USA > Iowa > Page County > History of Page County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc. : a biographical directory of many of its leading citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, history of Iowa and the Northwest, map of Page County, constitution of the state of Iowa, reminiscences, miscellaneous matters, etc > Part 60
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INDEPENDENT ORDER ODD FELLOWS.
Shenandoah Lodge No. 261 works under a charter granted by the Grand Lodge of the state of Iowa, October 23, 1873. The following named persons are charter members: J. J. Manker, J. F. Morris, R. N. Moffitt, M. E. Wallace, H. C. Reed, Samuel Farlow, Thomas Roberts, M. L. Morris, J. C. Adams, and U. Eggleson.
The lodge owns a commodious and tastily furnished hall. Prosperity as a prominent feature is stamped on its every possession. The true spirit of Odd-Fellowship pervades the Shenandoah brotherhood, and unity of action and earnestness of purpose in their efforts to carry out the grand principles of the order are manifest. The order is securely planted in this thriving town, and comprises a class of men of high standing; courtesy, kindness, moderation and brotherly love characterizes all their actions.
The present membership of the lodge is 72, and is officered as follows: N. G., J.S. Johnson; P.G., G. W. Gunnison; V. G., Cyrus Reed; R. S., W. H. Copson; P. S., J. W. Humphrey; Treasurer, G. J. Ross; Warden, Geo. Smith; Conductor, R. N. Moffitt.
There is an encampment working in connection with this lodge under the name of Shenandoah Encampment No. 79. The charter was granted
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
on October 20, 1879, with the following charter members: W, H. Cop- son, D. R. Gaff, J. W. Holden, G. J. Ross, Thomas Roster, C. J Spere, and I. B. Chrissinger. The following are the officers; Patriarch, C. F. Crose; S. W., G. W. Gunnison; J. W., J. G. Snyder; H. P., D. S. Camp- bell; Scribe, W. H. Copson; Financial S., J. Emery; Treasurer, G. J. Ross.
The Odd Fellows of Shenandoah are an intelligent people, and use their best efforts in upholding a reliable, exemplary, and useful organiza- tion. They are inspired with a high appreciation of the advantage they enjoy in holding membership in an organization banded together for mu- tual relief, the preservation of their manhood, and the elevation of the race.
ANCIENT ORDER UNITED WORKMEN.
Fairoaks Lodge, A. O. U. W. No. 37, was instituted in November, 1875. The number of original member was thirty-four. After an indif- ferent existence of about a year, the charter was surrendered, and work abandoned. Twelve of the members transferred their membership to Riverton Lodge. The workmen of Shenandoah are a thing of the past.
WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
Among the prominent social features of Shenandoah, perhaps the most potent, generally, and useful, is the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, organized on the 8th day of February, 1876, with the following officers: President, Mrs. Pace; First Vice-President, Mrs. Hooker; Sec- ond Vice-President, Mrs. Arthur; Secretary, Miss Welty; Treasurer, Miss A. S. Lake.
The society has been very prosperous and is doing a good work in Shenandoah. It is a tribute to the intelligence of the present century that woman's power is beginning to receive its just recognition. Foremost in the van, when her recreant brother neither dared nor cared to lift his voice against the deadliest vice in the land, when political preferment and harrowing lust of gold prompted him to inactivity, when the festering public evil breathed poison in its every breath, then woman stepped to the front and by her daring and courage has stayed the tide. Then and not until then did man hasten to the rescue. He saw it was one of the things that must be, and when inactivity meant open hostility then was he forced to stand. Woman leads the van, and her prayers and silent work are the main motor influences that have aided in staying the tide of wrong and distress ever consequent on that greatest of evils-intemperance. In Shenandoah a grand work has been done and is still doing through the immediate agency of the Union. It is officered at present by Mrs. Reed, President; Mrs. Williams, First Vice-President; Mrs. Colman, Second Vice-President; Mrs. Trotter, Secretary; Mrs. Pace, Treasurer.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
MILITARY COMPANY.
