Page 330 in the January settlement of 1868. Ordered to cancel all taxes on lands donated to aid in the construction of the B. & M. R. R. Co. Good & Richards allowed $60.00 for making map of County. C. E. Richards allowed $25.00 for surveying the school lands of Frankfort Township. At election, R. M. Roberts received 360 votes for Clerk of Court and A. B. Ross 221. W. P. Wiley elected Recorder. Allen Beeson appointed County Judge to succeed W. G. Ewing, resigned. 1869—R. M. Roberts elected Clerk and Allen Beeson Auditor. Following persons were members of County Board during this year: G. A. Davis, Sherman Township; Chas. Hascall, West Township; W. W. Merritt, Red Oak Township; J. H. Bowen, Grant Township; S. C. Dunn, Washington Township; Joseph Carlile, Jackson Township; Jacob McCully, Douglas Township; John Bolt, Frankfort Township; P. P. Johnson, Lincoln Township. School sections divided into forty acre lots. Auditor instructed not to put the lands of the B. & M. R. R. Co. on tax list. $1,000 offered by the Board for the arrest and conviction of the murderer of James S. Duval, whose body was found southwest of Watson’s Mill. Bounty of 10c each on gopher scalps. Board rescinded all previous action and ordered railroad lands to be listed for the years 1867-1868. C. E. Richards ordered to look after the legal aspect of the business of collecting. R. M. Roberts, Clerk, allowed $300.00 in addition to all fees. Change made in boundaries of Washington and Jackson Townships. In the election for Governor, Samuel Morrell, Republican, received 345 votes and George Gillaspie received 291 votes. R. M. Roberts, for Clerk, received 401 votes and J. C. Cooper 284 votes. B. E. A. Simons elected County Superintendent of Schools. Wayne Stennett received 353 votes for County Treasurer and C. G. George 319. For the Stock Act, there were 191 votes; against, 187. According to the report of the County Auditor, the population of the county had increased from 1,256 in: the year 1850 to 5,924 in the year 1870. THIRD DECADE—1870-1880. 1870—The County joined with the town of Red Oak in building a calaboose and a jail; same to be 16x32 feet, with a partition in jail and an iron cell in part owned by County. P. P. Johnson appointed to purchase site and to attend to erection of building. Special session to settle with the B. & M. R. R. Co. in the matter of taxation. The Board resolved to settle on a basis of $3,000. A compromise was effected on a basis of $2,000 for the years 1867, 1868 and 1869, D. N. Smith acting as agent for the R. R. Co. By resolution, the territory comprising the present Township of Scott, was named Stanton, being formed from a portion of Grant and Jackson Townships. The name Stanton Township does not again appear. It was subsequently named Scott for Alexander Scott, who gave a schoolhouse site. $7,000 in bonds were issued for the indebtedness of the County,
running five years and drawing 10 per cent interest. A special
tax of two mills for the year 1870 was assessed, for the purpose
of paying interest on these bonds. The 13th General Assembly abolished
the old system of township representation on the Board, because
it was “unnecessary” and unwieldy, and the number
of members fixed at three. Ordered that at the next annual tax
sale, the county’s interests in town lots at Frankfort be
sold under the new law of selling all property that had been offered
for sale for two years and had passed for want of bidders. At the election, 904 votes were cast-616 Rep. and 288 Dem. For Congress, F. W. Palmer received 609 votes; B. F. Montgomery received 296 votes. J. W. McDill, candidate for Judge of Third Judicial District, elected without opposition. For District Attorney, Smith McPherson received 618 votes and W. W. Morseman 181. R. M. Roberts for Clerk, received 650 votes and had no opposition. l871—The names of J. F. Patterson, J. M. Hewitt and A. M. Powell appear as members of the Board, with J. M. Hewitt as Chairman. Refusal of Board to convey any more swamp lands because of an unlawful contract heretofore entering into it. Allen Beeson, Lamb and Willis employed to defend the interests of the County. A. M. Wright appointed Supt. of Schools in place of B. E. A Simons, resigned. At June meeting of the Board, J. M. Hewitt was appointed “to lease ground on which to remove the court house from its present situation to such ground and to have the same repaired; and that the contract with H. H. Chamberlin for the use of 2nd story of the building he is now erecting on the N. W. corner of the public square in Red Oak, Iowa, for five years for clerk’s office and court room.” The result of the election shows that C. C. Carpenter, Rep., for Governor, received 781 votes and J. C. Knopp, Dem., 455. For State Senator, J. Y. Stone, received 517 votes and Wayne Stennett 680. For restraining stock from running at large the vote was 221 for and 745 against. Same in regard to swine, 682 for and 237 against. 