The pioneer history of Pocahontas County, Iowa, from the time of its earliest settlement to the present time, Part 37

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 37

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DELEGATE TO THE CENTENNIAL.

After the announcement that Poca- hontas county was free from all in- debtedness, W. D. McEwen was ap- pointed a delegate to represent it at the Centennial in Philadelphia. On this trip he was accompanied by W. S. Fegles and from his own graphic ac- count of what they saw we glean the following paragraph.

by President Grant in the opening of his address on that occasion. "It has been thought appropriate to bring to- gether for popular inspection speci- mens of our attainments in the indus- trial and fine arts, literature, science and philosophy, as well as the great businesses of agriculture and com- merce, that we may more thoroughly appreciate the excellences and detici- encies of our achievements, and also give an emphatic expression to our de- sire to cultivate the friendship of the ened agricultural, commercial and

"By many the main building, which was 70 feet in height, sides and ends great family of nations. The enlight- of glass set in an iron frame work, covering 21} acres of ground and cost- manufacturing people of the world ing $2,000,000, would not be regarded have been invited to send hither cor- as a beautiful building, but I must responding specimens of their skill, say it looked to me grand and caused to exhibit on equal terms in friendly a thrill of admiration. Standing in competiton with our own. One hun- one of its galleries W. S. Fegles and I dred years ago our country was new gazed upon such a sight as the world and but partially settled; our necessi- never before furnished. Spread be- ties have compelled us to expend every fore us was a wide expanse dotted with means in felling trees, subduing prair- structures, strange in shape and color, ies and building dwellings, factories, and extending so far that all distinct- ships, docks, warehouses, roads, canals, ness is finally lost. It is a brilliant machinery, etc. Most of our schools, and inspiring scene, one that must churches, libraries and asylums have satisfy all save the most captious. I been established within a hundred cannot conceive that any one could years. Our achievements have been look upon it and not be deeply im- great enough to make it easy for pressed. It is a scene to fascinate the our people to acknowledge superior imagination and stir the soul to its merit wherever found; and now we depths. You look in wonder and ask hope a careful examination of what is yourself whence this grand display, about to be exhibited to you will not this conglomeration of widely differing only inspire you with a profound re- shapes and glowing colors, destitute spect for the skill and taste of our of all harmony and deriving a consid- friends from other nations, but also erable portion of its charm from its call forth your highest admiration as very strangeness. Almost oblivious of you note the attainments and progress every thing else you draw on your im- of our own people during the last one agination pictures of the Arabian hundred years,"

285

SECOND PERIOD, 1870-1882.

MAIL ROUTES AND POSTOFFICES. that time. Mr. Strong resigned June After the removal of the county seat 20, 1879.

to Pocahontas, several new mail routes

On Dec. 30, 1877, a new postoffice by and postoffices along them were es- the name of "Luella" was established tablished in this county. On Nov. 1, on the same route at the residence of 1877, A. O. Garlock was the postmas- J. C. Strong in Washington township, ter at Pocahontas and the people of and he served as the postmaster. The that vicinity called at the auditor's name of this office was derived from office for their mail. The new routes that of Myrta Luella, the youngest are indicated by the following sched- daughter and only member of Mr. ule prepared by him for that point on Strong's family that was born in this the above date.

county.

The mail arrives at Pocahontas from

On Jan. 26, 1879 another postoffice Fonda and the south on Tuesdays, was established near this route at the Thursdays and Saturdays at 12 o'clock home of D. P. Frost in Powhatan m., and departs for Fonda and the township and he was duly appointed south at 1 o'clock p. m. on Mondays, postmaster, but owing to the fact that Wednesdays and Fridays.

he lived about two miles from the

The mail arrives from (old) Rolfe mail route and no provision had been and the north on Mondays, Wednes- made for the extra distance on the days and Fridays each week at 12 part of the mail carrier no mail was o'clock m., and departs for (old) Rolfe received or distributed at this office, and the north on Tuesdays, Thursdays which was called "Mayview." and Saturdays at 1 o'clock p. m. In the spring of 1882, when the

The mail arrives from Sioux Rapids towns of Havelock and Laurens were and the northwest every Thursday at founded along the line of the Toledo 5 o'clock p. m. and departs for Sioux & Northwestern railway, the "Gar- Rapids and the northwest every Fri- lock" and "Luella" postoffices were day at 7 a. m. discontinued.

