CHAPTER XXXIII

_Some Township History_

BERTRAM TOWNSHIP

In the history of Linn county Bertram township has played a conspicuous part, and was at various times about to be the township in which were located some of the most enterprising towns in the county. Ivanhoe, Westport, also known as Newark, and other places are well known names among the early settlers. Their locations have been wiped off the map, so to speak, on account of changed conditions. The following sketch is taken largely from manuscripts and articles written by the late John J. Daniels, one of the old citizens of Linn county, one of the early county recorders, for many years a justice of the peace, and a well known and enterprising citizen, who was always interested in the old settlers and in the development of historical research in the county in early days. Mr. Daniels says:

"In the early settlement of Linn county the territory now forming Bertram township was selected by the early settlers for very prominent reasons, it having good mill streams, good water, and plenty of good timber near at hand, which was so much needed by the early settlers for building and fencing. Two of the early pioneers were Thomas W. and Sarah Campbell, of Dearborn county, Indiana. They came in the fall of 1838 and settled on the northeast quarter of section 27, and obtained a patent from the United States March 7, 1844. Mr. Campbell was elected the first county treasurer in 1839, and in 1840 his first collection of county taxes for licenses, ferries, and lands was $985.85. He died February 22, 1876.

"Perry and Catherine Campbell Oxley, of Montgomery county, Indiana, first located in Linn township, but in the fall of 1838 came here and took up a claim on the southwest quarter of section 22 and built their cabin in the grove near the east line. Mr. Oxley was the first constable elected in the county in 1839, and was bailiff of the grand jury of the county. He was the best shot in the county. He died September 30, 1886, universally mourned.

"Norris and Ann Cone, of Connecticut, came in February, 1839, and settled on section 21. Mr. Cone later removed to Marion. George Cone, their son, claims the honor of being the first child born in the township in 1839.

"James and Elizabeth Leabo and Israel Mitchell, natives of Kentucky, in 1838 left the mining regions near Dubuque and settled on claims in this township on the north side of the river. Mrs. Leabo died September, 1852, and James Leabo removed to Oregon, where he died.

"Mr. Mitchell was a graduate of a Kentucky college and celebrated the first 4th of July at Westport in 1838, Judge Mitchell being the orator.

"The first and only election of the county that year was held there, thirty-two votes being cast. The first store opened in the county was at Westport, by Albert Henry in the fall of 1838.

"James and Mary Scott, of Indiana, came in 1838 or 1839. Mr. Scott was an enterprising farmer. He purchased a saw mill on Big creek and early built a large flouring mill during the fifties. On account of the failure of crops the mill was not a success. He died in 1894 in Marion township.

"Elias Doty, of Ohio, came in 1838 or '39, and in 1840 commenced the building of a saw mill on Big creek, but was accidentally killed at its raising. The mill property later passed into the hands of James R. Briney.

"James Hunter, a native of Ireland, came in 1838 and took a claim; he died May 14, 1888, at the age of sixty-nine.

"Everett Oxley, a native of Kentucky, born in 1812, at the age of fifteen removed to Indiana where he married Catherine Milner, also a native of Kentucky, coming to Linn county in 1840. Mr. Oxley died in 1887. Several of the Oxley family emigrated to Linn county.

"Jeremiah Daniels arrived in the spring of 1844 with a stock of dry goods, trading for wheat in the fall, shipping same by flat-boat to St. Louis. In the fall of 1847-8 he built a saw mill on Indian creek and a few years later located a flour mill on Big creek. Mr. Daniels died in 1882."

Mr. Daniels further states that some of the early settlers were the following:

"Michael and Peter McRoberts, Peter D. Harman, Ben and John Dewitt, John, Joseph, and Nancy Gourly, Andrew and Thomas Dill, Isaac, Lawrence, Elijah, and Joseph Wain, Louis Lafore, Perry and Ann Knapp, Ada J. James, Steve, Charles, Daniel, George, Theresa, and Ann Rose, Sylvester Lyons, Thomas Rose, James and Thomas Piner, James M. and Susan Doty, Abraham Darr, John Arford, Hiram and Mary Leabo-Deem, Sam and Rachel Stambaugh, Jonathan and Dorcas Paul, John Bromwell, Michael Cox, Louis Kramer, Dr. Grove, Dave Stambaugh, James Briney, Leonard Speckelmeyer, James Berry, James Anderson, Caleb Dyer, Joseph Caraway, John and Mary Scott, and Samuel Durham."

Some of the Bertram justices have been William S. Darr, Frank Allen, W. B. Plummer, E. Doty, J. C. Anderson.

Bertram township has been the location of a number of squatter towns. William Stone first staked out a squatter town and called it Westport. He sold out his right to Albert Henry and then staked out Columbus where Cedar Rapids is now located. Henry, it is stated, erected two of the first frame buildings in this town, and in fact in this part of the county. The only sawed lumber in the entire buildings were the window frames and the casings. The siding was what was known as shaved lumber. These buildings were torn down in 1861 by Elias and Daniel Doty. One of these buildings was used by James Doty for his pottery shop up to the time of his death. Perry Oxley bought Albert Henry's squatter claim and he later sold his right, title, and interest in the town as well as in about 117 acres of land at $2.50 an acre. Now for the first time James Doty thought he would comply with the law, and on November 12, 1844, filed a plat in accordance with the law and called the town Newark, from Newark, New Jersey, his birthplace. Ivanhoe was never platted, but was only a squatter town founded by Cowles. Colonel Merritt kept the first store at Ivanhoe for parties in Rock Island. This town had better prospects of becoming a great city than any other town in the county. It had a good river frontage, a rich country around it, plenty of timber and good water, and had the government road besides. For some unknown cause the place seems to have been ignored when Marion and Cedar Rapids began to flourish. This is true, that Ivanhoe and Westport were laid out expecting the river to be the means of communicating with the outside world. The railroads, mills, dams and other things changed conditions, and the Indian trading villages came to naught.

FAIRFAX TOWNSHIP

Fairfax township lies in the extreme southwest portion of Linn county. Prairie creek, at times an unruly stream, drains this part of the county. In the early day this portion of Linn county had more or less timber, especially in what is known as Scotch Grove, northeast of the town of Fairfax. This timber has, for the most part, been cut off.

The first settlers, as far as is known, who came to this part of the county were Robert and Jane Ure with their family of grown children, in the spring of 1841. The children were John, Margaret, James, William, Robert, Walter, and David. The family had emigrated from Scotland in 1838 and gone west, locating in Ohio for a short time, removing to Iowa territory in search of land. They located in the northwestern part of the township in the grove which has since been called "Scotch Grove." The Ures wrote back to Scotland to their friends, and for many years emigrants came who located in and around Scotch Grove in Linn and Benton counties. Later came the McDowell family, the Listebargers, the McKinnons, the Mitchells, Giddings, Knickerbockers, Flahertys, Ferriters, Henrys, Cahills, Hines, McFarlands, and many others.

A cemetery was established in Scotch Grove where a number of the early settlers are buried. The cemetery near Fairfax is now the one in use, and also the Catholic cemetery southwest of Fairfax.

One of the first school teachers in the township was Mrs. Keziah McDowell, who taught in a private house. The first school building was erected in 1855 on the place where the Elm Grove school now stands. The first teacher who taught in a school building was a Mr. Eckerman, who boarded around. The families who had children attending school at that time were the McKinnons, the Listebargers, and the Hodges.

The first reaping machine in this part of the county was purchased by William Ure at Chicago in the summer of 1847, and was a hand-raking machine. Mr. Ure drove with an ox team to Chicago and returned with a machine in time for cutting the grain that summer. After he got started all the neighbors helped and the machine was run night and day until the season was over and the grain harvested.

