HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY, IOWA
FROM ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT TO l909
BY Samuel Gillespie and James E. Steele
ALSO BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF MANY PROMINENT CITIZENS OF THE COUNTY AS WELL AS ITS ILLUSTRIOUS DEADCLAY COUNTY.
The county of Clay is twenty-four miles square, containing an area of 368,640 acres. It is located in the northwestern part of the state, being in the second tier of counties from the north, and the third from the west boundary of the state. Its soil is a rich dark-colored loam, extending in depth from two to eight feet. Underlying this rich soil is a clay subsoil, which renders it capable of withstanding either drouth or excessive rainfalls. The Little Sioux river and its many tributaries furnish abundant water and excellent drainage. In addition to the Little Sioux there are the Ocheydan, Willow, Prairie, Muddy and Henry creeks. In the eastern part of the county are several lakes, known as Lost Island lake, Swan lake. Virgin lake, Pickerell lake and Mud lake. In these lakes are found an abundance of fish of all kinds. Around these lakes and along these streams are found some of the finest and most fertile lands which Clay is known to possess. The surface of the county is undulating, divested of the many sloughs so usually found in lands of this description. The consequences are that there is very little waste land in the county. The lower lands have proven a great source of profit to the farmers, as they produce an abundance of rich and nutritious grass, which, when cut and properly cared for, makes excellent substitute for tame hay. The farmers have taken advantage of this and yearly tons of this grass have been cut, stacked and pressed, and shipped to eastern markets, realizing for the farmers handsome margins for their labor. There is a scarcity of timber, and with the exception of the extreme southwest part of the county and Gillett's Grove there is no timber, but this scarcity is supplied by a great many large and beautiful groves, which have been planted and cared for until they have grown to such a size that they not only furnish shade and adorn the farms, but furnish plenty of good firewood. The Little Sioux river is a beautiful stream, and with its serpentine windings measures a distance of nearly seventy-one miles in Clay county. This splendid stream and its broad rich valleys cannot but fill the mind of the beholder with admiration. Its waters are clear and silvery, its bed rocky and sandy, its current slow and steady; its flow and volume constant. Heavy water powers at Spencer and Peterson afford excellent manufacturing facilities, and all along the stream dams might be constructed which would cause thousands of busy wheels to toil in the service of man.
A most excellent clay is found here, and several brick and tile kilns are in active operation and are turning out thousands of brick annually of a superior quality.
The county is fairly well supplied with railroads, as two of the largest and most important lines in Iowa pass through its borders. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway crosses the county four miles north of its center, and from Spencer a branch line extends north to Spirit Lake. The southwest part of the county is crossed by the great Chicago & Northwestern and furnishes an outlet for the southern part of the county. A roadbed was completed some time ago through the entire county from the southeast corner north to Spirit Lake; but for some reason the company purposing building the line has never completed it. It is probable that some time in the future work will again be commenced on it. The Gowrie & Northern road was constructed in 1900 and runs from Gowrie to Sibley, entering the county at the center and south line of Garfield township and running northwesterly crosses Herdland, Lincoln, Clay and Lone Tree townships. The Minneapolis & St. Louis runs south from Spencer and makes its exit through Herdland township.
ITS CLIMATE, SOIL AND GROWTH.
Clay county, one of the newest counties in the state, by its rapid development and growth, has in a few years taken its place in the ranks among the wealthy and populous counties in Iowa. The hundreds of farmers, with improved farms, commodious and substantial dwellings, countless herds of stock, broad fields of golden grain, are the potent and self-evident proofs of its rapid and wonderful development, and yet the work has just begun. Thousands of acres await the approach of the sturdy yeoman, when the quiet beauty of its existence shall fade before the destructive implements of toil, only to be replaced with a harvest of greater and more resplendent beauty and grandeur. A healthful climate is one of the chief elements to be considered in the settlement of a new country, and the fact that Clay county is situated near the most elevated point between the Mississippi river, and beween the Great Lakes and the Gulf, and far above the miasmatic influences that are prevalent in the lower lands, and the gentle undulating character of the country where circulates an atmosphere free from impurities, renders this county and this section of the state exceedingly healthful. The soil is of a rich alluvial loam, admirably adapted to all branches of agricultural pursuits. The county is well watered, with numerous streams and lakelets, and the little Sioux river traverses the entire length, furnishing excellent water power for manufacturing enterprises. This county is especially adapted to grazing and dairying pursuits, and the excellence of the dairy products of Northwestern Iowa are becoming known in the leading markets of the country, and the rapidly increasing demand assures a rich return to those who are engaged in the business. In all the vast expanse of Northwestern Iowa there is no fairer portion than Clay county, or that is endowed with greater elements of growth and prosperity. A good soil, a healthful climate, good water and abundance of it, good railroads and markets, make the advantages in the pursuit of farming and stock growing equal to the more developed portions of the state, while land can be purchased here at a price from three-fifths to one-half of its value.
ITS ORGANIZATION.
By an act of the legislature in 1851 Clay county was created, and her boundary lines were defined. At the same time there were several
other counties created, and their boundary lines were defined. This being shortly after the termination of the Mexican war, the legislature determined that three of the counties should be named in honor of three of the distinguished officers who fell in that war. The names selected were Clay, Hardin and Yell. The last named was afterwards changed to Webster. Whether the real object was to name the county Clay, after the gallant officer who fell while leading his men on the field of battle, or in honor of his more distinguished father, who had so many warm Iowa followers, is not apparent, but at any rate this fair county was thus christened. In 1853 the legislature attached Clay to Waukan ‐ now Woodbury ‐ for revenue, election and judicial purposes. At this time it was simply a county in name only; its beautiful prairies had not at this time attracted the attention of those seeking homes in the western territory. It was not until the fall of 1858 that the little settlement in Clay county mustered up courage sufficient to apply for a separate organization, "that it might take its position among the older counties of the sovereign state of Iowa." At this time the county seat of Woodbury county was located at Sergeant's Bluff, and as all business in Clay had to be transacted at that place, and as the distance was quite great and very inconvenient to reach, it was decided to apply for a separate and distinct county government. Charles C. Smeltzer, who at that time and subsequently was quite active in local and county affairs, drew up a petition and circulated it among the settlers, who generally signed it. This petition was presented to the county court of Woodbury county, and after due consideration the prayer of the petitioners was granted, and an election of officers was ordered to be held October 12th, 1858. This first election, which was the beginning of the new life of Clay county, was held at the house of Ambrose Mead, on section 34, in Peterson township. The returns show that there were eighteen votes cast, and the following county officers were elected: County Judge, C. C. Smeltzer; treasurer and recorder, S. W. Foreman; sheriff, Henry Brockschink; superintendent of schools, Ambrose S. Mead; clerk of court, Ezra W. Wilcox; surveyor, S. W. Foreman; drainage commissioner, John Kindelspyer; coroner, Christian Kirchner. Thus the county was completely organized, and its independent life fully inaugurated. Charles C. Smeltzer, the newly-elected county judge, appears to have been greatly elated over the result of the election and the organization, as the following entry in the first record of the county will indicate:
"Be it remembered, that in accordance with the prayer of a majority of legal voters of Clay county, Iowa, praying for an organization of said county (that it might take its position among the older counties of the sovereign state of Iowa as an independent and self-sustaining community, and that the bonds that existed between Clay and Woodbury, to which Clay was attached for judicial purposes, might be irrevocably dissolved), which prayer, in form of a petition, was presented to the honorable county court of Woodbury county, Iowa, Judge John Campbell presiding, that an election was ordered by said court, to be held October 12th, 1858, authorizing the voters of said county to meet at the house of Ambrose S. Mead, for the purpose of perfecting an organization and voting for state, district, county and township officers, thus severing the ties between the independent county of Woodbury and the independent county of Clay, that the mutual resources might be developed, and the youthful, yet strong
community might stand forth in its conscious strength, and prove to the world that it no longer needed the fostering care of another, but that it was well able to maintain itself, and that it would give to it the proud position of an independent sovereign within itself, with all the characteristics of a prosperous people, noble, loving and enterprising, ready to assume the guardianship of the weak and dispense even-handed justice to the benighted of Northwestern Iowa."
This pronunciamento is notable and historical for its grand eloquence and its author may have thought it would be handed down alongside of the Declaration of Independence.
While the county had all the necessary official appendages for its running machinery, yet it was without a public building, the result being that the offices were kept at the respective houses of the officers. A. W. Hubbard, judge of the Fourth judicial district, on the 7th of June, 1859, appointed a commission, consisting of Miles Mahon, R. W. Wheelock and John W. Tucker, authorizing them to locate the county seat of Clay county. The commissioners examined the county, and July 16th, 1859, reported in favor of locating it on section 20 in Spencer township (now Sioux township). This was on the land now owned by M. E. Griffin and the town was laid out by George E. Spencer. It is said that just previous to the coming of the commissioners several shrewd speculators had come on and laid out the town of Spencer on this section, and with a flourish of trumpets had declared their intentions to the people of the town and the surrounding country. The commissioners, in their report, stated that they had made the selection with a knowledge that the people had the right to accept or reject their selection. The "people" did decide, and refused to pay any attention to the recommendation made by the commissioners. The county records therefore remained where they were. On the 14th of May, 1860, a document was duly circulated and duly signed asking that the county seat be located at the present site of Peterson. An election was directed to be held, and although but ten votes were cast, Peterson was chosen and remained the seat of government until near the close of 1871. At this election Judge Charles Smeltzer was authorized to erect public buildings at Peterson, at a cost not to exceed six thousand dollars. In the course of a year a court house was erected, but instead of being within the first appropriation, something over forty thousand dollars, it is said, was expended in its construction at different times. In 1871. the county seat question was again agitated. The county by this time had received a large immigration, and the northern part was filling up more rapidly than the southern. There was considerable objection to the extreme southeastern location of the county seat, and a great clamor by the northern residents for its removal to a more central location. The pressure was so extreme that the question of a relocation was submitted. Previous to this Spencer had sprung up, and was a town of larger size than Peterson. In October, 1871, the question was submitted to the voters, and resulted as follows: Spencer, 359; for Peterson, 200; thus giving Spencer a majority of 159. This ended the matter and the question has never been seriously agitated since that time. A court house was built at a cost of one thousand three hundred and thirty-three dollars and, although it has long since given way to a more convenient one, it still stands as one of the earlier landmarks .of Spencer. The removal, in the light of future events, has proven decidedly satis-
factory, and even those of 1871, who were most bitterly opposed to the change, are now ready and willing to acquiesce in the judgment that it was best for the county's and public's interests.
THE PIONEERS.
If there is anywhere a class of people who deserve to have their names perpetuated in history, it is the hardy pioneers who came to Clay county in its infancy, who left their eastern homes of plenty and comfort and braved the dangers, privations and hardships of the wild western prairies, and made it possible for settlement. It was no easy task to forsake the advantages of the thickly settled East of peace and plenty, and blindly plunge into the unknown and unsettled West, explore, inhabit and develop a vast field of industry, and aid in making it possible for others to obtain a home. To these brave men and women, who, nothing daunted, dared to imperil their lives, we today owe a debt of eternal gratitude, and the future historian will not fail to give them just credit for their heroism and self-sacrifice. In listening to a recital of their deeds of daring, their indomitable pluck, energy, enterprise, and the unconquerable determination that marked their wonderful achievements in transforming these bleak prairies into a live, teeming and densely populated country, sounds more like romance than reality. As the sight-seer passes through Clay county in an elegant coach, drawn as by the wings of lightning, catching a glimpse of the waving, golden harvest, green pastures, beautiful farm houses, handsome towns and innumerable herds of line cattle quietly grazing on nutritious grasses, he wonders at the marvelous transformation. Yonder, a beautiful lake surrounded by clumps of hushes is seen, the fair western maiden, in company with her lover, quietly rowing over its smooth and placid waters, enjoying a pleasant pastime, little thinking that only a half of a century ago the wild and uncivilized red man held absolute possession of it, and that it would have been either instant death or fearful torture to have ventured on its quiet waters. The change is marked and marvelous. These vast, unbroken prairies of surpassing beauty, of unequalled richness and fertility, overshadowed with fair skies, and surrounded by beautiful scenery, and dotted with bright lakes, could not always remain in the possession of a rude and barbarous race. No. There are always brave and daring men who possess the courage to investigate and penetrate the great unknown. Such were the men whocame to Clay county, not as discoverers, but as settlers, that the way might be made possible for its settlement and the development of its soil. That they accomplished this grand and noble object is wonderfully attested by its large population, its hundreds of schoolhouses for the education of the youth, its large, commodious places of worship, its beautiful villages and cities, and the teeming, prosperous multitude of farmers, merchants and mechanics, who extend a hearty welcome to all who seek a home in this enticing spot, where the broad, rich, rolling prairie land is to be had at a far less value than it is really worth.The early development of the county was quite slow, and but few events transpired worthy of note other than those mentioned. Its immigration being small, its real worth unknown, and there being so many thousands of acres of government land to choose from, it is no wonder that it did not at once spring into prominence. The settlers plodded along, exerting their best energies to make
for themselves homes and accumulate something for the future. They, however, in time, succeeded in effecting an organization and had the county made a separate and distinct county. They made some public improvements, built a courthouse, and made numerous other county changes. There being but a few of them, they knew each other intimately, and the friendships thus formed in those days are yet unbroken. Everything moved along prosperously until 1873, when a plague, in the form of grasshoppers, came down upon them. The elements had been favorable, and the crops were plentiful, and gave evidence of yielding the toiling farmers a rich reward for their labors, when all at once this destructive and devastating plague swept down upon them. Swarms upon swarms of these pests came until the skies were black and the earth covered with them. They destroyed and laid waste to the great growing fields of waving corn, wheat, oats, etc. From field to field they went their way, and when they left one to go to annother, it had the appearance of having been mowed to the earth and left as bare as if nothing had ever grown there. It was a sad and terrible blow to the tillers of the soil. It was too late to plant and sow another crop, and even if they did there was no assurance that they would not receive another visit from the pests. Many farmers were poverty stricken. All they had had been swept away. Their source of revenue was gone, and even their potatoes, cabbages, turnips and other vegetables, which they intended to live upon during the coming winter, were taken from them. It was a pitiful plight in which they were placed. Many were without ready money, and many others had no hopes of getting any unless they sold the only team they possessed. While this might have furnished them with temporary means, for the fall and winter, when spring came they would be without means to purchase another team, and therefore would be unable to farm. Work was scarce; in fact it was next to impossible to get employment. What should they do? was the inquiry one would make of another as they looked out upon their destroyed fields of grain and talked over the situation. Many grew disheartened, and gathering together their few effects, started for the east in search of employment, leaving behind them the farms on which they had spent time and toil, and had almost lived on long enough to acquire a title. It was a sad blow to these enduring and deserving farmers, who had struggled so hard to make for themselves a "place" that they could say "these one hundred and sixty acres belong to me." It was a trying time to the souls of many a man as he looked for the last time upon those fertile acres which he had cultivated, and which had promised him such an abundant yield. These he must forsake, for to stay was to lose all.
Such were the conditions of affairs in 1874. The raid made by the grasshoppers did a great amount of injury to the county. An impression prevailed that they would make annual visits to this section, and it required several years to disabuse this belief. Many remained, being more fortunately situated than those whom necessity required to go elsewhere, to seek sustenance for the coming winter.
It was not until some years afterwards that immigration began to turn in this direction, and even then it was limited. The scare was not over, and the people who wanted to come waited to see if the grasshoppers would make another visit. They had heard of the work done by them, and of the privations
of those who went and stayed, and were thus prevented from coming. In time these fears were removed, and Clay began to fill up J when the railroad came, the prospects of future settlement became more encouraging. In the spring of 1879 the tide came. Many came to purchase land, others to build and establish homes. As if by magic the houses sprang into existence, and the prairies were soon dotted over with well-tilled farms and good, substantial farm houses. It was well worth the years of solitude and privations of the early settler to see his home suddenly surrounded by other farms under good cultivation; and to live within a short distance of friendly and pleasant neighbors.
We have thus briefly and imperfectly sketched the earlier struggles, the repeated failures and the final triumphs of Clay county, and have seen it transformed from a vast unbroken prairie into almost a wilderness of farms, dwellings, towns and villages. Even today it is a source of genuine comfort to those who went through the hardships we have enumerated, to tell the newcomer of the trials and troubles of the early days, and to point out the many and varied improvements made in the past half a century.
ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT.
Until the year 1856 the only inhabitants of Clay county were the Indians and the great Northwestern Iowa was a trackless prairie. But gradually settlement extended its way westward and the rich and fertile prairies began to teem with activity. And as the years rolled around immigration increased and the east heard of the wonderful productiveness of the soil; tbe salubrious climate, the cheapness of the land and the population multiplied itself in a short time. The lack of settlement for so many years was to an extent due to a lack of timber. There appeared to be a desire among the settlers to select the timbered districts and to regard the prairies as worthless for agricultural purposes, because they did not produce the necessaries for fuel and fences. But gradually there came a change in the minds of men in regard to this, and the great west, with its boundless and sweeping prairies, were sought for and then came the rush. And when the soil was subjected to farm tillage and reaped such rich harvests, its fame was spread far and wide, and Northwestern Iowa became known as the great agricultural center of the west. But this was not accomplished in a year, but required time and patience to develop and make known all of its natural resources.
The first permanent settlement by whites known was made in the spring of 1856. Previous to this settlement the firm of Lane & Ray, government surveyers, had passed through this county and run township lines and staked them out, and as was the custom in new counties, posted the sign, "Claimed by Lane & Ray." Whether deciding to relinquish their claims to these lands to some more determined men who would brave and bear the wants, privations and hardships of pioneer life, or obtaining a more lucrative position or business, they at least never returned to make their claim good or establish their ownership to the land. The principal portions of the land claimed by these surveyors were located along the banks of the river, in the south part of the county. Unquestionably, the earliest permanent white settlers in Clay county were the Kirchners, who came here in April, 1856. In the year 1855, J. A. Kirchner,
Picture of VIEW NEAR SPENCER
in company with his brother, Jacob, set out from his native state, New York, to find fame and fortune in the far away west, of whose wonders he had heard and read so much. As they had no settled point in view, they traveled from place to place, hearing glowing accounts of the state of Iowa. They drifted westward, until they reached Cedar Falls, then but a small village near the borders of the west, where supplies were obtained by the pioneers. After reaching the place, they formed the acquaintance of Ambrose S. Mead, who, like themselves, was desirous of exploring the western part of the state. Mr. Mead possessed some Indian ponies, which he tendered the use of to the New Yorkers, which were gladly accepted by them. They at once purchased a sleigh and the necessary provisions to last them during their search for a location, and started out on their trip. Being impressed with the advantages of Spirit Lake and its surroundings, of which they had heard so much, they directed their course toward the historical part of the great Hawkeye state. While on their way they inspected numerous points and were greatly pleased with the beauty and wealth of the soil. Upon reaching a point near Algona, Kossuth county, they met a Mr. Brown, who informed them that he had spent a part of the previous year with a United States surveying party and was thoroughly acquainted with all the new territory. After making known to him their intentions to go to Spirit Lake to locate, he remarked to them: "Why don't you go to Clay county? That is the finest county in the state and the land is the best."
After a long conversation, in which a full description of the county was given and the route to take, they set out and finally reached a point just a little west of where Peterson now stands. Being unable to cross the river they, however, made a careful survey of the surroundings and decided to locate there. Their impression of the country was most favorable and they saw that the glowing accounts of the beauty and fertility of the soil had in no sense been exaggerated; they there and then decided to make it their home for life. They immediately made claim to the timber land along the river on sections 32, 33 and 34, township 94, range 38, being in all about 300 acres, which was equally divided among the three. After choosing their land and settling everything satisfactorily among themselves, they returned to Cedar Falls, where they purchased the necessary teams, farm implements and provisions and returned to their new home, where they immediately set to work to perfect arrangements for the immediate occupancy and improvement of their claims. The first work of the pioneers upon reaching their claims was the erection of a cabin, or log house, and at the same time to commence breaking the ground on their newly acquired farms. The first plowing done was by J. A. Kirchner in May, 1856. Mr. Kirchner, after building a house and arranging for his crops, set out for New York, and in the fall returned with his father, Christian Kirchner, and wife and ten children. The house was built of logs, trees were felled and hewn and placed together. Shortly after the completion of this log cabin, James Bicknell and family arrived, and it was sold to him. Then Mr. Kirchner set to work to build another, which stood for several years in the corporate limits of Peterson. These first cabins were very primitive afifairs, but they answered the purposes most satisfactorily. Among the next settlers were the Gillett brothers, who settled at what is now the little town of Gillett's Grove. During the year
there also arrived Ezra Wilcox and a Mr. Wilcox. Although the winter was quite severe the little band of pioneers suffered no discomforts, other than what was incident to a partially completed preparation, and their stock passed through without loss. In the meantime, the progress of settlement had rapidly increased, and a small town had sprung up in Webster county, where the government had established a fort, known as Fort Dodge, which made the distance a great deal less from which to obtain supplies.
The little settlement, of energetic and determined pioneers, made unusual progress with their labors to complete their homes and increase and enhance their possessions. It was not until something over a year after taking possession of these lands that they did acquire title to them. They went to Sioux City and made formal entry. The distance was quite great, but they became accustomed to long journeys and did not mind it. Their trips to and from trading points were made twice a year, and sufficient supply was purchased to last from spring to fall and from fall to spring. There were no incidents worthy of note during the first eighteen months of their residence and they began to think that all dangers were passed and the future foreboded nothing but peace and prosperity. Their crops were good, their stock in excellent condition and increasing, the families healthy and contented, and everything pointed to pleasant and happy homes.
During the next year the little band was increased by the arrival of John Kindelspyer, who located in the southeastern part of the county, also Frederick, William and C. H. Brockschink. In the spring of 1858 there came Charles C. and H.E. W. Smeltzer; the former was subsequently elected county judge and the latter held several county offices. There were a number of other arrivals but the settlement was by no means swelled, as the census of i860 shows only a total population of fifty-two. But those who came located their claims and proceeded to improve them with all their might and main and to build for themselves houses. The first religious services were held at Peterson, at the residence of C. Kirchner, on Sunday, in August. 1856, and were conducted by Rev. O.S. Wright. On that occasion nearly every soul in the county attended divine worship. The class of people who settled here at that time was moral and upright, and gave hearty accord to the establishing ot religious services.
THE INDIAN TROUBLES
Our little band of pioneers progressed rapidly in developing the soil and making suitable homes for themselves, and were undisturbed bv the few Indians that were living in and about Clay county at that time. Small bands of these wandering tribes frequently made the settlers visits, but gave no cause to them for alarm. They appeared to be friendly and made no pretensions of disturbing the Whites. Up to February, 1857, the colony had been favored by uninterrupted peace and prosperity, but in that month the red-skins came down upon them and threatened for a time an overthrow of all their bright hopes. It appears that during the month previous a party of Indians passed down the Sioux river, with the intention of paying a friendly visit, and as they had made no sign of molesting the whites, no fears were apprehended, but when they had passed farther into
the white settlement, the latter became greatly alarmed at their boldness and at Smithland, the sixty or seventy warriors were disarmed and given to understand that while they would not be molested on their journey they would not be permitted to carry firearms. Upon having their arms taken from them, they became greatly enraged and immediately started back, vowing vengeance on all whites whom they should meet. On their returning they stopped at every house, appropriating everything in the way of firearms and provisions they could lay their hands on. When they had secured sufficient rifles and ammunition to arm their numbers, they became bolder, and not only slaughtered their stock, seized their provisions, burned their houses, but killed the settlers and created a reign of terror throughout the country. The Clay county settlers had heard of the depredations they were committing and were thoroughly alarmed for the safety of themselves and their property. When they came to the home of Mr. Bicknell and finding no one there ‐ he with his family having gone to Mr. Kirchner's, across the river, they immediately appropriated everything which met their fancy. The next day they made their appearance at the Kirchner home, where they found the terror stricken settlers huddled together. Without any ceremony they captured all the arms to he found, killed the cattle and took what they wanted. After remaining in the Peterson settlement for a day and a night they pushed on, leaving the whites badly frightened, but thankful that they had escaped with their lives. This band of bloodthirsty Siouxs then proceeded to the house of Ambrose Mead, who was absent at the time at Cedar Falls. Previous to leaving for this place, he had arranged to have a Mr. Taylor and family remain with Mrs. Mead and the children during his stay. Becoming angry at Taylor for his interference, they threatened to kill him if he did not keep out of their way. Fearing that thev would carry out their threats, Taylor left the women and children and set out to secure assistance. The Indians killed the stock, drove off the ponies and carried the women with them. But fearing they would be pursued and overtaken, they decided to allow the women to return, after taking such liberties as the helpless women could not prevent. They then directed their steps toward Linn Grove and Sioux Rapids, where they subjected the settlers to the same treatment they had given the Mead and Taylor families. From thence they went to Gillett's Grove, where they not only repeated their operations but burned the buildings. The Indians had no sooner left Peterson than a courier was sent to Sac City, to inform the people there and give warning to the settlers of the depredations being committed by the red devils. A company was at once formed of settlers and set out in great haste to overtake them. They followed them to within a few miles of where Spencer now stands, but a severe snow storm coming on, prevented the Indians from being overtaken and caused the settlers to take refuge from the terrible snow storm. The Indians, however, hurried on to Okoboji and Spirit Lake, and massacred the entire colony, men, women and children, with one exception, Miss Abigail Sharpe, who was subsequently rescued and his since written a book, detailing the history of the attack, and massacre and the horrible tortures inflicted on the helpless captured, by those wild, bloodthirsty and inhuman brutes.
When the horrible and blood-curdling tale of the Spirit Lake butchery became known to the settlers, many of them being so thoroughly alarmed, they
left their claims entirely or sought refuge at the homes of friends. This tribe was under the leadership of a chief known as Ink-pah-du-tah, and whose crimes are the most atrocious in the annals of Iowa Indian history. This had the effect to materially check settlement throughout the northwest.
The Indians kept up their onward march of death and destruction until they reached Jackson, Minnesota. In the meantime companies well armed were hurriedly organized and sent to this point, where they met and attacked the Indians and succeeded in defeating them. The battle was a sharp one, but finally the Indians were sent flying westward until they were driven out of the state and also out of Minnesota. The Indians being exterminated from Clay county and peace and safety being restored, the settlers were given a chance to repair their property and to proceed with their work of developing the resources and the cultivation of the soil. From that date Clay county was no more troubled with the Indians.
THE COURTHOUSE HISTORY.
After the election of 1858, Clay county was equipped with a full quota of officers. She had neither a courthouse nor a public building of any description, and as a result the officers made their homes public buildings, and whatever public meetings were required to be held were held at the most convenient house. This was not all. Clay was duly organized and officered, but she was without a county seat. Judge Hubbard, then the presiding judge of the Fourth judicial district, comprehending the condition of affairs, in open court appointed a commission, consisting of three, who were supposed to be disinterested parties, to locate a county seat. They selected the site previously mentioned and named it Spencer, in honor of United States Senator Spencer, of Alabama, who had been one of the United States surveying party which surveyed Clay county and established the boundary lines. The committee made its report to Charles C. Smeltzer, then county judge. Whereupon he entered upon the court docket the following order:
"I, Charles C. Smeltzer, county judge of said (Clay) county, and the official head thereof, do hereby order that said town of Spencer, named in their report as the county seat of Clay county, Iowa, be and is from this time hence 'till changed, according to law, the seat of justice of said county."
For several months the court records are dated "Spencer, Clay county, Iowa," but that was finally dropped, and the former form of "Office of the County Judge" was substituted, showing that the judge while in spirit was at Spencer, in person he was many miles away.
A petition was in time drawn up and circulated among the settlers and generally signed, and on the 14th day of May, i860, was presented to Judge Smeltzer. The petitioners prayed that an election might be called to test the county seat question, and that they should be given the privilege to select the site. The prayer was granted, and on the 27th day of June, 1860, after due notice having been given, the voters of the county, of which there were ten, decided to locate the county seat at what is now known as Peterson. At this election Judge Smeltzer was authorized to cause to be erected a courthouse building at the new county seat, at an expense of six thousand dollars. Bids and plans were immediately advertised for, and on the 15th day of September, 1860, the contract
was let to C. H. Brockschink. Work was at once commenced, and in due course of time was completed, and Clay county had a courthouse. Mr. Brockschink afterwards presented a claim for fifteen hundred dollars for extra work done, and was allowed nine hundred dollars. Additions were subsequently made to the building to accommodate the officers, and it is claimed that these additions cost the county quite an extravagant sum of money. It is not infrequent to hear the earlier settlers speak of the "Forty-thousand dollar court house."
During the interim of 1860 and 1870 the northern part of the county received a large immigration, and in time became more numerously inhabited than the southwestern part. Its voting population in 1870, combined with the eastern section, was, therefore, numerically greater than the southern part.
The location of the county seat in the extreme southwestern corner was very inconvenient for those living in the northern part. As the years passed by, a feeling of dissatisfaction grew up with the location, and the more the subject was agitated the greater the displeasure of the northern and eastern people became. A petition was drawn up and circulated among the voters, and received many signatures. The petition set forth that Peterson, the county seat, was inconvenient of access, that it was not sufficiently centrally located, and the people demanded that the seat of government should be placed where it would accommodate the many, and not a chosen few. The petition was presented to the Board of Supervisors, which body ordered an election to be held. The result was that the county seat was relocated, and Spencer chosen as the place. The principal argument against the removal, previous to the election, was that Spencer was not provided with a building sufficient to accommodate the county officials. This argument was immediately met, by the people of Spencer setting to work and erecting a building that would meet these requirements. It was no easy task in those days to erect a building. The lumber must be hauled a distance of forty or fifty miles, and the amount of money required to purchase a thousand feet of lumber in those days would buy three thousand now. But, undaunted, the attempt was made. A stock company was at once organized, shares were sold, and the entire community in and around Spencer became interested. Those who were unable to buy a share and pay the money, gave a day's labor. "Where there's a will there's a way," is an old saying, and in short time the building was completed and ready for occupancy. The structure was afterwards sold to the county for one thousand three hundred and thirty-three dollars, payment being made in county warrants, at that time away below par. Even at that price it would seem today that it was an extravagant figure, but it cost the stock company a greater sum. We insert the proposition made by the company to the Board of Supervisors, not for the intrinsic worth, but as an incident of the earlier times. It is as follows:
"We hereby propose to the board of supervisors, of Clay county, Iowa, to
sell them the courthouse and lot owned by the Spencer Courthouse Company,
for one thousand three hundred and thirty-three dollars, in county warrants.
(Signed), J. B. Edmunds, Secretary.
C. D. Marcellus, President."
This building was occupied until 1882, when it became inadequate for the wants of county purposes, and its dimensions too limited. The board of super-
visors then leased of A.W. Miller, the basement and several of the rooms in the second story of the Clay county bank, using the second story of the courthouse for court purposes.
At the April meeting of the board of supervisors in 1884, it was decided to build a new courthouse. A number of liberal-spirited citizens purchased the block on which the present courthouse now stands, and donated it to the county. The contract was let to H. H. Wade for four thousand four hundred and thirty- five dollars, and a brick building was constructed. It was two stories high, and contained seven rooms, besides the court room. It was supplied wnth four large vaults, and was in every way sufficient to meet the demands of the times.
There were many who regarded the building as lacking in architectural beauty and finish, and criticised the board of supervisors for not constructing one on a more pretentious scale. At the time it was built the people of the county were opposed to making an appropriation for a courthouse, and as the law would not permit the board of supervisors to expend a greater sum than five thousand dollars, they were from necessity compelled to keep within that limit. Such briefly are the facts connected with the various changes made in the courthouse buildings up to 1900.
The first action relating to townships was taken December 3d, 1859, when
it was ordered by County Judge C. C. Smeltzer, "that the whole of Clay county
be divided into, or recognized as one civil township, to be known as Clay."
On the 15th day of October, 1860, Douglas township was created, embracing
nearly one-half of the county.
On September 19, 1861, a township was created, and named Sioux, which
included the four western congressional townships in the county, except four
sections. This township was afterward merged into others.
In September, 1866, the boundaries were all changed, and the north half of
the county was named Spencer township.
Douglas township was divided in January, 1867, and Lincoln was set off.
September 5, 1870, Bridgewater township was set off, comprising territory
taken from Spencer. It has since been included with other townships.
Summit was set off September 2, 1872, embracing the same territory as at
the present.
Gillett's Grove township was set off September 2, 1873.
Herdland came into existence at the same time.
Riverton was set off from Spencer July 7, 1874.
October 15, 1877, Lone Tree township was set off.
Peterson was set off, and its organization was authorized September 3, 1878.
Lake and Freeman townships were set off and organized June 7, 1882.
Logan was created June 3, 1882.
Meadow came into existence in June, 1882.
Waterford was set off September 1, 1884.
All that part of Spencer township outside the incorporated city of Spencer
and the territory embraced in the city limits of Spencer was cut off, and made a
separate township and designated at Sioux Township April 2, 1894.
Among the early settlers in this township were John F. Calkins, Byron
Hough, S. Calkins; Harvey Mars, and their families; a German by the name of
Kail, James Mars, Romain Hough, Solomon Wells, Rev. D. N. Coats and his
son, R. A. Coats. There also came John Martin, F. M. Wells, Homer and Anson
Calkins and John W. Marsten. John Marsten located on section 1 and owned
the land on which the original town of Spencer now stands. The settlement
grew rapidly and soon a town began to assume proportions on the west side
of the township, which is now known as the city of Spencer.
Gillett's Grove township was organized in 1873, being taken from Lincoln
township, and is composed of congressional township number 95, range 36.
Its chief physical features are the rolling prairies and the Little Sioux river.
The former has a deep rich soil, wdiich annually yields a heavy growth of native
grasses and of all cultivated crops, when the soil is subdued from its native state.
The river extends the entire distance across the township from north to south
through the eastern tier of sections. Its valley is about one-half mile wide
between the base of bluffs, which are nearly fifty feet high, receding most too
abruptly to be easily cultivated, though entirely covered wath grass where there
is no timber, and is cut through in many places by the smaller watercourses,
which affects the drainage of the prairies. The principal ones are Lexington
creek from the west, named after the town of New Lexington, a town staked
out upon the east half of section 22, and the west half of section 23, some time
before the Indian outbreak of 1857. Elk creek from the east, deriving its name
from the lake of the same name, which it drains, and Lime creek from the south-
east, called so from a lime-kiln on its banks, operated in the early days by Asa
and Isaac Johnson. In this township, along the river bottom and the bluffs, and
in the ravines, was one of the largest bodies of native timber in the country.
The kinds of wood were burr oak, black walnut, elm, tin-tight bark, hickory, ash
and soft maple. In the best body of this timber the Gillett's built their houses
and began improvements for a home in 1856, previous to the Indian depredations,
but afterwards were driven away. A depression less than two feet, which was
the cellar, marked the place where the log house stood, and where were scattered
about pieces of glass, dishes, crockery and nails. The house was burned after
Gillett and his family had made their escape. From the Grove and the timber
skirting the river, the surrounding settlers were supplied with fuel and building
materials for a distance of twelve miles. In the summer of 1872, P. M. Moore
erected a saw mill on the river at the lower end of the Grove, where most of the
timber suitable for lumber was sawed. The mill was afterward converted into a
feed mill.
When the township was organized, the settlement consisted of A. W.
Green, E. C. Green, S. Gray, E. Reed, D. C. Palmer, J. Garreston, S. E.
Beven, A. F. McConnell, John Stephens, Stephen Wilson, R. Taber, John
McPherson, William Wilson, W. W. Moore, P. M. Moore, A. A. Mills, John
Mills, Jasper Messenger, J. P. Evans, and their families. Also D. C. Palmer,
Aaron Bates, Oscar Hodgin, E. H. Crandall, D. H. King and John O. Evans.
Picture of North School at Spencer
When W.W. and P.M. Moore settled at Gillett's Grove, in the summer of
1866, the nearest post office was Peterson, twenty miles away. The nearest flour
mill was Estherville, thirty-five miles. The best trading place ‐ Fort Dodge ‐
seventy-five miles. The nearest railroad ‐ Iowa Falls ‐ was one hundred and
twenty miles. There were no bridges across the river, or any of the sloughs
or mud holes, hence a journey for supplies or any business was attended with
many troubles and difficulties. Early in the spring and fall, it was difficult to
cross these sloughs when they were filled with water and the ground was very
wet and soft. The journey was no less dangerous or unpleasant in the winter
time, owing to the distance between the places of shelter and the deep snows.
The only cheering points along the route to Fort Dodge were the stopping places,
which were few and quite a distance apart. There was one place on this long
journey where not a house or a tree could be seen for forty miles, and when the
ground was covered with snow, but a faint trace would be left to guide the
traveler towards his destination. As soon as it could be done a mail route was
established, and secured an office at Gillett's Grove. P. M. Moore was appointed
postmaster in 1867. A few years afterwards he resigned and his father, W. W.
Moore, was appointed.
In 1871 an office was established on the same route on section 30, named
Greenville, of which A.W. Green was appointed postmaster. The citizens of this
township were mostly from Wisconsin, Illinois and other parts of this state.
They are intelligent and enterprising, mostly church members, belonging principally
to the Methodist, Congregational, Baptist and Friends denominations. The
last named have a good church at Greenville. The township has settled up more
slowly than other parts of the county, owing to the fact that much of the land has
been owned by non-residents, having purchased it from the government in 1857. But
there has been a gradual improvement from year to year, the opening of new
farms and the planting of artificial groves, which grow rapidly, and are seen in
every direction. Some of the earliest planted have grown more than fifty feet
high. The people are engaged in farming and raising cattle, horses and hogs.
Very few men who have been industrious and persevering have failed to do
well. The early settler drove a team of oxen and lived in a sod house. This
was made by first selecting a piece of ground covered with a tough sod, and
plowing it with a breaking plow, then cutting the sods thus turned over in
lengths about two feet long. These pieces were then laid into a wall, after the
manner of laying brick, until the wall was cbout two feet thick on the bottom,
a foot and one-half thick at the top, and about six feet high. Then a strong
post was set in the center, extending about six feet more or less, above the walls,
according to the size of the house. Upon the top of this post one end of the
other poles or rafters were laid and the other ends of the walls at the proper
intervals. Then willow brush was laid across these rafters, then hay upon the
willows, and upon the hay sods were tightly laid, and afterwards the whole was
plastered over with clay mortar, and with some hay thinly spread upon the
ground inside of the house it was ready for occupancy. A house thus constructed,
although rude, furnished shelter and comfort for its occupants, and the
earlier inhabitants appreciated their sod shanties, as the pelting storms beat down
upon their roofs.
Although cheap, they were comfortable, and in fact were all that could be
had during the first years of settlement of this country. Many of the children,
now men and women, remember the happy days they spent in the sod house.
But now they are driving fine horses, living in painted frame and brick houses,
and feeding their stock in commodious barns, under the shelter of nice, large
trees they planted for wind breakers and protection from storms. The storms
in the winter upon the shelterless prairies were sorely felt by the people ‐ more
in the early settlement than at the present time, because of the greater distance
between places. In the winter of 1876 and 1878 a man named Parish came to
Gillett's Grove to see his daughter, who was working for a family. He started
from Okoboji Lake in the morning, intending to walk to the Grove, expecting
to reach there before evening. Darkness, however, overtook him, and instead
of reaching the Grove, he passed by it. After wandering around several hours
he found an empty house, which was only about a mile from the place he wished
to reach. He entered it, but did not have the means to light a fire, and
therefore spent the night as best he could. He walked, jumped, lay down,
and in fact did everything to keep from freezing. When day came he began
his journey, but was unable to find a house until noon. When he came to W.
W. Moore's it was found that his feet were so badly frozen that they had to
be amputated.
In the winter of 1869 a young man named Con started for Spirit Lake
early one morning, taking a lunch, expecting to walk there that day. Soon
after he started it began to snow, and within an hour it was snowing and drifting
so furiously that it was impossible for him to proceed farther. He could neither
proceed nor return, as he became so bewildered, and did not know which direction to take.
He therefore walked back and forth all one day and one night.
At one time he attempted to crawl or dig into a snow drift and let the snow
cover him. But he became chilly and returned to his path, which, as the snow
piled upon it, became so high that he would fall off, and had to make another.
In the morning it cleared away, and he made his way to the river, where he
discovered a wood cutter's shanty and found something to eat. He succeeded
in reaching the lakes, never once laying down his axe, which he carried while
battling with the furious storm. Upon arriving at the lakes he found friends
and was carefully cared for, but the heroic struggles of that bitter cold and
stormy day and night were far too great for his physical strength, and within
a few short weeks his remains were deposited in their last resting place.
Another man, named Laughlin, was hunting deer on a fine, clear winter
day, and after securing one, hung it up in a tree in the grove and started
home. A place was found where he broke through the ice on the river and
evidently wet his feet. Farther on his gun was found leaning against a tree.
He never reached home. Early in the evening a terrible storm came on, and he
must have been overtaken by it. His remains were found in the spring, where
the high water had washed them ashore, about a mile farther down, and about
two miles from his home.
In June of 1881 a hurricane swept across this township from the northwest.
It broke down about one hundred native trees in Moore's grove. It partially
unroofed P. M. Moore's barn, moved Simon Brailer's house from its foundation.
nearly demolished Mr. Newton's house, and tore David Brailer's house all to
pieces, which was only finished the day before. The neighbors came and replaced
the house, which stood there for a great many years. Many other small buildings
were more or less injured or destroyed. One tornado in the summer of
1886 passed over from the south to nearly north, touching lightly, but hurting
nothing until farther on. One hail storm crossed the northwest corner of the
township and almost entirely destroyed the crops where it struck. The cornstalks
were completely stripped, and the small grain almost all knocked off.
Gardens were destroyed and the grass laid low.
Although the civil township bearing this name dates its birth and name
from 1871, yet it was the first settled portion of Clay county. The name is
prominently connected, and its history so intimately interwoven with that of
the county's that the latter would be largely shorn of its fifty odd years of
excellent record of pioneer life and the sturdy integrity it has borne, as well
as stripped of much that makes it one of the most interesting counties of northwest Iowa,
were Peterson omitted. The history of this township, therefore,
forms a leading feature in the annals of the county, and deserves more than a
mere passing notice. Peterson township is located in the southwestern part
of the county and is settled by sturdy and solid yeomen, who are active and
progressive. The first settlement was made in the spring of 1856, by J.A.
Kirchner, John Kirchner and Ambrose S. Mead. The Kirchners came from
Albany, New York, and Mead from the eastern part of the state. After
selecting their claims along the banks of the Little Sioux river, on sections 32,
33 and 34, they at once set to work to build houses, and when they had completed them,
commenced to till the soil. During the years 1856 and 1857 John
J. Bicknell, C. Kirchner, Chas. Oldfield and families arrived, and added to the
number who had cast their fortunes in Clay. In 1857 Charles C. Smeltzer, J. W.
Brockschink, H. E. W. Smeltzer and others came, thus making valuable acquisitions
to the pioneers, to whom it was a great pleasure to extend a greeting to
every newcomer. Later there arrived Harry Gardner, R. B. Crego and others.
By this time, with those who settled farther east, there was a sufficient number
to organize the county and establish a seat of government. This was accomplished,
and the place where the little band of advanced western pioneers lived
was formally constituted a town and made the capital of the county. A majority
of the citizens of the county had settled in and around where the town of
Peterson now stands, and the six or eight houses composed the town. The
reason for putting up their log houses in such close proximity was for two
very good reasons. In the first place there prevailed a feeling of lonesomeness
at being separated from any place inhabited by white settlers and a desire to be as
near each other as practicable, and thus share with each other what comforts
and pleasures there were for them in social intercourse. There was another
and very important reason. The Indians had made one or two invasions on
their quiet homes, and it was deemed expedient for their mutual protection to be
within hailing distance of each other should the savages again make a raid
upon them. The houses were therefore built within only a short distance of
each other, so that, should any unforseen event occur, other houses would be
within easy access. These houses were also constructed not alone for warmth
and comfort, but for protection as well, should the settlement receive an attack
from the wily and stealthy redskins. In the course of time the settlement
grew and became more extended, and as the frightful Indians were held under
subjection by the United States government, there was little cause for fear
of molestation, and the newcomers took claims more remote from the primitive
or original settlers. This township was abundantly supplied with timber, consisting
of walnut, oak, basswood, ash and elm; and, as the Little Sioux river
furnished excellent water power, J. A. Kirchner conceived the idea of utilizing
both by building a saw mill. In this move he was greatly encouraged by his
neighbors, and at once went east and purchased the necessary machinery to
operate it. Men were employed and set to work, and in as brief a time as this
faraway place could accomplish it the sound of falling trees and the busy whir
of the big saw could be heard all day long. For miles and miles farmers and
newly acquired landowners could be seen busily wending their way to the mill,
drawing with their teams heavy timbers to be sawed and made ready for building purposes.
