USA > Iowa > Warren County > The history of Warren County, Iowa, from its Earliest Settlementto 1908 > Part 31
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GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP IN THE CIVIL WAR.
This division of Warren county is located along the middle north side of the county; the north line being within a few miles of the city of Des Moines. This township, like the others, did its whole duty in the Civil War, being represented in several regiments and giving its full quota. The wave of patriotism that swept over the north in 1861, struck Greenfield with full force for it was but a few miles from Des Moines and the enthusiasm from that city influenced the people for miles around.
The village of Greenbush. then a prominent center, was from that April day when Fort Sumter was fired on, until the close of the conflict a center at which the people of that community gathered to discuss the war and the exciting issues then pending. This village had a resident by the name of Peter Cherry. who was an expert at blowing the fife and it was not long until he had a martial band organized and ready for duty. Rev. Townsend, a Baptist preacher, who had served in the Mexican war drilled all the boys who desired to be instructed in military tactics, and that meant every boy and man between the ages of eighteen and forty-five. During the spring and summer of 1861. all was ex- citement, business was almost suspended and the young men were rushing to the
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
front. Every boy in Greenfield township old enough to enlist was fearful lest the war would close before he could assist. It was not a question of men but a question of finding a company not yet filled. Some went to Des Moines. some to Indianola. both of which were war centers. It is somewhat difficult to give the names of those who enlisted from this part of Warren county, but I give the following as at least a partial list withont name of regiments: Samuel F. Anderson, 3rd Infantry. killed at Shiloh April 6. 1862; J. T. Huffman, Win. II. Swan, William Wright, Milton Cherry, John Clingersmith. David Howery, John Barlam, John Delbridge, T. T. Anderson. Johnson Barker. Badoc Perkins. Stephen B. Stark. Neil Perkins, David Cherry. Sylvester Campbell. Wm. Ash. Peter Cherry, Peter Hill. Hugh White. Findley Palmer. Jacob Cart. Alfred Francis, Jas. Howery. Jas. Little. Chaney M. Blaksly. Amos Biggs. Marion Ellis, Thos. Cartwright. Jas. MeMurdo. Baxter. E. J. Franklin. Jonathan Reeves. Andrew Faust. Henry Hoover, Samuel Ferrel. Ferrel, John Ruggles. Geo. Ruggles. John Pilmer, David Cummins, Jasper Ashworth, Enoch Young. Wm. Ash. Jesse Black. David Loekridge. Jesse Surber. Rastes Surber. Joseph Lockridge. Abe Beltz. Joseph Iliggins. L. K. Bishop, Hiram Bishop, Jacob Balabaugh. Tip Kirk, Jas. Utsler. Hugh B. Allison, Frank Cherry. Burr Biggs. Shade Herron, Oscar Swain. John Stevens. Peter Ash. Thos. Stodgill. IIebron Tilton. John Patterson, Wall Yount.
The foregoing list represents sixty-fonr soldiers. gathered from memory. and it will be a surprise if some have not been forgotten. The township was at that time very sparsely settled, and this number proves that the war spirit ran high. About one-fourth of the total number never returned indicating that Greenfield did its whole duty in preserving the Union. Some of those who returned are still living in the old township. but most of them have either crossed the silent river or live elsewhere.
T. T. ANDERSON.
Although Greenfield township is one of the large townships of the county and has had much to do with its development. yet it has but one village. Spring Hill. which was laid out in 1872 by Dr. Bevington and William Ashworth. When the railroads were built they played havoc with many villages by missing them. In this case the railroad missed Greenbush, a nice little village located on a beautiful site. Many of the first business honses in Spring Hill were moved there from Greenbush.
SPRING HILL BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Postmaster : D. D. Hughes. Railway Station Agent: D. M. Calahan. General Store: R. Alexander. D. D. Hughes. Blacksmiths: Geo. Hall, Elijah Piteock. Barber: Geo. Hoover. Harness Maker: Edd. Parkins. Physician : Lyman R. Hall. Hotel: D. D. Hughes.
