USA > Iowa > Lucas County > History of Lucas County, Iowa containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc > Part 66
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The charter of Chariton Lodge, No. 64, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, bears date of October 11, 1855. The members now number one hundred forty-three, and are well situated in every respect. The present officers are as follows: Noble grand, Harry Lewis; vice-grand, J. C. Seibert; secretary, A. D. Gray; treasurer, D. D. Waynick; warden, C. J. Moorman; conductor, J. B. Teas; inside guardian, A. E. Dent; out- side guardian, T. J. Garland; supporters, W. K. Larimer, F. C. Wood, Geo. Combs, and W. S. Kinworthy. They also have an interest in the new block being erected at the north-west corner of the square.
Gayoso Encampment, No. 33, a higher branch of Odd Fellowship, was instituted by Thomas D. Evans, under dispensation from grand encamp- ment, dated May 17, 1867. The charter was issued in October, 1869, and contains the following names: Robert McCormick, D. D. Waynick, Jno. H. Bramhall, Gaylord Lyman, S. F. Stewart, J. A. Brown, H. C. Markham, Wm. McDermit, E. E. Edwards, Samuel Stackhouse, N. B. Gardner, and Artemas Rush. The first officers were as follows: R. McCormick, C. P .; N. B. Gardner, H. P .; A. Rush, S. W .; E. E. Edwards, J. W .; Wm. McDermit, scribe, and J. H. Bramhall, treasurer. The present officers are, Harry Lewis, C. P .; D. D. Waynick, H. P .; J. D. Hull, S. W .; J. L. McKlveen, J. W .; C. J. Moorman, scribe; and H. S. Glenn, treasurer. There are forty-five members, and are interested in the building of the new hall. Their meetings are held on the second and fourth Friday evenings of each month.
Orion Lodge, No. 302, I. O. O. F., was instituted by district-deputy Robert McCormick. Their charter is dated October 21, 1875. The names of the charter members are as follows: Andrew Day, G. F. Holmes, J. F. Smith, E. E. Harris, A. W. Schaffer, S. P. Moss, J. C. Mitchell, E. R. Young, S. J. Markle, and R. Becker. The first officers
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were as follows: Andrew Day, N. G .; G. F., Holmes, V. G .; J. F. Smith, scretary; A. W. Schaffer, treasurer.
The officers at the present time (May, 1881), are: O. A. Bartholomew, N. G .; G. W. Alexander, V. G .; Wm. Schreiber, secretary, and J. A. Kling, treasurer. The membership is sixty.
Chariton Lodge, number twenty-five, Knights of Pythias, was organized under a charter dated November 30, 1874. The following persons are the charter members: A. Reusch, J. C. Baker, S. E. Carpenter, W. B. Critchfield, Moses Folsom, Ed. T. Best, R. M. Moore, R. J. Coles, D. M. Thompson, J. F. Sprague, N. B. Gardner, and J. N. McClanahan.
The first officers were the following: A. Reusch, P. C .; J. N. McClanahan, C. C .; R. M. Moore, V. C .; D. M. Thompson, P .; Ed. T. Best. K. of B. and S .; Moses Folsom, M. of F .; J. C. Baker, M. of E .; R. J. Coles, M. at A .; S. E. Carpenter, I. G .; W. B. Critchfield, O. G.
The names of the present officers are as follows: J. D. Hull, C. C .; A. Reusch, P. C .; M. E. Thorpe, V. C .; N. B. Branner, prelate; J. W. Cully, M. of F .; G. F. Gassen, M. of E .; G. W. Ensley, K. of R. and S .; S. B. Tinkham, M. at A .; Samuel McKlveen, I. G .; T. B. Kail, O. G.
The lodge meets every Wednesday evening. Their membership num- bers seventy-six.
Chariton Collegium, number twenty-seven, V. A. S., was instituted by D. Maltby, deputy chief rector, under the dispensation dated March 24, 1881. As yet, the charter has not been received by this Collegium, but when issued will contain the names of the following charter members: S. B. Tinkham, W. S. Dorsey, D. J. Ewing, R. J. Coles, W. E. Lewis, W. W. Coles, David Klingner, Jesse Corbett, G. W. Alexander, Jacob Kull, J. C. Peacock, F. A. Schotte, T. P. Stanton, J. H. McFarland, T. H. Camp- bell, B. F. Murphy, and A. U. McCormick.
The names of the first only and present officers are as follows: S. B. Tinkham, rector; J. H. McFarland, vice-rector; J. C. Peacock, usher; A. U. McCormick, scribe; T. P. Stanton, M. D. Questor.
