USA > Iowa > Polk County > The history of Polk County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., biographical sketches of its citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men > Part 75
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JOHN B. SAYLOR was the first settler in the grove, and the township that bears his name. He came in time to find employment in furnishing hay for the horses of the dragoons at the old Fort Des Moines. Now one might conjecture that this pioneer was a rough, unpolished man. Far from it- John Saylor would have been an ornament to any community of people anywhere in the United States. He was a christian, gentlemanly man, a most earnest patriot, interested in every good thing, schools and churches receiving a share of his attention.
SOLOMON BALES, another old settler of Saylor township, a quiet and in- dustrious citizen; he emigrated to Kansas about the time of the close of the war, and is still among the living, I trust.
W. F. AYRES came to the county among the first emigrants. Ayres' grove is named after him, where he located at an early day, but returned to Des Moines and made there his home for many years. Mr. Ayres was a very worthy man and his wife a most worthy woman. Unless a different impression is given by the careful historian, and the truth concerning the pioneers of our county emphasized, the world in the far future will look upon the pioneer settlers as almost wild men, hairy visaged, with long un- combed hair, and fierce of aspect, little removed from the Indian in un- couthness. But the contrary is true of these men. Mr. Ayres was a fair specimen of the Western emigrant of that day-of the big-hearted old set- tler. A kindly man, gentle, no rough corners about him; the years to come can show but little, if any, advance in softness and gentleness of character beyond the old pioneers; men acquainted with and akin to nature, and like nature in the West, attractive and genial.
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JAMES SHERMAN, one of nature's big-hearted noblemen-I see him as if but yesterday, behind the counter of the pioneer merchant's store. His sons may well remember and honor the kind old father, and the citizen grate- fully remember the too generous friend.
DR. T. K. BROOKS, a fitting word for himI would gladly say-what a genial, good-natured, sunshiny man! It does seem strange that one like Dr. Brooks, who might be considered a fixed part and necessary portion of Des Moines-how strange to see him on the streets no more! Soon only will remain the blocks of buildings to keep up the identity of the city; the real old town will be gone from view; the men that built it up we shall see no more. Other men will walk the streets, but how sacred the duty of the new race of men to keep alive the recollections of those who have passed beyond our sight! In every good work for the popular welfare Dr. Brooks took a deep interest. A word expresses it all: He was foremost in every worthy enterprise.
. The writer has only in view to present hasty recollections of old-time friends; he must name CAPTAIN NASH. Here is a genuine man, independent, honest, out-spoken, transparent, blunt, earnest, patriotic, ironical when shams and shoddy came up to be remarked upon; no hypocrite was Capt. Nash. He was an old-fashioned Democrat, an old-fashioned man. How many memories flit across my mind.
MR. FAGEN, MR. SHAW, and MR. WHEELER, of Walnut township, I recall to view. Where may we look for men more worthy of being held in kindly remembrance than these? Sturdy farmers, good citizens. Their children are all respected men and women. Like their fathers, they reach after the high and noble, nobility of character.
DR. COURTNEY seems to call to me for 'a grateful word -- my old-time friend. How changed is Des Moines since the Doctor left us in 1854 or '55. Could he come back and walk again the streets of Des Moines how strange would the city seem. He would meet a few old friends. Let me name those who would most likely give him greeting: P. M. Casady, J. A. Nash, Hoyt Sherman, L. P. Sherman, Barlow Granger, D. O. Finch, W. W. Moore, Byron Rice, A. S. Vorse, J. H. Mc- Clelland, Thos. H. Napier, Wm. H. McHenry, Wesley Redhead, Jonathan Lyon, W. W. Jones, W. W. Williamson, James Smith, John H. Given, F. R. West, H. L. Whitman, R. L. Tidrick, H. Y. Smith, Peter Newcomer, A. Harris, Thos. Mitchell, John Hays, E. Keeler, Wm. Buzick, John Ben- nett, Benj. Bennett, Wm. Hughes, James Campbell, Allen W. Hobson, J. C. Savery, Franklin Nagle, Taylor Pierce. Many, many faces he would not see. "Where," he would ask "are Van, Fredrick, Overman, Shaw, Shep- ard, Myers, J. C. Jones, Winters, B. F. Allen, Cooper, Mckay, Marvin?" etc., etc. The answer would be, "gone west."
