USA > Iowa > Taylor County > History of Taylor County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc. : a biographical directory of many of its leading citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, history of Iowa and the Northwest, map of Taylor County, Constitution of the United States, reminiscences, miscellaneous matters, etc > Part 54
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In this view, Iowa occupies a proud and prominent position, and at no distant day, will stand foremost in the production of corn, hay, neat cattle, and dairy product; and Taylor county, as now, will be a prominent factor in this relation.
490
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
TAYLOR COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, FROM ITS FIRST BEGINNING DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME.
Taylor county is essentially an agricultural district and a stock raising point of considerable importance. As proof of this we append the follow- ing table of shipments by car loads for the year 1880, ending with Novem- ber 1 :
Bedford. 612
Lenox.
Conway. 845
2,875
Oats.
110
60
68
238
Wheat
16
40
10
66
Flaxseed.
26
23
20
69
Other cereals
10
9
4
23
Hogs
395
153
160
708
Cattle.
124
19
47
190
Other stock.
9
1
10
Potatoes
34
18
47
99
Merchandise
35
...
35
34
...
....
34
Sundries
15
6
5
26
1,420
1,746
1,207
4,373
Total.
Corn.
1,418
Building material
To the above table must be added large numbers of shipments of grain and stock made from outside stations, which properly belong to this county. Hopkins, on the Missouri line, has drawn heavily from us, and many cars of grain and stock shipped from there legitimately belong to Bedford. Redding, in Ringgold county, on the Mt. Ayr and Grant City extension of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, has drained southeast Taylor, which was formerly tributary to Bedford, and rightfully should be credited so. Clarinda, aided by Morsman and Hepburn, have made inroads on the west, and Villisca, Nodaway, Brooks and Corning, on the north. Thus it clearly appears that the table above does not show more than three-fourths of the stock and grain actually shipped from Taylor county. In round num- bers, 2,000,000 bushels of corn, 500,000 hogs, 8,000 cattle and 200,000 bushels of oats would not exceed the real figures. Then to this should be added the corn and the oats consumed at home, as well as the cattle and hogs. In the table connected herewith, it is shown that sixty-six cars of wheat were shipped from the three stations of Bedford, Conway and Lenox in the time specified. There will be much less sent abroad this year, and in all the years to come, for the supply is not equal to the demand of our home mills. The Bedford mills, especially, are obliged to ship in wheat from other States.
491
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
All this was foreseen by the early pioneers-that as a grain producing country, and a region that could not be surpassed for successful stock rais- ing, Taylor county must, on its merits, rank among the very best in the State. And so for their mutual good, and as the most judicious "send off" they could give the county, they early conceived the idea of an agricultural society, than which nothing could be more beneficial to a new country-or an old, as for that matter.
The county, it will be remembered, was organized in 1851, and it was not long afterward when the more thoughtful began to speak of "fairs." In 1855, 1856 and 1857 new settlers came, who were a different class of people. They were men of broader culture and opinions, and to-day the impress of their wisdom and influence is manifest in the progress that has attended the county in its moral and material interests. These were the Litteers, the Evanses, the Hoovers, the Dales, the Rays, the Steeles, the Bents, and scores of others, deserving especial mention in these pages.
So in 1857 the agitation commenced by the grand old fellows who came first was made to assume the appearance of success by the aid of those who arrived later.
October 7, of that year, "a meeting of the citizens of Taylor county " was held at Bedford, for the purpose of organizing an agricultural society. Daniel Hoover, of Jackson township, who still lives, was made chairman, and D. Dale, now of Missouri, secretary. Jesse Evans, E. W. Fonts, now of Washington township, and D. Dale were appointed a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws. It was resolved that a county fair be held at Bedford that same month-October 31, and also, that on that day a meet- ing be had for the purpose of perfecting the organization of an agricultural society in the county. A committee of five were appointed from Benton township (which then embraced Bedford), to make the necessary arrange- ments for the fair. It was styled a "Central Committee," and consisted of Dr. Luther Bent, J. C. Ray, D. Dale, Dr. P. I. Cox and John Campbell. A committee from each of the then existing townships was named, to act in concert with the above mentioned "Central Committee," as follows : Dr. R. S. Baker, of Clayton township; J. R. Foster, of Dallas township; Dr. J. R. Standley, of Jefferson township; D. Hoover, of Jackson town- ship; Mr. Stockton, of Polk township; J. W. Wood, of Washington town- ship.
