USA > Iowa > Boone County > The history of Boone County, Iowa, containing biographical sketches war records of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, history of the Northwest, history of Iowa, map of Boone county etc. > Part 66
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530
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
tion to the practice of his profession. Dr. Noyes is by nature and educa - tion well adapted for the practice of medicine. By close application to the profession, he has won the implicit confidence of a large number of patrons, and by diligent study he keeps in the front ranks of progress.
After the failure of Soward & Co., a firm of the name of Heath & Shaw succeeded them. After carrying on business for a short time this firm also failed. This succession of failures was unfortunate for the town in its in- fancy, and not much calculated to inspire confidence in its future. . This history of Ogden, in this particular, does not differ from the history of other western towns. First a certain number of reckless adventurers come in, spread themselves over much ground, make a great noise, then quiet down and in a few months fail and move on; the sagacious and reliable man of business comes in with the second wave and founds the permanent prosperity of the town. It has already been seen that Dr. Noyes estab- lished a prosperous business and continued in it until he sold out. After Soward & Co. and Heath & Co. had failed there were more reliable per- tons to take their place. Prior to this time, however, Peter Rattray estab- lished a store of general merchandise; he did not open out with such metropolitan pretentions as some others but was content to do a safe mod- erate business at first, for he came to stay and hoped to have time for his business to grow. In this he has not been disappointed, for through the varying fortunes of the town his store-room has constantly been open, and each succeeding year its business has increased and the stock of goods en- larged till at present the establishment is one of the best patronized and most successfully managed of any like house in the center of Iowa. At present this house does an annual business of from sixty to seventy thousand dollars. This is not, as we shall presently see, the only success- ful business house of Ogden, but we speak of it in this connection because of the ill fortune which befell some other houses established about that time.
The town of Ogden was incorporated May, 1878, and the following are the names of the first town officers:
Mayor-Oscar Whitehead. This gentleman, after having served three months, resigned, and Dr. J. H. Noyes was was elected as his successor:
Recorder-J. Eversonl.
Treasurer-J. J. SnelL
Marshal-Charles Jewell.
Attorney-Earl Billings.
Councilmen-N. Eads, T. H. Webster, Dr. Orson Clark and A. H. Mertz.
The following year the following named persons constituted the munici- pal authorities:
Mayor-Dr. J. H. Noyes.
.
Recorder -- E. Evans.
Treasurer-H. B. Wagers.
Assessor-James Sickler.
Marshal -- L. Jones.
Attorney-Earl Billings.
Councilmen-Benjamin Blanford, A. Green, Dr. Orson Clark, J. J. Snell, J. H. Powers and Edward Amey.
531
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
The town officers at present are:
Mayor-Dr. J. H. Noyes.
Treasurer-T. J. Goodykoonts.
Recorder-E. Evans.
Assessor-E. C. Clark.
Councilmen-Benjamin Blanford, A. O. Green, Dr. Orson Clark, F. Emerson, Fred Lorenzen, J. J. Snell.
The population of Ogden at present is over one thousand, thus affordiug an illustration of what magnificent results western pluck and en- terprise is capable and furnishing a model of dash and sprightliness which many other towns would do well to pattern after, but few can hope to attain unto. Here we have a town, not stimulated by the accidental convergence of numerous railroads, or the excitement aroused by the discovery of min- eral wealth, expanding its limits from a few shanties to its hundreds of comfortable homes and elaborate business houses, and increasing its popu- lation from a half dozen railroad laborers to its ten hundred citizens of competence and refinement-and this wonderful transformation taking place in one short decade.
To A. W. Bathrick belongs the honor of being the father of the first child born in Ogden, and the first couple married were Charles Soward and Jennie VanCuren.
The first hotel was called the Ogden House, and is presided over by G. A. Tobey.
Though the following list of business houses may not be complete it is believed that it embraces the more important, and that the list is accurate as far as it extends:
Houses of general merchandise-Peter Rattray, H. Schryver & Atwood, Brice & Wagers, Brammer & Lorenzo.
