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 80
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Following is the record of elections since that time:
April 6, 1857. Joseph Lufkin and John W. Coe, Constables ; Leonard Stoddard, Clerk ; Joseph L. Croskrey, Supervisor ; George W. Morrison, James Trowbridge and John W. Coe, Trustees.
1858-George W. Morrison, James Trowbridge and Wm. Thompson, Trus- tees ; Leonard Stoddard, Clerk.
1859-Isaac Toland, Justice; Milton C. Gettis and Samnel A. King, Constables ; John Walz, Wm. Stoddard and John Fife, Trustees ; George W. Morrison, Assessor; Leonard Stoddard, Clerk.
1860-Isaac Toland, Supervisor ; H. L. Biggs, S. I. Cady and John Fife, Trus- tees; Leonard Stoddard, Clerk; Wm. Thompson, Assessor.
1861-Joel Hoag, Geo. W. Morrison and Jacob Croskrey, Trustees ; C. J. Rhoades, Clerk; Leonard Stoddard, Assessor ; C. J. Rhoades and Leonard Stoddard, Con- stables.
1862-Joel Hoag, G. W. Morrison and Jacob Croskrey, Trustees; G. W. Mor- rison, Supervisor; Madison Bostwick and C. J. Rhoades. Justices of the Peace; L. Stoddard, Clerk ; James Trowbridge,
Assessor ; John Walz and C. R. Blake, Constables.
1863- Joel Hoag, G. W. Morrison and Jacob Croskrey, Trustees ; L. Stoddard, Clerk; John A. Eshbaugh, Assessor; C. J. Rhoades and E. C. Rhoades, Constables.
1864-John Ross, Supervisor; Joseph Yates and John A. Eshbaugh, Justices of the Peace; Thomas Watts and Sylvester Phillips, Constables; Wm. Cory, Clerk; Joel Hoag, John Cory and James Trow- bridge, Trustees; James Trowbridge, Assessor.
1865-Joseph Lufkin, Constable; James Trowbridge, Assessor; Wm. Stoddard, John Ross and Joel Iloag, Trustees; Wm. Cory, Clerk.
1866-Wm. Cory, Supervisor; A. H. Gray and Joel Iloag, Justices; Isaac To- land, Ilenry Cory and Joel Iloag, Trustees; W. G. Malin, Clerk; James Trowbridge, Assessor; Fred Sanborn and W. F. Burley, Constables.
1867-James Trowbridge, T. M. Malin and N. Randolph, Trustees; IIenry Cory, Assessor; W. G. Malin, Clerk; B. C. Berry and Isaac Toland, Justices; Fred Sanborn and W. F. Burley, Constables.
1868-James Wilkinson, Supervisor; B. C. Berry and James Wilkinson, Jus- tices; James Trowbridge, F. M. Malin and L. C. Robb, Trustees; A. H. Gray, Collector; James Trowbridge, Assessor; W. G. Malin, Clerk; Fred Sanborn and Leonard Stoddard, Constables.
1869-T. M. Malin, Justice; T. M. Ma- lin, Wm. Stoddard and W. F. Eshbangh, Trustees; John Cory, Assessor; W. G. Malin, Clerk; Albert Cory and Joel Hoag, Constables.
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
1870-Wm. Hartsoek and James H. Fee, Justices; B. C. Berry, W. F. Esh- baugh and Wm. Stoddard, Trustees; Albert Cory and W. F. Burley, Constables; W. G. Malin, Clerk; L. F. Stoddard, As- sessor.
1871-Hiram Bissell, John Walz and J. G. Sanborn, Trustees; Christopher Spire, Clerk; L. F. Stoddard, Assessor; B. C. Berry and Lyman Everett, Constables.
1872-John A. Eshbaugh and Wm. Hart- sock, Justices; Lyman Cary, Assessor; L. F. Stoddard, Clerk; W. II. Stoddard, James Trowbridge and John Stoakes, Trustees; Wilder Leonard and Michael MeCallister, Constables.
