THE BEGINNING — FIRST THINGS — POSTOFFICE [sic] — BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT — OFFICIAL — BANKS — LIME VALLEY CREAMERY — ELEVATORS
FOREST CITY SAW MILL — RELIGIOUS AND CIVIC SOCIETIES — NORWEGIAN M.E. CHURCH — MRS. BLENNERHASSETT'S SABBATH SCHOOL
A.F. & A.M. —I.O.O.F.—G.A.R.—FOREST CITY SCHOOLS — BUSINESS DIRECTORY — FOREST TOWNSHIP — EARLY SETTLEMENT
OFFICIAL RECORD — EDUCATIONAL — RELIGIOUS — LELANDSBURG

This beautiful and enterprising little city was laid out in the spring of 1856, by Robert Clark, afterwards county judge. While there may be nothing really remarkable in the development of the past, or anything striking in the present, still there is much that cannot fail to be of interest to those who have been closely connected and identified with the city in all the various changes which have occurred from year to year. To those who have watched the growth and progress from its earliest origin, when Winnebago county was but a wild prairie country, until the present time, the accomplishment of bygone days would seem now like a great task, but it is in fact the sure and legitimate results of an advanced state of civilization.

Forest City is in Forest township, and is situated in the south part of the county about one-half a mile from the south line and nearly seven miles from the eastern boundry. One railroad passes through Forest City - the Minneapolis & St. Louis - connecting it with the leading markets in the north and south. The city is surrounded by some of the finest and most productive agricultural and stock raising lands in the State, which is a guarantee of a permanent and ever increasing trade.

Forest City is beautifully located on Lime creek, and owing to the fact that it is situated on the highest ground in this part of the State, it is often called the "Hill City." The locality is exceedingly healthy; the inhabitants are possessed of high intelligence, and the society is of the most refined and desirable character. the city is protected on the north and east by heavy groves of timber, which come almost to the city limits.

THE BEGINNING

The first to settle in the present limits of Forest City was Robert Clark, who located on the northeast quarter of section 35, township 98, range 24, in the spring of 1856. In March he laid out the plat of Forest City, and in April built the first log cabin, a little to the rear of where Blennerhassett's drug store now stands. This log shanty stood until about 1870, when it was torn down.

The second log cabin was built by A.T. Cole, in June, 1856. Mr. Cole was the first to bring a family to Forest City. He now resides in Newton township.

The next building was built of logs and was used as a store. It was erected in the fall of 1856, by Alexander Long, on the present site of the City Bank. Long & Moreland kept store in this building for some months.

The fourth building was constructed for hotel purposes by Samuel Akers, in the fall of the same year. The hotel stood for a number of years on the corner opposite the City Bank, and was finally torn down. The building stood on two lots, for the right of which Mr. Akers gave A.T. Cole $5.

The next building was erected in November, of the same year, by Robert Clark. It was a frame building, 18X24 feet, quite a large house for those days, and stood about there the Clark Hotel now stands. In 1861 Samuel Tennis purchased the building, moved it to the lot where John Plummer's residence now is, and commenced keeping hotel. Mr. Tennis owned the building two or three years, then sold it to DeWitt C. Hayes, who refitted it and made it his home for several years. J.C. Harwood became the next owner, and after a few years, he sold to John Plummer. Mr. Plummer used the building until a few years ago, when he erected his present residence, moving the old one out of town. In 1857 quite a number of houses were built, among which were the residences of Nathan Jefford's, Thomas Bearse and A.P. Harper.

Nathan Jeffords put up a frame house back of where J.S. Olson's store now is.

Thomas Bearse built near where the Congregatonal church now stands. This house was a frame and was one of the best in the city at the time.

A.B. Harper built a log cabin near where the city Bank now is. This continued in use by different parties until 1862, when it was burned.

During this year and the one following, buildings went up rapidly and the hamlet began assuming the proportions of a small city. In October, 1858, Forest City made the county seat of Winnebago county. The following is a list of the names of the citizens at this time: Robert Clark, Charles H. Day, B.F. Denslow, A.K. Curtis, N.G. Curtis, William Gilbert, B.A. Hill, Cornelius Baker, Avery Baker, John S. Blowers, A.T. Cole, James Church, Charles Church, James Lackore, William Lackore, George Lackore, C.H. Lackore, Harrison Beadle, George Beadle, John Maben, Charles Lutz, David Lutz, David Stancliff, Nathan Jeffords, John Jeffords, Charles Bice, Thomas Bearse, A.P. Harper, Sylvester Baker, Sylvester Belcher, Martin Bumgardner, H.S. Bottsford and George Strong.

Among those who came in 1859 are: David Secor, George Butts, John H.T. Ambrose, Simon, Johnathan & Edwin Trumbull and Ethan Ames. George Butts was married to Sarah Beadle, and in 1861 removed to Des Moines, his present place of residence. The others of those last named are still residents of the county.

FIRST THINGS

The first child born in Forest City was Brentner Clark, son of Robert and Rebecca (Brentner) Clark. He was born in the summer of 1858.

Shortly after the organization of the county in October, 1857, Judge Clark officiated at the first marriage ceremony ever performed in the county or in Forest City. The contracting parties were Sylvester Belcher and Viola Lackore.

The first to die in Forest City was Samuel Jeffords in the fall of 1859. He died of lung disease.

The first house within the corporate limits of Forest City was built in the spring of 1856, by Robert Clark, in the Blennerhassett block.

The first store was built where the City Bank now stands by Alexander Long, in the fall of 1856.

Long & Moreland opened the first store that same fall.

The first hotel was built in the fall of 1856 by Samuel Akers on the corner opposite the present site of the City Bank.

The first school was taught in 1858, by Sarah Beadle. The house in which the school was held was the one built by Nathan Jeffords.

Rev. Hankins, a methodist minister, preached the first sermon in a little building used by the county officers, and called the "court house."

The first title to lots in the village, was acquired by A.T. Cole. Robert Clark, owner of the town plat, offered to give two lots to every person who would build thereon, and Mr. Cole was the first to take the offer.

The first school house was built in 1857, near where the Methodist church now stands. It was a frame building, 16X20 feet. It was sold at auction after the brick school house was built, and became the property of B.F. Denslow. Denslow sold the building to John Maben, who moved into Hancock county.

The second school house was built in about 1859, of brick. It was 20X25 feet, two stories high, and cost about $4,000. It was destroyed by fire in 1873. this school house was the first brick building in the county.

The first Congregationalist minister who preached in Forest City was Rev. Mr. Littlefield, who visited the place sometime in the summer of 1866.

POSTOFFICE [sic]

Forest City postoffice was established in 1857, with Robert Clark as the first postmaster. In 1860 Keeler Curtis was appointed, and was succeeded in 1861 by Hon. David Secor. In 1872 Mr. Secor resigned, recommending J.W. Mahoney, who was appointed postmaster, and has held the position ever since. In 1874 the office was made a money-order office. The first money-order was issued July 6, 1874 by Marcellus Halvorsen to J.W. Phillips, of Clear Lake, the amount being $6. Since that time there have been 6,110 orders issued.

J.W. Mahoney, one of the enterprising business men of Forest City, was born in LaPorte Co., Ind., April 24, 1841. His parents were Daniel and Mary A. (Walton) Mahoney, and were the parents of five children. Daniel mahoney in early life was a whig, but at the time of the organization of the republican party, joined and remained with it until the time of his death, in 1864. Mrs. Mahoney is still living in Floyd co., Iowa. The subject of this sketch enlisted in 1861 in the 3d Iowa Battery, and participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Helena, Ark., Little Rock and the yazoo expedition. At the close of the war he returned to Floyd county, where he remained until 1869, when he removed to Forest City and engaged in the mercantile business. In 1870 he was appointed deputy postmaster, and in 1873 was appointed tothat office, which he still holds. In 1868 he was married to Mary E. Barmore, by whom he has had three children - Irving W., Edna M. and Hugh J. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and one of the live business men of Forest City.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

During the spring and summer of 1856 Robert Clark kept a few goods on sale in his shanty in what is now known as Blennerhassett's block. His stock in trade consisted of a chest of tea, probably a little sugar, some tobacco, etc.

Alexander Long and Joshua Moreland opened the first regular store in November, 1856. They had a large stock of goods for that early day, and their store was the headquarters for all trading for some time. They occupied the building built by Long, where the City Bank now stands. in December, 1856, "Alex" Long was frozen to death, and Moreland continued to run the store till the following spring, when the stock passed into the hands of Robert Clark. In the fall of 1857 Clark sold to Blowers & Byford, who continued the business for nearly a year. About this time Byford pocketed all the money he could lay hands on, $2,000, or over, and left - "sloped." Mr. Blowers continued a short time, then sold back to Robert Clark, who moved the goods to his own building. After six or eight months A.K. Curtis became proprietor of the store, and moved the goods to a frame building near where Jasper thompson's residence now stands. He continued the business about one year, then sold to C.H. Day.