Log cabins soon gave place to more pretentious and commodious
frame dwellings, and the settlement put on an entirely different appearance.
The soil of this township is of a superior quality and produces every kind
of cereal. The main body of the land is a little inclined to be level, with the
exception of that part that lies along the Little Sioux river. This is somewhat
rough and hilly, but a greater portion of it is either utilized for grazing or
producing purposes. The farmers are chiefly in good circumstances, and a large
proportion of them own good farms. Having a good market at the town of
Peterson, they are able to realize fair prices for their marketable products.
There are excellent schools in all parts of the township, and they are sufficient
to accommodate all of their patrons. It is blessed with good citizens, and
has consequently prospered through these many years. In point of wealth,
population and natural advantages it stands second in the county, and as the
future years come and go it will keep pace with the moving and improving
northwest, accumulating wealth, increasing its numbers and establishing a reputation
for vast possessions and great prominence.
Lone tree is that portion of tin territory of Clay county embraced in
township 96, north range 38 west, and is composed of thirty-six full sections.
It was duly constituted a township on the 15th day of October, 1877. And
although having an organization of over thirty-one years, it has only the past
years come into note. The land composing this township is in the main very
good, and is excellent plow, grazing and hay land. While not so high and
rolling as some other townships, it yet has some very excellent advantages
which render its soil valuable. The Ocheydan, with its winding channel and a
number of small tributaries, courses its way through the township, thus giving
an abundant supply of water. Then there are numerous small lakes scattered
over the entire township, so there is little need of wells to satisfy the thirst of
the stock. Yet it cannot be called a swampy or wet township, for in many
parts the land lies well above the level. Some most excellent farms are found
in this township, well cultivated, supplied with excellent buildings and producing abundantly.
The first settlement made in this township was by J.W. and S. B. Crist,
who came here in May, 1870. The former remained some six years, and then
moved west and was followed by the latter in 1879. They located on section
2, on what is known as the "Lone Tree farm." It was so named because at
one time it was the only farm which contained a tree, and hence the name.
This tree was a large elm and could be seen from a great distance before the
present cultivated groves were grown. It therefore stood out in bold relief
on the broad and unbroken prairie, and from this tree the township received
its name.
The Crist brothers were shortly followed by James Johnson, who located
on the western side of the township. Then came H. Wetmore, Wm. F. Shaffer
and David Arledge. Then there was a cessation for a time, which was eventually
broken by the arrival of a number of families. After the planting of
Everly there was a large influx and the entire township put on a busy, stirring
air. Since that date Lone Tree has gradually forged ahead and has been
rapidly populated and its soil greatly enhanced in commercial value. The
Chicago and Milwaukee railroad spans the township, and has been a potent
agency in increasing and developing what resources it possesses. The farming
community is composed of excellent farmers who are industriously tilling the
soil, building themselves substantial dwellings, and surrounding themselves with
all the necessary comforts of life. They have a fair start in the stock line, and
by prudence and care they are destined to become a wealthy community. A
number of speculators own considerable land in this township, but even these
are constantly giving way to the sturdy farmers who have come to make homes.
All in all, Lone Tree is possessed of good soil, excellent drainage, splendid
water, good grazing and hay land, abundant crops and an enterprising and
intelligent class of citizens. In 1901 the Gowrie and Northwestern railroad was
completed. It enters Lone Tree township at its southeastern border and leaves
the township about midway of its western border line.
Douglas is that congressional township No. 94 north, and 37 west. It
is doubtful if there is another township in Clay county so rich in material
resources and with as little waste land as this. The south line just misses the
breaks and rough land along the Little Sioux river, while Willow creek traverses
it five miles and drains all the north half and affords abundant watering places
for stock.
Settled by an industrious and enterprising class of people, having nine
schoolhouses and three churches, it is no wonder it is rich in all the material
resources that go to make up a prosperous people, containing between six and
seven hundred inhabitants, and hardly a dwelling in the township but that is
surrounded by beautiful groves. The west half is settled largely by Welsh
people, who are as a rule the best of citizens; industrious, economical and
naturally religious, they are a valuable adjunct to any community in which their
lot is cast.
Douglas township formerly embraced what is now Herdland, Garfield,
Logan, Gillett Grove and Lincoln townships. Of the earlier settlers, William
Crozier was perhaps the first permanent settler in the congressional township,
he coming in the summer of 1858, and John Kindlespyer settling the same season
on section 32, now Herdland township. Two years previous Ezra Wilcox had
located a claim on section 20. (now) Herdland township, and George Gillett
located on section 22, (now) Gillett's Grove township. Both settlements were
made in magnificent groves on the Sioux river, which now bear their names.
There were others at this time that took up claims but lacked fortitude and
endurance to stay on them. The earliest permanent settlers, with the exception
of those mentioned above, were O. C. Foots, David Christy, Thomas
Pucket and Paxton Morriss, who, with their families, came in the summer of
1863, and at once erected for themselves the primitive log house, there being
plenty of timber for that purpose along the river. The first schoolhouse in the
township was built in the year 1863, on section 32, (now) Herdland township,
on the farm of D. D. Christy. It was called the White schoolhouse and was
the polling place for the township.
S. W. Dubois, Stephen Dubois, Joseph Watts and son Hiram, Samuel and
J. L. Crozier came in June, 1864. All these had families except S. W. Dubois.
Peter Dubois, Erastus Treman, Ellis and Ashley George, John Fhineas and
Jesse Pickering and parents came in the fall of the same year. At that time
the nearest railroad station was at Iowa Falls, the Illinois Central having been
built to that place that year.
It was indeed a great undertaking for those early poineers' to carve out
for themselves and families a home. With Fort Dodge the nearest trading point,
a distance of seventy miles from the Sioux river, the roads many times were
almost impassable. Corn was worth at Fort Dodge from $1.50 to $2 per bushel;
wheat, about $2.60, and a common cow would sell readily at $50. What little
grain there was that could be spared was readily taken by the newcomers for
bread and seed.
The summer of 1866 brought another grist of settlers: J. J. Duroe,
Ephraim Sands, O. G. and J. C. Tabor, all of whom brought their families and
took up claims. The Dubois and Sands people moved in the Samuel Crozier
house until they could build houses for themselves.
After the first settlers had taken all of the desirable claims along the river,
the adventurous newcomers had to push out on the prairie, and as the majority
were poor, but of that class who overcome all obstacles, the most of our prairie
settlers turned architects and built sod houses or dugouts, which, although dirty,
were as a rule warm, and as the material cost nothing, the prairies were soon
dotted with sod houses. Strange that when men suffer such privations as do
all pioneers to a new country they should move on as soon as the country
fairly gets under way of settlement; but such is the history of all new countries,
and ours is no exception.
The first caucus ever held in the township was held by the side of a hay
stack, near the old Kenyon place, on section 34, (now) Gillett's Grove town-
ship. Thomas Pucket was nominated supervisor for the new township. This
was in the fall of 1864.
The first township officers were: F. E. Bigsby, clerk; S. W. Dubois,
Stephen Dubois and J. L. Crozier, trustees; Samuel Crozier and George Crozier,
constables; for road supervisor, district No. 1, which comprised the whole township,
S. T. Collins.
The first official records in the township were of an election held at the
White schoolhouse October 9, 1866, of which E. D. Wright for secretary of
state had forty-four votes, and S. G. Vananda had one, the vote running the
same all the way through for state officers, there being forty-four Republicans
and one Democrat. For county officers there were forty-three votes cast for
clerk of the courts, of which William Y. Crozier had thirty seven and B. B. Crego
had six. For recorder, P. M. Moore had thirty-seven and C. Kirchner, Jr., six.
The township officers elected were: Ellis George, clerk; Thomas Pucket and
John Watts, justices of the peace; James Halstead and John Pickering, constables;
J. L. Crozier, S. T. Collins and Thomas Pucket, trustees; John Watts,
assessor; Richard D. Miller, road supervisor.
At this time the land which had all been subject to homestead and preemption
was taken out of the market until the St. Paul and Sioux City Railroad
Company could make their selection, which was every alternate section for ten
miles on each side of their proposed line, as near as practicable on the 43d
parallel, about four miles north of the township lines. When the Milwaukee
road finally built the road through Spencer, many of the oldest homesteaders
thought they were unjustly deprived of one-half of their homestead rights, by
taking the road so far north and throwing the township outside of the railroad
limits. However, every available claim was taken before the year 1868, and men
seemed as anxious to file on eighty as one hundred and sixty acres. There was
little stock raised at that time, and corn was nearly a failure, owing, perhaps, to
the newness of the land. Wheat yielded from twenty-five to forty bushels per
acre. What corn there was raised was of the early Yankee varieties, and the
blackbirds were so troublesome that much of the corn was eaten by these
pests. Gradually people began to experiment with other varieties, until today
corn is the best crop. Stock raising also began to receive more attention, until
now the farmer who has not all the stock he can handle is an exception.
One need not go outside of the township to get thoroughbred stock of all
kinds. Previous to the year 1879 almost all of the grain was hauled to Storm
Lake, a distance of twenty-five miles, and during those years the streets of
Storm Lake were many times lined with teams waiting to unload grain. Now
stock raising and dairying have taken its place, and the inhabitants are largely
indebted to the change for the progress they have made. The surroundings
are all favorable for the production of stock and dairy products. With a
climate admirably adapted to this business, with a soil in which grass grows with
great luxuriance, and which with even slovenly and slipshod methods of cultivation
produces all kinds of feed in marvelous abundance; with land so cheap
that the yearly products of a single cow will pay for an acre of land in the
most favorable locality; with water at every man's door; with all kinds of grain
feed so cheap and abundant that it can be sent four thousand miles and then
fed with a profit; with transportation so rapid, we can lay down our product in
a fresh condition in almost every market in the world, what more could be asked
for than what the township already possesses?
Originally Lake was a part of Bridgewater and was set off as a congressional
township in 1882. It derives its name from the number of lakes within
its borders. It was early settled by an excellent class of citizens, wdio have been
energetic and frugal, and tilled its soil to good advantage. It possesses some
excellent farm and hay land, and is also a fine stock township. Among its first
settlers were J. A. Anthony, who was subsequently followed in years by D.
M. Green, Capener, Cutshall, J. G. Duncan and a host of others. Among its
very first settlers was a German, who built a small cabin and lived there along
in 1866 and 1867. In and around these lakes for many years was the constant
habitation of Indians during the hunting and fishing seasons. There were a
number of Indian relics found near these lakes, showing that it was a common
rendezvous for wandering tribes. Mr. Anthony gives a description of a fort
which he found in good condition upon his settlement on Lost Island lake.
The game was plentiful at times, and the protection from storms and excessive
heat very fair, and consequently the Indians found it a very comfortable place.
The citizens of the township, some years since, were very confident that the
Rock Island at no distant day would extend its branch northward from Ruthven
and thus supply them with better railroad facilities. When this is accomplished
there can be no doubt but what Lost Island and its surrounding lakes will be
utilized for a summer resort, besides the land will greatly increase in
marketable value.
John A. Anthony was born in Delaware county, New York, August 13th,
1818, and remained a resident of that county for eleven years, when he moved
to Broome county, where he lived for a great many years. In 1869 he came to
Palo Alto county, just across the line from Clay county, and located near
the north end of Lost Island lake. He had seen these broad prairies when there
was not a house within the range of his vision. He had seen it slowly and gradually
rise from a vast and uninhabitable plain to a thriving and well populated
township and county. When he first settled on the edge of this beautiful lake
it was a perilous undertaking, as it was and had been a common camping ground
for roving bands of Indians. But fortunatelv he remained undisturbed, and the
few Indians that visited at this pleasant spot left him unmolested. During the
first year of his residence, at times there was a feeling of loneliness at being
separated so far from civilization, but his anxiety to improve his possessions
and secure a comfortable home in time drove away these sad and desponding
feelings. Then there was plenty of diversion. Game at that time was plentiful,
fish in abundance, and many other amusements to turn the mind from the
channel of sad or regretful thoughts. Mr. Anthony has given a most minute
description of an old fort located about one and a half miles east of where he
resided, which was in a good state of preservation when he arrived at the
lake. He stated that a rifle pit was throwm up to a considerable height, and
port holes were plainly to be seen. There were manv evidences to indicate that
it had been in use at some previous period, from the scattered pieces found
in and around it. His conclusions were that at some time a roving tribe of
Indians, probably belonging to the Sioux, who were the more intelligent, had
come to Lost Island Lake to spend the winter, and as there was a scarcity of
timber and also a number of other hostile bands traveling through that section,
it was decided to erect this fortress as a protection against the severe storms
that prevailed, as well as a place of safety should some of their enemies attempt
to attack them. This fort remained in existence for a number of years, and
was quite a curiosity. Lost Island Lake is a large body of water, part of which
is in Clay county. Its banks are gravelly, and it is surrounded by a plentiful
supply of shade trees. This township is noted for its consolidated school, a
description of which is given in another part of this work.
This township was organized July 7, 1874, by being set off from Spencer,
to which is was formerly attached. The first settlement made in Riverton was
by John and Stephen Calkins, "Father" Solomon Wells and his son Frank
Wells, and Rev. R. A. Coates. Then came B. P. Plough and Wales Lamberton,
all of whom settled on section 12 in this township. A year or two later Charles
and James Carver settled two miles further west. John Calkins became one
of the prominent men of the county. He was associated with J. H. Hale in
laying off the town of Spencer, and was county supervisor for several years.
His wife was especially active in church, Sunday school and educational work.
The first religious service in this part of the county was held at her home.
"Father" Wells was known for his religious enthusiasm. R. A. Coats, then
a young man fresh from the army, was of fine intellect and active in many ways;
he readily found an entry to the hearts of all who knew him.
When the board of supervisors set off Riverton, it authorized and empowered
Major Cheney to call an election and swear in the judges of the
election. Officers were duly elected, and the township was properly equipped
and prepared to manage its own affairs as a township. Riverton has from that
date borne an honorable part in the county's history. Its inhabitants have
always been among Clay county's best citizens, and have had the reputation of
being enterprising, honorable and prosperous. The township is most fortunately
located, being watered by the Little Sioux and Ocheydan rivers and traversed
by the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad. It borders Spencer on the
west, in fact a part of the town of Spencer lies within the congressional township
of Riverton. A visitor to this place cannot but be impressed with the
general evidences of thrift, the pleasant and comfortable location of its farmers.
There are quite a large number of farmers who give particular attention to
stock raising. They have all classes and varieties of breeds. It is no disparagement
to other townships to say that the land is of a most excellent character,
and annually yields a large reward to its owners. The general condition of the
soil and the favorable location of the township render it among the most favorable
in the county. The township is therefore a prominent factor in point of
wealth, resources, educational facilities, social advantages and political influences.
Spencer and Everly are both easy of access, and the farmers of this township are
therefore conveniently situated to take advantage of either market.
Picture of Log Cabin near Spencer.
It was during the year 1872 that this township was created. Previous to
that date it had been a part of Spencer, but it settled so rapidly that it was
deemed advisable to give it the authority to govern itself in regard to local
affairs. It belongs to the northern tier of townships, and with the exception of
the townships containing towns, it is the wealthiest in the county. The soil
is a rich loam and is well adapted for producing either grain or grass. It is
none too high nor too low, but a happy medium between the two extremes,
and is therefore able to withstand either the extreme droughts or rainy seasons.
It is just sufficiently rolling to carry off a heavy fall of rain and yet to retain
enough moisture during the dry times to grow good crops. The Little Sioux
river courses its way in a diagonal direction through the township, while
smaller channels coming from different directions empty into this common reservoir.
The land is therefore rich and productive, and the amount of grain raised
is simply immense. For grazing purposes few if any townships surpass or excel
it, and for that reason it is the center of stock raising in the county. It goes
without question that there is double the amount of stock owned by the farmers
and dealers in Summit township than any other in the county. Some firms
handle in the course of a year from two thousand to five thousand head. Its
farmers are permanent, prosperous and pushing, and nearly every citizen is in
well-to-do circumstances. Probably the first settlement made in that township
consisted of such men, and their families, as Thomas Berry, Peter Nelson, G. W.
Clark, Joseph O'Brien and others, who located in 1869. These were the beginners.
During the next year there came James Anderson, Charles Justus, Mr.
Emerson, Ole Berg, Martin Rassmussen, Frank Miller, James Peterson, Nels
Sorrenson. The next year brought as settlers James Goodwin, W. H. Webb,
Charles Tennant, I. B. Titus and quite a large number of others. Everything
has tended towards prosperity in that township, with the exception of the grasshopper
raids, which gave it a very bad setback. But with this single exception
prosperity has attended its citizens. They have good citizens, energetic farmers,
good local government, excellent school houses, taught by proficient instructors,
and everything required to make living there pleasant and profitable.
This township is one of the more recently organized ones, having formerly
been a part of old Bridgewater, which was divided, and out of this division
grew three townships. It contains among its inhabitants some of the first
settlers in the north part of the county. Among its citizens will be found some
of the best, most prosperous farmers and business men in the county. It is, in
point of wealth, among the first, and is constantly gaining. The little town
of Dickens was started in 1886, and although still small, is gradually growing
and gaining and now contains several stores, warehouses, a hotel, a school and
church edifices. It also has representatives of a majority of the trades, and
is destined to become a town of importance as a trading point. Its exhibit in
the line of trade is quite flattering, and is annually increasing. It is located
about equidistant from Spencer and Ruthven, and furnishes the people between
these two points a trading place. Its citizens are possessed of the usual amount
of western enterprise, and with favorable crops will gradually spread in size
and increase in the number of business houses. The land in this township is
not dissimilar in fertility and general location to that in other parts of the
county. The cultivation of the farms and the general appearance of the buildings
indicate that its farmers are prosperous and diligent. Among some of its older
settlers are such men as J. B. Wilson, R. J. Archer, George Bassett, the Culvers,
Thomas Hagarth, R. E. Leach, Kinderdines, Monks, Broons, Reuben Somers
and a host of others, who transforrned the place from a bleak prairie to a finely
settled township.
Lost Island Lake, one the most beautiful lakes in the county, extends into
this township, and is bountifully supplied with many different kinds of fish. Its
banks are lined with a sprinkling of timber, which adds to its beauty and attractiveness.
The Chicago and Milwaukee railroad traverses the township near its
center. Elm Lake also partly lies within its borders.
Dickens is a very pretty little town of about three hundred inhabitants. The
town was platted in the early '8o's. The first merchant in the town was John
Lawler. James E. .Mills ran the first elevator, which was built by A. A. Mint,
and Clarence Fish was the first blacksmith. The Dickinson brothers had a hay
barn, built about the same time. The town has three elevators. They are run
by J.E. Mills, J. J. Lawler and A. A. Flint. It has a volunteer fire department,
which has a chemical engine and ample hose for fire protection. Dickens is not
an incorporated town.
The Dickens Review is the latest paper to enter the county. Allen C. Flint
is its editor. It was established October 21, 1908. In politics it is Republican.
It is a seven-colunm folio, issued every Wednesday. This is the fourth paper
to be started in the little town of Dickens. Its predecessors have all vanished.
The first newspaper in Dickens was the Dickens Tribune, established by Henry
Merrill in 1891. It then passed to C. A. Robison, who ran it one year. Robison
sold the paper to R. A. and A. C. Somers, who merged it into the Dickens
Senate about 1900. The Senate lasted until 1906, when it died a natural death,
after going into the hands of Haven Flint. James E. Mills, one of the early
settlers of the county, established the Dickens Leader in 1889, and placed it
in charge of John Easterbrook, who continued the paper a few months and then
left the plant and the village with the subscription book under his arm. Mr.
Mills then removed the plant to his home, where he and his wife set up the
type and gave the people of that vicinity the news for about five years. The
plant was then sold to H. Flint, who took it to Greenville, where he issued a few
copies of the Greenville Times, when it was sold and taken away.
Dickens lodge, I.O.O.F., No. 583, was organized about 1890, with about
forty members.
The daughters of Rebekah was organized later, with about seventy members.
There are also lodges of the Modern Woodmen and the Royal Neighbors.
T. J. Hurt leads the Dickens Cornet band. It is considered by the Dickens
people to be a very fine musical organization.
The Central Hotel was built early in the history of the village and is now
owned and presided over by Mrs. E. Symington.
The people in and around Dickens are a moral and upright class of citizens,
and faithful attendants at divine worship. Until the establishment of the town of
Dickens the people of that vicinity were accustomed to attend services at the Barlow
and Drake schoolhouses. Various revivals had been held at these, places and quite a
religious sentiment created, and from this nucleus has grown the Dickens organization
and church. The project of constructing a suitable place of worship was
begun in 1887, and in a short time the present handsome and commodious
edifice was built. Its dimensions are twenty-eight by forty-five feet, with a seating
capacity of 225 persons, costing $1,750 and free from any incumbrance.
Among those who were instrumental in designing and prosecuting this good
work to a successful finish were Rev. J. B. Morrow, J. D. Duncan, Noah Day, W.
W. Scott, R. Somers and Gore Warren. They labored zealously and with a
fidelity worthy of the noble cause of which they are true, tried and faithful
members. The church is located on a prominent rise of ground in the north
part of the town and has a commanding view of the surrounding country. It is
neat and attractive, and is well lighted and seated. When services first began
the membership numbered sixty persons, but after a successful revival, conducted
by Rev. H. Hild, it increased, and now numbers about one hundred and
sixty souls. Since its construction it has met with two accidents. It was blown
from its foundation in 1888, and struck by lightning in 1889.
The Congregational church was organized October 14, 1894. Its first pastor
was J. C. George. Some of its first members were Mrs. Agnes George, Miss
Myrtie Symington, Carrie Symington, W.C. Holding, Mrs. Carrie Moore,
Philip Corke, Mrs. Ida M. Corke, Henry La Brant, Mrs. Margaret L. LaBrant,
Mrs. Lillian La Brant, Marie La Brant, Albert G. La Brant, Paul LaBrant,
W. W. Culver, Mrs. S. A. Culver, Maude Culver, Mrs. Betsy B. Janes,
Fred Janes, Mrs. Rosa Janes, Lorin P. Corke, Harlow A. Varney, Mrs. W. R.
Rice, Mrs. Alexine Craft, Mrs. Delia Cordray, Mrs. N. Baker, George Williams
and Clara Hopson.
The church was erected in 1895, at a cost of $2,000. A parsonage
has since been built, at a cost of $1,000. It has about fifty-three
members and about forty in the Sunday school. They have a Ladies' Aid
Society, Young People's Christian Endeavor and Junior Society. The pastors
following Rev. George were A. J. Burton, three years; Charles G. Marshall, a
little over a year; E. J. Grinnell, one year; C. W. Anthony, one year; C. G.
Oxley, three years. J. T. Steele, the present pastor, came to the church in
July, 1907.
This is one of the four southern townships of the county, and dates its
existence as far back as 1873, and was at one time embraced in the township of
Douglas. Herdland has always been known as one of the earlv settled points
in the county, having among its early settlers such men as John Kindelspyer,
J. J. Duroe, George McClay, Samuel Mills, W. D. Brown, L. Gown, Henry
Hughes, S. T. Collins, J. A. Mills, J. W. Ford and many others. These
organizers and promoters of the township were sturdy pioneers and had implicit
confidence in the ultimate growth and development of it. They had the satisfaction
of seeing its sod houses vanish and handsome frame residences take
their place. They have seen a thin and sparse settlement gradually grow and
enlarge to great proportions. They saw its uncultivated lands transformed
into fields of waving corn and wheat, oats and other grains. It was a source
of great satisfaction to them to have been able in a measure to effect this great
change. The land is good and almost all of it is tillable, and the majority of
that which is not used for plow land is used for grazing and hay purposes.
It is watered by the Little Sioux river, which in a serpent-like manner courses
through the entire township. It has good schools, a good postoffice and is near
Webb, the nearest and most convenient shipping point. It has all the natural
resources and the necessary conveniences for great future possibilities. Among
its farmers are some of the most prominent and influential citizens, whose
interest in the county's prosperity and development has never flagged. It has
supplied the county with a number of members of the board of supervisors,
who have always proven themselves not only excellent business men, but shrewd
and sagacious in working for the county's welfare.
Herdland had long been anxious for a railroad. This it is now blessed with.
In fact two cross the township. The Minneapolis and St. Louis runs south
alone; its western border and cuts into its southern corner. The Gowrie and
Northwestern cuts across the township, entering at its northwest corner and
leaving the township at about the center of its east line and midway north
and south.
This was the fifth township created by the county legislature, and originally
embraced several other townships. Its physical features are not unlike those
of Douglas and Gillett's Grove, with the exception that the Sioux river does
not touch its boundaries, nor is it supplied with native timber. Its soil is deep
and rich, its prairie land yields richly, and its native grass is of a heavy growth
and nutritious. Among its early settlers are such names as Josiah E. and John
F. Chase, J. S. Brownell, Henry A. Bell, W. H. Arms, P. W. Madden, Isaac
Fenn, Jonathan Green, A. Seibel, M. Rote, E. J. L. Merchant, C. D. Killam,
the Davises, and a number of others. This township appears to have been
settled up much more rapidly than others, as the names given in the list of
inhabitants are in the main persons who have lived in the township for a great
many years. The earlier life of the pioneers of this township was similar to
that of those of adjoining ones. At first it was the sod house they were compelled
to live in until they accumulated enough money to purchase lumber and
build a frame dwelling, and when this was accomplished, then along came a
pest in the form of grasshoppers, destroying their crops and almost all their
hopes of future success. But in time they recovered from this disaster, and
are now a contented, happy and prosperous class of farmers. In time a post
office was estabhshed at the residence of Nathan Chase and later at the residence
of J. S. Brownell on section 12, and he was made postmaster, which office he
held a great many years, finally resigning, and Adolph Seibel was appointed.
The post office was then moved to the residence of the latter, only a short distance
from the former, being in fact on the same section. The name of this post office
was designated "Annieville." The township was named in honor of the lamented
president. A majority of the farmers were homesteaders, and have lived in
the township a sufficient length of time to grow good groves and build substantial
and comfortable homes. They have a number of schoolhouses, located in
different parts of the township and within convenient distances from most of the
homes. More than the ordinary amount of interest is manifested by the citizens
in the education of the young, and the result is that they have good teachers
and well conducted schools, which is but a reflex of the intelligence of its
inhabitants. In point of wealth it stands in the middle class, but in point of
industry and sterling worth of its farmers it stands among the first.
This township is one of the youngest in the county, havmg been set off
as a separate body in January, 1889. Previous to this it constituted a part of
Herdland. Its numerical strength is therefore limited. It embraces that portion
of territory lying in the extreme southeast portion of the county and consists
of thirty-six sections of very superior land. The land is somewhat rolling and
produces very bountifully in certain localities. It has two bodies of water, known
as Mud and Pickerel lakes, besides it is quite near the Little Sioux river. A
majority of its inhabitants are of quite recent arrival, who are firm in the belief
that Garfield, like its great namesake, is destined to development into a tower
of strength and form an important factor in the composition and future legislation
of the county. Being situated near Sioux Rapids and Marathon, it is thus
in some respects fortunately located and cannot fail to increase its numbers.
It is fairly supplied with trees, possessing quite a number of groves and one or
two good sized bodies of timber. Besides the lakes, there are several small
streams which give an abundant supply of water. As a whole, the location and
natural advantages of Garfield are very superior and offer sufficient inducements
to those seeking a home to in short time increase and multiply its present number
of citizens. Gillett's Grove and Logan, which join it on the north, are both
splendid townships and present good opportunities, either for speculation or
permanent homes. The land is good and the prices for which it is selling
are within the reach of those with limited means. They rank with other townships
in every respect, except numbers, and there is no potent reason why their
future is not as bright as any of the townships in the county. The people of
Garfield are a progressive and upright class and are making excellent efforts
to populate it with good citizens and stirring farmers. The first election of
this township was held November, 1889, and while the vote was small, it was
due to its recent civil organization.
This lies on the eastern line or tier of townships in the county and embraces
thirty-six sections or twenty-three thousand and forty acres of excellent land,
the majority of it being tillable. It is not only productive, but constitutes one
of the best townships for grazing and stock purposes in the county. In the main
it is level, well watered and produces excellent and nutritious grasses. Besides
Elk creek, its branches and numerous other streams, which afford a plentiful
supply of water, it has numerous small groves which provide good shade and
fire wood. This township was organized in 1882, having previously been a
part of the township of Herdland. Its creation as an independent and separate
civil organization has left it without the great or lengthy history which is
attached to a number of its sister townships. It has not had any great rush of
immigration or any particular boom, but its farmers are substantial, energetic
and in the main successful. Some of the land within its borders is owned by
non-residents, who appreciate its value and ultimate worth. With moral and
upright citizens, a pushing and progressive class of farmers, excellent and well-taught
schools, a good and efficient local government, productive lands, and
possessing every natural advantage necessary for comfort and convenience,
there is nothing to deteriorate it, but on the contrary, every opportunity to make
one of the very best and leading of the townships in the county. During the
first period after being set off it received but a limited accession, but in the
last few years it has gradually grown.
Among the townships that have come into prominence, none has done so
more rapidly than Waterford, and none has maintained its record more substantially
or creditably. By an act of the board of supervisors, passed in 1884,
all that part of Clay county embraced in 97, range 38 west, was set off and constituted
as Waterford township, for civil, school and election purposes. It is
true, at that time it only had the minimum number of voters and freeholders,
but these were anxious for separate township. At first there were no spurts
of immigration, but of late years there has been a gradual increase, and Waterford
has asserted her importance and force in many of the affairs of the county
in a very potent manner. There is a general unanimity of feeling and sentiment
existing among the people in that section, as is powerfully attested at the county
elections. A large proportion of its citizens are Germans, and in the main
they are successful and enterprising farmers. They may not be as aggressive
as in other townships, but the general results of their labor shows to a much
better advantage than their more progressive neighbors. The soil in the township
is most excellent, and the average yield of grain ranks most favorablv with
that in other parts of the county. It is well watered. The Ocheyedan river, a
most beautiful stream with a gravel bed, clear and crystal-like, courses its way
through the western portion, while a number of small streamlets and lakes in
different parts of the township furnish all the necessary water and drainage
needed. The township, in addition to its producing qualities, is largely adapted
to stock raising. There are several very extensive stock farms in this section,
which are not only well farmed, but are proving very profitable to their owners.
It is well located, being within easy approach of stations and railroad, and
produces quite extensively. The trade of the people of this township is greatly
sought after. Its farmers are frugal and industrious and are accumulating considerable
of a competency for their labors. The moral character of its inhabitants
is noteworthy, their enterprise and industry commendable and worthy of
emulation. The small number of the earlier settlers infused and engendered a
feeling of friendship, which time has not broken, and the consequences are that
there is almost perfect accord prevailing among its people, which constitutes
in the township an efficient and strong force in all public and personal matters.
The grain, stock and dairying products from Waterford township form a considerable
portion of shipments from this county. With all the necessary elements
in its favor, there is every reason to conclude that Waterford's future is certainly
bright and promising. Economical, businesslike in methods, sturdy rugged
and industrious as its citizens are, there is nothing to prevent them from accumulating
wealth, developing its soil, and making Waterford a record that will
eclipse any of its neighbors in point of numbers, financial worth, and value of
property. CREATION OF TOWNSHIPS.
SIOUX TOWNSHIP.
GILLETT'S GROVE.
PETERSON TOWNSHIP.
LONE TREE.
DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP.
LAKE TOWNSHIP.
RIVERTON TOWNSHIP.
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP.
FREEMAN TOWNSHIP.
TOWN OF DICKENS.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
HERDLAND TOWNSHIP.
LINCOLN TOWNSHIP.
GARFIELD TOWNSHIP.
LOGAN TOWNSHIP.
WATERFORD TOWNSHIP.
| Clay township | 763 | Meadow township | 595 |
| Douglas township | 533 | Peterson township | 485 |
| Freeman township | 765 | Peterson (town) | 482 |
| Garfield township | 472 | Riverton township | 478 |
| Webb (town) | 166 | Sioux township | 471 |
| Gillett Grove township | 609 | Spencer, 1st ward | 1,011 |
| Herdland township | 515 | Spencer. 2d ward | 935 |
| Lake township | 415 | Spencer, 3d ward | 1,191 |
| Lincoln township | 615 | Summit township | 663 |
| Logan township | 358 | Waterford township | 391 |
| Lone Tree township | 398 | ||
| Everly (town ) | 400 | Total | 12,711 |
FIRST DAYS IN CLAY COUNTY.
BY THE FIRST SETTLER.
J. A. and William Kirchncr, who were the first settlers in Clay county, came and located on the hills just across the Little Sioux river, a little south of where the present town of Peterson now is located. They came from Albany, New York, to what is now East Dubuque by train and footed it from there to Cedar Falls. Here they purchased a light democrat wagon, a span of little ponies, and carried tents with them. The first stop they made after leaving Cedar Falls was at a place a little north of the present site of the town of Sioux Rapids. While there they learned of the beautiful groves on the Sioux river, a little farther on, so they determined to push on to this place.
In the first place they had started for Spirit Lake, but they found this beautiful grove and plenty of good water for their horses near by, so they made up their minds to settle in the grove. So they put up stakes for their claims and then went back to New Hartford and stopped at Ambrose S. Mead's.
"The place on which we first landed, upon the hill," said J. A. Kirchner, "is now owned by Fred Eirhardt. There was nothing here at that time, and I saw that there was a spring down across the river and I pointed it out and said I wanted to live down there by the spring.
"We then went to Cedar Falls and bought wagons, teams, a plow and some other farm implements and came back again. We reached here the latter part of May, 1856, and began breaking up some of the land in June.
Picture of AN OLD PIONEER OF SPENCER
"John I. Bicknell came with us the second time, but did not stay. I went back to Albany, New York, and got my father and mother and brothers and sisters and they came back with me. While I was gone I left my younger brother and A.S. Mead to look after the new place. I brought my father and mother (Mr. and Mrs. Christian Kirchner), my brothers, John, Phil and Will. Mv oldest sister, Barbara, married Michael Springer in New York, but they afterward located in Fort Dodge. Mary married Henry Brockschink and located in Webster City. Lottie married Dr. M.S. Butler, of Cherokee. Lanie married Walter French and located in Sioux City. Julia married Hiram Hulburt, of Peterson; both are now deceased. Another sister, Dorothy, married a Mr. Schmidt and never came to Peterson.
"I located on section 33, Peterson township, and took one-half of the section. The center of the town is about the center of this section. I just squatted on the land, then railroad land, and afterward got title to it. The railroad company got it before we knew it, because we were so far away from any road and it took news so long to reach us. In the first place I bought the land of the county and paid for one quarter section, and they only gave me a quit-claim deed to it. My brother wanted part of the land, and so he paid me for it and we used the timber to build a log house with.
"It was a good many years after we located before anyone else came near us to locate on the land. But in the summer of 1856 Henry Waterman settled in O'Brien county, and the Gilletts at what is now Gillett's Grove. A Mr. Frink settled near Linn Grove, also Will Weaver and Mr. Bell and Esley Wilcox settled near the present site of the town of Sioux Rapids. Then we all tried to get as many as possible to come and settle near us, or in adjoining counties.
"In the year 1857 Charles Smeltzer and his brother E. Smeltzer started to organize the county.
"I was appointed the first postmaster in Clay county, and soon after that a post office was established at Spencer. I had the post office in my house and I made my own boxes for the mail. The mail was carried through on foot, from Sioux City to Mankato, Minnesota. The postage in those days was five cents. We got mail every week, once a week from the south and the next week from the north. We usually received about three or four papers and half a dozen letters. I was the postmaster here in Peterson for over fifteen years. I was appointed by Buchanan.
"The first religious services were held in the schoolhouse. In 1883 the Methodists and the Congregational societies both built small churches.
"I built a saw mill on the river in 1869. This was the first mill erected in
Clay county. I afterward converted this into a grist mill and ran this for a
good many years. About eight or nine years ago I sold this mill to my son-in-
law. The dam built by me for my mill was also the first dam built in Clay
county. C. D. Marcellus built the next mill, at Spencer. When I first owned
the mill I hired A. W. Miller to run it, and after a while I ran it myself.
"The first blacksmith shop in Peterson was conducted by Wilson Brown.
He came from Hardin county to Peterson about 1869 or 1870. 'Joe' Tatroe
afterwards ran a shop here, and then Morgan Schull and James Hagerty.
"The first hotel was built by Oscar Rice, located on the corner of Front
and Fourth streets. It is still standing on these lots. The next hotel was
erected on Main street and is now occupied by Gaskin's agricultural implement
house. The next hotel was built on Main street and is now the Commercial
house. It was erected on Elm street, but was afterward moved to the corner
of Main and Second streets, where it now stands.
"The Park hotel was built in two parts, the first part by 'Long' William
Evans and the other part by Hilton Voigt. These two parts were afterward
joined, but it is not occupied as a hotel at the present time.
"The Peterson waterworks were built ten or twelve years ago. They are
of natural pressure. They are erected on a hill at the north end of Main street.
The reservoir is twenty feet in diameter and about twenty feet deep. Peterson
is now planning to put up another reservoir and we are also laying a main up
Third street. The pressure from this height furnishes sufficient fire protection
for the city. The water is of a very high quality, clear and cool. The water
system has cost the town about $2,500, not including the new contracts let in
1908. The well is just north of the depot and they pump this with a gasoline
engine. The well is about 100 feet deep and has a six-inch pipe to the bottom.
"The city is lighted with large gasoline street lamps.
"The only buildings belonging to the town are the pump house and the
scale office.
"The Good Templar's hall is the only public hall in the town, it is erected
on North Main street.
"The Chicago and Northwestern is the only railroad in the town of Peterson.
This was built in 1883. The first agent was George L. Hawn, who came and
opened the station. He turned it over to E. Turner in a few months, who it still
acting as agent for the company."
"After the courthouse was abandoned by the county here, I purchased it and
used it for a barn for twenty-five years or more, until a year or two ago, when it
was used for a cement block factory. In the spring of 1908 I cut it in two, added
some to it, and made two dwelling houses out of it. Soon after the county
abandoned it as a courthouse it was used for a dwelling house, and several
Pastors lived in it.
"There was a tribe of Indians went through our little settlement in the early
fall, who were on their way to Omaha to visit other tribes. They were very
peaceful when they went down. They came in the fall of 1858. and returned
February i6th and visited all the houses in the settlement. When they came to
our house I went to the door, and when I opened the door our dog ran out and
the Indian shot him; then he aimed his gun at me and I laughed at him. The
chief of the tribe was standing by him and he touched the young fellow on
the arm, when he put down the gun and wanted to be friendly with us. Then
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY 83
the Indians came in and ate their dinner at our house and seemed to be all right.
We cooked a kettle of meat for them and one of them went into the pantry and
got a jug of molasses and poured it into the kettle and they ate all of this. Then
they left our house and went up to Mead's, and my younger brother followed
them, to see what they were going to do there. They had pitched their tents
a little way from Mead's house. As soon as they saw us they came up and spoke
to us and tried to make friends. My younger brother wrestled with several
of the young boys and he succeeded in throwing them all. They called him
brave paleface and they all laughed and clapped their hands at the sport. Of
course they were his best friends from that time on. This was the next day
after they had been to our house. When we went into the house we found
out that they had taken the women out to their tents and kept them out all night
the night before, and they came and took them again. I told them no; but I
was not armed and there were sixty-three of them and they were mostly all
of them armed. They took Mrs. Taylor, a settler's wife; Miss Harriet Mead,
about twenty years of age, and Emma Mead, twelve years old. Mr. Mead was
gone all winter and his two boys, Frank and Harrison, were left to do the chores,
Harrison had accidentally shot his limb a few days before, and so I went up to
help do the chores for them.
"After a while three Indians came to the door of the house and said that
the white people were killing the Indians down in their camp, and that was the
cause of all the noise. I said no, because there were no other white people
around. Then one of the Indians led me outdoors and held a tomahawk over
my head, and one Indian stood on one side of me with a bowie knife and one
on the other side of me with a tomahawk. I had nothing to protect myself
with. I told them no again, and they laughed at me and let me go. All they
did this for was to see if there were any other white men in the house. I had
a good gun in the house and they stole this and all they could find that they
wanted. They had taken it once before and I gave them $2.50 and bought it
back from them. My brother did not have a gun, and one of the boys that he
had thrown when they were wrestling took a liking to him and gave Jake a
rifle. If an Indian sees a white man running away with a gun he wdll take after
him and try to kill him. So this young Indian went nearly home with my
brother and then told him to hurry and not let any Indian see him with the
rifle. Jake kept this rifle a good many years and always prized it highly.
"The Indians stayed at Mead's for three or four days. Mead had about
twenty good ponies, and they said they belonged to the Indians and so they took
the ponies when they went away. We had two good horses and one of them
they killed and the other they cut in the hip to see if it was fat. And of course
we had to kill it also. They also shot and killed one cow. Then they all left
Mead's with the ponies and nearly all the provisions they could find, and went
up to Linn Grove, where they killed all the horses and cattle that Frink had,
and then they went on to Sioux Rapids to Weaver's. When they got here about
three or four of them went ahead to spy out and see what there was that they
could steal from the settlers. They took a large supply of provisions from the
Weavers and did other damage to their homes.
"Once in the early fall the Indians stole all the horses we had and a very
fine span of young horses belonging to Charles Smeltzer. Of course we were
very busy and wanted to use our horses in the fields the next day. So, early
in the morning, we started out to look for them and we found a partially eaten
ear of corn and some buckskin strings. Toward evening a heavy thunder storm
came up and the horses all came home on the run but Smeltzer's nice team. He
never got his good team back. Another time they stole every horse we had
and took them up to Mankato, Minnesota. We heard through an Indian agent
that they were there. So my brother Jake went up after them, and my other
brother, Phil, went with him. They got the horses, and the Indian agent told
them that the Indians were on the warpath and for them to get home as soon
as they possibly could. One of my horses was lame, so they sold it in order
to get home quicker.
"Another time I was gone to Sac City for a time and when I returned
I went out to hunt for a cow and a young calf of mine. I never found the
calf but found the cow a few miles away, where the Indians had killed her and
took the best of the meat and left the remains. I hunted around and tried to
find some further traces of the Indians, but could not.
"I had one horse that was always afraid of the Indians and it would always
start the others for home when the Indians came near. These things happened
in the years 1862 and 1863.
"One time while the soldiers were in camp at the old fort, two of them went
to Sioux Rapids to do some trading; on their return, they were coming along
past the place where the Alliance farm is now located, when their horses suddenly
took fright. They heard several shots fired at them. The soldiers had nothing
but their rifles and they had used up nearly all their ammunition, but nevertheless
they took after the Indians. Mr. Whitlock, one of the soldiers, caught one of
the Indians right back of the old barns. Of course by this time, he had nothing
left to fight with but an empty gun. One of the Indians knocked him down and
would have killed him if the other soldier had not ridden up just at this time.
He helped Mr. Whitlock on to his horse and they hurried to the old fort, where
they got more soldiers and hurried after the Indians, but they could not find them
again."
Mr. Gillett, one of the early settlers of the county, for whom Gillett's Grove
bears its name, visited friends in this county and the scene of his former home.
During his visit he related an event which the hitherto had never made public.
Mr. Gillett was quite aged and in a few years his race was almost run, and, as he
said, "it was useless to keep it a secret any longer, as the participants had passed
over the silent river of death. The story is substantially as follows: He, with
his brother, came to Clay county in the fall of 1856, and located at what is,
known as Gillett's Grove, which is a beautiful spot, filled with growing trees and
through which courses the Little Sioux river. After deciding upon their location,
they agreed to divide the grove equally, and one take the north and the other the
south part. This being settled, they at once set to work and in a short time had
consructed neat log houses and prepared themselves for winter. Being amply
supplied with firewood and their log houses being built not alone with a view
to convenience, but as well for warmth, they had no fears of suffering from the
storms or intense cold weather, which were notable at that time in this section.
