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 108

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 898

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 108

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ceased, Pliny, born July 18, 1848; and Maria, born Jan. 14, 1861. The latter was taken suddenly ill while attending Ober- lin College, in Ohio, where she died. Po- litically, Mr. Jackson adheres to the re- publican party. He has held offices of trust in the township, having been justice of the peace two years, supervisor one year, and school director. He has, to a remarkable degree, the respect and con- fidence of his fellow men. He always takes a lively interest in all public enter- prises, and is classed among the best citi- zens of Humboldt county.

Mr. Rice disposed of his land to S. E. Rollins, and is also a resident of that El- dorado of the west, California.

A. Amidon and C. Lindsey sold out their farms to Rev. Mr. Gregg, and are now in Fond du Lac, Wis.

W. J. Lang, in 1872, sold out the north- west quarter of section 1, to C. E Wilson, and is now in Algona, Kossuth county.

Cyrus E. Wilson was born in Bureau Co., Ill., June 8, 1845, and is the son of James and Hannah Wilson. He came to Iowa in 1869, and visited Marshall, Boone and Story counties, harvesting some in Marshall. ' In the fall of that year he went to the southwestern portion of the State, crossed the river into Nebraska, visited Beatrice on the Big Blue river, thence to Kansas, visiting Marysville, Topeka, Fort Scott and Mt. Pleasant, through Missouri to Illinois, thence to Bureau county. Hle made the entire trip in a wagon, accompanied by his father and brother.He taught school during the winter, fifteen terms. In the summer of 1870 he came to Humboldt county and settled on section 11, township 91, range

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30. He has 180 acres broken and is prin- cipally engaged in stock raising. He was married June 29, 1882, to Ada Gillett, of Humboldt county. Mr. Wilson has been township clerk four years, and is a popu- lar citizen.

John Springer, Sr., and his son, came here from their native State, Pennsylva- nia, and located on section 16. John Springer, the elder, died in 1879, and is buried in Weaver cemetery, his son, who is also John S., is a resident of the town of Humboldt.

In 1871, H. Whitney purchased a farm on section 14, where he lived two years, and moved away. He is now a resident of some more southern county.

Prominent among the arrivals of the year 1871 may be mentioned, M. J. Hen- neberry.

M. J. Henneberry, one of the successful farmers of Humboldt county, was born in Jackson Co., Iowa, April 24, 1848, and is the son of Michael and Bridget Henne- berry. He came to Humboldt county in 1871 and settled on seetion 21, of. Weaver township, of which he now owns the southwest quarter. He has 100 acres broken and is engaged in raising grain and stock. He is the owner of a fine herd of cattle of the Durham stock. He has four acres of grove, good farm build- ings, including a new barn built in the summer of 1883. Mr. Henneberry was married Feb. 24, 1873, to Mary A. Calli- gan, of Pocahontas county, where her parents have resided since 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Henneberry have four children- Bridget E., Mary A., William and Mar- garet. Mr. Henneberry is independent in politics, and a member of the Catholic

Church. He has, by strict economy and industry, thus comparatively early in life, accumulated considerable property and is ont of debt. He is regarded as a worthy and enterprising citizen.

Frank Rowe and Andrew Telfer made their appearance in the county and located in Weaver township, in 1872. The for- mer on section 36, the latter on section 16.

Andrew Telfer was born in Montreal, Canada, Feb. 22, 1846. His parents were Andrew and Ellen Telfer. The former died in Montreal. The latter is now liv- ing in Canada. At the age of nineteen Mr. Telfer went to Fond du Lac Co., Wis., and lived about seven years in the town of Brandon. In the summer of 1872 he came to Humboldt county and settled on the north half of the northwest quarter of section 16. He also owns the south- west quarter of the same. He cultivates 160 acres, and is engaged in raising and dealing in stock, making a specialty of the former. His residence is pleasantly situated near a school, and surrounded by a fine grove. In the year 1871, July 19, Mr. Telfer was married to Ellen Rice, formerly of Canada, but living at that time in Brandon, Wis. She is a daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Murray) Rice. They have three children-Edward T., Ellen E. and Elmer A. Mr. and Mrs. Telfer are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Telfer is a republican po- litically, and has held offices of trust in the town, having been school treasurer and director, and is at present township treasurer. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. During the seven years that he resided in Wisconsin he was engaged in Inmbering.

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William Murray in 1874 located on the northeast quarter of section 8, where he still resides.

Edward Rice came with his family from Canada in 1874, and located on the southeast quarter of section 17. He has since died, and his remains are buried in Weaver Cemetery, and his family live in Humboldt.

