USA > Iowa > Pottawattamie County > History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Containing a history from the earliest settlement to the present time biographical sketches; portraits of some of the early settlers, prominent men, etc. > Part 6
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In the early organization of Pottawattamie County, James Sloan was selected as the first District Judge. The county was formed in the usual way, from a survey made by the agents of the United States Government, embracing a large territory. In 1852, Thomas Burdick acted as first County Judge; Even Green, County Clerk and Auditor ; Luke Johnson, County Treasurer ; Alexander MeRae, Sheriff, and Dr. E. Aylesworth, Coroner.
The county, at this time, was in its incipient state of formation, and just emerging from wide scattered settlements, and establishing local authorities for the protection of its people. The town site of Kanesville (now Council Bluffs), having long been a garrisoned fort of the Government, established for the protection of the early pioneers seeking homes here, was naturally selected as the county seat, and here the largest body of settlers accumulated by col- onization, under the ægis of a religious belief known as Mormonism. The leaders of these people exercised a great control over their ad- herents, and this contributed largely to good
government, peaceful relations, and the opening up of the county to speedy settlement. In 1853, Franklin Street, as County Judge, was authorized by the United States Government to execute deeds to those who had settled upon the publie domain under what was commonly known as a " squatter's claim." The order is- sued in 1853, and the deeds were generally given in 1854. Hons. J. P. Cassady and W. C. James were acting as Notaries Public, the acknowledgments of deeds being made before David De Vol and David Lindley, Justices of the Peace. The divisions of the county into townships began baek as long ago as its organ- ization, and divisions have continued until re- cently.
In August, 1853, Rockford Township was organized, and in 1880 the eensns showed that it contained a population of 930. This town- ship occupies a prominent place in the history of the county, as it was one of the first town- ships organized. Some of the old settlers here are in a prosperous condition, and own well- improved and well-stocked farms, where they are surrounded by peace and plenty.
The organization of Wright Township took place in September, 1873, and the report of the census in 1880 showed the population of the township to be 683. This portion of the county contains some excellent farms, many of which are under a good state of improvement and cul- tivation, and their owners are growing inde- pendent.
In September, 1858, the township of Silver Creek was organized, and in 1880, the popula- tion numbered 634, with many fine and well- improved farms. Many of the settlers are en- terprising, and are growing some fine blooded stock.
Layton Township dates its organization back to June, 1878. It is located on a high, rieh, rolling prairie country, and is quite a wealthy portion of Pottawattamie County. Walnut, a thriving town and good grain market, on the
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway, in 1880, contained about one thousand of a popu- lation, and the township, in addition to the town, 488, making the population of Layton Township, complete, 1,488. Here many of the best farms are to be found, and best farmers in the county reside, and many of them are inde- pendent-have good improvements and fine stock.
On June 6, 1870, Washington Township was organized, and became one of the important divisions of the county of Pottawattamie. In the year 1880, the population of this township was 519. A large proportion of this popula- tion are well-to-do farmers, who are surrounded with good improvements, including most of the late farm implements, and possess some fine stock. The soil of this section of country is generally excellent.
Lincoln Township was organized on April 5, 1876, and the census report of 1880 showed a population of 628, mostly composed of thrifty, prosperons farmers, some of whom are growing fine stock. This township is rapidly growing into favor, as one of the best sections of the county. At the present rate of growth, it will soon be one among the most populous in the county.
Keg Creek Township was organized in Jan- mary, 1873, and the population in 1880 was given at 692, many of these persons being among the most independent and oldest set- tlers of the county. Among the early settlers in Keg Creek Township are Rasmus Campbell, wife and family of four children (Mr. Camp- bell has officiated in several of the offices of the township), Morrison M. Fay, William Orr, S. G. Underwood and others. Mr. Underwood came to this county in 1854, and is now one of the most prosperous farmers in his township, possessing 1,000 acres of that rich and pro- ductive soil.
In June, 1878, Valley Township was organ- ized, and is now one of the most important
townships in the county. The population of this organization was given in the census of 1880 at 965. This section is rapidly filling up, , and ere long it promises to become one of the most desirable townships in Pottawattamie. The farmers are taking a deep interest in their improvements, as well as in stock-growing. The yield of crops is generally good and remunera- tive.