Company E, Fifth Regiment, Iowa National Guards, has its headquar- ters at Shenandoah. The company was organized in May, 1878, number- ing at the date of organization forty-three members. They now muster at roll-call fifty-four. The company is uniformed and equipped with new Springfield breech-loaders. The Shenandoah band, belonging to this company, is the Fifth Regimental Band, a fine set of men and proficient in the art of band music.
But few of the company are veterans, the major part being young men and new to the service. The officers are as follows: captain, G. J. Ross; first lieutenant, G. H. Castle ; second lieutenant, Ed. Burnett ; first sergeant, Wm. Kemp ; first duty sergeant, H. Martin, second duty ser- geant, Wm. Pugh ; third duty sergeant, George Hurt ; fourth duty ser- geant, C. L. Baron.
THE FIFTH REGIMENT BAND.
This organization, mentioned above, was formed on March 1,1880, un- der the name of Bell's Garden City Band, but in July of the same year received its present name-The Fifth Regiment Band. The band has fif- teen pieces, a drum major, is nicely uniformed, with all silver instruments except three pieces. It is an excellent organization becoming rapidly more popular.
IOWA HOME INSURANCE COMPANY.
Among the new business enterprises of Shenandoah may be mentioned the Iowa Home Insurance Company, the articles of incorporation of which are on file at the state capitol. The capital stock of the company is $100,000, secured by the real estate and bonds of the company, which is composed of the best business men of the city. The officers are:
President-J. B. Hoffman.
Vice President-J. X. Griffith.
Secretary-Matt. Goodwin.
Treasurer-N. B. Easton.
Directors-A. J. Ross, J. X. Griffith, J. B. Hoffman, F. A. Wolford, Charles Banks, F. F. Easton, A. A. Wolford.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
There is an inefficient fire department which was organized in 1876, consisting mainly of a hook and ladder company. This is the most un- accountable feature in the economy of the city, namely, that it should be well represented in every branch of industry and promotive of every kind of enterprise, with fine residences and business houses, but no adequate protection against fire. The department is practically useless.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES OF SHENANDOAH.
RE-ORGANIZED CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST.
The Re-organized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was organized on August 22d, 1875, with the following original membership: S. S. Wilcox and wife, N. A. Ostin and wife, Eben Wilcox and wife, M. E. Pace, Benj. Wilcox and wife, E. J. Moore and wife, Zella Moore, Mark Moore, William Redfield, Sr., and wife, J. R. Badham and wife, Fannie E. White and Ida Steel.
The membership at present numbers 107, and is under the direction of Presiding Elder S. S. Wilcox. The society owns a frame building com- pleted in 1880, at a cost of $1,000. A Sabbath school was organized in April, 1879, in connection with the church, which has been, and is still, in a prosperous condition, with an average attendance of 35 scholars.
The Re-organized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints differs in various essential particulars from the Mormon Church of Utah, under the presidency of John Taylor. The society, with its headquarters in Illi- nois, publishes a semi-monthly paper in the interests of its faith.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The Congregational Church of Shenandoah was organized April 8, 1877, with a membership of twenty-two souls, as follows: Thomas H. Reed and wife, Mrs. H. E. Smith, Mrs. J. B. Armstrong, Mrs. Matthew Norton, Mrs. Samuel Spere, Mrs. M. B. West, O. H. Kelsey, A. S. Lake and wife, Willard Dutton and wife, Miss Ann M. Dutton, Mr. J. N. Lin- coln and wife, Mrs. G. A. Quimby, Mrs. Wm. A. Smith, Mrs. A. J. West, Miss Mary A. Duffye, John Spencer and wife and Miss Lucy Flint. The church edifice was finished in the fall of 1877, being the finest in the city. The building is a frame structure, and, with its present furnishing, cost a
585
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
total of $3,800. It is 35x48 feet with a lecture room attached, 15x24 feet. It was dedicated on the 16th day of June, 1878, entirely free from debt; the dedication sermon being preached by the Rev. President Brooks, of Tabor College.