1872—J. M. Hewitt, A. M. Powell, and J. R. Horton, members of the Board. J. R. Stratton, Auditor, J. T. Martin, Sheriff, W. P. Wiley, Treasurer. T. B. Draper employed to prospect for coal, specimens having been presented from the Whipple Quarry. W. P. Wiley resigns as Recorder. J. M. Hewitt chairman of the Board, instructed to go to Des Moines in company with Frank Davis, an attorney, to make a personal demand upon the American Emigrant Co. for the relinquishment of claims upon indemnity lands and to settle between the county and said company and to receive all money due the county. Allen Beeson and Z. T. Fisher employed to defend the county in suit of B. & M. Town Lot Co. Election of Nov. 5th, 1872: 1440 ballots cast, of which 987 were Republican and 453 Democratic. R. M. Roberts elected Clerk without opposition. 1878—L. C. Cook, aged forty-four years, an old citizen
and former sheriff of Montgomery County, died at his residence
in Pilot Grove. l874—G. P. Ingman of Villisca chosen member of Board in
place of John Buckingham, resigned. Forest trees and orchards
ordered exempt from taxation. Jan. 18. Dedication of Congregational Church. Number taken into church, sixteen. Rev. DeForest preached the sermon. June 29. Mrs. Sarah Patterson, wife of Chas. E. Patterson, killed at a railroad crossing. Updike & Ler contract to build a Catholic Church, 26 by 36 ft, to be frame and to cost $1500. 1875—W. Stafford appears as member of Board. Contract for
building an iron bridge across the Nodaway south of Villisca let to Frary & Donnell for $1600. Old Court House sold to R. Wadsworth for $200. Early in June, grasshoppers appeared in clounds and did great damage to crops. They came on Sunday, literally covering the ground and consuming every green thing, and remained until Tuesday. September.—Mayne and McPherson appointed to sell swamp land heretofore certified to the county, being in Monona and Crawford Counties, and the counties interested in lands of whatsoever kinds. Alfred Hebard elected State Senator, giving him 669 majority over W. W. Morseman. T. C. Lunday elected Treas. A majority in favor of restraining stock from running at large. For buying a poor farm, 770 votes; against buying, 594. Mayne & McPherson instructed to collect all claims due county excepting school fund notes. 1876.—Members of Board, W. Stafford, Samuel Ewing and F. G. Bean. Henry Howard, Auditor. Board recommended the enforcement of the Vagrancy Act of the 16th General Assembly. Sept. 17.—Dedication of M. E. Church at Red Oak, Bishop Foster officiating. Sept. 28. The Session of the Des Moines Conference of the M. E. Church convened in Red Oak. 1877—County officials same as in 1876. As per decision of the Supreme Court of Iowa, the Board orders sale of county swamp lands. Feb. 4.—Death of Thos. Rogers, a prominent lumber merchant of Red Oak, at Indianapolis. May 9. Death of W. W. Hines, an old settler. While he was riding a corn planter, his team became frightened and threw him out, causing fatal injuries. He came to Montgomery Co. in 1854. P. H. Good, one of the oldest attorneys in the county, commits suicide. 2164 votes for Representative, George Ashby 1134, John W. Patterson 475, G. Dennis, 553. H. G. McMillen elected sheriff. 1878—Supervisors F. G. Bean, Samuel Ewing and G. P. Ingman. Public sale of swamp lands and school lands ordered; $854.00 transferred from swamp land fund to county fund. July 3. Sudden death of Spanish Consul to Hong Kong, China, Seignior . Fernando, while on train near Glenwood. His remains were interred in the Red Oak Catholic Cemetery, and later were removed to Spain. Sept. 8.— Death of Mrs. J. B. Packard, aged 62 years. She came to county in 1857. Nov. 13. Death of Clarence Stennett, Wayne Stennett’s 16 year old Son, who accidentally shot himself. 1879-Jonas Heckert becomes member of Board. The Telephone, Record and Villisca Review awarded county printing. Amount of county bonded indebtedness $1700. New bonds issued at 7 per cent. June. District Conference of M. E. Church at Red Oak. July 4. Celebration in Red Oak. C. S. Ryman orator. Sept. 1. Red Oak Academy and Business College opened. Col. Hebard summoned to meet Jay Gould and Pres. Lewis of the St. Louis Short Line at Chicago, for conference. Election of directors of the Atlantic, Red Oak and St. Louis R. R. Those named for Red Oak were Alfred Hebard, Wayne Stennett and Edw. Moriarity. $5000 subscribed. Oct. 22. Three hundred guests celebrate the 25th anniversary of marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Fisher. Chaplain McCabe lectures on “The Bright Side of Life in