In the spring of 1859 Martin Bumgardner opened a store in the building now occupied by Abbie Secor's millinery. He continued in business here for about two years, then sold out to Charles H. Day, who merged the stock with that which he had purchased of A.K. Curtis. the business was continued by Mr. Day until in about 1863, when he sold to a man by the name of Cummings. Cummings conducted the business for nearly one year, when it passed by purchase into the hands of A.L. Plummer. Shortly after, Mr. Plummer took in as a partner a little Jew, who continued in the firm for a few months, and was drafted into the United States service. He did not like going to the war, however, and, selling out to Mr. Plummer, left very hastily for parts unknown. In the spring of 1866, Hiram K. Landru became proprietor, and after running the business about four months, took in "Sam" Herrick as partner. This partnership did not last long, however. Within a few months Herrick retired from the business, and soon after, Landru sold the entire stock to A.L. Plummer. Mr. Plummer added stock, and built what is now Blennerhassett's drug store, into which he moved shortly after. In 1868 B.A. Plummer purchased an interest in the store, and the firm was Plummer Bros. until May 1, 1869, when J.W. Mahoney and B.A. Plummer became the owners. Mahoney & Plummer continued in partnership about one year and a half, when Mr. Mahoney became sole proprietor. In 1872 Mr. Mahoney built the store building adjoining the city Bank, and moved into it in the fall of that year. He is still in business.

The third general store was opened in 1866 by David Secor. He occupied one of the rooms in the court house for about seven months, then moved his goods to the Abbie Secor building, where he continued for about two and a half years. Solmer & Morgan then purchased the stock, added more goods, and had a man by the name of Brown in charge for one year. the store then became the property of E.D. Hinman, who intended moving the stock to Lake Mills, but inside of two or three days he sold out to George Lackore. The latter gentleman erected a new building on the corner south of the Winnebago County Bank, and after running the business there about six months, took in J.W. Fisher as partner. This partnership lasted about a year, when Mr. Lackore retired and J.W. Fisher became sole proprietor. Jasper Thompson soon after purchased a half interest. In six months Mr. Thompson bought out his partner, J.W. Fisher, and continued the business as sole owner until the summer of 1883, when he sold to J.H. Lewis. Soon after the firm became Lewis & Skarie. About Dec. 1, 1883, Jasper Thompson, mortagee, took possession of the store, and closed out the stock.

In 1870 B.A. Plummer built the brick store on the corner opposite the city Bank and opened a general stock of goods. A few months later J.C. Harwood became a partner, and the firm of Plummer & Harwood ran the business about eight months, when Harwood retired. At this time John Plummer became a partner and so continued until in 1876, when he became sole proprietor, remaining as such until 1879. In 1879 Myron Barton purchased a half interest and about one year later bought the whole stock.

In 1871 W.O. Hanson and A.A. Aiken brought a stock of goods from Decorah, this State, and opened a store in the building now occupied by Nels George. Two years later Mr. hanson purchased his partner's interest and built what is now Koto's drug store. He kept a general store in this building about a year, then closed out his dry goods, and made a specialty of boots and shoes. One year later he sold out to Jasper Thompson, who merged the goods with his other stock.

Messrs. Saibert & Stife opened a general store in a building where the Winnebago County Bank now stands. The continued in partnership for about two years when Mr. Saibert became sole proprietor. One year later Mr. Saibert sold out to G.G. Onstadt. In 1880 Mr. Onstadt built a new building just north of his old site, and took in as partner John Isaacson. In the fall of 1882 Mr. Isaacson became sole proprietor, and is still continuing the business.

J.S. Olson and Nels George opened a general store in the Nels George building in 1874. They continued their partnership about two years, when they dissolved, Nels George continuing the business, in which he is still engaged.

In 1877 Thomas Jacobs, O.B. Knudson and J.S. Olson formed a co-partnership and opened a general store. They brought their goods from Chicago and opened up in Hanson's old store. The firm continued as above for about six months, when Mr. Jacobs retired. Three months later Knudson sold to Mr. Olson, who continued the business. In 1882 Mr. Olson built a store building on the corner directly east of P.O. Koto's drug store, and has since continued the business in his own building. The firm is now J.S. Olson & Son.

The representatives of the general trade in 1883 were: J.W. Mahoney, Myron Barton, Nels George, J.S. Olson & Son and John Isaacson.

John S. Olson, one of the enterprising merchants of Forest City, was born near Christiana, Norway, Jan 10, 1826. In the spring of 1849 he emigrated to American, landing in New York after a voyage of eight weeks, and from there went to Milwaukee and then to Racine county, where he was employed on a farm, receiving from $10 to $15 per month. The following fall her removed to Michigan, and the next spring returned to Racine. In 1855 he was married to Anna Nelson, by whom he has had eight children, four of whom are living - Albert, Amelia, Henry and Willie. In 1860 he removed to Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where he purchased a farm. In 1862 he enlisted in the 38th Iowa Infantry, and participated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, Black River expedition, thence to Texas by way of New Orleans. In January, 1865, the regiment was consolidated with the 34th and engaged in the capture of Fort Morgan, charge on Fort Blakely and Spanish Fort. He was discharged at Houston, Texas, at the close of the war. In 1870 he removed to Winnebago county, locating in Forest City. In 1875 he engaged in the mercantile business, which he has since followed. He came to this country in limited circumstances, but by close attention to business has obtained a comfortabl eproperty, and to-day is among the well-to-do business men of the city. Mr. Olson is a member of the G.A.R. post, and with his wife is a member of the Scandinavian M.E. Church.

John Isaacson, one of the enterprising business men of Forest City, was born in Norway, March 12, 1840. In 1855 his parents emigrated to America, landing in Quebec, and from there went to Dane co., Wis., where he was reared as a farm boy, receiving a limited education in the common schools. In 1862 he enlisted in the 27th Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, company H. Entering the army as fourth sergeant and afterwards promoted to orderly. He participated in the capture of Vicksburg, Miss., Little Rock, Ark., battles of Saline River, Prairie D'Ann and Camden, Ark. In the siege of Spanish Fort and capture of Fort Blakely and Mobile, Ala., from there to Brownsville, Texas. He was then promoted to 2d lieutenant. Soon before the war closed he was mustered out at Brownsville, Texas, in September, 1865, and returned home, and again engaged in the occupation of farming until 1874, when he removed to madison, Wis., and clerked in the store of Dunning & Sumner, where he learned the business. In 1880 he removed to Forest City, Iowa, embarking in the mercantile business, carrying a full line of dry goods and groceries, boots, shoes and clothing, in fact everything usually found in a first-class store. In 1865 he was married to Carrie Olson, of Oconomowoc, Wis., by whom he has had nine children - Clara, Delia, Charles, Elmore, John, George, mable, Amanda and Sumner Elsworth. Mr. and Mrs. Isaacson are members of the Lutheran Church. He is also a member of the G.A.R. Mr. Isaacson came to this country a poor boy, but by fair dealing has accumulated a comfortable property.

In the fall of 1870, Dr. W.H. Jones opened the first drug store in what is now the Pinckney Hotel. In 1872 the stock was sold to James Pinckney, who combined it with his grocery business. In 1872 Mr. Pinckney erected a store building opposite the postoffice, and moved his goods into it. He is still occupying the same building.

In 1883 the drug trade was represented by A. Blennerhassett, P.O. Koto & Co., and James Pinckney.

James Pinckney, one of the early settlers of Winnebago county, was born in Onondage Co., N.Y., Dec. 8, 1835. His parents were Alpheus and Sally (Griffin) Pinckney. When James was sixteen years old he went to Cattaraugus county, where he learned the trade of a cooper, which he followed for a number of years. Here he was married to Martha Paisley, by whom he had four children - Mary, Edson, Edwin and Ida. In the spring of 1862 he came to Forest City, then a wild, unsettled country, their nearest settlement on the west at Algona, Kossuth county; on the north Mankato, Minn. In the spring of 1871 Mrs. Pinckney died, and he gave up farming and engaged in the drug business. He was again married to Martha Bolsted. Five children have been born to them, two of whom are living - Ray and Arthur. In 1881 he engaged in the hotel business. Mr. Pinckney came to the county poor, but by hard work and close attention to business, has accumulated a comforable property. He has a farm of 180 acres, besides his drug and grocery business valued at $3,000.

A Blennerhassett, one of the leading druggists in Forest City, was born in county Kerry, Ireland. He is a son of the late Henry Blennerhassett, Esq., M.D., of county Kerry, and a grandson of the Hon. Richard and Elizabeth Blennerhassett, of Ballymaeprior. When he was twenty-one years of age he left Ireland for Australia, where he was engaged in the gold fields and was for a time manager of the Colonial Gold Companies works at Tambaroora and also in the Wentworth Gold Fields, New South Wales. He was instrumental in putting up one of the first forty power engines on the gold fields for crushing quartz, and was engaged in the several gold fields in Australia for ten years. He then returned to his native country and was married May 25, 1865, at Monkstown Church, Kingstown, near Dublin, by the Rev. Henry Johnston, to Elizabeth Haire, daughter of Hamilton Haire, Esq., of Glassdrummond, county Fermanagh, Ireland, and shortly after went to reside in London, England, where he remained for two years. He again in May, 1868, with his family left the old country for America, settling in Black Hawk Co., Iowa, where he purchased a farm. Not liking the farming business, he sold out soon after and removed to Rudd, Floyd county. There he had a building erected and commenced the drug business, but finding it was not paying and no prospect of the town improving, he had his building taken down and put up again in Rockford, of the same county. He then in August, 1871, removed to Forest City, where he has continued the drug business since. Mr. and Mrs. Blennerhassett have three children - Rowland Aremberg, Fredderick T. and Annie H. Mr. Blennerhassett is a practical druggist and carries a complete stock of drugs, paints, oils, wall paper, notions, toys, etc. and in fact everything that can be found in a first class drug store.

