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 62
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The city is out of debt, there is money in the treasury, street repairs are progressing, and needed improvements are constantly being made. A city that is cleaner than Bedford can't be found in the State of Iowa in this year of grace, 1881. Mayor Walker had it in good condition with a full treas- ury, and Mayor Fuller is determined to make his own as thorough and suc- cessful as was the administration of his predecessor.
MANUFACTORIES.
The progress that ought to have been has not been made in the estab- lishment of manufactories at Bedford. It seems to the writer that a wagon and carriage manufactory could be made profitable here. Not less than five hundred wagons and carriages were sold in Taylor county last year. Bed- ford is as near the timber regions of Missouri as is Moline, Illinois. A plow factory would pay, too. Those looking for a location with a view to estab- lishing in the manufacturing business, would readily see the advantages here. The trade of this county would be large of itself, and the territory about it would give a country to supply unsurpassed in this part of the State. As will be seen hereafter, a furniture factory has already been started in Bedford. If a factory for this purpose will succeed certainly will one for the manufacture of wagons and agricultural implements.
Bedford has a cigar manufactory which has an unsurpassed reputation in Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska. At first it was a thing of small be- ginnings. Mr. A. P. Rochan started it early in the year 1879, employing but one or two cigar-makers to assist him. He gradually worked up a trade at home, and then extended it to the States above named. More hands were employed, and thus it has steadily grown to its present immense pro- portions. In the summer of the present year Mr. Rochan associated with him in the business Mr. S. C. Burlingim, under the firm name of Rochan & Co. Twenty-five cigar-makers are now steadily in their employ. Yet, with all this help, they are unable to meet the demands made upon them for their favorite brands of cigars.
565
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
During the present season J. W. Combs & Son have erected a furniture factory of large dimensions, and filled it with all the machinery necessary to the success of the work they contemplate. Their machinery is of the latest invention and the best made. The engine is a 20 horse-power with a boiler sufficient for a 25 horse-power engine. The planer is one of the latest improved, and weighs 2,600 pounds. The establishment contains sixteen machines, one of them is for the manufacturing of table slides. No other factory in Iowa has one. All kinds of tables are a specialty in this manufactory-from an extension to a fine parlor table. All its work will be first-class, embracing all articles that are turned out in similar establishments elsewhere. The cost of the machinery was $3,000, which added to the re- mainder of their establishment in the furniture business will reach $18,000.
The Bedford Mills in the line of importance should have been first men- tioned among the manufacturing interests of the city. They were erected by Bassett Brothers & Co., in 1875, with three run of burrs. Afterward they added a small burr, a purifyer, etc. Stickley, Thompson & Burlingim bought Bassett Brothers & Co. out in December, 1879. Stickley was in the partnership but a short time, and in September, 1880, O. B. Thompson became sole owner. Since 1879 the capacity of the mill has been more than doubled. The newest and best new process machinery has been added. The capacity of the mill is now seventy-five barrels of flour per day. The flour it manufacturers is a credit to the proprietor of the mills, and won- derfully enhances the reputation of the city abroad, for it is sold in many towns in Iowa and Missouri by the car load. At present the mills are 125,- 000 pounds behind orders.
GRAIN BUSINESS.
Some idea of the importance of Bedford as a trading-point may be gained from the following report from the grain-dealers at this place:
Evans & Sons have been buying for the past ten years. Their shipments last year were:
Corn 215 cars, or 107,500 bushels.
61 cars, or 54,900 bushels. Oats
Flax
10 cars, or 5,000 bushels. Rye.
6 cars, or 3,000 bushels.
6 cars, or 3,000 bushels. Wheat
10 cars, or 5,000 bushels. Wheat sold mill.
They have on hand 25,000 bushels of oats; 53,000 bushels of corn, and nearly as much more contracted for.
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HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
C. H. Dow & Co., who have been here some years, shipped in 1880:
Corn 200 cars, or 100,000 bushels.
Oats. 60 cars, or 53,000 bushels.
Wheat 25 cars, or 12,500 bushels.
Flax
25 cars, or 13,750 bushels.
12 cars, or 6,000 bushels. Rye.
In addition to the wheat shipped, considerable was sold to the flouring- mill in town. Quite a quantity of grain is now on hand stored.
F. B. Webb & Co. shipped last year:
Corn 152 cars, or 76,000 bushels.
Oats
28 cars, or 25,700 bushels.
Wheat 10 cars, or 5,000 bushels.
