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 74

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 74

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637

HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

Samuel E. Beery came to Tama county in the fall of 1862, and rented a farm in Howard township where he followed farming until June, 1863, when he pur- chased and moved upon the farm where he now lives, in Carlton township. Mr. Beery was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He received a common school education. May 20, 1851, he was united in wedlock with Miss Mary A. Hammitt, a native of Ohio. Eleven children have been born to them-Oliver D., Sarah A., George W., Caroline V., Ida C., Lizzie L., Charles F., Emma E., Lillie J., Lottie M. and Louis E. Mr. and Mrs. Beery are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Beery takes an active interest in local polities, and is at present a member of the Board of Township Trustees. Ilis farm con- tains 203 aeres, in a good state of cultiva- tion.

John Ileidlebaugh settled in Carlton township in 1864. Ile was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1836. He received his education in the common schools, and as- sisted his parents on the farm, which vocation he still follows. In 1861, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Mary Mericle, a native of Perry county, Ohio, born in 1840. In 1864, Mr. IIeidlebaugh came to Tama county, settling on section 3, Carlton township, his present residence, and has now a well improved farm con- taing 96 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Heidlebaugh are the parents of six children; Elmer E., Amanda C., Emanuel S., David W., John C. and Ethen A.

Napoleon Bywater came to Carlton to settle in 1866. Ile was born in Baltimore, Maryland, October 3, 1841. When he | into Clinton county, Iowa, where the

was two years old his parents went to Zanesville, Ohio, remaining one year and a half; they then removed to New Albany, Indiana, and there lived until 1848, when they emigrated to Cedar county, Iowa. From there they went to Jackson county, and then to Tama county, locating at Union Grove in Spring Creek township. They made this their home until 1860, when they again made a move and this time went to Kansas where the father was killed in a saw-mill. The following year, in March, they returned to Spring Creek, and in August, 1862, Napoleon enlisted in Company F., 28th Infantry, Iowa, and served until the close of the war, receiving his discharge July 30, 1865. He took part in many battles, but was fortunate in re- ceiving only one slight wound in the en- gagement at Sabine Cross Roads, Louis- iana. On receiving his discharge he re- turned to Tama county. Ile was married in January, 1866, to Mrs. Sarah (Fitzgerald) Wilson, a native of Pennsylvania, born August 28, 1840. Mrs. Bywater had two children by her first marriage. Six chil- dren have blessed her second marriage, two of whom are dead. They removed to their present home in 1866. Their farm con- tains 340 acres, valned at $25 per acre.

Peter S. Van Horn, son of Bernard and Elizabeth (Davis) Van Horn, was born in Clark county, Ohio, in 1830. Ilis parents were natives of Harrison county, Virginia, his father being born there in 1802; his mother in 1803. In 1829, the parents re- moved to Clark county, Ohio, and followed farming and various other occupations until 1844, when they removed to Peoria county, Illinois. In 1855, they emigrated

638

HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

mother died in 1873, and the father in 1874. Peter S. was reared under his father's instruction and received limited common school education. He was married, in 1854, to Miss Mary Rendall, a native of Peoria county, Illinois, born in 1839. Her parents were both born in 1812, and emi- grated to Illinois in 1835. Her mother died in Peoria county, in 1853. Her father enlisted in an Illinois regiment in 1862, and died of disease at Keokuk, Iowa, in 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Van Horn have been blessed with eight children, three of whom are now living, George, Louis and Lawson. They have also an adopted daughter named Nettie.

Henry Ross became a resident of Carl- ton township in 1869. Ile was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1819. He grew to manhood on a farm in his native county and received a common school education. He was married on the 30th of January, 1845, to Miss Rachel Townsend, who was born in Westmore- land county, Pennsylvania. She bore him twelve children, three of whom are now living, Mary E., now Mrs. Hall, J. T. and Anna C., now Mrs. Townsend, who were all born in Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1869, he went with his family to Ten- nessee, remaining about six months, when he came to Tama and purchased a farm in Carlton township, where he still resides. J. T., son of Henry Ross was born Decem- ber 15, 1849. Hle received a common school education, came with the family to Tama county, and August 29, 1873, was united in marriage with Miss Belle M. Dickey, a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. She was born August 26, 1852. Five children have been born to

them, four of whom are now living, Mag- gie M., Harvey W., Rachel E. and James D. The family are all Presbyterians. They are Republicans in politics, and the father cast his first vote, in 1840, for Gen- eral Harrison.