1873-C. Spire, Justice; L. F. Stoddard, Clerk; E. C. Pennell, Assessor.
1874-Wm. Cory and Leonard Stoddard, Justices; A. Zehrung, T. M. Malin and John Stoakes, Trustees; L. F. Stoddard, Clerk; James Trowbridge, Assessor; Wilder Leonard and A. P. Leavitt, Con- stables.
1875-H. Bissell, Assessor; A. P. Lea- vitt, Clerk; W. II. Stoddard, T. M. Malin and Adam Zehrung, Trustees.
1876-Wm. F. Eshbaugh and Wm. Cory, Justices; Hiram Bissell, Assessor; A. P. Leavitt, Clerk; Wm. Stoddard, W. G. Malin and L. Cory, Trustees; Ilarman Schwerdtfeger Constable.
1877-Wm. F.Eshbaugh, Assessor; A. P. Leavitt, Clerk; John Duffy, L. Sexton and Jacob Croskrey, Trustees. During the year, A. P. Leavitt resigned and S. E. Peck, was appointed in his place May 6, 1878.
1878-Wm. F. Eshbaugh and Wm. Cory, Justices; L. F. Stoddard, Assessor; G. A. Hutchison, Clerk; Lyman Cory, W. G. Malin and L. Sexton, Trustees.
1879-H. Bissell, Assessor; G. A. Ilutchi- ison, Clerk; W. G. Malin, Trustee; Dan Barnt, Constable.
1880-Hiram Bissell, Assessor; Wm. Peek, Clerk; E. S. Carpenter, Trustee; Wm. Ilartsock, Wm. F. Eshbaugh and Edward Yates, Jr., Constables.
1882-W. G. Malin, Assessor; G. A. Hutchison, Clerk; John Duffy and Wm. Stoddard, Justices; James Trowbridge, Edward Yates, Jr. and Dan Barnt, Con- stables.
G. A. Hutchison, the present Clerk of Columbia township, is a native of Belmont county, Ohio, born March 29, 1857. His parents were James P. and Mary R. (Hateher) Hutchison. The former is a native of Washington county, Pennsylva- nia and the latter was born in Belmont county, Ohio. The subject of this sketch received a good common school education and afterwards attended an academy. In 1870 he left his native place for Tama county, Iowa, and during the first eight years of his residence here, made his home with W. G. Malin, of Columbia township, and was engaged in teaching during the winter months and farming the balance of the year. In 1878, Mr. Hutchison pur- chased his present farm of 120 aeres on sections 23 and 24 of Columbia township. In polities he is a Greenbacker. During 1879 he was united in marriage with Miss Emma Malin, a daughter of Thomas Malin. Two children bless their union, Laura Blanche and Martha. Mr. Hutchison's father is still living, but his mother died June 15, 1878.
THE TOWNSIIIP'S NAME.
When application was made to Judge Vermilya to organize this township it was
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
proposed to call it "Litchfield," in honor of Litchfield county, Connecticut, from whence the Stoddard family came. A num- ber of old settlers joined in asking for this name, but Joshua Burley succeeded in having Judge Vermilya name it Columbia.
EDUCATIONAL.
The first school taught in this township was at the house of William Stoddard by Miss Elvira O. Stoddard during the winter of 1855-6.
There are now nine school-houses in the township as follows: Union school-house, district No. 1, is located on section 12. The first school taught in this district was at the house of Martin Pickett, on land now owned by Reinhard Metz. This school was taught during the winter of 1857-8, by Frank Stoddard. The first house built for school purposes was located about fifteen rods east of where the pres- ent one stands, and was built for a dwell- ing house by Daniel Haythorne. The present house was built during the summer of 1869 at a cost of $800. The district has 29 pupils.
In district No. 2, the house is located in the southwest corner of the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 4. The first building erected for school pur- poses in this district stood on section 3, and was built in 1858. It was afterward sold and the present one built at a cost of $1,100. The first school in this district was taught by Mrs. Hazelette, during the winter of 1858-9.
