The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C., Part 97

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Company
Number of Pages: 915

USA > Iowa > Marion County > The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C. > Part 97

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M ADDY, THOMAS-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 16, P. O. Attin Born in Shelby county, Indiana, Angust 7, 1838. At the aged sixteen years moved with his parents to Marion county, Iowa, settling the present farm, which contains 280 acres. Mr. Maddy is an industrie enterprising citizen, highly respected and stands high in the estimation his neighbors for honesty and fair dealing. He married Miss Hart Rogers on the 23d day of May, 1861. She is a native of Indiana and born in Jefferson county. They have six children: F. A., W. G., Sumi F., Augustus L., Annie R. and Clare A.

MADDY, JAMES-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 7, P. O. Attis Among the prominent farmers of Marion county, who have been cloud identified with the interest of this township, may be mentioned Mr. Madk He was born in Rush county, Indiana, on the twenty-fourth day of Od ber, 1824. and when quite young moved with his parents to Shelby comt then to Marion county, Iowa, in the spring of 1856, and was raised af mer. He owns 300 acres of land, well improved, with substantial building He is a mild and unassuming man; kind and generous as a neighbor, hospitable to all. He married Miss Margaret J. McIlrath, January twenty ninth, 1846. She is a native of Pennsylvania, and by this union they ben five children: John T., Charles W., James N. and G. L. Lost fonr.

MARK, M. M .- Farmer, Sec. 11, P. O. Attica. Was born in Fayet connty, Ohio, in 1814, and in 1839 removed to Harrison county, Missouri and after a residence of six years returned to Ohio and lived there om year, and in 1846 came to this county and now owns a farm of seventy-it acres. He is one of the first settlers of the county and experienced all the hardships of a frontier life, and the young and rising generation have bu a faint idea of what they are indebted to such sturdy pioneers as Mr. Mat He married Miss Letitia Feagins in 1836. She was born in Ohio. They have three children living: Henry H., E. H. and J. F. Have lost seven

MARK, JOHN-Merchant, Attica. Was born in Fayette county, Obis November 28, 1822, and was raised and educated there. His early life was that of a farmer boy. Vast and extensive unoccupied lands of Iowa offered new inducements to men of true courage and he turned his back on home In 1844 he made a prospecting tour through the West and was so faron bly impressed with the country and its superior advantages that he made his home in Marion county in 1854, and engaged in agricultural pursuit following this successfully for a term of years. In 1874 he embarked in the mercantile business, which he has since followed, and has builta enviable reputation for honesty and fame which duly and justly merits the confidence and esteem in which he is held by his patrons. He married Miss Dorothy Coons on the 20th day of December, 1849. She is a native of New York, born in Columbia county, in 1828. By this union they had ten children: E. L., Margaret A., Aford H., Mary E., William, Mix nie D. and John V. Lost three.

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LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.

N EIFERT, J. B .- Farmer and stock-dealer, Sec. 16, P. O. Attica. Among the most prominent and successful stock-dealers of Indiana wnship may be mentioned Mr. Neifert. He was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, on the 17th day of July, 1829, and was raised on a farm. -ame to Marion county in the spring of 1857. His estate consists of 400 pres. His buildings are first-class, indicating taste and good judgment. [e is the architect of his own fortune, starting in life in humble circum- ances. Stock-raising is his specialty, and he is numbered among the urgest feeders and shippers in the county. On the 22d day of January, 852, he married Miss Sarah Aldenderfer, a native of Berks county, born 1833. The family consists of eight children: Lydia, Sarah, Mary, John ., Ida, Chally and Annie L. Lost one.

HERWOOD, DANIEL-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 22, P. O. Attica. Among the residents of Marion county who came here at an early ay, and who have contributed a full share toward its growth and develop- ment, is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, December 9, 1810, and when one year old was taken by his parents to Washington county, Indiana, where he was raised on a farm and received his education in the common schools. In 1847 he emigrated to Lowa and settled in Marion county, on the farm he now occupies, contain- ing 3824 acres. He has held various township offices and he has repre- ented the county in the General Assembly of the State Legislature. Few men have passed through life with less of ostentation or more satisfactory results. He has gained wealth and honor by pursuing a straightforward, rue, honest and upright course, and he has been eminently successful in all ne has undertaken. He has been twice married; first, to Miss Annie Smith, m 1836, a native of Indiana. His second marriage occurred May 26, 1839, o Mrs. Julia M. Hazen, whose maiden name was Phelps. She was born n New York in 1808, and came with her parents to Indiana in 1860. This Family consists of five children: Ann E., Francis H., William P., Nancy M. (now Mrs. Van Dyke) and Miranda (now Mrs. Harned, of Indianola). Dost three. One son, Jesse, enlisted in the late war and was killed at Helena, July 4, 1863. Mrs. Sherwood was previously married to Francis Hazen, who died of cholera in 1833. She has by this marriage one dangh- ter living (now Mrs. Rutherford).

