USA > Iowa > Appanoose County > Past and present of Appanoose County, Iowa : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. I > Part 42
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The church was built in 1871. It was a structure forty feet square. and cost $1.500. The first pastor was Isaiah Ferris.
Melvin Knapp located in Independence township in 1856, where he remained two years and then removed to Bellair township.
William Clark entered a tract of land in Jefferson county in 1843. on which he lived until 1850. lle then removed to Appanoose county and located in this township, where he became prosperous.
Joseph 1. Lain came to this township in 1852 and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on sections 25 and 26. He returned to Indiana, but spent part of the years on the place until 1860, when he became a permanent member of the community. Mr. Lain became a large landholder and one of the best of citizens.
Rev. Elijah Cozad, a native of West Virginia, settled on a tract of two hun-
HISTORY OF \N\\\\\ \\1)
dred and thirty acres of land in this township, which he had purchased in 1957 He was ordained a minister of the Methodist church in 1851.
Thomas Owen settled in this township in 1857. coming from Ulmon. Ile purchased land and at once commenced farming. In 1802 Mr Owen married Mary A. Moreland, daughter of Henry and Melinda Moreland, al settlers of the county, coming from Indiana in 1851. Mr. Owen inter removed to Inclu township.
P. T. Butler, with his parents, John F. and Julia Butler, left the old home in Indiana in 1854, when the boy was but fourteen years of age The family set tled in this township and began their new life on a farm. P. I. Butler matri ! Lucinda J. Martin in 1802. located in Lincoln township and became a lite landowner.
Wells Peppers removed to this township in 1855, and settled where Milledge ville now stands, where he erected a mill for his brother and Jerry Anderson Two years thereafter he built a mill at Griffinsville and four years later secured a half interest in the mill at Milledgeville and also purchased a farm on seethill 16. He was postmaster at Milledgeville several years and also kept a store there
Another early settler of the township was R. 1. Printy, who removed from Washington township in 1853. after having spent about two years there Wher he arrived in the county with his young bride in 1851. Mr. Printy could find m his pockets thirty-seven and one-half cents. He certainly was poor. But with lots of pluck, energy, and with a strong, hopeful young wife, he set his hand to the plow and accomplished what he set out to do. A splendid farm and the comforts of life were acquired by the labors of himself and wife.
Samuel Sheeks, of Kentucky, married Elizabeth Murray, of North Carolina. and came to Appanoose county in the spring of 1850. Here they entered three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 2. The country at the time was sparsely settled and everything was new and in a state of nature. When groceries or other necessaries were needed, a grist of corn meal for instance, member of the family were compelled to go to Alexandria or Keokuk, long distance. away, for those days of slow travel.
E. Chadwick was born in Kentucky and moved to this county i 1851. Ile was a merchant at Milledgeville in 1865 and 1800, keeping a general store, after which he ran a flouring mill for three years. From then on he farmed and w .- a general merchant.
Henry Moreland and wife first located in Lincoln township m 1852, but in the spring of 1853 they took up their residence on section 17. this town-hin Ml Moreland before his death, which occurred in 1801, divided one thousand fre of land among his children, to which the beneficiaries added over a thousand more acres. Among the sons was Newton J. long a resident of the town up
George M. Payne settled on section 2. in this township, in 1800
1. ] Flam, son of a pioneer of Johns township, came to the county with h father in 1840. He located later on section 20, this township and mani Harriet Cross, a daughter of M. H. Cross, an early setler of Appation
C. C. Teeter was born in Kentucky and married Rebecca Tetten, a native nl New York. This worthy couple were early settlers in this township, comme here in 1853 and locating on section 30, where they thrived und ra ela luge tim's of children. Cyrus, the oldest, became a Methodist elegan .. . a printer
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HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
in the Civil war languished for ten months in a stockade at Tyler. Texas. Another son died for his country in the same war, at Mapleton, Kansas. Another jumped his horse over a stone wall and captured a rebel flag.
Horatio J. White was in the county as early as 1855. Ile became a prominent citizen of the community and was a member of the board of supervisor -.
Henry and Mary Gerard, who immigrated from Belgium to this country, came early to Appanoose county and located in this township, where Mrs. Gerard died in 1859 and was followed by her husband in 1868. Thomas Woolf, who married Josephine Gerard, a daughter of the couple here mentioned. located on section 36 in 1874. Four of the Gerard boys served in the Civil war and two of them lost their lives.
