USA > Iowa > Henry County > Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 82
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In connection with the association is a Literary Club, organized in the fall of 1883. and which holds regular sessions, the season commencing in September and lasting until May in each year. The club is composed of some of the leading minds of Mt. Pleasant, and its meetings are both interesting and instructive.
The officers of the association in the winter of 1887-88 were Mrs. Allie Taylor, President; Mrs. 1. Ketchum, Vice President; Mrs. J. S. MeGregor, Treasurer; Miss Kitty Ketchum, Recording Secre- tary ; Miss Ada Ambler, Corresponding Secretary. The library committee is composed of Miss Emma
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Schwenker, Chairman; Mrs. Lonie James and Miss Satie Ambler. The entertainment committee con- sists of Mrs. R. Ambler, Chairman; Miss Fannie Wheeler and Miss Laura Cole.
The Knights of Pythias have a flourishing lodge in this city, known as Eastern Star Lodge No. 6. It was organized May 6, 1870, with the following- named charter members : H. D. Walker, S. L. Dan- iels, W. F. MeClary, Lewis Il. Fenton, J. S. Shean, II. W. Templin, W. B. Walker, Walter Dall- ner, H. A. Gillman. S. N. Thompson, E. J. Lock- wood. Theo. Waible, C. E. Thompson, Will Melcher, J. K. Burton, P. A. Dallner, II. De Laubenfels, I. W. Dallner. Charles Prince, Will Schliep, F. W. Schnurr, . B. Traxler, H. S. Wilder, F. Bonnifield, George A. Owen. This lodge has been honored by the election of one of its members, II. D. Walker, as Grand, who has held the office for a number of years, discharging its arduons duties in a faithful manner.
The Knights of Labor are represented by Local Assembly No. 2189, organized Aug. 26, 1882, meeting each Saturday evening. The assembly is in a flourishing condition, with an increasing membership. Thomas Corcoran is Master Work- man, and Albert Druva, Recording Secretary.
The Independent Order of Good Templars has had seasons of prosperity and seasons of adversity. Several lodges have been organized, flourished for a time, and then suspended. At present the order is represented by Mt. Pleasant Lodge No. 68, I. O. G. T., which was instituted Nov. 16, 1885. Its charter members were: J. R. Payne, Mrs. E. S. Payne, C. H. Peters, Mrs. H. Peters, Dr. J. II. Drake, Mrs. M. E. Drake, Milo Hobart, J. A. Chis- man, Helen Page, Nettie Hawkins, F. E. David- son, Frank J. Drake, Frank H. Boynton, Esther McDonakl. Emma Dahlin, W. M. Whitney, Mrs. M. A. Whitney, Mrs. C. S. Shepp, Lizzie Cox, J. II. Forgrave, James McLaren, F. A. Conner, Mrs. Ilarmison, Mary Munson, Mrs. Belle Grimm, Mrs. F. A. Siberts, A. Spencer, Mrs. L. Shubert, C. F. Devol, George E. Gass, S. B. Potter. Its first officers were: Chief Templar, Rev. J. R. Payne; Lodge Deputy. Dr. J. Il. Drake; Vice Templar, Miss Esther McDonald; Chaplain, J. H. Forgrave ; Recording Secretary, J. A. Chisman; Assistant,
Miss Nettie Hawkins; Financial Secretary, Emma Dahlin; Treasurer, S. B. Potter; Marshal, F. II. Conner; Deputy, Mrs. A. Peters; Guard, Lizzie Cox; Sentinel, Frank J. Drake; Right Support, Clara Holsinger; Left Support, Mrs. M. E. Drake ; Past Chief Templar, C. II. Peters.
Since its organization the lodge has been quite prosperous, and has numbered among its members some of the best citizens of the city, those who are thoroughly interested in temperance work. The membership in January, 1888, was 120, with the following-named officers: C. T., Miss Mary Haw- kins; V. T., Fred Bent; Secretary, Dr. Clara Swan; Marshal, Ella McClaren; Treasurer, Nettie Grue- sel; Financial Secretary, Jessie Hughes; Gnard, Charlie Ball; Sentinel, Mertie Millspangh; Superin- tendent Juvenile Temple, Jennie Hobart; Lodge Deputy, Frank J. Potter; Chaplain, Mr. J. Bailey ; P. C. T., Frank Dickinson.
