USA > Iowa > Iowa County > The history of Iowa County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 95
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S IMPSON, GEORGE I .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 19, P. O. Vic- tor. Was born October 20, 1843, in Licking county, Ohio, and when about four years of age moved to Delaware county, of the same State. Mr. Simpson attended the University in Licking county and also at Delaware. He came to this State in 1863, and settled in Iowa county. Also attended the University at Iowa City. He was married in 1867 to Miss Mary Jane Smith, a native of Ohio. By this union they have five children: Cora E., Arthur E., Serino, Elenor and Minnie. Mr. Simpson has been elected to many places of public trust. He now owns a fine farm of 160 acres, well cultivated. He is engaged in teaching school during the winter season.
SMITH, H. S .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 16, P. O. Victor. Was born September 26, 1827, in Palmer, Massachusetts, where he lived until he attained his tenth year. Then moved to Connecticut and there was ed- ucated and raised. He learned the trade of carpenter and joiner and also blacksmithing and worked in many of the manufactories of that State. He was first married February 19, 1850, to Miss E. G. Tuttle, and from that union they had two children: Milliard F. (born November 29. 1850) and Euretta E. (born October 5, 1852, and died October 7, 1874, in Victor). Mrs. Smith died April 18, 1857. Mr. S. worked in the spoon factory one year and then learned the trade of a varnisher. Then engaged in farming and was appointed overseer of the poor-farm, which he kept one year. In
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AMANA TOWNSHIP.
1858 he bought a farm. May 5, 1858, he was again married, to Miss M. L. Comstock. By this union they had one child, Ada I. (born August 13, 1859, and died November 7, 1870). Mrs. Smith died September 15, 1861. He moved to Rockville and bought a place and began to work at his trade of carpentering and joiner. He was married the third time April 27, 1862, to Miss Mary Simmons, and they have two children: Frank W. and Hud- son W. In August, 1868, Mr. S. came to this State and settled on his present location, where he owns a farm of 120 acres. He has been elected to many places of public trust.
W ALLING, J .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 34, P. O. Millersburg. Was born August 23, 1827, in Otsego county, New York, and was there educated and raised. In 1856 he came to Iowa county, settling in this township. He was married in 1852, to Miss A. E. Potter, a native of New York State. By this union they have two children: Matilda and Charles. Mr. W. has witnessed nearly the entire growth of Iowa county, and has always taken a warm interest in its welfare. He now owns a fine farm of 100 acres of well cultivated land.
WATKINSON, WILLIAM-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 16, P. O. Victor. Was born October 26, 1826, in Sheffield, England, and when about seventeen years of age came to this country and settled in Cincinnati, , Ohio. When our country was involved in war he enlisted, in August, 1862, · in company H, Seventy-ninth Ohio Infantry, and served to the close. of the . war. Was in the battles of Vicksburg, Port Gibson, Atlanta and several others. Was mustered out in June, 1865, and returned to his home in Ohio. He was married in 1851 to Miss Maria Souther, a native of Eng- land. They have seven children: George H., Anna N., William J., Sarah J., Ellen M., Charles H. and Edmond. Lost one, Thomas H. He owns a farm of 160 acres of land.
WOLFE, C. C .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 7, P. O. Victor. Was born December 12, 1842, in Knox county, Ohio, and when eighteen years of age came to this State, and settled in Poweshiek county. In 1865 he came to this county and settled on his present location. He was married in July, 1864, to Miss Mary E. Barker, a native of New York State, and from this union they have one child, Flora E. Mr. Wolfe owns a fine farm of 90 acres of well cultivated land with comfortable dwellings.
CHAPTER XVIII.
AMANA TOWNSHIP.
The Name-Boundaries-Statistical-Wealth of the Colony-Physical Features-The Seven Settlements-East Amana-Main Amana-Middle Amana-Manufacturies and Stores- High Amana-West Amana-South Amana-Homestead-The Canal-Historical Sketch -Their Religion-The Holy Book their Guide-Schools-Happy and Prosperous Colonists -Incorporation of the Society-Organization of the Township -- Occupation of the Colo- nists-Further Historical Reference.
THE NAME.