During the existence of the church organization it has had but two pas- tors, the Rev. William Plested, who commenced his labors in February, 1878, and closed them by a council September 1, 1879. He was succeeded by the present pastor, the Rev. J. O. Stevenson, who began his pastorate January 4th, 1880. During the summer of 1880 the congregation built a parsonage-a fine two-story building-at a cost of $1,200; the same being entirely free from debt. Connected with the church is a Ladies' Society and Sabbath school, both in excellent financial condition, and to both of which the church finances are indebted for liberal gifts. The present membership of the church is sixty-eight, officered by three deacons, five trustees, a church committee of five, clerk, leader of singing, treasurer and pastor. This church bears an important part in the social and moral fac- tors that contribute so largely to the well-being of Shenandoah. -
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The First Presbyterian church of Shenandoah was organized June 4, 1871, by the Rev. G. R. Carroll, with the following named original mem- bers: M. H. Galt, Mrs. C. S. Galt, S. Spilman, Mrs. E. L. Tiffany, W. P. Furguson, Joseph Stokes, Hiram Redfield, Miss H. A. Redfield and Miss M. E. Redfield.
The church building was completed in June, 1877, is a frame structure and cost $1,200. It was dedicated July 8, 1877, by the Rev. J. L. Jones, assisted by the Rev. S. L. McAfee and Hon. E. H. Sears. The pastors, in the order of their pastorates, are as follows: The Revs. James Fergu- son, A. B. Struthers, J. W. Clark, James M. Morrison and F. X. Miron. The present membership of the church is 62.
FIRST M. E. CHURCH
was organized in 1870 with the following original members: Stephen Spurlock, Albert Blake, M. E. Blake, A. J. Welty and wife, and Miss Ella Welty.
In 1873 the society completed a frame church edifice at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars. It was dedicated in the same year by Bishop E. G. Andrews, of Des Moines.
Since the institution of Methodism at Shenandoah the following have served in the capacity of pastors: Samuel Farlow, J. P. Evans, G. C. Waynick, Fred Harris, W. S. Hooker, J. M. Conrad, W. J. Beck and L. H. Woodworth.
586
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
The present membership of the church is 155. It was the first organ- ized in the city, has the largest membership in the place, and has been regularly supplied by the Des Moines annual conference, of which the charge forms a part.
ST. JOHN'S.
This society was organized in 1874, with Edward Ryan, James Sloan, Michael Mahenney, Patrick Sims, John Gilmore and John Gleason as orig- inal members. The society erected a place of worship the same year, at a cost of one thousand dollars, which was dedicated by the Rev. Father F. W. Pape. The society has enjoyed the pastoral care of Rev. Father F. W. Pape, Tirney, Stack and the present incumbent. The membership of the church has increased under their watchful care to one hundred and fifty.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized on the 18th day of June, 1871, with a membership of six, F. H. Alden, Mary B. Alden, James W. Alden, D. C. Horrell, G. W. ยท Gunnison and Hattie L. Gunnison. In 1880 they erected a frame building at a cost of $3,500. The present membership of the church is forty-three. Since its organization there have served as pastors the Rev. J. W. Roe, Amos Pratt, R. J. Reynolds and H. B. Forkett. The society is prosper- ing and doing work in the cause of morals and religion.
CHRISTIAN, OR CHURCH OF CHRIST.
This church was organized on the 7th of January, 1874, with twenty- three members, as follows: J. Williams, Silas Call, Jr., (deacons); Mary Williams, Laurina Call, Silas Call, Sr., D. Adams, Mrs. Wilson, Phebe Young, J. Long, Agnes Long, Amanda Goodridge, F. G. Goodridge, Charles Hope, Thane Hope, Emily McCloy, T. P. Latimer, J. A. Lati- mer, L. B. Latimer, C. Jones, Mahala Jones, Rachael Pennington, Sarah Lormax and Laura Truner. The church owns no edifice of its own. When the society was first organized it held its meetings in Mentzer's Hall. At the end of the first year the place of worship was transferred to Williams' Hall, in which they still worship. The present membership is ninety-five. The pastors have been J. R. Gaff, W. H. Hardman. and S. B. Ross.
THE SHENANDOAH CEMETERY.