DR. COURTNEY was well known to all the early inhabitants of the county. My recollection of him is of a clear-headed, intelligent, kind-hearted man.
FATHER GORDON, a venerable man, an earnest, devoted christian, lived in the north part of the present site of Des Moines, then-1854-far in the country. He died in 1855 or '56. The writer was then a boy, but Father Gordon impressed his young mind with a peculiarly reverential respect for the good old man. He remembers the eloquence of the good old gentleman in prayer at the Methodist meetings-how full of the broad, christian, be- nevolent spirit of " charity for all and malice toward. none." He believed
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in the all-conquering power of love, and at a time when the " wrath of God" made up the bulk of the religious vocabulary. None of this " wrath" was found in the language, prayers or exhortations of Father Gordon.
WILLIAM DUANE WILSON, another venerable man whose name I mention with sincere respect. He died about the year 1876-had been a resident of Des Moines about twenty years. For many years editor of the Iowa Homestead, an agricultural journal. Father Wilson was the chief promoter of the Grange organization in Iowa. The name of William Duane Wilson sent as indorser of the movement made the farmers take hold with confi- dence, and six thousand granges sprang up in Iowa in the space of a few months. This man's long life was devoted to the public good.
MARK MILLER preceded Mr. Wilson as editor of the Homestead. Mr. Miller was, too, an early settler-a gentlemanly man, devoted to his call- ing. He brought up a large family of children, who inherit their father's industry and good name. He died April, 1875.
SOLOMON STUTZMAN, an old resident of the county, who died about the year 1856 or 1857-was the first proprietor of the Des Moines House, on the West Side, corner of Walnut and First streets. He lived at Polk City in 1849-50, where he built a saw mill on Big Creek. Mr. Stutzman was a man of irreproachable life and character-enterprising and industrious.
ALEXANDER BOWERS was for many years a big spoke in the wheel of Des Moines. Uncle Alex. had control of the principal hall-he figured largely in political matters, was highly respected by the public. He was a safe man to entrust with any responsibility. He carefully did his duty, " hewing to the line." Careful and saving of his money, Mr. Bowers became well off, and when he died left his good wife comfortably provided for. I think Mr. Bowers had no children.
THE LAIRD BROTHERS-there were four of them in business in Des Moines at an early day, two of these men are dead-Madison R. and J. W.
MADISON R. LAIRD served in the army as a member of the Sixteenth Iowa infantry. Though holding the office of lieutenant, he took a musket and fought as a private at Shiloh. A comrade said, "Whenever M. R. Laird took aim and fired, down would come a plug hat"-many of the "John- nies" wore plug hats.
JOHN W. LAIRD was a true and honorable man-upright and ready ever to help a friend-glad to accommodate whoever needed accommodation. He seemed to be the chief of the firm of the " Laird Brothers." He was never married, nor was his brother, Madison R. They were both comparatively young-not above thirty-five-when they died.
STEWART GOODRELL, one of the Commissioners that located the capital at Des Moines, was a member of the Iowa Legislature at one time. A prom- inent man in politics and a citizen of prominence, he deserves a more ex- tended notice than I have space to give.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL N. B. BAKER, the great-souled old patriot, once Gover- nor of New Hampshire and afterward member of the Iowa Legislature, held for many years and during the entire war the high and responsible position of Adjutant-General of the State of Iowa. His heart responded to all the wants of the soldier, nor would he allow a wrong to the humblest private to go unredressed when abused by his superior officers. He stood as tribune for the Iowa boys before sworn into the United States service. I have my- self seen him interfere and prevent their being punished by the officers im- mediately over them while in barracks number nine. General Baker will
Isaac Brandt
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have a proud monument erected to his memory by Iowa soldiers, and I trust the account of his life will be carefully written, remembering the great good General Baker has done his country.
HARRY STEVENSON, G. W. CLEVELAND and WILLIAM GALBRAITH, three old settlers, deserve mention equally with the others I have named, and there are many other names crowding on me for mention. But I cannot give all of them the attention they deserve: Father Lewis, Ezra Rathbun, John Jack, Curtis Bates, Father Fox, Bryan Hawley and F. R. Prentice.
