Spring Grove Township

Spring Grove Township

PRING Grove Township was organized under the Township Organization Laws, April 4, 1854. A meeting for this purpose was held at the usual place for holding elections. Thomas Gibson was chosen Moderator, and James H. Carmichael, Clerk. When the ballots were counted it was found that Robert

Gilmore was chosen Supervisor; Thomas Gibson, Jr., Clerk ; John Ray, Assessor ; James L. Porter, Collector; Watson Gates, Overseer of the Poor; Robert and William Walker, Justices of the Peace ; Josiah Porter, S. R. Boggs and Thomas Averel, Commissioners of Highways; Joseph Ray and Joseph Meyers, Constables ; James R. Patterson, Robert W. Gerlaw, Overseers of Roads and James H. Carmichael, Pound Master.

Spring Grove is situated in the middle of the northern tier of townships, number 12 north, of range 2, west. The county of Mercer is at the north, and on the east, south and west sides lie respectively the townships of Kelly, Monmouth and Sumner. The nature of the land in the greater portion of the township is rolling, ; in the western part it is in places quite broken. It is liberally watered by the Middle Henderson, Cedar Creek and tributaries, which meander westward into the Henderson River. Along the water courses the township is pretty well timbered. The facilities for drainage are good, and there is but little dead land in the township, nearly all being subject to cultivation, and very : fertile.

I James Humphreys has the credit of being the first settler in the township, having located here in 1833. He was soon followed by Robert Gilmore and family, of whom James T. and L. H. Gilmore were members. He located on section 25, which he subsequently sold, and bought a farm on section 24.

John Armstrong and Wm. Miller with their families came in, in 1834. John H. Frantz and family located in the township, in 1835, and David H. Mc- Curry, in 1836. Horace Smith with his family enlarged the settlement in 1837. He came from Pennsylvania with his wife, Margaret, and four children - Robert, Isabelle, Mary and John. Charles and Owen were born in the township. Mr. Smith located on section 3, on which place lie lived until 1858, when he died. His widow survived him nearly a score of years, and died in the spring of 1885. All the children are living. Mary, who was married to Nathan Pettit, is living at Alexis.

brother, on section 5. She had sixteen pupils who were very much attached to her and did all they could to please and make her happy . She long ago passed on to the other world.

A postoffice was opened at Spring Grove, in 1835, soon after the Rock Island stage route was established. There was a little settlement at this place, and some trading done before the Rock Island & St. Louis R. R., was built and the town of Alexis was started, when the business, with most of the settlement here, moved to the latter place.

Spring Grove is a beautiful township, many parts of it very picturesque, and containing some grand farms. It ranks second in the production of stock, and is very fair in the production of the cereals.

The Rock Island & St. Louis R. R. was completed through the township in June, 1871. It enters in the northeast corner of section i.and running south by west, passes out on section 34.

The people do their trading mostly at Alexis, and at Gerlaw, from which places considerable stock is shipped. In 1880, the population according to the census, was r,4oo, and it is estimated now to be about 1,500

There is a United Presbyterian congregation at Spring Grove, which was organized by the Monmouth Presbytery, June 22, 1855. J. C. McKnight was the first pastor, serving from June, 1856, until March, 1860. He was succeeded by Wm. M. Graham, who served the Church until 1863. Then they were without a pastor for about a year, when they secured the services of T. P. Patterson, who remained until December, 1868. Rev. David Inches then took charge and remained until 1874, and was followed by Revs. Rufus Johnson, Wm. J. Mc- Croney and A. W. Johnson, the present pastor, who was installed Aug 25, 1885, this being his first charge.

They have a good church building costing about $3,500, also a good parsonage. The membership is about 85. In addition to the services they have a fine Sabbath-school.

On section 10 there is located a religious society called the Church of God. It was organized in 1865 by Randolph White. The first meeting of this society was held in school-houses. In 1869 they completed their church building at a cost of some $j i ,500. No regular services are held here now, but

From the County Superintendent's report for the year ending June 30, 1885, the following statistics have been obtained : There were 10 school districts in the township with one graded school, and 9 ungraded. The 10 districts embraced i brick and 9 frame school buildings ; the value of the school property was $7,050. Of persons under 21 years of age there were 695, of whom 412 were of scholastic age, 551 being enrolled. The highest wages paid teachers was $60 ; the lowest, $25 per month. The tax levy was $3,459.86.