The only fears they entertained were from the Indians. But at that time the
Indians did not make frequent visits to this particular section, for the reason that
there was but little game, poor fishing and no settlements. The newly acquired
property holders therefore felt themselves safe and comfortable from any intrusions
of the wild savages, whose treachery they so much feared. Everything passed
along quietly for several months, until one day a tribe, under Chief Ink-pa-du-tah,
came and set up their tepees on the banks of Lost Island lake. The settlers,
upon learning of their arrival and location, feared that the Indians would discover
the location of their houses and visit them. Their fears were well founded, for
in a few days several of the red skins paid them a visit. The white settlers
treated them kindly and gave them provisions and they left for their camping
grounds, expressing their friendship and thanks for the food given them. In a
few days another lot of them came, headed by a stalwart 'brave, who had been
with the others a few days before. After saying their "How," they were supplied
by the whites and returned to the lake. During both visits it was noticeable that
one of them ‐ the one who led the second group ‐ had his eyes fixed
constantly in admiration upon Mrs. Gillett. Wherever she went, and whenever
she moved, the Indian's eyes were upon her. In a few days he returned, this
time alone. He was given a seat and provided with a meal. He went away,
but two or three days later he came, and although saying nothing, his looks
indicated his admiration for Mrs. Gillett. His visits grew so constant and
frequent that they became annoying, not only to Mrs. Gillett, but the two families.
He was constantly prowling around and appearing before them at the most
unexpected moments, until he became a great nuisance. He was given to
understand that his visits were not desired, but to these reminders he paid not
the least attention. He was always fed and well treated, for the reason that the
settlers did not wish to give any offense to the tribe, or incur their enmity.
But becoming emboldened by the kind treatment that had been exended to him,
he came one day in the absence of Mr. Gillett and, mastering all the English
language he possessed, he made certain propositions to Mrs. Gillett, which she
indignantly rejected and warned him to leave. He left the home in a short
time, but had not gone a great distance, when Mr. Gillett returned home. His
wife inmiediately informed him of what the Indian had proposed. The husband
took down his rifle, and learning the direction the Indian had taken, set out
after him. After a few minutes' walk he caught sight of him and drew up his
rifle and fired. He did not wait to ascertain the result of the shot but returned
to his log cabin and ate his supper. In the morning, in company with his brother,
he visited the spot and there found a dead Indian. The brothers, after severing
the head from the body ‐ which they subsequently sent to an eastern college ‐
placed it in a hollow tree. They at once packed up their belongings and started
for Fort Dodge, knowing full well that the Indians would discover the absence
of the young buck, knowing his fondness for Mrs. Gillett, would come there in
search of him and finding no trace of him would suspect that they had killed
him and would avenge themselves upon the white settlers. They therefore
deemed it prudent to make their escape before the arrival of the searching
party, which they did. Subsequently, they learned that the Indians did come,
and not finding him, set fire to the buildings and destroyed everything about
the late homes of the Gillett's. In a short time they visited Okoboji lake and
their barbarous, inhuman treatment and cruelty, are matters of history.
Samuel Gillespie came to Peterson, Iowa, which was the county seat of Clay
county at that time, in 1871. He came from California. The town of Peterson
contained only three or four families. The county courthouse was there and
the county officers formed the most part of the population. The courthouse
was a small one-story building, consisting of three rooms, and the offices
were doubled up into these three rooms and court was also held in them.
Samuel Gonser was county auditor; Samuel Dubois, treasurer; J. G. Dodd,
recorder; Joseph Crozier was clerk of the court, but Mr. Gonser was deputy,
and did most of the business for him. Judge J. Snyder was from Humboldt
county. The county had three supervisors at that time: J. J. Davis, J. C. Taber
and J. F. Calkins. Charles Garner was county superintendent.
The town of Peterson was the only town in Clay county at that time and
the people came from a long distance to do their trading there. The village
had a grist mill and a blacksmith shop. J. A. Kirchner run the grist mill and
had a fair patronage, owing to the large scope of country surrounding. The
blacksmith shop was conducted by William Brown. There were two small
general stores; one conducted by Thomas Bevin and the other by Robert
Roberts, deceased. There were two or three residences and a small hotel. Mr.
Gonser was an attorney and there was a Mr. L. M. Pemberton, also an attorney,
who now lives at Beatrice, Nebraska, who has become district judge and is a
very eminent jurist.
M. E. Griffin had his land and real estate office in the courthouse at
Peterson. The same M. E. Griffin now of Spencer.
The county then, in 1871, contained about fifteen hundred people. With
a very few exceptions they were people who had come here to locate on government lands.
In the spring of 1871, most of the homesteaders erected sod
houses and sod barns for their stock and broke up some of their land. Some of
them planted wheat and oats on the breaking. The country was covered with a
large growth of prairie grass, some of it as high as ten feet and most of it at
least six feet high. In the following spring a fire started and burned the entire
country over, carrying everything before it. Most of the frame buildings were
burned, but those who had sod buildings did not sufifer any loss.
Homesteaders continued to come in during the summer and built for the
most part small sod houses, but some of them built frame ones. Most of them
brought grain enough for their horses and enough to plant in the spring. Those
who did not bring anything with them found it difficult to make a living here.
In the fall of 1871 a number of schoolhouses were erected in Clay county,
mostly of sod. A number of these were erected in Clay, Lincoln and Peterson
townships. There were more sod buildings at that time than any other. The
sod buildings were erected by taking a breaking plow, going into the low land
where the sod was heavy and plowing a furrow of sixteen to eighteen inches in
width, and then cutting it into sections, eighteen to twenty inches long, and
laying them up like brick. The cabins usually had board floors in them. The
roof was usually made of large rafters, covered with prairie hay or grass, and
covered again with sod, making quite a tight roof, lasting for several years.
Usually the structure had one door and one window, the latter about one-half
size with glass in it. If they were carefully built they were quite comfortable
houses, especially if a good fire was kept in them. Water would not freeze
in them in the coldest of weather, even when the thermometer stood at 40
degrees below zero. Some of the schoolhouses were provided with patent desks
but a number of them and perhaps most of them were made of large slabs
bought at Peterson.
Several towns often constituted a school district in those days. The early
pioneers were always willing to do anything to help along their schools. The
revenue for school purposes was not very high at that time but was more than
sufficient to keep them in running order.
The schools were of a very crude character and, consequently, good teachers
were very scarce. The wages were not very large, but the teachers received
more than enough for their labors. The average salary of the rural teacher
was from fifteen to twenty-five dollars, according to the size of the school.
It was often payable in warrants much below par. A good many of the schools
were conducted in private houses. A director often employed his wife to teach
the school in his own home, thereby securing fuel for his own use and for the
school as well. This condition of affairs continued to exist up until the year
1880, when the railroad lands were opened up and more revenue for school
purposes became available. The county was then divided into more uniform
shape for school purposes. More and better buildings were erected and usually
provided with better desks, seats and other useful and necessary things now
found in the modern schoolroom. The first independent school district was
established in Spencer in 1874, and was composed of about six sections, including
the village of Spencer. This constituted the district when it was established.
The schoolhouse was a frame building 16 by 24. After the establishment of
the district an addition 16 by 30 was added to the south end of the old building.
The first school teacher in Spencer was Miss Maggie Thompson. The above
described building continued to do service until 1880. After the coming of the
railroad a new four-room, two-story building was erected. This was quite a
building for that time, but it was properly built and the first graded school was
established in the county with M.M. Gilchrist as principal.
In 1882, the Chicago & Northwestern railroad came through Peterson and
soon after that a very nice four-room school building was erected there. It
was larger than needed at the time, but in two or three years an addition was
necessary.
In 1882, the one school building in Spencer had been outgrown and it
became necessary to erect another one on the east side. There were about twelve
hundred inhabitants in the town of Spencer at that time. Only two rooms of
the new building were occupied, but they were soon all in use. These two
buildings continued to serve the town for school purposes until 1893, when the
present west side building was erected, at a cost of about twenty-five thousand
dollars, exclusive of furnishings. In 1902 an additional four-room brick build-
ing was erected on the north side and a one-room frame building on the south
side. The schools at the present employ about twenty-four teachers and are
maintained at an expense of approximately twenty thousand dollars per year.
At the meeting of the board of supervisors, consisting of three members in
1871, it was voted to submit the removal of the county seat of Clay county
from Peterson to Spencer. Peterson was in the southwest corner of the county,
being within a half mile of the south line and two and one-half miles from the
west line, thus making it necessary for a large part of the people to travel a distance
of thirty miles to reach the county seat. A railroad had recently been
surveyed about six miles north of the forty-third parallel and eight miles from
the north line of the county and in the exact geographical center east and west
with its more central location and probabilitv of a railroad in the near future.
It was finally decided to remove the seat of government to the new town. The
latter part of October the last of the records were removed to the new town of
Spencer, where the people of the town or village had provided a courthouse
free of expense to the county. The new courthouse was a building about 20 by
40, two stories high. The first floor was subdivided into county offices and the
second floor constituted the courtroom. This room was used for all public
gatherings as well as all the court proceedings. The building was erected on
lower Main street. This building continued to serve the county until 1882, when
another two-story frame building was erected. This building was about 40 by
48 and was erected on the present courthouse site.
The first grasshopper invasion occurred in June, 1873, when the pests came
down in countless millions like so many snowflakes. They devoured the most
of the crops and later devoured all the growing grain. They left nothing for
the poor settlers for the winter food or the spring seed. In fact many of them
were left in destitute circumstances and they found it necessary to appeal to
friends in other states for aid. A great many aid societies were organized and
solicitors sent to Illinois and Wisconsin, to solicit aid for the poor and destitute
of the county. These people furnished the homesteaders with food and clothing
for the winter; but what troubled the settler the most was the grain for seed
for the next spring. They formed themselves into parties and drew up petitions
and sent them to the legislature, asking for grain for the coming year. The
legislature sent out men with the authority to distribute seed grain among the
destitute people. The quantity of grain furnished to each family depended largely
on the size of the family and the amount of land they had. The grain provided
was sown in the spring of 1874, came up nicely and gave promise of a very
good crop; but by the middle of May the grasshoppers began to appear and
devour the coming crop. For a time it looked as if everything was lost; but
the season being favorable, the grain came again and about the first of June
the grasshoppers obtained wings and flew away. The farmers' crops were
saved for that year at least.
Picture of CLAY COUNTY'S FIRST COURTHOUSE
The second grasshopper invasion occurred the latter part of July, 1876,
just as the wheat and oats were ripening and the corn coming into tassel and
silk. The grasshoppers ate the heads off of the grain and settled down on the
corn, until they broke it down with their weight, literally destroying all of the
small grain. This was the most complete destruction ever known. The settlers
began to abandon their homes, many of which were mortgaged heavily. Some
of them turned their homes over to their creditors while others sold them for
little or nothing and left the country. Some of them had their horses and other
stock mortgaged, but they were leaving in such great numbers that the officers
were powerless. There was great destitution the following winter, but kind
friends again came to their aid and supplied the necessary food and clothing
to the needy. Friends also supplied the necessary seed grain, and the settlers
paid for the grain when the crop was harvested. The crops came up fine in
the spring but the latter part of May the grasshoppers began again to devour
the growing crops. They flew away, however, the early part of July. Many
farmers, particularly on the border lands, lost all of their crops, while in some
parts of the country the crops matured and were excellent. The oats went as
high as one hundred bushels to the acre. Corn was also very good, averaging
about thirty to thirty-five bushels to the acre, wheat about twenty-five bushels
to the acre. That was the last grasshopper invasion and the country has never
been troubled by one since. PETERSON MILLS.
THE OLD COURTHOUSE.
INDIAN VISITS.
AN EARLY INCIDENT.
RECOLLECTIONS OF A PIONEER.
REMOVAL OF THE COUNTY SEAT.
FIRST GRASSHOPPER INVASION.
SECOND GRASSHOPPER INVASION.
County Judge. Charles C. Smeltzer 9
Superintendent of Schools. Ambrose S. Mead 9
Treasurer and Recorder. S. W. Foreman 17
Sheriff. Henry Brockschink 18
Clerk of Courts. Ezra M. Wilcox
Surveyor. S. W. Foreman 5 Charles Oldfield 2
Drainage Commissioner. John Kindelspyer 17
Justice of the Peace. John Kindelspyer 16 James Bicknell 13 Ambrose S. Mead 4
Township Assessor. Eli Wilcox 9 John Kindelspyer 4 A. S. Mead 1
Constables. Henry Wilcox 18 J. A. Kirchner 18
Township Trustees. S. W. Foreman 18 J. A. Kirchner 18 John Kindelspyer 17
Township Clerk. Harvey Gardner 18
Road Supervisor. A. S. Mead 18
1859.
County Judge. C. C. Smeltzer 10Treasurer and Recorder. John Kindelspyer 10
Sheriff. W. H. Bain 10
Surveyor. H. E. W. Smeltzer 10
Coroner. A. S. Mead 10
Drainage Commissioner. H. E. W. Smeltzer 6 William Crozier 4
County School Superintendent. G. A. Kirchner 6 W. R. Blain 4
1860.
Clerk of Courts. H. E. W. Smeltzer 11 William Crozier 9Erecting Courthouse. For the proposition 14 Against the proposition 7
1861.
Representative. C. C. Smeltzer 18 A. S. Collins 4County Judge. C. A. Clark 14 C. C. Smeltzer 3
Treasurer and Recorder. C. Kirchner, Sr 16 John Kindelspyer 5
Sheriff. Joseph Goodnow 18
Coroner. F. W. Brockschink 7 A. S. Mead 3
Superintendent of Schools. Isaac Enders 21
Surveyor. H. E. W. Smeltzer 18
Drainage Commissioner. Jacob Kirchner 16
1862.
Clerk of Courts. J. A. Kirchner 7 C. W. Clark 5
1863.
County Judge. C. H. Brockschink 9Treasurer and Recorder. C. Kirchner, Jr 10
Sheriff. R. B. Crego 8
Coroner. J. W. Brockschink 9
Drainage Commissioner. Jacob Kirchner 10
Superintendent of Schools. J. A. Kirchner 10
Surveyor. F. W. Brockschink 10
1864.
Clerk of Courts. R. B. Crego 30Recorder. C. Kirchner 16 John Kindelspyer 13 C. H. Brockschink 1
Surveyor. William Crozier 16 Clerk of Court — (To Fill Vacancy). Jacob Kirchner 11
1865.
Treasurer. J. J. Bicknell 19 S.T. Collins 18County Judge. J. L. Crozier 20 D. W. Inman 17
Sheriff. George C. Kindelspyer 33
Coroner. J. W. Brockschink 17
Surveyor. J. L. Crozier 20 Jacob Kirchner 17
Drainage Commissioner. H. H. Mead 16
Superintendent of Schools. N. L. Chesley 16
1866.
Clerk of Courts. R. B. Crego 51 William Y. Crozier 37Recorder. C. Kirchner, Jr 52 P. M. Moore 37
Superintendent of Schools. R. A. Coates 44 Ellis George 32
Drainage Commissioner. R. S. Hough 35
County Judge. P. M. Moore 56 J. L. Crozier 1
Clerk of Courts. S. W. Dubois 42 Jesse Pickering 24
Treasurer. D. N. Coates 35 J. J. Bicknel 31
Sheriff. David Watts 61 D. Coates 11 Joseph Crozier 1
Superintendent of Schools. R. A. Coates 65
Surveyor. P. M. Moore 66
Coroner. J. L. Crozier 62
Drainage Commissioner. J. W. Brockschink 8 Alfred Van Norman 1 O. C. Potts 2 Joseph Crozier 1
1868.
Clerk of Courts. S. W. Dubois 60 Jesse Pickering 14Treasurer. J. J. Bicknell 73 L. Smith 1
1869.
Treasurer. S. W. Dubois 70 J. J. Bicknell 44Auditor. Samuel Gonser 68 Joseph Crozier 39 George Crozier 3
Sheriff. T. C. Dodd 87 George M. Collins 24
Clerk of Courts. Samuel Gonser 51 Joseph Crozier 27 George Crozier 3
Superintendent of Schools. Charles Carver 81
Surveyor. P. M. Moore 51
Coroner. J. W. Brockschink 96 P. M. Moore 1
1870.
Clerk of Courts. Joseph L. Crozier 266Recorder. J. G. Dodd 267
Sheriff. John Copper 262
Coroner. Thomas McCormick 238
1871.
H. B. Wood 561Treasurer. M. E. Griffin 350 S. W. Dubois 232
Auditor. L. M. Pemberton 415 C. K. Matteson 154
Sheriff. Albert Wheeler 383 George F. Martin . 193
Superintendent of Schools. J. E. Chase 387 H. D. Parsons 179
Surveyor. Mark Hunt 403 P. M. Moore 55
Coroner. C. J. Wright 356 S. J. Egleston 36
For Location of County Seat. Spencer 359 Peterson 200
1872.
Clerk of Courts. Ackley Hubbard 385 J. L. Cline 257Recorder. John Copper 379 S. W. Dubois 261 J. L. Cline 3
Coroner. Marshall Hines 639 Scattering 2 <2>
1873
Representative. H. B. Wood 412 C. W. Inman 118 L. G. Ireland 43Auditor. L. M. Peniberton 576 J. E. Chase 3
Treasurer. M. E. Griffin 408 William Abbey 176
Sheriff. Albert Wheeler 373 W. Hunter 204 W. Richards 4
Superintendent of Schools. J. E. Chase 399 Mattie McPherson 172 Surveyor. Mark Hunt 426 J. T. Painter 158
Coroner. Charles McAllister 581
1874.
Clerk of Courts. Ackley Hubbard 447Recorder. A. H. Cheney 283 John Copper 208
Coroner. Charles McAllister 443 M. E. Hines 4
1875.
Auditor. L. M. Pemberton 387 J. M. Spencer 341Treasurer. M. E. Griffin 309 J. C. Tabor 328
Sheriff. J. E. Francis 269 J. R. Patterson 208 J. G. Dodd 52 A. H. Wilber 104 W. H. Hunter 64
Superintendent of Schools. J. E. Chase 255 D. W. Crouse 181 Mark Hunt 162 E. C. Green 118
Coroner. J. Rood 292 E. E. Harris 152 Ezra Hockett 26 Scattering 16
Surveyor. A. W. Drake 604 Winslow Abbey 77 John T. Painter 33 Mark Hunt 2
1876.
Clerk of Courts. Harry Chamberlain 457 Charles M. Squires 201 Scattering 5Recorder. S. W. Dubois 504 Winslow Abbey 164
1877.
Representative. Charles McAllister 609Auditor. Ackley Hubbard 322 A. F. McConnell 302 R. A. Coats 5
Treasurer. M. E. Griffin 363 J. Messenger 368
Sheriff. J. E. Francis 342 J. R. Patterson 268
Superintendent of Schools. Samuel Gillespie 394 George H. Williams 220 J. E. Chase 6
Surveyor. A. W. Drake 330 E. N. Jencks 302
Coroner. Jacob Rood 636
1878.
Clerk of Courts. Harry Chamberlain 440 H. B. Wood 192Recorder. S. W. Dubois 430 J. P. Evans 187
1879.
A. T. McCargar 461 H. C. Brown 42Treasurer. P. E. Randall 787 Scattering 6
Sheriff. J. R. Patterson 410 F. W. Madden 302 M. G. Shull 87
Superintendent of Schools. Samuel Gillespie 419 Lottie Kirchner 379
Surveyor. E. N. Jencks 656 A. W. Drake 127
Coroner. J. Rood 781 E. A. Maker 11
1880.
Clerk of the Courts. Harry Chamberlain 796 L. Sutherland 124Recorder. S. W. Dubois 386 A. F. Masterman 159 Charles Darrow 282 T. L. Bailey 93
1881.
Auditor. H. B. Wood 703 Scattering 6Treasurer. P. E. Randall 713
Sheriff. P. W. Madden 392 J. R. Patterson 314 E. A. Maker 120
Superintendent of Schools. M. M. Gilchrist 392 O. W. Towner 314
Surveyor. E. N. Jencks 515 J. T. Painter 153 A. W. Drake 40
Coroner. A. K. Train 669 Scattering 92
1882.
Clerk of Courts. Harry Chamberlain 893Recorder. Mrs. N. O. Dubois 830 J. E. Steele 45 Scattering 4
1883.
State Senator. C. C. Chubb 806 Alexander Mitchell 311Representative. C. W. Fillmore 809 J. J. Condon 294 Z. A. Wellman 31
Auditor. Henry B. Wood 916 L. Sutherland 219
Treasurer. P. E. Randall 938 W. W. Scott 195
Sheriff. P. W. Madden 947 Morgan Shull 184
Superintendent of Schools. M. M. Gilchrist 790 Louis Lange 330
Coroner. Jacob Rood 902 S. J. Green 229
Surveyor. John T. Painter 803 E. N. Jencks 315
1884.
Clerk of Courts. Harry Chamberlain 1367Recorder. Mrs. N. O. Dubois 1359 Mrs. E. N. Dickinson 7
1885.
Auditor. Henry B. Wood 940 George W. Anderson 369Treasurer. Peter E. Randall 989 Eben Bailey 331
Sheriff. P. W. Aladden 1072 S. J. Green 240 George Mann 1
County Superintendent. George Mann 654 M. M. Gilchrist 613
Surveyor. John T. Painter 989 S. B. Gould 333
Coroner. Alonzo Chamberlain 940 John H. Lewis 373
1886.
Clerk of Courts. A. H. Cheney 744 Harry Chamberlain 706 Scattering 8Recorder. Mrs. E. N. Dickinson 833 Mrs. N. O. Dubois 643 Scattering 5
County Attorney. A. C. Parker 1445 Scattering 2
1887.
Representative. C. W. Fillmore 1023 S. Sturdevan 343Auditor. H. B. Wood 556 A. F. McConnell 467 E. C. Green no F. G. Alvord 254
Treasurer. George E. Runyan 650 J. C. Tabor 135 J. H. Hale 254 J. S. Brownell 108 A. M. Jones 256
Sheriff. P. W. Madden 1037 George Andrew 198 J. O. Hodgin 66 J. S. Green 96
County Superintendent. John Dolvin 493 George Mann 398 L. C. Ford 490
Surveyor. John T. Painter 766 A. W. Drake 475
Coroner. A. Chamberlain 1063 H. M. Clopper 284
1888.
Clerk of Courts. A. H. Cheney 1671 Fanny Hagerty 37 Scattering 5Recorder. Mrs. D. N. Dickinson 1704 Scattering 10
County Attorney. A. C. Parker 1692 Scattering 8
Board of Supervisors. 1871 — J. F. Calkins, chairman; J. J. Duroe, J. C. Tabor. 1872 — E. H. Puffer, Chairman; J. J. Duroe, J. C. Tabor. 1873 — Wesley Gross, chairman E. H. Puffer, J. C. Tabor.
The board during this year decided to increase the number to five members.
1874 — J. C. Tabor, chairman; E. H. Puffer, Wesley Gross, William Harvey, C. H. Wait.
1875 — William Harvey, chairman; Wesley Gross, C. H. Wait, J. C. Tabor, A. F. McConnell.
1876 — William Harvey, chairman; C. H. Wait, A. F. McConnell, D. F. O. Cuttell, Eben Bailey.
1877--A. F. McConnell, chairman; Eben Bailey, D. F. O. Cuttell, H. S. Bender, J. F. Calkins.
1878 — Eben Bailey, chairman; D. F. O. Cuttell, J. E. Calkins, H. S. Bender, J. D. McDonald.
1879 — J. J. Duroe, chairman; John F. Calkins, H. S. Bender, J. D. McDonald. Charles Hunt was duly elected but failed to qualify and Jacob Merritt was appointed to fill the vacancy.
1880 — James Goodwin, chairman; J. D. McDonald, J. J. Duroe, Horace Smith, Reuben Somers.
1881 — J. J. Duroe, chairman; James Goodwin, H. Smith, John Dodge, Reuben Somers.
1882 — T. P. Bender, chairman; James Goodwin, John Dodge, R. Somers, Hiram Watts. The latter resigned and J. G. Dodd was selected to fill the vacancy.
1883 — John Dodge, chairman; T. P. Bender, James Goodwin, J. P. Mills, J. G. Dodd.
1884— J. G. Dodd, chairman; T. P. Bender, J. P. Mills, G. M. Smith, James Goodwin.
1885— J. P. Mills, chairman; J. G. Dodd, James Goodwin, T. P. Bender, J. W. Fairbanks. Mr. Fairbanks resigned and J, A. Kirchner was appointed.
1886— T. P. Bender, chairman; H. J. Taber, R. B. Jones, J. A. Kirchner. J. G. Dodd, (resigned), John Mates, (appointed).
1887— T. P. Bender, chairman; R. B. Jones, H. J. Taber, John Mates, R. A. Stewart.
1888— T. P. Bender, chairman; H. J. Taber, John Mates, R. A. Stewart.
1889.
Board of Supervisors. T. P. Bender, chairman; Weis, Vincent.Representative. James Mercer 1089 C. P. Buckey 2 E. Boyer 1 M.H.Richards 6 A. W. Sleeper 11
Auditor. George E. Phelps 939 J. M. Davis 614 Henry B. Wood 3 Scattering 14
Treasurer. George E. Runyan 1599
Sheriff. P. W. Madden 1036 Elizah Pickering 589
Superintendent of Schools. John Dolvin 1570 Scattering 12
Surveyor. John T. Painter 1590 A. W. Drake 2
Coroner. Jacob Rood 1587 Scattering 18
Board of Supervisors. (Fourth District.) P. C. Blackmer 199 Ed. Sitz 90 J. B. Lamb 1
1890.
District Judge. George H. Carr 1072Clerk of District Court. A. H. Cheney 1046 T. G. Alvord 494 E. H. Parish 1
Recorder. Mrs. D. N. Dickinson 934 John Andrew 345 Peter Flannigan 268
County Attorney. A. C. Parker 1039 J. E. Steele 367 L. Gowan 3
Supervisors. (For Douglas, Harland and Garfield.) George Ross 94 L. Gowan 85
(For Spencer and Meadow.) T. P. Bender (received total vote cast) 329
1891.
State Senator. A. B. Funk 1335 C. C. Painter 751Representative. James Goodwin 1135 E. Boyer 786 G. A. Capstic 86 Scattering 2
Treasurer. George E. Runyan 858 Geo. W. Anderson 490 C. E. Blondel 478 E. H. Crandall 212 J. H. Walsh 3
Superintendent of Schools. John Dolvin 718 Harlin Buck 706 L. C. Ford 486 J. Lamar 143
Sheriff. P. W. Madden 969 T. C. Dodd 629 Wm. Mincer 418 Frank Smith 40
Surveyor. A. W. Drake 1341 Eben Bailey 4
Coroner. S. J. Green 917 Scattering 7
Supervisors. (First District.) J. B. Wilson 211 Thos. Kenderdine 72
(Third District.) A. W. Sleeper 349 John Wilburn 99
1892.
Judge District Court. Lot Thomas 1538Auditor. George E. PhelpS 1552 M. Tell, Jr 641 A. J. Rowley 142
Clerk District Court. A. H. Cheney 1534 G. E. Cooper 659 J. R. Ketcham 143
Recorder. T. P. Powell 1273 Fannie E. Hagerty 712 John Copper 1
HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY 105
County Attorney.
A. C. Parker 1450
Guy H. Martin 789
Sheriff.
J. B. Lewis 1531
August Steigleder 671
C. L. Shultz 142
Supervisors.
(Fourth District.)
P. C. Blackmer 254
W. W. DeWitt 147
183
Treasurer.
C. E. Blondell 1353
Geo. E. Cooper 512
George Jones, Sr 172
George E. Runyan 2
Superintendent of Schools.
George E. Reed 1413
Mabel Andrews 477
John Dolvin 1
Sheriff.
John B. Lewis 1440
M. G. Shull 446
F. A. Hiser 163
John Hopkins 1
Surveyor.
P. M. Moore 1387
A. W. Drake 54
Coroner.
H. Shipley 1411
James Livingston 176
J. E. Green 1
Supervisor.
(For Second District.)
J. F. Lundy 446
E. H. Tryon 178
Frank Riley 27
(For Fifth District.)
J. A. Platt 136
J. L. Eckley 134
Judge District Court.
William B. Quarton 1438
C. E. Cohoon 682
Auditor.
G. E. Phelps 1474
C. P. Buckey 453
A. J. Livingston 226
Clerk District Court.
C. H. Staples 1233
C. E. Johnson 554
George Capstic 314
William Barnes 42
Recorder.
T. P. Powell 1466
Wirt Bronson 437
Mary Riley 229
County Attorney.
Guy H. Martin 1431
Vernon D. Buck 564
Fred Kirkpatrick 2
Scattering 1
County Attorney to Fill Vacancy.
Guy H. Martin 1190
Vernon D. Buck 21
Fred Kirkpatrick 2
Superintendent of Schools.
Ellen Reed 1968
Scattering 1
Supervisor.
(First District.)
Thomas Kenderdine 213
W. H. Moore 105
G. G. Buck 26
(Third District.)
A. W. Sleeper 284
W. H. Webb 146
On the question, Shall a poor house he established and erected at a cost not
to exceed $8,000.
For 987 Against 382
Representative.
W. W. Cornwall 1288
A. J. Rowley 102
Scattering 10
Treasurer.
C. E. Blondell 1330
Charles Prichard 338
G. G. Beck 241
Scattering 1
Sheriff.
J. B. Lewis 1334
T. D. Griggs 330
G. W. Jones 235
Scattering 2
Superintendent of Schools.
Ellen Reed 1716
Scattering 6
Coroner.
John Andrews 1283
William Battin 365
Jacob Rood 241
Surveyor.
Frank Austin 1291
Charlton Bailey 399
F. A. Gossman 211
Scattering 1
Supervisor.
(Fourth District.)
P. C. Blackmer 232
Scattering 3
Auditor.
William Barnes 1903
H. S. Parker 930
Clerk of District Court.
C. H. Staples 1884
C. H. Woodruff 937
Recorder.
T. P. Powell 1896
F. J. Crane 931
County Attorney.
Guy H. Martin 1683
Frank Richardson 1143
Supervisor.
(Second District.)
J. F. Lundy 618
H. Walker 258
(Fifth District.)
Charles Gillmore 249
J. W. Cook 114
Treasurer.
Jasper Messenger 1513
G. G. Buck 660
George Jones 49
Scattering 3
Sheriff.
J. B. Lewis 1516
G. F. Martin 652
J. L. Rowley 52
Superintendent of Schools.
Ellen Reed 1509
Mrs. J. W. Lauck 659
F. J. Crane 50
Scattering 2
Surveyor.
P. M. Moore 149a
J. A. Griffin 669
John Phillips 53.
Scattering 1
Coroner.
John Andrews 1473
E. Hallock 680
C. T. Ressel 54
Scattering 1
Supervisor.
(First District.)
Thomas Kenderdine 309
(Third District.)
A. W. Sleeper 235
Ed. Moeller 215
Picture of FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, SPENCER
Auditor.
William Barnes 1526
George H. Moeller 526
Clerk District Court.
Chas. S. Weaver 1556
Wm. A. O'Donnell 502
Recorder.
T. P. Powell 1279
John Lawler 783
County Attorney.
Robt. AI. Bush 1510
A. O. Russell 540
Supervisor.
(Fourth District.)
H. H. Powell 212
Eben Bailey 195
Representative.
E. P. Barringer 1348
H. S. Parker 887
Treasurer.
Jasper Messenger 1667
A. M. Jones 620
Sheriff.
J. B. Lewis 1647
T. D. Griggs 638
John Andrew 1
Superintendent of Schools.
Ellen Reed 1672
Aliss Berry Buck 606
Mrs. C. C. Little 3
Orville A. Hammond 1
Surveyor.
P. M. Moore 1661
C. J. Madsen 602
Coroner.
S. J. Green 1909
Wm. O'Donnell 631
Supervisor.
(Second District.)
A. F. McConnell 634
H. R. Brownell 180
(Fifth District.)
Charles Gillmore 203
Lewis Lewis 1
Clerk of District Court.
C. S. Weaver 2350
Paul M. Miller 746
Recorder.
W. L. McCown 2333
Eugene Slowey 762
Auditor.
William Barnes 2328
Ed Moeller 761
County Attorney.
Robt. M. Bush 2330
Vernon W. Buck 758
Supervisor.
(First District.)
J. H. Walsh 327
J. W. O'Neil 182
(Third District.)
John Adams 339
Charles King 259
Treasurer.
Jasper Messenger 1277
C. Welch 301
Sheriff.
John H. Price 1276
P. A. Clark 298
J. B. Lewis 1
Superintendent of Schools.
H. F. Fillmore 1274
Eben Bailey 304
Surveyor.
P. M. Moore 1265
Frank Smith 304
Coroner.
S. J. Green 1283
John Stuhr 1
T. H. Johnson 1
Earl Bronson 1
A. Jones 1
M. W. Page 1
Supervisor.
(Fourth District.)
H. H. Powell 242
F. W. Walker 1
Clerk of District Court.
Charles S. Weaver 1443
J. S. Walker 365
Recorder.
W. L. McCown 1417
L. Koechert 369
Auditor.
Wm. Barnes 1423
E. F. Slowey 376
County Attorney.
Robt. M. Bush 1414
Vernon W. Bick 380
Coroner.
(To Fill Vacancy.)
John Andrew 1415
A. M. Jones 1
Supervisor.
(Second District.)
A. F. McConnell 565
H. R. Buck 135
(Fifth District.)
Charles Gillmore 188
Representative.
A. H. Cheney 1344
O. E. Johnson 351
A. E. Wells 1
John Cory 1
Treasurer.
John McWhirter 1335
George B. Bender 346
Nathan Pickering 72
Sheriff.
John H. Price 1334
Wm. Marlow 355
A. W. Duboise 68
C. W. Mills 3
Superintendent of Schools.
H. F. Fillmore 1342
Thomas Dunn 344
B. F. Ellsworth 66
Surveyor.
P. M. Moore 1343
A. R. Claxton 357
Coroner.
John Andrews 1332
H. O. Green 375
Supervisor.
(First District.)
J. H. Walsh 198
Wm. McCurdy 15
(Third District.)
John Adams 226
R. H. Knight 1
Auditor.
E. F. Marker 1377
Frank L. Brodgate 1254
Clerk of District Court.
C. S. Weaver 2151
Harry Dunn 489
J. E. Rubes 1
Recorder.
W. L. McCown 2142
Erick M. Horner 497
County Attorney.
Fred Kirkpatrick 2139
A. R. Claxton 495
Coroner.
(To Fill Vacancy.)
A. S. Mack 2094
Wm. A. O'Donnell 509
Supervisors.
(Fourth District.)
H. H. Powell 938
W. A. Gehring 2
A. W. Hunter 1
Morriss Lacey 2
Judge of District Court.
Dannie F. Coyle 1531
Scattering 1
Representative.
Benj. F. Felt, Jr 1510
Hiram O. Green 1414
Auditor.
E. F. Marker 1484
Fred Flagman 500
Treasurer.
John McWhirter 1538
George Broon 424
Clerk District Court.
C. S. Weaver 1624
Frank Huss 375
Sheriff.
C. M. Pinneo 1154
J. H. Price 942
Recorder.
W. L. McCown 1578
Wirt Bronson 423
County Attorney.
F. Kirkpatrick 1539
A. R. Claxton 387
Superintendent of Schools.
Mary Riley 1693
H. F. Fillmore 108
Surveyor.
P. M. Moore 1539
John Stuhr 371
Coroner.
A. S. Mack 1591
Supervisor.
(First District.)
C. F. Johns 224
A. M. Jones 216
(Second District.)
J. P. Mills 519
H. S. Parker 129
(Third District.)
John Adams 227
George W. Moeller 152
(Fourth District.)
H. H. Powell 272
Robert Fisk 78
(Fifth District.)
Charles Gillmore 188
The board of supervisors at any regular meeting .shall have the following
powers, to wit:
To appoint one of their number chairman, and also a clerk in the absence
of the regular officers;
To adjourn from time to time as the occasion may require;
To make such orders concerning the corporate property of the county as
they may deem expedient;
To examine and settle all accounts of the receipts and expenditures of the
county, and to examine, settle, and allow all just claims against the county unless
otherwise provided for by law;
To build and keep in repair the necessary buildings for the use of the
county and of the courts;
To cause the county buildings to be insured in the name of the county, or
otherwise, for the benefit of the county, as they shall deem expedient, and in
case there are no county buildings, to provide suitable rooms for county purposes;
To set off, organize, and change the boundaries of townships in their
respective counties, designate and give names thereto and define the place of
holding the first election;
To grant licenses for keeping ferries in their respective counties as provided
by law;
To purchase for the use of the county, any real estate necessary for the
erection of buildings for county purposes, to remove or designate a new site
for any county buildings required at the county seat, when such removal shall
not exceed the limits of the village or city at which the county seat is located;
To require any county officer to make a report, under oath, to them on any
subject connected with the duties of his office, and to require any such officer
to give such bonds, or additional bonds, as shall be reasonable or necessary for
the faithful performance of their several duties; and any such officer who shall
neglect or refuse to make such report or give bonds within twenty days after
being so required, may be removed from office by the board by a vote of a
majority of the members elected;
To represent their respective counties, and to have the care and management
of the property and business of the county in all cases where no other
provision shall be made;
To manage and control the school fund of their respective counties as shall
be provided by law;
To appoint commissioners to act with similar commissioners duly appointed
in any other county or counties, and to authorize them to lay out, alter, or
discontinue any highway extending through their own and one or more other
counties, subject to the ratification of the board;
To fix the compensation of all services of county and township officers not
otherwise provided for by law and to provide for the payment of the same;
To authorize the taking of a vote of the people for the relocation of the
county seat as provided by law;
To alter, vacate, or discontinue any state of territorial highway within their
respective counties;
To lay out, establish, alter, or discontinue any country highway heretofore
or now laid out, or hereafter to be laid out through or within their respective
counties as may be provided by law;
To provide for the erection of all bridges which may be necessary, and
which the public convenience may require within their respective counties, and
to keep the same in repair;
To determine what bounties, in addition to those already provided by law,
if any, shall be offered and paid by their county on the scalps of such wild
animals taken and killed within their county as they may deem it expedient to
exterminate. But no such bounty shall exceed five dollars;
To purchase for the use of the county any real estate necessary for the
erection of buildings for the support of the poor of such county and for a farm
to be used in connection therewith;
To have and exercise all the powers in relation to the poor given by law to
the county authorities;
To make such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law, as they
may deem necessary for the government of their body, the transaction of
business and the preservation of order;
The board of supervisors shall constitute the board of county canvassers.
The county auditor shall: Record all the proceedings of the board in the
proper books provided for that purpose;
Make full entries of all their resolutions and decisions on all questions
concerning the raising of money, and for the allowance of money from the
county treasury;
Record the vote of each supervisor on any question submitted to the board,
if required by any members present;
Sign all orders issued by the board of supervisors for the payment of money
and record in a book provided for the purpose the reports of the county treasurer
of the receipts and disbursements of the county;
Preserve and file all accounts upon by the board, with their action thereon, and
perform such special duties as are or may be required of him by law;
Designate upon every account on which any sum shall be allowed by the
board, the amount so allowed and the charges for which the same was allowed;
Deliver to any person who may demand it a certified copy of any record or
account in his office on payment of his legal fees therefor.
The auditor shall not sign or issue any county warrant except the recorded
vote or resolution of the board of supervisors authorizing the same, except for
jury fees, and every such warrant shall be numbered, and the date, amount and
number of the same, and the name of the person to whom issued, shall be entered
in a book to be kept by him in his ofifice for the purpose;
Whenever the auditor of any county shall receive from the state auditor
notice of the apportionment of school moneys to be distributed in the county,
he shall file the same in his office and transmit a copy thereof before the board
at its next regular meeting;
The county auditor shall have the general custody and control of the courthouse
in each county, respective!y, subject to the direction of the board of
supervisors;
The county auditor shall report to the secretary of state the name, office,
and term of office of every county officer elected or appointed, within ten days
after their election and qualification, and the secretary of state shall record the
same in a book to be kept for that purpose in his office;
In order to enable the clerk of the district court properly to comply with
the provisions of section two hundred and three of the code, it is made the
duty of the county auditor to report to said clerk, before the first day of
November in each year, the expenses of the county for criminal prosecutions
during the year ending the thirtieth day of September preceding, including, but
distinguishing, the compensation of district (county) attorney;
The clerk of the district court and county recorder shall each be eligible to
the office of county auditor, and may discharge the duties of both offices;
The offices of the county auditor and county treasurer shall not be united
in the same person. The auditor and his deputy are prohibited from acting as
attorney, either directly or indirectly, in any matter before the board of
supervisors.
The treasurer shall receive all money payable to the county, and disburse
the same on warrants drawn and signed by the county auditor and sealed with
the county seal, and not otherwise; and shall keep a true account of all receipts
and disbursements, and hold the same at all times ready for the inspection of
the board of supervisors.
When the warrant drawn by the auditor on the treasurer is presented for
payment, and not paid for the want of money, the treasurer shall indorse thereon
a note of that fact and the date of presentation, and sign it. and thenceforth
it shall draw interest at the rate of six per cent; and when a warrant which
draws interest is taken up, the treasurer is required to indorse upon it the
date and amount of interest allowed, and such warrant is to be considered as
canceled and shall not be reissued.
County treasurers are hereby authorized to issue calls for outstanding warrants
at any time he may have sufficient funds on hand for which such warrant
was issued; and from and after such calls have been made, public interest shall
cease on all warrants included in said call.
County treasurers shall publish said notice twice in the newspaper having
the largest circulation in the county in which such publication is made, and
each notice shall designate the warrants called.
The treasurer shall keep a record of the number and amount of the warrants
presented and indorsed for non-payment, which shall be paid in the order of
such presentation. When there are funds in the treasury for their payment
to an amount sufficient to render it advisable, he shall give notice to what
number of warrants the funds shall extend, or the number which he will pay,
by posting a written notice in his office, and at the expiration of thirty days
from the date of such posting, interest on the warrants so named as being
payable shall cease.
When a person wishing to make payment into the treasury presents a warrant
of an amount greater than such payment, the treasurer shall cancel the same
and give the holder a certificate of the overplus, upon the presentation of which
to the county auditor he shall file it and issue a new warrant of that amount,
and charge the treasurer therewith, and such certificate is transferable by
delivery, and will entitle the holder to the new warrant, which, however, must
be issued in the first drawee's name.
The treasurer shall keep a book, ruled so as to contain a column for each
of the following items in relation to the warrants drawn on him by the auditor:
The number, date, drawee's name, when paid, to whom, original amount, and
interest paid on each.
The treasurer shall keep a separate account of the several taxes for state,
county, school and highway purposes, opening an account between himself and
each of those funds, charging himself with the amount of the tax, and crediting
himself with the amounts paid over severally and with the amount of delinquent
taxes when legally authorized so to do.
The warrants returned by the treasurer shall be compared with the warrant
book, and the word "canceled" be written over the minute of the proper numbers
in the warrant book, and the original warrant be preserved for at least two years.
The treasurer is required to make weekly returns to the auditor of the
number, date, drawee's name, when paid, to whom paid, original amount, and
interest, as kept in the book before directed.
A person re-elected to or holding over the office of treasurer, shall keep
separate account for each term of office.
The recorder shall keep his office at the county seat, and he shall record
at length and as speedily as possible all instruments in writing which may be
delivered to him for record, in the manner directed by law.
The same person may be eligible to and hold the office of county recorder
and county treasurer; provided, the number of inhabitants in such county does not
exceed ten thousand.
No person shall be disqualified for holding the office of county recorder on
account of sex.
The sheriff shall, by himself or his deputies, execute according to law, and
return all writs and other legal processes issued by lawful authority and to him
directed or committed, and shall perform such other duties as may be required
of him by law.
His disobedience of the command of any such process is a contempt of the
court from which it issued, and may be punished by the same accordingly, and
he is further liable to the action of any person injured thereby.
He has the charge and custody of the jail or other prison of his county,
and of the prisoners in the same, and is required to receive those lawfully committed,
and to keep them himself, or by his deputy or jailer, until discharged by law.
The sheriff and his deputies are conservators of the peace, and to keep
the same, or to prevent crime, or to arrest any person liable thereto, or to execute
process of law, may call any person to their aid, and, when necessary, the sheriff
may summon the power of the county.
The sheriff shall attend upon the district (and circuit) courts of his
county, and while either remains in session he shall be allowed the assistance
of such number of bailiffs as either may direct. They shall be appointed by the
sheriff and shall be regarded as deputy sheriffs, for whose acts the sheriff shall
be responsible.