This cemetery was platted and recorded in the early years of the township.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
It occupies about twelve acres of ground, east of town, and is circular in form, except the north side, which borders on the bluff. The whole area is fenced and on the outside borders are two rows of trees extending the entire distance around.
Although occupied but a few years, there are several beautiful monu- ments of marble erected at considerable cost, and the number is increasing every year. The entire ground is systematically laid out in concentric circles, with lots and walks regularly alternating. The town company owned the cemetery for the first few years of its history, and then sold to D. S. Lake and Wm. Noble, who, after some two or three years of ownership, under whom the grounds were greatly improved, sold to A. S. Lake, who is the present proprietor.
BINGHAM.
Besides Shenandoah, in this township, there is the new town of Bingham, situated six miles southeast of Shenandoah, and laid out in November, 1879, by the Western Improvement Company. This town is on the Wabash & Pacific Railroad, and is so new as to have no history. The business interests of Bingham are still embryonic, but rapidly increasing in importance.
PIERCE TOWNSHIP.
This township comprises congressional township No. 70 north, range 39 west, and forms the most northwesterly township in the county. The first settlers were Nathan Lewis and a man named Stillman, who came in 1850. In 1853 the last named sold his title to Aaron Kinion. Seven years thereafter Franklin Grove was plotted by a man named Martin. In the township there are eight school houses, and a school population of over 150, exclusive of Essex, the most considerable place in the township. The railroad which was completed through the township in 1870, increased the value of farming lands and their products by affording a new means of transportation. In the valley of the Nishnabotna river some of the very finest soil is to be found. The township is a wealthy one, and its value yearly increasing.
588
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
ESSEX.
The city of Essex was founded in 1872, and became an incorporated town three years later, on December 10, 1875. The petition which led to this result was filed on September 5, 1875. On the vote to decide whether the town should incorporate, there were cast in favor 54 votes, against 28 votes. In the first city election held in March, 1876, the following officers were elected:
Mayor-H. T. Burdick. Recorder-C. Cummins. Treasurer-O. A. Rogers. Assessor-N. Fanber. Marshal-W. H. Guston. Council- James Martin, W. Maxwell, J. M. Page, Wm. Maloney.
The officers of the city from this date until March, 1880, have been:
1877.
Mayor-I. B. Chrissinger. Recorder-J. P. Cook. Treasurer-A. A. Baden. Marshal-P. R. Hooker. Council-J. N. Page, J. Martin, D. Lander, W. A. Hayes, C. M. Falk.
1878.
Mayor-I. B. Chrissinger. Recorder-J. P. Cook. Treasurer-A. A. Baden. Assessor-P. R. Hooker. Council-J. Martin, D. Lander, C. M. Falk, J. P. Nye, J. Tavenor.
1879.
Mayor-W. N. Maloney. Recorder-G. B. Jennings. Treasurer-C. Nichols. Assessor-P. R. Hooker. Marshal-P. R. Hooker. Council -J. Martin, J. P. Nye, J. Tavenor, C. M. Falk, H. C. Kiester.
1880.
Mayor-W. N. Maloney. Recorder-G. B. Jennings. Treasurer-C. Nichols. Assessor -P. R. Hooker. Council -- J. P. Nye, C. M. Falk, H. C. Kiester, J. Tavenor, D. H. Still, C. J. Johnson.
In this last year the office of marshal has been contested in the courts, and will go into the supreme court. The contest lay between P. R. Hooker and L. Lagerquist, each of whom served a portion of the year by ap- pointment of the council, and each was removed by the same authority, rotating in the office at the will of the council. Mr. Lagerquist finally was permanently ensconced in the office when Mr. Hooker carried the case into the court. This is the first litigation in the history of the town directly affecting town interests.
589
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
In so young a city as Essex there are few facts of a historic nature to be chronicled. Founded at so recent a date, it has yet to make its history.
M. A. Jones had the honor of being the very first merchant in the city, engaging in the general merchandise business. He built the first dwelling in the town, in 1872, and is the father of the first person born in the same -Miss Louie Arvesta Jones. The first store was built by a Dr. Brack- ney, and rented by Mr. Jones.