They report eighteen members and say the prospects of the Collegium are bright.
It is fair to presume that the members of this organization know its object, and it is not hazarding a great deal to say that to the majority of the general public it is a new thing under the sun, and some curiosity will be manifested concerning it, especially as to what the "V. A. S." means. Is it Variously Assorted Society ? or, Victims Are Scarce ?
The first organization in Chariton in the interest of temperance, was called the Prairie Flower Social Temple, and was organized on the 10th day of March, 1856. E. T. Edginton seems from the record to have been the organizer, and the following named the charter members: E. A. Temple, Jane E. Temple, Ella S. Armstrong, Francis Bell, Cyrus F.
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Temple, Susan Anderson, Samuel Coles, Susan Peck, D. Y. Collins, Josephine Millan, Beverly Searcy, J. E. Bell, John N. Harris, Josephine Custer, Thomas J. Armstrong, Rhoda Searcy, and Wilson T. Keever.
From the records of the society, it is ascertained that it was a kind of double organization, and that each office was filled by two persons, a lady and a gentleman. If a gentleman could manage to secure his election, he, at the same time, gained the privilege of sitting by a lady during the term of his office.
The society continued for over two years, and included among its members most of the leading citizens of the town.
About the first of January, 1866, a society of the Independent Order of Good Templars was organized, the leading members being Dr. James D. Wright, T. W. Fawcett, Joseph A. Brown, Mr. Chapel, Mrs. Fawcett, Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Ann Newell, and S. D. Hickman. Nearly all of the young people joined the order, and for three or four years it was quite an institution; but, by degrees, it dwindled down until it finally ceased to exist. What effect these organizations had in preventing the sale and use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, will probably never be known; but it may be considered pretty certain that they did no harm, and were exceedingly productive of social alliances.
About the year 1866, a Lodge of the Daughters of Rebekah was organized for the benefit of the ladies interested in Odd Fellowship; and about the same time, the Eastern Star Degree was instituted by Dr. Isaac Kneeland for the benefit of the ladies who wished to explore the mysteries of masonry. It would have been remarkable if these societies had continued, but they have long ceased to exist, as have all the other secret organizations with which the ladies have been connected; and it would really seem that they can only keep up their interest in secrets which they do not know.
Iseminger Post, number 18, Grand Army of the Republic of Iowa, was organized October 18, 1879, by W. W. Fink, muster-in-officer. The original members were, E. B. Woodward, A. W. McCormick, J. Lee Brown, C. T. Brant, J. H. Gowen, N. B. Gardner, M. E. Thorpe, W. S. Dungan, Jno. O. Coles, Geo. F. Holmes, G. H. Ragsdale, Joe. R. Landes, J. H. McFarland, and Frank Hedrick.
The charter which contains the above names, is dated October 23 1879, and signed by H. E. Griswold, department commander, and J. K. Powers, assistant adjutant general.
The membership numbers about thirty, which, considering the large number of old soldiers in the county, is very small. The present officers are as follows: A. U. McCormick, commander; J. Lee Brown, senior vice-commander; J. R. Landes, junior vice-commander; C. T. Brant,
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quartermaster; M. E. Thorpe, outside guard; J. H. Gowen, inside guard; J. H. McFarland, adjutant.
This Post was named in honor of Captain Daniel Iseminger, a veteran of the Mexican war, having served in a regiment of Indiana volunteers. He came to Iowa at an early day, and located in Chariton, and was one of its most prominent citizens. When the town was incorporated, he became the first mayor. At the breaking out of the war of the rebellion he assisted in raising the first compamy of volunteers from Lucas county. This company was assigned to the sixth Iowa Infantry, as company B, and Iseminger became captain, and commanded his company until he was killed at the battle of Shiloh, on the 6th day of April, 1862. This post could have been named in honor of no braver, or better man.
The Chariton Library is the product of an association organized in November, 1859. The ladies of the city were principally instrumental in managing the matter. Among the leading ones of whom were Miss Jessie Wilson, (now Mrs. Manning), Mrs. S. F. Stewart, Mrs. D. Q. Storie, and Mrs. L. F. Maple. The mony used in purchasing it was raised chiefly by giving a series of dramatic entertainments, which were highly appreciated and liberally patronized by the public. The library now con- tains about four hundred and fifty well selected volumes, and is managed by a board of trustees, of which Mr. J. A. Brown is presinent, Mr. J. H. Stewart, secretary, and Miss Nellie McCormick, librarian.
