The pioneer history of Pocahontas County, Iowa, from the time of its earliest settlement to the present time, Part 107

Author: Flickinger, Robert Elliott, b. 1846
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Fonda, Iowa, G. Sanborn
Number of Pages: 1058

USA > Iowa > Pocahontas County > The pioneer history of Pocahontas County, Iowa, from the time of its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 107

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COUNCILMEN: T. G. Demaray, W.

BAPTIST: The Haveleck Baptist church was organized Feb. 10, 1893, O. Sidwell, J. B. Sheldon, J. C. Barth, with 21 constituent members, and it Dr. F. E. Heathman. received formal recognition at a RECORDER: J. H. Adams. council held Dec. 2, 1893. The first TREASURER: A. F. Clarke. officers were Rev. John A. Kees, P. S. EDUCATIONAL BOARD: E. A. Dona-

Wilson, and Thomas Ward, trustees; hoe, Pres .; C. J. Gill, T. G. Demaray, Mrs. Cora (W. S ) Cox, clerk; Thomas J. S. Cole, W. H. Pool. Ward, treasurer; P. S. Wilson, deacon. TEACHERS: Frank Jarvis, Prin., In 1895 lots were purchased for a Olive Wray, Ruth and Kate Seright, house of worship, but no building was Stella Smith. erected.

AUCTIONEER: J. A. Wonderlich.

The succession of pastors was as BANKS: Citizens: S. H. Gill & Co. follows: John A. Kees, Feb. 10-Dec. proprietors; S. H, Gill, A. F. Clarke, 31, 1893; Charles G. Wright '94-95; and W. H. Harris, managers. Bank Frank A. D. Keys '96-until his de- of Havelock, Farmer, Thompson & cease; Geo. Yule '96 and 97. services were then discontinted.

The Helsell, proprietors; T. G. Demaray and W. H. Halverson, cashiers.

BARBERS: Ge). Dickerson and A Holderness.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH: As a result of some evangelistic meetings held by Rev. G. W. Elliott, of South Dakota, BLACKSMITHS: Joseph B. Smith the Havelock Christian church was and A. F. Kinkade; Fred Deidrick organized March 29, 1896. The orig- and Roy Lucas, in 1902 successors to inal members were John C. and Lucy C. J. Harvey.

C. Potter, Mr. and Mrs. M. K. Butch- er, Mr. and Mrs. S. T. Grove, Mr. and W. O. Tompkins, pastor. Mrs. Joseph Grove, Mr. and Mrs. U. S. Vance, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Smith, Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Sly, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Merchant and other members of their families. The first garten. officers were J. C. Potter, Jason

CHURCHES: M. E., built 1890, Rev.

CLOTHIERS: Gill Bros., W. S. Cox. CREAMERY. Hinn Bros., proprietors. DENTIST: A. D. Johnson.

DRAYMEN: J. C. Barth, Al. Wine-

DRESSMAKER: Mable Lockie.

796

PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA.

DRUGGIST & JEWELER: J. B. Shel- Potter, two of the leading citizens of don.

the community. It was the first bank

ELEVATORS: De Wolf & Wells, J. A. in the town, and their aim was to Jameson, Mgr .; Wells-Hood Grain Co., supply a convenience. that was greatly John Dickerson, Mgr.

needed in the community. Its pro-

GENERAL MERCHANTS: Gill Bros. prietors have been true to this aim, (Charles J. and Osborne W.); W. S. and the people of Havelock and vi- Cox; W. O. Sidwell; Mrs. G. H. and cinity have shown their appreciation Mamie Hinckley have variety store. of their endeavor by giving it a liberal HARDWARE AND FURNITURE: Smith Bros. (Lewis D and I. C.) patronage. In addition to the usual business transacted by such an insti- HARNESS MAKER: James A. Scott, in 1902 successor of W. O. Sidwell. tution, this bank handles a large amount of real estate and furnishes

HOTEL: Hotel Ellis, built 1902, W. abstracts of title to all lands in Poca- C. Ellis owner and proprietor, J. S. hontas county.

