USA > Iowa > Iowa County > The history of Iowa County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 81
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655.
SUMNER TOWNSHIP.
parents), Margatet E. (now the wife of Jas. Rumple), and Dorothy F. Have buried a daughter, Mary E., in Ohio, and an infant son in Iowa.
S' ELBY, REV. JOSIAH-Methodist Protestant minister, Sec. 30,- P. O. Ladora. Is a native of Carroll county, Maryland, born January; 12, 1822. He is of Scotch descent; his father, Obadiah Selby, was- a weaver, born in Maryland. The subject of this sketch attended school in his native place till his fifteenth year, then went to Seneca county, Ohio, where he was engaged in teaching school, which he continued for twenty years. April 23, 1857, he was married in Sen- eca county, Ohio, to Miss Caroline Kirkwood. She was a native of the same county, and of Scotch descent, born November 23, 1835. In 1858 Mr. S. commenced to preach, and continued the same until 1859. In 1859 was licensed as an itinerant Methodist Protestant min- ister, and occupied the Bucyrus circuit for three years. In the spring of 1863 he came to Iowa and located in Iowa City, where he continued to live for thirteen years, traveling on different circuits during this time. In the fall of 1876 he moved with his family to New London, Iowa, where he re- mained in charge of the Methodist Church till 1877. Then moved to New- ton, Iowa, where he remained in charge of the church of that place till October 1, 1880, when he came to Iowa county and took charge of the Ohio chapel of Sumner township. Mr. and Mrs. Selby have been blessed with six children: Ann Elizabeth, Howard Kirkwood, Harlan Chase, Jes- sie May, Willis Irving, Alexander Clark.
SHAUL, GEO. W .- Farmer, Sec. 16, P. O. Ladora. Was born Febru- ary 1, 1835 in Seneca county, Ohio, and there received his education. Was engaged in farming his mother's farm until July, 1856, when he came to Iowa and engaged in carpenter work with his brother, Michael. This he continued until the fall of 1857, when he returned to Ohio, there en- gaging in farming. He was married April 18, 1858, to Miss Sarah C. Baughman, who was born September 23, 1838. In the fall of 1868 he and his family came to Iowa and settled on a farm in Honey Creek town- ship, where he owned 80 acres of land. In the fall of 1869 he sold his- farm and returned to Ohio, where he farmed till the spring of 1874. Then again returned to Iowa, and settled where he now lives and owns 200 acres of well improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Shaul have seven children: Savana. E., Susan E., Thomas W., Anna B. (who died January 30. 1870), Ella, John and Michael.
SHAUL, M .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17, P. O. Ladora. Was born in Seneca county, Ohio, Novmber 30, 1832, and there lived the life of a farmer boy, attending school at intervals. In 1856 he came to Iowa and engaged in carpenter work in Iowa county, which he continued till the fall of 1861. In July, 1859, he settled where he now lives and owns, in three pieces, 330 acres of improved land with good residence and other first-class improvements. He also owns some thorough-bred Short-Horn cattle. and. good grades. He is an earnest working member of the Methodist Protest- ant Church, a man respected and esteemed by all. He was married De- cember 24, 1857, in Sumner township, Iowa county, to Miss Sarah C., daughter of John Mouser, of Sumner township. She was born in Seneca county, Ohio, June 29, 1834. By this union they have had one son and one daughter, both deceased. They now have an adopted daughter, Jessie May.
SMITH, F. C .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 18, P. O. Ladora. Was
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
born in West Haven, Rutland county, Vermont, January 16, 1821. He lived upon a farm, attending school winters at Fairhaven and New Haven till sixteen years old. Then entered the office of the Rutland Herald, the oldest paper in Vermont, to learn the printer's trade, and while there at- tended night school, continuing the same till 1839, then went to Troy, New York. In 1840 he was married to Miss Abbey M. Martin, a native of Nassau, New York. He remained in Troy, working at his trade, till 1847, then went to Albany and worked in the State office till 1852, and in the fall of 1852 he bought an interest in the Whitehall Chronicle, the official paper of Washington county. This he published till 1857, having in the meantime bought the entire interest. He sold it and engaged in farming in his native county, where he owned 410 acres of improved land. He con- ducted the farm, and was dealing extensively in stock, till March, 1865, when he sold out and came to Iowa, and bought a farm near Victor, Iowa, working the same for one year. He engaged in the mercantile business in Victor for a few months. Was appointed postmaster, which position he held for three years, and during that time was elected to many positions of trust. In June, 1872, he settled where he now lives and owns 445 acres of improved land. He also owns 400 acres in northwestern Iowa, two dwellings and a drug store in Victor. He is now justice of the peace, and has been for thirteen terms in Iowa. Has been supervisor, and filled many other offices with entire satisfaction. Mr. and Mrs. S. have nine children living, and have buried one: Theodore R. (married and lives in Poweshiek county), Justice D. (married and lives in Ladora), Margaret A. (now the wife of Emery Wood in West Haven), Chas. F. (married and lives in Nebraska), Martin M. (married and lives in Dakota), James M. (in Da- kota), Marshall E. (in Minnesota), Frederick M. (lives at home) and Libbie E. (lives with parents). Buried a son, Willie P. in West Haven, Vermont.