Libby Prison. “ At election, John H. Gear received 1530 votes for Governor; Daniel Campbell 818 and H. H. Trimble 333. Z. T. Fisher elected Representative. R. J. Edmonds Sheriff. 1880—Alfred Swanson appears as member of Board. O. A. Cramer appointed Deputy Auditor Board settles with Treasurer, J. V. Johnson. Allowance made by Board of $400 to prospect in coal at Villisca. June session: Report of Agricultural Society concerning disposition of money furnished by the State Appropriation of $600 made from bridge fund to build road from Red Oak to County Fair grounds. Elwood Cleaver appointed Surveyor in place of Geo. W. Bennett, resigned. County rented rooms of A. McConnell for county offices for five years at $850 per year, with privilege or renewal at $700 per year. October. C. C. Platter elected representative; O. P. Worsley, Auditor; Geo. M. West, Treas., Henry H. Palmer, Sheriff; John L. Thomas, Member of Board, E. Cleaver, Surveyor. 1881—Allen Beeson, an attorney and old citizen of Red Oak, forms partnership with Hon. Sam Chapman of Plattsmouth, Nebr. N. W. Cook relinquishes control of “The People’s Telephone,” May. Death of Auditor W. B. Kennedy. July. 4. Col. W. P. Hepburn, orator. August. First issue daily “Record.” Lecture by Leigh Hunton “Struggle for Place.” September. Committee appointed to raise funds for Michigan sufferers of forest fires,-E. M. Carey, Pres., J. M. Junkin, Secy.; other members Wm. Clark, C. C. Platter and W. W. Merritt. 1882—0. P. Worsley appointed agent for sale of swamp and indemnity lands, to collect amounts due. All indemnity swamp lands withdrawn from market. L. W. Williams takes charge of poor farm at $750 per year. W. S. Alger of Villisca appointed member of Board in place of Alred Swanson, deceased. T. H. Lee appointed to collect delinquent personal tax. January. Meeting of Editorial Convention. Red Oak representatives, J. M. Killits, Express, George Stiger, Record and R. D. Sperry, Telephone. Febuary. Montgomery Co. transferred from the 8th to the 9th Congo District. May. Gen. J. B. Weaver speaks in Red Oak on political issues. August. Death of O. P. Whittier, son of pioneer of county. Dr. J. B. Hatton nominated for Congress by People’s Party. October. Hon. W. H. Pusey, Dem. candidate for Congress, spoke in Red Oak and Hon. James F. Wilson held a class meeting and Republican reunion. Murder of J. P. Bramhall by Bennett Hayden. At the general election, A. R. Anderson Rep. for Congress received 1202 votes. W. H. M. Pusey, Dem. received 674. J. B. Hatton, People’s Party, 673 votes. W. E. Patterson chosen Clerk of Court. H. Pegram, Recorder. E. Kretchmer, member of Board. At special election in June, there were 1,832 votes for prohibition and 671 votes against. 1883—Rev. Joseph Cook lectures in the M. E. Church on the “Seven Wonders of the World.” May. Enthusiastic meeting of citizens of Red Oak to take measures in favor of new diagonal railroad. The lumber business of Justus Clark and Co. sold to National Co. of Chicago. June. Justus Clark nominated by Democrats for Lieutenant Governor. Page 334 July. Hon. L. G. Kinne, Democratic Candidate for Governor, spoke in public square of Red Oak. Gen. B. M. Prentice delivered his lecture on the “Battle of Shiloh” at court house, under the auspices of the G. A. R. of Red Oak. September. E. W. Stevens, of Red Oak, Independent candidate for Senator for Mills and Montgomery Counties. J. V. Johnson, Fusion Greenback and Dem. candidate for Representative elected over A. M. Waters, Rep. by 17 votes. O. P. Worsley elected over T. H. Lee (Dem.) by 11 votes. B. J. Austin, Treasurer; H. H. Palmer, Sheriff; J. A. McLean, Superintendent; C. M. Mills, Coroner; W. H. Parker, Member of Board. For Governor, B. R. Sherman (Rep.) 1,695 votes; L. G. Kinne (Dem.) 911 votes, and J. B. Weaver (G. B.) 445 votes. For proposition to build court house, there were 285 votes; against, 2,201 votes. . After the election, the Democrats and the Independents of Mongomery and Mills Counties held a jollification at Judkins House over their victory, banquet and speeches being the order of the evening. 1884—January. Members of Board, E. Kretchmer, J. L. Thomas, and W. H. Parker; T. H. Lee, Auditor. June. Attorney Gen. Smith McPherson aids in organizing the Prisoners’ Aid Association of Iowa, for purpose of assisting ex-prisoners of penitentiary in finding honorable employment. July. Celebrations at Red Oak, Villisca, Milford, Emerson and
Climax. Lieut. Gov. Manning’ spoke at Villisca. G. A. R.
