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In this chapter it is the design to present all the items of interest connected with the political history of Cass county, the principal issues which occupied the attention of the people duriiig the various campaigns since the organization of the county, both local and general, so far as it is possible, and following this a complete abstract of the votes cast at each election, drawn from tlie official sources. There is always a fascinating interest manifested in the political history of a Nation, State or countiy, and especially is this true in a free land, wiiere, in the eyes of the law, all are upon an equality; where it has been shown that even the humblest--the rail-splitter or the towpath boy--can attain the highest honor--that can be bestowod upon an American citizen. We delight to see merit rewarded; we are pleased with the onward progress of one from the lower walks of life, as step by step he mounts the ladder of fame. Even if we do not reach the highest pinnacle, ourselves, we may flatter ourselves that our children may attain it, and thus rest happy in the conclusion.

There is an excitement about a political campaign which all enjoy, and, although to the disgrace of the party using it, personalities are often indulged in, as a general thing all yield gracefully to the verdict of the people, and submit themselves unto "the powers that be." This is as it should be, and speaks well for the American people.

It is the intention to sketch, at as much length as space will admit, the issues of each campaign both large and small. As a general thing, the local complexion of every campaign in this county, has hinged on the comparative merits of the individual, and, the main or local questions that arise in all communities, only to be lost in the oblivion of years. The Democratic party being in late years particularly, in the minority, their chief reliance has been, in all county matters, to join forces with the independent voter, and the disgruntled Republicans, and supporting either candidates of their own or such as chose to run independent of party lines. Following this resume will be found the abstract of the official vote at every election, of which record can be found.

The first election was held the first Monday in April, 1853, at "Bradshaw's store" at Indiantown as provided by the Act of Assembly. No official record of the election is to be found in any of the county offices; nor are any poll books to be found. The earliest record kept by the county judge, J. W. Benedict, is not to be found in the county auditor's office, and as it was not more than a hat would accommodate, it is presumed that Benedict took it away witli him when be left the county, a number of years ago.

The records of the vote of the county, are very incomplete, and at this late day, it is impossible to obtain any information in regard to it that will bear upon its face, any indications of accuracy.

The first election of which there is any record upon the books of the county, was that which took place in the month of June, 1858. This was on the question of establishing a general banking law in the State, and on the institution of a State Bank. But one hundred and forty-three ballots were cast in Cass county, the majority being in favor of both measures.

The election of 1858, was for State officers, member of congress, judge of the court, district attorney and others. But little enthusiasm prevaded, and the election passed off quietly. The principal contest was over the office of clerk of the district court, E. W. Henderson, however, having a majority of 12 over his opponent, A. A. Burnham, on a final canvass of the votes.

In the fall of 1859, there were both State and county officers to be elected, and the contest was sharp in Cass county. Samuel J. Kirkwood was the Republican, and Augustus C. Dodge, the Democratic candidate for governor. Mr. Kirkwood, afterwards known as "Iowa's War Governor," received a majority of twenty-seven in the county, out of a total vote of 331. Henry Temple, the Republican candidate for county judge, W. S. Newlon, for county superintendent, Samuel Whisler for drainage commissioner, and A. J. Osborn for surveyor, were elected by small majorities, the democrats capturing the other offices of sheriff, and treasurer and recorder.

The country was now becoming deeply moved over questions which stirred the popular heart as none had ever done before. The storm which had been gathering ever since the repeal of the Missouri Compromise; the struggles in Kansas, had deeply intensified the feeling of the people of the North, and John Brown's attempt upon Harper's Ferry had been skillfully managed, so as to arouse the fury of the people of the South. That the Territories of the United States should be forever consecrated to freedom was the solemn determination of a large majority of the people of the North and that the bouudaries of the institution of slavery should not be further enlarged. The South, seeking the perpetuation of the institution of slavery, by means of enlarged political power, determined that its territory should not be restricted, but should be extended. The questions dividing parlies were chiefly sectional, and pointed directly to war. At this stage of public sentiment, the republican party met in national convention at Chicago, for the purpose of placing in the field candidates for the office of president and vice-president. The names of Seward, Lincoln, Chase, Blair and Bates were proposed for the chief office. In the convention it was plain to see who was the favorite of the lookers-on. Every mention of Lincoln's name was received with cheer after cheer. Three ballots were taken. On tke last, Mr. Lincoln received a majority of the whole number of votes, and was made the unanimous Choice of the convention, amidst the most intense excitement. Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, was selected as the candidate for vice-president.

The Democratic National Convention met at Charleston, South Carolina, April 23, 1861. The friends of Stephen A. Douglas were active in urging his claims to the nomination for the presidency, the delegates from the Northern Slates being instructed to use all honorable means to attain that end. His claims were stoutly contested by the leaders of the democracy of the South,and it was evident sometime before the convention assembled, that it would be difficult to come to an agreement, especially as the rule of the Democratic national conventions required a two-thirds vote to nominate. The convention remained in session ten days, at the expiration of which time no nominations were made. After taking fifty-seven ballots, it was found impossible for any candidate to receive a two-thirds vote of the entire body, as many Southern delegates had withdrawn. At adjournment to Baltimore, June 19th, was agreed upon. The convention met pursuant to adjournment; but even here no agreement coidd be reached between the factions. After a six day's meeting, Stephen A. Douglas was nominated for president, and Benjamin Fitzpatrick, of Alabama, for vice-president. The nomination of Douglas was received with great enthusiasm in the North. Mr. Fitzpatrick declining, Herschel V. Johnson, of Georgia, was substituted, add he accepted the nomination.

That portion of the Democratic convention which seceded, held a convention, June 23d, and nominated John C. Breckenridge, of Kentucky, for president, and Joseph Lane, of Oregon, for vice-president. A "Union" convention was also held, at which John Bell, of Tennessee, was nominated for president, and Edward Everett, of Massachusetts, for vice-president.

With four presidential candidates in the field, the exciting questions growing out of the institution of slavery, and the threats of secession by a portion of the South, in the event of the election of Lincoln, tended to make the campaign one of great excitement. "Wide-Awake" clubs, on the part of ibe republicans, and organizations of "Hickory Boys" on the part of Douglas democrats, tended to increase the excitement. Large and enthusiastic meetings were held by each party, in all the leading towns and cities throughout the land, and in many of the smaller villages. The names of the "Rail-Splitter," and tlie "Little-Giant," became household words, and evoked the greatest enthusiasm.

The Republican State Convention of Iowa met in Iowa City, May 23d, nominated a State ticket, adopted a platform in harmony with the action of the national convention at Chicago, endorsed its nominations, and favored rigid economy in State matters. The Democratic convention met at Des Moines, July 12th, nominated a State ticket and passed resolutions endorsing Douglas and Johnson. The "Union" ticket was strongly condemned.

In Cass county the feeling ran high, and the contest was warmly fought by both parties. There was but one county officer to be elected clerk of the courts consequently there was little to detract from the great national issues. For President, Lincoln received a majority of twenty-six, and the whole Republican ticket range about the same. The total vote was 308. The candidates for the county office mentioned were William Judd and David A. Barnett, but this latter hinging on purely local issues, and personal popularity, resulted in the election of the latter by a majority of seventeen.

Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass, February, 2025 from: "History of Cass County, Together with Sketches of Its Towns, Villages and Townships, Educational, Civil, Military and Political History: Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Old Settlers and Representative Citizens" , published in 1884, Springfield, Ill: Continental Historical Co., pp. 321-324.