In the matter of schools Essex is not behind her sister cities in the county. The very first school was taught by John Dragoo, in a dwelling house, purchased by the town for school purposes. The present school building was proposed July 15, 1875, and shortly after erected. Bonds were issued on the 26th of June, 1876, to the amount of $4,100. Upon de- ciding to build the contract was awarded to James Welword, of Chicago, at the contract price of $4,850. The original bonds drew ten per cent. In 1879 they were refunded at seven per cent, and a proposition is now being entertained to again refund at six per cent. To complete the build- ing and furnish it with necessary fixtures required some $2,600 in addition to the contract price of $4,850.
There are at present four departments, as follows :
DEPARTMENT.
TEACHER.
NO. OF PUPILS.
Primary.
Mrs. M. A. Kynett.
34
Intermediate
Miss Nina Portlock.
38
Grammar
Mrs. T. J. Brant. .
23
High School
Principal, T. J. Brant .
26
The school going population of the district is 169, of whom 82 are males and 87 are females.
The school officers in 1880 were as follows : President, C. M. Falk ; secretary, J. E. DeLee ; treasurer, C. Nichols. Directors-C. M. Falk, H. C. Kiester, W. H. C. Moore, D. L. Yount, C. B. Pendleton.
The schools are now in a prosperous condition, and the district directly interested in their success. The school officers are men of good general intelligence, alive to the advantage and importance of good educational facilities in a young city.
CIVIC SOCIETIES.
INDEPENDENT ORDER ODD FELLOWS.
.
Essex Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 320, was organized under a warrant, granted October 21, 1875, with the following charter members: J. N.
590
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
Page, I. B. Chrissinger, J. M. Falder, J. D. Smith, Aaron Morris, G. S. Green, G. B. Stanfield, T. E. Burdick, C. C. Wilson; and was officered as follows: J. N. Page, N. G .; G. S. Green, V G .; J. Falder, Secretary; I. B. Chrissinger, Treasurer.
The lodge has enjoyed a very prosperous existence and now numbers 55 members. The officers for 1880 are: D. H. Still, N. G .; F. Hart- . man, V. G .; H. C. Kiester, P. G .; J. F. Kinney, R. Secretary; G. N. Wolf, P. Secretary; C. M. Falk, Warden; J. Lagerquist, Conductor.
ANCIENT ORDER UNITED WORKMEN.
Hercules Lodge No. 36, organized November 29, 1875, with the follow- ing officers and charter members: I. B. Chrissinger, P. M. W .; P. H. Dunlap, M. W .; Noah Fanber, C. F .; J. N. Page, O .; J. P. Cook, Re- corder; J. W. Alden, Financier; M. A. Jones, Receiver; H. T. Burdick, Guide; J. H. Teachout, I. W .; N. W. Nelson, O. W .; Z. Anderson, P. R. Granger, A. J. Anderson, H. P. Taylor. C. Nichols, O. A. Rogers.
The lodge has grown until the present (1880) membership has reached the number of 33. The officers are; G. B. Jennings, P. M. W .; F. Hart- man, M. W .; J. Buck, Guide; C. M. Falk, Foreman; Z. Anderson, Fi- nancier; N. W. Nelson, Receiver; J. E. De Lee, Recorder; C. Nichols, I. W .; M. Straw, O. W.
MASONIC.
The lodge in Essex, the name of which we have been unable to obtain, works under a charter dated June 7, 1876. The following were the char- ter members: B. M. Webster, O. M. Burnham, B. S. Pendleton, O. A. Rogers, C. B. Pendleton, H. T. Burdick, H. D. Graves, J. Caldwell, R. Holland, and R. Farrens. The present membership is 44, officered by: A. A. Border, W. M .; J. P. Nye, S. W .; G. W. Moore, J. W .; D. Landen, Treasurer; B. M. Webster, Secretary; T. C. Gaylord, S. D .; J. S. Foulor, J. D .; R. Holland, S. S .; Jesse Mallen, J. S .; G. W. Secord, Tyler.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
Along with the settlement of towns and villages comes the establishment of religious organizations, either in some common trysting place, or in homes of their own. As was the case with other towns in the county, the first religious gatherings in Essex were held in either the school house or depot until such time as the organization became strong enough to build a place of worship for itself, and maintain an independent existence. Once
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
a beginning is made, and soon other denominations present their claims to the attention of an intelligent community, and other church edifices arise. The first church to be built in Essex was the
FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN.
