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 75

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 75

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY. 645

John Curthburtson, who remained until December 25, 1882, when he sold his busi- ness- to Butler & Black, who yet con- tinue in this trade. Creenk & Thomas also handle this line.

HARNESS SHOP.

The first to work at this line of business here was D. P. Williams from Greene county. Ile commenced during the fall of 1881, and continues at the present time. WAGONMAKER.

A. M. Brinkerhoff came from Black Hawk county in the spring of 1880, built a shop in town and remains in the trade. ELEVATOR.

Butler & Black, from Montour, erected a commodious elevator, having a capacity of eight thousand bushels, in June, 1882, and commenced dealing in grain, coal, seeds and live-stock. Charles Myers is manager of the business at the present time.

Charles Myers was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, in 1858, and there grew to manhood fitting himself for teaching school. In 1879, he came to Tama county, stopping in Carlton township, and re- maining until 1880, when he traveled through Minnesota, returning to Tama county the same fall. March 30, 1882, he was married to Miss Ida Beery, who was born in Ohio, and when nine months old came with her parents to Carlton town- ship.

BOARDING HOUSE.

The first house of this description was kept by Enos Thomas in a two story frame building, which he erected during the spring of 1880. Ile commenced to feed the hungry in February, and con- tinued until the fall of 1881, when he

converted the lower part into a store room. It is now occupied by Mr. Thomas and Mr. Mason.

FIRST HOTEL.

The first hotel was built by Thomas Powers, from Crystal township, during the summer and fall of 1881, to which he gave the name of "Garwin House." It is built on the best approved plan, and cost, with lots and barn, $3,200. It was opened to the public the 25th of Novem- ber. Mr. Powers still continues the busi- ness.

Thomas Powers was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 6, 1832. lle was educated in the common schools, and when of sufficient age, was apprenticed to learn sickle making. After a time he engaged as a nail cutter in a nail factory, which occupation he followed for twenty years. On the outbreak of the rebellion, he took arms in defense of the Union, enlisting August 1, 1861, in the Sixty-third Pennsylvania regiment, serving until July, 1862. He re-enlisted in September, 1864, in Company C, 205th Pennsylvania heavy artillery, and served until the close of the war. He was wounded at the battle of Nelson's Farm, June 29, 1862, from the effects of which he never fully recovered. He now draws a pension from the Gov- ernment Ile was married in Pennsylva- nia, April 9, 1857, to Miss Eliza E. Guthrie, a native of Pennsylvania, born May 10, 1838. In 1870, Mr. Powers came to Tama county with his family, and purchased a farm in Crystal township, where he set- tled and followed farming until the sum- mer of 1881, when he sold his land and built what is now known as the Garwin Ionse, at Garwin. Ile then began in the hotel

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

business, in which he is still engaged. Mr. and Mrs. Powers are the parents of seven children-Wilford, Anna, Elmer, Ella, Eva, Benjamin and William. He and his wife are members of the Umted Brethren Church. In politics Mr. Powers is a Re- publican, and has several times been hon- ored by the suffrages of the people.

Garwin's physician is Dr. J. II. Graham, who is noticed at length in the medical chapter.

A. B. Jones is the Railroad agent.

The Fruum brothers are the blacksmiths.

There are two saloons, kept by P. Rei- mer and G. Shultz.

EDUCATIONAL.

The independent school district of Gar- win was set off from school districts num- bers one and seven, in the spring of 1882, and includes the south half of sections 11 and 12 and the north half of sections 13 and 14. During the winter and summer of 1882 a two-story frame building, 24x36 feet, erected at a cost of $1,500 and is located was on lot number 14 block 10. There are two departments. The first school is now being taught by J. S. West, and there is an attendance of about sixty.

POST-OFFICE.

The De Novo postoffice was established December, 1879, with Lewis HI. Bab- cock as postmaster, and the office kept at his store located on the northeast quarter of section 14. The first mail was re- ceived January 16, 1880 and twice each

week afterward by stage from Toledo. About this time the village of Garwin was platted and on the 15th day of January, 1880, the name of the office was changed to correspond with that of the town.

For some reason the De Novo postoffice does not appear in the postal guide but the records show it was first established under that name. The first daily mail was re- ceived February 1, 1880. It was made a money order office August 15, 1880, and the first order was drawn on the 15th of that month by Frank Frahn in favor of A. C. Keyes, of Cedar Rapids. The first order paid was to F. Peitz, from Henry Peitz, of Clinton. Mr. Babcock is still in charge as postmaster.

SOCIETIES.