From the Assessor's report for 1885, the following facts are obtained: Number of acres of improved lands, 21,794; number of acres of unimproved lands, 766; value of improved lands, $283,140; value of unimproved lands, $3,625 ; total value of lots, $35,150 ; number of horses, 849; cattle, 2,009 ! mules and asses, 19; sheep, 440; hogs, 3,706; steam engines, 4; carriages and wagons, 253; watches and clocks, 54; sewing and knitting machines, 85 ; pianos, 4; melodeons and organs, 44. Total cash value of personal property, $92,925. SUPERVISORS.

1 HIS pretty and attractive little village is situated in the northeast corner of Spring Grove Township on section i, and on the line of the St. Louis Branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, about 12 miles northeasterly from Monmouth. It was platted in 1870, by Messrs. Robert Holloway and J. E. Alexander, and was named after the latter gentleman. The survey was made by Thomas F. McClanahan on the 7th of September, and recorded on the i6th of the same month. The original plat contains 1 60 acres, on section i, in Spring Grove Township, and 1 60 acres in Mercer County, section 36, town

13 north of range 2 west. With the exception of a few residences the town has not extended into the latter section. Schuyler Palmer originally owned this land; he planted the first crop and made the first improvements here, which was in 1855. His house stood on the east side of where Main Street now is, near the little grove, and was the first house built in this part of the county. Mr. Palmer sold the land to Thomas Lawhead, Sr., and he to Messrs. Holloway and Alexander. It was first named Alexandria, in honor of one of its founders,' but there being a name similar to this in the State, considerable confusion followed in the mail service and in the shipping of goods. Consequently it was changed to Alexis. This name was suggested by the arrival in this country, about this time, of the Russian Grand Duke Alexis.

O. G. Chapman and C. W. Gates opened the first store in the town, in November, 1870, on Main Street; they also received the first car-load of lumber that was shipped on this part of the railroad.

Richardson & Riner opened the first hotel at the depot. This hotel is now kept by Blayney and called the Alexis House. About the same time, U. W. Hull started a hotel on the corner of Main and South Streets, called the Alexandria House.

The railroad was completed to Alexis and Monmouth about the ist of January, 1871. The postoffice was established Jan. 17, following, and O. G. Chapman was appointed Postmaster, a position he has held since that time.

The town grew so rapidly, the people decided that they ought to have a village government, and an election was duly called to take this matter under consideration. It was held June 28, 1873, at Churchill & Wray's Hall. The County Judge appointed T. Loveridge, W. T. Richardson and Robert S. Wray, judges of election. This was quite an important event to the people of this new town, and the following named citizens were entrusted with its destinies: John C. Blayney, A. G. Talbot, O. G. Chapman, O. E. Bugbee, Daniel Churchill and James Loveridge. These Trustees met at Flake's Hall, July 28, and completed the city government by electing John C. Bla) ney, President of the Board ;

On the night of Jan 24, 1878, fire broke out under the floor of the Masonic Hall on Main Street, and nearly destroyed the west side of that street. Among the sufferers were D. S. McKnight, hardware dealer, two stores and one dwelling; James Shaw, notions and grocery; Dr. J. P. McClanahan, drug store; Thomas Loveridge, dry goods and grocery; Hardy & Knox, dealers in groceries and clothing; Bolinger & Yarde, grocery store ; Benjamin Churchill, restaurant and boarding-house; Jacob Wolff, harness and saddlery.

This town is excellently located and is surrounded by a rich agricultural country. It has a healthy growth, and improvements are steadily going on. The industrial interests of Alexis, for a new and small town, are very good. The Alexis tile and brick factory was established in 1878, by George Bruington and Thomas Townsley. The business = was carried on two years by them, when Bruington sold out to Townsley, who has since had sole charge and ownership. Mr. Townsley is prepared with machinery and buildings to do an extensive business in this line of manufacture. He has the best of clay, which is easily obtained and comparatively inexhaustible. At present he has 20 hands in his employment.