ORGANIC.

The first organization of this township included the present territory comprised in that part of Indian Village lying north of the Iowa river, Spring Creek and Lin- coln townships. The first election was held at the house of William Murty, on section 4, in what is now Indian Village township, on the first Monday in April, 1854, and the following officers were elect ed-Trustees, Jacob Lamm, David Bricker and William Murty ; Clerk, II. L. Dobson ; Assessor, J. S. Haynes ; Justice of the Peace, Stephen Dobson ; Constable, Ilar- rison Wiseheart. For a number of years after this, elections were held at the house of Anthony Bricker, on section 34. After a time, Indian Village township presented a petition to the County Judge to organize the same as a full congressional independ- ent township, but as Carlton had expended a considerable amount of money in build_ ing a bridge across a bayou in the terri- tory proposed to be added to Indian Vil- lage, a remonstrance was presented which resulted in refunding the amount of money expended. The first election in this town- ship after it had assumed its present boundaries was held in November, 1856. The present officers of the township are- Trustees, C. W. Dobson, S. E. Berry and A. Brinkerhoff; Clerk, G. L. Springer ; Justices, Hugh Snodgrass and J. Cham- bers ; Constables, Willard Burt and James M. Mason ; Assessor, J. N. Chambers.

639

HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

ITEMS OF INTEREST.

The first store in the township was opened on the northeast quarter of section 26, by Enos Thomas, in 1877, in a build- ing formerly used as a dwelling. He con- verted the lower story into a suitable place to keep goods and moved his family into the story above. He kept here, for a time, a stock of general merchandise. He is now in the same trade in Garwin.

The first school building was erected in district number nine, now the independ- ent district of Sugar Creek. It was a frame building 22 x 28 feet and cost $700. It was located on the southeast corner of the north half of the south- east quarter of section 30, and is still used for school purposes. The first school taught was in the winter of 1861-2 by John Sterling. There was an a tendance of thirty scholars. The first marriage was Harrison Wiseheart to Miss Ann Appelgate, in the spring of 1855. The ceremony was performed by Judge Ver- milya. Mr. Wiseheart is now living in Marshall county, and Mrs. Wiseheart died there in March, 1882, leaving four chil- dren. The first birth was a son to Jacob and Melinda Lamm, born November 8, 1853. He was named Stephen Monroe, and is now married and lives at Montonr.

The first death was that of Ezra Church, who came to the township in 1857, and died the following year; he was from Michigan and was buried across the line in Marshall county.

The first physician in the township was Dr. J. S. Haynes. The second was Dr. lliram Welton who settled on section 34, in July, 1855. He practiced in this town-

ship until 1877, when he removed to Indian Village township, where he has since followed his profession.

Samuel J. Lewis came to the township from Illinois in 1864, and built a black- smith shop on section 28, where he yet works at his trade in connection with farming. This was the first blacksmith shop in the township.

The first school here was taught during the summer of 1857, by Miss Emily Dob- son, in a log house built by Anthony Brieker. It was located on section 34, where the house of Dr. Welton now stands ; was 12 x 12 feet and erected by Mr. Bricker at his own expense.

There are now ten independent school districts in the township, all having good substantial school buildings.

The first husking bee in Carlton town- ship was held in the fall of 1855, at the residence of Ilick Harris. The room was only about 14x14 feet and every body in the whole region was invited. Mr. Mer- ritt played the fiddle, and it finally turned into a dance. The puncheon floor rattled so the tones of the fiddle could barely be heard above the din, and the dust that was kicked up fairly made the dancers sneeze. The object was to get the young folks acquainted and it took some time to get the maids oyer their shyness, but when things did get to running, as ex- pressed by John Peterson, "it was a ter- ror."

The Vineyard postoffice, in Carlton township, was established with T. N. Mudget as first postmaster. He was the only one that ever served. The office has been discontinued.

640

HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

RELIGIOUS.

The first religious services in Carlton were held at the house of Stephen Dobson, in the spring of 1854, by Rev. William Morrow, of the Protestant Methodist church. During the summer of this year a church organization was effected through the efforts of this minister with the fol- lowing membership: Stephen Dobson, Elizabeth Dobson, H. L. Dobson, E. A. Dobson, Jacob Lamm, Melinda Lamm, Rachel Lamm, Rebecca Ilaynes, C. W. Dobson, Mary M. Dobson, Harrison Wise- heart and Olive M. Dobson. The first officers were Stephen Dobson, leader and ordained elder; II. L. Dobson, steward. This society increased in numbers until the membership reached forty. It con- tinued in existence until 1882. Elder Morrow was succeeded by William Lock- ard ; then followed W. II. Roberts, D. HI. Hollenbeck, Rev. Page, William Griffith, Elder Cook and Elder Winn. For a num- ber of years there was no regular preach- ing.