THE word " Amana " means " Believe true " or " Remain true." This is a noble motto, and the history of the colony shows that the sentiment contained in that name has not been unworthily bestowed. The Holy Bible is the foundation of their faith and practice. In this brief sketch we shall
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
endeavor to set forth some of the principal features of the colony, the in- dustries and resources of the township, and give only a few facts in refer- ence to their distinctive belief and domestic life, deeming it.more especially the province of the impartial historian to record only. facts as he may be able to collect them, permitting the particular sectarian or social belief of- the reader to construe them as he may think proper.
BOUNDARIES.
The boundaries of this township are as follows: North by Lenox, east by. Johnson county, south by Iowa and Hilton and west by Hilton, Ma- rengo and Washington townships. Technically located, it is thus de- scribed: Beginning at the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of section 13, township 81, range 9, and running west to the northwest cor- ner of the southwest quarter of section 14, township 81, range 10, thence running south to the southwest corner of section 2, township 80, range 10, thence east to the southeast corner of section 1, township 80, range 10, · thence north to the southwest corner of township 81, range 9; thence run- ning east to the southeast corner of the same congressional township, thence north to the place of beginning. The area is, therefore, just thirty square miles, or 19,200 acres.
STATISTICAL.
1 :
The population of this township just described, according to the United States census for 1880, was 1,633, being an increase during the last decade of 192. There are in the township 233 polls, but at the Presidential elec- tion, November 2, 1880, only forty-three votes were cast. For James A. Garfield 22 votes, W. S. Hancock 19 votes and J. B. Weaver 2 votes, show- ing unmistakably that these quiet, unassuming German colonists do not desire to take an active part in our national politics. They raise domestic animals in large numbers both for farm use and the market. There are cattle to the number of 1.256, horses 206, sheep 3,190, and swine 1,088. The taxable value of merchandise in their several villages, excluding Homestead, is $35,000, and the capital employed in manufacturing in the said six villages is over $85,000. The personal property of all kinds is over $189.000, and if we estimate the personalty of Homestead at $25,000, which is certainly low enough, we have the personal property of the cor- porate colony at $214,000, which is over $50,000 more than last year's as- sessed valuation of personalty of Marengo city and Marengo township combined. The realty of Amana township is assessed at $215,000.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
... This township is traversed by Iowa River from west to east, and Price Creek from north to south. The surface is mostly level, more so than any other township in the county. The soil is of a sandy loam of great depth and fertility. A little timber skirts Iowa River, and in the northwest it covers several sections. The river banks are not high and the land on either side gently rises without bluffs or hills. On sections twenty-seven and twenty-eight there is a large slough or lake covering in extent about two hundred acres. This is always filled with water. Iowa River flows through the southern tier of sections. Price Creek rises in Benton county,
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AMANA TOWNSHIP.
flows through Lenox and enters Amana township in section fifteen, and thence flows southeast through section twenty-two, and near the southeast corner of section twenty-six discharges its waters into the Iowa River. Iowa River is crossed by two good wagon bridges, one at South Amana and the other at Homestead. The bridge at South Amana was completed in the spring of 1858, and rebuilt by the colony for the county in the year 1867. The bridge at Homestead was built in the year 1865 and is about two hundred feet long.
?There are seven villages in the Amana colony, six of which are in Amana township and one, Homestead, in Iowa township. These seven villages; buroughs or settlements, as they may be termed, are very much alike in construction of buildings, business and stores. The buildings are large and well constructed, and built principally of brick and stone, with some frame structures.
EAST AMANA.
" This is the farthest east, being located on sections twenty-three and twenty-four, one mile from Johnson county line. There is a blacksmith shop, carpenter shop and large barns at which are kept sheep. The popu- lation of this village is one hundred and twenty.
AMANA.
This was the first settled and is the largest, having a population of 550; Here are several manufactories, a large general store, hotel, school, meet- ing-house and many large brick and stone houses for dwellings. The build; ings are substantially constructed and the business well managed. The large woolen mill, which is over one hundred feet long, is built of brick and furnished with all kinds of machinery necessary for manufacturing & superior article of woolen goods. Over 150,000 pounds of wool are yearly consumed and many operatives here find steady and agreeable employment, This factory is run by steam and water power. In case one should fail the other would be used. The Calico Print Mills color and print from 800 to 1,000 yards daily. The heavy cotton goods are manufactured in the East and sent here for the finishing touches. They are called " blue print," and enjoy a high reputation for the superior manner in which the work is done.
