USA > Iowa > Jefferson County > Jefferson County, Iowa; centennial history. 1776. 1876 > Part 2
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TOPOGRAPHY.
The county, topographically speaking, is all the most critical could wish for. The lands are what are known as tolling prairie and woodland, properly interspersed for tilling, and building and fencing timber. The landscape from the higher ground is pleasing and attractive to the eye. inviting the stranger to a closer examination of the view before him. The abundance of streams, skirted with heavy growths of timber, give a variety and richness to the pros- peet. Along the larger streams, such as the Checanqua, (Skank.)
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Cedar. Walnut and Competine, the lands are to some extent broken. but none, or but few sections, are lost to cultivation.
The central part of the county is the highest ground. the water shedding towards the north. south and east, while the sheds of each township are well defined and reach to all parts of the land.
Few counties in Iowa are so favored as to water and timber. al. most all of the streams furnishing sufficient water for a motive power, as well as for stock ; while timber for building purposes is to be found in abundance. Black, white, burr and red oak. band and soft maple. hickory. elm. ash. walnut and birch. being the principal varieties.
The streams occupy a prominent position in the topography of the county. Entering the county near its northeast corner. in sec. 1 of Walnut Tp., is the Checanqua (Skunk) river, which flows through the eastern tier of sections of that township. its couse south : en- tering section I of Lockridge township, it changes its course west- ery, touching section 2 ; reversing its course. it flows through sections 12 and 13, leaving the county at the balt section line of section 13, watering ten sections.
Burr Oak creek rising in section I of Bonn towns hip. traversing the township in a southeasterly direction. emptying into the Che cauqua river in see. 2 of Lock ridge township, watering 12 sections.
Big Turkey creek rices in see. T of Lockridge township. it's course eastward. along the boundary line of Walnut and Lockridge townships. passing through & seetions. emptying into Walnut creek hear the junetion of Walnot and Buir Oak.
Brush creek rises in Fairfield township in sections I and 2. flowing eastward across Buchanan and Lockrider town-Ips. eu- tering Henry county from section 36, of Lockridge township. water- ing 12 sections.
Walnut creek has three prongs west of section 23. of Prun township. The north prong rises in section 3 : the middie prons rising in sections 9, 17 and 21 : and the south prong in section 29. of Blackhawk township. The north fork entering Penn town- ship in section 7. the middle prong in section IS. and the south prong in section 30, watering 19 sections in Blackhawk: [ .... tions in Penn : 9 sections in Walnut : and 2 sections in Lockrider township. emptying into Checauqua (Skunk) river in section > Lockridge township : its general course cast.
Little Turkey rises in section 17. Lockridge township: enters Skunk river in section 11. same township, watering Il section.
Big Cedar enters the county in section IS, Locust Grove Bowl- ship, passing through Locust Grove, Fairfield, Liberty, Cedar and
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Round Prairie townships, leaving the county from section 35. of Round Prairie township, traversing 31 seetions, and in its wind- ings making about 62 miles of the stream in the county.
Liek Creek rises in section 16. of Des Moines township, passing through Liberty township. making its exit from the county from section 32. of Liberty township, watering > sections.
Crow creek. the western branch, rises in section 21. of Fairfield township : the eastern fork in section 20. of Buchanan township. flows south. uniting in section 20, of Buchanan township : flowing south through Cedar township, emptying into Cedar creek in sec- tion IS of Cedar township. watering S sections.
Little Competine rises in section IS of Polk township, emptying into Big Competine in section 6 of Locust Grove township, water- ing 5 sections
Big Competine enters the county in section 31 of Polk township, flows south through Locust Grove, emptying into Cedar in Section 21, watering 7 sections.
Coon creek rises in sections 7 and 9 of Polk township. flowing into Competine in section 21 of Loenst Grove township, watering 13 sections.
Smith creek rises in section 21 of Polk township, flows south. emptying into Coon creek in Section 3. Locust Grove township, watering 6 sections.
Richland creek rises in section Is of Black Hawk, flows north. leaving the county from section 5 of same township, watering 3 sections.
Rattle Snake rises in section 13 of Cedar township, flows through Round Prairie towdship. emptying into Cedar creek in section 33 of Round Prairie township, watering 7 sections.
Wolf creek rises in sections 26 and 27 of Bachanan township. flowing eastward, crossing section I of Cedar, passing through Round Prairie, making its exit from the county from section 1 of Round Prairie township, watering 13 sections in its course.
Troy's brauch rises in section 27. Buchanan township, flows south through Cedar township, emptying into Cedar township in section 28 of Cedar township, watering 10 sections.
