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 109

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 109

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is now rented. Mr. S. is a member of the United Brethren Church, and is also a member of the A. O. U. W. fraternity. Ile is a Democrat in politics, and is at present one of the village Councilmeu. Mr. Stoelting was married in 1861, to Augusta Haerling, a daughter of Wilhelm and Freiderika (Tauber) Haerling. They have three children living: Lonise, born in 1862; Clara, born in 1864 and Alfred, born in 1876.

EDUCATIONAL.

The first school house was built in the fall of 1881, and was known as the Graded Village School. The building was a two- story brick structure, situated upon a beau- tiful elevation in the south part of town. The school building cost $8,000. W. J. Dean was the first Principal and George Dick first teacher of the Intermediate de- partment, with Mrs. W. J. Dean first in the Primary. In 1883, there were three departments-Grammar, Intermediate and Primary.

RELIGIOUS.

The first society to build in Gladbrook was the German Methodist Episcopal, in 1880. The next was the Methodist Episco- pal, in 1882. Rev. Hoskins is the present pastor of this Church. In 1882 the United Brethren moved a church building here from Badger Hill.

The Congregationalists have an organi- zation here, but no building. They hold services in the M. E. church. Each society has a Sunday school in connection.

The German Society of the M. E. Church, sent a missionary to Spring Creek township in September, 1870. Rev. Wm. Baleke was the first minister at Gladbrook Mission, then called Gethmann's settle-

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

ment. The society had no members in the vicinity and were holding their services at the Koehli school house. The first con- version took place in May, 1872, Mrs. Mary C. Geth vann being the first con- verted member of the mission, followed in November, 1872, by Louis Gethmann, her husband, and Henry Gethmann, Chris- tine Gethmann, Wm. Gethmann, Wilhel- mine Gethmann, J. L Gethmann, Carl Gethmann, John Gethmann, Wilhelmine Shultz, F Gethmann, C.Koehli, Catherine Koehli, Johanna Rest, Carl Rest, Chris- tine Mertens, William and Christine Kruse constituting the first members of the church.

Louis Gethmann was the first Class Leader and Mary C. Gethmann the first Superintendent of Sunday school.

The Mission has been served by the fol- lowing ministers: Carl H. Lanenstein, Rev. II. Mertens, Jacob Schneider, Ph. Humnel, John Hauck and now by Rev. E. Draeger.

William Gethmann is the present Class Leader and P. II. Shultz, Superintendent of Sunday school. The Mission now owns two lots, a parsonage and a frame church 28x40 feet, which were both built in 1880-81. It has a membership of sixty- five, and an average attendance of fifty children at Sunday school.

The United Brethren of lowa, organized a society in Spring Creek township, in 1866. The first membership consisted of E. S. Bunce and wife, John Pray and wife and Mr. Bear. The first minister preaching for this society was Rev. S. W. Kern who preached at Badger Hill. John Pray was the first Class Leader. The Sunday school was organized in 1866, with G. C. Wescott as its first Superintendent. The following

ministers served this church up to 1883: J. Il. Vandover, G. W. Renson, M. Fal- komer, J. D. Barnard, J. P. Wilson, R. Laughlin and Il. T. A. Miller.

A house of worship was built near Badger Hill mill in 1880, which was moved to Gladbrook in the fall of 1882. The society then numbered fifty, with a Sunday school of sixty-five.

The Congregational Church of Glad- brook was organized about Angust 1, 1881, by Rev. Amos Jones, with seven members. Rev. Mr. Burton preached from February 1, 188] until July of the same year. Following him came James Brewer. The officers of the church in 1883 were: J. Brewer, R. D. Holt, Il. T. Willard, M. M. Crookshank and D). Connell, Trustees; D. Ray, Secretary; M. M. Crookshank, Treasurer. The Sabbath school was or- ganized in the autumn of 1881 with D. Connell, Superintendent.

Rev. James Brewer, the present pastor, is a native of Massachusetts, a son of Jonas and Betsey (Miller) Brewer, and was born in 1821. Ile received his educa- tion in Williams College, where he graduated in 1842, and engaged in teach- ing in the Southern States, principally in Alabama, Missouri and Louisiana. In 1859 he was ordained a minister in the Con- gregational Church, of which he has always been a member, and has been in the service of that church as a minister in Illi- nois, Wisconsin and Iowa. Ile came to Tama county in 1882, and bought a farm of 160 acres on section 6, near Gladbrook, Iowa, on which he resides, and is preaching in the Congregational church. He was married in 1847 to Miss Elizabeth Pratt, daughter of Elisha and Lurany (Robins)

948

IIISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

Pratt. By thisunion there were three chil- dren : Sarah C., wife of T. D. Christie; Addie L. and Orville.