An organization was effected at the Rock creek Presbyterian church upon the 16th of June, 1882, under Rev. M. S. Drury, of the United Brethren Church, of Toledo, wih a membership of twenty-three. Meet- ings are now held once in two weeks, by Rev. R. J. Laughlin.

A union Sabbath school was organized in 1861 by Rev. C. W. Dobson, at the Sugar creek school house, with forty scholars. H. L. Dobson was Secretary and Treasurer. This school continued in existence un til 1882, when it was re-organ- ized and the meetings are held at the Presbyterian church, with John Rose as Superintendent and Andrew Laughlin as

Secretary. There is now an attendance of about forty and meetings are held every Sabbath.

The organization of the "Society of Friends" was effected at Sugar creek school house in 1880 where they continued to hold services until the fall of 1882, when they erected a church building. across the line in Marshall county, where they still continue to hold meetings.

The first services of Carlton Seventh Day Baptist Church, were held by Rev. Maxson Babcock, at his dwelling, in the fall of 1861. An organization was effected the following fall by this minister, assisted by Elder C. A. Burdick, with the follow- ing membership : Rev. M. Babcock and wife, B. C. Babcock, Phæbe A. Babeock, Alfred Knight and wife and Lydia Knight. The first officers were J. W. Knight, Dea- con ; D. C. Babcock, Treasurer. Rev. Maxson Babcock was the first pastor, and continued in charge fifteen years, when in 1879 he was followed by Rev. J. T. Davis, who remained until 1881, when Rev. Bab- cock again took charge and remained until relieved by II. B. Lewis, who has charge at the present time.

After organization, meetings were held at the house of Rev. Babcock until the membership was much increased ; then meetings were held at different school houses until 1880, when a building was erected at Garwin, at a cost of $1,000. Services are now regularly held weekly and there is a membership of seventy. In connection with this church a Sabbath school was organized in 1872, which has been continued to the present time with A. M. Brinkerhoff as Superintendent.

641

IIISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

The pioneer worker in the church was Rev. Maxson Babcock, who came to Tama county and settled in Carlton township in 1881, where he still resides. Ile was born in Clark county, Ohio, May 5, 1817, where he grew to manhood receiving a liberal education. He also spent a number of years in Shelby county, Ohio. When he was but fifteen years of age he experienced religion and joined the Seventh Day Baptist Church. He was married on the Ist of September, 1835, to Miss Phiothata Davis, of West Virginia. They have had six children, two of whom are living. Mr. Babcock is a Republican in politics and has held various local offices.

An organization of the Free Will Bap- tist Church was effected in 1856 by Rev. Andrew Donaldson, with the following membership: Rev. A. Donaldson and wife; Sampson Strong, wife and daughter. Soon after the membership increased to twenty. Meetings were generally held at private residences. The organization was discontinued in 1860.

Rev. Andrew Donaldson, who was the main worker in this church, is a native of Youngstown, Trumbull county, Ohio, born March 24, 1807, removing with his parents, when he was three years old, to Cuyahoga county, which was one vast wilderness. Here Andrew spent his boyhood days attending the pioneer schools, which con- sisted of log cabins with slab benches. In those days the best recommendation for a teacher was his muscular powers, conse- quently Andrew's early instruction was very limited, but after years of reading and study he acquired a good practical educa- tion. In 1828, he experienced religion and united with the Congregational

Church, remaining a member of that organ- ization un til 1837, when he united with the Free Will Baptist Church and served as a minister of that denomination for twenty-three years. In 1860, owing to age and infirmities, he retired from active life. Mr. Donaldson has been earnest in his religious work and thinks it wrong for a pastor to receive compensation, refer- ring with pride to the fact that he has never accepted one cent for his services. In politics he was originally a Democrat, but when the slavery question began to enter into politics he advocated freedom for all and worked with the Anti-Slavery party, casting his first vote as a Free- Soiler in 1844. Since the organization of the Republican party he has been one of its warm supporters and has held several local offices. Mr. Donaldson eame west to Jackson county, lowa, in 1845, and in 1853, came to Tama county, locating on section 25, in Carlton township where he still resides. He was united in marriage with Roxana Norton, in 1829, who was a native of Vermont. Eleven children have been born to them, ten of whom are now living. His wife died in Carlton town- ship, March 23, 1869, aged sixty-three years, one month and two days. Mr. Donaldson's father died in the spring of 1883, aged seventy-five years, eleven months and seventeen days.