Origin of names of streams: The Checaugna was so called by the Indians. from the great number of skunks that inhabited its bottoms; and to this day there are sections of country bordering upon that stream so infested with these little animals as to cause great annoyance and oven pecuniary loss to the citizens. John Huff christened Brush creek, it being the only stream on which underbrush was found. Walnut, from the large walnut trees on
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its banks. Turkey creeks. from the frequency of meeting turkeys in the timber along them. Ratttle Snake. having killed a rattle- snake five and a half feet long near it. The settlers named Com- petine from the Indian by that name who lived on the stream .- Coon creek, from its inhabitants-the coons being so numerous. Smith creek, from the first settler ou its banks. Burr Oak. from the timber skirting it Lick creek. from the saline spots frequent- ed by the deer. Crow creek has been known as Ballard's. and later as Dyer's: but W. B. Culbertson and William Pitzer called it Crow. from the frequent congregation of large flocks of those birds in its timber. Several small branches are found throughout the county which have not received mention here.
SOLL ..
Is a rich loam. two feet in depth. with a sub-soil of loam, sand and clay, which. when exposed to atmospheric influences. becomes almost as productive as the original soil. The sub-soil approxi- mates eight feet in depth. Corn, wheat. rye, barley. oats. hemp. and all varieties of grasses and vegetables yield a large crop .- Fruits of all varieties common to the latitude, grow well and bear profusely in the county. In no part of the county is there much waste land. Almost the entire land is under cultivation. except such as is reserved tor timber, and this is susceptible of enitiva- tion. The surface of the county being a succession of draws. the rich soil is by nature irrigated and drained thoroughly.
COAL.
The coal interests of the county are assuming great importance. not less than ten banks being open and in full operation. Penn Township is the principal coal seetion. five banks operated within its borders. The Jefferson county coal company having two shatts open at Perlee. from which in 1875, the company took 100,000 bushels. This company was organized in 1870. The town of Perlee was laid out by the company. and has become a business center of considerable importance. James F. Wilson is President and C. W. Slagle. Secretary The Washington coal company. also at Perlee, was organized in 1875. and as a result of the first year's operations, mined 250,600 bushels. Wm. E. Thompson is the President. The Perlee coal company. ( Miller & Co .. ) are opera- ting at Perlee and took out in 1875. 150.000 bushels. The Cedar coal company, near Pitkin's ford. mine 75,000 bushels annually .- Seoler and Waterworth, proprietors. This bank is one of the old- est in the county. The Coalport mines in Lockridge township are in successful operation ; the mines were opened in 1862: in
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1875 there was taken out 100.500 bushels. Several smaller mines are operated. yielding about 150,000 bushels of coal annually .- The total product of coal for 1575 was 1.135,000 bushels, valued at $102,159.00. Coal has been discovered in every township in the county except Walnut, and even here prospecting has been done with every prospect of meeting with success
STONE.
Two varieties are found, sand and lime stone. Practical as well as scientific tests place the sand stone among the finest and the most durable in the state. The masonry in the Bur- lington & Missouri railroad bridge over Cedar en k. as also other masonry, has stood not only well. but has solidined by atmospher- i influences, while in the chemical and mechanical tests made by Professor Hinrichs, of the State University and fien. Rodman. the rock known as the " Stover stone." was deeme ! the best in the State for all purposes. A superior quality of lime is made from the lime stone, found in abundance in all parts of the county.
FIRE CLAY.
This valuable material is found in connection with the coal seams in great quantities. In the vicinity of Brush creek. in sec- tion 36 of Walnut. and section I of Lockridge, there is a large bed of fire clay, about twelve feet deep, resting on a thin strata of iron ore underlain with sand stone.
BRICK CLAY
is to be found in large quantities in all parts of the county, usual- ly within the timbered lands. A superior grade of brick is made from this clay.
The beds of the streams furnish a good quality of sand for build- ing purposes.
MANUFACTORIES.
The manufacturing interests of the county are not as fully do. veloped as they should be with the water-power, and material. and fuel in such abundance. The fertility of the soil and the case with which erops are made, has attracted the agriculturist more readily than other interests. The county is looking up in the manufactu- ring interest of late, and the fhcilties offered to mechanical work are attracting attention. There is one woolen mill. tro agricultural implement manufactories, one furniture factory. broom factories. cheese factories, lumber and fouring mills. The value of mann- factured products in 1874 were $172.750.
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AGRICULTURE.
The inhabitants of Jefferson county are more particularly an ag- ricultural people. Surface, soil, climate, and in fact all influences attract the immigrant to the farm or herd. The crops are abun- dant, and the prices obtained for all products usually good, with convenient facilities for shipping.