MILLEDGEVILLE
This is but a hamlet, which is situated on section 10, in Independence town- ship. It was dedicated to public use by Harrison Anderson, December 22. 1855. For some time there were prospects of the place growing to some importance, but the expected railroad failed to appear and this discouraged any further increase in population. However, the place was a good trading point for several years. There was a postoffice established and close by the members of the Chris- tian church had built a house of worship, which was well filled on Sabbath day.
Griffinsville is another moribund village of the township. The site is located on section 23 and for a time a postoffice was maintained there.
UDELL TOWNSIHP
U'dell township was organized in 1858, the first election taking place in October of that year, but it was one of the first townships in the county to invite settlers to come and share in its bounties.
The township lies south of Union and has Washington for its southern boundary. On the east of it is Davis county, and on the west the township of Douglas. The northern part of Udell township was very heavily timbered in its infancy and the land is drained by the North and South Fox rivers and branches of the Chariton. The southern half of the township is comparatively level and has the best farms. In fact they will equal any to be found elsewhere in the county. These farms are highly cultivated and display many fine homes and outbuildings.
As has been related, Udell township was one of the first to be settled. The Crow families came in 1843 and representatives are still to be found in the county.
J. F. Stratton also located in this township in 1843. although he was in the county as early as 1841, having selected a location in Pleasant township and built a cabin. Returning to Pleasant in 1843, with his family and brother. Joseph, he concluded he would not settle there and in the same year he removed to this township and became one of the prominent men of affairs in Appanoose county. lle was the first county surveyor and his name appears quite fre- quently in the history of the county.
John W. Clancy was probably the next settler, coming here in 1844. 11e
Rock Island Depot
Berry's General Store
Publie School Building
General Store Christian Church. Burned October 26, 1912 SCENES IN EDELL
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HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
at once began the improvement of a farm and through industry and a spirit actuating all pioneers of determination, succeeded in his undertakings.
Levin Dean was at Agency City, the home of the Indian agent, in 1842. and remained in Wapello county until 1846, when he came to Appanouse and settled in this township, where he established a permanent residence and took part in its organization, growth and prosperity.
About the year 1846. or possibly sooner. Mlbird Thompson located here; also the Zucks, S. arts, Eatons, Albertsons and John Zinch, who came prior to 1845.
Samuel Whisler and his wife, Miranda, came to U'dell township in 1856 and entered a quarter section of land.
Daniel Zook came from Pennsylvania with his family, his mother and two brothers, in 1855. He was a clergyman of the Baptist (tierman) church and held a charge in this township.
David Taylor's residence in this township began in 1847. He married Fran- ces Melaughlin, daughter of Edward Mclaughlin, who came to the county in 1850. Mr. Taylor was a merchant at Hillstown a short time. He died in 1876.
Phineas Taylor and wife came to Appanoose county in 1850 and lived in Centerville four years and then removed to Unionville. He was a merchant. lle was one of the founders of Unionville and continued in business there until his death, March 24. 1805.
In 1844, when fifteen years of age. J. N. Riggs came to this county with his mother and two sisters. At the age of twenty-eight he was the proprietor of the U'dell mill and at one time owned four mills, three of them sawmills. In 1867 he engaged in merchandising at Unionville.
William Swank came to this locality in 1846 with his bride. They settled on a farm. When he arrived here there was not a house on the prairie between him and the state line. He owned the "premium" farm of the county and in all had about seven hundred acres of land.
James 11. Mc Adams, a Tennesseean. removed to this county in 1853. 1le was a veteran of the Civil war.
Robert M. Mcflurry was born in Tennessee and came to this county in 1847 and became one of its well known tillers of the soil.
C. W. and J. B. Morrison were residents of the township as early as 1840. Both were veterans of the Civil war and became merchants at U'nionville.
Andrew Morrison was born in Ireland. He came to this county in 1812. Hle married Mary Byers, of Pennsylvania, in 1832. He settled in U'dell town- ship in 1846 and died in 1873. It is said that when he arrived in the township he was very poor and the people along the road refused him drinking water or a place to sleep, believing him to be a Mormon. He located here, became prosperous and gained the confidence of all his acquaintances.
Rufus Payne was born in Connecticut. He came to Appanoose county from Ohio in 1857 and settled in this township. He later moved to U'nionville.
Martin Replogle, an Indianan, located in this township in 1852. With barely enough money for the purpose, he entered a tract of land and soon became one of the substantial husbandmen of this locality.
R. M. Hicks was born in east Tennessee and came to the county with his parents in 1858. He was then twenty-three years of age and commenced busi-
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HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
ness for himself, farming and dealing in live stock. In 1874 he became a merchant.
