USA > Iowa > Linn County > The history of Linn county, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &t., a biographical directory of its citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics history of the Northwest etc > Part 39
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We regret exceedingly the inability of Mr. Haskins' friends to furnish the precise time of his coming here; but the failure can in no way reflect upon the authenticity of this work.
At the time Mr. Haskins settled in this county, he was unmarried. He mar- ried twice afterward, and his second wife still resides in Mt. Vernon.
It is singular that neither Mr. Crow nor Jacob Mann were acquainted with the fact of Mr. Haskins' early settlement. It is also strange that ex-Sheriff Gray, whose business in the county led him into every part of it, and who was personally known to all residents, should still regard Mr. Mann as the orig- inal claimant, if Mr. Haskins was entitled to the honor. Especially strange is it that the erroneous publication should have gone uncorrected, except by a brief mention in the Pilot newspaper, some years ago. These thoughts are uttered with no intention of reflecting on the statements of either parties, but because of their significance here.
HOOSIER GROVE SETTLEMENT.
Pioneers crossed the Cedar in 1838, and located in the second township west of the line, in the southern range, being Town 82 north, Range 6 west. The fertile region of what is now known as Putnam Township, and the grove of tim- ber, then deemed indispensable to settlers, caused the first party to locate near the present town of Ely. This company consisted of Elisha Cox and Isham Holler, who claimed land on the creek which ran through the grove. The tim- ber was called "Hoosier Grove." John Holler settled on the present town site of Ely, and lived where Andrew Fahrmeister now does. Isaac Cox located one mile west, and Joseph Cox pushed on for half a mile beyond that claim. Abner Cox settled on the present Frank Lawrence farm.
OTTER CREEK SETTLEMENT.
The wave of settlement flowed westward through the county. In the year 1839, the more venturesome pioneers pushed beyond the locations adjacent to Marion, and on toward the beautiful valley of Otter Creek.
The first claimant to lands in that vicinity was a man named Stephens, who moved there early in 1839, with his wife, who was the first white woman in the Otter Creek region. Stephens afterward sold his claim to Stephen Snooks, who built a cabin on the place now owned by Richard Jackman. The founda- tion of the old house is still visible. Snooks was regarded with disfavor by the settlers of the county, because of his harboring thieves and counterfeiters, and was compelled to flee the country. Mrs. Snooks was a woman of con- siderable personal attractiveness, and found the wilderness too lonely for her. She removed to Cedar Rapids, and there occupied the cabin known as the Shepard house. Of her adventures there, suitable mention is made in the history of Cedar Rapids in this volume. It was she whom the man alluded to as "Fogg " cohabited with.
In the year 1839, the Otter Creek country was sought out by many people. Among the first comers were Michael Green, Bartimeas McGonigle, Henry Nelson, William Chamberlain, Dr. James Cummings, William Sullivan and Perry Oliphant. The latter is still living, the father of eleven children, eight of whom are alive at the present time. Fifty-five grandchildren and twenty-
C
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
seven great-grandchildren constitute the family offspring of this veteran of 28 years. Mr. O. made his first settlement in November, 1839. The first preaching in the neighborhood was done at his house in 1840, by Rev. Mr. Hodges, the pioneer Methodist Episcopal minister, who, accompanied by his brave and devoted wife, made the tour of this county, Jones and Cedar, as a circuit rider. The first school was erected in 1841-2, and opened by William Skinner. At that time, deer and small game were abundant, while elk and buffalo were sometimes seen on the creek.
The promise of those days has been fulfilled in the last thirty-nine years. Otter Creek and Monroe Townships, with the stretch of country north and west to the respective limits of the county, is to-day as fine a region, as man can desire. Near the stream, as is the case with all water courses, the land is somewhat broken and light, but the wood is heavy, the soil of the uplands rich, and the prairies roll in just sufficient gradations to render drainage perfect. The western ranges are as beautiful to the eye as any to be found in Linn County.