The first hardware store in Forest city was established in 1870 by L. Stilson, in a little building next to the Summit office. Some time after, Mr. Stilson's son, E.L., became a partner, and Stilson & Son remained as the name of the firm until the death of the father, which occurred in January, 1879. E.L. Stilson ran the business alone until the fall of 1881, when H.C. Reed purchased an interest, and the firm became Stilson & Reed.

The second hardware store was opened in 1876, by James Widowis, who brought his stock from Rockford, this State. He ran the business in what is now Clark Bros.' store, for about one year, when William Larson, mortgagee, took the stock and closed it out at sheriff's sale.

Dwight E. Johnson, of Rockford, Iowa, erected a building on the corner north of Olson & Son's store, in 1879, and established two of his sons in the hardware business. They continued until 1882, when H. McCusker became proprietor, and in August 1883, Wells & Co. purchased the business. In 1883 the representatives of the hardware business were Stilson & Reed and Wells & Co.

The first carriage and wagon shop was opened in 1860 by J.J. Barker, in the north part of town. Mr. Barker was a carriage maker by trade, but while here his business was mostly repairing. He remained six or seven years then went to Hancock county.

This branch of trade was represented in 1883 by Lunsett & Jenson and Thompson & Anderson. The firm of Lunsett & Jenson established their business in 1870, and have been in trade ever since. Thompson & Anderson opened their establishment in 1879.

The first blacksmith shop in Forest City was opened in the spring of 1857, by A.T. Cole, in a little shanty a few rods southwest of where Jasper Thompson's residence now stands. Mr. Cole ran the shop about one year, then sold to Lemuel Lackore. After a few months the shop reverted to Mr. Cole, who sold shortly after to a man from Elk Grove, Hancock county.

John Trumbull commenced blacksmithing inhis own shop some time during the war. He sold to a man by the name of Garrett, who, after running the business about six months, sold to Henry Grates. Within a month A.T. Cole bought of Grates and run the business for about three years, selling at the end of that time to Robert Clark. Clark sold to A.L. Plummer, who sold back to Cole. Mr. Cole moved the shop one mile north of town, and seven years later moved it to section 15, township 99, range 24, of Newton township.

Henry Grates opened a shop in about 1868, and after one year's work at the forge sold to Matt. Faulkner. Mr. Faulkner ran the business about three years then moved to Garner, Hancock county, taking the shop with him.

In 1870 Lunsett & Jenson opened a blacksmith shop in connection with their carriage works. They hired different men to run the shop, and in 1883, Stowe & Hanson were in charge.

Hans Lunsett, the first wagon maker in Forest City was born in Trondhjem, Norway, June 24, 1831. There he grew to manhood and learned the trade of a painter, which he followed for a number of years. In 1860 he left his native home, crossing the ocean to Quebec, then to La Crosse, Wis., where he remained a short time, removing then to Winona, Minn., where he was employed in a lumber yard. Soon after he removed to Rushford, where he learned the trade of a wagon maker. Here he remained two years, then removing to Lansing, and then to Decorah, where he was employed at his trade by Ammon Hunter & Co. In 1866 he was married at Decorah, to Anna Olson, a widow of the late Knadt Olson, who died in the war. At the time of his death, Mrs. Olson had three children - Adolph, William and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Lunsett are the parents of two living children - Hakon Mechel and Emma. In 1870 Mr. Lunsett removed with his family to Winnebago county, where he established a wagon shop in Forest City. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, of Truth Lodge, No. 213. He came to this country a poor man, owing for his passage money. To his strict integrity in all business transactions the financial success of his life may be justly attributed.

R.P. Jenson, wagon and carriage maker of Forest city, was born in Denmark, June 20, 1838. He was apprenticed to the trade for four years, and received nothing but board and clothes for his services. In 1866 he emigrated to the United States and settled n Decorah, Winneshiek county, where he was employed at his trade. In 1871 he removed to, and located in Forest City, at which place he formed a partnership with H. Lunsett, as the firm of Lunsett & Jenson. In 1875 he was married to Bertha Hanson, by whom he has had three children - Ammon J., Theodore E. and Anne Marie. Mr. Jenson is one of the most enterprising business men of the county, and has worked himself, by his industry, into a place he can well be proud of.

The blacksmiths in Forest City in 1883 were Stowe & Hanson, in charge of Lunsett & Jenson's shop; John Harstead, who established his business in the fall of 1880; and Johnson & Anderson, who opened a blacksmith shop in 1879, in connection with their carriage and wagon shop.

The first tailor shop was opened in 1870 by P. Anderson. Mr. Anderson is a native of Sweden, born in 1842. In 1869 he left his native country, came to American and settled in Mitchell, Mitchell Co., Iowa. The following year he came to Forest City, where he has since been located. He has a good trade and his work gives entire satisfaction.

OC. Steen opened his tailor shop in 1881, and has since been identified with the business interests of Forest City.

The agricultural implement business of 1883 was represented, in Forest city, by Elwood Alexander and Twito & Tweed.

The business of E. Alexander wass established in 1879 by L.S. Lewis and J.E. Howard. In 1882 Mr. Alexanader purchased the interest of L.S. Lewis and the firm became J.E. Howard & Co., remaining as such until in 1883, when Mr. Alexander became sole proprietor.

O.H. Twito established the business of Twito & Tweed in 1880. In the spring of 1881 L.H. Twito became a partner, and the firm of Twito Bros. was established. In the fall of that year the firm became Twito Bros. & Tweed, and the business was continued under the management of this firm until in 1882 when L.H. Twito retired. The firm of Twito & Tweed have since conducted the business. They carry a full line of wagons, carriages, mowers, reapers and threshing machines, and everything usually found in a well assorted business of this kind.

The first lumber yard of any importance was established in the summer of 1878 by C.H. Lackore & E.A. Ames, who hauled their lumber all the way from Garner by teams, there being no railroad at the time. They carry everything in the lumber line, and have a first-class yeard. They also handle coal in connection with their lumber.

Jens Poulson engaged in the lumber business in 1879 and has since been located at Forest City. He carries a stock varying from $1,500 to $2,000.

Jens Poulson, an old substantial lumber dealer of Forest City, was born in Leland, Denmark, Aug. 14, 1826. He was raised on a farm and received a good common school education. In December, 1871, he emigrated to America, spending his first winter in Waterloo, Iowa. In the spring of 1872 he removed to Winnebago county, and purchased land in Forest township, where he followed farming until 1874. He then built the first brewery ever known in this county, which he conducted for five years. Mr. Poulson then engaged in the lumber business, carrying a stock of lumber and building material valued at form $1,000 to $2,000. Mr. Poulson has been twice married. His first marriage was in Denmark, in November, 1851, and three children were sent to bless this union - Goul, Caroline Henrietta and Anna Marthilda. His wife died in Decmber, 1865, and he was again married in January, 1882, to Emilie Antonie Bogh. In early life Mr. Poulson was a member of the Lutheran church.

In December, 1879, E.J. Joice opened a lumber yard at Forest City. Mr. Joice is one of the principal lumber dealers in Forest City and carries as large and fine a stock as there is in the county.

E.J. Joice, one of the enterprising business men of Forest City, was born in Bergen, Norway, Dec. 1, 1827, where he received a common school education, and when a young man learned the trade of cooper. In April, 1849, he was married to Henrietta Riisnes, and in June of the same year emigrated to America in a sailing vessel to seek his fortune in the western world. After a voyage of sixty-two days they landed in New York, and there remained but a short time, going to Chicago, where he remained over winter. He then removed to the eastern part of Dane Co., Wis., where he engaged in farming and coopering. The first summer was passed in working for others, at twenty-five cents per day, and the following winter he worked at his trade. Here he purchased eighty acres of wild land, making a very small payment on same, and made his first home in America. Remaining here for several years, by hard work and good management he succeeded in getting out of debt, and some to spare, sold the old homestead and moved to Stoughton, Wis., in the spring of 1866, where he engaged in the coopering business. In 1871 he visited Winnebago conty and during his stay purchased considerable land, and in the spring of 1879 removed his family to Forest city, where he has since resided, being engaged in the lumber business. Mr. and Mrs. Joice are the parents of six children, four of whom are living - Margaret, wife of Lewis Larsen, of Forest City; Petra, who is teaching her fourth year of school in Forest city; John H., book-keeper of the First National Bank at Wausau, Wis.; and Peter M., cashier of Winnebago County Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Joice are members of the M.E. church. Mr. Joice is a deacon, being commissioned as an exhorter in 1859. He came to this country with not one cent that he could call his own, but by hard work and economy has obtained considerable property and a good home, and to-day is one of the most substantial business men of the county.

The representatives of the lumber business in 1883 were E.J. Joice, Jens Paulson and Lackore & Ames.

OFFICIAL

Forest City was incorporated June 25, 1878. The first officers were as follows: Mayor, Eugene Secor; recorder, A.H. Chase; marshall, L.C. Green; councilmen, C.H. Lackore, T.C. Ransom, B.A. Plummer, H. Lunsett, J.W. Mahoney and W.O. Hanson.

