USA > Iowa > History of western Iowa, its settlement and growth. A comprehensive compilation of progressive events concerning the counties, cities, towns, and villages-biographical sketches of the pioneers and business men, with an authentic history of the state of Iowa > Part 48
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The county seat was removed from "Prairieville" to Sioux Rap- ids at an early date, 1869, when a Court House was erected. When the more southern part of the county became settled, the people of that part of the county continually agitated the question of removing the county seat from Sioux Rapids to Newell, a small town on the Illinois Central Railroad. In 1876, the Court House was burned at Sioux Rapids. This gave the people from the south- ern part of the county more grounds for having the county seat removed, and the people of Newell fought to have it there. The citizens of Storm Lake, as a matter of course, were opposed to this and with the combined efforts of Sioux Rapids, and their own, they kept the county seat from being located at Newell.
At an election held Oct. 5th, 1878, the people of Buena Vista County decided by a large majority to move the county seat from Sioux Rapids to Storm Lake. After eight years' effort this result was accomplished. At a meeting of the board, held January, 1878, the question was submitted between Storm Lake and Sioux Rapids, and the former gained the day. In the latter part of Aug- ust, the citizens of Storm Lake decided to erect a building suita- ble for Court House purposes and donated the use of it to the county for a term of ten years, on condition that the county should use the same for Court House purposes.
A company was formed for the erection of the building under the name of the Storm Lake Building Association. The building erected is 30x36 feet, two stories high, and rests upon a foundation of solid granite masonry. The first story is divided into four rooms which are used for county offices, the second story being occupied for a court room.
The present county officers are: Edgar E. Mack, Clerk of Courts; J. W. Warren, Auditor; George Espe, Treasurer; Daniel Smith,
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
Recorder; E. F. Farnsworth, Sheriff; Robert DeLoss, Surveyor; Thomas Whiteley, Coroner; Ira C. Harlan, Superintendent of Schools; L. E. Hay. S. Saleson, A. W. Seymore, Alden Pratt, James N. Hoskins, Board of Supervisors. The population of the county in 1880 was 7,557. It may now safely be estimated at over 8,000.
The soil in the northeastern diagonal half is a heavy, dark loam; and the southwest diagonal half is bluff deposit, or silicious marl; both kinds of soil being rich and productive, the eastern being more especially adapted to stock-raising and dairy products, and more level in its topography, while the west is more rolling and undulating, but none of it too much so for desirable tillage.
The Little Sioux River enters in 93 deg. 36 min., courses west- ward ten miles or over and back into Clay county, affording sites for two busy flouring mills in this county.
Coon River heads in Grass Lake, in 93 deg. 36 min., flows south and out into Sac County, through 90 deg. 36 min. Maple and Brook Creeks, and possibly one or two other streamlets additional, afford water for stock and channels for surface drainage.
The timber is limited, and yet sufficient, with its continuous growth, to supply domestic fuel; it is found along the banks and valley of the Little Sioux, and in artificial groves scattered over the county, representing the oaks, hard and soft maple, butternut, walnut, and a few other varieties.
The tide immigration into this part of Northwestern Iowa last year exceeded the aggregate of several preceding years, and was mainly of the more thrifty class, and many a broad acre was sold and broken up.
One of the most important features in farming in this north- western country is flax culture upon new breaking, giving a liberal return, and aiding in subduing the land the first year.
STORM LAKE.
The first house in Storm Lake was moved into town and occu- pied by Barton & Hobbs as a law and real estate office. W. W. Sweetzer built the first dwelling house. T. L. Selkirk erected the first hotel.
There seems to be quite a difference of opinion as to how Storm Lake received its name. It is supposed to have been given it by an old trapper who trapped, upon its banks, on account of a very se- vere storm which occurred upon the lake. The town derived its name from the lake.
The first load of wheat bought in Storm Lake was purchased by Mr. Eddy, Oct. 20th, 1870. The amount was 100 bushels and the price paid was 75 cents per bushel. The grain was raised by D. B. Harrison.