J. F. Hopkins came from Tennessee and located here in 1849. He married Miss Maria Styles in 1853. Stephens Hopkins arrived here in 1850, Hoating down rivers on a flat boat and making the rest of the journey with his family by wagon.
I .. Dean came to Udell township in 1846 and but a few years had passed when he owned several hundred acres of good farm land. He was held in highest esteem by his neighbors and they showed their confidence in his integ- rity by electing him to local offices of importance and responsibility.
Abraham Good was early in this community, coming here from Ohio it 1851. lle was a good farmer and citizen.
Manson Cox was a Tennesseean, and forsaking his native state, settled in this county in 1848, although not coming direct to Iowa. He located in this township and engaged in farming and milling.
One of the earliest settlers in Appanoose county was William Crow. Ile was a native of Tennessee, from which state he immigrated to Iowa in 1842, locating in Lee county. In 1843 he came to this county and began farming in this township. There were but seven voters in the county when Mr. Crow came licre. His vote for George T. White, candidate for state senator, was the first whig vote cast in Appanoose county.
William Caylor was brought to this community from Illinois in the year of his birth, which was in 1849. The family located on section IO.
John Clemens was born in Pennsylvania in 1802. He married Miss Katy Loutz in 1823. He came to Appanoose county in 1852 and located in this township, where things went well with him and his large family of children.
John HI. Bickford was born in Udell township in 1853. He was the son of Charles Bickford. a native of Illinois, who settled here in 1840, locating upon a tract of land consisting of two hundred and forty-one acres, which he had entered. Charles Bickford remained on this farm until his death in 1874.
John Caylor, an Ohioan, arrived in this township with his wife in 1851 and became one of the prosperous farmers of this section.
J. G. Connolly was a "Buckeye" and left his native state for the less popu- lated commonwealth of lowa. In 1853 he located in Unionville, where, being a carpenter. he worked at his trade. In 1873 he built the Inn, which was for several years the hotel of the village. Ar. Connolly was postmaster of Union- ville under the Buchanan administration.
J. C. Cox, a Tennesseean, came to Udell township with his parents in 1840 and settled on a farm. His father was also a merchant. Mr. Cox served his country in the Civil war.
J. W. Clancy, a Tennesseean, came here in 1843 and took up a tract of government land. With Mr. Clancy was his wife and family, who rode in a wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen, all his worldly goods. At the time of his arrival there were few white people in the vicinity and he had more or less trouble with strolling bands of Indians before he was able to establish himself and family in his new home. Mr. Clancy became one of the best known men in the township and acquired a competency.
C. C. Baker located in Unionville in May, 1857, and worked at carpentry.
SCENE ON MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE
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ANOTHER VIEW OF MAIN STREET, LOOKING WEST: PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ON RIGHT
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HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
He was a Tennesseean by birth. He became a dealer in live stock and made a success of his undertaking. Mr. Baker was a good citizen.
Richard Bruckmaster was a Pennsylvanian. He came to Appanoose county in 1855 and became one of the county's influential farmers, In 1857 Mr. Bruckmaster had a mill in Davis county, which he sold to a man who after- ward entered the rebel army, leaving his debt for the mill unpaid.
George Streepy located in U'dell township in 1851. His father, Edward Streepy. after the death of his wife, came here in 1854 and located near U'nion- ville, where he spent the remainder of his days.
Daniel Wagner Hardman left the old home in Indiana and arrived in this county in 1855. He settled on a farm in (dell township and became promi- nent and influential. He was a member of the board of supervisors several years.
George Gallagher became a resident of this township in 1849. He entered one hundred and sixty acres of land near Unionville, but three months later sold his property and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Taylor town- ship, on section 5. In 1864 he bought an eighty-acre tract on section to, which he improved, and on which he made his home. Among other offices held by Mr. Gallagher is that of supervisor.
Edward Turner Stratton was the son of Jonathan and Laura W. Strat- ton, who came to lowa and settled in this township in 1843. Jonathan Strat- ton was the first surveyor of Appanoose county and filled the position for sex- eral years. Ile died in 1884. Edward, the son, was appointed county surveyor to fill a vacancy in 1885, by the board of supervisors.
The first marriage was in 1847. The contract was made by William Smart and Mrs. Hannah Catherine Zuck. The ceremony was performed by 'Squire C. Zuck.
The first death was that of John Zinch, which occurred in 1845.