Lutz, Mgr.

Its proprietors have always performed a very prominent

IMPLEMENTS: John Dakin, in 1902 part in the management of the affairs successors of E. M. Hamilton & E. A. of the town and none have done more Donahoe, Henry Murray, Mgr.

JEWELER AND OPTICIAN: J. B. Shel- development. In 1899 J. C. Potter don.

LUMBER AND COAL: Jenkins Hesla Its present proprietors are S. H. Gill Lumber Co., Lewis McDermaid, Mgr, & Co., and its officers are S. H. Gill, LIVERY: J. C. Barth.

MASON AND PLASTERER:

president; A. F. Clarke, vice-presi- 1. K. dent and Wilbur H. Harris, cashier In 1900 they erected a new brick

Cleveland.

MEAT MARKET: J. Bradley Moore, building 25x40 feet, equipped with modern banking conveniences, includ-

MILLINERS: Mrs. Annie J. Rodgers; ing two vaults, one for their own use Ina Smith with dress making partment by Mabel Lockie.

NEWSPAPER: The Havelock Item, Frank Jarvis editor and proprietor.

BANK OF HAVELOCK: The Bank of Havelock, established by Farmer,

PHYSICIANS: David Nowlan, F. E. Thompson & Helsell of Sioux Rapids, lowa, was opened for business March

Heathman.

POULTRY DEALERS: Gill Bros., W. 21st. 1891, with the following officers; J. P. Farmer, Pres., O. P. Thompson,

REAL ESTATE AGENTS: S. H. Gill vice-pres .; F. H. Helsell, Cashier; C. & Co; W. T. Kemp; John H. Adams; S. Gibbons and S. P. Thomas, Asst. De Vaul Bros., F. T. Burdick. Cashiers.

RESTAURANT: Joseph B. Smith. TELEPHONE: Havelock Telephone In 1892 they erected for it a two story bank building, the first brick Co., established 1902; G. W. Smeltzer, building in the town, at the south- president; Dr. F. E. Heathman, secre- west

corner of Main and Wood tary and treasurer; Julia Fitzgerald, streets. Aug. 15, 1892, C. S. Gibbons operator.

WELL-DRILLER: G. W. Smeltzer. HAVELOCK BUSINESS ENTERPRISES.

was succeeded by T. G. Demaray as an assistant cashier. May 1, 1898, S. P. Thomas, an assistant cashier, was

THE CITIZENS BANK: The Citizens succeeded by J. E. Allison. Jan. 1, Bank of Havelock was established in 1900, he was succeeded by W. H. Hal- 1887 by Samuel H. Gill and John C. vorson. Since the death of O. P.

S. Cox.

de- and the other for the use of their patrons.

Chauncey Cox, assistant.

than they to promote its growth and relinquished his interest in the bank.

797

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP,

Thompson, which occurred in 1902, in it the first stock of merchandise. the officers of the bank have been as They have been identified with the follows: J. P. Farmer, Pres .; F. H. mercantile interests of the town ever Helsell, vice-pres .; T. G. Demaray, since. In 1887, S. H. relinquished his cashier, and W. H. Halvorson, Asst. interest in the firm and soon after Cashier.

ward his place was taken by his broth-

This bank was established for the er, Charles J. Gill. In 1891, they erect- accommodation of the merchants and ed a new, two-story double brick build- farmers in the vicinity of Havelock, ing at the north end of Main street, and has received a large and profit- where they have a splendid location. able patronage. The original plan of As an emporium of trade their store - its founders has been conservatively has held the fore-most place in the pursued from year to year and it town and it has ranked high in the es- ranks as one of the solid financial in- teem of the citizens of the community. stitutions of Pocahontas county.

Here may be found an immense stock

HAVELOCK ITEM: The Havelock of dry goods, clothing, groceries, fur- Item (p. 319) is the only paper pub- niture, in fact every article included lished in the town. It was establish- under the general classification of ed Aug. 1, 1893, by Fred J. Pratt, who family supplies. The proprietors are conducted it about eight months and conversant with every detail of their then sold it to E. A. Donahoe.

