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History and Genealogy
of
Lee County Iowa

History of Lee County
from Lee County, Iowa by the A.T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa, 1875
transcribed by Sara Hemp

Lee County is in the southeast corner of the state. It has an area of about 500 square miles, or 320,000 acres. In population it was the third county in the state in 1870, and in its agricultural and commercial facilities it has few superiors in Iowa.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement by a white man was six miles above Keokuk, by a French trader named Lemoliese, in 1820. Soon afterwards Doctor Samuel Muir, a surgeon of the United States army, made a settlement at Keokuk. In 1829, Doctor Isaac Garland settled at Nashville, where he was joined by Isaac R. Campbell the next year. Captain James White made a claim on the present site of Montrose. In the Fall of 1832, Peter Williams made a settlement on the present site of the City of Fort Madison. In the Fall of 1833, John M. Forest made a claim at the point now known as South Augusta. Wm. Skinner settled in Jefferson Township in 1834. Alexander Cruikshank became identified with Lee County on the 4th of March, 1834. He settled on the farm where he now resides.
In 1836 J. C. Parrott, present post master of the city of Keokuk, came to the county the same year. From this time settlements were made more rapidly, as 1838 shows a population of 2,838, which was increased in 1840 to 6,095, as shown by the United States census of that year.

ORGANIZATION.
As will be seen from the history of the state, the Territory of Iowa was, in 1834, attached to Michigan, and at that time consisted of two judicial divisions, or counties, Des Moines and Dubuque. Burlington was the seat of justice for the Des Moines district. Iowa was more generally organized into counties in 1836, and Lee County was then formed. The survey was commenced in this county the same year, and completed the following year. This became part of Wisconsin Territory in 1836, and in the first territorial legislature John Box was the representative from Lee County. The courts were held at Fort Madison until 1843, when, by special act of the legislature, the seat of justice was transferred to West Point, where the first court was held in April, 1843. In the Fall of 1845, by vote of the citizens, the county seat was restored to Fort Madison, its present location. By an act of the Legislature of 1839-40, two commissioners had been appointed to select a site near the geographical center of the county. They located it at Franklin, but no improvements were made or courts held at that point. By a special act of the Legislature of 1855, a court with concurrent jurisdiction was established at Keokuk. The officers of Keokuk are deputies, that being considered a branch office; separate juries being chosen for each district.

THE HALF-BREED TRACT.
The Sac and Fox Indians had been in possession of the soil now included in Lee County long before it was opened to settlement in 1833 by the ratification of the Black Hawk treaty of 1832. Prior to this time many of the agents and employes of the American Fur Company and others intermarried with these tribes, producing a race of half-breeds. Some of these half-breeds adopted the habits of civilization, others retained the manners of the Indians. On the 4th of August, 1824, a treaty was made at Washington in which 119,000 acres situated in the south part of the present County of Lee was reserved to the half-breeds, investing them with a right to the soil, but without the power of transferring it. By an act passed by Congress, January 30, 1834, a title was made to the half-breeds in fee simple. The law poorly defined the boundaries of the tract, and the personal rights of the owners in relation to partition. Hence conflicts and quarrels arose on all sides. To decide the validity of adverse claims, and to partition them among the claimants or sell them for the benefit of the actual owners, the Legislature of Wisconsin Territory passed an act on the 16th of January, 1838, appointing Edward Johnston, Thomas S. Wilson, and David Brigham commissioners to settle these difficulties in accordance with the intention of the law. The commissioners met at Montrose and summoned the claimants to appear before them and prove their claims. The session continued until the next session of the Legislature, when the act under which they labored was repealed. It gave authority to the commissioners to collect from the owners of said lands the amount of their just bill for services, and their claim by the repealing clause, was made a lien on the lands. At the August term of the District Court of Lee County two judgments were obtained, and in due time the entire tract was sold at sheriff's sale to Hugh T. Reid. Reid sold more or less at different times, and his title was reversed by the Supreme Court of the United States in December, 1850. Previous to this decision another class of titles arose, based upon the "Decree of Partition" issued by the United States District Court for the Territory of Iowa on the 8th of May, 1841. This provided for the partition of one hundred and one shares, and that each claimant should be content with his lot. These lots were drawn and the plats of, the same filed in the recorder's office, October 6, 1841. These titles are now generally secure, either upon their legal merits or by compromises effected prior to the decision of the Supreme Court. The state laws of 1841 in relation to these lands was sustained by the United States Supreme Court in 1854.

