Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon Counties

CHAPTER VIII.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES.
(Continued)

EXIRA.

This is a beautifully situated village of about 600 population, located in Exira Township, in the southern part of Audubon County. It is among the earliest villages of the county; it was platted June 1, 1857, by P. I. Whitted, County Surveyor. Its original plat comprised fifty acres on section 4, township 78, range 35, west. "Houston's Addition" was platted September 2, 1878. "West Exira," near the depot, was platted March 29, 1879, by a company composed of H. T. Andrews, William F. Stotts, Henry B. Houston and John N. Griggs. The main part of the place is nestled in a charming grove, on a rise of ground which affords good streets and excellent building locations. Until the town of Audubon sprung up, upon the building of the railroad, Exira was the only place of any considerable importance in the county. The first house erected in Exira was the property of County Judge D. M. Harris, and was built in the fall of 1857. It was afterward moved to Audubon. The first business house built for business purposes was the one owned by John D. Bush. Goods had been sold, however, from different private houses long before this. A. B. Houston sold the first from a store; there had been peddlers coming and going before his store opened, which was in 1864. The first to sell drugs in the place was a man named Scott, from Guthrie Center, who was just before Hardenbrook. The first to deal in hardware were Russell & Stotts. The first dealer in furniture was A. J. Brainard. The first harness-maker was David Soar. The first-shoemaker was a man named Wilson. The first blacksmith was Thomas Trueman, of whom many funning incidents are told; among others it is related that the bad youth of the pioneer village stopped up his chimney flue, by raining old carpets and green pumpkins down from the top. When "Tom" started his forge fire, there being no chance for the smoke to excape elsewhere, it filled the dingy shop full, to the astonishment of the honest smith, but to the merriment of the young rascals. So hard had the flue been packed that it had to be taken down part way. It is further related of this pioneer blacksmith that when he left for Oregon Territory, that he lead a cow upon whose back hung a sack of corn meal, from which he would cook his meals, while the poor anima freely furnished him milk -- it was a novel way for emigrating, indeed!

THE POSTOFFICE

was established at Exira in 1857, with all the usual pioneer laughable incidents connected with its service. Mail came once a week each way, and in place of boxes for each patron of the office, the mail was thrown down on the floor and the letters strung around in the form of a circle, and as each person called for his mail he was shown the circle and from it he would select that which he thought was his! The following gentlemen have served as postmasters at Exira: D. M. Harris, C. E. Frost, John D. Bush, B. F. Thackery, Caleb Bundy, George Hardenbrook, M. A. Mills, William Milliman. In 1887 a sweeping fire, which destroyed eleven business houses, burned the postoffice and all of its early records.

EARLY INCIDENTS.

It is related of one of the early preachers of the gospel that so ardent was he to increase his flock, that he loaned a young man a suit of his every-day clothes to attend divine worship in. This was kept up some time, but no infrequently did the minister have to go to the good brother's home to obtain his clothes to work in. Finally the "brother" skipped the country, taking the pioneer minister's only every-day clothes! It is said that the good man's faith was made strong in the doctrine of "total depravity!" The first death occurring at Exira was that of the wife of Merideth Rowland in 1859. The first old-fashioned frame barn built in the county was erected by B. Milliman in July, 1857. It occasioned much talk and ended in a rousing old-time "raising." The good neighbors were requested to assist, and all agreed to come at the time appointed. They came but refused to do the work until something was provided to drink! So Mr. Milliman told his hired man to get some whisky up to the village, then just platted; but the man found nothing but a brand of what was known as "Ault's Bitters," which he purchased. However, before he had time to unload his other goods, the bitters had all disappeared -- nothing but the empty bottle to raise the big barn with -- it would not move a peg until a man had been detached to go and procure more bitters. This being done the pioneer barn of the county went up rapidly. The younger generations know but little of "raisings" and far less of whisky than did their forefathers -- especially since Iowa's prohibitory liquor law was enacted in 1882.

SCHOOLS.

The first start toward educational advantages at Exira was in 1857, where the first school-house was built. The building was 24 x 30 feet, and was finally converted into a dwelling house, now owned by M. A. Mills. Its original cost was $1,300, which was paid, not in cash, butin farm produce, work, etc. Judge Harris figured out the plan of erecting a school-house with no money, only enough to purchase glass for the windows and some little hardware. He planned it with the treasurer so that no money was needed, as none could be obtained. It was a trade deal all around; a man would bring in wheat, corn, produce (for the workmen), or lumber, and the treasurer would give him a receipt in full for what would ordinarily have been cash taxes for school-house purposes. Thus the work went on and a $1,300 school-house was erected at an expenditure of less than $100 in money; pioneer ingenuity was indeed great in Audubon County. It should here be added that the only loss met with in the building of this school-house was about four gallons of linseed oil which had been drunk by a cow -- stock were allowed to run at large then! This school-house served until 1871, when a part of the present fine school-house was erected. It was at first a two-room, two-story house, costing $2,800. About 1876-'77 Exira was set off as an independent district and in 1880 additions were made to the former house, making it what it now is; such additional building cost $3,500. The first to teach at Exira was Lewis Harvitt, now a well-to-do man of Panora, Iowa. For futher account of Exira schools see county superintendent's report -- tabular form -- elsewhere in this book.

