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 98
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 98
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 98
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113
W. O. Hanson
281- 264
Peter Hanson.
17
County Surveyor.
W. C. Hayward
300
Coroner.
G. P. Smith
299
Drainage Commissioner.
Darius Bray
209
ELECTION. NOVEMBER. 1872.
President .
U. S. Grant, Republican.
275-238
Horace Greeley, Liberal.
37
Secretary of State.
Josiah T. Young
275- 238
E. A. Gilbert.
37
State Auditor.
James Russell
275-238
J. P. Cassidy
37
State Treasurer.
William Christy
275-238
M. J. Rohlfs
37
Register State Land Office.
Aaron Brown
275-238
Jacob Butler
37
Attorney-General.
M E. Cutts
275- 238
A. G. Case
(Name to fill racancy.)
M. E. Cutts
249
Congress.
11. O. Pratt, Republican.
275-238
A. T. Lusch, Demoerat ..
37
District Judge.
G. W. Ruddick, Republican
276-239
W A. Lathrop, Democrat ..
37
Circuit Judge.
R. G. Reiniger, Republican
276- 237
W. C. Stanberry, Demoerat.
39
District Attorney.
L. S. Butler, Republican
218- 124
J W. Wood. Demoerat
94
flerk of the Courts.
Engene Secor
314
County Recorder.
E. L. Stillson
286-191
N K Landru
95
County Supervisor
A. N. Brones
210- 49
C. Nelson
161
A. Christian.
1
ELECTION, OCTOHER, 1873.
Governor.
('. ". Carpenter.
301
Joseph Dysart.
301
Judge of the Supreme Court.
J. M. Beck.
301
Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Alonzo Abernathy
301
Representative.
David Seeor
3228
County Auditor.
U. K. Landru
181- 58
Charles Isaacs
123
Treasurer.
Robert Clark
13- 69
Engene Seeor
114
Sheriff.
Peter Lewis
162- 10
John Halvorsen.
Superintendent of Schools.
w. W. Olmstead.
258-211
4℃
O. T. Severs
176- 60
John Ambrose
116
Coroner.
P C. Jones
219- 208
G. P. Smith
11
J. B. Hill ..
Supervisior.
Z. Mayse
1422-
136
6
S. D. Wadsworth
E. D. Hinman
1
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1874.
Sceretary of State.
J. T. Young, Republiean.
281- 230
D. Lee Morgan, Democrat
51
Auditor of State.
Buren R. Sherman, Republican ..
281- 230
J. M. King, Demoernt.
51
Treasurer of State.
William Christie. Republican.
281- 230
Henry C Harges, Demoerat
Register of State Land Office.
David Secor, Republican
273- 223
R H. Roderman, Democrat.
50
Attorney-General.
M. E. Cutts, Republican
281- 231
J. Il. Rendy, Democrat ..
50
Clerk of Supreme Court.
E. J Holmes, Republican ....
281- 230
G. W. Ball, Demoerat ..
51
Reporter of Supreme Court.
John R. Ruinmells, Republican
281- 230
J. M. Weast, Democrat
51
Clerk of Courts.
o. T. Severs
196- 59
J. F. Thompson
137
Lieutenant-Governor .
Martin Cooper
County Surveyor.
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY. 795
County Recorder.
E. L. Stillson
173- 12
W. O. Hanson
16]
Supervisor.
P. H. Peterson
176- 17
Z. Mayse
159
Coroner.
V. A. Jones
162- 26
M. Faulkner
136
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1875. Governor.
Samuel J. Kirkwood, Republican.
383- 321
Lieutenant-Governor.
J. G. Newbold, Republican
383- 321
W. I. Hayes, Democrat ..
37
E. B. Woodward, Democrat.
62
Attorney-General.
Judge Supreme Court.
Austin Adams, Republican
383-321
W. J. Knight, Democrat.
62
Superintendent of Public Instruction.
A. Abernathy, Republican
383- 327
Isaiah Doane, Democrat
56
State Senator.