Mr. business and possess that sagacity Donahoe continued as its editor about that enables them to anticipate the four years and on Oct. 11, 1897, sold it to Prof. U. S. Vance, who had charge wants of their patrons. They pay the highest market price for country of it the next two years. Oct. 1, 1899, produce, including poultry, and sell it was bought by Charles C. Johns. their goods on the principle of quick Prof. Fraok Jarvis. his successor and sales and small profits. They are old the present proprietor of it, has pub- settlers, and by serving the interests lished it since July 1, 1902. In Novem- of their patrons through a long series ber 1901 the office was equipped with of years they have won the confidence a new press of modern mechanism, and esteem of the community.

and the old Washington hand press,

HAVELOCK CREAMERY: The Have- that had done trustworthy service lock creamery was established in 1892 during the previous years, was dis by a cooperative association who or- carded.

The aim of its publishers has been president; S. P. Thomas, secretary, to make it a good local rather than a J. B. Potter, treasurer.

political paper. In this respect they have succeeded admirably. has

In 1898, owing to a lack of patron-

A high age, it suspended operations. It was then purchased by the Hinn Bros., of

ganized by the election of S. H. Gill,

moral tone always been a characteristic of its editorial columns. Laurens, who re-arranged the plan of It has been loyal to local interests and its management by supplying each of has been accorded a large and profit- its patrons with a hand cream-sepa- able advertising patronage. rator. The creamery continues to be

GILL BROS., MERCHANTS: Charles J. operated under the new arrangement and Osborne W., dealers in dry goods and receives a remunerative patron- and groceries, Havelock, represent age. one of the oldest and most popular RURAL FREE DELIVERY. firms in the town. Gill Bros., S. H. To the farmers of Washington and O. W., erected the first store township belongs the honor of taking building in the town in 1882."and put the initiative and securing the first

798

PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA.

rural free delivery route in Pocahon- Aug. 1, 1902, Rolfe, No. 3, north tas county. In July 1901 W. E. Pirie west through Powhatan and Des mapped out a route, circulated a pe- Moines townships, Herbert E. Tubbs, tition and forwarded it to the author- carrier; No. 4, west from Rolfe ities at Washington. A few days through Powhatan and Center town- later he and other residents of the ships, Clarence U. Price, carrier. township, including David Nowlan,

Jan. 1, 1903, Havelock, route No. 2, M. D. , post master at Havelock, at- John F. O'Brien, carrier.

tended a conference, at Rolfe, at

At the close of 1902 Iowa has more which John T. Boylan, special agent rural free delivery routes than any for the rural free delivery routes, was state in the union, having 1,102, Illi- present. Pirie prevailed on the latter nois, 938 and Ohio, 885. In Iowa the to go home with him and the next day work of establishing new routes has drove him over the proposed route. been more systematically prosecuted Later he secured the service of a carrier and became one of his bonds- men.

than in any other state. Those in charge of the work have pursued the policy of completing the service for an Route No. 1, extending northwest entire county at a time and nineteen from Havelock, was established Nov. counties are now fully supplied. The 1, 1901. Jesse C. Harriott was appoint- increase in the number of routes in this ed carrier and Edward R. Nowlan, state during the last year was over 50 a substitute. The route is 25} per cent more than in 1901. Nevada is miles long, covers 41 square miles, and the only state that had no rural route serves 105 families, representing a in 1902. Nearly 2,000 post offices, rep-

population of 325 persons.

Charles resenting an annual expenditure of Kezer has been the carrier on this $116,807.00, have been discontinued by route since March 15, 1902. Route No. reason of the rural free delivery serv- 2, extending southward into Sherman ice. The discontinuance of so many township, was established Jan. 1, 1903, post offices encourages the belief that John F. O'Brien. carrier.

when the entire country is covered

The growth of free rural delivery with rural routes the system will be in Pocahontas county has been as fol- self sustaining.

lows:

Robert J. Wynne, First Assistant Nov. 1, 1901, Havelock No. 1, Jesse Postmaster General, recently said, C. Harriott, carrier.