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
CHURCHES.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The following is the list of charter members : Jacob Lockridge and wife, B. Davidson and wife, Dr. Flin and wife, John Foust and wife, G. II. Walter and wife, JJohn Waymon and family, Joseph Lockridge. Aaron Lockridge and wife. George Dillard and wife, David Lockridge and wife, J. Wood and wife. The following pastors have served this church : F. E. Butterfield, Edgar Brandenburg. W. S. JJohnston, Rev. Lemon, II. L. Ford, Leslie Wolf, D. B. Clark, W. T. Stevenson. This church was organized in 1899. The first church building was erected in 1899 at a cost of three thousand dollars. Current expenses three hundred dollars. Present membership eighty. G. H. Walter, elerk.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Spring Hill Baptist church was organized in 1872, and the first build- ing was erected in 1873, during the pastorate of Rev. Funk. The constitutent members of this church were as follows: P. P. Bishop and wife, Morris and Rachael Stogsdill, Mrs. Mary Stogsdill, Mrs. Hanah Peverley, Robert Comer and wife. JJames Lloyd and wife, and Mrs. Nicy Kipley the only one now living. The Baptist owned a two-fifth interest in the Protestant Methodist church, and purchased the remaining three-fifths about twenty years ago, since which time there has been no organization of the Protestant Methodist in Spring Hill. The present membership is twenty-five. The last pastor of this church was N. Ledson. Mrs. Edna Perkins is clerk. George C. Brand superintends the Sunday school. Mrs. Kate Garrett is the president and treasurer of the Ladies Aid Society. The Aid Society expects during this summer to pay the entire indebtedness of the church and to call a pastor. The church building was remodeled in 1899 at a cost of two thousand dollars.
METHODIST CHURCH OF SPRING HILL.
The charter members of this church were: A. C. Tigner, Mrs. A. C. Tigner, J. F. Lough, Mrs. J. F. Lough, Alice Caves, Mrs. L. Childs, Emma Barker, Martha Barker. Alice Barker, Mrs. Richard Barker, and Mrs. Asa Perley. This church was made the head of the circuit in 1891 and A. J. Barton was appointed pastor, in 1892 II. C. Preston, in 1894 1. C. Heckathorn, in 1895 JJ. I. Farley, in 1897 J. D. DeTarr, in 1900 C. W. Proetor, in 1903 W. R. Suman, in 1905 W. C. Smith, in 1907 B. R. VanDyke. The following are some of the early pastors who served this charge when it belonged to other circuits: E. Kendall, W. J. Beck. A. J. Barton, C. C. Maybee, M. R. IIarned, W. Patterson. T. P. Newland and W. II. II. Smith. The first church building was erected in 1874 at a cost of two thousand two hundred and forty dollars. A new building was erected in 1900 at a cost of twenty-four hundred dollars. The society contributed
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IHSTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
last year for pastoral support four hundred dollars. Incidental expenses two hundred dollars. Grant Joy superintends the Sunday school. Number of scholars enrolled one hundred twenty. Current expenses of school sixty dollars. Forrest Perkins is president of the Epworth League, which has a membership of fifty-six. Mrs. William Cochrane is president of the Ladies Aid Society to which all the ladies of the church belong. This society collected for all pur- poses last year two Inindred dollars. Mrs. Van Dyke is president of the W. F. M. S .. which has a membership of seventeen, and contributed eighty-six dollars to missions. The present membership of the church is one hundred thirty-nine.
LODGES.
I. O. O. F.
Spring Hill Lodge, No. 435, I. O. O. F. was organized November 29. 1881. with twenty charter members. Present officers: T. W. Sheriff. N. G .; Nelson Bedwell. V. G .; J. M. Wood, Secretary : 1. L. Surber, Treasurer. This lodge meets each Saturday night. and owns property to the value of two thousand dollars.