Another very important industry for Alexis is Daniel Churchill's wagon and carriage shop. For hand-made wagons, buggies and carriages, Mr. Churchill has a wide reputation.

A short distance west of Alexis, on the county line road, is the stock farm of Col. Robert Holloway, one of the most extensive breeders of horses in the State. (See biography.) He breeds pure Clydesdales, of which he is a large importer. His large farm, containing 640 acres, his extensive stables and long experience, eminently qualify him for achieving success in carrying off the prizes in the Clydesdale line of stock. At the Chicago exhibition of 1884, Col. Holloway won three- fourths of all the premiums in the Clydesdale list. His Carmerogie, a yearling, took the first prize in New Orleans, St. Louis and Chicago, for the best bred horse in this country from imported stock. Carmerogie Kier, once belonging to Col. Holloway 's stables, is now in Scotland, owned by the Duke of Hamilton.

Col. Holloway established his stables about 12 years ago. He has spent many years of hard labor and large sums of money in improving his stock and perfecting his breed, and eminently deserves the success that has followed his efforts. SCHOOLS.

Alexis has a eood graded school, where a full English course is taught. They have a good frame building, large enough to accommodate all the scholars. J. S. Canon, is Principal; Miss Anna Bain has charge of the grammar department; J. P. Campbell, the intermediate ; and Miss Maggie Boggs, the primary department. They have an average attendance of 150 pupils.

Press

Alexis is not without its newspaper experience, and, like most all small towns, she has furnished another field for the entombment of those enterprises.

The Alexis Journal made its first appearance Feb. 13, 1874, and was a seven-column, folio paper, edited by James Everett. The patronage was not enough to warrant its continuance, and it was suspended at the close of the third volume. The plant was purchased by Dr. Chaffee and the Alexis Index was started. This was a five-column, eight-page paper. It had a brief life and expired like its predecessor. Since then no one has been enterprising enough to attempt the publication of another journal here.

instituted Oct. 8, 1872, with n charter members. John E. Alexander was W. M. ; John H. Mc- Grew, S. W. M.; Joseph R. Scott, J. W. M. They have at present 46 members, with a good hall ; they were burned out in the fire of 1878. The present officers are: C. W. Postlewaite, W. M.; J. R. Mc- Call, S. W. M.; Wm. Jackson, J. W. M. ; Wm. Bellinger, Tyler; Truman Lord, Secretary ; John Bellinger, Treasurer. The lodge was named after John E. Alexander, the founder of Alexis.

Alexis Lodge, No. 526, I. O. O. F. - This lodg^ was organized Oct. i, 1873, and received its charter the 151)1 of the same month. The charter members were Thomas M. Bell, J. H. McGrew, Daniel Churchill, John N. Carr and R. T. Wray. Thomas M. Bell was the first N. G.

In the fire of 1878 the hall of this lodge was burned, together with all their records, furniture and regalia. They have now a membership of 77, and are in good working condition. Present officers are: George Bellinger, N. G. ; Chas. Bellinger, B. G. ; S. P. Leonard, Secretary ; Alfred Bellinger, Treasurer. They contemplate the erection soon of a fine hall for their use, and have already purchased a lot.

The Presbyterian Church was organized at Blayney's Hall, in 1881, in connection with the Norwood Church, with 60 members, by Rev. I. T. Whittemore. Meetings were held for awhile in Blayney's Hall and afterward in the United Brethren Church. The organization of the First Presbyterian Church of Alexis was at a meeting held in the United Brethren church, May 29, 1883, with 65 members. In the summer of 1883 they purchased the building belonging to the Baptist Missionary Association for $1,200, and re-modeled it at a cost of $800. After several removals, the present membership is about 75, and is under the pastoral charge of Wm. J. Palm, the first installed pastor. The Church is steadily growing, with hopeful prospects. They have a Sabbathschool connected with the Church, with a membership of 100 scholars, presided over by J. P. McClanahan.

