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 78
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
of worship was built in 1874, and dedicated September 13 of that year. It cost $2,200. Among the first members were M. D. Bonney and wife, William Castledine and wife, M. M. Lant, J. W. Crisman, wife and mother, William Davidson, F. M. Crisman, E. M. Bonney, Mary Gamble, J. C. Guiney, William Crisman, A. R. Crisman and Albert Shafer. The Rev. Enoch Holland was succeeded, in 1875, by Rev. W. Il. Miller; then came Henry Bargelt, C. A. Hawn, W. D. Maybry, S. B. Maltby and B. C. Barnes, the present pastor. The church now has a membership of sixty-one, and services are held every two weeks. The following are the present officers: Geo. Alexander, M. D. Bonney, J. F. Aus- tin, William Castledine, R. B. Beach, Trustees; M. D. Bonney, Class Leader ; Geo. Alexander, M. D. Bonney and Wil- liam Harrison, Stewards.
In connection with this church a Sab- bath school was organized in 1873, with M. D. Bonney for first Superintendent. There is now a membership of one hun- dred and twenty, an average attendance of seventy-five. J. II. Burris is Superin- tendent, George Howard, Secretary and R. B. Beach, Librarian.
A Sabbath school was organized by this denomination before the society came to Dysart, which has been continued and is officered at present as follows: John L. Spayde, Superintendent; II. W. Person, Assistant: E. Pearson, Secretary; Mrs. H. W. Parsons, Treasurer; G. Newton, Chor- ister; Miss Etta Howard, Organist.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI.
This church was first organized as Yankee Grove Presbyterian Church, taking the name from the place of its birth, Yankee
Grove, in Benton county, where its organ- ization was effected February 4, 1860, with the following named members : G. S. Eckerman, Sarah E. Eckerman, William Boyd, Sarah Boyd, James Stewart, Mary Stewart, Theron S. Talmage. The first service was held in a school house. Rev. Nelson C. Robinson, from Vinton, was the organizer and supplied the pulpit. The first elder was Theron S. Talmage. The society continued to hold service once in four weeks, then once in three weeks, at school houses in the western part of Ben- ton county, until they moved to Dysart, where the first services were held in the Methodist Episcopal church .in 1874. They continued to hold services there and in the school house for some time. About this time articles of incorporation were adopted and the name changed to "Pres- byterian Church of Dysart." The first minister at Yankee Grove was Rev. Nel- son C. Robinson, who supplied until 1867, then came James Agnew, who remained until 1869. He was succeeded by Rev. Daniel L. Hughes. He remained until 1873. After this for some time the church was supplied only occasionally. Rev. Joseph A. Donahey was the next regular minister and remained about six months. leaving in 1875. After this the pulpit was supplied by different persons until Rev. Daniel L. Hughes came and remained until November 2, 1879. A. C. Brown came next, and November 10, 1880, he was installed regular pastor and remained until November 12, 1882. Since that time ser- vices have been held at intervals only, without any regular supply. A house of worship was, erected in 1877, 30 x 50 feet at a cost of $3,000. It was dedicated De-
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
cember 2, 1877, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Stephen Phelps, now President of Coe College, Cedar Rapids. Daniel L. Hughes also assisted at this in- teresting service. The present officers of the church are : W. II. Sherwin, G. C. Howard, S. W. Arbuthnot and T. S. Tal- mage, Elders ; Kimple Bates, Deacon ; W H. Sherwin, G. C. Howard, S. W. Ar- bnthnot, T. S. Talmage and E. Pearson, Trustees. The number of members since orgonization has been 107. The present membership is 67, and the church is in good condition.
GERMAN EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION.
The German Evangelical Association was organized at Dysart, in 1873, by Rev. E. Escher. The first members were-F. and J. Aschenbrenner, H. Messer, C. Mose- bach, J. Laudgrave and A. Strube. The first officers were-F. Aschenbrenner, Leader ; C. Mosebach, Exhorter ; Trustees, F. Aschenbrenner, P. Minkle, C. Thiele, C. Brandan, C. Degner. The first religious services of this denomination in this neighborhood were held at Iloughton's school-house, six miles southwest of Dy- sart.