COUNTY OFFICERS, 1875.

WILLIAM P. STAUB, Clerk of District and Circuit Courts.
C. L. ALLEN and J. D. HUFF, Deputies of District and Circuit Courts.
JOSEPH A. PEASE, Sheriff.
JAMES POLLARD and J. G. ROURKE, Deputy Sheriffs.
A. L. COURTRIGHT, Treasurer.
THOMAS ALLEN and T. W. LOWRY, Deputy Treasurers.
J. C. BLACKBURN, Auditor.
HENRY BANK, Jr., Recorder.
V. BUECHEL, Deputy Recorder.
WESLEY C. HOBBS, Superintendent of Public Schools.
T. GOODENOUGH, Coroner.
WM. A. DONNEL, ELIAS OVERTON, and A. L. CONABLE, Board
of Supervisors.

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KEOKUK
Is situated on the Mississippi River, at the foot of the rapids, two hundred and twelve miles above St. Louis.
Its commercial facilities are equal to those of any other city of the state. In addition to its water navigation it has several lines of railroad diverging from it in various directions. Its substantial railroad bridge across the Mississippi was completed in 1871. This is a combined railroad, carriage and foot bridge. "The Des Moines Rapids Improvement" on the Mississippi River is a canal, about nine miles in length, for steamboats to pass through, thus obviating the dangers of navigation heretofore existing during low water. This work of the General Government will be completed the present year.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Doctor Samuel C. Muir erected the first cabin in 1820. Moses Stillwell, with his family, settled in 1828; also, at the same time, Amos and Valencourt Van Ansdal. Margaret Stillwell wife of E. R. Ford, of Keokuk, was the first white child born here. This birth occurred in 1831. About this time the American Fur Company had a trading post here, but they soon removed to other headquarters. Doctor Muir and Isaac R. Campbell became their successors.
Campbell, in addition to his merchandizing, kept the first "tavern" in Keokuk.
About this time, 1831, John Gaines, William Price, Alexander Hood, William McBride, and Thomas W. Taylor were added to the population.
The first death was Doctor S. C. Muir, of cholera, in 1832. The town was laid out in 1837.

INCORPORATION.
On December 13, 1847, it was first incorporated as a city. The first officers installed, January 10, 1848, were; Mayor, W. A. Clark; Aldermen: James Macklay, W. C. Read, Wm. Holliday, H. Bassett, John W. Ogden, and J. M. Houston. Since that time it has made a fair and substantial growth. It has a population of nearly 15,000. It contains four banks, several wholesale jobbing houses, good hotels, and is well represented in the various manufacturing and mercantile interests. It does a large business in pork packing, and in the lumber trade.
The present Mayor of Keokuk is Ed. Jaeger; S. S. Curtis, Clerk; J. F. Bower, Treasurer; A. J. Hardin, Marshall; John Gibbons, City Attorney; and Charles W. Taylor, Recorder.

EDUCATION, ETC.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk is one of the oldest and best conducted institutions in the state. It was established in 1850, and is now under the efficient management of Professor J. C. Hughes, M.D., Dean of the Institute, who is assisted by an able corps of professors. A large number of medical practitioners have graduated from this college. The capacious college building is one of the most substantial edifices of the city. A good collection is found in the college museum.
The city has six public school buildings, well finished and furnished with the modern improvements for the comfort and convenience of their numerous pupils. Keokuk may with propriety feel proud of her public schools.
The present public school Board of Education consists of some of the most substantial citizens of Keokuk. By a judicial and careful selection of teachers the schools of the city are rendered highly prosperous, and are well attended.
Keokuk has a variety of churches numbering over a score and containing some elegant as well as substantial edifices.
The Keokuk Library Association (J. Henry Westcott, Secretary) was established in 1863, and now numbers 7,200 volunteers. As it contains a large number of standard works it is a popular resort, as well as a source of great intellectual value to its numerous visitors. The St. Peter's Catholic Library (Reverend A. Trevis, President; R. P. Miller, Secretary) was established in 1874. Although comparatively in its infancy it bids fair to be of lasting benefit to the community.