The Scotch families were United Presbyterians, and for many years attended church in Cedar Rapids. In May, 1858, the Presbyterian church was organized and established in Scotch Grove. The fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of this church was celebrated in 1908, and the paper read by Miss Jennie G. Mitchell, daughter of James Mitchell, now residing in Cedar Rapids, gives a full history of the church and of many of the old settlers of this county, and is herewith inserted in full:

"THE ORIGIN OF FAIRFAX U. P. CHURCH

"The first settlers in this part of Linn county, Iowa, were Robert and Jane Ure, who, with a family of grown children, came here in the spring or summer of 1841. The children were John, Margaret, James, William, Jane, Robert, Walter, and David. The family had emigrated from Scotland in 1838 and spent the intervening years near Springfield, Ohio. But land was high in the old settlements and they came 'west' where they could enter government land, settling, or at first camping, on the same ground where this church is built. Log houses were soon erected and some land entered and a few years later a brick house was built, the first in this part of the country. The brick was made by the boys and the entire house erected without the assistance of any expert, the lime being hauled all the way from Muscatine. The Ure family did not leave their religion in the Auld Kirk in the Homeland, but during all their travels, whether they tarried or camped for only the night, the morning and evening sacrifice of family prayer was offered; and on Sabbath at noon the family were gathered and God's word read, followed by praise and prayer. Thus they kept God's holy day and worshiped in their own home until preaching could be obtained, and by searching the records of the First United Presbyterian church of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, we find that on the 9th day of September, 1850, a meeting was held and a petition forwarded to the Associate Presbytery of Iowa, asking for a supply of preaching, and in 1851 the congregation in Cedar Rapids was organized, the Ure family uniting with them.

[Illustration: THE "OLD SCHOOL" COGGON]

[Illustration: SOUTH SIDE MAIN STREET, COGGON]

"The cheap land and plenty of timber attracted others, and in the early fifties the McKinnon family came from Scotland and settled in Linn county near Scotch Grove. In 1852 Samuel and Sarah Hall, with their large family, settled at Sisley's Grove, and in 1854 James Cleghorn, Sr., with his two children and John and Agnes Anderson. James Cleghorn and Agnes Anderson were brother and sister. James Cleghorn, Jr., is still living near where they located and built their first home. Robert Brownlie and family now reside where the Anderson home was built. This same year (1854) Joseph and Margaret Humphrey and family came and settled south of Prairie Creek, and in the spring of 1855, James and John Mitchell with their wives and families, and later Walter Mitchell and John and Jane McGregor with their families of sons and daughters, and a few years later Moses Mitchell, all finding homes in and around Scotch Grove.

"The Ure family, thus re-inforced, soon after began an effort to secure preaching at Scotch Grove. But who first proposed asking for preaching, or where the meeting was held, is not on record and can not be recalled, but a minute on the records of the Cedar Rapids church, dated May 25, 1856, reads thus: 'The people of Scotch Grove presented a petition and were granted one-fourth of the pastor's time.' But by whom this petition was presented is not recorded. Another record reads: 'At a meeting of the United Presbyterian church of Kingston, held on Tuesday afternoon at four o'clock, July 6, 1858, the following paper was adopted: Action of the United Presbyterian congregation of Kingston in relation to the organization of a church at Scotch Grove, Linn County, Iowa. _Resolved_: that we approve of the organization with the understanding that they continue in connection with us as the same pastoral charge until otherwise ordered by the Presbytery.' But the name of the Presbytery is not mentioned. It is supposed that Joseph Humphrey carried the petition to Presbytery. The organization was granted and on the 12th day of August, 1858, a meeting was held in the home of James and Mary Ure, a sermon preached and the congregation organized by Rev. Hugh Sturgeon. There were fifteen charter members, and the name given the congregation was 'Fairfax.' The names of all present can not be recalled, but we remember that John Beatty, who later with his family came to the neighborhood, brought Mr. Sturgeon and was present at this meeting. Three elders were elected, Joseph Humphrey, Alexander Johnson and James Mitchell. James Mitchell did not accept the office and at a later meeting James Ure was elected and with the other two, ordained and installed. Thus organized and equipped they began the work with high hopes and willing hands, if not much ready money. There being no public building which could be used for religious meetings, they were held in homes, most of the time in the home of Miss Margaret Ure. Rev. Sturgeon did not long remain and others came. Revs. Douthett, A. J. Allen, Sawhill, Fulton, and others. Doctor Roberts of the Covenanter faith preached a few times. One occasion is remembered when he was to preach in the home of Mr. Wadsworth, where Mr. and Mrs. William Russell now live. Heavy rains had fallen during the week and Prairie creek was over its banks, with the bridge either washed away or overflowed. Several families lived on the other side who must attend the service on the Sabbath, no thought of the high water being an excuse for staying at home. They wished to attend and were needed to assist with the singing. The names of three families are remembered: Dixon, Junk, and Humphrey. Among other plans some one suggested building a raft, whom we do not remember, but superintended by Andrew Mitchell the work was begun, and finished Saturday afternoon. Sabbath afternoon the families came in their wagons as far as the creek, where they were met by neighbors on this side, ferried across by Andrew Mitchell, and conveyed to the home of Mr. Wadsworth. After the service they were brought back to the place of crossing and again ferried over, all in a quiet way becoming the day and occasion. Thus obstacles were met and overcome with the persistent determination of people who retained some of the spirit of their invincible John Knox. But a school house was erected in the early sixties, known as the James Ure school house, and religious meetings were held here. If possible, preaching, if not, Sabbath school and prayer meeting until their first pastor, Rev. J. T. Torrence, came among them.

"Shall we ask: Did the work prosper? How well, vines transplanted from the Scotch Grove church in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Idaho and far-off California will testify.

"Is it possible to over-estimate the courage and perseverance of our fathers and mothers, who began the work in this new country under the great difficulties and privations, and whose faith, as well as strength of arm, has made possible the privileges we, their children, enjoy? We trust we shall not forget, but to succeeding generations tell the heroism of the daily strife and the earnestness and value of the twice daily prayer, 'All honor to the builders of this Church.'

'The world may sound no trumpets--ring no bells, The book of life the shining record tells.'

"THE CHARTER MEMBERS

"Fifty years is a longer time than the memory of most of those living runs. The span of life is not always, in fact not usually, lengthened to include events so wide apart in space of time.

"Fifty years ago, the great Civil war had not been fought, and it was the hopes of those who held the welfare of their country nearest to their hearts that such a calamity might be averted. Fifty years ago, the memory of those two great national characters, Webster and Clay, whose eloquence and zeal postponed that great contest a decade, was fresh to the little band that bound themselves together here at Scotch Grove that they might have the privileges of a church home.

"In May of 1858, the United Presbyterian church was formed by the union of the Associate Presbyterians and Associate Reform Presbyterian churches. In the fall of that same year, fifteen devoted Christian citizens organized the new congregation and called it the United Presbyterian Church of Fairfax, Iowa.

"It is interesting to note that while these fifteen early pioneers were planning for the organization, Abraham Lincoln was debating with Douglas the merits of the Dred Scott decision.

"These fifteen charter members were:

"Samuel Hall and wife, Sarah Hall. "Joseph Humphrey and wife, Margaret Humphrey. "Alexander Johnson and wife, Janet McKinnon Johnson. "James Mitchell and wife, Margaret McArthur Mitchell. "John Mitchell and wife, Margaret Mitchell. "William McKinnon and wife, Janet McKinnon. "James Ure and wife, Mary Ure, and "Miss Margaret Ure.

"Associated with these fifteen charter members in word and work were John McGregor and wife, Jane Robertson McGregor, who later became members of the new organization.

"Of these persons, there are three still living--Mr. and Mrs. James Ure, who live at Denver, Colorado, and Mr. James Mitchell, who lives at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. [Mr. and Mrs. Ure are now deceased, 1910].

"James and Margaret Ure were among the very earliest settlers in this community. They, with their parents, had come to Iowa in 1841, five years before the territory was admitted to statehood. Both were born in Scotland and came to America in 1838, settling near Springfield, Ohio, where they lived till they came west. In 1857 James Ure was married to Mary Kerr. She was born in March, 1835, in Mercer, Pennsylvania, where she spent her early childhood, later removing with her parents to Dubuque, Iowa. They began housekeeping on their farm just east of the grove, where they lived till April, 1892, when they moved to Denver, Colorado.

"In September, 1879, Mr. Ure asked for his certificate of admission, which was granted. He was one of the ruling elders elected at the time of the organization.