The different pastors since organization have been as follows: Revs. C. Escher, N. Schook, II. Butz, A. Hauser and M. Knoll, the last named being the present minister. The most important revival, as regards the number of conversions, took place during the administration of N. Schook. In 1878 the church edifice was erected. Its size is 20x50 feet and its cost was about $500. The present officers of the church are-Trustees, F. Aschenbrenner, C. Brandan, C. Thiele, W. Zobel and W. Marquette ; Class Leaders, Aschenbrenner,
Thiele and Degner. The present mem- bership of the church is one hundred, and it is prospering.
A Sunday school was organized by this society in 1874, with J. Aschenbrenner, as Superintendent. The school is in healthy and growing condition, having an enroll- ment of eighty-five and an attendance of seventy.
CATHOLIC.
The Catholic Society of Dysart was organized in the fall of 1879. The first services were held at the house of John F. Redmond some time during the fall of 1878. Services were also held at the house of Geo. W. Brown. Among the first members, John F. Redmond and family, Thomas Redmond and family, Peter Bell and family, Geo. W. Brown and family, Wm. Drapsey and family and Antone Schicht and family. The first priest was Rev. P. E. Kinney, who was located at Vinton, and supplied this church every two weeks. He remained about two years. Since that time the Rev. A. E. Kinney has supplied the church. The church edifice was built in 1879 at a cost of $1,600. The building is 30x40 feet. There are over one hundred members.
EVANGELICAL.
The Evangelical Association was organ- ized in 1878, with Rev. H. Brauer, as President. Among the first members were Fred. A. A. Sheubrenner and wife, J. A. Hotsel and wife, John Kielmer and wife, and Peter Minkle and wife.
DYSART CEMETERY.
This abode of the dead is located on the southeas corner of the northeast quarter of seetion 23. An association was duly organized and incorporated on April 12,
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
1880, consisting of the following named persons : Geo. Alexander, Joseph Dysart, W. H. Sherwin, F. Aschenbrenner, Wil- liam Harrison, H. P. Sherwin, H. H. Alli- son, W. W. Cochrane, D. A. Innis, T. H. Stewart, W. 11. Leeper, W. O. Beam, Jo- seph Furrow, G. W. McDonald, Peter Jensen, S. W. Arbuthnot, Conrad Brandon, C. Linder, L. J. Tussey, J. M. Messer, T. S. Talmage, D. E. Ilallett, and C. Stohr. The first interment here was C. W. Hawks.
The business connected with the asso- ciation is controlled by a Board of Direc- tors.
The present officers are H. W. Howard, President ; II. H. Allison, Secretary ; Geo. Alexander, T. S. Talmage and Peter Jen- sen, Directors.
SOCIETIES.
Vedette Lodge I. O. O. F., No. 417, Dysart, was organized September 9, 1880. The charter members were C. II. Beteben- mer, William E. Hodgin, Daniel Knee, I .. D). Ilulett, HI. H. Scott, O. M. Harney.
The first officers were David Knee, N. G .; O. M. Harney, V. G .; C. H. Beteben- ner, Recording Secretary; L. D. Hulett, Permanent Secretary ; Wm. E. Hodgin Treasurer. Those who have been elected to the chair are David Knee, William E, Hodgin, C. II. Betebenner, J. E. Holla_ baugh, L. D Hulett, J. H. Pinkerton.
The present officers are J. H. Pinker- ton, N. G .; Arthur Sewell V. G .; R. B. Beach, Recording Secretary; David Knee, Permanent Secretary ; W. P. Pierce, Treasurer. The total membership since organization has been 53. The present membership is a 48. The lodge is in a flourishing condition.
