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 120

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 120

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

sisted in their publication two more years, making in all ten editions of the sixteen already published. In 1873, he was ap- pointed Presiding Elder of Charles City district. Having successfully filled the con- stitution term, he was appointed, in 1876, Presiding Elder of the Dubuque district. Ilis term expiring here in 1880, and it be- ing contrary to the usage of the Church to continue the same person in the Elder- ship more than two terms in succession, Dr. Keeler was remanded to the pastorate and appointed to Fayette, the seat of the Upper Iowa University, he being at the time President of its Board of Trustees. After two years in this charge, he was stationed in September, 1882, in Toledo. Dr. Keeler has held the responsible office of Presiding Elder three terms, which is more than any other member of his Con- ference has held it. He has been elected delegate to the General Conference three times, viz : 1860, 1861 and 1872. No other member of the Upper Iowa Conference, with a single exception and that a General Conference officer, has been elected as often. In 1864, he received a larger majority of votes for General Conference delegate than any man ever received in the history of the Conference. In 1868, he was elected reserve delegate, but afterward resigned. In 1876, he with- drew from the canvass before the final vote. In 1870, he was appointed histori- ographer of the Upper Iowa Conference, and since that time he has been collect- ing material for a complete history of Upper Iowa Methodism. Dr. Keeler is forty-eight years of age, and is the father of eight children, five of whom still live to gladden his heart and home. He attrib-

utes much of his success since he entered the ministry to the steady Christian ex- ample, patient, earnest spirit and pure and noble Christian character of his wife. As an educator, Dr. Keeler has been very successful. During the fearful financial crisis of 1857-8, the number of students at Cornell College, then under his man- agement, was greater than any preceding year. But it is in preaching that his mas- sive intellect finds fullest scope. He stands almost unrivalled and alone, having but few equals. His sermons are productions marked with great originality of thought, eminently clear and logical, apt and forcible in illustration, practical in application and conclusive in argu- ment. Therefore not only the "common people hear him gladly,"but the educated and refined flock to his ministrations. Dr. Keeler is possessed of good business qualifications, is social and a most excel- Ient pastor and administrator, which traits of character make him a favorite with the laity and add to his popularity as a minis- ter. May he long live to bless the Church and the world.

The Catholic was one of the first Churches organized in Toledo. Among the original members were the following: M. Rensch and Anna, his wife; John Youngman and wife; William Roderick and Kate, his wife; John, Joseph and An- thony Menton; Adam Brecht and wife; John Boyer and wife; Madison Schrader and wife; John Haggerty and wife; Den- nis O'Connor and wife; Dennis Hag- gerty and wife; Enright and wife; Mr. Metz and wife; Jaquog and wife; Sharey and wife; John Feeley and wife; T. MeDermott and wife; Donald MeDonald

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

and wife; John Meyer and Anton Reusch and wife.

In 1862, Father Emmons, of Iowa City, held services here. Meetings were held in private houses for a number of years. Through the influence of Father Emmons, a subscription was started and the present church edifice was erected at a cost of about $1,000. The size of the building is 20x30 feet; a story and a half high, with a seating capacity of 125. In 1883, the pastor was Father Patrick Mahen, the membership, 102.

SOCIETIES.

The A. O. U. W. Lodge, No. 23, was or- ganized at the rooms of the I. O. O. F., in April, 1875, with the following named charter members: A. II. Sterrett, Past Master Workman; II. S. Bradshaw, Mas- ter Workman; W. II. Stivers, Overseer; W. M. Brown, Financier; D. D. Appelgate, Recorder; W. E. Appelgate, Watchman; N. A. Stewart, Guide; G. M. Berger, G. F .; L. G. Kinne, H. C. Hemperley, W. Bradbrook, II. J. Patterson, Gus Reich- man, II. B. Belden, J. H. Bates, W. W. Souster, J. W. Willett and G. W. Sweatt. The Order continued until 1882, their Lodge numbering fifty-three, at which date a trouble arose between the Grand and Supreme Lodges, causing a division. Forty members withdrew, adhering to the Grand Lodge, while the other thirteen stood by the Supreme Lodge.