"Margaret Ure was born in Scotland in 1821. After coming to Scotch Grove she resided on the Ure homestead, now owned by Jas. Rogers. She was a woman of great abilities and was always liberal in giving of her time and means to the work of the church. The church building was not erected for some years after the organization of the congregation and her home was always open for the holding of services during this time. The pulpit furniture now in use was a gift of hers. She removed to Cedar Rapids in 1884, where she died. She was buried in the Fairfax cemetery.

"James Mitchell, one of the three surviving charter members, and who now resides at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was born March 3, 1821, in Buchlyvie, Stirlingshire, Scotland. He came to America in 1851 and settled in New York state. July 8, 1853, he was married to Margaret McArthur and in July, 1855, came to Linn county, Iowa. Mrs. Mitchell was born June 8, 1823, and died June 20, 1904, at the age of 81 years and 12 days.

"At the time Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell came west, in 1855, the railroad ran no farther west than to Rock Island. At this point they, in company with Margaret and William Ure, were compelled to cross the Mississippi river on the ice. It was here that they received their first initiation into the life of hardship and peril that fell to the life of the early pioneer. While crossing the river, the wheels of their dray began to cut through the ice. There was danger of the ice giving way and all being drowned, but by means of levers and props they were able to reach the Iowa shore in safety.

"When Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell reached Scotch Grove, they took for their home a small log house some five or six rods southwest from the present church building, and with the munificent sum of ten dollars with which to furnish their home, started to carve out their career in the new country. With Mrs. Mitchell there was little thought of what her spring hat would be like, or what she should serve when it came her turn to give a Kensington to the ladies of the community. It would probably be some days before any money would find its way into the family purse, and those ten dollars must be guarded with jealous care. True, potatoes could be had, and Mr. Ure and his family had proven that the potato could be used as the sole article of diet for at least three months.

"In 1898 they removed to Cedar Rapids, where four years ago Mrs. Mitchell died. She was buried at Fairfax cemetery. Mr. Mitchell is now eighty-seven years of age. He was elected to the office of ruling elder in December, 1879, which he filled till the time he removed to Cedar Rapids. July 8, 1903, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell celebrated their golden wedding.

"John Mitchell came to America in 1853. Margaret McGregor Mitchell was born in Sterlingshire, Scotland, September 8, 1831. In 1852 she came to America with her parents, settling in New York state. The following year she was married to Mr. John Mitchell and in 1855 came to Scotch Grove. Here they settled in a small log house near the present church lot. Robert Ure, father of James and Margaret Ure, had, during the time of the gold excitement in California, built three of these houses, the first being erected without the use of a nail.

"Mr. Mitchell entered forty acres of land west of where the Conley school house now stands. After the school house was built, preaching services and Sabbath school were held there, and Mr. Mitchell was one of the most active in lending help and maintaining the services. He died January 17, 1896, at Norway; she February 3, 1892. Both were buried in the Fairfax cemetery.

"Alexander Johnson was born in Pennsylvania, his father coming to America from Ireland. On coming to Iowa he lived at Cedar Rapids for a time, where he teamed. Here he lost his first wife and was later married to Janet McKinnon, who was born in Bo'ness, Scotland, and came to America in 1845.

"Mrs. Johnson owned some land at Que's Grove, now known as Quam's Grove. This she bought from the government. Mr. Johnson had money with which to build a house and they thus moved on the land, where they lived till the time of his death.

"Mr. Johnson was elected to the office of ruling elder when the congregation was organized, and was at all times an

## active and persistent worker in the church. He had become

attached to his early church home and was reluctant to leave. It may seem strange, but yet it is true, that the place where a person spends the best years of his life, where he has toiled and labored to make a home, becomes in old age, after he is compelled to lay down his labors, the spot that is dearest to him. He had seen the community grow and develop, and as it had grown, his hopes had opened.

"Some time prior to his death, the members of his family wanted to remove to Washington, Iowa. He could not entertain the thought of leaving his old home community, whose growth and development had meant so much to him, and in a conversation with a member of the congregation remarked that he had said, 'If they take me away from here, it will be in my coffin, but now I have given my consent to go.'

"He was not permitted to make the change. During the latter part of his life he was confined to his bed. He died at Norway, having reached the age of eighty-four years. Mrs. Johnson died three years ago at Washington, Iowa.

"Joseph Humphrey was born in New York state, January 19, 1816, and when quite young his parents removed to Butler county, Pennsylvania. In 1836 he was married to Margaret Gill. She was born May 30, 1818, in Butler county, Pennsylvania. They came to Iowa May 5, 1855, and settled near Norway.

"In the church he occupied the highest office to which a private member can be called by the voice of the congregation, that of ruling elder, being chosen elder at the organization of the congregation. He had a high sense of the responsibility of his office, viewing it as one of divine authority. It was his study, as a steward of God, to fulfill its duties and maintain its authority. He was punctual and regular in attendance at all the meetings of the congregation and gave largely of his means and time in forwarding its interests. He believed that the minister was worthy of his hire, and rather than neglect this duty he would let his boys go barefooted to church. He died December 5, 1871, at the age of fifty-six years. Mrs. Humphrey died May 22, 1900, eight days before her eighty-second birthday. Both were buried in Fairfax cemetery.

"Samuel Hall was born March 29, 1806, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. His wife, Sarah Jobe Hall, was born October 8, 1808, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. In April of 1851 they came to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and entered land just west of that place, where they lived till their removal to Cedar Rapids in 1883. Mrs. Hall died March 10, 1886, and Mr. Hall on the 13th, three days later. Both were buried in the same grave in Sisley Grove cemetery. They were one of the four couples mentioned here, who celebrated their golden wedding.

[Illustration: SCENE ON THE CEDAR AT CEDAR RAPIDS]

[Illustration: BIRDSEYE VIEW LOOKING EAST, CEDAR RAPIDS]

[Illustration: CEDAR RIVER DAM, CEDAR RAPIDS]

"Mr. and Mrs. William McKinnon were born in Scotland and were married before coming to America. They came to Scotch Grove at an early date, about 1852. For a time they lived with David McKinnon, east of the grove, and later moving to their new home north of Norway. Moved to the western part of the state and there died.

"During the early days of the new congregation, Mr. McKinnon rendered valuable services as leader in the singing. His clear and distinct voice could be heard and followed with ease by the body of the congregation.

"Mr. and Mrs. John McGregor were both born in Scotland, he May 11, 1801, in Callander, she August 13, 1806, in Bo'ness. They came to America in 1852, settling in New York, and in 1857 came to Iowa where they settled on a farm west of the grove. Mr. McGregor was active in the work of the church and especially in the raising of funds for the new church building. Both were loyal supporters of the church, and were among those who kept their membership in the congregation till the time of their death.

"The same vessel that brought them to America brought Mr. Jas. Mitchell. It was a sailing vessel and required six weeks to cross the ocean. This past summer their great-granddaughters made the voyage in the Lusitania in less than five days.

"In 1877 they celebrated their golden wedding at their home, the same home they chose when first coming to Scotch Grove. Mr. McGregor died November 8, 1894, at the age of ninety-three years, the greatest age reached by any of the early members. August 13, 1880, Mrs. McGregor died, being just seventy-four years old. Both were buried in the Fairfax cemetery.

"Conditions then and now are quite different. Railroads were not yet built into the community. At one time the produce had to be hauled to Davenport and Muscatine. It took a week to make the trip and when one got back home, little was left to encourage another trip. There were no roads in many places, and the oxen, which were often used in those days, frequently left the wagon stuck in some slough. Before railroads were built into Cedar Rapids, a steamboat came up the river from the Mississippi, bringing groceries and dry-goods and carrying the produce back. No money could be had for the grain and stock. One must take in exchange for them groceries and dry-goods. The panic of 1857 had not yet spent its force. Such were the conditions surrounding the early pioneers when the congregation was organized.

"These members were not only pioneers in carving out homes in a new country, but they were pioneers of the faith. Religious services, Sabbath school and prayer meetings were held at Conley school house, at Norway, and at Livermore school house, besides those held at the church. They cherished the hope and faith in the divine which they had brought with them to the new country, and were persistent in offering to all who might come, the advantages of the sanctuary.

