USA > Iowa > Warren County > The history of Warren County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., a biographical directory of its citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics &c > Part 61
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The first election of officers were: Thos. C. Lawrence, N. G .; D. W. Griffith, V. G .; J. H. Millar, Sec'y; Wesley Redhead, Treas.
Some years after their organization they leased for a term of years the second story of the old Presbyterian church on East Main street, which they occupied until they built their present hall over the Warren County Bank in 1876.
Their hall is one of the best in central Iowa; built at a cost of $4,300; real estate on Main street, half block east of the square, worth about $2,000, from which they derive an annual income in rents.
In 1865, purchased ground, laid off and fenced a cemetery of four acres, and in 1878 bought land of and fenced additional grounds until their cem- etery now consists of about ten acres, enclosed with a substantial wire fence and neatly kept at expense of the lodge.
Present value of property about $10,000. Present membership, 144.
Present elective officers: J. H. Eno, N. G .; A. C. Bishop, V. G .; O. R. Morris, Sec'y ;. Thos. Jeys, Per. Sec'y; M. R. Barker, Treas.
There have been but 16 deathis in the lodge. Two members-D. H. Lyon and Dr. H. Fisk-died in the army, the first Jannary 13, 1863, and the last Aug. 19, 1864.
Pay weekly sick benefits, $3.00; funeral benefits on death of brother, $30.00; on death of wife of a brother, $15.00. This lodge has sent as representatives to the Grand Lodge of the State: D. G. Peck, E. W. Hart- man, J. T. Lacy, and Lewis Todhunter. D. G. Peck is the present representa- tive to Grand Lodge from this lodge, and in connection with H. Cool, of War- ren Lodge, and Harry Fetters, of Sandyville Lodge, represent this district, composed of five lodges in this county and the lodge at Winterset, in the Grand Lodge the present year. E. W. Hartman, who has been a member of the order for over 23 years, is now and has been a member of Grand Lodge for some 12 years, and has also represented the order of this State in the Grand Lodge of the United States; was a meinber of G. L. U. S. in 1873 at Baltimore; in 1874 at Atlanta, Ga .; in 1875 at Indianapolis, and in 1876 at Philadelphia; has filled nearly every elective office in Grand Encampment of the State-that of Grand Patriarch in 1870-71.
The degree of Rebecca of Indianola Lodge No. 70, is in a flourishing
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY.
condition; holds regular meetings, with increased interest since the law took effect (Jan. 1, 1879) admitting daughters and sisters of Odd Fellows over 18 years of age.
Indianola Encampment. No. 34, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 25, 1867, in hall of Indianola Lodge No. 70, by W. W. Moore, D. D. G. P., of . Des Moines.
Charter members -- E. W. Hartman, James H. Burgess, M. W. Shep- herd, Henry Shiek, E. W. Fortney, J. M. Russell, and Stephen Grimes.
First elective officers-E. W. Hartman, C. P .; Stephen Grimes, H. P .; J. H. Burgess, S. W .; Joel Jacoby, J. W .; E. W. Fortney, Scribe; J. M. Russell, Treas.
Present officers-O. M. Moore, C. P .; J. J. Todhunter, H. P .; S. Cor- yell, S. W .; J. A. Leach, J. W .; E. W. Hartman, Scribe; Lewis Todhun- ter, Treas.
Present membership, 39. Have lost but two members by death-Wm. L. Kircher and B. W. Snapp. Have no hall, but occupy hall of No. 70. Pay weekly benefits of $3.00 in case of sickness; funeral benefits on death of brother, $20; on death of wife, $15.
ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN.
An organization having for its objects: The embracing and giving equal protection to all classes; striving earnestly to improve the moral, intellect- ual and social qualities of its members; endeavoring by wholesome 'pre- cepts, fraternal admonitions and substantial aid, to inspire a due apprecia- tion of the great realities and responsibilities of life. To hold lectures; discuss new inventions and improvement; encourage research in art, sci- ence and literature; and to establish and maintain a library for the pur- pose of inducing its members to acquire that knowledge which will fit and prepare them for any station in life. To create and disburse a fund for the benefit of its members; paying stipulated sums during sickness and other disability, and in case of death two thousand dollars to such person or per- sons as the members may direct, thus enabling every member to leave to leave to his family a competency to educate his children and place his fam- ily above want and charity.