United Presbyterian Church. - This congregation was organized April 4, 1871, by Rev. J. H. Henderson, witli about 25 members. M. McClanahan and W. A. Elder were the first elders. Mr. Henderson supplied the Church for a year, and after him Drs. Black and Doig. Meetings were at first held in the school house, near town. In 1873 the society erected a very neat frame building, which is tastily finished, costing 3,100. With this they have good parsonage, located on the same lot. In 1876 they secured the services of Rev. F. McKerahan, their first regular pastor. He served the congregation until 1882; they were then without a pastor two years. In June, 1884, Rev. J. D. Palmer accepted a call and is the present pastor. It has a membership of 63 and an interesting Sabbath-school of too members.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - This Church has a small congregation here. When first organized, meetings were held in the grove, then in Caldwell's Hall. Rev. P. L. Call, from Iowa, preached for them awhile. They hold their meetings now in the church of the United Brethren, and have service every two weeks, being supplied from the North Henderson Church.

The United Brethren Church have an organization in the village. This society was formed in the township in 1856. After Alexis was started, the society located there, where they put up the first church building. It was dedicated in November, 1872. The building is a good, substantial, frame structure, costing $2,250. Rev. H. Kline is the present pastor, holding services here every two weeks. Present membership about 24, with a Sabbath-school of 48.- after the advent of the St. Louis branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Gerlaw was founded by R. W. Gerlaw, who owned the land alxDut here, and was platted by Thomas S. Mc- Clanahan, May 2, 1871. It is located on the northwest corner of section 34. (See view, page 35 6.) A. Elder opened the first store in the town. He deals in general merchandise and grain. Mr. Elder sold out to Parker & Hart and Hart sold out to Parker, in 1883. Subsequently he took in J. A. Foster as partner.

this hamlet. J. P. Lindquist has a wagon shop, and there is also a blacksmith and a shoe shop here. Gerlaw has a good school building, and a good school, with an average attendance of 30 pupils. Its population numbers about 75.

Christian Church. This congregation was organized June 20, 1859, by Rev. L. S. Wallace, at Mauck's Grove, with 29 members. Of these members only three are now living - Sarah Lair, Harriet Carson and B. H. Gardner. They had erected a house of worship, before organizing, at a cost of $r,ioo, which is a very neat and substantial building. It was moved to Gerlaw, in September, 1873.

Rev. Mr. Lucy succeeded Mr. Wallace, remained one year, and was followed by James Gaston, who also served one year. Revs. Henry Murphy, H. R. Trickett, J. B. Boyer and Mr. McPherson, followed in succession. After this the Church had supplies for some years, when, in November, 1883, they secured the services of the Rev. Chas. Laycock, who is the present pastor. They have services every Sunday, with a membership of some 60, and a Sundayschool of 30 scholars.

MEETING was held at Little York, April 4, i85r,forthe purpose of establishing a 111 m township organization. Thomas Graham was chosen Moderator, and George Black, Clerk. The polls were then opened to receive the votes of the citizens. Upon counting the ballots, the following officers were found to be elected: J. P. McGaw, Supervisor; Thomas Graham, Collector ; John E. McGreg, Assessor ; John Porter, John Martin and John Nealy, Commissioners of Highway ; A. A. Allen and T. J. Caldwell, Justices of the Peace ; George Gibson and Hugh Brownlee, Constables ; William Preston and Samuel Graham, Overseers of Roads. The vote for Clerk was a tie, and the Justices of the Peace appointed Thomas Brownlee to take the place.

It was organized first as Union Township, and they changed it to Sumner, in 1855. It is situated in the northwest quarter of the county, in township

12 north, of range 3 west, and is bounded on the north by Mercer County, on the east by Spring Grove, on the south by Hale, and the west by Henderson county.