The first child born in Storm Lake was that of Mrs. Wirrick August 11th, 1870.
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
The town was incorporated in April, 1873, under the code, S. W .Hobbs being the first Mayor, and T. S. Smith, W. H. McCune, J. M. Russell, J. A. Campbell and S. C. Highley Trustees; E. C. Cowles, Recorder. The following are the present town officers: Mayor, Chas. Isbell; Recorder, Geo. H. Eastman; Attorneys, Rob- inson & Milchrist; Treasurer, L. E. Hay; Marshal, Street Commis- sioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures, Wm. Backer; Deputy Marshal and Night Watchman, J. E. Hall; Trustees, W. Bru- bacher, S. D. Eadie, J. B. Ames, W. C. Wilson, Jas. Harker and M. M. Cogswell. The regular meetings of the Council are held on the evening of the first Monday in each month.
The population of the town is now estimated to be about 1,500. The Storm Lake Pilot, a weekly Republican paper, was establish- ed in 1870, the first issue being on October 26th. It was started by Vestal & Young. Young sold to E. I. Sutfin in 1881. The paper is a seven-column quarto, and has a circulation of 1,000 copies. The paper, still conducted by Vestal & Sutfin, is a first- class paper. The publishers have a first-class job office, and the paper is one of the best weekly papers in the Northwest.
The Storm Lake Tribune began its career March 24th, 1880, published by G. Rose, who sold it in October, 1881, to P. D. Mc- Andrew, who is the present proprietor. It is Republican in poli- tics, is a six-column quarto, and has a circulation of 720 copies. Mr. Andrews also runs a nicely fitted job office.
Storm Lake has seen fit to protect itself against the ravages of fire by having a regularily organized fire company, with about seventy members, these equally divided between the engine com- pany and the hook and ladder company. They are in possession of a fine engine and apparatus, and are regularly organized and uniformed. The department was organized in 1880. The citizens have built a large engine house, with a hall, in the second story, and have a large fire-bell and plenty of good wells through the town, so they are well protected from fire.
Storm Lake boasts of as nice a postoffice as can be found in any town of its size in the west. In the year 1870 the postoffice of the town paid the postmaster the sum $12.50 per year, and now it pays a salary of $1,800. It has been a money-order office for several years, and is now rated third-class. The office occupies an entire room, is provided with all the modern conveniences, uses 670 boxes, of which 150 are the improved Yale lock. Col. W. L. Vestal, the present postmaster, has held the position of post- master ever since the office was established with the exception of one year.
The Buena Vista Creamery is situated three-quarters of a mile north of Storm Lake, and was erected in the spring of 1881. Commenced operations June 1st, 1881, and ceased for the season November 1st, 1881. During the first five months were manu- factured about 120,000 pounds of fine butter, all of which was
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
sold on the New York market, and quality pronounced equal to the finest make of Elgin butter. The building is 66x70 feet, and is arranged in the most complete and improved manner. The motive power is a ten-horse power engine, and the capacity is 6,000 pounds of butter per day. All who have visited the cream- ery pronounce the plan of operations perfect. The creamery is managed entirely on the "cream gathering" plan, and the success of this system is practically assured. The interior arrangements consist of receiving room, cream room, churning room, packing, refrigerator room and ice-house 22x40 feet in dimensions, with a capacity for 500 tons. W. B. Cromwell is manager.
The railroad was completed to Storm Lake in June, 1870.
Buena Vista County also has a branch of the Wabash Railroad running through the northern part of the county. This county also looks forward to a branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway from Davenport to Sioux Falls, striking the county, as the survey through is now in progress.
Storm Lake has a number of fine brick buildings. Two banks are fine brick structures, and several of the mercantile houses are built of brick. The streets are being graded, and the citizens take great pride in keeping their city as clean and neat as possible.