Drugs and medicines-J. S. Pitman, T. J. Goodykoonts.
Millinery and dressmaking-Mrs. E. M. Jones, Miss A. E. Ratkie.
Hardware-Nelson & Farley, O. L. Sturtevant.
Lumber-I. W. Rice, Nelson & Farley.
Grain dealers-Sylvester, Huntley & Osborne, Nelson & Farley.
Stock dealers-T. J. Goodykoonts, Sylvester, Huntley & Osborne.
Bankers-Sylvester, Huntley & Osborne, J. D. Gillett.
Blacksmiths-F. Emerson. T. J. Finch, John Botdorf.
Photographer-C. Rhodes.
Wagonmaker-John Johnson, Olif Oberg, James McElroy.
Shoemakers-A. Youngberg. C J. Alum.
Hotels-L. A. Caswell, Mrs. C. B. Stiles, James Lamb.
Physicians-Dr. J. H. Noyes, Dr. E. H. Melott, Dr. D. Sickler, Dr. Orson Clark.
Newspaper-"Ogden Reporter; " Earl Billings. Mr. Billings is also an attorney of considerable reputation.
Flouring mill-John S. Lord. In connection with the grain trade there are two elevators; one in charge of the firm of Sylvester, Huntly & Os- borne, and the other operated by Nelson & Farley. During the year 1878 the former firm shipped 90,000 bushels of corn, 30,000 bushels of oats, 15,000 bushels of wheat and over 200 car-loads of stock. In 1879 Mr. Goodykoonts shipped 200 car-loads of stock, 20,000 bushels of corn; 25,000 bushels of corn were shipped in 1880 between January 1st and April 1st. The flouring mill owned and operated by John S. Lord is the best mill in
532
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
the county and as good as any in the State. It was built in 1874 by the" Ogden Mill Company, and cost $12,000. It is a frame building 36x45 feet, and has three run of burs. The mill came into the possession of Mr. Lord in 1879.
Bakery and restaurant-C. L. Zollinger.
Jeweler-A. C. Roberts.
Carpenters-W. C. Wells, F. Wilkins, G. C. Miller, J. S. Sperry, J. Eversoul, I. Blake.
Livery stable-Allen & Nelson, C. W. Clark.
The people of Ogden, in their active pursuit of business, have not neg- lected to provide for the education of the rising generation. In 1877 a commodious and elegant brick school-house was completed at a cost of $5,000. The building contains five conveniently arranged and well-lighted and ventilated school-rooms. Three teachers are employed. The princi- pal at present is C. H. Merchant; assistants, Hattie M. Blanford and Jus- tine Whitehead.
For some time after Ogden was laid out the post-office was at Wesley Williams, three miles north of town, and was called Yongh Post-Office. The office was then removed to Ogden, and retained the old name for a while, when the name was changed to that of the town. When the post- office was first established at Ogden the salary of the postmaster was $9.00 a year. Wm. Lee was the first postmaster, A. W. Blumberg the second. Charles Soward the third, Hugh Wagers the fourth, Peter Rattray the fifth and J. S. Pitman the sixth and last. The post-office now pays a salary of about $1,000 per annum.
The Scandinavian Farmers' Society was incorporated May, 1879, and commenced business the following Angust. This corporation deals in Ium- ber, grain, stock, machinery, etc. The following are the officers of the society : President, Abel Carlson; secretary, Gust. Johnson; treasurer and agent, L. A. Kruss; directors, Alex. Olson, Nelse Pehrson, Charles Swan- son, Eric Lindgren, Charles Lundblad, Rack Hanson.
Ogden Lodge, No. 281, I. O. O. F., was organized May 2, 1874. The following are the names of the charter members: R. U. Wheeler, Amos De Haven, George G. Miller, John M. Bellon, Ephraim Sayres. The or- der at present numbers eighty. The following is a list of the present officers: G. W. Leonard, N. G .; C. Kester, V. G .; G. C. Miller, secretary; J. H. Eversoul, treasurer; chaplain, Rev. E. M. H. Fleming. This frater- nity is young in years and has a large membership but no extensive invest- ments,yet it is in a properous condition, has a bright future and is doing good service.