Three Rivers Lodge No. 94, A. O. U. W. of Iowa, was organized at India- nola Jan. 26, 1877, with the following charter members: L. B. Clapp, T. D. Noble, C. S. Litzenberg, H. P. Shepherd, R. M. Smith, J. H. Clark, F. M. Van Pelt, J. D. Wilson, H. J. Spray, C. L. Bare, E. L. Baker, A. F. Jewett, J. H. Henderson, G. W. Seevers, O. H. Christy.
On the night of organization the following officers were elected: R. M. Smith, P. M. W .; J. L. Wilson, M. W .; O. H. Cristy, G. F .; T. D. Noble, O .; H. J. Spray, Recorder; C. L. Bare, Fin .; C. S. Litzenberg, Receiver; E. L. Baker, Guide; J. W. Clark, O. W .; A. F. Jewett, I. W .; O. H. Christy, E. L. Baker, Geo. W. Seevers, Trustees.
At the election, June 24th, 1879, the following officers were elected, to-wit:
C. S. Litzenberg, P. M. W .; Edd. R. McKee, M. W .; W. H. Berry, G. F .; J. H. Creighton, O .; J. L. Taylor, Recorder; Geo. M. Harvey, Finan- cier; L. B. Clapp, Receiver; G. E. Johnson, Guide; E. M. Schnellbacher, O. W .; Wm. Liston, I. W .; J. D. McCleary, Trustee; and who are now the officers of the Lodge.
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY.
Three Rivers Lodge has been represented in the Grand Lodge of the State, by the following members:
J. H. Henderson, 1877; J. L. Wilson, 1878; J. H. Henderson, 1879.
The Lodge was organized with fifteen charter members, and in the first two years the membership had increased to twenty-nine; in the first six months of 1879 there was a very large increase, and its present member- ship is sixty, in good standing.
Since its organization no deaths have occurred, and but one member has received sick benefits.
The lodge has a pleasant room in Jacoby's Block, carpeted and neatly furnished, where the brethren assemble each week for their deliberations.
Financially, the Lodge is in a very healthy condition-wholly free of debt-with money loaned on mortgaged security; with a system of book- keeping for lodge and beneficiary purposes unsurpassed, and destined to become one of the strongest lodges in the city, of any order.
One of the most pleasant features of the order is its social qualities, and in furtherance of which have adopted the rule of holding an " Anniver- sary Banquet," on January 26th, the anniversary day of its organization.
The second " Anniversary Banquet" was held January 26th, 1879, at which the members of the lodge, with their wives and invited guests were present. With a fine banquet, toasts and responses, and a general time of enjoyment, acknowledged by all the finest entertainment of the kind ever held in the city.
HARTFORD.
This town is located in Richland township, and is one of the oldest in the county. Hartford was laid out by John D. Hartman, in the year 1849, and was recorded at Des Moines, this strip belonging, at that time, to Polk county. There have been four additions. since that time. The first by Amos Maddock, in 1856; the second by Owen Hancock, in the same year; the third by John Spry, about the same time; the fourth by John Baw- house, in 1859.
The post-office was established in 1859, and had a weekly mail, and was called 'Three Rivers post-office. Dr. J. Huff was the first postmaster.
In 1851 was the great flood, which made it a very hard year for Hart- ford. Every house in town was a grist-mill, at least, had to grind its own corn. This was done by soaking the corn and then grating it with an old- fashioned hand grater. It rained from the 9th day of May, until the 26th of June, forty-eight days and nights in all, although it was not of course a continual rain, but occasional showers during either the day or night.
The first frame house was built in 1850, for John D. Hartman, who was the first merchant in town. He carried his goods through on horseback from the river towns, of Ottumwa or Oskaloosa. Mr. Hartman also built the first saw-mill in the fall of 1853, the same being consumed by fire in the spring of 1854, and rebuilt in the fall of the same year. The third mill was the saw and grist-mill, which was built in 1855; another mill was built in 1855 and 1856, and yet another by Edward Smith & Co., the com- pany including the greater part of tlie township. It was built for a card- ing machine.
The first two-story house was also built by John D. Hartman, in 1852, and was consumed by fire in 1855, being then owned by Major Nunnally.
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY.
The first church was that of the Baptists, erected in 1855 and 1856; the Methodist church was erected in 1856 or 1857; the Christian church in 1867; and the Presbyterian church in 1870.