Under the direction of the lodge is a flourish- ing Juvenile Temple, with a membership of 140. Mrs. M. E. Drake, of Mt. Pleasant Lodge No. 68, has the honor of being the Grand Superintendent of juvenile work in the State.
There are in the city two solid financial institu- tions, the First National and the State National Banks. The former was organized in 1864, with Presley Saunders, President, and H. S. Clark, Cash- ier. Its capital stock was originally placed at $75,- 000, which was subsequently increased to $100,000. Presley Saunders yet remains at the head of the institution with T. J. Van Ilon, as Cashier.
The State National Bank, of Mt. Pleasant was chartered in February, 1865, and was an ontgrowth of the old Mt. Pleasant branch of the State Bank of Iowa, which was established in 1858 by Timothy Whiting and others. The State National Bank was opened with a paid-up capital of $100,000, Timo- thy Whiting being its first President, and retaining that position until his death in February, 1887. Ile was succeeded in that office by his son, John II. Whiting, who was its cashier from the establish- ment of the bank until January, 1886. The first charter of the bank expired in February, 1885, when it was extended until February, 1905. The State National has had a prosperous career and has ever had the confidence of the business and mon-
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eyed men of Henry County. Its surplus is now $50,000, and its depositors are among the best and most cautious people. John H. Whiting is the pres- ent President, with R. S. Gillis, Cashier. Both men are well known and universally respected, and under their management the bank will be con- ducted upon sound business principles.
The manufacturing interests of Mt. Pleasant have not been fostered to any great extent, still there are a few institutions here that deserve more than a passing notice.
The Mt. Pleasant Manufacturing Company was incorporated Aug. 1, 1887, with a cash capital of $10,000, for the manufacture of steel sled-runners, under the Johnson Patent; also steel farm, field and yard gates, and other articles. The works now employ twelve men, and are crowded with orders. The General Manager of the company is Ion. Sam- uel L. Steele, and the Secretary is Mr. William R. Sullivan. The runners manufactured by this com- pany are unsurpassed in construction, having many improved features not possessed by any other. They are made of steel expressly rolled for the work, are less than half the weight of the cast iron runners formerly used, are not as heavy as wooden runners, and far more durable than either, while they are much neater in design. They have heavy
reinforcements on the front of the runner, where the bolt passes through, giving greater bearing sur- face, and adding strength where the greatest strain comes. A steel shoe is riveted to the bottom so that in case of wearing out it can be replaced at slight cost.
The gates manufactured by the company are light, durable and ornamental, and no stock can break them down. In their construction steel bars and braces are used with barbed wire for field gates, and wire without barbs on yard gates. Their ex- treme lightness prevents sagging, and with proper eare they are practically indestructible.
This young industry, already in so promising a condition, promises to be an important factor in the manufacturing enterprises of Mt. Pleasant.
Leedham & Baugh do quite an extensive business in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds. In connection with the sketch of Mr. Baugh will be found a full account of their works, to which the reader's attention is directed.
The cigar manufacture is carried on in this city by two firms, those of W. H. Schleip and William Felse, both of whom do a fine business.
In connection with the biographical sketch of C. H. Smith is an account of the Seraper works, the largest manufactory in this city.
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2
Townships.
N this connection is presented short historical sketches of the various townships. As stated in the preface much of the information usually embodied in history will be found in the biograph- ical sketches.
Baltimore Township.
6 HIS township was first settled in 1834, on section 32, by J. A. Box, who also claims to have been the first settler in the county. Black Hawk, Wapello, and other noted Indians, were frequent visitors at his cabin until they either died or passed on toward the setting sun. The first child born in the township was T. S. Box, who was probably also the first white child born in the county.
Baltimore comprises all of township No. 70 north, of range 5 west, and is almost exclusively timber land, and very much broken. Notwith- standing this fact there are some excellent farms in the township, and some most excellent people.
The village of Lowell was laid out by M. M. Carver, and the first house was built by Harmon Matthews. The first mill was put up by Hiram Smith in 1838. Dr. William Marsh was the first physician in the place, and Edward Archibald the first Justice of the Peace.