Saturday, October 31, 1857, the citizens met at Bedford for the purpose of holding a county fair, and the record says: " Whereupon, without any previous arrangements, the following were exhibited; to-wit,
492
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
By William Booker, 1 bull, two years old (white).
1 mule, one year old.
66 Stephen H. Parker, 1 bull, two years old.
1 sucking calf.
" William A. Wysong, 1 sucking colt.
" A. Daugherty, 1 jack.
" John Derrickson, 1 colt, two years old (black).
" William Nash, 1 yearling filley."
Following this exhibition of stock, the meeting elsewhere mentioned for perfecting the organization was had. D. Hoover was chairman and E. Henck, secretary. The committee on constitution and by-laws reported. The constitution was adopted without change, and the meeting proceeded at once to the election of officers. Jesse Evans was chosen president, Thomas Cobb, vice-president, D. Dale, secretary, and R. S. Baker, treasurer. The by-laws were then taken up and not adopted. The record then says: "Further proceedings were postponed for want of time, and the meeting adjourned until the Saturday between New Year's and Christmas following."
This was rather a funny resolution, but strictly to the day a meeting was held, with the following result, in D. Dale's handwriting:
Now on the day appointed by previous notice for the purpose of perfecting the organization of the Taylor County Agricultural Society, the citizens of said county were called and came not; it was therefore considered that the time had not yet arrived for such an institution, and further proceedings, therefore, came to a stop, and a general continuance was entered thereon.
Mr. Dale is somewhat facetious in the style of his record, and from that on until 1859 the Taylor County Agricultural Society's history is a blank.
In 1859 a meeting was held, but the exact date we do not know, nor have we been able to learn. But it was during some of the summer months. At this gathering Dr. Luther Bent was chairman, and Hon. N. B. Moon, now of Page county, secretary. The old constitution of 1857 was adopted by sections, and R. A. Moser was elected president, Daniel Hoover vice- president, D. Dale secretary, and E. W. Fonts treasurer. A commit- tee of two from each township was appointed to solicit members:
Polk, Martin L. McKee and Jacob Taylor; Ross, L. D. Hatfield and Milton Phelps; Clay- ton, Vincent Beall and David Johnson; Benton, William Webb and Benjamin Perkins; Washington, William Carpenter and Ezra Flemming; Dallas, Eli Pangburn and D. A. Thompson; Nodaway, Isaac B. West and James R. Foster; Mason, John S. McClure and James Mason, Jr .; Marshall, Josiah Litteer and H. M. Rinker; Platte, S. W. Robinson and Oliver Jenks; Jefferson, J. R. Standley and L. W. Hillyer; Jackson, James Gartside and John Keeney.
After discussion it was determined to have a fair the second Saturday in
493
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
October of that year, 1859, and an adjournment was taken to the first Sat- urday of September, preceding. That date a meeting was had, and the committee appointed to procure members were called upon to state the re- sult of their labors. Benjamin Perkins reported nineteen names, and paid $19 into the treasury. J. S. McCloud secured one name, and handed $1 to the treasurer. The balance of the committee had nothing to say. Austin Allen, for himself and Charles Vorse, announced a willingness to assist, and presented E. W. Fonts, the custodian of the society's funds, with one dollar. David Johnson did likewise, and thus they became members. It was then discovered that the society was minus printed certificates of membership, and Benjamin Perkins was appointed a committee to procure them. It was, also, resolved "that premiums be awarded " at the coming fair, the second Saturday in October, 1859, and E. T. Smith, J. S. McCloud, and Benjamin Perkins were appointed a committee to prepare a premium list. Asking the committee on membership that were delinquent in re- ports to be prepared on the 15th of that same month, an adjournment was taken to that date.
At the meeting September 15, D. Dale, the secretary, was the only offi- cer present, and James Brooks was chosen president pro tem. E. W. Fonts, the treasurer, refused to serve. E. T. Smith was elected to fill the va- cancy, and Mr. Smith instantly filed a bond for $500 with approved se- curity. James Gartside reported two names for membership, and made glad the new treasurer's heart with the sum of two dollars. John H. Lig- gett paid one dollar and thus became a member. Benjamin Perkins re- ported four additional names with the required amount of cash. Alanson Arnold demanded admission, and his cash got it for him, as did John S. Boyd's. David Johnson, of the committee, brought in five names with the proper amount of money. The committee on premium list reported, and as it is even now a curiosity, and will continue to grow in that direction, we reproduce a portion of it. A comparison with the list of 1881 will show marked changes:
1st. Class 1st-Horses.
