History of Tama County, Iowa, together with sketches of their towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 104

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1088

USA > Iowa > Tama County > History of Tama County, Iowa, together with sketches of their towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 104

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They have had six children born unto them, four of whom are living: Lella, Araminta, Charles and Crawford.

J. F. Cram is a native of Maine, born in Penobscott county, n the 3d of December, 1829. Soon after his birth his parents moved to New Hampshire, where J. F. re- mained until eighteen years of age. Ile then went to New York State and located in Otsego county, where he learned the moulders trade and remained until 1848. He next came west to Wisconsin, where he spent some time, then removed to Chicago, Illinois, and soon after returned to New Hampshire. In 1852, he came to Iowa, pre-empted land in Cedar county, where he spent one year engaged in farm- ing. The following four years he spent in Johnson county, Iowa, and in the fall of 1857, came to Tama county and entered 160 aeres on section 27, Richland town-

ship, which he still owns. In politics, Mr. Cram is a Republican, and has held several of the township offices; for the past eight years holding the office of Town Clerk. He was married in 1855 to Miss Adeline E. Douglass, a native of New York. Five children have been born unto them, four of whom are living-Charles B., Thomas F., Lizzie L. and Carrie D.

Among those who arrived during the decade between 1860 and 1870, may be mentioned Hiram Clay, William W. Tap- pen, A. Gloss, John P. Campbell, Samuel Gould, Isaac Morford, Liberty Coolidge, J. A. Thompson, John K. Gray. F. A. Bomer, G. W. Walker and others. Those named are yet citizens of the township, and are representative men.

Hiram Clay was born in Stark county, Ohio, January 13, 1829. His parents were Simon and Barbara (Loutzenheiser) Clay. In 1834, his parents moved to Seneca county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood on the farm. In 1854, he came west to Marshall county, Iowa, and six years later came to Tama county, locating in Rich- land township. In 1862 he settled on sec- tion 16, and now owns 115 acres, In 1850, lie was married to Miss . Ellen Allen, a native of Seneca county, Ohio. She was a daughter of George and Elinor (Taylor) Allen. Seven children blessed this union- George A., Charles, Clinton, Clara, Amanda, Rose and Ruby.

William W. Tappen was born in Addi- son county, Vermont, August 10, 1835. IIe is a son of Jacob and Charlotte (Adams) Tappen, both natives of Vermont. His early life was spent on his father's farm. In 1854, he came west to Wisconsin and located in Sank county, remaining one

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

summer engaged in the lumber trade. In October of 1854, he went to St. John's, Michigan, and engaged in lumbering and farming. In 1862, he came to Tama county and located in Salt Creek township, where, for thirteen years, he rented a farm. In 1875, he settled on section 36, Richland township, where he now owns 160 acres of land. Mr. Tappen was married in 1863, to Miss Mary McFarland, a native of Ohio. They have six children-Gertrude, Eewart, Ellery, Elizabeth, Mary and Charles.

Albert Gloss is a native of Stark county, Ohio, born April 6, 1851. He was reared in Ohio, until twelve years of age, then came to lowa with his parents, John and Christina Gloss. In 1865, they settled in Richland township, Tama county, on sec- tion 17, where Albert and his mother each own forty acres of land. His father died a few years ago. Mr. Gloss is a Republi- can and has always voted with that party.

John P. Campbell is a native of Penn- sylvania, born in Luzerne county, July 17, 1809. His parents were Asa C., and Mag- gie Campbell. Mr. Campbell settled in Richland township in January, 1865, lo- eating on section 15, where he now re- sides. His farm consists of eighty acres of land, all under good cultivation. In August, 1859, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Lottie E. Frayer, who bore him two children : Susan and Amanda. In politics Mr. Campbell is a Democrat.