A. F. & A. M.
Champion Lodge. No. 233. A. F. & A. M .. was organized by dispensation from Grand Lodge of Iowa, March 9, 1868, at Ft. Plain. (now Greenbush) Iowa, with nine members, and received their charter under date of June 2. 1869. Present officers: G. W. Dillard. W. M .: J. C. Higens, S. W .; J. R. Lundy, J. W .; F. L. Adamson. Secretary; C. B. Davidson, Treasurer: E. V. Perkins. S. D .; Albert Beltz. J. D. ; John Kime. Tyler. This lodge has twenty- two members, owns property to the value of one thousand dollars. and meets Wednesday night of each month on or before full moon.
BROTHERHOOD OF AMERICAN YEOMEN.
Spring Hill Brotherhood of American Yeomen, was organized July 28. 1899, with thirteen charter members. The present membership is sixty. This lodge meets the first Monday night of each month. Present officers : M. M. Aubert. Foreman ; D. D. Inghes, Correspondent.
Spring Hill was incorporated in 1903. Present officers: D. D. Hnghes. Mayor; F. L. Adamson, Clerk ; E. Piteock, Treasurer: Conneihen. A. Holland. James Lockridge. G. N. Lockwood and J. F. MeGlothin.
COUNTRY CHURCH.
The North River Christian Church was organized in 1849 and therefore was one of the first religious organizations in Warren county. The records show that there were sixteen constitutent members. The organization was offeeted by Thomas Cason and William P. Cogar, the latter of which was the first pastor
311
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
and served three years. The church then called Thomas Cason who served for a mimber of years. The following pastors have ministered to this church: A. (. Stores. Elder Stuhl, S. O. Calvin, David Matson, Elder Lamb, J. O. Elwell, Albert Godley, O. E. Brown, JJ. R. Reed, Eller Black, Elder Fitzgerald and John II. Stover. The society worshiped in private homes and schoolhonses for eighteen years. The Board of Trustees then consisted of J. J. Bishop, Lazarus Whited, Adam Surber. In 1867 a church building was erected which cost about one thousand dollars: Since 1901 there have been no services held in this church. This is further evidence that the country church is passing away.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
TOWNSIHP OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1908.
Justice of the Peace: C. W. Faust, St. Charles.
Township Trustees : Carl Heilike, St. Charles; A. W. Johnston, St. Charles ; David Shutt, St. Marys.
Constables : Geo. W. Nuzum, St. Marys; William Kimer, St. Charles.
Township Clerk : Mark Gillispie, St. Marys.
Township Assessor: W. J. McClavy.
No warrants drawn on the Poor Fund.
Trustees Road Report :
Cash on hand January 1, 1907
$ 193.65
Received from County Treasurer
1219.25
Received from A. W. Johnston 2.25
Received from W. II. Shannon
4.69
$1419.84
Paid for labor and material
$1261.90
Balance on hand
157.94
$1419.84
The following is condensed from the County Superintendent's report of the Public Schools for Jackson township for the year ending July 1, 1907.
Jackson township has nine sub-districts, with a schoolhouse in each, total value $7.200. This township maintains schools seven months in the year. Four male teachers were employed, at an average salary of $35.47 per month; and fifteen females were employed as teachers, at an average salary of $33.94 per month. There are in this township three hundred and four persons of school age. The average attendance was one hundred and forty-four. The average cost of tuition per pupil per month, $2.15.
Jackson township is the same as township 75 north, range 25 west of the 5th P. M. of Iowa.
Jackson township is one of the western tier of townships. The land is generally rough and broken. There was but little native timber in this township.