Ascalon Lodge A. F. and A. M., No. 393, was organized April 15, 1878, with the following charter members, H. K. Snavely, B. S. Louthan, Geo. Alexander, W. H. Sherwin, A. R. Burnett, J. Furrow, Wm. W. Cochran, L. O. Ferson, C. E. Free- man, C. A. Haun and Jacob Sirrine. The first officers were H. K. Snavely, W. M .; B. S. Louthan, S. W .; George Alexander, J. W .; W. H. Sherwin, Treasurer ; William W. Cochran, Secretary ; Jacob Sirrine, S. D. ; Joseph Furrow, J. D .; Charles E. Free- man, S. S .; L. P. Person, J. S .; A. R. Burnett, Tyler ; Rev. C. A. Hawn, Chap- lain. The chair has since been held by II. B. Ely, Jacob Sirrine and B. S. Lou- than.
The present officers are B. S. Louthan, W. M. ; Samuel Wood, S. W. ; Geo. Alex- ander, J. W .; C. D. Fedderson, Treas- urer ; J. R. Caldwell, Secretary ; A. R. Burnett, S. D .; Mr. Dickinson, J. D. ; L. L. Wheeler, Tyler. The present member- ship is 39. There have been no deaths since organization and the lodge is in good working order.
The Iowa Legion of Honor, Lodge No. 86, was organized July 2, 1880, at Dysart, by a charter granted by the Grand Lodge of the State. The following named were the charter members :
Geo. Alexander, W. W. Martin, W. E. Ilodzins, Ben. Horreby, Levi Shoupe, A. II. Spayde, Wm. Hosler, W. il. Howard, W. W. Wilds, Fred Howard, E. Pearson, G. C. Howard, T. S. Talmage, George W. Reed, C. II. Betebenner, Oliver Wheaton, G. D. Roe, C. S. Betz, Frank Ilamblin, F. M. Spillman, F. A. Mussman, D. S. Farns- worth, David Hite, M. H. Howard, James Sherman, A. N. Stewart, J. E. Hollabaugh,
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
T. C. Curyea, G. W. Ault, E. I .. Flem- ming David Knee, Chauncey Hunt, John Jurgen, Fred Aschenbrenner, Geo. E. Wean, J. F. Krahnbuel, S. P. Black, C. S. Banghart, C. J. Unger, J. B. Stewart, Peter Jensen, T. C. McElwaine, Richard Lukins, John Anderson, J. C. Clough, H. P. Sherwin, John Coutts, W. O. Bean, G. M. Taggart, T. N. Ives, Ralph Beach, S. W. Acbuthnot, J. H. Pinkerton, Frank Clayton, S. W. Snyder, A. M. Woodward, R. E. Thompson and H. F. Hovey. P. C. Jones also became a member of this lodge by card. The first officers were P. C. Jones, President ; T. N. Ives, Vice-Presi- dent ; E. Pearson, Recording Secretary ; J. II. Pinkerton, Treasurer ; W. O. Bean, Chaplain ; W. E. Hodgins, Usher ; Ralph Beach, Doorkeeper ; C. J. Unger, Senti- nel ; Trustees, G. C. Iloward, C. II. Bete- benner, and Peter Jensen; P. C. Jones, S. P. Black and W. O. Bean, Medical Exami- ners. P. C. Jones held the Presidency one year. Then came H. W. Sherman for six months ; then Henry W. Howard, six months ; then P. C. Jones, the present incumbent. The lodge has a membership of 45 at the present time. No deaths have occurred since organization. They had paid twenty-two assessments since organization to Jannary 1, 1883. The lodge is in flourishing condition, meetings are
held on the first and third Saturdays of each month, in the Odd Fellow's Hall. The organization of the lodge is largely dne to the energy and perseverance of Dr. P. C. Jones.
The Perseverance Lodge, No. 68, I. O. G. T., was organized at Dysart, February 9, 1882, at Masonic Hall. It was the re- organization of the old lodge. The first officers elected were as follows: W. C. T., II. B. Ealey ; W. V. T., Mrs. H. Smith ; W. R. S., Mrs. Ella Hanlin ; W. F. S., A. Sewall ; W. T., J. R. Caldwell ; W. M., T. Ellis ; W. C., S. Arbuthnot ; W. J. G., Mrs. M. Black ; W. O. G., Mr. Edmonds ; W. D. M., Miss Etta Howard ; W. R. S., Miss Fannie Means ; W. L. S., Miss Anna McGuigan ; W. A. S., Dr. Lou- than ; P. W., George Newton.