In the spring of 1876, when the Poca-

In March, 1878, another mail route was maintained between old Rolfe and hontas and Fonda mail route was es- Humboldt, and a postoffice was located tablished, a postoffice was located at at the home of Sewell Van Alstine in the home of C. H. Tollefsrude on sec- Clinton township. Mr. Van Alstine tion 28, Grant township, and called was appointed postmaster, the name Shirley in honor of Maria G. Shirley, of the office was called "Blooming his wife, he being appointed post- Prairie" and the mail was carried by master. In 1879 another postoffice Ira Scranton once a week from old was established in Grant township at Rolfe until February, 1879, and then the home of H. H. Felch on section 36, from Pocahontas until Gilmore City (Crummer farm) on the Pocahontas was founded, when this route and and Pomeroy mail route. This office postoffice were discontinued. was called "Learned," in commemor-

On Nov. 1, 1877, a new postoffice by ation of the place in Colorado where the name of "Swan Lake" was estab- he previously resided, and Mr. Felch lished in Swan Lake township on the remained in charge of it until the route from Pocahontas to Sioux Rapids spring of 1881 when he removed from and Charles L. Strong was appointed the county. When this last postoffice postmaster. On Nov. 22d following, was established there were only 130 the name of this postoffice was changed residents in Grant township, and while to "Ga lock" in honor of A. O. Gar- both were maintained there was not

k, the popular county auditor at another township in the state having

286

PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA.

so small a population, that enjoyed the Fern Valley and Emmetsburg the only luxury of two postoffices.

ones in Palo Alto county, and they

After the removal of Mr. Felch were on the mail route from Fort "Learned" postoffice was discontinued. Dodge to Estherville and Spirit Lake Mr. Tollefsrude continued to serve as via (old) Rolfe.

postmaster at Shirley until Dec. 1, THE POCAHONTAS TIMES ESTABLISHED. 1881, when Herkimer L. Norton be-

The period now under consideration came his successor, receiving and dis- was the one in which, after three un- tributing the mail at his home from successful ventures, the Pocahontas that date until the spring of 1890, Times was established as the first per- when this office was also discontinued. manent newspaper in the county. Its There was no postoffice in this town- predecessors were the Pocahontas ship from that date until Feb. 7, 1894, Journal, the Cedarville Herald and when E. O. Christeson became post- the Pocahontas Times during the per- master at Rusk. iod of its publication by M. D. Skinner.

On July 12, 1877, M. F. Seeley, who The Pocahontas Journal was estab- had charge of the mail route from lished by W. D. McEwen and J. J. Fonda to old Rolfe via Pocahontas, re- Bruce in the year 1869, when the for- linquished his contract to Samuel Post mer was serving as auditor, clerk of of Palo Alto county and Frank Thomp- the court and county judge, and the son served as driver ..

latter as county superintendent and

At old Rolfe in 1876 before the re- member of the board of supervisors, moval of the county seat, W. D. Mc- both of whom, after December 1st, Ewen was postmaster and the mail that year, were residents of old Rolfe. was carried north on Monday, Wednes- The first issue of this paper was printed day and Friday of each week, and on Tuesday, June 15, 1869, and the south on Tuesday, Thursday and Sat- second one on Friday, July 25th fol- urday.

In 1865, twelve years previous, ac- Fort Dodge. After the lapse of two cording to Colton's map of Iowa, the years, or in July, 1871, W. D. McEwen mail routes in this vicinity radiated relinquished his editorial interest in from Fort Dodge and were as follows: this paper to Thomas L. MacVey and (1) Fort Dodge to Sioux City via Twin its weekly publication was continued Lakes, Sac City, Ida Grove and Cor- by Messrs. Bruce and MacVey until rectionville; (2) Fort Dodge to Council February 1st, 1872. About this date Bluffs via Lake City, Grant City, Den- the legislature repealed the law pro- ison and Shelbyville; (3) Fort Dodge to viding for the publication of the gen- Cherokee, a direct line between these eral laws in each county and this left two points, entering this county near them under the necessity of publishing the southeast corner of Bellville town- the paper at a pecuniary loss or of ship and leaving it about the center of abandoning the enterprise. The paper section 7, Cedar township. This route was therefore discontinued. After its passed about four miles north of establishment in 1869 it was made the Stormy (now Storm) Lake, and there official paper of the county and for ad- was not a village along it between the vertising the sale of the school lands two points named. West of Cherokee and printing the proceedings of the it passed through Plymouth, now board of supervisors and delinquent Merrill, and Melbourne, now Hinton. tax list that year received $237.00. In Lake City was then the only village in 1870 and also in 1871 it was the official Calhoun county, Sioux Rapids in paper of the county and, in addition Buena Vista county; and West Bend, to the other public printing, published

lowing, on the press of B. F. Gue at

287

SECOND PERIOD, 1870-1882.

the general laws of the 13th (1870) those events that denote social and General Assembly of Iowa.