SOCIETIES.

Gladbrook V. A. S. Collegium, No. 104, was organized July 11, 1882, by G. L. Wilbur, P. K. Howard, W. H. Howard, J. S. Nutt, J. W. Thomas, J. E. Cole, E. W. Thomas, O.J. Wadley, M. L. Hess, George B. Emmerson, H. J. Stevens, W. F. Wirm and A. F. Walter. The first officers were: E. W. Thomas, Recorder; G. L. Wilbur, Secretary. In 1883, the order had a mem- bership of twenty-six.

A. B. Arnold, A. Fedding, W. J. McFar- land. A. O. Armington, J. B. Roberts, C. French, C. F. McGee, G. C. Ellwood and others.

Olivette Lodge, A. F. and A. M., was organized March 21, 1883, the dispensa- tion for the occasion being granted by. the Grand Lodge of Iowa, March 3, 1883, to C. A. Smith, G. L. Wilbur, R. Arnold, O. F. Elmer, E. Wiebenson, E. Wescott, I). G. Wescott, N J. Brockman, R. F. Hod- gin, H. C. Hemperly, C. A Griffen and G. C. Emmerson. C. A. Smith was ap- pointed as W. M .; G. L. Wilbur, S. W .; R. Arnold, J. W .; O. F. Elmer, Treasurer; E. Wiebenson, Secretary; E. Wescott, S. D .; D. G. Wescott, J. D .: N. J. Brock- man, Tyler. The Lodge, in 1883, had

The Iowa Legion of Honor, Lodge No. 97, was organized November 26, 1880, by the following charter members: J. A. Riggs, G. L. Wilbur, Gus Reichman, G. already good prospects for growth in B. Hess, A. T. King, C. W. Davenport, membership.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

TAMA TOWNSHIP.

This township lies in the second tier from the south, and is the smallest civil township in the county. It is bounded on the north by Toledo Township, on the south by Columbia, on the east by Otter Creek and on the west by Indian Village. The Iowa river crosses the township, and makes one of the most beautiful and fer- tile valleys in the State. The stream fur- nishes a limited natural water power, which has been greatly increased by artificial

means, and is partly utilized. Deer creek enters the township from Toledo on the north and makes continence with theriver on section 34. A. good share of the town- ship is composed of timber land, while there is considerable beautiful rolling prairie. The soil is of a dark rich loam which is very productive.

There are three railroads passing through, C. M. & St. P., Chicago & Northwestern and Toledo & Northwestern. There is

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

only one town in the township, Tama City, the largest place in the county.

SETTLEMENT.

A journey through this section of coun- try, a glance at its towns and villages, or a elose inspection of its many improve- ments, would impress one with the belief of a much older settlement than actually exists. It seems incredible, that in the space of thirty years, such a change could be wrought; nevertheless, it is a fact, that this is comparatively a new country, and it is apparent that its pioneers must have been men of push and energy. Having natural resources above most places, Tama township and her present condition can be accounted for, surprising as it may seem to the casual observer. The early settlers of this section made a good selee- tion of locality, yet many of them could not endure the isolation ineident to pio- neer life, and returned to the places from whence they came, or moved to points more congenial to their tastes, little thinking that within a few years the land would be fully occupied, the various branches of trade and industry represent- ed and the land teeming with wealth and prosperity. It is, however, the case else- where, as well as here, that the first set- tlers of a country do not generally remain to reap the harvest and receive the re- ward. Those who came early and have remained, as a rule, are in comfortable, if not affluent circumstances, and many who came later, knowing full well the immense power of stream, and wonderful possibilities of soil here presented, shrewd- ly took in the situation and made invest- ments, which have surpassed their most sanguine hopes, and to-day thrift, enter-

prise and industry characterize the citi- zens of Tama township.

During the fall of 1849, Rezin A. Red- man and John C. Vermilya, came to what is now Tama township and each located a farm of 160 acres, and then returned to their homes in Jackson county, Indiana. During the summer of 1850, they formed a company in that county, consisting of Rezin A. Redman, John C. Vermilya, J. HI. Ilollen, W. L. Brannan, Samuel J. Murphy, James Umbarger, William Blod- gett and William T. Hollen to come to this country and locate. In the fall Redman, Brannan, Umbarger, Murphy and J. H. and William T. Hollen left Jackson county, came by teams, and arrived here about the 25th of October, of that year. Brannan, Umbarger and Murphy, brought their families and immediately began the erection of a log house on the southeast quarter of section 25, township 83, range 15, on the land entered by Redman. Some time during the fall Brannan, Um- barger and Murphy moved to Iowa coun- ty. The Hollens also left about the same time for Indiana. Redman remained un- til the middle of December, when he also returned to Indiana, leaving his stock and property in charge of William Boze, an employee. In the spring of 1851, William Blodgett came and located on the south- west quarter of section 26, and is now a resident of Tama City, and is the oldest living settler in the township. He also came from Indiana.