THE FIRST WHITE WOMAN,
Sarah Mann, from all reports was something of a character. The daughter of Jacob Mann was masculine in appearance, coarse in nature and uncultivated in manner. She had, as is shown, womanly instincts, but not enough experience in polite society to be altogether a desirable companion for delicate ladies. She was known as "Sall Mann," the country through. One of her specula- tions was to raise cats and sell them to incoming pioneers, who naturally wanted a feline, but could not bring one over the trail. Sall drove quite a trade in this direction, having as many as sixty at a time in her stock. She never achieved the fame or fortune of a Whittington, but she was not devoid of a certain kind of notoriety. The Mann blood contained so decided a trace of the wild nature, that it might have been difficult to have tamed the family down to the conven- tionalities of modern life. Neither time nor place was of a character to improve the good that possibly lay deep in the heart of the original female settler, and one must treat charitably the foibles of the representative of the gentler sex. If Sall did wrong, she undoubtedly did so through no deliberate vice, but rather because of the license of a new country. The mention of her name here is made for the purpose of comparing the present cultured women of Linn with the one who first announced the coming of the grand procession of humanity.
FIRST SURVEY.
In 1838, the Government ordered a survey of the County of Jones and Towns 84, 85 and 86 north, Range 5 west, in Linn County.
FIRST RELIGIOUS SERVICE
The Rev. Christian Troup, a German Lutheran minister, was the first per- son to conduct religious exercises in the county. He settled near the mouth of Spring Creek, in the Summer of 1838, and observed devotional ceremonies during that year at his own cabin.
CASTLES IN THE AIR.
About the strongest inherent passion in the Western mind is to "lay out " a city plat and grow to be a millionaire from the sale of town lots. The fever of speculation broke out early in the new county of Linn. Visions of wealth danced before the eyes of more than one person, and the flood of immigration,
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
which seemed about to turn in that direction, promised to be laden with golden flotsam for some of the fortunate locators.
The survey by Government had not been made, as before stated, and no accurate idea of locality could be obtained ; but it was confidently supposed that a point near the present village of Bertram was not so far from the geographi- cal center of the county as to preclude the possibllity of the seat of justice being some day located there.
With the incentive to work which such a prospect afforded, Israel Mitchell, the claimant of the site in question, planned the first village in Linn County. To the embryo metropolis he attached the name of "Westport." His heart swelled with hope, for beautiful for situation was the location and fair the chances of permanent development. The village dates from July, 1838. To this commercial center of the future naturally gravitated minds of commercial bent ; and here, in the early Fall of 1838, Albert Henry opened
THE FIRST STORE IN THE COUNTY.
The stock of goods carried by him was not so large or valuable as that of several of the jobbing houses now sustained at the Rapids ; but it was, never- theless, the commercial trundle bed of the county, and should be remembered with a degree of respect befitting its title.
About this store in Summer, and around its stove in Winter, many of the pioneers renewed their youth by spinning yarns and smoking pipes of cheap tobacco, but of exceeding profound peace. The prospects of the country, the crops and the town were freely discussed, and by men who were far from being deficient in capacity or judgmert. The pioneers were represented by men of such intelligence as would to-day command respectful attention in any assembly. These superior men necessarily rose to places of honor in public life, and played their respective roles with credit and distinction.
THE FIRST ELECTION.
It was at this store that the first election was held in the county. The poll- ing precinct embraced all of the county, but that was not much to brag of, numerically, then.
The candidates voted for were merely Representatives in the Territorial Leg- islature, and sufficient interest was not taken in the matter to call out the entire strength. Still, a good showing was made, when it is estimated by the distances of those days and the means of traveling. Thirty-two votes were cast. Chas. Whittlesey was elected from this district to the Council, and Robert G. Roberts was chosen to the House.
THE FIRST OFFICIALS.
The first Sheriff appointed by Gov. Lucas was Hosea W. Gray, whose intel- ligence and public spirit received instant recognition. His name figures through- out the history of this county in a conspicuous manner.
John McAfferty was commissioned by the Governor to act as Justice of the Peace, in 1838.
Israel Mitchell was appointed Judge of Probate.
Dr. Socrates H. Tyron, the first physician to come to Linn, was chosen Clerk of the Third Judicial Court, of which Joseph Williams was Judge.
Andrew J. McKean and William Smith were appointed Constables at the first session of the Commissioners' Court, in September, 1839.
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
THE SECOND VILLAGE.
Below is given one version of the location of the site of Cedar Rapids, which is a mooted question among some of the older residents. In the chapter on "Cedar Rapids " is given the other side of the story. This item is given as incidental to the real history, but the information lacks confirmation.
