USA > Iowa > Mills County > History of Mills County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc. > Part 68
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
G. Andrews. The building cost four thousand dollars and is a neat and tasty structure. The pastors have been F. Plumb, E. W. Sage, L. W. Archer, W. F. Mark, W. J. Beck and Charles Leach. The membership is ninety-five.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. This organization dates back to March 19, 1873. The following persons then became the original members of the church: Edward Bradley, L. C. McClintock and wife, G. D. Fritch and wife, W. J. Wright and wife, William M. Treat and wife, and D. L. Tubbs and wife. A frame church was built in 1877, and on October 7, of the same year was dedicated by S. C. Sale. The pastors have been W. P. Patterson, E. J. Lockwood and J. H. Pratt. There is in connec- tion with the society a prosperous Sabbath school, missionary society and ladies' aid society. The organization is clear from debt and owns its neat church valued at thirty-five hundred dollars.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of Emerson was organized June 20, 1876, with R. A. Wells and wife, Mrs. Clara Sheffer, J. H. Cain, Mrs. Maggie McKowan, H. F. Tomblin and wife, Mrs. George Taylor, and David Groff and wife as original members. Three years later, in 1877, a frame church was built at a cost of thirty-three hundred dollars, and was dedicated by the Rev. C. H. Cleland, of Council Bluffs. The pastor is Rev. J. R. Brown, who ministers to a membership of seventy-six persons. The church is reported financially and spiritually prosperous.
No information has been attainable with reference to the village schools. They are reported, however, to be efficient and equal to all demands for sometime to come.
The business of Emerson is good, its business men reliable and active, and its material wealth annually increasing. Nearly every branch of in- dustry and trade is represented, and the town enjoys the patronage of the surrounding country.
SILVER CITY.
This active infant city is situated in the western part of Ingraham town- ship, near Silver Creek, on the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific railway. It is ten miles from Glenwood, the county seat. It commands a rich and established farm trade. The railroad communications are excellent, giv- ing it speedy access to one of the greatest markets in the west. The first store was built by A. W. Crosby; the second, a drug store, by W. G. Moore, and the third, a general merchandise store, by S. M. Wiatt, all completed in the summer of 1879, and before the town was laid out. The railroad company on whose line the place is situated, laid the town out in the fall of 1879. The plat embraces some seventy acres.
A pleasant and commodious school-house was built at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars. The building stands in a very pleasant
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
location, and will seat some two hundred pupils. The usual kinds of business are here found, all in the hands of men who are not only ener- getic but enthusiastic in their labors for their chosen home. The town is feeling their influence, and the result is proving how well they have labored.
The Silver City elevator is owned by Edwin Moore. It is an entirely new structure, completed in December, 1880, at a cost of nearly five thousand dollars. It possesses all the appliances of a well regulated modern elevator, and has a storage capacity of some twenty-five thousand bushels. The company or firm of which Mr. Moore is a member operates a number of elevators in different towns in southwestern Iowa, and the extent of their business may be readily inferred therefrom.
CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES.
SILVER CITY FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, was organized February 10, 1876, by Revs. E. E. Cady and J. W. Roe. The original members were G. W. Sidener, Harriet Sidener, S. D. Sidener, Esther Sidener, R. N. Smawley, C. D. Hawley, Harriet A. Hawley, M. A. Dupree, Silas Morse, Betsy Morse, Rufus Bevier, A. B. Bevier, Julia A. Skanks, M. A. Cham- bers, Phoebe Simpson, Mr. J. R. Allison, I. J. Moffitt and Rilda Wolver- ton. In 1880 a frame church was built at a total cost of one thousand six hundred dollars. November 7, 1880, it was dedicated by Rev. A. Rhodes, of Malvern. The pastors have been L. W. Atkins and T. M. Coffey. The church is a strong one, and does much good in advancing the social and moral interests of the community.
THE SILVER CITY LODGE No. 403, I. O. O. F. was instituted March 25, 1880. It being so young can have no history. The first officers were W. B. Oaks, Secretary; A. W. Crosby, V. G .; R. B. Parrish, P. G .; E. L. Landon, N. G .; C. P. Bateman, Treasurer, and G. G. Lambert, War- den. The lodge now numbers twenty-seven.
HASTINGS.