L. Dwelle, Republican
322- 199
Representative.
Henry H. Bush, Republican
443- 442
M. P. Rosecrans, Democrat.
1
-
County Auditor.
Eugene Secor
266- 97
W. O. Hanson
169
J. B. Cleland, Republican.
511-474
Treasurer.
Robert Clark
301- 159
Knudt Johnson
142
Sheriff.
Peter Lewis
269- 100
S. G. Honsey
169
Superintendent of Schools.
W. A. Chapman
274- 103
J. M. Hull
171
County Surveyor.
J. II. T. Ambrose
241- 43
A. Oulman.
198
Coroner.
V. A. Jones
255-231
Scattering
24
Supervisor.
J. W. Fisher
271- 100
Z. M. Mayse
171
ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1876. President.
Rutherford is. Hayes, Republican.
498- 459
S. J. Tilden, Democrat ....
..
39
Secretary of State.
J. T. Young, Republican.
511- 474
J. H. Steubenranch, Democrat
37
Auditor of State.
B. R. Sherman, Republican
511- 474
W. Gronewig, Democrat ..
37
Treasurer of State.
George Bemis, Republican.
511- 474
Wesley Jones, Democrat.
Register State Land Office.
David Secor, Republican
539- 537
N. C. Rideman, Demoerat.
Judge of Supreme Court.
.
W. H. Severs, Republican
511- 474
William Graham, Demoerat ..
37
Shepherd Lefler, Democrat ..
Judge Supreme Court-to fill Vacancy.
J. H. Rothrock, Republican.
5IF- 474
J. C. Cook, Democrat.
37
Superintendent of Publie Instruction.
Carl W. Von Coellen
511
Congress.
N. C. Deering, Republican
511- 474
Cyrus Foreman, Democrat.
37
District Judge.
J. M. Elder, Democrat
123
G. W. Ruddick, Republican
511- 474
C A. L. Rozelle, Democrat.
37
Circuit Judge.
R. G. Reiniger, Republican
511- 474
J. M. Elder, Democrat.
District Attorney.
37
John Cliggett, Democrat.
37
County Treasurer-to fill Vacancy.
William Larson
206- 23
C. D. Smith.
183
Mikkel Peterson
158
Recorder.
John Law
243- 35
M. C. Halvorsen
208
W. W. Olmstead
91
Clerk of Court.
W. O. Hanson
283- 45
Charles Isares.
238
Ole Grasley ...
228
Supervisor.
Knudt Johnson
285- 118
H. N. Bushnell,
167
S. D. Wadsworth,
39
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1877.
Governor.
John H. Gear, Republican.
544- 504
John P. Irish, Demoerat.
40
Lieutenant-Governor.
Frank T. Campbell, Republican.
544- 501
W. C. James, Democrat
40
Judge of Supreme Court.
James G. Day, Republican
514- 504
H. E. J. Boardman, Democrat
40
36
J. F. McJunkin, Republican
SII- 474
796
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.
Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Carl W. Von Coellen, Republican.
543- 503
G. D. Callison. 40
Representative.
A. C. Walker, Republican
376- 170
H. H. Brush.
206
County Auditor.
Eugene Secor,
547
Treasurer
Mikkel Peterson
306- 28
William Larson
278
Superintendent of Schools.
W. A. Chapman
337-103
J. E. Anderson.
234
Sheriff.
J. H. Twito
264- 91
Peter Lewis
173
H. K. Landru
100
County Surveyor.
A. Oulman
316- 53
J. H. T. Ambrose
263
Coroner.
J. M. Inll
373- 180
G. P. Smith
193
F. M. Goodykoontz, Republican.
729- 728
Supervisor .
P. H. Peterson
C. L. Henderson.
237
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1878. Secretary of State.
J. A. T. Hull, Republican.
469- 367
E. M. Farnsworth, Democrat ..
93
State Auditor.
Buren R. Sherman, Republican
459- 381
Joseph Eihoeck, Greenback
78
State Treasurer.