CHAPTER XIV.

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.

The Township Described -Coal-Organization and Early History-Hamilton-Marysville- Bussey-Biogmphical.

LIBERTY township occupies the southeast corner of Marion county, aud corresponds with township 74, range 18. It is bounded on the north by Jlay, on the west by Indiana township, on the south by Monroe county, and on the east by Mahaska.

The surface of the township is somewhat diversified, being composed partly of what was once beautiful, level and gently undulating prairie, but which is now under a good state of cultivation; but the greater part was originally covered with a fine growth of timber, and is more broken. Much of this has also been cleared away and the land brought under cultivation, and there are, in fact, but few acres in the township but may be cultivated

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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

successfully. The principal water-courses are North and South Com They flow from the southwest, entering the township near the souther corner, and leaving it near the northeast corner.

These streams drain a large scope of country, each having a length dt least thirty miles before entering the township. They were formerly used for milling purposes, but at present there is not a single dam toi rupt the onward flow of the water. The banks of these streams are with a heavy growth of timber, which at places extends entirely acromt bottoms, which vary in width from only a few feet to a mile, and oftentt timber extends to the uplands, this being the case especially betwecet two Cedars, as also in the entire western and southern portions of the tro ship. The timber on the bottom lands is mostly elm, bur-oak, red-oskal basswood; on the uplands, white-oak, red-oak and hickory.

It is the general opinion of persons who have given the matter attention that until the recent raids on the timber for railroad ties growth has equalled what has been used: that the ravages of the vlt man's ax have been no more detrimental to its growth than were thomd the Indians, fires, etc.

The greater portion of the soil cannot be surpassed for its ferti. especially in the bottom lands, and that which was formerly prairie.

The crops usually cultivated are corn, wheat, rye and oats. The grus do well; timothy and clover producing abundant crops. Corn ordinerd produces from fifty to sixty bushels per acre.

The opinion originally prevailed among the settlers that it would In poor fruit country, but experience proves on the contrary that it is w adapted for that purpose. Apples, plums, apricots and cherries yield abundant crop.

The chief occupation of the inhabitants is farmning, and the principe exports are hogs, cattle and flour.

COAL.

The greatest natural advantage possessed by the township consists in wealth underlying its surface in the shape of coal. Coal beds underliet surface of the whole township, and range in thickness from three to twee feet. The coal is of the bituminous variety, and is pronounced as good any in the State. There have been opened in the township from thirty! .. fifty different banks, many of which, however, have been only partially occasionally worked. What the township needs is better railroad con munication as under present circumstances coal at the mines is worth be about five cents per bushel.

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY.

This township was the first one organized, or declared a township, by the board of county commissioners, the date of this transaction being April 15, 1846. During the fall of that year the first election was held at the bow of Rhoderick Peck, on the northeast quarter of section nine. But thereis no preserved record of this election, and any particulars relating to it ant not remembered. The earliest one on record took place on the firet day d April, 1850, at the residence of Martin Neel, about a mile east of when Marysville now is. At this election thirty-one votes were cast, and the

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LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.

lowing named persons elected: Andrew McGruder and Isaac Willsey, Instables; Daniel Sampson, Isaac Willsey and Wm. H. Brobst, trustees; Beph Brobst, clerk, and Horace Lyman, treasurer.

: The names of most of those who came and settled in the township at an „rlier date, are Horace Lyman, Stanford Doud, Martin Neel, David Hay- jaker, Silas Brown, Benj. Spilman, David Gushwa, Lewis Jones, Jacob ¡endricks and Andrew McGrnder, in 1843; Thurston Day and Wm. :mms, in 1844; James Rousseau and Isaac Willsey, in 1845; and Wm. ridges and H. H. Mitchell, in 1846.

Martin Neel was a native of Kentucky. At precisely what date he set- ed in Liberty is not known, but it is supposed by the oldest inhabitante . have been previous to the extinction of the Indian title. He made his aim and place of residence on Cedar bottom, not far from the present site : Marysville.

During his early residence here Mr. Neel suffered inany of the privations icident to pioneer life. At one time it was found necessary for him to go . Burlington for a short time, to work for money to purchase such articles I were sorely needed, leaving his wife and two children in their isolated, ilderness home, without any known neighbors within a distance of many tiles, except Indians.