"I do not think that any development

Jan. 1, 1902, Rolfe No. 1, south in of recent years, not excluding irriga- Clinton and Center townships, Pat- tion and the opening of vast tracts by rick H. Hanlon (deceased) carrier till continental railroads, has done half so April 1, 1902, Edward E. Bruce his much for the farmer as rural free de- successor. Rolfe No. 2, north through livery." In his recent message Presi. Clinton and Des Moines townships, dent Roosevelt expressed his hearty Walter Spence, Harry S. Fain and approval of the rural free delivery Jerome Hollenbeck, successively, system, because he sees in it more carriers. than the mere delivery of mail to the

Feb. 1, 1902, Laurens, No. 1, south, occupants of the farm. It is one of a. Jared Hughes, carrier; Gilmore City, number of modern conveniences, that No. 1, south east through Weaver tend to make life on the farm, away township, Humboldt county, J. C. from the city, more pleasant and at- Smith, carrier; No. 2, south through tractive; and the hope is expressed Lake and Lizard townships, D. A. that some day the constant flow of Rice, carrier.

young men and women from the farm

799

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

to the over-crowded city will be which was sold later that year, 1884, checked. There is a manifest need subject to the nursery lease, to John for more successful raisers of good A. Ryon, its present owner and occu- stock and progressive tillers of the pant. soil, but this want cannot be supplied

Previous to this date horticulture while the sons of the farmer, craving had received but very little attention the excitement of the busy city, walk in this county. There were only a not in the footsteps of their fathers. few orchards in it. No general inter- More men have achieved good fort- est had been awakened or enthusiasm unes on the farm than in the city, and developed in the matter of raising in the soil is found the broad founda fruit. The county had been annu- tion of our national prosperity. What- ally canvassed by itinerant tree ped- ever science, invention and new Jaws dlers, who exhibited highly colored can do to make life on the farm more pictures of their high priced fruits, or attractive to the young people, will carried in glass jars, large samples of exert a favorable influence on the them as grown in California, or some future welfare of this nation. Rural other fruit growing section. They telephones, daily mails and electric invariably claimed that their fruits railroads are bringing the best of city were raised successfully in neighbor- life to the farm and beneficial results ing townships or counties, and fre- will be sure to follow.

quently showed samples that they RURAL TELEPHONE. claimed to have picked from the In November 1902 some of the farm- ers of Washington township organized orchard of some prominent man, usu- ally not very far distant but always the Washington Center Telephone Co. inaccessible for immediate reference. by the election of Peter 'S. Shultz, In the spring when the farmer president; J. D. Ward, secretary, and found everything he had planted the William Steen, treasurer. previous fall was dead, he realized that a deception had probably been They immediately purchased poles and apparatus and have for their own practiced upon him and frankly con- convenience an eight-mile line con- fessed he would never make a similar necting with the Havelock Telephone investment. But when the next oily- Co.

THE WILLIAMS NURSERY.

tongued tree peddler came along with new pictures and 'samples the new

In January 1881, D. C. Williams and bait for the purchase of hardy, iron family, of Cedar Falls, located on the clad fruit trees was too tempting and

ne sec. 31, 160 acres, for the purpose again he would make an investment with the important stranger that promised a sure surprise to him and of establishing a nursery, (p. 312), and Frank Williams, his son, coming from the Rocky Mountain region, located his neighbors, but ended in another on sec. 19, 640 acres.

complete disappointment.