In district No. 3, the building is located on the southwest quarter of section 5, and was built at a cost of $300. The first school in the district was taught at the house of Joshua Burley. The second was
in a building which is now used as a granary by Thomas Everitt. The district has 20 scholars. The first school was taught by Elizabeth Burley.
In district No. 4, the school-house is located on the northeast corner of section 19, and was built in 1870 at a cost of $850. The first school was taught by John Scott during the winter of 1870-1. The district has 30 pupils.
District No. 5 .- After this district was organized, the first school was taught at the house of James Trowbridge, by Miss Elvira O. Stoddard, during the winter of 1861-2. The school house was built in 1865, and was then located near the north- west corner of the northeast quarter of sec- tion 21, and was built at a cost of 8400. It has since been moved to its present loca- tion near the northeast corner of section 21. The district numbers 30 pupils.
In District No. 6, the school house is located in the xontheast corner of the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 23, and was built in the fall of 1865. It was then located in the 40 acres east of its present location. The first school taught in this district was in a cabin on Edward Yates' farm, on section 23, in 1865, by Miss Nannie Musser, now the widow of Dr. Rickey. There are now 42 scholars in the district.
In District No. 7, the building is located in the southeast corner of section 26. It was built during the summer of 1866, at a cost of $900, and then stood on section 25. The first school in the district was taught at the house of Mrs. Biggs, now Mrs. Wm. Hartsock, on section 25, during the winter of 1864-5. The district has 45 scholars.
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IHISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
In District. No. 8, the school house stands in the northwest corner of section 34, and was built in 1870 at a cost of $800. The first school taught in the district was by Miss Eliza Sanborn. There are now 30 scholars in the district.
District No. 9, was the last district set off in Columbia township. The school- house is located in the southwest cor- ner of section 29. It was first located in the northeast corner of section 31, upon land donated to the district by Lyman Cary.
RELIGIOUS.
A Methodist Episcopal Society was or- ganized at the school house in Columbia village by Rev. Kelley, in 1880. Among the first members were Mr. and Mrs. Ira Gettis, Milton Gettis and wife, Cyn- thia Gettis, S. J. Cady and wife, Wm. Stoddard and wife, and George, Elvira, Mary and William H. Stoddard, John A. Eshbaugh and wife, Sarah and Lavina Everett, and Caroline Croskrey. At first the pulpit was supplied from other places, afterward this place formed a circuit with Chelsea, Grandview and Haven. Preaching has been held at different places in the neighborhood until the summer of 1882. At the last meeting of the officers, in 1882, it was decided to unite with Tama City Church.
The Society of Friends was organized in 1878 by Elizabeth Foster and Anna Yates. Among the first members, were Joseph Yates and family, B. C. Berry and family, Joel Hoag and family and John Cory and family. Services were held at Grandview school house, every two weeks until December, 1878, when the society was discontinued on account of many members having moved away.
The Presbyterian Society of Corinth was organized at the Chase school house, (No 2), in 1860. Among the first members were John Fife and wife, Wm Thomp- son and wife, Isaac Toland and wife, Robert Strain and wife, and two daughters; Samuel Strain and wife, Mrs. E. J. John- ston and Mary Toland. The first pastor, was Rev. Luther Dodd. He was located at Toledo, and supplied this place once in two weeks. He was succeeded by Rev. Benjamin Bew, then came Rev. Wm. Messmer, then Rev. Mr. Gordon, and Rev. James Stickles. The place of worship was afterward moved to Columbia school- house, (No. 3), and afterward to the Fife school house in Tama township. The so- ciety is now united with the one at Tama City.
POST OFFICE.
The township has never had but one post office, and has none at present. Ola post office was established at the house of Geo. W. Morrison on section 1, in 1854, and he was appointed first postmaster. In 1857 it was moved to Columbia village and name changed to Columbia. S. J. Cady was appointed postmaster. He was succeeded by William llawley. Upon the establishment of an office at luka, this office was abandoned. Joshua Burley was also postmaster here for a time.
VILLAGE OF COLUMBIA.