G. W. Bemis, Republican
460- 367
M. L. Devin, Democrat
93
Register State Lond Office.
J. K. Powers, Republican.
460- 367
93
M. Farrington, Democrat.
Attorney-General.
J. F. MeJunkin, Republiean ...
460- 397
J. Gibbon, Greenback .
Judge of Supreme Court.
J. H. Rothrock, Republican ...
160- 384
J C. Knapp, Democrat.
76
Clerk of Supreme Court
E. J. Holmes, Republican.
460- 368
Alexander Runyan, Democrat ...
92
Reporter of Supreme Court.
J. S. Runnells, Republican.
460- 383
J. B. Elliott, Greenback ....
Congress.
77
N. C. Deoring, Republican
456- 359
97
W. O. Hanson
551- 417
Knudt Johnson
410- 90
Scattering.
4
County Recorder.
John Law
373- 191
M. C. Halvorsen
182
County Surveyor.
J H. T. Ambrose
5:00
Superrisor.
J. W. Fisher
300- 111
Halvor Paulson
189
Z. M. Mayse
63
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1879.
Governor.
Jobn H. Gear, Republiean.
696- 647
IT. II. Trimble, Democrat.
49
Lieutenant-Gorernor.
Frank T. Campbell, Republican
696- 647
J. A. O. Yoeman, Democrat
49
Juulge of Supreme Court .
J. M. Beck, Republican
684- 123
Reuben Noble, Democrat
Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Carl W. Vou Coellen, Republieau ...
691- 614
50
Erwin Baker, Demoerat.
State Nenator.
J. M. Elder, Democrat
1
Representative.
J. M. Ilull, Republican.
700- 670
J. M. Elder, Democrat.
30
County Auditor.
Charles Isantes.
225- 34
E. L. Stillson.
191
W. A. Chapman
184
J. F. Anderson
139
Treasurer.
Mikkel Peferson
459- 168
William Larson
Sheriff.
Jacob II. Twito.
317- 161
Peter Lewis
156
S. G. lionsey
138
H. K. Landru.
135
Superintendent of Schools.
A. N. Brones
238- 41
C. L. Nelson
197
A. H. Chase
121
P. Hayward.
23
W. H. Jones
County Surveyor.
J. H. T. Ambrose
643- 638
Seattering.
5
Coroner.
Y. G.Tweed
410- 284
C. L. Porter.
165
Supervisor.
Halvor Paulson.
320
S. H. Weller
Clerk of District Court.
335-
98
797
ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1880. President.
James A. Garfield, Republican 701- 634
W S. Hancock, Democrat ..
67
Gen. J. B. Weaver, Greenback.
34
Secretary of State.
J. A. T. Hull, Republican.
702- 635
A. B. Kieth, Demeerat ..
67
George M. Walker, Greenhack ..
34
State Auditor.
William V. Lucas, Republican
702-635
C. 1. Barker, Demoerat
67
G. V. Swivinger, Greenback
34
State Treasurer.
Edmund H. Conger, Republican
701- 634
Martin Blinn, Democrat.
67
M. Farrington ...
34
Register State Land Office.
J. K. Powers
702-635
Daniel Dougherty
67
Thomas Ilooker
34
Attorney-General.
Smith McPherson
702- 635
Charles A. Clark
67
W. A. Spurrier
34
Congress.
N. C. Deering.
700-663
M. B Doolittle
District Judge.
G. W. Ruddick
732- 66
Circuit Judge.
R. G. Reiniger
,30-659
Cyrus Foreman.
District Attorney.
John B. Cleland
733-664
A. C. Ripley.
69
Clerk of Courts.
W. O. Hansou
500-600
W. H. Fisher.
County Recorder.
O. T. Severs
482- 249
W. A. Chapman
233
W. H. May
85
Supervisor.
A. N. Hougee
5
402-
P. H. Peterson
397
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1881. Governor.
Buren R. Sherman, Republican. 675- 641
D. M. Clark, Greenback.
31
L. G. Kinne, Democrat.
26
Lieutenant-Governor.