"The early pioneers are always men of firm faith, sturdy and strong in their beliefs, set in their opinions. It is not to be wondered at, that when the question of where to erect the new church building arose, there were differences of opinion. Some wanted it located at Brownlie's corner, some at Conley's school house and some just west of the present site. It was at such times that William Ure stepped into the threatened breach and by his calm counsel brought unity to the opposing opinions. Although not a member of the Fairfax congregation Mr. Ure rendered services as valuable as any of its members in giving financial aid and in other ways.

"Of these fifteen charter members, Mr. and Mrs. James Mitchell, James and Margaret Ure, William McKinnon and John Mitchell were all born and lived during their childhood in the same community in Scotland. They were all baptized by the Rev. Mr. Russell, and they attended the same church and school. In coming west to the new country they chose out a beautiful spot, fertile and productive. During the fifty years, within the memory of one of the charter members, land that was bought from the government for $1.25 per acre has been sold for $150 per acre.

"Four of these couples, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Ure, and Mr. and Mrs. John McGregor, have celebrated their golden weddings. Of these early pioneers of Scotch Grove, one has passed the age of ninety years, six have passed the age of eighty years, and but two died before reaching the age of seventy, a beautiful commentary upon their rugged and sturdy character and habits."

BOULDER TOWNSHIP

Boulder township is located in the northern part of the county and despite its name is one of the most fertile and productive portions of the county. The surface is generally rolling, dotted in an early day with excellent groves of native timber. Buffalo creek in the days before windmills were in common use was a much prized stream which was used by farmers near and far, for the use of their stock. William Wagner is supposed to have made the first settlement in 1850. He was shortly followed by William McQueen and Silas Edington. Later came the following named persons: John Wagner, Will Ward, H. B. Brown, Frank Cooly, J. Wilds, J. Barnhardt and Ben Harrison. In the early fifties came an itinerant Methodist minister, John Bell, and organized a small congregation, services being held in a school house near the present site of Prairieburg. The John McQueen grist mill which began operation about 1854 on Buffalo creek, a mile southwest of Prairieburg, was a noted mill in its day and was largely patronized by the early settlers. The town of Prairieburg was named by Henry Ward, the first postmaster. The first house was a log structure built by Joe Barnhardt in 1853. N. Parsons erected the second house and Henry Wayne the third, which was a store building where he opened a store. In 1856, Will Wagner started a shoe shop, and other buildings, such as hotels and blacksmith shops came later. The recent advent of the railroad has boomed the town and the price of land has increased greatly. A number of the early settlers and their descendants are still land owners in this township, Coquillette, Whitney, Paul, O'Rourke, Carpenter, Walker, McQueen, Burke, Rundle, Pillard, Nelson, Lacy, Leonard, Le Clerc, Smith, Cushman, Hill, Soesbe, Garvis, Drexler, Tear, Considine, Matsel, and other well known families.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP

Clinton township, with a population of 1,000 people, located in the western tier of townships, has a rich, productive soil and has been farmed continuously for sixty years and the soil shows no sign of deterioration. The farmers residing in Clinton township have well improved farms, good roads and a number of fine school houses and churches. For many years the road known as the Toledo road, as well as the Marengo road, were the two chief thoroughfares for travelers, gold seekers, and others, and consequently it was early well advertised.

Among some of the early settlers in this township may be mentioned John Conley, Hiram Usher, Joe Brown, Dyer Usher, George Buchanan, Reese and the Langhams, and scores of others who came here in the '40s.

James Yuill, Henry Maurer, John Fox, Whiteneck, Sisley, Kuhn, Wieneke, Lederman, O'Connell, the Miller family, Misners, Scotts, Swetts, Hall, Snell, and many others of the early settlers came here in an early day, building up the community. They have long since passed away leaving their children and grandchildren large tracts of productive land.

Sisley Grove was at a very early time a place where all the settlers, as well as travellers, congregated. The grove at that time was much larger than it is at present, and many of the farmers adjoining owned small tracts of land in this grove where they cut rails and fence posts for their farms during the winter.

Here is also located a cemetery where many of the old settlers are buried, and at an early day a church was built at which the early pioneers congregated once a week to hear the word of God preached. In the absence of any regular preacher frequently the pioneer farmers preached to the congregations. This church was abandoned some years ago and the congregation has since worshiped at Fairview, a few miles further east.

Here, also, was located Kuhn's blacksmith shop and hotel. Kuhn was a queer old fellow, who not only was an expert blacksmith but the only one for miles who was competent to shoe oxen, and consequently during the winter months he was a very busy man. Kuhn not only was a good horseshoer and blacksmith, but he was a dentist as well and pulled teeth when blacksmithing was slack. At one time he pulled a tooth for an old settler with an instrument used in those days and as it was pretty severe he gave a drink of whiskey to stop the pain. After the fellow fully recovered his senses the tooth ached as before and the patient learned that the dentist had pulled the wrong tooth and so informed the blacksmith, to which the blacksmith replied, "That will be easy to remedy, just take another drink and we will go at it again, and you will not be out very much as my charges are only ten cents a tooth." Old Mr. Kuhn seemed to know the wants of the community, for he kept a barrel of whiskey in his blacksmith shop and sold the stuff at thirty cents a gallon, and served free drinks to anyone on paying his bill. The hotel was not a modern kind of a house, but was generally full, as travellers in those days were plentiful. The old man also sold feed to travellers and consequently he generally got a little something out of every traveller who passed by Sisley Grove.

The grove was named in honor of the first settler who owned most of the land, on which the grove is situated. During the early '50s and '60s Clinton township produced more wheat, it is said, than any other township in the county, all of which was hauled to Cedar Rapids.

BUFFALO TOWNSHIP

Buffalo township was first settled by George C. Perkins, who came here in 1839 and made a claim which he occupied thereafter during his lifetime. In the early days it was well wooded and consequently much of this land was sold in small strips to adjoining farmers.

GRANT TOWNSHIP AND WALKER

For the following interesting sketch of the early settlement of northwestern Linn county we are under obligations to Justin Barry, editor of the Walker _News_.

Grant township, forming the northwest corner of Linn county, was organized in 1872 as the result of a struggle over the levying of a tax in aid of the construction of a railroad. The B., C. R. & N., since incorporated into the Rock Island system, had projected a line from Cedar Rapids north toward the Minnesota line. Washington township, then embracing much more territory than at present, had voted a five per cent tax in aid of the road. Those living in the northern portion of the township rebelled, and in an effort to escape the tax petitioned for a division of the territory and the formation of a new township. They succeeded in the latter effort and the new township was designated Grant, in honor of General Grant, who was then president. However, the people did not escape the tax, and some of those who most vigorously opposed it later embarked in business in the new town of Walker, which sprung up with the coming of the railroad, and thus their defeat became in fact the foundation for modest fortunes, which came from the large territory and the equally large profits of pioneer business days.

As the earlier settlers sought out the timbered sections regardless of the quality of the land, what is now Grant township, comprised as it is almost wholly of prairie, was one of the last portions of the county to be developed. Some few settlers came early, but progress generally was slow. A family named Norris was the first to settle within its territory, being already located along what is now its southern border when John K. Speake and family came in 1840. The Norrises have since disappeared and no one seems to know whither they went. James Buforde Speake is now the oldest living settler in the township, and though past eighty years of age he continues to operate the farm in section 19 on which his father filed when the family arrived here from Illinois in 1840.

Other settlers came at long intervals, but for many years after the arrival of the first it was predicted with great assurance that the northern portion of the township never would be settled but would always remain a wilderness. And yet this valley, including the present town site of Walker, lying north of what in the early days was called Wright's Grove, now Fox's Grove, must have presented an attractive picture and one of rare beauty in its wild state, viewed from the surrounding hills, a little creek winding its way through the center, flanked all about by great rolling ridges and fringed on either bank with willows, with here and there a giant oak towering above all else.

