HISTORY: Floyd Co., IA From the A.T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa, 1875 This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Pat April 2003 ************************************************* Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************* ________________________________________________________ NOTE: For more information on Floyd County, Iowa Please visit the Floyd County, IAGenWeb page at http://iagenweb.org/floyd/ ________________________________________________________ FLOYD COUNTY. Floyd is the fourth county west of the Mississippi River, in the second tier from the north line of the state, and is therefore within the section usually denominated Northern Iowa. It is somewhat less than medium size in superficial area, containing 504 square miles, or about 322,560 acres. The congressional townships are 94, 95, 96, and the south half of 97 or ranges 15, 16, 17 and 18. SURFACE FEATURES. The principal features characteristic of the surface do not appertain to this county alone, but distinguish nearly the entire upper portion of the valley of the Cedar and its tributaries. The elevations and depressions in the face of the country are comparatively slight. The valleys of the streams are not very much lower than the adjacent uplands, although they are defined in many places by bluff lines or limestone ledgers not high but distinct. At other points the valleys rise by gentle slopes until they blend almost imperceptibly with the general surface of the country. It is common to find the valley thus abruptly defined on one side, while upon the other the distinct boundary is absolutely wanting. A short distance above or below the same order will be observed, on one side a low ledge or bluff line, on the other a gently sloping surface, but upon the opposite sides of the streams. Sometimes the ledges are wanting altogether and at some points, but less frequently, they are found upon both sides. The face of the country presents no very bold or striking features. The general surface is gently undulating, and the broad expanse of prairie often appears to be more nearly level than is really the case. East of Cedar River, groves of young oak and poplar, surrounded with tracts of brush land, are quite common. West of the Cedar the area between the valleys is almost uniformly "clear" prairie, that is, prairie unsprinkled with brush or trees. The surface of the county lies at an average elevation of about five hundred feet above low water mark in the Mississippi River at McGregor, or nearly 1,200 feet above the level of the sea. It has a considerable inclination toward the southeast. From measurements taken in the different railroad surveys, it appears that the highest point in the line of the Illinois Central Railroad, near the county line between Charles City and Nashua, is 492 feet above the Mississippi at Dubuque, Nashua Station and Charles City Station, both situated in the valley of the Cedar, being respectively 383 and 427 feet above the same point. Marble Rock Station, in the valley of the Shellrock in the southwest part of the county, has an elevation of 440 feet. Floyd Station, upon the west side of the Cedar, and about on a level with the surrounding country, has an elevation of 515 feet, and the Village of Rock Grove, in the west part of the county, has an elevation of 540 feet. Passing northward from Rock Grove, the highest point before reaching Flood Creek, is 554 feet, while the water in Flood Creek, upon the same line, is 542 feet, and the highest point in the prairie between Flood Creek, and Rock Creek, near the north line of the county, is 638 feet above low water at Dubuque. It therefore appears that the descent in the plane of the surface from the northwest to the southeast parts of the county is nearly one hundred and fifty feet. This may account for the singular uniformity in the direction of the streams that traverse its limits, and must also have considerable influence upon the surface drainage, where the undulations are so slight as they are here, in giving the soil the dry character free from surplus water, for which this region is noted. GEOLOGY. The character of the geological Formation has no doubt also something to do with the peculiarity last mentioned. The drift formation which overlies this region, is thinner than in other sections of the state, but it displays upon the surface an unusual depth of finely pulverized earth. The clay and gravel portions of the drift are comparatively thin and do not approach near the surface. The earth is of sufficient depth to hold the proper amount of moisture and withstands drought remarkably well, while surplus water flows off readily, or if too much penetrates the soil, it easily percolates through the thin gravel or clay to the fissures of the limestone rock