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 50

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 50

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Of these early settlers I learn of the following that they have passed away. There may be others of whom I have not learned. The following is the list : One of Dean's boys, Joseph Connell, Wm. Gordon, Jr., W. D. Hitehner, Mr. Hill and his son Harrison, Nathaniel Spencer, and his son Newton, Carnelius Gay, famed for his many virtues, Mr. Horton, and his son, Fred Church the genial social man ; John MeKune, Lemuel and Amos Kile, and their two sisters, Elizabeth and Philena, Joseph Gnerney, Mr. Slade, Henry Beatty, Dexter Higgins, Peter Greenla, S. B. Shiner, L. S. Cope, George S. Kober, and Patrick Casey why removed to Kansas and was killed by the Border Ruffians

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

while defending his home. The wives of William Gordon, Daniel Connell, Henry Van Vleit, James A. Stewart, West Wilson, A. Quinn, George Lyman, Joseph Hull, J. Byworth and John Stoakes ; the mother of the Wood family and J. T. Ames and the wife of John Stoakes.

Of the other old settlers not now on the ground I have failed to learn of their present location with few exceptions. Of the most of those remaining here it can be said they have builded well, they have proved good citizens, stamped the impress of their characters on the morals, relig- ions and educational interests of the settlement, and as a rule have succeeded in accumulating a competence.

Since writing the above list of our honored dead, another name has been added to the roll of those whose memories are dear to us. Daniel Connell, Senior, in the 80th year of his age, one of the earliest of the old settlers, "a good man and just," of whom it had many times during the whole course of his long and useful life been said, that, "he never had an enemy." [le saw this settlement when there was perhaps no more than twenty- five souls in its borders of six townships and died when its population can be counted by thousands.

From the earliest period of the settle- ment until 1873 the inhabitance labored under the disadvantage of being a long distance from a market. The first railroad that penetrated into Iowa was in January 1856, from Davenport to Iowa City where it remained for many years. Previous to this event the people of Northern Tama were in the habit of going to Dubuque to do their trading, a journey of 200 miles.

Were they forced to go that distance now it would be considered a hardship. Those in the neighborhood of Toledo went to Muscatine, a distance of 250 miles. When the railroad reached Iowa City a distance of eighty miles from here, it was consid- ered an advantage, when finally in 1860 it reached Cedar Rapids, fifty miles from us, we considered it near, the distance could be made with a load of wheat in four days easy, and three when time pressed. These long journeys were relieved of their monotony by companionship and many is the rich story that many of the men before me could relate of those trips to Cedar Rapids without the company of the ladies. In two years after the road reached Ceder Rapids a road was built to Waterloo and for many years that was our market, this place contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars of the material wealth of that enterprising city. Our people were well pleased when the road reached Waterloo,-they could go to market in two days, and only travel fifty miles. Some five years since a road reached La Porte City and many could go to market and back in a day. Then at last in 1873 a railroad was completed to Traer our joy was complete, and many- had they been possessed of a little more land would have been ready to share the desire of Simeon, of the New Testament, but they are waiting for the land.

In the isolation of the settlement, time did not pass heavy. During the winter the men in the day time would meet in the store at Buckingham and lay out roads, fill up the depressions in them, bridge the sloughs and ereeks, in fact, working them generally. It was easier to do it on the

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counter in winter, than on the roads in the summer. There was the singing school, that never-exhausted resort to while away tedium. For a few years we had a lyceum productive of much good.

There was always in this settlement a good feeling prevailing toward ministers and one of the pleasures looked forward to was the donation parties at the min- ister's house, fruitful of good feeling among all, and pecuniarily beneficial to the pastor. The early emigrants to the west were mostly young people who must at times relax from the stern realities of subduing nature and earning a living. One of the means employed by our young people was the social dance and they ntered into its enjoyment with a zest. The social party was much in vogue by the married people, and scores would 'weekly meet at the various houses during the winter. Fourth of July pic-nics also. Thus our early settlers enjoyed them- selves making the long winters pass pleasantly, enjoying themselves better then than now.

POSTOFFICES.

