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| Benton The township lies in the southwest corner of the county, contains all of congressional township 74 north, 13 west, and the greater part of five sections in 75 north, 13 west. It is well watered, and, with the exception of two other townships, Lancaster and German, contains more well cultivated and well improved land than any other township in the county. This township was settled as soon as was allowed by the stipulations of the treaty of 1842, D. P. Helm, J. W. Palmer, Tinley Brooks and Messrs. Hellery, McCoy, Brown, Cheek and Trimble being the first settlers. That portion of the township bordering upon the South Skunk, and extending southward, is broken and brushy; many years ago it received the name of “Crackers’ Neck,” by which it is still known. In 1850 it had a population of 435; in 1856 it was 850, and in 1875 the population was 1,109. At the same time there were reported 220 dwellings and 224 families in the township. There are few, if any, houses of worship in the township; what religious service there is being held in school-houses, and here those who believe in going to church attend, or else go to adjoining townships. The schools were early established, and are considered among the best in the county. There are two post-offices, one at the northern part of the township called Slagle, and Butler, located in section 27. Benton township has no towns at present, although it at one time did boast of one bearing the pretentious name of West London. It was located on section 18, and was laid out in 1847, the town plat being recorded in October of that year. The proposed line of the Ottumwa & Cedar Rapids Railway lies through this township, and the citizens are hopeful that it will be built within a few months. Quite a number of the more influential people are now using their best endeavors to further this enterprise. As the road-bed and many of the bridges have already been completed, it is not all probable that the people of the productive country will long suffer in their material interests for lack of communication with the outside world; and when this is accomplished Benton township will have a town of its own, and a business town, too, for is had the men and the capital. The present township officers are as follows: Justices of the Peace—Lewis Pfeffer and John Mack Constable—M N Alderman and R G Wilcox Clerk—James L Reinhart Trustees—Lewis Reinhart, Miles Abraham and C Lentz Assessor—Clara Cook  Elizabeth Elizabethtown was laid out in 1845. It was located on section 15, and although at that early date it was a town of great expectation, it never prospered to such an extent as to meet the expectations of the least sanguine of its projectors. Most of the present generation of American citizens are ignorant of the excellence of said town, and it is doubtful whether or not the original lot-owners, were they to arise from the dead, could locate their former sites for a prospective remunerative business. Jackson The township was one of the first settled outside the old strip. Its congressional name is number 74, range 11 west. The lands in this township were surveyed and offered for sale in 1846, although the most desirable lads were claimed, and a large portion of the township improved, prior to that time. The South Skunk forms the north boundary, which boundary is in consequence very irregular. For farming purposes and stock-raising this township takes a front rank. The first part of the township settled was what was formerly known as the Rock Creek neighborhood, and the first settlement was made by Wm Scearcy on the last day of April, 1843. According to treaty stipulations the country was to be open for settlement on the first day of May , and in order not to be late in profiting by securing the advantages which promptness always vouchsafes. Mr Scearcy started a day in advance. Although he started ahead of time he was not there any too soon to secure the desirable location where the first claim was staked out. Although Mr Scearcy had his claim disputed he succeeded in establishing himself on it, where he still lives. In the competition for the best claims not unfrequently arose, and for want of time and the pressing demand for speedy arbitration, these disputed were sometimes settled by recourse to pugilistic skill. The claim to Twin Groves, a very desirable location, was settled in this way, and the winner gave the loser a yoke of oxen for the future undisputed possession of the claim. Among the first to locate in the Rock Creek country, and who came about the time Mr Scearcy came, were Aaron Miller, Robert Blacker, Wm Webb, and Richard Quinton, the latter being elected from the county to the first constitutional convention, and afterword for several years, prior to his leaving the county, permanently identified with the politics of the county. It was in