No sheriff, deputy sheriff, coroner, or constable, shall appear in any court
as attorney or counsel for any party, nor make any writing or process to
commence, or to be in any manner used in the same, and such writing or process
made by any of them shall be rejected.
No sheriff, deputy sheriff, coroner, or constable, shall become the purchaser,
either directly or indirectly, of any property by him exposed to sale
under any process of law, and every such purchase is absolutely void.
Sheriffs and their deputies may execute any process which may be in their
hands at the expiration of their office, and, in case of a vacancy occurring in the
office of sheriff from any cause, his deputies shall be under the same obligation
to execute legal processes then in his or her hands, and return the same, as if
the sheriff had continued in office, and he and they will remain liable therefor
under the provisions of law as in other cases.
Where a sheriff goes out of office, he shall deliver to his successor all
books and papers pertaining to the office, and property attached and levied upon,
except as provided in the preceding section, and all prisoners in the jail, and take
his receipt specifying the same, and such receipt shall be sufficient indemnity to
the person taking it.
If the sheriff die or go out of office before the return of any process then
in his hands, his successor, or other officer authorized to discharge the duties
of the office, may proceed to execute and return the same in the same manner
as the outgoing sheriff should have done, but nothing in this section shall be
construed to exempt the outgoing sheriff and his deputies from the duty imposed
on them by section three hundred and thirty-seven of this chapter (472), to
execute and return all processes in their hands at the time the vacancy in the
office of sheriff occurs.
On the election or appointment of a new sheriff, all new processes shall
be directed to him.
If the sheriff, who has made a sale of real estate on execution, die, or go
out of office before the period of redemption expires, his successor shall make
the necessary deed to carry out such sale.
It is the duty of the coroner to perform all the duties of the sheriff when
there is no sheriff, and in cases where exception is taken to the sheriff as
provided in the next section.
In all proceedings in the courts of record where it appears from the papers
that the sheriff is a party to the action, or where, in any action commenced or
about to be commenced, an affidavit is filed with the clerk of any court stating
that the sheriff and his deputy are absent from the county and are not expected
to return in time to perform the service needed; or stating a partiality, prejudice,
consanguinity or interest on the part of the sheriff, the clerk of the court shall
direct process to the coroner, whose duty it shall be to execute it in the same
manner as if he were the sheriff.
Where there is no sheriff, deputy sheriff or coroner qualified to serve legal
process, the clerk of the court may, by writing under his hand and the seal of
the court certifying the above fact, appoint any suitable person specially in each
case to execute such process, who shall be sworn, but he need not give bond, and
his return shall be entitled to the same credit as the sheriff's when the oppointment
is attached thereto.
The coroner shall hold an inquest upon the dead bodies of such persons
only as are supposed to have died by unlawful means. When he has notice of
the dead body of a person supposed to have died by unlawful means, found or
being in his county, he is required to issue his warrant to a constable of his
county, requiring him to summon forthwith three electors of the county to
appear before the coroner at a time and place named in the warrant.
Picture of FIRST WAGON SHOP IN SPENCER.
The constable shall execute the warrant and make return thereof at the time
and place named.
If any juror fails to appear the coroner shall cause the proper number to
be summoned or returned from the bystanders, immediately, and proceed to
impanel them and administer the following oath, in substance:
"You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will diligently inquire and
true presentment make, when, how, and by what means the person whose body
lies here dead came to his death, according to your knowledge and the evidence
given you."
The coroner may issue subpoenas within his county for witnesses, returnable
forthwith or at such time and place as he shall therein direct, and witnesses
shall be allowed the same fees as in cases before a justice of the peace, and the
coroner has the same authority to enforce the attendance of witnesses and to
punish them and jurors for contempt in disobeying his process as a justice of
the peace has when his process issues in behalf of the state.
An oath shall be administered to the witnesses in substance as follows:
"You do solemnly swear that the testimony which you shall give to this
inquest concerning the death of the person here lying dead shall be the truth,
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
The testimony shall be reduced in writing under the coroner's order, and
subscribed by the witnesses.
If the inquisition find that a crime has been committed on the deceased
and name the person whom the jury believe has committed it, the inquest shall
not be made public until after the arrest directed in the next section.
If the person charged be present, the coroner may order his arrest by an
officer or any other person present, and shall then make a warrant requiring
the officer or other person to take him before a justice of the peace.
If the person charged be not present, and the coroner believes he can be
taken, the coroner may issue a warrant to the sherifif and constables of the
county, requiring them to arrest the person and take him before a justice of
the peace.
The warrant of a coroner in the above case shall be of equal authority
with that of a justice of the peace, and when the person charged is brought
before the justice such justice shall cause an information to be filed against
him, and the same proceedings shall be had as in other cases under information
and he shall be dealt with as a person held under an information in the
usual form.
The warrant of the coroner shall recite substantially the transactions before
him and the verdict of the jury inquest leading to the arrest, and such warrant
shall be a sufficient foundation for the proceeding of the justice instead of an
information.
The coroner shall then return to the district court the inquisition, the written
evidence, and a list of the witnesses who testified material matter.
The coroner shall cause the body of a deceased person which he is called
to view to be delivered to his friends if any there be, but if not, he shall cause
him to be decently buried and the expense to be paid from the property found
with the body, or, if there be none, from the county treasury, by certifying an
account of the expenses, which, being presented to the board of supervisors,
shall be allowed by them if deemed reasonable, and paid as other claims on
the county.
Where there is no coroner and in the case of his absence or inability to act,
any justice of the peace of the same county is authorized to perform the duties
of coroner in relation to dead bodies, and in such case he may cause the person
charged to be brought before himself by his warrant, and may proceed with
him as a justice of the peace.
In the above inquisition by a coroner, when he or the jury deem it requisite,
he may summon one or more physicians or surgeons to make a scientific examination,
who, instead of witness fees, shall receive such reasonable compensation as
may be allowed by the county board of supervisors.
The county surveyor shall make all surveys of land within his county which
he may be called upon to make, and his surveys shall be held as presumptively
correct.
The field notes and plats made by the county surveyor shall be transcribed
into a well-bound book under the supervision of the surveyor when desired by
a person interested and at his expense.
Previous to making any survey he shall furnish himself with a copy of
the field notes of the original survey of the same land, if there be any in the
office of the county auditor, and his survey shall be made in accordance therewith.
He is required to establish the corners by taking bearing trees and noting
particularly their course and distance, but if there be no trees within reasonable
distance, the corners are to be marked by stones firmly placed in the earth, or
by mounds.
In the resurvey and subdivision of lands by county surveyors, their deputies,
or other persons, the rules prescribed by acts of congress and the instructions
of the secretary of the interior shall be in all respects followed.
The county surveyor shall, when requested, furnish the person for whom
the survey is made with a copy of the field notes and plat of the survey, and
such copy certified by him, and also a copy from the record, certified by the
county auditor, with the seal, shall be presumptive evidence of the survey and
of the facts herein required to be set forth, and which are stated accordingly,
between those persons who join in requesting it and any other person then concerned
who has reasonable notice that such a survey is to be made and the
time thereof.
The board of supervisors is required to furnish a substantial, well-bound
book, in which the field notes and plats made by the county surveyor may be
recorded.
The plat and record shall show distinctly of what piece of land it is a
survey, at whose personal request it was made, the names of the chainmen, and
that they were approved and sworn by the surveyor, and the date of the survey,
and the courses shall be taken according to the true meridian and the variation
of the magnetic from the true meridian stated.
The necessary chainmen and other persons must be employed by the person
requiring the survey done, unless otherwise agreed, but the chainmen must be
disinterested persons and approved of by the surveyor and sworn by him to
measure justly and impartially to the best of their knowledge and ability.
County surveyors, when establishing defaced or lost land corners or lines,
may issue subpoenas for witnesses and administer oaths to them, and all fees
for service of officers and attendance of witnesses shall be the same as in
proceedings before a justice of the peace.
C. C. Smeltzer remained county judge until 1862, when he was succeeded
by C. A. Clark. Following him came C. H. Brockschink, J. L. Crozier and P.
M. Moore, the last named serving until the office was abolished in 1869. In
the meantime, however, in 1861, the board of supervisors was created, and to
them was delegated most of the authority which had been held by the county
judge, so that after 1861 the office of county judge was an unimportant one.
When the board of supervisors was first created it consisted of one member
from each township in a county, no matter how many there might be. The
first meeting of the board for Clay county was held on January 7, 1861, when
C.H. Brockschink was made first chairman. The following is a list of the
various gentlemen who were members of the board during the time the law providing
for a representative from each township remained in effect: C. H.
Brockschink, F. W. Brockschink, Isaac Enders, Jacob Kirchner, Thomas Puckett,
Jacob Hale, John F. Calkins, John C. Tabor, H. D. Rice, J. W. Brockschink,
J. J. Duroe and John Evans.
During the year 1870 the law was changed, and in accordance with the
change the board was thereafter to consist of three members, there being a
proviso that the number could be increased to five members by submitting the
question to the voters. This was done and in 1873 the membership of the board
of supervisors was increased to five.
The following extracts from the minutes of Charles C. Smeltzer, the first
county judge, may be of interest and perhaps amusing to the general reader.
They are given verbatim et literatim:
State of Iowa, Clay County.
In witness, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the year and day above
written.
Office of the County Judge of Clay Co., Iowa.
February 2nd, 1860.
April term.
December 15 1860.
State tax $580.50
Recording deeds, 24.50 Paid out applied on Treasurers salary
Said report has been received as so much of Each Kind of tax to be applied
to the Credit of the Treasurer in the cases where the Court has received the
proper vouchers
Jan 5th 1861.
In 1851, by an act of the general assembly, county courts were established
and the office of county judge was created. By the same act the office of
probate judge was abolished, as were the offices of county commissioners, the
duties of these several officers devolving upon the county judge. The county
of Clay not being organized until 1858, after the passage of this act, had no
probate judge or county commissioners. The first county judge was Charles C.
Smeltzer, who was elected on the organization of the county, October 12, 1858.
Upon him devolved the duty of perfecting the organization of the county,
dividing it into townships, and such other work as was necessary to perfect a
system of government. He held this office until October, 1862, when he was
succeeded by C. A. Clark. That same year he was elected to represent the county
in the state legislature.
Judge Smeltzer was a man of more than ordinary ability. He was intensely
interested in Clay county and all of its affairs, as will be shown by a glance
at his minute book as county judge. He was a man of splendid stature, over
six feet in height; his hair was black, had dark, piercing eyes, and his general
makeup was pleasing to the observer. He was a man who made a host of
friends. After retiring from office he remained in Peterson for some years
and then removed to Fort Dodge. There he engaged in the banking business,
and died there about twenty years ago.
In 1867 the county court was abolished and in 1869 the circuit court was
established and took control of the probate business, and to it was given the jurisdiction
over all cases of appeal from inferior courts, such as justices', mayors'
and other tribunals of that nature.
Judge J. M. Snyder held the first term of court in Spencer in 1871. He
was a young man at that time, of great attainments, and made his home at
Humboldt. He now lives at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Prior to that time actions
were brought in the courts of Woodbury county. The first action in the district
court of that county from Clay county was a case in equity, by Ambrose Mead
against John A. and Christian Kirchner, for the partition of a tract of land held
and claimed by the Kirchners. This land was known as "Long Grove." These
parties made a claim thereon April, 1856, and with their families came to the
county in the summer of that same year. The land in dispute was finally divided
between the litigants. The court decided that the parties were tenants in common
of the land in dispute.
At that time there was both a circuit and a district court. Judge Ford,
of Sioux City, presided at the district court, which had jurisdiction over all
criminal cases and equal jurisdiction with the circuit court over all civil cases.
At that time the judicial district had what was known as the district attorney.
He had charge of all criminal trials. The office of district attorney was eventually
abolished and each county was given its county attorney. The first session
of the district court, as shown by the records, was on the 22d of June, 1865.
Judge Isaac Pemberton, of Sioux City, presided.
The duties of the lawyer were not so great in the early days as to occupy
his whole time, and often he indulged in other lines of business to make a
living for himself and family. At the present the people demand their services
and they are glad to accommodate the people. Today the profession stands
at the head almost over all others, and a good lawyer must always be a
brilliant scholar, an able and eminent lawyer and a credit to society. He must
always be an honor to the profession and to society and to the entire county.
The first attorney in the county was Samuel Gonser. He came from Indiana
and located at Peterson. He was a man of wide range of investigation and a
civil leader. He was a good advocate and a great reader. He left Clay county
in 1877 and went to Des Moines. He lived there about three years and then
removed to Guthrie Center, where he died about 1885.
The courts of Clay county have never been called upon to adjudicate any
great civil cases, although its records show litigation that has been of importance
to the parties interested therein. The class of people settling the county has
been of the very best; hence but few cases under the criminal law have
appeared. Clay county has never had a murder committed within its borders
since its courts were organized, and that fact has prevented anything of a sensational
order coming before its courts. Minor offenses against the law have been
few and far between, and to sum it all up, the general proceedings of the Clay
county courts have been prosaic and lacking in that interest thai usually draws
the morbidly curious.
Ackley Hubbard came to Spencer early in its history, and practiceed there
until about 1884. He was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1849,
and lived there until he reached the age of eighteen, he then removed to
Monroe county, where he lived about a year and a half, when he removed to
Clay county and subsequently came to Spencer and entered the cabinet trade,
at which he had worked previously. He obtained his education in the schools
of New York. Being possessed of more than ordinary ability and being a great
reader and a close, keen observer, the early schooling he received served him
as the foundation for a deeper, broader and more practical education than he
could have received in the classic colleges of today. Although but a resident
of the county less than three years, he was in the fall of 1872 elected to the
responsible office of clerk of the courts, a position he filled so satisfactorily that
he was re-elected. During his incumbency he devoted himself to the study
of law. Being an apt and close student and, as clerk of the courts, familiar with
the practice, he soon mastered the necessary studies, and after a careful examination
was admitted as an attorney in 1876. As soon as his term of office expired
he opened an office and began to practice. But so signally satisfactorily had he
filled the office of clerk that in 1877 he was elected to the office of auditor,
which he held two years, declining a second term. At the expiration of his
auditorship he again devoted his attention to his legal business, which, while
holding office, had gradually grown, although unsolicited. In 1878 he formed
a partnership with F. C. Danforth, and the firm enjoyed a good practice. In
1879, in company with Mr. Lovewell, he purchased forty acres of land adjoining
the original town plat on the west and laid it out in lots and placed them on
the market. There was a great demand for them, and in a short time this
forty-acre lot was covered wnth some of the finest residences in Spencer. The
addition is known as Lovewell and Hubbard's addition to Spencer. Upon the
retirement of Mr. Danforth, Mr. E. C. Hughes was admitted as a partner, and
their practice became remunerative and extended. In 1884, owing to failing
eyesight, Mr. Hubbard was compelled to retire from the practice of law.
Previous to his retirement, however, he had formed a partnership with A.
Woodruff in the furniture business, and as soon as he disposed of his interest
in the legal line he at once devoted all his time and attention to the furniture
trade, with which he was thoroughly conversant. As a lawyer Mr. Hubbard was
eminently successful. He had an excellent knowledge of the law and its appli-
cability. He had quick, analytic perception, strong logical powers, and a tenacious
memory. As a pleader he was plain, terse and forcible. After three years he
embarked in the banking business and was the assistant cashier of the First
National bank. He removed to California and engaged in the banking business
there. He returned to Spencer and again became president of the First National
bank, after which he was cashier of the Citizens National bank and the Citizens
State bank. In 1907 he removed with his family to Sioux City, where he is at
the present time president of the First National bank.
L.M. Pemberton, now of Beatrice, Nebraska, came to Spencer about 1869.
He was one of the best lawyers of the Clay county bar. He at one time was
county auditor. He left Spencer about 1880 for Beatrice, where he now sits
upon the judicial bench.
E. C. Hughes was one of the early lawyers in Spencer. After his admission
to the bar at Sac City he came to Peterson with the intention, in conjunction
with his brother, Senator Hughes, to engage in banking in connection with
his legal business. But after a short stay he abandoned the idea and came to
Spencer and went into partnership with Ackley Hubbard. Later he purchased
Mr. Hubbard's interest and for a time was alone. In 1884 he was tendered the
presidency of Carthage College, an institution noted for its prominence and
power throughout the state of Illinois. This great honor he declined, because
of his great desire to remain in the profession and in which he has had great
success. In 1886, at the urgent request of his many friends in several counties,
he was a candidate before the judicial convention for the nomination for district
judge. The convention was composed of the leading men of the Fourteenth
judicial district and was one of the most noteworthy and protracted ever held in
the northwest. There were seventy-two delegates and five candidates. Three
hundred and twenty-three ballots were taken before a selection was made. In
every selection except the three hundred and twenty-third Mr. Hughes led and
only required three votes of receiving the nomination. By a combined effort
another received the prize. Like Grant's followers at Chicago, his friends stood
by him until the last. Although a stanch and unflinching Republican, Mr.
Hughes was appointed special district attorney under President Cleveland's
administration. Upon a change in the political administration he was again
appointed by the attorney general as special district attorney, in a case which
involved an immense amount of money, namely, to declare a forfeiture of the
Sioux City and St. Paul Railway Company and recover back to the United
States twenty-one thousand acres of land in O'Brien and Dickinson counties,
which was patented to the state and now claimed. Mr. Hughes left Spencer
about ten years ago to make his home in Seattle, Washington, where he is now
practicing law.
Harry Chamberlain came to Clay county in 1871, from Winnebago county,
Illinois, and located on a homestead. His education was obtained in the Rockford
schools. He taught several terms of school in that state and also in Clay county.
In 1876 he was elected clerk of the courts and was re-elected again in 1878,
1880 and 1882. The last two terms without opposition. He was a candidate in
1886, but was defeated by only thirty-eight votes. In 1885 he was admitted to
practice law and upon his retirement from the clerk's office he formed a partnership
with E. C. Hughes, but withdrew from active practice in 1888, on
account of failing health.
W. H. H. Hastings came to Spencer in 1883, from Danville, Illinois. He
first worked as a farm hand in the summer and taught school in the winter.
This he repeated for five years. His ambition was to enter the legal profession,
but how was the question. There were many obstacles in the way. But the
determination was firmly fixed in his mind and he resolved to surmount every
barrier and reach the goal of his ambition. During the pleasant winter evenings
he came to Spencer, his school being in the country, and burned the midnight
oil in pondering over his law books. In May, 1888, the object which he sought
was reached and he was permitted to practice. His admirable pluck and fixedness
of purpose are evidences of what can be accomplished by a strong and
determined mind. He began at the lowest round of the ladder, without money
or influence, and by his natural ability and a large stock of energy and perseverance
won a place in the ranks of his profession. He left Spencer some
years ago.
Perhaps the most prominent lawyer of the Clay county bar was A. C.
Parker. He came to Spencer in company with A. R. Claxton and opened a
law office June 10, 1879. Mr. Parker was born in Zenor, Indiana, in 1857, and
received his education in the public schools of Buchanan county. Having made
law the choice of professions, he entered the Iowa Law School, where he studiously
employed his time for two years, mastering the intricate points of the law
and storing his mind with the varied and multifarious rules of practice. After
some time Mr. Claxton retired from the practice, and in 1822 Frank Richardson
was admitted as a partner. Mr. Parker is a man of wonderful mental force.
He possesses in a large degree indomitable pluck, and is extremely tenacious
of purpose. He is what is commonly called a legal fighter. He prepares his
cases with scrupulous care, is cautious in every preparation, and then searches
for the law and examines it most minutely, and selects that which has a direct
and forcible bearing upon them. With all his labor, when his causes are called
he is fully and ably equipped for the legal contest. In the heat of the legal
arena he is at his best. Possessing a striking familiarity with the law and an
excellent and retentive memory, he is ever ready to meet his opponent. He is
a clear and logical speaker, rather crisp, hews straight to the line and is not
at all given to many words or rhetorical flourishes. He is a lawyer of conservative
views, of sound judgment, and careful in giving a decision. These
qualities have served him admirably and have enabled him to gain the confidence
of his clients, the esteem and respect of the court, and have placed him in the
front rank of his chosen profession. For some years past he has been a resident
of Des Moines and is considered one of the ablest lawvers of the state of Iowa.
Picture of GRAND OPERA HOUSE. SPENCER
Frank Richardson came to Spencer in 1883 and formed a partnership with
A. C. Parker. Mr. Ricardson read law in the office of Hon. J. J. Morgan, of
Independence, and was admitted there to the bar. He was a clear, logical lawyer,
a brilliant counselor, a close student and gifted with a good voice. He was
elected city recorder in 1888. He has since removed from Spencer.
E. E. Snow became a resident of Spencer about 1871 and practiced law
there until about 1890, when he retired and went to New Jersey. He accumulated
large tracts of land in Clay county and has visited Spencer in late years.
Mr. Snow had entered into partnership with his younger brother, Sumner S.
Snow, who died in the summer of 1892. The latter's widow is the wife of
Franklin Floete, one of the most prominent business men in Spencer.
One of the present members of the Clay county bar to attain prominence
here is John W. Cory. He was born in Linn county, Iowa, February 21, 1855.
In 1871 he graduated from Cornell College, Mt. Vernon. Iowa. He taught
several terms of school and at one time was principal of the Estherville public
schools. He was admitted to the bar in 1873, and lived in Estherville until 1874,
then he removed to Spirit Lake and began the practice of his profession. He
removed to Spencer October 1, 1896. He is an able lawyer and has a large
practice, both in Clay county and Dickinson county, where he maintains an
office at Spirit Lake. His practice extends into other counties of northern
Iowa.
The present members of the Clay county bar are as follows: Fred
Kirkpatrick and Harlan J. Buck, members of the firm of Buck & Kirkpatrick
(Mr. Kirkpatrick is the present county attorney); W. W. Cornwall, now Supreme
Court reporter; John W. Cory; George A. Heald, who came to Spencer in 1907;
W. E. Barnhart; Orville A. Hammand ; W. S. Bemis, retired, and J. E. Steele.
Guy H. Martin was county attorney and practiced in Spencer about ten
years and was in partnership with J. E. Steele about two years. He became a
very fine trial lawyer. He removed to Spokane, Washington, in 1907. He is
now living at Sand Point, Idaho, where he is practicing his profession. Sketches
of other attorneys of Spencer will be found in the biographical section of this
work.
The Central Hotel has been in operation for several years. It is conveniently
located on Main street, near the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul depot, and has
good patronage. The Commercial Hotel is another one of Spencer's well-kept
hostelries, as is also the Merchants. Spencer is well supplied with good hotels
and resturants, which are liberally patronized.
This branch of industry is one of great value and is almost indispensable to
Spencer. It not only gives employment to a number of artisans, but transforms
the rude and crude material into articles of utility. While it is true that it does
not rank with many institutions of a similar kind in the state, and has not all the
necessary machinery required, notwithstanding all this, the work it does turn
out is of a superior kind. Messrs. Maurer are men thoroughly conversant with
128 HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
the business and are skilled mechanics. They give their time and personal
attention to all work done, and are endeavoring to build up a reputation by the
character and durability of it. They have produced some work which for quality
and workmanship cannot be excelled in the state. They are now manufacturing
a number of hav presses, machines for making fences and are filling numerous
other orders.
Spencer has a brass band of which its people arc proud. It was organized
in January, 1906, with the following officers: President. D. A. Thompson;
secretary, Benjamin Martin; treasurer, Robert Anderson; manager, E. M.
Horner; leader, Peter Sarlette. Member; D. A. Thompson, Arnold Anderson,
E. R. Pruitt, cornet; E. M. Horner, H. Johnson, G. Taylor, clarionet; A. C.
Schuneman, Thoral Thompson, Gust Strondberg, bass; Peter Rhode, Robert
Anderson, Arthur Anderson, slide trombone; Julius Bickscn, Leonard Stair,
F. Buck. Archie Ewing, alto; Charles Carter, small drum; Harry Pinnco, bass
drum.
In 1900 it was decided by the people of the county to erect a new courthouse ‐
a temple of justice ‐ and one that should evidence the character of the
community and its wealth and progress among the many great commonwealths
of the state. To further this end bonds were issued and bids advertised therefor;
and to show the importance of Clay county and her financial standing, it may
here be stated that many money centers bid on the bonds and they were finally
sold ‐ $50,000 worth ‐ to a Cincinnati. Ohio, firm, at a premium of $1,117. These
bonds draw four per cent interest and the last series of $6,000 become due
in 1910.
The old frame courthouse had long outlived its usefulness and capacity for
the growing needs of official business. It was of frame material and had become
an eyesore to the provident but progressive farmer and business and professional
man. They felt the need of a better, more modern and convenient courthouse,
and but few, if any, criticised the amount expended for the beautiful edifice that
took the place of the old one.
The new courthouse was completed and the first term of court held in the
beautiful court room in September, 1901. There were no frills or flourishes
in the way of dedicatory exercises. The doors were simply opened, the office
rooms were tenanted by the various officials, and the precious records and moneys
of the county placed in the fireproof vaults prepared for them. That was the
dedicatory exercises of the new courthouse of Clay county.
The building is massive and sits in the center of the beautiful plot of ground
formerly the site of the old courthouse. It has an imposing, majestic appearance
and is a credit not only to the bailiwick but to the great state of which it is an
integral part. And when the layman views it critically and when he sees the
handsome and substantial appointments in the interior, with the labor-saving
devices and fireproof arrangements, the wonder to him is that but $60,000 was
expended for it all.
The front of the building faces on Fourth street and while the architecture
is not elaborate, it gives one the idea of harmony in its general appearance.
The most noticeable features are the four immense columns of Portage Entry
red stone, capped with terra cotta capitals. These support a beautiful architrave,
in the center of which is a bronze tablet from which an American eagle stands
free with outstretched wings, in a laurel wreath circlet. On either side of the
national bird of freedom is a bunch of six arrows and two American flags.
Approaching the building is a cement walk, from which one notices a flat dome
at each corner of the roof of the building. These are covered with bronze, as
is the tall central dome. The front steps, constructed of stone, are of immense
width, and lead above the basement to the first floor. There are two entrances
to the building, the main one facing on Fourth street and the other at the
east side.
On the first floor the northwest corner room is occupied by the clerk of
the district court; in the southwest corner is the recorder's office; the treasurer's
office is in the southeast corner of the building, and midway between the clerk's
and the auditor's offices is the board of supervisors' room. The whole west
half of the second floor is consumed by the court room, while on the remainder
of this floor are rooms for the county superintendent of schools, county attorney,
the judges' chamber, witnesses, grand jury and trial jury rooms. In the basement
the sheriff' has his office, and three rooms are made use of by the Woman's
Relief Corps of the Grand Army of the Republic. Here also are the excellent
heating apparatus and coal bins, also fireproof vaults for overflow of documents.
The wood finishings of the interior are of oak. The floors of the hall on
the first floor are tiled, as are also portions of the offices on this floor. The steps
in the building are of slate and the wainscoting about the hall and stairways
is of Italian marble. The cost of the slate and marble alone was $3,000.
The court room is very pleasing to the eye. The walls are of rough plaster
finish, frescoed with plaster of Paris decorations. The ceiling is dotted with
these decorations, while in the center of it are allegorical figures done in oil.
The beautiful effect is added to by delicate tinted paint. The seating capacity of
the court room, outside the rail or inclosure for the members of the bar, is
two hundred.
This edifice in its entirety is second, scarcely, to any built for a similar purpose
in the state of Iowa, outside of the largest county seats, and stands in its
splendor as a monument to the progress and the prosperity of Clay county and
her people.
The county really has little use for a jail, and the size of the present building
devoted to malefactors is equal to the demand upon it. Constructed of wood,
with iron cells, it looks like the calaboose usually in vogue in the country towns.
But as diminutive as it is, it more than fills the requirements of such institutions.
For months at a time the jail is devoid of a tenant. In fact, during the
summer of 1908 there was not one prisoner within its walls. Nothing could
go farther to show the character of the people of Clay county. With not a
saloon in the county, and a law-abiding, moral and cleanly people, this condition,
almost perfect, is made possible ; and the better element is so strong, numerically,
130 HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
in the countv that the probability is this condition of things will be made permanent.
That, at least, is the intention and determination of the present generation.
The old saying that "The poor ye have with you always" applies to Clay
county as well as to other communities, but luckily, not so much so, to use an
expression. Humanity, with its frailties, improvidence and misfortunes, always
pleads for and secures the sympathies of the more fortunate and those whose
benefits are substantial and means of livelihood secure are called upon to lend
the helping hand to the poor and needy. The county, has its poor, its aged and
decrepit, its freaks of nature (human), and mentally weak. These become a
charge on the community, and it is well that a fitting home and asylum be provided
for their comfort and welfare out of the public funds. Such a home
was established in Clay county in 1895.
The supervisors of Clay county bought a tract of land, consisting of one-
hundred and sixty acres, in 1881, of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad
Company, paying for the same $7.50 per acre. This land was intended for a
"poor farm." Later, in 1895, twenty acres purchased of Herman Kraus, were
added to the original tract.
No attempt was made to erect buildings on this farm until 1894, and in
the meantime sundry persons attended to the needs of the indigent and were
reimbursed by the county, on presentation of their bills. Before the building
was erected the farm was rented by the year "on such tenus as shall seem for
the best interests of the county, the party taking said farm to keep the poor
who are a county charge."
In 1894 provisions were made for the erection of suitable buildings on the
farm. But the board of supervisors struck a snag in the way of the county
attorney's opinion, the same being that the board had failed to take the necessary
legal steps to establish a "poor farm"' and that nothing could be done in that
regard, nor could buildings be erected for that purpose, except by a vote of the
people of the county. So the matter was deferred until the fall election of 1894,
when the question, "Shall a poor house be established and erected at a cost not
to exceed $8,000?" was voted upon. The answer of the taxpayers of Clay
county was strongly in the affirmative, the vote being: For the proposition,
987; against, 382.
On April 1, 1895, the contract for the buildings was let to S. B. Taylor
for $4,175, and J. A. Platt, A.W. Sleeper and J. F. Lundy were appointed the
building committee. September, 1895, saw the completion of the poor house, at
a cost of approximately $8,000. J. H. Eckley was the first steward. He was
succeeded by J. H. Doty, and for the past six years Earnest Goedicke has been
the incumbent of that responsible office.
The buildings are of frame, but modern, and have many of the conveniences
of similar institutions in other counties. The farm is fertile, well kept and productive,
and for some time past a herd of shorthorn cattle has been a chief
feature of the farm. In October, 1906, a dispersion sale of these animals was
held and forty-seven head were sold, bringing an average of $92.62 a head.
The total sum was $4,355.
For several years past Clay county has had a free delivery of mails. This is
a blessing and a convenience not dreamed possible of attainment at one time.
It gives the farmer his mail at his gate or crossroad almost as soon as the merchant
receives his in the town, and as a consequence, the daily paper in the rural
districts has now become the vogue as much as the weekly. One can easily
reason from this that the farmer can now keep abreast of all that is going on
in the world, as the news of each day comes to him before the day is gone.
And when you consider that he has the telephone and not unlikely an automobile
and the means to maintain it, who can say but that the Clay county farmer
is prosperous and enjoying the comforts and many of the luxuries of a fruitful
soil and persistent energy and industry bring forth.
Clay county is abreast of her neighbors in the matter of rapid means of
communication. There are three telephone companies doing business in the
county and the patronage of these concerns is of such extent that one can easily
reach almost any farm, residence or place of business in the county with the
expenditure of a little time and expense. The companies now owning lines
in the county are: The Western Electric Telephone Company, the Iowa and
Nebraska Telephone Company, and the Spencer Telephone Company. Recently
telephone companies have been organized at Peterson, Webb, and one in Meadow
township ‐ a farmer's line, entering Spencer.
As a matter of course, the personal property and the value of the real estate
would necessarily increase in a degree in proportion as the population increased.
We have, therefore, prepared a tabulated statement of the assessed valuation
of personal and real property for the years 1887 and 1907, thus showing the
wonderful increase in tlie past twenty years.
1893.
Representative.
W. W. Cornwall 1349
Joseph Schenk 515
J. C. Baker 1895
State Senator.
A. B. Funk 1274 T. J. Hughes 340 Scattering 3 1896.
Judge of District Court.
Lot Thomas 1905
W.W.Cornwall 11897.
Representative.
W. W. Cornwall 1183
Ed. Anderson 1017
C. W. Gillmore 11898.
Judge District Court.
W. B. Quarton 1359
F. H. Helsell 1235
J. W. Sullivan 671
C. E. Cohoon 770 1899.
State Senator.
E. W. Bachman 1599
Vernon W. Buck 658 1900.
Judge of District Court.
A. D. Bailie 2309
L W. Bane 777 1901.
Representative.
A. H. Cheney 1283
H. A. Powers 296 1902.
Judge of District Court.
Wm. B. Quarton 1398
L. Scharenberg 11903.
State Senator.
George Kinne 1345
Lewis Stuehman 349
A. J. Rowley 11904.
Judge of District Court.
A. D. Bailie 2151
J. A. Reid 2
H. J. Buck 1
T. J. O'Donnell 1POWERS AND DUTIES OF COUNTY OFFICERS.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
COUNTY AUDITOR.
COUNTY TREASURER.
COUNTY RECORDER.
COUNTY SHERIFF.
COUNTY CORONER.
COUNTY SURVEYOR.
COUNTY JUDGE AND BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
EXTRACTS FROM COUNTY JUDGE SMELTZER'S MINUTE BOOK.
April Term.
On this the fourth day of April, 1859, I considered the matter of remuneration
or hauling County Books from Des Moines & Fort Dodge and allowed
for the same delivered in Clay County, Iowa, forty dollars in the county warrants
also two dollars and fifty cents for seal for county use.
Chas. C. Smeltzer, County Judge.
August Term.
It is hereby ordered that a county warrant be issued to pay Post Master
at Spencer one dollar, it being the amount of postage due on county papers sent
out of the office at Spencer.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand officially.
Upon this day the salary of the County Judge for 16 months was assigned
to H. E. W. Smeltzer, amounting to 66 dollars and 66 1/2 cents and for the same
warrants in his favor were drawn on the County Treasury.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand officially the year and day above
written.
Monday second 1860.
Upon this day commenced an action against Woodbury County Iowa in
the name of Clay Co Iowa to recover money due Clay Co on the taxes collected
by Woodbury for the year 1858 on land in Clay Co. Iowa. The court employed
J. A. Kasson as Attorney in behalf of Clay Co. at a fee of 75 dollars certain and
one hundred and fifty in the event of Clay Co. gaining her cause and getting
judgment for the amt. an agreed case being made up it was submitted to the
proper court for adjudication.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand the day and year first above
written.
This claim was settled and J. A. Kasson was paid $130, for his services.
Upon this day J. Kindelspyer, Treasurer and Recorder of Clay Co Iowa
made a full report of his doings in his office during the year from Jan ist 1860
to Dec 15th 1860. Report filed away and in substance as follows ‐ said report
embracing only monies received on the taxes from 1858 & 1859.
County tax 1850.44 Said amount being paid over in Co warrants.
School tax 757.25
Road tax 841.75 paid over in Road warants
Bridge tax 301.33 Paid over in Bridge warrants
District tax 842.37
Total $5173.34
In witness whereof I have hereunto set mv hand this 15th day of Dec A.
D. 1860.
Issued an order upon this day to Hedges Bros for the sum of ten dollars
for candels furnished By order of the Court.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand officially the day and year
above written. THE BENCH AND BAR.
THE CENTRAL HOTEL.
SPENCER FOUNDRY.
SPENCER MILITARY BAND.
THE NEW COURTHOUSE.
THE COUNTY JAIL.
THE COUNTY INFIRMARY.
FREE RURAL DELIVERY OF MAIL.
TELEPHONE FACILITIES.
ASSESSED VALUE OF LAND AND PERSONAL PROPERTY FOR 1887.
| 1887 | Value of Real Estate | Value of Personal Property | Value of Lots |
| Herdland | $163,935 | $19,238 | |
| Douglas | 111,802 | 20,170 | |
| Ind. District of Peterson | 44,442 | 25,238 | |
| Peterson | 20,186 | 24,661 | |
| Clay | 22,523 | 25,033 | |
| Lincoln | 21,910 | 19,816 | |
| Gillett Grove | 21,812 | 17,029 | |
| Logan | 25,972 | 4,438 | |
| Freeman | 20,417 | 40,587 | |
| Lake | 19,290 | 10,372 | |
| Meadow | 21,723 | 19,262 | |
| Spencer | 19,297 | 35,173 | |
| Ind. District of Spencer | 3,438 | 102,013 | $154,499 |
| Riverton | 20,618 | 45,676 | |
| Lone Tree | 21,807 | 39,196 | 7,108 |
| Waterford | 22,439 | 3,997 | |
| Summit | 21,882 | 35,217 |
| No. of Acres. | Value of Land | Value of personal Property. | ||
| Lake | 20,360 | $ 548,092 | $ 54,420 | |
| Meadow | 21,689 | 906,800 | 90,100 | |
| Meadow lots | 9,196 | |||
| Summit | 22,077 | 903,500 | 147,624 | |
| Summit lots | 24,904 | |||
| Waterford | 22,279 | 856,728 | 97,496 | |
| Lone Tree | 18,560 | 727,986 | 74,536 | |
| Everly (Ind.) | 2,917 | 106,479 | 12,744 | |
| Everly (Inc.) | 506 | 30,276 | 101,944 | |
| Everly lots | 41,168 | |||
| Riverton | 20,481 | 818,536 | 102,796 | |
| Sioux | 19,185 | 725,688 | 84,844 | |
| Spencer (Ind.) | 2,399 | 110,872 | 15,088 | |
| Spencer (Inc.) | 658 | 84,340 | 456,976 | |
| Spencer lots | 1,241,868 | |||
| Freeman | 20,471 | 687,900 | 84,216 | |
| Dickens (Ind.) | 2,463 | 110,412 | 60,012 | |
| Dickens lots | 39,008 | |||
| Logan | 22,502 | 760,392 | 72,716 | |
| Gillett's Grove | 22,373 | 831,360 | 135,426 | |
| Gillett's lots | 32,552 | |||
| Lincoln | 22,316 | 880,796 | 138,984 | |
| Lincoln lots | 18,272 | |||
| Clay | 19,983 | 802,580 | 103,088 | |
| Royal (Ind.) | 2,434 | 98,716 | 54,836 | |
| Royal lots | 165,880 | |||
| Peterson | 19,657 | 767,544 | 75,320 | |
| Peterson (Ind.) | 2,163 | 83,808 | 7,616 | |
| Peterson (Inc.) | 127,032 | |||
| Peterson lots | 152,172 | |||
| Douglas | 22,215 | 884,220 | 121,488 | |
| Herdland | 17,422 | 623,044 | 69,284 | |
| Herdland lots | 3,540 | |||
| Garfield | 14,170 | 514,620 | 46,812 | |
| Webb (Inc.) | 257 | 11,780 | 35,808 | |
| Webb lots | 376 | |||
| Webb (Ind.) | 12,076 | 441,592 | 41,620 |
DRAINAGE DISTRICTS.
The drainage of swamp and overflowed land has come into vogue but quite recently, and in the western states especially, the husbandman is awakening to the fact that money expended in tiling and in big drainage ditches is well spent and the returns more than compensate for the outlay.
Vast tracts of land have been reclaimed, in recent years, in Illinois and Iowa, that were considered worthless. By the system of establishing drainage
districts and assessing the land benefited by the drains or ditches, swamps and overflowed land, to the extent of millions of acres &DASH; lands looked upon with contempt ‐ have been drained by the building of big ditches and now make the most fertile fields in the communities where the drainage districts have been established. In one county in Illinois, Ford county, within the past ten years, over $600,000 has been spent in drainage canals. This vast sum of money is but a mere bagatelle, however, when compared to the millions of dollars added to the appreciation in the value of the land reclaimed.
In 1905 a movement ‐ the initial one ‐ took place in Clay county, to establish a drainage district. Henry Achenback and others were the prime movers in a petition for drainage district number one, to be established in Sioux and Riverton townships. Immediately following this petition came one from John Adams and others for the establishing of drainage ditch number two, in Waterford, Lone Tree and Riverton townships.
These ditches, or canals, have been completed, at a comparatively small outlay of money, probably $10,000, but the benefits derived, both from a commercial and sanitary viewpoint, more than compensate those who were called upon to pay the cost.
Drainage districts are established under a law passed by the Thirtieth general assembly, the first section of which reads as follows:
"Section I — The board of supervisors of any county shall have jurisdiction, power and authority at any regular, special or adjourned session, to establish a drainage district or districts, and to locate and establish levees, and cause to be constructed as hereinafter provided any levee, ditch drain or water course, or to straighten, widen, deepen or change any natural water course, in such county, whenever the same will be of public utility or conducive to the public health, convenience or welfare, and the drainage of surface waters from agricultural lands shall be considered a public benefit and conducive to the public health, convenience, utility and welfare."
GRAIN AND FRUIT.
The soil and climate are well adapted to the production of wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, flax, buckwheat, potatoes and other vegetables. In an early day, and in fact for a number of years, wheat was the principal crop, but of later years it has not produced so well. Farmers have, therefore, turned their attention to other cereals. Flax has yielded well and being easily cared for and a crop that can be realized on in a short time, besides always commanding a good price and is such an excellent thing for new land, that acres upon acres have been seeded in years past. It is never a drug on the market and brings a handsome sum. It has been demonstrated that tame grass does well, especially timothy, and there are a large number of acres seeded down to it. There are a number of orchards in the county which have been yielding for a number of years and others planted later which give promise of future success. A great deal of attention is paid to fruit culture. There are several farms where a large amount of ground is taken up with small fruit such as blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, currants, and they are growing luxuriantly and producing excellent varieties. Very few sections are devoting more attention to horticulture than
the farmers of Clay county. There is a healthy rivalry existing, each determined to raise the very best. The dry pure air of the climate gives to trees and plants a healthy growth and the fruits and vegetables are solid and delicately flavored. The productiveness of Clay county is noteworthy, notwithstanding the fact that there have been many detractors. The average yield of corn is from thirty-five to forty bushels to the acre; average yield of wheat, ten to fifteen; average yield of flax, twelve to twenty bushels. This is with fair cultivation, seasonably sown and properly cared for. No fancy farming but just plain and careful attention. Oats, for years past, has been one of the principal crops of the Clay county farmer, and on which he can, as a rule, expect a splendid return. The season of 1908, in all crops, oats, corn, and hay, was especially gratifying, and the prices being greater than at any time since the war, the Clay county husbandman's bank account was considerably swollen. For the past ten years every product of the farm has brought a top price and a ready market has been eagerly waiting to consume all that might be offered for sale. Cattle, horses, hogs, sheep, and wool, rarely at any time before, have brought the farmer such magnificent returns on the labor and expense of their raising and preparation for the market.
STOCK.
Perhaps few if any counties in northwestern Iowa excels Clay in character and class of stock raised. Some counties mav have a larger number of head, but none better bred or a greater number of them. It has been the aim and object of a number of breeders to purchase the very best blooded stock that could he had, and if Clay surpasses her sister counties in this respect it is because she has men who are willing to invest in this kind of animals. A well-bred animal always commands a greater value than a poorly-bred one. Farmers appreciate this fact and are raising the grade of their stock. Stock raising is yearly increasing as it succeeds well. The country being unsurpassed for pasturage and hay, stock can be kept with very little expense and grow sleek and fat on the nutritious grasses.
The wild grass, known as blue-joint, is sweet and the best for food for stock. With an abundance of grass, hay and corn, it is not marvelous that stock growing is a prolific source of revenue.
There are a number of fine herds of cattle of the Short-Horn, Jersey and Holstein breeds and a large number of grades of these various classes. In the horse line there is everything from the Shetland pony to the large and powerful Norman. Hogs and sheep are also of the very best breeding. There has been a large growth in the numbers of head of stock during the past ten years, particularly in cattle.
MORALS OF THE COUNTRY.
The moral and upright class of people that Clay county is inhabited by is well attested by the fact that the records show that there have been but few bad and dishonest characters. Up to 1885 there were none of any consequence. There was, of course, the usual amount of technical violations of the law, but no particular overt acts committed. During that year A. B. Van Dee, an
excitable man, and D. C. Palmer had a little difficulty over a piece of land. They met one day when, without a word of warning or a word passing between them, Van Dee took from his wagon a shotgun and fired upon Palmer. The wounds inflicted necessitated the amputation of a limb. Van Dee surrendered to the sheriff, and, pending his trial, was adjudged insane and sent to an asylum. Beyond this there have been no criminal cases worth mentioning. Litigations have been infrequent and criminal cases few, demonstrating that Clay county's citizens are peaceable, quiet and respecters of the law and have the fear of God, man and the powers that be before them.