Since organization the membership of the lodge has amounted to 115, at present it numbers 95. The present officers are as follows : W. O. G., D. Harton ; W. L. S., Gladys Barnett ; W. T. G., E. Hiliman; W. R. S., Emma Burrows ; W. M., Era Martin ; W. C. T., J. R. Caldwell ; W. D. M., O. Hottle ; W. V. T., Mrs. M. Black ; W. T., George Wood ; W. C., Mary Brad- brook ; W. F. S., J. E. Hollabaugh ; W. A. S., W. P. Pierce ; W. R. S., E. L. New- ton.
676
IHISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXIV.
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COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP.
This township contains about 23,040 acres of land, comprising all of township 82 north, range 15, west of 5th princi- pal meridian. It is bounded on the north by Tama township, on the east by Rich- land, on the south by Poweshiek county, and on the west by Highland township. The northern part of the township is some- what broken and uneven, yet under culti- vation, and it contains some of the best farms in Tama county. This section of the township contains considerable natural timber, although large quantities have been cnt off since the early settlement. The soil is somewhat lighter here than on the prairies, being a clay mixed with vegetable mold or decayed vegetation, and it is very productive. The success of many farmers in this part seems to add additional evidence to the claim for pro- duetiveness made by many for this class of land. The southern part of this town- ship consists of prairie, principally, and the part south of Richland creek, greatly undulating. The soil there is a dark sandy loam, and when properly managed makes rich returns for the labor of the agriculturist. The township is well watered. The Iowa river enters
the township in a number of places along the northern boundary line, and Richland creek crosses a little south of the centre, entering on the northwest quarter of see- tion 19, and flowing in an easternly course through sections 19, 20, 21, 28, 27, 26, 23 and 24, leaving the township from the latter section. Besides these streams there are other small ereeks and good wa- ter abounds. This territory is occupied by a good class of people and contains an agricultural settlement exclusively. The nearest trading point of any size is Tama City, which adjoins on the north.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement in Columbia town- ship was made by Eli Chase, who came here in April, 1851, and settled on section 1, on Rock creek, on a farm entered by him sometime previous. Ile remained on this farm but a short time, but has always been a resident of the township. He now resides on section 3.
James West and family were the next to arrive. They came in May, 1851, and also settled on section 1. Three years later they moved to Johnson county, Iowa, where they still reside.
677
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
In the spring of 1852, George W. Mor- rison came from Iowa county and settled on section 1 where he remained several years, when he moved to Missouri, where he died i 1 1882.
Wheaton Chase and family came in 1853, and settled on section 4. Ile re- mained several years and then removed to Pottawattamie county, where he has since died.
Thomas Everitt came with his family in October, 1853, and settled on the north- east quarter of section 5. Ile remained until he died, May 7, 1872.
Joshua Burley came in the spring of 1854, and settled on the southwest quarter of section 4. He enlisted in the war of the rebellion and died at Keokuk, Iowa.
In 1854, the Stoddard family came to Columbia township and settled on section 16, which at that time was entirely owned by them. The father, William Stoddard, was a native of Litchfield, Connectient; the mother, Betsy (Henderson) Stoddard, a native of New Hampshire. The former is still living near Dubuque; the latter lied in March, 1874. Sketches of their three sons, Leonard, William H. and Ly- man II. Stoddard, who are yet prominent citizens of the township, are here pre- sented.
Leonard Stoddard was born in the town of Litchfield, Litchfield county, Connecti- ent, April 24, 1831. Leonard remained in his native county until twenty-three years of age, and while there learned and followed carpentering. He was married in Connecticut, in 1854, to Miss Lney A. Trowbridge, a native of that State, and the same year in company with his par- ents came to Tama county, Iowa, and im-
mediately took a claim of eighty acres on section 16, of Columbia township. Mr. Stoddard now owns a farm of 105 acres, one hundred of which is under improve- ment. In polities he is a Democrat and was the first Clerk of his township. He has three children living : Nellie C., Har- riet E. and Arthur T.