The business houses may be classified as follows: General stores, seven; clothing, one; groceries, one; boots and shoes, two; banks, three; bakeries and restaurants, five; meat markets, three; hotels. four; elevators, three; lumber and coal, three; millinery, four; furniture, two; hardware, two; drugs, four; livery stables, four; harness, two; cigar factory, one; jewelry, two; steam plow factory; saloons, two; agricultural implements, five; photograph gallery, one; barber shops, two; music and books, one; steam flour- ing mills; the usual number of blacksmith and wagon shops and professional men
CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES.
Baptist Church Society .- The Baptist Church was organized March 8th, 1871, with the following members: Mrs. V. Miller, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Robinson and two daughters, J. K. Barns and wife. Elder Norman Parks was the first pastor. He was suc- ceeded by Wilcox, who in turn gave place to the present pastor, Jesse Boswell. First officers: C. H. Yates, Deacon; Mrs. V. Miller, Clerk. Present officers: C. C. Angier, Deacon; J. B. Miller, Deacon; and C. L. Angier, Clerk. The present member- ship is thirty-nine resident members. They have in connection a Sabbath School of about forty pupils, with W. C. Wilson as Superintendent. The church building was begun in 1873, but was not dedicated until January 17th, 1875. It is a neat frame build- ing 32x46 feet, and was erected at a cost of $2.000.
Methodist Episcopal Church Society .- This Society was organ- ized in 1870 by Rev. Thomas Whiteley. This gentleman had
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
charge of a number of societies in this region of the country at that time and it was from his flock that the societies now of Storm Lake, Alta, Newell, and many other points sprang and became inde- pendent societies. The first pastor of the society in this place was Rev. Mr. Oswell. He was followed by Rev. Mr. Fry, who remained a short time and was succeeded by Thomas Whiteley,and the latter in turn by W. Whitfield, who was succeeded by C. Win- ters, he by Thomas Barr. Then came in succession Revs. Sey- mour Snyder, J. C. R. Leyton, T. M. Williams and the present pastor, W. F. Gleason, who took charge in 1881. The present officers of the church are M. Tolle, J. R. Lemon, W. L. Smith, D. Smith, J. G. McGregor. J. W. Berthards, E. L. Carrington, Thomas Whiteley, Trustees. This society has a membership of 120. It has a Sabbath School with an average attendance of 125 pupils, with J. R. Lemon as Superintendent. This church society was organized in a house that was moved into town and which is now occupied by A. Eadie. The church building was erected and dedi- cated in 1876. The dedication took place in October. It is a neat frame building 32x50 feet, and has a seating capacity of 300. It is nicely furnished and the building was lately supplied with a new bell. This building was erected at a cost of $3,500. The society has a neat parsonage in connection with the church.
German Methodist Episcopal Church Society .- This Society was organized December. 18th, 1875, by E. E. Schuette and G. Haef- ner. The first officers were: F. Petersmier, J. Buehler, R. C. Riekelfs, A. Hartman, C. Schaefer, Trustees. The first pastor was G. Haefner, who was followed by A. W. Henke, and he by the present pastor, C. F. Tramm. Present officers: R. C. Riekelfs, Geo. Witter, Jacob Brecher, Trustees. Present membership, ninety-eight. The society has a Sabbath School with an average attendance of twenty-five pupils. A fine frame building was erected in 1880 and was dedicated in January, 1881. The building is 22×44 feet, has a steeple, and cost $2,000. This society also has a neat little parsonage, built in 1881, which is 18x24 feet, one-and- a-half stories high, with a wing 18x18 feet. This building was erected at a cost of $1,200.