Bremer & Payten began buying the 18th of November last, and are doing a splendid business.
HORTICULTURAL.
Bedford has two nurseries, one of 13 acres, started last spring by Potter & Van Houten. The other is owned by Mr. J. V. Saum.
BUILDINGS.
It is the common remark of commercial travelers that Bedford is the best built town in southwestern Iowa. Nearly all its business houses are built of brick. The Walker and Thompson buildings especially are commodious and handsome structures. The same may be said of the Heller corner buildings and the buildings at the Evans, Goodsill Brothers & Company's corner. Steele's Opera House is also a fine structure. It was erected in 1879 by Charles Steele, an old settler and a very wealthy gentleman. Dur- ing the memorial services in honor of the dead president, there were 1, 635 persons in the hall at one time.
HOTELS.
Of one thing every citizen of Bedford delights to boast, and that is of its hostelries. There are two-the Bedford House and the Pacific House. The former is a brick structure, the property of Col. John F. Green, who is the prince of good landlords. The Pacific is conducted by Standley & Ferrill. These hotels are not surpassed in the State.
One thing Bedford seriously stands in need of, and that is a fire-depart- ment. There is literally no protection in the entire city against conflagra- tion. Several destructive fires have already occurred. In 1873 a fire swept out several buildings. Among the sufferers were Dr. M. C. Connett and
567
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
G. N. Udell, the latter the publisher of the Bedford Argus. In 1874 there was another blaze which burned out L. G. Parker, J. J .. Evans, O. B. Houck and William. Bauchash. In the fall of 1876 the elevator of Shoe- maker & John was consumed by fire, and lastly was the destruction of the old Bedford House, on the morning of February 14, 1877.
As a business point Bedford is unequalled. Its business men are gen- erally clever gentlemen, who are solid financially. All departments of trade are well represented, and the professional gentlemen of the city rank high. In culture and in morals the people of Bedford are deserving of all praise, for no Iowa town has a better record on that score.
BENTON TOWNSHIP.
Was organized in the early part of February, 1851. It then embraced Bed- ford and the present independent school-district of Bedford. Prior to Bed- ford being made the county seat of Taylor, after their removal from Ross township, courts were held at the residence of John Lowe, which was then the capital of the county to all intents and purposes. The neighborhood is now the home of the Daugherties, some of whom were residents of the. county as early as 1846.
Benton township aside from Bedford has very little history. In 1879 O. M. Dunning, James Ross and J. H. Fitch, with many others, concluded that it would be very pleasant to live by themselves, and this they succeeded in having done. They came before the board of supervisors with a large peti- tion, signed by a majority of the voters, praying that Bedford be stripped from Benton township. The board so did at the September session in 1880, adding, however, the independent school-district of Bedford to the new township of Bedford.
The first and present officers of Benton township, are as follows:
Justices of the Peace-A. J. McMurtry and B. J. Beal.
Trustees-Milton Dunning, John Hamilton and E. M. Dugan.
Clerk-B. J. Beal.
Assessor-Sidney Putnam.
Constables-Robert Salem and R. Hardinbrook.
Elections hereafter will be held at the Beal school-house. Last year the election was had at the residence of J. W. Whiffin, Esq., one and one-quar- ter miles northwest of Bedford.
Benton township has some farmers who are very wealthy and who own large tracts of land.
O. M. Dunning, who came to the county in 1869, owns 620 acres in one body, which is as fair to look upon as the finest scope of country to be seen
568
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
in the handsomest valley in the world. Its fertility is commensurate with its beauty. In addition to careful farming Mr. Dunning makes a specialty of fine horses and hogs.
L. W. Fairbanks is the prosperous owner of nearly a section. He came to the county in 1869, and Providence had not then lavished upon him a very large fortune. But he has prospered since landing in Benton township, and to-day his check will be as good at the Bedford Bank as that of almost any other citizen of the county. Mr. Fairbanks is an extensive feeder of both hogs and cattle. By industry and intelligent labor he has accom- plished success.
James Ross, who has been a citizen of the county for almost a quarter of a century, if not a little more than that, numbers his acres by about one-half section. Mr. Ross stands well throughout the county. He is well posted on all the current issues, and has honestly earned the splendid competency he is enjoying.
Mr. J. H. Fitch has been a resident of Benton township for twelve years, and is the proprietor of 300 very pretty and fertile acres of land. His barn and feed-lots are models.
Mr. A. V. B. Wakeman has made it profitable to farm in Benton town- ship. He owns nearly one-half section. He delights in the culture of fruits and in owning the finest horses in the county.