O. H. Manning, Republican
673- 637
James D. Holland, Greenback
36
J. M. Walker, Democrat ..
26
Judge of Supreme Court.
Austin Adams, Republican.
W. W. Williamson, Greenback
35
H. B. Hendershott ..
96
673- 638
Superintendent of Public Instruction.
John W. Akers, Republiean
673- 637
Mrs. A. M Swain, Greenbaek.
36
W. H. Butler, Democrat.
26
State Senator.
H. G. Parker, Republican
713- 711
J. M. Elder, Democrat.
2
Representative.
J. E. Anderson.
619- 572
Scattering
47
County Auditor.
Charles Isaacs
483- 233
K. H. Knudtson
250
Seattering
3
Treasurer.
B. A. Plummer
385- 36
Nels George.
349
Sheriff.
J. H. Twito
661- 600
H. N.
61
E. R. Jacobson.
14
Superintendent of Schools.
A. N Brones
494- 256
238
C. L. Nelson
County Surveyor.
J. H. T. Ambrose
378- 29
W. H. Harwood
349
Coroner.
J. H. Brakke
668
Supervisor.
J. W. Fisher
151
SPECIAL ELECTION, JUNE, 1882.
For the Adoption of the Prohibitory Amendment.
For
553- 464
Against
89
ELECTION, NOVEMBER, 1882. Secretary of State.
John A. T. Huil, Republican.
490-239
W. J. Gaston, Greenback
251
T. D. Walker, Democrat
24
State Auditor.
J. L. Brown, Republican
493- 245
D. A. Wyatt, Greenbaek ..
248
William Thompson, Democrat
24
State Treasurer.
E. H. Conger, Republiean
491- 241
George Derr, Greenback.
250
John Foley, Democrat.
Attorney-General.
S. McPherson, Republiean
491- 241
James A. Rice, Greenback
250
J. H. Bremerman, Democrat
24
Judge of Supreme Court.
W. H. Seevers, Republican ..
492- 243
M. A. Jones, Greenback
219
Charles E. Bronson, Democrat
24
100
37
John Cliggett
69
S. G. Hlonsey
557- 406
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.
798
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.
Clerk of Supreme Court.
G. B. Pray, Republican ..
492- 248
E. N. Clark, Greenback. 249
II. F. Bonorden, Democrat.
Reporter of Supreme Court.
E. C. Ebersole, Republican ...
492- 243
J. H. Williamson, Greenback
2.9
L. A. Palmer, Democrat
24
Congress.
A. J. Holmes, Republican.
460- 193
Isaiah Doanc, Greenback.
267
John Cliggett, Democrat.
48
Clerk of Courts.
W. O. Hanson
433- 94
I. J. Kesseg
389
County Recorder.
O. T. Severs
509- 249
Ole S. Olson
260
Supervisor.
William Larson
492- 214
G. H. Olmstead
278
ELECTION, OCTOBER, 1883.
Governor.
Buren R. Sberman, Republican
630- 521
J. B Weaver, Greenback
109
L. G. Kinne.
91
Lieutenant-Governor.
Orlando II. Manning, Republican
632- 522
Sanford Kirkpatrick. Greenback
110
Justus Clark, Democrat ..
87
Judge Supreme Court.
Joseph H. Reed, Republican
633- 524
Daniel W. Chureb, Greenback
109
Superintendent Public Instruction.
John W. Akers, Republican
634- 530
Miss Abbie O. Canfield, Greenback
104
Edgar P. Farr, Democrat ..
90
State Senator, 43d District.
John D. Glass, Republican
633- 441
J. M. Elder, Democrat
192
Representative, 86th District.
George F. Watson, Republican
600-366
T. C. Ransom, Greenback.
234
County Auditor.
Charles Isaacs
781- 742
Scattering
38
Treasurer.
B. A. Plummer
449- 74
375
Mikkel Peterson
Sheriff.
J. H. Twito
287- 55
N. B. Thompson
232
P. N. Brones
164
C. A. Gale ..
145
Superintendent of Schools.
