WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
From an undated clipping of the Osceola Sentinel

Washington township, situated in the northern tier of townships of Clarke County, contains some of the richest and most productive farms in the county. Much credit belongs to the pioneers and early settlers, whose wisdom and good judgment aided them in selecting this tract of fertile soil for their homes.

In the years 1850-1853, a number of ambitious, sturdy and brave sons from Ohio entered these lands from the government at the low price of a $1.25 per acre. A few years later, others came to seek homes in this township and though living several miles apart, they were as near neighbors ever ready and willing to help in time of need. Schools were rare and a long distance apart. The school houses were built by subscription and there were not more than three or four in the township. The first schoolhouse near Prairie Grove was burned down and was rebuilt north of the old location. The one in the southwest part of the township was known as the Stephenson schoolhouse.

Church was held at private houses. The Washington Methodist Episcopal Sunday school was organized in 1877, and held in the schoolhouse. In about two years, the M. E church was organized after a successful revival conducted by the Rev. W. H. Shipman.

When the war broke out in 1861, several single men enlisted. These being single, it did not interfere seriously with the work at home, although these were exciting days. Two men, John Connor and Andrew DeLong, supposed to be Southern sympathizers, were shot while in bed and killed. Shot was fired through the window. The war increased the hardships of the early settlers and there was but little produced to spare.

The price of land prior to the war was from $4 to $5 per acre but after its close, it increased rapidly. One of the choice quarter sections was purchased at $5.25 per acre and in seven years time, sold with meager improvements for $31 per acre. In about 1865, some prospecting for gold was carried out but was not found in paying quantities. Also, the coal prospecting met a similar fate.

The first lands settled were principally along the streams or near the timber, where they had access to fuel and building material, while that which ventured out on the prairies were exposed to bleak winds and many inconveniences, but it proved the better investment. One of the landmarks existing is Smith's mill at Prairie Grove, which with a blacksmith shop owned by Green Dodd and a post office made up the village. The mail reached this village by stagecoach which made a weekly trip from Osceola to Winterset.

The log house built by William Jenkins with its great huge brick fireplace and for many years was a landmark, has just recently been torn down. The land entered by William Kelly in 1852, and now owned by his son, is perhaps the only land in the township which still bears the original name.

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Last Revised February 15, 2015