A. J. McMurtney and James McCracken are successful farmers and stock-raisers.
J. R. Van Fleet, of the Bedford Bank is an extensive land-owner in the township.
An old settler was Thomas Cobb, now of Cloud county, Kansas. He lo- cated in Benton township in 1855, and was one of the most progressive and enterprising citizens who helped to give the county its present splendid rank and name. He has six children now living in the county: Mrs. Sarah A. Brewer, Mrs. M. J. Wight, Elder William Cobb, Mrs. Nancy Foreman, Ambrose L. Cobb and Mrs. Helen Coon. Mr. Cobb was the principal factor in the organization of the Christian Church at Bedford. His son William imbibed the old gentleman's firm faith and trust, and gave himself to the ministry at an early age. He is widely known in southwest- ern Iowa and northwest Missouri, and the Christian Church has no man in its pulpit more universally esteemed. .
Other old settlers of Benton township are Samuel P. Bristow, J. F. John- son, W. A. Wysong, L. Wood, A. N. Daugherty, R. J. Salen, Charles Taylor, and E. B. Larrison. Mr. Wysong deserves especial mention. He has been one of the staunch friends of the Taylor County Agricutural Society, and a
569
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
diligent worker to make it self-sustaining for a period of almost twenty years. He is a gentleman of superior judgment, and the society always makes him one of its chief advisers.
The Methodists have an old church organization known as the Gilead. The membership is seventy-six, and growing. A prosperous sabbath-school of one hundred is connected with the church. A splendid church edifice, built in 1879, is the place of worship. It is located near the northwest corner of the township.
The township is well watered. Its soil is productive, as abundant har- vests have attested for many years. Coal exists along the Middle and East One Hundred and Two rivers, although no " banks" have been opened. Two years since a shaft was sunk on the Middle One Hundred and Two River. Coal was found, but not in paying quantities. But all the evidences were proof that it could be found in unlimited quantities at a greater depth. The gentleman in search of it, however, had not the means to prosecute the search further. .
The school report for Benton township for 1880 was as follows:
No. of subdistricts
5
No. of teachers employed . 5
Salary per month-male. $ 31.94
Salary per month -- female 29.16
No. of school months 8 1-5
No. of children of school age 191
No. of children enrolled in school 150
Average daily attendance 93
Average cost of tuition per scholar $
1.83
No. of school-houses (frame).
5
Value of school-houses
$ 3,375.00
Amount paid teachers during year 1,250.00
Amount expended for contingent purposes 255.00
CLAYTON TOWNSHIP.
Has a history almost as early as Jackson township. Stephen H. Parker, who is now a hale and well-preserved old gentleman residing at Bedford, came to the township in 1845. W. H. Parker, his son, and a citizen of Bedford, was the first white male child born in Taylor county. For several years Mr. Stephen H. Parker was the wealthiest man in the county, and in southwestern Iowa. In fact his circumstances were such that he would have been pronounced "well heeled " to-day. The first house with a shingled roof was built by Mr. Parker in 1852. He hauled the shingles
570
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
from St. Joseph, Missouri. Mr. Parker also erected the first barn in the county. The property where these pioneer structures were built is now owned by Mr. B. F. Martin. "Fort Parker," where every one gathered when the noble red man of the forest went around with " blood in his eye," was located here. In fact, to Stephen H. Parker is due a place in the history of Taylor county that has never been accredited him. In pioneer times his home was headquarters for every one. In peace, there were congregated the scattered settlers from far and near. When danger menaced the com- munity, Mr. Parker's doors were open to all, and there the defenses were made and means of safety planned. For seven years after Mr. Parker came to Taylor county, not a single rod of land was surveyed, and to secure a lit- tle timber he was obliged to enter 700 acres. For his fire-place and chim- neys Mr. Parker obtained brick three miles east of Maryville, Missouri. Their flour they went to St. Joseph for. If a nag lost a shoe, the nearest place it could be reset was at Maryville. Between St. Joseph and Mr. Parker's home there was not a single bridge. Often in crossing streams they were. compelled to put their wagons into pieces and float them over in what were called "dug-outs," which were nothing more nor less than pioneer canoes. The first plows may have been beauties, architecturally; but the farmer of this era would hoist his nose at an altitude dangerous to its "bridge," at sight of one of them. The mould-boards were made of wood and the shares of metal.