Post organized at Elliott. W. E. Patterson announces candIdacy
for Clerk. 1885—Members of Board, E. Kretchmer, J. L. Thomas and W. H. Parker. T. H. Lee, Auditor; B. J. Austin, Treasurer. Numerous transfers of land to citizens purchasing swamp land in Monona Co. Bounty on wolf scalps increased to $5.00 for wolves over one year old and $2.00 for those under one year. Following question submitted to vote: “Shall the number of Supervisors be increased from three to five?” For, 666 votes; against, 1,265 votes. January. At the World’s Fair at New Orleans, Montgomery Co. took first premium on apples—Chas. Chickering for the best “Roman Beauties” and T. Ellett for best “Wagonor.” Many cereals and vegetables, contributed for exhibition from about fifty counties of Iowa, were destroyed in a wreck on the way. May. 65th anniversary of Odd Fellowship celebrated in Red Oak. 1886—J. F. Moates, J. L. Thomas and W. H. Parker members of the Board; E. S. Rogers, Auditor. J. Ellen Foster lectures in Red Oak under auspices of W. C. T. U. April. Hayes Bros. exhibit a map of the territory of Iowa, made in 1845, at the time this part of the state was occupied by Pottawattamie Indians. Dead body of Brewer Steinbrecher found hanging in brewery. He claimed prohibition law damaged him $32,000. May. Convention of school superintendents of ten southern counties in Red Oak. Address by State Superintendent Akers. Daniel Stennett, an early pioneer, dies at age of 82. He was a staunch democrat and, at one time, a member of the Board. June. S. W. Iowa Press Association met at Red Oak. C. W. Snyder of the Express elected Pres.; C. A. Lisle, Clarinda, Treas. and A. G. Lucas, Bedford, Sec. Death of Wm. Hall, an influential citizen, aged 71. July. H. E. Deemer nominated at Council Bluffs for Judge of District
and Circuit Courts. Fourth celebrated at Villisca, Climax. Morton’s
Mill and Stanton. August. P. B. Tracy dies in Red Oak. He was a familiar figure on the stage route from Burlington to Council Bluffs, being Supt. of the Western Stage Co. He built a shed on his farm west of town to preserve the old coaches which had to give way to the railway. One of them is now preserved in the Iowa Historical Building in Des Moines. For years Mr. Tracy wore a coat made of buckskin to protect himself from the bleak winds to which he was exposed. From this he received the name of “Buckskin Tracy.” This coat was obtained from an Indian trader, Peter Sarpy, and was donated to the Old Settlers’ Ass’n of Sarpy Co., Neb., by H. W. Otis, the administrator of the Tracy estate. September. Dr. J. B. Hatton of Red Oak nominated for Congress
by Greenback party. Shortly afterward he resigned his candidacy.