The first school-house was a typical log one, which was blown down after a year or two of service.
Canaan Township.
HIE prairie townships were the last to be set- tled, pioneers thinking it necessary to settle in or near the timber, that they might have its protecting influence from the chilling winds, and have plenty of fuel and fencing material, as well as material for their houses. Canaan being exclu- sively prairie, was therefore not settled for many years after those more highly favored by an abund- ance of timber land.
James Lawrence has the honor of being the pio- neer settler, dating his residence from 1848, at which time he settled upon section 33. Among others who came in at an early day were Robert McCabe, Ambrose Yancy, Thomas E. Corkhill, William Corkhill, JJacob Hare and A. Baxter.
Canaan has more tillable land than any township in the county, and is one of the best improved, having an enterprising class of citizens. The Bur- lington & Western Railroad crosses the township, having one station, Mt. Union, a bright little vil- lage settled by a good class of well contented peo- ple.
The Protestant Methodist Church of Mt. Union was organized in the year 1876 by W. Hudelston. The society worshiped in a school-house until 1880, when a new church was built of very pleas- ing appearance. The successive ministers were Rev. W. Hudelston, Josiah Selby, Rev. Mr. Brown, S. J. Geddes, W. Sparks, J. Patton, G. M. Scott, Wm. Van Vleet, and the present pastor, J. L. Scott.
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Center Township.
HIE history of this township is connected with that of the city of Mt. Pleasant. James Dawson has the honor of being the first settler, locating here in the spring of 1834. Among others who came in early were Presley Saunders, John M. Hanson, M. H. Barnes, J. Wil- son and Levi Smith. The township comprises all of township 71 north, of range 6 west, and is a fine body of land, two-thirds of which is prairie.
Jackson Township.
AMES RICHIE was the first settler in this township, loeating on section 6 in 1836. Soon after him came Larkin Johnson, Will- iam Williamson, Elijah Burton, Robert Price, J. C. Garrison, Jonathan Russ, A. Walter, J. Maxwell, George Jones, T. Frazier, John Johnson and J. A. Edwards. Jackson comprises all of township 70, range 6 west, and is about equally divided between timber and prairie land. A fine elass of people reside here, and the farms are gen- erally well improved, while the citizens are for the most part in good eireumstances. The Skunk River passes through the township.
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Jefferson Township.
IIIS township lies in the extreme northwest- ern part of the county, and comprises all of township 73 north, of range 7 west. Among its first settlers were Hiram Howard, Henry Payne Roberts, R. M. Pickle, T. Mosher, Harrison Mat- thews and Daniel Turney. Jefferson is about equally divided between timber and prairie land. Americans, Germans and Swedes are the nationali- ties principally represented in the township at the present writing. The Germans are generally con- neeted with the Mennonite Church.
The village of Marshall was laid out in 1851 by Rogers & Piekell, its first store being kept by the latter gentleman. The town grew but slowly, at- taining a population of 200. On account of there being so many mistakes in the forwarding of mail, much of that intended for Marshall going to Mar- shalltown, while some intended for the latter being
sent to Marshall, the post-office authorities ordered the name of Marshall changed. Wayland was then chosen, and the town has for about ten years been known by that name. It is now on the line of the Oskaloosa Branch of the Central Iowa Railroad, and is quite a shipping and trading point.
Marion Township.
URING the year 1835 George Dutton made elaim to a portion of seetion 22, township 72 north, of range 6 west, now known as Marion Township, and was the first settler within its limits. Being one of the best in the county, the township rapidly settled up with a fine elass of citizens, and to-day is one of the best im- proved in the county. It is well adapted to the raising of fruits, and being well watered, is a good stock country, many of its farmers making a specialty of stock-raising. There is neither railroad nor village in the township.
New London Township.
n EW LONDON comprises all of Congres- sional Township No. 71 north, of range 5 west, and is a fine body of land, principally prairie. It is traversed by the Chicago, Burling- ton & Quincy Railroad, which enters the township on section 36, and pursuing a northwest course passes into Center from section 18. The village of New London is the only town in the township.
New London was first settled in 1934, by A. C. Dover, who located on section 26. He was soon afterward followed by Peter Hall, John Dalson, Jacob Burge, S. H. Dover and others, though the township settled slowly till after the completion of the railroad.