MASONIC LODGE.
On the 3d day of April, 1871, there was granted a dispensation to organize a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, in Ogden, Iowa, by John Scott, then Grand Master of the State of Iowa. This was granted upon the petition of James Sickler, Orson Clark, Richard Temby, Cyrus K. Babb, David H. Randall, Fairfield Sylvester, Dr. Jas. H. Noyes, O. L. Sturtevant, A. W. Blum- berg and C. B. Sylvester, who were the charter members. Their first reg- ular communication was held April 28, 1871, when the following officers were elected: Jas. Sickler, W. M .; Orson Clark. S. W .; Richard Temby, J. W .; O. L. Sturtevant, Treasurer; D. H. Randall, Secretary; F. Sylves- ter, S. D .; Dr. Jas. H. Noyes, J.D. The lodge under dispensation was pros-
533
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
* 'perous and they continued to work until July 1st, 1872, when they held their first meeting under a charter from the Grand Lodge of Iowa, when they read the name and number of Rhodes Lodge No. 303. They are now- 1880-in a very prosperous condition, having a fine hall well fitted up and have plenty of work on hand. The present officers are: James Sickler, W. M .; J. S. Pitman, S. W .; J. T. S. Williams, J. W .; Peter Rattray, Treasurer; F. Lorenzen, Secretary.
A. O. U. W.
This lodge was organized January 21, 1880, and instituted by Dr. R. M. Huntington, of Boone, as Grand Deputy. The charter members were J. S. Pitman, H. B. Wagers, I. W. Rice, D. C. Nelson, Wallace Farley, Thos. Z. Winters, W. O. Whitehead, Fred. Gardner, Hubbell Pattee, Frank W. Wilkins, Chas. II. Merchant, Chas. Rosene, A. C. Roberts, John S. Lord, Ben. H. Blanford, Daniel Sickler and C. L. Zollinger, seventeen in all. On the evening of the organization the following officers were elected and dnly installed, by R. M. Huntington, the Grand Deputy, assisted by a number of the brethren from Linn City Lodge of Boone, Iowa: John S. Lord, Past Master Workman; J. S. Pitman, Master Workman; Chas. H. Merchant, General Foreman; I. W. Rice, Overseer; H. B. Wagers, Recor- der; W. O. Whitehead, Financier; Wallace Farley, Receiver; Fred. Gard- ner, Inside Watchman; Frank W. Wilkins, Outside Watchman; Thomas Z. Winters, Guide. The lodge is composed of the very best men in and around town. The average age of the members is 33 years. They are very careful whom they admit as mein- bers; all earnest persons and free from disease. The lodge is steadily growing and bids fair to become the strongest society in the place. The charter was granted January 24, 1880, and the lodge is known as Ogden Lodge No. 211, A. O. U. W. John S. Lord was the representative to the Grand Lodge in 1880.
CHURCHES.
The Congregationalist Church was organized April 3d, 1869. A frame church building was erected in 1872, at a cost of $1,500.00. The building was dedicated July 22 of that year, Revs. G. W. Palmer, J. W. White and Mr. Latham, officiating. The present membership is 62. The Sunday- school in connection with the church is in good condition, with an average attendance of 80. Rev. L. S. Hand is superintendent. The following is the record of the organization:
OGDEN, Boone Co., April 3, 1869.
Meeting organized by electing Rev. S. B. Goodnow Moderator, and Rev. O. C. Dickerson Scribe.
Motion by W. W. Clarke, and seconded by Margaret Whitehead, that we organize a Congregational Church in Ogden.
After discussion by Clarke, Snell and others, carried.
