would be back in a year. A singular coincidence happened. The vessel was twenty-two days making the trip, but Mr. Brown got over in twenty-one days. The examin-

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ing physician came out to meet the boat, and Mr. Brown went in with him, thus arriving one day ahead of the vessel. Be- ing sick when he arrived, he remained in the hospital for six weeks, then hired to work on a railroad again, but worked only one and a half days. He went to New York, forty miles distant, and came across a Yankee, who gave him 86 a month during the winter. He then hired to A. Lanson IFubard, of Cortland Co., N. Y., for one year at $100. Mr. Hubard was a Church member, and with him Mr. Brown acquired steady habits He staid with Mr. Hubard three years, the last year receiving $160 dollars. Mr. Brown then married Susan Cordon, and moved to El- mira, Dodge Co., Wis., purchasing forty acres of timber land. Failing to pay for this land he sold it and removed on a farm belonging to Col. John Cochran, on which he lived one year. While on this farm they lost three sons with diphtheria. Mr. Brown lived in various localities near there one year, then moved to the pineries of Wisconsin, and, in 1862, enlisted in the 3d Wisconsin Volunteers. He was taken to Camp Randall, and failing to pass inspection returned home. Mr. Brown and his wife parted after living together eight years. They had one daughter-Emma Jane, eighteen months old, whom the mother claimed. He saw her six months after their separation, but not again for many years. His wife, however, gave Emma Jane away, as he learned afterwards, she having married again. She instructed Emma to find her father, and having come to Black Hawk Co., Towa, and hearing of a man in Kos- suth county of her father's name, wrote

to him and received answer that he was really her father. In 1881 she made ber father a visit, and they were re-united. She now lives with her husband, Francis A. Wood, five miles north of Mr. Brown's place. When Mr. Brown first came to Kossuth county, in 1864, he took as a homestead eighty acres of land on section 36, township 97, range 29, Burt township. He now owns a quarter section. He put up the first sod house in the county. Ile married, in 1868, Adelia C. Coles. She died in 1880. In 1881 he married Olive R. Anderson. They have two children- Emma Jane and Effie Rosa May. In 1883 Mr. Brown erected a neat frame house on his place, in which he now lives. He had a stable struck by lightning, killing his team, and has suffered severely by grass- hoppers. But he has surmounted all diffi- culties and now stands among Kossuth county's best farmers and most respected citizens. Ile is a republican and is sub- director of the township. Mr. Brown is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

The next to locate in the township was John Wilson, who on the 21st of April, 1866, found the place he wanted and made a claim on the south half of the southeast quarter of section 24. lle re- mained here until his death, which took place upon the 28th of December, 1869.

John Wilson was a native of Ireland, born in the county Derry, in 1813, but was of English descent. He emigrated to the United States in 1840, residing in Philadelphia, Penn., until 1861, when he enlisted in company B, 2d Pennsylvania Reserves, being discharged in 1864. He re-enlisted in company UI, 91st Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, serving nutil Lincoln's

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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

assassination. He participated in the battles of Mechanicsville, South Moun- tain, Wilderness, Richmond, Petersburg, Bull Run, Antietam and Gettysburg, and was mustered out at Alexandria, Va., July 3, 1865. He came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, July 27, 1865, and took a homestead of eighty acres on the south half of the southeast quarter of section 24, township 97, range 29, Burt township. He lived in Algona and worked the farm until 1869, when he moved on the farm. On Dec. 18, 1869, he engaged to work for a rail- road company, and on the 28th of the same month was killed by a bank falling where he was excavating. Mr. Wilson was married before coming to this country to Ann Eliza Brown, of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson had eleven children, eight of whom are living-Margaret J., John B., married and living in Phila- delphia; Eliza M., wife of James Faunce, of Philadelphia; Samuel J., married and living in Portland township; William C., a sailor; Robert J., clerking for an establishment in Algona; Edward and Thomas A. Four of the family are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

John B. Hutchinson located, in 1865, On the south half of the northeast quarter of section 8, upon which he still resides.