Best pair draft horses owned by one man-one year's subscription to the N. W. Farmer. 2d-diploma. Best stallion-$2.00. 2d-paper. Best 3 year old gelding and upwards- diploma. Best colt from 2 to 3 years old-$1.00. Best filly-$1.00. Best brood mare (must have bred)-$1.50.
Judges-William A. Webb, James Brooks and John Taylor.
2d. Class 2d .- Jacks.
Best jack of any age-$1.00. Best pair of mules of any age-paper. Best sucking colt -- 50 cents.
Judges-David Johnson T. F. Kimball and D. Griffith.
494
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
3d. Class 3d .- Cattle.
Best bull 3 years old and upwards-$2.00. 2d best bull of any age-paper. Best bull 2 years old-$1.00. 2d best bull 2 years old-50 cents. Best bull 1 year old-50 cents.
Judges-S. Bristow, C. Coops and William Lundy.
4th. Class 4th .- Cows.
Best milch cow-$1.00. 2d best milch cow-50 cents. Best 2 year old heifer-paper. Best 1 year old heifer-50 cents. 2d best 1 year old heifer-diploma. Best calf under 1 year old-diploma.
Judges-James Gartside, A. Arnold and W. G. Meredith.
5th. Class 5th .- Hogs.
Best boar 1 year old and upwards-$2.00. 2d best boar 1 year old and upwards-diploma. Best boar under 1 year-paper. 2d best boar under 1 year old-diploma. Best breeding sow under 1 year-$1.00. 2d best breeding sow under 1 year-diploma. Best sow and pigs -$1.00.
Judges-A. M. Simpson, F. Walker and Joseph Edgerton.
There were twelve classes in all. The remaining ones were: Class 6, sheep; class 7, poultry; class 8, grain; class 9, farming utensils; class 10, dairy; class 11, domestics; and class 12, miscellaneous articles. In class 7 -poultry-reads: "Best blooded rooster, diploma; best blooded hen, di- ploma," at which people of now-a-days will laugh most heartily-especially those who have taken an interest in raising the numberless variety of chick- ens that fill our henneries.
After the adoption of the premium list the citizens of the coun- ties adjoining were invited to compete for premiums. This was marked and profuse generosity on the part of the managers when is taken into con- sideration the fact that the entire cash premiums amounted to thirty-one dollars! A citizen of Page or Ringgold counties would scarcely bring a thorough-bred cow for exhibition to the Taylor county fair for that full amount. Yet many did attend from both these counties, and from Mis- souri, also. And there was the same soreness over defeat, the same jealous- ies and bickerings, attending this fair that has gone hand-in-hand with all of them from time immemorial, and will so continue to the end.
The next meeting of the society was the regular annual one, and occurred May 12, 1860. On motion the constitution was so amended that one per- son could be elected from each civil township to constitute a board of di- rectors and giving them power to elect their own president, secretary and treasurer, to be taken from their number. This proposition was carried by a two-thirds vote. The following board was then chosen: Benton town- ship, Benjamin Perkins; Clayton township, R. A. Moses; Dallas township. Eli Pangburn; Jefferson township, L. W. Hillyer; Jackson township, David Hoover; Mason township, J. S. McCloud; Marshall township, Josiah Lit-
495
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
teer; Nodaway township, Isaac B. West; Platte township, Oliver Jencks; Polk township, Cyrus Hickenloper; Ross township, Asa Webb; Washing- ton township, ---- Harlan.
The price of membership was reduced to fifty cents, and Thomas Cobb was elected president; Ira Harrington, vice-president; Austin Allen secre- tary, and J. H. Turner, treasurer.
1
Another meeting was held May 19th and a new premium list was adop- ted. The board also resolved that those who were receiving agricultural papers as premiums could have the cash instead, if it was desired; and it was also decided to charge an entry fee of twenty-five cents on all first-class articles and fifteen cents on second class. The fair was then set to be held September 27 and 28, all entries to be made the first day, and all commit- tees to report by ten o'clock the second day, which was faithfully carried out according to programme. A vast concourse of people, for those days, gathered at Bedford, and a happier occasion was never known in the annals of Taylor county. One hundred and twelve premiums were awarded, and not one of them was paid in money. Instead of cash the successful com- petitors for first premiums received an agricultural paper paid for by the society. There were thirty of these. To the balance eighty-two diplomas were issued. Thus was laid by our unselfish farmers of that day, who pre- ferred wholesome literature to shekels and ducats, that firm foundation which has given Taylor county people a name throughout the State for their intelligence. From the seed thus sown a most glorious harvest has been garnered, which we find well marked in their children and in the sons and daughters of those who soon followed, for what county in Iowa can show better schools, better teachers, and a people of better educational attain- .
ments ?