First part of month smoke from the burning of prairie grass’
in Dakotas was so dense that nearby objects could hardly be seen. 1887—H. H. Palmer, Sheriff; Dr. H. A. McFatrich, Co. Physician. January. Memorial meeting of Garfield Post, No. 57, at the M. EJ. Church to do honor to the memory of Gen. John A. Logan. Addresses by B. S. Porter, Joel Carey, G. W. Holt, James B. Gregg, H. N. Moore, C. W. Snyder and Dr. J. B. Hatton. Organization of Farmers’ Alliance in Lincoln Township. Henry Thomas, Pres.; Robt. McMullen, Vice Pres.; S. S. Davis, Sec.; B. F. Owens, Treas. March. The Villi sea Review presents a picture of what is thought to be the oldest house now standing in the county, and which it calls the Pioneer Palace. This was a log structure erected in 1854 on the old Robt. Dunn farm, north of Villisca. April. Swedish Lutheran pastor, O. J. B. Osterholm died. Porter’s Cart and Buggy factory building and contents burned. May. Unique entertainment of grown-up people reproducing the old fashioned method of teaching school. July. T. H. Lee appointed Deputy U. S. Revenue Collector. New Baptist Church at Red Oak in process of construction. September. Miss Anna Morrell came to her death in a railroad accident near Afton. Dr. C. O. Hartman commits suicide by taking aconite. Death of Justus Clark. December. The Red Oak Bldg. & Sav. Ass’n organized, with F. H. Keyes, Pres.; G. Dennis, Vice Pres. and M. N. Spencer Sec. . Annual meeting of the Western Iowa Horticultural Society in Red Oak Dec. 20th. Banquet to society given by citizens at Johnson House. Intelligence from hospital at Chicago of death of T. H. Alexander, a prominent citizen of Red Oak. During the war he did good work in the U. S. Secret Service. 1888—E. S. Rogers, Auditor. Contract let for building river
bridge at Stover’s Mill, south of town. Soldiers’
Relief Commission, as provided by state law, organized with Capt.
W. W. Ellis of Villisca, H. E. Manker, Elliott, and Joel Carey,
Red Oak, as officers. July. Celebration of Fourth, with B. F. Clayton as orator. August. Loss by fire at Stanton, estimated at $40,000. September. Bruce Commandery Band, Red Oak Fire Department and
Co. K banqueted by citizens, in honor of prizes taken at Nebraska
City August 30th. 1889—C. H. Wilson employed to superintend the building of county bridges at a salary of $1,000 per year. There were twenty-four iron bridges in the county at that time. Formal settlement made with F. M. Davis and Mayne & McPherson for services as agents and attorneys in swamp land case of Montgomery Co. vs, American Emigrant Co. J. F. Moates and R. W. Beeson, Co. Attorney, appointed a committee to confer with the Board of Pottawattamie Co. in reference to costs in the trial of State of Iowa vs. Dr. Cross. Sum of 1,131.82 received from State Treasurer on Swamp Lands indemnity account. Petition of 800 citizens that the proposition to build a court house be submitted to a vote. June 8th was set to determine the form of submission. Submitted amount, $75,000, and tax to be two mills on dollar. There was a spirited contest, some townships going against the proposition. 2,770 votes cast, 1,430 for and 1,340 against. W. W. Montgomery appointed Supt. of Schools, J. F. Saylor having resigned. Organization of Red Oak Board of Trade, with following officers: John Hayes, Pres.; M. E. Fisher, Vice Pres.; E. M. Carey, Second Vice Pres.; P. P. Clark, Treas.; O. P. Worsley, Sec. March. Project discussed of organizing six or eight Southwestern Iowa counties for purpose of calling attention of the country to the fact that Southwestern Iowa would rival the blue grass region of Kentucky as a stock raising country. Money was raised to encourage immigration by excursions or otherwise. Hon. J. B. Harsh of Creston was elected Pres. and Gen. Ellis of Villisca Sec. By-laws were adopted and various committees appointed. June. Rev. E. M. Holmes, a former Red Oak boy, elected Pres. of Simpson College. August. The Iowa National Guard, composed of eight companies from different parts of Southern Iowa, comprising the Fifth Regiment, encamped in Red Oak for/ a week and were reviewed by Gov. Larrabee. Proposition of the city of Red Oak to grant franchise for the purpose of furnishing electric light voted upon, carried. FOURTH DECADE—1890-1900. 1890—January. Members of Board, Stratton and Moates, member elect, M. F. Dilley. E. S. Rogers, Auditor. Contract for building court house accorded to Richards & Co., of Omaha for $69,200. February. Annual meeting of the Red Oak Board of Trade. Address by Pres. John Hayes. New officers elected, B. B. Clark, Pres. and G. Blackstone, Sec. April. Annual meeting of the Council Bluffs Presbytery in Red Oak; 51 churches and 15 counties in the association. May. Union of Farmers’ Alliances in the county and officers elected; R. N. Withrow, of West Township, Pres. The case of Newcomb vs. Montgomery Co. taken to Fremont Co. on change of venue. This was a case for personal injuries sustained by Mrs. Martha Newcomb by a defective approach to the bridge near Watson’s Mill. Plaintiff awarded $3,000 damages. July. John Hayes gives reception in honor of Gov. Horace Boies, who was present at the laying of the corner stone of the court house July 4th. July 7th hottest day ever experienced, thermometer registering from 98 to 104 degrees in the shade. 