Probably the first and greatest hardship the first settlers in a new country feel, is the want of postal facilities. They are so anxious to receive a letter from home ; so anxious to send one, that they keenly feel the loss of the opportunities. The settlers here were no exception to this state of feeling. The nearest accessible postoffice was Vinton, as the travel of that day passed through that village, the mail for this settlement was left there. The post- master at Vinton becoming acquainted with everyone, took pains to forward the mail matter by some one, and it was left

at a convenient point. . When the stores were opened at West Union and Bucking- ham, they became accommodation post- offices. The writer at his store, would receive mail to be sent east ; every morn- ing he would make up the bundle and hand it to the first man passing east, who mailed it at Vinton or Cedar Rapids. Hundreds of letters were thus forwarded and he never knew one to be lost. In the winter of 1856-7, it was proposed to change the direction of our mail to Toledo and hire a carrier, accordingly, a subserip- tion was opened ; West Wilson was hired at $3.00 per trip, Dr. Daniel and D. Connell, Jr., being responsible to him. Mr. Wilson made twelve trips and the endorsers had it all to pay except fifty cents. In the meantime, efforts were being made to have a mail route establish- ed; Mr. Wood postmaster at Vinton, interesting himself, service commenced on the route, Vinton to Albion, a town of importance then in Marshall county. George Young was postmaster at Wood postoffice on the west side of Yankee Grove; S. Klingaman at Wolf Creek ; L. B. Collins, at Collin's Grove; W. B. King at Union Grove. Mr. Klingaman retained the office for about a year, when he made way for Dexter lHiggins, who removed the office to West Union, where it remained until 1873, when it was removed to Traer; the present P. M is Miss Taylor. Between Mr. Higgins and Miss Taylor the number who had the office were legion.

An effort to establish an office was suc- cessful at Buckingham in 1859, with O. Gravatt, Postmaster. A strong political influence was brought to bear, to prevent any postal service, and it was not until

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

May, 1860, that an office with mail service was finally opened, with D. Connell, Jr., postmaster. At first the service was weekly, then semi-weekly, then tri-weekly and finally a daily service. A money order office was established and thus this settle- ment was as well provided for as was needed. This office was continued in the same building, and under the same post- master until his resignation in 1874. J. R. Holman, was appointed postmaster and removed the office to near the center of the township, and after a few months it was discontinued. During its life it was an important institution in the settlement.

At an early day the Fork's office was established with A. MeElhiney, postmas- ter; that gave way to the Evergreen office, Joel Haywood, postmaster, who resigned a few days since and removed to Califor- nia, after a residence among us of twenty years.

An office was established at the west side of Crystal, and one at Crystal village, with W. Wilson, Esq., as postmaster; the one at the west side was discontinued as was the Collins Grove office. An office was established in the northern part of Buckingham, called Bovina, with Charles Blanchard, as P. M .; discontinued in 1873. An office named Etta, with Tyler Converse as postmaster, was established in Clark township about 1870. An office was estab- lished in Grant, called Connell, with Alex Mitchell as postmaster, and one in Lincoln culled Fifteen Mile Grove; and at a later day, one called Colville. At present the settlement has all the mail facilities they want, nearly all through the influence of one man.

SCHOOLS.

The foundation of schools was show growth. The houses of the settlers were far apart, few children and no publie houses. The first school was opened by Miss Rachel Wood, in the summer of 1854. The first school-house was erected in Buckingham in the spring of 1856, and school was opened that summer with Miss Jane Noble as teacher. The house not being plastered there was no wint r ses- sion. In the summer of 1857, the teacher was Miss Charlotte llester. I think it was in 1857 the corner school-house was erected, and in 1858 the one at West Union. After that they multiplied rapid- ly, until now there is supposed to be one every three miles. In nothing did the early settlers take greater interest or spend more money, than in support of schools, or as willingly-all honor to the people of this settlement. In intelligent children, growing into intelligent men and women, these outlays of time and money spent for schools is returning and will continue to return an hundred fold.

In 1868, Buckingham was formed into an Independent District; in 1870 a new school-house was erected and two schools for ten months in each year main- tained, and is yet continued. The season of 1875 being more success- ful than any previous one, with John Frazee, teacher of the higher department. In connection with the Buckingham school a school-house, was erected on the west side of the district near the residence of L. E. Wood, which was destroyed by a tornado in 1865 ; but which has lately heen rebuilt. .

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

MEETINGS AND CHURCHES.