Simultaneous with the organization of the county did the farm- ing interest commence its -necessful career, and the mural districts have steadily maintained their superiority by keeping in advance of the county towns in improvement and development. Early in the county's history did the farmers moot together and seek more knowledge of the farm, orchard, dairy and herd.
Jefferson county brought into lite the State Agricultural Sowie ty, organizing at the court house at Fairfield. on the 28th day of December. 1853. what was to become the successtid State society of which we are all proud. All the movers in this organization were citizens of the county, to wit : C. W. Slagle. B. B. Tuttle, Ca- leb Baldwin. Jacob Ramey. W. S. Lynch. James Beatty. John An- drews. P. L. Huyett. and J. M Shaffer P. L. Huyett was chosen President. and J. M. Shaffer. Secretary. Charles Nogus was the first person who paid his initiation fee and signed the by-laws.
The first State Fair was held in Fairfield. cost of the grounds now occupied by the B. & M. depot m Oct. 1854. The Fair of 1855 was beld on the grounds southeast of Fairfi.bl. At the first Fair the exhibitors of Jefferson county were awarded 92 out of 210 premiums.
The County Agricultural Society was organized 21th of Jan. 1852, with the following officers: Benj. Robinson. Prest. James Beatty, Vice Prest., Caleb Baldwin. See v. Chas. Negus Treas- The society held annual meetings until within the past two years.
In IS 10 but a few acres of land were improved ; in ISIT the value of lands entered was $102.198.00 : town Ints. < 50,186 ; in 1975 the improved land was assessed at $2.762.932 : town lots $198,011. Value of farm products. $1.530. 1 10 : value products of the herd in 1817, 8127.011 : 1575. $912,657 : products of the gar- den in 1875, 521.311: orchard. $16.912 ; small fruit. $17.115 : dairy, $108,218 : fores. $15.297. A total in 1875 of $2 660.686 from agricultural interests. To this add manufactured products. $172,750; real property. 82.708. 118; making a grand total of 85,626.251. In 1875 there were 167,999 acres improved land and 66.979 acres nuimproved land: 1.130.591 rods of times: 16 .- 237 acres spring wheat. 6.182 irtes winter winter wheat harvest- ed ; 55,061 aeres corn gathered: 21.060 acres rve; 11.005 acres
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oats ; SO acres barley and 343 acres buckwheat harvested : 21.808 acres blue grass ; 33,774 acres timothy, and 252 acres Hungarian raised, and 702 acres in potatoes and other vegetables, vines, etc .. etc. There are 55,475 acres natural timber. 99 acres planted timber, and 118,662 rods hedge fence in the county.
STOCK.
The growers of stock have given much attention, within the past few years, to the improvement of breeds. Importation and home crosses have placed the herd in Jefferson county in a good paying condition.
Hogs .- The Poland-China. Berkshire. Chester-White, Essex. Sussex. and Magee have been introduced, and proved a source of profit to the grower. No. of stock hogs on hand in 1875, 59.083.
Horses .- The grades and classes are becoming more diffused. and the draft, roadster. and horse of all work. more distinct and better adapted to the work of each class. For dratt. the Percheron. Norman, English draft, and Clydesdale. For roadsters. Hamble- tonian, Gold Dust, and Bashaw. Number of horses in the county in 1875. 9.448.
Cattle .- The improvement in cattle is marked in all grades and classes. Durhams. Devonshires. Jerseys and Alderneys having been crossed with the natives, producing good marketable cattle for beef, improved cows for the dairy, and breeders. In 1875. there was on hand 7,128 milch eows: 20 work oxen and 18.326 other cattle. Total, 25,771.
Sheep are numerous throughout the county. The improvement in breeds is not so marked as in other stock. yet a good animal for wool and mutton is bred. Number on band in 1875, 21.816.
The total value of the products of the herd m 1875. $912,657.
POPULATION.
The settlers of the county are of many nationalities and creeds. A thrifty, industrious class of people-successful farmers. mer. chants, mechanics and professional men. Under the control of such a citizenship there can be no wonder at the growth and de- velopment of the county within forty years. a growth in prosperity and wealth that will compare favorably with any county in the State. In 1837 the population did not exceed one hundred and thirty-seven. The inviting climate and rich lands brought an in- flux of settlers until in IS10 the population had increased to 2,780. and to 8,463 in IS17, and to 17,127 in 1875.