the bounds of this township that Wapello died. Having returned with a number of his tribe, early in the spring of 1844, for the purpose of making maple syrup, there being splendid facilities for this business among the maple groves of Rock Creek, he became very much intoxicated and in this condition he contracted a severe cold, which resulted in his death. After his death the remaining members of the tribe dispatched a young warrior to Richland township for a coffin, which was brought by Mr Samuel Hardesty to convey Wapello’s body to Agency City, which he accordingly did. The entire expense of the coffin and the trip to Agency, amounting to some thirty dollars, was particularly careful in looking after that gentleman’s comfort during the trip and paying all the expenses before he left. Such an excellent country as the Rock Creek district was known to be did not remain long without a large increase of population, and soon farms, cottages and school houses were to be seen in all directions. For a long time the citizens experienced great inconvenience for wasn’t of a postoffice, ant it was not till the fall of 1852 that a post-office was established in this township. It was kept at the house of Samuel Bowman, who was postmaster. The name of the office was Olean, and in the fall of 1858 was removed to Ioka. There are at present three postoffices of easy access; one at Ioka in the southeastern part of the county; one called Walden, in section 18, and one in section 3, just across the river in Lancaster township. Of churches there are quite a number of organizations and some very good church buildings. Rev Mr Spainhour, a Baptist minister was probably the first of this denomination who preached in the township; he was followed by Rev Mr Tanehill, who preached in the house of John Cox as early as 1843. The Baptist church of Rock Creek was organized in 1844. The original members were Robert Scearcy, Mary Scearcy, William Scearcy, Sarah Scearcy, and John Miller. In 1850 a frame church-building was erected at a cost of $750. It was dedicated the following year by Jacob Spainhour, who was the first man to preach in that neighborhood. John W Talley, Amos Simmons, Cypert Talley, Benj Hollingsworth, Reuben Henderson, H F Walker, Stacy Rogers and Jesse Edwards have at different times been pastors of the church. The present membership numbers thirty-five. The church has had a varied career of prosperity and adversity; a short time after its organization there was an addition there was an addition of one hundred and fifty-two members. Hopewell church, located on section fourteen, belongs to the denomination known as the Separate Baptists. It was organized in August, 1865. John W Talley, Benjamin Hollingsworth, D S Hutton, D Mullannee, Isaac Petree, Samuel Hutton, Mary Talley, N E Mullanee, Eliza Petree, Mary Hutton, Catharine Hutton, Phoebe M Brown, Ruth S McConnell, Lydia Nelson, Nancy R, Wood, Mary J. Miller, M. E. McConnell, Daniel Henson, Angelina Nelson and M A Hollingsworth were the original members. A frame church was erected in the fall of 1868 at an expense of $1,200. It was dedicated in the winter by 1868 by John W Talley; John W Talley, Benj Hollingsworth, J T Walker, Chas Lyon and Reuben Henderson have been pastors at various times. Jesse Edwards is the present pastor. The membership at present is twenty-two. The first election was held in the township in the April, 1844, which was the first election held in the county, this having been a separate election precinct form the first. In 1850 the township had a population of 603, in 1856 it was 1,003, and by the census of 1875 it appears that the population was then 1,467. There were 269 dwelling houses and 275 families. The following are the officers of the township at present: Justices of the Peace—D C Baker, who is also a member of the board of supervisors, and T B Meradith. Constables—J W Reiner and Lewis Smithart Clerk—W B Woods Trustees—Conrad Bender, W C Harris, Joseph Bush Assessor—T B Meradith Lancaster This township lies between the branches of Skunk river, and extends within six miles of the county line, both east and west, and is twelve miles in length. It was known as Ridge precinct. In 1846 it was organized as a township, taking the name of Lafayette. After the location of the town of Lancaster it was changed to the name of that town. The first white settlers were: Obadiah Tharp, John W Snelson, Presley Doggett, William Trueblood, James Robinson, B F Chastain, William McGrew, James M and Jesse B Mitts, George Wilmer, J B Whisler, Amos Holloway, David Stont, J G Dement and Sam Hardesty. Mr Snelson located on the present farm of Corbin Utterback, and for some time ran a ferry across North Skunk. A cabin was erected near his dwelling in which Mr Whisler commenced selling goods, in the fall of 1844. Mr Whisler afterward sold goods in Lancaster, and at his mill, four miles