The Garwin Collegian of the V. A. S. Fraternity was organized August 5, 1882, by Deputy Chief Rector, O. H. Henderson, with the following charter members:

L. II. Babcock, Newton Mudgett, A. M. Brinkerhoff, G. W. Berry, Dr. J. II. Gra- ham, E. J. Lewis, J. M. Mason, H. L. Fel- ter, A. B. Jones, John Curthburtson, D. D. Boyington and N. J. Broekmann. The first and present officers are: E. J. Lewis, Scribe; II. L. Felter, Rector; G. W. Berry, Vice Rector; A. M. Brinkerhoff, Chaplain; L. H. Babcock, Treasurer; A. B. Jones, Usher; D. D. Boyington, Gnard; Dr. J. H. Graham, Medical Examiner. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday in each month at the Depot building. The order is in a flourishing condition.

James Haworth.

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXII.

CARROLL TOWNSHIP.

This a full congressional township con- taining thirty-six sections of land and known as township 84, north of range 14, west of the fifth principal meridian. The surface of this township is generally hilly, and somewhat rough in the southern and southeastern portions. The northern part lies more nearly level. Nearly all the available land is under cultivation. It is well watered by a number of streams, the largest of which is Salt creek, which enters the township on the western side and run- ning a southeasternly course, passes through sections 18, 19, 20, 21, 28, 27, 34 and 35, leaving from section 36. This is known as the "South Fork." The "North Fork" enters the township on the north- west quarter of section 2, runs through sections 2, 11, 12 and crosses the line into Oneida on section 13.

Carroll township is surrounded by Perry township on the north, Howard county on the west, Otter Creek on the south and Oneida on the east. It is strictly an agri- cultural township, having no railroad or town within its limits. The inhabitants are industrious and thrifty and nearly all well to do, owning as good farms as are in the county. The land is nearly one-

third covered with timber. The soil is generally a sandy loam on the prairies, and on the timber lands it consists of a light elay mixed with a vegetable mold. These lands are productive, although in places too much broken to be desirable for agricultural purposes. Quite a num- ber of the farmers are engaged to a lim- ited extent in stock raising and through the township there are many well im- proved farms.

SETTLEMENT OF CARROLL.

The first settlement in this township was made by Levi Haworth and family, Nathan Fisher and family, Joseph Pow- ell and family and Shepard Haworth. Of these, Levi Haworth settled on section 28, in the fall of 1853. He was born in Vermilion county, Ohio, on the 24th day of February, 1811. Ile remained in Ver- milion connty until 1824, when his par- ents moved to Hendricks county, Indiana, and afterwards to Hamilton county, same State. Levi was married, on the first day of December, 1832, to Miss Phobe Ila- worth, a native of North Carolina. In 1853 they came to Tama county and set- tled on a farm in Carroll township, where, with the exception of three years, two of

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

which were spent in Hardin county and one in Toledo, he remained engaged in farming until his death, which occurred on the 5th of August, 1881. His wife died February 25, 1878. Their ehil- dren are : Alphens, Solomon, James, Howard, Mary, William, Louisa, Dillon, Sarah, Ellen and Eli.

James Haworth, third son of Levi and Phoebe (Haworth) Haworth, was born in Hamilton county, Indiana, on the 6th day of August, 1838, and came to Tama county with his parents in 1853. Ile was reared on his father's farm, and has made Carroll township his home, with the exception of three years spent in Hardin county and Toledo. Mr. Hlaworth is a Republican. Ile was married, January 17, 1869, to Miss Agnes Hamburg, and they have four chil. dren : Ruby M., Charles L., Freddie G. and Ida L.

Alpheus IJaworth is also a son of Levi and Phoebe (Haworth) Haworth, born on the 6th of February, 1845, in Ilamilton county, Indiana. In 1853, he came to T'ama county, settling in Carroll town- ship. He enlisted, in 1864, in Company G, Fourth Iowa Infantry and served until honorably discharged at the close of the war, in 1865. Ile then returned to his home and has since been engaged in farm- ing on section 19, Carroll township. IIe was married on the 4th day of April, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth Margaret Fee, daughter of Elias and Mary (Carter) Fee. This

was the first marriage ceremony performed in Carroll township. Three children bless this union : Perry, Miranda and Francis. Nathan Fisher also came to Carroll township in the fall of 1853. Ile settled oil section 28, building his house on the

sonthwest quarter of the northeast quar- ter of that section. IIe is now living in Toledo.

Joseph Powell settled on the southwest quarter of section 27, where he remained until 1882, when he moved into Toledo.

