Formation
Amherst
Townsip was created by act of Board of Supervisors, September 5, 1870,
comprising township 92-42. This sub-division is located on the western
border of the county and the second from the north line, being south of
Marcus, west of Sheridan and north of Tilden townships.
Early Settlers
The
first homesteader was Mattias Smith, who came in the autumn of 1869.
Other early settlers were Wireman Miller, M.E. Hinkley, P.C. Stone,
W.R. Bartlett, two men named Hyatt, J.P. Adam Dorr and his brother John
Dorr, Jacob Perkins, David Barlett (son of W.R. Bartlett), Ed. Smith,
and gentlemen named Ray and Christie.
First Events
Term of School: taught by D. J. Bartlett in the fall of 1871
Schoolhouse built in 1873
Death: the infant child of William Fosket in 1874
Marriage: David Bartlett to Miss Belle Anderson
Schools
The first schoolhouses were built in 1873. One was erected in District # 2 and one in District #8.
Churches
The first religious service was held in 1870 at the home of M . E. Hinkley - a Baptist.
Methodist Episcopal built in 1884
German
Baptist Brethren (Dunkards) organized in 1887, by Rev. Henry B. Lehman
and wife and daughter, Anna; D. B. Lehman, wife and daughter, Ella;
David Postle and wife, Callie Arnold, and Mattie Christin.
German Lutherans erected a church in 1889
Cemeteries
Holy Name Cemetery
Marcus-Amherst Cemetery
Fatal Wind Storm of 1881
On
June 17, 1881, a terrific wind storm swept through this portion of
Cherokee County, which destroyed much of the growing crops and blew
down light buildings, including the farm house of Milton C. Stevens,
located on section 36-92-42. Mrs. Stevens was killed, while her husband
and eight-year-old son had their legs broken. After this disaster and
affliction, Mr. Stevens sold his farm to Joseph Taplin, and moved from
this county.
Geographics
Amherst Township covers an area of 35.91 square miles (93.0
km2) and contains no incorporated settlements.
Amherst Twp - WikiPedia
SOURCES:
The township history was excerpted from Biographical History of
Cherokee County. W. S. Dunbar & Co., 1889. The township map is from
Plat Book of Cherokee County, Iowa, W.W. Hixon & Co.,
Rockford, IL
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