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 33
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canoes rested upon the summit of a high mountain. It is readily seen that this tradition is merely another version of the Bible narrative of Noah and the ark; told, it is true, in a rude way, but the truths are still intact and the Indians firmly believe in its authenticity.
The Musquakies have a system of self government. They are divided into three families or clans, which are each repre- sented by a chief; then there is a council consisting of a number of braves who are chosen with reference to their general in- telligence or else those who have distin- guished themselves in war or otherwise. in addition to these there is a "Business Chief," who is the highest in authority; he attends to the business, leads them in case of war, and is the general executive. Nothing is done except what is agreed to by the council and their wishes are car- ried out by the head chief. Whatever be their decree most of the people at once submit to it without the need of perswa- sion or force, and it is very seldom that even the slightest of their laws are vio- lated. There are sometimes exceptions to this in the cases of young men who obtain liquor from the whites and when under its influence will pay but little attention to the laws of the chiefs.
The present "Business Chief" is "Mah- tah-e-qua" who years ago distinguished himself in war with the Sioux. His name, in Indian tongue, indicates the office he holds : Major-General or Leader.
'The names of the principal clans, or families are Wolf, Elk and Bear. The name of the Wolf Chief is Muk-we-posh- e-to, which signifies "Old Bear." Ile is only about nineteen years of age, and
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therefore does not have much weight in the council.
The Elk Chief is " Wah-ko-mo," mean- ing " clear or bright." He was born on Turkey River, Iowa, and is about 65 years old. His words have great influ- ence with the tribe, and he is, in one sense, a leader of the council.
The Chief representing the Bear fami- ly is Push-e-to-nik, who is about 45 years old.
As a rule, the offices of the Indians are hereditary. When a chief dies his son takes his rank, and, if too young, they either wait until he has reached the years of discretion, or the remaining chiefs ap- point some one to fill the vacancy until the heir attains maturity. If any one of the tribe does wrong, his face is blacked, and he is obliged to fast a day or more, according to the nature of the crime or offense.
They are very much opposed to educa- tion, because, they say, "We don't want our children to grow up like white chil- dren. When white people come to our village we treat them well, the children stand back; but when the Indian goes to town the white children throw stones at him and call him names." They have a school house but are so predjudiced against edu- cation that it is hard work to get a young Indian into it. The old braves would not venture in until all the desks were taken out. They say that if they are educated they will become mean like the white man-"White man awful smart but awful mean." They say the "white man is so mean that when he dies his God puts him in an awful hot place and burns him for- ever, but the Indian's God is more merci-
ful, and the mean Indian less wicked; the Great Spirit sifts him like the chaff and the good Indian goes to the happy hunting ground beyond the river where the bad Indian and the white man never comes." They have a faith that laughs at the im- possible, and their confidence in the ways and workings of the Great Spirit for good would put to shame many faithless white men.
Some of the Indians are very intelligent and philosophical. At one time Judge Leander Clark, who was their agent, asked one of the chiefs if he would allow one of his boys to be brought up by Mr. Clark as a white boy. The chief shook his head and upon being asked why, replied: "If you took my boy he would be brought up like a white man; the Great Spirit never intended that he should be a pail face or Hle would have made him white; IIe has made him red and intends he should be brought up like red men. Would you let me bring up your white boy like red men? Then you can have my Indian boy to bring up like white man."
The Indians have a way of expressing themselves in writing and often write let- ters to acquaintances in Nebraska and the Indian Territory. Some of the Indians claim that they still own a strip of land crossing the State of Iowa, ten miles wide, claiming that at the time of the last treaty that much was reserved to them. Whether the majority of the Indians believe this is not known, as it is seldom, if ever, spoken of to-day, by any of them.
After the birth of a child the mother keeps a separate fire and eats alone, and the brave does not go near to see either mother or child until the little one is at
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least a month old.
The Indians cannot swear until they learn the English language in which to express it. The Indian language contains no words that could be used for profanity, and the worst thing one Indian can call another is " a dog" or " a fool," which is considered a deadly insult.