Shepard Haworth settled on section 20, remaining until 1860, when he returned to Indiana. Elias Fee and family, William Riley and family, Adam and Asa Wise, eame in June, 1854. Of these Elias Fee is dead. He was born in Clermont county, Ohio, August 9, 1804. His early life was spent in that county where he learned the blacksmith trade. December 15, 1829, he was married to Miss Mary Carter, who was born in Bracken county, Kentucky, August 27, 1809. In the winter of 1829, they removed to Indiana, settling in Marion county, about nine miles from Indianapolis, where he was engaged in blacksmithing. In June, 1854, they came to Tama county and settled on section 20, Carroll township, Mr. Fee at this time entering and buying 1,200 acres of land. Both he and his wife were members of the M. E. Church, of which he was a local preacher devoting a great deal of his time to church affairs. Mr. Fee died December 11, 1879; his wife still survives him. They were blessed with ten children, eight of whom are living. Sarah, now the wife of Adam Wise, of Carroll township; Eliza, wife of Wmn. Riley, of Toledo; Elizabeth, wife of Alpheus Haworth; James Henry, resident of Fullerton, Nebraska; William A., now living in Toledo, where he is en- gaged in the dry goods business; Amanda .J., wife of Wm. Strain, of Carroll town- ship; Nancy, wife of Joseph MeRoberts, of Forestburg, Dakota, and George M.,

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

living on the old homestead. William Perry died in Indiana, January 14, 1841. Francis, enlisted September 13, 1861, in Company D, 10th Iowa, and was killed at at the battle of Champion Hills, Missis- sippi, May 16, 1863.

George M. Fee, youngest son of Elias and Mary (Carter) Fee, was born in Marion county, Indiana, on the Ist day of May, 1848, and came to Tama county with his parents in 1854. Ile has sinee made Car- roll township his home. In polities he is a staunch Republican having always taken an active interest in political affairs. He was elected Justice of the Peace when but twenty-one years of age and has held that office for ten years. IIe was married May 25, 1876, to Miss Eliza M. Dexter, a native of Columbia county, Wisconsin. Three chil- dren have been born unto them, Ira B., Knight E. and an infant.

Adam and Asa Wise are still living in the township and are prominent citizens. Adam Wise, was a son of Michael and Susan (Bowers) Wise, born in 1823, in Ham- ilton county, Indiana. Ile grew to manhood on his father's farm and on the 3rd of October, 1850, was married to Miss Sarah Fee. Eight children have been born to them, four of whom are now living, Mary, now the wife of James Taylor, Susan A., Martha C. and Wilbur O. In 1854, they came to Tama county and entered 240 acres of land on section 27, of Carroll township, where he has since made his home. In politics, Mr. Wise is a Repub- lican and has always taken an active part in township affairs.

Andrew Wise came later, bringing his mother. They made their home with

Adam Wise until 1856 when Andrew located on section 35. In 1879 he remov- ed to Kansas where he still lives.

William Riley, who is mentioned as coming in 1854, now lives in Toledo.

Nathan IIarmon came to Carroll town- ship in November, 1855, and made a selec- tion of land on section 10, where he still lives.

Lucius Kibbee also came in 1855 and settled on the same section. In 1870, he removed to Kansas, where he has since died.

William Randolph came also in 1855, and settled on section 2. Ile afterward removed to Richland township where he has since died.

After this date, the settlers arrived in such rapid succession that it is impossible to trace them. Among those who have arrived since that time and are now prominent citizens and farmers of Carroll township, are John IIild, V. B. Pennell, William MeClain, J. L. Surface, George Vogt, James O'Neill and Jacob Arter.

John Hild was born in Carroll county, Illinois, in September, 1842, and is a son of Conrad and Regina ( Plough ) Ilild, both natives of Germany. Ilis early life was spent assisting his father on the farm. August 29, 1864, he enlisted in Company A., 146th Illinois Infantry, and was honor- ably discharged July 8, 1865, at Spring- tield, Illinois. Ile then returned to his native county, and in 1868, came to Tama county, where he settled on section 5, Car- roll township. Mr. llild is a staunch Republican and has always taken an active part in local politics. He is, at present, Treasurer of the school board and Justice of the l'eace. Ile was married in 1872,

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

to Miss Jane MeBride, a native of Penn- sylvania. Five children have been born unto them-John M., Olive A., Robert II., Mattie P., and Beyrl M. Mr. and Mrs. Ilild are both members of the Pres- byterian Church.

V. B. Pennell was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, July 7, 1838, his parents being William and Martha ( Moore ) Pen- nell. In 1845, the family came to Jackson county, Iowa, and in 1850, settled in Black Ilawk county, where V. B., grew to man- hood. In 1866, he came to Tama county, settling in Carroll township, on section 31, where he now owns a fine farm of 180 acres. He was married in 1862 to Miss Elizabeth Gasten, a native of Pennsylva- nia. They have eight children-William, Walter, Irving, Ira, David, Ida, James and larry.