Congregational Church Society .- For several years it had been known that a considerable number of the members of the Congrega- tional denomination had been making their homes in Storm Lake. But because a Presbyterian church had been previously established in the place, a large degree of hesitation was felt as to the expe- diency of organizing a Congregational church, and various at- tempts at union with the Presbyterians were projected. None of these, however, resulted satisfactorily, and in the summer of 1880 the conviction deepened that the interests of Evangelical Christian work demanded the organization of a Congregational church. The matter was canvassed somewhat during the early summer by Rev. Asa Countryman, of Newell, and farther during the autumn by
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
Rev. J. B. Chase of Cherokee. October 24th, at a called meeting, a paper was presented containing the names of twenty-six persons not connected with any religious organization in the town, who pledged themselves, if it were thought best, to enter into the or- ganization of a Congregational church. On this pledge as a basis, knowing that several other persons in the community were favor- able to the step, it was decided to organize, and the accompanying articles of faith and convenant were adopted, and a council consist- ing of the Sioux Association was called to review proceedings and if deemed best recognize the church. The council convened No- vember 4th, according to invitation, reviewed the situation, en- dorsed the action of the church and formally extended the right hand of fellowship. Temporary arrangements were made for a house of worship, a Sabbath School and prayer-meeting were or- ganized, and Rev. J. B. Chase, of Cherokee, consented to give as much of his time to the new enterprise as could be consistently spared from his other work. This society now has a membership of forty-two, and holds services in the Court House. It has a Sabbath School with an average attendance of 100 pupils. H. H. Smith is Superintendent. The first and present officers of this society are: G. Stetson, J. L. Dickerson and H. H. Smith, Dea- cons; E. E. Mack, Clerk and Treasurer; G. Stetson, H. C. Cutts and E. E. Mack, Trustees. Rev. A. S. Newcomb is the present pastor.
Catholic Church Society .- This society was organized in 1871, and was the first church organization in Storm Lake. It was or- ganized by Rev. Father Malloy. The present pastor, Father Gaff- ney. the first and only resident pastor, took charge in November, 1878. The church building was erected in 1871 at a cost of $1,-
300. There are about sixty-five families connected with the church at this place. There is also a Sabbath School in connection. Universalist Church Society .- This society was organized March 27th, 1874. First officers: 3 G. S. Robinson, W. L. Vestal and S. W. Hobbs, Trustees. First pastor, I. A. Everhart, he being suc- ceeded by J. A. Hoyt, he by Karl Gerner, he by B. F. Snook. H. Whitney is the present incumbent. Present officers: S. W.Hobbs, William Guilford. J. A. Dean, Trustees. This society now has a membership of thirty-six, and a Sabbath School with an average attendance of fifty-four pupils. The school has a fine library con- taining 200 volumes. H. Whitney is the Superintendent. This society first held services in the Baptist Church. Up to this time the Baptist Society had a debt of about $600 upon the church building, and agreed to give the Universalist Society the use of the church for one-half of the time, the latter society to pay off one- half the standing debt. This lease was for five years. The Uni- versalist Society erected a building in 1881. This is a frame structure, 30x50 feet, and cost about $4,000. This church is not only the largest but is the best furnished church in the city.
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
Presbyterian Church Society .- Organized December, 1870, with seven members, Rev. G. R. Carroll, missionary of the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions, officiating, S. D. Eadie, W. H. MeCune, Elders. This Society has a nice frame building. Joshua Cooke is the present pastor.
Storm Lake Schools .- The first school taught in Storm Lake was taught in the house of S. D. Eadie, by Alma L. Gates. It was opened November 21st, 1870, with fifteen pupils in attend- ance. Storm Lake became an independent district in 1872. First school officers: J. I. Wirrick, President; G. W. Hobbs, Ed. Wirrick, J. O. Strong, Directors; E. I. Sutfin, Treasurer.
The first school house built in the town was erected in 1874, the first teacher being Maggie Ross. This building becoming too small to accommodate all the pupils, the town built a small frame building in 1875, which was used for primary purposes. These buildings becoming too small to accommodate the pupils, the town built an addition to the first building, which was of brick. This building was completed in 1880, and Storm Lake can now boast of one of the finest school buildings in the western part of the State. Present Board of Education: E. E. Mack, Presi- dent; E. F. O'Neill, Secretary; Rev. J. Cooke, E. W. Benson, E. M. Fuller, W. H. Shoop, and S. W. Perrine, Directors. The pres- ent teachers are: Prof. A. A. Crary, Principal; Mrs. A. A. Crary, Miss S. A. Childs, Mrs. L. C. Lauder, and Miss L. Drips, assistants. The present enrollment of pupils is 318.
