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 96

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 96
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 96
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 96

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).

In September, 1867, the Press came un- der the management of Arthur Linn and J. C. Harwood, two active enterprising young men from Charles City, Floyd Co., Jowa. Messrs. Linn & Harwood enlarged .he paper to a six column folio and con- tinned their partnership until Nov. 11, 1869, when Mr. Linn sold to his partner and retired. He then went to Yankton, Dakota, and has since made that territory his home. Since his residence there he has been territorial printer and when last heard from, in 1883, was editor of the Bismark Herald.

Mr. Harwood continued the publication of the Press with good success and con- siderably increased its circulation. In the fall of 1870, the Press was enlarged to a seven column sheet, and in July fol- lowing, it was again increased in size by adding another column, making a large eight column paper, in size and general appearance equal to any journal in north- ern lowa. In October, 1871, Mr. llar- wood relinquished control of the Press and the paper passed, by purchase, into the hands of W. C. Ilayward and M. Ilal- vorsen. Mr. Harwood bade his patrons good bye as follows:

"Ilaving sold the Press establishment to Messrs. Hayward & Halvorsen, a few words as a closing salute is all that I have to offer. 'I came a stranger and ye took me in,' and to the best of my ability have you been served. In many things I may have

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

been hasty and injudieions, but hoping and expecting that all short comings will be laid to youth, inexperience and natural ver- daney, I drop that portion of the subject. "To the friends who have generously assisted me, by their patronage, financially or otherwise, I return my sincere thanks. "As my successors are well known in in this vicinity, no word of comment in relation to their ability and fitness for the position is needed. If properly aided by publie patronage, as they should be, they will give you a live paper-one that will be not only a eredit to themselves but an honor to the town and county.

"Again thanking one and all for favors shown, I remain.

Truly Yours, J. C. HARWOOD."

For about eight months after selling the Press, Mr. Harwood was engaged in mercantile business with B. A. Plummer, after which he went to Hampton, Iowa and purchased the Franklin County Chronicle. He is now editor of the Wright County Monitor.

Messrs. Hayward & Halvorsen took con- trol of the Press with the issue of Oct. 12, 1871, and in that paper published the fol- lowing salutatory:

"This being the first number of the Press issued by the new proprietors, it will only be in accordance with prevailing eustom, to infliet the public with a few words explanatory, showing in brief the course that will be followed, and the ob- jects to which most especial attention will be given. Having located in Winne- bago county with the intention of making our residence permanent, our interests are necessarily co-incident with hers, and in this belief the first object to which we

shall devote our attention will be the up- building of our county, the promotion of the interests of her citizens, and their general and common welfare as such. To further our efforts, we believe the most potent power, and the one that will ae- complish the greatest results, is a thoroughly wide-awake local newspaper; one that will be devoted exclusively to home interests-that will be a full and fair record of passing events in our own and adjoining counties and that will work ever for the financial and social ben- efits arising from earnest thought and honest labor. To make our paper such, we propose to devote our fullest energies and individual attention.

"Politically, we belong to the party who endorse Grant's administration, and hope at the next Presidential election to see the man, who through war and peace has proved faithful to the trusts reposed in him by the American people, again elected to the high position he now oecu- pies. But while we occasionally notice the most important questions that from time to time agitate political circles, we shall give but little space in our columns to political controversy, and dabble but little in party politics. We believe a man is a man whether he belongs to the re- publican party or the democratic, or none at all; and prefer that our paper be de- voted to the more especial calling of dis- seminating news, and not to the one-sided interests of any clique or party.

"If we are ever found astride a hobby, we predict that it will be of the north Iowa build, for we squarely believe northern Iowa to be the best part of the best State in the Union, and we hope to be able oc-

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

casionally to show up a few of the numer- ous advantages, and superior inducements that will tend to increase the already heavy tide of immigration, and eventually make this part of glorious Iowa the Eden garden of the west.

"In our efforts to make the Press what it should be, a people's paper, we ask tlie co-operation of every citizen of the county. Give us your support and we pledge our- selves to the performance of our duty to the fullest of possessed ability."