The Chariton Lyceum has been a flourishing institution for a number of years, and is conducted by some of the leading members of the Chari- ton bar, with other citizens, and is an entertaining institution, and often productive of much interest and instruction.
When the temperance wave swept over the land in 1878, it struck Chariton with full force. Under the auspices of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, a series of meetings were held by John W. Drew, Frank Alumbaugh, and others. Nearly every one signed the pledge or otherwise gave assurance that they would taste not, handle not, the dan- gerous beverage, though they had not thus indulged in their lives. An effort was made to keep up weekly meetings, but when the wave subsided, the meetings subsided also, and if the society still exists it is not heard from. Doubtless much good was done, a few of those who had been in the habit of drinking, still respect their pledges. Mrs. J. Ellen Foster, Iowa's female lawyer, delivered some really fine addresses, which were highly appreciated, but where are the fruits of those efforts to-day?
The first endeavor to organize a fire department, was made in 1869. A hand fire engine was purchased, and five hundred feet of hose, and a hose cart. An engine house was built at an expense of three hundred dollars, also two cisterns, at opposite corners of the public square, at a cost of
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over a thousand dollars, but these appliances proved inefficient when the occasion came for their use.
When the school house took fire the engine and hose cart appeared on the scene, and everybody dropped his bucket and all hands laid hold of the hose and carried it up into the third story and then into the garret. The nozzle was adjusted and the word went down the line of.men holding up the hose, "turn on the water." Then everybody waited and they con- ยท tinued to wait. And while they waited the fire didn't wait, but kept on devouring its coveted victim, and when it was found that the suction hose wouldn't reach the water in the well, and that it couldn't be attached to the engine either, then it was discovered, when too late, that the apparatus for putting out fire was the real cause of the total destruction of the build- ing. It is said that one man there actually " cussed," which is not improb- able.
On the 5th day of November, 1877, the city council appointed D. M. Thompson and Elijah Lewis to purchase a steam fire engine, hose, hose carts, hook and ladder wagon, and all the necessary apparatus. The council also elected W. L. Alexander, chief fire marshal, and Eli Man- ning, assistant.
A first-class Silsby fire engine was purchased with necessary hose, also a Babcock hook and ladder wagon complete. An engine hose company was formed, of which G. W. Ensby is now foreman, and a hook and lad- der company, of which M. A. Hatcher is now foreman. The first chief fire marshal is now adjutant-general of the state. And Eli Manning is the present chief fire marshal.
The fire department has already demonstrated its ability to cope with any kind of fire that may occur. If it is a small one the hook and ladder company wipes it out, and if it is a big one the engine company washes it away.
LITIGATION.
Among the numerous suits at law, to which the town has been a party, one brought against it by Mrs. S. A. Pulliam, in 1875, probably created the most interest. The cause of action alleged was an injury to plaintiff, caused by a defective sidewalk, and damages claimed in the sum of five thousand dollars. The cause was tried by a jury at the February term of circuit court, lasting about a week, and resulted in a verdict for plaintiff, for five hundred dollars. A new trial was granted, and then a change of venue was taken to Wayne county. While this was pending the author- ities managed to compromise with the plaintiff for a sum not made public, which ended the contest. During the progress of this suit the fact was developed that the original records of the town of Chariton were lost. Some persons claim that they were destroyed, to prevent them being used as evidence that the town had been legally incorporated.
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Another case of interest was a suit brought by the city against W. C. Hollyday, for the value of a walk built by the city in front of his prem- ises, on his failing to build it after being duly ordered to do so. It resulted in a judgment against the city, and is now pending on an appeal to the supreme court.
Another suit is pending at the present time in which Sophronia C. McHines is plaintiff, and the city is defendant, in which damages are asked for injuries received, through the defective sidewalk of the defend- ant.
MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS.
The Chariton Plow Company was organized May 26, 1879, with a paid up capital of twenty thousand dollars. The incorporators were S. H. Mallory, O. J. King, T. M. Stuart, E. A. Temple and G. W. Hopkins. The officers at present are S. H. Mallory, president; Joseph Braden, treas- urer; B. F. Bates, secretary, and they, with F. H. Sprague and E. A. Bates, are directors. They have ample buildings for their works, and manufacture the Chariton sulky plow attachment to a large extent.
Hatcher & Company are the proprietors of the Chariton foundry and machine shops. It began busines in 1869, and is now using about seven thousand dollars capital in carrying on the business. They make all kinds of castings and make and repair machinery in general.