STONER, DENNIS L .- Farmer, Sec. 31, P. O. Ladora. Was born January 22, 1855, in Hartford township, Iowa county, and there lived the life of a farmer boy, attending school for some years. He attended school in the first school-house built in Hartford township; also the first in Sum- ner township. Remained with his parents till his twenty-third year, then was married, in Sumner township, September 20, 1877, to Miss Cina Hud- dleston, a native of Van Buren county, Iowa, born August 3, 1860. Her father, Rev. Willis Huddleston, was at that time the pastor of the Metho- dist Church of Sumner township. Mr. S. continued to live in Hartford township till October 15, 1879, then settled where he now lives, and owns 103 acres of well stocked and improved land. One daughter has blessed this union, Alma (born December 27, 1879).
W IESE, H .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 24, P. O. Marengo. Is a native of Holstein, Germany, born February 22, 1843. In 1853 his parents came to Iowa and settled in Davenport, where he attended school. After living here a few years the family moved on a farm in Scott county, and remained there till 1868. Then came to Iowa county and settled where he now lives and owns 200 acres of well improved land. He was married, February 24, 1873, in Iowa county, to Miss Sophia Rieck, a native of Ger- many, born in 1852. They have three children: Emily, Gustavus, Henry, and Lewis Adolph.
Y TOUNG, A .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17, P. O. Ladora. Is a na- tive of Maryland, born November 4, 1825, and when one year old his parents moved to Seneca county, Ohio, where they settled on a farm. There
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WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
the subject of this sketch lived and attended school till his twentieth year. He was married, in November, 1847, to Miss Sarah Monteith, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1825. In the the spring of 1855 Mr. Young and family came to Iowa and engaged in keeping a hotel on the State road in Sumner township, and continued the same for three years, and in the spring of 1858 engaged in farming. In the spring of 1861 he settled where he now lives and owns 245 acres of land; a part of which he bought in 1859 for $2.50 per acre. He is a man of good business qualities, an earnest working member of the Methodist Protestant Church of Sum- ner.township, he and his wife being among the original members. They have seven children living: William O. (married, and lives in Pottawatta- mie county), Mary (now the wife of Wilson, merchant, of Sumner town- ship), Richard, Idel, Emma, Harlan and Norman. They have buried one son, Arlington, and two daughters, Nettie, and an infant, unnamed.
CHAPTER VII.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Introductory-A View of Marengo from Washington Heights-Boundaries-Physical Fea- tures-Early Settlers-Original Entries-First School-First Marriage -- Organization -- Schools-Resources -- Brick Kiln -- Choice of Markets. .
INTRODUCTORY.
THE history of Washington township is so intimately connected with that of Marengo city and township, that nearly all of the important facts relating to one pertain to the other also. Marengo has been their post-of- fice and trading point since it first became a town. To Marengo they have come for mill advantages, public business and church privileges. Marengo city is within a stone's throw of Washington township, the Iowa River di- viding the two for some distance below and above the old McKee ferry. From a greater part of Washington the city is plainly visible. The smoke from the woolen mill, flour mill, foundry and railroad locomotives, together with the church spires, school building, court-house, brick business blocks and tasty residences, seen from Washington Heights, present the outlines of a beautiful picture. Looking south and west across Iowa River from these heights, one fancies he can see the beginning of a future great city; imagining he stands on Washington Heights, Long Island, viewing the great city of New York, which is in plain sight across the East River. For about twenty-five years there has been a bridge across the river at Marengo, furnishing connection with the city at all seasons of the year, and all stages of water. Now there is a substantial iron bridge, with a high embankment across the bottom land, making this a good crossing during the highest flood. Although the middle portion of the township, extend- ing east and west, is quite uneven, there is a wide strip of excellent bot- tom land along Iowa River, and smooth prairie along the Benton county line. The name Washington was given to it in honor of the father of his country.