Walnut township was settled principally by Germans, who came from the south of Germany, natives of the countries bordering ou
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the Rhine. John Spielman, Esq .. now of Fairfield, was one of the earliest settlers. An industrious, frugal class, the development of the township rapidly progressed. Their religious belief, Lutheran and Catholic.
Lockridge township is largely settled by Swedes, who are im- proving the land and accumulating much wealth in property and money.
Cedar township was early settled by a colony of French. who form a large part of the citizens of that township. Under their settlement the lands have been brought into a high state of culti- vation.
A large numbor of English have settled in different parts of the county, a number of whom are farmers, but the largest proportion being miners.
Penn township, as also Blackhawk township, is largely settled by Quakers, who flocked in to secure the beautiful prairie lands of those townships as early as 1810. The good fences, spacious barns. neat dwellings, fine stock and clean fields, speak volumes for their industry, prosperity jand wealth.
POST OFFICES.
The first post office was in Thomas Dickey's hat, and Dickey was the first postmaster. It is not known whether Dickey was regularly appointed by the Department, or not, or whether he was the postmaster by the suffrance of the settlers ; however. it is cer- tain it was from him the first citizens of Fairfield obtained their letters, at the moderate price of twenty-five cents each. There are now in the county IS offices. to-wit : Fairfield, in Fairfieldl town- ship: Salina, Four Corners and Glendale, in Lockridge township : Wooster. in Cedar township : Glasgow and Vega, in Round Prairie township: Libertyville. in Liberty township : Perlee and Pleasant Plain, in Penn township: Germanville and Merrimac. in Walnut township ; Baker, in Black Hawk township; Batavia and Brook- ville, in Locust Grove township : Abingdon. in Polk township, and County Line in Des Moines township. Fairfield and Batavia are money order offices.
MAIL ROUTES.
From Fairfield to Brookville. Abingdon and west line of the county, service semi-weekly. From Fairfield south to county line of Van Buren county, daily, except Sunday. Fairfield north, to Baker and north line of the county, daily, except Sunday. Fair- field southeast. to Glasgow and Vega, tri-weekly. Glendale to Salina, tri-weekly. Loekridge to Four Corners and Germanville,
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tri-weekly. Daily service on B. & M. R R. to Glendale, Fairfield. Whitfield and . Batavia. Daily service on C. & S. W. R R .. to Pleasant Plain, Perleo, Fairfield, Libertyville and County Line. Batavia to Brookville and Abingdon, service tri-weekly. In 1817 eight mails per week were received at the Fairfield post office; in 1875 it averaged eight mails per day.
IMPROVEMENTS.
In 1859 the log jail wastorn down and the present brick building erected. The little framecomt-honse was sold and the present brick court-house created. A controversy arose as to the location of the building -- the commissioners determined to place the building in the Public Square ; the citizens opposed the Board, and after quite an exciting suit and considerable delay, the citizens triumphed .-- The house was then erected on its present site-lots I and 2. block 3. old plat.
The present efficient Board of Supervisors-Allender, Mitchell and Pollock-are doing much to advance the interests of the county. Mr. J. IL. ABlender has been a member of the Board since the inauguration of the present system. and is now the chairman. The Board has recently let the contract for a number of substan- tial iron and wooden bridges in all parts of the county, and before the dawn of 1877 these improvements will be placed at the service of the citizens.
HIGHWAYS.
The average width of the principal highways is 66 feet, and are generally laid out upon the section or half section line. cutting the lands of the county in a desirable shape for agricultural or stock purposes. Neighborhood or cross roads are open at right angles to the principal roads, giving easy and direct access to the rail- road stations and markets in the county. Under the superintend- ance of the district road supervisors the highways are, as a general rule in good condition, permitting at most seasons of the year. heavy hauling.
FENCING.
Board fences are rapidly taking the place of the old-fashioned worm rail fence. It matters not of what material the fence is con- structed, the Jefferson county farmer realizes the benefit of high protection for his erops. Osage orange hedges are much used, and are carefully cultivated ; some of the most perfect and finely kept · hedges in the State can be found within the limits of the county.
TIMBER.
The importance of preserving natural timber has not been so
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much felt in Jefferson county as in many other sections of the State, on account of the great abundance: but within a few years past much care has been taken to protect the forests of the county. The great supply of coal for fuel materially aids the people in their desirable effort.
PUBLICATIONS.
The Lowa Sentinel, was established June 12. 1817. by A. R. Sparks, being the first paper published in the county. Brown & Pope succeeded to the ownership in 1850 and conducted it until 1851, when it was discontinued. D. Sheward revived it in 1853. but discontinued it in 1>56.
Fairfield Ledger first issued in 1850, by Orlando MeCranes. May 26, 185%, purchased by W. W. Junkin ; is still published by him every Thursday.
