USA > Iowa > Humboldt County > History of Kossuth and Humbolt 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 101
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John Hewitt, one of the old pioneers of the county, established a grocery and con- fectionery business in 1880, which he carries on to the present moment.
E. S. Frank is the jeweler of Liver- more and established his business in May, 1880, and carries a stock of watches and jewelry of all description.
In October, 1883, E. S. Frank com- menced the business of buying stock, principally that of hogs, in which he is doing a large and extensive business. One of the enterprising men, that go so far toward making a town, Mr. Frank de- serves all the success he has met with.
Boright, Tillson & Co. have the mon- opoly of the real estate business of Liver-
more, and are wide-awake, enterprising men. They formed their co-partnership and commenced business on the 24th of March, 1883, and are already reaping a rich harvest from this business. Being all men of unswerving integrity, they de- serve, and have the entire confidence of their patrons and the community at large.
D. B. McCauley was the first notary public, receiving his commission in July, 1881, and continuing as such until the spring of 1883, when he gave it up. Jay Boright is the present notary.
The first meat market was opened by C. Connorey, in the winter of 1879-80, but after about six months time he disposed of it to H. F. Zentz, who operated it for eight months longer, when he closed it out entirely. This business is now repre- sented by James Meagher.
Dell Talcott instituted the pioneer mil- liner establishment in January, 1880, a business which she still carries on.
The first blacksmith in the town was George Luther, who opened his smithy in December, 1879, aud ran it until the spring of 1883, when it was closed. The present representatives of this trade are: J. O. Reeves and John Aultman.
The first shoemaker was Robert Roy, who started in business in the spring of 1880, and yet continues to mend the soles of this community.
W. D. Weed opened a rival establish- inent in 1880, shortly after Mr. Roy, but after about two years trial retired from the field.
The first harness shop was instituted in the fall of 1879 by L. D. Lovell, who ran it until 1882, when he sold out and is now engaged in the grocery business at Lu-
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verne, Kossuth connty. The business is now represented by O. J. Conklin, who established his shop June 20, 1881. He is a native of Wisconsin, but came here from Lake Mills, Winnebago county.
The pioneer barber shop of this place was opened in the early days of the town, and was owned by E. S. Frank, but oper- ated by J. J. Poncine, of Webster City. After about four months he was succeeded by James Rice, and he by Walter Thomas. In June, 1882, John Zentz became the owner and started the first regular shop in the burg, which business he monopolizes at the present.
The first saloon in the town was opened hy John Geodes in the winter of 1879-80. He afterwards sold it out to Perry Tuttle, who turned it into a restaurant. William Wilie engaged in the business of saloon- keeping in the early part of 1880, and run it about a year, when the building was purchased by George C. McCauley. who broke up the saloon and put in a stock of dry goods and notions.
George Turner represents the livery stable business of Livermore. He estab- lished his place in the fall of 1881.
Among the other business interests may be mentioned the hay press of D. P. Rus- sell, which is operated by C. O. Zentz, which has a capacity of baling about ten tons of that product per day.
Among some of the remaining business and tradesmen of Livermore are the fol- lowing:
Groceries-Robert S. Cooper.
Restaurant-Ed. Carrington.
Grain buyers and shippers-Cameron & Green.
Gun and locksmith-Benjamin Reeves.
Carpenters and builders --- H. F. Coonly, Vincent Reeves and Luke Enlow.
Dressmaker-IIattie Barnes. Restaurant-Perry Tuttle. Milliner-Mrs. A. Turner.
Dray and express line-Daniel Ray.
The Baptist congregation were the first to hold services in Livermore, but they have built no church up to the present time. They have, however, a handsome parsonage, although small; but it is at pre: - ent unoccupied, the minister preferring to live elsewhere. Rev. C. Plnmly is the present pastor, having charge of this little flock.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was instituted in 1880, and the edifice in which they worship was erected the following year. This structure is a beautiful build- ing, 28x50 feet, and cost in the neighbor- hood of $1,200. Rev. S. C. Bascom was the first pastor, and Rev. C. W. Clifton the present one.
The Presbyterian congregation as yet have no church, but worship in the school house, under the ministration of Rev. Mr. Dickey. They, however, own a fine par- sonage, which will prove the uncleus of the Church property at no distant day. This society, which is called the Bethel Presbyterian Church, was organized by Rev. W. L. Lyon upon the 9th of Novem- ber, 1869, and it has had a continuous ex- istence ever since.