The territory that is now embraced by Sumner, was settled as early as any other part of the county. Matthew D. and Adam Ritchey, and Otter Craig, came into the township in 1828. William McCoy, Jonathan Buffun and L. P. Rockwell, u oved in, in 1830. Hugh Martin, Sr., with wife and seven children, came in the fall of 1832, locating on section 28. Mr. Martin, who first located in Fulton County, had, previous to moving into the county, been in and secured his land. William McCoy and L. P. Rockwell bought Adam Ritchey's claim of 160 acres, which included a block house that he had erected upon the hill and used as a fort. This house was the first building in the township. Among others who came in, in 1832, was Chester Potter and David Maler. Mr. Potter located with his family at Rockwell's Mill, on Cedar Creek. He moved from here in 1833, and located in Kelly Township, on section 22, where he died, Oct. 19, 1851. Cecilia, his daughter, who was married to Hiram Ingersol, is the only one of the Potter family now living.

The first death was that of William Martin, in the fall of 1832. The second death was that of a young man by the name of Moffit, who was killed by falling off a fence, the fall breaking his neck. They were buried by the side of each other in Sugar Tree Grove Cemetery.

William Martin, as is well known, was killed by the Indians, soon after the close of the Black Hawk War. This occurred Aug. 9, 1832. He was out in the field, mowing some grass for his horses, near the old town of Denny, southeast of Hugh Martin's residence, when some half dozen Indians rushed out to him from the timber, shot him and then fled to the woods, One of the shots was fired so close to him that the powder burned his hair. It is reported that after shooting him the Indians took his scalp, but this is denied by some old settlers who are good authority. The murder was supposed to have been done by Indians who had been detached from the main band, and were prowling about seeking some subject for their vengeance. This sad affair was witnessed by the McCoy girls, who were not very far from the old fort. The killing of Martin threw the entire settlement into great consternation, and it was feared that another Indian war would be inaugurated. The families in this vicinity gatheied into the fort, bringing with them their provisions, where they remained for some weeks, until all apprehensions from any further trouble was removed. Happily there were no further attacks from the Indians. The saddest events of life often have amusing features. It was so in this unhappy affair. This fort, which was located west of Cedar Creek, near the old town of Denny, section 27, had been used at times during this period for the holding of religious meetings. At the time of this tragic event religious services were going on in the fort, attended by the settlers living in the vicinity, particularly the women, and presided over by Mr. Miles, a Methodist preacher. While Miles was preaching, a man rode swiftly into the fort, and with bated breath announced the murder of Martin by the Indians. The preacher, it is reported, did not wait to close his sermon, nor even pronounce a benediction ; nor did he " stand on the order of his going," but mounted his horse, which had "been hitched near by, and away he flew, trusting more to the speeedof his animal than he did to the protecting hand of God. He did not stop his horse until he reached Yellow Banks, on the Mississippi, and it is stated that the last that was seen of him, he was swimming his horse across the Illinois River.

James Kendall opened the first store in the township, in 1833. It was located in Little York, and he had for his store house a little log cabin. He died soon after, and William, his brother, took the store, and subsequently sold it to Arthur McFarland.

The first post office was established at Little York, in 1838, and J. F. Pollock was the first Postmaster; held the office about 1 6 years, when he moved to Oregon. Mr. Pollock came in 1837, and located on section 28.

P. L. Rockwell and Jonathan Buffun put up the first saw mill. It was erected at the Cedar Fork of the Henderson, generally called Cedar Creek, a short distance east of the old town of Denny. They worked on the mill during the winter of 1830-1, and had it ready with the opening of spring for operation. This was also the first saw mill in the county. A stockade was put up near this mill, upon the west bank of the creek, for protection against Indian raids. In r832 Chester Potter took charge of the mill, and, having had some experience in the grist mill business, in Ohio, where he came from, he concluded he would try his hand in the far West. After some geological prospecting, he succeeded in finding a granite boulder (" nigger-head, as Mr. Potter called it "). from which he cut two burrs, 12 inches in diameter, and set them up in the saw mill for grinding corn. With these stones, grists were ground for the neighboring families and others in different parts of the county. As this was the first and only mill at that time in the county, it was largely patronized. The proprietors of this enterprise were truly benefactors. While it was not equal to the mills of the present day, yet it was undoubtedly appreciated more, for to it the early pioneers looked for the meal with which to make their bread. These old burrs can yet be seen « in the township; Mr. Potter remained here one year and then moved into Kelly Township. It may be as I well to close the history of this mill, at least up to the present time, though we travel ahead of the de.- I velopments of the township. In 1837 Mr. Rockwell 1 formed a partnership with D. G. Baldwin and J erected, on the site of the old pioneer mill, a new and large flouring mill. Witkthe exception of shutting down a few days for repairs, this mill has been running pretty constantly ever since. It has been enlarged and its machinery improved, which includes two French burrs. It is now owned by A. H. Rockwell, son of L. P. Their brand of flour is called the Eagle Mill Brand. Water-power is still used, with a double Laffell turbine wheel.