CITY OF NEW LONDON.
N the fall of 1833 Abraham C. Dover made claim to the present site of New London. The following year his brother, Solomon H. Dover, came in, followed by others. In 1837 the first- named secured the services of Benjamin Matthews, and had platted a town site, to which he gave the name of Dover. He shortly afterward sold the town plat to J. J. King, and the name of the town
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was changed to New London. A post-office was established here in 1838, John It. Kincaid being the first Postmaster. Thomas Hedge opened the first store during the same year. This store was a regular visiting place for the Sac and Fox tribes until the establishment of the trading-post at Agency City.
The town was of slow growth, but in 1861, hav- ing a population of 300, it was incorporated, Ben- jamin Matthews being elected the first Mayor. It has never attained a very large growth, but it has always been a good trading-point. Surrounded by a fine agricultural country it has afforded the farmers a good market, the surplus carnings being spent among the liberal tradesmen. At the present writing, in the spring of 1888, the town is well rep- resented in the mercantile trade, and is abundantly supplied with churches and schools. Two news- papers, of which mention is made elsewhere under the head of " The Press," are here published.
The first meetings of a religious nature were held by the Methodist Episcopal people at the house of W. W. Stecle in 1838. A class was soon organized, and regular services held. In 1846 a house of worship was erected, which continued to be used till the winter of 1887-88, when services began to be held in a new house of worship, which was then completed at a cost of $2,500. A Sun- day-school is maintained with a good attendance.
In 1848 a Christian Church was organized here, its first services being held in the school-house. Alexander Pattison was the first pastor. In 1849 a house of worship was erected, but was subse- quently sold, the congregation now using the Bap- tist Church. Elder Richards, who lately came to them from the Protestant Methodist, is now serving the church as pastor.
The Protestant Methodist Society was organized in 1858. In 1867 it purchased the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which it used till 1873, when the present church edifice was creeted at a cost of 84,000. The society is flourishing ; Rev. J. L. Scott is the present pastor.
The Presbyterian Church of New London dates its organization from 1856, and after many trials was re-organized in 1868. In 1874 steps were taken for the erection of a house of worship, which
was completed at a cost of $6,000, and dedicated May 9, 1875, Rev. W. G. Craig preaching the dedicatory sermon. Rev. D. S. Tappan, of Mt. Pleasant, officiates as a supply.
The Baptists at one time had a good organiza- tion here, which was allowed to disband.
New London was organized as an independent school district in 1857, though the first school was held in 1839 in a log building erected for educa- tional and religious purposes. In 1856 a brick building was begun, and completed in 1859, to be used for school purposes. It was erected at a cost of $4,500. N. R. Cook was the first teacher in that building. Becoming unsafe it was torn down in 1885, and until the erection of the present school building school was held in the old Acad- emy building. The present house is a frame struc- ture erected at a cost of $4,000. The first teachers employed in the new building were Miss IIester Barr, Principal; Miss Rutledge and Miss Linie Lyman. The present Principal is B. J. Adams, with C. J. Seymour and Miss Linnie Lyman as as- sistants.
In 1865 a number of leading citizens formed a stock company and put up a fine building for an academy. The city gave the association a lease of the public square for that purpose for a period of ninety-nine years, or so long as the building should be used for High School purposes. Much interest was taken in the enterprise in the begin- ning, and for several years the school prospered, but the interest waning the last school was held in 1878, except when used as a public school in 1886. At present the building is used by the Good Templars, G. A. R., W. R. C. and literary associations.
Through the efforts of I. S. Crabb a meeting was called Dec. 15, t879, and the New London Library Association was formed. At present there are 265 volumes in the library, the greater number being of a high order of merit.
The secret and benevolent orders are represented by Masons, Odd Fellows, G. A. R., W. R. C. and Good Templars.
New London Lodge No. 28, A. F. & A. M., was instituted in 1851, and has had a very prosperous career, and at the present time has a membership of eighty, with Columbus Nngen, W. M .; Henry
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Mehler, S. W. : J. L. Shields, J. W .; William Allen, Treasurer; I. S. Crabb, Secretary.