In 1883 the officers were: Mayor, J.F. Thompson; clerk, S.K. Gregg; treasurer, J.E. Howard; marshall, Elwood Alexander; councilmen, Eugene Secor, B.A. Plummer, C.H. Lackore, W.O. Hanson, H. Lunsett and J.W. Mahoney.

BANKS

The City Bank is located on the corner of Clark and J streets, and fronts twenty-two feet on the former, and sixty-six on the latter street. It is a brick structure, substantially constructed nad commodiously arranged, and is an ornament to the town. It is two full stories, with a basement, the latter having a nine foot ceiling. The basement is conveniently divided into rooms suitable for business, and is finished in good style.

The first story is fitted up for a bank and land office. The bank occupies three rooms besides the vault. The east room is the counting room, and is 22X24 feet, with a twelve foot ceiling. Opening off the counting room is the vault, 8X10 feet, with walls twenty inches thick, arched ceiling and cement floor. It is furnished with massive iron doors, and is both fire and burglar proof. A handsome safe is located in the vault, which is provided with an approved style of time lock. To the west of the counting room is the private office, 12X18 feet, and finished in nearly the same style as the counting room. On the west side of the private office is a hall which opens to the street, and also connects with the land office, which is 20X20 feet, finished in the same tasty manner as the rest of the building.

The second story is fitted for offices. The southeast room is 13X24 feet, connected with a consultation room, 8X20 feet, with ten feet ceilings. The west room is 20X20 feet, and is connected with another 16X20 foot. The building presents an attractive appearance from the outside; the work is first-class and the structure is a valuable addition to the improvement of the city.

The business history of the firm is traced as follows:
The firm of Secor Bros. & Law is an old as well as a substantial one. The senior member of the firm, Hon. David Secor, began the land business in Forest City in 1861, and can boast of an experience of twenty -two years. He has filled the position of county treasurer and recorder, member of the Legislature two terms, and register of the State land office for four years. Ex-Mayor Eugene Secor, the next oldest in the firm, commenced business in 1865. He was clerk of the court for six years, and county auditor for four years, and was four times elected mayor, and is now a member of the council and president of the school board. Ex-Mayor John Law, the junior member of the firm of Secor Bros. & Law, has been connected with the firm since 1875. He served two terms as county recorder, and was mayor of Forest City one term. From this it will be seen that the firm of Secor Bros. & Law is composed of reliable and popular business men, and in their long experience in business they have preserved a reputation for promptness and reliability second to none, and their business was never so large as to-day.

The Forest City Bank was established in the spring of 1877, and in January, 1882, the firm of Secor Bros. & Law acquired an interest in the business which was removed to their building, and the name changed to The City Bank. By this arrangement B.A. Plummer, a successful banker, became associated with the firm in the banking business, and the bank is carried on under the firm name of Secors, Law & Plummer. Mr. Plummer has no interest in the real estate business, and this branch is carried on as before under the old firm name of Secor Bros. & Law. Mr. Plummer is now county treasurer and is one of the best business men of the northwest, and was a valuable addition to the firm. Both the bank and the land office business are in good hands, and are eminently worthy of public confidence.

John Law, cashier of the City Bank, Forest City, Iowa, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, April 14, 1840, where he resided until ten years of age. In 1850 his parents, Thomas and Mary Hamilton Law, with their family, emigrated to America, settling in Oneida Co., N.Y. Six years later they journeyed westward as far as Portage City, Wis., in which vicinity he resided during the next seven years. In 1863 he was married to Katherine E. Cook, of Scott, Columbia co., Wis. This union has been blessed with three children, two daughter and one son. During the first year of his marriage he removed to Iowa, settling in Lincoln township, Cerro Gordo county, where he purchased a large tract of land, which, being settled by different members of his family, is still known as the Law settlement. In 1864 he enlisted in company D, 2d Iowa Cavalry, serving till the close of the war. In 1866 he purchased a fine tract of land containing 200 acres in Worth county, where he opened a new farm, and to which he removed his family November 11, of the same year. Selling this farm in October, 1870, he became quite unsettled, spending a portion of the time in Mason City, Dakota Territory and Forest City, in which last named place, in the early part of the year 1865, he bacame associated with Hon. David Secor in the real estate business. In 1876 he was elected to the office of recorder of Winnebago county, ans was re-elected in the fall of 1878. In 1881 he was elected mayor of Forest City, and in January, 1883, became a member of the banking firm of Secors, Law & Plummer, who established the City Bank.

The Winnebago County Bank is located on Main street and in the center of the business part of Forest City. It was established in the spring of 1877 by J.F. Thompson, the present cashier and managing partner, and has been successfully operated by hiim from that time till now. Jan. 1, 1880, J.H. Easton, president of the First National Bank of Decorah, Iowa, and one of the best financiers in the northwest, became an equal partner and the bank then took the firm name of Easton & Thompson, which it now bears. During the summer of 1880 the firm erected its present fine banking building, built of Chaska white brick, and with its fine French plate glass front is one of the neatest buildings in point of architecture in the State. The interior is very neatly finished with hard wood and their conter is the acme of beauty and elegance, their fire proof vault and burglar proof safe, protected with time lock, together with their commodious banking and real estate rooms gives them first class facilities for transacting their large business with promptness and dispatch. The cashier, J.F. Thompson, is an attorney at law, and has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession and real estate business in this county for several years. Having had two years experience in the State land office at Des Moines he is particularly familiar with all matters relating to lands in Iowa. The firm represents a large number of non-resident land owners, and the real estate list embraces over 50,000 acres of the choicest land in this (Winnebago) and Hancock counties. They have in addition to what they represent as agents, over 3,000 acres of lands belonging to themselves, all of which they offer on the most reasonable terms and at low figures.

LIME VALLEY CREAMERY

Among the business enterprises of Forest City, the "Lime Valley Creamery" takes a prominent place. In 1882 Eugene Secor, J. Thompson, J.F. Thompson, Clark Brothers & Co., erected the first creamery in the county. The upright building is 25X50 feet, two stories high, the basement being used for the creamery and the first floor for grinding feed. The feed mill has a capacity of twenty-five bushels per hour. The engine and wash-room is 16X35 feet; refrigerator room, 12X25 feet; and the ice house, 20X20 feet. The total cost of the building and fixtures was $4,000. The factory is supplied by the milk of 1,200 cows, and in the best of the season turns out as high as 900 pounds of choice butter per day. The principal shipping point is New York city. The business was operated by the company until the spring of 1883, when the factory was rented to H.T. Tappen, a practical butter maker from Delaware county, this State. In the fall of 1883 Mr. Tappen sold 100 head of hogs, which were fatted from the buttermilk of the factory.

ELEVATORS

The first elevator was built in Forest City in 1879 by M.P. Hayes, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, at a cost of $5,000. The elevator has a capacity of about 25,000 bushels. The business was prosecuted by men in the employ of M.P. Hayes until the fall of 1883, when it was purchased by Gust Sunwall, of Carver, Minn. Mr. Sunwall thoroughly understands the grain business, having been engaged in the same for a number of years.

FOREST CITY SAW MILL

The first saw mill in the county was bought by "Alex" Long in September, 1856. It was first set up without any covering until boards could be sawed to cover it. The mill was put up where the Forest City grist mill now is, and was run by a steam engine of about twenty horse power. The mill was owned by J.B. Long, of Mason City, who sold to "Alex" Long. In the spring of 1857 Mr. Long sold out to Robert Clark, who sold a one-half interest to J.J. Barker. Clark & Barker ran the business till late in the summer, when Barker sold his interest to C.H. Day. Clark & Day were the proprietors for about a years, when Charles Lutz bought Day's interest, and after running a short time sold back to Day. After this there were numberous changes in the proprietorship of the mill. Among those who have been interested in it financially are: John Blowers, John Belt, John H.T. Ambrose, William Lackore, Jarvis & Gobell, J.W. Mahoney and Hale & Norton. This latter firm changed the mill to a grist mill, and after running it about two or three years sold to Ole Peters. In 1883 the millwas still owned by Ole peters, who was doing a fair business. The grinding capacity of the mill is about 100 bushels of wheat per day. It contains two run of buhrs, and is run by steam of about twenty-five horse power.

RELIGIOUS AND CIVIC SOCIETIES

In 1858 a number of persons in Forest City organized an M.E. Church. The first meeting was held in what was then known as the Maben Hotel, situated on the east side of Clark street. Afterwards meetings were frequently held in school houses, and in private residences. Mr. Hankins was the first minister that ever preached in the interest of the M.E. Church in this city. Among early preachers were: Revs. Mr. Hankins, Keeler Curtis, John Ball, Mr. Birge, A.S.R. Groom and Mr. Hancocks. The order in which these ministers came is somewhat uncertain, as the statements of the oldest settlers are conflicting. Since that time the following named have been the pastors: Revs. W.W. Mallory, B.W. Coe, J.P. Cohenour, J.S. Zeigler, H.M. Sexton, W.H. Drake and F.J. McCaffree, the present pastor.

