EARLY SETTLEMENTS IN GROVES
An asterisk indicates the location may be viewed on the
Township Map
Galland's Grove*-The first settlement in this area by Abraham Galland was in
1848. It was later populated by Latter Day Saints and by 1854 the
population reached 174. Omaha and Pottawatomie Indians passed through this
area at the time on hunting expeditions.
Hacktown-Although there is no record of a "town" here, this was probably
the second settlement in the county. Settlers in this area came from
Fountain County, Indiana in 1852.
Cuppy's Grove*-Settled by Pennsylvania Dutch in 1852. Scene of Feud between
W. J. Johnston and Adam Cuppy families in 1860. A Ghost of 1876 with green
eyes as large as goose eggs rode through this grove.
Waterbury's Grove-Settled by Stephen Waterbury and son Lewis 1853. Often
was stopping place for overland journeys between Harlan and Council Bluffs.
Bowman's Grove*-Leonard Bowman and son Daniel probably came here in 1853.
Jonathan Wyland had -an early saw mill here. Judge Tarkington, a
"somewhat' Methodist conducted services in a log house in this grove.
Wick's Grove-L. D. Sunderland in 1853 made his home in this area now known
as Rabbit Hallow.
Leland Grove*-Ben Leland and other Latter Day Saints settled here in 1854.
Howlett's Grove-this small grove in Fairview Township was the home of Wm.
Howlett in 1855.
Merrill's Grove-Settled in 1850's by George Merrill.
Clark's Grove*-At various times known as Wood's Grove, Slates' Grove,
Kibby's Grove, Kimball's Grove was probably inhabited in 1853 or 1854.
Kidd's Grove-Also known as "Fountain Grove" settled by Capt.
Charles Kidd in 1856.
Custer's Grove-Henry Custer lived in this area.
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OTHER GROVES
Walnut Grove
Six Bee Tree Grove
Correction Grove
Brown's Grove
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BY-GONE TOWNS
Shelbyville*-The first community in the county was a bustling town
authorized as the county seat by the legislature in 1853 and was probably
settled in 1854. It thrived until 1860, a year after the county seat was
moved to Harlan. The Shelbyville P.O. location is on the Township Map.
Itan-Existed from 1855-1859. Took its name from South American town where
one of founders, Mansel Wicks, was shipwrecked in 1852. It was located on Section 4,
Township 79, Range 38, in what is now Harlan Township.
Somida-Earlier known as Ravenwook, 1857. Also known as Simoda.
It was the forerunner of Harlan and at one time had 20 residences and
businesses including Newspaper, store, school. It dwindled when Harlan
became county seat in 1859.
Manteno*
-1856-1900. This village has not existed for a long time
although the state highway maps still show its location. The location
of Manteno is on the Township Map.
Rantout-Shown on Johnson and Ward 1864 Atlas but no other
information has been found.
Mallory-1876-1882., With the coming of Chicago Milwaukee and
St. Paul Railroad this was made post office and there was some evidence
that there was a village there in the 70s.
Rock Run-A T Andreas 1875 Historical Atlas indicates a post
office at this location. The Rock Run P.O. was located next to Leland
Grove, see the Township Map.
Elk Horn P.O.-A T Andreas 1875 Historical Atlas indicates a post
office at this location although there is no record of any dwellings
at this place. The Elk Horn P.O. was south of present day Elk Horn.
Poplar*-This town thrived from 1890 to 1910. Buildings included the Kousgaard Poplar Store with the Rasmussen Dance Hall above and a Lutheran church. A plaque imbedded in
stone commemorates the former location of Poplar.
Prairie Row (Rose)-This town was named by Mrs. Louis Schack and in
1915 had a most successful creamery. It also had general store and
blacksmith shop, and was the namesake of today's Prairie Rose State
Recreation Area.
Red Line*-At the edge of Merrill's Grove was small village with
several houses and general store until recent years. A couple of houses
and church still remain. The town was leveled in 1913 by a tornado.
The location of Red Line (Redline) is on the Township Map.
Rorbeck*-This landmark had a general store and blacksmith shop as,
late as 1915. The location of Rorbeck is on the Township Map.
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Further Reference:
- "Postmarked Iowa: A List of Discontinued and Renamed Post Offices",
by Guy Reed Ramsey.
- "Abandoned Towns, Villages and Post Offices of Iowa" by David C.
Mott.
Source: Information primarily from the Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, Vol. III, 1916-1976, pg. 22, published by the Shelby County Historical Society for the Bicentennial.
Photo of Waterbury Grove sign contributed by Alvin Poole, July, 2017.
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