USA > Iowa > Van Buren County > The history of Van Buren County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c, a biographical directory of citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics history of the Northwest, history of Iowa &c > Part 56
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As to the missing books : it is a matter of evidence that Israel Kister placed them in Mr. Hall's saddle-bags, during the heated discussion, probably with no real intention to steal them at the time, but supposing that they would be dis- covered before Hall left. They were not detected, and the lawyer rode away with them. It was then too late to acknowledge the error, and so the case stood until accident brought them to light.
The Whig papers made furious onslaught against the Democrats over the affair, and there is but little doubt that it caused a decidedly good political war- . cry during those days. Dr. Flint was openly charged with having burned the books, and Barber was figuratively drawn and quartered continuously. The vigorous attacks upon Barber finally undermined his health and he died, a victim of mistaken sense of duty. Dr. Flint's career in the county of Wapello was one of considerable importance, until he was guilty of eloping, it is alleged, with a lady of his acquaintance, although he was an old man at the time. It is believed that he died, some years since, in Canada.
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HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY.
THE KNEELAND MOVEMENT.
In January, 1834, Abner Kneeland, a former Orthodox minister, who had become an unbeliever, established himself at the head of a society in Boston called the " Free Inquirers." The organ of this society was called the Inves- tigator. Of course, this departure from the good old ways aroused popular resentment, and Kneeland was indicted December 20, 1833, on the grounds of publishing : 1. A scurrilous extract from Voltaire ridiculing the miraculous generation of Jesus. 2. An article declaring the practice of addressing prayers to God to be absurd. 3. A letter to the editor of the Tempest, in which he says : " Universalists believe in a god (sic) which I do not; but believe that their god (sic), with all his moral attributes (aside from nature itself), is nothing more than a chimera of their own imagination."
On this indictment Kneeland was tried, found guilty and sentenced to three months' imprisonment. From this he appealed, but he was finally sentenced for two months A petition for his release was drawn up and signed by William Ellery Channing and 167 others ; but this was rejected.
In 1837-38, a scheme was set on foot by the Investigator to found a colony at Salubria, about two miles south of Farmington, in this county. A levy of $10 was made upon each member of the society, to further this scheme, and among the first commissioners sent out were Abner Kneeland, E. Cutler, S. Smith, James W. Rice and Mr. Tower. But disagreements arose in the soci- ety, and the scheme fell through, the colony in the mean time going to ruin. During its existence, however, it had some political influence, but now it has few survivors. The town of Salubria was a regular lithographed town, and was laid out by Mr. Kneeland, in Boston, and was mostly owned there. Its site is now only the common open country.
Mr. Kneeland died August 27, 1844, aged seventy years, and is buried on his own soil, with his wife beside him. She was the mother of James W. Rice, one of the same band who came out originally from Boston. Mr. Kneeland was a man of more than usual ability, a radical and individual thinker, and one whose strong opinions amounted to positive convictions. At that period, there was less latitude in religious matters than at the present day, and a liber- alist, by an open avowal of his lack of belief, placed a wider chasm between himself and the people at large than it would be possible to do in modern times. But Mr. Kneeland's sincerity, which is conceded, has gone far toward softening the severity of judgment which at one time. set in heavily against him, and what was sterling in his character is respected in his memory.
THE VAN BUREN COUNTY PRESS.
The first paper. ever published in Van Buren County was at Keosauqua. It was called the Jowa Democrat and Des Moines River Intelligencer.
In July, 1843, James Shepherd started from Springfield, Ill., for the West, and on his way to Iowa was met by Cyrus Walker, who recommended Keosau- qua as a good point to start a newspaper. Mr. Shepherd arriving at this place, a meeting was called, and the prospectus left with William Steele, a merchant, old citizen and Democrat of Keosauqua, to procure subscribers. It was the intention of Mr. Shepherd to have the paper advocate the Democratic principles of the day, and run it under the name of the Democratic Union.
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HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY.
On his return to Springfield, he sent the material and printing press West by means of an ox-team and wagon, in care of his son, Jesse M. Shepherd, and J. L. T. Mitchell, a young man who was to receive one-half the profits of the concern to compensate for his labor. Mr. Shepherd instructed his son not to allow any person the control or dictation whatever over the policy of the paper. This, Mr. Steele did not like, and threw the prospectus into the fire.
Mitchell being a Whig and young Shepherd a Democrat, they, upon the action of Steele, agreed to balance their political opinions and run the paper as a neutral sheet.
A copy of the paper was sent to Springfield, and this was the first notice that Mr. Shepherd had received of the neutral policy.