Some time during July, 1851, Redman came with his family, but remained only one year, when he again returned to Indi- ana. Vermilya, with his family, arrived in March, 1852, and settled on the northeast

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

quarter of the southwest quarter of seetion 26, where he still remains.

J. Il. Hollen with his family; arrived April 27, 1852, and settled on the south- west quarter of the southeast quarter of section 27, and is still an honored citizen of the county.

William T. Hollen, eame and located permanently, in May, 1852. He settled on the southwest quarter of section 26.

J. H. Ilollen, one of the original Indi- ana company, who made the first settle- ment in Tama township, was born near Brownstown, Jackson county, of that State, December 8, 1820. His father, Andrew B. Hollen, was a native of Green Briar county, Virginia, and served in the War of 1812; his mother was born in Mercer county, Kentucky. He was reared on a farm and received but a limited edu- cation, it having been confined to the common schools of that day. In 1850, he made his first trip to Tama county, and two years later, settled on section 27 of Tama township, where he entered and purchased 200 aeres of land, a greater part of which is now occupied by the thriving town of Tama City. Until May, 1882, Mr. Hollen was engaged in farming; since that time he has been ex- tensively engaged in shipping stock to Colorado and Wyoming. Ile was the first postmaster of Toledo when that office was located in the present township of Tama, and was also one of the first Justices of the Peace of the county, having been elected in April of 1853, at which time he was obliged to go to Vinton, Benton county, to qualify. Mr. Hollen held the office of Justice of Tama City from 1873 until 1876. Ile was one of the first Direc-

tors of the Tama School Board, and has always taken a deep interest in educa- tional affairs. In politics, he is a Demo- crat first, last and always. He is a Mas- ter Mason and a member of Iliram of Tyre Lodge of Tama City; also a member of Doric Chapter. Mr. Hollen has always taken an active interest in the building up of Tama City, owning at one time nearly all of the land upon which the town stands. He has spared neither pains nor expense to make it one of the leading towns of Central Iowa, and has ever been ready to give to any enterprise that would further the advancement of the place he has nourished with so much care. In 1843, he was joined in wedloek with Miss Eliza A. Graham, a native of Jackson county, Indiana, and together they have fought life's battles for forty years. Ten children have blessed their union, four of whom are now living: Addie, wife of Dr. S. Thomp- son of Toledo; Eva, wife of C. D. Terry, of Tama City: Katie, wife of F. R. Holmes of Wyoming Territory and Clarence.

W. L. Brannan, another of the Indiana party, is a son of Moses and Casandra (French) Brannan, and is a native of Indi- iana, born in Dearborn county, February 10, 1821. When he was ten years old the family removed to Jackson county, Indi- ana, and there he followed the life of a farmer until eighteen years of age. At that time he learned the carpenter's trade, which occupation he followed for many years. In 1850, he, in company with others, came to Tama county, Iowa, but instead of settling here, determined to locate in Iowa county. There Mr. Bran- nan followed his trade for four years, and then returned to Tama county, settling in

HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 953

Toledo, where he continued to reside until 1864, at which date he removed to Tama City, where he still resides. He followed his trade until 1874, and since that time has been Justice of the Peace two years, and Marshal of the town six years. Dur- ing 1843, he was united in marriage with Miss Minerva S. Umbarger, a native of Washington county, Indiana. Five chil- dren were born to them, one of whom is now living: Leonidas H., now proprietor of the Northwestern Hotel, Tama City. Mr. Brannan was called to mourn the death of his wife in 1854, and he so cherished her in memory that he has never re-married.

Soon after this, settlers began to arrive rapidly, locating in other townships ad- joining this settlement. At this time the territory of Tama was a part of Toledo township, but these settlements were made in what is now embraced in the eivil township of Tama. Among other early settlers in this vicinity were Norman Lewis, E. Harmon, Andrew Jackson, W. Croskrey, Isaac Maden, James Burge and others.