In Angust, 1857, Macedonia Township, one of the most populous in this county, was or- ganized. The census of 1880 showed a popu- lation of 1,064. It is about twenty-five miles southeast of Council Bluffs, situated on the rich and fertile soil of the West Nishnabotna, which land, for productiveness, is equal to any in the State of Iowa. It is fine for grazing purposes also, and therefore a great deal of fine stock is grown and sent to the markets from this section. Here we find a good mill, an excellent elevator, stores, hotel and other public buildings of interest. The town of Macedonia also contains a bank and printing office, and it is a very good point for trade. The country is rolling and beautiful, and is attracting the attention of men of capital. Here blue limestone is found in large quanti- ties, but the quarries are just being utilized. Hon. B. F. Clayton, R. H. and T. J. Wood- mancy, F. J. Potter, Sylvester Dye and Mr. Lane are solid men and enterprising citizens. We are told this township is third in the State for stock-growing.
In addition to the town of Macedonia, we find the enterprising town of Carson in this township, with elevator, stores, hotel and the Carson Fairdealer, edited and published by Messrs. Jullian and McManima. This town is at the junction of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroads. These two towns give to the citi- zens of Macedonia Township excellent markets for all they have for sale.
Waveland Township, formerly Walnut Creek,
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
was organized in January, 1857, and its popu- lation in 1880 was 776. Here are some of the finest and most inviting lands to be found in the county. The improvements are generally of a good character, and in some cases, many of these are very costly. Much fine stock is to be seen in this township, and the farmers are generally growing rich.
On June 10, 1876, Lewis township was or- ganized, and the census report in 1880 gave the population at 977. The land and improve- ments in this township will compare very favor- ably with any other section of the county, and the farmers here are making good progress in the growth of fine stock. Some of the old set- tlers are nicely fixed, and are in a condition to enjoy their hard-earned homes.
James Township was organized in Septem- ber, 1858, and the population in 1880 was 570. The citizens of this township have battled along manfully, and now many of them are en- joying fine homes and handsome farms. They also grow a great deal of good stock, and are well prepared to battle with life's difficulties. Many of these individuals passed through se- vere trials and great difficulties in the early days of the settlement of this county, and are entitled to the pleasures they find in their nice homes and on their well-stocked farms.
On June 9, 1873, Norwalk Township was or- ganized, and in 1880 the population was 618. This township is possessed of some very valuable lands, as well as many well-improved farms. Most of the citizens of this section, after many struggles, are enjoying peace, plenty and prosperity. They possess good houses, and some of the best stock in the State, show- ing what time and industry will accomplish. The population of this township is increasing with commendable rapidity, and soon the pop- ulation will be double that of 1880.
It appears, from the records of the county, that the township of York was organized on the National birthday, July 4, 1856. The pop-
ulation of this township in 1880 was 526. The farmers here, like in the other townships, had to undergo many privations in the early days of the settlement, but now they are enjoy- ing good buildings, orchards, well-cultivated places, with a large amount of excellent stock of every kind.
Center Township was organized in June, 1856, and the population in 1880 was 1,075. Oakland, formerly called Big Grove, is located on the east bank of the West Nishinabotna, in Center Township, in the center of a rich and extensive country. It is a leading point on the Avoca & Southwestern Railroad. It is a pict- uresque place, being a natural forest town. At this section of the Nishnabotna Valley are found forests of oak, walnut, hickory and other trees of hard wood. Not many years ago the hunter found wild game, such as deer, turkey, prairie chickens and other game in abundance. Oakland is near the center of one of these ex- tensive forests, where the belt of timber extends for some distance east of the town. This town was founded by Hon. John T. Baldwin, of Council Bluffs. It is supposed that at some day not far distant, Oakland will be the seat of a new county. Center Township is put down as one of the best stock growing townships in the State of Iowa, and that portion of it is un- rivaled for grain.