At a meeting of the society December 15, 1860, the members got down to square substantial business. A committee was appointed to examine lands and select a suitable sight for the fair grounds. That committee con- sisted of Benjamin Perkins, Josiah Litteer, and Daniel Hoover. The so- ciety on this occasion voted five dollars in cash to the person who would raise the best five acres of wheat in 1861. A similar premium was offered for the best five acres of corn. A motion was also passed that the mem- bers solicit life memberships at five dollars each.
January 12th another meeting was held and the fair ground committee reported. Their selection was the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 25, township 68, range 34, con- taining ten acres. They recommended its purchase at $8.50 per acre, amounting in full to $85. The society voted to make the purchase at
3
496
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
once, instructing the officers first to examine the title of the land. The record of this meeting goes on to say
It was then voted that the officers of this society get printed petitions for the directors of each and every township, headed with the section of law relating to the assistance of agri- cultural societies in improvements, signed by the secretary and president-said petitions to be circulated by the directors and presented to every voter in their respective townships for signatures; said petition to be presented to the board of supervisors at their next meeting in June.
J. H. Turner, J. S. McCleland and Benjamin Perkins were appointed a committee to draft a premium list for 1861, which they did and reported on the 26th day of March, 1861. It was more complete than the society had yet had, and was really a most excellent one. There were sixteen classes, each class made into divisions, and some of them running as high as four. The first premiums were generally in newspapers, which seemed to be the desire of all. At this meeting of which we are now speaking, the directors reported 203 names to the petitions for presentation to the board of super- visors. At this time Lexington, a small town in Marshall township, and located more nearly the center of the county than Bedford, was an aspirant for county seat honors, and it, also, wanted the Taylor County Agricultural Society to locate its fair grounds there. So some of its prominent citizens brought down what was called the " Lexington donation list," a considera- tion in the promise of money, or its equivalent, if the society would locate its grounds there. The "list " created considerable heated debate, but was finally laid upon the table for future action. The meeting thereupon ad- journed to Saturday, May 25, 1861. But May 25, 1861, came, and so did a great civil war, that engulfed the entire land in fraternal blood. Fort Sum- ter had been fired upon, and had capitulated to armed treason that boldly strode in every Southern State. The northern heart was on fire. The north- ern people loved their flag and their country. Their lives they were will- ing to offer in its service, their blood they were willing to spill, and their fortunes to sacrifice. What were fairs and agricultural societies when the nation was endangered-when life, and liberty, and estate were menaced by a people who neither respected God nor the great government their fath- ers had given them at perils and sacrifices unknown to us? The great ex- citement extended into Taylor county. Agricultural and stock interests were forgotten. The patriotic heart was kindled, and the war was all that could be talked about, and our boys, one by one, and in squads of three or four, deserted the old and precious hearthstones and wandered Dixieward to join the Union phalanxes, that were destined to throttle and destroy seces- sion. So there were but few left to carry on agricultural exhibitions, and
.
497
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
those who remained had no spirit for such enterprises. Their hearts were following the brave ones through the toilsome marches, the bullet-ridden battle-fields, the hot, death-breeding prison-pens, and the hospitals where laid the flower of the land, dying, or suffering agonies untold.
From March 26, 1861, to October 31, 1863, the Taylor County Agricul- tural Society lay as dormant as a sleeping weasel. At this date a meeting was held. Jesse Evans served as its chairman and Ira Harrington as secre- tary. R. A. Moser was then elected president of the society; Washington Baker, vice-president; J. R. Standley, secretary, and Benjamin Perkins, treasurer. The society then adjourned to the second Satuarday of July, 1864. However, before that date arrived the president called a special meet- ing, which was held at Bedford, February 13, 1864. Dr. J. R. Standley having refused to act as secretary for the society, the vacancy was filled by the election of W. F. Walker. It was, also, determined to have a fair that fall, and the time, place, and arrangements in regard to premiums were left to a committee of one from each township.
Another meeting was held March 5th, but very little of importance was done. There was appointed a committee to draft premium list-to fix en- trance fee for persons not belonging to the society, and wishing to compete for premiums, and to fix the time and place for holding the fairs, from which it appears that the grounds had not yet been purchased. It was or- dered that the canvassing committee report to the secretary once per month, pay over all funds and take his receipt therefor.