MR. LEWIS settled three miles northwest of Des Moines, on a farm, in a very early day. All remember him as a good and true man. EZRA RATH- BRN, the pioneer Methodist preacher, the first to proclaim the gospel in the county, died quite recently, respected and loved by all who knew him. JOHN JACK was a great worker in city politics. He had lived many years in the county when he died. CURTIS BATES, one of the first lawyers to come to Des Moines, and one of the first men in the scale of manhood, was can- didate for Governor of Iowa on the Democratic ticket in 1854 and was beaten by Mr. Grimes. MR. Fox, a true and upright man, died in 1875, I think. BRYAN HAWLEY resided near Rising Sun. He is well deserving of honorable mention-a true and devoted citizen -- and MR. PRENTICE, 25 years a resident of the county, maintained a high place in the esteem of the peo- ple of Polk county.
As late as 1853 Des Moines was a small village of not more than five hundred inhabitants. Second street, from Court Avenue south, contained all the business houses. At the terminus of this street, south, bordering on 'Coon river, on the east side of the street, Mr. Good had a little drug store in a rough shanty. Next to his, on the east, was a small two-story frame, yet standing, in which a store had been kept, but occupied in 1853 as the printing office of the Iowa Star newspaper. On the "point" was a doggery, kept by Burt Campbell. Mr. Wm. Cruz had a small blacksmith shop be- tween this doggery and the printing office. But west as far as to what is now Seventh street, extended 'Coon Row, block houses or cabins for sol- diers' quarters, neat double log cabins with a court between. After the evacuation of the fort by the soldiers those cabins were occupied as homes for the pioneer settlers of Fort Des Moines. These houses stood in the shape of a V along the Des Moines and 'Coon rivers to the "point"-or junction of those streams. It has been but a short time since the last one was torn down.
Between Market street and Court Avenue on Second, were located the principal stores. On the east side of the street, next to Market, was Mr. Overman's store, then the store of W. W. Moore, then the post-office and book store of Wesley Redhead. Mr. R. kept a few school books and a small assortment of literary works, in the same room with the post- office, a small room, about fifteen by twenty feet in size. A little room adjoining, about as large, he occupied as his residence. A little further north Mr. B. F. Allen sold goods in a small frame building, one story high. Next, R. W. Sypher had his store. On the east side of this street Mr. Kavenough kept a bakery, and there was a little toy store also; this the writer remembers.
On the west side of Second street, opposite Mr. Allen's store, James Campbell sold dry goods and groceries. Mr. Granvil Holland also had a store on this side of the street. Barlow Granger had his law office over one
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of the stores, and Madison Young held his justice's court also over one of the store rooms in second street.
In this court the writer first remembers seeing T. E. Brown, who ap- peared in a suit instituted by himself against the Stage Company in the spring of 1854.
This, then, is a picture of Des Moines in October, 1853:
A small row of frame, one-story buildings along Second street. Soldier cabins and a few little frame and log dwellings scattered over the bottom; under the hills towards the north and west, cornfields. Judge Mckay lived away back from town in a field. His house stood on the same spot at the end of Eighth street, which is now occupied by the beautiful home of Mr. Getchell. Next to Mr. W. W. Moore's, and near the Presbyterian church, not far off and surrounded by a cornfield, was the modest home of Dr. Grimmel. East of this, at the terminus of Fifth street north, Rev. J. A. Nash had a nursery of fruit trees and a little cultivated field, with a rude shed in one corner for an ice house. This was out of town. A handsome row of large maples along by the residence of Isaac Cooper were planted in front of this orchard, or plat of ground, by Mr. Nash. They are the largest maple shade trees growing in Des Moines.
Mr. Nash lived out, retired from the business part of town, in a cabin, just across the alley, west of where is now Exchange Block. Dr. Shaw lived in a cabin out of town, no farther back than between Sixth and Seventh streets. The court-house stood out of town-south of the public square-an open spot of ground, in which the Sac and Fox Indians per- formed a war dance in the summer of 1854. On the west side of the square were a few frame shanties-the best one was occupied by Mr. G. Holland as a residence. In a little house, just where Judge Gray built his brick residence, resided Mr. Davis. Here, in the winter of 1853-54, was brought home his son-shot through the head, an accident. He killed himself while out hunting. He was a boy about fourteen years old. The furthest house west in the town was a cabin on the present site of the Third Ward school-house. A cornfield was to the west of this, and a house up a lane toward the west, in the midst of the field, away out of town, to be sure, far off in the country it appeared to the writer-then a boy. Now the place of the cornfield is in almost the geographical center of Des Moines.
