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 68
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
Digized by Google
545
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.
meetings. In 1852 he moved to Winne- bago Co., Ill., where he worked at the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he had learned sometime before. During that summer he was licensed as local preacher in the M. E. Church. He worked at his trade for about six years, also preaching during this time on what is now Durand's circuit. In 1859 he took charge of Chain Lake circuit in Martin Co., Minn., and continued on the same until 1869, when he removed to Portland township, Kossuth Co., Iowa. He re- moved, in October, 1873, to the village of Wesley in the same county, and where he now resides, and embarked in the hotel business, which he yet follows. He also took charge of Wesley circuit. During the same year lre organized a class of six members in Wesley ; the first ever organ- ized in the village. In 1875 he took charge of Crystal Lake circuit, leaving the hotel in charge of his wife. In 1884 Mr. Robinson was appointed deputy sher- iff.
In the fall of 1870 the school house in district No. 3, on section 14, was erected at a cost of $600. The first teacher was Jennie Alden.
School house in district No. 6 was built in 1874, at a cost of $600. Jennie Groat was the first teacher, and Bertha Carey the last.
District No. 9 has two buildings, the first built in 1876, of which Mrs. Mary Hopkins was the first teacher, the other in 1878, in which Amelia Fairbanks handled the ferule.
School house in district No. 4 was erected at a cost of $600, in 1871, and William Ward was the pioneer teacher.
That in district No. 3 was built in 1871, over which Mrs. B. M. McPherson was the first to preside.
There are in all some fourteen schools in this district township, all fine buildings and in most excellent repair. The educa- tional interests are generally well cared for and good teachers alone are employed.
In the midst of a beautiful plain near the southeast corner of the township, sur- rounded by an intelligent and enterprising class of farmers, lies the village of Wes- ley. Although yet a small place, and the various branches of trade not numerously represented, yet a considerable business is done. It is located on the southeast quarter of section 35, township 96 north, range 27 west, and was platted by J. H. Merrill, of McGregor, Iowa, in 1871, but the plat was not filed for record until the 10th of October, 1873. The depot and the section house were both erected before the town was laid out, and the town was named after the head mechanic who built the depot.
The first building erected on the town site after the survey was made, was a granary built by Taylor & Ormsby, during the month of September, 1871.
Comstock & Baker built the next edifice in the town in 1873. It was a store build- ing and in it they placed the first stock of goods ever offered for sale at this place. This pioneer store was operated by G. J. Baker, one of the partners, and a good stock of general merchandise was carried.
The next building put up was the Wes- ley House, a hotel 20x24 feet, of which O. Robinson was the landlord. This was in 1873.
Digezbo by Google
--
1
546
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.
In 1874, G. J. Baker put up a residence for himself, 16x24 feet, the first dwelling house in the village.
The first blacksmith here was Henry Baker, who put up a shop and residence in Wesley, in 1875. He only run the shop for a few months, and removed to Booneshoro, Iowa, the following year.
S. B. Bassford, now a resident of Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo county, came to Wes ley, from New York State, in 1874, and built a grain warehouse, 30x50 feet, and engaged in the buying of wheat.
Christian Olsen was the next settler, whose advent here was in 1875. He put up a small residence but did not remain lang, and now lives at Forest City, Win- nebago county.
In 1875, II. C. Hollenbeck put up a res- idence here, and was the next to settle, in point of time. He is still a resident of the place.
Ilenry C. Hollenbeck, son of Isaac and Hannah (Gage) Hollenbeck, was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Oct. 4, 1852. When one year old his parents moved to . Manitowoc Co., Wis. He lived at home until sixteen years of age, then came to Kasanth Co., Iowa, locating in Algona. Ile drove a stage and worked on a farm until 1871, when he went to Hancock county. He remained there until 1873, working on a farm and taking care of stock for J. B. Daggett. He then came to the village of Wesley. He soon after- wards took a trip to Kansas and Missouri, being absent several months. Ile has since that time resided in Wesley, with the exception of a year and a half, when he was section foreman on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, in Palo
Alto county. Mr. Hollenbeck was mar- ried in 1874, to Mrs. Edna (Robinson) Hudson, of Wesley. They have had five children, three of whom are living-Ada D., Enos L. and Harry M. Mr. Hollenbeck is now engaged in the hay business in Wex- ley. Ile is a republican in politics. Mrs. Hollenbeck is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hollenbeck be- longs to the I. O. G. T., of Wesley.