John B. Hutchinson, the subject of this sketch, was born in Fifeshire, Scot- land, Ang. 21, 1839. He is a son of John and Agnes (Reed) Hutchinson, both of whom died and are buried in Scotland Mr. Hutchinson came to America in 1856. Ile worked on a railroad in the State of New York for eighteen months after his arrival. He then removed to Illinois, lo- cating in Will county: He followed

farming four years; then engaged in min- ing coal for four years, when he removed to Boone Co., Iowa, locating in Moingona. Ile followed coal mining in that place about two years, then removed to Kossuth county, settling in Burt township, on the northeast quarter of section 8, township 95, range 22 He has sixty-five acres un- der cultivation, and carries on mixed farming. One of the nicest groves in the township is growing on his farm. Mr. Hutchinson was married in November, 1872, to Margaret Bradon, a native of Germany. Iler people live in the State of Nebraska. The result of this union was six children-Emma L., Frederick J., Margaret J., Albert H., Noma A. and Clara A. Politically Mr. Hutchinson is a republican. He has been township super- visor for seven years.

James and Edward Marlow located upon sections 32 and 33, during the year 1865, also, and are still residents of their original claims.

George Atdell, who is still a resident of the township, settled here in 1866.

The same year section 24 received a settler, in the person of Hiram Norton, who took up a homestead on the south half of the northeast quarter of section 24, where he still lives.

Hiram Norton, son of Hiram and Betsy (Matson) Norton, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1839. When nineteen years of age he went to Bureau Co., Ill., and worked on a farm. In the winter of 1863-4 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling in Algona, and working on the farm of W. H. Ingham. In the fall of 1864 he removed to Cresco township, where he lived until the summer of 1866.

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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

Ile then took a homestead on the south half of the northeast quarter of section 24, township 97, range 29, Burt township, and built a sod house, 12x24 feet, in which he lived five years. In 1883 he ereeted their present residence, a neat frame building. Ile has a fine grove of four acres, a half acre planted in orchard, and makes a specialty of stock raising. Mr. Norton was married March 4, 1865, to Ellen, daughter of John and Jane (Gilmour) Pierey. Iler mother is deceased. Her father is living with Mr. Norton. In politics Mr. Norton is a republican. . He was elected trustee of Burt township for the year 1884.

Elijah Hulburt was the pioneer of the year 1867, and settled down upon a home- stead on the south half of the southeast quarter of section 32, where he has re- mained ever since.

Elijah Hulburt, son of Alonzo and Credutia ( Sumner ) Hulburt, was born in Erie Co., N. Y. When four years of age he removed to Stephenson Co., IN., where he lived on a farm for thirty years. He then removed to Kossuth county, locating in Burt township. Ile built a sod house, which burned down. In 1873 he built the house he now lives in. He has niee and comfortable buildings in the midst of a beautiful grove of four acres. Mr. flulburt was united in marriage with Margaret Marlow, daughter of Patrick and Mary (Judge) Marlow, Dec. 6, 1862. They have four children-Mary C., Ellen, John J. and Jonathan C., twins. Mary is engaged in teaching school. Mr. Hul- burt is a republican, politically. He has been school director for three years. Mrs.

Inlburt's parents are dead; being buried in the Catholic cemetery in Algona.

John Murray, another resident of his original homestead, came to Burt town- ship, with his three sons, and all took homesteads. The elder Mr. Murray on the south half of the southwest quarter of section 8.

Jolin Murray, son of William and Janet (Glass) Murray, was born in Janaury 1824, in Kinrosshire, Scotland. When thirty- one years of age, he went to Mahoning Co., Ohio, and worked in furnaces and rolling mills eight years Ile then went to Illi- nois and worked for eight years in the coal mines of Grundy county. From there he removed to Boone Co., Iowa, settling in Moingona, where he lived four years, mining coal. He then came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling on the southwest quar- ter of the south half of section 8, town- ship 97, range 29, where he owns 320 acres. In connection with his sons, each took a homestead of eighty acres, and have since bought eighty acres, making 400 acres, 200 of which are under cultiva- tion, eight acres are in fine grove, be- sides having a good orchard. Ile was married Dee. 31, 1846, to Jean Jackson. They have three sons-William, David and John. William married Isabella Burt, and lives on section. 8, Burt town- ship. David is at home. John married Margaret Burt, sister of William's wife, and lives on section 17. He is a republi- can, and member of the Presbyterian Church. He has been school director, and is now town trustee.