During the years 1874 and 1875 there was not much settlement, the lack of railroad facilities and the complications arising from the gigantic land swindle being the leading factors that kept back the emigration that would else have sought this locality. Notwithstanding all these drawbacks, in 1880 the tide of emigrants flowed this way, and the town- ship rapidly settled up with the choicest people from Jackson, Linn, Grundy and Marshall counties.

FIRST THINGS.

The first birth was that of Harry E. Eversole, the son of D. L. Eversole, who was born on the 26th of November, 1870.

The first death seems to be clouded with considerable doubt, but it appears to rest between the infant children of Messrs. Telfair or Keyes.

The pioneer school was taught at the house of Jesse B. Jackson, in the summer of 1873. It was held here about six weeks, when it was removed to the school house which had just been completed in district No. 1. The first preceptress was Ade- laide Jackson.

There are now in the district township six school houses, that are valued at 84,350, and it is the boast of the people of Weaver that they have the best and most tastifully built school buildings in the

county. There are 159 children in the. township, of the legal school age. C. W. Adams is the present secretary of the board of directors.

The first postoffice in Weaver township was established April 16, 1878, and Jesse B. Jackson was commissioned ak post- master. The office was held at his house until 1880, when he resigned on account of ill-health, and was succeeded by Mrs. H. S. Cadett, who is the present postmis- tress. This office is called Unique, and is the only one in the sub-division.

RELIGIOUS.

The Methodists have a Church organi- zation in the township, which is attached to the Rutland circuit. This was or- ganized at the school house, in district No. 1, in August, 1879. It was held here, under the pastoral charge of Rev. J. N. Woolery, for one year, when it was re- moved to school house No. 3. Mr. Wool- ery, the first pastor, remained until Sep- tember, 1880, when Rev. C. W. Clifton took charge. In 1882 Rev. W. H. Flint, the present pastor, assumed the responsi- bility of caring for this vineyard of the Lord. At the time of its organization, the class consisted of the following mem- bers : Martin Seaver, Ellen G. Seaver, Hattie A. Seaver, Edgar A. Seaver, Irwin W. Seaver, S. Vanalstine, Ellen Vanal- stine and Mrs. Alfred Nicholas. From this small beginning this embryo Church has grown until it has a membership of some forty. The following is a list of the members, as it stood on the Church books in January, 1884 : Mr. and Mrs. M. Sea- ver, Hattie A., Mary L., Edgar A. and Irwin W. Seaver, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Morse, Benjamin, Willie and Alice Morse,

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Mr. and Mrs. M. V. Reed, Mrs. Lydia M. Reed, Mr. and Mrs. John Coffin, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Heather, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Hoffman, Bertha M., Grace A. and Linnie E. Hoffman, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Rowe, Percy, Edith and Aliee Rowe, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Geslin, Eliza and Julia Geslin, Mrs. Martha Holm, William B. MeFarland, Mr. and Mrs. George Hol- royd, Mrs. Mary A. Hlayden and Hiram Il. Rowe. The present officers are: Mar- tin Seaver, class leader; M. V. Reed and 'T. Heather, stewards ; Martin Seaver, L. W. Morse, J. J. Geslin and T. Heather, trustees.

One of the largest and most prominent industries of this township is that of the Pioneer Hay Press Company. This com- pany, which is under the management of Mr. Waller, commeneed business here in the fall of 1882, and have the largest establishment of the kind in the north- west. The press building is 40x120 feet in size, with two storage barns, one 50x100 feet, and the other 40x60 feet, which have a capacity of holding some 1,500 tons of the baled commodity. Besides these im- mense structures, there is a boarding honse for the employees, an office and three dwellings. An average of forty men are kept constantly employed here, and when crowded to its ntmost capacity, about thirty tons of hay per day are turned out.

Mount Hope Cemetery lies on the north- cast corner of the northeast quarter of section 10, and contains some three acres. The land was donated by Jacob S. Carter, who added $35 to it for its improvement, and the name was conferred upon it by J. T. Campbell. The first interment was

that of the twin children of Mr. Campbell. This cemetery is under the management of the following officers: J. T. Campbell and Peter E. Barclay, trustees; and D. L. Eversole, clerk. The township has six lots in the southwest corner, which is to be used as a Potter's field, but as yet has no ocenpant.

GIL.MORE CITY.

"This new but rising little town was surveyed and platted on the 15th of July, 1882, and the plat filed for record by E. L. Garlock and L. L. Taylor. It is laid out upon forty acres lying on section 6.