Messrs. Hayward & Halvorsen con- tinued in partnership until July 1, 1873, when Mr. Hayward retired, selling his interest to his partner. Mr. Hayward in retiring from the editorial chair, said:

"With this issue we close our connec- tion with the Winnebago Press. For just one year and nine months we have worked for the interests of the paper and its patrons, and during that time have had naught of which to complain. Our po- sition has brought us into business rela- tions with many, and led us to form ae- quaintances that we are quite unwilling to drop. There are many who have rend- ered us valuable aid and assistance, and none to our knowledge, have wantonly op- posed us, and to these first and to all we return our warmest thanks. Mr. Halvorsen, who succeeds us as editor, has been our junior partner since our first connection with the Press. He is a young man of good habits, sterling integrity, energetic and bound to succeed in whatever he un- dertakes; he, in fact, is so well and favor- ably known that further commendatory remarks by us are uncalled for, and we close by wishing him unbounded success.

W. C. HAYWARD."

Soon afterward Mr. Hayward went to Garner, this State, and purchased the Ilancock County Signal, which he con- tinned to run until in 1883, when he en- gaged in the banking business.

Mr. Halvorsen, in the next issue of the Press, made the following announcement: "As will be seen by the above dissolu- tion notice, the firm of Hayward & Hal- vorsen is dissolved, and the undersigned has taken full charge of the Winnebago Press. The same course will be pursued as heretofore, and no material change will take place at present. We do not know what Mr. Hayward will undertake, but in whatever business he may engage, we wish him unbounded prosperity. We shall strive as far as in our power to merit the continued liberal patronage of our own readers, as well as the people at large. With these few remarks we as- sume editorial supervision.

M. HALVORSEN."

Mr. Halvorsen remained in sole charge of the Press until Jan. 1, 1874, when A. H. Chase purchased a half interest, and the firm became Halvorsen & Chase. The Press was continued until about the 1st of March, when its name was changed to the

NORTHERN IOWA GAZETTE.

The paper under its new title appeared as an eight column folio, all home print, showing an enterprising spirit on the part of the proprietors that is not often met with in this western country. The paper showed a handsome appearance, and its matter and make-up bespoke ability, not only editorially, but mechanically.

In November, 1874, Mr. Halvorsen soll out to his partner, A. H. Chase, and re- moved to Lake Mills, this county, where

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 779

he established the Independent Herald. He conducted this journal some two or three years, then sold to E. D. Hinman, and went to Albert Lea, Minn. He there purchased an interest in the Albert Lea Enterprise, of which paper he is now sole editor and proprietor.

In bidding adieu to the former friends of the Guzette, Mr. Halvorsen said:

"We have sold our interest in the North- ern Iowa Gazette to A. H. Chase. During our connection with this establishment we have made many friends, as well as enemies. Our friends have been true to us, and we shall never forget them. We return our thanks to our former patrons for the liberal patronage they have deemed the enterprise worthy of. The principles which we have advocated are well known. We have been perfectly honest and sincere in upholding these, and until we are convinced of their incor reetness, we shall not cease in advocating the same, regardless of fear or favor. To our friends we return our most heartfelt thanks for the true friendship they have shown us.

Respectfully,

M. HALVORSEN."

Nov. 26, 1874, A. II. Chase became sole editor and proprietor of the Northern Iowa Gazette, and he at once changed its name to that of

WINNEBAGO SUMMIT.

In the first issue of the Summit, Mr. Chase addressed his patrons in the follow- ing words:

OUR NEW NAME.

"The Northern Iowa Gazette has been merged into the Winnebago Summit, and the paper will hereafter be published under this name. This change was ren-

dered necessary to avoid confusion in business growing out of the changes which have resulted in placing this news- paper in the hands of the present editor and publisher. Our new name may seem a trifle toploftical, but then we are on high land and shall try to keep well up among the best newspapers of the State, and while we may never reach the tiptop, we shall "keep an eye" on the Summit. We hope that our new venture may meet the approbation and receive the support of this community. We have no new principles to teach and no "new depart- ures" in politics to take, but shall aim to make the Summit, as its name implies, a welcome guest to every hearthstone in our county. Our friends in the various townships will confer a favor on us by sending us an account of any news trans- piring in their respective localities. Thanking all for their kindness in the past, we hope to merit our share of the patronage and good things of the future."