This village is situated at the crossing of the C., B. & Q., its Avoca extension northward, and Sidney branch southward. The proprietors are the railroad company and E. J. Hale, of Boston, Massachusetts. It was platted by A. B. Smith, of Plattsmouth, in the summer of 1870, but was not put into the market until 1872. The site of the town as platted con- tains some four hundred and forty acres. The building was one used as a section house, erected for its own purposes by the railroad company. The first business house was put up by C. W. Brandon, and is now cccu- pied as a drug store, by James Gray. The first residence was put up by James Mullooney, on the north side of the track. George Edson soon after came and erected the first blacksmith shop. These are all the facts
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
that can be gathered respecting the early history of this new and flour- ishing town.
Civic societies are represented by Hastings Lodge, No. 397, I. O. O.F., which was instituted on the 12th day of September, A. D. 1879, I. Obefelder, D. D. G. M., of Council Bluffs, officiating. The charter mem- bers were Lewis Robbins, H. C. Robbins, H. C. Ayres, H. A. Russell C. H. Painter. The first officers were H. A. Russell, N. G .; Lewis Rob- bins, V. G .; A. C. Ayres, R. S .; H. C. Robbins, Treasurer. The officers for this year, (1881) are A. C. Ayres, N. G .; H. B. Gray, V. G .; F. B. Hawes, R. S .; Geo. W. Rose, P. S .; and James F. Martin, Treasurer. The lodge is in good working order, begins the year entirely out of debt, has thirty members, and has had no case of death or serious sickness or accident since its organization. Mr. H. C. Ayres the N. G., is also D. D. G. M. of this, the 10th, district.
CHURCHES.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH was organized February 1, 1878, and is the first church established in the town. The original mem- bers were W. F. Bosbyshell, E. P. Bosbyshell, S. S. Hawker and wife, A. F. Johnson and wife, L. K. Mason and wife, J. O. Munson, G. E. Perrin, Rebecca Jordan, J. W. Shallcrop, C. I. Sper and Bella White. During the years 1878 and 1879 the society was busily engaged in erect- ing its church, a frame building, costing some eighteen hundred dollars. May 1, of the year last named, it was dedicated by the Rev. A. Rogers, of Glenwood. The pastors have been E. Kimball and George Dungan. The membership is now twenty-eight.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH was organized January 7, 1879. The first membership was composed of H. R. Anderson and wife, J. A. Parrish and wife, J. H. Madden and wife, Mary Spire and Julia Genung. The society owns no building but is now making an effort, which promi- ises to be successful, to build a brick church edifice. There have been three pastors since its organization, the Revs. J. M. Conrad, W. J. Beck and Charles Leach. The membership now numbers twenty-five. It is growing in numbers, growing in favor with the people, and, it is to be hoped, in favor with God. Its members are growing in grace and spirit- uality, and by their daily walk are trying to merit recognition for their Christian character.
No information has been accessible relating to either educational or business interests, both of which, it is fair to presume, are on an equality with other villages of its size in the county.
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
EAST PLATTSMOUTH.
An old and small village, founded in the early days of the county's his- tory. The Mormons made a stop here during their long pilgrimage to the far west, but soon passed on to their haven. It was called by them Bethlehem, and has elsewhere been mentioned in connection with early history. Subsequently W. Sharp located at this point, surveyed the land and forming the site of a village named it Sharpsburg. The name is now East Plattsmouth, as used in the post-office directory.
HENDERSON.
This village is located in Anderson township, on a portion of section 10. It was platted by Joel Woods in April, 1880. It enjoys good railroad facilities, being on the Avoca and Hastings branch of the C. B. & Q. R. R. It is in the very heart of the best grain producing portion of Mills county. Business interests are growing daily in importance and value. No one can say what may be the future of this place.
PACIFIC JUNCTION.
This village is located at the junction of the C. B. & Q., and C. B .; K. C .; & St. J. railroad. The site of the place was originally owned by D. N. Smith. It was surveyed and platted in the year 1871. Some few build- ings had been erected previous to this year, but not on the site of the surveyed town. From that date on it has developed a wonderful business activity and growth. In 1871 the post-office was established, and Frank Nye was appointed postmaster. The buildings in this embryo town are all frame structures, with the exception of the buildings of the railroad companies at this place, whose houses are, some of them, of brick. The school building at this place serves for its original purposes, for a lecture- hall and for a church. No distinctive church organization exists in the village. A union sunday school of great promise is conducted during the major portion of the year. A weekly newspaper is published here, for an account of which the reader is referred to the history of the press.