CHURCHES.

The first religious services about Exira were held by the Methodist Episcopal people, but the first denomination to erect a church edifice was the Congregationalist; a society was formed in 1859, Rev. Oren Cummings being the first minister. This society did not continue long, but in 1871 it was re-organized by Rev. J. Toft, and a church building was erected at a cost of several thousand dollars in the same year, which comfortably seats 400 persons. Quite an amount was donated toward building the church by wealthy people in the New England States. The present membership of the church is sixty-five. As the records are somewhat scattered it is impossible to give a detailed history of this organization, or even its pastors' names. The Christian (Disciple) Church was formed with twenty-two members in 1876. The following season a house of worship was erected which was 38 x 54, costing $1,400. The present membership is forty-eight. The first elder was J. M. Crocker. While there has never been a meeting missed since the society was formed, yet they have not always been supplied with a preacher. The present elder is Rev. G. W. Hamilton. The church at one time enumerated 126 persons, and it is now the only denomination of its kind in the county having a building. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Exira has the honor of being the oldest in the county of any denomination. A Rev. Mr. Mann came to the county as early as 1854 and sowed the seeds of Methodism. He gathered a few of that faith together at the home of William H. H. Bowen, one mile southwest of Hamlin's Grove. Lather on quite a number of Methodists settled about Exira, and a "class" was duly organized at the house of Levi Montgomery, near the present plat. Rev. James Rand was their first preacher, coming in 1856-'57. The names of those forming this first class, which was also the first in Audubon County, are as follows: Levi Montgomery and wife, George and Phoebe Sharp, Mary Anderson, Ann Crane, Nathaniel Wiggins and wife. Levi Montgomery was the first leader chosen. The first quarterly meeting was held in the autumn of 1858. Of this pioneer band only three were alive January 1, 1889 -- Mary Anderson, Ann Crane, and perhaps Nathaniel Wiggins. Up to 1870 Exira was one of seven stations on a circuit, but from that date was alone. After the erection of the Congregational church in 1870-'71 the Methodists used it for their place of worship until 1873, when they erected a plain building 24 x 32 feet. It was erected on the stock-company plan at first. In 1881, however, a church of fine proportions and finish was built costing $3,100; the same was dedicated January 22, 1882, by Rev. W. T. Smith. The following have served as pastors, regularly or as supplies, in about the order in which they are here given: Rev. Mann, Rev. James Rand, Rev. Rust, Rev. Baker, Rev. D. B. Clary, Rev. Spooner, Rev. S. W. Milligan, Rev. Phillips, Rev. J. G. Gates, Rev. M. Sheets, Rev. William Abraham, Rev. Records, Rev. J. Levan, Rev. John G. Gates, Rev. G. W. Saint, Rev. George Couffer, Rev. B. L. Jackson, Rev. W. T. Reid, Rev. J. W. Hardin, Rev. W. R. Douglass, Rev. C. H. McIntosh, Rev. D. C. Adams, Rev. J. W. Bott, Rev. W. W. Danner, Rev. F. T. Stevenson, Rev. L. C. Burling, Rev. L. T. Leary.

INCORPORATION.

Exira became an incorporated town by an election held December 13, 1880, resulting in a vote of ninety for as against fifty-eight contrary to the measure. The following gentlement have served the incorporated town as mayor: J. R. Rudge, 1881; R. W. Griggs, 1882-'83; J. B. Connrardy, 1884; A. B. Houston, 1885; J. E. Toft, 1886-'87-'88.

SOCIETIES.