The first post office in the township, and one of the first in the county, was located at this mill, with Jonathan Buffun as Postmaster. Mr. Buffun held the office for about a year, and then L. P. Rockwell was appointed, and held it for nearly 20 years.

The first religious society organized in Sumner Township was the Cedar Creek Church, July 4, 1835. It was called the Associate Reform, and was organized by Rev. Dr. Blakie, now of Detroit, who was a Missionary sent out to the new settlement of the West, to gather into an organization those who had been members of this society in the East. It was also called the Sharon Church. A few families made up the first organization, of which the Giles family seemed to predominate. There was John Giles, who was the ruling Elder, 'and who probably succeeded to that distinction by virtue of a large kindred constituency; John B. Giles, Susanna, Nanry, Prudence, Margaret, Susan, Jane and Mary L. ; Hugh Martin, James Campbell, John Williamson, James and Mary Findley, Nancy Robinson, George and Mary A. Jay, constituted the remainder of the congregation.

Some years before Dr. Blakie came, Rev. John Wallace, a Missionary from Virginia, was here preaching, in private houses, to the people. He was finally employed by this congregation, after it had organized, as a stated supply, preaching pretty regularly here from 1835 to 1840. Rev. James C. Porter came out in 1840. He was liked by the society, and was installed in 1841, and continued in the serservice of this congregation until about the time of his death, Nov. 15, 1863. He was a man of considerable ability and largely increased the membership of this Church.

It was during the latter part of his pastorate that this Church joined in the Union with the Associate Presbyterians and became United Presbyterians. Rev. John C. Reynolds succeeded Mr. Porter, and remained until July, 1872, when he gave place to J. M. Atchison, who was installed Dec. r, 1872. Mr. Atchison served the congregation several years, and was followed by the Rev. J. A. Gherett, who retired in the spring of 1885, and was their last pastor. This congregation had a long and prosperous life. Their first house of worship was built of logs and was located about two miles northeast of Little York; it was built in the summer of 1836. In 1845 they erected a larger building of frame near the old log one. In 1866, the congregation outgrew this building, and they erected a larger and more commodious edifice, at a cost of about $4,000 ; later on a good parsonage was put up. The church building is beautifully located, about three miles northeast of Little York, and the parsonage about a mile north of the church. All of the original members are either dead or have moved away. The widow of Rev. John Wallace is yet living, in Little York. At the present time they have no service, but the Sabbath-school is still kept up. Last 4th of July, it celebrated its semi-centennial anniversary.

This township is well watered by the Middle Henderson and its branches and Cedar Creek. At one time it was one of the best timbered townships in the county, and fine bodies of timber are still standing, particularly along the borders of the streams. The nature of the land is undulating ; in the southwestern and southeastern portions quite broken in places, while the northeastern part is very little undulated. The soil is rich and easily cultivated. The township is dotted over with grand farms, which are ornamented with fine dwellings and farm buildings. Some of the houses are elegant in construction. There is a station at Denny and Little York, where the people of the township do most of their trading and get their mails. The Iowa Central Railroad was completed through the township in the spring of 1883.