Pleasant Township was organized April 7, 1873, and in 1880, contained a population of 654. This township is filling up fast with solid farmers, who are making the lands bloom and blossom. They are also raising some very fine stock, and making substantial improvements. It will be, as the name indicates, a pleasant section of country to dwell iu.
The township of Belknap was organized in September, 1872, and we find that the census report for 1880 gave the population at that time at 583. This township contains fine lands, and is becoming one of the popular sections of the county. The old settlers who are now en-
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
joying life had to pass through many trials and difficulties, but at this time they have their railroad stations, and are in the midst of good markets, where they find ready sales for their grain and fine stock. Many of the improve- ments in this township will compare favorably with the improvements in other portions of the county. Considerable timber will be found in portions of this country.
Boomer Township was organized as early as 1858, in June, and, of course, it has changed very materially in the years that have elapsed since. The population of this township in 1880 was 870. Here you will find well-im- proved, beautiful farms, where in 1856 nothing but the wild prairie was to be seen. The early settlers toiled along for years with commenda- ble energy, and they are now enjoying their hard-earned homes of plenty. Here you will find schools, churches and all the advance- ments of civilization.
It is recorded that Minden Township was or- ganized in September, 1876, and the population in 1880 was 700. The village of Minden is located on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. It contains about three hundred in- habitants, mostly Germans. This is the place where most of the business of the township is transacted. Here you will find merchants and grain buyers, and men carrying on the various avocations of life. James Crow, a Justice of the Peace, is an American by birth, and is en- terprising. This township is making good pro- gress, and the old settlers who went there when everything was wild, are enjoying the fruits of some of the best farms in the county of Pot- tawattamie.
Either because of neglect or slow growth of population, some of the townships of this county are of recent date ; we find that Neola, with a population in 1880 of 681, forming an organization in June, 1872. While this town- ship was slow in organizing, it has been pro- gressing in improvements, and contains some
very excellent farms, fine stock and many fruit trees, schools, churches, etc. The early settlers are generally well fixed, and have good markets within short distances.
Knox Township, containing the largest popu- lation of any township in the county, except- ing Kane, was organized in January, 1855, and in 1880, contained 2,237 of a population. The town of Avoca is near the center of this town- ship, and it has grown into a place of con- siderable importance, contains schoolhouses, churches, hotels, stores, two newspapers, rail- road and grain depots, etc. The town was platted in the spring of 1869, but it did not take much of a start till 1871. Mr. Jnles Priester is said to have erected the first house. The first building of any note was the hotel, known as the New England House. The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad reached the town in April, 1869. The name first given the town was Pacific, then Botna, and in June of the same year, the name was again changed to Avoca by some ladies who were there on a railroad excursion, and this name still remains. In 1873, Avoca put on the mantle of a city, and the citizens elected the following persons as officers : H. W. Wil- son, Mayor ; Fred G. Hetzel, Clerk ; Edward Davis, Treasurer ; R. S. Heart, Charles Nor- ton, George Phall, James Hipsley, Nat. Acker and Samuel Temple, Aldermen.
The Catholic, Presbyterian, Congregational and Methodist denominations each have an organization. The public schools were at- tended by 400 pupils.
This township is probably one of the best improved in several counties, and contains a large amount of wealth. The early settlers are mostly independent, and in a condition to en- joy life. Their farms, in many cases, are per- feet gardens, and they are surrounded by an abundance of good stock.
Grove Township was organized in August. 1859, and its population in 1880 amounted to C
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
958. This township was so called because of the numerous groves in it. Wheeler's Grove is one of the principal post offices, at which a large proportion of its citizens get their mail 1 matter. The land in this township is generally rolling, rich and beautiful. Here some of the finest homes in the county are found. The old settlers of this section would not exchange lands with the farmers of any other section. They have taken great pains with their homes in many cases, and have beautified their lands until they are very attractive. This people have considerable fruit and are very advanced in all the improvements of the times.
In 1869, Hardin Township was organized and took an independent position in the county of Pottawattamie, and in 1880 the population, ac- cording to the census of that year, was 549. The old settlers of this township have some of the best lands and neatest homes in Iowa. They appreciate their situation, and surrounded by good stock and all the conveniences of the day are enjoying life as becomes the Christian. They find ready markets for all they have for sale, and their pleasures are so complete as to eause them to forget their early trials and trib- ulations. The traveler passing over this town- ship now could scareely be made to believe that many of the settlers had passed through half the hardships they were compelled to undergo in its early organization.