beneath, reappearing in pure clear springs. The rock formation is thus comparatively near the surface, but not near enough to injure or retard the productiveness of the soil, on the contrary it appears to promote it, owing to the peculiarity above mentioned. The rock is in part a nearly pure light gray limestone, which is quite brittle. Other portions contain considerable carbonate of magnesia, are of tougher texture and of yellowish gray color. Layers of both will frequently be found in the same quarry, sometimes mingled with sandy impurities. It is all classified by geologists with the Hamilton group of the Devonian period. It affords an abundance of excellent building stone and material for quicklime for all practical purposes. DRAINAGE. The principal streams passing through Floyd County are Cedar River, Little Cedar River, Shell Rock River and Flood Creek. The first four named flow almost parallel with each other from northwest to southeast, affording admirable drainage to every portion of the county. The largest is Cedar River, which is regarded, in size and importance, as the second of the interior rivers of Iowa. Here, it has an average width of about sixty yards, with continuous rapids, affording a succession of water power that must prove exceedingly valuable in the future. The source of this stream is nearly one hundred miles north, in Minnesota, and in a section of 65 miles in a direct line from Mary's Ford, in Mitchell County, to Cedar Falls in Black Hawk County, its total fall is no less than 271 feet. Along its banks in this county are numerous springs of pure and excellent cold water, flowing from the ledges of the rocks, through which the channel has worn its way. The Little Cedar, crossing the northeast part of the county, is also a stream of considerable importance, affording some good water power. The second stream in size and value to Floyd County, is Shell Rock River. It enters some four and a half miles south of the northwest corner, and passes out near the middle of the south line. It gives to the county a waterline of nearly thirty miles, with some of the finest mill sites to be found in Iowa. It is supplied by numerous springs, and the water is nearly always pure and clear. Lime Creek is a tributary of Shell Rock River, flowing in from the west. Further south is Coldwater Creek, flowing in on the same side. Flood Creek, which enters at the northwest corner of the county, and passes out some eight miles west of the south east corner, drains a large belt of beautiful territory between the Shell Rock and Cedar Rivers. All of the above named streams have numerous tributaries supplying water and drainage to every part. Pure well water is obtained easily by digging, say from fifteen to thirty feet, while springs abound in many places, especially along the principal streams. The principal water courses have eroded their channels entirely through the drift and into the limestone strata, and run usually upon rock beds. To this cause and their rapid currents is owing their peculiar charms and beauty. The valleys in many places expand into tracts of considerable width. TIMBER—BUILDING MATERIAL. Extensive tracts of good timber are found along Cedar River. There are also important tracts on Little Cedar and Shellrock, and some upon nearly all the other streams. The county has a plentiful supply for all ordinary purposes. Since the advent of railroads pine lumber has been supplied so cheaply that it is used almost exclusively, in preference to native lumber, for building purposes and extensively for fencing. The cheapness and convenience with which coal can be obtained is also advantageous. These additional sources of supply of lumber and fuel will have the effect of maintaining the timbered area of the county undiminished—its natural growth being now nearly, if not quite, equal to the amount used. Besides the inexhaustible quarries of building stone opened in various parts of the county, materials for the manufacture of brick are plenty, and many good buildings of this material are to be seen. Indeed, the facilities for procuring building material of all kinds are all that can be reasonably desired. PRODUCTIONS. The farming lands of this county are unsurpassed in beauty and fertility, yielding bountiful crops of all the cereals and grasses common to this latitude. The staple productions are wheat, corn, oats, and barley, the two former taking the lead in about equal ratio. Good tame meadows are cultivated, and stock raising is carried on extensively. Considerable attention is given to the subject of blooded stock, and there are several herds of thoroughbred cattle owned by successful amateur breeders. Apples, plums, etc., are cultivated to some extent, and the various small fruits thrive abundantly. CLIMATE. The climate is exceedingly