A. N. Brones
378-107
C. L. Nelson
271
W. A. Chapman
173
Supervisor.
A. N. Honge.
432- 185
Z. M. Mayse
J. W. Fisher.
118
Surreyor.
L. T. Thompson
510-355
J. H. T. Ambrose
255
Coroner.
C. E. Keeler
770-738
Walter 1. Hayes, Democrat
88
Scattering
29
.
799
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.
CHAPTER X.
THE BAR OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.
The general history of the legal pro- fession furnishes one of the most fruit- ful and comprehensive fields of thought that the world, with all its various call- ings and activities, presents to the mind. There are other professions that are com- prehensive and Archimedian in their power to move the world, but none have the majestic sweep and the all-powerful influence that the profession of law con- templates. This profession is the watch- inan stationed upon the great dike, which protects the realm of truth and justice from the inroads of vice. It is the light- house upon the giant barrier against which dash the seas of crime. True, at times, the watchmen prove unworthy the trust reposed in them, and allow the eneroach- ments of vice upon justice to escape their attention, but, acknowledging this to be a faet, it does not change or dwarf the great field over which the profession has guardianship.
The grand object of law is equal jus- tice to all. Truth and right are so inter- woven into the warp and woof of the deli- cate fabrie of law that they are one and inseparable, and the great and good law- yer, viewing it in this light, becomes one of the forces which move, control and protect society. The legal profession, then, in the very nature of the case, must
be the champion of purity and the pro- moter of all movements that tend to soften the harsh elements in citizen and government. And right nobly has it done this. It has ever been the defender of popular rights, the champion of free- dom, regulated by law, the firm support of good government. In times of danger it has stood like a rock, and breasted the mad passions of the hour, and firmly re- sisted tumult and faction. But the law- yer does not make laws, these are made by higher tribunals as exigencies arise demanding them. It is his duty, how- ever, to apply them to the daily affairs of men, and the pure and impartial lawyer will so endeavor to interpret these laws that their high standard may be perpetu- ated, and that all alike may have meted out unto them justice and right.
Change in art, in seience, in literature, in all the departments of the world's ac- tivities are continually noticeable. The wants of the people of to-day, and the lawful restraints to be thrown around us of the present age, differ widely from those of a half century ago. They are too lenient or too severe-in one case to be strengthened, in the other, modified. Hence, the lawyer, to satisfactorily meet the requirements of the circumstances with which he is surrounded, must neces-
800
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.
sarily be a man of to-day, posted on the matters of importance pertaining to his own age. His capital is his ability and individuality, and he cannot bequeath them to his successors. They die with him or live in the memory of his deeds and sayings.
THE BAR OF THE PAST.
In an early day the lawyer was not kept busy with cases. They were few and far between. People at that day were more disposed than at present to settle their disputes in their own way, and could not afford to pay the lawyer for his ser- vices. The lawyer, therefore, who came into the country with the pioneers, had to devote a part of his time to other pursuits, sometimes in farming, again in teaching school. Thus, by practicing economy, he could make " ends meet," and get along until times were better. As a rule the lawyer became a politician, and by serv- ing in some official capacity swelled his little income to more comfortable propor- tions. The people demanded their ser- vices, and they were glad to accommo- date the people.
There have been and still are able and prominent men practicing before the courts of Winnebago county-men who were an honor to the profession, to socie- ty, and to the county.
Of those who resided in the county at one time, and are now either dead or have quit practice, or gone, the historian will speak first. So far as material was acces- sible, sketches are given of each attorney who has practiced before the courts of the county. If any are omitted it is be- cause their names are forgotten and not from intention.
Among those who have been resident attorneys were the following: Jerry Murphy, J. K. Boyd, De Witt C. Hayes, W. A. Burnap, D. T. Gibson, John Dun- bar and Henry W. Ames.