John Campbell kept the first hotel, and he also kept the first doggery or whisky shop, where he sold the double distilled sod corn, either by the drink or gallon.
The first school was taught by John Embree, in an old log honse still occupied in 1870 by Barlow White.
The first wagon-maker was Wm. McBride, who began work in the year 1850.
The first cabinet-maker wa's S. R. Cain.
The first blacksmith, William Braden in 1850.
First music teacher, Jonathan Hatch, in 1851.
First plow factory, by Beitzell & Jones, in 1854.
The first cooper shop, in 1856, by James Ray.
The first justice of the peace was John D. Hartman.
The town has not grown in the past few years, and now the railroad leaves it about two miles to the north; but it is the center of a fine region, and will probably always remain a point of some importance.
It has four churches, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Christain, but we have been able to secure reports from but one, the Baptist.
It was organized the 9th of April, 1853, with the following original mem- bers:
Males: E. D. Taylor, A. J. Duncan, O. C. Hancock, James Duncan, Charles Mckay, S. V. R. James and J. H. Terwilegar. Females: Margaret Duncan, Louisa Jane Duncan, Susan Taylor, Margaret Hartman and Julia A. Hancock.
It has a comfortable frame church, which was built in 1856, at a cost of a thousand dollars. The following pastors have ministered to it: B. B. Arnold, I. M. Seay, T. C. Townsend, H. C. Warson, James Parker, John A. Pool, T. J. Arnold, Uriah Mckay, Thomas R. Stitt and D. Simons.
The first named pastor, sat as moderator at the organization, Rev. Elijah Evans, assisting; the meeting was held in what is to-day known, as the "old log school-house" of Hartford, which in that early day, was used for both school and religious purposes. The Rev. B. B. Arnold had the pas- toral care of the church for over six years, and drew part of his support from the American Home Mission Society, for a number of years.
Its present membership is something over seventy, and its condition may be said to be good.
There is a masonic lodge, but we have been unable to secure its history, although we have mnade diligent effort.
Hartford Lodge, No. 94, I. O. O. F., was instituted at Hartford July 31, 1856, by L. P. Sherman, D. D. Grand Master, assisted by Wesley Redhead and others, of Des Moines.
The charter members were: Charles Mckay, M. A. Dashiell, George Herrington, John D. Hartman, John D. Parmelee, O. C. Morey and W. H. Ward.
First elective officers: Charles Mckay, N. G .; Jacob Smith, V. G .; M. A. Dashiell, Secretary; John D. Hartman, Treasurer.
Admitted at first meeting: Jacob Smith, J. J. Littler, J. G. Arnold, E. W. Hartman.
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY.
Their first and only hall was over the residence of John D. Hartman, in the east part of the town.
The lodge was in a flourishing condition at the breaking out of the re- bellion. Several of the members went into the army and others moved away, and the charter was finally surrendered in 1861.
The officers at the time the charter was surrendered were: M. A. Dash- iell, N. G .; W. M. Wellons, V. G .; E. W. Hartman, Secretary; Jacob Smith, Treasurer.
Some of the members united with the lodge at Carlisle, and others with the lodge at Indianola. Among these were: M. A. Dashiell, Jacob Smith and E. W. Hartman.
Chas. Mckay was the first representative to the Grand Lodge, and E. W. Hartman the next and last from that lodge.
The following is a list of the business men of Hartford:
Dry Goods .- T. J. Lowe, Woodard & Whetzel.
Drugs .- L. V. Nunnally.
Harness .- M. Brazier.
Hardware .- Sever & Chaney.
Shoe Shop .- John Saville.
Hotel .- J. C. S. Wasson.
Blacksmiths .- A. Roberts, A. Sever.
Physicians .- M. A. Dashiel, Wm. H. Merrett.
Grist Mill .- Cornelius Schanck.
Pottery .- Wm. J. Kurtz.
Millinery .- Miss Viola Gordon.
Schools .- One, with two departments.
Churches .- Four buildings, Presbyterian, Methodist, Christian and Bap- tist.
Meat Market .- Geo. Tyler.
CARLISLE.
This is a thriving little town of four or five hundred people, located in Allen township, near the north line of the county. It has an excellent lo- eation, and has made a steady growth since it secured the railroad in 1871. Since that time the business, which was formerly transacted in the original town, on the hill, has moved down to the railroad, and the hill is principally occupied by residences and churches.