The Christian Church at Spring Creek was organized December 27, 1858, by Elder Ephraim Phillips, with the follow- ing members-George R. Rider, Eliza .J. Rider, David Bowen, Mary E. Bowen, Esther L. Bowen, Joseph Milholland, Henrietta Milholland, James HI. Bill and Cordelia L. Bill.

642

HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

J. II. Bill was the first Deacon. Elder Phillips continued in charge until 1860, when he was succeeded by Elder Berry and he by Elder A. Cordner, who is still in charge. The present membership is forty, and services are held at the school-house at Garwin. There is also a Sabbath school in connection with this church.

Rock Creek Presbyterian Church was organized in 1854, by Rev. Mason, in Mar- shall county, and took its name from a creek in that county. In 1868, they built a church 30 x 40 feet, at a cost of $1,500, located on the southeast corner of the southeast quarter of section 17. Services were held by this denomination until 1882, since which time they have been held at the U. B. church.

An organization of the German Luther- an Church was effected in 1875, by Rev. S. Meyer, with a membership of fourteen, as follows : Mr. and Mrs. Schneider and hree children, Frederick Smith and wife, Adam Smith and wife, Christian Hene- line and wife, Mr. Mankie and wife, Idor Beery and wife and John Kinsley and wife. Mr. Mankie was elected Deacon. The first meeting was held at the White Pigeon school-house. Rev. Meyer re- mained in charge until 1878, when he was succeeded by Rev. Edward Haimiek, who yet remains. Meetings are held once in two weeks and the membership remains about the same as at organization.

RAILROAD MATTERS.

A special election was held at the Centre school-house on the 18th day of July, 1879, for the purpose of voting upon the question of levying a five per cent tax upon the property of Carlton township, in the aid of the Toledo and Northwestern

Railroad, resulting in favor of making such levy, provided a station was located and a depot built within the limits of the town- ship, and located five rods south of the north line of section 23.

Afterward the company relinquished their claim to this tax- an ocenrrence so unusual that we give the notice made by them in full, as follows :

" To the trustees of Carlton township, in the county of Tama, and State of Iowa, and the Board of Supervisors of said county: You are hereby notified that the Toledo and Northwestern Railway hereby withdraw the notice which it has hereto- fore given, that it has complied with the provisions of an order of the Board of Supervisors of said county, made at their regular September session, 1879, and it also withdraws. The demand made for the payment of the tax levied upon the taxable property of said Carlton township as ordered by the Board of Supervisors at the regular September session 1879, and hereby stipulate and agree that said tax shall not be collected, it having been elected to construct the railroad without such township aid.

In witness whereof said company has caused these presents to be subscribed by its President, and its seal to be hereto affixed, this seventh day of August, A. D. 1880.

[ Signed ] TOLEDO AND NORTHWESTERN RAILWAY, by MARVIN HUGHITT, Vice-President.

Attest, J. B. REDFIELD, Secretary.

KARS POSTOFFICE.

This office was established in the spring of 1877, and Enos Thomas appointed post- master. It was kept at his store on see-

643

HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

tion 26. Mail was received twice each week from Toledo, Mr. Thomas having the contract. This office was discontinued in the spring of 1880.

TOWN OF GARWIN.

This place is located on sections 11 and 14. The land was purchased from George Rider, H. E. Babcock and J. Gotwitzer by W. F. Johnston and Lcan- der Clark, of Toledo, and was surveyed and platted by W. H. Holstead, County Surveyor, in the months of January and February, 1880. The first lot sold here was purchased by L. H. Babcock during the first week in February, 1880. The first business building was erected by Hess Brothers from Badger Hill, Spring Creek township. It was a frame structure 20x40 feet, two stories, the upper story being used for a residence. These parties put in a generał stock of merchandise and commenced trade in March, which they continued some time, when they leased the building and removed their stock to Gladbrook.

