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 83
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123
William Houghton, Constable, is a na- tive of Canada, born in the province of Ontario, March 22, 1834. Ilis father, Phineas W. Houghton, was a native of Vermont. When William was but two years of age his parents moved to the States, locating in New York, where they lived until 1848, when they moved to Michigan. After a two years' residence in the latter State the family moved to Illinois. Mr. Houghton remained at home with his parents until the fall of 1855; then went to Wisconsin and worked one winter in the pineries on the Wis- consin river. In 1856 he went to Minne-
sota and spent one year in the pineries on the St. Croix river, and while there met with an accident by which he lost the sight of his left eye. lle then returned to Illinois and resumed farming until 1864, when, in company with his parents, he came to Iowa and located in Crystal township, Fama county. Here he lived with his parents one year, and then pur- chased land on section 3, on which he built a log house. In 1868, he bought more land on the same section and erected the frame' house in which he now lives. Mr. Houghton was married in 1860 to Miss Samantha Collins. They have fourteen children-Orette, Ada A., Eli, Emma, Luella, William G., Edward, David, Burt Lee, Charles, Annie, James, Thompson and Lizzie. Mr. Houghton was elected Constable of his township in 1880 and again in 1882, being the present incumbent.
ITEMS OF INTEREST.
The first blacksmith shop in this town- ship was started in 1860 by Mr. Loupee on section 32. llere he farmed and worked at his trade two years, when he went to lloward township. Ile went to war and later opened a shop in Toledo. In the spring of 1883 he went to Kansas. Wil- liam Brown opened a shop on section 14 in 1870. In 1876 he sold out and is now engaged in farming in Grant township. His successor sold to Lewis Gethman who rented the building to William Scott. ]Ie was succeeded by George Nichols who, six months later, removed to Traer where he now works at his trade. There is a brass band in this township which was organ- ized in October, 1882. There is now a membership of twelve with Albert Fair-
721
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
child as leader. They meet at the school houses in the Bishop and Wylie districts. There are some good musicians in this or- ganization and it promises well. James Atchinson erected a building on the north- east quarter of section 14, in 1866, and opened a general store. lle sold out to J. M. Foster in 1875, who was succeeded by Ann. M. Morton, the present proprie- tor, in the spring of 1882.
George White opened a shoemaker's shop here in 1870, where he worked at his trade until 1875, when he sold the shop to J. M. Foster and abandoned the business.
The first birth in the township was Ly- man W., son of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Felter, born April 13, 1856. He is now a teacher in the public schools of the county.
The first marriage was Lyman Wood to Miss Augusta McKune, June 28, 1857. The ceremony was performed by Leander Clark, Justice of the Peace. They now live in Perry township, and have one child, Abbie.
In 1880, l'eter Quinn established a creamery at his residence on section 2. From January, 1882, to January, 1883, 26,000 pounds of butter were made, and sold in New York and Pittsburg. Cream is gathered in Spring Creek, Perry, Howard, Grant and Crystal townships. This is called "Crystal Creamery."
EDUCATIONAL.
Crystal township is well represented by schools and school houses, which speaks well for its people. A brief record of each district is here presented, showing the advancement made in educational matters here. The first school house in
the township was erected in 1856, and in this Miss Nettie Cyrenus taught the first school.
District No. 1 .- The first school here was taught by Miss Janet Wilson in Gil- bert McMillan's house, on the southeast quarter of section 2. The second term was taught by Miss Agnes MeMillan in the same house. It was made a sub-district in 1862. The first school house was built in 1865 on the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section 11. The first term of school taught in this building was by D. B. Forrey in the winter of 1865-6. The same building yet remains on the old site.
District No. 2 .- This was made a sub- district in 1876 and the school house was built in 1878. The first term of school was taught by Mrs. Elizabeth Hale during the winter of 1878-9.
District No. 3 .- This was made a sub- district in 1871, and Peter Whannel was chosen Director. The first term of school was kept in his house, commencing in May, 1873, and was taught by Miss Agnes McNorin, who is now the wife of John Young. There were three terms taught in Mr Whannel's house. The school building was erected in 1874 and a term of school taught therein the same season by Miss Joanna McCosh, who is now the wife of Andrew Ross. The school house is located on the northwest quarter of section 8.