This village was laid out in 1856, on section 5, by Milton and John D. Gettis. The town was but little more than one on paper, although a hotel was built in 1857 and the postoffice of Ola was moved to the village. A saw mill was also built by Gettis Bros., which remained about nine
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
years. All traces of the town has long since passed away.
HISTORICAL ITEMS.
The first death in the township was a child of James West and wife. It died in the spring of 1852 and was buried on their farm on section 1.
The first birth was a son of E. and N. J. Chase, March 1, 1853. The first marriage was of Mr. John A. Carlton with Miss Sarah A. Stoddard in 1855. There are four cem- eteries in this township. One located on the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section 12. The first interment here was - Ritenhouse. Another cem- etery is located on the southwest quarter of section 29, and still another in the northeast corner of section 23. Several bodies were interred in the southwest quarter of section 5.
TEMPERANCE.
The "Sons of Temperance " was organ- ized at the Starr school house ( No. 7), in March 1876. The charter members were: D J. Peek, Emma J. Malin, Ira Wilcox, C. H. Hookirk, G. A. Hutchison, S. S Peek, Moses Pickett, Wm. M. Peek, M. Ilerbage, C. E. Cory, Celia Rogers, Luella Pickett, Frank Hartsoek, Miss J. E. Fowl- er, Annie E. Cory, Etta Brown, Mrs. Moses Pickett, Wallace Pickett, Wm. II. Cory, Mrs. Win. Hartsock, G. S. Payne, Lestie Hatfield, Marion Brown, Wyley Brown and James A. Merritt. The first officers were: J. A. Merritt, G. W. P .;
D. J. Pcek, W. P .; Celia Rogers, W. A .; S. F. Hartsock, R. S .; Moses Pickett, Chaplain; Luella Pickett, Treasurer ; Wm. M. Peek, Conductor. The society flour- ished, holding their meetings every two weeks, until June 26, 1880, when it was merged into the Blue Ribbon Society.
LITERARY SOCIETY.
In 1860 a literary society was organized by the citizens of the southeastern part of the township, for the purpose of mutual improvement. This society has been in running order most of the time during the winter seasons since, and has proved a source of considerable intellectual profit to the neighborhood. Topies of the day have been ably discussed. During the war when all was excitement, this neighbor- hood shared the public excitement with the rest. C. Spire was one of the leaders in the literary movement and a talker upon the political issues of that day. The peo- ple of this vieinity pronounced him a Copperhead. Not to be outdone and to prove that other good men had been in their times of like opinions as himself, he presented the following question for de- bate in the Lyceum, "Resolved that Jere- miah the prophet was a copperhead." The disputants were C. Spire and Win. Cory for the affirmative, Elder Rhoades and Joseph Yates for the negative. The subject was ably discussed for four even- ings and was finally decided in the affirm- ative, that "Jeremiah, the prophet was a copperhead."
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
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CHAPTER XXV.
CRYSTAL TOWNSHIP.
This territory comprises Congressional township 85 north, range 15, west of the fifth principal meridian. It is bounded on the north by Grant township, on the west by Spring Creek, on the south by Howard and on the east by Perry. It is well watered by numerous streams. Four Mile ereek enters from the north on section 3, and flowing toward the southeast, passes through section 2, and leaves from seetion 12. Wolf creek enters the township from the west on seetion 18, flowing east through that section to 17, thence to sec- tions 16 and 10, then following, meander- ingly, the line between sections 11 and 14, makes exit from section 12. Salt creek rises in the southern part of the town, on section 33, and flowing toward the east, passes through sections 26 and 25, making exit from the latter section. Crystal creek is in the southwestern part of the township. One branch rises in Spring Creek township and another on section 19. They make confluence on section 19. It then flows in a southerly direction through section 30, thenee in a south- westerly course across the corner of sec- tion 31, back to Spring Creek township. The emigrant road going west used to cross this stream on the northwest quarter
of section 30. It was a very bad crossing and teams were frequently stalled here, and settlers in the neighborhood were called upon to help with their teams to pull them out. On this account this place was called the " dug-out. "
Along Wolf creek there is some natu- ral timber. There is also a grove in the northern part, on seetion 3, known as "Four Mile Grove, " while numerous large and beautiful plantations of trees add to the scenic effect. The township is mostly prairie and the surface south of Wolf creek lies nearly level, while that north of the stream is rolling and hilly. The soil is generally the rich dark loam for which this part of the State is noted, except in the northern portion where there is a clay mixture.