PACIFIC CITY.
This is one of the oldest settlements in the county, its founding dating back to the year 1857. It was founded by a corporation consisting of L. Nuckolls & Bro., S. H. Moore, J. W. Coolidge, Messrs. McComb, Arm- strong, Renick, and others. The style of the association was the Pacific City Town Company. The land now forming the site of the village was formerly owned by James Mayfield. In 1858 a newspaper, Republican in politics, was founded, and this devoted its energies to the upbuilding of the place. The owners and joint editors were Messrs. Cale and Mc-
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
Combs. The paper was called The Pacific Herald. It was, shortly after its establishment, transferred to a Mr. Thompson, who conducted it until the decline of the place was such that the enterprise could no longer be followed successfully. The site of this village is an extensive one, the original plat being one and one quarter miles in length and a half mile in breadth. It comprises some four hundred and eighty acres. The years 1857, 1858, and 1859 were prosperous ones, and the place grew rapidly in numbers and in favor. Many substantial buildings, public and private, were erected, stores were numerous, and nearly every branch of human industry was represented. The post-office was established in 1857, with H. J. Graham as postmaster. Churches and Sabbath schools formerly existed and flourished, but are now reduced to a single representative. Of public institutions there is a single one, the public school, necessary to any condition of life and to any place. The school building is of brick, and its capacity is equal to all demands likely to be made upon it.
THE PACIFIC BAPTIST CHURCH was organized in 1876. The origi- nal membership was composed of Aaron Hamilton and wife, Wil- liam Oneal and wife, Mrs. Baldwin, Mrs. Blackley and Mr. Mc- Knight and wife. The Rev. Mr. McKnight is the pastor, who ministers toa membership of eighteen. The clerk is William Oneal, to whom indebtedness is acknowledged for information relative to this society.
There are numerous other small villages in the county, among them Mineola, Clarke and White Cloud. Only one thing must be guarded against, and that is the multiplication of rival villages. The county is one of the smallest in the state, and so great a number of " business cen- ters " and " to be metropolitan cities," certainly cannot survive. The communities surrounding these places are all composed of substantial farmers, but far more than this is needed to insure their prosperity. The towns themselves can ill afford this rivalry.
Biographical Sketches.
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" Human greatness is neither a mystery nor an accident. There is a class of minds, envious or ignorant, which insists that the greatness of men is without reference to any well settled orders of merit; that it is often the fruit of chance; that it is subject to no well defined rule or analy- sis, and that fame is a lawless and irregular thing. We dissent from this view and disclaim any share in its self-complacency. We believe that human greatness, as interpreted by intelligent fame among mankind, is regulated by well-known laws, is subject to a clear analysis, and is capa- ble of a precise definition, especially in modern civilized society, with its multitude of concerns, its intricate organization, and its constant and char- acteristic multiplication of restraints and difficulties upon the self assertion of the individual, it is impossible for a man to obtain anything like per- manent fame without the possession of some substantial and well-defined merit or some extraordinary quality. To be sure, in the experience of every people there are hasty judgments of the mob, fits of fickle admira- tion, short triumphs of charlatanism, ephemera of the newspaper. But equally certain it is that no man succeeds to real and lasting fame, and obtains a permanent place in the regard of his fellows, unless he has some visible mark upon him, some true excellence, and only after a severe test and a precise measure have been applied to those qualities in which he asserts an extraordinary character. Thus character may be one of great virtues or of brilliant vices. We do not discuss the moral question here; we only insist that the man designated for historical reputation and the fee of fame must have something that really distinguishes him from his fellows. Affectation and pretension can never accomplish a per- manent name. There is no such thing as being great by accident, and enjoying fame without good reason therefor. Weak men may sometimes make undue noise, and occupy for a little while eminences to which they do not belong; but the sober judgment of mankind soon passes upon the pretender, and reduces him to his proper position. It is the certain and inevitable law of history. Mind, like water, will find its level. We may appear to live in a great confusion of names, amid disordered currents 592
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
of popular fame, in storms of unjust and turbulent opinion; but, after all, we may be sure that there is an ultimate order, that the reputation of men will be finally assigned them by exact rules, and that they only will enter the temple of history, who have real titles, by extraordinary virtues, or by extraordinary vices, to its places."