The Indian village is located near the center of the reservation. In the spring they move to the fields and until the crop is sown, camp where they are at work. As soon as the spring's work is done they move into the village and have an easy time until the crop matures. They then move back to the fields and remain until the crop is gathered. After this the In- dians-most of them at least,-leave their Tama county home and spend the winter in some of the adjoining counties, only to make their appearance when the time for spring work again rolls round. They do that for the purpose of finding maple trees, game and charity.
In a retrospective view of the tribe, while residents of the Tama county but one marked scene of violence can be re- called. This occurred upon the morning of June 13, 1874, resulting in the murder of a Pownee Indian. The facts as given by the Tama City Press of June 19, 1874, are as follows :
" On the morning of June 12, 1874, four Pawnee Indians came to the camp of the Misquakies, and remained all day and the night of the 12th. On the next morning
one of them while but a few steps from the wick-iup was approached from behind by one of the Musquakies called "Black Wolf," who drew a revolver and fired three shots. The first entering the back of the head, and passing through the brain lodged under the skull in front; the second one passing into the base ofthe neck,passed up- ward toward the head and came to the sur- face near the right ear ; and the other was mearly a scalp wound. The last two wounds were not necessarily fatal, but the first one bore unmistakable evidence of the intention of him who held the fatal weapon. At the first shot the Pawnee went down, and the other two must have hit him while in the act of falling. When we reached the camp, the Pawnee, had been buried, and not fearing a dead Indian, we had no necessity for the pro- fessional assistance of either of the gentle- men who accompanied us. Soon after, the coroner, deputy sheriff, Indian agent and several other parties appeared upon the scene, and the dead Pawnee was resur- rected, brought to Tama city, together with his murderer and on Saturday even- ing an inquest was held by E. M. Beilby, county coroner."
When it was proven that Black Wolf did the bloody deed, a warrant was issued and delivered to deputy sheriff Bartlett who arrested him and lodged him in jail. Black Wolf remained in jail until Febru- ary 18, 1875, when be was discharged, the witnesses failing to appear against him.
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CHAPTER IV.
THE BEGINNING.
To the readers of local history the chapter relating to the early settlement, the first events and beginning of the his- tory of a country, is of general interest. Especially is this the ease with pioneers themselves ; those who have witnessed the changes that have been made ; who have seen a trackless wilderness or prairie transformed into a beautiful country, and filled with an enterprising and happy peo- ple. He reads here slowly and critically, every word recalling memories of the past, which for a generation have been buried among a host of recollections which now arise before him like a dream. His old associations, the deeds, the trials and bat- tles against hunger and cold, while set- tlers were few and far between, and wolves howled about the little log cabin, sending a chill to his heart ; and the wind driving the sifting snow through the erev- ices-all arise now vividly before him. Often it is with pleasure he ean recall these recollections, viewing with satisfae- tion the thought that he lived through it all to see a thrifty and wealthy land, dot- ted with school-houses and churches, and villages and cities.
But again it will be with sadness that the past is recalled, as thoughts spring up of the dark and painful side of weary days. How a wife, whose virtues, bravery
and simplicity will always be remember- ed, or a child, prattling in its innocence being called from earth to its eternal home, was laid away under the cruel sod in solemn quietude, by the rough and ten- der hands of hardy pioneers. Time had partially allayed the sting, but the wound is now uncovered by the allusion to days gone by, and the cases are not a few, where a tear of bitter sadness will course down the cheek in honor of the memory of those who have departed.
Notwithstanding the many disadvanta- ges, and even sorrows attendant upon the first steps of civilization, and the adversi- ties to be encountered, the pioneers led a happy life. The absence of the aristo- cratic and domineering power of wealth and position must have been a source of comfort and satisfaction. Merit alone in- sured equality, and this could not be sup- pressed by tradition. The brotherhood of man was illustrated in a sincere and prac- tical way, and hospitality was not consid- ered so much of a christian trait as a du- ty to humanity.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
To learn with any degree of accuracy the first actual settler of a loeality that has been settled for a generation is a more dif- fieult task than would be imagined. There is only one rule which can be adopt
A. Wilkinson
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
ed, and that is to state the arrivals in the order in which they came, giving the dates as given by the parties themselves, and let the reader judge for himself. For years past there has been controversy over the question as to who was really the very first settler in Tama county. The historian does not dispute a single elaim, hut presents the statement of each claim- ant. The matter was submitted to the General Committee appointed by the Old Settlers Society for the revision of the history, and they decided that full cre- dence should be given the statements of the settlers themselves, as there was no way of either proving or disproving the claims.