Jerry Murphy was the pioneer lawyer of Winnebago county, locating at Forest City in 1857. He was a thorough pioneer and tried his hand at anything that came along. Ile was considerable of a sport, wore a white fur plug-hat, and always carried a cane. He was a good lawyer for those days, and he knew no such thing as fail. He was witty and could be keen and sarcastic in the extreme if he so chose. While here he paid most of his attention to land speculation. He left in 1858.
J. K. Boyd was the second lawyer to locate in Winnebago county. He swung out his shingle at Forest City in 1861 and remained until 1864. lle was a man of considerable ability, was well read in his profession and had good success in his practice. After leaving here he located at Cedar Rapids. Mr. Boyd was a prom- inent character in early times and many good anecdotes are related of him. At one time Boyd was running a hotel in Forest City, and it appears that a Mr. C. D. Pritchard, who had been invited by the citizens to deliver a 4th of July ora- tiou, was stopping at his hotel. Mr. Pritchard made a good speech and every- body was satisfied. The following day when he got ready to leave, he asked the landlord what his bill was. Boyd told him it was $-, charging at city rates. Pritchard demurred, saying that it was too much and he could not pay it. But Boyd insisted, saying, "of course this isn't
801
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.
a very paying business for you; but you can stand it-you're making a reputa- tion." Pritchard had to pay the bill, and went off a wiser but poorer man. One thing of this nature leads to another and we will digress from our subject heading, and relate another in- stance in the public life of Mr. Boyd. During his practice here Mr. Boyd occu- pied considerable of his time in collecting accounts for foreign parties. At one time he had in his posession a number of school orders on Forest school district. These orders belonged to A. B. Tuttle, now of Mason City, and had been sent to Boyd for collection. Boyd collected some but time went by and he did not remit. Finally Mr. Tuttle came to see about the matter, and upon asking Boyd for his money, was informed that he (Tuttle) was indebted to him and that what he had collected did not remunerate him for his trouble. Tuttle objected, but Boyd was determined to retain the money, saying "you know Mr. Tuttle we lawyers must live," and he did retain the money, Mr. Tuttle going away without it.
W. A. Burnap was a native of one of the New England States. In about 1860 he came to Forest City and engaged in teaching the village school. The follow- ing year he gave up the school and en- tered the service as clerk at Brigadier- General Datis E. Coon's headquarters, serving in that capacity for three years. At the expiration of that time he returned to Forest City and again was engaged to teach the public school. He could not, however, be satisfied to remain in the background while his country was in danger. His patriotic nature was com-
pletely aroused by the scenes he had wit- nessed during his three years of service, and he again decided to try life on the tented field. He then veteranized and served until the close of the war. He then went to Chicago and was for several years a professor in the commercial law department of Bryant & Stratton's Com- mercial College. In 1869 he returned to Forest City and went into partnership with Hon. David Secor in the real estate business. Later he went to Clear Lake, where he purchased the Clear Lake Bank. Ile was not successful in this venture, however, in about three years he failed, and when the business was settled he was left with ahnost notbing. To his credit it may be said that he settled honorably with every ereditor, and the high reputa- tion for honesty and integrity which he has previously borne, was in no wise in- jured or decreased. When he eame to Forest City, he was a young man, and his good education made a brilliant future possible, but he was naturally too modest and too diffident to "hoe his way" success- fully amidst the rough paths of pioneer life. After his failure at Clear Lake he returned to Chicago and when last heard from was holding a professorship in Bry. ant & Stratton's Commercial College.
De Witt C. Hayes came to Forest City in 1866 and at once opened a law office. Mr. Hayes was a native of New York, was of medimn stature and had fair success in his practice. He received his education at the Jefferson County Institute, of New York, and after completing his course engaged in the grocery business at which he failed in about two years. He then went to Wisconsin and commenced practicing
802
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.
law, continuing in that State several years. Ile then returned to Watertown, N. Y., his native place, and studied law in the office of Brown & Beach for about a year; at the end of which time, after being admitted to the bar at Syra- cuse, he came to Iowa, locating at Charles City in the fall of 1866. He there entered into partnership with Starr & Patterson, remaining with them until in the fall of 1867, when he located at Forest City. In 1868 a partnership was formed with Mar- tin Cooper, which continued until in 1869, when Mr. Hayes left the county. Mr. Hayes was a sharp, shrewd lawyer, quick to see a point, original in his ways and ideas, and was a man of indomitable energy. lle is now living on a farm in Floyd county.
