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 88
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James Lessor.
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IIISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
half years. 1n 1855, in company with his employer, he left his native hills for the Western World. They first stopped in Middlesex county, Canada West, where they worked at their trade about eighteen months: then went to Oxford county, and engaged in blacksmithing until 1870. At this time they dissolved partnership, Mr. Davidson taking his share and coming to Tama county, lowa, locating on section 16, Grant township, where he erected the first blacksmith shop, and engaged in black- 'smithing with tools which he had brought from Canada. Mr. Davidson was married May 27, 1869, to Miss Mary Ann Murray, native of Oxford county, province of On- tario, born November 2, 1847. Hler father is a native of Southerlandshire, Scotland; her mother of Rosshire. Her parents emi- grated to Montreal, Canada, in 1840, re- mained eighteen months and then re- moved to Oxford county, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have been blessed with six children, four of whom are living : Willie J., Thomas, Elizabeth J., and May. Mr. Davidson, by hard work and industry has accumulated a large property, his farm containing 320 acres of well improved land, and is. classed among the leading farmers of his town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are active members of the United Presbyterian Church, and are highly respected by all who know them. Mr. Davidson takes an active interest in educational affairs, and has held the office of School District Treasurer six years. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and is a member of the present Board of Trustees.
The particulars regarding the first death and first house erected in Grant township, will be found in the Chapter upon "Events of Interest."
CEMETERY.
Grant township cemetery was surveyed by W. II. IIolstead, County Surveyor, in May, 1877, and is located on the south side of the north half, and the north side of the south half, of the southeast quarter of section 16. The first interments on these grounds were the remains of Maggie A., Elizabeth M. and James S., children of ł mes and Margaret Watson, all being buried during the same month.
THIE CHURCH IN GRANT TOWNSHIP. By a Local Writer.
The first religious services in Grant township were held in the Seelye school- house in 1861, by Rev. Mr. Upton, Con- gregationalist, of Buckingham. He was followed by Rev. Mr. Roberts, Congrega- tionalist. Next came Rev. Mr. Baker, a Methodist minister. Then Rev. Mr. Dodd, Presbyterian from Salem. None of these effected an organization.
"The United Presbyterian Congregation of Amity" is the only Church organiza- tion in the township. It is under the care of the U. P. Presbytery of Cedar Rapids.
This congregation was planted in the summer of 1873, in the Bennett school house, by the preaching of Rev. J. H. Turnbull, pastor of the Tranquility U. P. Church, ten miles southeast of here. It was partially organized December 29, 1874, by the enrollment of seventeen members, Rev. P. H. Drennen officiating. It was fully organized February 27, 1875, Rev. J. II. Turnbull and Elder Peter Whannell from Tranquility, officiating. The origi-
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nal members were twenty-John Porter, Rebecca Porter, William Creswell, Cathe- rine Creswell, James Watson, Margaret Watson, Mary Jane Watson, James Davidson, Elijah Fletcher, Jannet Fletch- er, W. H. Slessor, William Watson, Wil- liam Mitchell, Margery Mitchell, John Galloway, Agnes Galloway, John Young, John Dalglish, lsebella Dalglish, and James Innes. James Innes and James Watson were elected ruling elders. John Galloway, John Dalglish and Wm. Mitchell were elected trustees.
The following ministers filled appoint- ments here for a longer or shorter time, before the present pastorate-Revs. J. II. Turnbull, J. L. Bull, P. H. Drennen, J. D. Whitham, J. R. Doig, D. D., James Duncan, D. D., Andrew Gordon, J. II. Gibson, J. P. Black, G. W. Ilamilton, Thomas Park, J. A. Ferguson, R. A. Gilfil- lan, Reid, S. T. Herron, W. J. McAllister. These ministers are held in grateful remembrance by the people.
Rev. J. H. Turnbull, the founder of this congregation, was born July 1, 1842, at llindley, Roxboroughshire, Scotland; edu- cated in Monmouth College, at Mormouth Seminary ; pastor of Tranquility congre- gation 1872-1875 ; and pastor at Fall River, Mass., since 1876.
Rev. W. J. MeAllister was stated sup- ply at Amity, for two years previous to the present pastorate. He was born, March 25, 1832, in Washington county, N. Y .; graduated at Monmouth College, in 1870, and in Monmouth Seminary in 1872; pastor of Wheatland, Illinois, for two years; stated supply at Amity, 1876- 1878, and died, February 9, 1879, at Traer, Jowa. He was a fine scholar, a faithful
preacher, and a man of blameless life. Hle will be held in everlasting remem- brance. Rev. David Livingston, of Traer, has always helped this congregation by neighborly sympathy and co-operation.