According to the dates given the histo- rian, the first to locate in the territory now comprising Tama county, with a view to secure a permanent home, was the Vandorin party, who came from Henry county, and settled in York township May 21, 1849. The principal part of the little colony was William Riley Vandorin, his wife Rachel and two children. With them came two hired men, James Van- dorin and Isaac MeKern ; Ephraim Whit- taker also came with his wife and two children. William Riley Vandorin and his wife's brother, Isaac Smith, came to Tama county in the fall of 1848, and took the claims upon which they afterward set- tled, and then returned to Henry county, where the family had been left. In IFen- ry county Smith was taken siek, and de- layed the party starting until May 9, 1849. When they finally got started, Smith was left to follow in June, as he was still un- able to travel. Vandorin had five yoke of cattle, and Whittaker four, and the
mud was so bad that often it took the whole drove of nine yoke to pull one of the wagons. They were obliged to leave their breaking plows by the wayside. Vandorin settled upon the place he had selected in section 22, York township, where he had erected a cabin, upon the low lands. In 1851 the hard rains came, flooded the cabin and surr undings, and Vandorin built another one upon the bluffs, where he moved his family and stock. Ephraim Whittaker took a claim south of Irving, in what is now called Salt Creek township, about 5 miles from Vandorin's. Ile stayed until fall, but thought the country was "too new " for him, and returned to llenry county. The first furrow of land was turned by Van- dorin and Whittaker June 3, 1849. The men planted it in pumpkin seed and corn, raised quite a lot of eorn, and nearly a hundred wagon loads of pumpkins. Van- dorin's claim was entered away from him in 1854, and he took np another quarter. In 1883 he was living in Coon Rapids, Carroll county, Iowa. In the chapter up- on "Reminiscences" will be found an interesting account of the settlement of this party, by Mrs. Rachel Vandorin.
James Vandorin and Isaac McKern, who have been mentioned as being hired men, only remained until fall, returning to Henry county. They both took " squat- ter's claims."
During the fall of the same year, 1849, another party made their appearance and became citizens of Tama county. These where the Wilkinsons, consisting of the mother, three brothers, Anthony, Robert, and William, and three sisters, who all settled in township 82, range 13-now
3
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
Salt Creek. Their arrival in Tama coun- ty was on the 14th day of October, 1849; they came from Coshocton county, Ohio. Anthony and William had been soldiers in the Mexican war and had just received their "land warrants," which they in due time located. The brother Robert pur- chased land near them in the same town- ship. They immediately commenced build- ing a hewn log cabin on the southwest quarter of section 21, which was then own- ed by Robert. In the "Reminiscence Chapter" will be found an interesting ac- count of their settlement by Anthony Wilkinson. Anthony and William still live in Salt Creek township, the oldest liv- ing settlers in Tama county.
Anthony Wilkinson was born in Ireland, July 28, 1817. At the age of fourteen he came with his parents to America, spend- ing the first three years clerking in a store in Prince George county, Maryland, after which he joined his parents in Ohio, where they had settled on a farm. Shortly after, he commenced work at the carpenter trade and followed that business the greater part of the time until coming to Tama county in 1849, as stated. Ilere he located land on sections 19 and 20, where he still re- sides. November, 1850, he married Miss Sarah A. Graham, a native of Ohio. They have a family of seven children-Milton B., Albert A., Lincoln P., Grant, Thomas, Mary A. and Edith. In 1846, Mr. Wilk- inson enlisted and served under General Taylor in the Mexican war. After eight months of active service he was taken prisoner by the Mexicans and suffered un- told distress and exposure for seven months. After the seige and surrender of the City of Mexico, he was liberated on parole.
He now owns a fine farm of 357 acres, but pays special attention to the raising of fine stock. Ile is highly respected as a man and citizen.