D. T. Gibson came to Forest City early in the spring of 1870. Ile was a young lawyer and was in search of a location. He opened a law office and commenced business. He did not remain long, how- ever. W. C. Stanberry, of Mason City, came and induced Mr. Gibson to remove to that place, where he engaged in prac- tiee for two years. He then went to Waverly, Bremer county, this State, and has since made that his home. lle is now in partnership with E. A. Dawson, the firm name being Gibson & Dawson.
Mr. Gibson was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in May, 1844, his parents being S. C. and Martha (Ilall) Gibson. His father is a leading physician of that county, still in practice, having been in constant ser- vice there for over forty years; his mother died when he was quite young. Hisearly life was spent in his native county, where he received an academic education, spend-
ing three years at Oxford Academy and for some time taught by a private tutor. When about eighteen years of age, hav- ing developed a taste for the legal pro- fession, he entered the law office of Henry R. Mygatt, of Oxford, for the purpose of fitting himself for the practice of law, where he continued some time. Subse- quently he emigrated to Wisconsin, where, in 1868, he was admitted to the bar, be- fore Judge Stewart. Ile served during the war, as a Union soldier, in the 90th New York Volunteer Infantry, enlisting soon after arriving at the age of twenty- one years. In 1873 he was married to Elizabeth A. Hazelton, a native of the State of New York.
Another transient lawyer, llenry W. Ames, swung out his shingle in Forest City in 1871. He was in search of a field for operation, but not being satisfied as to the outlook for Forest City, within a few weeks he packed his traps and sought greener pastures. Ile was young and not very brilliant, but had been in practice before coming here.
John Dunbar was admitted to the bar in 1875, at a term of district court held at Forest City. He practiced two years, then went to Cedar Falls, where he prac- ticed about two years, when he returned to Winnebago county. He is now en- gaged in farming.
THE PRESENT BAR.
The legal profession of Winnebago county, in 1883, was represented by the following named: Martin Cooper, T. C. Ransom, W. W. Olmstead, J. E. Ander- son, J. F. Thompson, J. T. Lattimore, J. E. Howard, Col. A. II. Chase, David Se- cor, W. II. Harwood, W. A. Chapman,
803
HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.
W. H. Fisber, E. F. Thompson and J. D. Leland.
T. C. Ransom, attorney at law, was born in Hartford Co., Conn., Sept. 22, 1824. When a small boy his parents re- moved to Litchfield county, where he grew to manhood, and learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed for a number of years. When twenty-four years of age, he entered the law office of Hiram Goodwin, and also read with O. H. Pratt, afterward member of Congress. In the spring of 1859 he was admitted to the bær, and soon after removed to Iowa, set- tling in Clayton county, in the flourishing village of Hardin, where he hung out a shingle, and commenced the practice of his profession. In 1861 he removed to Wankon. In 1968 he again removed to Postville, where he practiced his profes- sion until 1870, being admitted to the United States district court, at Dubuque, in 1869. He then came to Winnebago county. Soon after coming. west, Mr. Ransom had occasion to attend court at Waukon, dressing, as he supposed, suita- ble for the occasion, wearing a silk hat, as had been the custom in the east. What was his surprise on arriving, at finding the judge and attorneys, with their shoes run down at the heel, some with elbows out, and all with slouched hats. When he reached home he told his wife he thought he was in the right church, but in the wrong pew. He stored his plug hat away and has never attempted to wear it since. In 1848 he was married to Laura Parsons, by whom he has had one child-Maria, now the wife of Calvin Gardner. Mrs. Ransom died in 1860. In 1873 he was again married to S. M. Spencer. While
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.