The present pastor, Rev. J. M. Ilam- ilton, is of Irish descent, and was born June 5, 1852, in Guernsey county, Ohio ; third son of John and Elizabeth Ilamilton came to Jowa in 1858 ; gradua- ted at Momouth College in 1876, and at Xenia Seminary in 1878. Preached first at Amity, October 11, 1878 ; was called as pastor December 17, 1878 ; began regular work January 1, 1879, and was ordained and installed May 14, 1879. Was married June 5, 1879, to Miss Anna Hoffman, of German deseent, a graduate of Simpson Centenary College, and third daughter of Thomas and Maria Hoffman, of East Des Moines, lowa. Two children have blessed their home-William James, born March 3, 1880, still living, and David Livingston born October 13, 1881, and died, June 1, 1882.
Amity Church is located on the south west corner of section 16, and was built in 1879, at a cost of $2500. It is a frame building 54 x 34; fine steeple seen for miles ; recess for pulpit, large entry, two Sabbath school rooms, a gallery, seats over 300, and is well filled from Sabbath to Sabbath. The parsonage, a neat, convenient build- ing of eight rooms, is near the church and was built in 1882; cost $1500. Present membership, 125. Enrollment since or- ganization, 160. Have lost only one mem- ber by death, the venerable and respected John Young, Sr. Members of session are-James Innes, James Watson, James Young, Peter Whannell, W'm. Brown and
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John Brown. Trustees are-James Mc- Whirter, John Nicoll and Win. Todd. Will G. Brown has led the singing accept- ably for years.
Preaching every Sabbath at 11 A. M. Sabbath school at 12 M. Young peo- ple's prayer meeting Sabbath evening. General prayer meeting each Wednesday evening. Ladies Missionary Society, third Wednesday of each month.
They have a good Sabbath school; enroll- ment, 256. Average attendance, 120, and the following officers: Superintendent, Peter Whannell; Assistant Superinten- dent, Wm. Mitchell; Secretary and Treas- urer, J. A. Innes. Mr. Whannell has served very acceptably as Superintendent since the organization. There are thir- teen classes with the following teach- ers : John Brown, J. M. Hamilton. Wm. Mitchell, Alex. Southerland, James Innes, Mrs. James Young, Wm. Dodd, Alex. Brown, John Nicoll, Mrs. P. Whan- nell, Lizzie Brown, Maggie Weir and Belle Young.
We have a new library of 200 vol- nmes. The Ladies' Missionary Society of Amity was organized in June, 1881. Of- ficers: President, Mrs. J. M. Hamilton; Vice Presidents, Mrs. James Davidson, Mrs. John Brown, Mrs. James Stanley, Mrs. Peter Whannel and Mrs. James Wat- son; Secretary, Mrs. Will Brown; Treas- urer, Mrs. James Young; Collectors, Mrs. Thomas Beeket, Misses Janie Whan- nell, Maggie MeWhirty, Katie Innis and Sadie J. Watson. Society meets monthly. Programme: Business, Missionary Exer- cises, Essays, Readings, Conference, Prayer meeting. The society attends to
collecting funds for missions, raising about $200 annually. It is a blessing to its mem- bers, to the community and Christ's cause.
We have two prayer meetings. A cot- tage prayer meeting, well attended from house to house, on Wednesday evenings, and a young peoples' prayer meeting in the church on Sabbath evening, with a large attendance, and commendable devo- tion. The young people of the congre- gation are intelligent, earnest Christians; a number are teachers, and many of them are seeking a liberal education in the higher schools and colleges.
The congregation is in good order, spirtually, socially and financially. It is alive to every good work, supporting the work well at home, and contributing lib- erally to the Mission Boards and in- stitutions of the church. During the present pastorate it has paid to all objects over $2,100 annually, an average of about $20 dollars per member annnally. We trust it is only entering upon its usefulness.
"I therefore wish that peace may still Within thy walls remain, And ever may thy palaces Prosperity retain."
John Fleming organized the first Sab- bath school in Grant township, in 1863. at the school house on section 25. This was called the Jasper Sabbath school.