The Cedarville Herald was a small weekly published at Fonda by W. S. Wright, express agent and postmaster at Fonda, during the spring of 1871. It was printed at Storm Lake and was discontinued after the lapse of a few months.

The Pocahontas Times, about the fall of 1872, was established in Fonda by M. D. Skinner, and its publication as a weekly newspaper was continued until about the fall of 1875, when it was also discontinued as an unprofit- able enterprise. It was made the offi- cial paper of the county for the years 1873 and 1874 and received for the pub-

material progress and it was read with more interest than any other paper.

The Pocahontas Times, established at old Rolfe by W. D. McEwen as edi- tor and proprietor, and of which vol- ume 1, number 1, was issued Thurs- day, April 6, 1876, is the oldest news- paper in Pocahontas county that has been preserved and its publication continued until the present time. This paper was first issued as a five column weekly, containing four pages 12} by 194 inches, and its unpreten- tious motto was,

"He who by his biz' would rise, Must either bust or advertise."

In his introduction the editor very lic printing done during those years modestly made his bow to his readers $171 and $420 respectively. In the in the following words: "In taking year 1873, by direction of the board of charge of a newspaper, we fear the supervisors, it published certain state- many difficulties that beset our way, ments of the finances for the years especially after having engaged act- 1866, '67, '68, '69, and '70, and a copy of ively for five years in other business. the paper was sent to every taxpayer We commence again the publication in the county.

of a newspaper, feeling that Pocahon-

On Dec. 8, 1874, the board of super- tas county has been too long neglected visors decided to print semi-annually, by reason of the lack of a live one. As in pamphlet form for distribution there is no one disposed to embark in among the voters of the county, the this enterprise we have established proceedings of the board and the re- the Pocahontas Times and propose to ports of the auditor and treasurer of make it a success, if possible. Our the county. This contract for the little sheet is not what we would like year 1875, at the rate of 30 cents per our first number to have been, but if square, was given to Messrs. White & our friends will have patience we will Son of Fonda, publishers of the soon enlarge it to twice its present Northwestern Hawkeye, and they re- size. With our long acquaintance ceived $132.50 for the public printing with the people of the county, we feel in this county during that year. satisfied that we shall receive a full

It is a matter for regret that no files share of support and the Times will be of the Pocahontas Journal, Cedarville devoted to developing the resources of Herald and of the Pocahontas Times Pocahontas county. Since there can be no reform without discussion, we during the period of its first venture, have been preserved for the historian, invite farmers to send us their obser- the last ones being destroyed by the vations in the matter of improve- fire in Fonda Oct. 15, 1883. The little ments, that your neighbors may be ben- pioneer county paper was the one that efited by your' experience, your light contained the record of the local hap- burning none the less brightly while penings, the marriages and divorces, lighting another. We propose to the births and deaths, the arrival and chronicle faithfully and impartially removal of families, the account of the events of the day, domestic and

288 PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA.

foreign, in addition to the local item pages, and, as it was decided to issue that may come under our observation. it thereafter in the English language, We shall uphold and advocate the the hope was expressed that attention principles of the republican party and to business and fair dealing would aim to promote truth, justice and merit a liberal support. "Truth good will to all." crushed to earth will rise again," was The first issue contained the pro- ceedings of the board of supervisors at their April meeting, (1876) and the professional cards of the following persons in Pocahontas county: Rev. Walter L. Lyons, Presbyterian, ser- vices in the brick school house at old Rolfe every other Sunday at 11 o'clock a. m. Rev. Wm. McCready, M. E., alternate Sundays same place at 10:30 a. m. Rev. A R. Whitfield, M. E., in school house at Fonda, alter- nate Sabbaths at 11a. m. W. D. Mc- Ewen, attorney at law, Rolfe; Alex- ander Younke, attorney, Rolfe; W. the new motto adopted at this time and the printing was very creditable. The Fort Dodge Times now observed "that it was the most sprightly paper ever sent out of the county, an high honor to its editor and owner;" and the Spirit Lake Beacon, "W. D. Mc- Ewen, editor of the Pocahontas Times, is a very versatile gentleman, being an attorney, a merchant and postmaster, which, in addition to the laborious duties of a journalist, is business enough for one man; he is also at this time serving his county, to the satis- faction of all concerned, as county D. McEwen & Co., dry goods and gro- treasurer and Centennial commis- ceries, Rolfe; A. O. Garlock, real es- sioner."