As will be noticed, among the very earliest settlers were the Connell family- 1852. They had been in the employ of Gov. Wm. A. Buckingham of Norwich, Connecticut. To one of them he at an early day wrote these words: "Say to the people of your place that I shall always be deeply interested in the progress among them of education, temperance and reli- gion, and you will gratify me if you will do all in your power for the advancement of those interests, and let me know when I can assist you." Nobly in after years he responded. This family was always foremost in the settlement in the interest of religion and education, and the former early took root here. The first preaching was probably by Rev. S. W. Ingham in the spring of 1853. Wolf creek cut the settlement in two, and services were usually held in the morning at the house of Ira Taylor, and afternoon or evening at the house of the Wood family. The first Sabbath school was organized in 1853 at the house of Norman L. Osborn near the present residence of George Sloss. Mr. Story was superintendent. This school was re-organized in 1854.

The early preachers here were Metho- dist; beside Mr. Ingham there were in 1854 Revs. Powell and Fisher, residing in Carroll township, and a clergyman named Pettefish ; in 1855 Rev. Brown, and in 1856 the Rey. S. Dunton. During the summer of 1856 T. R. Shiner organized a Union Sunday school at the Buckingham school house, which was built this spring. He raised five dollars and sent it to the U. B. Depository at Dayton, Ohio, and they sent him fifteen dollars worth of

books. In the spring of 1857 the Union Sunday school was re-organized, with James A. Stewart as superintendent, aud D. Connell librarian. This summer Geo. Buckingham sent a library of books containing 350 volumes, many of them standard works of considerable valuc. D. Connell paid the express charges from Norwich, Connectient, which at that time was of importance to him. During this season, or a considerable portion of it, the school-house was usurped by some carpen- ters, and every Sabbath morning Mr. Connell and wife, assisted by Mrs. Jane Smith, swept and cleaned the house before it could be used for meeting and Sunday school, and he carried the books back and forth every Sabbath. At this time the school-house was not plastered, and there were no services during the winter of 1857- 8. In the spring of 1858 the school was re-organized by appointing the same offi- cers. In the spring of 1859 T. R. Shiner was superintendent and J. A. Stewart librarian. This union arrangement was continued until the Congregational church was erected in 1867.

In June 1856, Rev. O. W. Emerson, at the house of C. Hester, organized a Congregational Church consisting of six members, called the Twelve Mile Con- gregational Church. Mr. Emerson was a home missionary, and in the spring of 1857, he visited the church. During his absence there was no preaching of that order. Some time in 1857, there was a meeting of the church going people at Buckingham on the subject of engaging a minister of some denomination. There was represented, Congregationalist, Methodist, United Brethren, and Univer-

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salist. There was not strength enough in either element to pay a man. During the summer three Presbyterians ministers had been here, Mr. Robinson, of Vinton, his brother, of Steamboat Rock, and Mr. Jones, of Cedar Rapids. Leander Clark and Daniel Connell were appointed a committee to find a minister, and authorized to encourage a good man without regard to his denominational proclivities. The last of October, Rev. J. R. Upton, a Con- gregational minister, came and preached. After the services the congregation resolv- ed itself into a business meeting, and it was agreed to have Mr. Upton preach. An arrangement was made whereby he was to be the pastor of the Congregational church, and he commenced his labors December 1, 1857, and continued for two years. The following year, the Rev. Mr. Emerson, who had settled here in the meantime, preached for the church, Mr. Emerson then retiring until September, 1863, they had no preacher. At that date the Rev. Mr. Roberts settled with the church, continuing until 1871. It was during his pastorate that the "Great Awakening " took place. Rev. Mr. Marble assisted Mr. Roberts, commencing Decem- ber 1, 1868, and continued until about February, 1869. On Janury Ist, for the week of prayer, Rev. J. D. Potter, of Connecticut, a successful revivalist came; his meetings were held for four days with marked results, three hundred men and women confessed their sins, and the permanent strength of the Congregational and Methodist churches to-day is attribu- table to this great revival. Mr. Roberts was succeeded by Rev. Henry Mills, who resigned at the end of eight months.