The site of the prosperous city of Cedar Rapids was selected as a " claim " in the Summer of 1838, by a man named William Stone, who attempted to spec- ulate in that manner by going out in advance of bona fide settlers and sticking his claim stakes in desirable localities. Stone had made this sort of pre-emption on the lands where Westport was subsequently planned, but had disposed of that tract and hastened on toward the rapids of Cedar River. Upon the bank of the stream, on what is now Commercial street, Stone made a rude hut. Later in the season of 1838, a man named Osgood Shepard "jumped " Stone's claim and lived in the original log house. From this fact arises the conflict of opinion relative to Shepard's title of " first settler."
Stone rose to the dignity of the occasion, and proposed a town upon his claim, little dreaming that one would spring up thereon and grow to the dimen- sions and beauty of Cedar Rapids.
The name decided on by Stone was " Columbus," and the date of his effort is set down in man's recollection as the Summer or early Fall of 1838. Nothing came of the boasted village project, and before the snow fell, Stone had relin- quished his claim to Shepard.
In the Winter of 1838-39, the town of Marion was located, although the name was not given until the September following. The record of this appears in the chapter on " Organization," as well as in the paper on the settlement of Marion.
PERSONAL SKETCHES.
ROBERT OSBORN
built his cabin on Big Creek in March, 1838, and on the 2d day of Septem- ber, 1838, his daughter Maria, the
FIRST WHITE CHILD BORN IN THE COUNTY,
saw the light. Naturally, the question of priority is disputed in this matter. It has been asserted that Mrs. McCartney was delivered of a daughter in July of that year, but careful inquiry fails to substantiate that claim. Several of the first settlers on Big Creek are positive in their belief that this is a mistake. Accepting, therefore, the plainly recorded date furnished by Mr. Osborn, who unquestionably located in Linn Grove in March, just after Jacob Mann made his claim, we make the foregoing declaration.
The second child was a son of Jacob Lebo, who located in the same neigh- borhood early in the Summer of 1838.
PERRY OXLEY
located on Big Creek, where he still resides, March 6, 1838. His wife, Cath- erine, who came with him, is also living, surrounded by a numerous family. Mr. Oxley confirms the above statements.
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
OSGOOD SHEPARD
figures extensivly in the early history of the county. He was a large man, shrewd, cunning and of more than average intelligence. His eye was small and dark, piercing as that of a snake. His hair was red and his whole appear- ance indicated a rugged constitution. He was, undoubtedly, identified with the gang of counterfeiters and horse thieves which infested the country, but no evidence is in existence showing his active employment with the band. His hut on the river became a sort of tavern for the men engaged in the nefarious business. He married a woman in the East and brought her to the Rapids, where the recollection of her sayings and doings is still vivid in the minds of the first settlers. This woman claims to have given birth to the first white child born in the county, but stubbornness of facts compels one to say that such a dis- tinction was physically impossible, and that she must have been in ignorance of the domestic life of the settlers in Linn Grove.
ANDREW J. M'KEAN
dates his residence in Linn County from September, 1838. He first settled near the Cedar County line, southeast of Mt. Vernon of to-day, on the south side of Yankee Grove. Mr. McKean became one of the leading spirits of that section, and participated in important events relative to the development of the county. In 1854, he became Clerk of the Courts and held the office until 1873, a term of service so long as to demonstrate the character and standing of the gentle- man. He is now engaged in mercantile business in Marion, having concluded to make that his permanent home.
THE CONE FAMILY.
Among the original settlers of the county were Norris and Ann Cone, who came from New England, and reached here in February, 1839. Mr. Cone stopped at Mrs. Williams' place, and remained there five weeks, enjoying such few comforts as were afforded by a shelter-it could not be styled a house- 14x16 feet in size, and which was already occupied by the proprietress and her family, etc. Mr. Cone purchased a claim to a beautiful tract of land, with timber in abundance, in southeastern Marion, of Mr. Osborn, giving thirty dollars for the location. As the Cones were in easy circumstances and had horses, cows and hogs, with ready money for cases of need, they began on what may be called a fine scale; but the best of life then was a trifle below modern standard. After a five weeks' stay with Mrs. Williams, the family moved into their new palace of logs, which had received little or no " chinking," and felt the happiness of being their own masters. In this house, on the 12th day of April, 1839, Mrs. Cone gave birth to a son, George W., who is still living, and is the
THIRD WHITE CHILD BORN IN THE COUNTY.
