CHAPTER VIII.
EDNA TOWNSHIP.
In the preceding pages it has already been narrated how the genial Kentuckian, William S. Townsend, commenced his pioneer life in Cass county by building a log cabin near Indiantown, in 1850, thus becoming one of the first three Gentile settlers in that section. In 1852, accompanied by his wife, he located on section 20, of the present Edna township, where he erected another log cabin. After a short residence there he built a double log cabin. After a short residence there he built a double log house on the northwest quarter of section 21, on the south bank of the Nodaway and opened it to travelers.
Through Mr. Townsend's efforts a postoffice was established, and what more natural than that it should be named after his amiable wife, Edna! It was on the direct route from Afton to Iranistan, the mail was carried on horseback and the postmaster was none other than the popular landlord of the Townsend House. When the Townsends removed to Pottawattamie county, in 1855, John Irwin succeeded him as postmaster. After several years the postoffice was removed to Seven-Mile, or Newton's Grove, and later discontinued.
But a more permanent memorial remains of the winning personality of Mrs. Townsend, for when the township was organized, about the time of the establishment of the postoffice, it was also named Edna. The first religious services were held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Townsend, in 1854, by Rev. James Rand, a Methodist Episcopal minister, and the first death in the township was that of their infant child.
The second death was that of Mary Miller, daughter of Branch Miller, whose rude hunter's cabin, near Edna Grove, represented the home of the second permanent settler in the township. His daughter was only about eighteen years of age, and her remains were interred on the present site of Edna cemetery. Benjamin Archer made the coffin from sideboards taken from his wagon -- a rude but touching picture of the practical sympathy which prevailed among those of the pioneer years.
"Compendium and History of Cass County, Iowa." Chicago: Henry and Taylor & Co., 1906, pp. 118-119.
Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass, November, 2013.