After the erection of the Norwegian M.E. church, the society occupied that church until 1882, when they built a church of their own. The new church is cruciform in shape, having a frontage of seventy-eight feet on L street and thirty-one feet on Clark street. The main audience room is 44X58 feet at the widest pint, and thirty feet wide at the narrowest part, with a ceiling twenty-one feet high. The lecture room is 20X30 feet, with a ten foot ceiling, and is connected with the main audience room by means of dropping doors, which are hung on weights, and by a slight touch will drop into the basement, throwing the two rooms into one. The parlor is over the lecture room, and is 20X30 feet in size, with a ten foot ceiling. The church spire is 100 feet in height. The building is of wood, veneered with brick, is substantially built and is heated by means of a furnace. The building was designed by Rev. W.H. Drake, late pastor, who also superintended its erection. The total cost of the building, including the ground upon which it was built, was between $5,000 and $6,000. Dedication services took place on Sunday, Jan. 6, 1883, under charge of Bishop Bowman, of St. Louis. Mr. Bowman preached in the morning, and Rev. M. McK. Garrett in the evening; after which the formal dedication took place, Bishop Bowman officiating.

The first few meetings of the Congregational Church ever held in Forest City were presided over by Rev. A.S. Allen. After preaching a few times at different houses, Mr. Allen called a meeting, to be held in Forest City, April 30, 1871, to take steps towards the organization of a Church in said city. A committee was appointed at this meeting to prepare a confession of faith and covenant for the Church; the committee to report at a future meeting. This committee consisted of Rev. A.S. Allen and William Taylor. The following persons gave in their names as members of the Church: William Taylor, Harriet Taylor, Leora Taylor, John Millington, Mrs. E.G. Millington and Fannie Millington. At a susequent meeting of the society, the committee appointed to prepare articles of faith and covenant, reported that for the present the Church would use the articles of faith and covenant that were used by the Congregational Church of Clear Lake.

Meetings were held from time to time in the school house hall. Rev. Allen continued as pastor of the Church until Jan. 1, 1876, when he was succeeded by Rev. J.D. Mason, who has held the place of pastor ever since. Shortly after Mr. Mason took charge of the Church, a society was organized called the Congregational Church society; also a Ladies' Aid Society, about the same time. In the year 1877, the society built a church edifice. The church is a wooden structure, 30X50 feet, and cost, including two lots, the sum of $3,700. The church was dedicated on Jan. 20, 1878, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. E. Adams, missionary for northern Iowa. A great revival was held in this church in December, 1882, by Rev. Mr. Morton, an Evangelist from Rochester, N.Y., and which was attended with excellent success. The membership of the Church in 1883 was forty-five, the society numbering sixty. During the building of the church, Mrs. Burnap, then of this city, visited her friends in the eastern States, and while there raised $1,100 for the Church. the officers of the Church at present are as follows: Rev. J.D. Mason, pastor; Mrs. P.T. Mason, clerk; W.O. Hanson, M.C. Halvorsen and B.A. Plummer, trustees; William Westbury, deacon. A large and growing Sunday school is connected with the Church, having an average attendance of sixty-five members.

NORWEGIAN M.E. CHURCH.

The Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Church of Forest City was organized Oct. 22, 1866, by Rev. A. Johnson. The following named became members of the society at its organization: N.O. Brones, H. Paulson, Knud Einarson, Ole S. Torgerson, Daniel H. Pederson, Nils Pederson, peder Sunne, Cerine Einarson, Svend Larson, Guri Larson, Ellen Sunne, G. Erickson and Sivert Pederson. In 1874 the society built a fine church edifice, 32X54 feet, at a cost of about $3,000. The following named pastors have served the Church since its organization: Revs. A. Olson, T. Pederson, A. Johnson, O.L. Hanson, A. Olson, R. Olson, A. Peterson and J. Jacobson, the present pastor. The present membership of the Church is 115; its officers are as follows: Stewards, N. George, K. Knudson, C.T. Hanson, l.N. Thoe, Paul G. Anderson, John Olund and J.M. Johnson; trustees, John S. Olson, T. Peterson, A. Charleson, E.J. Joice and H.H. Rygmyr.

MRS. BLENNERHASSETT'S SABBATH SCHOOL.

This school was organized in July, 1878, by Mrs. A. Blennerhassett. At first and for a long time there were but a few in attendance; but the interest has grown and now there are thirty pupils in regular attendance. In 1879, Mrs. Blennerhassett fitted up a room for the school, spending her own money freely and sparing no time or attention to satisfy the children. Mrs. Blennerhassett deserves great credit for her labors in behalf of the youth. She has accomplished more for their improvement than many of more pretensions. The Bibles, Testaments and papers used by the school are furnished by herself.

A.F. & A.M.

Truth Lodge, No. 213, A.F. & A.M., was established on the 9th of January, 1867. The members present were: Robert Clark, J.R. Burge, J.J. Otis, Austin Orvis, J.P. Gardner, S.W. Herrick and John S. Blowers. The first officers elected Robert Clark, W.M.; J.R. Burge, S.W.; J.J. Otis, J.W.; J.R. Burge, treas.; J.P. Gardner, sec.; J.S. Blowers, S.D.; S.W. Herrick, J.D. Robert Clark retained the position of W.M. from 1867 till 1873, when Martin Cooper was elected. April 8, 1874, David Secor became W.M., and held the position until April, 1875, when Robert Clark was again elected. At the death of Mr. Clark, in August, 1876, C.H. Lackore became acting W.M., holding until in April, 1877, when he was elected to the office. W.H. Jones was elected W.M. in April, 1878, and held one year, being succeeded by c.H. Lackore in April, 1879. J.S. Blowers was elected W.M. in 1880, and was succeeded the following year by C.H. Lackore, who is the present incumbent.

The order owns its own hall, 24X60 feet, and is in good standing both financially and otherwise, its property being valued at $2,000. Since the organization of the lodge there have been 101 members enrolled. In 1883 there were forty-seven members in good standing. The officers in 1883 were: C.H. Lackore, W.M.; C.M. Webster, S.W.; S. Simmons, J.W.; William Higinbotham, treasurer; W.H. May, secretary; T.C. Ransom, S.D.; H.W. Stowe, J.D; W.R. Mattocks, S.S.; W.H. Fisher, J.S.; V.A. Jones, tyler.

I.O.O.F.

Forest City Lodge No. 440, was organized under a dispensaton Dec. 27, 1881; charter granted Oct. 19, 1882. The charter members were: J.D. Leland, Nels Thorson, M.C. Wheeler, J.E. Howard, Peter Metz, John J. Sharp, W.H. Fisher and W.H. Jones. The first officers were: J.D. Leland, N.G.; J.E. Howard, V.G.; Nels Thorson, P.S.; W.H. Fisher, R.S.; Peter Metz, treas.; Jasper Thompson, conductor; J.J. Sharp, W.; M.C. Wheeler, I.S.G.; W.H. Jones, R.S.N.G.

The officers in 1883 were: W.H. Fisher, N.G.; E. Alexander, V.G.; D.H. Wickwire, S.; E. Alexander, P.S.; F.W. Babbitt, treas.; C.O. Olson, R.S. to W.G.; L.S. Lewis, L.S. to N.G.; J.J. Sharp, W.; J.E. Howard, conductor; F.N. Reed, R.S.S.; George H. Macomber, L.S.S.; E.W. Crawford, O.G.; L.S. Merrick, I.G.; J.T. Lattimore, R.S. to V.G.; J.S. Jacobson, L.S. to V.G. Total membership, thirty; meetings every Wednesday in Masonic Hall.

G.A.R.

Hayden Post No. 151, department of Iowa, was organized March 8, 1883. The first officers elected were: Martin Cooper, post commander; J.W. Mahoney, senior vice-commander; John Isaacson, junior vice-commander; T.J. Butcher, adjutant; W.W. Olmstead, officer of the day; W.R. Mattocks, officer of the guard; J.F. Thompson, quartermaster; Charles A. Clark, chaplain. In the fall of 1883, J.F. Thompson resigned, and C.H. Lackore was elected quartermaster to fill the vacancy. The total membership at present is forty.

FOREST CITY SCHOOLS

The large and substantial brick building in which are taught the five departments of the Forest City graded school, was completed in 1870. It affords ample accommodations for an average attendance of about 205 pupils. The school is an important factor in the welfare of the town and bespeaks the intellectuality and refinement of the citizens. There are five departments: High school, grammer department, 1st and 2d intermediate, and primary; under the management, respectively, of Prof. Walter Irvin, principal; Addie hawkes, Kittie Gardner, John Sogard and Petra Joice.