Samuel Gould is a native of England, born in Somersetshire, on the 9th of July, 1839. In 1852, he came to America, and for two years he was engaged in farming near Newbridge, New York. Ile then came west to Mapleton, Waukesha coun- ty, Wisconsin, remaining until 1858. IIe

then located in Rock county, Wisconsin, and in September, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, 13th Wisconsin Infantry, serving until honorably discharged at Mad- ison, Wisconsin, December 25, 1864. Ile then returned to Rock county, and, in February, 1865, came to Tama connty, set- tling where he now lives, on section 17, Richland township. He now has a farm of 160 aeres, all under good cultivation. Samuel is a son of George and Sarah (Dur- ston) Gould. Ile was married in Febru- ary, 1865, to Miss Ellen Lawson, a native of the Isle of Mann. Two children, Nel- lie and Samuel, bless this union.

Isaac R. Morford is a native of Penn- sylvania, born in Greene county, on the 25th of December, 1836. IIe is a son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Nicewaner) Morford. He remained in his native county until he attained his majority, then spent some time in Indiana, and in 1859, came to Johnson county, Iowa, remaining in that and Linn counties until 1865. Ile then spent one year in Benton county and, in 1866, came to Tama county and settled where he now lives, on section 26, of Richland township, and now owns a farm of 250 acres. Mr. Morford has always taken an active part in school affairs and has held several of the school offices. On the 29th of March, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary M. Ferneau, a native of Ohio. They have nine children: Clara, Eveline, Brinton M., Newton I., Orville H., Byron L, Mary A., Winnefred and Benjamin. Clara, their oldest child, is at Redman, York town- ship. She has taught six terms of school and holds a first grade certificate. Brin- ton M. is now attending school in Chelsea, preparing to enter college. When Mr.

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

Morford came to Iowa he had but six dol- lars. For one year he hired to work on a farm in Benton county, then for seven years rented and worked land in Johnson and Linn counties. When he entered his land in Tama county he could get no house to live in, so for a year, rented a small farm in Benton county ; then built a frame house on his own land, to which he moved and at once began making improvements. Mr. Morford has a fine farm and is largely engaged in stock-raising, at which he has made considerable money. Although he came to the county with but little means, he has, by hard work and careful manage- ment, succeeded in accumulating a com- fortable competency. Mr. Morford is a genial, kind-hearted gentleman and enjoys the respect of all who know him.

Liberty Coolidge was born in Orford county, Maine, May 12, 1830. He is a son of Aaron and Polly (Bigelow) Coolidge. llis grandfather, Joseph Coolidge, was a soldier in the Revolution, and fought at the battle of Bunker Hill. He was a very patriotic man, and at the birth of the subject of this sketch and a twin brother, he declared that they must be named Liberty and Freedom, and they were accordingly so named. Liberty was raised on a farm, receiving a good com- mon school education, and in 1851, eame west to LaCrosse county, Wisconsin. Ile remained there three years, and then re- turned to Maine, where he remained one year, and in the fall of 1855, came west again, to Illinois, and in 1857, he was married to Miss Mary HI. Thayer, a native of Boston, Massachusetts. She bore him five children, two of whom are living- Walter and Willie. In April, 1867, Mr.

Coolidge came to Tama county, locating on section 33, Richland township, where he now owns 120 acres of land. In politics he is a Republican, and is now serving his third term as Township Trustee.

J. A. Thompson was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, February 22, 1819. Ile is the son of Thomas Thompson, a native of Maryland, and Nancy (Denstout) Thomp- son, a native of Pennsylvania. He bought a farm in the neighborhood, and lived in Pennsylvania till 1867, when he came to Tama county and settled on section 27, Richland township, where he now owns a fine farm of 1.80 acres. Ile was married on October 10, 1848, to Miss Amanda M. Ilillis, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio. Five children have blessed this union: Charles D., Frank P., Mary P., David G. and John J. Mrs. Thompson died September 16, 1872. On the 19th of February, 1874, Mr. Thompson married his second wife, Grace Jackman, a native of Devonshire, England. She bore him one child-Jessie J. ITis wife is a daugh- ter of Thomas and Ann (Powlesland) Jackman, both natives of England, and came to America with her parents in 1849.