The Summit has steadily grown in popularity, and under the efficient man- agement of its editor and publisher, Mr. Chase, it has become one of the best newspapers in northern Iowa. Its circu- lation is large and its advertising patron- age is second to none in the county. The press upon which this paper is printed has an eventful history. It was first used at Belmont, Wis., when Iowa was yet known as the territory of Wisconsin, and afterwards at Burlington, and was used in printingi the first paper within the limits of Iowa, in the spring of 1837. Afterwards this venerable "Foster Patent" was started on a tour of service through the eastern and northern portions of the

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

State, stopping for brief periods at Osage, at Mason City and at Ellington, Hancock county, before it reached Forest City. It is the oldest press in the State, and still does good service.

A. H. Chase, editor and proprietor of the Winnebago Summit, was born at Peekskill, Westchester Co., N. Y., July 4, 1833. His parents were Jesse and Sarah (Haight) Chase, both natives of New York, the former born Aug. 12, 1794; the latter born Der. 1. 1805. In 1883 they were both living, residing at Croton Landing, N. Y. They have four sons and one daughter living-El- mer, aged fifty-six years, now in the man- ufacture of boots and shoes at Nyack, N. Y .; Ambrose HI., the subject of this sketch; Elvin, a teacher since 1852, now teaching at Croton Landing, N. Y .; and Caroline P., now Mrs. Clarence Anderson, of Croton Landing, N. Y. The Chase family are of English descent. Coming from England in 1680, they set- tled in one of the New England States. Obed Chase, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1755 and en- listing when about twenty, served for eight years during the Revolutionary War. The ancestry on the mother's side of the house is traccable back to France, from whence the Haights came in about 1650, settling in Connecticut, and subsequently moving to New York State. The grand- father Haight was born in 1776 and in 1878 was still alive, having reached the hale old age of 102 years. A. Il. Chase, the subject of this sketch, lett the paren- tal roof when about eleven years old, and for six years worked on a farm near his home. When seventeen he went to New

York city, where he clerked in a store for one year, then commenced teaching school in his native county. He continued teach- ing in different parts of the State for eleven years, then located in York, Penn., where he, in company with sev- eral others, established the True Demo- crat, which, though bearing the name Democrat, was a republican paper. Mr. Chase edited this journal for six years, then purchased the York Republican, which he conducted for three years. Dur- ing two years of this time he resided in Washington, D. C., where he was private secretary to D. C. Whitman, first deputy commissioner of the internal revenue de- partment. In May, 1867, he was appoint- ed statistical clerk of public schools by the governor of Pennsylvania, and held the position for five years. In 1873, he came to Iowa, locating at Forest City, where, on the Ist of January, 1874, he purchased a half interest in the Press. Ten months later he became the sole pro- prietor of that paper, with which he has since been identified. Mr. Chase was married in 1856 to Elizabeth T. Hulse, a native of Orange Co., N. Y. They have been blessed with four children-Aunie N., born Sept. 26, 1857, now Mrs. Milton V. Richards, of St. Paul; Franklin A., born Dec. 14, 1860, now in the United States postal service on the Minneapo- lis & St. Louis R. R .; Charles S., born June 22, 1862, now foreman of the Win- nebago Summit office; and Edwin H., born in April, 1869. Mr. Chase was reared a free soil democrat, but on the organiza- tion of the republican party, in 1856, he espoused its principles and has "kept the faith" ever since. ITis first Presidential

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

vote was cast for John C. Fremont. For a number of years Mr. Chase has been in the lecture field and has earned the repu- tation of being one of the ablest speak- ers in this part of the State. Ile has a good delivery, is logical, clear-ent and pointed in his arguments, and the able manner with which he addresses himself to. any subject, shows him to be a man of enlture and extensive research in the realm of science and literature. He has won considerable repute as a stump speak- er, having "stumped" most all the east- ern States and Iowa, both during Presi- dential and gubernatorial campaigns. His writings prove him a man of fine literary tasts, and this not only in prose but also in poetry, of which he has writ- ten a great deal.

THE WINNEBAGO CHIEF.