Carlisle was laid out by Jerry Church and Daniel Moore, in 1851.
The first business house was removed from Dudley, by Abraham Shoe- maker, who sold the first goods in Carlisle.
The place was named by Jerry Church, after a town in Pennsylvania. The first death was that of Elias Compton, in 1851. The first religious services were held at the tavern of Elias Compton, Elder Nash, now of Des Moines, officiating. The first marriage was that of Jackson Shoe- maker to Miss Ellen Compton. First birth, Ward Petre, son of Daniel Petre. Population of the town, about 500; incorporated. The first officers were: Mayor, Robert Nicholson; Clerk, Henry Moore; Council, A. Shoemaker, Wm. Soners, John Leas, Will. R. Randleman, John Hargis; Marshal, Oliver Rule.
Present Officers .- Mayor, J. E. McClintic; Recorder, Andrew Mahan;
ยท
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY.
Council, W. S. Hull, C. W. Budd, Crate Hill, Chas. Frank, J. F. Stivers and Peter Kail ..
The Carlisle Flonring Mills is one of the best in central Iowa. The original company by which it was constructed was composed of citizens of Carlisle and the neighborhood. William Buxton was chairman, and John Leas corresponding secretary and treasurer; and these gentlemen headed the subscription lists with their names, and with liberal amounts of money, and were followed by A. B. Shoemaker, Daniel Moore, James Mount, Thomas Obriety, Dr. Ward, Hugh Marshman and Edwin Oaks. The company was incorporated in 1854, and proceeded to the construction of the same immediately afterward. The mill was not completed ready for business until in June, 1856, at a total cost of $10,500. The original mill was 35x40 feet in size, a four story frame building, with two run of burrs. In 1863 it was purchased by Robert Nicholson, who has since remained sole proprietor. In 1874 he made many valuable improvements, adding twenty-two feet to its length, thus making it 35x62. It has now five run of burrs and two middling purifiers, all run by a forty-horse power engine. It is one of the most complete mills in this section, and has cost about $16,000. Mr. Nicholson has an excellent custom, and the mill is kept running both day and night during most of the year. It is one of the most important industries in the county.
The schools of Carlisle have always been noted for their excellence. The first school building was erected in 1853, at a cost of $393. It still stands in the town, but is now used as a residence. Daniel Moore was the builder. This answered the purpose of the town until about 1869 or 1870, when an excellent two-story frame school-house was erected on the site of the old one. During the summer of 1879 this was further enlarged by the addi- tion of a wing to the south, thus making this the best school-house in the county outside of Indianola. The schools are well managed, and are very creditable to the town.
Carlisle has four churches-Methodist, Baptist, Christian and United Brethren. The first two date their existence back almost to the beginning of the town, while the latter are of later date, having been organized from 1867 to 1871.
The Baptist church returns the following history: It was organized on the 20th of February, 1858. Its original members were, J. B. Chapman, M. Adkins, A. Pearson, J. Mount, D. Stark, W. Major, H. Burgett, J. Burgett, E. Fisher, T. Abannder, O. Adkins, M. Chapman, M. Pearson, N. Hargis, S. Stark, S. Major, J. Burgett, A. Duroel, B. Pearson, E. Hargis. The church is a frame, built in 1865, at a cost of $3,500, and dedicated during the same year by Rev. Dr. J. A. Nash, of Des Moines. Its pastors have been, H. C. Warson, J. A. Todd, T. O. Townsend, James Parker, J. E. Guild, Moses Parker, H. C. Warson, T. J. Arnold, H. W. Brayton, J. A. Nash (supply), Demas Robinson, J. Bodenham, W. Tilley, T. J. Stitt, D. C. Ellis. The present pastor is D. C. Ellis. About $150 of improvement and repairs were made on the property the early part of this summer. There are two lots in one inclosure, and the church and parsonage stand on them. The property is in good repair and free of debt. The number of members is something over one hundred.
Much of the history of Carlisle is given in the body of this work as it was the nucleus for the first settlement in the county.
Carlisle Lodge No. 131 of the I. O. O. F. was organized April 12, 1861,
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY.
by D. A. Poorman, D. D. G. M., assisted by J. W. Jones and several brothers from Hartford Lodge.