There were twelve families living in the county at that time: Isaac Guyll, who was the first settler, Mr. Parker says; Matthew Hindman, Mr. Foster, James Ross, Jacob W. Ross, Jacob Miller, Brice Summers, , John and Gideon Daugherty, Amos Lowe and John Dailey. Amos Lowe lived on what is now known as the Ab. Daugherty farm, and John Dailey where Jonathan Daugherty now lives. Mr. Dailey went to California, amassed considerable money, and while returning was robbed and murdered. John Daugherty married Mr. Dailey's widow. One of Mr. Parker's daughters married Captain James Parke, who came to the county at a very early day to start a woolen factory for an enthusiast who came hither to invest some money in that business. The mill was never built, and instead of returning to Philadelphia, the gallant captain fell in love with Mr. Par- ker's daughter, was married, and settled in Taylor county. He is now mining in New Mexico, and his wife died in June, 1878.
Mr. L. Mohler, of Bedford, was another old settler of Clayton township. He built the first school-house there in 1856, near where Mr. C. C. Mohler, his son, now lives. The cost of the structure came chiefly from his own purse. In 1855 Mr. Mohler paid three dollars per bushel for corn. In
571
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
1856 the families living in Clayton township were J. C. Meeham, L. Moh- ler, Frederick Cox, William Cox, Stephen H. Parker, John C. Ray, John Greeson, Woodford Dale and William Huddlestone. Frederick Cox died in Taylor county and was buried in the Mohler cemetery, near Bedford. William Cox died in Missouri, and was there buried.
In the days of which we write, the noble red man was quite numerous. He was a great borrower. A cooking utensil used by a "pale-face" was his great delight. The white sister's cooking pleased him immensely. Mrs. Mohler once had a guest in the person of one of these noble aborigines. He was hungry, and his sense panted for "flap-jacks" and molasses. And Mrs. Molher accommodated him, and that happy Indian kept her busy over a hot stove for one steady hour. A favorite occasion with the Indians was a dog feast. They were fonder of it than a girl of a picnic and mosquito bites, or a boy of fire-crackers and a fourth of July barbecue. One lone, lorn dog was the usual sacrifice. The dog, its skin, its hair, its-well all there was of the dog, was thrown upon a fire and thus cooked, while the braves and maidens formed in a war-dance around. Muskrats made, also, a favorite dish with these good people whom we never see any more, save now and then when they have a lot of ugly, kicking ponies they want to sell at a good price. In 1850 they left the county, the government having provided for them in Kansas, but they would wander back, and did for many years, to the old camping grounds. A favorite rendezvous was where the Mohler picnic grounds now are. Quite a number always gathered where the Platteville road crosses Honey Creek. Upon the East One Hundred and Two River, near Conway, was a camping ground much loved by the Indians who weren't too lazy to hunt. It was near Blue Grove, the head of East One Hundred and Two River, where game was plentiful. Usually there were from three to five hundred in the county after their removal by the government to Kan- sas. As a rule they were quiet, and easily scared. A good sized switch would drive a dozen of them into a skedaddle like a flock of sheep. As beggars they could double discount the lousiest Iowa tramp that ever went unhung. In the early part of 1855 a man was killed in Ringgold county. It was charged to the Indians, although very many deemed them guiltless, and laid the crime to his white brethern. But it created great commotion in the different neighborhoods, and the citizens put themselves as quickly as possible in an attitude of defense. In these days deer were plenty. Buffalo had gone only a short time before. The prairies were white with their bones. Elk horns as tall as a man laid about. Prairie fires were burning almost constantly, consuming farm products, and often the farmer's buildings. Wolves were bold. One night a wolf sought to take Mrs. Woodford Dale's
572
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
child from her arms in Mrs. Mohler's dooryard while returning from Mary- ville. A black wolf attacked Mr. Mohler in his wagon. The black, or tim- ber wolves, were not abundant, but the gray, or prairie wolves were as numerous, almost, as the late grasshoppers. Rattlesnakes abounded every- where. Bites were frequent, and then as now, whisky was the unfailing antidote.
The first girl baby that Dr. Bent saw fit to take to the township was Mary, daughter of J. C. and Lydia Meehan. The noted Col. Means, who was famous as a rebel sympathizer in the first days of secession, was pro- bably the first man to preach in Clayton township. Rev. J. M. Stockton, of the same church, whose unionism was as strong as Mean's hatred of it, was not much later in spreading the glad tidings. Section 20 saw the first school and Dan. Greeson was the teacher. Several years since the Baptists held meetings in the township, but they have no organization.