John K. Gray is a native of England, born June 3, 1831. His father moved his family to America in 1835, settling in the town of Gambier, Knox county, Ohio, where he studied for the ministry. In 1850, the father moved, going to Cincin- nati, where he had charge of the city mis- sions until his death, in 1880. John K. remained in Knox county until 1868. He was married in 1853, to Miss Maria Under- wood, a native of Ohio. On leaving Ohio, Mr. Gray came to Tama county, Iowa, and settled on section 27, in Richland town-

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

ship, where he now owns a farm of 130 acres. He has six children: Richard H., Daniel U., John K., Mary E., Alfred V. and Agnes M. Mrs. Gray died January 12, 1874. On the 21st of September, 1881, he married Etta Showen, and she has borne him one child-Jesse H.

G. W. Walker, son of James and Mary (Laird) Walker, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., July 31, 1827. His father died in 1834, and G. W., at eleven years of age, began work in a rolling mill to help sup- port his widowed mother. He afterwards worked as cabin boy on steamboats, and later was employed in a glass factory. During his early life his ambition was to become an engineer, and at the age of eighteen, began working at that trade on Ohio and Mississippi river steamboats. This he 'followed until September, 1861, when he enlisted in the United States Navy, receiving a commission as Third Master; he afterwards resigned, and ac- cepted a position as first assistant engineer on the gunboat Carondolet, in the Missis- sippi river squadron. He was later pro- moted to the chief engineership, with the rank of Lieutenant Commander, and was consigned to duty on the flagship Black Hawk, under Rear admiral Porter. He served in that capacity until February 12, 1866, when he was honorably discharged, receiving at that time a letter of praise for efficiency and trustworthiness from Cap- tain K. R. Breese, which was approved of and countersigned by Rear-admiral D. D. Porter. After leaving the service, he fol- lowed engineering for one year, when he located at Omaha, Nebraska, and engaged in the machinery business. In the spring of 1870, he came to Tama county, and

settled on section 29, Richland township, where he now owns a fine farm of 400 acres. In 1861, he was joined in marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth Dorris, formerly Eliz- abeth Brigham. She is a daughter of Moses W., and Margaret (Connelly) Brig- ham, of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are the parents of five children : James and Sherman, born at St. Louis, Missouri, Porter and George, born in Omaha, Ne- braska, and Mary E., born in Tama county, Iowa.

HISTORICAL ITEMS.

The first death in the township was Elvira, a daughter of lliram Hatfield. She died October 13, 1854.

The second death was that of James Ilatfield, who died October 23, 1854.

The first marriage was E. II. Priee, to Sarah Hatfield, in June, 1855. These par- ties now live at Tama City.

The first white child born within the limits of this township occurred before any actual settlement was effected. Mr Sprague, an Indian Agent, was moving his family to his agency during the win- ter of 1850, and while passing through what is now Richland, camped one night on the ice on the Iowa river, near the month of Richland ereek, and here the child was born.

Henry McMillan was killed by a fall- ing tree on the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of seetion 10, on the 29th day of December, 1854.

During the holidays of 1868, from the accidental discharge of a gun, Philip Clement received a wound from which he died in a few days, and was buried at Toledo.

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

The first interment in the cemetery on the southwest quarter of section 9, was the remains of Henry McMillen, who died December 29, 1854.

Samuel Elliott was drowned in a pond near Richland creek on section 22, in June, 1867, while in bathing on the Sab- bath day.

Charles Gilbert of Toledo, was drowned in the Iowa river, in June, 1875, on section 10. He was fishing, and his boat becom- ing unmanageable, went over the dam.

ORGANIC.