Three days after the birth of George, the father and every male in the neigh- borhood were compelled to go to Davenport for provisions. This trip lasted two weeks. Mrs. Cone was left with two children besides the babe. A day or two after Mr. Cone started, one of the boys was taken violently ill with inflam- mation of the brain. In her weak condition, Mrs. Cone was obliged to care for both the invalid and the babe. Dr. Tryon shortly afterward came in, and won the grateful respect of the poor mother, by his care of the boy. The lad escaped death, but never recovered his health, although he is still living. Among other illustrative incidents connected with the family experience may be cited the loss of their stable, erected at a later date, with a large quantity of hay, flour, pro-
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
visions and farm implements. This loss did not dishearten the brave settlers. They repaired the damages which the fire had wrought, and set to work in earnest to make a home of their crude place. Mrs. Cone equaled her husband in energy and pluck, and numerous are the stories told of her life there. She became accustomed to the ways of the Western world ; dressed her boys in fawn- skin clothes, and, as she remarked, made up her mind " not to be frightened by owls." She captured a swarm of bees, waged war upon the innumerable host of rattlesnakes that infested the locality, and played the part of a thrifty, careful housewife generally; while her husband attended to the duties of his farm. After the survey, it was found that the house was placed upon Section 16, and must be removed to Section 21. Their religious opportunities were poor, but the family used to enjoy little meetings of their own in the adjoining grove. Many a time did the mother carry her babe to Westport, that she might hear the preaching of some missionary. The verdict of this family is that those times were far from unenjoyable, because their heart was in the work.
THE BASSITT FAMILY.
James Bassitt and wife came to the county in March, 1839. Mrs. B. was the
FIRST WHITE WOMAN TO CROSS INDIAN CREEK,
a stream which flows south through the center of the county and empties into the Cedar, in Bertram Township.
Two weeks after the Bassitts came, the Lucores arrived, and stopped with the former. Lucore had come on the season before and staked his claim, and, on his arrival, he found that Ira Leverich had " jumped " it, or, in other words, made a secondary claim upon it. This was a grave offense in those primitive days, when law existed only in the vague recollections of the pioneers. Mr. L. asserted his rights, and Leverich finally yielded, taking up his residence with the Lucores.
It is remarked that on the 2d of April, 1839, the prairies were green, and the entire land was a flower garden of brightest coloring. Plant succeeded plant in rapid order, and the broad expanse was a waving mass of bloom. Nature has so economized as to produce, from early Spring to Fall, beautiful flowers and grasses. The spectacle of a native prairie in full blossom is one which will soon be of those things which are past; but the memory of the vision can never fade in the minds of those who were greeted with the sight in the early times.
In those days, people " neighbored" ten miles or more. Ox sleighs in Winter and ox carts in Summer carried merry loads over the trackless prairies for the purpose of enjoying a social party or to join in harvest festivities. "We were like brothers and sisters, then," remarked one old lady. Life was made the most of. If the modern belle, who wearies over a game of croquet, was compelled to seek her social pleasure under the disadvantages of those times, but little would be experienced.
Rufus H. and Sarah Ann Lucore came from Pennsylvania in 1839, as before stated. After a long and tiresome journey, by way of the canal, to Portsmouth, Cairo and the Mississippi, they reached Davenport. This trans- pired about eighteen months before they came to Linn County. In the year above mentioned, they located on a claim north of Marion, April 2, 1839. Mrs. Lucore still lives, a typical representative pioneer. She is the mother of seventeen children, twelve of whom are living. From the lips of Mrs. Lucore the writer obtained many interesting facts relative to the early days-facts
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
which are woven into the thread of this history in appropriate places. Mr. Lucore entered the service as Captain of Company H, in the gallant Twentieth Regiment. Three sons and a nephew were with him. Mr. L. returned from the war, and died at home December 26, 1863. He was a large, vigorous man, and was intelligent, honorable and greatly respected by all who knew him.
About the 1st of April, 1839, Joseph H. and John Listebarger reached Cedar Rapids. They were both single men, and lived together in a cabin erected on the west side of the river. The cabin was built in May or June after the brothers arrived. They resided there for three years or more.