. .. Besides the industries already mentioned, there is a large flour mill, brick-kiln, soap factory, hominy mill, saw mill, drug store, tailor shop, tin and machine shop. There is also a good school. At this Amana there are sixteen elders, who attend to the spiritual care of all the people in the vil- lage, holding meetings every sabbath, Wednesday and Saturday. "One physician, Jacob Winzenried, attends most of the cases of sickness for the whole township.
MIDDLE AMANA.
This little village of 380 inhabitants is situated about two miles west from the main Amana. It also contains a large woolen mill, starch fac- tory, machine shop, wagon shop, blacksmith shop, book printing and bind- ery, brick yard, general store, school, meeting-honse and many other sub- stantial buildings ..
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
HÖHE AMANA,
(Or "high " Amana, for this is what the German word means) is two miles west of Middle Amana. It contains a general store, saw mill, ma- chine shop, blacksmith shop and other industries. It has a population of one hundred and thirty.
WEST AMANA.
This is one mile west of Höhe Amana and contains a population of 170 together with all the store and shop advantages necessary for the people.
SOUTH AMANA.
This village is south of Iowa River in the southwest corner of Amana township, and is a lively railroad station, on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. It contains a population of 200. Here they have a very large general store, a post-office with George Heinemann as postmaster, a grain elevator, depot, saw mill, hotel, school, blacksmith and wagon-shop, etc. At this point there is much grain and stock shipped.
HOMESTEAD.
This settlement is three miles south of Main Amana, and is in Iowa township.
Homestead is not in Amana township, but its mention more properly belongs under that head than in the history of Iowa township, since the property is owned the business carried on and it is inhabited by the colonists. It has a population of 210, a depot, hotel, post-office, grain elevator, meet- ing-house, school-house, general store, lumber-yard, and great distributing warehouse. This is the principal shipping point for the colonists, though, as has been said, some railroad business is done at South Amana. This is the principal shipping point for Iowa township farmers.
THE CANAL
Is dug through the land for a distance of nine miles, for the purpose of furnishing water for the colonies on the north side of the river, both for their stock and also for water-power. The water is taken from the Iowa River, at a point on the east line of Marengo township and conducted to the Iowa River again within a mile and a half of the Johnson county line. This was a great undertaking and took more than three years to complete it. It was finished about the year 1866.
HISTORICAL.
This society of plain-hearted, simple believers in the Scriptures was first known in Germany early in the eighteenth century. However, not much was known or said of them till they came to the United States. The first dele- gation of them came in the year 1842, and from that time to the year 1848 they continued to come, and although not at first living in communities, they saw, on coming to this country, the oneness of their interests and formed themselves into a community. They first lived at a place called
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AMANA TOWNSHIP.
Ebenezer, near Buffalo, New York, but this locality did not furnish advant- ages of land that they desired, so they sent agents to look for a location, either in Kansas or Iowa. After these men had seen the country in both States named, they decided to come to Iowa, and accordingly in the year 1855, they commencing removing to this place. They are simple in man- ner and dress. They are very devoted to their peculiar religious belief and believe the whole Bible as the inspired word of God and place great reliance on the New Testament and teachings of Christ. Their children, youth, middle aged and old people are watched, encouraged, guided and in- structed by the fatherly elders. All, old and young, are expected to attend divine worship on the sabbath. There is no meaningless and unneces- sary ceremony connected with their worship; but all can understand and take a part. Singing, prayer and reading the Word of God with comment, moral and religious lessons are their principal religious exercises. Their elders take turns in leading the services.
SCHOOLS.
There are in this township two ungraded schools and five graded schools. There are two departments in each of the graded schools. There are twelve male teachers who teach twelve months in the year, schools being in ses- sion all the year round. They are paid an average salary of $20 per month. The children and youth between the ages of 5 and 21 are, males 224, females 222. The total enrollment in the schools, 427; with an aver- age daily attendance of 343. This shows the highest percentage of enroll- ment and average daily attendance of any township in the county. The average cost of tuition per month for each pupil is $1.25. The estimated value of school-houses in the township is $7,100, being more than that of any any other except Marengo township.
They are unusually moral and law abiding. They are never known to quarrel and fight. Sober, industrious, moral, religious and happy-what a lesson of good citizenship we are taught by these Germans, who have adopted America for their home and that of their children. None of the family and common domestic relations of Christian people are surrendered to the corporation. Children are brought up at home and schooled at the public expense under competent teachers. A degree of honesty, intelli- gence and enterprise is manifested there that puts to shame the smartness and trickery of many of our modern American towns.