Committee to draft and report constitution, by-laws, confession of faith, and covenant-Rev. O. C. Dickerson, D. H. Randall and W. W. Clarke- reported that the Boonesboro articles be adopted with change of name.
On motion, all those who expect letters are received as though they had them, in anticipation of their receipt.
534
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
The following is the resolution of organization:
We, the undersigned, believing the worship of God and the service of Jesus Christ to be the highest duty of man, do hereby, for the better pro- motion thereof, constitute ourselves an organized body to be known as the First Congregational Church at Ogden Station, Boone county, Iowa, this 3d day of April, A. D. 1869.
REV. O. C. DICKERSON, Scribe.
Subscribed to by-
JOSEPH W. SNELL, JULIA SNELL,
J. JUDSON SNELL,
MARY J. CLARKE,
DAVID H. RANDALL,
AMELIA RANDALL,
ELLEN M. RANDALL,
MARGARET WHITEHEAD,
HATTIE E. RANDALL,
RUTH T. WHITEHEAD,
SIMON P. LOFFER,
ALICE O. WHITEHEAD,
CHRISTINA LOFFER,
DEACONS.
TRUSTEES.
WM. W. CLARKE, D. H. RANDALL.
J. W. SNELL, W. W. CLARKE, S. CHAMBERLAIN. WM. W. CLARKE, Clerk and Treasurer.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Ogden was organized during the fall of 1868. J. H. Noyes, Charles Blanford, James Sickler, W. C. Wells and John Soward were the first trustees. A frame church was erected in 1872 at a cost of $4,000. The church building was dedicated October 8, 1872, by Rev. H. H. Oneal, of the Des Moines conference. Revs. D. R. Latham, E. Kendall, S. Snyder, S Jones and I. T. Miller have been the pastors in time past. The last named person was serving his third year when he resigned and was succeeded by Rev. E. M. H. Fleming, who is at present pastor. The membership of the Church is over 175.
The Church is in a very flourishing condition and there is in connection with it an exceptionally good Sunday-school, with an average attendance of over one hundred. Mr. Fleming, the pastor, is one of the oldest and most successful ministers of the Church in Iowa. Among the earlier pas- tors the following deserve special mention:
Rev. D. R. Latham came from Wisconsin, served the charge six months and then returned. S. Snyder served the charge two years, and left it, greatly beloved by the people. E. Kendall had charge of the work one year, and was faithful, efficient and successful, an exceptionally good pas- tor. He is still a member of the Des Moines Conference, stationed at Guthrie. S. Jones was in charge for three years, is now serving the Church in Perry; was successful and abundant in all kinds of work, a native of Virginia; has spent a goodly number of years in a successful and honored ministry.
S. Snyder is now a member of the Northwestern Iowa Conference.
I. T. Miller is a native of Ohio; entered the ministry in 1859 in the Illi-
HANNAH C. W. LOFFER,
SMITH M. CHAMBERLAIN.
WM. W. CLARKE,
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
nois Conference; has been a member of the Des Moines Conference nearly eight years, filling appointments as follows: Cambridge Circuit, Story county, one year; Altoona Circuit, Polk county, two years; Ames, Story county, two years; Ogden, three years. He has been remarkably suc- cessful.
Several years before the organization the Methodists occupied the field doing much pioneer work. The first pastor was W. Martin, and the second was J. W. Snodgrass, who occupied the field prior to the organization in 1868. Martin and Snodgrass were excellent men.
MARCY TOWNSHIP.
In common with several other townships this was organized during the time S. B. McCall was incumbent of the office of county judge and was named by him after a Democratic politician, a short account of whom here follows:
"William Learned Marcy was born December 12, 1786; died July 4, 1857; born in Massachusetts, and died in New York; son of a farmer; graduated at Brown; was a lawyer: was soldier in War of 1812; was editor of a Democratic newspaper, the ' Troy Budget'; associated justice of New York supreme court, and resigned to be United States senator 1831; 1832 elected governor of New York; resigned senator; re-elected 1834 and 1836; defeated by Seward in 1838; 1845 appointed secretary of war by Polk; 1853 appointed secretary of state by Pierce."