BOUNDARIES.
It is bounded on the north by Benton county, on the east by Lenox and
658
HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
Amana, on the south by Iowa River, which separates it from Marengo, and on the west by Cono. Its east line runs north to the Benton county line from a point on the north bank of Iowa River where section line be- tween 26 and 27, of township 81, range 10, crosses said river, thence on Benton county line to the northwest corner of section 3, township 81, range 11, thence south to the north bank of Iowa River, thence following the meanderings down said river in a southeasterly course to the point of beginning. It contains an area of twenty-five square miles, or 16,000 acres. It is in the form of a trapezoid. There are 132 polls in the town- ship, and at the general election held November 2, 1880, there were thirty- nine votes cast for J. A. Garfield, sixty-three votes for W. S. Hancock, and eighteen votes for J. B. Weaver, for president of the United States. Owned by farmers in the township are 933 cattle, 316 horses, twenty-six mules, twenty sheep, 2,435 swine, and the total value of personal property is $31,- 500. The total value of real estate is $104,500.
PHYSICAL.
There is but one creek, " Coon Creek," so named on account of the great numbers of 'coons found in the timber which skirts its banks. It rises in Benton county, flowing south it enters section two, passing through sec- tions eleven and thirteen it empties into Iowa river, one mile due north of Marengo city. The upland does not approach near the banks of Iowa River, but gives room for large farms between the river and bluffs. For a distance of eight miles up and down the river these sections are quite level and extremely fertile. Getting back a mile north from the river we find the land broken and somewhat wooded. The hills are steep and the soil is poor on the breaks, but passing this ridge we approach a high upland prai- rie of good land extending east and west along the Benton county line.
EARLY SETTLERS.
George Titler, who came from Seneca county, Ohio, was one of the early settlers. In the spring of 1849, he entered 600 acres of land, 300 in Iowa county and 300 in Benton county. Some of his land was in section 17, some in 12 and 13. In the year 1853 he removed to this township with his wife and four children. One son, however, came with him in 1849, and remained on the farm. Mr. Titler built the first frame dwelling in Wash- ington township. It was built about the year 1853, but there were at that time several log houses which had existed for about five years. Mr. George Titler died in the year 1877. Benjamin was probably the first permanent settler in the township. He died about the year 1853. John Bishop was another early settler. He came from Ohio about the year 1850. He had a large family, seven boys and twelve girls. He died about 1869. Mrs. John Bishop the mother of these nineteen children died December 16, 1880. Ransom Mason was another early settler. He came from Vermont about the year 1850, and made a permanent settlement in sw qr of sec. 18. He now lives near Newton, Iowa.
ORIGINAL ENTRIES.
The first entry was by William Justice, July 10, 1846; s hf sw qr and n
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WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
hf sw qr, section 10 tp. 81 range 11. Now owned by W. L. Huston a phy- sician residing in Marengo.
Lewis F. Wilson, December 23, 1846; lot No. 3, sec 15, tp 81, r 11.
Ransom Mason, January 27, 1847; sw fr qr sw qr sec 18, tp 81, r 10. George Howard now lives on these premises.
Daniel A. Peck, July 11, 1848; se qr sec 17, tp 81, r 10. Jacob Denzler a wealthy farmer living in the southeast part of the township now owns this land.
George Titler, April 9, 1849; sw qr sec 17, tp 81, r 10. His son George W. Titler now owns the above land and improves the same.
John R. Ross, January 22, 1849; n hf ne qr sec 13, tp 81, r 10. Charles Carter now owns this property. He is a wealthy farmer living just a mile north of Marengo.
The early settlers were not over pious, but whenever they felt disposed to give a little time to religion they attended services at Marengo or Cono, for no church was ever built within Washington township limits and very few regular religious meetings have been held in school-houses. A Luth- eran church now stands just over the line in Benton county. The first school was at John Bishop's house on section twenty-one, taught by one of the Bishop girls, of whom there were many. The first school-house was on the Cary place, section fourteen, built about the year 1855. The first religious service was held by a Methodist Episcopal clergyman. The first marriage was Dr. Hendershott to Mary Bishop. Dr. Hendershott was the first physician who practiced in the township. The first cemetery was on northwest corner of section 13, where graves were made as early as 1850. This is still used for a burying ground, where there are now over one hundred graves. George Titler built a saw mill on Coon Creek in 1858, but it was not much used. In about the year 1860 a steam saw mill was built. In early times they went to Iowa City to trade and market their produce.