Subsequently, Isaac Listebarger, brother of the above, came to the county and located near the Rapids.
Joseph Clark and family, consisting of his wife, Abigail, and his children, Seymour, Ormus, Evoline, Sarepta, Warren F. and Homer L., came in August, 1839. The Wapsipinicon was the objective point, and there the settlement was effected. The point in the river at this place was long called Clark's Ford, but is now known as Central City. Mr. Clark erected a primitive grist-mill, by selecting a "hollow gum," and placing in the trunk of the tree a stone. Upon this was placed another stone, which was operated by a long sweep and turned on a pivot. With this simple machine, so familiar to the older readers of this book, the family was supplied with meal. They had no wheat, as they came too late for the securing of a crop. Near their house was a small lake, which was the resort of innumerable water fowl. Game was abundant.
George Greene came to the county in 1839, and located at Ivanhoe, as school teacher and lawyer. He soon became an influential member of the band of pioneers.
THE LEVERICH BROTHERS,
Joel and James, were among the most notorious residents in the county, in 1839. Joel chose the site of Judge Greene's magnificent farm, and settled there. Had he devoted his time to honest pursuits, or even spiced his daily life with acts of reputable character, he might have been an honor to the com- munity. Instead of using his extraordinary talents in legitimate ways, he chose to be the leader of a gang which preyed on society. He was, beyond question, the head center of the band of freebooters and counterfeiters in that region. He never stole horses or made bogus money, but his willing tools looked up to him as their guide and protector. He is described as a man of commanding presence, who could so impress those with whom he came in contact, that a piece of bad money would be taken from him without question. He controlled elections in this county. As Joel Leverich went, so went Linn.
An anecdote is related by Mr. Earl, which at least establishes the fact of Leverich's connection with the horse thieves. One dark night, in the year 1840, Mr. E. was aroused from his slumbers by a loud shouting on the river, in the rear of his house, in Cedar Rapids. Taking a lantern in his hand, he went out of doors, and there found a gang of several men, who had six horses. The conduct of the party was so suspicious that Mr. Earl placed himself in a guarded position and responded to the inquiries of the men. They landed the horses, which had been forced through the river, and ascertained their where- abouts. They inquired for Jo Leverich, and were given the necessary instruc- tions for finding his house. The men mounted their animals and drove off in the direction of the mound, where their evident chief then lived. A day or two later, Mr. Earl visited Marion, and while there was introduced by Mr. Lev- erich to a party of "friends" who were "visiting" that gentleman. Leverich
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY.
made no secret of his acquaintance with the fellows, but rather seemed disposed to exhibit them to all his Marion associates. The horses, it is needless to add. were not seen by any of the Marion people.
GENERAL SKETCHES.
May 17, 1839, Nathan Brown and family joined their relatives who had located in Linn Grove the year preceding, and took up part of the three-mile claim. Horace N. Brown, who still resides there, was then 17 years of age.
The sale of lands surveyed in this county was advertised to take place in January, 1840. Because of the difficulties of transportation, the settlers peti- tioned to have the sale postponed until the Summer of that year. The petition was granted.
Judge Greene volunteered his time to go to Washington and have the sale of lands transferred to Marion, from Dubuque-a wise provision. The Judge succeeded in his mission and won the grateful respect of his fellow pioneers, who saved hundreds of dollars by the change. This was a very characteristic act on the part of Mr. Greene.
Gilbert Travis, about the time Mr. Brown came here, also located on the tim- ber lands, west of the site of Springville, and named the stream which flows through the place " Crab Apple Creek," which name still remains attached to the stream and grove.
Andrew Kramer came to this county in the Fall (about October 1st) of 1839. The claim owned by him was made in the Spring of that year, but the family did not take up their residence upon it until the later date. The location chosen was in Linn Grove, and is still occupied by Lewis Kramer, a son of the pioneer. Mr. Kramer's family consisted of fifteen persons, and of that large party all are living to-day except a child of Mrs. Lutz, daughter of Mr. Kramer, and the heads of the household. Mr. Kramer died in Septem- ber, 1872, and his wife followed him to the grave in August, 1877. This remarkable instance of healthfulness proves that the privations of frontier life were, after all, conducive to strength and vigor.
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