One death had occurred up to 1883. W. II. Blake, who died in 1880. $2,000, was paid to the widow promptly after his death. The Lodge also paid $115 sick benefits.

The officers for 1883 were: Peter Lichty, M. W .; HI. B. Beklen, Overseer; J. M.

Winn, Financier; H. C. HTemperley, Re- corder; W. H. Stivers, G. F.

A. O. U. W., of Iowa, No. 23, withdrew from the Supreme Lodge in July, 1880, with forty members. The first officers af- ter the division were: A. J. Dingce, P. M. W .; James H. Ross, M. W .; J. C. Fitzger- ald, Foreman; W. E. Appelgate, Recorder; F. E. Smith, Receiver; C. E. Olney, Finan- cier; L. Loupee, Overseer; C. II. Tode, Guide; J. H. Bates, Inside Watchman.

Officers of 1883 were: J. H. Ross, P. M. W .; J. C. Fitzgerald, M. W .; B. Stone, Foreman; L. Loupee, Overseer; A. J. Dingee, Recorder; C. E. Olney, Financier.

Toledo Lodge, No. 118, A. F. A. M., was organized under dispensation in 1857, and received its charter from the Grand Lodge under date June 2, 1858. Its first officers were: Lafayette Cheney, W. M .; S. M. Wadley, S. W. and G. M. Fox, J. W. The charter members, in addition to the officers mentioned, were Jonas P. Wood, H. A. Williamson, John Allen, I. B. Lonthan and Joseph Powell. The Lodge has had a steady growth since its organization, and has accomplished much good in the community, having numbered among its members some of the best citi- zens of the place. The following ramed have occupied the position of Worshipful Master since its organization: Lafayette Cheney, John Allen, David D. Appelgate, A. J. Wheaton, David Arb, George R. Struble, A. J. Wheaton, A. II. Sterrett, A. J. Free and Isaac Stoner. The Lodge has at present a membership of forty-two, and is in a most prosperous condition, with the following named officers in the spring of 1883: George R. Struble, W. M .; George L. Bailey, S. W .; J. N. Springer, J. W .;

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

Isaac Stoner, Treasurer; A. J. Wheaton, Secretary; David Arb, S. D .; T. J. Sweatt, J. D .; D. IIuston, Tyler.

Toledo Lodge, No. 79, I. O. O. F. was organized September 18, 1869, by Deputy Grand Master, R. How Taylor, of Mar- shalltown Lodge, with Robert Blake, George P. Werum, S. C. Rogers, Jacob Reedy, C. N. Knapp and W. H. Stivers as charter members. The following named were chosen officers for the first term : S. C. Rogers, N. G .; Jacob Reedy, V. G .; W. H. Stivers, Secretary. The Lodge has had a prosperous existence, and now owns its Lodge room on High street, and has it well furnished with all the paraphernalia of the order. It has ample funds in its treasury and money at interest. It pays weekly benefits of $4.50 to each member when sick and one dollar per capita funeral benefits. Since its organization three of its membership have been re- moved by death-C. N. Knapp, Jacob Reedy and Henry Geibert. W. II. Stivers has been Secretary of the Lodge the greater part of its existence, and is the present Secretary, with E. J. Cannon, N. G .; W. A. Me Anulty, V. G.

