USA > Iowa > Marshall County > History of Marshall county, Iowa > Part 7
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Mrs. Rice was an excellent woman, and her exem- plary life gave no opportunity for criticism; when she died she had not an enemy in the world ; and the same may be said of her daughter, Mrs. Anson.
FOURTH OF JULY.
The first celebration of our nation's birth day held in the county was on the public square in Marshall- town in 1853. Invitations were extended throughout the Iowa valley, and as many as could availed them-
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selves of the opportunity to recognize this anniversary of the Republic. There was a large bower built of green waving branches, the starry flag waving gaily over all; tables were spread with all the delicacies that could be obtained, and everybody wore a joyous look, for the guests were splendidly entertained ; the citizens having a sharp eye on the county seat, as well as their patriotism, felt it their duty to welcome all with smiles and cheers. An old lady was present by the name of ; on hearing Doctor Bissell, who was chief marshal, call for cheers, she shoved a young girl out of a chair very suddenly, with " Don't ye hear them call for cheers ? Git up, aint ye no manners !"
Mr. Atwater, the young lawyer of Marietta, deliv- ered the oration, and the singing class of Mr. Childs gave the crowd, " Hail Columbia," in fine style. Mrs. Choate, then a little girl in the choir, was obliged to stand upon a box, so that her head should be level with the rest of the soprano singers.
Many of the visitors were loaded with goodies on their return home, filling red and yellow.cotton hand- kerchiefs and tin buckets; some coming twenty miles.
The lady committees, which comprised the most of the women in town, saw the sunset, very much fatigued. Old Mrs. Rice trimmed the cake as happy as at a wedding; Mrs. Straight remembers filling a clothes basket full of good things for the table, and many others wrought hard and gave much for the same object.
CONCERT.
Pursuing the same subject of amusements, without reference to dates, we note the fact, that the first public concert given in Marshalltown was by a sing- ing class trained by Professor Heighton. The cho- russes were sung by the whole class, the solos, duos and quartettes were rendered by the beautiful Miss
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Cleavers, twin sisters; Mrs. Andrews and Miss E. Hopkins as the alto. Professor Heighton played the accompaniments upon a melodeon with his own mu- sical grace of to-day, and the audience were delighted with the entertainment.
There were no librettos or opera glasses then in the audience. Harry Gerhart, our able county treasurer, played the violin and sang bass in fine style. It was a pleasant affair to all concerned. Professor Heighton has done much to elevate the standard of music here, having organized all the choirs in the city churches excepting the Disciples. Prof. Montgomery and lady, Mrs. McClure, and Miss Nettie Cole, gifted singers among us came much later. Miss S. Montgomery has assisted Prof. Hughes, a blind musician, through a series of successful concerts in Wisconsin and North- ern Iowa.
But we turn a leaf backward on our record to 1852, and talk of our
PIONEER MERCHANTS.
We have mentioned that the first store was built and filled with goods by Wells Rice, Esq. Mr. Pratt, member of a firm from Iowa City, also sold goods here ; he is principally remembered as having a huge shock of red hair, and being an easy sort of man. Mr. E. Willigrod, from Mansfield, Ohio, came in July, 1854, bringing a small stock into the little shop now occu- pied by a gunsmith, east of J. L. Williams' residence. At this time there were only seven respectable build- ings ; a weekly mail, often delayed, and no mode of transit except across the horrible sloughs. But with prophetic foresight, these merchants struggled on, be- lieving in the future of Marshall county. Mr. Willi- grod promised his wife when they drove into the little hamlet that she would see the cars in ten years. Sure enough, in nine years they whistled through a city. Mr. Pratt became discouraged, and left. A Mr. Young
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came in the fall and sold a few goods in the building once occupied by Mrs. Holt as a millinery shop. Mr. Enos Hoes, previous to this, built the first frame store, at Dr. Cummings' corner. All the lumber and nails of the building were brought from Rock Island. In partnership with him, was his brother, Job C. Hoes, of Chicago, and after trading awhile they sold out to C. B. Straight.
Selling on credit, it was a matter of some doubt whether merchandising would be a success in the long run. Mr. Webster, we will remark, was buying and selling real estate this same fall. Considerable emi- gration came into the county and town. Mr. West- cott, from Maine, one of the pioneers, bought three acres of Mr. Webster, also a little house of Charley Smith.
In the fall, the house now occupied by S. S. Miller, was built by Mr. Yeamans, and Mr. Utz's present home ; the frame buildings now numbered eighteen, all told.