INCORPORATION.
It will be seen by the "Articles of Incorpation" that this community is intended to be one of the most laudable and useful enterprises in the country. Let the reader judge for himself. The corporation was formed, as will be seen, in the fall of 1859.
"ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION" OF THE "AMANA SOCIETY."
STATE OF IOWA, SS.
IOWA COUNTY.
Know ye, that Wil-
To all to whom these presents shall come, greeting: liam Moershel, Charles M. Winzenried, Christman Wilhelm, Christian
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
Metz. Theobald Heimburger, John Beyer, Jacob Whittier, Jacob Schnetz- ler, Samuel Schnener, George Walz, Jacob Winzenried, Joseph Elzer, and Peter Haldy, all of lawful age and citizens of the United States, and a ma- jority of us citizens of the State of Iowa and county of Iowa, for the pur- pose of forming ourselves into a religious and charitable society, for the benefit of ourselves, our associates and successors under and by virtue of an act of the General Assembly of the State of Iowa, entitled, " an act for the incorporation of benevolent, charitable, religious and scientific socie- ies, approved March 22, 1858, do hereby certify that this society shall be known in law by the name of Amana Society. That the principal place of business of the society shall be in Iowa county, in the State of Iowa. That the principal object of this society shall be to promote the temporal and spiritual welfare and happiness of its members. That the principal business of this society shall be to purchase and receive real and personal property, to use, own, control and dispose of the same, to engage in and carry on agricultural and mechanical pursuits, to build and erect on said real estate villages, churches, school-houses, factories, and make such other buildings and improvements, and carry on and perform such other business as may be deemed essential to the well-being, happiness, and prosperity of this society. That the legislative or managing department of this society shall consist of thirteen trustees, who shall be elected annually at such time and place and in such a manner as may be specified in its by-laws. That the executive department of this society shall consist of one director, one vice-director and one secretary-the vice-director only acting in the ab- sence of the director and performing his duties-who shall be elected by the trustees and out of their number, and hold office for one year, and be elected at such times and perform such acts and duties as may be required of them by virtue of the by-laws of said society. And that the following persons are to act as officers of said society for the first year of its exis- tence; viz., William Moershel, Sr., Charles Winzenried, Christman Wil- helm, Christian Metz, Theobald Heimburger, John Beyer, Jacob Whitt- mer, Jacob Schnetzler, Samuel Schnener, George Walz, Jacob Winzenried, Joseph Elzer, Peter Haldy.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 8th day of December, A. D. 1859.
WILLIAM MOERSHEL.
SEAL.
CHARLES M. WINZENRIED.
SEAL.
CHRISTMAN WILHELM. SEAL. .. CHRISTIAN METZ. SEAL. SEAL.
THEOBALD HEIMBURGER.
JOHN BEYERS.
SEAL.
JACOB WHITTMER. SEAL.
JACOB SCHNETZLER. SEAL.
SAMUEL SCHNENER. JOSEPH ELZER.
SEAL.
SEAL.
GEORGE WALZ. SEAL.
JACOB WINZENRIED.
SEAL.
PETER HALDY.
SEAL.
STATE OF IOWA, { ss. IOWA COUNTY. I do hereby certify that before me, William H. Wallace, County Judge in and for said county, personally appeared the above named William Moer-
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AMANA TOWNSHIP.
shel, Sr., Charles M. Winzenried, Christman. Wilhelm, Christian Metz, Theobald Heimburger, John Beyer, Jacob Whittmer, Jacob Schnetzler, Samuel Schnener, George Walz, Jacob Winzenried, Joseph Elzer, Peter Haldy, who are personally known to me to be the identical persons who signed the above and foregoing instrument as affiants, and acknowledged the same to be their voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes therein expressed.
Witness my hand and the seal of said county, at Marengo, the 8th day of December, A. D. 1859.
[L. s.] W. H. WALLACE, County Judge. :
Recorded December 13, 1859.
E. H. HENDERSHOTT, County Recorder.
By A. B. ESHLEMAN, Deputy.