The township of Crescent was organized on March 2, 1857, and the first eleetion was held on the 19th of June following, when 109 votes were polled. The Mormons originally settled this township. In 1848, immediately south of | the bottom land skirting Pigeon Creek Valley, in Township 76, Range 44, they ereeted a large tabernaele of logs, capable of holding 500 per- sons. A mill was erected near this point and a number of farms were opened. In 1852-53, when the Mormons left for Salt Lake, they were succeeded by a number of families from Indiana, among whom were William A. Reel
and family in 1852. Mr. Reel erected a large frame dwelling in one of the most beautiful lo- , ealities in the northern part of the township. He also built a saw-mill and laid out a town site, which place he called Amerieus. Here a number of Gentiles settled, among whom were Edmund Latham, Joseph Boulden, David Dun- kle and Elkanah Hall. After the location of the Mississippi & Missonri River Railroad and the alleged discovery of rock bottom on the Missouri, at Florence, in Nebraska, which point is just east of Creseent Township, mueh exeite- ment was created. It was supposed that the line of railroad, instead of following the valley, would incline westward in the northern part of the county, and run down the valley of Pigeon Creek and across the Missouri at Florence. This created a furor, and soon some speenlative per- sons located a town site and ealled it Crescent City. This was on Seetions 24 and 25, in Town- ship 76, Range 43. J. E. Johnson, the wide- awake editor of the Council Bluffs Bugle, had a farm a short distance from the new city, and he at onee established a paper there to advo- cate the interests of the town. The paper was ealled the Crescent City Oracle, and it lived two years. During the years of 1856-57, the new town grew rapidly. Stores and shops were opened. A steam grist and saw mill were ereeted. A schoolhouse was put up and a school opened. Early in 1857, a post office was established, with Lewis J. Goddard as Postmaster. Samuel Eggleston followed Mr. Goddard in this office, and he only remained in it for a short time, when David Dunkle became Postmaster. The principal business men in the town were Johnson & Blake, Reel & Dut- row, Samuel Eggleston, William Meury, Allison & Nutting. The financial crash of 1857, and the knowledge that the railroad mentioned would continue its line to Council Bluffs, caused a cheek to fall upon the growth of the new town. In 1858, Mr. Johnson removed his press to the county seat. Many of the best buildings
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
were removed to Council Bluff's or to farms. The North Western Railroad crosses this town- ship from north to south. This is a fine farm- ing district. It is well supplied with water and considerable timber. The population, as given by the census of 1880, was 575.
It is stated that the township of Garner, called so for William Garner, one of the best citizens in the county, was organized in April, 1877, and in 1880, the population was 908. This township, without doubt, contains a num- ber of the very finest farms in Western Iowa, and many of the citizens of this section are en- terprising, industrious and energetic, and after toiling many years, are in the enjoyment of peace, plenty and prosperity. They are also very hospitable, aud entertain in the olden style, with a freedom that makes the visitor feel at home. Here, too, they have taken great pains to get and grow fine blooded stoek, and in many cases some of the finest cattle, horses and hogs can be seen.
Hazel Dell Township was organized in June, 1873. The population, as given in the census of 1880, was 960. Many of the oldest settlers in the county are comfortably located in this township. William J. Cook, a native of En- gland, settled in this county in 1857; Mrs. Lucy A. F. Hall, a native of Kentucky ; Capt. Robert Frost, a native of England, came to this county in 1855; Joshua A. Gregg, a na- tive of Ohio, came to Pottawattamie in 1856, and all are well rewarded for their stay in the county and their early settlement in Hazel Dell Township. It is true, in the early settle- ment of this township, the pleasures and ad- vantages were few, but now schools and churches abound, and every convenience that is to be found has its locality here. The peo- ple are progressive and show it in their way of living.