William McClain was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 30, 1822. His native county remained his home until 1864, when he came west to Bureau county, Illinois, where he spent three years and in 1867, came to Tama county, locat- ing for a time in Perry township. In 1874, he settled on section 3, Carroll town ship, where he now resides. March 11, 1847, he was married to Miss Mary Kelso, a native of Pennsylvania. They have twelve children living-Susanna, Wil- liam, Thomas, Rebecca, James, John, Walter, Joseph, Lewis, Stephen, IIerman, George and three deceased-Delilah, Mary and Elva. Susanna, Thomas and Rebecca are married. Susanna is living in Bureau county, Illinois ; Thomas in O'Brien, and Rebecca in Ida county, this State. Wil- liam is a graduate of the Medical Depart- ment of Northwestern University, and

resides in Beaman, Grundy county, where he has practiced medicine for five years. James is also studying medicine at the above named college.

J. L. Surface was born in Warren county, Ohio, on the 9th day of January, 1816. Ilis parents were Henry and Catherine (Long) Surface, both natives of Virginia. When J. L. was four years old his parents re- moved to Preble county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood on his father's farm. He was married there in 1841 to Miss Amelia Tosh, a native of Preble county. In 1850, they came west as far as Randolph county, Indiana, remained eight years and then came to Tama county. After spending the first winter in Toledo, they then settled in ('arroll township, and, in 1868, on their present farm on section 18. Seven children have been born to them-Hannah, wife of Jonathan Wheeler, of Indiana ; Elvira, wife of A. J. Gaines, a resident of Dakota ; Emily C., wife of E. N. Wing, now living in Toledo ; William Franklin, John A., George L. and Flora O., wife of T. ... Wise.

George Vogt was born in Germany, De- cember 10, 1835, and came to America in 1856, locating in Scott county, Iowa, where he resided seven years. In 1863, he crossed the plains to California and was there engaged in mining until 1867, at which time he returned to Tama county and purchased a farm in Carroll township, on section 12. He was married in 1868 to Miss Annie Matthesen, a native of Ger- many. Four children bless this union- Katie, IIenry, Annie and Mary.

James O'Neill is a son of William and Abigail (Sherman) O'Neill. He is a native of Canada East, born the 27th of July, 1833. Ile attained his majority in his

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

native town, and soon after came west to DeKalb county, Illinois. In February, 1865, he came to Tama county, locating in Howard township, where he was engaged in farming until 1875, at which time he removed to Carroll township. He now owns a fine farm of 120 acres on section 5. Mr. O'Neill has held the office of Township Trustee for two terms and is the present Assessor of the township. Ile was mar- ried December 25, 1860, to Miss Sarah Smith, who bore him three sons : William, Asa, and Sydney. Mrs. O'Neill died in July, 1873. Mr. O'Neill was again mar- ried, September 25, 1874, to Miss Katie Carr, a native of Illinois, by whom he has had one child-Devina Estella.

Jacob Arter is a native of Ohio, born in Richland county on the 3d of May, 1849. His parents were Michael and Susanna (Erb) Arter. Mr. Arter remained in his native county until 1870, when he came to Iowa, locating on section 2, of Carroll township, where he now owns a finely improved farm of four hundred and five acres. Mr. Arter was married to Miss Anna Maria Sparks, a native of Ohio, in 1872. They have three children living : Willie O., Orlie E. and Susanna. Mr. Arter has met with good success since . coming here and is now one of the leading farmers of this part of Tama county.

ORGANIC.

The first records of this township have been destroyed and the officers elected prior to 1876 are not known. Since that time they are as follows for the years men- tioned : 1876-Clerk, John Roberts ; As- sessor, John Hild ; Trustees, G. B. Law- son, James O'Neill and F. A. Belt ; Jus- tice's, J. D. MeNeil and G. W. Fee ;

Constables, S. A. Smith and C. A. White- ley ; 1877-Assessor, S. A. Smith ; Clerk, . A. M. Smith ; Trustees, Robert Foster, Alfred Loder and John Hild; 1878- Assessor, S. A. Smith ; Clerk, G. B. Law- son ; Trustees, James O'Neill, A. C. Coch- ran and G. M. Fee ; 1879-Assessor, S. A. Smith ; Clerk, John Roberts ; Trustee, John Hild ; 1880-Assessor, S. A. Smith ; Clerk, John Roberts ; Trustee A. C. Cochran ; Constables, W. W. Strain and James McClain ; 1881-Justice, T. J. Hartley ; Trustee. G. M. Fee ; Constable to fill vacancy, John Hanus ; 1882-Jus- tices, John Hild and Lee Graham ; Clerk, John Roberts; Constables, (. Budgett and J. M. Taylor ; Assessor, James O'Neill; Trustee, John Nachazel.