Thus writes one whose reputation as a biographer cannot be excelled. His reflections lead to many suggestive thoughts, sure to arise in the minds of all who follow his remarks. All men cannot be great; each has his own sphere, and the success of his life is to be measured by the man- ner in which he fills it. But men may be both true and good, may be morally great, for in true living there are no degrees, there is no respect of persons. The word sketch, as here used, implies an outline or delineation of anything, giving broad touches by which only an imperfect idea, at the best, can be conveyed. It is not designed to include all the several and separate acts of a man's life, important or otherwise, for that would neces- sarily be both comprehensive and minute; nor is any single sketch purely biographical, which would imply a review of the life and character of each person. The design is to give the merest outline, with particular reference, however, to the public life of the persons named. To go into each man's private life, or into his home life, would be both unwarranted and valueless. Few care to know these facts, and many of them, per- haps, had best be forgotten. As a rule one's neighbors know full enough about him, and to afford them correct data for information may deprive them of the topic of quondam conversations.
Here will be found few, if any, who are not entitled to a place in pub- lic confidence. The names are, in great part, those of men who have been closely and for a long time identified with the interests of the county and their respective townships. If in their lives no mention appears of the hardships they endured in the early days of the county's history it is because these are the common experiences of pioneer life, were not exceptional in their character, and have been already referred to in other pages of this volume. A repetition here of individual experiences would be absolutely devoid of both interest and aim. To the residents of the county the names of none of its earliest settlers are without interest. So far as they could be gathered they illustrate quite fully the character of the early settlers; if the names of any such do not appear in these pages it is because facts were not accessible, or that an inauspicious destiny had arrested their career. Their place was already marked. To have obtained sketches of their lives, at first-hand, would have been next to the consciousness of duty fulfilled the highest of gratifications. Their lives would obtain, and justify all sympathy, and even their names recall heroic examples of which the men of to-day, with better fortunes, though with less daring, 18
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
are neither the companions, the rivals nor the masters. In the great majority of instances the battles in which many persons named have been engaged are suppressed, not because they are. valueless, but because the engagements of the several Iowa regiments may be found in another por- tion of the volume. This has not been generally the case with regiments outside of the state, except in an occasional instance when some one; ambitious to share the glory of war, represented himself in remarkable battles in different and widely removed states, but occurring at the same date? Each one of this class selects for himself the place of glory, and makes of his own person the pivot on which the fortunes of battle re- volved. It has, in a word, been a paramount object that men should be sketched as they are, rather than as they think they are, or wish, perhaps, to be.
CENTER TOWNSHIP.
ASHTON, THOMAS W., farmer and stockman, P. O. Glenwood; is a native of Monmouth, New Jersey, where he was born in August, 1824. He resided in the place of his nativity until twenty-one years of age, receiving his education in the common school. In December of 1852, he went to California, and resided in that state some two years, when he returned to his native state. In March of 1867, he came to this county. In September of 1852, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Newton, of Mid- dlesex county, New Jersey. born in November, 1832. They are the par- ents of eight children, seven now living: Isaac, Emma A., Annie S., Charles H., Ella G., Franklin B., and R. Lee. His farm contains 160 acres, all the result of patient labor and industry, gained since coming to this county.
BARKER, L. C., farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Glenwood; was born in Tioga county, New York, in the year 1822. In 1824 he became a resident of Monroe county, his father having moved thither, and subse- quently to Genesee county, same state. Shortly after this he went to Kalamazoo county, Michigan, and thence to Illinois, where for two years he was engaged in teaching school. He came to this county from Wis- consin in 1856. Since coming he has accumulated over one thousand acres of land, all improved, and with several excellent orchards. In the fall of 1868 he was married to Mrs. Eliza Sharp, of Logan county, Illi- nois, who was originally from Shelby county, Kentucky. Mr. Barker and lady are members of the M. E. Church at Hillsdale. The parents of Mrs. Barker were among the early settlers of Kentucky.