The charter members were W. H. Ward, Phelps Reed, T. W Parker, M. C. Randleman, and T. J. Price.
The following were initiated at first meeting: J. T. Wright, Joseph Dawson, George Yount, John Leas, R. M. Duprey, S. T. James, A. L. Swal- low, F. M. Hargis, Wm. Reed, O. Marry.
The following brothers were elected and installed: W. H. Ward, N. G .; M. C. Randleman, V. G .; T. W. Parker, Sec'y; P. Reed, Treas. The lodge surrendered its charter Dec. 27, 1862; cause of surrender was on account of the rebellion, most of its members having gone to the war. The lodge was reorganized on the 16th of September, 1865, by E. W. Hart- man, D. D. G. M., with the following officers: T. W. Parker, N. G .; A. B. Mahan, V. G .; John Lees, Sec'y; O. Adkins, Treas. Organized in the first room it was instituted in. Built first hall in 1866; lot cost $80, build- ing cost $250. Sold old building for $400. Present hall built in 1875; lots cost $250, building cost $2,100. George Yount, E. F. Chapman, B. B. Adkins, N. B. Sanders, have been Grand Representatives from this lodge. Present officers of lodge: C. W. Budd, N. G .; E. J. Humphrey, V. G .; A. J. Sanders, Sec'y; J. N. Hargis, Treas .; George Yount, P. S. Present value of all property, $2,500.
Present number of members, 36.
Number of deaths 3: Henry Vanpelt, fifth degree, died July 3, 1873, aged 30 years; M. E. Adkins, second degree, died Nov. 4, 1876, aged 29, years; J. D. Hartman, scarlet degree, died Oct. 4, 1878.
The aggregate amount of weekly benefits paid, $560. Aggregate amount of funeral benefits paid, $90. Sick benefits $3.00 per week; funeral ben- efits $30.00 for brother; brother's wife $20.00.
Marble Lodge No. 368, A. F. & A. M., was first organized under a dis- pensation, on the 22nd of December, 1875, and granted a charter June 7, 1876.
The charter members were Dr. W. S. Hull, E. N. Fisher, J. K. Deaton, A. D. Coleman, J. E. Stivers, B. W. Bishop, A. M. West, E. F. Chapman, T. B. Anderson, and D. Perry.
The first officers were: Dr. W. S. Hull, Master; E. N. Fisher and J. K. Deaton, Wardens; and J. F. Stivers, Sec'y.
The time of regular meeting is the Wednesday evening on or before tlie full moon. The lodge owns no hall, but rents one for its use.
The unmber of members at this time is 43.
The officers are E. N. Fisher, Master; J. K. Deaton and Jos. Mills, War- dens; and J. F. Stivers, Sec'y. Dr. W. S. Hull was representative to the last Grand Lodge held at Dubuque. The general condition of the lodge is good, its membership is increasing and its finances are healthful.
The following are the business firins:
General Stores .- Will. R. Randleman, J. F. Stivers.
Groceries .- John McElroy, J. B. Lamb, M. Guysinger.
Drug Stores .- Swafford & Kelley, Dr. C. Smith, Dr. A. M. West.
Physicians .- Dr. T. W. Baugh, Dr. W. S. Hull, Dr. C. Smith, Dr. A. M. West.
Blacksmith and Wagon Making .- Reynolds Bro. and Koozier & Lit- tle.
Shoe Shop .- Eugene Frisby.
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY.
Mechanics .- H. M. Moore & Co.
Grain Dealers .- Hargis Bros.
Hotels .- Mrs. Wm. Busick and Mr. Miller.
Postmaster .- Will R. Randleman.
Notary Public .- J. F. Stivers.
Justices .- J. F. Stivers and J. E. McClintic.
Pottery .- Porter & Paul.
Brick Yard .- Kail & Co. Tin, Hardware and Cabinet Shop .- E. D. Baker.
Meat Market .- Foulk & Farley.
SUMMERSET.
Summerset is in the northern part of Washington township, in a bend of Middle River. A mill was built there at a very early day by Beach & Parmelee, and it was a postoffice and important point for many years. It was laid off as a town by Michael Gilman in 1872, after the advent of the Rock Island Railroad.
The following comprises the business men and firms of this place:
Dealer in General Merchandise .- W. T. Hamilton.