This society was organized in the autumn of 1876, with the following named persons as original members: S. A. Blom, C. J. Malmberg, E. Hagland Sjoblom, M. L. Johnson, C. Johnson, James Johnson, C. J. Johnson, D. Landen, J. P. Hilgerson, J. M. Hilgerson, P. J. Carlson, P. E. Lewis, John Zerin, Jonas Zerin, C. Hillman, A. G. Hillman, P. J. Holmberg and J. A. Levander. In the same year a church edifice was constructed-a frame building-costing $1,000. The present membership is nearly two hundred, under the able pastorate of the Rev. C. J. Rehmstrom, the only pastor the church has had since its organization.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This society was organized in November, 1878, with O. A. Rogers, J. B. Baird, W. H. C. Moore, Mr. Portlock, Miss Portlock, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Flemmer and one or two others, as original members. In Decem- ber, 1879, a frame edifice was erected at a cost of $2,500. The building was dedicated in January, 1880, by the Rev. J. R. Brown, assisted by the Rev. A. R. Baird, and set apart to the worship of God free from debt. The church has had but two pastors from its organization to the present- the Rev. J. R. Brown until April, 1880, who was succeeded by the present pastor, the Rev. J. S. Jones.
FREMONT TOWNSHIP
Comprises the congressional township 70 north and range 38 west; belongs to the northern tier of townships, and is bounded on the north by Mont- gomery county ; east by Douglas township; south by Tarkio, and west by Pierce townships. The surface is gently rolling, well watered and extremely fertile. In this township occurs the highest land in Page county, in section 10.
The very first settler in Fremont was Mr. Pelham, who came from the south, settling on section 18. In 1854 he sold his claim to John Rod- man, removing to Arkansas, in the same year a man by the name of Mar- tindale improved a small farm near Haddin's Grove. One of the earliest permanent settlers of the county, Henry Binns, came from Pennsylvania, in August, 1854, and entered the east half of n. w. } section 3. Shortly
592
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
after the coming of Mr. Binns, Mr. Aaron Stafford came from Montgom- ery county, settling on section 6. In the following year, among the stable men who came to Fremont, may be mentioned Jonathan and George Binns, John Hall and Benjamin Davis. It should be remembered that at this time Fremont was still on the frontier and wild beasts were numerous, but, as is always characteristic of civilization, the settlers lost no time in waging a war of extermination. In the single winter of 1855-56, Wm. D. Chamberlain alone killed 46 deer. This winter was a very severe one the thermometer registering from twenty to thirty degress below zero for six weeks. The suffering among the resident families was great; clothing was scarce, the nearest store a long distance away, the mill equally so, roads bad, and as a consequence provisions became low. The pioneers, many of them, for six long weeks had nought save the corn they could grind in their coffee-mills. Men who could survive such hardships as these were not of the kind who ever fail; what wonder then that these broad acres of prairie land are now unsurpassed for beauty and produc- tiveness. We, who now sit at our cheerful fireside, in pleasant converse and in happy homes, little know the strength of character required to brave all this; little know that men only can triumph over obstacles such as the men of Fremont conquired in the early days of its history.
From the early settlements until 1870 the grouth of the township was gradual, but sure. In that year a new factor in the story of its growth and progress enters-the advent of the first Swede. Aside from a small settlement of this nationality in Amity township, this was the first of any note in Page county. They came from Sweden to Montgomery and Page counties, and among their number were A. G. Warner and C. A. Falk, both leading men. Among the very first who came to Fremont were P. J. Peterson, Isaac M. Johnson, C. J. Ekeroth, N. P. Larson, J. P. Nelson, John Anderson and C. A. Falk, the latter the first man to build a house.
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