healthful. Miasmatic diseases are almost unknown, and those of pulmonary nature are not common. The plentiful supply of pure water, the steady and healthful breezes prevailing at all seasons, the rapid movement of the streams, and the entire freedom of the county from swamps, ponds, or stagnant water, are conditions rendering it among the most highly favored in a sanitary point of view. RAILROADS. Very few counties of Iowa have been more fortunate in securing railroad facilities. Two important roads are now completed across the county. The first is the McGregor & Sioux City Railroad, passing east and west, affording an outlet to the markets of the state. On this line four important stations have been established in Floyd County, viz; Charles City, Floyd, Rudd and Nora Springs. The other road is the Cedar Falls & Minnesota Railroad, operated by the Illinois Central, passing up Cedar Valley on the east side of the river, and crossing the first named road at Charles City. On this line are two important stations in the county, viz; Charles City and Floyd. The Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Minnesota Railroad traverses the valley of the Shellrock, with stations at Marble Rock, Rockford and Nora Springs. At three different times the people of the county voted by large majorities to subscribe stock for the construction of certain proposed railroads. The first vote was taken in November, 1856, on the proposition to subscribe $100,000 to the McGregor, St. Peters & Missouri River Railroad, county bonds to be issued bearing ten per cent interest. Again, in 1857, it was proposed to subscribe $100,000 to the stock of the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad. No bonds were ever issued in either case. In 1858, a vote was carried—533 against 175—in favor of subscribing $60,000 to the stock of the Cedar Falls & Minnesota Railroad Company. Under this vote, bonds to the amount of $5,000 were issued. All but $2,600 of these bonds were returned to the county and cancelled. And so Floyd County has narrowly escaped from the bond troubles which have afflicted some other counties, and at the same time has been fortunate enough to secure three good railroads. EDUCATIONAL. In the neighborhood of $50,000 a year, and frequently more, are expended in this county for the maintenance of public schools, furnishing school houses, and all incidentals included. The number of schools is nearly one hundred, and the value of school houses about $100,000. The permanent school fund of the county is $29,102.94. The school edifices of this county will compare favorably with those of any other county in the state. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. A County Agricultural Society was organized March 12, 1859, with Chester Butterfield as President; John Ball, Vice President; A. B. F. Hildreth, Secretary; and M. B. Cook, Treasurer. It held its first annual fair in the Fall of that year, and has held a fair each year since, except one. The society is now in a prosperous condition, being nearly out of dept, and owning fair grounds, embracing thirty acres, fitted up at a cost of about $6,000. The citizens of Charles City and vicinity donated twenty acres of the ground to the society, and the rest it purchased. EARLY SETTLEMENT – ORGANIZATION. The first settlement by any white man seems to have been made in Floyd County in the year 1850. In that year Joseph Kelley wandered up the valley of Cedar River in search of a location, and finally made selection of the site of an Indian village, where a bank of Winnebagoes, under their Chief White Cloud, had hitherto made their home. At that time the nearest white settlement was where Janesville is now located, thirty-five miles below, in Bremer County – a settlement then known as "Lower Big Woods." The heavy body of timber in the east part of Floyd County was designated as "Upper Big Woods." Having made his selection, Mr. Kelley repaired to the land office at Dubuque for the purpose of making his entries. "Why, man alive! Do you know where this land is?" said the officer. "I believe I do," replied Mr. Kelley. "Well," said the officer, "it is worthless to you – it is clean out of the world!" "No matter – I will take it," exclaimed Mr. Kelley, and walked off with his receipts. Not long after Mr. Kelley settled at the present site of Charles City, a settlement was commenced in the vicinity of Floyd – six miles further up the river. Among the first here were C. P. Burroughs and H. M. Brown. Joseph Hewett, who subsequently became one of the pioneers at Clear Lake, also made a short sojourn in Floyd County prior to 1851. Rufus Clarke was likewise one of the early settlers, but removed to Minnesota. Among other early settlers of Floyd and vicinity we mention the names of William Carl, James Tatum, Jefferson Mutchler, Humphrey