RELIGIOUS.

The first service of this character was conducted by Rev. D. Petefish, a Method- ist divine, at the residence of Nathan Fisher, soon after the first settlement in 1853. The only church organization within the limits of the township is a Methodist Episcopal. A class was organ- ized soon after the first settlement, and services were held at private residences and school houses until March 1881, when the society purchased a building which had been used for school purposes on the southwest corner of section 20. This building they remodeled and in June 1882, it was dedicated as a church by Rev. HI. O. Pratt, who is now engaged in the min- istry at Cedar Rapids, and who at one time was Representative in Congress from the fourth district.

EDUCATIONAL.

Miss Martha Ann Fisher taught the first school in this township in a house owned

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

by the widow Bailey, on section 28, in the fall of 1855. The first school house was a log building erected originally by Nathan Fisher for a dwelling, and sold by him to the district for school purposes. There are now nine districts consisting of four sections each, the school houses all standing in the centre of their respective districts, excepting the one in distriet number nine, which stands about twenty rods from the north of the center. The houses are all frame and valued at $3,- 025. There were 314 children of school age in 1882, and there were registered 259 scholars with an average daily at- tendance of 122.

FIRST THINGS.

The first birth in the township was James Andrew, a son of Adam and Sarah Ellen Wise, born November 3, 1854. Ile died September 26, 1864. The next birth in the township was Eli, a son to Levi and Phoebe Haworth, born April 25. 1855. He is now living in Sac county lowa, and was married July 2, 1876, to Miss Matilda Strain.

The first marriage was Alpheus Ha- worth to Miss Elizabeth Margaret Fee, April 4, 1856, at the residence of Elias Fee. The ceremony was perfermed by Rev. Brown. They are still living in the town- ship.

The first death was that of Samuel Bai- ley, which occurred in the fall of 1855. IJe was buried on section 33, on land owned at this time by J. Yarham.

CEMETERIES.

A cemetery is located on the northwest corner of section 29. The first interment was the wife of Levi Haworth. She de- parted this life February 25, 1878. An- other cemetery is located on the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of section 27. The first burial here was Alice II., a daughter of Adam Wise and wife; she died September 5, 1864.

The second burial was James A., a son of the same couple. He died September 26, 1864. There is also a private burying ground of the Bates family which is loca- ted on the southwest quarter of seetion 18.

655

HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXIII.

CLARK TOWNSIIIP.

This is a full congressional township, [ southwest quarter of the northeast quarter embracing township 85, range 13. It is [ of section 1. Here Mr. Unger erected a situated in the eastern tier of Tama little log cabin, which was the first in the township. He still resides in the town- ship. county townships, and is bounded by Geneseo on the north, Perry on the west, Oneida on the south, and Benton county on the east. There are three small streams having source in this township ; two of them, flowing toward the south, are branches of Salt creek, and make confluence in Oneida township ; the other, Rock creek, flows toward the east, and leaves the township on section 1.

There is one railroad passing through the township in the center from east to west-the B., C. R. & N. R. R.

The surface of this territory lies gently undulating, or nearly level. The soil is mostly a dark sandy loam, and there is very little of any natural timber within its · boundaries. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in agriculture, and mostly Ameri- cans, with a considerable settlement of Germans. The town of Dysart is located in this township and receives duc atten- tion elsewhere.

SETTLEMENT.

The first settlement in what is now Clark township was made by Charles Unger and family, July 13, 1855, upon the

G. W. Bradley, a native of Massachu- setts, came during the year of 1855, and entered the northeast quarter of section 8. Ile was a single man, and "boarded round" until 1862, when he was married and moved into the house which he had erected upon his farm. Ile remained here until 1864, when he sold and removed to Black Hawk county. He is now dead.

Asahel Parmenter and family came to Clark township in 1855, and located on the southwest quarter of section 1, where he died in 1860.

Joseph Dysart came in 1855, and entered the whole of section 24. He commenced to improve in 1858, but did not make actual settlement until 1863.

On the 26th of May, 1856, David Tor- rence and family settled upon land on section 9, where they erected a house. In May, 1855, Mr. Torrence came from Jones county and entered the land. In Septem- ber, of the same year, he hauled some lumber to his future home, and put up

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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.

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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 75

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