The first regular services were held by the Rev. R. A. Paden, a Presbyterian

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minister, at the house of Henry McDon- ald, in August, 1882.

The first frame house was built by Hiram Norton in 1870.

The first school taught in the township of Burt, was in what was distriet No. 11, Algona district. This was initiated upon the 23d day of September, 1872, with Joseph M. Martin as teacher. A log house which had formerly been occupied as a dwelling house was used as the school house. The term ended upon the 20th of December, 1872. The following is a list of the scholars of this pioneer school, as taken from the record book of the teacher: Adelaide R. Apel, Edward L. Apel, Min- erva A. Apel, Juliana L. Apel, William Apel and John A. Apel. The first sub- director of this district was Fletcher Hofius, who was succeeded by Charles Brooks, Mr. Brooks resigning, J. J. Apel was appointed to fill the vacancy.

The first school in district No. 10 was taught in a dwelling house formerly oc- cupied by Mr. Merten's family. This made a most comfortable house. The first term commenced the 2d of Novem- ber, 1874, and continued until the follow- ing February. L. Hutchinson was the first teacher.

The first school taught in district No. 9 began May 18, 1875. A frame house had been built for the purpose of a school house. This was the first frame school house in the township. The school term lasted until the 24th of September, and was conducted by Minnie Colby.

Burt contains three sub-districts of the the district township of Algona known as Nos. 9, 10 and 12.

Distriets Nos. 10 and 12 were re-organ- ized out of the original one, and a new school house built in each, at a cost of about $460 each. The school house of sub-district No. 9 was erected in the vil- lage o Burt, in 1882, and cost $700. This is a neat, tasty building, 22x38 feet, and twelve feet to the ceiling, and affords ed- ueational facilities to quite a number of pupils. The sub-directors for these three districts are the following gentlemen: I. M. Barslow, Frederick Schultz and C. Bierstadt.

The first child born in the township was John, son of Hiram Norton, whose birth occurred in November, 1867.

The first death was that of John Wil- son, who was killed Dec. 28, 1869, and is buried in the cemetery at Algona.

The first ground was broken by John Brown, in the fall of 1864, and he sowed the first wheat that same time. In the fol- lowing spring he planted corn, the first, also, in the township.

The township was organized in 1883, and the first election was held at the October election, when the following offiers were chosen: Hiram Norton, John Murray, Sr., and Thomas Hanna, trustees; George E. Marble, clerk; A. D. Blanch- ard, assessor; P. M. Barslow and Isaac Ames, justices; Arthur Stow and John Douglas, constables.

The village of Burt was laid out, sur- veyed and platted by the Western Town Lot Company, in connection with Am- brose A. Call and D. A. Buell, in Septem- ber, 1881. The plat was filed for record, at the court house in Algona, on the 19th of September, of the same year. The streets run north and south and the ave-

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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

nues east and west. The village has but about thirty inhabitants at present, who are nearly all Americans of a most intelli- gent and enterprising class The Chicago & Northwestern railroad passes through the village and the company have put up at this point a very nice and cozy depot.

In the fall of 1881, George E. Marble came to the incipient village of Burt and commenced the erection of the first store building. This structure is 20x24 feet, two stories high, and 14x16 feet, one story. In this building he opened a gen- eral merchandise store, which he is yet operating.

George E. Marble was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., June 17, 1850. When four years of age he went with his parents to Madison, Dane Co., Wis., where he re sided for thirteen years on a farm. Ile then went to Franklin Co., Iowa, settling on a farm there In 1881 he came to Burt and erected the first store building in town. This building was two stories in height, the first floor being 20x24 feet in dimensions, with additions in rear, 14x16 feet, and the second floor 20x24 feet. In 1882 he started a hay press, in a building 40x42 feet, which he operated during 1882-3. He still continues in the general merchandise business. Mr. Marble was married Nov. 29, 1877, to Ella V. White, of Franklin county. They have two children-Arthur E. and Cressie E. Mr. Marble is a republican and holds the office of town clerk. He has also been postmaster since 1882.

About the same time Joseph D. McDonald opened a lumber yard in Burt, which he yet is running. He handles, also, hardware, lime, salt, coal, and buys

grain and stock. He is the owner of a hay press which he is operating, which has a capacity of eight tons per day.