Storm Lake Lodge No. 221, A. O. U. W .- Instituted De- cember 7th, 1880. First officers: J. A. Dean, P. M. W .; F. E. Cushman, M. W .; W. L. Vestal, Foreman; T. A. Strong, Over- seer; C. W. Eccleston, Guide; E. E. Mack, Recorder; J. B. Ames, Financier; T. J. McCall, Receiver; T. A. Corbitt, I. W .; F. B. Brown, O. W .; W. Miller, S. B. Steiner and J. W. Gilbert, Trus- tees; J. N. Warren and W. H. Kerr, Medical Examiners. Pres- ent officers: H. C. Johnson, P. W. M .: E. E. Mack, M. W .; C. WV. Seidel. Foreman; W. C. Wilson, Overseer; E. S. Donaho, Guide; C. W. Eccleston, Financier; J. T. McCall, Receiver; T. A. Corbett, I. W .; R. A. Benn. O. W .; Peter Schmitz, Wm. Miller, J. W. Gilbert, Trustees. Medical Examiners same as at first. This Lodge now has a membership of thirty-seven, and holds meetings once in two weeks. It is in a flourishing condition.
Storm Lake Lodge No. 221, I. O. O. F .- Instituted May 10th, 1871, by T. J. Kinkaid, of Sioux City, D. D. G. M. First officers: J. C. Spooner, N. G .; T. S. Smith, V. G .: J. L. Wilson, Secretary; L. J. Barton, Treasurer. Present officers: C. E. Cameron, N. G .; A. R. McCartney, V. G .; L. G. Malborne, Secre- tary; Wm. Miller, Treasurer. The present membership is about sixty. The Lodge holds meetings every Saturday night in Masonic Hall. There is also an encampment of this order, in a flourish- ing condition in connection with the Lodge.
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
Jewel Lodge No. 309, A. F. & A. M .- Instituted October 26th, 1871. Charter granted June, 1872. First officers under dispen- sation: J. E. Wirrick, W. M .; E. I. Sutfin, S. W .; E. Wirrick, J. W .; P. Schaller, Secretary; W. L. Vestal, Treasurer; D. B. Harrison, S. D .; E. S. Fanning, J. D. ; N. Parks, Chaplain ; E. W. Benson, Tyler. (The above named persons were the Charter Members.) Present officers: O. D. Pettel, W. M .; T. D. Higgs, S. W. ; J. A. Dean, J. W .; S. W. Hobbs, Secretary; M. Tolle, Treasurer; B. F. Langdon, S. D. ; Frank Webb, J. D .; M. Tolle, Chaplain; R. J. Fowler, Tyler. This Lodge now has a membership of forty-six, and meet the Thursday evening on or before each full moon in their hall, over the First National Bank. This Lodge is in a growing condition .
SIOUX RAPIDS.
Sioux Rapids was platted by D. C. Thomas and David Evans in 1869. The county seat of Buena Vista county was removed from Prairieville to this place in 1869, and, as was stated in Storm Lake items, was removed to Storm Lake in 1878. The Court House was burned at this place in 1876.
Tyford, Blake, Gilbert, and Hollinger are among the earliest settlers in this place. This town is not at this date incorporated, but steps have been taken to have it incorporated this spring. The town now has a population of about 400, and from the fact that the railroad is now completed to this point, it will rapidly in- crease in population, and incorporation will become a necessity .
The Sioux Rapids Press, a neat weekly, eight-column folio, made its first appearance May 25th, 1881. It now has a circula- tion of 740 copies. Is Republican in politics. W. S. Wescott is proprietor. It bids fair soon to rank with the leading newspapers of the county.
CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES.