John Fleming was born June 29, 1800, and was married to Miss Mary Wills, April 26, 1826. They had eight children, one daughter and seven sons, the youngest of whom died in infancy. Mr. Fleming came to Iowa in 1854, to look after land, and every year until 1861, made a summer trip to Tama county. In 1861, his son, James C., came with him, and together
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they completed their house on section 23, Buckingham West, Tama county. About 1863, Mr. Fleming organized the Jasper Sabbath School, as stated above, it being the first organized in Buckingham West, as that region was then called. Mr. Fleming was Superintendent of the school until his death, which occurred May 25, 1868. J. C. Fleming was then in the county for the purpose of building on his farm, but was delayed in his improvements by the death of his beloved father. The remains were placed in a metalic cofiin, shipped to Pennsylvania, and buried in the Kishaco- quillas Cemetery, in Mifflin county. ITis son, John W. and wife, came to Tama county, in March, 1866, and located in Bucking- ham West, on section 23. In 1869, James C. Fleming came to Grant township, Tama county, to improve his farm on section 24. Ile erected a house and returned to Penn- sylvania. James C. was married in Penn- sylvania, on the 23d of December, 1869, to Miss Tillie R. Wilson, of Mifflin county, of that State, and in March, 1870, perma- nently located in Grant township, Tama county, Iowa, on section 24.
Religious services have been held in the Weir school house at different times, and preaching had by ministers of various de- nominations. The first to preach here was Rev. Roberts, a Congregationalist, and afterwards the Rev. Mr. MeAllis er, of the United Presbyterian Church, and Henry Baldwin, now one of Grundy Centre's law- yers. The latter gentleman organized the Sabbath school here with a membership of thirty or forty, and Fernando Kelly as Superintendent. This school continued in active operation for a few years, then sus- pended for a time, to be revived by James
Weir, a member of the United Brethren Church. This Sabbath school was kept up until the Union Presbyterian Church was erected.
ALLENDALE STOCK FARM.
This place is located on the southeast quarter of section 24. L. P. Dinsdale & Son, proprietors. In 1875 they commenced the business of raising shorthorn Durham cattle. Their first purchase being Master of Arts, No. 20,372, for $335, and Lady Thompson, second. To these two magnifi- cently bred animals were added a number more from the best herds in the United States. Their herd now contains repre- sentatives of the best in the country, and the notable improvement in the stock of Tama county is largely due to the enter- prise of this firm. They have annual sales of full blooded stock. The last one was held in the fall of 1882.
L. P. Dinsdale, one of the substantial farmers in Grant township, and senior member of the Allendale stock farm com- pany, is a native of Yorkshire, England, born January 16, 1817. llis parents were natives of the same shire, his father being born November 14, 1791, his mother, Jane Parker, in 1794. They lived in their na- tive shire until their death, the father dy- ing October 12, 1857 ; the mother May +, 1840. L. P. was reared on the farm, re- ceiving a limited common school educa- tion. When he was fourteen years of age he was apprenticed to learn the shoe- maker's trade, remaining until twenty-one years of age. In the spring of 1845, he left his native land, came to Canada and settled in Petersborough county, where he purchased a farm and followed farming until 1864, at which time he removed with
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his family to Tama county, settling on see- tion 24, in Grant township, where he has since resided. He was married in July, 1836, to Miss Martha Birtch, born in York- shire, in 1811. She died in Grant township, July 22, 1873. This union was blessed with seven children-Jane, Elizabeth, James, John, now deceased, Ellen and Aliee. In politics, Mr. Dinsdale is a warm supporter of Republicanism. In his farm- ing operations, Mr. Dinsdale has been very successful, owning 840 aeres of good land in Grant and Buekingham townships. He takes quite an interest in horticulture, and has an orchard containing over 800 fruit trees of the different varieties adapted to this climate. But he may justly take pride,
as he does, in his herd of short horn cattle, which have been selected by himself with great eare, from the best herds in different parts of the Union.
POST OFFICE.
Connell postoffice was established in May, 1872, and Alexander Mitchell was ap- pointed postmaster, with James Davidson as assistant, the office being kept at his honse. The first two years mail was carried by the neighbors from Buckingham. In 1874 a mail line was established from Buckingham, by way of this office, to Cole- ville. This route was discontinued in Sep- tember, 1879, when the office soon ceased to exist.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP.
This is the southwestern corner town- ship of Tama county, embracing the terri- tory of township 82, range 16, west of the fifth principal meridian. The surface of the township is quite rolling, is well wa- tered and the soil very rich. The attention of the inhabitants is given entirely to stock-raising and general farming. The only reason that Highland does not rank first among Tama county's sub-divisions is that a large portion of its lands are owned by non-residents, and therefore are not so much improved as they other- wise would be. There are, however, sev-
eral large stock farms here upon which the improvements are among the best and most convenient in the county.