Rev. J. B. Gilbert was settled in July, 1872, and preached until September 1, 1874. In 1866 and 1867, this church built a meeting house in Buckingham, which was dedicated in June, 1867, sermon by Rev. Dr. Magoon, president of lowa College. Gov. Buckingham took great interest in this house, contributing rather more than one half of the cost, which was 84,000. He also donated a valuable pulpit bible and a carpet, his wife gave valuable additions to the library, and a sister of Mrs. Buckingham, Miss Jane Ripley, sent a communion service. At this time the name of the church was changed to Buckingham Congregational church and the house called Ripley Chapel. In September, 1874, the house was taken . down and removed to Traer. In April, 1875, Rev. C. Bissell was engaged and is the present pastor ; the present resident membership is 100. The church is now called " Buckingham Church" in honor of the late Gov. Buckingham, of Con- necticut. The meeting house still is called Ripley Chapel, in memory of his wife.

The Methodist organization here prop- erly begins in 1853 when Rev. S. W. Ingham commenced his labors, and meet- ings have been continuous since. I have failed to obtain statistics. I recall among the pastors in charge, men of indomit- able energy and zeal, laboring to upbuild their church, the revered name of Donel- son, of deep piety, I knew him well; the eloquent Fawcett ; the nervous, impet- uous Baker; the studious Mr. Sea ; the sensitive spirit Holbrook, cut out of rough material yet done well his Master's work. The present pastor is Rev. Moore.

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

In 1867-8 they erected a meeting house, Gov. Buckingham contributing liberally for its erection. In 1874 the house was moved to Traer ; the present membership is probably not far from 100.

The United Presbyterians organized in 1860, with a membership of eighteen. Their first pastor was the Rev. Mr. Kerr, then Rev. Bull, and next Rev. Trumbull. In 1871 they erected a neat house of wor- ship costing about $3,000; the present membership is 127. During the present year there have been two organizations, off-shoots from the parent stem, one in Traer with twenty members and one in Grant with eighteen members.

In 1857 the United Brethren formed a class and maintained preaching for a number of years. Rev. Mr. Kerns was the pioneer throughout Northren Tama, preaching four years at Buckingham. For a number of years their principal class was in Buckingham, latterly it has been in the south part of Perry. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Hicks with a membership of thirty.

The Universalists had occasional preaching during 1858-9 and regular in 1860 and 1861, with Dr. Brice as pastor. In 1868 and 1869, Revs. Wilson and Brinkerhoff preached, but they never had any organization.

In addition to those named the Presby- terians are also represented. They have a church in Crystal township called "Salem Church." It wasorganized at an early day. The Baptists have a church at Bovina of some forty members and regular preaching. There is, at present, preaching every Sabbath in nearly every school district in Northern Tamna.

INDUSTRIES.

In an early day lumber was brought from a long distance and the need of mills was felt. The water of Wolf Creek was early thought of as a power to be utilized In 1854, John Connell, J. P. Wood and W. D. Hitchner erected a saw mill ; they sold to S. Klingaman who, in 1856, added a grist mill. It fell into the hands of W. W. Leekins, a famous miller. In 1874 he associated with Geo. Sloss and re-erected the mill at an expense of $15,000 ; Mr. Sloss is at present sole proprietor and has a good property. In 1855 Leander Clark erected a saw mill on the creek. In 1856, a company erected a steam saw mill at Buckingham. In mentioning the indus- tries of the settlement, the enterprise of the Dean family must not be overlooked. In 1852 they erected a small mill on Twelve Mile Creek, below Jaqua bridge, had a dam, wheel and machinery and made wooden bowls which they sold at Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Dubuque. Vinton at that time consisted of but four log cabins, it now has a population of 3000.

The first school house in the settlement was built in Buckingham, in 1856, the contractor being Henry Daniel. It was a frame building 20x32 feet, 12 foot stud- ding. Gov. Buckingham, of Connecticut, donated $100 toward it.

WILD ANIMALS.

In the early days after settlement, wild animals were not uncommon, bears and buffalo were here as late as 1853; elk and deer as late as 1857 ; wolves, wild cats and coons until a very recent period. A wild cat, or lynx was shot near this village last year.

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

TOWNS.

Like western people in general, our early settlers were attempted town builders. One party was to have one at the Forks ; others, at other points. In 1855, Bucking- ham and Charlottesville-now West Umon -were laid out ; Mr. Hester, of the latter place, opened a store which was continued by various parties until 1874.