The Roman Catholic Church at Liver- more was organizied by the Rev. Father James B. Zigrang, in April, 1881. The congregation had been members of the Church at St. Joseph up to that time, but split off and instituted a Church of their own under their beloved pastor. There
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are now about sixty families members of the Church, who are nearly all of Irish nationality. The church, which is a neat and tasty edifice, 32x52 feet, with a sacristy 10x20 feet, was built during the yearx 1881 and 1882, and services were held for the first time in August of the latter year. The building cost about $2,000, and is well fitted up and supplied with the vari- ous articles proper to the celebration of mass, according to the usages of Mother Church. Services are held on every alter- nate Sabbath by Father Zigrang, the shepherd of the flock, who is well liked by all. A sketch of this worthy gentle- man, scholar and priest may be found in the history of Kossuth county, in this vol- ume, in connection with the Church his- tory of St. Joseph.
Jasper Lodge, No. 424, A. F. & A. M., was organized on the 5th of July, 1882, and instituted by A. M. Adams, district deputy grand master, with the following charter members: W. M. Brackett, James Reese, F. E Allen, George LeCompte, John H. Foley, A. B. Brackett, G. W. Huston, W. H. Tucker, J. H. Ford and George C. McCauley. The first officers, chosen at that time, were: John HI. Foley, W. M .; W. M. Brackett, S. W .; F. E. Allen, J. W .; G. C. McCauley, treasurer; J. H. Ford, secretary; W. H. Tucker, S. D .; George LeCompte, J. D .; G. C. Allen, tyler; A. B. Brackett, S. S .; G. W. Huston, J. S. The lodge has met with considerable success, and has a present membership of sixteen, and is in an ex- cellent condition, being entirely out of debt, with money in the treasury. Since its organization there has been but one death, that of James H Reese, who died
June 13, 1882. The present officers are as follows: W. M. Brackett, W. M .; George LeCompte, S. W .; Samnel Slem- mons, J. W .; J. HI. Ford, treasurer; W. II. Tucker, secretary; F. E. Allen, S. D .; G. C. MeCanley, J. D .; J. H. Foley, tyler; A. B. Brackett, S. S .; G. C. Allen, J. S.
Oak Lawn Lodge, No. 34, I. O. G. T., was organized upon the 15th day of De- cember, 1880, with thirty-nine charter members. Charles Coyle, of Dakota, act- ing deputy G. W. C. T., on that date, in- stalled the following, the first officers of the lodge: G. C. McCauley, W. C. T .; Cora Ray, W. V. T .; Gertrude Weed, W. C .; D. B. McCauley, W. S ; Lettie Van- ata, W. A. S .; John F. Franklin, W. F. S .; Charles Weed, W. T .; H. W. McCanley, W. M .; Nellie Weed, W. D. M .; John Vanata, W. I. G .; Fred. Ray, W. O. G .; Mrs. Flora Luther, W. R. II. S ; Nancy Ray, W. L. II. S .; William Harvey, P. W .. C. T. The lodge is in a flourishing state and considerable interest is manifested by all in the success of the order. It is offi- cered at present as follows: T. J. Smith, W. C. T .; Sylvia Hunt, W. V. T .; Robert Roy, Sr., W. C .; Ollie Hart, W. S .; Lavi- nia Taylor, W. F. S .; Ella Smith, W. T .; Selmer Holmes, W. M .; Ulysses IIolmes, W. O. G .; Hyde Hunt, W. I. G .; Stella Hunt, P. W. C. T .; W. D. Weed, S. D.
The Humboldt township library was instituted during the latter part of 1880, with seventy-one volumes, and Phocion Weeks as librarian. The first book loaned out was taken by A. D. Hunt, upon the 14th of December, of that year. There are now about 300 volumes in the library of the better class of literature, and it is extensively patronized. Nothing will
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show the intelligence or culture of a com- munity better than such institutions in a healthful state, and Humboldt township may justly feel proud of its library and its readers. Mr. Weeks has continued to be and is the present librarian, and fulfills the duties of that post most satisfactorily.