west of town. In 1845 J G Crocker located near Lancaster, and in 1846 his son, the late General M M Crocker, received the appointment of military cadet at West Point. This township is the largest and possesses the greatest variety of natural resources of any in the county. While it contains farming lands which are not excelled by any other in the State, it also has an abundance of timber and excellent water power. It has always taken the lead in point of population, and when the seat of justice was located there it substantially controlled the politics of the county, and thus was the first precinct in point of influence, a position which it has not yet entirely lost. Lancaster, with its heavy democratic majorities, is still a power in political conventions. The population in 1850 was 349, in 1856 it was 1,110; and in 1875 it was 1,454. The first school in the county was probably taught by Henry Horse, in a log house which formerly stood on the Doggett farm, in the winter of 1844 and ’45. Among the first marriages was that of Mr Jordan to Maria McGrew; and the first birth appears to have been a son of Augustus M Mead. Benjamin F Chastain organized the first church in May, 1844. The first members were W Snelson and wife, Jesse Gabbert and wife, Dr Ragland, Nathan Ruth, and B F Chastain. They had no house of worship, and their meetings were held at the residence of Mr Snelson, on section three. The first sermon was preached by Tannehill, at the house of John Cox, in 1843. Situated as it is, between the two folks of Skunk river, the best water power is easy of access, and this was utilized by the erection of mills. These mills have always been a help to the development of the resources of the entire county, and have had a good reputation in this and adjoining townships. To aid in the settlement of that portion of the county, and afford ready communication with other places, there was early a need felt for good roads. A county road, commonly known as the Ridge Road, was early projected, and ever since has been regarded as the leading highway of the county. Although several railways have been projected across the township, none so far have been successful. The Ottumwa road, after numerous failures, now promises to be built at no far distant day, and when built will contribute much toward bringing out the large store of undeveloped resources which abound in great variety. Owing to the size of the township it has an extra force of civil officers. For the present year they are as follows: Justices of the Peace—W H Hubbard, B C Moore, S C Harris Clerk—H B Jacobs Assessor—S W Brunt Constable—Josiah Utterbach, F M Wertz, E Bralliar Owing to the fact that so much of the history of this township is intimately connected with the county-seat contests, and while the county-seat was at Lancaster, the history of that town was the history of the township, the facts will be grouped as far as possible in the following short account of the Town of Lancaster. Richland The town of Richland was laid out by Pryor C Woodward on the 19th day of June, 1841, and surveyed by J B Davis, of Washington county. Soon after Benjamin Edwards laid out another town just five miles northwest of Richland, on the grounds now composing the beautiful farm of Allen Stalker. This town laid out was the rival of Richland. In one respect it had the advantage of most towns, for it had two names: one of which was Newton and the other Webster City. As it and Richland were both desiring to be recognized as the capital of the county when organized, it had another advantage, as will subsequently shown, because the chief officer of the county designed to make of this place a great metropolis. Among the first settlers in the town of Richland were Eleazer Bales, C E Woodward, John Noyes, John Raines, R L Mark, James Williams, and Jonas Hoover. Hoover built the first house; Williams was the first postmaster; Raines was the first blacksmith, and although slow and tedious, was a good workman. Many have seen a good sewing needle of his make, about the right size to carry No 8 thread. Mark, and another man by the name of L J Smith, each had shops in which they sold whisky and groceries, and especially the whisky. In 1844 the first store was set up by Beriah Haworth. The first hotel was by Dr W H Tingle, in 1845. In 1848 Williams and McCracken built a stream saw mill. Warren This township corresponds in the main with congressional township No 75 north 13 west. South Skunk, which forms the southern boundary, cuts off about five sections, which for municipal purposes are attached to Benton. North Skunk runs diagonally across the township, thus dividing it into two water-sheds. The natural drainage is excellent; the supply of timber, stone, coal and water is abundant. So diversified are the natural resources of this region that it has always been considered one of the favorite spots of Keokuk