The first building put up on the site of the present town, in Humboldt county, was a store building erected in October, 1882, by E. P. Jackson, a native of Che- mango Co., N. Y. This structure is forty feet square, one half of which he ocen- pies as a store, the other, as a dwelling. His stock is of a general merchandise character, and would invoice, at its incep- tion, about $1,500. He is still in the same business, and has a very flourishing trade.

About the same time Jolin Champion and brother opened a general merchandise store in a building erected by their father, William Champion, of Malcolm, Powe- shick county. They are in the same trade at the present, and carry a stock of about 84,000. In February, 1883, they sold out to Mulholland & Ganghen, who are doing an extensive and luerative business.

J. J Mulholland was born in St. Louis, Mo, Oct. 5, 1853. His parents are Dennis and Margaret (MeEwen) Mulholland. His father lies buried in Webster Co., Iowa. His mother lives in Pocahontas Co., Iowa. When three years of age his parents re- moved to Allamakee Co., Iowa, remaining

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there about seven years; thence to Poca- hontas county. He settled in Lake town- ship, remaining there until in March, 1883, when he engaged in the general mer- chandise business with P. J. Ganghen, in Gilmore, carrying a stock valued at about $5,000. They also deal in agricultural implements. Mr. Mulholland was mar- ried Oct. 17, 1883, to Mary Nolan, daugh . ter of Nicholas Nolan, of Pocahontas county.

P. J. Gangben was born in Wisconsin, Jan. 12, 1857. He is the son of John and Ann (Murphy) Gaughen, who now reside at Fort Dodge, Iowa. In 1873 he went to Fort Dodge and engaged in farming until 1881, when he removed to Pocahontas county; thence to Manson, Iowa, where he clerked in a store one year; thence .to Gilmore, and engaged in business with J. J. Mulholland. They do a general mer- chandise business, carrying a stock valued at about $5,000. He was married on the 2d of May, 1881, to Isabelle Brady, daugh- ter of John and Catharine Brady, of Web- ster county. They have one child-Lillie, born March 12, 1882. Mr. Gaughen is a member of the Catholic Church. In pol- itics he is a democrat.

During the fall of 1882, W. A. and W. HI. Pollock put up a meat market, which they operated until in June, 1883, when they disposed of it to the present proprie- tors, Sheffer & Root.

Samuel Wallace put up a flour and feed store in 1882, which he still operates.

Samuel Wallace was born in Northum- berland Co., Canada, Sept. 7, 1851. He is a son of David and Mary (Baggett) Wallace. His father lives in Washing- ton Territory. Ilis mother is buried at

Jackson Center, Webster Co., Iowa. When seventeen years old he removed with his parents to Pocahontas Co., Iowa. He was reared on a farm, and followed farın- ing until 1882, when he engaged in the real estate business. Soon after locating in Gilmore, he was unfortunate in losing his house, furniture and team by fire. It was a sad loss npon him, but his indom- nitable will and perseverance brought him.through all right, and he is now one of the leading business men in Gilmore. In connection with his real estate business, he handles flour and coal under the firm name of Wallace & Co. He was married Feb. 7, 1880, to Mary E. McLarney, of Fort Dodge, Webster Co., Iowa, dangh- ter of John and Ellen (Ford) McLarney. Two children have been born to them. He is a republican in politics.

The next building was put up by A. J. Weize, who in the fall of 1882 opened therein a restaurant, which he is still run- ning.

Bryant & Brown started a furniture store in the fall of 1882, but shortly dis- posed of it to Mr. Mulholland, and he to I .. Firkin, and in July, 1883, it was ab- sorbed into the general merchandise stock of O. D. Legg, one of the enterprising merchants of this flourishing little city.

J. H. King established a furniture store in June, 1883, in a building erected by Samuel Wallace, but in the fall moved into his own building. He is building up a most excellent trade in this town, and bids fair to achieve an easy competency by his labors.

In November, 1882, Root & Fitch es- tablished their present hardware business, building the finest store in the town.

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This was 24x40 feet in size, but has since been enlarged to 40x40 feet. It is eigh- teen feet high, and is covered with a tin roof. They carry a large stock of heavy and shelf hardware, agricultural imple- ments and buggies, and transact a large business.

The drug business was begun in No- vember, 1882, also, by Cooper & Smith, in a building 16x24 feet, put up by them. In October, 1883, T. J. Smith purchased the interest of his partner, and is the present proprietor.