Richland township was organized in 1854. Among those who have, since or- ganization, been prominent in township af- fairs, and have held the various offices have been the following:

Instices: G. Marshall, C. Hanna, N. F. Taylor, W. Bale, C. Homan, N. B. Hiatt, G. Hollenbeck, L. II. Beadle, D. Forker, A. H. Hisey, T. A. Bourner, J. B. Lonthan, II. Sabin, II. Cory, F. H. Rams dell and Charles Flint.

Trustees: E. Dexter, J. Ramsdell, J' Flathers, N. B. Iliatt, J. B. Louthan, A. Wilkinson, II. L. Barnes, J. W. Iliatt, L- 1I. Beadle, P. Rich, H. Davenport, E. Hat- field, A. Hatfield, I. W. Graham, G. Reed, C. Barnes, J. W. Clem, T. Forker, II. Clay, II. Sabin, S. Gould, G. Hollenbeck, J. Gray, J. F. Cram, L. Coolidge, J. J. IFus- ton, O. McKeen, G. W. Bale, E. A. and C. A. Flint, J. S. Smith, J. Hiatt, L. Coolidge, J. Reed and Charles Barnes.

Clerks: J. Marshall, C. Homan, J. Hoag, N. F. Taylor, R. M. Clem, S. Lewis, T. A. Hopkins, A. Beadle, S. Jackman, H. Sabin, and J. F. Cram.

The present officers of the township are: Assessor, George Reed; Justice, Charles Flint. Trustees, Liberty Coolidge, J. Reed and Charles Barnes; Clerk, J. F. Cram.

MILLS.

A saw mill was built near where the Helena grist mill now stands, in 1856, by E. Dexter; with this mill was machinery for grinding corn. Mr. Dexter sold out to B. F. Crenshaw and it was torn down in 1865. A saw and manufacturing mill was brought to Tama county in 1875 by F. A. Bomer and located on Richland creek. They do sawing and manufacture boys słeds, half-bushels, cheese boxes, and grain registers and do a business of $6,000 an- nnally.

F. A. Bomer was born in Beverly, Essex county, Massachusetts, on the 22nd of Feb- ruary, 1821, his parents being John S. and Abigail (Friend) Bomer. His early life was spent in his native town and in the city of Salem, learning the joiner's trade. In 1845, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Ilannah .J. Putnam, of Danvers, Essex county, Massachusetts; a descendant of General Israel Putnam, of revolutionary fame. Mr. Bomer came west to Cleve- land, Ohio, in 1847, where he was engaged in manufacturing agricultural implements. In 1870, he came to Tama county, Iowa, set- tling on section 24, Richland township, and engaged in manufacturing on a small scale in connection with farming. He was the first in the State to manufacture grain meas- ures, boys' sleighs, cheese boxes and goods of that class. He followed this occupation until 1878, when he turned his business over to his three sons named below, who still continue it under the firm name of

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

Bomer Brothers. Mr. Bomer is a Repub- lican in politics and has held the office of Justice of the Peace. Mr. and Mrs. Bomer are members of the Universalist Church, and for the past five years, Mr. Bomer has been Treasurer of the State Convention of that denomination. Ile is an active worker in soliciting funds for said Convention. Mr. and Mrs. Bomer have five children-Ella Putnam, wife of Judson S. MeNall; Eben P., John S., Joseph E. and Carrie.

EDUCATIONAL.

The first school in this township was taught by James Hanna, during the winter of 1855-6, in a log house owned by Mr. Davenport on section 22. There were at that time twenty scholars of school age in the township. It was a subscription school and had an average attendance of fifteen. Since that time school houses have been built, and the following record shows that the people of this township have not been unmindful of the wants of the children, and the necessity of furnish- ing to all an opportunity to secure an education.

Distriet No. 1-The first house in this district was built in 1857, on the southeast quarter of section 14. The first school was taught here by David Caldwell, in the winter of 1857-8. The present school building was erected in 1868, on the south- west quarter of section 14, at a cost of $650. There are now forty-three scholars in the district. The average attendance at the last term was thirty. There was at one time seventy scholars in this distriet.