In the spring of 1844, he came out again, and immediately made arrange- ments to purchase Mitchell's share. for which he (Shepherd) was to pay $25, and Mitchell to step out at the end of one year. This sum was given, and a horse in the bargain.
There was a valedictory written by Mitchell and published in the last nuni- ber of the paper of which he was partner that is worth preserving. It ran as follows : "We (Shepherd, Jr., & Mitchell) both knew, by observation, that there was a certain set who would take the lead in acting for the people, and, when opportunity offered, cut from the loaf the largest slice for themselves. To these we gave our decided opposition, no matter what their faith or belief. Herein, then, consists our neutrality-determined opposition to demagogues ; a set that may be found in every community and in every party, and who (leserve the contempt of every honorable and high-minded man.'
Upon Mitchell's withdrawal from the Intelligencer, he established a Whig paper, known as the Border Pioneer. It was run but a short time.
At the expiration of one year, party spirit began to manifest itself among the people, and party lines were drawn at the approaching Presidential canvass between Henry Clay and James Polk. Besides this, what was denominated the American system bank tariff and other measures were put into issue before the people, and they began to choose sides. The Intelligencer was then changed to a political paper, advocating Democratic principles. James and Jesse M. Shepherd assumed the editorship. They continued it until 1850, when they sold to Ezra M. Jones. James Shepherd says upon this subject :
" During the next ten years, the office of the Democrat changed owners several times, the proprietors being the father of S. M. Mills, Seth Millington, Daniel Morris (who changed it to a Whig paper), J. M. Estes (who changed it back to the Democratic side) ; then Oliver J. Taylor run it into the Des Moines News, and in 1860. James and Jesse M. Shepherd purchased it and continued the publication under the name of the Des Moines News, on the same press and fixtures. It was Democratic in politics up to 1865, when they sold to G. S. Bailey, and he moved the press and fixtures to Albia, Monroe Co., Iowa, and published a paper there. In 1843, when the publication of the Democrat was commenced, it was the sixth in the Territory of Iowa. I recollect very well the notice given of its advent by J. Russell, who published a paper at Bloom- ington (now Muscatine), Iowa. It was as follows : 'Two more candidates for the Poorhouse.'"
In 1845-46, the Des Moines l'alley Whig was published at Keosauqua, by Howell & Cowles. No files exist from which to gain any correct information concerning this paper, and from the fact that it had passed out of mind, until revived through the research of the writer, it is safe to say that it did not long survive the shocks of adversity.
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HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY.
Beginning with the year 1850, the newspapers of the county have appeared as follows :
Keosauqua Jeffersonian April 29, 1850, by Arlando E. Jones, to May 26. 1851.
Western American, by L. D. and H. Morris, July 5, 1851, to July 3, 1852. Motto, " Distinct, like the billows-one, like the sea." Introductory : "Our watchword is Union now and forever, one and inseparable."
Democratic Union (purchased of H. and L. D. Morris), H. and S. M. Mills. Issued July 17, 1852 ; run to January 15, 1853. Motto: " A jealous care of the rights of the people. Absolute acquiescence in the decision of the majority."
Seth Millington, editor, and Rufus Summerlin, publisher, came into posses- sion of the Union, January 29, 1853. Their first issue was No. 27 of Vol. I. Democratic Union, Vol. III, No. 1, R. Summerlin, editor and proprietor, was the next step. This continued until August 5, 1854.
November 25, 1854, James Shepherd became editor of the Union and Sum- merlin, publisher. This until Vol. III, No. 17.
The Democratie Mirror was named by John M. Estes, editor and proprietor. Jesse M. Shepherd, publisher, December 6, 1855. The paper was purchased from Millington. The motto was "See Ahead."
Oliver O. Taylor, editor and proprietor of the Des Moines News, published the next paper in this line under the motto, "Constitutional Liberty," the change in names being made with No. 18 of Vol. I, on May 7, 1858. His salutatory was " The harmonious blending of freedom and restraint, upon which the whole fabric of our Republic rests, and upon which it must continue to flourish, or perish." He continued it until March 31, 1860, when James Shep- herd became editor and Jesse M. Shepherd publisher. The first issue was Saturday, April 7, 1860.
The Shady Side was the title of another paper published at Keosauqua. It was Republican in politics. Vol. I, No. 1, was published Friday morning. October 27, 1871, by Joel Mayne, editor and proprietor. With No. 16 of Vol. I, Mayne withdrew and D. H. Burton became possessed of it. He issued No. 17 on Friday morning, March 8, 1872, and continued until No. 27, the last number being published July 26, 1872.