The order creating the township is as follows:
Ordered, That for the convenience of the inhabitants and for judicial, revenue and muni- cipal purposes. the following described new township be created: Commencing at the north- west corner of section 31, township 84. range 27; thence south on the range line to the south- west corner of township 83, range 27; thence east along said township line to the Des Moines river; thence running up the channel of said river to a point where the section line dividing sections 26 and 35, in township 84, range 27, crosses the same; thence west along said line to the place of beginning; said township to be known and designated as Marcy township, and to be organized at an election to be held in the township on Monday, the 5th day of April, 1858, in the manner prescribed by law.
SAM. B. McCALL, County Judge.
Among the first settlers of this township was Mr. David Noah, who settled in this region at a very early day. He disposed of his claim and removed to Oregon many years ago. One of the most beautiful parcels of land bordering on the river was named in his honor, " Noah's Bottom."
In 1849 Colonel John Rose settled in this locality on section 36, and the name of that district has since been changed to Rose's Bottom. Mr. Rose still owns the identical piece of ground where he first settled and where he still resides.
James Turner settled on section 2. He removed to Oregon many years ago.
Reuben S. Clark, who was for many years a county official, settled on section 36, as early as 1847, He removed to Missouri several years ago, where he afterward died.
Jack McCall settled on section 1 in 1850. He entered the army in 1861 and died in the service of his company, while located at Little Rock, Ar- kansas.
William Sparks settled on section 30.
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
W. H. C. Jenkins, in 1854, settled on section 35; he still owns the same land, where he now resides.
One of the most influential men who settled in this region at an early day was W. P. Berry! He was a man of restless activity, good business qualifications, and possessed of more than ordinary force of character. As has already been shown in our chapter of military affairs of the county, Mr. Berry raised a company and served with distinction throughout the war. At an early day he was regarded as the most influential citizen on the west side of the river, and in his honor a large section of country was organized into a civil township and called Berry township. The township was organized in 1852. From the following order it will be seen that Berry township included nearly one-fourth of the county. We herewith give the order referred to:
Ordered, That for the convenience of the inhabitants and election purposes, the following described new precinct is created, to be called Berry township, of Boone county, Iowa, to- wit: Commencing on the section line dividing sections 7 and 18, in township 83 north, range 26 west, at the Des Moines river, thence west on section line to the west boundary line of Boone county, thence south on said boundary line of Boone county to the southwest corner of said Boone county, thence east on the south boundary line of said county to the Des Moines river, thence up the said river to the place of begining, said township to be or- ganized at the April election, to be held at the house of Jesse Williams, Sr., on the 5th day of April 1852.
This 8th day of March, 1852.
SAM. B. McCALL, County Judge.
William Sparks, the two Shaws, J. Enfield and G. Allen were also early settlers in this township, some of whom are dead and others have moved away.
William McCall and Sarah Rose were probably the first couple married in this township. J. R. Rose was born June 4, 1850. This was probably the first birth in the township. The first death was that of an Irishman, who died in the fall of 1849, and was buried on section 2. This Irishman belonged to a party of surveyors, and was a great favorite with the settlers by reason of certain favors he showed them, in a clandestine way. Cer- tain romantic stories are rehearsed concerning the life and death of this amiable foreigner by the early settlers, who profited by his amiability.
The first school-house stood on section 2. It was erected by Messrs. Noah, Rose, Turner and Barkhurst, and was constructed of hard maple logs. In this building Samuel B. McCall taught the first school. He had ten pupils, received $10 per month wages, and skirmished around through the country for his board and lodging.
By reason of the diversity of its natural resources, and especially its mines of mineral wealth, this township has always taken the lead in popu- lation. With the exception of Des Moines township, which contains the cities of Boone and Boonesboro, this is the most densely populated town- ship in the county. According to the census of 1875, Marcy township at that time contained a population of 1225.