The surface is almost wholly a rolling prairie, the only natural timber being ou sections 5, 15 and 22. The principal stream in the township is Richland creek. 'The two forks which form the main stream unite on section 21, and thence flow through sections 16, 15, 22, 23 and 24 and pass into Columbia township. Raven creek enters the township on section 6, crosses sections 5 and 4, and leaves the township by way of the northwest corner
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of section 3. Bennett creek is formed by two forks, which both rise in this township and unite on section 1. A branch of Rich- land creek touches section 36.
The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway erosses the west half of Highland, but there is no station on the line in this township.
EARLY SETTLEMENT
Only about a quarter of a century has passed since this section of country was uninhabited except by the Indian. The first advent here of the white man is yet remembered by many now living. Through dense forests and over trackless plains
came the early pioneers, making selection of lands, establishing homes, turning the virgin sod, planting the fields with grain, reaping the golden harvest, and thus toil- ing on from year to year, subdning the land and accumulating property, until now one may see a beautiful country, contain- ing the homes of a contented, happy people.
The first person to effect a permanent settlement in what is now Highland town- ship, was James B. Merritt, who located on section 16, on the 11th of March, 1855. Hle at once purchased that section, erected a cabin and busied himself making neces- sary improvements. In May, his family, consisting of wife and three children, ar- rived to join him and participate in the struggles of pioneer life. James B. Mer- ritt was born in Orange county, New York, August 5, 1814. His father, Daniel M. Merritt was a native of Westchester county, New York ; and his mother, Char- ity (IIultz) Merritt, of New London Con- necticut. James B. was the seventh of ten children, three of whom are living.
James lived with his parents, attending the common schools and helping on the farm until he was nineteen years old, when he learned the trade of mason. Mr. Merritt was married in 1839, in Litchfield county, Connecticut, to Miss Laura C. Wing, a native of Schenectady, New York. They made New York State their home until 1855, when Mr. Merritt con- cluded to go west and obtain some land on the frontiers. Ile traveled by railroad to Rock Island, Illinois; then by stage to Marengo, Iowa, where he obtained a pri- vate conveyance to take him to Eureka. From here he started out on foot, and on the 10th of March arrived at the residence of James Magee in Tama county, where he rested for the night. On the day fol- lowing he located where he now resides, owning one of the largest farms in the county. After making the first payment on his land, Mr. Merritt had $400 left, and thus the family lived quite well until 1858, in which year the wheat crop was a failure on account of wet weather. Mr. Merritt harvested ten acres, but only got forty bushels. This furnished the family with bread stuff ; but they had to manufacture their own flour, which they did by grinding the wheat in a coffee mill. In the spring of 1859, Mr. Merritt sowed what wheat he had left and the family then lived on corn meal and water until the next harvest. Since that time, how- ever, they have had no serious hardships. Mrs. Merritt died June 21, 1876. She had borne her husband ten children, three of whom are now living : Frances, now Mrs. D. E. Wing; James A. and Earnest A. Mr. Merritt was again married in April, 1882, to Miss Mary E. Gaffeny.
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
IIe is a staunch Republican, and has held various offices of trust. Ile is a good citi- zen and is respected by all. He has been very successful in his farming operations, and is one of the most well-to-do farmers of the county.
Soon after James B. Merritt had ef- fected a settlement, Samuel Clark arrived and.erected a cabin on the south-west quar- ter of section 3, which was soon afterward destroyed by fire. Ile erected another, however, and in the spring of 1856, moved here from Indiantown where he had been stopping, and thus became a citizen of Ilighland.
In July, 1856, David Babb arrived and entered the southeast quarter of section 8, which he at once began improving. The family lived with James B. Merritt until October, then with James Bradley, of In- dian Village township, until the following spring, when they permanently settled upon the land which had been entered. David Babb lived here until his death, which occurred on the 24th of December, 1877. His widow still resides on the old homestead. Mr. Babb was a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, born Decem- ber 1, 1812. His parents, David and Su- san Babb, moved with their family to Ohio at an early day, and here David, jr., was married to Miss Elizabeth Boughart, a native of Northampton, Pennsylvania, born June 17, 1816. This union was blessed with six children, four of whom are now living: Mary C., now Mrs. H. I. Reed; Anthony E., Quincy W., and Mar- tha E., now wife of W. P. Kellogg. In 1856, Mr. Babb, with his family, left Ohio and came to Tama county, being the third settler in Highland township. The jour-
ney was accomplished by teams and they were twenty-eight days on the road, arriv- ing here on the 10th of July. Mr. Babb had but $37 when he arrived here and therefore experienced all the hardships of pioneer life.