In 1845 Benjamin Spillman, living in the southwestern part of the town- nip, contrived and erected a temporary hand-mill for grinding corn. It insisted of a couple of native stones dressed to a suitable size and smooth- 388, placed one upon the other in the ordinary way, and so fastened that le open one could be turned by a crank, with one hand, while with the ther the operator conld feed it, throwing in a few grains at each revolu- on. It had the capacity of grinding five or six bushels of corn per day, ad was patronized by quite a number of customers, each of whom was his wn miller. Sometimes several would be waiting, each for his turn, even hen that consisted of only a few messes.

When Haymakers and others began to supply the demand for breadstuff, ich temporary make-shifts as the one just described, were laid away as iperannuated machinery, as water-mills were thrown into disuse by the in- oduction of steam-power.

The first post-office established in this township was called Elm Grove, a Lace still known by that name. The precise date of its establishment we ave not been able to ascertain, but it must have been some time in 1845

. 1846. James Rousseau was postmaster.

The first school was taught by David Haymaker, in the winter of 1846-7, : a claim pen owned by Lyman M. Haymaker, near their mill.

The first organized school district was what is now No. 7. A hewed log Duse was built for school purposes, and a young man named Turk first oo- ipied it as a teacher.

As in all parts of the county claim difficulties were not uncommon, e will record one instance. A man named Baker came into the Dighborhood of where Hamilton now is, and entered some land legally aimed by Jacob Hendicks. As it happened, there was a quantity of rails n the land just entered, belonging to Hendricks. One night these rails ere all moved and piled on the opposite side of the line. At this time aker was absent, but his return was looked for with much interest by ncob and his friends; and when he came they paid their respects en masse, nd induced him to deed the land to Jacob without any needless delay.

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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

HAMILTON.

The village of Hamilton, occupying the southwest quarter of the more west quarter of section 35, was laid out by Stanford Doud, surveyor, by Jacob Hendricks and another individual whose name is not rente bered, as chain-carriers, June 1 and 2, 1849. Proprietors, Jacob Hendrik Isaac Willsey, Andrew McGruder, John Stilwell, H. H. Mitchell and lla tin Neel. After the town was platted into six blocks the proprieton dru cuts for the choice of lots.

The first house was built during the following winter, by Nather Linn. It was a double log cabin, and the foundation was laid three in above the ground on the compact snow that bore up the entire stracten till the first thaw softened the underpinning and gradually let it dows > earth.

The first post-office was kept by Isaac Willsey.

The first goods were sold by Linn & Smith, consisting of groene -which term included whisky.

The first hotel was kept by Henry Edwards.

Hamilton has a population of about 200.

It contains three stores of general merchandise, two hardware stores. om hotel, depot and post-office. There is also a church and a lodge of Odd Fo lows. This lodge, No. 78, was organized August 3, 1855. The following were the first members: H. Glenn, Dr. French, A. B. Ely, B. F. Spillet i and H. Baseter. Dr. French was the first N. G. There are now forty-in members.

MARYSVILLE.

Marysville is situated on the north bank of Cedar Creek. It was out in February, 1857, on land then owned by Josiah and Joseph Brokk

The first house was built by Jonathan Wilder. It was a frame baildie and still stands. The second was by Jacob Stambach, and is now knows the old tavern stand. Andrew Kerr sold the first goods. Peter Klcis ms the first postmaster, and the post-office was then called Ely. His success was J. B. Ely.

For some years Marysville remained in a partially dormant condition. but since the discovery of vast quantities of coal lands in its neighborbox the place has had an upward tendency in the way of enterprise, and is me rapidly building up. The most prominent building in the place is a lamp woolen factory, by Welch & Co., erected in 1872. There is also a weeky newspaper published here called the Marysville Miner, and to its descri? tions of the country, advertisements, and stirring appeals, much of the pro perity of the town may be attibuted.

The Miner was first issued February seventh, 1871 by a company, wi J. W. Ragsdale as editor, from a press brought from Albia, Monroe county In Ins salutatory the editor said: "As to politics, we are personally Repet- lican, but this paper shall be independent, outspoken, and ever ready > condemn that which we deem to be wrong, even though it be in high pleca As to making fair promises, we will not. We can only say to our resim that we will try to do our duty, and that we expect thein to do the same' With the next issue of the paper D. O. Ely took editorial charge of it b his bow to the public he says: "As stated in the salutatory, this pepe shall be neutral in politics, and devoted to the best interests of

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LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.