The people of this community were fully alive to the virtue of educating their children and to further this worthy end a schoolhouse was built in 1849. near the home of John W. Clancy. The building was the traditional log cabin. In the winter of that year Albird Thompson taught school there, his pupil- being children from the families of John W. Clancy, Levin Dean, Mr. Albert- son and Mrs. Eaton. In this log cabin in the winter of 1846, one of the first, if not the first. Methodist church societies in the county was organized.
VILLAGE OF UNIONVILLE
Unionville is one of the oldest towns in the county. The site was surveyed in April, 1849, by J. F. Stratton, and the plat was recorded September 5th of the same year. The town is located on section 33, which is on or near the old Dragoon Trail, and consequently, on the well beaten road traveled in the Mor mons, on their exodus from Nauvoo to the land of promise in Utah.
L'monville grew quite rapidly for two or three years after it had been band out and in 1850 was a larger and better trading point than the county sell The first store was started by John Miller, in 1850, and within a few months. Dr. Nathan Udell located in the town. From 1850 to 1871, the growth of Unionville had been at a standstill, but in the latter year the Chicago & South Vol. 1-26
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HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
western Railroad was built through the village and the people took on new courage and hopes. The population increased and business place- became more numerous. By 1880 there were two hotels, three stores, a drug store, two phy- sicians and several shops. There are now several stores, one hotel. a bank. churches and shops.
Unionville is still an integral part of U'dell township. never having been incorporated. The population is about 500.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The first class was organized in the fall or winter of 1846 by Rev. Hugh Gibson, who was the first regularly appointed pastor of the mission west of Davis county. The first members of the class as far as can be obtained were Levin Dean and his wife, Miss A. Morrison, Mrs. M. A. Mershon. Mrs. Sears, Mrs. Eaton. A few Presbyterians and Baptists in the vicinity united with those above named until the increase in population would enable them to maintain societies of their own. Mrs. Riggs, who had been a Baptist, continued her connection with the Methodists until her death. Some of the early pastors of this church were Revs. Hugh Gibson, William S. Manson, James Still and the Revs. Bryant, Johnson, Rowley, Poston, Pierce, Carey, Winings and Dar- rah. The present pastor is N. A. Orcutt. A church was built in 1856 and dedi- cated in 1858. Later it was remodeled. Opposite the church, which is valued at $2,000, is the parsonage, which cost $1,200. The present membership is about 100.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
This society was organized in 1848 by Rev. J. E. Ewing. The first mem- bers were John Graham and wife. Mrs. E. Sawyers. R. McMurray and wife. Mrs. E. A. Drake, Mrs. D. 11. Miller and perhaps two or three others. The first elders were C. H. Howell, later of Centerville, and Elisha Sawyers. Among the first pastors were Revs. J. Il. Shields, Smith, Fisher. Kain, Hahn, Jones, Merwin and Kendrick. The church now has but ten members and for sev- eral years the pulpit has been supplied by theological students, the present pas- tor being C. E. Hamilton, a student from Pella college. A church was erected in 1871. at a cost of $1,800, and is still in use.
BAPTIST CHURCH
A society of this faith was organized here in 1853. The first members were Joel Staley and wife, John Ilicks and wife. Robert Frost and wife. . \ church was built in 1850 but just before its completion it was burned down. For ser- eral years the society has met with the Presbyterians. The early pastors were Revs. I. M. See, William Barnett, Thompson and Green. The membership is 25, and the Sunday school is a union school, composed of Baptists and Presbyterians.
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HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
UMONVILLE SAVINGS BANK
This financial institution was established in 1002 and incorporated under the state law. James .A. Bradley has served as president from its organization to the present, and Dr. 1 .. S. Patterson is the vice president. 1 .. L. Taylor, now of Centerville, served as cashier for two years, his successor being (). .. Tweedy, who became cashier in the fall of winter of 1004. Mah > Dukes is the present cashier. The building, a neat brick structure, was erected at the time the institution was established. The bank is capitalized at $10,000; surphi- and undivided profits, $2,500; deposits. $50,000.
UNIONVILLE LODGE, NO. 119. A. F. & A. M. .
The dispensation for this lodge was issued October to, 1857. b. John F. Sanford, grand master, and at the grand lodge, June 3. 1858, a charter was granted. The first officers were: W. M. T. J. Taylor ; S. W., S. Clark ; J. W., Nathan Udell: Treas .. J. Delay; Sec., M. Davis; S. D. J. N. Riggs : J. D). E. Taylor ; tyler, E. Davis.