District No. 4 .- This was made a sub- district in 1870, and O. P. Jones was cho- sen Director. The school house was built in 1871 on the southwest quarter of section 17. A. Wheatley was the first teacher in this district in the winter of 1871-2.
54
722
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
1
District No. 5 .- The first school house in this district was built in 1873, and is located on the northeast quarter of section 21. The first term of school was taught by Miss Jennie Felter in the winter of 1873-74.
District No. 6 .- The first school-house here was built in 1859, on the southeast quarter of section 14, and the first term of school was taught in the winter of 1858-9, and was taught by Charles Cooper, a stu- dent from Iowa College. This building was blown to pieces by a tornado in June, 1865, and the neighborhood was without any school for a time. The present house was built in 1867, located on'the west half of the southeast quarter of seetion 14. It was moved to the east half of the same quarter in 1881. Miss Ann M. Morton was the first teacher in the new house.
District No. 7 .- The first house built here was in 1870 on the northwest quarter of section 36, and is a neat frame building. Miss Belle M. Dickey was the first teacher.
District No. 8 .- The first school house in this district was built in 1868 on the northeast quarter of section 28, in 1873. The district was divided and the house was moved to the southwest quarter of section 27.
Distriet No. 9 .- This was made a sub- district in 1856, and a school house was built the same year on the southwest quar- ter of section 29. The first school was kept in the summer of 1856 and taught by Miss Nettie Cyrenus. This house was sold in 1869 and moved to Grundy county, where it was used for a dwelling. The present house was built in 1869 on the old
site and within its walls Judson Pine was the first teacher. This is called the Bishop district.
POSTOFFICES.
The first postoffice in the town was es- tablished in 1857, under the name of Crys- tal, with J. S. Townsend as postmaster. As he was about to move from the town, he seat in his resignation, and recom- mended that R. R. Chambers be appointed in his stead, which was done, and the othee kept at his residence, but was soon afterward discontinued.
In 1861, it was re-established, and Dr. S. C. Rogers was appointed postmaster. Ile resigned to go to the war, and Wil- liam Wade was appointed in his stead. The office was held at Dr. Rogers' house, on section 16. Wade was succeeded by Nelson Felter, who kept the office about two years, when he was succeeded by West Wilson, who deputized James Atch- inson, and he kept the office at his store, on section 14. He was succeeded by George MeKune, the present postmaster. Miss A. M. Morton is the deputy, and has the office at her store on seetion 14.
Fairhaven postoffice was established in 1872, and O. P. Jones was appointed postmaster. Hle deputized Peter Seick, who kept the office at his house, on section 19. John Harmsen was appointed deputy in 1878, and moved the office to his house on the same section, where it still remains. Mail is received three times each week from Gladbrook and Traer.
John Harmsen, deputy postmaster of Fairhaven postoffice, was born in Holling- stedt, Schleswig, Germany, September 12, 1830. lle attended school until sixteen years of age, and when eighteen years okl
723
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
began learning the carpenter's trade, which occupation he afterwards followed while in his native country. In 1868, he emigrated to the United States, and upon landing in New York city, proceeded di- rectly to Davenport, Iowa, where he worked at his trade one year and then came to Tama county, He purchased land on sec. tion 17, of Crystal township, and there engaged in farming until 1874, when he rented a place adj ining his, removed to it, and established himself in the saloon business. There he followed that busi- ness four years, then returned to his own place, made additions to it, and the same year opened a saloon on it. During 1879 he erected a hall 32x48, 12 feet post, to be used for dancing. At present he keeps a saloon and hotel, besides attending to the duties of postmaster. Recently Mr. Harmsen rented his buildings, and soon expects to retire to a farm he has lately purchased on section 20. August 3, 1858, he was married to Miss Kate Clansen. They have six children : Claus, Hans, Ralph, Willie, Hannes and Annie.
RELIGIOUS.
The first meeting of a religious char- aeter in Crystal township, was a prayer- meeting at the residence of D. L. Diekey, on section 31, during the summer of 1866, and was attended by about a dozen per- sons, of different denominations. Meet- ings were afterwards held of this kind in different private honses during the sum- mer season.
A Sabbath School was organized in June, of that year, at J. S. Bishop's house, on seetion 31. D. L. Dickey was Super- intendent, and there was an attendance of about twenty-five seholars.
This organization still continues ; now holding meetings at the Salem church. John A. McClain is the present Superin- tendent.