Norman Lewis settled in Otter Creek township, in April, 1854. Upon his arri- val, he purchased 350 acres of wild land on sections 27 and 22; 300 acres of it was prairie, and the remaining fifty acres, timber. During the following summer he erected a log house on section 27, and in January, 1855, removed his family to their new home. Norman Lewis is a native of Suffield, Hartford county, Con- neeticut, born August 23, 1813, and is a son of James and Desire (Remmington) Lewis. His father and mother were also natives of Suffield. Mr. Lewis traces the

genealogy, on his father's side, to the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. His youth was spent on his father's farm, and at seventeen years of age he was apprenticed to a blacksmith. Subsequently he worked in the United States Armory, at Springfield, Massachusetts, and also was engaged for about six months in the Colt's pistol manufactory. In 1836, he came as far west as Ohio, settling in Medina county, where he lived until the fall of 1849, at which time he lost his first wife, Lucy (Kent) Lewis, to whom he was married in May of 1836. She bore him four children, of whom one is now living. Upon leaving Ohio, Mr. Lewis returned to Connecticut, where he remained a few months, then went to Springfield, Massa- chusetts, where he was married December 24, 1857, to Angeline E. Cleveland. In less than two years the husband was called to mourn her death; she died August 7, 1853. He was again married, February 8, 1854, choosing for a help-meet, Elizabeth L. Foster, a native of Hartford, Connecti- cut. In politics Mr. Lewis is a Republi- can, and while in Otter Creek township, he held the office of Justice of the Peace, and at one time was County Supervisor from that township. Ile was also the first postmaster of Tamaville postoffice, receiv- ing his appointment from Franklin Pierce, and continuing to discharge the duties of that office until Abraham Lincoln became President. In August, 1864, he bought his present place in the northern part of Tama City, where he has since erected a fine residence. In 1867, he embarked in the lumber business, at Tama City, in which trade he continued six years, and since that time has led a comparatively retired

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

life. ITe is a member of the Baptist Church of Tama City. Mr. Lewis had four children by his first wife: Mary Jane, born February 4, 1837, died May 30, 1838; Louisa D., born October 19, 1838, died March 22, 1858; James II., born June 13, 1840, now living in Furnas county, Nebraska, and Luther K., born July 20 ›

1846, died August 18, 1846.

Andrew Jackson is a native of Madison county, Indiana, born October 21, 1833. Ile is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Wood) Jackson, who were born in North Carolina. Andrew's early life was spent on his father's farm and he obtained his educa- tion in the common schools, of his native State. In February, 1850 the family re- moved to Wabash county, Indiana, and in 1855, Andrew came to Tama county, arriving here on the 3d of June. Shortly after, he returned to Indiana, and during the fall of the same year, again came west. He spent the winter in Toledo, and the following spring located on a rented farm north of that place. During the spring of 1858 he removed to Missouri and subse- quently to Indiana ; and in 1861 returned to Tama connty. In the summer of 1864 he purchased a farm in Indian Village township, and in connection with agricul- tural pursuits, was engaged in stock dealing. From 1870 to 1875, he was engaged in shipping blooded short-horn cattle from Kentucky to Tama county. At the end of that time he purchased a farm of 210 acres just northeast of Tama City, and now owns that farm and also 400 acres in Indian Village township. For the past three years Mr. Jackson has been largely en- gaged in shipping stock cattle west. In politics he is a strong Democrat, and has

always taken an active part in the political affairs of the county. During 1855 he was united in marriage with Miss Cathe- rine Quick, a native of Rush county, In- diana, a daughter of Elizabeth Quick. Eleven children have been born to them, eight of whom are living-Monroe, Mary, Albert, Emma, Wilbur, Eva and Effie, (twins) and Charles.

Wesley Croskrey was born December 25, 1827, in Muskingum county, Ohio. Ile is a son of Robert and Mary (lludson) Croskrey, who were also natives of that State. Wesley's education was received in his native county, and there he passed his youth and the first few years of his manhood. In 1856 he removed to Tama county, Iowa, and settled on his present farm, on section 32, Tama township. Mr. Croskrey has disposed of 100 acres of land to the Indians, but still owns a fine farm of 300 acres. He was married in 1851, to Miss Sarah McDonald, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of William and Lydia (Sehiofield) McDonald. Eight children have been born to them, five of whom are now living : Robert, whose home is now in the State of Minnesota ; Eliza, Joseph, Sadie and Jobnny.