The township was named by Mrs. C. L. Davis, from the crystaline purity of the air. In this, as well as in other town- ships in this section of the county, wheat was once the main produet, but at the present time it is not considered a paying crop, and the farmers are devoting their attention to other cereals and the raising of stock. There is no railroad in the town- ship, but there are three live towns within short distance, and easy of access, Traer,
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
Gladbrook and Garwin. The inhabitants are mostly American and Scotch, with a few Germans, and all are an enterprising, industrious class of citizens.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement in this township was made in 1854 by Nelson Felter, who came here from Cook county, Illinois, and settled on the northwest quarter of section 15, where he built a log house and covered it with boards. It was in this humble abode the first white child was born in the township. Mr. Felter occupied his farm until 1882, when he moved to Mar- shalltown, where he now lives. Nelson Felter was born in Schoharie county, New York, August 15, 1813. lle was married September 18, 1834, to Miss Calphrenia Powers, a native of Otsego county, New York. In 1854 he came to Tama county and immediately purchased land on section 15, of what is now Crystal township. He erected on his land a log cabin-the first in the township-which he occupied until 1869, when he built a frame house. He reared tive children-Matthew C., Rachel E., Jane, Harvey L. and Lyman. The wife and mother died May 23, 1881, and the subject of our sketch was again mar- ried, October 25, 1882, choosing for a help meet, Mrs. F. 11. Brown.
John W. McKune came here from Lee county, Illinois, in June, 1855, traveling overland with teams, bringing thirty head of cattle with him. He located on the southwest quarter of section 14. The fam- ily lived with Mr. Felter through the sum- mer while he broke some of his land and built a log house into which they moved in the fall. Ile made this his home until the time of his death, which occurred June
27, 1870. His widow now lives in Perry township with her daughter. John W. McKune was born in Orange county, New York, in 1803. When he was nine years old his parents removed to Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania. There he was joined in marriage, May 8, 1831, with Miss Frances Stuart, of Great Bend, Pennsyl- vania. Four children were born to them: George, Hannah E., Augusta and John E. In 1844, he settled in Cattaraugus county, New York, where he lived until 1846. During that year he removed to Lee county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm and lived for nine years. He then sold his property there and came to łowa for the purpose of settlement. Upon reaching this county he purchased land on section 14 of what is now Crystal town- ship. He took much care in improving his land, and made his home on it until called away by death, June 27, 1870. He was a kind husband and father, a good neighbor, and was deeply respected by all. He was a member of the first town Board of Trustees and afterwards held other offices of trust. His widow now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. L. E. Wood.
Mr. McKune's eldest son, George, was born in the town of Windsor, Broome county, New York, June 21, 1833. He came west with his parents, making his home with them until the time of his mar- riage, December 24, 1860. Ilis wife was Miss Eliza Stewart, daughter of James and Louisa (Vanleiw) Stewart. They have been blessed with seven children: Fred, Frances, John, Libbie, George, Ab- bie and Nellie. Immediately after his marriage, Mr. McKune settled on his farm
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
in the northeast quarter of section 23, of Crystal township. Ile has erected good farm buildings on his place and set out shade and fruit trees. He is now engaged in stock raising in connection with farm- ing. At present he is a member of the town Board of Trustees, is postmaster at Crystal postoffice, and has held other offi- ces of trust at different times.
John E., the youngest son of John W. and Frances McKune, is a native of Sus- quehanna county, Pennsylvania, where he was born March 2, 1840. He lived with his parents until October of 1861, at which time he enlisted in Company G, 14th Iowa Volunteers, and started off to fight for his country's honor. Ile participated in the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh. During the latter engagement he was taken prisoner and died in 1862, while in the rebel prison at Macon, Georgia.