Blacksmith .- T. W. Brown.
Mill .- Wright & Davis.
Hotel .- S. A. Wright.
Coal Mine .- Lumsdon Bros.
Postmaster and Station Agent .- W. T. Hamilton.
Physician .- C. C. Chapman.
Justice of the Peace .- R. C. Brazelton.
Summerset is an independent school district, they have a good school and an average attendance of 38, on an enrollment of 60.
John Parmelee sold the first goods in Summerset. Summerset mill was built on the same site of the Parmelee mill, by Michael Gillinan, in 1865, at a cost of about $20,000. It is a three and a-half story frame, with three run of stones, and is successfully operated by Wright & Davis, who make a good quality of flour and enjoy a good local trade.
It is quite a shipping point for live stock. It has coal mines of much value, which are not now so extensively worked as they would bear, but which will probably develop into an important industry with the increased growth of the community.
SPRING HILL.
Spring Hill was laid out in 1872, by Dr. C. D. Bevington and William Ashworth. Several citizens removed from the old town of Greenbush, which was then abandoned.
There are two church buildings, Methodist and Protestant Methodist and Baptist together. Both are comfortable frame buildings.
Its business is transacted by the following men and firms:
General Stores .- Eugene Crandall, Jones & Peverly.
Drug Store .- Wakefield Bros.
Post-office .- C. B. Jones.
Station Agent .- Robert Ashworth.
31
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY.
Notary Public .- C. B. Jones.
Justice of the Peace,-John W. Newell.
Shoe Shop .- Robert Comer.
Wagon Shop .- J. C. Higgins.
Blacksmith .- David N. Kepley.
Churches-Methodist Episcopal, Protestant Methodist and Baptist. Grain Buyers .- Anderson & Son.
Physicians .- J. C. Wakefield, T. J. Wakefield.
The town has an excellent school-house of two rooms, and keeps up a good school.
NORWALK.
Norwalk is located on a commanding eminence overlooking the fine val- ley of North river, for many miles above and below. The country around, in an agricultural point of view, is snrpassed by none in the State. Here they have a combination of good soil, good water, good coal and plenty of timber. The town is surrounded by an intelligent and enterprising com- munity, and signs of thrift and prosperity are visible on every hand.
The first house was erected by Samuel Snyder, in 1852. The second was built by Peter Black; and the third by W. S. Slagle. These were all pio- neer style, that is, log cabins. A few years later George M. Swan, a well known politician and editor from Obio, put up a more pretentious edifice, to be used as a hotel. Soon after a post-office was established, and W. S. Glaze was postmaster. The name of the office at that time was Pyra. Mr. Glaze having resigned, Geo. M. Swan was appointed, and the name of the office changed to Norwalk, in honor of Norwalk, Ohio, Mr. Swan's former place of residence. About this time A. N. Good started a store, and a phy- sician, Dr. E H. Carter, located here. Mr. Good sold out to W. S. Glaze, and he in turn sold to Mr. Sease. Dr. Carter was succeeded by Dr. Corn- wall, and he by Dr. John Pipher. Mr. Swan having removed from the county, Edward Sease was appointed postmaster, and at his decease W. H. Kerrick was his successor; and upon Kerrick's removal from the county Z. G. Cooley, the present incumbent, was appointed.
George M. Swan, who was the originator of the town of Norwalk, and to whom Warren county owes much, was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, May 24th, 1813. Emigrated with his parents to Richland county, Ohio, in 1825; learned the printing business in Columbus, Ohio. Was connected with a paper in Norwalk, Ohio, for some time. After severing his con- nection with the Norwalk paper, he edited and published the Huron Com- mercial for several years; he then published in connection with E. T. Tap- pun, the Ohio Press, a hard money paper, but it was short lived. He then established the Columbus Gazette, which he edited with great ability, until the year 1855, when he removed to Iowa, and settled in Linn township, Warren county. In 1856 he laid out the town of Norwalk, in Warren county, in order to give the post-office a name. He was postmaster at Nor- walk twelve years. Mr. Swan moved to Des Moines in the spring of 1868, died December 6, 1868. He was a Democrat until 1847. Mr. S. drew up a call for the first meeting in Columbus, Ohio, that originated the Repub- lican party, in the State of Ohio. He was an ardent advocate of freedom and would have volunteered if health had not prevented.
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