The first number of this paper ap- peared Feb. 4, 1880. It was a six column quarto, clean and neat, and well filled with general and local news. Clayton O. Ingalls, of Clear Lake, Iowa, established the Chief, and was its editor and publish- er, George E. Frost, of Clear Lake, being its owner. In the first number of the pa- per, there was published the following introductory remarks:

"In introducing ourselves to the public and to the people of Forest City and Winnebago county, we will say that we are young at the business, but we will give you a paper that will be a eredit to your town and county. Although there are two other papers in the county, yet there is room for one more (the Chief). As Forest City is the county seat, and is likely to remain so for a good many years

to come, we will endeavor to work par- ticularly for its interests.

"We have come among you almost an entire stranger, and have cast our aneh- or, and shall hereafter make Forest City our home, and we respectfully solicit the patronage and influence of the people of its community.

"The Chief, a six column quarto, being the largest and cheapest paper in the county, will make you regular weekly visits and will keep you posted in the local and general news of the day, firmly standing up for what we believe to be right and strongly opposing that which is wrong. C. O. INGALLS."

In September, 1880, H. M. Halvorsen and J. T. Lattimore purchased the Win- nebago Chief, and changed the name to

WINNEBAGO WEEKLY REVIEW,

This paper presented its first issne to the people on the 15th of September, 1880. It was a six column quarto, and was well filled with interesting local and other matter. Messrs. Halvorsen and Lattimore, in entering upon the duties of the management of the above paper, said:

"The Winnebago Review, successor to the Winnebago Chief, is herewith pre- sented to you. In entering upon our duties as editors of this paper, in accordance with custom, it is but proper we should give a brief outline of what we expect to make the Review, with the kindly assist- ance of friends throughout the county. In the first place, the local field will par- tienlarly receive our attention, and from week to week we shall, to the best of our ability, present a thorough Review of all happenings and events transpiring within Winnebago county and northern Ilan-

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

cock. Although our field is local, yet in addition to such news we also propose to give a Weekly Review of all general news, both foreign and domestie. In short, it will be our aim to make the Review a family necessity, and worth many times the subscription price to all residents, or other parties in any way interested in the affairs of Winnebago county. In politics, we believe in the principles of the glori- ons republican party, and we shall do what we can to sustain it. We are bound to no clique or elan, and will Review the acts of all public officers fearlessly and impartially, believing that the people should know the truth, regardless of the re- sults to aspirations and ambitions of can- didates for office and office holders.

"In connection with our newspaper of- fice we have one of the best equipped job printing establishments in northern Iowa, and we solicit work of this character from our business men and others in need of anything in this line, guarantecing satis- faction, both as to price and quality of work.

"With these outlines of what we pro- pose to make the Review, we enter upon our work.

H. M. HALVORSEN, J. T. LATTIMORE."

On April 15, 1881, Mr. Halvorsen he- came sole editor and proprietor of the Review, and so continued until Jan. 1, 1882. At this time he formed a partner- ship with his brother, M. C. Halvorsen, and the firm name of H. M. Ilalvorsen & Co., was adopted. In 1883 the Winneba- go Review was still under the manage- ment of the above firm.

NORTH STAR.

The paper bearing the above name was established in June, 1872, at Lake Mills,

by E. D. Hinman & Co. It was a six column folio and was established in the interest of the northern part of the county, which up to this time had been without a paper. Lake Mills was still a little vil- lage, with but a few houses, still the in habitants did all they possibly could to help along in the enterprise and almost every business man had an advertisement in the paper. Though small, it was amply large for the times. The editorial man- agement fell entirely to Mr. Ilinman, who performed his duties in an able and cred- itable manner. The first issue appeared Jnne 3, 1872, and in introducing the North Star to the citizens of Winnebago county, Mr. Hinman said:

"It is an old custom among journalists to give, in the initial number of the sheet they spread before the public, a lengthy catalogue and tiresome category of the events, causes, whys and wherefores that led to their perilous undertaking, and sketch in minutest detail the hopes, aims, desires and expectations that for months have been fomenting within the narrow confines of cranial walls, generating force for expansion into unheard of improbabili- ties. This is, without doubt, all right, and strictly in accordance with the dictates of conventionality; we propose, however, to vary somewhat from the general rule, leaving our readers to gather from the columns of the Star, in its weekly visits, what perchance there may be of fact or fancy to illustrate practically what would be but 'twice told to tell it here.' Still, it may be well to follow in the old ruts far enough to say that the North Star will be devoted to the interests of Lake Mills and vicinity in particular, and Win-

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

nebago county and Northern Iowa in gen- eral. Republican in politics, but retaining its constitutional right to freedom of ex- pression in criticising party measures or actions, not deemed in accordance with native inborn views of right and wrong. Subject to no clique and untrammeled by sectional influence.