Exira is not far behind her sister towns in supporting her civic societies, which now consist of the Masonic, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Good Templars and Knights of Pythias. Exodus Lodge, No. 342, A. F. & A. M., held its first meeting (under dispensation) August 24, 1874, dispensation having been granted by J. Chapman, Grand Master, on August 6, 1874. There was a charter membership of thirteen. The first officers were as follows: W. J. Harris, Worshipful Master; Thomas Walker, Senior Warden; E. C. Wadsworth, Junior Warden; A. B. Houston, Treasurer; A. L. Campbell, Secretary; H. Ransford, senior Deacon; J. P. Lair, Junior Deacon; George Calf, Tyler. The officers at present date are: John Riley, Worshipful Master; I. L. Statzell, Senior Warden; George C. Jeffries, Junior Warden; E. Watson, Treasurer; V. P. Hellyer, Secretary; S. C. Watson, Senior Deacon; T. H. Allen, Junior Deacon; W. H. Sevey, Senior Scribe; J. Rabson, Junior Scribe; John Dicus, Tyler. The Ancient Order of United Workmen of Exira was instituted June 28, 1884, with fifteen charter members. The first officers were W. W. Danner, Past Master Workman; George Hardenbrook, Master Workman; B. F. Thomas, Foreman; George C. Jeffries, Overseer; T. G. Bryant, Recorder; W. W. Sickles, Financier; C. F. Willcutt, Receiver; Charles Howlett, Guide; T. H. Allen, Inside Watchman; C. H. Howe, Outside Watchman. The present membership of the order is thirty-one. Its officers elect for 1889 are: C. F. Willcutt, Past Master Workman; John Riley, Master Workman; George C. Jeffries, Foreman; M. G. Mitchell, Recorder; George Hardenbrook, Financier; A. G. Bruner, Receiver; Wesley Smith, Guide; S. D. May, Inside Watchman; I. L. Statzell, Outside Watchman. Knights of Pythias, Exira Lodge, No. 181, was instituted September, 1887, by nineteen charter members. The following were the first officers: H. F. Andrews, Chancellor Commander; Erwin Watson, Vice-Chancellor; Charles H. Andrews, Keeper of Records and Seals; F. A. Shaw, Prelate; G. W. Gurnsey, M. A.; William E. Coleman, M. F.; John Hunter, M. E.; William Carpenter, Inside Guard; A. C. Andrews, Outside Guard. Their present membership is about fifty. The past chancellors are: F. J. Shronger, H. F. Andrews, Erwin Watson. E. Watson, Chancellor Commander; Charles H. Andrews, Vice-Chancellor; Otto Withauer, Keeper of Records and Seals; W. M. Coleman, Prelate; J. M. Thomas, M. A.; G. H. Henshaw, M. F.; W. M. Carpenter, M. E.; G. W. Conklin, Inside Guard; I. N. Seibert, Outside Guard. They have a well fitted hall which they occupy exclusively, and are now the strongest secret order at Exira. Good Templars Lodge, No. 243, was organized by thirty-two charter members, August 9, 1886. The first officers were: D. Repass, Worthy Chief Templar; Mrs. John D. Shaw, Vice-Templar; Mrs. L. B. Mills, Secretary; W. H. E. Fulton, Chaplain; F. A. Shaw, Past Worthy Chief Templar; Alice Gates, Financial Secretary; M. A. Mills, Treasurer; C. L. Pattison, Marshal; Ida Repass, D. M.; Lena Hardenbrook, Gide; S. J. Clure, Sentinel; Amelia Cisney, R. H. S.; E. M. Statzell, L. H. S.; A. S. Cisney, Deputy. The present membership is about seventy, and the lodge is in a fine condition, being a great lever in handling the local temperance matters in and about Exira. The officers elect for 1888 were: Charles Marble, Worthy Chief Templar; Alice Gates, Worthy Vice; W. R. Copeland, Secretary; T. R. Leary, Chaplain; N. H. Bowman, Past Worthy Chief Templar; J. T. Carmichael, Financial Secretary; Mrs. William Fulton, Treasurer; Oliver Craig, Marshal; Belle Kelsey, D. M.; Lena Hardenbrook, Inside Guard; Eaton Seavy, Outside Guard; Mrs. Genette Roseman, Superintendent of Juvenile Work; J. G. Gates, Deputy.

BUSINESS INTERESTS OF 1888.

Attorney, I.L. Statzell; agricultural implements, D. E. Shrauger & Co.; bank, Bank of Exira, E. Watson, Cashier; barber, William E. Coleman; blacksmiths, E. D. Woodward, J. B. Danner; drus, Shaw & Patterson, George Hardenbrook; dray lines, Ed. Clure, Wesley Smith; general merchandise, Cotton & Hash, Henshaw, Thomas & Co.; grain dealers, C. E. Myers & Co., H. Andrews & Co.; furniture, J. W. Patterson; harness shops, George C. Jeffries, Joseph Clure; hotels, A. Herrick, H. Sibert; hardware, Lair & Co., A. C. Smith; jewelry, O. L. Patterson, S. J. Clure; livery, Fulton Bro., A. Cooper; lumber, Otto Withaner, Green Bay Lumber Co.; millinery, Mrs. Hannah Campbell, Miss Flo Wilds; meat market, I. Hunt; mills, Gransberry Bro.; newspaper, Journal, -- Guernsey, editor and proprietor; physicians, C. H. Andrews, John Riley; shoemakers, John stager, George C. Jeffries, D. Workman. During the year 1888 what is known as the "Exira Coal Mining Company" was organized at Exira, by some leading citizens, who represented a capital stock of $100,000. The president of the company was Lewis Born, and the secretary G. W. Guernsey. They at once engaged experts to go down by means of boring; this was continued until cold weather set in. Many indications were obtained of a paying bed of soft coal underlying the surface from 100 to 300 feet. A forty-inch strata of coal was found at a depth of 204 feet. It remains to be seen whether the enterprise will prove one of financial value to Exira; all depends on amount of coal and its depth from the surface.

Prev. <=== Continue Reading ===> Next Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass September, 2014 from "Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon Counties", Chicago: W. S. Dunbar & Co., 1889, pp. 675-680.