First District and County Officers .- James Sloan was first District Judge ; Thomas Bur- diek was County Judge ; Even Green was first
County Clerk and Auditor ; Luke Johnson was first County Treasurer ; Alexander McRae, Sheriff ; E. Aylesworth. Coroner.
Present District und County Officers .- J. R. Reed, District Judge ; C. F. Loofhourow. Cir- cuit Judge ; J. P. Conner. District Attorney ; S. D. Street, County Clerk ; T. A. Kirkland, County Auditor ; John Bennett, County Treas- urer ; Theodore Guittar, Sheriff ; Samuel Den- ton, County Surveyor ; Bradbury W. Hight, County Attorney ; Henry Faul, Coroner.
Board of Supervisors .- Eli Clayton, Chair- man ; S. B. Frum, S. Dye, J. M. Phillips and S. J. Underwood.
City Organization .- It is stated in the An- nals of Iowa, that " in April, 1854, Congress passed an act authorizing the Judge of Potta- wattamie County to enter 640 acres of land for the benefit of the owners and occupants of claims. Judge Street, accordingly, on the 10th day of May, 1854, entered, under the law, eighty acres in Section 30, and eighty acres in Section 31, Township 75, Range 43; and 240 acres in Section 25, and 240 acres in Section 36, Township 75, Range 44-form- ing a square mile, and comprising within its limits nearly all of the village of Kanesville."
We are told that it was a difficult matter to divide this land to give satisfaction, in all cases, to the claimants. It frequently happened that two parties claimed the same lot. In the spring of this year, Judge Street employed Thomas Tostevin to survey the land entered by him, and Mr. Tostevin performed his work with care, when a large majority of the owners of claims became satisfied, and in all subse- quent conveyances, the original survey stood as the guide. Many suits grew out of the dis- puted claims, and took much of the time of the courts, for some years. The additions of S. S. Bayliss, Mynster, Jackson, Stutsman and Mills were within the limits of the one mile square entered by the County Judge. In the fall of 1854, other lots were surveyed. and new
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HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY.
additions made to the town. Among these additions were the names of Grimes, Curtis, Hall and Beers.
The exchange of lots, and other business, went along finely till the panic in the State, and, in fact, all over the country, in 1857, when failure after failure followed each other, and carried down some of the leading houses of the eouu- try, and among them the banking house of Col. Thomas H. Benton, Jr., in Council Bluffs. This panie, for a short time, appeared to check the sale of lots and land, and the people gener- ally began to complain of hard times. But, fortunately for this new State and county, these distressed times did not continue long, and speeulation in land and lots began, and re- mained lively for some time, when the eity and county began to settle rapidly with a thrifty people. The early settlers began to make bet- ter improvements, and business wore a new and more smiling face. The progress on the part of the early settlers encouraged the new- comers, and they also entered into improving lots and farms, and money began to assume its natural channel. This prosperity continued for some time, and until this country and the people were more able to stand the extremes and results of a panic.
It is true, Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County have passed through many a trying time since the year herein mentioned, but ap- pear to have come out the brighter for the reverses. Both the eity and the county are now upon a solid basis, where they can defy panies and reverses in trade. The soil of the country is rich and deep, and will yield an abundant harvest for all, and what does not sell to-day will sell to-morrow. So, now, panies of short duration can have but a slight effect npon the growth of the country or prosperity of the people. The spirit of progress is now fairly alive, and must continue to work great results for both country and eity. The one is dependent upon the other, and the people of
each should go hand in hand to bring about the greatest prosperity. The city must afford the market, while the farmers must produce the articles to supply it ; and thus united, nothing but a visitation of wrath from God, and the entire destruction of erops ean ever prevail against this section of country and this people.
The first settlers of this county laid a solid foundation for those who were to come after them to build upon, and now the result begins to prove that their ideas were correct. Their sons and daughters, in many cases, are enjoying large harvests and rich rewards, while the pa- rents who remain point back to their early times here with pleasure and pride. It is de- eidedly interesting to sit down and listen to a reeitation of these people of their trials, priva- tions, ups and downs, and the many ways they had to manage to live and maintain large and growing families, such as you do not often see at the present time. But few persons would now undertake the same difficulties for all that the future promises.
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