›y giving information in regard to our natural advantages over our sister owns."

The present publisher and proprietor of the Miner, is C. T. McConnell, jander whose able and energetic management the paper continues to main- Fain its former reputation for enterprise and sprightliness.

Marysville has been incorporated under the general laws of the State, and [has a full corps of municipal officers. The present officers are as follows:

Mayor-Jacob Metz.

Recorder-Henry Metz. Assessor-A. A. Hickox.

Treasurer-John Metz.

i Trustees-H. A. Owens, D. Netherow, T. C. Hetherington, J. Yenser and M. Waller.

Marshall-W. A. Buchanan.

The M. E. Church of Marysville, was organized in 1867. Dr. Beal and wife, M. M. Gortner and wife, R. S. Robinson and wife were the first mem- bers. In 1874 a frame church building was erected, at a cost of $2,175.00; it was dedicated September sixth 1874, by Bishop Gilbert Haven. The present inembership is twenty-three.

Marysville Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 307, was organized February eighth, 1875. The charter members were: John Metz, "N. G."; W. C Pike, "V. G."; J. E. Groom, "secretary"; Nelson Hetherington, "treasurer"; J. D. Anderson, "I. G." Regular meetings every Saturday evening. They have a present membership of forty.

The Masonic Lodge of Marysville, named Gavel Lodge, No. 229, was organized under the dispensation of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, February 13, 1868, with the following officers: W. E. Wright, W. M .; O. B. Lyman, S. W .; H. S. Knight, J. W .; Jacob Metz, secretary; J. B. Ely, S. D .; D. C. Ely, J. D .; R. K. Kline, T. Their present membership is 34; charter members eight; number demitted, twenty-four; died, two. Regular monthly meetings are held Thursday evening on or before full moon in each month.

The population of Marysville is about two hundred; and besides the newspaper, churches, lodges and post-office, has three stores of general merchandise, one hotel, two furniture stores, one drug store, one livery stable, one hardware store where agricultural implements are sold, and two steam-mills.

BUSSEY.

Bussey was laid out in July, 1875. It is located on the line of the A. K. & D. R. R., and was named after Mr. Bussey of mill-fame. It has a popu- lation of about one hundred, and contains four stores of general merchandise, one drug store, lumber yard, warehouse, depot and post-office.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

B ROBST, J. R .- Attorney at law, notary public and real estate agent, Marysville. Was born in Marion county, the date of his birth being February 3, 1850. He enjoyed the advantages of the schools of Knoxville, and commenced the study of law. After the usual course he commenced practic- ing came to Marysville and located. He is a young man of good business abil- ity and fine talents, and stands high among men of his profession. The

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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

citizens of Marysville and community consider his services indispenml His marriage was at Marshalltown, November 1, 1876, to Miss Bell Theq of that city, Rev. J. Hurd performing the ceremony. Their family c sists of one child, Eva M.

BUSSEY, J .- Lumber and grain-dealer. Came to this township ist fall of 1867, and bought the tract of land on which Bussey was afternl built, and from whom it received its name. He was born in Greene cont Pennsylvania, August 8, 1820, where he was raised and lived until 18% when he came to lowa and settled on the place he now occupies. He married to Miss Isabelle Jimeson. They have eight children, all of win are living, except one. Their names are: John J., Mary A., Louisa, Ma shall, Alfred O., Edward L., James A. and Isabelle A. He has over til acres of land in different parts of the township, and also a large numberd cattle, hogs and horses.

C' LEMONS, G. W .- Furniture-dealer and undertaker, Marysville. Ma born July 2, 1835, in Licking county, Ohio, where he was raised, d ncated, and lived until eighteen years of age. In the year 1853 he camt Marion county, Iowa. After farming for a few years he commenced" present business. He was married to Miss Fannie Bailey May 29, 1865i Marion county, Iowa, by Rev. J. Hill. They have five children: Alba Etta, Victoria, Jessie and Caroline.

COLE, D. L .- Physician and surgeon, Bussey. This prominent M. D. was born August 12, 1848, in Ashland county, Ohio. Came with " parents to Mahaska county, Iowa, where he received his primary education after which he took a couse in the college at Pella. He then took a the ough course at the Keokuk Medical College. Came to Bussey in 1876. h was married to Miss Bell Bussey, June 13, 1880, at Bussey, at the ri dence of the bride's father by the Rev. J. H. Hard.