On Sunday, Dec. 24, 1882, Livermore was devastated by the fire-fiend, whose flaming torch nearly annihilated the flourishing village. In the black wreaths of smoke and the jumping, flickering flames that danced in diabolical glee over the ruin and desolation, it needed not much imagination to see gnomes and de- mons of destruction enjoying the work of their hands. The following account of the conflagration is taken from the Inde- pendent of Thursday, December 28, and is a good description of the event:
"FIRE ! FIRE ! !- These were the words that aroused our citizens Sunday morning last about 4 o'clock, A. M. The fire start- ed in the butcher shop and was well under way before any one discovered it. All attempts to put it out were futile, and in a few moments Meagher's store was ignit- ed and so rapid was its progress that nothing was saved up stairs, and a large amount of the stock in the store was con- sumed. Miss Meagher barely escaped from the upper story with her life. For a long time it was thought that the saloon build- ing might be saved, but notwithstanding all the efforts of the people, it soon caught fire and all recognized that the whole row would go, to the corner. All of Hollen- beck's household goods perished in the flames and but little was saved from the saloon. Most of the goods from the other stores were carried out but in such haste
that a great damage was done to the stock. There were four families besidesMeagher's and Hollenbeck's living over the stores, including your correspondent, who got out most of their goods, but quite badly damaged. There were eight buildings burned, and it is fair to say that the loss on the buildings alone is about $10,000. Insurance, 83,000. The damage on stock and household goods is full $10,000. In- surance about $7,000, beside Earley who we understand was fully insured. Some stocks are insured so as to cover more than the loss, while others fall far short. Probably James Goddard, G. C. McCau- ley, J. M. Meagher and Hollenbeck are the heaviest losers. The cause of the fire is unknown, but there are many circum- stances that point to incendiary. If so, this is the fiend's second attempt and it is our opinion that hanging is too good for him, and were he now known we donbt if he would live to be hung. As in the case of every large fire there was some very much excited, and as soon as they got their arms full of goods they would get scared and run home, and as soon as their courage returned, they would again repair to the fire to get scared again, and it is barely possible that these same people will get scared again. In commendation of the citizens of our town, I will say those who had homes left, threw open their doors to the suffering and homeless, and did all they could to help to lighten the burden of the afflicted. All the hotels gave free entertainment until people could get new quarters."
Of the most prominent and enterprising farmers of Humboldt township we mention the following: A. D. Hunt, William Ed-
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son, J. M. Schleicher and George Le Compte.
A. D. Hunt, an extensive farmer of this county, was born Nov. 30, 1834, in Colum- bia Co., N. Y. In 1836 his father re- moved to Otsego county, of the same State, where he engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch came to Ilumboldt county in 1857, and pre-empted 160 acres of land on section 4, of Delana township, on which he lived about eighteen months and returned to New York. He soon af- ter came back to the county and purchased land in Humboldt township, where he now owns 650 acres. He also owns eighty acres near Webster City, Hamilton county. He was married Oct. 17, 1860, to Sarah E. Tillson. They have seven chil- dren-Stella E., Sylvia A., Hyde T., Kate L., Carl B., Vinnie S. and Victor A. Mr. Huut's father, James Hunt, died June 5, 1874. His mother died Feb. 5, 1879. Mrs. Hunt's father lives in Otsego Co., N. Y. Her mother died April 12, 1849. Mrs. Hunt is a member of the Episcopal Church.
William Edson, a farmer of Humboldt township, living on section 35, is a native of Massachusetts, born in Berkshire coun- ty, March 2, 1834. When thirteen years old he removed with the family to Cuya- hoga Co., Ohio, and lived until twenty years old, then went to Kenosha Co., Wis., and remained one year; thence to Lake Co., Ill., stopping one year; thence to Grundy Co., Iowa, living there one year; thence to Kansas for a short time, when he returned to Illinois. He then went to Fort Dodge, Iowa, and lived in Webster county until August, 1562. Here he en- listed in company I, 32d Iowa, serving
until June, 1865, when he was discharged. He then returned to Webster county, and in July of that year came to this county, locating in Humboldt township, where he has 239 acres of land. He was married Oct. 7, 1855, to Ann Lake, of Vermont. They have six children-Otis E., Sidney, Sylvia A , Lucinda P., Nettie M and Elba M. Mr. Edson is a member of the G. A. R. Ile was for twelve years coroner, is present justice of the peace, and has been school secretary for eight years.