District No. 2-The first school house in this district was erected in 1857, on see- tion 16, at a cost of $600. This house

was burned in 1856, and the following year the school building now in use was erected.

District No. 4-The first school house built in this district was in 1868, on the northwest corner of section 32. The first school was taught by Thomas Hopkins, in 1868-9. The present school house was erected in 1882, at a cost of 8778.85, and is located on the northeast corner of sec- tion 31.

Distriet No. 5-This district ineludes within its limits the village of Haven. The first school building was erected in 1856, on the southeast quarter of section 21. The present school house was built in 1872, at a cost of $1100.

District No. 6-The school house in this district was built during the summer of 1870, and is located on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 26. The first school taught here was in the house of Hulbert Carpenter, on section 35, during the summer of 1866. School was afterward held at the residence of Orin MeKeen, until the school house was built.

RELIGIOUS.

A church building was erected by the people of Haven and vicinity, in 1868, for a Union Church to be used by all religious societies for worship. It was built at a cost of $1,100. This is the only church building in the township The Free Will Baptist Society was organized in June 1862, by Elder Wilkins, of Toledo. Among the first members were HI. L. Barnes and wife, James Brown and two daughters, Elias Hatfield and wife, J. C. Barrett and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Flint, Thomas Skyles and Hiram Layton and

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

wife. The Society was organized at the school house in Haven. Elder Wilkins remained pastor for about five years, preaching once every two weeks. Then came Charles B. Messer, of Toledo, who remained until 1872. Since that time they have not had any regular pastor, or regu- lar meetings.

A Methodist Episcopal Society was or- ganized during the winter of 1864-5, by Rev. Jacob Haymond, at the school house in Eureka. Among the first members were Israel Reed and wife, John Lawson and wife, J. F. Cram and wife and Rev. Talmage and wife. The first regular pas- tor was Rev. C. A. Ilawn, who supplied the pulpit at IIelena, Grand View and Columbia. He was succeeded by Labin Winsett, then, Rev. A. N. See. Sinee that time, the following have had charge: George Raines, Rev. Snyder, W. H. Miller, Rev. Ward, W. J. Robinson, Horace Foote, J. G. Wilkinson and II. C. Stuntz. The pulpit is now supplied from Chelsea, and services are held every Sabbath. Meet- ings were held in the school house until the church was built. There is now a membership of twenty-five.

A Union Sabbath school was organized in 1860, with H. L. Barnes as first Super- intendent. It has a membership of fifty, and George Brown is the present Super- intendent. At one time the membership reached one hundred, but so many have left the neighborhood, it has been reduced to its present number.

A Methodist Society was organized at Helena postoffice, by Rev. John Dunton, in 1855. Among the first members were Christopher Hanna and wife, James Hanna and wife, Benjamin Gray and

wife, William Pickett and wife and J. B. Louthan and wife. This organiza- tion was discontinued in 1861; but in the winter of 1864, was re-organized by Rev. Jacob Haymond, who remained in charge for a time. He was followed by J. C. Haun and A. N. See. Services were con- tinued until 1870, when the Society united with the organization at Haven.

The United Brethren organized a Class at Helena postoffice, in 1870, Rev. Davis officiating. Among the first members were O. B. Smith and wife, Mrs. A. Mink, P. D. Smith and wife, Mrs. Ellen Clay and John Evans and wife. The membership in- creased rapidly, and at one time they had a membership of ninety. They held meet- ings in the Helena school house about six years, when they were discontinued. A Sabbath school was organized in connec- tion with this Church, with P. D. Smith as first Superintendent. This school was also discontinued at the same time.

The Baptists effeeted an organization at Helena, through Rev George G. Edwards, in 1856. Among the first members were John Hiatt and wife, Daniel Clement and wife, Newton Hiatt and wife, N. F. Taylor and wife, Mrs. William Hiatt and John Herbage and wife. Services were held by this Society until 1861, when they dis- banded. They re-organized in 1864, and continued in existence until 1870, when the meetings were discontinued.