ORGANIZATION.
For many years what now is included in Washington was a part of Ma- rengo. The separation occurred in 1861, and the boundaries were made as previously stated, and at the first election the following officers were elected: Trustees, Geo. Titler, Martin Byers, Jerome Halleck; township clerk, C. B. Hendershott; assessor, I. D. Titler.
The first meeting of the trustees was at the Mason school-house.
The present township officers are:
Trustees-Andrew Harter, John May, John Tierney.
Clerk-John Titler.
Assessor-Samuel Bishop.
Justice-J. D. Titler.
Constables-G. A. Cupp and W. Haughenberry.
Road Supervisors-First district, M. Grffin; second district, John Klien; third district, Robert Lenton; fourth district, Thomas Goodman; fifth district, C. Willy; sixth district, John Denzler.
SCHOOLS.
Before Washington was organized into a separate township, great inter- est was taken in the means of educating the youth. Schools were estab-
41
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
lished, as has been stated, at an early date when it was a part of Marengo. Now there are six good schools, holding sessions eight months during the year. Two male and eight female teachers have taught in those schools during the year just closed, the males receiving a salary of $25.00 and the lady teachers an average of $22.00 per month. There are 114 males and 118 females between the ages of 5 and 21. The total enrollment for the year ending September 15, 1880, was 175, with an average daily attendance of 89. The average cost of tuition per month for each pupil was $1.67. The six frame'school-houses are valued at $2,650.
RESOURCES.
The resources of Washington township are her water facilities, her tim- ber, her clay for brick, nearness to market, crops and stock. There are many splendid springs of living water, producing a never failing supply for stock and other farm purposes. There is plenty of timber for wood and other farin uses. Brick are manufactured in large quantities by the Carter Brothers in the south part of the township. They commenced mak- ing brick at this point about fifteen years ago and now it is the largest es- tablishment of the kind in Iowa county. They sell annually over 800,000 brick of approved quality.
Good markets are on every side; Marengo, Amana, Blarstown, Watkins and Norway are near. Good crops of corn, wheat and other grains; fruit, including apples, cherries, grapes, blackberries, raspberries, plums, crab- apples, hickory nuts, walnuts, mulberries, etc., are cultivated or grow wild in profusion.
The cheese factory and creamery, which is opeated by Charles Carter & Co., is quite a business. Over sixty cows are kept near the factory and furnish large quantities of milk for the factory, or to be sold in Marengo.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
B AUGH, JAMES M .- Farmer, Sec. 14, P. O. Marengo. Was born April 15, 1833, in the State of Indiana, and at the age of eleven years removed with his parents to this State, settling in Jones county. In the spring of 1843 he removed to Linn county, and after residing there until the spring of 1845 returned to Jones county, where he followed farming. In the spring of 1858 he again went to Linn county, and in the spring of 1860 he went to Johnson county. After making his home there for one year he moved to Benton county, and in 1865 came to this county, where he has since resided. He is the owner of a fine farm consisting of 165 acres, well improved. Mr. Baugh was married in Linn county, this State, on the 4th of October, 1859, to Miss Angeline Rudolph. By this union they have five children: Addie M., Ross, James J., Ellie D. and Florence L.
ARTER, GEORGE-Farmer, stock-raiser and brick manufacturer, Sec.
C 13, P. O. Marengo. Was born on the 17th of December, 1839, and is a native of Athens county, Ohio. When five years of age he removed" with his parents to Indiana, where he was raised and educated. After leav- ing school he became engaged in a flour and grist mill and continued at it until the spring of 1863, when he went to Idaho Territory. There he fol- lowed mining and teaming and in December, 1872, returned to Indiana, where he remained until the spring of 1874. . He then came to this county
6.61
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
and is here extensively engaged with his brother in farming and stock-rais- ing. They also manufacture from 500,000 to 1,000,000 brick per year. The stock-farm is one of the finest in the county and comprises about 1,000 acres, 700 of which are under cultivation. The average number of cattle per year is 150 head.
CARTER, C .- Of the firm of Carter Brothers. Was born in Ohio, March 19, 1837, and when seven years of age removed with his parents to Indiana, where he was raised. After obtaining his education he followed the milling business with his brothers until 1864, when he came to this county and became engaged in their present business. In February, 1878, he went to Leadville, where he engaged in mining, manufacturing brick and the livery business. In the spring of 1857 Mr. Carter went to the Pacific coast and returned in 1858, having visited the principal places on the west- ern slope. He was married in Indianapolis, Indiana, in the fall of 1860 to Miss Eleanor E. Titler, a native of Iowa. By this union they have three children living, two daughters and one son.