J. M. Schleicher was born in Baden, Germany, March 19, 1840. In 1850 his parents, Sebastian and Catharine Schlei- cher, came to America and located upon a farm near Cleveland, Ohio, where they lived until 1854, then came to Dubuque Co., Iowa. In August, 1861, Mr. Schlei- cher enlisted in company E, of Fremont's Hussars, and afterwards in company E, of the 5th Iowa Cavalry. He was color bearer in the latter regiment, and partici- pated in the following battles: McCook's Raid, Duck River, Nashville, Pulaski, Montavallo, Ebenezer Church, Selma, Ala., and Columbus, Ga. After the war he returned to his home in Dubuque county. Soon after he went south and was clerk on the steamboat D. W. Hewitt one year. In 1867 he came to Humboldt county, formed a partnership with B. Chauvet, located at Dakota City, and en- gaged in mercantile trade, which he con- tinned one year. During the time he as- sisted in planting the trees around the public square. In 1868 he took a home- stead in Wacousta township, and in the spring of 1869 bought 160 acres on sec- tion 32, Humboldt township, and later 152 acres in the same township. He lives
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upon his farm at the present time. In politics he is a republican; and in 1882 was elected county supervisor, of which board he is the chairman. He had pre- viously held different offices in the town- ship. Jan. 8, 1871, he was married to Lavina Robertson, daughter of Peter and Alice (Green) Robertson, of Dakota City. They have had five children, four of whom are now living-Elmer, Maud, Ber- tie and Elbert. Mr. Schleicher's parents are dead, and are buried in Dubuque county. He is one of the most worthy and respected citizens of the county, and in addition to his extensive farming, deals largely in graded stock, principally horses. He is the owner of the finest brood mare in the county.
George Le Compte, a representative man of this county, is a native of New York, born in Waddington, St. Lawrence county, Jan. 1, 1834. When about three years old he went with his parents to Manitowoc Co., Wis., where they were the first settlers. There he remained
fourteen years on a farm, receiving his education in the public schoo's. When eighteen years old he went to Marathon Co., Wis., and engaged in lumbering until 1870, when, in the spring of that year, he settled on the northeast quarter of section 17, Humboldt township, where he now owns a splendid farm, consisting of 165 acres, thirty of which is timber, and eighty in a fine state of cultivation. Lott's creek flows near the north line, and the East Fork of the Des Moines river on the east. Upon this splendid farm he is engaged in raising stock mainly, and in breeding a superior strain of Norman horses. He was married in Waukesha, Wis., July 1, 1862, to Elizabeth Winton, daughter of J. B. and Saralı (Tillson) Winton. Her father was a farmer, born in Otsego Co., N. Y., March 2, 1837, whose parentage can be traced back to the Pil- grims. They have four children-Helena E., Eugenie M., Leon Gerald and J. B. Winton. Mr. Le Compte is a Mason, and at present president of the school board of Livermore.
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CHAPTER XXVII.
LAKE TOWNSHIP.
Lying in the eastern extremity of the | clerk; S. Luchsinger, assessor; F. Farmer central tier of townships of Humboldt and J. Riner, road supervisors. county, is the congressional township 92, The first to settle in Lake township and proceed to the development of the agri- cultural resources of the same, was Sam- uel Luchsinger, who located upon section 10, in 1865, where he is still a resident. range 27, which is known as Lake. The surface of this is nearly flat prairie, but it is somewhat rolling in places. There are some low places that are inclined to be marshy, but as the surrounding land is opened up for cultivation these disappear. Owl lake, a small body of water, occupies the center of the township, and on the shore of this is all the natural timber in this sub-division of the county. The soil is about the same as the balance of the county, a rich warm loam, but on account of the wetness spoken of above, some of it is deemed cold for all but grass. The native growth of prairie grass, and blue joint, however, prove the most nourishing food for cattle, and the farmers of this locality are turning their attention, somewhat, in that direction.
Lake township was organized in 1870, and the following were chosen the first officers, at the October election, of that year: Charles Hfunt, C. W. Olden and P. Blatta, trustees; C. M. Brooks, clerk; J. S. Fletcher, assessor; E. F. Hartwell, justice; II. W. Brink, road overseer. At the present, the officers are as follows: E. Squires, Alexander G. Cooper and George James, trustees; William Stanley,
Samuel Luchsinger, son of John and Barbara Luchsinger, was born in Glarus canton, Switzerland, Nov. 25, 1837. Ile lived there until eight years of age, when his parents removed to America, locating in Philadelphia, Penn. They lived there eight years, then went to California, where he commenced mining in Placer county. He remained there seven years, part of the time being engaged in the meat business, in Sawyer's Bar, Siskiyou county. Hle then went to Wisconsin, locating near New Glarus, Green county, and followed farming for five years, then he came to Humboldt Co., Iowa, taking a homestead of 160 acres in Lake township, section 10. Ife also has 160 acres in Vernon township. He deals in graded stock, keeping a nice herd of cattle on hand all the time. Mr. Luchsinger was married in September, 1860, to Anna Schnieder, daughter of Joseph Schnieder, of Wisconsin. They have had seven children, two of whom are living-Samuel and Barbara. They are members of the German Evangelical
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Church. Mr. Luchsinger was elected in 1877 to the office of connty supervisor, and held the office three years. He Has also held some township office almost ever since he came to Lake township. His father died in 1861, and his mother in 1868, and were buried in New Glarus, Green Co., Wis. His wife was born in Elm, Canton Glarns, Switzerland. Her parents are both dead, being buried in Oshkosh, Wis.