Toledo Lodge No. 26, Legion of Honor, was organized in July, 1879, by L. F. Bas- sett, Deputy Grand President of the State. The charter members were as follows : C. J. Stevens, A. J. Dingee, L. B. Blinn, J. M. Winn, T. S. Free, D. Camery, C. C. Quintard, F. B. Gault, A. J. Ilassell, W. II. Stivers, P. C. Jones, Isaac Stoner, F. E. Smith, Union Stoner, E. B. Coats, E. E. Stickney, E. M. Bielby, George Lichty, E. J. Connor, S. C. Leland, T. J. Sweatt, E: (. Ebersole, John Mather, S. M. Loomer, J. A. Fuhlendorf, S. Moore, A. J Bartlett,

C. D. Coats, H. E. Wills, J. T. Wilson, G. W. Ingersoll, R. G. MeIntyre, J. B. M. Bishop, G. W. Free, Jr., F. S. Ilarlan, Benjamin Stone, Iliram Baldwin. C. S. Jerome, E. A. Coats, C. E. S. Conger and G. R. Struble.

The first officers were : C. J. Stevens, President ; J. M. Winn, Vice President ; F. E. Smith, Recording Secretary ; A. J. Dingee, Secretary ; Isaac Stoner, Treas- urer : A. J. Hassell, Chaplain ; T. S. Free, Usher ; John Mather, Doorkeeper ; E. B. Coats, Sentinel; J. S. Moore, L. B. Blinn and T. S. Free, Trustees.

The presiding officers from the organiza- tion to the present time, were as follows: C. J. Stephens, J. M. Winn, J. B. M. Bishop, F. E. Smith, W. Stivers and A. J. Ilassell.

The officers in 1883, were: J. M. Winn, President ; C. E. Olney, Vice-President ; Newton Dodd, Recording Secretary ; Union Stoner, Financial Secretary ; Isaac Olney, Treasurer ; J. W. Mather, Chaplain ; S. M. Loomer, Usher ; E. A. Coats, Doorkeeper; John Fuhlendorf, Sen- tinel; W. II. Stivers, Trustee ; Dr. L. II. Carey and Dr. J. W. Springer, Medical Ex- aminers; J. M. Winn, Representative to Grand Lodge. E. II. Smith died August 2, 1882, being the only death in the Lodge since the organization. The Toledo mem- bership, since its organization, has been fifty-three. Membership in 1883, fifty. Five of the fifty held an additional beneficiary, making fifty-five certificates in force. The Lodge was made up of the representative men of the county, and is in a flourishing condition. The society, up to 1883 have had only twenty-three assess- ments, making a very cheap insurance.

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

CHAPTER XL.

YORK TOWNSHIP.

This territory comprises all of Con- gressional township 82 north, range 13, west of the fifth principal meridian. It is watered by Salt creek and its tributaries, the main stream entering on section 5, and flowing toward the south and southeast, makes exit on section 36. East of this stream the surface lies gently undulating, and consists of a beautiful prairie. The soil is a rich dark loam. West of Salt creek throughout the township, the land lies quite rolling and sometimes hilly and bluffy, and the soil is a light clay. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in agri- culture. East of Salt creek they are mostly American, and on the west, Bohe- mian. There are three towns in this township, Waltham, Elberon and Vining. EARLY SETTLEMENT.

This is the oldest settled township in the county, the first settlement being made in 1849, by William Riley Vandorin, a native of Jennings county, Indiana, who came from Henry county, Iowa. He took a squatter's claim on section 22, but the land having been entered by another party he was forced to leave. In 1854 he entered the west half of the northeast quarter of section 14, where he lived until 1870, when he sold out and went to Kan- sas. He now lives in Coon Rapids, Car- roll county, lowa, where he is engaged in blacksmithing.

Mrs. Phobe Fowler, the second settler in this township, came in 1851 and took a squatter's claim on section 23, where she lived a few years then moved to Oneida. She died in Iowa county a few years later.

William Carruthers, a son-in-law of Mrs. Fowler came in 1852 and made a claim on section 23. Ile sold his claim in 1854 and removed to Kansas.

Willis and James Vandorin and Isaae Smith were early settlers here, but the date of their settlement is not positively known. Willis entered the southwest of the northwest of section 15. In 1856 he went to Irving, where he built a hotel, which he sold a year later and returned to Henry county. James entered the southwest quarter of the southwest quar- ter of section 14. In 1858, he returned to Henry county. Smith took a squatter's elaim but did not prove up on it. 1le went to California a few years later and remained a short time when he returned. In 1862, he enlisted in the army, went south, where, on aceount of his disability, he was discharged and returned home, where he soon after died. Ilis oldest son now lives in Oneida.