Forest City independent district, in which the above mentioned school is embraced, also contains three other schools, valued at about $1,300. Number of pupils enrolled in these schools, 130; number of teachers employed, one male and two females. In 1883 the officers of Forest City independent district were as follows: President, Eugene Secor; directors, B.A. Plummer, K. Knudson, E.J. Joice, D.H. Wickwire and J.F. Thompson; secretary, E. Alexander; treasurer, Albert Olson.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

General merchants - Myron Barton, Nels George, J.S. Olson & Son, John Isaacson and J.W. Mahoney.
Drug stores - A. Blennerhassett, P.O. Koto & Co. and James Pinckney.
Hardware - Stilson & Reed and Wells & Co.
Grocery stores - T. Jacobs and James Pinckney
Banks - Winnebago County Ban and City Bank
Book store - M.H. & S.F. Johnson
Clothing - Clark Bros. & Co.
Boots and shoes - John J. Anderson
Jewelry stores - James S. Jacobson and John P. Haadeland
Harness - F.S. Spofford and R.H. Bahner
Furniture - D.W. Adron
Restaurants and bakery - William Spicer and Paul Anderson
Millinery - Abbie J. Secor and L.E. Ames
Shoe shops - John J. Anderson and K. Knudson
Tailor shops - O.C. Steen and P. Anderson
Meat markets - Frank Farlow, L. Larson and John Clemenson
Flour and feed stores - Paul Anderson and Wickwire & Reed
Newspapers - Winnebago Summit, A.H. Chase; Winnebago Review, H.M. Halvorsen
Attorneys - Martin Cooper, Ransom & Olmstead, J.E. Anderson, David Secor, W.H. Fisher, C.L. Nelson, J.F. Thompson and J.T. Lattimore
Physicians - Jones & Irish, J.A. Hewett, J.W. David and W.R. Franklin
Land, loan and real estate firms - Secor Bros. & Law, Thompson Bros and J.E. Anderson & Co.
Hotels - Clark House and Pinckney House
Saloons - J.M. Quam, Miller & West and H.C. Holland
Livery - H. Seeley and James Pinckney
Draymen - Babbitt Bros. and G.G. Macomber
Painters - J.J. Dale and W.A. Phelps
Building contractors - Lackore & Ames, Benjamin Johnson and Leander Farlow
Cattle buyer and shipper - John A. Plummer
Lumber yards - C.H. Lackore, E.J. Joice and J. Poulson
Coal and wood - Babbitt Bros.
Agricultural implements - Twito & Tweed and E. Alexander
Wagon and carriage factories - Lunsett & Jenson and Thompson & Anderson
Manufacturer of Universal washingmachine - T.J. Butcher

Thomas J. Butcher was born in Ross Co., Ohio, March 17, 1831. He is a son of Jesse and Sarah (Moss) Butcher, natives of Virginia. In 1823 they emigrated to ohio and located near Chillicothe, Ross county, and afterwards removed to union county, where they took a large tract of land. In 1840 he again removed to Kosciusko Co., Ind. In 1844 he removed to Winnebago Co., Ill., where he soon after died. Mrs. Butcher was agan married to David Vanderbilt, who settled at Brodhead, Wis., where she died in 1880. Thomas J. removed to Illinois when his parents. When fourteen years old he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. His father died when he was seventeen, and he being the eldest son, it bacame necessary for him to return home and take charge of the property or farm. In 1853 he was married to Nancy Connor, by whom he had seven children, three of whom are living - William E., Thomas J. and Annie E. The same year he moved to Fayette Co., Iowa, where he engaged in farming for a few years, when he engaged in the mercantile business. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in the 38th regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, company H, and through meritorius service was promoted to 1st lieutenant. In January, 1865, the regiment was consolidated with the 34th, causing the disbanding of the 38th. After leaving the army he returned to Fayette county, where he was honored with several local offices - county supervisor, justice of the peace, etc. In 1877 he moved to Winnebago Co., Iowa, where he has since resided. He is a member of the G.A.R., and is at present adjutant of the organization.

J.A. Plummer, one of the most enterprising business men of Forest city, was born in Penobscot co., Maine, June 24, 1840, where he grew to manhood, receiving a liberal educaton. In 1847 he removed to McHenry Co., Ill., where he engaged in farming, and afterward in the mercantile business. In 1862 he was married to Elizabeth Hoag, by whom he has three living children - Cora B., Bernice G. and Earl L. In 1867 he removed to Rockford, Floyd Co., Iowa, and in 1871 removed to Winnebago county, where he engaged in the mercantile business, and is at present largely engaged in stock business. He has 720 acres of rich land, 400 acres of which are under cultivation. In 1882 and 1883 he built a fine residence in Forest City, at a cost of $5,500. Mr Plummer came west with nothing but a stong constitution, and to his strict integrity in all business transactions the financial success of his life may be justly attributed.

R.H. Bahner, harness maker, and one of the oldest and most respected citizens of the ocunty, was born in Saxony, Germany, July 19, 1846. when seven years of age, he emigrated with his parents to America, his mother dying sooon after coming to this country. When eleven years of age, his father removed to Steven's Point, Wis. When Mr. Bahner was fourteen years of age, his father died at that place an dhe was trown upon his own resources, and commenced to learn the harness trade, but had to stop on account of his youth. At the age of seventeen he resumed and finished his trade at Waupaca, Wis., and June 11, 1868, went to Mason City, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa, where he started in business for himself Nov. 5, 1869. On April 26, 1870, he came to Forest City, being the first harness maker in that village. On May 1, 1871, he was married to Adelia V. Ackerman, a native of Scott Co. Iowa. By this marriage there are three living children - Ida, Freddie and Pearl. Mr. and Mrs. Bahner are members of the Congregational Church, and are very highly respected by their many friends and acquaintances.

James W. Fisher, one of the early settlers in Forest township, was born in Augusta Co., W. Va., May 22, 1824. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (McLaughlin) Fisher, who were the parents of four children. At the breaking out of the war the family became separated and Mr. Fisher has heard nothing from them since. When fourteen years of age he learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he has followed since. On June 22, 1848, he was married to Mary L. Peters, of Virginia. By this union there has been twelve children, eight of whom are living - Abraham S., William H., John V., George W., Allen C., Catharine B., wife of John Suipp; R. Annie, wife of Jesse Arbuckle, and James M. In 1849 he removed to St. Charles, Kane county, Illinois, where he remained one year working at his trade. In 1850 he removed to Brainard, what is generally known at "Tinker Town," Fayette county, where he engaged in farming and working at his trade. In the fall of 1869 he removed to Winnebago county, where he purchased land on section 9, and opened up a farm. When he built his cabin, there was not a thing on the place, where he now lives, but now can be seen trees fifty feet in height that he planted iwth his own hands. At this time Clear Lake and Mason City were the nearest markets. Mr. Fisher is a Master Mason, and is th eoldest member of Lodge 213. In early life he was a whig, but at the organization of the republican party, he becme one of its members and has remained with it to this time. In 1875 he was elected county supervisor, which he held for six years, and for four years was chairman of the board. He has held the office of justice of the peace and other local offices of trust. mr. Fisher came to Iowa in limited circumstances, but by hard work and economy has secured for himself and family a comfortable home. He has 160 acres of land, all under cultivation, valued at $30 per acre.

J.A. Phelps was born in Upper Canada, April 16, 1804. He was a son of the Rev. Davenport and Catharine (Tiffany) Phelps, natives of Connecticut. Rev. Phelps was a graduate at Dartmouth College, and supplied the pulpit of the Episcopal Church for many years in western New York. In 1794 he removed to Upper Canada, returning to the States in 1804, and located in western New York, where he established many of the Episcopal churches in that section. After leaving Canada, his whole time and energies were spent in building up his Church, until the time of his death, which occurred in 1813. J.A. Phelps, at the age of thirteen, was placed in a store at Sodus Bay, N.Y., where he remained sometime. In the fall of 1822 he, in company with Walter R. Phelps, started on foot for Michigan, several hundred miles away, being about four weeks on the road. There he was employed by a surveyor to carry chains. The following spring he returned to New York, and then to Canada, where he settled up a land estate, which had fallen to him by the death of his father. Soon after he engaged on the lakes, which he followed for eleven yeras. In 1829 he was married to Ruth A. Howard, who died within one year. He was again married Dec. 29, 1833, to Sarah A. Shelby, by whom he had eight children, four of whom are living - Edward D., William A., Katie and Lucy. Mrs. Phelps died in 1854, a sincere Christian and respected by all who knew her. In May, 1856, he married Sarah E. Allcott. In 1842 he located in Milwaukee, where he held several offices of trust, and being president of the board of coucil of the city. In 1852 he was elected to the Legislature. In 1861 he removed to Minnesota, returning in 1869 to Wisconsin, and located at La Crosse, where he engaged in the mercantile business. In 1876 he again returned to Milwaukee, removing in 1880 to Winnebago county, where he has since resided.

C. Eugene Merrick, Deputy United States Marshal, was born in Kendall Co., Ill., March 4, 1850. His parents were Charles and Lorenda O. (Helmer) Merick, natives of New York, and who emigrated to Kendall county in 1845. Mr. Merrick was bound out until he became twenty-one years of age, his father having died when a mere child, and at the expiration of that time received $100 and a suit of clothes. When he came to Illinois, he had but $70 in ready money, with which he purchased forty acres of land. He wa a hard and energetic worker and at his death, which occurred when thirty-two years of age, had accumulated a comfortable property. Mrs. Merrick is now married to George W. Needham, and is living in Hancock Co., Iowa. Eugene, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and at the age of thirteen enlisted in company C, 147th regiment, Volunteer Infantry, but being too small an dyoung, was soon appointed as drummer boy. He was at the engagements of Resaca and Spring Place, Ga., and in several skirmishes, and after being discharged returned to Illinois. He was married Dec. 25, 1868, to May Church. He engaged in farming, and meeting with good success, has accumulated considerable property. In 1879 he removed to Winnebago Co., Iowa, and in the fall of 1880 was elected to the office of constable.

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FOREST TOWNSHIP

Forest township was constituted at the organization of the county in 1857, and for a number of years embraced all of the south half of the county. It passed through several changes in boundaries, and in 1880 its present extent was defined by the board of county supervisors. it now embraces all of congressional township 98, of range 24. The surface is quite rolling, and about one-third of its superficial area is covered with a light growth of timber. The soil is rich and produces all kinds of grain in great abundance.