The first death in the village was that of Helen, daughter of Edward and Helen Lloyd, who died in the summer of 1876. Elder F. Franklin preached the funeral oration over the remains, which were afterwards interred in the Wesley ceme- tery.
The first birth was that of John Leman Lloyd, son of Edward and Helen Lloyd, who was born Aug. 6, 1871. He resides with his parents in Hancock county.
The first marriage, which took place upon the 7th of October, 1874, united (). J. Emmons and Fannie J. Robinson. Elder A. S. R. Groome officiated on the occasion. Mr. Emmons and wife are still residents of the village.
O. J. Emmons, son of Benjamin and Rhoda E. (Willis) Emmons, was born in Chateangay, Franklin Co., N. Y., June 1, 1842. He lived in that place until 1861, when he enlisted in company A, 96th New York regiment, served one year and was discharged. He returned to his home in New York, and in 1863 moved west to Oconto, Wis., where he engaged in the lumber business. In 1864 he again en- listed in the service, this time in com- pany HI, 39th Wisconsin Volunteer Infan- try, serving six months. When discharged he returned to his home in Wisconsin
Dig zed by Google
547
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.
and continued in business until 1867, when he came to Iowa. He took a homestead of eighty acres on section 26, Wesley township, Kossuth county. In November, 1883, on account of ill health, he rented his farm and removed to Wesley village. Mr. Emmons was married in 1874 to Fan- nie J. Robinson, daughter of Obed and Amyrilla Robinson, of Wesley. They have had three children, all of whom are living-Nellie May, Millard O. and Curtis L. Mr. and Mrs. Emmons are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Emmons is a republican. He was the first town clerk of Wesley township.
The first school was held in the granary building of Taylor & Ormsby, in 1873, and Mrs. M. J. Colby was the teacher. Her school consisted of just seven sunny. faced urchins, of which the following is a list: Nellie Trowbridge, Becca Smith, Frank, William, Julia, Clarence E. and Charles Robinson.
Marcellus Taylor was elected the first justice of the peace in the village, in 1871, and served in that capacity five years.
The pioneer carpenter to locate at Wes- ley and open a place of business was John Thompson, who came here from Al- gona in 1878. Mr. Thompson is noted thronghont this country as a contractor and builder of no mean ability, and work entrusted to him will be always well done.
John Thompson, son of Norman and Susan Thompson, was born in Hamilton township, Northumberland Co., Canada West, Oct. 19, 1833. His mother died when he was only six months old. He lived in Canada until twenty-one years of age, when he and his father removed to
Ogle Co., Ill., and purchased a farm. Ile lived in Ogle county until September, 1862, when he enlisted in the 8th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. He served through the war. In 1863 he was out with a scout- ing party, and was severely wounded by his horse falling down a stone quarry and falling upon him. He received his dis- charge in St. Louis in August, 1865. He participated in many hard fought battles, his company or regiment being a part of the army of the Potomae. Among the hardest battles were: Williamstown, seven days fight on the peninsula, battle of the Wilderness, Antietam, Gettysburg, Manas- sas, second battle of Bull Run, and Bev- erly Ford, a strictly cavalry battle, which lasted one whole day. He returned to Ogle county after the war, and followed farming. In 1867 he helped get up a map of Ogle county. In April, 1876, he came to lowa, locating in Algona, this county. Before coming west, however, he had traded some property for 240 acres of land in this county, 160 acres in Wesley township, and eighty acres in Lott's Creek township. In 1878 he removed from Al- gona to the village of Wesley and en- gaged in carpenter work. Mr. Thompson has been married three times. In 18.4 he was married to Sarah M. Hardy, of Canada. They had four children-Teresa J., Norman E., Everett W. and Charles W. Mrs. Thompson was a member of the Presbyterian Church. After she died he was again married, but his second wife died in the summer of 1875, and was buried in Byron, Ogle Co., Ill. In 1876 he was married to Mrs. Mary (Clemens) Artz, of Ogle Co., Ill. Mrs. Thompson had two children by her first husband -
20
dignzed by Google
548
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.
Ozzy and Ella. Mr. Thompson is a re- publican. He owns nice residence prop- erty, and also a good carpenter shop, which, by the way, is the building erected by Comstock & Baker, and the first one built in Wesley village.
The first load of hay brought to the village of Wesley, was hauled by John Finnemark, in 1870, and was sold to Mr. Clark, at that time section foreman.