Hannah, the eldest daughter, is now the wife of J. C. Wood and lives in Buek- ingham township. Augusta, the third child born to them, married L. E. Wood and is living in Perry township.
to improve his land until the fall of 1862, when he joined the Union army. Ile died in the service, September 8, 1863. Two of his sons are now residents of the town- ship.
Jonathan S. Bishop was born on the banks of the Little Miami, in Logan coun- ty, Ohio, October 20, 1818. His youth was spent in school and assisting his father on the farm. When twenty years of age he began learning the wheel- wright's trade. During 1839, he was in Springfield, Illinois, building carts, which were to be nsed in dragging stone to the site where the State capitol was to be erected. April 20, 1840, he was married, at Urbana, Ohio, to Miss Mary McGahan, a native of Erie county, Pennsylvania, and born July 7, 1813. They were blessed with four children, only one of whom is now living-John B. M. The subject of this sketch continued to work at his trade in Ohio until 1845, when he removed to Cass county, Michigan, where he bought a farm and also a saw mill. His wife died there March 25, 1851, and he soon after sold his property and removed to St. Joseph county, working at his trade in the town of Constantine. Subsequently he was married in that county to Mrs. Polly Ray Ketchum, widow of Loren Ketchum. She was born November 28, 1821, in Cat- taraugus county, New York. Three chil- dren were born to them: Charles A., Harriet E. and Laura A. In 1853, Mr. Bishop removed to White Pigeon, Michi- gan, and two years later, came to Tama county, Iowa. Ile entered land on section 31, of Crystal township, upon his arrival here, and immediately began improving
Another settler in 1855, was Jonathan S. Bishop, a native of Logan county, Ohio, who came here with his family from St. Joseph county, Michigan. They started from that place the 24th of April with three yoke of oxen and one yoke of cows. They visited on the way in Illinois and in Washington county this State, and arrived in Crystal township the 10th day of June, and settled on the east half of the north- east quarter of section 31. His fam- ily lived in the wagons until fall. During the summer he broke some of his land and drew some lumber from Muscatine an { erected a frame house. Ile continued [ it. In September of 1862 he enlisted in
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
company F, 28th Iowa Volunteers, being mustered in as corporal. He was detailed as his Company's representative in the color guard. He was flag bearer at the battle of Champion Hills, where he was slightly wounded in the arm. The flag staff was shattered over his head and the flag badly damaged. He participated in the battle of Port Gibson and the siege of Vieksburg, and was with the regiment in its inarch to New Orleans. In August of 1863 he was detached from his regiment and joined the 11th Louisiana. Shortly after, he was taken sick with typhoid fever and died in the regiment eamp, September 8th, 1863. Mrs. Bishop died at their home August 18th, twenty days before her hus- bands death occurred.
Charles A. Bishop, youngest son of Jon- athan S. Bishop, was born at Constantine, in St. Joseph county, Michigan, August 26, 1852. Ile was in his third year when his parents settled in this State. His edu- cation was received in the district schools of Crystal township, and at the High School of Toledo. February 2, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Maggie Watt, daughter of Joseph Watt, of West- moreland county, Pennsylvania. They have two chldren : Frank R. and Arthur A. In 1875 the subject of this sketeh pur- chased a farm on seetion 32 of Crystal township. During 1882 he erected on it his present large frame residence.
Valentine Shultz a native of the "Key- stone " State, started from Michigan, and arrived in Crystal township June 8, 1855, and settled on the west half of the north- west quarter of section 32, where he built the second log house in the township, and
lived in it until the time of his death, in 1868. His widow now lives in Garwin.
Asa Hoag, who was a native of the em- pire State, came here from St. Joseph county, Michigan, in 1855, and settled on the northeast quarter of 29, where he erected a board shanty. On the way here his wife lost her reason, and on that ac count he sold out in 1856 and returned to Michigan, where he was killed about a year later by a falling tree.
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