county. Originally it was a part of what is now Washington township, and together with it formed what for a long time was known as Cedar Creek Precinct. The first settlement was made on the 3rd of May, 1843, by A J McNabb and T J Hicklin—the former on section 2, and the latter on section 3. McNabb plowed the first furrow in the township and planted potatoes. Four days after, Maxon Randall took a claim and settled near the same place; he plowed the second piece of ground which was broken in that part of the county. McNabb and Randall were very successful in their farming operations, and by sticking to their first claims, by industry and economy, have become among the wealthiest citizens of the county. McNabb still resides on his original claim; Randall remained on his claim till a short time since, when he disposed of his extensive domain and removed to Sigourney, where he now resides. T J Hicklin also was still found on his original claim after a lapse of thirty-three years. John Hasty and several others settled in Warren township in the spring of 1843. In 1844 Jacob Kinsler began to build the first saw and grist-mill, on North Skunk, west of range 12. The township was surveyed in 1845, and in 1846 the land was offered for sale. At that time most of the land was claimed, and the entire amount of money in the township was about one thousand dollars. At the first sale of lands were ten pierces of eighty acres each sold. The first couple married were Robert Munn and Susan Pence. The license was procured at Washington, Keokuk county at that time being a part of Washington, and John Ellis, justice of the peace, pronounced the ceremony. This marriage was soon followed by three or four more in quick succession. Mr Thomas J Hicklin was chosen to be the father of the first child born in the township. Squire Ellis, who for many years after the organization of the county was the law giver if Cedar Creek precinct, had his seat of justice at Springfield, now in Washington township; and after Warren township became a municipality separate from Washington, Squire Keith became the Lycurgus of these regions. Already, in 1845, the pioneers of Warren had a school-house; and Rev Mr Tannehill, who expounded the gospel on Sundays, here wielded the birch and expounded Murray during the week. Mr Tannehill organized a Baptist church in 1844, Squire Keith and family being among the first members. A Frenchman, who lived in the McNabb neighborhood in early days, while out hunting discovered coal, which afterward proved to be the outcroppings of extensive deposits, which are how being mined by Mr Dunn, of Delta. As the report goes, the Frenchman after discovering the coal, went after a shovel, and returning, covered up all signs of the coal, hoping to be able in a few years to purchase the claim. But before he accumulated enough money to buy the claim, he was prostrated on his death bed, and just before dying revealed the facts of his discovery to a friend. However, his description was not definite enough, and the concealed treasure could not be found. The land where the coal was concealed was the northwest quarter of section thirteen, and northeast quarter of section fourteen. This and finally became to property of Maxon Randall, and was regarded by him as a very good sheep pasture, and from appearances probably contained some good building stone. Wishing to quarry some stone to be used in the foundation of a barn, he accompanied some others to the identical place where the opening to the coal mine now is, and probably the same place where the opening of the coal mine now is, and probably where the Frenchman had used his shovel a quarter of a century before. After digging for some time and finding no stone, Mr Randall went elsewhere for his building stone, and a few years afterward sold the land to J A Dunn. It may be remarked here that Mr Randall, while prospecting for stone, came so near the coal that had he gone one foot further he would have come upon it. Mr Dunn became owner of the ground in 1872, and in 1875 discovered the coal. The vein is from four to six feet deep; the mine is very extensively operated, and with the excellent railroad communication, since the extensive of the Knoxville branch of the C, R I & P railroad, promises to be the leading industrial feature of the county. The banks are located about one mile south of Delta, and the coal is at present conveyed to the latter place in wagons, no side-track having as yet been constructed to the mine. In 1850, the population of Warren township was 287; in 1856 it was 394; and in 1875 it was 707. At that time there were 144 dwellings and 148 families. The following are the present officers of the township: Justices of the Peace—Reuben Kinder and Abel Hawkins Constables—Hiram Alsop and J H Keister Clerk—E C Hewitt Trustees—A J McNabb, Horace Brainard and Abner Utterback Assessor—J B Jacobs |