Zachariah T. Shugart, a native of North Carolina and his son Levi II., arrived here from Michigan, on the 21st day of July, 1853, and entered land in this township. Mr. Shugart entered the southeast of the

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

southwest quarter of seetion 14. The son entered the west half of the southeast quar- ter of section 11, and the east half of the southwest of the same section. The father lived here until the time of his death, which occurred in 1881. The son with his mother still oeeupy the original claim.

Zachariah T. Shugart was born in Surry county, North Carolina, November 27, 1805. He was but a small boy when his parents moved to Indiana and settled in Wayne county, where they were among the first settlers. The father bought tim- ber land and cleared a farm and also built a mill which he operated. Zachariah assisted his father on the farm until about eighteen years of age, when he engaged to learn the cabinet maker's trade. He was married January 4, 1827, to Miss Susanna Harris, also a native of Surry county, North Carolina. They remained in Wayne county for a time, then went to Randolph county, where Mr. Shugart pur- chased land and after clearing a few acres, sold and removed to Grant county. He lived in several different places in Indi- ana until 1840, when he went to Michi- gan, purchasing timber land in Cass county. With the assistance of his boys he cleared a farm and made that his home until 1853, then sold and came to Iowa, settling in township 83, range 13, Benton county, now Tama county. Ile died Jan- uary 15, 1881. His widow still lives with her son Levi. I'revious to the war, Mr. Shugart was a Lloyd Garrison Aboli- tionist, and his house was for many years a shelter for fugitive slaves. His parents were Quakers and Mr. Shugart was for many years an elder in that Church ; but

in later years he became an Universalist and died in that faith.

Levi II. Shugart came with his father in 1853 and settled on the same section. He is the oldest living settler in the town- ship. He put up a log cabin, in which he lived several years, then built his present frame house. Levi was born in Wayne county, Indiana, October 22, 1827, and was thirteen years of age when his par- ents moved to Michigan. He there learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he worked until coming to Iowa. Mr. Shugart was married February 17, 1859, to Miss Naney Overturf, daughter of Simon and Lydia Overturf. This union was blessed with two children: Laura B. and Noah Kelita. Mrs. Shugart died Sep- tember 21, 1863, and August 4, 1864, Mr. Shugart was married to Miss Catherine Ashby, of Indiana. They have six chil- dren: Lucinda E., Joseph S., Lena L., Levi D., George Z. and Jessie L. Mr. Shugart has been successful as a farmer, and now owns 300 acres of well improved land.

The same year, Dr. K. D. Shugart, a native of Indiana, came and bought two aeres of land of his brother Levi on sec- tion 14, where he lived about two years and practiced medicine. He then went to Irving, where he lived several years, thence to Colorado. After his return from this point he opened a drug store at Belle Plaine, and continued in business there until 1870, when he went to Califor- nia and located at Riverside, where he is now following his profession.

Hankerson Ashby, formerly from Indi- ana, was a settler of 1853 and claimed the east half of the northeast quarter of see-

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

tion 14. He sold this claim in February, 1854, and went to Michigan, and after a few years returned to this township and located at Redman, where he died in 1869.

The first land actually entered in this township was by James R. and Thomas A. Graham, natives of New York, who came here from Illinois in 1853. The former selected the northeast quarter of section 25, which he improved and lived upon until the time of his death in August 1881. ITis widow now makes this her home.

James R Graham was a native of New York, born May 31, 1812. When a young man he learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked in his native State until 1853, when he came to Iowa, and settled in town 83, range 13, in Tama county, purchasing land on section 25. Mr. Gra- ham was married in 1838 to Miss Margaret Pound, a native of Orange county, New York. Seven children have been born to them, five of whom are now living: Mar- garet A., Charles HI., James 1I., Jada E. and John W. Mr. Graham was one of the first township officers and was the first postmaster at Traer.