1891.—J. F. Moates, C. L. Stratton and M. F. Dilley members of Board. J. C. Masteller appointed Deputy Recorder. October. Stevens Elevator destroyed by fire. Streets of Red Oak first lighted by electricity. 1892-H. A. Embree becomes member of the Board. January. Agitation in favor of paving streets of Red Oak. Page 337 March. Dedication of new court house. June. City Roller Mills consumed by fire. September. Organization of Young Peoples’ Lecture Association 1893—Members of Board-Dilley, Stratton and EmbrJe. P. W. Peterson, Auditor. February. Death of A. G. Low, a resident of the county since 1852, at his home near Stennett. He was the first county Judge, and first political meeting held in county was held in his home. May. A delegate convention of the Church of Christ, embracing
Southwestern Iowa, held at Red Oak. September. Large gathering of Swedish people from this and adjoining counties at Binns’ Grove. Addresses made by Rev. B. M. Halland, Prof. Olaf Oleson, Pres. Augustana College, and Gustave Sjastrom of Chicago. November. Henry Watterson of the Louisville Courier Journal, lectured in Red Oak. Topic, “Money and Morals.” December. Standard Trotting Horse Co. of Muscatine transfer to Morris J. Jones of Red Oak ownership of world’s champion trotter, “Alix.” Banquet given Mr. Jones in honor of arrival of this celebrated trotting mare. 1894—New members of Board, J. Beeson and George T. Cooper. April. Judge H. E. Deemer appointed by Governor sixth member of the Supreme Court. 1,400 of Kelley’s Army (part of what was known as Coxey’s Army) marched through the county. Red Oak refuses to feed them. To preserve the peace, Gov. Jackson telegraphs Capt. Clark to take Co. M to Council Bluffs, and Col. Mount is given command of companies belonging to the National Guard from Creston, Corning, Villisca and Glenwood. 1895—Members of Board, J. Beeson, G. T. Cooper and H. A. Embree. J. C. Mastellar appointed to fill vacancy caused by the death of P. W. Peterson, Auditor, and A. M. Lull appointed Deputy Recorder at the June meeting of the Board. Seventy new structures erected in Red Oak in the year 1895 at a cost of $105,000.00. 1896—Board same as last year, with J. S. Anderson, Auditor. January. $20,000.00 offered in purses for race meeting at Pactolus Park the coming June. April. The 25th anniversary of the Red Oak Public Schools observed. Addresses by Col. Hebard, W. W. Merritt and Mrs. L. Grabil. July. Smith McPherson nominated for Congress. August. Annual encampment of the Iowa National Guard at Pactolus Park, with Col. Swalm of Oskaloosa and Lieut. Col. Loper of Des Moines. Regiment reviewed by Gov. Drake. September. Death of A. Hebard at his old home in New London, Conn. Memorial services held at Congregational church following Sunday. Gen. John M. Palmer and S. D. Buckner, Candidates for President and Vice President, stop at Red Oak and make speeches. William J. Bryan, Candidate for President, makes speech at Pactolus Park. December 24, Co. M’s new armory dedicated. 1897—January. Board same as previous year. Splendid showing of the Mutual Life of Iowa. Losses paid and dividends of 25 per cent placed to the credit of policy holders. April. Banquet of States enjoyed by three hundred guests. People
from the various states seated at separate tables with an orator
for each proclaiming the virtues of his native state. June. Old log house, once the residence of the author, at Frankfort, and afterwards removed to Red Oak on south side of Red Oak Creek near Fourth street, torn down. July. Great flood does damage in Red Oak. Streets like rivers. August. Account printed of thrilling experience of Mrs. C. E. Richards on wrecked steamer “Mexico” off the coast of Alaska. Twenty hours in open boat. December. Death at the Poor Farm of William T. Reid, a pioneer preacher and the first County Superintendent. The claim has been made that Carl Means was the first Superintendent, but there is no record of his having filled the office. 1898—Red Oak Express celebrates its thirtieth birthday, coming out as a twenty-four page paper. Election ordered concerning the building of a jail; carried, and contract let to build jail and sheriff’s residence to cost $11,870. February. Red Oak Fire Department occupies its new building. James Dunn, who came to this country in 1855 and settled in Washington Township, dies at his home. April 26. Four or five thousand people assembled at the depot
at 8: 00 o’clock a. m. to bid farewell to Co. M. which left
on a special train for Des Moines at the command of the War Department.