On the East Side Mr. Scott had a farm. A grave-yard was on the hill, about the place occupied now by the Capital City Hotel. Here in the sum- mer of 1854 the graves were dug open and the remains of the dead re- moved. The writer passed by while the dead were being dug up. One coffin was above ground. Hundreds of people came to see it. It was open. It was the coffin of a Frenchman who had died twelve years before. His body was petrified. His face was perfect-eyes closed-a long mustache on his upper lip, all perfect. I tapped on his face with my finger. It sounded like striking on a gourd. It appeared to be a shell. It was hard as stone.
East Des Moines north of Walnut street was thick woods. Mr. Zegler had a pottery about the east end of the Valley Railroad bridge, and it may be he had a little residence-a cabin-also there. Shepard's mill was also built and running-the same that was burnt down a year or two ago. Scott had a double log cabin southwest of Capitol Hill. But the "bottom," southwest of the capitol, was fenced-a corn-field in 1853.
But what most interested the writer in Des Moines at that time was the
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school-Des Moines Academy. Rev. J. A. Nash was principal, and Mrs. Nash his assistant. Twenty-six years have passed, but the faces of the scholars of that school seem before me now-the girls bright and beautiful -the boys beaming with hope and joy. I will name a few of the pupils: Miss Laura Lyon, Miss Emma Taylor-these two were the soul of the school, so ambitious. There were many other bright girls-the Misses Shaw, the Misses Ayers, Miss Ashford, Miss Fagan, Miss Smith, Miss Sy- her, Miss Holland.
Of the boys I recall the names of "Guy" and Harry Ayers, George Sneer, George Grimmel, Jesse Fuller, Mr. Ramsay, Harry Lyon, Aquilla Huffman, the Thompson boys, Porter Webb, Charley Hepburn.
This was the first high school in Des Moines. Mrs. Bird and Mrs. Kearns had gone before as devoted teachers. Mrs. Bird yet was conduct- ing her excellent school for girls and boys. There were no free schools then in Iowa.
The churches of Des Moines at that time were Presbyterian and Meth- odist, small buildings. The Presbyterian church was the better-a hand- some frame building of 40x60, perhaps. It stood next door south of where Mills' block now is. It was was burnt down in 1868.
CHAPTER XII.
TOWNSHIPS, CITIES AND TOWNS.
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP.
UNTIL comparatively modern times that portion of Polk county now known as Bloomfield township was a part of Des Moines township. At that time Des Moines township included within its boundaries nearly one quarter of the territory of the county and more than half the population. It comprised what now comprises Saylor, Valley, Webster, Walnut, Bloom- field and Des Moines townships.
It was during the existence of the County Judge system, probably in the spring of 1856, when a number of citizens of the county lying southwest of the Des Moines river and south of Raccoon, petitioned for the formation of a new township. The Judge considering that the convenience of the voters of that region would be greatly benefited thereby, ordered that the new township should be organized at the following election. The name Bloom- field was designated as the name, and the following boundaries:
" Beginning where the range line running south between ranges twenty- three and twenty-four crosses the Des Moines river; then up said river to the corner of sections thirteen, fourteen, eleven and twelve in township seventy-eight north, of range twenty-four west; thence west on the section line between sections eleven and fourteen, and still west until said line strikes 'Coon river; thence up said 'Coon river to the west line of Polk county; thence south to the southwest corner of said county; thence east to the southeast corner of township seventy-eight north, of range twenty-four west; thence north along the east line of said township until said line strikes the Des Moines river; thence up the middle of the main channel of the Des Moines river to the place of beginning."
Samuel Bell was appointed special constable, whose duty it was to post
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the notices of election and provide other things connected with the affairs- of organization. The house of Samuel Bell was designated as the place for holding the first election. .
Bloomfield township comprises about the same amount and identical ter- ritory of which it was composed when it was first organized. It is township seventy-eight, range twenty-four, and township seventy-eight, range twenty- five, south of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, except so much of town- ship seventy-eight, range twenty-four as is comprised in the city limits of the city of Des Moines.