The Chariton Elevator was built by S. H. Mallory, in'1871, at a cost of ten thousand dollars. For the convenience of the railroad company it was moved about three hundred feet, in 1878, to its present location. About twenty-five thousand dollars is used in running it. Mr. P. H Wood is its present manager.
The Wagon Manufactory of H. S. Glenn begun business in 1871, with a capital of one thousand dollars, and his business has increased until he now employs about ten thousand. During 1880, he paid for labor alone over three thousand dollars. He has built about four hundred farm wagons, and about one hundred spring wagons and buggies. He employs continually from eight to ten men.
The Chariton Street Railway Company was organized in 1881, by B. F. Bates, H. S. Glenn, W. F. Hatcher, L. F. Maple, Jacob Yengel, S. B. St. John, W. W. Miller, A. E. Dent, B. F. Murphy and *E. B. Wood- ward. The articles of incorporation authorize a capital of five thousand dollars. As yet the company has not begun the work of construction, but they have three years in which to commence.
Eikenberry & Company (the company being Mr. G. J. Stewart) have for many years been the principal dealers in grain and stock. They employ a large amount of capital, and ship from Indianola, Milo, Lacona, Chariton and other points.
The Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company (now the Chicago,
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Burlington & Quincy) constructed the line of its road to Chariton and westward in 1866. The general direction of the road, as is well known, is east and west, but the fact that the road runs north and south through the center of the town, frequently misleads a stranger, and the first day he is here, he is inclined to the belief that the sun rises in the north, and it usually takes him some time to get " square with the world."
In 1871, the Chariton branch of the road was constructed toward the southwest, and as it is soon to be built further on, Chariton will soon have direct connection with Kansas City, and Mexicoward.
The Indianola branch, or Chariton, Des Moines & Southern, gives direct communication with the capital. Of other proposed roads, the most likely to be built soon are, the connection to the Wabash, in Wayne county, in aid of which the town has already voted a five per cent tax; and a road by way of Maysville to Oskaloosa, Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.
Chariton can boast of one of the finest depot buildings in the state. It is of brick and over two hundred feet long, by about fifty in width. It is two stories in height and presents a splendid appearance. The larger portion of it is used for hotel and eating-house purposes, besides its spa- cious waiting rooms, baggage room, telegraph and ticket offices.
The Bates House is located near the business center of the town, and was built in 1874, by B. F. Bates, and cost twelve thousand dollars. It is a large fine brick structure, and a first-class hotel.
The first flour mill built in Chariton was located on what is now part of block thirty-seven of Coolbaugh & Brooks addition. It was built by D. N. Smith in 1857. It changed owners several times previous to 1867, when it was purchased by Lewis & Bro., who have operated it since.
In November, 1880, it was burned to the ground, but was immediately rebuilt, and very appropriately called the Phoenix Mills.
Curtis & Sons built their flour mill in the north part of town in 1872. They employ about nine thousand dollars capital in operating it.
In July, 1866, the first bank was established in Chariton, under the name of F. W. Brooks & Co. In 1869, Lyman Cook & Co., succeeded to its ownership, and in 1870, it was merged into the First National Bank, which was incorporated by S. H. Mallory, Lyman Cook, J. C. Peasely, D. M. Thompson, George C. Lauman and E. A. Temple, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars. S. H. Mallory was the first and present president, with E. A. Temple cashier.
The Chariton Bank was organized in 1872, by Penick, Day & Cope- land, and is now owned by Manning & Penick, E. Maning being presi- dent, and W. C. Penick cashier.
Chariton is well laid with sidewalks to its remotest limits in several directions, one on the west side of Harrison street extending a mile and a half in length. The streets are also planted with shade trees along either
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side, which gives the town a forest-like appearance, and adds to its beauty and comfort in warm weather.
All branches of mercantile pursuits are carried on and seem to be in a healthy and prosperous condition, among which are an ample number of dry goods houses, some four hardware, tin, stove, and agricultural imple- ment establishments combined, three drug stores, two jewelry houses, millinery shops, clothing houses, grocery stores, besides harness shops, boot and shoe shops, and various other trades and pursuits essential to a town of the size of Chariton, and which is supported by a finely developed agricultural and grazing country about it. Lucas county has a bar of some fifteen lawyers, who look after the legal interests of the people; while the medical profession is represented by some twelve physicians, who labor to keep them in good health. Chariton is made up of an intelligent, moral, and thrifty class of people. The town lies high upon the great water shed, is healthy, prosperous and beautiful.