CLAY COUNTY SCHOOLS.
Twenty million dollars does not cover the amount invested in the state of Iowa on school buildings and equipment, and the annual expenditure for the support of these schools reaches the stupendous sum of over $10,000,000. This gives proof of a loyalty to the cause of education that is beyond question. In addition to this vast outlay for the benefit of more than 540,000 children enrolled annually in the public schools of the state, may be added the money spent in the support of numerous parochial schools, academies, business colleges, private normal schools, colleges and universities ‐ institutions employing in the aggregate 2,000 professors and teachers and enrolling annually more than 40,000 students. Vast as is the amount spent annually in supporting the schools of the state, of all classes and grades, no retrenchments would be tolerated. The problem before each of the 4,948 school boards of Iowa is not how to run the school with the fewest dollars, but how the school can be made the most efficient.
"No common school system," says Horace Mann, "can ever succeed, where the compensation is so meager as to encourage only those of the most ordinary talent and attainments to embark in it." The wages in many schools are too low to attract and hold the best teaching talent. Indeed, the advance in teachers' wages in recent years, has outrun but little the increased cost of living, and has barely kept pace with the advance in wages in other lines of work. So many remunerative occupations are now open to promising young men and women, that many whose services are sorely needed in the schools can not be induced to enter the teaching profession. The loss of men from the teacher's ranks is particularly noticeable. Forty years ago thirty-nine out of every one hundred teachers employed in Iowa were men; twenty years ago thirty-one out of every one hundred were men; while for the year just closed there were but fourteen males out of every one hundred Iowa teachers. For the United States as a whole the percentage of male teachers had decreased from 48.8 per cent, in 1880, to 28.8 per cent, in 1900.
The advantages of the children of the pioneer, in the way of securing an education, were very meager, indeed, when a comparison is made in that regard with the bounteous provisions for teaching the present generation, it calls out the amazement and admiration of every one interested in the subject.
The early settler came to the county to better his condition, and, in many instances, it was a struggle on his part, from the very beginning, to make both ends meet from one end of the year to the other. If his children were large
enough they were put into the field, to help cultivate and gather the crops; and when winter appeared, the country was so sparsely settled and the elements so severe, as to prevent anyone going any great distance from home. It was not long, however, before schoolhouses made their appearance and the children eagerly took advantage of their opportunities. Teachers were scarce and the payment far from commensurate with their services; but improvements rapidly took place in these essentials and today Clay county has scarcely a rival among her sister commonwealths, in the opportunities she offers to her youths to lay the foundations for a higher education.
In Clay county there are one hundred and twenty-five subdistricts and one hundred and thirty-one schoolhouses. For the school year ending June, 1908, two hundred and sixty-one teachers were employed, two hundred and thirty-four of them being females and twenty-seven males. The former received for their services on an average, forty dollars and twenty-seven cents; the latter, fifty-nine dollars and ninety-nine cents. A total of fifty-five thousand four hundred and thirty-five dollars and thirty-five cents was paid them for the year mentioned. The number of children of school age enrolled was three thousand five hundred and twenty-two.
THE CONSOLIDATED RURAL SCHOOL.
Some years ago educators came to a full realization of the fact that the country children were not being treated equally with the children of the graded schools of the towns, and the idea of consolidating the schools of a township into one central school building in the township, met with quite general favor among those who had given the matter more than a passing thought.
In 1903 Moss Mason, of Lake township, long a member of the Lake township school board, became enthused and very much interested in the plan of having one central, graded school in a township and went to work vigorously and valiantly to put the plan into operation in the township of Lake. Those he approached on the subject were either as enthusiastic as himself or indifferent; others opposed the proposition as being impracticable and too expensive. But, in 1903, a vote was taken on the proposition in Lake township and it carried by a most gratifying majority; thanks to the efforts of its promoter, Moss Mason, and his able assistants, C. M. Varney, J. Cook, J. Chapman, and others.
The old school buildings were abandoned. In the exact geographical center of the township a commodious and modern frame building, consisting of four rooms, was erected, at a cost of three thousand two hundred dollars. The frame building that stood on the site of the central school house, was set apart for the drivers of the wagons or conveyances for the children. Of these wagons eight were especially constructed for the purpose, each having a stove for winter use and each having a capacity of fifteen children. Bids were offered for teams and drivers, which went to the citizens of the township, and the big boys of the contractors, as a rule, became the drivers. These omnibuses each mornine are driven forth from their respective places and the first child called for bv the driver at about 7:30; the last child to be taken home after school, as a rule, reaches there about 6 in the evening. This Lake township school has nine grades and a splendid corps of teachers; and in the school year ending June, 1908, there were
one hundred and five pupils enrolled. For their transportation it cost one thousand nine hundred dollars and fifty cents. The average cost per month for the tuition of each pupil was three dollars and thirteen cents. The annual salary of the principal of the schools was four hundred and twenty dollars, for seven months. The school has thus far been closing at the end of February, on account of the poor condition of the roads.
The following is a report of John F. Riggs, superintendent of public instruction, which will give a fair idea of the working of the consolidation plan:
LAKE TOWNSHIP.
On January 10, 1905, in company with County Superintendent H. F. Fillmore, I visited the Lake township central school. The day was very cold, mercury registering ten degrees below zero. Our visit was unannounced and unexpected. We found ninety-eight pupils present out of a total enrollment of one hundred and nineteen.
The school is located at the geographical center of the township, and the nearest building of any description is three-fourths of a mile distant. The schoolhouse, erected at a cost of three thousand two hundred dollars, is the only building in the township of a public character, there being no church, hall, shop, or store of any description. This school is in its second year. The children are conveyed to and from their homes in hacks. Three of these are provided with stoves and the others have blankets and robes. All are completely covered. The average cost per team for transporting pupils is twenty-eight dollars per month. Two young men attending school are among the drivers.
As one of the direct results of consolidation in Lake township may be mentioned the fact that this winter four miles of excellent gravel road have been made ‐ the first attempt in that part of Clay county at this class of improvement. The work was mostly done by farmers gratuitously. They expect to continue the work next winter, and it will be but a few years until this township will have excellent roads, and the value of every acre of land in the township will be enhanced thereby. Last year the roads were so bad that transportation was next to impossible for a considerable time, but the people of Lake township have staying qualities, and they are proving the practicability of consolidation in the one township of all others in Clay county most unfavorable for the undertaking. Church and Sunday school are held there in the school building on Sundays and the hacks used to carry the children during the week are used to some extent to carry the people to church on Sunday.
The eight drivers furnish their own teams and hacks, and are under written contract.
The different routes are indicated on the map appearing in this report.
The first child called for on Route No. 1 must ride 6 miles.
The first child called for on Route No. 2 must ride 4 1/2 miles.
The first child called for on Route No. 3 must ride 6 miles.
The first child called for on Route No. 4 must ride 6 miles.
The first child called for on Route No. 5 must ride 7 miles.
The first child called for on Route No. 6 must ride 4 1/4 miles.
The first child called for on Route No. 7 must ride 9 miles.
The first child called for on Route No. 8 must ride 6 miles.
The driver for Route No. 1 receives $40.00 per month.
The driver for Route No. 2 receives 20.00 per month.
The driver for Route No. 3 receives 28.00 per month.
The driver for Route No. 4 receives 30.00 per month.
The driver for Route No. 5 receives 31.00 per month.
The driver for Route No. 6 receives 20.00 per month.
The driver for Route No. 7 receives 30.00 per month.
The driver for Route No. 8 receives 25.00 per month.
For the purpose of comparison, I give the following table showing enrollment, attendance, etc., in Lake township for the years indicated, the first four under the old district plan and the last under the consolidated plan:
| Years. | Enrolled. | Average Daily Attendence. | Total Paid Teachers. |
Paid for Fuel Repairs and Janitor. | Month's School. | Average Compensation Teachers. Males. | Females. |
| 1900 | 126 | 62 | $1,479.00 | $150.00 | 8 | $27.12 | $27.45 |
| 1901 | 120 | 55 | 1,639.00 | 120.00 | 8 | 29.23 | |
| 1902 | 107 | 64 | 1,650.00 | 150.00 | 8 | 28.92 | |
| 1903 | 96 | 70 | 1,102.10 | 380.00 | 5.5 | 28.00 | 29.60 |
| 1904 | 116 | 101 | 803.25 | 150.00 | 8 | 50.00 | 37.50 |
The figures given in the above table are from the annual reports of the county superintendent of Clay county. Evidently the amount for the year 1904 for the amount paid for teachers' hire should be $1,000 if all the orders were paid.
It will be seen from the above table that the average daily attendance was sixty per cent, greater in 1904 than the average in the township for the four preceding years.
In 1905 the principal received $50 per month and the grade teachers $40 each per month.
The cost per month of maintaining the Lake township central school at
present is:
Teachers' salaries $130.00
Transportation (eight teams) 224.00
Fuel and janitor service (estimated) 20.00
Total $384.00
The assessed valuation of the township is $178,000. On the present basis of cost the levy for teachers' and contingent funds combined for eight months of school would be but 17.2 mills.
For the year 1902, when eight months of school was maintained in the seven separate districts, the levy was 10 mills (assuming that the assessed valuation was the same as now). But for the year 1902 the average daily attendance in the township was but sixty-four, whereas it is now over one hundred. The people are spending more in dollars and cents, but they are getting more for the money spent.
Pupils are transported this winter from forty-one homes. To each of these
homes I sent a letter requesting answers to the following questions:
1. Do you regard the school now being conducted in Lake township as
being better than the school you had previous to consolidation ?
2. When the schools of this township were consolidated did you favor
consolidation or oppose it?
3. Are you now in favor or opposed to consolidation in this township?
4. Give reasons to your answers to question 3.
5. What advantages, if any, have resulted from consolidating the schools
of this township?
6. What disadvantages, if any, have resulted from consolidating the schools
of this township?
Thirty-two answers were received. Of these twenty-six patrons say the
school is better than formerly, most of them say much better. Fourteen of the
thirty-two were opposed at first, and ten are still opposed.
THE BENEFITS CLAIMED.
Those favoring the central school were very positive in their opinions. Mr.
J. P. Livingston, a director in the township for eight years, answers the six
questions submitted as follows:
1. Yes, far ahead of it.
2. Yes and no, because the roads were not fit.
3. In favor.
4. Better school. Better teachers. Better roads. Children like to go
better and advance more in one year than in two the old way. Children go ahead
instead of standing still as they ofttimes did the old way. Also better attendance.
5. The roads have become better. Property is worth more and a better
feeling all around.
6. It has cost more so far. I don't know of any other disadvantage. Hope
the good work may go on.
The following are the principal arguments offered by others in defense of
the new way as opposed to the old:
Children attend more regularly.
The pupils are learning better in every respect.
Better attendance.
Bad weather doesn't interfere with attendance.
Inexperienced teachers are eliminated.
Better classification.
Pupils learn more in the same length of time, six months in the consolidated
school being worth more than nine months in the district school, which means
less relative expense.
Pupils have a graded school.
No pupil ever tardy.
Larger classes.
Country children get equal advantages with city children.
Parents know where their children are during the day.
More rivalry for excellence.
No exposure of children to inclement weather.
Better teachers.
Only slight advance in cost, cheaper per pupil considering work done.
Gives teachers time for individual work.
Fits children to enter high schools.
One schoolhouse only to keep up.
Better teachers and fewer of them to pay.
More interest in school work.
Causes improvement of roads.
Children can be educated without being sent to city.
Many go that would not go to district schools, among larger children.
THE OBJECTlONS URGED.
Those who still oppose the plan of having but one school in the township
urge the following objections:
"It makes all the school in winter and none in summer and it does not give
the small children any advantage. I am also opposed to boys driving the bus.
(Two of the young men students drive hacks in this township). It also makes
too long a day, starting at 7 o'clock and not coming home until 6 p. m. The
disadvantage of the consolidation are poor roads, and also raising the school tax
almost double."
"It is too hard on children from six to ten years of age. Some must start
before daylight and do not get home until after dark, and ride ten miles. It
makes most of the school in cold weather. About the only advantage is getting
a better grade of teachers and it doesn't take as many. It costs too much money
for transportation."
"The school is better, but in wet time the scholars can not be transported on
account of the bad roads, there is no place for the drivers to stay during the
day, the cost is double the district plan and the house is located in a frog pond.
But the scholars never are tardy, they have the benefit of a graded school, and
are transported in a warm bus."
"If a good teacher were hired the district school is the best. The graded
school is an advantage, but the district is better, figuring expense, and the long
ride of pupils. The disadvantage is the great expense."
"I think it is a damage to the township. There are no advantages over the
old way. It costs us more."
"It is too far away for little children in cold weather. Don't like some of
the men they have for drivers."
"To expensive and too far away from patrons on the out-edge of the
township."
"The children are obliged to start about 7 o'clock and do not get home
until 5:50. They can not have time to help at home at all when they are going
to school."
"It makes taxes one-half higher. I opposed it for the reason that I am not
located right. My children leave home at 7:15 to 7:30 a. m. and do not get
back until 5:40 to 6 p.m."
To show the comparative cost of maintaining the old plan schools with the consolidated plan, the following figures, levies made for school purposes for Lake township, for the years indicated, are here given :
For 1902 — Teachers' fund, 7 mills; contingent fund, 7 mills; schoolhouse
fund, 6 mills.
For 1903 — Teachers' fund, 6 mills; contingent fund, 11 mills; schoolhouse
fund, 6 mills.
For 1904 — Teachers' fund, 5.5 mills; contingent fund, 11.5 mills; school-
house fund, 6 mills.
For 1905 — Teachers' fund, 6 mills; contingent fund, 12 mills; schoolhouse
fund, 6 mills.
For 1906 — Teachers' fund, 5 mills; contingent fund, 12 mills.
For 1907 — Teachers' fund, 1.2 mills; contingent fund, 11.5 mills.
It can be seen that in inaugurating the new system the expense was quite heavy. This consisted in the building of a new schoolhouse, at a cost of $3,200, and to convey the children to and fro. To meet these outlays the succeeding levies became heavier than in the preceding years, but the levy for 1906 shows most of this initial expense had been wiped out and the levy for 1907 indicates the drift of the cost for the maintenance of the consolidated school, as compared to the cost of the subdistrict school plan.
The present county superintendent of schools is Miss Mary E. Riley, who is eminently fitted for the position, possessing not only experience but culture and great energy. She has manifested great interest in the schools and her standing is high among educators for thoroughness and effectiveness. This statement in regard to Miss Riley is in no sense derogatory to her predecessors, who, without exception, made excellent records and performed their duty with fidelity to the cause of education. They were men and women possessing broad and liberal ideas and were instrumental in making the schools of Clav county what they are today ‐ the best in the west.
Among those holding this important office were: Ambrose S. Mead; G. A. Kirchner followed him and the latter was succeeded by Isaac Enders, J. A. Kirchner, N. L. Chesley, R. A. Coates, Charles Carver, J. E. Chase, Samuel Gillespie, M. M. Gilchrist, George Mann, John Dolvin, George E. Reed, Ellen Reed and H. F. Fillmore.
CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL AT WEBB.
An independent school district has been in operation one year at Webb and has proven entirely successful and satisfactory. Webb is in Garfield township, on the west border of it, midway between its north and south lines. The district embraces part of the west third of the township and a portion of the east third of Herdland township. This school has an eight months' term and is presided over by a principal and two subordinate teachers. There are twelve grades and the enrollment of pupils for the school year ending June, 1908, was one hundred and sixteen. When this school was organized two subdistrict schools were discontinued, and the number of pupils received from the schools was thirty-one. The average cost per month per pupil for tuition for the year above indicated, was $3.12. The number of hacks employed for the transportation of children,
four; and the amount paid for transportation was $1,111. The average daily attendance was seventy-six.
FARMERS' INSTITUTE
For a number of years past the farmers of Clay county have been holding annual institutes, where they assemble and discuss subjects of interest to the tiller of the soil. A marked interest has always been maintained by the members of the society and the progress of the Clay county farmers, in the effort to obtain the highest efficiency and greatest results in husbandry, is ample evidence of the benefits secured from these perennial meetinos.
In 1907, the "Short Course" of the State Agricultural College was taken up by the institute and professors, thoroughly versed in scientific farming, appeared before the institute and taught their theories to willing students ‐ men and women who were born and bred on the farm. At these meetings, for some years past, exhibits have been given of farm products, even to "showing off" the fine horses, cattle, sheep and hogs that abound in the county. To this may be added the annual poultry show, which always attracts the people and engenders great interest in all. For some time past the farmers of the county and even the business men, have felt the need of a permanent place to hold these meetings. To obtain this, several enterprising and energetic men started a movement to secure a suitable site and building for the purpose of a hall. In 1907, B. F. Felt, H. H. Hoberg and others started a subscription list for the securing of shareholders in a proposed company to secure and maintain a hall. The company took the title of Union Hall Association, which was capitalized at $3,000. The shares were all sold, at $10 per share, and the organization was completed by the selection of the following officers: President, B. F. Felt; vice president, M. M. Austin, of Meadow township; secretary, A. E. Wells, Spencer; treasurer. Homer Pitcher. The board of directors is composed of B. F. Felt, M. M. Austin, J. H. Graham, A. E. Wells and H. E. Pitcher.
In the spring of 1907 the association purchased of the Methodist Episcopal church people the old church building, a structure in a splendid state of preservation, paying for the same on the ground, $800. This building was moved to a conspicuous and convenient site, on the corner of Main and Second streets, which had been purchased for $600. Here the building was set upon a high cement foundation, in which are large windows, and remodeled to suit the taste and requirements of the society. The basement was arranged for the exhibition of stock and poultry and the main floor was given a stage and seats and is used for lectures and entertainments. The building, when completed, cost $3,300, together with the ground it stands on. The first meeting in this handsome and commodious hall was held in the winter of 1908, when an institute and "Short Course" brought the farmer, his wife and children, and the business man and his family to the entertainments, which were not only instructive, but beneficial, in a high degree, to the people of Clay county. Mention should be made of the fact that many of the stockholders in the Union Hall Association are business and professional men.
Below is given the law under which the "Short Course" of instruction is now held annually in this county:
Picture of CENTRAL SCHOOL. LAKE TOWNSHIP and
LAKE TOWNSHIP, CLAY COUNTY, TRANSPORTATION ROUTES.
AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION WORK.
An Act to provide for agricultural extension work by the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts and making appropriations therefor. Be it Enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Iowa:
That the Iowa College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts is hereby authorized to continue and to extend the system of agricultural extension work, authorized by the Thirty-first general assembly. Under this system, the said college shall be authorized to conduct experiments in the various portions of the state and to give instructions in agriculture wherever, in the judgment of the college authorities, it shall be advisable, with reference to the various lines of agricultural work maintained upon the college grounds at Ames, Iowa. The college authorities are authorized to give instructions in corn and stock judging at the agricultural fairs, institutes and clubs, and to aid in conducting short courses of instruction at suitable places throughout the state; to give lectures and demonstrations on the growing of crops and fruits, on stock raising, dairying, land drainage and kindred subjects, including domestic science. This work shall be so planned as, in the judgment of the college authorities, is best calculated to carry to the communities remote from the college, the benefits of the instruction given by the teachers in the state college and the results reached in the work of the experiment station.
For the purpose of carrying out the provision of this act, there is hereby
appropriated out of any funds in the state treasury, not otherwise appropriated,
the sum of twenty-seven thousand dollars ($27,000), annually for the agricultural
extension work; said appropriation to be available on and after the first
day of July, 1907; to be paid quarterly upon the order of the board of trustees
of the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.
Approved April 13, A. D. 1907.
CLAY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The Clay County Agricultural Society was organized in 1879. Although the prime movers met with many discouraging elements and reverses, yet through the indomitable energy and perseverance displayed by a few, they succeeded in inducing the people to take hold of it and, finally, saw their efforts crowned with success and believed it had done great good in advancing the cause of farming and creating a praiseworthy rivalry among the breeders of good stock. Exhibitions were held annually. The association had thirty acres of land inclosed, handsome grounds, which were supplied with stalls for horses and stock; judge's stand, floral hall, pens, amphitheater and a good half-mile track. As the county grew older, there had been more or less interest manifested in the annual exhibits of stock and other products of the farm, but in its infancy it was a struggle to awaken the people to a full realization of the importance of the annual county fair. The first officers of this society were: T. P. Bender, president; W. C. Gilbreath, secretary ; M. E. Griffin, treasurer; Dr. Charles McAllister, J. B. Edmunds, A. T. McCarger, and James Goodwin, directors. For a few years the society held on to life, but eventually it passed out of existence.
There is no enterprise of a public character that should receive the support and cooperation of the people more generally than the county fair. Why in Clay county it is not done remains an enigma. A good fair is a correct index of a county's prosperity and healthy financial condition. It brings the people together from all sections of the community, giving them the opportunity of renewing old acquaintances and comparing notes for the year. It gives to the live, wide-awake, enterprising and ambitious farmer, an incentive to do better than his neighbor in the corn, wheat, oats, hogs, sheep, cattle and horses he raises. And the neighbor seeing this, puts forth the best that is in him not to be excelled in this regard. This means that the contestants must have the best variety of seed and blooded stock to "make good" at the annual exhibit, and it still further means that the county at large is benefited in many ways. Its reputation goes abroad in the state and other states, of its fine agricultural products. This increases the demand for these things and, consequently, the price. And at the modern county fair the management, when of an enterprising spirit, arranges for the amusement of the crowds. If the association conducts its meets on proper lines, good purses will be offered, in order to bring to the track a commendable string of horses. The races break the monotony of the exhibitions of the farm products and other things and creates just the kind of excitement looked for on such occasions.
For the past three or four years another effort has been made by prominent citizens of Spencer to organize a fair association, and the project now seems on a fair way to its fruition. Under a law passed at the last session of the legislature, the promoters of the proposition see their way toward ultimately shaping things so that in a short time Clay county will have its annual fair and be abreast of her neighboring counties in that regard. Those taking the initiative in this project are E. L. Dickey, Harry Walters, B. F. Felt, Jr., and C. P. Buckey, cashier of the First National Bank. Their plans are for the county to buy the necessary land, and then the association will do the rest. Two locations have been considered: A tract of land in the neighborhood of the tile factory, on the east boarder of Spencer, and land belonging to Frank Tattle, in the northwest part of town.
To further the wishes of a number of citizens the board of supervisors at its meeting held in September, 1908, passed a motion and "decided to submit the proposition of making an appropriation of $5,500, under the statute, for the purpose of buying a tract of land, to be used for agricultural fair purposes, to a vote of the electors of Clay county, at the general election to be held November 3, 1908. Said sum to be raised by a special levy on the taxable property in the county."
The law under which this appropriation can be made reads as follows: "The board of supervisors are further authorized to purchase real estate for county fair purposes, in sums exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), providing, however, that the board of supervisors shall first have submitted to the legal voters of the county a proposition therefor, and voted for by a majority of all persons voting for and against such proposition at a general or a special election; notice to be given as provided in section four hundred twenty- three (423) of the supplement to the code. And the board of supervisors shall HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY 147
not exceed in the purchase of real estate when purchased to be taken in the name of the county, and the board of supervisors shall place such real estate under the control and management of the incorporated county fair society, as long as an annual county fair is maintained by such corporation on said real estate. And said corporation is authorized to erect and maintain buildings and make such other improvements on said real estate as is necessary, but the county shall not be liable for such improvements, or the expenditures therefor. The right of such county fair society to the control and management of said real estate may be terminated by the board of supervisors whenever well conducted agricultural fairs are not annually held thereon."
In effect. This act, being deemed of immediate importance, shall take effect
and be in force from and after its publication in the Register and Leader
and Des Moines Daily Capital, newspapers published at Des Moines,
Iowa.
Approved March 27, A. D. 1907.
PETERSON.
This historical place is located on section 33, of Peterson township, and is in the extreme southwestern portion of the county. It is situated on a declining hill, which is of just sufificient undulation to afford excellent drainage. On the south and west flows the Little Sioux river. On the north and east sides are heavy bluff's, rendering the place most picturesque. On the south side of the river are also heavy bluff's, covered with a full and thick growth of timber. All these add attractions to the place, in view of the fact that the northwest is not noted for an extra abundance of timber. The residence portion of the village surrounds that of the business part on all sides. Added to its general location, its excellent protection from storms, its immense bluff's, which encompass it, splendid water power and abundance of timber, there are other reasons for making this a point of interest. The first settlement ever made in Clay county was there, and it has the further honors of having had the first postoffice; the first dwelling, the first school taught and the first schoolhouse; the first courthouse; the first store; the first and only fort; the first saw and grist mills; the first place of attack, when the Indians made their raid through the county; the first polling place; the first town in the county; the first hotel; the first newspaper and the first place where religious services were held. These facts and incidents make it one of the most interesting of towns and around which clusters the memory of the days of "Auld Lang Syne."
The first settlement was made in the spring of 1856, when the Kirchners and Ambrose Mead came and located a little north of where the old mill now stands. The house was subsequently sold to Mr. Bicknell and the Kirchners moved on the east side of the river, where they erected a house within the present corporate limits of Peterson. Among the settlers who came after John and J. A. Kirchner and Ambrose S. Mead were Messrs. C. Kirchner, the Smeltzers, Crego, Oldfield, Bicknell and a number of others. These formed the nucleus for Peterson. After the pioneers had been here two years they deemed it advisable to secure, if possible, a postoffice. A petition was drawn up setting forth the disadvantages under which they were laboring in obtaining their mail,
the distance the nearest otifice was from them and asking the department to create a route and establish a postoffice and to appoint J. A. Kirchner postmaster. This was duly signed and sent to Washington. In this petition they designated the place as Howard, in honor of the gentleman who drew and circulated it. After the lapse of a few weeks a letter was received from the government officials at Washington, stating that the petitioners' request had been granted, with the exception that they found it impossible to name it Howard, as there was already an office in the state bearing the name, and they had christened it Peterson. If the Washington officials desired to honor any person or thing by thus giving it this name none of the earlier settlers was aware of it. Mr. Kirchner held the position for several years.
Among the first dwellings were those of C. Kirchner, J. A. Kirchner, Henry Rice, now the property of Thomas Bevans. The latter's was originally built for a tavern, but later it was used for a private dwelling. The first school taught here was by H. E. W. Smeltzer, using the kitchen of Christian Kirchner, as a schoolroom. He was followed by Milton Smith, who instructed the few pupils that lived in the vicinity. In 1860 a small school building was erected, which answered the purposes for some twenty-six years. In 1886 the present building was erected, which affords plenty of room to accommodate the large number of pupils now in attendance. The building complete cost three thousand dollars and is in every way an excellent structure.
During the year of 1860 the county seat was moved from the north part of the county and located at Peterson. The contract for erecting the building was let to C. H. Brockschinks, who immediately set to work, and in 1861 it was ready for occupancy.
The Indians, during the years of 1861 and '62, became quite troublesome to the white settlers along the western borders of the frontier, and eventually put on their war paint and declared open warfare upon the frontiersmen. In Minnesota several massacres occurred and it required a large force of troops to quell and put an end to their blood-thirsty intentions. Peterson, at that time, was one of the frontier places, and its inhabitants were to a great extent without any protection from roving bands of these cruel savages, who were wont to make their appearance at the most unexpected moments and were known to be lying in stealth in different parts of northwestern Iowa. It was therefore deemed advisable, by the authorities, to extend the necessary protection to the settlers and prevent a massacre. Northwestern Iowa was at that time under the immediate command of Colonel James Sawyer, who commanded a regiment of cavalry. He, accordingly, detailed one company of cavalrymen to go to Peterson, build a fort, scout the country in and around there and to keep a constant lookout for the Indians. As soon as he arrived he selected the place where the fort should be built. This particular spot is on or near the intersection of Second and Park streets and also includes part of the lots on which the residence of W. E. Ellis stands. After suitable ditches were made, huge trees were felled and a large stockade was constructed. It was in shape of a triangle. The logs used were twelve feet in length and stood on end, extending about eight or nine feet above the ground. Port holes were made and places for sentries constructed. The stockade was a most substantial and solid structure and gave ample protection
for the soldiers, as well as the settlers, and was a safe refuge from the attacks of the Indians. Inside and on the north side of the stockade was built suitable living quarters and with these equal care and caution was taken to make them secure and perfectly safe against any attacks of the enemy. After the arrival of the soldiers and the construction of the fort the settlers' fears were greatly removed and they were no longer in constant dread lest the Indians should swoop down upon them, burn their homes, run off their stock and take their lives.
At first an entire company was stationed there, but as time passed on and there were no more open outbreaks, or many discovered prowling parties in the immediate vicinity of Peterson, the force of troopers diminished, by details being made and sent to other points, until there only remained a squad of men under command of Sergeant William Whitlock. It was during this time that an incident occurred which came near costing the brave sergeant his life. Having occasion to go to Sioux Rapids, a trading point about twelve miles distant, he set out one bright morning to make the journey. He was accompanied by a private, William McKinley, of his company, and after a few hours' ride reached the place of safety. After transacting the business and giving their horses a few hours' rest, they mounted and started on their return to the fort. While riding and quietly conversing, all unmindful of any lurking danger, they were suddenly startled by the report of a number of rifles, the whistling of as many bullets in close proximity to their ears, and the frightful yells of their adversaries. For a moment or more their horses were unmanageable, but in a short time they were brought under control, and the two brave men dismounted and began preparation to sell their lives as dearly as possible. It did not require any one to tell them who the attacking party was, for they knew that they were none other than a hostile band of Indians, who probably had seen them leave the fort and knowing that they would return over the same route they had previously traveled, had lain in ambush and awaited their coming. From the manner of the firing and their marvelous escape from so many whizzing bullets, they attributed their escape to poor marksmanship and the desire of the Indians to kill them and thus secure their horses, for when they fired they were only a short distance from the two soldiers. But time then was too precious to give this any consideration, for it was now either life or death and they preferred the latter to falling into the hands of the despicable and tortuous foe. No sooner had the two dismounted than on came their foe. Drawing their revolvers, which they had taken the precaution to see were in good working order before starting out on their ride, they took deliberate aim and fired, and two of the foremost fell pierced by the bullets of their trusty revolvers. The Indians halted, and as is their custom, gathered their killed and to the surprise of the soldiers beat a hasty retreat. They at once started in hot pursuit, firing as they ran, but not so effectively as at first. They, however, succeeded in killing two or three of them, as they were seen to require the assistance of some of the others. After traveling some distance, the Indians became fearful of a fire in the rear and so, when they reached a place of some protection, they halted and began preparation to resist the attack. The two brave men, however, were undaunted; their blood being tip to fever heat they determined to face Mr. Lo in his own quarters. They
therefore rushed in behind the place the Indians had sought and then began a hand-to-hand contest. As the sergeant, who was a little in advance of his companion, rushed at them, one of the Indians came at him with a large knife. Then began a struggle for life. The sergeant was a large and powerful man,, while the Indian was not much his inferior in strength. The struggle lasted for several moments but at last the sergeant, by a quick and dexterous movement, wrenched the deadly weapon from the savage's grasp and as quickly buried it in the Indian, disemboweling him. The brave fell a corpse and as he did so another Indian approached the sergeant from behind, and with the butt end of his rifle, dealt him a stunning blow on the head, which felled him senseless to the ground. The Indian, seeing his advantage, drew up his rifle to deal the prostrate man a final blow. In the meantime McKinley had, like his companion, been busily occupied, and had wounded several of the redskins. At last, finding that the soldiers were strong, daring and determined, they began a retreat. As the last foe, in front of McKinley, made his departure, he turned to see what had become of the sergeant, when he beheld him lying at the mercy of an Indian, who was in the act of raising his gun to give the death blow. He at once sprang to his assistance and drawing his revolver, took deliberate aim, and killed the savage. The timely arrival of McKinley was none too soon, for a moment's delay would have resulted in the sergeant's death. After discovering that the Indians would no longer give them any further trouble, McKinley placed the unconscious sergeant on his horse and with great difficulty succeeded in reaching the fort, where, for two long weeks, the brave soldier lay with his life hanging upon a brittle thread. He finally recovered and will not as long as he lives forget his trip to Sioux Rapids.
After J. A. Kirchner built the saw mill several frame houses were built in and around Peterson. This enterprise was well received by a large patronage. During the fall of 1870, J. A. Kirchner began building a grist mill, which was completed in 1871. This was a grand thing for the farmers who had previously had to draw their grain many miles to have it converted into flour. This mill is still in operation, under the management of Ed Sitz, and is one of the best equipped mills in the county and manufactures an immense quantity of a superior quahty of flour.
The first religious services were conducted by Revs. Wright and Oldfield, the former a Methodist and the latter a Baptist. There are now two commodious churches in Peterson, under the control of the Methodist Episcopal and Congregational denominations.
The first newspaper enterprise that made its appearance in the town was the Peterson Democrat. It was very short lived, as the only object for removal of the necessary printing material to Peterson was to secure the publication of the delinquent tax list. This object, having been accomplished, the further publication of it was abandoned and the material sent back to its former place. Subsequently. J. F. Ford and Samuel Gillespie, in 1870, established the Clay County News, but upon the removal of the county seat they took their outfit to Spencer. For a number of years the place was without a newspaper, but eventually E. J. Helms started the Peterson Patriot, which he continued several years; finally he sold it to other parties.
Previous to 1881, Peterson's growth was very slow, and mainly retarded by its lack of railroad facilities. The only outlet was by means of teams and the nearest railway station several miles. This tended to keep it back, and without this important and necessary adjunct there was little or no hope of its future development into a town other than name. During the year 1881, the great Chicago & Northwestern railroad sent out a surveying party and laid out the grade for this line of road. As soon as these facts were known, Peterson at once sprang into importance as a trading point. J. A. Kirchner, who owned the most of the land on which Peterson stood, at once platted it and placed the lots on the market. At once they were in demand, and the embryo town and quiet place immediately assumed an air of activity. Buildings were erected, dwellings built, and the year of 1881 saw a wonderful change in the place. The railroad arrived in 1882, and from that date Peterson has been a busy and bustling little town, with fair prospects of considerable commercial development. The Chicago & Northwestern railroad has performed a good act for the little town of Peterson, and has been instrumental in transforming it from a town in name to one of business activity. Its citizens are moral and upright; its business men sagacious and enterprising, and the town a pleasant and delightful place to dwell. Besides many social organizations, there are two churches, and several secret societies, all in a healthful state of prosperity and well attended.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The Peterson circuit was organized August 22, 1855, by Rev. Orange S. Wright, who preached a part of that year, once in every two weeks. Then Rev. T. D. Adams followed. Rev. Seymour Snyder formally organized a Methodist Episcopal class of eight members in the fall of 1863, which class has been continued up to the present time. The following is the list of preachers, in their order, who have served on this charge. The dates show the time of service: Rev. R. B. Hawks, 1864-65; Rev. William Malory, 1865-67; Rev. Thomas Whitley, 1867-68; Rev. C. W. Clifton, 1868-70; William R. Pitt, 1870-71; Rev. G. W. Lothian, 1871-73; Rev. Walter Drake, 1873-74; Rev. Forbs, 1874-75; Rev. A. S. R. Grooms, 1875-76; Rev. C. W. Gardner, 1876-78; Rev. Frank E. Drake, 1878-80; Rev. G. E. Cheesbrough, 1880-81; Rev. Beigler, 1881-83; Rev. D. M. Yetter, 1883-84; Rev. C. A. Hawn. 1884-85; Rev. C. Artman, 1885-86; J. M. Wollery, 1886-88; Rev. F. A. Morrow, 1888-90; Rev. R. Hild, 1890-92; Rev. G. W. Barnes, 1892-94; Rev. W. W. Cook, 1894-95; Rev. H. L. Smith, 1895-96; Rev. W. S. Cannon, 1896-98; Rev. George O. Kidder, June, 1898-99; Rev. C. F. Kirk, 1899-1900; Rev. F. B. Stafford, 1900-02; Rev. W. S. Cannon, 1902-06; Rev. F.W. Wilson is the present pastor. They have at the present time a membership of about one hundred and thirty-five, including the out appointment of Maple Grove. They have a Sunday school of eighty-five members.
The charter members of the Methodist Episcopal church are as follows: R.B. Crego and wife; Jacob Hale, wife and daughter; Mrs. Collins; Hannibal Waterman and wife; making a total of eight faithful members.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The first Congregational church of Peterson was organized by Rev. J. B. Chase, April 30, 1882. Its first membership consisted of J. W. Coombs, L. H. Coombs, Mrs. L. H. Coombs, Edwin F. Coombs, Mrs. Celia Coombs, Mrs. E. E. Pinkerton, Mrs. Carrie F. Voigt, Mrs. J. P. Martin and Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkwood.
The first Sunday school was organized in 1883.
The first church building was erected in 1883, and the cornerstone was laid with fitting ceremonies. The first church was worth about $2,000. The pastors of the church were as follows: J. B. Chase, A. M. Beeman, R. E. Helms, J. C. Stoddard, J. F. Horn, O. L. Corbin, M. H. Galor, W. G. Leichleiter, J. S. Morris, J. B. Salter, J. W. Williams, Rev. Deacon, E. E. Reed and C. Oxley, the present pastor.
At the present time they are building an addition to the church, which is 32x36.
BAPTIST SOCIETY.
The Baptist Society was one of the earliest societies in the county. This society was organized in 1871. They held their meetings in the old courthouse and the Good Templars' Hall. The Bicknells, the Bevans and the Hurlburts were the original Baptist families. When the railroad came through the Methodist Episcopal and the Congregational churches were organized and then the Baptists went to these other churches and did not attempt another organization.
PETERSON BANKS.
The Peterson Bank was established in 1888 by C. W. Fillmore and H. S. Parker. These gentlemen continued the bank until 1902, when they sold their business to J. F. Turner, F. H. Helsell, G. C. Allison and Frank Steckmest, who are now conducting the concern with marked success. They do a general banking business, have a neat one-story modern brick building, erected in 1894, on Main street. The officers of the bank are as follows: President, J. P. Farmer; vice president, F. H. Helsell; cashier, G. C. Allison; assistant cashier, Frank Steckmest. Its capital is $20,000, deposits about $200,000.
The First National Bank was organized in 1881 by A. S. Weir, H. A. Brandon, David McMillan, E. H. Ellis, Frank Steckmest, James Kennedy, C. W. Pinkerton, J. P. Farmer, G. C. Allison, W. E. Bertram, William Kirchner, K. Buland, F. E. Crippen, F. H. Helsell and others. Its officers were as follows: J. P. Farmer, president; A. S. Weir, vice president; G. C. Allison, cashier. In 1892 A. S. Weir became president and continued as such until his death, which occurred March 2, 1908. Mr. Weir came to Peterson from Trayer in 1882. He was fifty-seven years of age at the time of his death. Mr. Allison remained cashier until 1902. The present officers are as follows: E. L. Mantor, president; William Kirchner, vice president; Charles H. Staples, cashier. The bank has a capital of $50,000, a surplus of $10,000 and deposits of $150,000. They do a general banking business. The bank building was erected in 1898, on the corner of Main and Second streets. It is of pressed brick and has a fifty-foot frontage on Main street.
Picture of CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, PETERSON
PETERSON LODGES.
Peterson lodge A. F. & A. M. was organized June, 1895. Its charter members were A. S. Weir, R. B. Tillinghast, William Esser and twelve others. It now has a membership of sixty-four.
Peterson lodge, No. 234, A. O. U. W., was organized 1882. Among its charter members were G. Shnay, W. H. Skellenger, W. E. Ellis, H. C. Willis, E. F. Coons, C. W. Pinkerton, L. Voigt, J. Shnay, J. J. Ulrick and G. G. Whisler.
Log Cabin camp, Homesteaders, was organized September 18, 1906, by Frank Steckmest, A. S. Chatterton, G. E. Allison and John Baier and thirty-nine others.
Peterson lodge of Yeomen was organized February 28, 1899, by J. S. Chatterton, H. S. Parker, E. F. Turner and thirty-six others.
Modern Woodmen of America was organized January 24, 1896, by Charles Fillmore, William E. Blackburn, William Boge Waret, H. A. Brando and twenty-eight others.
EASTERN STAR LODGE.
The Eastern Star lodge was organized in Peterson in March, 1897. There were only fifteen members when the lodge was organized, but now they have a membership of over eighty. The first officers of the lodge were: Worthy patron, A. S. Weir; worthy matron, Mrs. Allison; secretary, Iona Hulburt. The first members of the lodge were as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Allison, A. S. Weir, Frank Steckmest, Miss Lulu Turner, Miss May Kirchner, Miss Iona Hulburt, Mrs. Tibbits, Mrs. Lulu Kinyon, Mrs. DeWitt, Mrs. Pyer, Mrs. Ed. Sits, Mrs. O. W. Long, Mrs. O. W. Towner, Mrs. Dr. Chatterton.
The present officers are as follows: Dr. Chatterton, worthy patron; Mrs. Will Kirchner, worthy matron; Lulu Turner, secretary; Mrs. Alantor, treasurer.
CITY MAYORS.
H. S. Parker, Charles Fillmore, Herbert Towner, Frank Steckmest, L. Rogers and Charles Staples, the present mayor.
Charles Fillmore built the waterworks, but there have been additions made recently to the plant.
THE PETERSON PATRIOT.
The Peterson Patriot was established April 19, 1882, by E. J. Helms and E. G. Blackhurst. The paper was a nonpartisan, seven-column folio. The next editors, in their order, were James Kennedy, George Long, and Jay Smith, who succeeded A. G. Warren. Mr. Warren was followed by Ray Gleason, and Mr. Gleason by Grant E. Hirleman. Then came R. Gleason again, who continued as editor until 1906, when its present editor, Archie Evans, took charge.
Mr. Evans now conducts a five-column quarto. It is issued weekly, is Republican in politics and is a good all-around sheet.
THE PETERSON DISPATCH.
About two years ago the Peterson Dispatch came out under the editorship of Ray Gleason. It was a Republican sheet, but it only lasted about two months in Peterson, and the plant was then moved to Minnesota.
CLAY COUNTY TIMES.
The above named paper was established about 1898, by C. H. Leichleiter. This was a Democratic organ, which lived about six months. The plant was moved to Larchwood, Iowa.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Peterson has a volunteer fire department, which was organized in 1902. There are fourteen members at present, and John Gelattly is the chief. The fire apparatus consists of two hose carts, several hundred feet of hose and several long ladders, etc.
GOOD TEMPLARS' HALL
Peterson has not as yet a distinctive hall for amusements. For several years the Good Templars" hall has been used for this purpose, for political meetings and lectures.
When the town of Everly was surveyed and platted in 1884 there was no
well defined purpose in the minds of its projectors other than to afford the few
people in the western part of the county a way station. The selection was not
due either to the physical conditions prevailing or to accommodate any great
number, as there were but few people living in that section at that particular
time. Evidently the only purpose was to induce immigration. If this was the
motive that prompted the establishment of the town, the object has been most
successfully obtained. Everly is located on the southwest quarter of section 3,
in Lone Tree township. The town proper is on a rising piece of ground that
is of sufficient height to afford excellent drainage for the main and business
portion of the village. When the station was established it was in the midst of
unbroken prairie, with little encouragement or hope of a town of any considerable
size. It was platted in 1884, by Griffin & Adams, of Spencer. This
firm owned considerable land contiguous to the place, and perceived in this
an opportunity to enhance the value of their property and induce settlers to
locate in that section. Soon after its being platted they disposed of it to I. P.