Bothwell & Rice erected a building 20x40 feet, in November, 1882, which they opened as a billiard hall and saloon, which is at present operated by John Lanan.

The real estate business is in the hands of two enterprising competitors, Samuel Wallace and Levi Garlock. Both of these gentlemen are men of more than average ability and integrity, and devote their en- ergies to the building up of their town and the surrounding country.

Levi Garlock, real estate dealer at Gil- more, was born-Sept. 4, 1847, in Marsh- ville, Montgomery Co, N. Y. His father, a native of the same county, born in 1817, was a farmer, and in 1849 moved to Ot- sego county of the same State, where he purchased a small farm, upon which was an old mill. He put the mill in repair, aud engaged in sawing Inmber, at which he soon did quite an extensive business. When quite young, Levi went to live with his grandparents near Canajoharie, Mont- gomery county, where he remained a num- of ber years, during which he attended a school, taught by the same teacher who had instructed his mother in her child- hood. At the age of twelve years, he was

the "champion" of all the spelling matches in that part of the country, and a source of much pride to his grandparents. At the death of his grandfather, he carried on the farm two or three years, then his grandmother sold her property and went to live with her daughter, Mrs. Garlock, who in the mean time, had removed with her husband and family, to De Kalb Co., Ill. Levi accompanied her, and remained with his parents six months, then went to Ottawa, Ill., and soon after, to Janesville, Wis., where he resided four years. In 1869 he removed to Osage, Mitchell Co., Iowa, and engaged in the livery business. While there, he became acquainted with Ella C. Porter, to whom he was married, July 21, 1869. After marriage he moved to W'est Mitchell, and in 1870 to Poca- hontas county, where his parents and brothers were then living. His father, Ephraim Garlock, was then engaged in farming, abont two and a half miles from Fonda, where he still resides. His brothers, M. E. and A. O. Garlock, were engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1872 A. O. Garlock was elected county auditor, and served four terms, after which he became a member of the banking firm of MeEwen & Garlock. Levi Garlock purchased eighty acres of land, npon which he lived eight years, and then moved to Manson, Cal- houn county, and invested in Norman horses. In 1879 he was induced by his brother, A. O. Garlock, to try the real estate business, which, however, did not, until 1882, prove very profitable. In that year he sold 12,000 acres of wild and un- improved land. He then moved to Gil- more, and in 1883 did an immense amount of business, selling on commission, land

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and town property, to the amount of $124,000, which was much the largest business of that kind, in the vicinity. Mrs. Garlock was born May 23, 1853, at Sandy Creek, Oswego Co., N. Y., where she re- sided until 1869, when she came with her grandfather, Noah Woolsey, to Osage, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Garlock have five children-Minnie C., born in 1873; Henry O., born in 1875; Franklin W., born in 1878; Roy E., born in 1880, and Mand H., born in 1883. Mrs. Garlock is the owner of a large portion of the town site of East Gilmore, which she sells, in lots or blocks, to suit purchasers. She is an energetic and enterprising woman.

The nursery was established in Jan- uary, 1884, by W. E. Garlock. This in- cludes some ten acres, on section 6, join- ing on to the town plat on the east, and although in its infancy, is to be made a success, if energy and knowledge can make it so.

The first blacksmith was Henry Frazer, who located here and building a shop opened for business in the fall of 1882. He moved away the next year. He was succeeded by Chris. Johnson, a Dane, in the spring of 1883, who also built a smithy. He is now in Dakota Territory. The business is at present in the hands of Joseph Kinchin, a worthy son of Vulcan, who started here in August, 1883.

The skating rink, a neat commodious building, 30x60 feet, erected for that busi- ness, was put up in December, 1883, by the present proprietor, David Mulholland. This is the grand rendezvous for old and young, and is the source of much pleasure to all.

The following is a brief directory of the remaining business firms of this go- ahead little burg, but whom space forbids a more extended notice:

General merchandise and produce-L. E. Childs.

Collection agency and justice of the peace-F. E. Beer.

Architect and builder-H. Hanson. Grain-T. HI. Miller & Son.

Lumber-Jackson & Robinson, and S. T. Jackson.

Millinery-Miss Pavey, Mrs. Legg and Mrs. H. Mason.

Dress-making-Mrs. J. H. King.

Practitioner-Dr. Lewis.

There is at present no church edifice in the town, but there will soon be. Levi Garlock has just purchased a lot on Main street, for $200, and donated it to the Catholic congregation, down the creek, which is under the ministry of Father Norton, if they would build in the town. A large subscription was taken up and the plans adopted for the erection of the edi- fice in the early spring. This will be 30x60 feet,and will be an ornament to the village.