Methodist Episcopal Church Society .- This was the first Metho- dist Society organized within the bounds of the charge known as the Spirit Lake Circuit. It was organized by Rev. Seymour Sny- der with O. C. Potts as leader, in 1865. This society was organ- ized about three miles from the present town of Sioux Rapids. In 1874 Rev. C. W. Wiley organized the first society in the present town. This society erected a church building, the first church in town, in 1877. This is a neat frame building, size 30x40 feet. The cost was $1,700. Rev. Seymour Snyder was the first pastor on this circuit, he being followed by Rev. Hawks, he by C. W. Clifton. Then followed Revs. Whiteley, Pitts, Ziegler, Fancher, C. W. Wiley, L. B. Keeling, Seymour Snyder, R. Fancher, O. H. P. Fauss and then the present incumbent, Rev. S. Snyder. First officers: D. C. Thomas, Lot Thomas, W. L. Pratt, M. Clemens,
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
Mrs. A. Tyers, J. M. Hoskins, Peter Dubois, Sr., E. Sands, J. R. Noel, Trustees; Mrs. A. Tyers, Mrs. C. M. Clemens, J. R. Noel, Stewards. Present officers: J. Frankenberger, S. Dubois. O. G. Taber, C. C. Awvell, A. E. Taber, L. Carter, Stewards; O. G. Brain- ard, P. Dubois, Sr., O. G. Taber and M. Hoskins, Trustees. This society has a membership of seventy-seven. There is a Sabbath School in connection, with an attendance of fifty pupils. Mrs. O. G. Brainard is Superintendent. This society has now in pro- cess of construction a parsonage 18x24 feet in dimensions, which will cost $400.
Baptist Church Society .- Was organized in 1881, by D. D. Proper. The first pastor was Rev. A. V. Bloodgood, he also be- ing the present incumbent. First officers: W. A. Wilson, Clerk; P. W . Goodrich, 'Deacon. This society has a membership of eight, and holds services in the Congregational Church. There is also a Sabbath School with an average attendance of thirty pupils. W. A. Wilson is Superintendent .
Congregational Church Society .- Organized November 4th, 1875, its first officers being Henry Gleason and S. Warner, Deacons; H. S. Newcomb, Clerk; first pastor, Rev. J. W. Smith. The society has a membership of fourteen with A. M. Beaman as the present pastor. The society built a church in 1881, size 20x36 feet. This building was erected at a cost of $700. Present officers: Henry Gleason, S. S. Warner, Deacons, and H. S. Newcomb, Clerk.
Lutheran Church Societies .- There are two organizations of Lutherans in Sioux Rapids which were both organized in 1870, Rev. A. Johnson and Rev. G. Gulbrenson being the present pastors.
Sioux Rapids Public School .- Sioux Rapids became an independ- ent school district in 1878, the first school being taught in 1869. The present school building was erected in 1870. The present teachers are Prof. J. S. McSparran and wife. The present enroll- ment of pupils is 100. The present School Board consists of S. S. Warner, Henry Jacobson and J. M. Hoskins.
Enterprise Lodge No. 332, A. F. & A. M .- Instituted 1874. The charter members were W. L. Pratt, D. C. Thomas, Lot Thomas, O. G. Brainard, Gus. Gilbert, T. M. Watts, E. Bailey, O. P. Warner. W. L. Pratt being the first W. M. Present offi- cers: J. M. Hoskins, W. M .: C. L. Ward, S. W .; C. A. Ander- son, J. W .; S. E. Harris, Treasurer: W. A: Jones, Secretary. This society now has a membership of twenty, and is in a flourish- ing condition.
Sioux Rapids' flouring mills are located on the Big Sioux River, which affords an immense water power. The mill was built in 1871, and has two run of stone, and one feed buhr. The mill has a capacity of fifty barrels per day. Wilson & Smith, the present proprietors, are making preparations to enlarge their mill for the manufacture of patent flour.
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HISTORY OF IOWA.
The business houses of Sioux Rapids may be classified as fol- lows: General stores, three; hardware, two; drug store, jewelry store; harness, two; blacksmith shops, two; restaurants, three; hotels, two; lumber dealer; livery, two; furniture store; barber shop; postoffice, printing office, saloons, three; millinery; shoe shops, two; meat market, bank, and the usual quota of lawyers, doctors and land agents.
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