Rumsey, a Chicago capitalist, who had already invested in Clay county real
estate. Mr. Rumsey at once perceived that the townsite was admirably chosen,
and if the surrounding country was populated, Everly was destined to become
an excellent marketing point and place of no small note in the county. In
company with A. W. Sleeper, who had purchased an interest in the land designed
for the town, and a man who had had large experience in northwestern Iowa,
he at once set to work with a will and determined energy to make it what they
knew it could be made. The first year the progress was slow, but the foundations
were being laid solidly and substantially. The next year their labors
began to bear fruit, people began to come; on adjacent land farm houses sprang
up; there was a demand for town lots; carpenters were sought after; the lumber
yard was a common resort; comfortable residences were erected; store houses
were built; elevators and warehouses constructed, and the entire place was the
scene of busy activity. The tide had turned, and the bleak and dreary station
was shortly surrounded by a large number of buildings, owned by a busy,
moving and active class of citizens, who had come to stay and cast their lot
in this "goodly heritage." The good work commenced has been constantly
kept in motion, and while the village has not rapidly increased in numbers, it
has been adding slowly but steadily to its population and wealth. As a trading
point it leads in proportion to the number of its inhabitants. Its business men
are shrewd and always on the alert, and are determined, if within their power,
to make Everly the most important market place in the county. The immense
quantities of grain, hay, stock and produce they have handled during the past
year is a true index to their push and progressiveness and demonstrates that
they are making rapid strides toward attaining the distinction of shipping out
more products from Clay county than any other town in it. These elements in
the shippers are to be admired, and are destined ultimately to give the town such
an impetus that her rivals maybe stirred to redouble their diligence and vigilance
or lose the honor of being the largest town in the county. Everly is young,
but with the most excellent record she has made and the present live and strenuous
efforts being put forth by her citizens, she is sure to develop into one of
the leading towns along the line of the Chicago and Milwaukee railroad in
northwestern Iowa. She has equal railroad facilities with the surrounding towns,
excepting Spencer, being on the Chicago and Milwaukee railroad and in the
center of the most fertile and fruitful agricultural region of Iowa. She possesses
excellent advantages and opportunities for transacting a large and annually
increasing business. The farmers in the territory of Everly are a prosperous
and industrious class and among the largest producers of grain and stock in
the county.
The Everly bank is a private concern and was organized in 1905, by C.
P. Buckey and Dr. McAllister, as a branch of the First National bank of
Spencer. It is capitalized at $10,000 and has deposits of $72,000. The present
officers are as follows: Dr. Charles McAllister, president; C. P. Buckey, vice
president; Frank N. Wood, cashier.
The Farmers and Mechanics bank was a private concern, organized by A.
W. Sleeper, Louis Scharnberg and Peter Kettleson January 2, 1905, and was
merged into the First National bank July 13, 1905. This bank was organized
by A. W. Sleeper, Peter Kettleson, Louis Scharnberg, H. H. Moehler, Ness
Lorensen and John Stuhr. A. W. Sleeper, president; Peter Kettleson, vice president;
Louis Scharnberg, cashier; W. H. Sleeper, assistant cashier. The board
of directors are. H. H. Moehler, Ness Lorensen, John Stuhr, A. W. Sleeper,
Louis Scharnberg and Peter Kettleson. Capital, $20,000, and deposits, $70,000.
The Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1886 and was first a
mission church. In 1888 a church edifice was erected at a cost of $1,500. Up
to that time they had occasional preaching. The first missionary was L. A.
Downe, 1886-1888; M. B. Keister, 1888-1890; H. W. Howe, 1890-1892; R.
Hild, i892-i8c]4; C. J. Messenger, 1894-1896; H. L. Case. 1896-1898; Charles
E. Anderson, 1898-1899; E. M. Glasgow, 1899-1900; A. M. Tainter, 1900-1903;
H. L. Hastings, 1903-1904; Irvin Green, 1904-1907. F. P. Calkins came to the
church in September, 1907, and is the present pastor. Members of the church,
forty-four; and the Sunday school, about sixty.
St. Mary's Catholic church was organized about 1898. It has a membership
of about thirty families. Rev. B. A. Hunt, of Spencer, supplies this
charge.
The German Lutheran was organized June, 1907, by C. H. Peterson, Peter
Kettleson, J. Stuhr, Christian Peterson, Otto Theil, Louis Weise, D. P. Peterson,
Fritz Whede. The first pastor was Rev. W. Siefkes. He was followed by Rev.
Gutschofif, who is the present pastor. The membership is about twenty souls
and there are forty in the Sunday school. The present place of holding meetings
is in the Christian church. This church was organized in April, 1897. by Rev.
J. M Hoffman, who was succeeded by W. H. Rust. The next pastor was H.
M. Gregory, then S. W. Hall. The last pastor was J. W. Ellis. This church
was dedicated about 1906. The church property is valued at $3,500. The
organization dwindled so in numbers that no church meetings have been held
for some years.
The German social society of the Unter Haltungs Verein, composed of
men, women and children, was organized in Everly in 1901. It has three hundred
and forty-one regular members and their families. Its present officers are:
Fritz Whede, president; Jergen Schmidt, vice president; N. J. Hennings, secretary;
Louis Scharnberg, treasurer; John Stuhr, J. Peterson and C. H. Peterson,
directors. The hall is over the Everly bank, where the society holds its meetings
and where entertainments, lectures and all public meetings are held.
Columbia lodge A. F. & A. M. No. 560, was organized February 7, 1899.
The first members were S. P. Striker, J. W. Devnell, Thomas Corns, J. P.
Baker, A. M. Erickson, W. C Davis, F. J. Plondke, U. G. Morris, O. A.
Shaffer, F. J. Coleman, John H. Peck, C. P. Phelps, M. G. Shull, A. S. Roberts,
C. H. Staples. The first officers were: S. S. Striker, G. M.; S. W. Devnell. S. M.;
Thomas Corns, J. M; F. J. Coleman, treasurer; U. G. Morrison, secretary;
J. P. Baker, S. D.; M. G. Shull, S. S.; A. M. Erickson. I. S.; J. H. Peck, tyler.
U. D. lodge was organized March, 1908.
Everly lodge. No. 641, I. O. O. F.. was organized in 1897. W. G. Swain,
A. W. Sleeper, Mike Fell, Peter Wohlenberg, G. E. Hirleman were the first
officers of this lodge. It has about forty members.
Lone Tree camp. No. 1592, M. W. A., was organized in 1892. William W.
Ahrens, Edward L. Clark, William Day and Peter Erickson were among its
first members.
The Yeomen organized in 1897. They gave up their charter in 1906.
The first house built in Everly was a frame structure, sixteen by twenty-
four, erected by O. C. Seaverson in 1883, for a residence and section house. The
second one was built in 1884, by Reimer Mundt. O. C. Seaverson and family
and a brother were the first residents of Everly.
In 1884 twenty-four families came to Everly and Lone Tree township from
Benton county, Iowa. Some of the first settlers in Everly and Lone Tree
township were Reimer Mundt, Moses Jesmer, William Day, Louis Scharnberg, John
and Charles Scharnberg, H. W. Moehler, Peter Steuben, George Schoerns,
Hans Peterson, W. Ahrens, W. Peterson, N. J. Hennings, John Krumbeck, John
Tischer, Mell Green, R. Ericksen and A. W. Sleeper. Some of those who came
about the same time and settled in Everly were John Adams, Nicholas Schroeder,
the Rhode brothers, Deltz and Herman, and Louis Tischer. The same year M.
Jennings and Will Day erected the first store building. J. P. Parker was the
first mayor of Everly, George Nugent followed him, then A. T. Jones, and
Mike Fell, who is the present mayor. The town has four hundred inhabitants.
The first hotel in Everly was conducted by William Hatch; however, this
was only a small boarding house. The first real hotel was run by Charles
Brooks and is the present Columbian Hotel, which was built in sections. The first
part of the present Columbian House was built in 1892.
The Everly News was established September 18, 1897, by Edward McBride.
He was succeeded as editor by Allen Clossen. A Mr. Bardon was the next
editor, and after him came Frank Bowman. The present editor, George Nugent,
took the paper in October, 1901. The paper is a five-column quarto.
Independent in politics and published every week.
This organization came into being in 1906, when Louis Scharnberg, Peter
Kettleson, F. F. Ruge, John Huch and Peter Hildt formed a company for the
purpose of making cement tile. A large plant was erected in 1906, and now
employs about twenty men. This concern is in a flourishing condition.
Everly has a good cream market and also a splendid market for hogs, cattle
and sheep. It has three elevators on the right of way of the Chicago, Milwaukee
and St. Paul railroad.
In the past few years other towns have sprung up in the county which
make good trading points for the communities surrounding them.
There is Cornell, in Herdland township; Webb, in Garfield township;
Gillett's Grove, in Gillett's Grove township; Greenville, in Gillett's Grove township;
Rossie, in Lincoln township; Royal, in Clay township; Langdon, in
Meadow township; Fostoria, in Summit township. These villages are all growing and prosperous. EVERLY
ROYAL LODGE.
EVERLY LODGE.
EVERLY CEMENT TILE.
OTHER TOWNS IN THE COUNTY.
| W. C. Gilbreath 1880-81 | H. Chamberlain 1895-96 |
| J. B. Edmunds 1881-82 | H. S. Green 1896-97 |
| E. E. Snow 1882-83 | M. S. Green 1897-98 |
| M. P. W. Albee 1883-84 | E. H. Crandall 1898-99 |
| John Thayer 1884-85 | E. H. Crandall 1899-00 |
| S. Gillespie 1885-86 | G. W. Patterson 1900-01 |
| C. S. Penfield 1886-87 | G. W. Patterson 1901-02 |
| L. Whitney 1887-88 | H. J. Buck 1902-03 |
| S. S. Snow 1888-89 | H. J. Buck 1903-04 |
| J. O. Adams 1889-90 | G. F. Martin 1904-05 |
| H. N. Smith 1890-91 | G. F. Martin ; 1905-06 |
| Thomas McQueen 1891-92 | John Painter 1906-07 |
| H. Chamberlain 1892-93 | John Painter 1907-08 |
| H. Chamberlain 1893-94 | A. E. Wells 1908 |
| H. Chamberlain 1894-95 |
CITY CLERKS.
| S. S. Snow 1892-1893 | Harry E. Glover 1899-1900 |
| Harlan J. Buck 180^1804 | Vernon W. Buck 1900-1901 |
| Harlan J. Buck 1894-189S | Vernon W. Buck 1901-1902 |
| Harlan J. Buck 1895-1896 | Vernon W. Buck 1902-1903 |
| Harry E. Glover 1896- 1897 | O.A Hammond 1903-1904 |
| Harry E. Glover 1897-1898 | A. W. Taylor 1904 |
| Harry E. Glover 1898-1899 |
Mr. A. W. Taylor died while in office and was succeeded by his son, Roy Taylor, who is the present incumbent.
CITY MARSHALS.
| John Andrew 1892-1900 | Frank Smith 1904-1905 |
| C. E. Baldwin 1900-1901 | Frank Smith 1905-1906 |
| C. E. Baldwin 1901-1902 | Henry Green 1906-1907 |
| Frank Smith 1902-1903 | Lester M. Baldwin 1907-1908 |
| Frank Smith 1903-1904 | Lester M. Baldwin 1908-1909 |
INCORPORATED ORGANIZATIONS.
There have been a number of associations and organizations incorporated in Spencer. Some of them have been very successful in carrying out the object of their incorporation, while others have met with signal failure.
On the 11th of July, 1871, articles of incorporation were filed in the recorder's office to build the Spirit Lake and Sioux Valley railroad. The incorporators were R. S. Wilcox, Orson Rice, C. M. Squire, J. F. Calkins, H. S. Bailey, D. C. Thomas, S. Olney, Jr., T. S. Seymore, Samuel Gonser, J. B. Edmunds and others. At that time Clay, as well as the adjoining counties, would have been greatly elated to have had any kind of a railroad.
The "Pioneer Baptist Church" was incorporated in April, 1870, with William C. Roberts, David and William Evans, John W. Jones and D. C. Thomas incorporators.
The Methodist Episcopal church was incorporated January 3, 1872, with C. B. Winter, W. W. Scott and AL M. Peeso signing the articles. A neat and cosy church building was constructed but was subsequently destroyed by fire.
In December, 1871, John Lawler, Henry Ford and Lindsay Seals filed articles of incorporation. The purpose of this organization, they alleged, was to construct a line of railroad to be known as the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Union Pacific Raihvay Company. They also proposed constructing, owning and operating roads, railroads, bridges, ferries and ferry boats, stores and store houses, warehouses and elevators in the state of Iowa. Spencer was to be the headquarters. The plan and purpose was conceived with a very broad foundation. But whether the undertaking was too great or the scheme was too heavily loaded is today unknown. At any rate this herculean and extensive project was never carried out by the incorporators.
The Congregational church was duly incorporated in September, 1872. Edward Pruyn, H. B. Coryell and Peter M. Moore were the incorporators.
The incorporators of the Free Baptist church were G. D. Marcellus, R. A. Coats, J. F. Calkins. P. E. Randall and others.
The first Clay county agricultural society dated its organization from May 21, 1873. It, however, was short lived, giving but one exhibition.
The Co-operative Council of Patrons of Husbandry was in existence from the early part of 1875 until the beginning of 1878, when it went the way of all things earthly. For a time it was a potent factor not only in business matters but in political circles. It was well officered, but, like many organizations of a
similar character, it did not prove either profitable or beneficial generally, and the members gradually dropped out and it became a thing of the past. The officers were: President, J.M. Spencer; secretary, A. W. Green; treasurer, Eben Bailey; superintendent, S.W. Dubois; trustees. J.W. Ford, J.R. Ward and W. W. Scott.
The Iowa and Montana Live Stock Company came to be known in 1883. For a time this organization, which was composed of some of the wealthiest citizens of the county, did a large and extensive business. They purchased several thousand head of cattle and horses, which they shipped to Montana, where for a few years the investment made bid fair to yield immense profits. Unfavorable weather, extremely low prices for cattle and the great cost for railroad transportation all combined to entail a loss and cost that ultimately caused the investment to prove unprofitable to the investors. Among those in this county who were original stockholders were Marcus Tuttle, John Thayer, M. E. Griffin, James Goodwin, J. E. Francis and Franklin Floete.
In 1884 a number of gentlemen living at Peterson, after discussing the question from day to day, decided that there was coal underneath the soil in and around that town. The more the subject was discussed the more convinced they became of it being a fixed fact. They became so satisfied and convinced that they formed a stock company, sent for an expert, and at once began sinking a shaft in search of the "dark and dusky diamonds." After digging down some distance the expert reported growing signs of coal. The stockholders became jubilant. The news was spread broadcast, and the excitement became intense. The work was prosecuted with great vigor and the quantities of soil, rocks, etc., raised made a small mountain. The expert reported brighter and better signs and the people no longer doubted that in a short time huge quantities of coal would be ready for sale. The confidence in the ultimate success of the project became so great that a large number of companies were immediately organized. The first one was called the Fairbanks Coal and Mining Company, after the main projector. The officers were as follows: President, Hon. Isaac S. Struble; Lewis Voight, secretary; J. W. Fairbanks, treasurer. Then there were the G. F. Strait Coal and Mining Company, the Jones Coal and Mining Company, the Peterson Coal and Mining Company, and a host of others. The whole project came to naught and the incorporators were out of pocket several thousands of dollars. There may be coal there, but these companies failed to obtain it in sufficient quantities to make it profitable.
The Spencer and Southeastern Railway Company was organized in 1884. The object of this company was to construct a line of railroad running through Clay county in a southeasterly direction. The officers were A. W. Miller, James Goodwin, J. Q. Adams, C. S. Penfield, J. D. McDonald and Ackley Hubbard. The first movements of this company gave evidences of ultimate success and probably would have resulted in securing a railroad had not the farmers and others refused to aid it in voting a tax. Failing to secure a majority of the townships through which the proposed road was to run. the organizers abandoned their plans.
THE FIRST HOTEL IN SPENCER.
Captain W. H. Hunter, a veteran of the Civil war, came to Spencer early in its history and built its first hotel. He was not permitted long to be its landlord. He erected the building in the spring of 1871 and in the spring of 1873 it was completely destroyed by fire. This building stood at the corner of Main and Second streets, now the site of the Farmers' Institute. On another page is shown the building as it stood at that time.
The first band in the town of Spencer was known as the Spencer Cornet Band, and was led by Major A. H. Cheney.
The first petition for a road to be opened in Clay county was filed with the county judge on the 25th of March, 1859. This was for a road running from section 32, township 96, range 78, by Spencer, thence to the north line of the county.
John William Brockschink, a native of Prussia, was the first one to be given naturalization papers in Clay county. He secured them in 1859.
On August 20, 1859, Andrew Hood, surveyor of the city of Fort Dodge, was appointed surveyor for the county of Clay, by Judge Charles C. Smeltzer. Mr. Hood had shortly before that time entered into a contract with Clay county to locate and survey the swamp lands allotted to the county under the "Swamp Land" act.
THE CITY HALL.
The town hall was built in 1883. Previous to this Spencer was without a public building. The council had from time to time leased diiferent rooms, but none of sufficient size to accommodate any public gathering. It was therefore decided to construct a building of sufficient dimensions to meet these wants. After due deliberation it was agreed to bond the town for $3,000 and put up the building, which was done, and the town now has a neat two-story building, twenty by fifty feet. The lower floor is used for the hook and ladder outfit and the hose cart, while the second story is divided into two rooms, one being used for a council room and the other for public purposes. The lot on which the building stands was a donation from the late Alexander Mitchell, president of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company, to the town. The facts in regard to this gift are these: In the spring of 1882 a number of young men, being fired with a military spirit, decided to organize a militia company. A meeting was called, which was largely attended. A paper was drawn up which set forth the object of the organization, and after being circulated among those gathered and others, some fifty signed their names and signified their willingness to unite. As soon as the proper officers were elected, semiweekly drills were held in the building later occupied by Ackley Hubbard. In a short time Mr. Hubbard gave the company notice that he intended to occupy the building and it must seek other quarters. There being no building of sufficient size, it was decided to build one. A subscription paper was handed around, and nearly one thousand dollars was at once subscribed. The project had all the evidences of success and the matter was referred to a committee to select a site and report at the next meeting. Alexander Mitchell, Jr., at that time a resident uf the county. a member of the company and a member of the committee, volunteered to go
to Milwaukee and interview his uncle, Alexander Mitchell, and endeavor to induce him to donate a lot. That he succeeded is unquestionably true. In the meantime the members and officers of the company had lost their interest and military zeal, and the matter, like many other projects, fell through. The "next meeting" was never called; that committee on a site has never reported, but the town has the lot just the same.
THE SPENCER PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The first school house in Spencer was a little sixteen by twcnty-four, built in 1860. It was the only schoolhouse in the township at a time when the school township comprised five congressional townships, besides doing service as a school building, this primitive structure answered the demand for a church and Good Templars' hall. The first teacher was Charles Carver. Here Frank W. Calkins, one of the contributors to the Youth's Companion. went to school.
In the fall of 1874 the independent school district of Spencer was organized, with practically the same boundaries as at present. An addition, eighteen by thirty-two, was built, and George Mann was selected principal and Augusta Smith assistant. The first board of education was M. Hines, H. B. Wood and Horace Smith.
In the fall of 1879 the old building gave place to a new two-story frame building, forty-eight by fifty-eight, containing four rooms and heated by a furnace. The building cost $4,000, and fixtures $800. M. M. Gilchrist was made principal. He laid out the first course of study and thoroughly graded the school.
In 1881 the public schools of Spencer had an enrollment of three hundred pupils. J. T. Lamar was principal and was assisted by Miss L. Parker, Miss F. Bean Miss ‐&das; Cowan and Miss Olivia Woodruff. The board of education consisted of T. P. Bender, President A. W. Miller, J. C. McCoy and Ackley Hubbard.
In 1882 the present four-room frame building was erected on the east side. This building was overhauled in 1907, after twenty-five years of continuos service, and a commodious basement constructed, modern water closets added, and the walls and ceilings tinted. At this writing grades one to six, inclusive, are housed here.
In 1887 a one-room building was erected on the north side, but in 1902, this building was moved down to the site of the West school, to make room for the handsome four-room brick building which was erected in that year.
In 1893 the Spencer high school building shown in the picture was erected at a cost of $24,000. It is ninety by ninety-four and contains an assembly room thirty-five by seventy-five and four recitation rooms on the upper floor, five grade rooms on the first floor, two recitation rooms, steam plant, water closets, coal bins and storeroom in the basement. Bonds for the erection of this building were voted in 1892, and it is said that had they been floated immediately, five per cent bonds would have brought a premium, but in 1893 the panic came on and it was found almost impossible to float the bonds at any price. Over two hundred letters were written to various financial institutions in Chicago, New York, Boston, San Francisco and other cities throughout the country, but without avail.
Finally Mr. S. Gillespie went to Chicago, and after spending several days upon the street, succeeded in floating six per cent ponds at ninety. In order to get in the heating plant, which cost $2,100, a local party was persuaded to take warrants upon the schoolhouse fund drawing six per cent and discounted ten per cent. At this time the board of education consisted of S. Gillespie, H. Chamberlain, A. H. Cheney, F. T. Verharen, M. P. W. Albee and George Starr. The building was constructed by S. B. Taylor and J. C. McCoy.
In 1901 a one-room frame building was erected on the south side. The first three grades are housed here.
In 1902 a handsome four-room two-story brick building was erected on the north side at a cost of $8,000. It is heated by hot air, but has neither city water nor sewer connections. The first five grades and the seventh are housed here.
At this time Spencer has a school population of eight hundred and sixty pupils, over seven hundred of whom are in school. The pupils are housed in five dififerent buildings and instructed by twenty-three teachers. A. H. Avery is superintendent, and the board of education consists of A. W. Green, President A. C. Ferine, M.E. DeWolf, S. Gillespie and Charles Weaver.
A full five-year course of study is laid out for the high school and graduates are conditioned for sophomore in college. The high school has an enrollment of one hundred and ninety-two students, twenty-three of whom will graduate this year. Eight teachers do the work, as follows: D. M. Odle, principal, geometry ; John A. Larson, physics, chemistry and geology; Lodema Willis, English; W. J. Moir. Jr., history; Gertrude Ingalls, Latin and German; Laura Benson, science and algebra; Florence Hall, Latin and English; A. H. Avery, economics. First year classes are segregated. The following is the course of study:
Eighth grade, A class: Arithmetic, grammar, history, physical geography.
Ninth grade: Latin, algebra, rhetoric, physiology, botany.
Tenth grade: Cssar, geometry, American literature, ancient history.
Eleventh grade: Cicero, or geology and zoology, geometry, English literature, modern history.
Twelfth grade: Virgil or chemistry, German, algebra and civics. United
States history.
Thirteenth grade: Physics, German, economics and arithmetic, English
literature, including English grammar.
The Spencer high school has two literary societies, the Alpha, a girls' society, whose membership is limited to fifty, and the Athenian, a boys' society, whose membership is limited to forty.
The Spencer high school has a library of fifteen hundred volumes, consisting largely of books of reference, histories, biographies, science and literature. The history department is especially strong, there being over two hundred volumes of the very best. The library has been accessioned and card catalogued according to the Dewey decimal system, and the books are made as accessible to the school as it is possible to make them.
In the fall of 1901 the Spencer high school became a member of the Iowa High School Declamatory Association. Since then the following have carried off silver medals from the district contests: Ralph McWhirter, Clare Horner,
Wilson Cornwell, Leonard Reed; and the following gold medals from the state contests: Ralph McWhirter, Wilson Cornwall and Leonard Reed.
The following is a complete list of the graduates of the high school:
Class of '87: Ella Bowman, Burton Calkins, Charles Jones, Carrie Randall and Blanch Watson.
Class of '88: C. C. Bender, Harry Glover, Curtis Cruver, Irving Townsend, Mattie Knight, Florence Claypool, Myrtle Gifford, Frank O'Brien, Carrie Fay, Archie McCoy, Mabel IMann, Nellie Kirkpatrick, Lorena Varney.
Class of '90: Zada White, A. J. Cuttell, Belle Hulling, Allie Myers, Hattie Cuttell, Nellie Green, Lena Verharen, Bessie Smith, Carrie McConnell Lizzie McElhiney.
Class of '92: Alice Hubbard. Minnie McConnell, Bessie Knight, Mark Taylor, Charles Kirkpatrick, Rose Davison, Oma Evans.
Class of '94: G.C. Albee, Susie Barrett, Jessie Bender, O. A. Hammond, Edna McConnell, Melvin Stephenson, Lulu Purdy.
Class of '95: Jay Goble, Florence Steele.
Class of '96: Edith Brande, Edna Brande, Marion Bruntlett, Alonzo Chamberlain, Jennie Claypool, Fred Crandall, Ida Dubois, Arthur Greaves, Frank Hendricks, Minnie Hurinton, Forest Hirleman, Florence Hubbard, Lulu Verharen, Ethel Wyatt, Gertrude Robbins, May Tryon.
Class of '97: Edith Archer, Olive Archer, Homer Coffin, Bessie Cotterell, Bessie Crawford, Lena Fuhr, Zelma Goldsworthy, Adelaide Hewitt, Dasie McConnell, Harry Oliver, William Paterson, Arthur Verharen, Avis Wescott, George White.
Class of '98: Jennie Austin, Lenora Barry, Mary Burgin, Grace Gregory, Nina Hewitt, Gertrude Ingalls, Ella Jones, Inez Palmer, Amanda Palmquist, Will Robison. Victor Tryon.
Class of '99: John Ackenback, Leigh Gillespie, Clinton Green, Roy Sherbondy, Lome Smylie.
Class of 1900: Edna Ryerson, Stella Kimball, Eunice Hockett, Grace Walsh, Edna Dubois, Ruth Francis, Edna Green, Stella Gregory, Floyd Hiser, Elsie Kellogg, Jessie Miller, Minnie Bowman, Irene Montour, Margie Ferine, Cordelia S. Treat, Emma Robinson.
Class of '01: Elizabeth Crandall, Basil Dean, May Dull, Sadie Goble, Clara Green, Edna Mattson, Lucy Starff, Emma Steigleder, Bessie Van Denburg.
Class of '02: Mabel Ackenback, Mabel Hay, Beulah Hendershott, Vihelmine Jesperson, Audrey Livingstone, Aleck McAllister, Hazel Painter, Margaret Steigleder, Mabel Treat, Blanch Watts, Mortimer Weaver.
Class of '03: Gertrude O'Brien, Henry Hubbard, May Nettleton, Maude Gillespie, Josephine Francis, Blanches Goldsworthy, Ricka Larson, Mae Thomas.
Class of '04: Maud Fraher, Susie Goble, May Ketcham, Flora Belle Mack, Ruby Montour, Emma Miller, Mary Ferine, Grace Symington, Thomas Thomas, Frances Wade, Mildred Yates, Cecile Buck, Clare Horner, Leo Mather.
Class of 05: Emma Ackenback, Fanny Blondel, Flora Mitts, Charles Collester, Oran D. Jones.
Class of '06: Mildred Morgan, Lena Bjornstad. Agnes Gillespie, Mabel
Kingsley, Verne McCown, Barbara Cornwall, Charles Royce, Ethel Weaver, Elsie Scholer.
Class of '07: Elsie Ackenback, Lyle Baker, Helen Black, Royal Burgin, Marie Dickinson, Lisle Goldsworthy, Ethel Knight, Edna Livingstone, Zella Palmer, Zora Parrott, Theodore Scholer, Eva Spencer, Alfred Thomas, Bertha Walters.
Class of '08: Wilbur Bailey, Edna Brown, Mabelle Claypool, Wilson Cornwall, Avery Constant, John Cory, Harold Horner, Lilly Knight, Floy Mather, Ralph McWhirter, Leonard Reed, Donald Wooliscroft, Etta Taylor, Iona Wilson, Bennie Wilson, Dale Youde, Cass Youde.
The Spencer Public Library Association was organized in 1883 by a few ladies who were willing to give their time and means that Spencer might have the best advantages possible at that, time in the way of books, which meant hard work, much time and sacrifice on their part.
Officers were selected, Mrs. Ackley Hubbard being chosen as the first presiding officer. The beginning was made with a few books and a few from the W. C. T. U., of which they wished to dispose. Mrs. Dr. Crary gave the use of her parlor as a library room, acting as librarian for a time, the ladies taking turns in looking after the library. A plan was made for raising money to carry on the work and buy books, also for regular subscribers, who, by paying the sum of $1, were entitled to the use of the library books for one year, non-subscribers paying at the rate of five cents per week. Fairs were held, suppers given, and money raised by many legitimate means.
After seven years of untiring effort the ladies were able to purchase a small frame building for library purposes, paying $500 for it, which they then occupied. To keep this in repair, pay insurance and other incidentals necessary, added so much to the expense that the ladies found it too great a burden, so offered the town council the property, on condition that they levy a tax for the maintenance of the library; which proposition was accepted and a tax voted by the people, as provided by the state law.
The property, then valued at $1,000, was turned over to the city, the ladies still having charge of it and taking all responsibility, which did not materially lessen their work. The name was changed to Spencer Public Library, and a librarian employed at a small salary. For three years a tax of one mill was received, then one and one-half for a time.
In the spring of 1902 Harlan J. Buck, an attorney and old resident of Spencer, was elected mayor, and soon after he procured letters from prominent congressmen, cabinet officers and judges urging Mr. Andrew Carnegie to make a donation of $10,000 for a library building, which letters, together with a certified copy of a resolution adopted by the city council July 18, 1902, pledging the city council and its successors to levy such a tax for library purposes as would produce a sum of at least $1,000 per annum, were forwarded by the mayor, together with his letter of application, to Mr. Andrew Carnegie, of New York City.
On January 13, 1903, the mayor received the following letter:
"Andrew Carnegie,
2 East 91st Street,
New York.
Mayor, Buck, 13th January, 1903.
Spencer, Iowa.
Dear Sir: Responding to your communications in behalf of Spencer, if the
city agree by resolution of council to maintain a free public library at cost of
not less than $1,000 a year and provide a suitable site for the building, Mr.
Carnegie will be glad to furnish $10,000 to erect a free public library for Spencer.
Respectfully yours,
Jas. Bertram,
P. Secretary."
At the time the library books were turned over to the city by the Spencer
Public Library Association they also conveyed a lot on Main street, together
with a small wooden building located thereon, to the city, this having been the
home of the library for many years; and after the receipt of the letter from Mr.
Carnegie steps were taken to procure a new site for the library, it being thought
that the old site was not suitable in many respects.
Dr. Charles McAllister offered to deed the present library site to the city
in exchange for the lot and building on Main street, which offer was accepted
by the board of library trustees and the city council April 6, 1903, and
subsequently deeds were exchanged.
The city council on September 18, 1903, adopted a resolution pledging the
city to levy an annual tax upon the taxable property within the city sufficient
to produce the sum of $1,000 to maintain the free public library when the library
building shall have been built, also expressing appreciation to Mr. Carnegie for
his magnanimous offer to the city, and the city clerk was directed to send
Mr. Carnegie a certified copy of the resolution.
In 1904 the present library building was erected. The structure is quite
a novelty in architecture and pleasing to the eye. The exterior is beautiful
and the arrangements are the acme of perfection for convenience and the com-
fort of its patrons. Almost four thousand volumes of a varied selection of
books are on the shelves of this Carnegie library and from year to year the
most desirable of new publications are being added to the list.
SPENCER POSTMASTERS.
R. A. Coats was the premier postmaster of Spencer, taking the office in 1869 under General Grant's administration. Mr. Coats was one of the early settlers of the county and was a member of the famous "Spencer Pioneer Band" of early comers. His homestead was what now constitutes land belonging to A. S. Mack and Frank M. Tuttle, northwest of the city limits. He at one time was county superintendent of schools and for a number of years was the pastor of the Free Will Baptist church. Rev. Coats left Spencer about a quarter of a century ago and now makes his home at Maine, Minnesota, although he occasionally visits Spencer and renews old acquaintances.
Picture of EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SPENCER
R. A. Coats was succeeded by Miss Eliza Gannett, who was a daughter of E. Gannett, a homesteader who came to Clay county in 1870, from Wisconsin, and located one mile southwest of Spencer. Miss Gannett held the office until 1874, when she resigned to become the wife of Charles Carver, an early settler of Riverton township. In less than a year after his marriage, Mr. Carver lost his life in a windstorm. The house in which he was sleeping was blown over and his lifeless body taken from the debris. His widow about four years later became the wife of David Skinner, who died about four years ago. Mr. Skinner was a blacksmith and plow maker and owned the Skinner block, on Main street. Mrs. Skinner is now living with relatives in Missouri.
The next postmaster of Spencer was Peter E. Randall. He was appointed to the office to fill out Miss Gannett's unexpired term and was his own successor for another term of four years. Mr. Randall came to Clay county in 1870, from Wisconsin, and took up a homestead two miles southwest of Spencer, in Riverton township. He afterward resigned from the postoffice to assume the duties of county treasurer, to which office he had been elected. Mr. Randall died in Spencer in 1905.
The next incumbent of the office of postmaster was J. H. Hale, who held the position until the beginning of the first Cleveland administration. It was for Mr. Hale that P. M. Moore, civil engineer, laid out the town of Spencer, in 1871.
C. P. Buckey, the present cashier of the First National Bank, of Spencer, was Mr. Hale's successor as postmaster, serving four years under Grover Cleveland's first administration. Mr. Buckey came to Clay county in 1874, from West Virginia. He is a native of Frederick, Maryland. He located in Spencer and went into the Clay County Bank as bookkeeper.
A. F. McConnell received the appointment as postmaster, and assumed his duties as such under Harrison's administration, in 1889. Mr. McConnell has long been a resident of Spencer and is now engaged in real estate and the buying and selling of live stock.
The successor of A. F. McConnell was Earl Bronson, who came to Spencer in 1891 and established the Spencer Herald. He entered the postoffice as its chief when Grover Cleveland became president the second time, and held the position four years. Mr. Bronson is now engaged in editing the Spencer Herald, one of the most creditable newspapers of northwestern Iowa.
Mr. Bronson was followed as postmaster of Spencer by the present incumbent, Charles C. Bender. Mr. Bender was born in Algona and was but a child when his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T. P. Bender, arrived in Spencer, in 1872. At that period the elder Mr. Bender engaged in general merchandise, but when the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad began operations in Spencer, an elevator was built and he bought and sold grain. He is now living in Los Angeles. Postmaster Bender is now serving his third term and performing the duties of his office to the entire satisfaction of the postal department and his constituency. In fact, the same may be said of all who held this responsible position.
November 1, 1908, Spencer took on metropolitan airs and from the post office issued men in uniform, with mail sacks strapped to their shoulders. These were mail carriers ‐ city mail carriers ‐ and today Spencer has the same privilege
and convenience in the distribution of mails as any city in the state ‐ a free delivery.
THE SPENCER REPORTER.
The Spencer Reporter made its first appearance in 1878, and for a short time was under the management of M. E. Griffin and Samuel Gillespie. J. F. Ford in August of that year, returned from California and purchased the plant. He conducted the business for some three years, when he sold it to A. T. McCarger. In January, 1882, the Barnard brothers purchased the concern and run it for several years. Others have owned the Reporter. In September, 1904, E. S. Randall, I. R. McKee and F. W. Randall took possession and since that time have given their constituency a live, up-to-date newspaper, that is continually growing in favor and usefulness. The Reporter is a six-column quarto and is issued every Wednesday. It is republican in politics and at this time the official organ of the county.
THE SPENCER HERALD.
The Spencer Herald is the democratic organ of Clay county and one of the best edited weekly newspapers in northwestern Iowa. The paper dates its birth from the advent of its founders into Spencer, which took place in the summer of 1891. At that time there came from Manchester, Iowa, the place of their birth, two ambitious and enterprising young men. Earl and Wirt Bronson, sons of Charles E. Bronson, now deceased, one of Manchester's pioneers and most prominent lawyers. Forming a partnership, these young journalists established the Spencer Herald, which at once took a firm anchorage in the business affairs of the county and became, as it is today, a reliable, truthful and progressive weekly distributor of both foreign and local news. The Herald is partisan in its politics. No one can question the democracy of its editor. The Herald is a six-column quarto, published weekly, has a liberal advertising patronage and a wide circulation. In 1902 Wirt Bronson retired from the firm; since then Earl has been going it alone. He finds in his wife, however, an able assistant.
THE CLAY COUNTY NEWS.
The News, Clay county's first permanent newspaper, was started at Peterson in January, 1871, J. F. Ford being the editor and proprietor. Mr. Ford was a young man possessed of more than average mechanical skill and a fair share of literary ability. The following spring he was joined by Samuel Gillespie, who assisted in both the mechanical and editorial work. Peterson was then a small village and contained not to exceed fifty people. The business of the town included two small general stores, a grist mill, a hotel and a blacksmith shop. The people of both the village and the surrounding countrv welcomed the new enterprise and gave it hearty support. The News, when first published, was a seven-column folio, two pages of which were printed in Chicago and two at home. Matters moved along pleasantly until the early fall of 1871, when the proposition to remove the county seat from Peterson to Spencer became a live issue. Peterson was a half mile from the south line of the county. Situated as the town was in the extreme southwestern corner of the county, the News could
not justifv itself in advocating the retention of the seat of government at a point so inequitable. It also became evident, early in the campaign, that Spencer, a town on the newly surveyed line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, would win in the contest. It was likewise evident that a town the size of Peterson, with the county seat lost and twenty-five miles to the nearest railway, was not an inviting point at which to conduct a newspaper. Remembering the hearty welcome that had been accorded and the substantial help extended, it seemed ungrateful to leave, while to stay meant destruction. The law of self- preservation prevailed and the latter part of September, 1871, the News moved to Spencer, where several business houses and two small residences had been erected on the newly platted town site.
On leaving Peterson, the News lost a considerable number of its subscribers in that part of the county: but the business men of Spencer came to the rescue with a liberal amount of advertising, and many subscriptions were forthcoming from the homesteaders then settling in large numbers on the vacant government land.
The news made very satisfactory progress from the time of coming to Spencer until the early summer of 1873, when the first invasion of the grasshoppers occurred. The grasshoppers, or Colorado locusts, as some called them, lit down in myriads and destroyed the growing crops. This calamity, for calamity it was, destroyed the hopes not only of the farmers, but men of other lines of business as well. So complete was the destruction of the crops and so serious was the loss to the farmers, that it became necessary to seek aid from the more fortunate friends to the south and east. It was also thought best to petition the state legislature for an appropriation, with which to buy seed-grain for the unfortunate farmers of the northwestern part of the state. Representatives and state senators from this part of the state brought the matter to the attention of the general assembly, and that body appropriated the sum of $50,000 with which to purchase seed-grain for such farmers in the stricken region as were unable to purchase it for themselves. This aid enabled the farmers to make a new start, and for the next two years there was a gleam of hope; but the summer of 1876, just as the crops were ripening for the harvest, the second grasshopper invasion occurred, when corn, wheat, oats, garden crops, and everything in the line of vegetables excepting the prairie grass, were destroyed. The second calamity so discouraged the farmers that many of them decided to abandon then homes and seek places in more favored lands. Many of the farmers' teams were mortgaged, but the incumbrance did not deter them from loading their household goods into their wagons, to which they hitched their horses and drove away, generally leaving at night. This exodus cost the News, perhaps, one-third of its subscribers. Were it not for the fact that both members of the firm were practical printers, did about all the work, and were fortunate enough to own their office building and printing material, free of debt, it is difficult to understand how they could have survived the trying ordeal.
Soon after the second grasshopper invasion an opportunity to sell the property occurred, and the junior member of the firm being in very poor health at that time, it was decided to make the sale. A. T. McCarger. a practical and successful journalist, was the purchaser. He conducted the business successfully
until the spring of 1878, when he sold to McAllister & Albee. These gentlemen, after managing the paper a couple of years, sold it to W. C. Gilbreath, who conducted it about a year, and sold to C. M. Whitman. Mr. Whitman sold a half interest to Jacob Merritt, and a little later disposed of his remaining interest to his partner. Mr. Merritt continued to conduct the business until the spring of 1884, when W. C. Gilbreath again bought the property. Mr. Gilbreath, after a period of two and one-half years, sold to P. E. Randall, who about a year later, sold to M. H. Richards, who continued the publication up to September i, 1895, when the present proprietors, Randall & Gillespie, acquired the property and have continued in control slightly more than thirteen years. During its almost thirty-eight years of existence, the News has encountered and survived many severe storms, has seen many of its neighbors and some of its rivals go down to early deaths, and has itself been taxed about to the limit, yet it still lives. The paper is a six-column quarto, republican in politics and is issued weekly.
LODGES AND ASSOCIATIGNS.
These organizations in this county are in a most prosperous condition and have not only a large membership but a goodly attendance at each of their regular stated meetings. Good fellowship and a fraternal feeling prevails among the members. Each lodge is well officered and equipped and has its rooms well furnished. Visiting members will always receive a warm welcome when they visit any of these lodges in Clay county. The following is a list of the lodges, together with a complete roster of the first officers: Evening Shade Lodge, No. 312. ‐ A. F. and A. L Was organized January 24, 1872. The charter was granted June 8, 1872. The charter members included S. Lacove, S. F. McDonald, A. Wright, J. W. Christ, S. B. Christ, E. J. Marvine, H. H. Wilber and William Harvey, none of whom reside in Spencer. The membership of the lodge now numbers about one hundred and fifty and is gradually growing. Its hall is handsomely furnished, and everything is done to make the gatherings pleasant and agreeable to the members. The monthly meetings are held on Monday evening on or before the full moon.
Spencer Lodge, No. 247, I. O. O. F., was instituted October 17, 1872, and has sustained a prosperous growth since its first organization. Its members have proven themselves faithful and fervent to their vows and have helped their needy, cared for their sick and attended their dead with such fidelity and sincerity that it has grown and developed into a lodge of prominence and power. Their good works will live and be remembered after the members have passed to "that bourne from whence no traveler returneth." The good deeds of this lodge and its individual members will not be soon forgotten. Its charter members were H. N. Smith, A. B. Kline, J. F. Ford, A. G. Hardin and W. I. Rood. Its first officers were A. S. Kline, N. G.; H. N. Smith, V. G; W I. Rood, R. S. The lodge has all the necessary paraphernalia and lodge furniture to make its meetings pleasant and entertaining. The right hand of warm fellowship is always extended to those who visit this noble order of men. The present membership is quite large.
A. O. U. W., No. 201. ‐ Came into existence in 1879, and was organized with a large membership. Its object is to combine mutual as well as individual
benefits. The great and permanent good it has done is attested by hundreds of widows and orphans, who, by this noble and beneficent organization, were kept from want and privation. Its first officers were: W. C. Gilbreath, P. M. W.; A. T. McCargar, M. W.; M. P. W. Albee, Foreman; C. P. Buckey, Recorder; I. F. Constant, Financier; W. L. Bender, Receiver; J. P. Evans, Guide; E. Pickering, G. W.; J. M. Hagerty, I W.; T. P. Bender, M. E. Griffin and M. S. Green, Trustees.
Spencer Lodge. No. 282, A. O. U. W. ‐ Known among the workmen as belonging to and under the jurisdiction of the "Loyal Grand Lodge," was organized in 1887. Like its namesake, or "Dissenters," it has for its purpose a noble object. Its first officers were: Ackley Hubbard, P. M. W.; B. F. Horner, M. W.; W. S. Bemis, Foreman; T. C. Meyer, Overseer; Guide, Frank Gilford; Recorder, J. Bochm; Financier, C. E. Taylor; Receiver, J. M. Holmes; I. G. David Metts.
Harmony Lodge, No. 188, K. of P. ‐ This organization dates its existence from February 16, 1888, and from the very first start has rapidly grown and increased in members. It was a worthy organization and deserved the prosperity that attended it. Its first official list was constituted as follows: P. C., H. Kunath; C. C, John Andrews ; V. C, Williaiu Clopper; Prelate, P. W. Madden; K. of R. and S. L. M. Cummock; M. at A., J. B. Stamp; M. of E., M. H. Wearer; M of F., G. B. Bender; I. G., Dr. Charles McAllister; O. G., John Watts. This lodge has been out of existence for some time past.
The Spencer Building and Loan Association ‐ Is one among the most beneficial organizations in the place, pecuniarly speaking. It has been the means of assisting many persons to obtain homes who would otherwise have been deterred from so doing. Like other institutions of a similar character, the funds are raised on the assessment plan and the profits are shared.
THE WOMANS' CLUB OF SPENCER.
Spencer women have all shown themselves progressive and, when the wave of club organization swept over the west in the early '90s, they were quick to grasp the meaning of the movement and its significance to the community.
In the fall of 1894 the Spencer Woman's Club was organized, having for its avowed aim, culture and mutual helpfulness. Its first officers were: President, Mrs. Ackley Hubbard; secretary, Mrs. Dr. Bois; treasurer, Miss Mattie Bowman.