As the rivalry with Marietta was constantly kept up, and the stakes set here for a county seat by the bosh commissioners, the spires and turrets of another Chicago rose before these energetic and ambitious men. Mr. Andrews, Mr. Crowder and some others, who have gone away since this season we have noted, played quite an important part in the early growth of our city. We do not know the exact time, but Mr. John Kelly built the shoe store now occupied by G. W. Peet, and had quite an establishment for early times. Mr. Hoes, as we have intimated, got tired of selling goods, and sold to Mr. Straight, who, in company with old Mr. Rice, had built the two-story frame, a little west, and had a small town hall above, where dancing parties often met, singing classes held jubilees, and the Musquaquas had pow-wows.
In time this building changed hands into the pos- session of Mr. M. Anson, who filled up with liquors
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and groceries. Mr. Willigrod built a store between the corner and this, now owned by David Woods ; he had also drugs and patent medicines, sold dry goods, too, and Dr. Glick coming soon after, we hear of the firm of
GLICK & WILLIGROD,
In 1856. They were very genial and pleasant in their business relations, and from small beginnings have amassed fine fortunes, and occupy a prominent position in society. Dr. Glick practiced medicine in the city in early times, but, it seems, did not like the pro- fession and was appointed postmaster, holding the posi- tion for some years. He is also our school fund commis- sioner; and without doubt has the most artistically arranged drug store in the State. One could easily imbibe all sorts of vile nostrums amid so much beauty and taste. After Dr. Glick went into the drug store, Mr. Willigrod associated with him Mr. Louis Willi- grod, also from Mansfield, Ohio, and was found in the first brick building on the north side of the public square, built by him at considerable cost.
In the year 1854, Mr. Wells Rice took the dry goods store of Mr. Hoes and sold goods on Dr. Cummings' corner, then the center of the town. Calico was a " bit per yard." "Bit a yard," inquired an Eastern lady at this time, " What kind of an animal is a bit, Mr. Rice ? " The Hawkeye merchant, with great bon hommie, explained that a " bit," in commercial par- lance, was a shilling. But Mr. Rice has grown wealthy, selling calicoes at " a bit a yard."
But we will cross the street from the Cummings' block, and in the little building, west of Bishop's blacksmith shop, had we looked into the large windows just eleven years ago, we might have seen Mr. Joseph Smith, now a merchant of Eldora, selling boots and shoes of his own manufacture, and a few from Iowa City of Eastern make.
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DAVID E. PARRET,
Now one of the directors of the National Bank, and a successful merchant, sold goods in a little building since used as a stable. It was westward from Mr. Smith's shoe store, and then on the fashionable side of the street.
" West End " was once the center of trade, but after Mr. Woodbury built his brick block and the Court House was finished, the star of empire in Marshall- town business rose where all other stars do, in the east, though there may be a retrocession when Mr. Rice finishes his new brick bloek. We will mention, en passant, that Mr. Ambruster had a shoe store also at the West End.
In the old stone shop where Mr. Dean works in paints and oils, delved as the first blacksmith, a Mr. Hill, who has gone to the " other shore."
Dr. Bissell was the first practicing physician, hav- ing come to Marshalltown in 1853. He was shot some years ago by a Mr. Coble, through jealousy. There were some grounds for the homicide, and Coble served a few years in the State prison and then went into the army.
Esq. Gregg is claimed as the senior lawyer, and barring some errors in politics is an honor to the bar, and an excellent citizen. Dr. Taylor came about the same time, and the two boarded at the Marshall House as chums and fellow bachelors.
After Mr. Rice built the Marshall House, which, by the way, has received several additions to the original structure, he rented to Mr. Morrison of Michigan, who kept the hotel sometime, then sold to Mr. L. Anson, and he sold again to Mr. H. D. Ranney in 1859. Mr. Ranney came to Iowa, however, in 1857, and built the store now occupied by Mr. East as fur- niture rooms. It was all prairie eastward for a mile, and the ladies when they shopped could study land- scape views also.
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Mr. Ranney's father came afterward with his fam- ily ; also, Mr. Leach, a brother-in-law, a very success- ful merchant. Mr. East, another brother-in-law, came later, in 1862 ; he has been of great help in the church and society. We cannot refrain from adding a word for his worthy lady who accomplished so much at the State Fair here.
J. M. Sherwood, Esq., came about the year. 1857, also, and is well known as a pleasant, wealthy lawyer, giving generously to all public and private charities- his lady gracing the splendid Gothic residence on the east side of the public square.