EARLY SETTLEMENT

The early settlement as traced in the general chapters is almost identical with the settlement of this township. However, a few of those whose names have been omitted from the general chapters are here given.

A man by the name of Gray came in 1855 and built a house on section 26, of Forest township. He left in the fall of 1855, and returned to hardin county, from whence he came. He sold his land to John Gilchrist and Jesse Bonar.

James Wreston came to the township late in the fall of 1855, and located on section 25. He came from the eastern part of the State, and remained until July, 1856, when he went to Chickasaw county.

A Mr. Decker came to the township in the spring of 1856, and settled on section 1, about five miles north of Forest City. He had four sons-in-law, who settled near him. Their names and the lands on which they located are as follows: Stockton, on section 1; William Clark, same section; Evans, same; and William Sutton, in the timber about one mile north of Forest City.

Charles Strong came from New York city in 1856, and settled northeast of Forest City about two miles. The next spring he went to Owen's Grove, Cerro Gordo county, and 1862 enlisted in the 32d Iowa Infantry. After the war he returned to Owen's Grove, and in 1878 went to Dakota.

About the same time Seneca Carrington located on section 24. He was a native of Ohio, and came to this township from Mason City. In 1857 he went to Missouri, from there went to Indiana, enlisted into the service on the breaking out of the war, and was killed at Vicksburg.

Abraham and William Foster came in June of this year, and located land on section 33, of this township. After a stay of six months they moved to what is now Center township, locating on section 19, and after remaining about six months went to Clayton, Minn.

William Lamm was also one of the settlers of this year. He located land on section 14, and lived with his son, John, on section 23, for about one year, when he went to Ohio. He died in about 1865.

Up to the breaking out of the war, there were no new settlers in the township. Most of those who did own farms lived in Forest City.

Immediately after the war Nelson Landru settled on section 22, and John S. Blowers on section 16. Landru went to Cambia, Minn., in 1877. John blowers remained on section 16, till the spring of 1866, and then purchased an interest in the Forest City saw mill, removing shortly after to Forest City.

After this settlement began steadily increasing, and in 1870, the population of the township had grown to 179.

OFFICIAL RECORD

Previous to the organization of the county, the only officers of justice or law in the county were: C.W. Scott, justice of the peace, and A.T. Cole, constable. In the spring of 1857 these gentlemen went to the county seat of Webster county, to which Winnebago was then attached, and were appointed to the offices named. They served as county and township officers until the county was organized.

The first officers elected for Forest township were: C.W. Scott, justice; James J. Barker, clerk; and C.W. Scott, road supervisor.

At the second election, in 1859, the following were officers elected: A.T. Cole and James Collier, trustees; James Barker and B.F. Denslow, clerks; C.W. Scott and A.K. Curtis, justices; John Lamm, assessor; William Lackore, road supervisor.

In 1883 the officers were: Jeff Otis, E.L. Stilson and Andrew Charlson, trustees; W.H. Fisher, clerk; L.S. Lewis, Martin Cooper and T.C. Ransom, justices; Albert Field, assessor; J.E. Howard, constable.

EDUCATIONAL

In 1883 Forest township was divided into seven sub-districts for school purposes, besides the Forest City independent district, which is spoken of in connection with Forest City. Each of the sub-districts, but one, contained a school house, the aggregate value of which was $2,500; value of apparatus $300. The number of teachers employed in the township was eight, three of whom were males and five females; average monthly compensation, males $32.66; females $29.63; number of persons between the ages of five and twenty-one years, 172, of which, 99 were males and 73 females; total number of different scholars enrolled in the schools of the township, 172. Number of months of school taught in the township for the year ending Sept. 17, 1883, forty.

RELIGIOUS

The first Swedish Baptist Church of Winnebago county was organized in about 1872 by Rev. C. Caulson, of Albert Lea, Minn. The first meeting was held at the house of Peter Olson, and the following named were the original members: Peter Olson and wife, Lars Olson and wife, and Bert Johnson and wife. Peter Olson was the first deacon and treasurer. In 1879, the society built a church about one mile northeast of Forest City in Forest township. The building is 24X32 feet, and cost about $800. The following are the ministers who have served the Church: Revs. M. Hanson, S. Olson and A. Person, the present pastor. The officers of the Church in 1883 were as follows: Deacons, Peter Olson and Martin Tornson; treasurer, P. Anderson; secretary, Nelse Martinson. The present membership of the Church is about fifty.

LELANDSBURG

This village is situated in the northeast part of Forest township and was formerly known as Benson Grove Station. The first postoffice was established in January, 1882, with J.D. Leland as postmaster. The village was platted in 1883 by Mr. Leland, in honor of whom it was named.

The business interest of the village, in 1883, were represented by J.D. Leland and Edward Paulson, general merchants; J.D. Leland, attorney; Parker & Jenks, grain merchants.

Charles F. Jenks, telegraph operator and station agent on the M. & St. L. Railroad, at Benson Grove, was born March 13, 1858, in Warren Co., N.Y. His father dying when he was but five years of age, he went to Brattleboro, Vt., to live with an uncle, with whom he remained until fifteen years of age. He then returned to his former home in New York, where he lived until nineteen years of age. In January, 1877, he went to Chicago, Ill., where he secured employment in the Western Union Telegraph Company's office as messenger, at $10 per month. He remained there only a few weeks, and then he went to Delano, Minn., where he obtained a position in the depot on the St. P.M. & M. Railway, where he remained until 1879, in the meantime learning telegraphy. Since then he has been located at various points in both Iowa and Minnesota. in 1880, Mr. Jenks removed to Benson Grove Station, at which place he has been agent and operator. On July 12, 1882, he was married to Mary Strike, of Forest township. Mr. Jenks also has a hay press and bales and ships a large quantity of hay and straw during the season; also deals in wood and coal.

Charles E. Welsh, one of the well-to-do farmers of Forest township, was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, July 27, 1843. When twelve years of age, he emigrated with his parents to Fayette Co., Iowa. His parents, William and Susan Welsh, are now living in Kansas. On Nov. 24, 1864, he was married to mary E. Howard, of Fayette county. This union has been blessed with four children - Minnie E., William Ernest, Samuel Edward and James J. Minnie taught a four months term of school in the summer of 1883 in the Dawson district. Mr. Welsh has eighty acres of land on section 21, all of which is under cultivation, and valued at $15 per acre. Mr. Welsh is an extensive stock raiser, and is considered one of the most prominent men in the county. He is a democrat and has held the office of road commissioner, in district No. 4, for the past three years.

George R. Blowers, the first white person born in the county, was born May 7, 1857. His parents, John S. and Catharine Blowers, emigrated to the county in April, 1856, and were among the first actual settlers here. At this place Mr. Blowers has grown to manhood and has lived to see the vast changes which have been wrought in a quarter of a century. He can remember when there was not a white person living in the county, west of Forest City. Mr. Blowers is a democrat. He was married in July, 1881, to Eliza O'Connor, by whom there has been one child - Eliza Ilona.

F.P. Blowers was born in Winnebago Co., Iowa, Oct 15, 1859. He is a son of John S. and Sarah (Belt) Blowers, one of the early settlers of this county, coming in April, 1856 from Ohio. the subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, his early playmates being the young Indians which were still inhabiting this part of the State. In January, 1880, he was married to Ann Castle, of Virginia, by whom there is one child - John. Mr. Blowers has been identified with the county for nearly a quarter of a century, and has seen the county transformed from its wild State to good cultivated farms.

Solomon Simmons, one of the early settlers and enterprising farmers of Winnebago county, was born in Sagamon Co., Ill., Feb. 16, 1835. he is a son of charles and Janett (Winton) Simmons. His parents were married in New York, and removed to Illinois in 1829 and located at Beardstown, Cass Co., Ill. In 1831 they removed to Kane county, which at that period was quite new. There was an abundance of wild game, and Mr. Simmons being quite a hunter, it was easy for him to supply his small family with plenty of fresh meat at any time - for other provision he carted with oxen from Chicago. the subject of this sketch was raised and educated in Kane Co., Ill. In May, 1854, he was married to Delia M. Nichols, whose parents were pioneers of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons have been blessed with four children - Luke N., Elizabeth J., Frank L. and William H. In 1864 he removed to Iowa and located on the land where he now resides. He has eighty acres of land, valued at $30 per acre, and also 160 acres in Hancock county, valued at $10 per acre. When Mr. Simmons located in Winnebago county it was quite new. He built the first house west of Forest city, and it was forty miles to the nearest neighbor on the west. Mr. Simmons supplied his table with the choicest of wild game as long as deer were to be found in the timber near Forest City, and he subsequently made four trips in the "big timber" of Minnesota in search of deer, of which he has captured a great many - sometimes as many as three in a single day. Mr. Simmons is a Master Mason, a member of the Zenith Lodge, No. 213 of Forest City. He has eighty acres of as good land as there is to be found in the county. He has on the farm a grove of soft maple, willow and cottonwood, which makes as good a protection for his family and stock from the Iowa "blizzards" as one could wish.