Captain William H. Stoddard is a native of Connecticut, born in Litchfield county, February 28, 1839. He came with his parents to Tama county in 1854. They settled on section 16, of Columbia town- ship, and there the subject of our sketch has sincelived. In July of 1>61, he enlisted as a private, in Company C, 10th Iowa Infantry. Ilis brother Albert raised, and was Captain of this Company, which was the first from Tama county. In January of 1862, while in Missouri, he was made Corporal; the following July, was promoted to the rank of 2d Lieutenant. In Noven- ber of 1863, after the battle of Mission Ridge, he received the commission of 1st Lieutenant, and in December of 1864, while at Savannah, Georgia, was promoted to the rank of Captain, receiving his com- mission from Governor Stone. While in service he participated in the following engagements: New Madrid and Ireland, No. 10, Missouri; seige of Corinth, in 1862; Iuka, Mississippi; 2d siege of Corinth in 1863; Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, Jackson, siege of Vieksburg, Mission Ridge, Tennessee and Columbia, South Carolina, besides other smaller battles and skirmishes. Mr. Stod- dard formed one of the Sherman's triumph- ant army in his march to the sea. He was mustered out of service and honorably lischarged at Davenport, Iowa, in Septem.
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IIISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
ber of 1865. He then returned to Colum- bia township, and settled on his farm in section 16, where he now owns 130 acres. In polities, he is a Democrat and has held the office of Town Trustee. He is a strong advocate of temperance. In 1866, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Elizabeth C. Eshbaugh, a native of Pennsylvania. They have six children living, George E., Bessie M., Jessie D., John H., Maud and Mary.
Lyman H. Stoddard, another son Wil- liam and Betsey (Ilenderson) Stoddard, was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, April 15, 1843. In 1854, he came with his parents to Tama county, lowa, and settled in Col- umbia township. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the district schools of that township. In May of 1865, he enlisted in the one hundred day service, in Company K, 7th Iowa Infantry, and after serving nearly four months was hon- orably discharged at Davenport, Iowa. He served under Captain Norris, of Ottumwa. After the close of the war, Mr. Stoddard remained home awhile and then made an extended trip of five years duration, through the territories, after which, he returned to Columbia township and settled on section 16, where he now owns a farm of 75 acres. Ile votes the Democratic ticket, and has held several town offices, besides being School Director a number of terms. In 1873, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Kendall, a native of Westminster, Vermont, and a daughter of Sanford G. Kendall, who now resides in Cohunbia township. Two children, Fred and Bertha, bless this union.
John Walz was a settler of 1854. HIe was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in October, 1827. When twenty years old
he left his native country for America. HIe landed at New York city and soOn after settled in Berks county, Pennsylvania, where he remained six years working at his trade of stone cutting. From there he removed to West Virginia, and in 1854, came 10 Tama county and purchased 160 acres on section 12, of Columbia township. Since that time Mr. Walz has added to his farm until he now owns nearly 500 acres, all of which is under fence. Mr. Walz has held the offices of Trustee and School Director. In 1853, he was married to Potenzie Mink, a native of Germany. Eight children were born to them, tive of whom are now living, George, Albert, Matilda, Mary and William. Mrs. Walz died in January, 1871. Mr. Walz was again mar- ried in 1871, to Mrs. Susanna Frederick, a native of Ohio. She had been twice married before becoming the wife of Mr. Walz, her first husbands name being Mitchell, by whom she had two children, William and Amanda. By her second husband she also had two children, Ame- lia and Carlotta.