Jeffersonian appeared in 1858, T. B. Taylor, editor. Passed through several ownerships; discontinued 1560.
August, 1861, D. Sheward published the Constitution and Union. Sheward was arrested for disloyalty, and in ISGt a part of his type and press were destroyed.
The Home Visitor appeared 1861, by A. Asline. W. W. Jun- kin purchased it and merged it in the Lodger.
The Iorra Democrat, M. M. Bleakmore. was issued July 1. 1866. I. T. Flint purchased the office and changed its name to Industrial Era, in ISTS. In 1875 he removed the Big to Albia.
The Iowa Democrat was revived by M. M. Bleakmore, Porem- ber; 1874.
SOCIETIES.
Zetagathian, organized Feb. 1, 1876. Object, development of oratorical powers and debate. 25 active members. 15 honorary members. S. C. Farmer, Jr., Prest ; J. S. MeKemey. Sec'y.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
Fairfield Lodge instituted Ang. 11, 1875: 30 members. Wm. Black, C. C .; J. J. Cummings. K. R. and S. Chosen Friend Lodge No. 35, Perlee; instituted Dec. 31. 1875: 37 members. A Max- well, C. C .; W. A. Frush. K. R. and S.
ODD FELLOWS.
Jefferson Lodge, No. 1, Fairfield. Instituted by P. G. M .. W. H. Munro, March 10, 1816. W. I. Cooper, W. L. Orr. T. D. Evans. C. Keifer and N. W. Wiles. First N. G., W. I. Cooper ; present N. G .. R. A. Dangherty. Present membership, SG.
Walnut Lodge, No. 317. Perlee. Instituted May 27, 1875. by
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B. F. Snyder, 7 members ; present membership. 41. First N. (i., Robert Drummond.
Emmet Lodge, No. 295. Libertyville. Instituted Oct. 15. 1874. by W. K. Alexander, assisted by I. D. Jones-7 members ; present membership, 2S ; Jacob Wagner first N. G
Abingdon Lodge, instituted Nov. 30. 1875-9 members : present membership 24 ; N. D. Williams first N. G.
Glasgow, No. 15: instituted Oct. 26. 1853. reorganized Dec. 17. 1873-10 members ; S. C. Ridgway N. G.
Batavia. No report has been received. after two applications.
MASONIC.
Clinton Lodge, No. 15, Fairfield. organized Sept. 7, 1847 -- 9 members; preseut membership 120. J. L. Mvers. Ist Master.
Glasgow Lodge. No. 68, organized September, 1854.
Abingdon Lodge, No. 104, organized March 21. 1857. Killomy Lodge, 198, Batavia ; organized Aug. 21. 1856.
McCord Chapter. No. 5, Fairfield : organized Oet. 18, 1852 -- 10 members. W. W. Whitaker, H. P., T. F. Higley. Sec'y : present membership 68.
Ancient Order United Workmen. Fairfield Lodge, No. 52 : or- ganized March 8. 1876 -- 22 members. M. W., II. S. Willis.
EDUCATION.
The citizens of Jefferson county have been. from the early set- tlement of the county, earnest in their efforts to place a liberal ed- ucation within the reach of every class of people. Throughout the county good. substantial and comfortable school houses have been provided, efficient teachers employed, and much care devoted to securing reliable and improved text books. There are in the coun- ty 36 school districts in which there are 87 school houses. valued at $96,210. Schools are taught on an average of six months each year in the several districts. The lowest salary paid teach- ers is $20 per month, and the highest $150 per month.
The first meeting to secure the location of the branch of the Iowa University at Fairfield. was held in Fairfield, March 13, 1819. S. J. Bayard, C. W. Slagle, Dr. Stark and Wm. Bounitield taking an active part in securing the location.
Jan. 15. 1819. the Legislature created a branch of the State University at Fairfield. The citizens of Fairfield purchased a site for the University, near Fairfield, and also erected a building. In 1851 a hurricane partially demolished the building. It was again built, but the Legislature abolished the branches and decided to have bat one institution, and that located at lowa City. The
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grounds and building were then purchased by a company, and Prof. J. Anderson placed in charge. June 5th, 1863. the institution was incorporated as the Fairfield College with the following offi- cers : C W. Slagle, Prest . George Schramm. Vice-Prest., A. R. Fulton, See'y, and Rev. A. Axline. Principal.
In 1849 a Female Seminary was established by Rev. L. G. Bell. After a few years it was discontinued, when Miss Helen E. Pelle- treau opened a similar institution, which was discontinued in 1865.
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