William Davis settled in the southwest portion of the township in 1841, and on his farm in about 1850 or a little earlier was laid out the first cemetery in the township. It is still in use for that purpose and many of the monuments erected in the early days bear quaint inscriptions. Mr. Davis died in 1866, leaving a large estate to his sons, Hezekiah and Edward, who carried on extensive farm operations. The former kept a pack of hounds and for many years scoured the country for miles around in search of wolves. The Davises later met with reverses and left the county years ago shorn of a large share of the princely estate, which once had embraced many hundreds of acres of land in Benton and Linn counties.

E. D. Hazeltine, who died only a few weeks ago at his home in Center Point, was another early settler in the southern portion of the township, and he was long active in all its interests. He served for some time in the early days as a county commissioner. During the '50s numerous pioneer families arrived, including those of Thomas Fee, W. C. Ring, C. G. and Benjamin Gitchell, W. S. Bliss, Chorydon Gilchrist, Christian Iehl, and others.

Following the close of the Civil war development was more rapid, a number of soldiers fresh from the service joining the pioneers in their work of subduing the wilderness. In 1873 when the railroad arrived settlement had reached the northern border of the township, where James A. North, Walker Purviance, William Moses and others were located. The building of the railroad brought the establishment of a new town on section 4, which was called Walker, in honor of W. W. Walker, then chief engineer and afterward superintendent and receiver of the road.

James K. Hotchkin built the first business building, opening a general store, and he was also appointed as the first postmaster. The second business building was erected by Theo. Hamblin, present mayor of the town, who engaged in the grocery business. O. C. Barnes built a hotel on the site now occupied by the Walker _News_ office, and Fred Hoffman erected the store building now occupied by S. Liddle. The first residence was built by C. G. Gitchell, who leased his farm in section 21 and engaged in the lumber and grain business in partnership with Fred Hoffman, and Mrs. Gitchell was the first woman resident of the town. Messrs. Gitchell and Hoffman prospered greatly in business, amassing modest fortunes, and both remained for many years among the leaders in business affairs. Mr. Gitchell later represented his county for two terms in the lower house of the General Assembly of Iowa.

[Illustration: QUAKER OATS PLANT, CEDAR RAPIDS]

[Illustration: STREET RAILWAY STATION AT BEVER PARK, CEDAR RAPIDS]

The town grew steadily and at once became an important market point, tapping a wide territory of rich farming country, and for many years it has been recognized as the best shipping point on the Decorah division of the Rock Island, barring only one or two of the larger cities. The farmers soon turned their attention largely to dairying, and in the town now is one of the finest creamery plants in the state, "Walker" butter having gained a wide fame in the city markets.

Municipal affairs have been wisely and economically administered ever since the incorporation of the town in 1891, when the following were chosen as the first officers: Mayor, W. A. Jones; councilmen, C. G. Gitchell, J. P. Bross, H. J. Nietert, J. N. Keys, Theo. Hamblin and P. L. Hutchins; recorder, O. C. Swartz; treasurer, M. B. Dodge; assessor, E. R. Wheeler; marshal, J. M. Peyton. Walker now has a pretty park embracing about two blocks of ground, a complete municipal water-works system affording fire protection to all portions of the town, and a well equipped fire department. The water-works system has just been re-enforced by the sinking of a second deep well, affording an inexhaustible supply of water, and the installation of a second pumping equipment.

The town's graded school system has reached a high standard of efficiency, and its graduates rank well as teachers and as students in higher institutions. The school has four departments, all of them crowded to their full capacity, the enrollment including many tuition scholars. Several thousand dollars have already been set aside as the foundation of a fund for the erection of a new brick school building, which will be a necessity within a few years.

The town is well supplied with churches, having four protestant and one Catholic society. In the order of their organization they are: Methodist Episcopal, Free Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Christian. The first church organized in the town was in 1874 by the Wesleyan Methodist, but that denomination has since passed from the field.

That the town and surrounding country are prosperous and rapidly growing in wealth is shown by the fact that Walker now boasts of two strong banks having resources reaching a half a million dollars, and with deposits steadily increasing. Its business men are enterprising and progressive.

Regularly laid out, its streets lined with shade trees, bordering permanent walks and well kept lawns, the town presents a pretty appearance, and town officials and citizens seem to vie with each other in their efforts to maintain its reputation as being one of the prettiest towns in the county.

MAINE TOWNSHIP

We are indebted to a loyal citizen of the county for the following historical sketch of one of the finest districts in the county--Maine township. Dr. Ward Woodbridge has treated sympathetically the early days in and around Central City. He long has lived there, has been a potent factor in the development of his community, and knows whereof he speaks.

Maine township geographically is located in the northeast corner of Linn county, being in the second row of townships from both the north and east.

Its shape is an irregular triangle, containing forty-seven square miles, making it one-third larger than the average township. This is due to an early arrangement whereby a portion of Buffalo township became a part of Maine. The Wapsie river divides Buffalo township nearly in the middle. In its early history the larger number of people resided south of the river, as there were no bridges in those days, and the river held a high stage of water, making it difficult to cross. These people finally asked to be attached to Maine township for administrative purposes, and all that portion of Buffalo on the south side of the river was made a part of Maine, and has never been restored.

The Wapsie river runs along the northeastern border of Maine, and is the dividing line between it and Buffalo.

Along the river, and from one to three miles in width on either side, the land is somewhat hilly, sandy, and has been heavily timbered. When the more level country is reached it becomes a gently undulating plain, rich black loam and very productive.

As we turn in retrospect, seeing its growth and development, we can see the work of the hardy and determined pioneers on every hand. It was they who blazed the way. It was they who built this Appian way of progress. It was their devotion and privation, patiently endured, that have caused not two, but myriads of blades of grass to grow where hitherto the one blade was trampled under foot by the roving Indian and buffalo, and although their forms have vanished and their voices are stilled, and the hands roughened by honest toil lie quiet, yet their work lives after them. They left that imprint on both descendants and administration which makes of the Maine township citizenship today a sturdy, hard-headed class, whose public opinion always crystallizes on the side of righteousness, of truth and justice. Its people never have to apologize for their course.

Probably the first white settler was John Jenkins, who came in 1838 and settled on the farm adjoining Central City known as the Ormus Clark farm. In 1839 Joseph Clark bought the farm of Jenkins, he being a son-in-law of Clark. It lies to the southwest of Central City, and a portion of it lies within the corporation. It is now owned by C. C. Crane.

In the winters of 1838-1840 a few trappers wintered along the banks of the Wapsie, but the names of no permanent settlers are recorded.

In the spring of 1840 two young men, natives of Maine, landed in Maine township. They had left their state two years before and stopped at Peoria, Illinois, working there through the summer, and going south in the winter where they worked in the cotton yards of New Orleans. Returning from New Orleans in the spring of 1840 they bought three yoke of cattle, a big prairie plow, and what other necessaries they needed, and headed for the Mississippi river. Crossing it they drove on and on until arriving one evening at the place known as "Jordan's Grove" they camped for the night. The next morning they cooked breakfast, and while one of them went out to gather up the cattle, the other took his bearings, and when the cattle were brought up he had the plow out of the wagon. On inquiry from his partner as to what he was about he said, "This looks good to me. Hitch onto the plow." These two young men were L. D. Jordan and Ed McKinney. They broke enough to hold their claims, went to Dubuque and filed on them, returned, built cabins, went back to Maine and married sisters, returned and made homes, and Mr. Jordan lived his whole life on the spot where he unloaded the plow, dying there in 1890. McKinney moved from the neighborhood some years before his death. They both lived to be old men.

In 1840 the Heaton family came, and P. A. and Will Heaton still live in Central City, together with two or three of the women of the family.

In October, 1844, Chandler Jordan arrived at his brother's place. He remained all night, and in the morning got on a horse and rode north through the grove to the brow of the hill overlooking the Wapsie valley.

It was beautiful Indian summer. All was purple, yellow, and gold, and the blue-joint grass stood as high as the back of his horse all the way down the valley. He gazed fascinated, rode slowly down the valley of a small creek that meandered from its source in the grove, to the river. In a level place on the bank of the creek he stopped, staked out a claim, returned, went to Dubuque and filed on it, came back and began improvements.

He broke the ground and raised crops, and in the spring of 1847 built a cabin on the spot where he first dismounted, and married Sarah D. Waterhouse in June. They went at once to the cabin and began housekeeping. Later they built more commodious quarters, and in 1860 erected the brick house in which they both died in 1909.