tate and tax paying agency, Rolfe; J. D. Minkler, physician and surgeon, Fonda; Wm. Marshall, real estate and tax paying agent, Fonda; Joseph Mal- lison, notary public and collector, and real estate agent, Fonda; John W. Gray, dry goods and groceries, Fonda;

On June 15, 1876, when the editor went to the Centennial, the office was left to the "tender mercies' of A. O. Garlock and Fred J. Ervin." After the issue of Oct. 10, 1876, the place of Fonda; E. C. Brown, notary public publication was changed from old Rolfe to Pocahontas Center.

On Jan. 1. 1877, Ed. B. Tabor became Joseph Mallison, machinery, Fonda; an associate editor of the Pocahontas Fred Swingle, lumber, coal and grain, Fonda; Peter G. Ibson, blacksmith

Times. As the successor of Geo. M. Dorton, he had previously assisted M. and wagon maker, Fonda; William D. Skinner in the Times office at Snell, cheese factory, Fonda; Joseph Fonda from March 1st until August Nimick, proprietor Center House, Pocahontas Center.

On May 11, 1876, the editor and pro- prietor of the Times announced an improvement that marks a new era in leased the Times outfit to Mr. Tabor, its publication. The first three issues, who continued to be its sole editor owing to defective presswork, looked during the next two years.

1st, 1875. On Nov. 1, 1877, W. D. Mc- Ewen, finding that his official duties required all of his time and attention, relinquished his editorial interest and

as if they had been printed in a "Stick to your aim and you are foreign language, so that but few bound to win" was the new motto readers were able to decipher the won- adopted, and two important changes derful hieroglyphics produced by the were effected during this period. After ingenuity of the printer. The office the issue of May 9, 1878, the office of was replenished with new type, a new publication was moved from Pocahon- roller and other improvements, the tas to Fonda and, commencing with paper was increased from four to eight the Issue of May 30th following, which

289

SECOND PERIOD, 1870-1882.

contained a full page description of old Rolfe is considering a proposition Pocahontas county entitled, "Come to go into the bee business. He has West," the amount of local printing been talking about it with a man who in the home office was increased from lives a little further north and who is two to four pages. almost persuaded. A few more Sun-

The constant aim of the new editor days will fetch him. He believes in was to furnish his readers a first-class starting with queen bees. The name local paper and through its columns of his bee is Phoebe. " give encouragement to every worthy Nov. 1. 1879, Geo. Sanborn, one of local enterprise. Hc so identified the pioneer homesteaders of Cedar himself to the interests of this com- township, purchasing the outfit from

TIMES PRINTING OFFICE

VIEW OF THE TIMES OFFICE AND POCAHONTAS COUNTY BANK ON MAIN STREET, FONDA, IN 1896.

munity, both personally and through W. D. McEwen, became the editor and the paper, that he found it a real trial proprietor of the Pocahontas Times when, at the end of two years, the and continuing these relations until sale of the Times outfit to another in- the present time, completes with this volved the relinquishment of his edi- issue-Oct. 26, 1899-a period of twenty torial relation to it. He won for him- years of editorial management and self the reputation of being a "young ownership of this paper, changing its man who was bound to make his mark name to Fonda Times Nov. 1, 1897. in the editorial profession, " a "spicy writer, " and a "good newspaper man. " As an illustration of his humor the following incident is gleaned from the

In taking charge of the editorial de- partment the new proprietor acknowl- edged his "consciousness of the task that we have laid upon ourself," and column of locals. "Geo. W. Horton at expressed the hope that, with the good

290

PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA.