The following is a list of the present trustees of the Amana Corporation. The first officers are given in the articles: Peter Winzenried president, John Beyer secretary, Peter Trautmann, David Akermann, George Walz, David Pansa, Matthias Nusser, Jacob Murbach, Jacob Scheuner, Charles Brenneman, William Christman, Christopher Miller, Jacob Wittmer, Fred- erick Moershel.
ORGANIZATION.
The order from court for the organization of Amana township bears date of September 20, 1858, and the first election was held at the school-house in Amana. The first township officers were: Trustees, J. Whittmer, C. Wilhelm and T. Heimburger; justices, John Beyer and S. Schnener; consta- bles, C. Murbach and L. Hammerschmidt; clerk, William Moershel; asses- sor, Jacob Murbach.
PRESENT TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
Trustees-J. G. Dickel, Martin Winzenried, Peter Winzenried. Justices-Peter Winzenried, George Heinemann.
Constables-P. Schlotterer, William Pitz.
Assessor-John Heinemann.
Clerk-Charles Moershel.
This township formerly was a part of Lenox. Though these colonists are conscientiously opposed to taking an active part in politics, yet they encourage the participation in township and local elections. Township of- ficers are necessary and inany kinds of business cannot be legally trans- acted without them.
The principal occupation of the colonists is agriculture. The farms are cultivated in the most approved manner and the latest improved machin- ery is used. The fences are always kept in order and made of the best material. There are several miles of hedge fence used and in splendid condition and nicely trimmed. The horses and cattle are always large and of good stock and kept in excellent condition. The large numbers of men, women, boy's and girls in the fields in harvest, time dressed in their quaint and peculiar colony costume, is a sight worth going miles to see. There is also an extensive mercantile business conducted at the several " stores " with the people of the county residing for miles about the colony.
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
THE " COMMUNITY OF TRUE INSPIRATION."
In the year 1843 and the following years this community emigrated from Germany to the United States of America for the sake of enjoying the no- ble civil and religious liberty of this country and settled at Ebenezer, in the county of Erie and State of New York, on the former Buffalo Creek . Indian Reservation, where they existed some years in peace and prosperity. The community, in the year 1854, resolved unanimously to sell the Ebenezer lands and to undertake a new settlement in the western country, and conse- quently in the year 1855, and the years following, purchased tracts of land in Iowa county in the State of Iowa and paid for the same out of the funds of the community. And thereupon, as heretofore shown, the colonists formed themselves into a corporation known as the "Amana Society " under the laws of this State, the foundation and object of their civil organization being for religious, charitable and benevolent purposes and for no worldly or selfish motives, nor for pecuniary gain or money-making. It is true that with combined capital and labor, and owing to the industrious and frugal habits of its people, money is made and property acquired but the same is a common fund and united property and is preserved and appropriated only to maintain and promote the objects of the organization. Out of the income of the land and the other branches of industry the common expenses are to be paid. The surplus, if any, is to be applied from time to time to the im- provement of the common estate-to the building and maintaining of meeting-houses, school-houses, printing establishments, and to the build- ing of business industries, safety fund and for the support and care of the old, sick and infirm members of the society and others of the organization requiring aid and the comforts of home and life and for benevolent purpo- ses in general. In addition to this a strict account is opened and kept with each member, and allowances made for earnings, support, clothing, etc., from which, at any time, can be shown how much each member is en- titled to in capital or store account.
CHAPTER XIX. LENOX TOWNSHIP.
Characteristics-Statistical-Physical-Early Settlers-First Minister-First Sabbath-school- Early Experiences of the Pioneers-Organization-Present Officers-Reformed Church- Cemetery-Schools-Names of Teachers-Prominent Farmers-Biographical.
CHARACTERISTICS.
LENOX township, next to the smallest in Iowa county, occupies the ex- treme northeast corner. It is peculiar in many respects: in the class of people living there, in the character of its surface and soil, in its position with reference to the two great lines of railroad, the Rock Island and the Northwestern, in its longitudinal extent-being eight miles long and two and a half wide.
STATISTICAL.
It is bounded north by Benton county, east by Johnson county, south
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LENOX TOWNSHIP.
by Amana and west by Washington township. Its area is just 20 square miles, or 12,800 acres. There are 119 polls and at the general election for President of the United States, November 2, 1880, James A. Garfield re- ceived 42 votes, Winfield S. Hancock received 37 votes, and James B. Weaver received 12 votes. The following amount of stock is owned and fed in the township: Cattle, 792 head; horses, 310 head; mules, 10 head, and swine, 1,564 head. The real estate is valued at $123,433; the per- sonalty at $39,679.