James J. Otis, one of the best and most enterprising farmers of Forest township, was born in Jefferson Co., N.Y., Oct. 17, 1834. When Mr. Otis was three years of age his parents, William H. and Loma Otis, removed to Illinois, locating at Chicago. After remaining in that city one year, he purchased land in the same county and embarked in farming, remaining there until his death, which occurred in 1879. James J., the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in Cook county, receiving his education in the old log school house. He was united in marriage to Calista Van Order, in 1855, and by whom he had four children, none of which are living. In 1855, he removed to Michigan, where he engaged in the lumber business, and remained there until the spring of 1865, when he removed to Floyd Co., Iowa, where he engaged in farming. In the spring of 1868 he purchased his farm in Winnebago Co., Iowa, and the same fall removed his family to Forest city, and in the spring of 1869 settled on his present home. His wife died in February, 1861, and he again married Emeline Van Order, a sister of his former wife. By this union ten children were born - Laura A., who died at the age of seventeen years; George A., Anna, Ella, William, Maggie, who died at the age of four months; Frank, Lydia, Jessie R. and Fred. Mr. Otis came to iowa a poor man, having had much sickness in his family while in Michigan, but by keeping his hand to the plow and working with a will he has to-day one of the nicest and best farms in Winnebago county. His farm consists of 160 acres of rich land under a high state of cultivation, valued at $25 per acre. He has a very comfortable house, surrounded with a large and beautiful grove. Mr. Otis has one of the finest barns in the county, built at a cost of $1,500. Mr. Otis is without doubt one of the best practical famers in the county, and is a credit to the community.

Thomas B. Strike, one of the early settlers in the northern part of Forest township, was born in Devonshire, England, Nov. 2, 1822, where he grew to manhood. In 1849 he left Devonshire an dcame to Quebec. He remained one year in London, Upper Canada, and removed to jefferson Co., Wis. The following winter he spent in Upper Canada and again returned to Wisconsin. In the spring of 1852, he, with other company, crossed the plains to California, being over three months on the way. After reaching California, he was employed in the mines; also at threshing at $8 per day. Here he roughed it for two and one-half years. In the fall of 1854 he emigrated to Australia, where he was again employed in the mines. In 1859 he returned to England. he was married March 24, 1861, to Elizabeth Hicks, a daughter of John Hicks, who died in England. Her mother is living in this county at the advanced age of seventy-six years. The following May they emigrated to America, settling in Jefferson Co., Wis., where he rented land. While here two children were born - Mary J. and Oscar. In 1866 he removed to Monona, Clayton Co., Iowa, where one child was born - Thomas Elsworth. In 1868 he purchased land, and in 1869 removed his family to this county, where he has since resided. they were the first actual settlers in the northern part of the township. Mr. Strike is the owner of 240 acres of land valued at $20 per acre. He is a republican, and with his wife, is a member of the M.E. Church.

William Taylor, one of the pioneers of Winnebago Co., Iowa, was born in Oswego Co., N.Y., Oct 3, 1816. In 1843 he was married to Harriet Jewett of Oneida Co., N.Y. By this union there were five children - Mary, wife of Thomas Hunt, of Wisconsin; Jewett, who married Sarah Jewett of Oneida Co., N.Y.; Leora, Hyman and Harry. In 1869, he removed to Winnebago county, and purchased the land where he now resides. The country was very unsettled and he received his mail at Clear Lake. Mr. Taylor is a republican. When he removed to the county he was in very limited circumstances, but by hard work has succeeded in obtaining a comfortable property.

Christian Rasmuson, an enterprising farmer of this county, was born in Stavand, Norway, in 1831. In 1867 he left his native home and emigrated to the States, first settling in Crawford Co., Wis. and the following year removed to Winneshiek Co., Iowa. In 1870 he removed to Winnebago county, settled on section 3, where he has been farming and now resides. Mr. Rasmuson came to this county in limited circumstances, but has by hard work accumulated a fine property. He has 160 acres of land valued at $20 per acre. He was married in 1856 to Julia Torgrimsen. They are the parents of five children - Christian, Anna, Julia, and Erasmus Thomas, a young man of great inventive abilities, who in 1883 patented the first three-wheel corn planter. This planter is a self-dropper and marker, and too much credit cannot be given to him.

Eli Mattocks, one of the enterprising farmers of Forest township, was born in Mercer Co., Penn., Sept 19, 1844. He is a son of Jacob C. and Jane (Arbuckle) Mattocks. They were the parents of six children, four sons and two daughters. Mr. Mattocks died in March, 1864. In 1852 his parents emigrated to Fayette Co., Iowa, where they took up land and made a home. Here the subject of this sketch was reared and educated. On Aug 4, 1862, he entered the serice, enlisting in the 38th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He participated in a number of hard fought battles, among which were the siege of Vicksburg, Yazoo City, Black River, etc., thence to New Orleans and Texas. In January, 1865, his regiment was consolidated with the 34th Iowa, and took part in the capture of Fort Morgan and the charge of Fort Blakely. The regiment went up the Alabama river and from thence to Houston, Texas, where they were discharged. Mr. Mattocks returned to Fayette county. On Feb. 19, 1866, he was married to Sarah A. Fox, daughter of W.C. Fox, of Virginia. By this union there are six children, four sons and two daughters - Mary J., Mattie E., William H., Franklin E. and Sherman J. In 1870 he came to Winnebago county, where he purchased land on section 15, Forest township, and where he has since resided. He owns 240 acres of land, all of which is under cultivation. His land is valued at $25 per acre. Mr. Mattocks is a member of the Masonic lodge, I.O.O.F. and G.A.R. He has been identified with the county for a number of years, and when he came here was in only moderate circumstances, but by economy and careful management, is to-day one of the most prosperous farmers in Winnebago county.

Harold Peterson, one of the well-to-do farmers of Forest township, was born in Hatfjelddal, Norway, in 1831. He was married in 1858 to a Miss Engerber, by whom he had four children - Peter, Ole, Julia and Christian. In 1867 he left his native country and came to America, and settled in Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where he worked by the month. In 1870 he came to Winnebago county, where he purchased land on section 2. Mr. Peterson came to this county a poor man, but by hard work has accumulated considerable property. He has eighty acres of land, valued at $25 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are members of the Lutheran Church.

Peter Olson was born in the south of Sweden, Sept 29, 1833. In 1855 he was married to Ingar Nelson, by whom there were three children - Ellen, Carrie and Ole. In 1862 Mrs. Olson died. She was a sincere Christian and highly respected by all who knew her. In 1863 he was again married, to Tilda Monson, by whom there were six children - Mary, John, Louis, Charles, Oscar and Jennie. In 1869 he came to America, first settling in Mitchell Co., Iowa. In 1870 he came to Winnebago county, where he has since resided. He has 113 acres of land in Forest township, valued at $25 per acre. Mr. Olson is a member of the Swedish Baptist Church, of which he is one of the deacons.

Martin Turveson was born in Sweden, Dec. 21, 1816. He was married in 1844 to Dorothy Nelson, by whom there were three children - Tenor, Nels and Johanna. In 1871 he came to America nad purchased the land where he now lives, consisting of 160 acres, which was at that time covered with timber, but by hard toil he has cleared up about sixty acres. Mr. and Mrs. Turveson are members of the Swedish Baptist Church. In politics he is a republican.

Ole Ambroson, one of the prominent farmers of Forest township, was born in Hatfjelddal, Norway, onthe 26th day of May, 1828. He was married April 23, 1856, to Julia Gentwet, and soon after left for America, landing in Quebec. Thence to Palmyra, Wis., where he remained for four years. In 1860 he removed to Winneshiek Co., Iowa, where he purchased a farm. in 1871 he came to Winnebago county, where he purchased land on section 2, and opened up a farm, being among the early settlers in the north part of the township, on the east side of Lime creek. Mr. and Mrs. Ambroson are the parents of seven children - Ambrose, Julia, George, Ellen, Ole, Cornelia and Oliver. Mr. Ambroson came to the county in limited circumstances, having only about $100 of ready money in his pocket, but by hard work and good management has accumulated a comfortable property and home, and to-day is among the well-to-do farmers of the county. He has 160 acres of land, valued at $25 per acre. They are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a republican, under which administration he has held several offices, such as school director, road supervisor, etc.

Andru E. Brandstad was born in Norway in 1826. In 1858 he was married to Dorbe P. Greytnes. By this union there were eight children - Andru, Peter, Betsy, Angie, Mary, Edward, helena and Amelia. In 1873 he emigrated to America and settled in Winneshiek Co., Iowa. In 1875 he came to Winnebago county, where he purchased a farm and engaged in farming. He has at present 160 acres of land, valued at $20 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Brandstad are members of the Lutheran Church. They came to this county in limited circumstances, but by hard work and ecomomy have accumulated a comfortable property. He is a republican.

Elwood Alexander was born in Grant Co., Wis., July 13, 1859. His parents were R.V. and M.A. (Price) Alexander, who settled in Wisconsin in an early day. They were the parents of four children, three sons and a daughter. Their father died in Mason City in 1870. Elwood, the subject of this sketch, removed with his parents to Mason City in 1867. Here he grew to manhood, receiving a good liberal education. In 1879 he came to Forest City. In 1882 he was married to Katie A. Price. Mr. Alexander is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is permanent secretary.

¹History of Kossuth, Hancock and Winnebago Counties, Iowa. Springfield, Illinois: Union Publishing Company, 1884. 871-02.