After several repetitions of this

Inasmuch as their lands were un- broken and therefore unsuited for im- sort of experience with the stranger- mediate planting. Mr. Williams leased tree-peddler, many of the early set- for nursery purposes, five acres of tlers declared it was no use to try to cultivated land on the farm of James raise fruit trees in this locality and C. Strong, on sec. 32, and planted it even refused to purchase the well- in 1881. Three years later he planted known, low-priced, hardy varieties; ten acres on his own farm, now owned but a few others who had acquired a by Julia A. Edwards, and five acres on knowledge of the hardy and profitable the farm of his son, Frank Williams, varieties and protected them from the

800

PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA.

depredations of their own stock, met lifted in the spring. When trees are with good success. In 1886 it was es- received keep the roots moist with timated that nine-tenths of the fruit wet hay or straw. When you reach trees that had been planted in this home, open the bundles, separate and county, had died before they came to heel the trees in the earth, wetting maturity.

and banking them eighteen inches.

D. C. Williams was a practical Dig as many holes as you have trees horticulturist, having had thirty years' experience. and was not deter- red from his purpose of establishing a

2} feet square and 1} feet deep. Dig another hole close to the trees, fill it with water and mix in it clay or dirt nursery in this county, by reason of until it becomes as thick as pudding the misfortunes of others. He planted Then, taking one tree at a time, 60,000 seedlings in the spring of 1880, when the sun is not shining, cut back and had a considerable quantity of the end of every root to the white stock ready for sale the next year. In wood and the top to suit. Immerse 1884, he had 20 acres planted with the roots of a sufficient number for nursery stock, and, leasing the culti- one row, in this pudding, and lay them vated portions of his own farm to one at each liole. Fill the hole about others, he gave his undivided atten- six inches with well pulverized earth, tion to the care and sale of the trees. locate the tree, straighten the roots

The following varieties of apples, to their natural position and complete planted by him, have proved hardy the work by filling in the earth.

and profitable in this county. The Plant between the trees any crop Duchess (summer), Wealthy (fall), that requires cultivation such as po- Pewaukee's, Bailey's and Talman's tatoes, beans or corn, but do not plow Sweets (winter), and Martha and so near or cultivate so deep as to in- Whitney No. 20 (crabs). Whoever jure the roots. About the middle of plants these varieties, and also the July mulch each tree six inches deep Longfield, a new and prolific winter and three feet across with manure or apple, Tetofsky (summer), Haas (large, straw as protection against drought. red, fall) Waldbridge (fall) and Plum In the fall protect from rabbits by Cider (winter), will surely.have apples. placing occasional bunches of hay The Willow Twig, Spice and Straw- among them, and from mice, by wrap- berry varieties are hardy and desirable ping each, during the first three years, but will yield only when sprayed. The with a strip of tarred paper."

Duchess may have to be replanted at

More recent experiments have dem - the end of twenty years. The cost of onstrated that mulching apple trees, the varieties of apples will not be ex- or manuring the ground occupied by pensive. Hardy apple trees and grape them, may determine whether they vines are not expensive, while the will bear fruit luxuriantly or even live high-priced ones are worth little or many years. Those who do not fre- quently manure their orchards can-

nothing in this locality.

Through the columns of the Poca- not expect to see their trees growing hontas Record he endeavored to give so thriftily or bearing so bountifully as- the farmers of this county the benefit those of their more thoughtful neigh- of his long experience in raising fruit bors. In planting evergreens or large trees. We reproduce some of his trees, it . is' a good plan to set at one suggestions in regard to the planting side of the hole in a slanting position, a three inch tile, so that water poured

of fruit trees in this locality.

"Trees lifted in the fall and buried into it the first season, may reach the over winter, do better than those roots of the tree.

801

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

In 1889, D. C. Williams died, and, in fifty gallons of water. Four ounces of October of that year, the surplus paris green added in this mixture will nursery stock was sold at half price, kill the coddling moth as well as pre- by J. T. Knapp & Co., by their agent vent fungus growth. The scab and R. R. Taber. Fine orchards may be coddling moth make their appearance seen, however, on the grounds occu- at, about the same time and both can pied by him for nursery purposes, be successfully treated at the same Many other orchards of less size in time by spraying the trees or bushes the north part of this county, were just before the blossoming buds ex- planted with trees raised by him. pand and again just as the petals of His experience served to show that the blossoms have fallen. It is often apple trees may be raised in this not unwise to make a third applica- county as surely and easily as ash, tion two weeks later. To do this spray- walnut, butternut, catalpa and even ing the farmer needs a good barrel maples; but that it is unadvisable to spray pump made entirely of brass ex- cept the head and handle, and having a large air cylinder within the tank, but no leather or rubber valves or iron screws.