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
Perhaps there was less inducement for the carly pioneers to locate in this township than in any other in the county. But today it is as well improved as the average township, and the inhabitants are as prosperous as any in the county. They are mostly German and Irish, but are noted for their industry and economy. The Irish people have been an important factor in the development of this nation. Alexander Stewart, the greatest mercantile man in the world during the last century, was a native of Ireland, came to New York, went into business and prospered beyond other merchants in the city, until at his death he was one of the wealthiest men in the United States. Three of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were Irishmen. to-wit, George Taylor. Matthew Thornton and James Smith. The Irish have entered into every department of activity, from the great dry goods merchant down to the man who uses the shovel and the spade. The Germans also have taken an important part in the affairs of the American Republic. Carl Sehurz was a born leader, a man of fine presence and possessed a strong well cultivated intellect. In the Civil war he joined the Union army and reached the rank of Major-General. In politics he made his way to the
United States senate. Theodore Thomas, the great musical director, might have been one of the leading statesmen of this country if he had turned his attention in that direction. But why speak of the leaders of either the Irish
or the German people ? It is the sturdy farmer, the mechanic, the day laborer who has contributed so largely to the growth of the country. Whether Ameri- cans could or would have gone into Jackson township and brought it up to its present standard, is an unanswerable question. But it is certain that the Irish and Germans in JJackson township have prospered as well as the inhabitants of any other township in the county. They are therefore entitled to the com- mendation of all good citizens.
ST. MARYS.
St. Marys is the only village in this township. It was laid out by G. M. Durschell in 1868. The Catholic church was erected in 1870 during the pastor- ate of Father A. N. Sassel, at a cost of $1.000. Ile was succeeded by Father J. Knapple in 1876. Subsequently Fathers J. B. Fendrack. John Stritzelberger. George Selmacker and Peter Stahl served this church. The present church building was erected during Father Stahl's administration, at a cost of $6.560. Father Cook is the present pastor. There are forty-five families in the parish. A parochial school was inaugurated in 1885, and employed three sisters of charity as teachers, but at present is not in operation as many families have moved away and there are not enough children in the parish to justify continu- ing the school. Mark Gillespie was the first merchant, opening a store in 1871. Frank Hennis is the railway station agent, and deals in grain, coal. implements, four, feed and salt. Theodore Lippold conducts a general store and is post- master. Mark Gillespie is the proprietor of a grocery store. The Des Moines and Osceola branch of the C. B. & Q. system enters this township about the center of the north line, running south to near the center of the township, then west to the middle of the west line of the township, where it enters Madison county. St. Marys is the only station in the township.
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
Jefferson township is the same as township 76 north of range 25 west of the 5th P. M. of Iowa.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1908.
Justice of the Peace: A. H. Perkins, Prole.
Township Trustees : Aaron Lockridge, Spring Hill; F. P. Hammond,
Indianola ; A. F. Newell, Conger.
Constable: M. L. Forbs, Prole.
Township Clerk: Martin Deheck, Prole.
Township Assessor: J. M. Archer.
Warrants drawn on the Poor Fund :
Food and clothing
$ 261.90
House rent and fuel
74.12
$336.02
Trustees Road Report.
Cash on hand January 1, 1907
$ 3.77
Received from County Treasurer 1645.81
$1649.58
Paid for labor and material
1518.79
Balance on hand 130.79
$1649.58
The following is condensed from the County Superintendent's report of the public schools for Jefferson township for the year ending July. 1907.
-Jefferson township has nine independent rural school districts with a school- house in each, the total value of which is six thousand one hundred and twenty- five dollars. The districts maintain an average of seven and a half months school per year. They employ eighteen females, at an average compensation of $33.90 per month. There are three hundred and forty-eight persons of school age in the township. The average attendance is one hundred and ninety-seven. The average cost of tuition per pupil per month is $1.72.