In pursuit of its first aim, the club has successively taken up the study of many nations and has embraced a wide range of subjects, including child study and household economics; some of the most successful seasons having been devoted to literary programs. In the year 1896 the club joined the Iowa State Federation of Women's Clubs, and in 1901, became a member of the General Federation. Throughout its history loyalty to the federation idea has been a marked feature of the Spencer Woman's Club; delegates have been sent to all district meetings, to five state biennials and to three national conventions. The club has furnished to the state a district chairman, a vice president and, for two terms, chairman of the household economics committee.
In 1903 the clubs of the eleventh district were entertained by the Woman's Club and a successful convention held here. The invitation recently extended, to meet again in Spencer in 1909, met with an enthusiastic acceptance.
The social element has entered largely into the club life, picnics, receptions and suppers have all had their turn; one pleasant feature has been the annual reception offered to the ladies attending the Farmers' Institute. In connection with the latter the club has, on three successive years, given a silver spoon, as a prize for the best essay on some household topic written by a girl under fifteen years of age.
When the Carnegie library was built, the Woman's Club furnished the assembly room and, on two occasions since that time, two book showers have been given, resulting in the addition of eighty volumes to the library. Two art exhibits have been held, and on several occasions lecturers have been engaged to address the club and invited friends.
State-wide movements for the benefit of the home, such as the state library commission, the compulsory education, child labor and pure food bills, have received the hearty support of the club by means of petitions and letters to legislators and persons of influence. Through its committee on civic improvement some untidy corners have been cleaned up.
In 1905 the management of the M. G. M. lecture course was tendered to the Woman's Club and accepted. Since that time six high-class entertainments have been given each winter with good success.
Undoubtedly this organization, whose members at one time numbered seventy- five, has had its silent influence in the development of the home. The breadth of thought, purity of aim, deep interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the home, have been felt in the community and which has been bettered for what was in the hearts and in the discussions of its women.
The officers for the present year are as follows:
President, Mrs. Kirkpatrick; vice president, Mrs. Steele; second vice president,
Mrs. Horner; recording secretary, Mrs. Gillespie; corresponding secretary,
Mrs. Cruver; treasurer, Mrs. Leach; librarian, Mrs. Fee. These officers, ably
supported by the following standing committees: program, social, printing, room,
special study and educational, will carry out the high aims and the earnest
purposes of the founders of the club.
THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE OF SPENCER.
The Grand Opera House is the piece de resistance in the general make-up of the business center of Spencer. The building was erected in the summer of 1900 by John Copper. It is three stories in height and has a frontage on Main street of seventy-five feet. The structure is made of Twin City buff brick, trimmed with red stone, which gives it a substantial and imposing appearance. The ground floor is given over to business rooms. The second floor front has office rooms, while the rear of this story and the rear of the third story make the auditorium, gallery and stage of the theater. The seating capacity is about eight hundred. The people of Spencer are proud of their place of amusement and, from the fact it is suited to the requirements of traveling artists of the stage, it has made Spencer what is called by "professionals," a good show town.
ANNETT POST.
Annett Post, G. A. R., No. 124. ‐ Was duly organized at Spencer and officers installed February 10, 1883. They were: Commander, Cyrus McKay; S. V. C, E. Boyer; J. V. C, B. P. Huff; Adjutant, J. N. Andrew; Sergeant Major, G. H. Deggins; Chaplain, L L. Foster; O. M., A. T McConnell; Officer of the Day, W. B. Davidson; Guard, J. P. Evans. It has a membership of about seventy-seven.
The Post was organized with forty-three charter members, as follows:
W. R. Davidson, E. Boyer, B. P. Hough, Henry Green, D. C. Gillespie, William
T. Fizell, M. H. Marshell, Edward Files, W. J. Salisbery, C. W. Hoxie, C. B.
Fairbanks, A. H. Miner, J. J. G. Knowles, T. H. Jones, J. N. Andrews, Perry
Hodge, James B. Barry, James Fred, G. M. Smith, E. Pickering, Cyrus McKay,
T. O. Phelps, H. J. Goodell, J. P. Evans, H. K. Frain, A. B. Walters, George H.
Diggins, C. E. Case, A. F. McConnell, Charles Goold, Peter Kress, A. H.
Cheney, H. C. Crary, Scott Case, L. M. Rood, Walter Bedford, W. A. Stone,
J. C. Tabor, John Andrews, P. E. Randall, R. A. Coats, I. L. Foster and George
Andrews.
The following are the names of the deceased soldiers interred in Riverside
cemetery, Spencer, Iowa.
W. H. Roth, G. W. Stephenson, A. Fuhr, Peter Bergeman, D. Faulkner,
S. C. Bascome, J. M. Carr, Walter Bedford, J. Wade, C. E. Waste, U. S. Waste,
H. S. Bender, Charles Carver, S. J. Reynolds, J. B. Annett, S. A. Haines,
S. K. Purdy, C. Dalley. A. W. Miller, W. C. Savage, R. B. Jones, A. Woodruf,
J. N. Andrews, C. D. Hendershot, A. S. Hatch, H. S. Woodard, R. Roberts,
J. Hovey, A. Hovey, W. M. Deane, L. M. .Marr, J. Cottrell, H. D. Parsons,
W. W. Been, S. Wilson, W. J. Dailey, J. W. Stebbins, D. T. Jaynes, J. P.
Evans, Delos Secor, A. M. Dye, M. M. Smith, D. F. Janes, T. P. Doty. W. R.
Tubs, Alphius Adams, Ashley Smith, P. E. Randall, Chris Green, Thomas Smock,
M. L. Marshall, F. P. Kress, C. G. Tinkham, Adam R. Wheeler, W. H. Austin,
T. C. Dood, George Bassett, P. F. Marker, Jasper Messenger. J. C. Barry,
John McConnell and Henry Thurier; making a total of sixty-two.
PAST POST COMMANDERS.
| Now living | Time of Service | Now living | Time of Service |
| E. Boyer | 1885 | T. H. Jones | 1893 |
| J. P. Evans | 1886 | L. Whitney | 1894 |
| A. F. McConnell | 1887 | N. T. Wilcox | 1899 |
| W. T. Fizell | 1888 | J. C. McCoy | 1901 |
| W. P. Bowman | 1889 | J. S. Ade | 1904 |
| A. H. Cheney | 1890 | J. P. Mills | 1906 |
| Thomas McQueen | 1891 |
LIST OF MEMBERS OF ANNETT POST, NO. 124,
G. A. R., DEPARTMENT OF IOWA.
W. T. Fitzell‐Enlisted Aug. 21, 1862; Co. K, 29th Wis. inf. Discharged June 22, 1865. Close war.
T. H. Jones, Priv.‐Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862; Co. H, 22d Wis. inf. Discharged Sept. 7. 1863. Disability.
A. F. McConnell, Sergt.‐Enlisted Aug. 21, 1862; Co. B, 23d Wis. inf. Discharged July 14, 1865. Disability.
W. E. Rose, Priv.‐Enlisted Jan. 4, 1863; Co. F, 34th Iowa inf. Discharged August, 1865. Corp.
W. H. H. Clark‐Enlisted 1861; 3rd Iowa battery. Discharged Oct. 23, 1864. Disability.
James Ashborn‐Enlisted Aug. 17. 1862; Co. G. 6th Iowa cavalry. Discharged Oct. 17, 1866. G. O.
T. Tindall‐Enlisted May 7, 1864; Co. C, 145th Ill. inf. Discharged May 20, 1866. Close.
N. C. Harvey‐Enlisted Dec. 24, 1863; Co. H. 2nd Wis. Discharged July 16, 1865. Corporal.
J. H. Peck. Priv.‐Enlisted May, 1864; Co. D, 45th Wis. inf. Discharged Sept., 1864. Exp. of term.
Scott Case, Priv.‐Enlisted Aug. 26, 1861; Co. C. 11th Wis. inf. Discharged Aug. 19, 1863. Loss of left leg.
E. Boyer. Priv.‐Enlisted Oct. 11. 1864; Co. E. 52nd Ind. inf. Discharged July 21, 1865. Close.
A. Seibel, Corp.&dsh;—Enlisted Sept., 1861; Co. F. 8th Iowa vol. Discharged June 18, 1865. G. O. No. 19
C. W. Hoxie, Priv.‐Enlisted Oct. 7, 1864; Co. I, 13th Wis. inf. Discharged July 25, 1865. Close
J. O. Jackson‐Enlisted Sept. 7, 1861; Co. D. 12th Wis. inf. Discharged June 3, 1865. Close
N. T. Wilcox. Priv.‐Enlisted Oct. 20, 1861; Co. D. 102nd N. Y. inf. Dischargcd Dec. 24, 1864. Exp. of term
H.B. Paige‐Enlisted Nov. 27, 1861; Co. K. 7th New Hampshire. Discharged June 5. 1863. Serg. Cirt
J. C. McCoy, Priv.‐Enlisted Sept., 1861; Bat. I, Wis. L. A. Discharged Oct. 22, 1864. Sergt.
John Andrews, Priv.‐Enlisted May 9, 1864; Co. A, 46th Iowa inf. Discharged Sept. 27, 1864. 100 days.
D. C. Palmer, Priv.‐Enlisted 1864; Co. D, 35th Wis. Discharged 1866. Corp.
C. L. Hayes, Sergt.‐Enlisted Aug. 26, 1862; Co. F, 157th N. Y. inf. Discharged June 20, 1865. Wounds.
Dr. J. C. Collister‐Enlisted May 7, 1864; Co. F, 138th Ill. inf. Discharged July 14. 1865. Close.
L. Whitney‐Enlisted Aug. 30, 1864; Co. C. 146th Ill. inf. Discharged July 7, 1865. Close.
J. T. Ade‐Enlisted July 4, 1863; Co. A, 43d Ohio. Discharged May 16, 1866. Close.
D. L. Ryder — Enlisted Sept. 3, 1864; U. S. N. Discharged Aug. 26, 1865. Close.
John Watts. Priv.‐Enlisted July 4, 1862; Co. H. 21st Iowa inf. Discharged July 15, 1865. Close.
D. M. Green‐Enlisted May, 1861; Co. E. 34th N. Y. Discharged Sept. 20. 1865. Close.
Picture of Peterson 1908
J. W. Phelps&dashEnlisted 1863; Co. I, 20th Iowa inft. Discharged July 15, 1866. Close of term.
A. Paddock‐Enlisted Aug., 1862; Co. D, 96th Iowa inf. Discharged May 12, 1865. Close of term.
J. W. Hartman‐Enlisted Jan., 1864; Co. B, 46th Ill. inf. Discharged 1865. Close of term.
Alex. Hayman, Priv.‐Enlisted Aug. 30, 1862; Co. K, 105th Ill. inf. Discharged May 12, 1865. Close of term.
D. F. O. Cuttell, Priv.‐Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862; Co. A. 24th Iowa inf. Discharged Nov. 7, 1863. G. S. wounds.
George Kindelspire, Priv.‐Enlisted June 24, 1861; Co. H, 7th Mo. inf. Discharged June 16, 1863. G. S. wounds.
J. Wamsley, Priv.‐Enlisted Aug., 1862; Co. B, 94th Ill. inf. Discharged Sept., 1864. Disability.
E. D. Chamberlin‐Enlisted Sept. 2, 1864; Co. H, I. H. art. Discharged June 15, 1865. G. O. 53.
P. W. Madden‐No description.
S. L. Cutshall, Priv.‐Enlisted Oct. 1, 1863; Co. B, 4th Iowa cav. Discharged Aug. 8, 1865. Close.
A. M. Jones, Corp.‐Enlisted Sept. 3, 1864; Co. G, 211th Pa. inf. Discharged June 2, 1865. Close.
E.Wetherby, Priv.‐Enlisted May 10, 1864; Co. D, 47th Ill. inf. Discharged Sept. 24, 1864. Close of term.
W. W. Culver, Corp.‐Enlisted Aug. 2, 1862; Co. A, 33d Wis. inf. Discharged Aug. 9, 1865. Close of term.
John Riley, Priv.‐Enlisted Feb., 1862; Co. C, 12th Ill. cav. Discharged Sept., 1865. Close of term.
William Steel. Priv.‐Enlisted Dec. 3, 1863; Co. A. 1st Wis. cav. Discharged July 19. 1865. Close of term.
M. E. Grififin. Priv.‐Enlisted Aug., 1862; Co. F, 21st Iowa inf. Discharged June, 1865. Close.
Jos. O'Brien, Priv.‐Enlisted Aug. 6, 1862; Co. K, 187th Pa. inf. Discharged Aug. 3, 1865. Special Order.
Ira Sargent, Priv.‐Enlisted Oct. 17, 1864; Co. D, 4th Iowa inf. Discharged July 24, 1865. Close.
J. A. Alexander, Priv.‐Enlisted Aug., 1862; Co. K, 22nd Wis. inf. Discharged June, 1865. Close.
Luke Becket, Priv.‐Enlisted June 16, 1865; Co. D, l0th Iowa inf. Discharged Sept., 1865. Close.
Charles O. Harriss‐Enlisted Nov., 1861; Co. I, 16th Wis. inf. Discharged Dec. 25, 1865. Close.
B. F. Lowrie, Priv.‐Enlisted Oct., 1862; Co. K, 56th N. Y. inf. Discharged Oct. 16, 1865. Exp. of term.
Edgar Miner‐No description.
A. H. Cheney. First Lieut.‐Enlisted Sept. 1, 1862; Co. E, l0th Vermont. Discharged Sept. 30, 1865. Major.
D. C. Gillespie, Priv.‐Enlisted June 16, 1864; Co. E, 12th Wis. Discharged July 16, 1865.
G. M. Bisbee, Priv.‐Enlisted July 21, 1861; Co. A, 6th Kan. vol. Discharged July, 1865. Close.
W.W. Claypool, Priv.‐Enlisted Sept. 4, 1861; Co. G, 5th Mo. cav. Discharged Nov. 11, 1864. Exp. of term.
Thomas McQueen, Priv.‐Enlisted Aug. 27, 1862; Co. A, l00th Ill. inf. Dis- charged June 16, 1864. G. S. wounds.
George W. Wright, Priv.‐Enlisted May 7, 1864; Co. H. 132nd Ill. inf. Dis- charged Oct. 17, 1864. 100 days.
W. P. Bowman, Priv.‐Enlisted Oct. 19, 1864; Cos. K, I, IH, Wis. art. Discharged June 28, 1864. G. O. 28.
John Patton, Priv.‐Enlisted Jan. 4, 1864; Co. W, 6th N. Y. H. A. Discharged Jan. 22, 1865. Wounds.
D. H. King, Priv.‐Enlisted Dec. 19, 1862; Co H. 33rd Wis. int. Discharged Sept. 4, 1865. Close.
H. Green, Second Lieut.‐Enlisted May 19, 1861; Co. F, 49th Wis. inf. Discharged Oct., 1865. Close.
William Yates,‐Enlisted May 9, 1864: Co. E, 40th Wis. reg. Discharged Sept. 16, 1864. Close of term.
J. S. Fadden, Priv.‐Enlisted Sept., 1861; Co. B. l0th Wis. inf. Discharged Dec. 1864.
J.H. Morgan‐No description.
John Adams, Priv.‐Enlisted June 10, 1864; Co. A, 9th Iowa inf. Discharged July 18, 1865. Close.
J. D. H. Wright, Priv.‐Enlisted Aug. 6, 1862; Co. I, 1st Drag. Discharged Jan. 30, 1865. G. O. 83.
L. E. LaBrant, Priv.‐Enlisted June 16, 1864; Co. C, 17th Ill. cav. Discharged Nov. 24, 1865. Sergt.
J. S. Ada‐Enlisted Sept. 1, 1861; Co. H. 17th Ohio inf. Discharged July 20, 1865. Sergt.
Frank Wright, Priv.‐Enlisted Feb. 1, 1865; Co. F, 147th Ill. inf. Discharged 1866. Close.
D. J. Logan‐Enlisted March 1, 1864; Co. G, 145th Pa. inf. Discharged 1865. Close.
J. P. Mills. Priv.‐Enlisted Aug. 27, 1864; Co. E, 43rd Wis. inf. Discharged July 6, 1865. Close of war.
J. H. Doty ‐Enlisted Feb. 22, 1864; Co. C, 12th Reg. Wis. inf. Discharged July 15, 1866. G. O.
J. B. Walters, Wagoner‐Enlisted Oct. 22, 1861; Co. M, 4th Iowa cav. Discharged Aug. 8, 1865. G. O. 3.
George Tercy, Priv.‐Enlisted July 4, 1861; Co. C, 17th Iowa inf. Discharged Jan. 25, 1865. Close.
T. P. Powell — Enlisted March 1, 1865; Co. K, 55th Wis. inf. Discharged July i, 1866. Close.
B. B. Offine‐Enlisted March 2, 1864; Co. G, N. Y. inf. Discharged Jan. 18, 1865. Close.
G. R. Warde. Priv.&dashEnlisted Feb. 24, 1864; Co. B, 29th Iowa inf. Discharged Aug. 1, 1865. Close.
D. C. Gillespie, Priv.‐Enlisted June 6, 1864; Co. E, 12th Wis. inf. Discharged July 16, 1865. Close.
A. J. Goodell, Priv.‐Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862; Co. E, 113th Iowa inf. Discharged June 20, 1865. Close.
THE PRESENT OFFICERS OF ANNETT POST.
J. S. Fadden, Commander; L. F. LaBrant, Sen. Vice Commander; T. H. Jones, Jun. vice Commander; T. P. Powell, Chaplain; Dr. J. C. Collister, Surgeon; George W. Tercy, Officer of the Day; J. B. Walters, Officer of the Guard; J. P. Mills, Quartermaster; George Kindelspire, Quartermaster Sarg.; D. F. O. Cuttell, Adjutant; Thomas McQueen, Sergt. Major; Thomas McQueen, Patriotic Instructor. There is a total of seventy-seven members.
THE SPENCER FREE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Spencer Free Baptist church was organized August 10, 1867. The charter members were as follows: Solomon Wells and wife, Caroline Wells, David Nelson Coats and wife, Betsy E. Coats, Romanzo A. Coats, who afterward became the pastor. Also his wife, Lephy Coats, Frank M. Wells and wife, Susan; John F. Calkins and the wife of Stephen Calkins.
Rev. David Nelson Coats was the first regular pastor, who was here a little over five years. His son, R. A. Coats, who succeeded him, remained seven years. The charge was supplied by J. H. Moxom, three months, and by E. L. Tibbets four months. F. P. Augir was pastor from 1880 to 1882; R. A. Coats, May 5, 1883, to May 7, 1887; H. J. Brown, October 2, 1887, to December 13, 1892. He died while pastor of this charge. He was succeeded by G. B. Hopkins, who remained for two years; J. E. Abramson, April, 1895, to October, 1898. He was succeeded by Rev. T. O. Comstock, October 23, 1898, who remained until 1903. Rev. E. E. Evans became pastor in April, 1904, and is serving the charge at the present time.
June 3, 1882, they held the first meeting in their new church, with fourteen members present; they were as follows: Rev. F. P. Augir, H. D. Parsons and wife and May and Edward Parsons; F. Vanauken, G. D. Marcellus, Mrs. Caroline Tuttle and daughter, Anna; Deacon Britton, Carrie Baker, R. A. Coats and wife and Kate M. Crary. Out of this nucleus formed in the early days grew the present flourishing church of about one hundred and thirty members.
The organization consisted of ten original members, who met for covenant and business and religious meetings in private houses, until August 7, 1869, when they met for the first time in the new schoolhouse, the first frame building put up in Spencer.
In April, 1871, the membership had increased to fifty-three.
In February, 1872, Rev. D. N. Coats resigned as pastor and Rev. R. A. Coats, his son, was elected pastor, and the church was moved from the schoolhouse to the courthouse hall.
June 7, 1873, the church took out papers of incorporation under the name of the "First Free Will Baptist Church of Spencer, Clay County, Iowa," with
G. D. Marcellus, J.F. Calkins, Wales Lamberton, J. E. Robbins and D. N. Coats as trustees. (Said papers are recorded on page 43 of Book of Incorporation among the county records).
At the same time it was agreed to move their meetings from the courthouse hall to the new Methodist Episcopal church that they had assisted to build with the ultimate understanding that they should occupy it alternately with the Methodists. In May, 1875, the church again returned to the courthouse hall, and February i, 1879, moved to Merritt's Hall and thence to the courthouse hall again in October, 1881, and from there to their own church on the corner of Fifth and ‐‐ streets, June 3, 1882, where they now worship in a commodious, nicely finished church edifice.
SPENCER CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The Church of Christ was organized January, 1881, by a small body of earnest Christian men and women, numbering twelve. The meetings were held in the courthouse for quite a period and afterwards for a time in the Baptist church. Among the first members can be remembered Mrs. Eliza Carver, Addie McCormick, and Mrs. Kate Page, wife of H. B. Page. Rev. H. H. Hawley was the first pastor and remained with the charge about two years, when he retired and went to California. Rev. Summers followed Rev. Flawley and was the pastor about one year. He was followed by F. O. Fannon, who remained two years and after an absence of six months returned and remained another year. Then came Rev. R. A. Thompson from Missouri. He was pastor one year and then returned to the border state. John Van Kirk succeeded Rev. Thompson, coming to Spencer from Ruthven. He remained with the charge one year and was followed by J. Will Walters, a divinity student of Drake university. Mr. Walters remained in Spencer two years and then returned to the university. Granville Snell was the next pastor. After administering to the flock eighteen months he returned to Missouri. J. R. Mclntire was the pastor in charge the following three years, coming from Oskaloosa, and his successor was Rev. E. T. Jeffries, who only remained three months. He came from Rock Rapids. Then Samuel Magee came in response to a call and was the pastor for one year. He then left for Missouri. His successor was J. M. Hoffman, who filled the pulpit acceptably for two years and then went to Des Moines. Then came J. E. Seaton from South Dakota, who stayed two years and was followed by Fred D. Macey, from Drake university. Three years was the duration of his pastorate. Loren Flowe followed Mr. Macey, and he was succeeded by B. L. Kline. The former remained one year and the latter eighteen months. Edward Wright was the next pastor, and his incumbency lasted one year, as did also that of his successor, Gerald Bohannon, who came from Osceola. The present pastor is E.N. Spafford, who took up his labors in Spencer the fall of 1908.
In May, 1883, the present church was erected. October 3, 1883, it was dedicated by Rev. D. R. Dungan, of University place, Des Moines. In 1900 the interior of the church was remodeled. During the pastorate of F. O. Fannon, in 1898, the parsonage was built. The present value of the church property is $10,000. Membership, one hundred and forty-two; membership of Sunday school, one hundred.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
Was organized January 7, 1874, with David Skinner, Catherine Skinner, J. A. Bowman, W. M. Davis, S. Hayes, L. Chapin, J. J. Ayers and L. F. Miller. The first officers were: D. Skinner, deacon; L. F. Miller, clerk; J. A. Bowman, treasurer; D. Skinner, J. A. Bowman and W.M. Davis, trustees. The first pastor was T. H. Judson.
This society eventually ceased its organization and sold its property to the Seventh Day Adventists, who now conduct services there regularly.
FRIENDS CHURCH.
This church was organized in 1890, by Rev. Jacob Hinshaw, who at the time lived at Lake Okoboji. Among the earlier members of the society mav be mentioned Mrs. Nellie Osborn, L. C. Ford and family, and Mrs. Bettie Davis. In the summer of 1891 the old Congregational church building was purchased and moved to the east part of the town; subsequently it was again disturbed and now rests upon its foundation on the corner of Fourth and Mill streets. After some improvements and remodeling, the society now has a very comfortable and pretty little place of worship, which, with the building site, cost the modest sum of $2,000.
For a time the Friends church had a large membership. It is said the membership in 1903 was all of three hundred. This has now dwindled down to ninety, many of the communicants moving away and being scattered all over the United States.
The first pastor of the church was Jacob Hinshaw. He remained with this charge until the fall of 1893, and was succeeded by Mrs. Emma Coffin, who came to Spencer from Minneapolis. Mrs. Coffin was pastor of the church about five years and was followed by Miss Mary Barrett and ‐‐ Wager, both of Cleveland, Ohio. They were succeeded by Ellis Wells in about one year. Mr. Wells came from Carmel, Indiana, and remained in Spencer about two years. His successor was Alexander Anderson, who came from Oskaloosa, and was succeeded by William I. Kent, of Marshalltown, Iowa. Mr. Kent remained three years, and in the fall of 1908 Mr. and Mrs. Chester Harris came on from Collins, New York, and the latter took up the pastorate where Mr. Kent left off.
THE GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The German Methodist Episcopal church was built in 1901, and dedicated June 26. of that year. The building was erected at a cost of $1,600, and not a penny of debt remains unpaid. It is a pretty little house of worship and is a satisfaction to those who made the donations towards its completion.
The German Methodist Episcopal church of Spencer was organized by H. B. Fiegenbaum in 1868. Prominent among the first members were Adam Fuhr, William Gaulke and August Hein. Rev. Fiegenbaum remained as pastor of the church until 1870; he was succeeded by the following: H. Achenbach, 70-71; E. W. Henke, 71-72; Gottlieb Haefner, 72-72; August Westphal, 73-74; A. W. F. Krienke. 74-75; C. Mauer, 75-78; John Kruse, 78-79; J. A. Lempke, 79-81; William Kopp, 81-82; H. Zimmerman, 82-83; W. J. Suckow, 83-84;
Henry J. Schmidt, 84-87; John A. Lempke, 87-89; F. Rohrich, 89-91; H. W. Ballert, 91-92; H. R. Schmidt, 92-94; W. H. Klaus, 94-95 5 W. J. Loeck, 95-97; F. W. Schaefer, 97-1900; William Hein, 1900-04; G. E. Kienly, 04-06; John A. Lempke, 06, the present pastor, who is now serving his charge for the third time. The parsonage was built in 1897, during the pastorate of Rev. William Loeck. The church has a membership of fifty; there are thirty-two children in the Sunday school.
SACRED HEART CHURCH.
This parish began holding services in Spencer in 1879. The society was ministered to by Father Smith, of Emmetsburg. In 1882 Father Norton assumed the pastorate. For a number of years the society held services in Merritt's hall. In 1883 ground was broken for the new church, which was completed and dedicated in 1884. It is a pleasant and comfortable frame building and is located on Fifth street. This society has a good membership and is gradually growing under the present ministrations of Rev. Father B. A. Hunt.
The church was first served from Spirit Lake, and among the early priests who officiated was Father Tierney. His predecessor took up his residence here and also served the missions of Milford and Everly. The successors of Father Tierney were Revs. J. L. Kirby, M. J. Quirk and J. Hetherington.
The present priest of this church was appointed to the charge and took up residence in Spencer September 1, 1908, coming to Spencer from Sac City.
The church is in a very prosperous condition and the parish innnbers forty- four families members of the church. In 1897 a rectory was built on ground adjoining the church building at a cost of $4,000. It is one of the most substantial and architecturally pleasing residences of Spencer.
ST. STEPHEN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SPENCER
About the year 1880 Rev. Hale Townsend, rector or missionary at Trinity church, Emmetsburg, began to pay visits to Spencer and held church services. Occasional services may have been held a few years before this, but of such services nothing definite can be learned at this time. After a year or so of these visits by Mr. Townsend the Rev. Mr. Johnston was appointed resident missionary at Spencer. Service was held in what is now the old rectory, the house then serving for a chapel and rectory, and located on West Third street, about one block west of Main. Mr. Johnston appears to have remained about two years. No records have been made of these services, nor of any official acts of his, such as confirmations, marriages, etc. After Mr. Johnston's removal there were occasional services for a short time, followed by a long interval of many years during which few, if any, services were held. The property fell into decay and the mission was practically defunct. During this period some of the communicants removed from the town, some died, and others united with other religious bodies.
By the year 1894 several church families had come to Spencer, among them Dr. William P. Woodcock, a retired physicain, (SIC)a gentleman of considerable wealth and a very devout churchman. The revival of the services was deter-
mined on and the services of a missionary were procured. The Rev. R. M. Doherty removed to Spencer and began the work February, 1885. The services were held in the Baptist church, on West Third street, adjoining the parsonage property. Mr. Doherty remained fifteen months.
A worship guild was organized and good congregations attended the services. Twenty-six baptisms were administered and eleven persons confirmed during Mr. Doherty's ministry here.
In May, 1896, Rev. F. F. Bowen, of Estherville, was appointed missionary. Services were then held in the A. O. U. W. hall, Crawford's hall and in the Baptist church.
On September 28, 1896, the Right Rev. Bishop Walker, of North Dakota, made a visit and confirmed six persons. During the summer of 1897 steps were taken looking toward the building of a church. Plans were prepared by E. S. Hammett, of Davenport, Iowa, for a church to cost about $3,500, exclusive of furniture. The contract for the building was let to S. B. Taylor, contractor and builder, and that year warden of the mission. The first stone for the foundation was laid on the Feast of St. Bartholomew, August 24th. The corner stone was laid by the Rev. S. H. Cornell, of the Sioux City convocation on September 14th, assisted by the local lodge of the Free Masons and by the Rev. W. T. Jackson, Ph. D., of Emmetsburg; R. A. Crickmer, Spirit Lake, and Rev. F. F. Bowen, missionary at Spencer. The cost of the church, including the furnishings, was $4,700. Of this amount, $2,834.43, including the lot on which the church stands, was donated by Dr. and Mrs. W. P. Woodcock. The money for the windows was furnished by Mary A. Astor Woodcock, of Bedford, New York, a sister of Dr. W. P. Woodcock. The American Church Building Fund of New York gave $150, and the balance was given by church families and the citizens of Spencer. The bishop's chair, the prayer desk, were bought with money obtained at a concert given by the boys of the Sunday school. The cottas and cassocks for a choir of thirty voices were made by the Woman's Guild.
The church was used for the first time on Christmas day, 1897, and on St. Stephen's day following.
The church was dedicated to St. Stephen, the martyr, and is known as St. Stephen's parish.
The consecration services were held on the Monday following, or April 11, 1898, Bishop Perry being the consecrator. A class of eight persons was confirmed.
In May, 1898, the mission asked permission from the ecclesiastical authority to organize as a parish, which was granted and the necessary steps thereto were taken. At a meeting held on June 1st the organization was effected. The following persons were elected vestrymen: Dr. William P. Woodcock, H. N. Smith, John W. Cory, Ackley Hubbard and W. L. Schultz. At the first meeting of the vestrymen they elected Dr. W. P. Woodcock and H. N. Smith wardens; John W. Cory, treasurer; W. L. Schultz, secretary. The missionary, F. F. Bowen, was elected as rector, on a salary of $800 and the use of the rectory.
The parish was admitted to union with the Convention November 30, 1898. On Easter day, 1901, the women of the Guild placed an oak pulpit in the church. Easter day, 1902, Henry F. L. Brooks placed a brass lecturn in the church, in memory of his wife, Margaret Robertson Brooks.
In 1905 a large altar rail, built by Spaulding & Company, Chicago, was placed in the sanctuary. The plate thereon reads, "Erected to the glory of God and in loving memory of W. P. Woodcock, New York, by Mary A. Astor Woodcock and Dr. W. P. Woodcock, Spencer, Iowa." Very soon afterwards a large altar cross was placed on the altar, made by the same company, with the following beautifully engraven: "Bessie Lenore Free. Born 1874. Died 1906."
Dr. and Mrs. Woodcock, September of this year (1908) ordered from the Burlington Pipe Organ Company, of Burlington. Iowa, a pipe organ, which is now in process of construction. When placed in the church, which will be Christmas, 1908, it will bear this plate: "Erected to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mary Anita Astor Woodcock, of Bedford, New York."
The present rector, W. D. Morrow, D. C. L.. was appointed November 16, 1903. On Easter Monday of each year the vestry and officers of the church are elected by the parish. The present officers are as follows: Secretary, Dwight L. Dickey; treasurer, Clarence P. Buckey; wardens, Dr. W. P. Woodcock. M. D.. and C. P. Buckey; vestrymen, J. O. Birdsall, D. R. Dickey, E. L. Dickey and Dr. A. W. Leard.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Spencer circuit was formed in September, 1871. At first the membership was quite small, but under the ministrations of Rev. Charles B. Winter, the pastor, the congregation grew and the number of members increased. The first services were held in the courthouse hall, but as the church in time increased so rapidly numerically, it was decided to build a place of worship. Subscriptions were solicited and in 1872 a sufficient amount had been subscribed to justify the trustees in letting the contract for building the church. The trustees at this time were John Hood, president; M. M. Peeso, secretary; J. H. Hale, treasurer; A. M. Calkins, W. W. Scott, R. Hough and H. B. Wood. The building progressed rapidly and by June was ready for occupancy. On the 18th of June, 1873, it was formally dedicated by Rev. J. W. Clinton. It was a neat and convenient church and an ornament to the town. The zeal and earnestness displayed by Rev. Winter, ably assisted by the trustees and others, was untiring, and it was a source of pride and rejoicing when the church was completed and ready for divine worship. It was well seated, provided with an organ, and was in every way a model church edifice. It was, unfortunately, destroyed by fire. The cause of the fire has never yet been ascertained. The church was therefore without a place of worship, but in time the members went back to the courthouse hall, where services were conducted until 1880. Under the ministrations of Rev. E. C. Warren the society succeeded in raising $2,000. and built a good frame church on the corner of Fourth and State streets. It was dedicated in 1880 by Bishop Warren, and its entire indebtedness was provided for on the day of its dedication. In 1881 a parsonage was built, sixteen by twenty-four,
Picture of CHRISTIAN CHURCH. SPENCER
at a cost of $700. This was given several additions and was a comfortable and cosy dwelling. In 1903 a new parsonage was built at a cost of $4,000. The church building was a substantial frame structure of sufficient seating capacity and one of the best constructed church buildings in Spencer. The membership of this society, when first organized, was forty-six, but it has grown until its membership is now three hundred and fifty. It has a well organized Sabbath school, numbering at least two hundred pupils. The present pastor is Orville M. Bond.
METHODIST CHURCH HISTORY.
By a Pioneer.
Dr. S. Snyder, if the writer is correctlv informed, was the first minister to carry the glad tidings to the people of Clay county. That was back in the later '50's. Mr. Snyder's home at that time, we believe, was at Boone, Iowa. From the settlements along the Des Moines river at and near Boone he crossed the great waste of uninhabited prairie until he struck the settlement on the Little Sioux at Sutherland, where he preached the first sermon ever delivered in that section of Iowa. Working his way up the Little Sioux, he afterward preached at Correctionville, Cherokee, Peterson and Sioux Rapids. Spencer was not in existence at that time, the only settlements in the county being near the southern border, along the Little Sioux. So few and so scattering were the settlers that there were no organized churches with regular services until about 1869 or 1870. The first church building in the county was erected by the Welsh Baptists in Douglas township in 1869, and was known as "Pioneer" church. About that time a Methodist Episcopal church was organized in Peterson and Rev. C. W. Clifton, a zealous, earnest young man, placed in charge. Mr. Clifton preached in Peterson each alternate Sunday morning, and devoted the remainder of his time to outlying settlements, as homesteaders by that time had begun to come in and occupy the land.
In 1866 the first settlement in this part of the county was made, when the Calkinses, Coatses, Wellses and others settled near what is now Spencer. Among these settlers was D. N. Coats, a Free Baptist minister. The settlers soon organized themselves into a church society and Mr. Coats preached to them, the meetings being held in the settlers' cabins. From the nucleus then formed grew the present Free Baptist church of Spencer.
Soon after the establishment of religious services by the Free Baptists the Methodists began work in the same field. Among the pioneer Methodists to preach here was Rev. John Webb, a man of much energy and considerable ability. A little later a couple of young men named Todd preached here. Although having the same name, the two Todds were not related. One of the Todds was a very tall man and was commonly designated as "Long Todd"; the other was a rather short man and was generally alluded to as "Short Todd." Each of the Todds had ability and each became a presiding elder before drifting from this conference. "Long Todd" was an eloquent, forceful speaker, who could almost hypnotize his audience. He was a master at storv telling, and could be somewhat "sporty" when out with the "boys." "Short Todd," on the other hand, was a quiet, serious man, who indulged in no levity. He was
190 HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
scholarly, and. a ready, pleasing speaker. His sermons were characterized more
by their careful preparation and good thought than by their eloquence.
Other prominent pioneers in this part of Iowa were Rev. Bennett Mitchell,
now retired and living at Morningside, a suburb of Sioux City, and Elder
Brown, often called "Big Brown," to designate him from another minister of
the same name, but smaller of stature. Both these men had splendid ability,
coupled with energy and persistence.
In May, 1871, the village of Spencer was platted, and by fall quite a little
group of homes had been built. Up to that time a sixteen by twenty-four
schoolhouse, standing on the present high school site, was the only place available
for a house of worship, and was used on alternate Sundays by Free Baptists
and Methodists. That same fall Spencer charge was established by the Methodist
Episcopal annual conference, and Rev. C B. Winter was sent here as
pastor. In addition to Spencer, he was given two country appointments ‐ one
in Riverton and one in Meadow ‐ and known as Spencer circuit. The new
minister thus became both pastor and circuit rider. Mr. Winter had never seen
the inside of a theological school, practically his entire education having been
acquired in the Register office, Des Moines, where he earned the well-merited
reputation of being a first class printer. He was a sincere, earnest man, and
prepared plain, practical sermons, well adapted to conditions at that time. He
could see humor where the average person would never suspect any existed,
and his talent for seeing funny things was present in the pulpit as well as out
of it. He rode on horseback to his country appointments on an antiquated
equine which he called "Socrates," and when mounted, the "boys," all of whom
were his friends, would refer to him as the circus rider; and in truth it was
little less entertaining than a real circus to see him on horseback. He was
very timid of horses and soon disposed of his old steed, after which he made
his country appointments on foot, unless some thoughtful brother furnished
transportation. He was popular and drew large audiences. Soon after coming
to Spencer the old courthouse ‐ still standing on lower Main street ‐ was
finished, and he held his services in the court room until the first Methodist
Episcopal church building in Clay county was completed, which was in June,
1873. It stood where Frank Smith's residence now stands, on East Second
street, and was a modest frame structure, thirty by forty-five feet, and in those
days made quite an imposing appearance. The dedicatory sermon was preached
by Rev. J. W. Clinton, of Cedar Rapids, who delivered an able discourse. Mr.
Clinton was a fine story teller, and after the sermon proceeded to prepare his
audience for the money raising event to follow. The deficit was large, but
things looked prosperous, and pledges enough to cover all indebtedness were
secured. But soon after the dedication the grasshoppers, in untold millions,
descended upon the country and destroyed the farmers' crops, and instead of the
liberal surplus expected, a large part of the settlers were compelled to accept
aid from their friends, while the state donated grain for seed for the following
year's crop. Owing to this calamity, a large part of the church pledges were
never paid, and eventually the building was sold at sheriff's sale to satisfy the
claims of a number of dealers for material furnished. During the year following
the sale the church trustees made a loan and paid the lumber dealers claims.
and the building continued available for services. In February, 1877, the final
blow came, when the building took fire one Sunday night after services and was
completely consumed.
From then until 1880, when a part of the building just moved to the corner
of Main and East Second streets was erected, where the new fine church now
stands, services were held in rented rooms in different parts of the town. Those
who are enjoying the comforts and luxuries of the church as they abound today
little realize the tribulations through which the church people of early days
here passed.
The new Grace Methodist Episcopal church was dedicated on April 5, 1901,
with all costs for the same provided for. The structure cost $25,000, and the pipe
organ, which was installed later, cost $2,100. It is an Estey organ.
At the dedicatory exercises it was expected that Bishop McDowell, of
Chicago, would be present; but at the last moment he was taken sick and sent
as a substitute Dr. James Roe, superintendent of the mission and church
extension work of that city. At first the people were much disappointed, but this
disappointment was only temporary. Dr. Roe certainly preached a most
excellent sermon and the people were greatly pleased with him. After this Dr.
Trimble, a former pastor, took the platform and announced that it would be
necessary to raise $8,000 to provide for the church debt. It took only a few
minutes to raise $2,500 by $500 contributions, and in less than an hour $7,000
was raised.
At the evening meeting Dr. Trimble informed the people that there was
some money yet to raise, and he proceeded by asking Dr. Lewis (now bishop),
president of Morningside college, to do it. It only took a short time to raise the
rest of this money.
The dedicatory services were conducted by Dr. Gillies, district superintendent.
The ministers in attendance were Rev. Gillies, of Sheldon; Rev.
Seward, of Sanborn; Rev. Alberson, of Sioux Rapids, and Rev. Batho, of
Fostoria.
Rev. Gillies paid the following high tribute to the work of Rev. O. M.
Bond, pastor of the church: "In the completion of this handsome edifice and the
management of the finances and of all details incident to the dedication, the
pastor, Rev. O. M. Bond, has proven himself to be perfectly fitted for the
work and to my mind I have never found a more competent, unselfish and
consecrated pastor."
The building just completed is undoubtedly one of the most convenient
and most beautiful houses of worship in Iowa. Others are larger and more
costly, but none is more beautiful or better adapted to the needs of the people.
The building is sixty-one by ninety-three feet in dimensions and is composed
of pressed brick and stone, and it is built in a workmanlike manner.
The basement contains a spacious ladies' parlor, gentlemen's class room,
large dining room and a large kitchen, provided with a range and many cupboards,
shelves and both hot and cold water, in fact all the comforts of an
up-to-date kitchen.
The main floor is divided into two principal parts ‐ the main auditorium and
the Sunday school room. The auditorium occupies the front and is fifty by
sixty feet, and with the balcony, will seat eight hundred people. The floor,
which is on a slight incline, is of polished hard maple. The pews are of antique
oak and are very comfortable.
The charm of the auditorium is in the splendid decorations, which are
exceedingly beautiful. The decorators drew largely from nature, and the
harmony and beauty displayed show that they were workmen of no mean order.
At the rear of the main auditorium is the Sunday school room, which
embraces the greater part of the remainder of the main floor. It is connected
with the main room by a hoisting partition, so that these two rooms can be
thrown together when necessary to accommodate a large crowd. There are
ten separate Sunday school rooms, and these are separated from the main
Sunday school room by means of folding partitions. The Sunday school
decorations are but little less artistic than those in the main auditorium. The pastor's
study is also on the main floor, just to the rear of the pulpit platform.
A splendid feature of the building is the lighting, which is by numerous
large windows of the very highest class of art glass. Among these windows is
an immense memorial window on the west side of the main auditorium, a gift
of Mrs. Noll, in honor of her husband, the late Adam Noll. Another window
is in memory of Anton Hanson, an earnest and devoted member of the church,
who passed away a few years ago. Another feature of the building deserving
mention is the elegant and fine electrical fixtures which, at night, when the
current is on, illuminate every comer and part of the entire edifice. The whole
building is heated by steam. In designing and constructing this building nothing
which could contribute to the comforts, convenience and beautv of the same
appears to have been overlooked.
The first Congregational church of Spencer was organized March 17, 1872,
with a membership of eleven. At this time Spencer had a population of about
two hundred people. The Free Will Baptist and Methodist Episcopal churches,
each having about fifty members throughout the county, were the only church
organizations in the place at that time. The village was rapidly increasing in
population and the need was felt by some earnest souls of a church of the
Congregational faith.
The first recorded step in the formation of the church was a written
covenant of eighteen members, entered into under date of January 13, 1872.
They agreed to work and assist each other in securing the regular preaching of
the gospel and the establishment of a Congregational church society, to the
end, as stated in their covenant and agreement, that intelligence, morality,
good order and happiness be promoted in the community, and to advance
the interests of true religion. Nearly all of these persons subsequently became
charter members of the church.
On the written invitation of thirteen residents of Spencer, the Rev. David
Wirt, a Congregational minister, of Fort Dodge. Iowa, came and held services
in the courthouse hall, on the evening of March 14, 1872. At the close of the
services those interested in the establishment of the church remained and took
steps to effect an organization. A committee of three, consisting of A. W.
Miller, L. C. Burgin and E. Pruyn, was appointed to draft a constitution and
articles of faith and covenant and present the same at a meeting to be held on
the following day. The report of this committee was presented at the appointed
time and was accepted and adopted. It was also voted to organize into a
Congregational Church of Christ.
After the regular services of Sunday, March 17, 1872, eleven persons united
to constitute the church, signing the constitution and assenting to the articles
of faith and the covenant.