N. J. Broekmann succeeded the Iless Bros., dealers in general merchandise, and still occupies the building. He was born in Germany, in 1853. Ile was educated in the common schools. Mr. Brockmann's father was a merchant, dealing largely in grain and stock. In 1870, N. J. eame to the United States, coming directly to Tama county, and settling on a farm in Spring Creek township. In 1874, he en tered the employ of Atchison & Son at Traer. After remaining with them some time he engaged as clerk with Potterfield Bros. Ile remained in the employ of this firm until 1880, when he went to Glad-

brook and opened a general store, contin- uing that business for one year until his removal to Garwin, where he now has a general merchandise store. Mr. Brock- mann is a good business man and is alive to the best interests of his town. Hle is a member of the Masonic order, of the United Workmen, and also of the V. A. S. Fraternity. He was married January 16, 1883, to Miss Bertha E. Gebaner, a native of Clinton county, Iowa, born in 1858.

The first to commence in mercantile business in Carlton township was Enos Thomas, born in Pennsylvania, in 1846. Ile is a son of John and Sarah (Harmon) Thomas. The father was born in Penn- sylvania, in 1817, the mother in Delaware, 1822, and are now living in Chester county, Pennsylvania. Enos, after receiving his edneation in the common schools, set out for the west, coming to Tama county in the spring of 1869, and remaining until in the fall, when he returned to his home in Pennsylvania. Ile prolonged his stay there until the following spring, then re- turned to Tama county and engaged in farming in Carlton township until 1877, when he opened up a mereantile business, and on the completion of the railroad to Garwin, erected a building and removed to that place, where he is now engaged in business with James M. Mason. Mr. Thomas was married, in 1874, to Miss Virginia A. Guthrie, a native of Iowa, born in Iowa City in 1853. Three chil- dren have been born to them, one only of whom is now living-Mary A. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are members of the Society of Friends.

644

HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

The present dealers in general mer- chandise are N. J. Brockmann, II. J. Felter and Thomas & Mason.

FIRST HARDWARE STORE.

Newton Mudgett erected a small build- ing on the ground where the office of the elevator now stands, and put in a stock of hardware. He received his first bill of goods February 20, 1880. Ile continued business at this place until fall, when he erected the building which he now occupies. Ile deals in all kinds of hardware, pumps, agricultural implements &c., and carries a stock of about $4,000. The hardware line is now represented by Newton Mud- gett and Rider Brothers.

Newton Mudgett is an old settler of Carlton township. lle was born in Lena- wee county, Michigan, in 1839. In 1840, the family emigrated to Kendall county, Illinois, and remained there until 1858, when they came to Tama county, locating on a farm in Carlton township, where the family still reside. Mr. Mudgett was married on the 13th day of October, 1863, to Miss Estella Fitzgerald, a native of Wyoming county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Mudgett followed farming until the spring of 1880, whenhe removed to Garwin and en- gaged in the hardware and farm implement business, which business he still conduets. Mr. Mndgett was formerly a Democrat, but at present he affiliates with the Green- back party. Mr. and Mrs. Mudgett are members of the Christian Church. Their children are, Gladys R., Truman J., Mabel M. and larry N.

FIRST DRUG STORE.

George L. Springer, from Toledo, pur- chased the building he now occupies and

commenced business May 1, 1880, and has generally a stock of abont $1,000.

SHOEMAKER.

The first representative of this branch of trade was C. A. Adams. £ Ile came from Toledo and commenced business Jannary 6, 1880.

Sylvester A. Aldrich opened a shop at about the same time and he is still at work. Ile is a native of Morrow county, Ohio ; was born October, 27, 1852. When two years old his parents emigrated to Tama county, settling in Toledo, where the father engaged at shoemaking and was the first to work at that trade in To- ledo, and also in Tama City. Ilis father was a native of Ohio, his mother of Pennsylvania, and at present are residents of Perry, Dallas county, Iowa. Sylvester was married, August 31, 1880, to Mary E. Youngman, a native of Tama county, born May 7, 1857. They have one child- Mand May, born in Garwin, September 24, 1881. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Aldrich moved to the new town of Gar- win, and was one of the first to engage in the shoemaking business. He still is a resident of Garwin where he follows his trade.

LUMBER YARDS.

There were two Inmber yards started here about the same time-John Curth- burtson receiving the first car load of lumber. He came from Union Grove, where he had been in this business about five months, and removed to this point up- on the completion of the railroad to Gar- win in January, 1880. C. D. Terry & Co., from Tama City, opened a yard in January, 1880, and remained here till the spring of 1881, when they sokl out to

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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 74

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