Carl Oleson is the present gentlemanly agent in charge of the depot of the C. M. & St. P. R. R. having taken charge there. of on the 1st of June, 1881. The first agent here was L. B. Ormsby, appointed in 1870. He was followed, in succession, by G. J. Baker, Charles Brisbois, C. J. Howard, A. W. Davis and the present in- cumbent. As is usnal, at many stations on this road, the agent in charge is also the agent for the express company.
Carl E. Oleson, son of Erick and Kath- rine (Jensen ) Oleson, was born in Chris- tiana, Norway, Dec. 16, 1862. When eight years of age he emigrated with his parents to the United States, coming im- mediately to Iowa and locating in Calmar. After living there one year they removed to Ionia, Chickasaw county. Mr. Oleson received a fair education, studying hard during vacations as well as while in school. When sixteen years of age he commenced to learn telegraphy under Theodore Huber, of Chickasaw station. In 1881 he was given charge of Wesley station, which postion he still occupies, being telegraph operator, station agent, express agent and freight agent. He is a careful and energetic business man. In politics Mr. Oleson is a republican.
The postoffice was established in the fall of 1871, and S. B. Ormaby was com- missioned postmaster. This position he held until 1873, when he was succeeded by G. J. Baker. In 1880 another change was made and the present incumbent, G. J. Lawson, was installed, in charge of the mails. At the present this is not yet a money order office, although about to be made one, the order creating it having been issued by the department at Wash- ington.
G. J. Baker established the first store, as mentioned before, in 1873, in company with J. M. Comstock, of Algona, and carried quite a heavy line of goods in general merchandise. In 1879 he sold out the stock and business to Mrs. Mary .Thompson, who, however, only ran it until March, 1880, when she closed out the whole concern.
George J. Baker, son of Henry J. and Ann Baker, was born in Wankesha Co., Wis., Dec. 21, 1847. When about twenty- six years of age he came to Algona, Iowa, and formed a partnership with J. M. Comstock, engaging in a general merchan- dise business. The same year they started a branch store at Wesley village, Mr. Baker taking charge of it. In 1874 he dissolved partnership with Mr. Comstock and continned the business alone until 1879. lle then purchased a farm of 160 acres on section 14, Wesley township, and removed thereto. He was married in June, 1874, to Jennie Groat, of Emmets- burg, lowa. They have two children- Eunice E. and Ada N. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the M. E. Church. lle is a republican and is director and president of the school board of Wesley
pig zed by Google
549
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.
township. He travels for Blossom Bros., creamery, of Algona, gathering up cream. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., of Wesley.
"The Sherman House, one of the model hotels of northwestern Iowa, was built by the present proprietor, August Dinger, in the summer of 1883. The building is thirty-six feet square, and two stories in height, well finished and artistically painted. It is located conveniently near the depot, and is in the enjoyment of con- siderable patronage, although so new an enterprise. Mr. Dinger knows his busi- ness, and with a well furnished house, and a well supplied table, with the rate estab- lished at $1.50 per day, he can not help but draw the patronage of the traveling public, for whom he caters. The house is named after our honored governor, Buren R. Sherman.
Angust Dinger, son of George and Mary Dinger, was born in Baden, Germany, Oct. 30, 1839. When he was eighteen years of age his parents came to America, locating in Monroe Co., Wis. The next year Mr. Dinger went to Grant Co., Wis., and followed farming until 1868, when he went back to Monroe county. He re- mained there until 1876, when he came to Iowa, settling in Wesley township, Kos- anth county. He purchased 160 acres of good land on sections 15 and 22, in what is now called Prairie township. He fol- lowed farming until 1882, when he re- moved his family to Wesley village, and engaged in the lumber business. In 1883 he built a hotel in Wesley, called the Sherman House. Mr. Dinger is a very genial and accommodating landlord, and is building up a first-class business. He was married in October, 1863, to Catha- rine M. Kielinger, of Pennsylvania. They have had eight children, six of whom are living-Ira, Ida, James, Jessie, Charlie and Mary. Mrs. Dinger was born in Crawford Co., Penn. Her parents, James and Sarah E. Kielinger, removed from that State to Wisconsin when she was quite young, where they live at the present time.
Mr. Dinger's mother lives in Monroe Co., Wis. His father died in 1867. Mr. Din- ger is a republican, politically.
The general merchandise merchants, McCutchin & Lawson, commenced busi- ness on the Ist of May, 1881, in a build- ing belonging to M. Taylor, where they remained until the fall of 1883, when they removed into their new store, under the Sherman House. This room is 22x36 feet in size, and finished up in good taste. They keep on hand a large and well se- lected stock of dry goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, groceries, school books, hard and tinware, and the countless other commodities that go to make up the usual village store. Although this is a young firmu, they already command a large pat- ronage, which they should do, as they merit the confidence of the community.