Hogan, M. B. Cook, and L. G. and J. W. Burroughs. The first marriage license was issued February 6, 1855, to Wesley S. Ames and Delila Castleman. David Wiltse and O. P. Harwood were the first attorneys who located in the county. In August, 1854, a county organization was effected by the appointment of the following officers; John M. Hart, Judge; S. C. Goddard, Clerk; David Wiltse, Prosecuting Attorney; William Montgomery, Sheriff; and Corydon M. Burroughs, School Fund Commissioner. In January, 1855, O. P. Howard was appointed agent of the county for the selection of its swamp land, but soon after resigned; and in July, George Wyatt was appointed in his place. The county was originally divided into four civil townships, to-wit; Union, Rock Grove, Floyd and St. Charles. At this time Cerro Gordo county was embraced as a part of Floyd, and in March, 1855, was made a separate township, for judicial and revenue purposes, and designated as Cerro Gordo Township. Floyd County is now divided into civil townships, as follows; St. Charles, Floyd, Rock Grove, Rockford, Ulster, Scott, Union, Pleasant Grove, Riverton, Niles, Cedar and Rudd. COUNTY SEAT. Like many other counties, Floyd has passed through its struggle in regard to the location of the county seat. At the time of the organization, St. Charles was made the county seat, but the question of removal soon began to be agitated, and, in March, 1855, a number of citizens petitioned the county judge to authorize a vote to be taken. This, however, he declined to do, and in September, 1856, he ordered that proposals be received for the erection, in the village of St. Charles, of a stone court house, to be 50x60 feet in size. This movement met with violent opposition, and in January, 1857, another petition was presented to the county judge, asking the question of removal to be submitted to a vote of the people, which, after a protracted hearing on both sides, he again declined to do. It was finally proposed to vote on the question of locating it at the geographical center of the county, and, on the 3d of March, 1858, the county judge issued his proclamation, authorizing a vote to be taken on the 5th of April. The result was 453 in favor of removal to the center, and 434 in favor of St. Charles. It was therefore declared that by the result of this vote, the county seat was legally located at the geographical center of the State. The actual removal was never accomplished. The county business continued to be transacted at St. Charles, where a large, substantial, and well-finished stone court house was erected, and the county seat has long since ceased to be a bone of contention. COUNTY OFFICERS FOR 1875. CHARLES A. SLOCUM, Auditor. JACOB BAER, Recorder. ELI BROWNELL, Treasurer. D. M. FERGUSON, Sheriff. HARVEY S. KELLOGG, Clerk of Courts. MISS HELEN R. DUNCAN, Superintendent. J. C. LOCKWOOD, Chairman Board of Supervisors. CHARLES CITY. In the Summer of 1853, Mr. Kelley caused fifty-five acres of his land to be surveyed into town lots, calling the village St. Charles, in honor of his eldest son. In the early part of 1854, one log cabin was erected, and in the Fall of that year Mr. Kelley finished the building of a saw mill. The name of the town was subsequently changed to Charles City, but the township in which it is located, still retains the name of St. Charles. In 1855, or about that time, Jarvis Rattan built a steam saw-mill at St. Charles, and lumber being more easily obtained, quite a number of buildings were erected in the latter place. About the same time seven capitalists from Rockford, Illinois, bought of Mr. Kelley, and other parties, the land adjoining the original town plat of St. Charles, and, forming themselves into a company, laid off a large additional tract into town lots. The following were the names of the persons composing the Town Company thus organized; Joseph Kelley, Duncan Ferguson, R. M. Waller, Milo Gilbert, William Hulin, Luke Joslin, R. M. Brantingham, and Jackson Spriggs. Since that time the town has enjoyed a steady and substantial growth, sufficiently rapid, but without outstripping the demands of the country. It is situated on both sides of Cedar River, the greater portion, however, being on the east side. Beautiful groves surround the place on nearly all sides, and these, together with the river and its varied scenery, render the location one of great beauty. A substantial bridge crossed the river, connecting the two parts of the city. It is somewhat irregularly laid off, to conform to the course of the river, but has dry, handsome streets, which are kept in remarkably good order. The business portion of the town is chiefly on the east side of the river, from the bridge outward. The business buildings are, many of them, substantial stone blocks, of three stories. There are also some