August 27th the society met again. The sixteenth and seventeenth days of September were fixed upon as the dates for the fair. Three general direc- tors-a sort of executive committee-were chosen for the exhibition, consist- ing of L. W. Hillyer, J. C. Meehan and W. A. Webb. J. R. Standley was elected marshal and R. A. Moser, general superintendent. The premiums of classes one and two were reduced one-half. A funny motion carried, which was that the exhibition of manufactured articles by the manufacturer be stricken from the list. At this date the membership of the society was as follows:
Allison B. Perkins, Daniel Hoover, John C. Meehan, W. A. Wysong, James Gartside, Robert Reid, J. H. Liggett, Henry Graham, A. J. Cath- cart, R. Rogers, W. A. Webb, D. Underwood, William Aitkens, James Walters, L. Houck, Josiah Litteer, Joel Brown, Keller Thompson, Charles Cope, Charles Steele, D. W. Atkinson, Abner Daugherty, Jesse Lasonee, Squire Dunn, W. D. Snow, O. Perkins, L. D. Hatfield, Benjamin Hoover, R. A. Moser, E. T. Smith, William Reeves, David Johnson, J. R. Stand- ley, J. M. Windsor, T. Brock, J. W. Wood, John Campbell, J. S. Hall, A. 12
498
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY
J. Litteer, Elihu Baker, Simeon Wright, B. L. Johnson, Eugene Brown and John Derrickson -- forty-five in all.
The fair was held at the date above specified. The premium for the best stallion was $1.50, and was drawn by J. B. Hoover, of Jackson township. The second best premium was the dazzling sum of seventy-five cents, and fell to W. H. Allison. Mr. B. B. Hoover took the first and second pre- miums on best brood mares, and his exchequer was swelled with the munif- icent gift of seventy-five cents. Josiah Litteer had the best bull and got a premium of $1.00. One dollar made W. A. Webb happy on the best cow. Dr. Standley had the best grove of planted timber and the best orchard. Mr. J. W. Wood had the second best orchard. Dr. Standley had the best hedge " turned out " in the county.
Again, January 7, 1865, the society met and elected Daniel Hoover pres- ident; M. F. Walker, secretary; Benjamin Perkins, treasurer, and ad- journed to April 27th, at which time it was agreed to pay a premium of five dollars on the best five acres of corn, two dollars on the best two acres of spring wheat, two dollars on the best two acres of oats, two dollars on the best two acres of tame meadow, one dollar on the fastest walking horse, and one dollar on the best yoke of oxen. Yea, the society grew more extrava- gant and offered a premium of one dollar on the fastest trotting horse, either in harness or under the saddle.
The fair of 1865 was held September 29th and 30th. Thomas Cobb, D. W. Young and Ira Harrington, were the directors; D. Dale, marshal, and Dr. J. R. Standley, general superintendent.
December 30, 1865, the society met and began preparations for an exhi- bition in 1866. A delegate was chosen to meet the board of directors of the State Agricultural Society at Des Moines, and was instructed to file a bill at the capitol of his expenses before his return.
At the next meeting, which was held August 11, 1866, it seems that the society had became possessed of grounds. A motion said: "The fair will be held on the society's grounds, north of Bedford, October 13, 1866." But there is no record of a purchase. The grounds spoken of in the earlier days of the society were located east of Bedford, and were not bought, although the officers were instructed to make the purchase at once. But now the so- ciety owns grounds beyond all question, for D. Dale, Charles Steele, Joel Walker and D. Underwood were made a committee to prepare a ring on the grounds, and to put them in proper shape. Frank Walker, the secre- tary, was sent to Maryville, Missouri, to procure the printing of the pre- mium list. And the fair came off at the appointed time. Seventy-six pre- miums were allowed, amounting to $43.75.
499
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
We now approach the last of the first Taylor County Agricultural Soci- ety. It didn't run smooth -- its machinery was out of gear. The war had caused a loss of interest in it. . Sectional strife had wrought it harm, as well as the jealousies of aspiring men. But it had accomplished good for the country, despite its drawbacks, and there was more substantial enjoyment in the pioneer fairs of Taylor county than in the more elegant ones of to- day. But its last breath was drawn-its last record made February 2, 1867. Josiah Litteer was chosen president for that year; E. W. Fouts, vice-presi- dent; Robert Reid, secretary, and William Mahan, treasurer. Daniel Hoover, J. S. Boyd and R. D. McKee were appointed a committee "to trade the land now owned by the society for a fair ground for a more suit- able piece, or sell the same and buy another location more favorable." An adjournment was then taken to Saturday, February 16, 1867.
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