BROOKS, G. W., farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Glenwood; was born
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
in eastern Virginia. At an early age he moved with his parents to Har- rison county, Ohio, where his youth was passed. In 1854 he removed to La Salle, Illinois, where he remained two years, and then became a resi- dent of this county, locating in Glenwood and engaging in blacksmithing. For twenty years he continued in this occupation, and then removed to his present home. In December, 1860, he was married to Miss Sarah F. Kimberling, a native of Mason county, Virginia. Mrs. Brooks came to Glenwood from Missouri, in the early days when Coonville was its name. The farm of Mr. Brooks is composed of one hundred and twenty acres of some of the best land in the township.
CLARKSON A. B., P. O. Hillsdale; born in Franklin county, Indi- ana, in July, 1835. When seven years of age he moved with his parents to Henry county, Iowa, where he received his education in the common schools. In the spring of 1859 he went to Mahaska county, Iowa; remained there about eight years, and returned to Henry county. He came to Mills county in the fall of 1876. Was married in November, 1856, to Miss Barbara Hains, of Henry county, Iowa. They are the parents of eight children: Mary E., Aaron F., John C., George L., Rosa J., Cora E., and Eva S. He is a kind father and a respected member of society.
COATS, W. M., graindealer, P. O. Hillsdale; born in 1851, in La Salle county, Illinois. When one year old he went with his parents to California, remaining there about ten years, when he returned to Illinois, locating in Jackson county. He resided in that county until he was twenty years of age. He received his education in the schools of St. Louis, and the State Normal school at Bloomington, Illinois. He came to this county in 1872. He was for three years in the employ of J. F. Evans & Co., graindealers of Council Bluffs. In the fall of 1875 he formed a partnership with his father-in-law, Hon. James Mickelwait, in the grain business. They have built an elevator at Hillsdale, at a cost of $5,000, which has a capacity of 15,000 bushels. He was married in December, 1874, to Miss Lizzie Mickelwait. They have one child, Alma.
DAVIS, STERLING, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Malvern; Mr. Davis was born in Livingston county, New York, in 1822. In 1831 his parents moved to Ohio, where he lived twelve years, receiving, in the meantime, a common school education. In the spring of 1847 he came to this county, and is one of its earliest settlers. Four years previous to his coming to this county he had married Miss Maria Shoemaker, of Quincy, Illinois. They are the parents of seven children: Warren W., Amelia, William, Sarah, Catharine, Lillie P. and Wallace. The farm of Mr. Davis contains one hundred and sixty acres. A further account of
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HISTORY OF MILLS COUNTY.
those days and scenes which Mr. Davis found on coming here is else- where given.
HORNBY, GEORGE H., farmer, P. O. Glenwood; was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, in 1838. In 1844 he removed to Providence, Rhode Island. In 1863 he enlisted in the United States navy for the term of three years. Returning to his home at the expiration of his term of service he engaged in the manufacturing business, being thus occupied two years. He then disposed of this interest and moved to Pawtucket, and engaged in the upholstering and manufacturing business. In March of 1879 he came to this county. He was married in March, 1866, to Miss A. F. Crockett, born in February, 1838. They have six children: Ed- ward T., Florence T., Mary S., George H., William S. and Viola. He is a new man to the county, but comes recommended by those best of traits, integrity, industry and honor.
JONES, G. F., farmer, P. O. Glenwood; among the later comers to this county, who have by integrity and fair dealing become entitled to recognition as among the county's most honorable men, none are more worthy of mention than Mr. Jones. He was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in the year 1837, in the month of August. Ten years later he moved with his father's family to Morgan county, Ohio, where were received, in the common school, all the educational qualifications he pos- sesses. In 1857 he went to Athens county, in the same state, and at the end of five years became a resident of Hardin county, Ohio. He served two enlistments in the late war, and was in the battles of Rich Mountain, Laurel Hill, Fredericksburg, Harper's Ferry, and the seven days fight before Richmond, and was here disabled by receiving the weight of a horse which fell upon him at James River. In the spring of 1875 he came to this county. He was, for two years, the superintendent of the county poor farm, and proved to be an excellent manager. He was mar- ried to Miss Melissa Kinney, of Nelsonville, Ohio, born in March, 1849, in the month of July, 1870.
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