send south or even very far east for them. This is no doubt due to the high altitude of this section, it being near the summit of the divide between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Some varieties that did well in the same latitude but on a lower level farther east, proved a disappointment on this higher altitude Small fruits in this section need a low wind break of willow or box elder on the south and west to protect them from the evaporating rake of the dry hot winds of summer. An orchard needs a similar protection and a northern slope is best for it, because its colder and later soil will retard the blossom- ing period and thus lessen the danger from spring frost ;.

Horticulture is now aspecial branch of learning in our State Agricultural College. A quarter of a century ago many acted as if they believed that all that was necessary to raise all sorts of fruits was to plant the seeds, vines or trees and let nature do the rest. Now the importance of good judg- ment in the selection of hardy varie- ties and their subsequent care, is recognized. Nature, however generous her promise, is a coy maiden, a co- quette. Like any other maiden worth having, she has to be persistently wooed if her smiles are to be secured. The horticultural swain must know and attend to his business or he for- feits the harvest.

Later experience and observation has demonstrated that even hardy apple trees will not bear good fruit unless they are protected from apple OLD SOLDIERS AND OLD SETTLERS scab, fungus, and the apple worm or REUNIONS. coddling moth; that cherries and The first large gathering at Have- plums must be kept free from rot; and lock was the patriotic celebration of the currant and goose berry bushes July 4, 1882. Everybody seemed to free from mildew and worms. This enjoy themselves and it was pro- is successfully done by spraying the nounced a "grand success."

trees and bushes, at the proper times, Since 1895, Havelock's "big day " has with a solution of paris green to des- usually been the annual reunions of troy the insects and of bordeaux mix- the old soldiers and old settlers in the ture to destroy the fungus. The fall of the year. bordeaux mixture is made by mixing For the first meeting, Aug. 21, 1896, four pounds of unslacked lime and the committee of arrangements, se- four pounds of copper sulphate with cured the big tent of Hon. J. P.

802

PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA.

Dolliver that held 1,500 people. After Fraser got the first spring seat in the a street parade in the forenoon it was township, and W. H. Hait the first filled to overflowing. Rev. C. M. carriage in the north part of the Phoenix acted as president of the day county.

and toastmaster. Addresses were

Aug. 22, 1899, the fourth annual made by editor Al Adams, of Hum- meeting was another gala day' at boldt, Hon. J. J. Bruce, Rev. C. W. Havelock. The day was beautiful Clifton and Rev. R. H. Dolliver, of and the tent inadaquate to admit the Chicago. The music was furnished crowd. J. C. Strong presided, Rev. by the Havelock band, glee club, J. A. Kees as usual led in the invoca- Grace Gilchrist, soloist, and the Po- tion, Mayor S. H. Gill extended the cahontas band. After the speaking, welcome and Hon M. F. Healy of some time was devoted to sack races, Fort Dodge delivered the address. apple races and other forms of amuse- ment.

Others that participated were J. J. Jolliffe, J. W. Carson, Al Adams, A.

At six o'clock the town and tent H. Hancher, George Goodchild, and were deluged by a heavy rain, hay Lee Anderson, of Bradgate.

was hauled into the tent and the large crowd listened to one of Doll- iver's great political addresses on the gold standard and free silver.

Previous to this occasion there had been no permanent organization to record events and preserve the min- utes. A permanent organization was that day effected by the selection of

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The pioneer history of Pocahontas County, Iowa, from the time of its earliest settlement to the present time, Part 107

Author: Flickinger, Robert Elliott, b. 1846 Publication date: 1904 Publisher: Fonda, Iowa, G. Sanborn Number of Pages: 1058

Author: Flickinger, Robert Elliott, b. 1846
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Fonda, Iowa, G. Sanborn
Number of Pages: 1058