Jefferson township is in the western tier of townships and the second south of the Polk county line. For agricultural purposes it averages fairly well. Middle river passing through the center from east to west renders some of the land rough and broken. There is no coal in this township but considerable more timber than in some other portions of the county. There are many excellent stock farms in Jefferson township. It has more miles of railroad than any other township in the county. The Chicago Great Western passes through the township from north to south and on it are the stations of Churchville and Conger. The Des Moines and Osceola branch of the C. B. & Q. System mean-
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
ders through the township from north to south and has two stations-Prole and Wick. The C. R. I. & P. passes through the township from east to west and has on it the stations of Bevington and Lothrop; the latter of late has been abandoned and used only as a flag station. At the point where the C. R. I. & P. crosses the C. B. & Q. all trains stop. The waiting room is maintained but there is no station agent. No better railroad facilities could be desired than Jefferson township now enjoys.
The first settlers in Jefferson township were Ulysses Berger and family and John Wallace and family, arriving in 1846. William Ball was the first physician in the township, coming in 1848. The first steam saw-mill was owned by William Wallace, and located on the Clanton creek in 1857. The first child born in the township was Henry Johnson, June 20, 1847. The next was Jane Berger, August 16, 1847.
WICK.
Wiek was located in 1883, about two years after the railroad was built. The present station agent is R. J. Bell. Gibson and Brothers keep the post- office and a general store. One rural free delivery route goes out from this office, and was established in 1907. George Conrad keeps a general store; T. G. Lewis blacksmith shop and implements.
The first preaching services were held in the homes of the people. The first M. E. class was organized in 1848. The Revs. Worley, Pring. Anderson, Lawback and Garbison were among the first preachers. The members of the first class were John Wallace. Julia Ann Wallace, Elizabeth Berger. Margaret Berger and Darius Berger.
The Wesley M. E. church of Wick was erected in 1871, during the pastorate of Michael Sheets, at a cost of eighteen hundred dollars, and dedicated by Rev. J. W. Todd. John Wallace was the first class leader. The present trustees of the church are G. W. Day. C. W. Dunn, L. S. Maine. O. O. Trncher and J. F. Grissom. Class leader. L. S. Maine. This ehmreh was re-built in 1896 at a cost of one thousand dollars. J. H. Senseney preaching the re-opening sermon. William Mercer is the present pastor. The membership of this society is ninety. There is a flourishing Epworth League.
LODGE.
The M. W. A. Lodge was organized September 15. 1901, with twenty-two charter members. It now has a membership of sixty-three. Present officers: Carl Martens, counsel : L. S. Maine. V. C. : J. H. Hall. Banker ; L. E. Day, Clerk.
Wiek is on the Des Moines and Osceola branch of the C. B. & Q. Railroad system.
CONGER.
Conger is a station on the Chicago Great Western Railway, and was estab- lished in 1888. John F. Grissom erected the first store building in the same year. The present station agent is James Mulen. J. G. Blair, hotel keeper: J. G. Adams, general store. JJ. W. Nugum, postmaster.
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
BEVINGTON.
Bevington is located on the C. R. I. & P. Railway, on the county line, part of the village being in Madison and part in Warren county. It was laid out by Williamson and Bevington, in 1873. The present business in Warren county is a general store kept by J. H MeManus. E. P. Cody keeps a general store and meat market.
CHURCHIVILLE.
Churchville was laid out by Michael Churchman, in 1854. The first build- ing was erected for a hotel by Mr. Shoemaker, in 1856. R. E Northup, station agent. Frank Hall, P. M. Kirby & Burke, general store.
CHURCHES.
The Catholic church was built in 1890 by Father Dunyan, at a cost of $4,500. Father Condon is the present pastor. There are ninety families in the parish. A parochial school is carried on in connection with the church, which was built in 1903, at a cost of $3,000. This school employs three sisters as teach- ers. The total value of church property, including the parochial school, is $12,000.
The German Lutheran church was built in 1903 by the Rev. Jackson, at a cost of $2,400. The present pastor is Rev. Smith. There are forty members. The trustees are Carl Martin and William Huss, with Guss Gearing as bondsman.