Joseph D. MeDonald, son of William and Mary (Shanor) MeDonald, was born in Butler Co., Penn. When ten years of age he went with his parents to Grundy Co., Ill., where his father was engaged in farming. In 1862 he enlisted in company B, 129th Illinois Infantry, being mustered in at Pontiac. He participated in the battles of Pensacola, Lookout Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, July 20, 21 and 22, with Sherman on his march to the sea and back to Washington, where he was mustered out in June, 1865. le then went to Dwight, Livingston Co., Ill., where he engaged in farming. In the spring of 1866 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling on a homestead of eighty acres in Portland township. In 1881 he moved to Burt and engaged in the lumber business. He owns one aere of land and a good house. Mr. McDonald was married March 9, 1871, to Nancy I. Young, of Dwight, Ill. They have five children-William E., Eugene M., Everett E., Lulu O. and Henry J., all liv- ing at home. Mr. McDonald has been trustee of Portland township for ten years, and is now one of the supervisors of Kos- suth county. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church In politics he is a democrat.

Comfort P. Stow came to Burt in 1881, also, and began blacksmithing, and put up the first hotel, which was 16x32 feet, with a wing 11x16 feet. This he con- tinued to operate until the summer of 1883, and, although he has quit it as a

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IHISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

business, still he will keep the weary trav- eler rather than turn him away.

Comfort P. Stow was born in Geneva Ashtabula Co., Ohio, Feb. 25, 1848. When one year old his parents moved to Paw Paw Grove, Lee Co., Ill., where Comfort lived until eighteen years of age. In 1864 he enlisted in company E, 140th Illinois Volunteers, being mus- tered in at Camp Butler, near Springfield. Hle was sent to guard railroads, and was mustered out in the same year. In 1866 Mr. Stow moved to Algona, Kossuth Co., Iowa, where he lived until the fall of 1880. When Burt was organized, in 1881, he he moved there, and engaged in work at the blacksmith trade. He built the first hotel in Burt. In 1882, in connection with his brother, Mr. Stow started a hay press. He was married May 11, 1872, to Eliza Godden, of Algona township. They have five children-James P., Mary A., Fred O., Laura E. and Caroline, all living at home. In politics Mr. Stow is a republi- can.

Religious services were held first, in the town, in August, 1882, and on the 6th of June, 1883, an organization was affected and a Church started with the following officers: Rev. R. A. Paden, minister; I. G. Schryver and William Bailey, elders. The Sunday school is also in a flourish- ing condition under the superintendency of Mrs. Rebecca McDonald.

George W. Sweet was born Ang. 14, 1830, in Crawford Co., Penn. When thirty-four years of age, he went to Ver- non Co., Wis., near Hillsboro, and engaged in farming. After five years, he came to Kossuth county and settled in Fenton township, where he took a homestead. In

1871 he sold, but remained there four years, then moved east of Algona, staying one year. He then bought the place where he now lives, on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 7, town- ship 97, range 29. He owns forty acres of good land, has good farm buildings, and everything looks prosperous. Mr. Sweet was assessor one year. He was married Jan. 5, 1868, to Eliza A. Hayden, of Hillsboro, Vernon Co., Wis. Mrs. Sweet had been married before, and has four children-Hattie, Mary J., Nancy and Frank. Mr. Sweet enlisted Aug. 14, 1861, in company B, 83d Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served sixteen and a half months, participating in the battles of Hanover, and second Bull Run. He was wounded at Bull Run, being shot in the right arm, and confined in hospital three months. Ile is a Free Will Baptist. In politics, a republican.

Peter Kriethe was born June 26, 1846, in Hanover, Germany. He is a son of Peter and Mary Kriethe. His father died when he was two years, and his mother when he was eighteen years of age. In 1866 he left Germany. In 1869 he went to California. In September, 1871, he removed to Clayton Co., Iowa, remained one week, and came to Kossuth county. Hle rented a farm east of Algona, of Mr. Hutchins. Mr. Kriethe was united in mar- riage May 19, 1878, with Anna Bearacle, daughter of Frank and Catharine Beara- cle, of Bohemia. The result of this happy union, was two children-Frances Annette and Emma Florence. Mrs. Kriethe took their present place as a homestead-the southwest quarter of section 22. They also own the southwest quarter of section

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IHISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

23. About 175 acres is under cultivation. Mr. Kriethe is engaged in both farming and stock raising. In the summer of 1883 he erected a good frame house on his farm. ITe has a nice grove and orchard. Mrs. Kriethe's parents are dead. They are buried in Bohemia.