The following names appear as signers of the original constitution and as
charter members: L. C. Burgin, Edward Pruyn, A. W. Miller, P. M. Moore,
Mary S. Moore, H. B. Coryell Clarissa Van Epps, Clarissa Snyder, Ira Laughlin,
P. L. Graves and Helen M. Graves. Of these original members, only L. C
Burgin, P. M. Moore and Clarissa Van Epps remain with the church, the others
having died or removed from Spencer.
If there is any class of people in the history of the church who deserve
to have their names perpetuated and revered, it is these early pioneers who
banded themselves together to organize and build up the church. Their sacrifices,
struggles and final achievements redound to their credit and to the glory of
God. To their faith and efforts is due in a large part the church organization
and the influence it has exerted upon the life of the communitv in promotion of
morality and true religion. We cannot too much appreciate the work of these
sowers of the seed who have made possible the bounteous harvests.
June 29, 1872, Rev. W. L. Coleman was elected pastor of the church. He
came under the auspices of the Home Missionary Society, which bore a part
of his expenses. Services were held in the court room of the old courthouse
building on South Main street, the pulpit being occupied during the forenoon
of each Sabbath by the Baptist and Methodist ministers alternately, and in the
evening by the Congregational pastor. All of the services, however, were
practically union services, and all church people attended without reference to
denominational preferences. After the arrival of Mr. Coleman the church and
Sunday school became fully organized, elected its otificers, and the church
proceeded to incorporate. One of the present members ‐ L. C. Burgin ‐ was one of
the first deacons of the new church. P. AM Moore was the other deacon.
In September, 1874, the church determined to build a house of worship.
Messrs. Charles McAllister, L. C. Burgin and A. W. Miller were appointed a
building committee. The committee purchased the lot at the corner of Third
and Mill streets, lying directly west of the present parsonage building, and in the
fall of 1875 the church building was completed.
The American Congregational Union gave $400 towards the cost of the
building. The entire cost amounted to about $2,400. The lumber for the church
was hauled from Sibley, Iowa, that being the most convenient railroad point,
a distance of about fifty miles. Considering the small membership of the church,
the difficulties encountered and the general hard times of this period, the building
of such a church was no light task.
After a pastorate of seven years, owing to feeble health Rev. Coleman
resigned. During these years the growth of the town and country adjacent was
not rapid, and accessions to the church were not numerous. The foundation.
however, was laid for future growth. Twenty-seven were received into
membership during Mr. Coleman's pastorate.
In August. 1879, Rev. J.M. Cumings accepted the pastorate, and continued
with the church for three years. During this time forty-six were received
into membership, and quite extensive improvements were made on the parsonage
and church building. Much work of a foundation character was wrought, and
the church experienced a period of rapid growth and increasing influence in the
community.
In September, 1883, Rev. G. G. Perkins accepted the call of the church
and entered upon a pastorate of about seven years. During this period ninety-
eight were received into membership, and baptism administered to forty adults
and children, the parsonage enlarged, two lots diagonally across the street from
the present site of the church building were purchased, and all indebtedness
against the parsonage building was paid. The membership of the church at the
close of Mr. Perkins' pastorate was ninety-seven.
April 9, 1891, Rev. J. O. Thrush accepted the call of the church and
entered upon its pastorate. May 7, 1891, the erection of a new church building
was decided upon, to cost not less than $6,000 and not more than $10,000. A.W.
Miller, M.C. Stephenson and A. C. Perine were elected as a building committee
and the work of construction proceeded with. The total amount paid
on account of the new church building, as shown by the treasurer's report of
June 8, 1893. was $6,466.09. The amount of the loan from the Congregational
Church Building Society on account of the building was $1,500. The old
church building was sold to the Friends church society and was removed to a
site on East Second street; from there it was later moved to the corner of
Fourth and Prairie streets, where it now stands with but little change in its
exterior appearance.
March 11, 1899, Rev. Thrush resigned, to accept a pastorate at Webster
City. Iowa. During his pastorate of nearly seven years the membership of the
church increased to one hundred and eighty-two in number, and the beautiful
church home was erected and largely paid for. The church appears to have
been remarkably blessed in a material way and to have experienced in a special
manner the grace and favor of God.
Rev. Thrush was succeeded by Rev. Glen A. Taylor, who continued in the
ministry of the church until August, 1902. During his pastorate the church
debt was reduced to $1,100, and the church maintained a healthful and prosperous
condition. During Mr. Taylor's pastorate a furnace was put into the
parsonage and other repairs and improvements made. The membership of the
church at the close of this term was one hundred and eighty-three.
Rev. Earnest E. Day was called from Open Door Congregational church, of
Minneapolis, Minnesota, to the pastorate of the church September 26, 1902, and
entered upon the ministry October 1st of that year. Eighty persons have united
with the church during Mr. Day's pastorate. In 1903 the old standing debt
of the church, amounting to the sum of $1,100, was wiped out completely. In
1904 the rooms in the basement of the church were finished and completed at
a cost of $1,566.16. All of these expenses have been paid. At the present
time cement walks have been completed at a cost of $110 at the parsonage and at
the east side of the church, and the same have been paid for by voluntary
subscriptions.
The present membership of the church is two hundred and thirty. Its
Sunday school numbers about two hundred. It also has auxiliary aids, a
Woman's Missionary Society, the Christian Endeavor Society, and a Ladies'
Aid Society, the latter of which has been very helpful in the financial work of
the church.
In this brief sketch mention should have been made of many choice spirits
who have labored in the upbuilding of the church, but space has not permitted.
They will, however, receive their rewards according to their works, and though
their memories fade, their works will live and honor them for all time. The
present pastor of the church is Rev. Earnest Elsworth Day.
The new church edifice was commenced in 1892 and dedicated June, 1893.
It stands diagonally across the street from the first site of the other church.
It is composed of pressed brick and the greater part of the building is
of frame.
The main floor contains the auditorium, lecture room, study (which is used
by the infant class in Sabbath school), the lower room, where stairs lead to
the floor below.
The auditorium is nearly octagonal in shape.
There are four beautiful memorial windows in the church, bearing the
names of J. K. Andrew, A. W. Miller, Laura McAllister and Adelia West.
In the upper part of the north wall a handsome window was placed by the
King's Daughters.
The seating capacity of the main floor, including -the lecture room, is about
four hundred.
On the lower floor are found a kitchen, two cloak rooms, a spacious dining
room, and a social room. These rooms were furnished and finished in 1904 at a
cost of $1,600. The cost of the entire church was about $6,500.
THE LADIES' AID SOCIETY.
In 1874, thirty-four years ago, the women of the church and congregation
met at the home of Mrs. Snyder, a widow living on East Third street, just
east of where Dr. McAllister's residence now stands, and organized the Ladies'
Aid Society. About fifteen women were present, among them being Mrs. Van
Epp and Mrs. A. W. Miller, now residents of Spencer. There were also present
Mesdames Hubbard, Garfield, McCoy, Davis, Eggleston, Sands, McAllister and
Miss Mattie Bowman. A membership fee of one dollar was collected, and the
dues were fixed at twenty-five cents per year. The new church, which is the one
now owned by the Friends society, was built that fall and winter, and the ladies
held a bazaar and gave a supper in it before it was completed. They had given
one supper before this one, on the second floor of the Thorine building on
Main street.
There was no parsonage at this time, but Mr. Coleman lived on Grove
street.
When Mr. Cumings' pastorate began the aid society was reorganized. This
was in the fall of 1879. As now recollected by the older members, the meeting
for this purpose was held with Mrs. T. P. Bender on west Third street. A
large number of the ladies were present, among them being Mesdames Allen,
Verharen, Andrews, Cumings, Morrison, Purdy and Secor, besides most of
those present at the first organization. Mrs. Cumings was made president. The
society at this time met from house to house, and often did sewing for charitable
purposes. They also furnished supper, to which the gentlemen were also
invited.
Mrs. Theodore Secor succeeded Mrs. Cumings as president. She was the
wife of Dr. Secor, who recently moved to Minneapolis.
Beginning in June, 1887, and continuing for several years, the society held
its business meetings and gave its suppers in the library rooms on Main street.
When the present house of worship was erected the society furnished
$1,500. The total amount turned over to the church building account since
1892 is $4,673.46, and the total receipts of the society since 1887 amounts to
$8,457.53. A list of the presidents of the society since the administration of
Mrs. Secor, as disclosed by the records, is as follows: Mrs. Secor, Mrs. J. G.
West, Mrs. C. E. Adams, .Mrs. G. G. Perkins. Mrs. A. C Parker, Mrs. C. E.
Blondel, Mrs. M. C. Stevenson, Mrs. W. P. Ward, Mrs. J.N. Andrew, Mrs.
C. E. Leach, Mrs. Emma Ingalls. Mrs. Charles McAllister, Mrs. B. F. Felt,
Mrs. B. W. Doty and Mrs. G. H. Martin.
At a meeting held March 2, 1888, at the parsonage, a missionary society
to be called the Woman's Missionary Society of Spencer Congregational Church
was organized.
Mrs. Perkins, wife of the pastor, was elected as president of the society;
Mrs. Verharen, vice president; Mrs. A. A. Flint, secretary; Mrs. C. E. Taylor,
treasurer.
The names of the seventeen charter members are as follows: Mrs. A. C.
Ferine, Mrs. Charles McAllister, Mrs. William Morrison, Mrs. M. C. Stephenson,
Mrs. Frank Barnard, Mrs. L. M. Snow, Mrs. J. N. Andrew, Mrs. John Francis,
Mrs. C. E. Adams, Mrs. S. S. Snow, Mrs. Frank Kimball, Mrs. J. G. West,
Mrs. Clarissa Van Epps, Mrs. A. C. Parker, Misses Minnie Perkins and Hattie
Goodell. It was provided that each lady should pay not less than $1 per year
or ten cents a month. Gentlemen were to be made honorary members by the
payment of $1.
The meetings were held the first Friday of each month, at 2:30 p. m., until
October 10, 1890, when it was voted to hold them the last Friday of the month,
on account of the publications used for help, they coming in from the first to
the middle of the month. The annual thanksgiving was collected by members
of the society, as Mrs. J. I. Adams could testify. Mrs. Perkins held the office
of president until the fall of 1890.
Picture of SPENCER HIGH SCHOOL
Officers elected April, 1891, were: President, Mrs. Verharen; vice president,
Mrs. E. H. Crandall; secretary, Mrs. J. O. Thrush; treasurer, Miss Flora
Oliver; collector, Mrs. L. M. Snow. These held office until 1893, with the
exception of Mrs. A. C. Parker, who was chosen vice president.
In 1894 Miss Hattie Goodell was made president; Mrs. C. E. Adams, vice
president; Mrs. J. O. Thrush, secretary; Miss Flora Oliver, treasurer; for five
months, making the Thanksgiving meeting the last meeting of the year. At this
meeting Mrs. Andrew was elected president.
The society was held together by the earnest and faithful persistence of
these few women until 1895, when Mrs. Thrush was made president. She
established a new method of raising money and of increasing interest in the
missionary work. A committee of three was appointed to furnish and serve
a ten-cent supper each month, at the different homes. This proved very
satisfactory, from $3 to $9 being added to the treasury at each meeting. She
also outlined a plan of study for each meeting during the year, having programs
printed. Mrs. Thrush held the office of president during her stay in Spencer,
until March, 1899, when, to the regret of all, Mr. and Mrs. Thrush moved to
Webster City. By her strong personality and intense interest the standard
of the missionary work was raised beyond the expectation of the most hopeful,
the membership being three times as large as at its beginning.
Historical Sketch.
The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was organized March
10, 1889. The following officers were elected to serve the society: President,
Miss Minnie Perkins; vice president, Miss Fannie M. Baldy; secretary Miss
Hattie Goodell; treasurer, Miss M. A. Albee. These, with Misses Mary Garfield
and Maggie Henry, were the charter members of the organization.
June 2d of the same year the first of a series of joint meetings with the
Young Ladies' Missionary Society was held.
April 20, 1891, the society was reorganized, a new constitution adopted, and
growth in numbers followed.
October 30, 1892, the society had on its roll the names of thirty-seven active
members and thirty-two associate members. The society since that time has had
a somewhat checkered career.
It has been on the whole a means of promoting the interests of the kingdom
in our church work. At present it has some thirty members, maintains a prayer
meeting which meets every Sunday evening, and contributes yearly to the
benevolent societies of our church.
In the early summer of 1872, Rev. W. L. Coleman entered upon his labors
as the first pastor of the church. The church was fortunate in securing a
man of good education and wide experience as its first pastor.
Mr. Coleman was a native of New York, born in Mt. Hope, November 14,
1817, and received both his college and professional training at Oberlin. Shortly
after his graduation from Oberlin Theological Seminary, in 1846, he married
Temperance Little, at Middletown, New York.
The following spring he came to Bellevue, Iowa. Here he remained nine
years as pastor of the Congregational church. In 1856 he took charge of the
Congregational church at Stacyville, Iowa. After seven years of service he
was called, in 1863, to the Congregational church at Mitchell. It was nine
years after this that he occupied the pastorate at Spencer. Three years before
his departure from Mitchell his wife died, leaving three sons.
The first son died in infancy at Bellevue. In 1871 Mr. Coleman married
Electa Abernathy. A year later he began his work in Spencer, with a church
of eleven members. His was the task of laying the foundation &dsh; of working
and waiting.
After leaving Spencer Mr. Coleman was pastor of the Congregational
church at Big Rock for one year. In 1881 he moved to Grinnell to enjoy the
advantages of a college town. After eleven years' residence in Grinnell he
went to Portland, Oregon. Here he spent the remainder of his life. His death
occurred at Portland, November 10, 1900. Mrs. Coleman died three years
later. Mr. Coleman was the father of eight children, four of whom survive him.
W. G. Coleman, Terrill, Iowa; Charles H. Coleman, White Bear, Minnesota;
Fred a Coleman, London, England, and Lewis C. Coleman, Portland, Oregon.
Rev. J. M. Cumings was called to succeed Mr. Coleman as pastor of the
church. Like his predecessor, he was educated at Oberlin college and
Theological Seminary.
In his childhood his parents moved from South Amherst, Ohio, where he
was born in 1848, to Tabor, Iowa. Here he later prepared for college.
Shortly after graduating from Oberlin Theological Seminary he began the
work of the first pastorate at Exira, Iowa. Two and a half years later he
accepted a call to become the pastor of the Congregational church at Spencer.
He came to this field with his wife, Carrie Briggs Cumings, in November, 1879,
and remained three years.
For a few years the growth of the town was rapid and the church doubled
its membership. The west half of the parsonage was built, the church assumed
self-support and a bell was purchased. These were prosperous years for the
Spencer church. The success was due in great measure to the painstaking efforts
of a consecrated pastor and his energetic wife. During the first year at Spencer
Mr. Cumings spent one Sunday at Emmetsburg. The church was reorganized,
a frame building erected and the membership increased to twenty new members.
Mr. Cumings' subsequent pastorates were at Anita, serving for five years,
at Dunlap for six years, at Baxter for one year, and at Denmark for four years.
In December, 1903, Mr. and Mrs. Cumings were called upon to mourn the
loss of their elder daughter, Edith Louise, who died at Grinnell. She was a
member of the senior class of Iowa college, and her life was full of hope and
promise. A second daughter, Irene, born at Anita, Iowa, April 16, 1885, is
living at home in Denmark.
George Goodwin Perkins, the third pastor of the church, was born in
Pitsfield, New Hampshire, from which place his parents removed when he was
a child, to Exeter, New Hampshire. Here for more than a half a century his
parents resided. This was his home until he became of age and went into
Massachusetts for study and work.
He was educated in the schools and in an academy of his native state.
Later he pursued literary and scientific studies in Middleboro, Massachusetts.
He also studied theology in Massachusetts. His first ministerial work was of a
home missionary character in the counties of Worcester and Franklin, in
Massachusetts. He was ordained at East Douglas, Massachusetts, March 27,
1857, by the Wesleyan Methodist Conference. In 1860, he united with the
Massachusetts Plymouth Association of Congregational Ministers. The follow-
ing is the record of his time and place of ministry:
Pastor at Lakeville, Massachusetts, 1861-63; pastor at East Taunton,
Massachusetts, 1863-66; pastor at Kidder, Missouri, 1866-71; pastor at Hamilton,
Missouri, 1871-75; pastor at Ames, Iowa, 1875-80; pastor at Avoca, Iowa,
1880-83; pastor at Spencer, Iowa, 1883-90; pastor at Rock Rapids, Iowa,
1890-93; pastor at Blair, Nebraska, 1893-97; pastor at Rodney, Iowa, 1897-99;
pastor at Rogers, Arkansas, 1899-1902.
At the beginning of Mr. Perkins' pastorate in Spencer the parsonage was
enlarged to about double its original size. The house of worship was too small,
especially for the Sunday school. At this time the planning, toiling and sacrificing
for the new building began. No definite action was taken except to
secure lots upon which the church now stands.
Before the close of Mr. Perkins' work the debt upon the parsonage was
removed, and improvements were made of the parsonage property. During the
latter part of his ministry Mr. Perkins preached occasionally at the Harmony
schoolhouse.
Since leaving Rogers, Arkansas, his last charge, Mr. Perkins has lived at
Moline. Illinois, having completed nearly half a century in active work of the
ministry. Such as he can look back upon an active, useful life, spent in faithful,
loving service.
In March, 1856, Mr. Perkins married Emily A. Cleveland at Princeton,
Massachusetts. There have been eight children, six of whom are living: Mrs.
William Kimball, Lincoln, Nebraska; Mrs. W. H. Kennedy, Chicago, Illinois;
Mrs. C. H. Ainsworth, Moline, Illinois; Mr. S. A. Perkins, Tacoma, Washington,
Emily M. Perkins, Moline, Illinois ; Mrs. C. C. St. Clair, Marshalltown, Iowa.
Rev. John Oliver Thrush, the fourth pastor of the church, was born on
a farm near Keyser, Mineral county. West Virginia. At the age of sixteen
years he began his studies in normal school at Fairmont, where he graduated
two years later. He then entered Lebanon Valley college, taking and completing
the classical course. In the fall of 1885 he entered the divinity school at
Yale, graduating at the end of three years.
He then became pastor of the Congregational church at Postville, Iowa,
where he was ordained September 20, 1888. He was pastor of the Congregational
church at Postville for a little more than two years, when he resigned
to take a year of post-graduate study at Johns Hopkins university.
In February, 1891, Mr. Thrush accepted a call to become pastor of the
Congregational church in Spencer, which position he filled for a little over eight
years. In April, 1889, he accepted a call to the First Congregational church of
Webster City, where he is still pastor.
In the early years of Mr. Thrush's ministry in Spencer a new church was
built at a cost of about $6,000. The work of the church building was commenced
in 1892. A year later came the completion of a beautiful and commodious
house of worship, which was dedicated early in June.
Then followed the era of large congregations, a flourishing Sabbath school
and general prosperity. During Mr. Thrush's pastorate one hundred and seventy
names were added to the church roll. The church found in him an impressive
speaker, an able leader, and an earnest Christian. In 1899 his resignation was
reluctantly accepted.
Shortly after coming to Spencer Mr. Thrush was united in marriage with
Ada E. Brown, of Rockford, Iowa. Their three children are Waldo Brown,
Carol and Marion.
Glen A. Taylor, who succeeded Mr. Thrush as pastor of the church, was
born in Denmark, Iowa, July 7, 1860. He united with the Denmark church ‐ the
first Congregational church in Iowa ‐ at the age of twelve years.
His preparation for college was made at Denmark academy, and he entered
Williams college in the fall of 1881, graduating with the class of 1885. Following
his graduation from Williams, he spent one year at Chicago theological seminary.
He later entered Yale divinity school, from which he graduated in 1889. After
a year of post-graduate work at Andover Mr. Taylor began his first pastorate in
Stuart, Iowa. Previous to this time he did several years of home missionary
work in Nebraska.
He was ordained in Stuart, Iowa, November 19, 1890. Here he remained
as pastor, for nine years, when he received a call from the Congregational church
at Spencer. Three years later he was called to the Congregational church at
Emmetsburg. Here he remained two years. Failing health compelled him to
close his work in October, 1904, much to the regret of his entire church. He is
now living on a farm in Denmark.
During Mr. Taylor's pastorate in Spencer needed improvements were made
on the church property. The interior of the church was beautifully frescoed
and the exterior repainted. Cement walks were laid in front of the church and
the parsonage repaired. In three years sixty-nine members were received into
the church.
Mr. Taylor is a scholarly man of great ability, who is thoroughly devoted
to his work. He has spent a number of vacations studying at Chicago university
and Harvard divinity school.
In 1890 Mr. Taylor married Flora Wetmore, a graduate of Iowa college and
of Wesley college in music and languages. They have two daughters, Miriam,
born in 1891, and Esther, born in 1898.
Ernest Ellsworth Day was born at Mazeppa, Wabash county, Minnesota.
He prepared for college at the preparatory department of Carleton college, at
Northfield, Minnesota, entering the fall of 1888. He spent his freshman year at
Carleton, after which he spent a few months at Williams college, at Williamstown,
Masachusetts, Returning to Minnesota, he entered the state university,
graduating in 1895. After a year spent in the pastorate at Lyle, Minnesota, he
entered Yale divinity school, graduating from that institution in 1899. August
1st the same year he began work as pastor of the Open Door Congregational
church in Minneapolis. He had supplied a number of various pulpits in Minnesota
during his vacations.
He was ordained to the gospel ministry October 24, 1889.
September 20, 1900, Mr. Day married, at Denver, Colorado, Miss Florence
M. Coleman.
In the fall of 1902 he accepted a call to the Congregational church of
Spencer, beginning work October ist of that year. Since that time the Congregational
rooms have been finished and furnished, the kitchen equipped with all
modern improvements, the parsonage and grounds improved, and the sidewalk
enterprise of 1905 carried out. Mr. Day is an inspiration to the church in all
its departments, and is maintaining the high ideals of Christian living.
No community can have a perfect system of water works without sewerage,
and this fact became apparent to the citizens of Spencer within the past few
years. Sanitation alone demanded sewerage, if for no other reason; but there
were many other reasons for the improvement, and today Spencer has a splendid
system of twenty-two thousand one hundred and thirty-one feet, not including
laterals, which cost the taxpayers $32,352.56. The money has been well spent,
and as the demand arises more will be constructed. The sewerage system, with
the splendid waterworks system of the city, gives to Spencer a character abroad
that tends to her ultimate benefit. Those looking for a residence city always
make inquiries in regard to these things. The city that has a good waterworks
and sewerage system, first class schools and a moral, intelligent, progressive
people is the place the most sought after by the parents who have children to
rear properly, and wHo not only enjoy but demand these modern blessings. Such
a place is Spencer, and her citizens are proud of it.
The citizens of Spencer are proud of their town and there is a spirit abroad
among them to build wisely and well. This is shown by the number of substantial
modern and costly business blocks, the handsome new courthouse, beautiful residences
and well kept streets. In the matter of sidewalks the city excels. There
are now laid in Spencer two hundred and thirty blocks of cement walks, and so
well laid and constructed that no expense need be expected on them for many
years to come. Added to the walks should be the one hundred and twenty-three
crossings, made of cement and substantially laid.
To be up with the times and meet the urgent demands of business men and
residents of Spencer, an electric light plant was deemed not only essential but
an imperative necessity. Oil lamps at the street corners did not fill the bill, nor
did the people want gas. Electric lights were considered the only modern
illuminant, and a number of public-spirited citizens determined to make a move
for the attainment of their desire. Chief among these was A. W. Miller, at
the time president of the First National bank. In 1891, with Franklin Floete,
Ackley Hubbard, Dr. Charles McAllister, T. P. Bender, W. L. Bender and
eighty-eight others, a stock company was organized and incorporated for the
purpose of building and conducting an electric light and power plant. At the
time of the incorporation the capital stock was set at $8,000; in 1894 this was
increased to $14,000, and later further increased to $25,000. The officers of
the company were as follows: President, Ackley Hubbard; vice president, A.
W. Miller; secretary, S. S. Snow; treasurer, H. N. Smith.
The work of building the plant was at once commenced. The powerhouse,
constructed of brick, was located just north of and along the track of the Chicago,
Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad and facing on Main street. Engines and other
machinery, of the best modern construction, were installed, and one arc and one
incandescent dynamo set up in their places. Poles were erected and wires
strung, and before the end of the year the people of Spencer were no longer in
darkness, but were supplied with a light equal to the best.
While the lights gave eminent satisfaction to the patrons of the company,
the latter, or the stockholders, reaped no benefit. For them there was no profit
and, it is said, wHen the property was eventually disposed of to the city, the
stockholders lost all they had invested in the enterprise. In 1901 the electric
light plant went into the possession of the city of Spencer, the remuneration
therefor being $16,698.63. Since then a number of improvements have been
made, new dynamos installed and many new patrons of the utility secured.
Today the concern is more than self-sustaining and the product of the plant
is second to none in the state. In 1908 a continuous service was inaugurated, so
that the light is obtainable at any time, day or night.
After an expenditure of several thousands of dollars Spencer has succeeded
in securing good water supply and is well protected in this respect in case
of fires. At first a well of large dimensions was sunk to a great depth. A wind
pump of commodious size and strength was placed over the well and a large
reservoir of the most substantial character, fully enclosed with large wooden
timbers, was constructed, capable of holding thousands of gallons of water. The
connection was made by a large water main leading through the principal streets,
placed at such a depth that sufficient pressure was given to aFford good fire
service and throw a stream of good size a distance of over a hundred feet.
Smaller mains were laid and a number of patrons used the water in their
buildings, drawn from the mammoth well. It was of sufficient capacity to meet
all the needed requirements and was regarded as a good protection against any
ordinary fire.
As the city increased in population, the demand for water kept pace with
its growth. This necessitated the laying of new mains and many connections.
It became apparent that the capacity of the works was not sufficient to meet the
demands made upon them. New wells were dug, and in 1907 a steel tank of
sufficient capacity was erected on high steel supports. The height of the tank
gives sufficient pressure to the water to more than reach the top of any building
in the city. For emergency purposes a large reservoir has been constructed.
The water is pumped into the tank and the reservoir at the electric light station.
The Spencer waterworks as now constructed and completed affords to the city
splendid fire protection.
The following list shows the property owned by the city of Spencer, with
the actual values April 1, 1906, and also April 1, 1907, after deducting reasonable
depreciation and including all repairs and additions for the year:
FIRST CONGREGATION, CHURCH OF SPENCER.
THE NEW CHURCH EDIFICE.
HISTORY OF WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR.
WILLIAM LEWIS COLEMAN.
REV. J. M. CUMINGS.
GEORGE GOODWIN PERKINS.
JOHN OLIVER THRUSH.
GLEN A. TAYLOR.
ERNEST ELLSWORTH DAY.
SPENCER'S SEWERAGE SYSTEM.
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS OF SPENCER.
SPENCER ELECTRIC LIGHT PLANT.
WATERWORKS.
COMPARATIVE PROPERTY LIST.
| April 1, 1906. | April 1, 1907 | |
| Electric light plant (not including cash on hand or bills receivable) $16,552.96 | $16,976.72 | |
| Waterworks: | ||
| Pipe | $10,215.02 | $10,210.80 |
| Tank | 4,800.00 | |
| Wells | 1,500.00 | 1,500.00 |
| Cover on wells | 665.00 | 631.75 |
| Building | 500.00 | 500.00 |
| Pump | 1,056.00 | 960.00 |
| Hydrants | 441.00 | 409.50 |
| 14,377.02 | 19,012.05 | |
| Lot 12, blk. 32, C, M. & St. P. Ry. Add. (City Hall) | 1,300.00 | 1,300.00 |
| Lots 3-4, block 18, College Add. (Pest House) | 600.00 | 550.00 |
| Lots 14-15-16, blk. B., Orig. Plat (Public Library, in- cluding fixtures) | 12,890.88 | 13,019.88 |
| Lots 4-5, blk. I.. Harrisburg (Gravel Pit) | 250.00 | 200.00 |
| South hose cart house | 105.00 | 100.00 |
| City Scales, including building | 300.00 | 300.00 |
| Riverside Cemetery (unsold lots) | 11,133.00 | 10,569.00 |
| Riverside Cemetery (tools and improvements) | 840.00 | 798.00 |
| Fire apparatus | 2,000.25 | 2,004.64 |
| Street Commissioner's tools | 200.00 | 180.00 |
| Books in Library | 2,668.92 | 2,668.92 |
| Total $63,218.03 | $67,672.51 |
STATISTICAL INFORMATION.
The city had, on April 1, 1907, 4748 feet of 4-inch, 9,045 feet of 6-inch, 400 feet of 8-inch and 14,613 feet of 10-inch water mains and twenty-one fire hydrants.
Out of a total of 237 blocks of walk in the city, 209 are already cement and about one-half of the balance have been condemned and will be put in during the summer.
There are forty-six cement alley crossings and seventy-seven cement street crossings (including approaches), already laid, and arrangements have been made to lay fifty more street crossings with approaches this season.
The city had 418 electric lights and 162 water consumers, with prospects for several more the coming season.
There is 18,681 feet of sewer system valued at $28,948.16, with about 1,700 feet to be put in this season.
The public library contains 2,901 volumes besides 500 state and government books and innumerable magazines and periodicals.
FARMERS' ELEVATOR COMPANY.
The farmers of Clay county had long been satisfied in their own minds that the grain buyers were not giving them a "square deal" in handling their grain. They felt positive the elevator companies were making profits to the loss of the producer and it was concluded, after a number of meetings had been held, to form a cooperative company, the members to be farmers of the county, for their mutual benefit and protection. Hence, in 1907, the Farmers' Elevator Company was organized and incorporated at Spencer and capitalized at $25,000. The purpose of the company was the buying and selling of grain, coal, binding twine and hogs; the profits, after all expenses were paid, to be credited pro rata to the members of the company. About one hundred and seventy entered the enterprise as stockholders and the following officers were selected: President, F. H. Black, of Summit Township; vice president, L. E. LaBrant, of Spencer, a retired farmer; secretary, P. N. Larson, of Meadow Township; treasurer, William F. Torbett, of Riverton Township; Andrew Anderson, of Spencer, manager.
July 1, 1907, business commenced by the new cooperative concern in the elevator standing near the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul depot at Spencer, which the company had purchased of the Hunting Elevator Company, of McGregor, Iowa, and from the start the concern has been encouraged to continue its endeavors to save for its members the profits on corn, wheat and hogs that would otherwise go into the pockets of the elevator companies. The start has been a good one and the manager in plain terms gave the writer to understand that the business of the company is bringing in a satisfactory return, both to its officers and members.
SPENCER MILLS.
The Marcellus mill, built by Garrett D. Marcellus, stood on the bank of the Little Sioux River and was run by water power. A large dam was built across the river, but it finally became untenable owing to quicksand. And then, also, the city began thinking of and planning a sewage system and this dam was a
Picture of GRACE M. E. CHURCH. SPENCER
menace to the proper drainage of the city so, after E. H. Tryon and James Bruntlett had purchased the mill and dam, the city authorities bought of them the dam and destroyed it. At this time the Bender Bros. Company was conducting a milling and elevator business, in a mill just south of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad track, on the east side of Main street. The Benders and the other members of the company, which included Tryon and Bruntlett, then organized the Spencer Grain Company, This company continued business in the new mill, to which part of the machinery of the Marcellus mill had been taken, for some time, when the Benders retired, and the members of the concern continued the business under the name of the Spencer Milling Company, which was organized in 1891. Before this, part of the members separated from the concern, and went to Minneapolis, taking with them all interests the grain company had in the elevators belonging to it. Those prominent in the organization of the Spencer Milling Company were James Bruntlett, A. W. Miller, Jr., Mrs. J. P. Evans, and others, members of the former company. The Spencer Milling Company was capitalized at $25,000. Wirt Bronson is the manager. The Spencer Milling Company also built a sixty-barrel mill at White Lake, South Dakota. The main purpose of this mill is to secure the best quality of hard, winter wheat for the Spencer mill.
The mill of this company is a large four-story frame building, 32x64 feet. The capacity is 150 barrels per day. The mill is equipped with good machinery and seven double stands of rollers. The popular local brand of flour turned out is "The Royal." The company has two representatives on the road and sends its product over the states of Iowa and Wisconsin.
SPENCER ELEVATORS.
Clay county has been and is today one of the banner grain counties of the state and Spencer, consequently, for years past has been a splendid market for cereals. This is evidenced by five large elevators, three on the M. & St.L. railroad and two on the C. M.& St. P. railroad. At the latter road is the Farmers' Cooperative Elevator and that of the Reliance Elevator Company. At the M. & St. L. are the elevators belonging to the DeWolf & Wells Elevator Company, Skewis & Moen Elevator Company, and the third one is conducted by F. M. Tuttle.
For the past few years these elevators have not been doing the business of former times. The amount of grain brought to them has decreased from year to year and it is now asserted two elevators are all that are necessary. One reason for this is given in the statement that a great amount of grain is now fed on the farms and used in dairying.
SPENCER FIRE INSURANCE COMPANIES.
The Iowa Mercantile Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized in Spencer in 1895 by A. W. Green, Ackley Hubbard, William Flindt, F. A. Hiser, D. E. Knight and others, and the following officers were selected: A. W Green, president; C. W. Coffin, secretary; William Flindt, treasurer. The present 208 HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
officers are: A. W. Green, president; W. H. Golly, of Zearing, Iowa, vice president; D. L. Ryder, secretary; William Flindt, treasurer.
This is one of the flourishing concerns of Clay county. It now has about $4,000,000 in risks on a purely mutual plan. The concern insures nothing but mercantile risks and town dwellings and makes a saving, according to its statement, on mercantile risks of 25 per cent, and on dwellings of 50 per cent.
EARLING HOTEL.
In 1887 a stock company was organized for the purpose of erecting a hotel building which would be in keeping with the general prosperity and growth of Spencer, and as a result the present handsome and commodious Earling hotel was completed, at a cost of something less than $20,000, including furniture. The Earling is the leading hotel and is thoroughly furnished throughout, and is an ornament and great advantage to Spencer. There are many reasons why a first-class hotel is a benefit to a town. The first thing a stranger or traveling man wishes to know on entering a place, is the name and locality of a good hotel, whether he wants simply a meal or intends to stay a day or a week or even longer. And in many cases a stranger is either favorably impressed with a town by the class and character of its hotels, or unfavorably impressed with them. Fortunately, Spencer is well provided in this respect. The Earling was built to supply the wants and demands of the traveling public. It is a commodious three-story building with basement, most admirably and conveniently arranged with the latest and most modern improvements. It is heated with steam, provided with electric bells in every room, and supplied with new furniture, carpets and dining room essentials. It is pronounced by the traveling public to be one of the neatest, most substantially constructed and best arranged hotels in the northwest. The first manager and principal stockholder, J. B. Stamp, had, from many years' experience in the hotel business, acquired the faculty of making the guests feel as if they were friends rather than strangers, and at home rather than in a public house. He was one of the most hospitable of hosts, his pleasant manner and general agreeableness making him many warm and lasting friends.
The Earling Hotel is now in the possession of E. B. Stouffer & Co. ‐ the Misses Lulu and E. B. Stoufifer, and J. A. Beck, nonresidents of Spencer.
INSURANCE.
Clay county has two organized insurance companies, which are doing a most excellent business, and are greeted with favor in all parts of the county. We herewith give a somewhat lengthy detailed account of what they are and what they are doing, in order that the readers may have an idea of their general plan of doing business.
The Farmers' Fire and Lightning Insurance Association was organized December 3, 1888, and began business February , 1889. It is conducted on the mutual plan, and is more economical than the old line insurance. Only small fees are allowed the officers and agents, and the greatest of care is taken in the risks they insure. A brief comparison of the record of the "stock companies," and the expense entailed, with that of the "mutual companies," will demonstrate very
clearly that the latter costs far less. For the year 1888 the average cost to the farmers of Iowa who were members of the "mutual company" was 16 cents on every $100 covered by their policies. During that same time the "stock companies" received from the people of Iowa $4,279,023.34, and returned as payment for losses $1,109,555.77. Another feature of the mutual is that it is prompt. The adjuster can be on the ground soon after the fire, and at once ascertain the loss, if any. So far, this company has not had many losses by fire since its organization. The first loss by lightning occurred June 19, 1899, when five head of steers were killed. They were valued at $90, and within ten hours the adjustor was notified of the loss, and it was paid in full.
Another most satisfactory feature of this company is that it is secure. It is secure because every man who becomes a member is personally responsible for the losses, and every policy issued has, for a faithful performance of what it claims it will do, the backing of the real estate and personal property of the aggregation of farmers who belong to the association. Experience has clearly demonstrated that the farmers who belong to the mutual are prompt and honorable in the payment of their assessment.
There is another commendable and important factor in the composition of this organization, and that is it is equitable. Their motto is even-handed justice to all. No quibbling, but promptness in the payment of a just and honest debt. The farmers of Clay county should avail themselves of the easy terms of the company, and insure in it and thus keep their money at home.
The association is ably officered by strong, substantial and wealthy farmers, who are noted for probity and judgment. The following list of officers is for the year 1889: President, A. W. Green; secretary, E. H. Crandall; treasurer, Fred Lachner; directors, J. L. Eckley, J. C. Winset, R. J. Archer, James Goodwin, F. A. Hiser and A. J. Livingston.
The present officers are as follows: J. P. Mills, president; J. H. Graham, vice president; A. W. Green, secretary; W. H. Mincer, treasurer. Including the officers the board of directors consists of J. L. Lowe, J. B. Wilson, G. W. Moehller, C. L. Halthoues, and G. H. Schuneman.
The risks for this company for 1908 were $2,420,574. The average cost to the insured per $1,000 each year for the past five years was $1.98. Which is about the general average for the twenty years of existence.
The company completed its chartered life December 3, 1908, and was again reorganized with practically the same list of officers.
CLAY COUNTY ABSTRACT COMPANY.
The Clay County Abstract Company was organized in 1906 by J. W. Cory, W. S. Bemis, J. E. Steele, Harlan J. Buck, Fred Kirkpatrick, W. E. Barnhart and Guy H. Martin, all of whom, prior to the consolidation, owned sets of abstract books of the county. The gentlemen named, all members of the bar, entered into an agreement to turn all abstract records over to the company, at a certain price for each set, and it was agreed that the capitalization of the company should be $8,000. The firm of Buck & Kirkpatrick undertook to do the abstract business for the company, at a fixed percentage, and the balance of all fees to go into the company treasury. J. W. Cory was selected for president; H. J. Buck, secretary; 210 HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
J. M. Oliver, assistant secretary and stenographer; J. H. McCord, treasurer. The official title of the concern is the Clay County Abstract Company.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF SPENCER.
The First National Bank is regarded as one of the leading banking institutions of the northwest and has become a useful and important factor in promoting and fostering the interests of the community. That it has attained a degree of prominence and the confidence of the public is evidenced by the fact of its immense and increasing business. It began business August 23, 1888, and in its sworn report to the comptroller of the treasury July 12, 1889, showed that its deposits had reached $44,271.79, and its resources aggregated $122,275.90, a most creditable and healthful state of financial prominence and prosperity. Its first officers were the following: President, A. W. Miller; vice president, T. P. Bender; cashier, P. E. Randall; directors, A. C. Ferine, David Painter, E. C. Hughes, T. P. Bender and A. W. Miller. Its paid up capital was $50,000. When the First National consolidated with the Clay County Bank, its capital stock was increased to $100,000. The present officers are: President, Charles McAllister; vice president, H. N. Smith; cashier, C. P. Buckey. This bank has a surplus fund of $20,000; deposits of $280,000.
THE PEOPLE'S SAVINGS BANK OF SPENCER.
The People's Savings Bank was organized in 1891, and has a paid up capital of $25,000, although its authorized capital is $50,000. Its deposits amount to $230,000. The bank was organized by J. L. Nicodemus, Edward Nicodemus, Franklin Floete, W. L. Bender, S. S. Snow, J. W. Cory, W. S. Bemis, and S. E. Burley. Its first officers were: President, J. W. Cory; vice president, Edward Nicodemus; cashier, S. S. Snow. Board of directors: Edward Nicodemus, Franklin Floete, W. L. Bender, S. S. Snow and J. W. Cory. Its present officers: H. N. Smith, president; J. L. Nicodemus, vice president; Charles L. Howe, cashier.
M. E. GRIFFIN'S BANK OF SPENCER.
This bank was established in 1880, by M. E. Griffin and J. Q. Adams, both of whom were large land dealers. Some years ago Mr. Adams retired from the firm. Mr. Griffin does a general banking business. For an extended sketch of Mr. Griffin see another page of this work.
Connected with the Griffin bank is E. G. Morgan, who has been the general manager and right hand man of Mr, Griffin for the past twenty-six years. E. Taggart has been bookkeeper for some time.
THE CITIZENS' NATIONAL BANK OF SPENCER.
The Citizens' National Bank of Spencer is an offshoot of the Citizens' State Bank of Spencer. The State Bank was organized in March, 1897, and capitalized at $50,000.
The Citizens' National Bank was organized in September, 1903, and capitalized at $50,000. Franklin Floete was the first president; Andrew R. Smith, vice president, and Ackley Hubbard, cashier. The present officers of the bank are as
follows: Franklin Floete, president; A. R. Smith, vice president; J. H. McCord, cashier; P. J. Cilley, assistant cashier. The bank's deposits will reach $200,000.
THE CITIZENS' SAVINGS BANK OF SPENCER.
The above named bank was organized in 1900. Capitalized at $10,000 and deposits $75,000. The first president was Ackley Hubbard; vice president, W. L. Bender; cashier, Alice Hubbard. The present officers are: President, J. H, McCord; vice president, W. L. Bender; cashier, P. J. Cilley.
CLAY COUNTY BANK.
This was one of the first banks in the county, having been established in the spring of 1876 in Spencer. It had been so long and prominently identified with the county and had been so liberal in its dealings with its depositors and patrons that it was regarded as one of the solidest institutions in the northwest. It was noted for the helping hand it extended, not alone to the people but to the county, whose credit it was largely instrumental in maintaining, at a period when it was necessary that the county's warrants should be received and passed for one hundred cents on the dollar.
The bank was organized in 1876, with J. L. Nicodemus as president and A. W. Miller as cashier. A small frame building was erected on Main street, near the old courthouse building, where they transacted its business until 1882, when they moved in their handsome two-story, double brick building on the corner of Main and Fourth streets. Mr. Nicodemus, who was a heavy capitalist of Maryland, who had previous to opening the bank made a number of loans in the county, came west and after looking over the country decided to open a bank at Spencer. In company with A. W. Miller, who had been a resident of the county several years, he established the Clay County Bank. From a small beginning its growth was steady and substantial, until it was not only the oldest but the strongest financial banking institution in this section of Iowa. Its capital and surplus aggregated $175,000. The loans amounted to an immense sum and its exchange business was proportionately large. In 1901, it was consolidated with the First National Bank.
FOSTORIA BANK.
The Citizens' Savings Bank of Fostoria was organized in 1902. It is a private bank, and was organized by Ackley Hubbard and others. They have a capital of $10,000, and deposits of $77,500. Ackley Hubbard was its first president, but he was afterwards succeeded by Franklin Floete; A. R. Smith is the vice president and the cashier is George W. Anderson.
GREENVILLE BANK.
The bank at Greenville was established in 1901 by J. P. Farmer, F. H. Helsell and H. L. Farmer. These gentlemen are the present officers of the bank.
GILLETT'S GROVE SAVINGS BANK.
This bank was established in 1908. S. Ferguson is president; Anton Bargloff, vice president, and Frank A. Lahr, cashier. They have a capital of $10,000.
WEBB BANK.
The Citizens' Savings Bank of Webb was organized in 1902. The first officers were Ackley Hubbard, president; FrankHn Floete, vice president; R. S. Davis, cashier. They have a capital of $10,000. deposits of $45,000. Ackley Hubbard was succeeded by J. H. McCord as president.
ROYAL BANK.
The Citizens' Savings Bank of Royal was organized out of a private bank, owned by Ackley Hubbard and others, which was called the Citizens' Bank. The Citizens' Savings Bank was organized in 1902, with Ackley Hubbard, president; William Flindt, vice president; O. B. Scott, cashier. Its capital is $10,000, and deposits $80,000. J. H. McCord succeeded Mr. Hubbard as president.
BANK OF DICKENS.
The Exchange Bank of Dickens was organized January, 1892, by F. M. Tuttle and P. E. Randall. It is a private concern. The present officers are Charles McAllister, president A. C. Ferine, vice president; E. P. Flint, cashier; C. H. Walsh, assistant cashier.