Harvey Powell came in 1844 also, and entered a fine tract of land on the ridge west of Central City, where he lived to a good old age.

In 1846 N. C. Gillilan came; Jennings Crawford in 1854, and the Haas family in the early fifties.

About this time settlers began coming in so rapidly that honorable mention can not be made of all of them, even if they could be traced. It can readily be seen that the earliest settlers coming from the state of Maine gave the name to the township. They were a sturdy lot of pioneers, determined to win success from their surroundings. They knew no such word as fail or can't. They knew no surcease from labor, but toiled on without murmur or complaint.

Markets were a long way off, Dubuque and Muscatine being the principal places where they sold their produce. It took four days to take a load to Dubuque and bring one back. They never made the trip with empty wagons. There were no bridges. The roads ran across the virgin prairie, and often, when sloughs were bad, they had to take off part of the load, drive through a bad place, unload what they had hauled over and return for the rest, thus delaying their journey.

Finally the Northwestern road came to Cedar Rapids in 1859, and later a road to Marion and Springville, bringing, as they felt, markets to their very doors.

They turned the virgin soil, sowed, reaped, mowed, and garnered the fruits of their labor year after year, early and late alike, working with the primitive tools of that day when most of the work was done by main strength instead of machinery. They formed from necessity those habits of saving every thing which, with many, later resulted in an abundance for the rainy day. These early privations, sturdy devotion to the work, with a fidelity well worth emulation has brought its rewards in one of the richest agricultural regions on earth.

They saw the steady advancement of material things as a reward for their patient toil. They established schools and churches, overcoming as rapidly as possible the drawbacks and inconveniences of pioneer life.

They made the way of the transgressor a hard one, and when law breakers and horse thieves escaped through some sharp practice, they took the law in their own hands and rid the country for all time of the horse thief and general law breaker, thereby putting a premium on honesty.

The villages of Waubeek and Central City were established in the usual way. Blacksmith shops, stores, and post offices being a necessity, they were established on the banks of the Wapsie river, Central City on the north side of the river just at the north line of the township, and Waubeek five miles southeast on the south bank of the river.

Some dams were built across the river at both places and saw mills established to saw lumber for the pioneer houses to displace the log cabin. These were followed by grist mills to make flour for the settlers, and for many years the mills at both places were run at their full capacity. Gradually wheat was abandoned as a product, and the people were able to buy a better grade of flour than the home mills could make. They were allowed to run down and were neglected until finally the mill at Waubeek was allowed to fall in the river. The last vestige of its site is gone.

The mill at Central City has run until lately, grinding the feed for the farmers, but it, too, has quit, the wheel is still, and the busy scenes about its doors are but memories of its great convenience and usefulness to those it served so well.

After years of quiet and peaceful pursuits the mutterings of civil war began to be heard. The lowering clouds portending the storm made the heart of many a pioneer mother beat with anxiety as she felt that if it came she must lay a son on the altar.

Finally when the storm burst on the community Maine township was not backward in sending its quota of men, something like twenty of its best sons enlisting in the Twentieth Iowa, and others in the Sixteenth, the Twenty-fourth, and other scattered regiments.

With improved market facilities and the high prices of war times the farmers rapidly accumulated a competence.

The war over, the soldiers returned to peaceful pursuits, the young men of other states began to hunt up locations, and many of them found their way to Maine township.

Farms were rapidly opened up after 1865, and it was not many years until all the open prairie was turned, fenced, put to crops, homes built, and the whole face of the township changed to a busy, peaceful, and prosperous scene.

In its early days there was little chance or opportunity for religious gatherings. It was difficult to find ministers to conduct funerals, and church services were a long way apart, both in meeting places and appointment.

In 1854 a Methodist class was established at Central City, then called Clarksford. In 1856 the Jordan's Grove Baptist church was organized, and in 1858 the Congregational church at Central City was established.

In 1855 the village of Waubeek was laid out, and for many years was a fine trading point. Its stores, together with its mill, did a fine business. It has one of the finest store buildings in Linn county.

In 1856 the village of Central City was surveyed, and the same year the dam was built across the river where it now stands.

In 1887 the Illinois Central railroad built a line from Manchester to Cedar Rapids, running it through Central City. This little city, exactly half way between Manchester and Cedar Rapids, at once began to grow as soon as it was certain the railroad would be built.

This road was a great boon to the north part of Linn county, as before that Marion was its nearest market, and many had to haul their produce twenty miles to reach it.

Central City now has six hundred people. It has fourteen business houses, three churches, a solid bank, a fine school doing full twelve-grade work.

The post office is third class, with four rural routes. It is the distributing point for freight for all the surrounding country, with large hog, cattle, hay, and grain buying facilities. It has two lumber yards, and from 1,200 to 2,000 tons of coal are shipped in here every year.

The village of Waubeek has no railroad and has made no advance for the past twenty years. It has four stores, post office, creamery, two churches, good schools, and fine stone quarries.

It is not necessary to enlarge on this history. It is doubtless a repetition of the history of many other townships, but we, its citizens, have a local pride in its beauty, its bounty, its prosperity, its boundless hospitality. No finer cattle, hogs, horses, sheep, and poultry can be found on the face of the earth than are raised in Maine township. The physical, moral, social, intellectual, and financial condition of the people is on a high plane, and shows a steady growth and development through all the years since the first settlement. Its people have laid aside the miserly habits made necessary by their early struggles, and there is literally nothing too good for them to have and enjoy. This prosperity is shown by the fine modern homes being built, or remodeled from the older ones, all over the township, with every modern convenience in the way of plumbing and heating, and furnished in the latest and best way. Commodious barns and outbuildings, tiling of wet places, and building of woven wire fences mark the advances of farm work, making every acre available for cultivation.

The bounteous crops, the high prices of all farm produce, the solid improvements being made, the phenomenal price of land--and it is still soaring--all mark a prosperous, happy, and contented people, loyal, honest, industrious, hospitable, ready always to entertain the stranger within the gates. Farm life no longer carries with it the dreary isolation and monotony of early pioneer life. The work is done with modern machinery. Telephones extend to every home in the township. Rural delivery takes the mail each morning to their doors, and the latest literature is found on their library tables. They are in touch with every phase of life. The women no longer spin and weave, and then sew and knit, but buy ready made the best that is manufactured.

When the day's work is done they come to town in their automobiles, the women gowned in the latest fashions, to enjoy an evening of social pleasure, engage in club work, society work, lodge work, and church work. The village of Waubeek has a ladies' improvement club, and they have built over a mile of fine cement sidewalk.

As one rides over the great state of Iowa and sees its flocks and herds, its fine homes, cities, towns, and villages, the bounteous crops, and notes the intelligence and contentment of its people, we are led with the red men of virgin days to exclaim "E-A-WAH," the beautiful land, and no fairer spot can be found in its broad domain than Maine township, of which we are all proud to be residents and citizens.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP

Jackson township is in the north tier of townships. It is bounded on the north by Buchanan county, on the east by Boulder township, on the south by Maine and on the west by Spring Grove townships. It is well watered by the Wapsie river as well as by Buffalo creek, both of which streams traverse parts of the ground called for political purposes Jackson township. The township is largely settled by Americans whose ancestors located on these verdant prairies in the forties and fifties. The township is supposed to have been named by David Sutton, in honor of his patron saint Andrew Jackson. James Lytle came from Indiana and took up a claim here in 1841. He brought his wife who was a daughter of David Sutton, who located here in January, 1843, with a wife and nine children. The first white child born in the township was Frances, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Lytle. Sam W. Justice came in 1845 and erected a house on ground where now is the town of Paris, which was staked out on the south bank of the Wapsie river on what is now sections 19 and 20, township 86, range 6. Sam Chamberlain opened the first store and established quite a trade, which later was shared by Rob. C. Powell, who erected a more complete store building and provided more pretentious quarters where he was besides store keeper the first postmaster. Dan McCrellis and Anos Bond located on lands on which this embryo town was started. Dave Long also saw fit to stop here in search of a home as early as 1848.