The Keosauqua Republican was established September 12, 1854, by W. C. Worden and by him sold to L. D. Morris in 1855, the latter transferring to John S. Stidger in 1856. Stidger sold to L. D. Morris in 1858, and Morris sold to Joel Mayne in 1859. In 1868, he sold to George E. Henry, who, on February 12, 1877, sold one-half interest to W. H. Bleakmore, and, on August 30, 1877, the other half to J. M. Strong. Mr. Strong transferred his interest December 27, 1877, to Judge Joshua S. Sloan. The firm is now known as Sloan & Bleakmore.
The Democrat was established at Bonaparte, January 19, 1870, by George F. Smith and R. I. Holcomb. After three months, Holcomb retired. Smith continued the publication until December 1, 1876, when he removed the paper to Keosauqua, where it is still published.
Vernon cradled one of the first papers in the county. It was known as the Democratic Mirror, John M. Estes, being the editor and proprietor, and J. S. Shepherd. publisher. The motto of the paper was " Submission to the will of majorities when constitutionally expressed." The first number was published Friday, December 7, 1855. The paper was continued until No. 42 of Vol. I. Then it was removed to Keosauqua. On October 17, 1856, No. 43 was issued. The paper was run until December 18, 1857, Vol. II. No. 50, and took the name
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HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY.
of the Valley Weekly News, and the motto, "Devoted to general intelligence, the best interest of Southern Iowa, the Des Moines Valley, and of Van Buren County." John M. Estes continued as editor and proprietor. The first issue under the new name was January 1, 1858. The publication continued until April 30, 1858.
The Bonaparte Signal was the first newspaper published at Bonaparte. A. C. Bailey was editor and proprietor. The date of the beginning was January 31, 1866. Wednesday was the publication day, but it was subsequently changed to Thursday. The paper was Democratic in politics. The motto was " The affections of the people the only solid cement of union." The last number was issued Thursday, July 30, 1868, No. 27 of Vol. III.
The Des Moines Valley Reporter, Republican in politics, was established January 18, 1872, by H. C. Ashbough. The paper bade the word good-by with Vol. I, No. 27, July 18, 1872.
On April 5, 1877, J. W. and John H. Sherman. started the Bonaparte Journal, a weekly publication, independent in politics. The firm is known as Sherman Brothers. They are the youngest editors in the county.
The Birmingham Enterprise was established in October, 1869, by W. J. Moore. He continued in charge one and one-half years, and sold to J. A. T. Hull, who continued as proprietor eighteen months, and then transferred the paper to J. S. Ragsdale. This arrangement continued one year and a half, when W. R. Parker came into possession of it. He had charge of it six months. when he sold one-half of his interest to C. L. Sheward. The firm is now known as Sheward & Parker. The politics of the paper is Republican.
The history of the press of Farmington, dates back only to the month of February, 1874, when M. L. Mooers started the Gazette. The paper was pub- lished under that management until February 18, 1876, Vol. III, No. I, Mr. Mooers then being succeeded by A. Ditson, who published No. 2 of Vol. III, on February 25, 1876. J. M. Elliott came in possession of the Gazette soon after that, but the exact date is not known. He published the paper until the sum- mer of 1878, when it was discontinued.
George W. Baer established the Record, in 1878, the first number being published November 8. Its tone is neutral.
The Milton Headlight was established in October, 1876, by Allen Ditson. He run it three months and sold it to Marsan & Baxter. They continued until October, 1877, when Marsan became sole owner. He run it until March, 1878, and then suspended.
The Milton Herald was started in April, 1878, and is now run by McNeill & Baxter.
KEOSAUQUA.
Some Frenchmen, in an early day, inhabited the bend of the river Des Moines, in the pocket of which lies the village of Keosauqua. Around the bend dwelt a number of monks. The Indians, discovering these places of habitation, named the section where now lies the city, Keosauqua, the meaning of which is in Indian parlance, " The river of monks."
Keosauqua was laid off in April, 1839, by John Carnes, James Hall, James and Edwin Manning, John J. Fairman and Robert Taylor, these composing the " Van Buren Company."
Two triangular pieces of ground, or, more properly, fractions, first composed the town ; the south fraction or triangle being known as Van Buren and the
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HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY.
north triangle as Des Moines. Later, a diamond-shaped piece of land was entered (one-fourth section lying obliquely been the triangles) and together with the Van Buren triangle assumed the name Keosauqua. Des Moines refused to come under the yoke or in any way affiliate with its neighbor. Both began contending for the county seat. In time, the settlers assembled (it was one Sunday night) and talked over a name under which both the triangles and diamond might be known. John Carnes suggested Port Oro (a Spanish name, meaning " Port " or " Land of Gold "). There was some objection to this, as being a too high-sounding title for the place. Finally, Judge Irvin asked how they would like to have their three towns known under the name of Keosauqua. All agreed to it, and the matter was settled then and there.