G OINGS, GEORGE W .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 15, P. O. Ma- rengo. Was born in Ohio on the 25th day of December, 1818, and when six years of age removed with his parents to Indiana, where he was raised. After completing his education he learned the trade of stone-cut- ting and followed it for seven years, when, on account of ill health, he was obliged to give it up. Then he engaged in farming and followed it there until the summer of 1849, when he came to this county, being one of its pi- oneers. He is the owner of a fine farm of 288 acres, well improved. Has a good location for his residence, four miles northwest of Marengo. Mr. Goings has been twice married. First, in Indiana, in October, 1846, to Miss Susanna Wood. By this union they had eleven children of whom one is living. His second marriage was in this county, to Miss Mary J. Nor- ris. They have five children, two boys and three girls.
NEPPER, F. C .- Proprietor of brewery, Sec. 18, P. O. Marengo.
K Was born in Germany, December 31, 1827, and was raised there. He received a good education after which he learned the brewer's trade, and continued it there until April, 1850. He then emigrated to the United States, landing in New York, and from there went to Chicago where he re- sumed his former business. In 1851 he went to St. Louis, remaining until 1852, and in 1853 went on the government exploring expedition to Fort Benton as teamster. In 1854 removed to Davenport, this State, and there obtained a position as foreman in a malt house. While there, in 1862, he started a large brewery and continued to operate it until 1870, when he sold out. In the spring of 1872 he came to this county and resumed the brewery business, having the only brewery in the country. He was mar- ried in Davenport, in September, 1858, to Miss Margaret Teege. They have five children: Edward, Clara, Julius, Herman and Alma.
ITLER, G. W .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17, P. O. Marengo.
T The subject of this sketch is a native of Ohio, and was born April 2, 1839. He was there educated, and in October, 1853, he came to Iowa county where he has since resided, being the owner of 440 acres of well im- proved land. Has a fine residence beautifully located. Is an extensive dealer of thorough-bred cattle, and in fact is one of the largest stock- ·dealers in the county. His marriage was on the 4th of October, 1870, in this county, at which time Miss Abigail Bishop became his wife. They
662
HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
have six children, two'of whom are living: Arich B. and Bessie B. George is deceased.
W ANNAMAUGHER, MRS. ELIZABETH-Her maiden name was Elizabeth Bowers, and she was born in Indiana, October 20, 1827, and was there raised and educated. On the 14th of January, 1847, she was married to Samuel Wannamaugher. In 1853, with their family, they came to this county and here Mr. W. was engaged in farming and stock- raising until his death, which occurred January 4, 1865. He was a man of broad views, large experience, and good business qualifications and his loss was mourned by many friends. He left a family of five children now liv- ing: Isaac, John, William, Laura and Lillie. Three are deceased: Mar- garet, Mary and Emily.
WILLIE, CHRISTIAN-Farmer, Sec. 18, P. O. Marengo. Was born in July, 1824, a native of Switzerland. There he was raised, and after leav- ing school commenced farming, which he has made his principal occupa- tion through life. In the spring of 1857 Mr. W. immigrated to America, landing in New York, and from there went to Lancaster, New York, where he resumed farming and also worked a tannery two years. In the spring of 1866 he came to this county, and has since made his home here. He owns a fine farm of 71 acres of well improved land. In March, 1858, in New York State, Miss Rickie Erriesman became his wife. Their family consists of three children: Mary, Christian and Dennis.
CHAPTER VIII.
HONEY CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Geographical Position -- Name-Technical Position-Area-Physical Features-Early Set- tlers-William Taylor-First Breaking-Cemetery-Organization-First Officers-Pres- ent Officers-Churches-Koszta M. E. Church-Summit M. E. Church-Schools-Koszta -- Dover-Bridges -- Looking Ahead-Fire-Biographical.
GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION.
THIS township occupies the extreme northwest corner of Iowa county, and was one of the first settled though most remote from the early settle- ments of the eastern counties of the State.
THE NAME
"Honey Creek" is derived from its principal creek, which flows through the township and empties into Iowa River. The creek obtained its name in the following manner: William Taylor, who came from Illinois and took a claim in section 19, township 81, range 11, in 1844, was a great bee- hunter, and had a passionate fondness for felling trees in which they had stored their nectar, with a smudge stupefying the bees, then taking out the honey.
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