Miss Pethenia Gray taught the first school about a half a mile west of Paris in 1850. The first religious services were conducted by Rev. Little at the home of Sam Justin. Jas. Nugent settled in section 12 in the northeastern part of the county in 1847 at what for many years was known as Nugent's Grove. Mr. Nugent was for many years justice, school director, township trustee, and held other offices. He was a leader of the republican party for many years and well known over the county. He died a number of years ago, the widow passing away at an advanced age in the fall of 1910. S. D. Mills settled here with his family in 1853, followed the following spring by F. M. Philips who came from Illinois, but returned again and permanently located in the county three years later. The years from 1854-1857 were the most active in the matter of land purchase in this township. In 1854 came Wm. Henderson of Scotch descent from Canada with his family and located on lands a little to the west of the present town of Coggon. A large number of the descendants of this family are still large property owners and respected and enterprising citizens of this township. E. L. Ware, Henry Thorp, G. C. Edgerly and many others purchased lands and settled here during these years. John Bruce in 1858 during the hard times had the courage to erect a stone grist mill on Buffalo creek at the present site of Coggon and this property later came into the possession of Amos Green who operated the mill till 1876, when he erected a frame structure. This mill was much appreciated by the settlers and it was a busy place for many years. Up till the time of the Illinois Central railway extension in 1887, the place was known as Green's Mill, later called Nugent, after the postoffice, and then named Coggon. The first store at Green's Mill was run by John Bruce, who ran this in connection with his mill. The advent of railroads brought up the price of lands, markets were offered for grain and rents at once advanced and since that time the growth has been steady and healthful till Jackson township is not excelled by any other community in the state.

LINN TOWNSHIP

Linn township, in the southeastern part of the county, on account of its location was early settled by L. M. Kepler of Indiana, and G. A. Yeisley of Pennsylvania, who came here as early as 1837. By 1840 a large number had located in the township, such as J. C. Goudy, Dan McCall, Isaac Kyle and Oliver Clark who had emigrated from Ohio, Benj. Hoover, Alex Torrance, Jas. Varner, who had come from Pennsylvania; Chancy Neal, Geo. House, William Perkins and others from the eastern states. Sam Ellison had come from Ireland, and J. W. Walton from England. The descendants of many of these early settlers are still residents of the county, the owners of large farms, and of much personal property.

It was not until 1852-1857 that settlers came in any large numbers from the eastern states. Then nearly all the vacant lands which had not gotten into the hands of speculators were for the most part taken up and improved. Linn township was on the so-called Anamosa-Iowa City road, as well as on the Marion-Muscatine road, two of the early highways.

The township cannot boast of any towns with the exception of Paralta, which is only a junction point of the Milwaukee system. The residents trade at Mt. Vernon and Lisbon.

In this township can be found many descendants of the early settlers and even a few of the original pioneers. The Yeisley, Needles, Clark, Neal, Bussenbark, Ink, Leigh, Filloon, Ellison, Beechley, Chamberlain, Stinger, Paul, Remington, Lacock, Stewart, Goudy, Boxwell, Kearns, Ballard, Travis, and other well known early families are still owners of valuable farms within the confines of the old township borders.

OTTER CREEK TOWNSHIP

Otter Creek township, containing thirty-six sections, situated nearly in the center of Linn county, has been considered one of the best farming communities in Iowa for years. The soil is excellent and there has always been plenty of water in the streams for cattle, which also affords good drainage for tilling purposes. During the last ten years nearly every acre of unproductive land has been reclaimed by a thorough system of drainage, so that now Otter Creek land sells at the top notch.

The first settler was William Chamberlain, who located in what later became Monroe township, in 1838. He is the father of the famous Chamberlain family who have made a fortune out of the patent medicine business in Des Moines. The children of William and Rachel Chamberlain were Davis and Lowell, and four daughters named Mrs. Mary Snyder, Mrs. Laura Weeks, Mrs. Lucy A. Taylor, and Isanna L. Chamberlain.

Other early settlers might be mentioned as follows: John Cochran, George Cochran, Alexander Nevin, James Hemphill, William Ward, Nate Reynolds, who came in the early '40s. Caleb Hendrix came, it is thought, in 1838. Of him, it is said by John Lanning, that old Caleb used to say that he made a claim and spread his tent on what became Cedar Rapids, but that a lot of bloodthirsty and ferocious Indians camped on the other side of the river and by their acts and grimaces and the noise they made Caleb sized up the situation that this was a case where it would be better to be a live coward than a dead hero and he pulled up stakes and removed further north, going to a number of places before he settled in Otter Creek township, where he finally decided to make his home. Mr. Hendrix married a daughter of James Hemphill in 1845 and for many years was a pillar in the Methodist church and an enthusiastic Sunday school worker.

Among other early settlers might be mentioned Perry Oliphant and his wife Susanna, as well as his sons Silas, Edward, John, William, and Henry, and his daughters Lizzie, Mary, and Rillar. These came in 1839 or 1840. Another of the old, well respected families who came here in the early '40s was the Neighbors. John Nevins erected the first saw mill in 1845 near what later became the village of Lafayette. This mill was later owned by John Yambert, James Greene, and A. Brenaman, still later it came into the possession of Fred Notebohn, who added a grist mill, and when the water gave out it was run by steam.

Other of the old settlers were James Wallace, Alfred Thomas, William and Samuel Fleming, the Mounces, Seversons, Pences, Fishels, Browns, Fees, Jackmans, Taylors, Chesmores, Hollenbecks, Andrews, Martins, Metcalfs, and many others.

One of the first stores kept was in the fall of 1847 when Morris Neighbor opened a small place in what was known as Shingle Town. This name, it is said, came about for the reason that clapboards were made in this vicinity.

John Carr, having married Neighbor's sister, also lived here for some time. The postoffice for Otter Creek township was moved around among the old settlers from time to time and was kept, of course, in the farm houses. William Hunt seems to have been the first postmaster. The office was afterwards removed and the postmastership held by Perry Oliphant, and later again removed, with Richard Lanning in charge. During the Civil war the postoffice was conducted by Yambert, Polley, and Moller. It was around the postoffice and country store that politics were discussed and news of the neighborhood commented upon, and it was also here that the pioneer settlers became acquainted and friendships were formed which continued through life. For this reason, no doubt, the country postoffice and the country store did much in an early day to lessen the hardships in pioneer life.

Otter Creek township was early visited by itinerary ministers, and as early as 1853 a Christian church was organized. William Kalb, John Yambert, and others being some of the first evangelical preachers in this part of the county. One of the first county meetings of this church was held at the home of George Cochran as early as 1859. The Evangelical church was later organized in this township and some of the early ministers in this denomination were Rev. Borchart, Rev. Maerz, Rev. Gerhart, Rev. Mayne, Rev. Brecher.

COLLEGE TOWNSHIP

College township is situated in the southern tier of townships in the county, the southern boundary being the county line between Johnson and Linn counties, while on the east and west respectively are Fairfax and Putnam townships. College township is well watered and well drained by several water courses, the principal ones being the Cedar river, Hoosier creek, and Prairie creek. It contains no towns of any size but most of its traffic is now conducted by the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City electric line running from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City. Much of the cream, milk and other products of the farm are shipped daily over this line to Cedar Rapids; since the construction of this line land in College township has gone up in price and the beautiful farm houses, magnificent and well tilled fields speak well for the population of this part of the county.

Some of the old settlers of College township are the following: Isaac Smith, Phillip Smith, Dr. J. H. Smith, James Smith, and others of the Smith family who came here in the early '50s. During the next few years came John Lagore, Joseph Custer, Jacob Inbody, the Garnett family, Thomas Philipson, Horn, Henry Rogers, Fritz family, James Snyder, W. F. Minor, Joshua Minor, Sam Minor, the Bakers, and many others.

One of the first Baptist churches was erected at Rogers Grove, and a large number of the early settlers in this community belonged to that denomination.