William Wilkinson, also a native of Ireland, was born Angust 3, 1820. When fourteen years of age, he came with his parents to America, and located on a farm in Ohio, where he remained until 1847, when he enlisted and went with General Scott to Mexico, participating in the Mexi- can war. lle served eighteen months and on receiving his discharge, returned to Ohio. In 1849, he came to lowa, finally locating in Salt Creek township, Tama county, on section 21, where he has since made his home. In 1852, he married Miss Sarah Hollepeter, of Ohio. They have had a family of twelve children-Theres- sie J., Harriet I., Franeis E., Charles A., William E., ( dead ) Josiah A., Martha E., Harry O., Robbie ( deceased ) Kate A., Mabel E., and Reeba A. He has a large farm and is highly respected as a citizen.
The next to arrive in Tama county with a view to securing a home, was Isaac Asher, who passed through the fertile ter- ritory of the lowa Valley, during the year 1847. In his meanderings he finally ar- rived near the present site of Indiantown, just over the line in Marshall county, on the 18th day of May of that year, and made a temporary settlement. Isaac Asher was a native of Tennessee, but when a young lad, removed to Shelby county, Indiana, where in 1823 he was married to Martha Greer. In 1845, with his wife and family of nine children, he started for the great west, and on the last day of the year named, they crossed the Mississippi river at Burlington. Here
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
they remained for eighteen months when they again pushed westward, and on the 18th of May, 1847, halted just over the line, in Marshall county, as stated. Here on June 13, 1848, Elkanah Asher was born-the first birth in that county. The family remained upon that place until November, 1849, Mr. Asher often travers- ing many parts of Tama county in quest of game. At the time mentioned-in November, 1849, he moved his family into Tama county and located on section six, of what now comprises Indian Village town- ship. A lew years later he removed to section eight, in the same township where he remained until the time of his death, which occurred in 1860. His widow still occupies the homestead.
This comprised all the arrivals up to the year 1850. Many had in the mean- time came this far west and then turned . back disheartened and discouraged by the newness of things, and some even had pushed on westward in hopes of coming to some more beautiful spot, but they were merely transients, whose names if they were learned at all, have long been for- gotten.
At this time the law favored " squatters claims " and some of these roving, rest- less pioneers, would, while passing through, drive a stake, on which were carved their initials. Markets were far from them, traveling tedious and hard, and when a trip was made, a good deal of study was had so as to be sure and get all that was required for the next six months. Be- tween the different settlements there was little or no communication, and, in fact, for several years after the time they were made in 1849, to one, the other was hardly
known to exist. The Vandorins, on Salt Creek, in what is now York township ; the Wilkinsons on the Iowa river, in what is now Salt Creek township, and the Ashers in the western part of the county, for several years never once heard of each other, and lived in ahnost seclusion, hav- ing only the society of themselves, and the transients who chanced to pass through. A little garden truck and some corn was raised, but they mostly lived upon what game they procured, and fared sumptuous- ly, for game was plenty and a good share of the time was spent in hunting.
During the year 1850, a few actual set- tlers moved in, although a number of those who afterwards came and located perina. nently, came and secured claims there- Many passed through, along the Iowa river, which was a thoroughfare for emmi- grant travel, and many of these stopped for a short time.
Rezin, A Redman came in the fall of 1850, brought a load of goods and put up a shanty. Hle then left William Boaz with the stock and returned to Indiana.
W. L. Brannan and family, Samuel J. Murphy and family, James Umbarger and family came in the fall of this year but only remained a few weeks. .
Robert Arbuthnot came early in 1850 and settled in Salt Creek township.
In 1851, the southern part of the county received a number of settlers, among whom were Rezin A. Redman, William Blodgett, the Carters, Eli Chase, Anthony Brieker, Levi and D). D. Appelgate, New- ell Blodgett, William Taylor, Eli and John Daily, John Dooly and Mr. Warner.
Rezin A. Redman, who is first mention- ed was a well-known early settler. He
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
came from Jackson county Indiana, mak- ing his first trip to Tama county in the fall of 1849, with J. C. Vermilya, and locating land warrants in timber land, in what is now Tama township. In the fall of 1851 he moved his family to his new home, and remained for several years. Ile was a tailor by trade, but desired to go into the mercantile business. When he left Tama county he went to Marengo and opened a general merchandise store; was not very successful, as he was visionary, his notions too high flown and extravagant, and he soon failed. It is said that Redman erected the first cabin in Tama county north of the Iowa River.