"Respectfully asking for the patronage we may fairly merit, but begging favors of no man, with malice toward none and charity for all, we remain,

Yours truly,

E. D. HINMAN & Co."

The North Star was printed at the Press office in Forest City, and after about one year's existence it was discontinued.

INDEPENDENT HERALD.

In the month of February, 1875, the first issue of the Independent Herald ap- peared at Lake Mills. Marcelus Hal- vorsen was editor and publisher. The paper was a five column quarto, well filled with news and advertisements, and was well received by the citizens, who had heen without a local paper for several years. Mr. Halvorsen continued in con- trol of the Herald about three years, and sold to E. D. Hinman. In about one year Mr. Hinman sold to H. W. Rowland, now of St. Ansgar, Mitchell Co., Iowa. Mr. Rowland ran the paper until in August, 1881, when the management passed, by purchase, into the hands of O. P. Hull. In September, 1882, the Herald was changed to a more convenient form, and since that date it has been published as a seven column folio. Mr. Hull had considerable experience in newspaper work, and met with merited success during his proprietorship of the Herald.

In January, 1884, S. K. Gregg assumed control of the Herald in the following words :

"It is a time-honored custom at the dawn of the New Year to make new plans and form wise resolutions for future ac- tion. It is, therefore, our purpose to as- snme the duties and responsibilities of editor and proprietor of the Independent Herald, and the inquiring public have a right to know some of our plans and resolutions relative to its management. We cheerfully admit that we cannot wear a 'coat of many colors,' or in other words, it will be impossible for us to please everybody, yet we hope that our course may be worthy, and that we may receive the approbation of our courteous readers and of the public at large.

"First-We propose to publish the Her- ald, not in Forest City in connection with the Summit or Review, as some have inti- mated, but in Lake Mills, independent of the above named papers, or any indviduals; yet we will not ignore any one, but ask advice from and are willing to counsel with all persons. It will also be our aim to herald all the news of immediate interest to our readers and shall labor faithfully and impartially for the interest of each and every one of our citizens according to our very best ability. We shall also endeavor to do all in our power to ad- vance the interest of Lake Mills and of Winnebago county ; and besides this we will endeavor to give the general news, both foreign and domestic, in as replete a manner as circumstances will permit. Fur- thermore, our greatest aim will be to make the Herald worth twofold the sub- scription price. In politics, we are re-

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.

publican, not for policy, but because we do admire those grand principles for which our fathers fought, but we openly denounce all the corruptions that have crept into either of the political parties irrespective of name, for 'righteousness exalteth a Nation but sin is a reproach to any people.'

"We are also prepared to do all kinds of job work, which will be executed in first

class style and with promptness, therefore reserve your orders for us.

"In conclusion we would say no family should be without a newspaper, therefore call and see us and become acquainted and favor us with your subscription for the Ilerald, for upon its patronage depends the real worth of any newspaper. Wish- ing you all the compliments of the New Year, we submit you this number.

S. K. GREGG."

CHAPTER VII.

JUDICIAL.

When Winnebago county was first brought under judicial organization, sev- eral years after it had been permanently organized as a county, it was made a part of the 11th judicial district. Winne- bago was thus associated for judicial pur- poses with the counties of Boone, Hardin, ! Hamilton, Franklin, Marshall, Story, Webster and Wright.

The first term of district court in and for Winnebago county was held in June, 1859. The records of this term were burned, the first record available being dated June, 1862. At this term there were present: Hon. John Porter, judge ; D. D. Chase, district attorney; E. D. Hin- man, clerk; and Joseph Tennis, sheriff.

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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 96

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