And Dr. Bunce seeing the community needed another physician, came the next year after Dr. Glick. He had a large practice, often riding twenty-five miles over the prairies.
Mr. Gettings, from Castalia, Ohio, also added to the energy and activity of business in Marshalltown. And as we gossip of the pioneers further, we will notice Mr. James Hambel, who opened a grocery, and was in the stock and grain trade for a good many years. He came in the year 1857.
MR. S. LACY,
Long one of the most useful members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church, came to Iowa in 1856 and set- tled on a farm, now owned by Mr. Pontius. There was a cabin, but Mr. Lacy not liking to till the soil left the farm and came to Marshalltown in the sum- mer, and was soon after, we believe, in company with Mr. Utz, in a grocery.
Mrs. Lacy the acknowledged leader of the haut ton taught the first select school in the village, and a very good "school marm " she made, too, the citizens val- uing her services highly in that direction.
Mr. Chester Heald came earlier, in 1855 ; and it is almost superfluous to speak of many of these promi-
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nent and useful citizens, they are so well known for every virtue. Mr. William Johnson is another good man, one of the first blacksmiths in the city-has grown wealthy in working at the forge. Mr. Levi Page who buckled the first harness together for our markts, now at the head of an extensive establish- ment, came here in 1857. The next year, Dr. Statler, from Mansfield, Ohio, went into partnership with John Wasson, Esq., in a drug store-the first in town. They occupied the building now used by Duguid & Fuller.
About this time came John Fisher and opened a dry goods store soon after he became a citizen. Mr. Fisher had a good deal of public spirit in connection with churches and schools, although he was a little arbitrary in matters of opinion. He was very upright in his dealing with his fellow men and filled the office of Mayor at one time.
Mr. T. Hopkins from New York came here in 1857 and rented the Union House from Mr. Rice, then opened a shoe shop. He was a good workman and an honest man in every sense of the word. Domestic troubles shortened his useful life and he died mostly of a broken heart, much regretted by all. Mr. Nelson Smith, his son-in-law, was a pleasant, genial citizen ; he died soon after Mr. Hopkins.
Mr. Hogle kept a grocery these times, and was quite useful in the church and society. The Forneys came later, in 1858, we believe, and have added much to the energy of our city.
Jerry, the inimitable caterer for the public tables of our citizens, who never had an enemy but plenty of friends, must not be overlooked in this connection, for he is too closely identified in the history of feast- ing and dancing-of wassail and song. He also had a harness shop some years ago, and now is in an exten- sive produce business.
Mr. Webster, in the summer of 1856, sold a great
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many lots and laid the foundation of his large fortune during that time. Marshalltown had, perhaps, the greatest accession of population this year than any other year in her history, excepting since the war. The next year, Mr. William Smith, an Englishman, laid out quite a garden and nursery, to supply the town with vegetables and fruit.
New comers were welcomed then, for every one counted against Marietta, so Miles Rice is reported to havesaid. There was no gradation yet in social rank ; all were neighbors, friends. Mrs. J. M. Sherwood brought the first piano to the village, which epoch was marked by a profound sensation.
Mr. John Utz came in 1856 ; had a grocery, one of the best in the place. He was a prominent member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Utz is now at the head of one of the finest marble manufacturing establish- ments in the West. His monument to the lamented Deloss is a splendid affair, made of the purest Italian marble, and will cost nearly a thousand dollars.
In 1858 came Mr. George Weille from Illinois, and while waiting for the roads to get better to continue a journey, was induced to remain in the new town and opened the first jewelry store. Since that time, in company with Messrs. Gettings, Beckwith and others, he went to Colorado and amassed a splendid fortune in mining claims, buildings, etc. Mr. Weille and his charming wife who came from merrie England, will be sadly missed as they go to their mountain home across the Nebraska.
As one strolled down Main street in the summer of 1858, he would not see all the faces then that we study there now. Many have emigrated to Colorado and other mining countries, the war took the bravest and the best, while a few, careworn and furrowed, yet plod on in the treadmill of business. Mr. William Bremmer who divided the honors of County Surveyor with Thomas Mercer, Esq., of Marietta, is one of these
9
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last mentioned. He is still seen with his compass and chain in our streets.