William Blodgett came from Jackson county, Indiana, from whence came a number of the early settlers of Tama county. He came west in 1851, and on the Ist day of August of that year, set- tled upon a claim where Tama City now is. Ile is a brother-in-law of Judge J. C. Vermilya. and is still living near his origi- nal claim.
Eli Chase settled with his family in what is now Columbia township in March 1851.
Early in the spring of 1851, Anthony Bricker, and family and Levi Appelgate, came from Indiana. Appelgate settled in what is now Carlton township, while Bricker crossed the line and settled in Marshall county for a few months when he moved into Tama county. Ilere he remanined for a number of years, and now after having made his home in several states, lives in Idaho Territory. Levi Appelgate divides his time between Tama county and Nebraska.
David D. Appelgate came in the fall of
1851, and made his home with his brother Levi. He still lives in Toledo, has served the county many years in an official ca- pacity and is now engaged in the practice of law.
Newell Blodgett came during the sum- mer of this year and located in Indian Village township, where he still remains.
William Taylor located at Indiantown in May, 1851, and still lives in the same township. He is a native of Ohio, but came to lowa directly from Illinois.
Eli Daily came with his family from Jackson county, Indiana, in the summer of 1851, and located near Indiantown, where he opened a farm and remained until the time of his death, in 1860. He had been one of the associate Judges of the county from whence he came and was a man of worth and intelligence; a quiet, good citi- zen and an honest man.
John Dooley came at about the same time, from Jackson county, Indiana and settled near Daily with his family. IIe only remained a few years. He is spoken of as a plain, good, sociable and honest farmer.
The man Warner was a German, who settled near Indiantown in 1851; but not much is remembered of him.
By this time the southen part of the county contained quite a settlement, but there was still room for more, and arrivals with a view of settling were received with cordiality. The year 1852 witnessed many additions, among the new settlers being Christain and David F. Bruner, J. C. Vermilya, J. II. Hollen, W. T. Hollen, the Morrison family, William Potts Thomas Everett, Widow Croskrey and sons, William 'HI. Wesley, John, Joseph
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and Jacob and one girl, Mr. Beabout, Peter Overmire, William Schammerhorn, B. W. Wilson, Thomas Skiles, William Crothers, Washington Abbott, J. II. Voor- hies, William Martin, the Myers brothers, Henry Lance, Richard Podmore, John Golwitzer, Zebedee Rush, Isaac Butler, Samuel Giger and family.
Christian Bruner and his son David F. Bruner and their families came to Tama county from Ohio in 1852, the former ar- riving in the summer and the latter in the fall, and making permanent settlements. Both had been here in the fall of the pre- vious year. Christian settled in Howard township where he erected the first saw- mill in the county; was largely interested in the platting of Monticello, and was otherwise a prominent man in early times. David F. Bruner settled in Toledo town- ship, where he still lives. Ile was the first treasurer and recorder of the county elected, and in the chapter npon " Repre- sentation" a sketch of his life will be found.
In March, 1852, J. C. Vermilya came with his family and located in what is now Tama township, where he still lives. He was the first judge of Tama county after organization, and is noticed at length in the chapter upon " Representation. "
On the 27th of April, 1852, J. II. Hol- len and family and W. T. Hollen, from Jackson county, Indiana, landed in Tama county, settling where Tama city now rests. They are still residents of the same township, and have taken an active and prominent part in the development of the county. J. H. Hollen was one of the first Justices of the Peace in the county. The Morrison family consisted of the
old gentleman, William Morrison, his wife and two sons, George and Henry, togeth- er with a son-in-law, William Potts, also came in this year. They had taken claims and done breaking here in the fall of 1851, and in the spring of 1852 moved in, the Morrisons settling in Columbia township, and Potts in Richland, although at that time there were no township divis- ions. The old gentleman and wife are dead and buried there on the old home- stead. George was a married man ; he remained until 1871, when he removed to Missouri, where he has since died. George was quite a prominent man in early days. was one of the first Justices of the Peace in the county, was postmaster of Ola post- office in 1853, and was a man of fair abili- ty. His great fault was, that he was too good natured for his own good ; being a man of strict integrity and too inclined to think all men like himself. Henry Morri- son remained here until 1871, when he went to Kansas, where he still lives. He was an easy going, elever and genial man. William Potts died at an early day.
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