The first church organization in the township was effected November 3, 1856, at the house of J S. Townsend, on the northwest quarter of section 28, by Rev. Walter L. Lyon, with fifteen members, as follows : Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wylie and three of their children, Margaret, John and Mary; Miss Jennie Ralston; Robert Crawford and wife, with their three daughters, Eliza, Rebecca and Isa- bella ; Mr. and Mrs. James Stone and Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Townsend. Rev. Luther Dodd was the first pastor, remaining with this congregation until November, 1871. The church was then supplied by different preachers until February 1877, when Rev. James Stiekel took charge and continued until 1882, when he was succeeded hy Elder Hughes, the present pastor. The society now numbers forty-seven mem- bers. This was named the Salem Presby- terian Church, by D. L. Dickey, in honor of a church in Pennsylvania. In 1864 a church was erected in the southwest quar- ter of seetion 28.
There was a Methodist Episcopal elass organized at Orrin Burright's house on section 15, in the fall of 1859, by John L. Kelley, with six members, as follows: Orrin Burright and wife, Joseph Vertrees and wife, Solomon Walls and wife. Joseph Vertrees was elected class leader. As soon as the school house was completed they met there to worship, where Mr. Kelley preached one year. He was suc- ceeded by the following who have preached since that time : Revs. Swearington,
724
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
Wirtz, Ingham, Hankins, Thomas, Hol- brook, Fawcett, Baker, Byres, Wilkinson, Bailey, Spry, Snider, Winset, McGee, Palmer, Montgomery and Rev. Iliram Bai- ley, the present pastor. Meetings are held once in two weeks at the Centre school- house. Edward Lynde is class leader, with about thirty members. A Sabbath school was organized soon after the class, with Solo . on Walls as Superintendent. Edwin Lynde is the present Superintend- ent and meetings are regularly held.
The Methodists held meetings in the Bishop school house, in 1856. Rev. Dut- ton from Marshalltown officiated. A so- ciety was organized here in 1859, by Rev. Kelly, with J. S. Bishop and wife and C. L. Davis and wife, of this town, as mem- bers. Other members were from Howard township. J. S. Bishop was class leader and Steward. Meetings were held regu- larly until 1862. The following named served as pastors for this class : Revs. Fawcett, Hankins and Thomas.
The Advents held meetings in the Bishop school house in 1877. They have not held meetings of late.
CRYSTAL CEMETERY.
The land for this abode of the dead was donated by C. L. Davis in 1858, when it was laid out and platted; since that time, one-half an acre has been added to it. It is controlled by the Township Trustees. The lots are free to all residents, nd are sold to non-residents for five dollars each. The first burial here were the remains of Miss Laura, daughter of J. S. and Polly Bishop, who died July 4, 1859. Joseph Allard is sexton in charge.
Joseph Allard's father, Jonathan Allard, was born in New Durham, New Hamp- shire, August 2, 1802. When he was but five years old his parents removed to Canada, settling in the province of Quebec. There the subject of our sketch was mar- ried, in January of 1824, to Miss Isabella Kenison, who was born in Canada East, November 17, 1805. They were blessed with ten children, seven of whom are now living. In 1861 Mr. Allard returned to the United States. Ile settled in Stephen. son county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm and lived until 1880, when he came to lowa. Ile makes his home with his son in Gladbrook.
Ilis son Joseph was born in Shefford township, Shefford county, province of Que- bec, Canada, July 21, 1833. His youth was spent in school and on his father's farm. In 1857 he came to the United States, and pur- chased land in company with his brother, and erected a house in which he lived un- til his removal to Iowa in 1864. Upon his arrival here, he bought land on section 32, of Crystal township, Tama county, and erected a house 16×22, 12 feet post; at- tached, was a kitchen 12x14 feet. The family lived in this humble abode until 1878, when Mr. Allard erected his present residence. In 1875 be built a barn 40x48 feet with a basement. March 27, 1855, he was married to Miss Mary J. Berry, of Shefford county, Canada. They have been blessed with seven children, six of whom are living-Emily J., Ella May, Amanda M., George A.,Carrie A. and Ruth- erford. Their eldest child, Florence M., died when seven months old.
725
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXVI.
" GENEREO TOWNSHIP.