DA AVIS, J. B .- Farmer, Sec. 7, P. O. Marysville. Was born April 1819, in Kontuoky and made that place his home until 185. when he removed to Illinois. There ha resided until 1845, at then came to this county, locating where he now lives. He is the ownerd 250 acres of good land, well cultivated Was married in Brown cout Illinois, September 21, 1843, to Miss Nancy Bridges, by James Harpe Esq. Their family consists of ten children: Miranda G., Augustus & William L., Orland B., John F., James B., Thompson B., Julia S., Nam! A. and Charles T.

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DOUD S .- Farmer, Sec. 35, P. O. Bussey. Was born in Licking county Ohio, April 7, 1820, where he lived until twenty-five years of age: the came to Marion county in 1846. He married Miss Martha A. Darval, died September 7, 1855. He was married the second time to Mrs. Eli Burton, July 31, 1861. He has six children: Francis B., Andrew F., Ma- cus D., William W., Clement B. and Viola L.

F ALLIS, J. W .- Miller, Bussey. Was born November 28, 1828, in Clinton county, Ohio, where he was raised and lived until he cao to Mahaska county. Iowa, in the fall of 1865, and resided there eight yeun In 1873 came to Marion county and commenced the milling business. His mill was built expressly for custom work. It has two run of stone, vil a capacity of grinding about 100 bushels per day. He married Mim Amelia Claybangh, in March, 1864. They have four children: Monit, Eugene, Benjamin and Isaac.

FOSHIER, C. B .- Machinist, builder and contractor, Marysville. Wa

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LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.

porn January 1, 1840, in Boone county, Kentucky, and came with his par- ents, when young, to Putnam county, Indiana, where he lived five years. Then, in the spring of 1848, moved to Van Buren county, Iowa, where he ived five years, then removing to Fairfield, Jefferson county. He there earned his trade, and after four years, returned to Van Buren county, and then in January, 1859, he moved to Lovilla, where he lived until 1871, when he came to Marysville. He married Miss Elvira Rand, June 29, 1858, They have seven children: Elmer E., Willie E., Harry R., Chas L., Edward E., Dennie M. and Mary E., two of whom are deceased. Mr. F. enlisted in company B, Twenty-second Iowa infantry, and served six months as clerk of the post hospital at Raleigh, Missouri, where he took sick and was obliged to return home.

H UGHES, A. E .- Dealer in general merchandise, Hamilton. Was born April 1, 1841, in Shelby county, Illinois, where he lived five years; then moved to Putnam county, Indiana, and lived there seven years, when he came to Monroe county, Iowa, the fall of 1853, and lived there twenty years. In 1873 he came to Hamilton, Marion county, and began his present business. He was married to Miss Mary E. Mefford, Septem- ber 4, 1861, in Mahaska county, Iowa, by J. W. Caliway, Esq. They have Four children: Samuel A., Della A., Ella N. and Luella.

OLLIFFE, COLLINS-Farmer, Sec. 19, P. O. Marysville. Was born J in Monongalia county, Virginia, and there made his home until twenty-nine years of age, receiving his education in that place. After leaving there he came to this county and township, and arrived on the site of his present home in the fall of 1853. He owns 280 acres of land, well adapted to the production of all kinds of fruit, grain and hay, and is well watered by the North Cedar Creek. Mr. J. was married January 22, 1832, to Miss Jennie Holt, by the Rev. William Hawkins. She died March 9, 1870, leaving seven children: Melissa, Alsinda, James, S. H., Albert, Lo- vina and Elisha H., four of them being deceased.

K ITCH, J. W .- Manufacturer of whipple-trees, broom-handles and neck- yokes, Marysville. Was born April 19, 1821, in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he lived until 1863. Then removed to Jasper county. same State, and resided for two years, when he came to Iowa, settling in Wapello county. After remaining there two years he came to this county in the fall of 1867, and has since made this his home. Mr. K. was the first pastor of the Lutheran Church of Marysville, and served four years. He owns sev- Anty-four acres of land on section 17. He was married April 20, 1843, to Miss Susie Long, a native of Canada. His second wife was Catharine Shet- er, whom he married March 14, 1852. They have eight children: Fran- sis E., Emeline C., Mary, John, Edgar, Arletta, Philip M. and Ada Belle.

KNIGHT, H. S .- Miller, Marysville. Was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, September 18, 1837, where he lived until twenty-two years of ige. He then came to Keokuk, Iowa, in 1859, where he worked at the nilling business two years, and in April, 1864. he moved to Marion county, [owa, where he still lives. Married Miss Mary A. Quick, December 3, 1868. They have eight children: Charles, Wm. D. and Jessie.

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The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C., Part 97

Author: Union Historical Company Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Company Number of Pages: 915

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Company
Number of Pages: 915