George J. Lawson, son of John and Mary (Curren) Lawson, was born near Oconomowoc, Dodge C'o., Wis., Dec. 9, 1856. When seven years of age, his parents moved to Tama Co., Iowa, where his father purchased a farm. In the spring of 1877, Mr. Lawson came to Wesley, Kossuth county. In 1881 he formed a partnership with II. McCntchin, and went into the general merchandise business, which business he still continues. Mr. Lawson is a republican, in politics. In 1882 he was elected town clerk of Wesley township. Mr. Lawson is a member of the I. O. G. T., of Wesley. He was ap- pointed postmaster of Wesley Feb. 25, 1880, and was still postmaster in 1884.
F. M. Butts, one of the representative business men of the village, started in the general merchandise line, in the spring of 1879. At that time he had but a small room, 20x30 feet, but now his business has increased to such an extent that he occupies two rooms, each 20x46 feet. He keeps everything usually for sale in stores of this class, and his stock looks clean and fresh.
F. M. Butts was born in Manchester, Boone Co., Ill., June 8, 1847. When font- teen years of age, he went to Porter Co,
Dio rod by Google
550
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.
Ind., where he remained one year, then removed to Lake Co., Ind. He resided in Lake county two years, then moved to Falls township, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa, and purchased a forty acre farm. In 1871 he moved to Wesley township, Kossuth county taking a homestead of eighty acres, on section 24. He afterwards purchased forty acres ou section 22. He sold the home- stead in 1877 and bought eighty acres joining his farm on section 22. In 1878 he sold this land and moved into Wesley village, engaging in the general merchan. dise business. Mr. Butts was married Aug. 11, 1868, to Susan McPherson, of Indiana. They have had three children, two of whom are living-Guy and Charles. Mr. Butts owns ninety acres of land in Prairie township, this county, and 160 acres in Hancock county. He also owns considerable property in the village of Wesley. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., of Wesley. Mr. Butts is a staunch democrat.
S. E. Grove handles furniture, farm implements and machinery, flour and feed. This place was established in July, 1883, and meets a want long felt, as there is no other party in the village engaged in the sale of these goods.
During the year 1874, Marcellus Taylor made the first step toward starting the · coal business here. At the present he has a good patronage. Ile handles the Oskaloosa coal, principally, as that seems to give the most satisfaction. His coal yard is managed, for him, by his stepson, F. Hume.
Marcellus Taylor was born in William. son, Wayne Co., N. Y., in December, 1821. When two years of age his parents re- moved to Vermont. When seven years of age they removed to Eric Co., N. Y., where his father was engaged in farming. In 1847, Mr. Taylor removed to Wiscon- win, residing in Racine county six years. lle then removed to Eikport, Clayton Co., Iowa, where he purchased 320 acres of land and engaged in farming. In 1871 he came to Kossuth county, purchasing 160 acres of land on section 35, Wesley
township, where he now resides. Mr. Taylor still owns 154 acres in Clayton county. Ile was married in 1850 to Miss C. M. Dana, of Mellenry Co., Ill. They had no children. Mrs. Taylor died in March, 1862. In February, 1864, he was married to Mrs. Delia Hume, of Illinois. Mrs. Taylor has one child by ber former husband-Frank Hume. He is married and lives in Wesley. Mr. Taylor is a re- publican, and has held the office of justice of the peace, being the first one elected in Wesley, county supervisor, school director and school trustee. Mr. Taylor deals principally in stock. Hle controls the coal interests in Wesley village.
Frank W. Hume was born in Aurora, Kane Co., Ill., July 21, 1852. When one year old his parents moved to Earlville, La Salle Co., Ill., his father being station agent at that place for the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quincy railroad. In 1863 A.r. Hume removed with his mother, (his fa- ther having been killed in the war) to Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minn. They lived there one year, then went to Clay- ton Co., Iowa, Mr. Hume engaging in farming. In 1876 he came to Kossuth county, purchasing eighty acres of land on section 35, Wesley township. He lives on the farm, all of which is cultivated, and also tends to the coal and lumber in- terests of M. Taylor in the village of Wesley. Mr. Hume was married, in 1872, to Elizabeth Henrich, of Clayton county. They have one child-Delia A Mrs. Hume is a member of the German Luther- an Church. Mr. Hume is a republican, and has held the office of town clerk, and school director. He is one of the pre ent road commissioners of the township.