Peter M. Barslow is a native of Canada, born near Montreal, Ang. 18, 1836. When eighteen years of age he went to Kanka- kee, Ill., where he lived two years and a half, working at the blacksmith trade. From there he removed to Batavia, Kane Co., Ill., where he resided one year, then spent one year in Oswego, Kendall Co., Ill. He then spent three years in Newark, Kendall county, going from there to Adell, Livingston Co., Ill., where he resided thirteen years, working at the blacksmith trade. He was connected with a hardware and drug store for a short time while in Livingston county, and was also deputy sheriff for some time. In 1875 Mr. Bars- low came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, settling on section 20, Portland township, where he resided three years. Ile then pur- chased land on the north half of the north- east quarter of section 24, Burt township, and eighty acres on the north half of the northwest quarter of section 19, township 97, range 28, Portland township. He is engaged in general farming. Mr. Barslow was married, Oct. 20, 1860, to Laura A. Fosgate, of Newark, Ill. They have eight children-George F., Leon A., Clara B., Effie M., Laura A., Nellie L., Emma M. and Edna M. They are all living at home. Mr. Barslow has been school director in Kossuth county for five years.

William Harsh, son of Charles and Car- oline Harsh, was born Oct. 24. 1858, in

Prussia, Germany. At six months of age he emigrated to America, locating in Illi- nois, near Freeport, where he lived ten years. From that place he removed to Waterloo, Iowa. After remaining there two years, he removed to Fort Dodge. lle lived in Fort Dodge until he came to Kossuth county. Upon coming to this county he located on the northwest quar- ter of section 2, Burt township. Mr. Harsh deals in live stock as well as rais- ing grain. lle is a single man. His mother and two sisters live with him. In politics Mr. Harsh supports the demo- cratic ticket. Mr. Harsh is a member of the Lutheran Church. His mother and sisters are members of the same Church.

.James Leslie was born Feb. 16, 1819, in Allegheny Co., Penn. Here he grew to manhood, and was engaged in running a coal boat on the Allegheny canal. Ile also made several trips to New Orleans by way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. When twenty-three years of age he was married to Maria Boyd, of Taunton, Penn. He lived in the home of his birth until thirty-one years old, when he removed to Scott Co., Iowa, locating on a farm. His wife soon afterward died, leaving one child-Mary Jane. On Nov. 28, 1854, Mr. Leslie was married to Mary A. Stub- elfield, of Princeton, Iowa. This union was blessed with six children, four of whom are living-William B. C. F. C., Emeline, Jessie B. and James McBride. In 1859 Mr. Leslie went to Pike's Peak, remaining there one year, during which time he was foreman in a quartz mill. After returning from the west he purchased a hotel which he run for five years ; also dealt in stock during this time. In 1872

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HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.

he went to Tama Co., Iowa, where he was engaged in farming for six years, near La Porte City. He then moved to Black Hawk county, and followed farming for three years, thence to Kossuth county in 1881. He bought the southwest quar- ter of section 32, township 98, range 29, of which he has seventy-five aeres broken. He has an artificial grove of four aeres, and fruit of all kinds.

Francis A. Wood, son of Edward and Elizabeth ( Shimer ) Wood, was born in Black Hawk Co., Iowa, March 8, 1859. When twenty-three years of age he came to Kossuth county and purchased the north half of the northeast quarter of section 2, Burt township. He has forty aeres under cultivation, and is interested largely in grain and stock raising. In 1881 Mr. Wood was married to Susan E. J., daughter of John and Susan (Corton) Brown, the oldest settler in Burt town- ship. Mrs. Wood is the danghter spoken of in John Brown's biography, as being the child who had not seen her father since two years of age, until 1881. She was born Oct 16, 1862, in Wisconsin. When two years of age her parents sepa- rated, Mrs. Brown taking Emma and going to live with a brother. Her mother two years afterwards married again, and Emma, after living at home five years, went to live with John Tennant, of Black Hawk Co., Iowa. She lived with Mr. Tennant until eighteen years of age, being educated while living there. She

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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 55

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