Down to the year 1846, the town had been growing steadily, and the country around, having become thickly settled, afforded the advantages of a large trade. This will be shown by the accompanying directory of Keosauqua, giving the places of business, etc., that the place then counted as its own :
Dry Goods, Groceries, Hardware, etc .- Manning & Wasky, B. P. Mar- low & Co., John Carnes, A. J. Davis, William Steel.
Druggists .- Henry Whelin, Benjamin Barker.
Physicians .- F. W. Taylor, C. H. Ober, H. II. Barker, John D. Elbert, D). Peck, J. Tarbell.
Lawyers .- James B. Howell, H. M. Shelby, George G. Wright, J. C. Knapp, S. E. Seargent, Richard Humphreys, Augustus C. Hall, S. W. Sum- mers, J. D. Devine.
Carpenters .- Jamison & Gilchrist, Walker & Hartzell, - & Jamison, Dugen & Servicer.
Cabinet-Makers .- Ruple & Thornburg, Green B. Morton, Russo King. Coopers .- E. F. Burton, - Anderson. Tailoring Establishments .- J. J. Kinersly, Robert Orr. Shoemakers .- William Hoker, A. B. Moore.
Jewelry .- E. J. Harper.
Blacksmiths .- Hinkle & McCrary, Richard Benjaman.
Saddle and Harness Makers .- George W. Games, Joseph Barker. Wayon-Makers .- Benson Hinkle, Philip Hartzell.
Brickmasons .- Jesse Winn, B. F. Pearson.
Bakery .- E. F. Burton.
Tanneries .- C. Baldwin & Co., G. W. Games, - Anson.
Groceries and Coffee-Houses .- Julian & Billops, Griffiths & Livingston, David & Pease.
Mills .- Steam flouring and saw mill, G. W. Games ; ditto, Hugh Brown ; ditto, D. Maguire.
Printing Offices .- Des Moines Valley Whiy, published by Howell & Cowles, editors and proprietors ; lowa Democrat, published every Friday by J. & J. M. Shepherd, editors and proprietors.
Lodges .- Keosauqua Lodge, No. 10, Free and Accepted Masons ; Keosau - qua Lodge, No. 3, Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Keosauqua Lodge, No. 1, Iowa Hunters.
Hotels .- Keosanqua Hotel, J. Bruyet ; Des Moines House, - Clymer. Churches .- Methodist, Congregational, and several other denominations.
Compared with 1878, the 1846 directory was small. There are now five dry goods and grocery stores, one groceries and hardware, one furniture, one drug, three groceries, one band, a military company, one bank, two gunsmiths, two jewelers, two harness-shops, two boots and shoes, two hotels, two tailors,
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HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY.
one musical instruments, one market, three millinery, one tinware, one artist, one marble-shop, opera-house, one baker, one lumber-yard, two livery, three wagon-makers and blacksmiths, seven attorneys, four physicians, one dentist, two barbers, two agencies, two printing offices, two mills, six builders, one cooper, three painters, county buildings, churches and school.
Keosauqua was incorporated as a city under a general act of the Legislature, February 17, 1842. This act not being sufficient to cover the ground, a special act was passed in 1846. It was as follows:
AN Avr to amend an act entitled " An act to incorporate the city of Keosauqua."
SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the Council and House of Representatives of the Territory of Iowa, That in case it shall become necessary to sell real estate in said city, for the payment of taxes, the same shall be sold in the manner, and under such regulations, as the Mayor and Aldermen may have ordained ; and at the time and place when and where the Mayor and Aldermen may order and direct ; Provided, four weeks' notice shall be given of such sale by advertisement in any newspaper published in said city, and by posting on the Court House door of said city a written notice of such sale, for the space of four weeks.
SEC. 2. Such real estate shall be sold to the bidder who will pay the taxes, costs and expenses of such sale, for the lowest quantity of such real estate, to be taken off of such part of such real estate as the Mayor and Aldermen may direct.
SEC. 3. Such real estate may be redeemed from such sale at any time within two years from the time of such sale, by the owner paying to the purchaser, or Recorder of said city, for the use of such purchaser, the amount for which such real estate shall have been sold, and costs, with fifty per centum per annum until paid.