good buildings of brick. The handsome residences with which the place abounds, make a very fine appearance. The following is a summary of the leading branches of business: Five general stores, six grocery stores, three hardware stores, five boot and shoe establishments, two harness shops, three drug stores, two jewelry stores, four millinery stores, four sewing machine agencies, two clothing stores, two music stores, one tobacco and cigar dealer, three hotels, three printing offices, three banking houses, one of them a national bank, one brewery, one foundry, three planing mills, three agricultural machinery dealers, six blacksmith shops, four wagon shops, two feed stores, three meat markets, two barber shops, three paint shops, two bakeries, one photograph gallery, two merchant tailors, two cooper shops, ten lawyers, seven real estate agencies, two insurance agencies, five physicians, one abstract office, etc. Both railroads have good depot buildings at the east side of the city. Upon the depot grounds of the Illinois Central there are three grain elevators and some half dozen warehouses. At that of the McGregor and Sioux City Road (more commonly known as the Iowa and Dakota Division of the Milwaukee and St. Paul, the operating company,) there are two elevators and about as many warehouses as at the former. At these elevators and warehouses a vast amount of grain is shipped, and Charles City is one of the best grain markets in Northern Iowa. There are two flouring mills, one propelled by water, the other by steam. The water power at Charles City is one of the best in the state, the fall being unusually great, and the banks upon either side, as well as the bed of the stream, are limestone rock, affording an excellent foundation for the dam. As yet it is improved only to a small extent of its capacity. In the Spring of 1869 Charles City was incorporated by the election of a Mayor, Recorder, and five Trustees, Milo Gilbert becoming the Mayor. The present Mayor is W. D. Bulch, Recorder, A. W. French. The city is an independent school district, and maintains its public schools in a most liberal manner. The citizens take especial pride in their schools, and, indeed, they would be an honor to any city in the state. There are two excellent school houses, one on each side of the river. The East Side school house was finished in 1867, is built of stone, 50x60 feet, and three stories high, including the basement. It is surmounted by a handsome tower, and has six large school rooms, besides one recitation room. The entire building is neatly finished, and furnished with the best single and double seats and desks. The cost was about $14,000. Since its completion it has been thoroughly remodeled internally and re-furnished, and is now furnished with all the modern improvements. The West Side building is also of stone, three stories high, and contains six good school rooms. It is similar in construction to that on the East Side, and equally well furnished. The schools are in charge of a principle, and are graded in four departments, high school, grammar school, intermediate and primary. The high school department is conducted solely upon the East Side. The leading religious denominations are represented by the following organizations: Congregational, Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, German Methodist, Christian, Catholic, Lutheran, and Adventist. All except the last have houses or churches for religious worship. Those of the Methodist Episcopal and Christian denominations are fine stone edifices, and the others are frame. The Methodist Episcopal Church, just finished, at a cost of $14,855, is a large and handsome building. The Catholics have the foundation laid for a superb edifice of very large dimensions to be constructed of stone. It will be completed next year. THE PRESS. The first newspaper issued in the county was called the St. Charles Republican Intelligencer, the initial number making its appearance July 31st, 1856. Its enterprising editors and proprietors were A. B. F. Hildreth and D. D. W. Carver. So great was the anxiety to secure the first copy which came from the press that it was sold to the highest bidder for $20—Ferguson & Eastman, then bankers and real estate dealers at St. Charles, being the lucky purchasers. It was at first issued as a twenty-eight column sheet, but within a year was enlarged to thirty-six columns. Some time after the paper was started, Mr. Carver retired, after which Mr. Hildreth continued the publication alone. In January, 1862, the name was changed to Hildreth's Charles City Intelligencer. The first word in the title was subsequently dropped. About five years ago Mr. Hildreth sold the paper to Dyke and Rowell, Mr. Leonard purchased Mr. Rowell's interest and the firm became Dyke & Leonard, and subsequently