In 1853, Elijah Thompson, of New York State, came here from Michigan and set- tled on section 23. He went to Kansas in the summer of 1872 and in September of that year died in that State. He is re- membered as a great hunter.

David Reynolds came in 1854 and set- tled on section 29, where he remained only a short time.

Thomas A. Graham entered the north half of the northeast quarter and the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 36. In 1854 he moved to Tole-

do, where he remained until the time of his death in December, 1882.

Stephen A. Wilcox, a native of New York State, came here in 1854 and bought Hankerson Ashby's claim on sec- tion 14 and entered the land in June of that year. Afterward he sold this claim and entered 140 acres on the northwest quarter of section 3. This elaim he also sold in 1855 and bought the northwest quarter of section 25. Afterward he also sold this claim and in 1856 moved to Iowa Town, Benton county, where he now lives.

Jeptha Edmunds, a native of Vermont, came here from Michigan in June, 1854, and entered the southwest quarter of sec- tion 14, where he lived until 1868, when he moved to Cedar Rapids and died there in November, 1871.

Truman Prindle, a native of New York State, arrived in June, 1854, and bought land of Stephen Wilcox on sections 12 and 14. In 1881, he sold eighty acres of his farm to the C. M. & St. P. R. R. Co., for a town site. He still lives on section 14.

Truman Prindle, was born in Onondaga county, New York, November 6, 1821. When a young man, he went to Michigan and purchased a farm in Pokagon town- ship, Cass county. Heimproved the land, built a house and in 1853, sold out; then the year following came to Iowa, locating in Tama county, on sections 13 and 14, township 83, range 13, now known as York township. He lived in a log cabin for ten years, then built the frame house in which he now lives. In 1881, he soll eighty acres of his land to the C. M. & St. 1'. Railroad Company, for atown site, and on this land the village of Elberon was platted. Mr. Prindle was married in 1855,

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

to Miss Emily M., daughter of Jeptha and Candis Edmunds, and widow of William Michael. Mrs. Prindle has one son liv- ing-Arling Michael.

John Newton, a native of England, came from Will county, Illinois, in 1854, and entered land on section 36. In 1882, he sold and moved to Neosha Falls, Wood- son county, Nebraska.

Simon Overturf, a Pennsylvanian, came here in 1854, and entered the southeast (quarter of section 25, where he still lives.

John Wilder and John Sayles, natives of York State, arrived in 1854. Sayles bought land of T. A. Graham, where he lived about six years then sold and moved to Iowa City. Ile now lives in Linn county. Wilder, who was a single man, entered land in Benton county, but made his home with Sayles.

Samuel Royce, a native of York State, came in 1854, and entered the southeast quarter of section 25. The next year he sold and went to Benton county. He joined the Union Army and was killed at the battle of Pittsburg Landing. His widow now lives at Irving.

Thomas Lewis, of York State, came in 1855, settled on the northeast quarter of section 3, remained there one year and re- moved to Benton county, where he died in 1877.

Lemuel Dresser, of Tioga county, New York, came in 1855, and located on seetion 24. He was a harness inaker and carriage trimmer by trade. He made this his home until the time of his death in 1865. Ilis widow now occupies the homestead.

George W. Selvy, from Illinois, arrived in 1855, and located on the northeast quar-

ter of section 23. In 1861, he went to Belle Plaine. Ile died in Illinois in 1865.

Frank McClelland, from the same State, came also in 1855 and settled on section 23. Ile went to the war and upon his return settled in Keokuk.