This is the wealthiest township in Iowa county when compared with its area and population. The population of Lenox and Washington taken together according to the United States States census of 1880 amounts to only 998, being less by 66 souls than they were in 1870.
PHYSICAL.
The surface is generally level or gently rolling, though in some places there are hills of small height. There is very little timber in the south and west. Price Creek with two small branches constitute the only water-courses. Price Creek rises in Benton county and flows south through the township, thence through Amana, and empties into Iowa River. The surface of no township in Iowa county is better adapted to agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. It gently slopes to the north and all of it may be considered high prairie of superior agricultural capacity.
EARLY SETTLERS.
Frederick Maumann, C. O. Vette, E. H. Schloeman and one Kestfeldt were among the earliest settlers in that part of Iowa county which is now called Lenox. Maumann, Vette and Kestfeldt were chosen by a party of Germans to select a site where they intended to locate as a colony. They erected the first house in the township on Price Creek, section S. Mr. Maumann died in the year 1852, two years before the township was. organ- ized. Mr. Schloeman came from Prussia in 1847. He lived three years in St. Louis then came to Iowa county. In the year 1851 he settled on the southwest quarter of section 5, and there lived in a log house till his present large and imposing residence was built on the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 6. He has a large and highly respected fam- ily, and a fine property which are the merited reward of honest and diligent purpose.
The first minister who came to Lenox was the Rev. Deckhoner. The first sabbath-school was held in District School-house No. 3, and it has been kept up since it was first established.
EARLY EXPERIENCES OF PIONEERS.
The pioneers suffered for the first few years for want of the ordinary comforts of life, and from cold and exposure, because no suitable house at that time could be built. The first wheat and corn raised was hauled to Iowa City and Cedar Rapids with oxen, fording the creeks and rivers, for there were no bridges. Sometimes a party would take a load of wheat over
48
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
frozen ground and ice, through the mud and sloughs, being gone from home a week or more, while their families, impatiently waiting for their return, were compelled to grind buckwheat in a coffee-mill to furnish themselves sustenance. Some of the settlers cut all their hay and grain with the scythe. Their hogs were driven to Iowa City in the winter.
ORGANIZATION.
The organization was effected on the first Monday of April, 1855, the order for the same having been given March 12, previous.
The first election was held at the house of A. H. Fox, and the following were the first officers: trustees, Henry Thomas, John Hasley, Cornelius Jones; clerk, Rolla Johnson; assessor, George H. Thomas.
The first meeting of the board of trustees was held as the house of Alonzo Fox.
Present officers:
Trustees-E. H. Schloeman, Isaac Riley, H. F. Burmeister.
Assessor-J. W. Duro. Clerk-Aug. N. Schloeman.
CHURCH. ,
New German Church-Situated in the extreme southeast corner of section 6, is the first and only church in Lenox township. The church was vir- tually organized in March, 1880. The following are among those connected with the church: Henry Schloeman, E. H. Schloeman, William Schloeman, John Schloeman, Ernest Schloeman, George Bussman, Henry Miller, David Miller, Casper Bockhorst, Henry Uthoff, Charles Uthoff, Frederick Brockschink, Herman Biermann, Christopher Voltz, William Junker, Ber- nard Vette, Henry Schleuter, Henry Groth, William Upmaer. The pres- ent neat and comfortable church edifice was completed in the fall of 1880, at a cost of $1,500. The church is provided with a good bell, is well seated, has a good pulpit, stove and other necessary furniture. Rev. Geo. Bussmann is the present pastor, and C. O. Vette is superintendent. Henry Schloeman conducted the meetings for this people for several years when they were held in the school-house. He died April 25, 1875.
CEMETERY.
The first cemetery in Lenox was the one located in the northwest corner of section 8. The first person buried there was Charles, a son of Gasper Uthoff, in the fall of 1851. This cemetery now contains about seventy graves. There is another cemetery located in the northwest corner of sec- tion 3; it is said to contain about one hundred graves.
SCHOOLS.