In 1802 the charter was lost by fire. A duplicate was issued by the late T. S. Parvin, grand master of the order. The present officials are: W. M., C. W. Taylor: S. W. J. E. Miller: J. W .. William Bray: Sec. E. H. Hughes; Treas. T. E. Allen : S. D., AA. Hicks; J. D., J. L. Patrick: S. S .. E. E. Bruck- master : J. S .. J. M. Selix ; chaplain, Joshua Robinson ; tyler. W. H. Underwood.
( ARMEL CHAPTER, ORDER OF EASTERN STAR
This chapter was organized October 5. 1893. The charter members were: Ina Bayles, Emma E. Barnett, Martha Baker, Maggie C. Dean, Lizzie Dean, Mattie Hicks, Cora Hughes, Etta B. Lane, Hattie Morrison, Maude Phil- lips. Ruth Stanley, M. L. Taylor, Lillian Greenleaf, B. F. Bayles, G. M. Bar- nett. C. C. Baker. G. W. Dean, E. L. Pean. J. T. Etheridge, A. Hicks. R. M. licks, S. E. Lane, C. W. Morrison, E. M. Phillips, Dr. 1 .. S. Patterson, J. M. Riggs, Ward C. Taylor. The officers are Ada Harrison, W. M .: N. F. Harrington, W. P. ; Miss Minnie Hicks, Sec.
Unionville lodge owns the building in which it meets and also owns the adjoining building. The lodge building was created in 1802 at a cost of $1 .100 . The other building is worth $800. The lodge is free from debt and has a mem- bership of seventy.
I VIONVILLI LODGE, SO. 605, 1. 0. 0. 1.
The Odd Fellows organized their lodge here, October 18, IMO. The char- ter members were E. A. Powers, Freeman Davis, 11 1. Wahl, Levi P. Ogle. H. P. Powers, M. 1. Wood, E. A. Walker, George Kochler and Samuel T. Robb. The present officers are: J. O. More. N. G. ; R. E. Wilson, V G ; F. A. Wilson, See. ; William Bray. Treas.
40-1
HISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
EASTERTIDE LODGE, DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH
was organized October 18, 1900. The charter members were: Frank Gates. Nellie Gates. A. T. Bishop. P. V. Underwood. L. S. Patterson, Jane Bishop. Anne Underwood, Mrs. M. E. Patterson, Joshua Robinson, Mary M. Robin- son. Hugh E. Bishop. Etta Bishop, Susan Underwood, Florence Wilson. Mabel Miller, Gladys Miller, S. E. Robb. William Bray. Charles J. Case. The officers are: Clara Wilson, N. G .: Rose Davis, V. G .; Lulu Koehler, Sec .; T. J. Case, Treas.
M. W. A. CAMP, NO. 4248
was organized October 2, 1896. The charter members were: B. F. Bayles, J. A. Collins, E. A. Etheridge, Frank Gates, D. C. Horton, E. 11. Hughes. J. E. Miller. L. P. Ogle. J. L. Patrick. R. S. Phillips, James Selix, J. B. Smith, C. W. Taylor, L. S. Wallace.
The society owns its own building, a two-story structure, which it pur- chased in 1910 for $700. The membership numbers thirty-three.
DEFUNCT VILLAGE OF ALBANY
There was once a little village, or cluster of houses and two stores on sec- tion I, in this township. There was also a postoffice and blacksmith shop and the place was called Albany. It sprang up in the 60s and withered away in the 'zos, for at that time the town site had been plowed up and planted with grain. This was all the result of the railroads going in the wrong direction.
INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF UDELL
A few years after the fall of Albany another town was projected. which met with a better fate. This is U'dell, that sits on a pretty tract of land in section 20. The town was laid off and the plat was filed for record. December 20. 185. by James McDonald and C. O. Read. In 1904 Udell was incorporated and now has a population of 200. There are several stores and a private bank owned by Judson Taylor, who began business in 1903. There are three churches-Christian, United Brethren and a union church of the Baptists and Methodists. There is also a lodge of Alasons and one of ()dd Fellows and Woodmen. U'dell is a station at the junction of the Wabash and Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railrods.
JOHN'S TOWNSHIP
Johns was organized in the carly '50s and is an entire congressional town- ship. The surface is quite level, mainly prairie and is probably the best farm- ing land in the county. All the cereals adapted for production in this latitude grow here in profusion and prosperity is the result. Stock-raising is also engaged in to quite an extent. Fine homes and other farm buildings prevail.
Johns township is bounded on the west by Wayne county, on the north by
IHISTORY OF APPANOOSE COUNTY
Independence township, east by Bellair and Walnut townships, and south by Lincoln township. The land is cut into by Big and Little Walnut creek- and the south fork of the Chariton.
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