Charity Lodge No. 56, I. O. O. F., was instituted Oct. 26, 1854, and has likewise been successful in its work, with a present membership of seventy- nine, and the following-named officers: Marion Shipley, N. G .; Andrew Crowley, V. G .; Frank Van Trump, Secretary ; James Ferrell, Treasurer.
The S. W. Hardin Post No. 384, G. A. R., was organized March 20, 1885, with the following-named charter members: G. Van Beek, W. P. Ferrel, William Lee, T. B. Lee, S. Hammel, W. II. Nugen, S. Martin, Caleb Dailey, A. II. Gabbart, J. Barney, S. J. Pearson, Z. Rains, J. C. Fuller, W. C. Linkins, T. J. IIndson, J. P. Reed, W. Leach, J. C. Nngen, C. Doolittle, Thomas Watkins, Daniel Brooks, J. Keteham, A. M. Cornwell, George Shaner. The first officers were: W. H. Nugen, Com .; William Lee, S. V .; S. Hammel, Jr., V .; Samuel Martin, Officer of the Day; T. B. Lee, Quartermaster; C. Dailey, Officer of the Guard; A. M. Cornwell, Chaplain; George Shaner, Surgeon; George Van Beek, Adjt. Q. M .; J. Z. Nugen, Q. M. Sergt. ; W. C. Linkins, Sergt. Maj. In 1886 W. H. Nugen was re-elected Com.
The present officers are: George Van Beek, Com .; Parker Shipley, S. V .; J. D. Miller, J. V .; Samuel Martin, Officer of the Day; J. Z. Nugen, Q. M. ; T. J. Hutson, Chaplain ; lames Robertson, Officer of the Guard; O. Diekenson, Sergt. Maj .; T. B. Lee, Q. M. Sergt .; R. D. Marley, Surgeon; W. II. Nugen, Adjt. The meetings are well attended, the present membership being about sixty.
The Women's Relief Corps, No. 10, in connec- tion with S. W. Hardin Post, was organized in August, 1885, with the following-named officers: Mrs. Emily Whittaker, President; Mrs. Jane Har- rington, Senior Vice President; Mrs. Mary Lyman, Vice President; Mrs. Lizzie Bent, Secretary; Mrs. Emily Van Beek, Treasurer; Mrs. J. Hudson, Chap- lain ; Mrs. Mary Pearson, Conductor; Mrs. Ilattie Ilampton, Guard. The charter was granted Oet. 31, 1885, with Misses Emily Whittaker, Gemima Iludson, Sarah E. Shipley, Jane Harrington, Mary Lyman, Emma C. Van Beek, and Mesdames Lizzie C. Bent, Betsy Gabbert, Eva Shaner, Mary M. Pearson, Hattie Ilampton, Martha A. Roberts, Lucy
Fuller, S. E. Lee and Lizzie Lee as charter mem- bers. The corps is growing slowly, but steadily, with a membership of twenty-two, and the follow- ing-named ottieers: Mrs. Emily Whittaker, Presi- dent; Mrs. Lney Fuller, Senior Vice President; Mrs. IIattie llampton, Junior Vice President; Emily Van Beek, Treasurer: Mary Lyman, Secretary ; Cas- sie Gannaway, Conductor; Mary Leach, Guard; Mrs. Betsy Gabbert, Chaplain; Mrs. Eva Shaner, Assist- ant Conductor; Mrs. Gemima Hudson, Assistant Gnard.
A lodge of Good Templars was organized the 11th of November, 1887, with twenty-four charter members. The first officers were Mrs. William Lee, Chief Templar; Mrs. J. W. Seymour, Vice Templar; Mr. Frank Price, Secretary; Miss C. Lee, Assist- ant Secretary; Victor H. Shields, Financial Seere- tary ; Miss Ida Pearson, Treasurer; J. C. Seymour, Marshal; Miss Allie Hendricks. Deputy Marshal; Mrs. Mary E. Lyman, Chaplain; Miss Linnie Ly- man, Lodge Deputy; Miss Alpha Ramsey, Inside Guard; Frank Gabbert, Outside Guard; J. W. Sey- mour, Past Chief Templar; Miss M. R. Lyman. Right Iland Supporter; Miss Nellie Seymour, Left Hand Supporter. The present officers are: Miss Louella Wallar, Chief Templar; Mrs. William Lee, Past Chief Templar; Mrs. J. W. Seymour, Vice Templar; Victor II. Shields, Secretary : C. J. Sey- mour, Financial Secretary ; Frank Gannaway, Treas- urer; Mrs. Louis R. Williams, Chaplain : James R. Scott, Marshal; Miss Nora Stephenson, Deputy Marshal; Miss Linnie Lyman, Lodge Deputy : Miss Maud Hunter, Inside Guard; Burt Crabb, Outside Guard; Will T. Shaner, Right Hand Supporter; Frank W. Hiles, Left Hand Supporter. Present membership thirty-five. The lodge is in a thriving condition, with a constantly increasing member- ship. A hall has been handsomely fitted up by the society in the academy building.