The civil officers elected at the last general election were as follows:
Assessor-B. F. Winfield.
Clerk-James Beverage.
Trustee-J. L. Patterson.
The North Union Baptist Church is located on section 36. It was organ- ized June 1, 1852, by Rev. William J. Sparks, the pioneer Baptist preacher
537
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
of the county. William J. Sparks and wife, Jessie Williams, Susanna Williams, Samuel Williams and Susanna Hurst were the persons who first composed this religious organization. A brick church edifice was erected in the fall of 1872 at a cost of $3,500. It was dedicated in 1873 by Rev. Mr. Mason. The present membership number is about 35.
The Swede Valley Lutheran Church is located on section 22. It was organized in 1868. Andrew Oleson, Wells Challberg, H. F. Boofstrom, Charles Blosser, Charles Johnson and O. S. Damstrong were the original members. A frame church building was erected in 1869 at a cost of $400. It was dedicated by Rev. Mr. Palinherg and Rev. O. J. Siljestrom. The membership at present numbers 248, and the congregation are now en- gaged in erecting a new and commodious church building. A parochial school and Sabbath-school are connected with the church.
TOWNS.
The town of Quincy was laid out in September, 1854, by Jerome Gordon and Thomas Shaw. It was located on the east half the northeast quarter of section 14, township 83, range 27. If Messrs. Gordon and Shaw antic- ipated building up a great commercial center, their hopes have not been realized.
The town of Coal Valley was laid out by Amos Elliott in September, 1867. It was located on the west side of section 4, on the east side of section 2, township 84, range 27. This was intended for a mining town, and when the coal trade of this section was in a more flourishing condition than at present, Coal Valley was a lively place.
Moingona was laid out by the railroad company in June, 1866. It is lo- cated on the northeast quarter of section 12, township 83, range 27. It was on account of the natural re ources of this country-rich in coal, tim- ber and building stone-that the railroad company changed the direction of the road and ran considerably south of the proposed line. The town is in a flourishing condition, and has enjoyed a large degree of prosperity from the first.
The Presbyterian Church of Moingona was organized May 1st, 1867, by Revs. I. H. Peebles, James Knor and Isaiah Reid. The original mnem- bers were S. W. Sour and Harriet, his wife, William G. Bartholomew and Josephine, his wife, Charles N. Couch and Frances, liis wife, Julius Selby, Mary T. Safely, Susie E. Safely, William Blythe, Joseph Dawson, Andrew M. Karr and Emily, his wife. Charles N. Couch and Wm. G. Bartholo- mew were at the same time elected elders. A frame church building was erected in 1873, at a cost of $3,000. This building was dedicated Novem- ber 16, 1873. Revs. E. L. Dodder, John Cooke and Martin E. Grant have been pastors in time past. Rev. G. W. Lloyd is at present pastor; M. L. Hooker and William Blythe are elders; Wm. Clift and Samuel Morgan, deacons. The membership, at present, numbers 51.
UNION TOWNSHIP.
The first settlement in Union township was made in the fall of 1849. In October, 1849, John Moore and family arrived and located on section 35. He came from Champaign county, Illinois. Two of his sons, John D. Moore and Charles R. Moore, also located with him.
538
HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.
Previous to the settlement by the Moores, others had visited the town- ship, among whom was Carson Wood, who came to the township in 1848, selected a location and broke up about eight acres of land, with the inten- tion of returning in a few months, but did not do so. To Mr. Wood be- longs the honor of turning the first furrow in Union township; it was in section 35.
Within the next five years, among others which arrived were James Carnes, Larsford Mills, John Carnes, George Burgett, John H. Moore, Isaac Moore and Abel Lum.
Previous to the year 1856, the territory now comprising Union town- ship, was included in Berry township. On March 17th, 1856, by an order of the county judge (J. B. Montgomery), the name Union was given to the township proper, twelve sections off west side of Peoples township and the south half of Beaver township.
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