The first school-house was the one erected on the southeast corner of sec- tion 2, and built by the neighbors. There are now four school subdistricts
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LENOX TOWNSHIP.
and a good house for each district. During the past year school has been in session seven months, and the average monthly salary was $27. The total enrollment in the four schools was 117, with an average daily at- tendance of 69. One dollar and sixty cents was the average cost of tuition per month for each pupil.
The present list of teachers is: Davis school, Albert Medley; Empire. school, Miss Edith Vette; Excelsior school, F. A. Junker; Hazell Dell school, Miss Bridget Carroll. Among the many well-to-do farmers with good houses and well tilled farms might be mentioned: E. H. Schloeman,. C. O. Vette, J. F. Schlueter, F. W. Brockschink, J. W. Duro, H. Hodger,. J. D. Hagea, D. Leonard.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
H AGEA, JACOB-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 10, P. O. Home- stead. Was born November 9, 1818, in Huntingdon county, Penn- sylvania, and after finishing his education he learned the plasterer's trade. He worked at it till 1854, and then moved to Rock Island county, Illinois, where he again engaged at his trade for some time. Then commenced the mercantile business in Camden Mills which he continued to conduct for nearly three years. In 1857 he came to Iowa and settled where he now lives and owns 127 acres of improved land, including timber, having a. large residence on the same. He has been twice married; first, November 9, 1840, in Pennsylvania, to Miss Rachel Richey, and from this union there are two children: George (married and lives in Lenox township) and Eliza (wife of R. E. Johns). Mr. Hagea buried his wife in Pennsylvania, January 18, 1849. July 2, 1850, he married in Pennsylvania, for his sec- ond wife, Miss Catherine Shriver, a native of Pennsylvania.
RVING ROBERT -- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 1, P. O. Homestead .. I Was born in January, 1814, in Scotland. His parents being poor and having a family of eleven children, he did not enjoy any opportunities for. an education and never attended school but one day. Early in life he en - gaged in mining. In 1845 he came to the United States and engaged in mining in Pennsylvania, where he continued for ten years. In 1853 he came to Iowa and entered his present farm and in 1855 settled where he now lives and owns 240 acres of improved land. He has been twice mar- ried; first, in August, 1834, in England, to Miss Jane Allen, a native of England. They had two children by this union, both now deceased. His wife died in 1839. He married for his second wife, August 3, 1844, in England, Miss Mary Weatherburn, a native of England. Eight children have been born to them, four of whom are now living: Robert, Elizabeth, (widow of William Armstrong), Sarah Jane and Permilla (wife of L. Neuma).
L EONARD, DAVID-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 1, P. O. Norway. Was born December 6, 1836, in Licking county, Ohio, and when eight years old, he with his parents moved to La Salle county, Illinois. He learned the cooper's trade and worked at this and at farming for a live- lihood. In October, 1864, he came to Iowa and engaged in farming in Benton county. In 1865 he moved to Story county, Iowa, where he bought eighty acres of land, and there engaged in the employ of the C. & N. W. Railway, and worked for this company most of the time for three years. In the spring of 1868 he moved to Benton county and engaged in farming near by. In January, 1869, he settled where he now lives and
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
owns 160 acres of well improved land. He was married, in May, 1865, in Marengo, to Miss Martha L. Dutton, a resident of Norway and a native of Illinois. They have six children: Orson A., Floyd M., Lydia E., Vivian L., Stella M., and David D. They have buried one daughter, Florence.
S CHLUETER, J. F .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 6, P. O. Norway. Is a native of Prussia; born September 23, 1819. There, after finish- ing his education, he learned the carpenter's trade and worked at the same until 1844, then came to the United States and settled in Missouri, where he engaged in farming and working at his trade in Lincoln and Warren counties. In 1849 he went to St. Louis, there working at his trade until 1851, when he came to Iowa and settled in what is now Lenox township and became a member of a German colony which continued five years then dissolved for want of means. He then settled where he now lives and owns 320 acres of well improved land. He owns 177 acres of im- proved land in Johnson county. Mr. S. and his family suffered much for want of food the first years of their residence here, often living on milk alone, and at one time they lived three days on turnips, at the same time doing hard work. He was married in 1844, in Missouri, to Miss Mary Voss. They have seven children living: William (married and lives in Jackson county), Henry, Mary (now the wife of Adamn Wolf of Iowa county), Peter, John, Charles and Annie, and have buried five: Harman, Mina and Lina (twins), Mary and John.
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