The north half of Buckingham waslaid on lands of George Lyman, the south half on those of John Connell and brothers, partly purchased by them from West Wilson, Esq., who entered a portion of it. In July, 1856, Dr. W. C. Stanberry, of Vinton, opened a store in the dwelling of W. D. ITitehner, with D. Connell as salesman, and in November he removed to the village plat. In March, 1857, Dr. Stanberry sold to D. Connell, who continu- ed there until 1873, when he removed to Traer. At Buckingham there were, of late years, four stores, two blacksmith, a wagon, a shoe, two harness and a tin shop, carpenters, painters, two meeting houses, two physicians, a large school house, with graded school, a daily mail and money order postoffice. There was a store in Geneseo township in 1857.

Mr. Aitchison opened a store in Crystal, in 1868, where there was also a blacksmith and wagon shop.

The people of the settlement from the very earliest day were peculiarly American; whether native or foreign born, they knew no country but the United States. The Fourth of July was a great day with them, always to be observed in a suitable man- ner; accordingly, the national anniversary of 1853, was duly noticed and celebrated with all their enthusiasm and patriotism.

I have in my possession, kindly loaned me for use by J. C. Wood, Esq., the subscription paper to raise money to observe the 4th of July, 1853. At that time there was nothing to be obtained here, not even flour. This money was raised to send a man to Cedar Rapids to procure the necessary refresh- ments for the celebration. The list em- braces twenty names, and the amount sub- seribed was 89.75. The list has names on it of men who were probably transient men of whom no more is known. The body of the subscription list, or rather the preamble, is in the hand writing of John Connell. Joshua C. Wood was the collec- tor. The body of the paper is in good preservation, but the names signed are fast being obliterated. One name cannot be distinguished, but it is learned that it is Alvah L. Dean, and those of L. E. Wood, and Joseph Connell are nearly gone. It has not been learned who the speakers were, except John Connell; probably there was but little publie speaking.

In 1854 there was no celebration, but in 1855, and every year since, Buckingham has always publicly observed the day. Proba- bly there is no town in the county that ean show so patriotic a record. D. Connell has the minutes of the meeting held at Buckingham, May 24, 1856, to arrange for the Fourth of that year. Wesley A. Dan- iels, T. F. Clark and T. R. Church, were committee on finance; H. F. Gaston, J. l'. Wood, L. S. Cope, C. (probably Cornelius) Gay, and George Lyman were the commit- tee on arrangements. T. Walter Jackson, a young lawyer of Toledo, and the most eloquent speaker in Iowa at that time, was the orator of the day. There was a ball in the evening at the Buckingham school-

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house. A remarkable thing in connection with these celebrations was the great num- ber who attended them, coming from twelve miles or more. The meetings were generally held in National Grove, but sometimes in Traer Park and Four Mile Grove. Often prominent men were pro- cured from Toledo, Waterloo, Vinton and Cedar Rapids, yet home talent was mainly relied upon.

With patriotism thus in their nature, embued with politieal doetrines that found expression in the creed of the Republican party, intelligent men that were habitual readers and deep thinkers, close observers of the political movements of the day, they were not unprepared for the action of the south when the first gun was fired upon Fort Sumter. It found the citizens of Buckingham in full sympathy with the government

PROMINENT CITIZENS

The north part of Tama county has from the first been noted for the intelli- gence and moral worth of its inhabitants, and her citizens have frequently been selected for important offices. In 1854 John Connell was elected Representa- tive from this district, which was composed of Tama, Benton, Poweshiek and Jasper counties. lfe was Lieutenant-Colonel, and Colonel of the 28th Iowa Infantry, and has for many years been Assessor and Collector of Internal Revenue for the Fourth District of Iowa.

Leander Clark was County Judge four years, Representative four years, Major in 24th lowa Infantry, and Indian Agent. William B. King, of Spring Creek, was State Senator for four years.

Joseph Dysart was State Senator six

years, and was Lieutenant-Governor two years.

James Wilson was six years a Repre- sentative, two years of which he was Speaker of the House, then elected to Congress, and is now (1875) serving his second term, making ten years of contin- uous legislative service in State and Na- tional councils.

G. Jaqua, another old settler, has served two terms as Representative.

CRIMES.

In spite of our boasted moral worth, of religion, of the education we possessed and imparted, this settlement has wit- nessed the perpetration of as bad erimes as ever disgraced a rural population. (The details regarding matters which would come under this head are treated else- where in this volume.)

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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 50

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