Salem Township.
6 HIS township comprises all of Congressional Township 70 north. of range 7 west. It is one of the first settled in Henry County. There are now within its borders two villages,
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Salem and Hillsboro, while the township is traversed by two railroads. The Friends effected a settle- ment in the township in the spring of 1837. The following account of their emigration and settle- ment is from the pen of Henry W. Joy, one of the original emigrants.
"In the summer of 1836, several Friends of Cherry Grove Monthly Meeting, Ind., decided to seek a new home in the West, and in the fall of that year they organized a party composed of the follow- ing-named members: Reuben Joy and Dr. Gideon Frazier, of Wayne County; Stephen, John and Nathan Hockett, and William Hammer, of Randolph County, Ind. They started on horseback to what was called the Black Hawk Purchase, crossed the Mississippi at Burlington, from thence via Mt. Pleasant to Salem, Ilenry Co., Iowa, then part of the Territory of Wisconsin. After several days spent in inspecting the county, it was decided to locate the colony at Salem. The following spring, on the 10th day of May, 1837, the colony, composed of the following-named Friends and their families: Reuben, Henry W. and Abram P. Joy, Dr. Gideon, Stephen and Thomas Frazier, Lydia Frazier, Thomas Cook and Levi Cammock, nine families in all, started from the neighborhood of Williamsburg, Wayne Co., Ind., for their chosen location on the Black Hawk Purchase. They had seven wagons and considerable stock, and the journey through Indiana and Illinois was a long and tedious one. They landed in the neighborhood of Salem June 17, and there found Isaac Pidgeon, who, with his family, was a member of the Society of Friends. Ile had been a resident for two years, and continued to make that his home until the time of his death. Two other families of Friends were there, but did not remain. The families mentioned above were the only permanent settlers of the Friends in the township of Salem. There were two other families of squatters, not Friends, residing in the township. One lived in a cabin, the other in a pole smoke- house. A stone house, partly finished, and two cabins, covered in, comprised the habitations of the settlement. Four weeks later Stephen Hockett, Sr., Stephen Hockett, Jr., John Hockett and Harrison Hoggatt, with their families, comprised a second party of emigrants, all members but one, and all
from the old neighborhood in Indiana, arrived at Salem within two weeks from the arrival of the second party. A third appeared, comprising four families, all Friends: William, Nathan and Isaac Ilockett and William Hammer. The last two were from Randolph County, Ind., and from the same Monthly Meeting. From this until winter set in Friends kept coming in small parties of one, two and three families, most from the same Monthly Meeting in Indiana, though there were a few from other places. At first it was necessary to go to Illinois, about seventy-five or eighty miles, for pro- visions, and many privations had to be endured. About the middle of the eighth month in 1837, a con- ference of Friends was held at the house of Isaac Pidgeon to arrange for religious meetings. From that autumn meetings were held weekly. For eight or ten months they assembled at the house of Ilenry W. Joy. The first sermon preached in Salem by an authorized minister was delivered at the house of Henry W. Joy, by Rev. Thomas Frazier, in the fall of 1837, while Mr. Frazier and some members of his family were here prospecting. They made a permanent residence the following spring. A dele- gation composed of Grandfather Stephen Ilockett, Reuben and Rachel Joy, Mary lockett and Stephen Ilockett, Jr., and wife, were sent to the Vermilion Monthly Meeting in Illinois in the ninth month of 1838, to provide for the organization of a monthly meeting at Salem.
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