Dyke Bros., who sold to Owen Bros., and they to Charles A. Slocum, the present proprietor, early in the year 1875. It is a large folio sheet, issued weekly, Republican in politics, and is one of the leading newspapers in Northern Iowa. On the 20th of November, 1868, the first number of a new paper called the Floyd County Advocate, was issued at Charles City by Valentine Baltuff. It is a thirty-two column sheet, issued weekly, still owned and edited by its founder, and has a deservedly prosperous and increasing patronage. It was started by using "patents," but these have been discarded and the paper is now printed altogether at the home office. For six months in the year 1869 it was published semi-weekly. The Western Patriarch, an eight column to the page folio sheet, issued weekly by John Beardsley, is devoted to the interests of Odd Fellowship, and is the leading exponent of that fraternity in Iowa, with a subscription list of nearly 3,000. FLOYD. – In July, 1855, the Town of Floyd was laid out by James Griffith and Henry C. Tatum. The first bridge in the county over Cedar River was erected at this point, but was carried away by the flood in the Summer of 1858. The town is handsomely located on the west side of Cedar River, six miles above Charles City. The Illinois Central Railroad depot is upon the east side of the river, and is easily accessible by means of a substantial bridge. The depot of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad is some distance south of the town. The town has the advantages of an excellent water power upon which is erected one of the best flouring mills along the upper Cedar. It has considerable local trade and quite a number of good business houses. The independent district of Floyd has a fine stone graded school edifice, erected at a cost of $10,000. An abundance of good timber is convenient, and an excellent farming country surrounds the place on all sides. With these and other advantages, it will make a point of considerable importance. It has also the advantages of excellent stone quarries. ROCKFORD. – This is one of the prettiest towns in this part of Iowa. It is situated on the west bank of Shell Rock River, at the junction of Lime Creek. The town was laid out in June, 1856, by several gentlemen from Rockford, Illinois. George Wyatt, acting as their agent, selected the location, and there is surely no more delightful site for a town in Floyd County. There is an abundance of limestone, timber, and clay for brick. The Shell Rock here affords excellent water power, which has been improved by the erection of a good flouring mill. A man named Brenton was the first settler in this part of the county. The town never had a log house in it. This town is an important station on the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Minnesota Railroad. Since the completion of this railroad it has built up rapidly and is now second only to Charles City in population. It is an excellent market and shipping point and has a large number of prosperous mercantile houses. Churches and schools are well maintained. A large, handsome stone edifice is provided for the latter. The Revillee, a handsome folio sheet of eight columns to the page, is published here by Mr. Robinson. NORA SPRINGS. – This place is in the west part of the county, in a grove, on the east bank of Shell Rock River, in the Township of Rock Grove. A portion of the town was laid out many years ago, and was a place of considerable trade, owing in part to the fact that a fine flouring mill is situated here and a good bridge over the river. A railroad addition was subsequently laid out. The new portion of the town has rapidly improved, and a large number of residences and business houses have been erected. Both the Milwaukee & St. Paul and B. C. R. & M. roads have stations here, and the town enjoys a good local trade. The Floyd County Press is an independent Republican newspaper published here by H. H. Colt. It was established in 1872, and is a quarto sheet of five columns to the page. RUDD. – This is a pretty little village and station on the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, between Floyd and Nora Springs, a little east of Floyd Creek. It is on a beautiful, rich prairie, surrounded by a country of great fertility, with a plentiful supply of timber on Flood Creek near. The town plat embraces fifty acres, and was laid out in October, 1869, by J. Swartwood. MARBLE ROCK. – This is a village near Shell Rock River, in the southwest part of the county, and a station on the Burlington, Chicago & Milwaukee Railroad. It has considerable local trade and is a good shipping point. It also has a good flouring mill. ROCK GROVE is a small village on the east side of Shell Rock River, two or three miles below Nora Springs. Watertown and Ulster are post offices.