HON. H. C. HENDERSON,
Who ably represented this county in the State Senate for two sessions of the legislature, came also about this time. Mr. Henderson is a brother to Brig. Gen. Henderson of Knox county, Illinois; is of good stock, and has been connected with so many public enter- prises of the county, that his history is intimately interwoven with it. The Methodist Episcopal church, the temperance reform, all benevolent and Christian charities, are indebted to Mr. Henderson for a ready assistance. He is a lawyer of great ability, ofttimes elo- quent, but is generally sought after in counsel, because of his spotless reputation as to honesty, etc.
Mr. Calvin W. Taft, now the owner of the splendid nursery started by Mr. Woodbury, came earlier, in the summer of 1854. Mr. Taft brought from the Western Reserve, (the land of cheese-tubs and abolitionists) that earnest love of freedom which characterizes the Buckeye Yankees. Mr. T. was Justice before Mr. Yeamans, who, by the way, made an excellent officer both in church and state.
Perry C. Holcomb also came from the Reserve and owned the first hardware store, in the building now occupied by M. Rosenbaum. Mr. Holcomb was young then, and has established a good business, is quite wealthy, and with his agreeable wife, is found among the elite of the city.
Mr. E. Brooks, our capable and efficient chief marshal on public occasions, came in 1856, if we mistake not. He is a graceful equestrian for a man of his years. We wish we had space for a more length- ened sketch of the old settlers.
H. ANSON. ESQ.
DR GEORGE GLICK.
₹ .
COL. SHURTZ 8TH CAV.
HON.G.M.WOODBURY.
T.B.ABELL. ESQ.
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HON. G. M. WOODBURY
Came to Marshalltown in 1854, from Peoria, Illinois, and moved into an old building now occupied by Rev. Mr. Dunton, although it has been completely renovated since. This house had but two rooms ; there were no lumber or shingles to be got, so Mr. Woodbury put on a cloth roof. Mr. Pratt and family coming into the town, and having no house, it was arranged that they should take one of the rooms, leaving small quarters for either household.
A pleasing incident occurred soon after their arrival at their new home. So many settlers coming in, the supply of provisions was less than the demand, but some enterprising farmer below, had brought in a wagon load of slaughtered hogs; Mr. Woodbury bought three, but on bringing them home, where should he put them ? He was in a worse quandary than the man who bought the elephant ! no cellar, woodshed, meat-house or barn. Finally, Mrs. W. pro- posed the old joiner's bench that lay out of doors- place them in it, heads and points, and cover with the wagon sheet, which all emigrants had at the time. Often in the winter, the wolves would come in the night for a snack, notwithstanding the formidable whizzing of an old rifle that Frederick and John (sons of Mr. Woodbury) kept standing by the bed- post. When the family wanted meat, they were obliged to whack off with an ax the frozen slices.
John Woodbury made the model, about one foot in length, of the first steam engine ever made in the Iowa valley, working industriously under the canvas roof, with such light only as came through the cloth. He should have taken place beside Watt and other youth- ful geniuses who have wrought like the Cyclops of old, to forge thunderbolts in solitude and alone. But we wish, more particularly, to speak of his honored father, who has done more than any other man to
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develop the resources of Marshall County, and, in fact, for a long way up the Iowa valley. He built the first grist mill, just north of Marshalltown; the people being obliged to go to Cedar Rapids or Oskaloosa to mill, and when we consider the dreadful condition of the roads in early times, we may appreciate something of the favor that was conferred on the inhabitants by the establishment of this enterprise. Any failure of the " grist " brought corn boiled in the grain for bread, or else pounded in a mortar for that purpose. He afterwards built mills at Xenia and Alden on the Iowa river, just over the Hardin line, and sold flour to gro- cers and others " on tick," supplying the whole north- western part of the State for some years. On his rounds for collection of these flour bills and other business, he relates a funny scene in which his lady and himself were actors. Mrs. Woodbury accompa- nied him through a trip, and on coming to Owl Lake, in Wright county, they found a slough that looked dubious, but Mr. W. thought it could be crossed with- out much trouble. He had a single horse and buggy ; after going a little way, down went the horse and vehicle into the mud and water. Here was a fix, no passing team, no house within five or six miles. Pretty soon Mr. W. succeeded in getting the horse unharnessed, and as every one knows, he never turns backward, in due time the animal found himself on firm ground in the right direction. Next, the baggage was landed safely on the other side. Mr. Woodbury
having removed his coat and boots, was by this time in good working condition. Then, how to get the wife across! Finally, after much coaxing she was carried over, papoose fashion, upon the broad shoulders of her doughty knight, and then to crown the after- noon's work, he placed himself between the shafts of the buggy and drew it across in triumph, pretty well exhausted by that time.