This territory comprises Congressional township 86 north, range 13, west of the fifth principal-meridian. It is located in the extreme northeastern corner of the county. It is bounded on the north by Black Hawk county, on the west by Buck- ingham township, on the south by Clark and on the east by Benton county. The surface is rolling and the soil a dark productive loam in most places. It consists mostly of prairie, but some timber is found along the streams and there is a body of timber called "Six Mile Grove," in the northeast- ern part of the township. This grove consists of white oak, burr oak, red oak, elm, hickory, butternut, basswood, poplar and black walnut. Many fine trees were ent from this grove and the supply diminished, but there is considerable good timber left. The township is watered by Wolf creek and its tributaries. The main stream entering from the west, on section 30, and following mainly toward the east, passes through sections 20, 21, 22, 23, and makes exit toward the east on section 24. Years ago wheat was the main crop here, thirty bushels frequently being raised to the acre, but of late years this crop has been comparatively a failure, and is now but little cultivated, the attention of the farmers being turned to other products,
| and to the raising of stock, in which they have been very successful.
SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement in this township was effected in the spring of 1853 by Joseph Hill, a native of Virginia, and his son-in-law, John Riley, who was formerly from Ohio. They came here from Macon county, Illinois, with ox teams, bringing with them cooking utensils, and camping out on the way, building rafts and swim- ming their cattle to cross many of the larger streams. After about a month's travel, they arrived and settled on section 13 where Hill built a log house. Ile died quite suddenly in 1855. Ilis widow and two sons now occupy the original claim. Riley claimed land on sections 13 and 24, and built a small log cabin on section 13. It was in this building that the first white child of the township was born. In 1864 Mr. Riley built the frame house in which he now lives on section 24.
Joseph Hill was born March 18, 1804, in Virginia. When he was but four years old his parents removed to the State of Ohio, settling in Tuscarawas county. There Joseph was married July 29, 1825, to Miss Sarah Anderson, who was born in Pennsylvania, May 3, 1804. Twelve children blessed their marriage. During
726
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
1849 they settled in Macon county, Illi- nois, where they lived until 1853, when they came to Tama county, Iowa, and settled in Geneseo township, where Joseph Hill died June 28, 1855. Four of their children died while they were yet in the State of Ohio, and the remaining eight- William 11. H., Charity, Mary, Martin, Joseph, William, George W. and Lorenzo D .- came with their parents to this county. William 11. II. was married quite young, and in 1863, enlisted in Com- pany D, Thirty-second Iowa Volunteers and died while in service. Charity is the wife of John Riley, of Geneseo township. Mary married Alpheus Goodpasture, now of Kansas. Martin was married in 1857 to Miss Mary Casey, who died April 24, 1882, leaving eight children. Joseph now lives in Vinton, Iowa. Ile has one child. William is married to his second wife and lives at La Porte, Iowa. George W. was married August 25, 1876, to Miss Cornelia Barber. They have three chil- dren-Lorenzo Joseph, Charity Daisy and Charlie.
John Riley, who, with Joseph Hill has the honor of being the first settler of Gene- seo township, was born in Tusearawas county, Ohio, October 22, 1830. His early life was spent on the farm in his native county. In the fall of 1849, he started west for the purpose of seeing a little of the world. The winter was spent in Iowa, and the following spring and a part of the summer in Minnesota. From the last named State he went by boat down the river to St. Louis, where he made a short stay and then returned to Linn county, lowa. In 1851 he located in Ma- con county, Illinois, where he was first |
employed in a brickyard, and later, en- gaged in sawing lumber for the railroad. During 1853 he was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Charity IIill, and, immediately afterwards, started in company with his father-in-law and family for Iowa. He came to Tama county, entered land on sections 13 and 24 of Geneseo township and imme- diately removed his family there and be- gan making improvements. Ile first built a rough log cabin, which the family occupied until a more comfortable abode could be constructed. In 1864 he erected his present frame residence. Mr. and Mrs. Riley have six children-Louisa, Mary E., George W., William M., John and Barney.
In the fall of 1853 Nathaniel Spencer, formerly from New York, came here from Michigan, and took a claim on section 14. He was quite a prominent man, and took a lively interest in town affairs. It was he that proposed the name " Geneseo," for the township, and was always fore- most in every public enterprise. He died in February, 1870, and was buried in the Spencer burying ground. His son Wil- liam now live on section 14.
George Busler, a Pennsylvania German, came with the Spencer family, and entered land on section 13. He died in 1856 and his family now live in Black Hawk county.