S. B. Ormsby initiated the lumber busi- ness at this point in 1871, and ran it until two years later, when Comstock & Baker took it. Since that time it has passed through the hands of several parties, prominent among whom were Mr. Taylor, Sweigard & Hackert and George Haber. In 1882, Angust Dinger and S. Grove each started a yard, but in the spring of 1883, Dinger bought ont his competitor and nni-
Dlg zed by Google
551
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.
ted the two yards in one. Mr. Dinger continued to operate this business until the finishing of his hotel, when taking charge of that he gave up the lumber business for that of landlord.
The pioneer hay press of Wesley was brought here by Saxton & McCutchin on the 31st of July, 1880. After operating it for two years, Mr. Saxton disposed of his interest to J. S. Gallagher and retired from the business. The firm name was now changed to that of MeChtehin & Gallagher. They own a Dederick perpet- ual press, which was run for the first two years by eight horses, but the last year by steam. This has the capacity of pressing and baling about twenty tons of hay per diem.
J. S. Gallagher, son of Robert and Aun Gallagher, was born near Mt. Morris, N. Y., May 23, 1845. When two years old his parents moved to Dane Co., Wis., his father purchasing 160 acres of land with- in seven miles of Madison. Mr. Gallagher attended the State University at Madi- son, Wis., for three years, and took a course in penmanship at the commercial college in Madison. Then taught school fifteen terms in Wisconsin. He is a re- publican in politics, and held the office of justice of the peace in Blooming Grove, Wix., for eight years, while all the other officials were democrats. In 1875 he helped to incorporate the Cottage Grove Fire Insurance Company, of Wisconsin. He was one of the first officers and after- wards was an agent, insuring over $1,000,- 000 worth of property. From 1879-81 he was secretary of the Cottage Grove Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. In 1882 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, purchasing a farm of 120 acres on section 33, Wesley township. He located, however, in Wes- ley village, where he formed a partnership with H. MeCutchin, dealing in baled hay. Mr. Gallagher was married March 14, 1º73, to Mary A. Anderson, of Iowa Co., Wix. They have had six children, four of whom are living-Robert S., Carrie F., Mildred G. and Susan E. Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Mr. Gallagher is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the I. O. G. T., of Wesley.
Wesley, lying as it does in one of the best portions of the grass land of the State, has always been noted for being one the great markets for hay. George W. Eddy, quick to see the advantages to arise from such an enterprise, in 1883 erected a hay press. The building is 16x24 feet with an additional wing of 14x16 feet. In this he has a perpetual circle reversible press, and turns ont daily a car load of hay baled for market, which is Chicago.
George W. Eddy, son of Peleg and Arvilla Eddy, was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., April 16, 1841. He received a good common school education and worked on a farm. In September, 1861, he enlisted in company I, 35th New York Volunteer Infantry. He served two years, after which he was discharged at Washington. He re-enlisted Jan. 4, 1864, in company F, 18th New York Volunteer Cavalry, serving until May, 1866. He then re- turned to his home in Jefferson county. In 1871 he moved to Orleans Co., N. Y., where he remained two years, traveling for a photograph firm. In the spring of 1873 he came to Kossuth Co., Iowa, set -- tling on a homestead of eighty acres in Irvington township. He afterwards home- steaded a soldiers' additional eighty acres, but soon disposed of it. In 1875 Mr. Eddy purchased a farm in Hancock county, on which he lived two years, then sold it and moved to Wesley village. He en- gaged in the livery business in Wesley, and also handled flour and feed and farm implements to a small extent. In Janu- ary, 1883, he purchased a hay press, and commenced buying, pressing and shipping hay. Hle owns considerable residence property in Wesley, in addition to his hay buildings. In the winter of 1884 he purchased an eighty acre farm in Wesley township. Mr. Eddy was married July 25, 1871, to Florence E., danghter of Asa and Levonia Sprague, of Orleans Co., N. Y. They have had two children, a boy and girl; the boy, G. W. Eddy, Jr., is liv-
Digezbd by Google
55
HISTORY OF KOSSUTH COUNTY.
ing. Mr. and Mrs. Eddy are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Eddy is a re- publican in politics. He has held the of- tice of constable seven years in Hancock and Kossuth counties, and is now town- ship trustee and has been since 1875. Mr. Eddy's father died in 1879. His mother lives in St. . Lawrence Co., N. Y. Mrs. Eddy's father died in 1849. Her mother lives in Sank Co., Wis., removing there one year ago from Buffalo, N. Y., where she had resided for twenty years.
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.