Co. B of Villisca also ordered out, commanded by its Second Lieutenant.
Capt. S. B. Moore promoted to position as Major of the Regiment. June 5. Company M off for San Francisco. July. Fierce wind storm visits county. Two persons killed and many injured by cyclone in Garfield Township. October. Solid silver cup won by Co. M Oct. 25th, in competitive drill at San Francisco and forwarded to Red Oak for safekeeping. November 3. The “Pennsylvania” sails from San Francisco for Manila, with the Fifty-First Regiment on board. 1899—Members of Board, Cooper, Pogue and Peterson. January. Contract let to enlarge house on poor farm at cost of $4,950. New High School erected at cost of $17,000. Dedicated Jan. 10. February. The Osborne Calendar Co. began removal to Newark. April. Congressman McPherson speaks on life of Gen. Grant before the Grant Club at Des Moines. June. Admiral Schley passed through Red Oak and made address. October. Gen. Byers and party, including Rev. E. C. Moulton, of Red Oak, leave for San Francisco to meet the 51st Regiment upon return from campaign in Philippines. Meeting of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons at Red Oak. Large attendance of delegates and visitors. Escorted by Bruce Commandry K. T. Response to W. W. Merritt’s address of welcome by Grand High Priest W. H. Cleveland of Harlan. Oct. 22 a telephone message was received from Des Moines announcing that the “Senator” with 51st Regiment on board had been sighted. Whistles and guns quickly announced the glad tidings. Royal reception given Co. M upon their return to Red Oak. Ladies of the Monday Club entertained Mrs. Vietch of the Red Cross Society. November. Red Oak citizens give banquet to Company M at ,K. of P. hall. Nov. 20, death at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Samuel Davenport, in Frankfort, of Mrs. John H. Murray, a resident of that place since 1857. 1900—Pogue, Peterson and Murphy members of Board. Committee
of Board appointed to attend meeting of Directors of State Agricultural
Society. February. Red Oak obtains light, heat and power from central plant. April. Major Joseph Cramer, aged 87 years, a veteran of two wars, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. W. Hendricks. June. Judge and Mrs. H. E. Deemer give reception to old members of Co. M. July. Mrs. Thomas Wheeler dies, having lived in the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries. August. The 51st Regiment, 1. N. G. encamped at Pactolus Park beginning Aug. 1. Camp christened “Walter Wagnor.” Total number in camp 580. Oldest house in Red Oak, the former home of L. N. Harding, torn down to make room for the Griffith Inn. September. Republican campaign opens in Red Oak. Speeches by Walter 1. Smith and Senator J. P. Dolliver. Wooley, Metcalf, V. B. Cushing and other celebrated prohibitionists arrive at Red Oak on special train. Speeches made in public park. Special train from Red Oak to Plattsmouth to meet President Roosevelt. 1901—March. Dr. Rufus D. Sperry, one of the first practicing physicians in county, dies at home of son in Omaha, aged 81 years. April. State Conference of charities and corrections meets in Red Oak. Many prominent people in attendance. May. 2,000 men and teams at work between Red Oak and Creston on new double track railroad. June. The election for greater Red Oak carried by a small margin. F. G. Thiele murdered his wife in Villisca. D. B. Miller appointed as National Bank Examiner. August. Old settlers’ reunion at Villisca. Postoffice in Red Oak moved to new quarters on Coolbaugh street. Ivan Ellwood appointed Deputy County Auditor. Nov. A. B. Cummins received 1,898 votes for Governor, T. J. Phillips 776 and A. A. Coots 175. For Representative, C. L. Stratton (Rep.) received 1,959 votes and H. O. Bryson (Dem.) 806. R. M. Roberts elected Treasurer, Wm. Thomas Sheriff, Mabel G. Hanna County Superintendent, Henry Peterson, Member of Board, Ellwood Cleaver, Surveyor, Dr. S. R. Kriedler, Coroner. 