CEMETERY.

A cemetery was located on the north- west corner of section 29, at an early day. The first interment there was Elvira, a daughter of Hiram Hatfield and wife, who died October 13, 1854. The cemetery was re-located in the spring of 1865, on the

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section 28, and the first burial on these grounds was a daughter of Daniel Fork and wife, who died in May, 1865.

VILLAGE OF EUREKA.

This place was platted in 1854 by James Marshall. In 1856, Lewis S. Sny- der built a store and commenced merchan- dising. He remained in business here un- til 1860. The building is now used for a barn. After this the town was without a store for some time, when Mr. Merrick opened a small store and continued the business about three years, Others have since engaged in business here for brief periods and at one time there were two good substantial business houses in the Village. At present there is but one, that of A. R. Gage, who established his trade here in 1870. The name of the town was changed to Haven July 1, 1874. Dur- ing the spring of 1855, Barrett & Mar- shall built a steam saw mill, and continued to run it until 1860, when it was burned down.

The first blacksmith to locate here was John McGill, who came in the fall of 1855 and remained about four years. At the present time there are two blacksmith shops in the Village, run by Adam Hart and Dwight Wilcox.

POSTOFFICE.

Eureka postoffice was established in 1856, and William Strong was appointed first postmaster. It was not, at this time on any mail route, but mail was carried from Helena, the carrier being paid by private subscription. There being another office of the same name in the State, this one was discontinued and in 1872, the postoffice of Haven was established and

L. H. Beadle was appointed first post- master. Ile was succeeded, January 6, 1874, by Ambrose R. Gage, the incumbent. The office is now on a route from Tama City.

VILLAGE OF IIELENA.

This village was platted in 1854, by James Clem on section 9 and 10. A store was opened by Mr. Wilcox in a log house owned by N. B. Hiatt in the spring of 1857. Ile only remained in business un- til fall.

In 1859, Lewis Vogel opened a store, and had a wagon shop in the rear of the building. Ile continued the business until his death in 1863. His widow continued the business ,and, in 1865, was again mar- ried.

A blacksmith shop was opened by David Clement on section 23, in 1854, where he remained but a short time, and then moved to Helena and worked at his trade until 1863, when he enlisted in the army. Ile returned in 1865, but did not again open the shop.

Adam Hart opened a blacksmith shop in 1865, and remained until 1870. He is now doing business at Haven. There is not a blacksmith shop in the village at present.

Richard Crossley engaged in merchan- dising here in the fall of 1855. He did not keep much of a store, but kept his goods here and peddled them through the sur- rounding country. A shoe shop was started here in 1867, by Ludwig Schwerdt- feger who yet remains in the business.

HELENA POSTOFFICE.

This office was established a number of I years ago, at the residenee of B. F. Crou-

HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

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shaw, near the mill, on section 4. It sup- plies a large number of the settlers with mail. .

A mill was erected by B. F. Crenshaw, in 1861, located on the southeast quarter

of the southeast quarter of siction 4. It was run by water power and cost $10,000. It had two turbine water wheels and four run of buhrs. The building was two and a half stories high, and 30x50 feet in size.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

SALT CREEK TOWNSHIP.

This is a full Congressional township, comprising township 82, range 13, west from the fifth principal meridian, contain- ing about 23,040 acres, and is located in the extreme southeastern corner of the county.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Much may be said concerning the first settlement of a country and the early days of its pioneers. The great changes wrought in this section in so short a time are an ever fruitful item of discussion and speculation, and it must be that the natural resources of this part of the country are above the average, and the settlers, as a rule, must have been an energetic, enter- prising class. Putting these two things to- gether, the present state of the country may be accounted for, and the wonderful rapidity of its development in a measure explained. The hardships, privations and sacrifices of the first persons to locate here are often spoken of, and it is now consid- ered an honor to have been in any way connected with the early development of

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History of Tama County, Iowa, together with sketches of their towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 104

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1088

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1088