On the 1st of May, 1856, Isaac Maden located at Toledo, Tama county, Iowa. He is a son of James and Elizabeth Maden, and was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, December 29, 1825. 1Ie remained in his native county until seventeen years of age, and then came west, making his first settlement in Whiteside county, Illinois, where he was engaged in working on a farm ; he was living there at the time of the "land riot," which occurred in 1846. In 1856 he left that State and emigrated

955

HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

with his family and worldly goods, which, all told, consisted of one team of horses, to Tama county, Iowa. Mr. Maden first located at Toledo, where he was engaged in teaming until the fall of 1858, when he settled on the place where he now resides. Ile earned .8400 with his team during the first four months of his residence in Toledo; but by the failure of the parties for whom he had worked, he lost it all, as he had taken their notes instead of the cash. Probably no one man in Tama county saw more hardships, or overcame greater ob- stacles during the pioneer days of the country, than did Isaac Maden : but suc cess was his watchword, and he bravely conquered all. He now owns, in Tama county, 220 acres of land, 140 of which is under a high state of cultivation, and the remaining eighty well under way. Twenty acres of his farm lie within the town corporation, the farm being just one mile south of the heart of the city. In 1847 he was joined in wedlock with Miss Bur- netta Lewis, a native of Arkansas. Six children have blessed their marriage : Emma, wife of Joseph Shaller ; Lucinda, wife of Byron Knowles ; Emery, Monroe, Benjamin F. and Lydia.

James Burge is a son of William and Ann Burge, and was born in England on the 5th of April, 1823. In 1829, the family emigrated to America, locating at Albany, New York, where the father died in 1882, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years; the mother died during 1855. James re- mained in that city and in other parts of New York, until 1851, at which time he removed to Davenport, Iowa, where he was engaged in the tobacco trade five

years. He then came to Tama county, and during the space of eleven years was engaged in the saw mill business at To- ledo. At the expiration of that time Mr. Burge settled on section 28 of Tama town- ship, where he now owns 495 acres of land. In politics he is a Republican, and has been Township Trustee for two years. In 1833, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Ellen S. Hooghkerk, a native of Lansingburg, New York. They have three children living ; Ellen Ann, wife of A. J. Tree, of Cedar Rapids ; William and James.

ITEMS OF INTEREST.

The first log house was built during the fall of 1850, on land entered by Rezin A. Redman on the southeast quarter of see- tion 25. The first frame house was built, during the fall of 1857, by J. II. Hollen, near the southeast corner of the south- west quarter of the southeast quarter of section 27. This house is still standing in Tama City and is now owned by G. II. Burt.

The first marriage united the destinies of George W. Wier and Miss Mary Rush, and took place at the residence of the bride's parents on section 23. The cere- mony was performed by. Judge John C. Vermilya.

The first birth was a son, Willie, to J. H. Hollen and wife, on the 9th day of February, 1853. The second birth was a son, Ewing, to William Blodgett and wife, December 10, 1853.

The first death was that of Willie IIol- len, April 1, 1853, at the age of one month and twenty-two days. He was buried in what is now Oak Hill cemetery.

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

POSTOFFICE.

An office was established December 13, 1853, called Toledo, on section 27, at the residence of J. II. Ilollen, who was the first postmaster, receiving his appointment from James Campbell, Postmaster-Gener- al. This place is now in Tama City. At that time it was on the route from Ma- rengo to Marietta, and mail was received once a week when the carrier could cross the river. This route was on the south side of the river and at times the water was so high that it was impossible to ford it. Often when the carrier was afraid to eross, Mr. Hollen would swim the river and transfer the mail in a pillow case. Hle remained postmaster and the office was kept at his house until removed to the town of Toledo, in October, 1855, when he was sneceeded by John Zehrung.

Mr. Ilollen's report for the first quarter, from February 11, to March 31, 1853, showed:

Number of weekly papers received ... 18

Total business transacted. $2.86}

Due the U. S. Government. 88

Due J. Il. Ilollen 1.98}

Total. $2.86}

The second report, from April 1, to June 30, showed:

Papers distributed. 54

Total business

$1.05.

Due U. S. Government 5.12}

Due J. II. Hollen 6. 92}

Total. $12.05

The report for the third quarter showed:

Papers distributed. 62

Total business. $12.65

Due U. S. Government. 4.85}

Due J. II. Hollen.

7.79

Total $12.65

ORGANIC.

The county board at its September ses- sion divided township 83, range 15, and set apart the two south tiers of sections for a civil township, to be known as Tama, and ordered that the first election be held at the school house in Tama City, on the 3d of November, 1868. Accordingly the first election was held at the above men- tioned time and place, N. Lewis, E. Har- man and S. W. Cole being the Judges of Election, and the Clerks, B. A. Hall and F. J. M. Wonser. The officers elected were: R. M. Wells, John Fife and N. G. Wheaton, Trustees; E. Ilarmon and James Burge, Justices of the Peace; Thomas J. Smith and W. T. Hollen, Constables; A. M. Batchelder, Clerk; James McClung, Assessor; Frank Patterson, Collector.

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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 109

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