SEc. 4. The Mayor and Aldermen shall, at the expiration of two years from such sale, exc- cute, in their corporate capacity, a deed for any real estate so sold and not redeemed to the por- chaeer or his assigns; which deed shall be sufficient to convey the estate in fec to such pur- chaser, and shall be prima-facie evidence of the regularity of the proceedings ; and no person shall ever question the title under such decd, either in a court of law or equity until such person shall have paid to or tendered to the purchaser the amount for which such real estate may have been sold, and fifty per centum per annum and the costs of sale.
Approved January 19, 1846.
The first meeting was held January 7, 1843, with James Hall, Mayor ; William Kemp, Recorder ; James B. Howell, Deputy Recorder.
Nothing was done, however, until the meeting of May 13, 1844, for which the people had elected a City Council composed of Elisha Cutler, Jr., Mayor ; Edward R. Tyler, Recorder ; and James J. Kinersly, Henry M. Shelby. Richard Humpheries, Benson Henkle and Stephen Livingston, Aldermen. With this meeting the work of the city fathers commenced.
The present city government is cared for by William Moore, Mayor; Solon Nourse, James Shepherd, William Ford, Edwin Walker, W. H. Monroe and Samuel Fasnacht, Aldermen.
The first marriage solemnized at Keosauqua was between Lewis Le Plont and Nancy Hill, on January 27, 1839, the ceremony having been performed by William Stanley, Justice of the Peace.
The first claimant or squatter on the site of the present town was John Sil- vers, who built, in the winter of 1835 and 1836, a small claim-pen of round logs, on the bank of the river, near where the Keosauqua Hotel now stands. This pen was perhaps eight or ten feet square. At that time, or soon after, E. Purdom, Sr., had taken the claim immediately above town.
Mrs. Sigler is believed to be the first white woman who ever made her home no the site now occupied by Keosauqua.
In the fall of 1836, Silvers was bought out by Mcsonhack Sigler for $300, who came here at that time with his father-in-law and brother-in-law, Eph. and William D. McBride. The elder McBride and Sigler returned to Indiana the same fall.
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HISTORY OF VAN BUREN COUNTY.
The first house (after the Silvers' claim-pen) was built in 1837 by the Van Buren Company. In this Messrs. Carnes & Fairman kept the first store. About this time, Fairman was appointed the first Postmaster of the place-the name of the office being Port Oro.
In the year 1839. the first brick house was erected, by Edward R. Tylee. The same year, Elias Elder erected a part of what is now known as Alexander's brick or barracks.
T. Lane opened the first tailor-shop, in the upper room of the building now occupied by Burton & Minich. During the next year, he formed a partnership with J. J. Kinersly.
The first physician was Cyrus H. Ober. followed soon after by the late H. H. Barker.
The first attorney was Isaac N. Lewis, now of Missouri, who soon after had a competitor (as he often facetiously expressed it), in Samuel W. Summers, now of Ottumwa.
A. Myon and George W. Games located here in 1839, and started the first tan-yard. at the point below town. It was later on owned by the junior part- ner of the firm. who successfully run it until within a few years past, when it was closed.
The first tavern was kept by Elisha Puett, in a one-story log house, on or near the ground now occupied by the tin-shop of Mr. Grayum. He is said to have been a rough specimen of border life, and to have kept a house character- istic of the man. He also. it is believed, kept the first grocery in the place.
The first blacksmith was David Smith. He put up a frame shop.
The first political convention of the county was held by the Democratic party, in the spring of 1840, in the District Court room.
Of the first alleged " duel," Judge George G. Wright speaks as follows :
"About this time (1836 or 1837), two of our citizens appealed to the code of honor for the settlement of their grievances. The parties were Aaron W. Harlan and one Bushnell. Their seconds were Russo King and M. Sigler- the place of meeting near where the Odd Fellows' Hall now stands. They had pistols without the coffee, and I am happy to state, that their friends reconciled the belligerents without the shooting. In the settlement, blows ensued, how- ever. Harlan came off victor, and thus ended the first, and it is hoped the last, appeal to the bloody code in our law-abiding and peaceable community."
Wilson Stanley and Sewall Kenney were the first Justices in the place. They were appointed by the Governor.
Alfred Vertrees is believed to have been the first Constable.
The first white child born in the place was a daughter to William Billups. William Billups was the first ferryman.
The District Court was first held in this place in April, 1839-the Hon. Charles Mason (afterward Commissioner of Patents) presiding. Mr. Duncan, before named, was Foreman of the grand jury, and the first trial by jury was that of the United States vs. Blankenship and Helms, for riot.
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