will and assistance of his many friends, quarto. As the latter has eight pages he would be able to make it a financial the quantity of matter and the cost of success, and at the same time a paper conducting the paper were nearly of which they might well feel proud. doubled by this change. One object "Had we been playing farmer all our of this increase was to make it spec- life we could look for nothing but a ially beneficial to the farmers by add- partial success, if not a total failure ing an agricultural page edited by in our venture; as it is, we hope to Hon. James Wilson, a practical and bring to our assistance such practical successful farmer, who was then sup- experience as will materially aid us in erintendent of the experiment station the discharge of the onerous duties in at the State Agricultural College at which our present position finds us." Ames. In 1889 the old printing press "A journal devoted to the interests of was replaced by a new Campbell power Pocahontas county," was the new press. motto adopted, and it was continued These enlargements and improve- until June, 1892, when the further use ments of the Times from time to time of a motto was regarded as unnecessary. indicate the constantly increasing The Times office, located at first in support that has been given this paper the second story of the Fairburn bank by the business men of Fonda and the building at the corner of First and people of this county. They indicate Main streets, in 1879 was permanently also the constant endeavor of the edi- located on the east side of Main street tor and proprietor to keep it abreast in a small frame building on the lot of these rapidly progressing times and where the Times office now stands. make it worthy the reputation of be- This building, together with others ing not merely the oldest but the best in the vicinity, was entirely consumed newspaper in Pocahontas county. As by the fire of Oct. 15, 1883. It was a journal devoted to the interests of impossible to save either of the presses this county it has been true to its aim. and with the exception of the roll of Every issue has contained some good subscribers, a few books and some word for Fonda and vicinity. Be- type, the entire outfit of the Times lieving that the town would respond was destroyed. The value of the promptly to any forward movement building and contents of the office was made by the rural districts, it has very $2,300 and this was a total loss.

The first issue after the fire, of date town beyond its possibilities by a strict Oct. 18, 1883, was printed on the press adherence to truth and, with an un- of the Manson Journal, Geo. I. and tiring zeal, has encouraged the settle- Tom D. Long, editors. This fire edi- ment of the country around it with tion marks a change in the size of the the best class of people. About every Times to adapt it to the size of the fifth year it has contained a full page new press then obtained. The pages account of the material progress and were increased to seven columns, 17x23 growth of Fonda or of the county in inches and their number reduced to general. Whoever reads these fre- four. On March 6, 1884, the paper was quent descriptions of this section of enlarged to an eight column folio, an country in the files of the Times can- enlargement that gave its readers not fail to perceive that they have about one third more reading matter. prepared the way and naturally devel- On June 15, 1893, its size and appear- oped the desire to have this last one ance was again completely changed to the best, worthy to be designated the its present form. The eight column Pioneer History of Pocahontas County. folio was replaced by a seven column Although republican in sentiment

wisely refrained from booming the

291

SECOND PERIOD, 1870-1882.

it has never been under the control of zer, who enrolled 103 persons in Des any clique or faction. Under no obli- Moines and Lizard townships, which gation to others, it has been free to then embraced the entire county. adopt its own principles and fearlessly The census of 1870 was taken by J. to advocate or defend them. That a J. Bruce. He traveled on horseback love for fair play is inherent in the and had three months from the first American people has been recognized day of June to complete the canvass. as a fundamental principle in all mat- The county was then included in four ters of a public or political nature. As townships, Des Moines, Clinton, Liz- an angel of intelligence in the com- ard and Powhatan. In Lizard town- munity it has been the ally of virtue ship, which included all the residents

POPULATION OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, 1859-1895.

TOWNSHIPS AND TOWNS

(1859 1860 1862 1867|1869|1870 |1873 1875 1880 1885 1890 |1895

Bellville

237

282 290

373

456

576

628

Cedar. . 66

Fonda.

with

Ce dar

168

433

625

942

Center. . 66

Pocahontas.

153

201

Clinton.

100

116

154

309

548

631

Rolfe

256

529

779

Colfax.

234

240

380

492

621

638

Des Moines

126

176

256

257 107

265

327

422

474

558

Dover.

139

239

352

552

587

Grant.

114

151

272

455

581

Lake.

121

304

490

508 164

Lincoln.

85 496

125 537

567

624

672

Marshall

168

420

557

Powhatan

180

257

186

30 258

414

648

768

Sherman.

134 362

581

633

Laurens ..

318

587

Washington.

284

405

493

Havelock

365

Total

108 103 122 453 637 1, 446 2, 175 2,249 3, 713 6,152 9,553 12442

and a foe to crime. It has exerted a dominant influence in favor of mor- ality and religion during all these years, by always advocating the edu- cation of the child, the sobriety of the individual, the purity of the home and the welfare of the church.

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The pioneer history of Pocahontas County, Iowa, from the time of its earliest settlement to the present time, Part 37

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