ENGLISH TOWNSHIP.
Population in 1880, 907. The civil division called English township, is identical with congressional township, number seventy-three north, of range twenty-one west.
Little Whitebreast creek runs from southeast toward the northwest, across the southwest corner of the township cutting off about two sections of land.
The two branches of English creek rise, one near the southeast corner, the other south of the center of the township, and flowing in a north and northeasterly course, unite about a mile south of the north line of the township.
Along these streams there was formerly very good timber, a large part of which has been cut for use on the farms in building, fencing and for fuel. Cutting down the trees, however, has not had the effect of lev- eling the surface of the ground, which in some parts is quite broken and rough.
A highway running east and west one mile from the north line of the county, is locally celebrated for being the worst and hilliest road in Lucas county.
The larger part of the land in the township is finely situated and well adapted to farming and grazing.
The tax-books of 1880, show 23,073 acres of taxable land, of which nearly 18,000 acres are fenced and otherwise improved.
One of the largest stock farms in the county is owned and conducted by Mr. J. F. Spiker. In connection with his other farming operations, he raises, buys and ships to Chicago and the east, a large amount of stock.
The earliest known permanent settlers seem to have been John Ballard,
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Isham Hodgen and Joseph Stuart, the descendants of some of whom still live in the vicinity.
Isaac Renfro, Samuel J. Howard, Duncan Breckenridge and others, soon followed.
The first election was held at the house of Isaac Renfro, there being just enough voters in the township to fill all the offices.
The first religious service was held in 1853 or 1854, at the house of John Williby, by a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at which time a society of that church was organized with John and Letitia Williby, James Foulks and wife, George and Priscilla Sharp, Emma Williby, David Wise and wife, and Jesse A. Zickafoos and wife, as members.
The society still continues, being now part of Chariton Circuit, and hav- ing about twenty-five members.
Their services are now held at Pleasant Hill school house. Their pastors have been Reverends Mr. Martin, B. B. Kennedy, D. O. Stuart, Artemas Brown, Adam Kern, Mr. Mershon, I. N. Matheny, J. G. Bourne, M. Sheets, C. Hover, and Simpson Guyer, the last named being now in charge.
In 1863, the Christian Union Church organized a society, among the membership of which were David Wise, Charles Vanwey, Thomas Hall and others. Services are conducted at Fairview school house, with about twenty regular members.
They have also a Sabbath-school with about thirty average attendance. Mr. Jackson Ford is the present superintendent.
The Evangelical Church has a society whose services are held at Zion school house.
Reverend Robert Reed, a minister of the Christian Church, has been preaching for about a year to a congregation at the Renfro school house. Something like twenty members of that church live in the neighborhood, but as yet they have no regularly organized society. They will probably organize one within a few months.
A society of the Presbyterian Church was organized by Rev. W. C. Hollyday, of Chariton, under the auspices of the Des Moines Presbytery, on the 28th day of August, 1869. The society was incorporated accord- ing to law and the constituion of the Presbyterian Church on March 30, 1876, by the following named persons: G. T. Mayes, Maria Mayes, G. W. Mayes, S. J. Mayes, J. P. Holliday, Joshua P. Holliday, Joshua B. May, T. M. Dunshee and Susan Dunshee. Their pastors have been Rev. T. N. Buchanan and Rev. Mr. Allen.
They have built themselves a handsome church at an expense of about fifteen hundred dollars, and are in a prosperous condition. They conduct a Sabbath-school with an everage attendance of about sixty. O. F. Brownlee is superintendent of the school.
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The first school house in the township, is said to be one built near the house of Isaac Graves. Later, three others were built, one at Renfro's, one at Foulks' and the other near Spray's. Of these buildings the one built near Sprays was moved south and westward across the creek, where it was repaired and is still used.
The one near Graves, is still standing, though not in use. The other two have been torn down and replaced by better ones.
At the present time the township is divided into nine school districts, each being square, and each containing four square miles, with a school house in the center of each district, and school is kept for more than half the year. If the children there don't grow up into intelligent men and women, it will not be the fault of the school organization. There is neither railroad, town, nor postoffice in the township. A postoffice named Bucyrus has been established several times at different places, but it seems that neither the emoluments of the office, nor the honor of being a United States official is sufficient to induce any one to retain it. However, they claim the right to the name, Bucyrus, and as soon as they have a railroad station they will call it Bucyrus, when it is hoped it will "stick."
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