There is a new blacksmith shop just erected, and a new bank building to be erected during this year, by In Clem, proprietor.
PROLE.
Prole was located by Mrs. Harrison Keller, in 1884. J. E. Stiffler erected the first store building. W. J. Slinker, general store, hardware and implements. J. W. Wheeler, barber. C. W. Wheeler, livery barn, William Keller, contractor and builder. Charles Haner, blacksmith. Wesley Burkhead, stock buyer and shipper. JJ. W. Butler, station agent. W. J. Slinker, P. M. One rural route goes ont from this office, established in 1905.
The Christian church was organized by W. S. Lemon, in 1903. The church building was erected and dedicated in 1904, at a cost of $2,200. The first trus- tees were Fred Nanbaner, J. H. Huss and J. W. Wheeler. The present membership is fifty-five. There is a Ladies' Aid Society in this church. William Keller is Sunday school superintendent. The last year this church paid for pastoral support $312, for evangelist, $60; incidental expenses. $50; Sunday school expenses. $32; missions and benevolences, $50.
The Linn Grove M. E. church. This class was organized in 1853, with Whitney Allen as class leader. Samuel Crow and wife, William Allen and wife, and Sarah Allen were the constituent members. The first church building was erected in 1867, during the pastorate of D. B. Clary, and was rebuilt in 1892, during the pastorate of H. C. Preston, at a cost of $500, and rebuilt again in 1903, during the pastorate of C. W. Proctor, at a cost of $2.500. Rev. M. R. Harned is the present pastor. The present membership is ninety. The Sunday
316
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
school enrollment is one hundred and twenty. A. Beerbower, Sunday school superintendent : W. V. Elliott is president of the Epworth League, and class leader. Miss Lydia Essex is president of the Ladies' Aid Society. $400 is being expended now on the church property. This society paid last year for pastoral support, $150; for missions and benevolences. $60; for incidental expenses, $100; for Sunday school expenses, $50.
The first postoffice in Jefferson township was near the present site of Prole. and was called Linn. L. S. Spencer was appointed postmaster in 1855, and held the office for eighteen years. When the C. R. I. & P. railway was built. this post- office was discontinued. At first the mail was carried on horseback, the route being from Des Moines to Winterset. Later, a daily bus line was established, and gave the people of that vicinity good postal facilities.
Mr. Spencer, the above named postmaster, says of the pioneer days : "Religious services were held at private houses, if houses you might call them. The good, old-fashioned sermon was preached that men might become better, and love their neighbors as themselves. Those good old-fashioned tunes were sung: Old Hundred and Windham. The congregation seated themselves on słab benches instead of cushioned seats. After service, each one took his road across the prairie to his place of abode. These were the days of the pioneer, and days of enjoyment they were. The siek were looked after much more than at present. Men thought much more of their home and their word than at present. The first Sabbath school was organized in May, 1856. This organiza- tion has been kept up until the present."
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
Liberty township is the same as township 74, north of range 23, west of the 5th P. M. of Iowa.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1908.
Justices of the Peace: George Matson, Indianola ; W. H. Funk, Lacona.
Township Trustees: E. R. Christman, Liberty Center; E. E. Frank, Lib- erty Center; S. Chipps, Liberty Center.
Constable : S. MeKinney, Liberty Center.
Township Clerk : S. J. Shupe, Liberty Center.
Township Assessor: D. G. Kennedy.
Warrants drawn on the Poor Fund, none.
Trustees Road Report :
Cash on hand JJanuary 1, 1907
6.95
Received from County Treasurer
1.067.61
Received from L. Puderbaugh 3.00
$1.077.56
Paid for Labor and Material
$ 788.98
Balance on Hand 288.58
$1.077.56
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HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY
The following is condensed from the County Superintendent's report of the public schools for Liberty township, for the year ending July 1, 1907.
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