Quincy Babb, son of David Babb, came with his parents to Highland township, where he has since resided. Ile now has charge of the old homestead. Mr. Babb is a native of Summit county, Ohio, born February 25, 1848. Iu polities he affiliates with the National Greenback party; and his religious connections are with the M. E. Church.
Anthony L. Babb, oldest son of David Babb, was born in Summit county, Ohio, February 25, 1841. He came with his parents to lowa in 1856, and has since been a resident of Highland township. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Co. F, 28th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served three years. Ile was married in 1869, to Miss Milly A. Richards, of Marshall county, and they have now six children: Alma L., Emma L., David R., Clarence E., Linna L. and Laura E. Mr. Babb was a member of the M. E. Church from 1860 till 1882, since which time he has been connected with the U. B. Society. In politics he is a National.
In the latter part of July, 1856, A. Hull made his appearance and settled upon the west half of the south-west quarter of section 12, while his son, Samuel Hull, set- tled just across the township's line on sec- tion 13.
In 1857, Jacob Korns broke thirty-four acres on section 27, where George G. Walker had entered land for him in 1856. Mr. Korns did not move his family to the
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
county, however, until the spring of 1858, at which time John Korns also settled in the township.
Then followed R. Johnson, Arthur Manfull, John and Quiney Manfull, Franklin Ihubbard, E. M. Poyneer, A. N. Poyneer, C. W. Moffatt and others. The most of those named are mentioned else- where in this volume. Later came James H. Smith, Hiram Winders, C. A. Wilson and S. W. Snyder.
James II. Smith came to Tama county in 1861. Hle resided at Indiantown until 1864, when he located on section 4, High- land township, where he has since resided. Hle now owns about 300 acres of land, and is principally engaged in raising stock. Mr. Smith is a native of Washtenaw county, Michigan, born September 1, 1827. llis parents were James C. and Sally (Dickerson) Smith. lle was left mother- less when only four years of age, but his father subsequently married again. James II. Smith was brought up on a farm, and resided with his father until eighteen years of age, when he removed to Boone county, Illinois. On December 31, 1848, he married Miss Julia Linderman, a native of the State of New York. He continued farming in Illinois until he came to Iowa in 1861. Mr. Smith does not belong to any sect, party or ereed, but is what may be strictly called a free thinker. He voted the Republican ticket for many years, but now votes the National. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have eight children-Julius B., Carrie, Josephine, Ida, Sarah, Frank, Em- ma and Gertie.
Among the large stock farmers of the county is to be found Hiram Winders, who resides on section 14, Highland township.
Ilis farm consists of 560 acres on section 14, and 160 acres on section 15. This land has been well improved and the farm is second to none in the township. Mr. Winders is a native of Maryland, born on the 6th day of June, 1826. His father, George Winders, was a native of Ohio; his mother, Jane Winders, a native of Mary- land. Hiram worked for farmers in his neighborhood until he reached his major- ity, then he worked at wagon making one year, at the end of which time he emigrated to Ogle county, Illinois, where he followed the trade of carpentering. In 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Hettie M. Tice, a native of Ohio. They followed farming in Ogle county, Illinois, until 1868, when they emigrated to Iowa, and have since lived in Ilighland township. In politics, Mr. Winders was formerly a Democrat, but of late years he has voted the National Greenback tieket. His re- ligious connections are with the Christian Church. There are eight children- Charles L., Luey J., William R., Carrie B., Samuel W., Chauncey, Blanche and Earl.
OBGANIC.
Highland township was organized Oc- tober 9, 1860, and the first election held at the house of James Adair, on the 5th of November following. C. W. Moffatt was chosen Chairman; Franklin Hubbard, Ja- cob Korns and J. B. Merritt, Judges; and Robinson Johnson and C. W. Moffatt, Clerks of the election. Isaac Toland, Esq., administered the oath to the above named. The following is a roster of the officers as copied from the records: Officers elected at first election : Jacob Korns, Arthur Manfull and David Babb,
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HISTORY OF TAMA COUNTY.
Trustees; Robinson Johnson, Clerk; Franklin Hubbard, Assessor; S. J. Alden and Arthur Manfull, Justices; Edward Hull and David Babb, Constables; C. W. Moffatt, Road Supervisor.
1861-David Babb, Jacob Korns and J. B. Merritt, Trustees; Robinson Johnson, Clerk; E. M. Poyneer, Assessor; C. W. Moffatt. Justice; David Babb, Constable; (1. W. Moffatt, Road Supervisor.
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