Buena Vista Township History, Clayton County, Iowa Transcribed by Roxanne Barth for the IAGenWeb Archives. Submitted August, 2000, by Roxanne Barth , IAGenWeb Clayton County Coordinator. Township history from History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co., 1882. Reproduced by the sponsorship of the Monona Historical Society, Monona, Iowa, reproduction Evansville, Indiana: Unigraphics, Inc., 1975, p. 678- 679 ****************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ****************************************************************** CHAPTER XXI. BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP Buena Vista Township lies in the most southeastern part of Clayton County, on the banks of the Mississippi River. The surface is undulating, and the soil a deep, rich black loam, which is mostly under cultivation. The village of Buena Vista was laid out in 1851, but prior to that time there had been several hundred men engaged in mining in this vicinity, who had their furnaces here, where they melted their lead, as early as 1848. The first settler in the township was Syrus Henderson, and he was followed by Robert Bunker (now deceased), Joseph Heinrich and William Foster, who still reside in Clayton County. The first marriage solemnized in the township was that of Charles Hoffman and Cordelia Anthonly. The first death was that of Mr. Cook. The first Justice of the Peace was Joseph Reynolds, who served most acceptably several years. Barry White preached the first sermon. The present township officers are as follows: W. C. Stoddard, Justice of the Peace; R. Meuth, Clerk; R. Meuth, Henry Kmamm and Henry Hinkle, Trustees; A. Voggenthaler, Assessor. Among the principal business interests of Buena Vista is the firm of R. & E. Meuth, general merchants. They embareked in their present business here in 1857, and in 1860 erected a fine large store, which they now occupy. It is 34x100 feet, and three stories in height. They carry a complete stock of goods, valued at $6,000. They formerly dealt extensively in grain, but of late years have carried on the mercantile business exclusively. R. Meuth is the present Postmaster at Buena Vista, and the first also acts as express agents at the station. The Buena Vista Cemetery is located in the upper portion of the township. ###