The next to settle here were Peter Blatta and Edward Hartwell, who came here in 1866. The former of these is a native of Germany, who came here from Green Co., Wis., and settled on section 3, where he lived until 1874, when he re- moved to section 4, where he now resides. Edward Hartwell located upon section 3, also. He came here from Winneshiek county, and about five years ago, he re- moved from here, going to Dakota Ter- ritory.
John Bartholomew settled upon section 27, in 1870. He is now a resident of Grove township and among the most prominent men in that locality.
S. M. Brookins, in 1870, took up a claim on section 28. He came here from Hor- nellsville, N. Y., and went to Yankton, Dakota Territory, in 1880.
The same year witnessed the advent of Charles Hunt, who came here from the State of New York, and located on section 26, where he lived until 1875, when he re- turned to his native place.
J. S. Fletcher was another settler of this year, when he located upon section 28, where he lived until 1878, and then moved to Dakota, where he now resides.
Ole Gilbertson and E. Knudson came to Lake and took up farms, in 1874, the first on section 26, the latter on section 35, where they both still live.
William Stanley, another pioneer of the year 1874, is still a resident of the town- ship, living on section 29. He at first lo- cated upon section 27, but in 1879 re- moved to his present property.
William Stanley was born in Fayette Co., Ind., Ang. 23, 1849. When eight years old he came with his parents to Jones Co., Iowa, where his youth was spent on a farm. When seventeen years old he came to Humboldt county, locating in Vernon township, where he resided until 1874. He then went to Lake town- ship, and in 1879 settled ou his present farm where he has 107 acres of good land and is a successful farmer. He was mar- ried July 4, 1871, to Emeline Wood, a na- tive of New York, by whom he has four children-Ina M., Clarence, Floyd and Remer. Mr. Stanley is the present town- ship clerk and the school secretary.
Ebenezer McLaury, one of the pioneers of Vernon township, came to Lake in 1876, and settled upon section 26. He opened up a most excellent farm, which he still makes his home.
George James, still another resident of the township, came here in 1880, from Vernon, and taking up his quarters on section 28, has brought the land to a high state of cultivation.
'The first birth in the township was that of Mary Blatta, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Blatta, born in Angust, 1865.
The first death was that of a Mr. Bar- rett, in the fall of 1866. He was the father of the well known Luther Barrett.
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'The first marriage was that of R. Rob- erts and Emma Brookins, in the winter of 1875. The parties were residents of Lake, but went to Dakota to have the marital knot tied.
The first ground was broken by Samuel Inchsinger, in the summer of 1865, on section 10.
The first school was taught by Mary Farmer, now Mrs. Rowen, in a granary, belonging to Samuel Luchsinger, in 1870.
The first religious services were held in 1868, at the residence of Samuel Lnch- singer, by Rev. Hermann Braner, of the German Evangelical faith.
The first school board of the district township of Lake was elected on the 20th of March, 1871, and consisted of the fol- lowing named: S. M. Brookins, S. Lnch- singer and B. LaGrange; Mr. Brookins was president of the board, and J. S. Fletcher, secretary.
The first school houses built, for there were two, were in districts 1 and 2. The first of these, called the Lake school, was built on section 27, in the fall of 1871, at a cost of $600, and is 18x26 feet in size. Emma Brookins was the pioneer teacher here, and Jennie Beam is the present.
The second of these, built the same time, is the Luchsinger school house on section 5, and is exactly like the other one. The first teacher in this school house was J. S. Fletcher, the present, L. Blood.
The MeLaury school house, standing on section 26, was erected in the autumn of 1875, and is the counterpart of its earlier predecessors. The first teacher in this house was J. S. Fletcher.
THE VILLAGE OF HARDY.
This embryo town was laid out on sec. tion 4, on the 5th of August, 1881, by the
Cedar Rapids, Iowa Falls & North western Town Lot Company, and the plat of the same filed for record on the 20th of Febru- ary, 1882. In the fall of 1881 the depot was erected, being the first building in the place. The pioneer structure devoted to mercautile pursuits, was put up by W. H. Foley & Co., in April, 1882. This is 22x30 feet in dimension, one and a half stories high. In this, the enterprising young firm who had built it, opened a general mer- chandise store. They carry a good clean stock, and by industry and attention to the wants of their patrons are building up a good business.
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