Services are held by Rev. R. Persons, a Baptist clergyman living in Rutland, and by Rev. Mr. Gray, a Presbyterian, but no church of either denomination exists as yet.

On the town plat are the following resi- dences, erected in the order in which they are placed: That of James Both well, J. W. Gregg, L. Taylor, M. S. Ish, Joseph Kinchin and H. C Jordan.

NAMING THE TOWNSHIP.

In 1873, the first school house being about completed, the people concluded to

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hold the celebration of the Fourth of July in the same, and John N. Weaver, then praeticing law in Humboldt, was invited to deliver the oration. O. R. Williams wax president of the day, and music was furnished by the glee club, who sang a number of patriotic songs. After the ex- ercises, a good dinner was enjoyed by all. The afternoon was spent by the young people in ball playing, singing and visit- ing; the older people disenssed the nam- ing of the town. When night came, no name had been determined on, and the people adjourned for supper, after voting to have a dance in the evening. At an early hour the people came to the festivi- ties, but the question of naming the town was brought up, and much discussion was the result. A great many names were proposed, but none of them seemed to suit. At length the ladies became impatient, and Mrs. H. S. Cadett suggested that as J.N. Weaver had delivered the first speech in the town it should be called after him, and made a motion to that effect. Mrs. D. L. Eversole seconded the motion, and it was carried without argument, and the township had a name. Mr. Weaver being present made a neat little speech, and thanked the people for the honor they had done him. After this came the dance, and old and young joined in "tripping the light fantastic toe" to the music made on the violin by George Horubeck. Thus ended the first Fourth of July celebration in Weaver township. Nine years after this, on the Fourth of July, 1882, Hor .. John N. Weaver, now the circuit judge, delivered the oration in the grove on the farm of H. S. Cadett. Mr. Weaver spoke very feelingly of old times and es-

pecially of the celebration in the school house in 1873. Then a mere handful of people had gathered together where now he saw a large audience in a grove, that stood where ten years before there was not a single tree.

GILMORE CITY'S PROSPECTS.

There is no finer or more thrifty new town in Iowa than Gilmore City, nor one with brighter prospects for the future. Its location is central, in a tract of country unexcelled in the various advantages which go to make up attractions for an energetic and enlightened community. It is situated at the corners of townships 91 and 92, range 30, in Humboldt county, and 91 and 92, range 31, Pocahontas county, and we are positive that four bet- ter townships for agricultural purposes cannot be found in northern Iowa. In all four townships the land is rolling enough to furnish requisite drainage, and is of a character which produces all crops adapted to this latitude. For wheat raising it is inferior to no locality in northwestern Iowa, being underlaid with limestone for nearly all the four townships. There are few running streams besides the Des Moines river and Pilot creek, in the north western portion of the tract, but the very best water for all purposes is found by digging and boring in the rock. Portions of the country are covered with a fine quality of blue joint grass, which makes splendid hay, and the cutting of hay for pressing and shipping is already a large business. Big herds of stock are already gathered here by many of our farmers, and there is no doubt of the certain prosperity of this section.

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But the greatest wealth of this region still lies hidden beneath the prairie sod. Already at different points quarries are being profitably worked, and the Marble Valley Lime & Stone Company have erected the finest lime-kiln in the State, at the quarry, less than two miles north of Gilmore City, expecting next season to employ 100 men in quarrying, burning and shipping. The time will come when the demand for this fine building stone and lime will make this region the liveliest in the northwest. Stone of the largest desirable dimensions can be quarried here, and more machinery and more lime-kilns will soon appear on many a vacant lot. The people already inhabiting these town- ships are of the most wide-awake and in- telligent order, and we hazard naught in saying that in Weaver and Avery town- ships there is more money in dwellings and farm buildings than is often seen in purely agricultural townships throughout the State.

The following biographical sketches are of the most prominent farmers and citizens of Weaver township.

Lewis A. Miller, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Iowa, born in Iowa county, Jan. 1, 1859. His parents died when he was very young, and he went to live with William Nedermeyer, of Cor- inth township, with whom he resided until his marriage, in the summer of 1883, with Edna L. Smith, daughter of B. II. Smith, of Weaver township. Mr. Miller, during his youth, went with Mr. Neder- meyer and his family to Benton county, where they remained a short time, going from thence to a farm in Bremer county, on which they lived ten years. In 1870

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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 108

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union Publishing Company Number of Pages: 898

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 898