The Methodist Protestants have an organization at the Bower's school- house. The original members were Adam Wood and wife, M. L. Payton, and others whose names we have been unable to learn. This church was first started at the Beall school-house on section 9. The different pastors have been abundant. The first was the Rev. Martindale. The church was first organized just after the war, and when removed it had a membership of twenty-five or thirty. The present pastor is Rev. Hinshaw. For some time, until quite recently, the church was in charge of Rev. W. M. Van- Vleet. A prosperous sabbath-school is connected with the church.
John C. Meehan, who came to the county in 1851, met with a severe ac- cident, New Year's Night 1878. While returning home, walking north on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad track, about one mile and a half north of Bedford, the up bound express struck and knocked him from the track. He was taken up, carried to Conway, and returned to his own home next day. He was fearfully mutilated on the head and face. For months his recovery was considered impossible. He is now well, save a slight paralysis of one side of his face. During his confinement the Odd Fellows' lodge at Bedford, of which he was a member, cared for him with unflagging zeal.
In 1869 the annals of Clayton township were marked by a terrible crime. Davis and Daniel Griffith and Jesse Knouse were neighbors. The Grif- fiths' hogs were feeding on the good things that were growing on the prem- ises of Knouse. Knouse went gunning with a six shooting carbine for those hogs. The Griffiths couldn't stand that, and went over to interview Mr. Knouse. A quarrel ensued, in which Knouse shot David twice while he was running from him-once in the neck and then in the arm. David
573
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
recovered, and still lives in the vicinity. Daniel was shot dead by Knouse. After the affray the murderer quietly went to 'Squire Walker's, and wanted to " pay his fine," saying that he had killed a couple of fellows. When the grand jury met he was indicted for murder in the first degree. Hon. L. T. McConn, who defended him, secured a change of venue to the District Court of Ringgold county. He was there tried before Judge James G. Day, now of the supreme bench, and was found guilty of murder in the second degree. Judge Day sentenced him to the penitentiary for life. An appeal was made to the Supreme Court, and the action of the court below was reversed. At a new trial in Ringgold county Knouse was found guilty of manslaughter, and was sentenced by Judge James W. McDill, now United States Senator, to five years in the penitentiary. He served three months, and was par- doned out by Gov. Samuel Merrill.
Clayton township has many farmers who are wealthy in large farms and herds of cattle. Charles Steele, he of the Bedford opera house, will rank first, and then will come George W. Keiffer, C. C. Mohler, John C. Meehan, Vincent Beall and Simeon Wright. Wright owns the bulk of his land, however, in Marshall township, where he has retired for the purpose of enjoying the remainder of his days.
In school report Clayton township ranks as follows for the year 1880:
Number of subdistricts.
7
Number of teachers employed. 13
Salary per month-male. $24.57
Salary per month-female. 25.33
Number of school months.
71
Number of children of school age.
298
Number of children enrolled in school.
298
Average daily attendance. 117
Average cost of tuition per scholar.
$1.62
Number of school-houses (frame)
7
Value of school-houses .
$3,175.00
Amount paid teachers during year.
1,290.35
Amount expended for contingent purposes. 586.15
In closing the history of Clayton township, let us sing a song of praise for this act of justice-its female teachers were paid more than the males.
DALLAS TOWNSHIP.
For twenty years the people of this township have longed for a railroad, and have persistently claimed that an east and west line would at some time be built through the southern tier of counties in Iowa, and that it would
5 74
HISTORY OF TAYLOR COUNTY.
not miss them. In this year of drought, comets and president-murdering, 1881, their hopes are being realized. The Humeston & Shenandoah Rail- road has been located through the southern part of the township, and the labor of grading it is almost completed. The cars will be running on the first day of January, 1882. The road runs from one-quarter to one-half mile north of Memory. A station will be made at a point one mile east and one-quarter of a mile north of Memory, where the town company of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, has purchased ground and will " lay off" a village that by and by will grow into quite a city. It is located in the midst of as fertile and lively a country as southwest Iowa affords. It is not a country that is new, but it is old and well settled, and the people are generally in excellent financial condition. So a thriving, prosperous town will soon mark the site of the station. Of course it kills Memory, but her good people are not disheartened. They will simply move their buildings and effects to the new town, and begin life with it. And, by the way, that city that has yet to grow has not been nomenclatured. It will be called either Stockton or New Memory. Some of the old settlers desire to see it given the name first mentioned, in honor of one of the pioneers of Dallas township.
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