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Thomas Tuttle
The first settler in the neighborhood of Pella was Thomas Tuttle, whose present residence is in Vandalia, Jasper county. He first came to the State in 1838, and settled in Jefferson county the year following. In 1843 he came to this county, arriving there on the 13th of May. Not having any children and no other help, Mrs. T. helped him to build a cabin in the edge of the nearest timber north of the present site of Pella. Soon after this they made a claim of part of the town plat of Pella, and put up a claim pen on what is now "Garden Square." This cabin remained there, and was for a portion of the time occupied several years after the city had grown up around it.
When this lonely pair took up their residence in the county they were not aware of the existence of another family of white people within twenty miles of them. After being here a month or so it was found necessary to replenish their stock of breadstuff ere it should run too low; so it was decided to go to Fort Madison for a supply, Mrs. T. to accompany husband or to stay at home as she chose. She chose the latter, and for nine days and nights was the sole occupant of the little cabin, except a big cat,* seeing no human beings except Indians, as they passed and re-passed, and occasionally came in without first announcing their presence or uttering any kind of salutation.
*This cat was still living within the last few years; a remarkable instance of feline longevity.