Elijah Guernsey came here from Lick county, Indiana, and entered large tracts of land. He built a double log house on section 23, where he lived until his death, which occurred February 14, 1861. His widow and children now occupy the place. His son is one of the most extensive far- mers in the county. Elijah Guernsey was
727
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
born in Canada, May 17, 1826. His par- ents were natives of Vermont, and soon after Elijah's birth, they returned to that State Subsequently they removed to the State of New York, and later, returned to Canada, where they lived a few years, and then crossed over to the States once more, and settled in Lake county, Indiana, where they were among the first settlers. Mr. Guernsey made his home with his parents until 1850, when he went to California, where he engaged in mining three years, then returned to Indiana. In November, 1854, he was married to Miss Caroline Phelps, who was born in Geauga county, Ohio. A few days after his marriage, Mr. Guernsey started for Tama county, Iowa, and upon his arrival entered land on seetion 23, Geneseo township. Ile im- proved the land and made his home on it until the time of his death. He left his widow and two children-Chester and Seriah-to mourn his death. The spring following his decease, Mrs. Guernsey, with her children, removed to Ohio, where, December 10, 1867, she was married to Alvin Harrington. One child-Harry -- was born to them, and her husband died February 7, 1872. The following fall Mrs. Harrington returned, with her chil- dren, to Geneseo township, and with them now occupies the old homestead. Dur- ing 1875 she erected the frame house in which they now live.
Another early settler of Tama county is Patrick Emmett, who came here in 1854,and claimed land on section 30, where he has since resided. Ile was born in 1810, in Ireland, and was married there in 1829, to Miss Catherine Ryan, who bore him six children, and died in 1845. Three
years after his wife's death, Mr. Emmett came to America, and sett'ed in Illinois, where he continued to reside until his settlement in this county. He was mar- ried the second time, in 1849, choosing for a helpmeet, Miss O'Donnel, who has borne him five children, four of whom are now living.
John L. Tedford, formerly from Ohio, came here from Linn county, in the spring of 1854, and selected land on section 21, and then returned to Linn county. In the fall he came back and built a log cabin and put up some hay. In the spring of 1855 he moved his family to their new home, where he has made great improve- ments and still remains. Chauney B. Slade, a native of York State, came also from Linn county the same year and set- tled on seetion 16, where he lived until the time of his death. Ilis son, Sardis, who was a school teacher, now resides in Waterloo.
Theodore Moore, a Pennsylvanian, came here from Michigan, in 1864, and claimed the east half of the northeast quarter of section 10, and the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 11. llow- ever he did not move here with his family until 1855. He opened the first black- smith shop in the town. He has improved his land, and built the neat frame house in which he now lives. Joel Hayward, a native of New York, came here from Michigan, in 1855, and bought land on section 21, where he lived until 1875, when he went to California, and still lives in that State. IIarvey Wager, formerly from New York, came here from Michi- gan in 1854, and took a elaim on seetions 18 and 19 ; but sold out and took another
728
HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
on section 10. He moved here with his family in 1856, and first built a small log house, bringing the shingles from Musca- tine to cover it. In 1862 he erected a stone house, in which he now lives.
William Tedford, a brother of John L., came from Linn county, in January, 1855, and settled on section 21. In 1859 he started for Pike's Peak, and died in July of that year, in Kansas. His widow now lives in Palo Alto county, with her son.
llarvey Wager was one of the pioneers of 1854. He was born October 23, 1827, in Washington county, New York. When he was but eight years old, his parents removed to Michigan, settling in Round Prairie township, Kalamazoo county. There he attended the common schools for some years, and then advanced his ed- ucation by two terms at a select school at Schoolcraft. When twenty-three years old, he purchased a farm in Texas township, Kalamazoo county, and a year later, was united in marriage with Miss Betsy Ann Secoy. They were blessed with eight children, seven of whom are now living: Wallace, Evangeline, Viola, Irving, Byron, Della and Albert. During 1854 Mr. Wager started west on a prospecting tour, and upon reaching Tama county, Iowa, selected a claim on sections 18 and 19, Geneseo township. He soon after returned to Michigan, where he sold his elaim, and during the winter of the same year, made another trip to this county. This time he selected land on section 10 of the same township, then again returned. to Michigan. In the fall of 1855 he came here and erected a house on his land, returned home, and in the spring of the following year, removed his family to
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.