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But, perhaps, with the court house enterprise, Mr. W. showed as much backbone as anywhere in his career. After the election of 1856 it was thought best to build a town hall, with vaults, jury box, and county offices, so that if " the majority " could be pre- vailed upon to vote for Marshalltown as the county seat, everything would be ready for occupancy, and call it a court house. Every citizen of the village was asked to help; some gave but ten dollars and that in work. The financial crash of 1857 coming on made matters worse. But the pertinacious " never- give-up" Mr. Woodbury, with Rice, Dr. Glick and Anson, kept to work, rolled up their sleeves, and used the hammer and saw with the workmen. Borrowing eight hundred dollars of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and with their subscription paper, they soon had the building on its foundations before Marietta was aware of the project. And when the farmers came into town to trade, many helped tend mason a little time, or drew a load of brick, etc.
How handsomely the voters of the right stripe were treated ! Many a calico dress, and packages of tobacco, dried apples, and tea, found their way into the homes of the faithful-to Marshalltown.
When the summer swallows came to build their nests in the May-time of 1858 the eaves were ready, and the temple of Justice lifted its portals for the Court to enter at its May term, Judge Thompson pre- siding, had the majesty of the law been maintained by Marietta.
But it was mainly in connection with the early exten- sion of the Cedar Rapids Railroad that Marshall County has great need of gratitude to Mr. Woodbury. It was due to his energy and the liberality of our citizens, that the line was extended so near the city, and came to such; rapid completion after the project was talked of by capitalists. At the time of the pre- liminary survey, he raised a subscription (to carry
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forward the enterprise) of seven hundred dollars, some of which was given in sums of twenty-five cents. It was the widow's mite, for many were poor but extremely anxious the road should be built. Some would have scorned the help of twenty-five cent men - not so Mr. Woodbury. The survey was made, and he was elected vice-president and director of the road, and held these important offices for four years, when he resigned after seeing the line built through the county.
Mr. Woodbury donated freely for a survey of the Marshalltown, Newton and Pella Railroad, to be built through the Chicauqua and Iowa "divides," but the project has not met with success. Not only in rail- roads, banks, mills, and factories, but in the benefi- cent charities of the day, we honor the subject of this sketch.
Mr. W. was elected one of the early trustees of the Orphans' Home, and through his influence we had the credit of the State Fair in 1865. The churches of Marshalltown have all received tokens of his generos- ity, and in many instances the lowly and destitute have appealed to his aid and he has not been slow in response.
About the time of finishing the court house, the enterprise called into existence the first organization of ladies, governed by their own officers, and named
THE BELL SOCIETY.
They met afternoons at private houses, and had a good time with their sewing and chit-chat. Mrs. S. Lacy was elected president, Mrs. Chester Heald, sec- retary, Mrs. P. C. Holcomb, treasurer, and Mrs. Lizzie Smith, corresponding secretary. We suppose the latter office was filled for the purpose of obtaining a bell by correspondence, at Troy, or some other place where they were manufactured. Mrs. Smith says,
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however, the correspondence connected with the Society, was not very " hefty."
We hear of a little gossip from their chatting, that has floated down from the past, which we will write down for them to laugh over to-day. One of their number had been raised in Baltimore and not being acquainted with garden truck in its normal condition, took a hoe and went out to get some cucumbers. She returned to the house where she was boarding, and reported a woful lack of cucumbers, for she had dug up three hills and could not find a single one ! She sup- posed they grew like potatoes !
The members of this society paid five dollars fine if the hostess had more than one kind of cake or fruit for supper. Quite a premium on hospitality in those days.
At one of the literary societies which had an ex- istence about this time, Mrs. Lacy read an essay on the prospects of the growing city. She also avowed the purpose of the ladies to help finish the court house in time for the election, that is, they would use hammer and nails, planes and saws, upon the temple of Justice. It was Juno nerving Eurystheus to diffi- cult labors. Mr. Woodbury took them at their word, and ordered them out on Monday to take their places with the volunteer workmen. We are painfully con- scious of Mr. Woodbury's want of sagacity, which has always marked his career, with this exception. Had he named any other day but Monday, the ladies would have generously responded to the call, for the ladies then did not scruple to overlook the wash-tub. The result was, but a few responded. After this, when the public square was to be fenced, they enclosed three sides, buying all the lumber, nails, etc. ; and in carrying on their enterprises, they had
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