1902—January. Methodist Church of Red Oak decides to erect a new structure on site of present building, at a cost of $40,000. Question of paving streets of Red Oak under discussion. Red Oak Canning Factory organized. March. Memorial service held at Armory in honor of Thos. Zuber, the son of an old pioneer and himself a member of Co. M of 51st Iowa Regiment. Records in realty transactions broken, the aggregate amount being $500,000.00. Farmers’ Institute organized. First contract for paving streets of Red Oak let to Magden and Sheeley of Des Moines. April 24. Red Oak visited by most disastrous fire in its history. May. Largest class in the history of Red Oak High School, numbering thirty, graduates. Street car service abandoned. June. New Swedish Mission Church dedicated. Death of Leander Sickman, a pioneer, at his home in Red Oak. Return of Will Mahaffy, after three years’ absence in military service in Philippines. August. Rev. B. M. Halland, founder of the Swedish Colony in Stanton and Scott Township, a clergyman of ability, died at his home in Stanton. September. Meeting of the 5th District Convention of the W. C. T. U. held in Red Oak. November. Ninth District Convention of Woman’s Clubs at
the I. O. O. F. temple. Visiting delegates royally entertained
by the Monday Club. Death of Granville Dennis in his 83rd year
from paralysis; he had been a leader in public enterprises. Wm. Christie appointed county surveyor as successor of Ellwood Cleaver, resigned. Proposition to vote a tax of one-half mill on the dollar to build a soldiers’ monument, failed. For tax, 1,013; against tax; 1,592. 1905—January. Neighbors of L. N. Harding, one of the first
settlers of Red Oak, celebrated his 80th birthday. $110,000 spent
in erecting substantial business blocks in year 1902. April. Examination of eleven candidates for Naval Academy by direction of Congressman Walter 1. Smith. C. W. Allen of Atlantic appointed, with Robt. Dunn of Villisca as alternate. Masonic lodge of Red Oak gives banquet in honor of Moses Chandler on the occasion of his 85th birthday. Resolve Palmer, son of H. H. Palmer, passes successful examination for Lieut. in Regular Army. May. A large and enthusiastic meeting of Odd Fellows and Rebeccas takes place at Elliott. Dr. F. M. Powell, Supt. of Glenwood Institute for Feeble Minded, buys the Sanitarium, to take possession July 1st. Dedication of new St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In the mass ceremonies, Father Bulger of Shenandoah acts as celebratant, Father J. To. Noonan of Lenox as Deacon, and Father Quinn of Red Oak Sub-Deacon. Dedicatory sermon preached by Father Noonan. July. Judge McPherson delivers an address before the State Bar Association of Colorado which is favorably and widely commented upon. James Hunter, an old resident, dies at his home in Red Oak at age of 83 years. 500 people gather at site of new Methodist Church to witness laying of corner stone. Address made by Rev. T. C. Iliff of Colorado. November. Fifty blocks of pavement in Red Oak completed and two miles of cement sidewalk put down during the past summer. Dr. T. A. Trulson dies at his home in Stanton. December. $20,000.00 invested in Hotel Johnson for improvements, making it the finest hotel in Southwestern Iowa. 200 citizens of Red Oak present at its opening. J. V. Johnson, former resident of Montgomery Co., Ex-County Treasurer and Member of Legislature, dies at his home in Ord, Neb. D. D. Saunders, an old resident dies in Seattle, Wash., and is brought home for burial. Red Oak Sanitarium, a private school for mentally backward children, opened. Members of Board, George W. Pogue, Henry Peterson and Wm. Cozad. Mr. Pogue appointed to take charge of the burial of needy old soldiers of Red Oak and vicinity. Cost of paving around court house square found to be $2,654.13.
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