Reuben Rogers, a native of York State, came in 1856 and bought land on seetion 25. IIe improved the land and lived there until the time of his death, which occurred February 4, 1882. One of his sons now lives on the farm, while another is en- gaged in the lumber trade in Elberon. Reuben Rogers was born in Oneida county, New York, June 3, 1800, and was reared in Otsego county, to which place his parents moved when he was but two years of age. Here, in 1826, he was mar- ried to Miss Chloe L. Orcutt, and in 1835, moved to Ellery township, Chantanqua county, where he bought a farm and lived until 1856, at which time he came to Iowa to seek a home. He bought a farm on section 25, York township, on which he lived until his death, which occurred Feb- ruary 4, 1882. llis wife died February 29, 1864. Of their six children, five came to lowa : Maria, Delos, Reuben O., Amos R. and Matilda.

Amos R. Rogers, the youngest son, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, April 14, 1838, where he was reared to agricultural pursuits and re- ceived his early education in the district school. llis education was completed in the Iowa State University, from the Nor- mał department of which he graduated in 1862, being the first graduate in that school from Tama county. In the spring. of 1863, he went to Colorado, spending the summer in the Rocky Mountains, and

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

returned home in the fall. Since then he was employed during the winter months in teaching, and in the summer seasons farming in company with his brother, on the old homestead until 1881, when he came to Elberon and engaged in the lum- ber business. On October 18, 1864, he was married to Miss Helen S., daughter of Lemuel and Mary (Hendry) Dresser. They have been blessed with five chil- dren : Addie M., Delos C., Mary Bertha, Eflie C. and Herman G. Mr. Rogers is a man of energy and ability, as his suc- cess both in the school room and on the farm indicates.

' Reuben O., third son of Reuben and Chloe (Orcutt) Rogers, was born in Chau- tauqua county, New York, October 14, 1835, where his younger days were spent on a farm. Ilis education was received in the common schools. Ile came to Iowa with his parents in 1856, and in 1861, was married to Miss Margaret Ashby, who bore him one child and died in 1863. The child died when eighteen months old His second wife, to whom he was married in 1869, was Miss Margaret, daughter of James R. and Margaret (Pound) Graham. They have been blessed with four chil- dren : James G., Maggie May, Charles R. and Matilda A. Mr. Rogers now occupies the farm which his father bought when he came to Iowa, and which Mr Rogers and brother have managed for several years. Mr. Rogers is the present Assessor of the township, having been elected to that office for a second term.

Fred Williams, formerly from Ver- mont, came in 1856 and settled on section 26, where he continued to live four or

five years and then removed to Johnson county.

Michael Musel came in 1856 and settled on section 31, where he now lives.

Frank Matula eame the same year and located on section 30 and now lives in Salt Creek.

John Budka arrived in 1856 and set- tled on section 30. In 1873, he went to Kansas.

John Lovenburg, a shoemaker by trade, settled on section 29 in 1856 and removed to Kansas, 1875.

Anthony Weaver and family came from Bohemia and settled in York township.

Frank, second son of Anthony and Cath- arine Weaver, was born in Bohemia, No- vember 10, 1836, came to America with his parents in 1856, and settled with them in York township, this county. In 1864 he was married to Miss Mary Caslavka. They lived with her parents for two years, then settled on land that he had previous- ly bought on section 18. Mr. Weaver now owns 120 acres of improved land and twenty acres of timber land. He has a family of seven children.

William Alexander, Sr., settled in York township in 1856, on section 9. Mr. Alex- ander was born in Roughazie, near Glas- gow, Scotland, January 7, 1808. He was reared on a farm, receiving a liberal edu- cation in the country schools. Mr. Alex- ander was married in 1834, to Miss Mary Clelland, who bore him six children, three of whom are now living: Agnes, George and William. In 1851 they left their na- tive land, came to New York City, and from thence to Chicago, where Mr. Alex- ander was employed in the Galena car shops. Their residence in Iowa dates

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

from 1856, at which time they settled in York township, Tama county, on section 9 where Mr. Alexander had previously en- tered land. Here they built a log house, 16x20 feet, in which they lived until 1865, then erected the frame house, where they now live. Mrs. Alexander died on the 2d day of February, 1875, being sixty-eight years of age.

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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 120

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