According to the County Superintendent's report for the year ending June 30, 1885, there were seven school districts, in all of which there were frame school buildings. The school property was valued at $4,000. Of persons under 21 years of age there were 427, of whom 324 were of school age, 211 being enrolled. The highest wages paid teachers was $50 per month, and the lowest $28. The tax levy was the following items are obtained : Number of acres of improved land, 21,772 ; number of acres of unimproved land, 800; value of improved land, $282,- 355; value of unimproved land, $4,535; total value of lots, $8,635 ; number of horses 870; cattle, t,66r; mules and asses, 35; hogs, 2,318; carriages and wagons, 248; watches and clocks, 25; sewing and knitting machines, 57; pianos, 4; melodeons and organs. 29. Total cash value of personal property $63,535-

HIS thriving village has a very pleasing and a very healthy location. The immediate town and the land adjacent is well drained by Cedar Creek. This is an old town and one of the oldest in the county. A store was opened here as early as 1833, by James Kendall, which was the first in the township. This ambitious town was. platted in 1836, and the papers were filed Aug. 25 of the same year. William C. Butler was the surveyor, and the owners of this then valuable town property were Win. McCoy, M. D. Ritchey and McCallon & Hogue. It was located on the southeast 20 of the northwest 21, in township 12 north of .range 3 west of the 4th P. M. In 1838 the postoffice was established here, and J. F. Pollock was appointed Postmaster. The establishment of a postoffice forms quite an event in the history of a town, and so the good people of this hamlet considered it in that pioneer day. Mr. Pollock held the office about 16 years, when he resigned. We are not informed that he resigned with a fortune made in the service of Uncle Sam. He was succeeded by William Munsey, who held the office two years, and then Isaac Hopper had charge. Mr. Pollock returned to Oregon in 1856, and the Government again honored him with the postoffice appointment. In 1863, Mr. Williver was appointed and held the place about three years. He was succeeded by Wm. Munsey. who died in the service, and left the commission to his son Milton. In 1876, Mr. Henry was appointed and held it until 1883, when M. M. Palmer assumed charge, and is the present Postmaster.

Little York has had its ups and downs, its bright and its cloudy days, like all other towns. Through the long years it has held its own, and if the fine business houses that border its streets are any indication, it has made a gain. The Indian that 50 years ago was prowling about these grounds would have to tax his memory very much to recognize it, or call up any familiar objects. The Central Iowa R.

R. was completed to this place, Feb. 22, 1883, and the first regular train came in April 51)1 of the same year. It was built up from Monmouth. The first mail by railroad arrived July i, 1883.

Unlike most towns through which railroads pass, Little York instead of going down, has increased its population, and its business. The buildings are all bright and new, and there is not an old rookery in it. The people, too, are fresh, smiling, full of hope and common sympathy. They look upon the bright side of life and keep the dark in the background. It has a population now of some 300 souls.

M. M. Palmer has a drug store here that would do credit to any town. He also keeps books, stationery and jewelry. Hardware and furniture by Birdsail & Pollock ; harness and saddlery by T. D. Gordon ; general merchandise by Chas. Rodgers, and boots and shoes by Hans Joehnk; groceries by E. B. Wallace and general merchandise by Bowers & Morris. Z. D. Dorothy has a hotel and restaurant ; J. W. Leeper, carries on blacksmithing ; and Julius Poerschman supplies the people with a market. Schuckman & Graham manufacture wagons and buggies; B. S. Dodson has a livery and feed stable. There are two large elevators at the depot owned by Harvey & Son, and John Brownlee, grain .dealers. Drs. C. Sherrick and A. R. Graham look after the health of the village or nure properly speaking, the sick. Little York has a very interesting school, which is taught by J. Brock. They have a nice little school building with an average attendance of 45 pupils.

The United Presbyterian Church. This society was organized here 1863, by Rev. John Scott of Monmouth, with some 40 members. The congregation was formed mostly of the Henderson Sugar Tree Grove, and the Cedar Creek Churches. The building was constructed this year, and subsequently a parsonage was added, the whole costing about $5,- ooo. The Rev. W. H. McMillan was the first regular pastor, who was installed Oct. 4, 1864, and remained until April 1870. Rev. W. P. Campbell took charge in June, 1871, and remained until December 1874. In February, 1876, the society secured the services of Rev. David Anderson, who remained until Oct. 1878. He was succeeded by Rev. G. H. Hamilton, who is still serving this church, the membership of which is about 90.