SPRING GROVE TOWNSHIP

BY A. W. FISHER

Spring Grove township is situated in the northern tier of townships in Linn county. It is bordered on the north by Newton township, Buchanan county, on the east by Jackson, on the south by Otter Creek, and on the west by Grant. The land is generally an undulating prairie excepting a strip about two miles wide beginning at the northwest corner of the township in section six, and extending in a southeasterly direction to section twenty-four on the east side of the township, through which the Wapsipinicon river flows. The land near the river on both sides is not only hilly, but consists of a light sandy soil, and was almost covered with a heavy growth of timber in the early pioneer days. Back from the river about one mile the land is prairie and has a deep black loam.

The early settlements of Spring Grove township were connected with the settlements in the neighboring townships, and divided themselves into three groups. The first one was on the north side of the Wapsipinicon river, while another settlement was made in the southeastern part of the township in what is called West Prairie, and the third settlement was in the western part of the township. The earliest settlers located along the Wapsipinicon river where the soil is of a poorer quality than it was on the open prairie. The reason for their choice was to secure timber for their buildings and for fuel. In a few cases the settlers were grouped around springs that furnished them with water.

Game was abundant in those days and this helped the pioneer during the long cold winters. Large herds of deer were often seen along the timber near the river and on the prairies. Wolves were too plentiful to suit the settler as they prowled around his cabin during the night and carried off poultry whenever the chance offered. Panthers were rarely seen but were too numerous for the more timid in those days. Often cattle and hogs were missing and their loss was attributed to the work of the panther. The early settlers of Spring Grove township did not escape the discomforts of the average pioneer. Their houses were, at the best, rudely constructed of logs, and the stoves used in those days were very poor. Many of the old settlers have informed me that their coffee, when they were lucky enough to secure it, was often frozen after being placed on the breakfast table.

The first settlement was on the north side of the Wapsipinicon river around two springs. One of them was in a grove in Newton township, Buchanan county, and the other one a short distance southeast in a grove in our township. To distinguish them the early pioneers called them the Upper and Lower Spring Grove. The name of Spring Grove then came in general use for the entire settlement and was adopted by our settlers as the name of their township.

[Illustration: A VIEW OF CEDAR RAPIDS FROM THE ISLAND]

[Illustration: RAILROAD YARDS AT CEDAR RAPIDS]

The first settler in Spring Grove township was Leonard Austin, who with his family settled in section one of our township in the spring of 1845, and erected the first building from rough unhewn logs taken from the timber surrounding his building site. Mr. Austin was followed by A. J. Ward, who with his family settled near Mr. Austin during the fall of that year. Two years later, in 1847, Josiah Walton and Rev. Wm. Phillips settled as near neighbors to these hardy pioneers. These were soon followed by the Reeces, Holmans, Longs, McPikes, Peytons, Carsons, Whisenands, McKees, Fays, and Waltons, who settled in the northern part of our township and in the southern part of Newton township in Buchanan county, and who are remembered as the early pioneers.

The early settlers of the southeastern part of the township were the Bices, Andersons, Saxtons, Leathermans, Plummers, Swaims, Frank Dorr, E. B. Fisher, Bumgardners, Benedicts, McBurneys, Nutting, Carpenters, and Jordans. These settlers formed part of a settlement that extended into Jackson township. They located there during the early part of the '50s. About the same time the western part of the township south of the Wapsipinicon river was settled. Those early settlers were Edwin Jeffreys, A. G. Kibbe, Elmer and J. E. Atwood, father and son, Chas. Cook and sons, Edwin, Enos, George, and Charles, and George Parkhurst. All these early pioneers took an active part in helping to develop the new country.

In regard to religious worship the people of Spring Grove may be likened to the Puritans of the early colonial period, as among the earliest settlers came Rev. Wm. Phillips, a minister of the gospel who at first conducted meetings in his own home, and later became a "circuit rider," holding meetings every Sunday either in some private house or in a school house. The Christian organization that is now at Troy Mills was organized by Henry Holman during the summer of 1853 in John W. McKee's house near what is now Troy Mills. Mr. Holman preached the first sermon and continued as pastor until the organization was strong enough to secure a minister to take charge of the work. Isaac Holman, now a resident of Troy Mills, and a son of Henry Holman, was the first superintendent of the Sunday school organized in the township. Rev. N. A. McConnell, of Marion, was one of the ablest ministers of the early period, and would face the worst storms of the season in order to keep his appointment. The people living in the southeastern part of the township at first held services in private houses until the West Prairie school house was erected, where for several years they had a place for worship. They now have a splendid church near the West Prairie school house.

The first justice of the peace of Spring Grove township was John Plummer, but the best known justices of the peace of the early times were Elmer Atwood, Josiah Walton, and Wm. Bleakley. While the people of those days were not free from strife among themselves, yet they were obliged to band together to free themselves from a worse evil--the horse thief. The people finally with the help of the neighboring settlers took the law in their own hands and dealt summary justice to the offenders. One of these thieves was followed by a posse to his camp on the Buffalo creek in Buchanan county, and on his refusal to surrender he was shot to death. This put a stop to the stealing.

In politics the people of Spring Grove always took an active part, and for a long time claimed to be the banner republican precinct of the state. During the Civil war the republicans of West Prairie erected a flag pole on the bare prairie near where now stands the West Prairie church and raised the Stars and Stripes aloft and kept the flag there until long after the war closed. At one election during the Civil war not a democratic vote was cast. It was said that there were a few democrats in the township but they chose to stay at home rather than stand the jeers that were sure to assail them if they voted.

Troy Mills, the only village in the township, was founded in 1853, when a dam was built across the river at that place and a saw mill built. This mill continued to run about ten years when the present mill was erected. The mill did a flourishing business grinding all kinds of grain, but of late years has only been used as a grist mill. Jordon Long brought the first stock of goods to Troy Mills, amounting to ten dollars. Meeting with success in selling these, he turned all his attention to carrying on a general store which he conducted for more than forty years. Dr. John Dix and E. C. Downs started the first drug store in the town but soon sold out. E. N. Beach, one of the best known men in the northern part of Linn county, came to Troy Mills at an early day and started a drug store and has conducted the same to the present time. Dr. E. Wilson was the only doctor in our township for several years and enjoyed a lucrative practice. The first blacksmith shop was started by Elmer and John E. Atwood in 1854, who conducted the same for nearly thirty years.

Only a few of the old settlers remain who helped to transform the wilds into what it is today. Those now living here, who came in the early '50s, are David Reece, Isaac Holman, John E. Attwood, Mrs. Edwin Jeffries, Isaac Bice, Enos and Charles Cook. The others have either moved away or passed into that great beyond from which no traveler returns.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP

Washington township was early settled, for it is stated on good authority that Bartimus McGonigle settled near what later became Center Point in 1839. Some of the early settlers were Dr. S. M. Brice, John Osborn, Tom Lockhart, W. A. Thomas, James Down, Sam Stewart, E. B. Spencer, Alex Nevin, D. S. Way, Milt Squires, Will Cress, Jacob Thomas, Robert Osborn, Jonathan Dennison, Alex Thomas, Jas. Chambers. These came as early as 1842, a number coming in in 1839 and 1840. The following came before 1846: Thos. Fee, Isaac Berry, J. L. Benham, Levi Martin, L. Hollenbeck.

The town was laid out in 1848 by Andrew Bottorf. A re-survey was later made as of 1854, and done by J. McArthur for Dr. S. M. Brice and J. R. Grubb.

Most of the buildings in the town date from the time of the second plat, when the place began to thrive in earnest. Dr. Brice ran a store which was later sold to A. A. Adams. In 1855 Dr. J. P. Wilson opened a drug store. L. Hollenbeck also opened a general store in 1854. J. M. Bartleson, W. S. Bliss, and John Carr were also early settlers, Carr and Bartleson running a store for many years.

The locality in and around Center Point, then, is one of the first settled in the county. The early settlers were enterprising and the newcomers were made welcome. No doubt the close proximity to the river and the abundance of timber in this locality made the place inviting to the new settlers who needed above everything else timber for use in building and for fuel. The railroad which the people had expected many years did not get into town till in 1873, and was continued the following spring. For the purpose of securing this railroad Washington township voted $16,000, being about a five per cent tax.

In Washington township lived and died many years ago John Osborn, a revolutionary soldier, who is buried in Center Point cemetery.

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