James Smith, the pioneer nurseryman of Iowa, pulled up stakes in Del- aware township and removed to what is now Bloomfield township, which was then a part of Des Moines. Mr. Smith is represented as being a whole- souled and honorable man, whose word is as good as his bond. When he located at his new home he extended his business, and did probably more- than any other one man in the State to practically establish the fact that Iowa soil and Iowa climate were favorable for fruit raising. It was through his influence that his neighbors first, and then the settlers throughout that whole region of country planted extensive orchards. It was owing to the numerous large orchards which Mr. Smith induced his neighbors to plant that the new township organized in 1856 was called Bloomfield.
This township is one of the largest in the county, and in point of popula- tion and wealth it ranks, if not among the first, at least above the average- There is probably not in any other part of the county such a wide extent of productive, well cultivated and unbroken country. It is considerably more than a congressional township in size and is unbroken by any streams or bluffs except along its north and east boundary lines, where the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers wash its borders. Two small streams, which furnish water for stock and vary the scenery without injuring any farms, fllow through the township. They are Yader Creek, emptying into the Des Moines, and Four Mile Creek, flowing north and emptying into the Rac- coon.
SEVASTOPOL.
This town was laid out by James Sherman in May, 1862. It is located on the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section fifteen, and a portion on section ten, all of township seventy-eight, range twenty-four. Although it may properly be considered as a part of Des Moines, since it is but one mile from the court-house and just across 'Coon river from the southern limits of the city, yet it is not, in fact, a part, but is apart and independent therefrom. It is situated in the midst of the coal mining region, and has steadily yet continually grown, until now it has a population of over five hundred souls.
BLOOMFIELD CHAPEL.
This is a frame church building which was erected during the years of 1869 and 1870, at a cost of about $3,000. The church belongs to the Meth- odist denomination, and at the time it was built there were but thirteen members, some of whom were as follows: E. Jones and wife, M. W. Mil- ler and wife, William Campfield and wife, H. P. Moore and wife and J. Bailey and wife. This was the first church built in Bloomfield township. Present membership, thirty-five.
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ELM GROVE CHURCH.
This is a Baptist organization and was first formed in April, 1871. The persons composing the first organization were U. McKay, M. A. McKay, Daniel Conklin, Nancy Conklin, J. T. Updike, Mrs. Updike, Lucy Updike, G. M. Dawd, J. V. Dawd, Christina Smith, Emily Smith, Jane Bentley, and J. H. Cannon. Uriah Mckay and J. F. Childs have been pastors. The congregation now is without a church building, and meets at the Elm Grove school-house, on section 36, where there is also a Sunday-school every Sunday at 9:30 A. M. There are regular preaching services every alternate Sabbath. The present membership numbers about forty.
ALLEN TOWNSHIP.
It has already been stated that Allen township was named in honor of Capt. Allen, who erected the first government building at Raccoon Fork, and had command of the garrison at Fort Des Moines during the time that that place was a military post.
Allen township was first organized in 1848, and comprised that part of congressional township 78, range 23, which lies south of the Des Moines river, and all of township 77, range 23, which is now in Warren county. In 1852 when the southern tier of townships was transferred to Warren county there became two Allen townships, township 77, range 23, Allen township in Warren county, and that part of township 78, range 23, which lies south of the Des Moines, Allen township in Polk county. The region of country included within the bounds of this township is exceedingly fer- tfle and most favorably situated. Outside of the larger towns there is no other portion of territory of equal size in the county which sustains so large a population. It was in the bounds of this township that the Chief Keo- kuk resided for a time, and the large stretch of open prairie between North river and the Des Moines was known as Keokuk Prairie, and the large bend in the Des Moines river, within the interior of which Uncle John Church started a town of great pretensions, and which prospered till it was drowned out, was known as Keokuk's Bend. John D. McGlothlen and his brother came to this prairie in July, 1846, and although some temporary improve- ments had been made prior to that time, they may be regarded as the first settlers. J. D. McGlothlen was for some time a member of the Board of County Commissioners, and during the long time which he resided there, from 1846 till a few years ago when he died, he was one of the most enter- prising and prosperous citizens of the county. His first claim was on sec- tion 27. Mr. McMahen came in 1846, and settled on section 28. James McRoberts settled on section 33 in the same year; Aaron Copic also took his first claim on section 33; also Owen Osborne. B. Edgerton settled on section 31; William Compton on section 27; he afterward removed to Madison county where he died about one year ago.
The ague was very prevalent in this portion of the country at an early day, especially in that portion of the township bordering on the river. It was no unusual thing for whole families to be down sick at the same time.
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