Reinhard Metz came to Columbia town- ship in March, 1854, and is still a promi- nent citizen of this vicinity. Ile was born in Baden, Germany, August 8, 1824. Ile emigrated to America in 1847, and first settled in Blair county, Pennsylvania, and subsequently, in Allegheny county. Later, he was engaged in boating on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and after- wards located in Taylor county, West Virginia, where, in December, of 1853, he was married to Victoria Mink, a native of Wurtemburg, Germany. In March, 1854, he came west to Tama county, Iowa, and bought a farm of 80 acres in Columbia
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
township. He now owns 180 acres, all of which is under fence. Mr. Metz has held the office of School Director. In August, of 1862, he answered the President's call for 500,000, by enlisting in Company F, 28th Towa Infantry. While in service he participated in the following battles : Port Gibson, Miss., May 1, 1863; Cham- pion Hills, May 16, 1863; Edwards' Sta- tion, May 12, 1863; siege of Vicksburg, May 22 to July 4, 1863; Yellow Bayou, La., May 19, 1864; Sabine Cross Roads, April 8, 1864; Cane River, April 24, 1864; Middle Bayou, May 8, 1864 ; Mansura, April 16, 1864; Fisher's Hill, Va., Sep- tember 22, 1864; Opeqnaw, Va., Sept. 19, 1864; Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864. He was honorably discharged at Savan- nah, Georgia, July 31, 1865, and returned to Columbia township, where he has since been engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Metz have eight children living: Eliza, Benedict, Anthony, Pauline, Matilda, Wil- liam, Minnie and Edward.
William HI. Coskrey, was a pioneer of 1855. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, January 1, 1821. Soon after his birth the family removed to Muskingum county of that State, and there the sub)- ject of our sketch passed his youth and the first years of his manhood. During the fall of 1855, he came to Tama county, Iowa, and settled on section 7 of Columbia township, where he now owns 236 acres of land, nearly all of which is under cultiva- tion. Ile votes the Republican ticket. On 26th of January, 1864, Mr. Coskrey was joined in wedlock with Miss Rachel .J. McGrew, a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. Eight children have been born to them, seven of whom are living : Rober
Joseph II., Mary A., James F., Levi S., Emeline and Olive. Their daughter Anna died when five months old.
In 1855 Christopher Spire became a set- tler of Columbia township. He is a native of Gloucestershire, England, born on the 3d of February, 1823. Ile is a son of Jeremiah and Ann (Hardin) Spire. His early life was spent on a farm in his native country, and in 1848 he came to America. In 1844 he was married to Miss Sarah Shayler, also a native of England. Upon their arrival in this country they located at Glens Falls, New York, where they re- mained some time and then spent six years in Ohio. In 1855, they came to Tama county, settling in Columbia township, where Mr. Spire entered a farm of 120 acres on section 24. He now owns 280 acres in this county. In 1872, he settled on section 25, where he now has a fine farm. He has taken an active part in town affairs, having held several offices of trust. Six children blessed their union, two only of whom are living-Richard and Amy Ann, now wife of George Miller. Several good stories are told by Mr. Spire of his early life in this State. Upon arrival, he was very ignorant as regards the ways of America. One day after having been gone some hours, he returned to a neighbor's house, where he was temporarily staying, and noticing that he appeared very much cast down, his neighbor asked what the trouble was. Mr. Spire's answer was that he could not find his land. The neighbor informed him that there was no hing strange in that, as he would have to have it surveyed before he would know just where it was. Accordingly a surveyor was engaged and came to survey it. In doing
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
this, as Mr. Spire says, "He went directly to a stone, set his compass, and told me to take the chain and go ahead, and go in a hurry. After going south a ways, we turned and went west, then south, then cast to the place of starting. The surveyor then folded up his traps, saying, that "'twas done.' I said to myself, 'that man's a fool! he knows no more about where my land is than I do.' Still I felt certain it was in that neighborhood, and I accord- ingly built my house as near the center as possible to be certain I was on my own farm." Several years later, Mr. Spire had it surveyed again, when it was proven be- yond a doubt that he was on his own land. See Reminiscence chapter for further details.
After 1854, the settlers came in more rapidly. Among those who have come in since that time and who are still here, may be mentioned James Trowbridge, J. Iloag, William F. Eshbaugh, J. A. Eshbangh, Frank Eshbaugh, Moses Pickett, John Cory, William Cory, Capt. J. II. Lauder- dale, William G. Malin, Thomas M. Ma- lin, George M. Malin, Jobn Doyle, Sam- uel Sexton, J. W. Flathers, W. Leonard, G. A. Hutchison, William Hartsock, J. HI. Smith, James Phillips, Martin Keup, Robert Powers and E. G. Carpenter.
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