THE PRESS.
There are at this time three papers published in Keokuk. The Gate City is published by Howell & Clark. Its predecessor, The Des Moines Whig, was established in 1846. The Keokuk Constitution is published by Thomas W. Claggett. These publish both daily and weekly issues, and are both among the pioneer journals of the state.
The Keokuk Post (German) is conducted by Charles Norman.
Keokuk has a good representation in the various societies, as there are several lodges of both Masons and Odd Fellows, well represented by the character of their membership as well as by their numbers.
The post office is centrally located on the corner of Main and Sixth Streets, and the old pioneer, General J. C. Parrott, who has been a citizen of Lee County for forty-one years, is the present post master. The city is lighted with gas, and has several efficient fire companies.

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FORT MADISON.
The county seat of Lee County, is pleasantly situated on the western bank of the Mississippi River. The town derives its name from a military post established here in 1808. This was evacuated in 1813, and the buildings were burned by the hostile Indians.
The first settlement was made in 1832. Among the early settles were Peter Williams, Peter Miller, Jacob Cutler, John Atlee, John Kenedy, James Small, John Walch, Joseph Webster, and Philip Viele, with others who settled prior to 1838.
The town was incorporated by act of Congress of July 2, 1836. William M. Corriell and George Cubbage were the commissioners. The Legislature of Wisconsin made it the county seat the same year.
The penitentiary buildings located here were erected by the General Government before Iowa was admitted as a state. This work was contracted for in 1838, and completed in the Fall of 1841. It is now a state institution, is ably conducted by S. H. Craig, Warden, assisted by James H. Reynolds and others, with H. Clay Stuart, Clerk. Reverend James Sunderland is the present Chaplain.

ORGANIZATION.
By a special act of the Legislature, approved January 28, 1848, Fort Madison received a charter, with corporate privileges as a city. The present official list is; A. C. Roberts, Mayor, Ekin Smith, Clerk; B. Rephohl, Treasurer; J. C. Henderson, Marshal; John Huff, City Attorney; and R. H. Heath, Engineer.

SCHOOLS.
The Fort Madison Academy is one of the best institutions of its class in the state. Besides its primary and academic departments, it gives a classical course, preparatory for college. Reverend C. F. Williams is the present principal, who has the assistance of an able and efficient corps of teachers. The present Board of Trustees are; Jno. Van Valkenburg, John C. Atlee, J. C. Blackburn, E. G. Wilson, Isaac Hale, J. G. Wilson, and R. Crepps. The public schools are conducted by able teachers.

THE PRESS.
The Plaindealer (J. G. Wilson, proprietor, established in 1851), and The Democrat (Roberts & Schroeder, proprietors, established in 1865), are both ably conducted weekly journals.

MANUFACTURES.
The most prominent manufacturing interest in Fort Madison is that of lumber. The firm of S. & J. Atlee, manufacture yearly about 9,000,000 feet of pine lumber, 3,000,000 lath, and about 24,000,000 shingles. Weston & Co. manufacture about the same amount of lumber and lath.
There are three planing mills in Fort Madison, having a capacity in the aggregate of 9,000,000 feet per annum. The Iowa Farming Tool Co. (W. H. Kretsinger, Supt.), is one of the large manufactories of Fort Madison.
With its present commercial facilities, Fort Madison has a fair local trade, all departments being well represented by men mostly of energy and capital.

*******

WEST POINT was laid out by William Patterson, A. H. Walker, and A. Hunsaker, June 11, 1840. It is a pleasant, thriving village, situated in a rich agricultural district.

*******

FRANKLIN was laid out March 21, 1840. It was selected by Commissioners J. L. Scott and S. C. Reed, who were appointed by the legislature to select a site for the county seat of Lee County. The land upon which the town is situated was donated by J. Chapman, John Brown, and Thomas Douglas.

******

DENMARK was laid off January 17, 1840, by T. Fox, L. Repps, Curtis Shedd, and William Brown. Here is located Denmark Academy, which, under the supervision of Professor H. K. Edson, has acquired a prominence and popularity highly creditable to its friends and patrons.

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MONTROSE was laid out November 10, 1853, by Ed. Brooks, F. E. Billon, D. C. and W. J. Riddick. It possesses many commercial advantages, and now having a fair trade, its growth in the future will be quickened.

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The other townships and villages of the county are usually quiet centers of trade situated in good agricultural districts.

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		History and Genealogy of Lee County Iowa

History of Lee County from Lee County, Iowa by the A.T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa, 1875 transcribed by Sara Hemp Lee County is in the southeast corner of the state. It has an area of about 500 square miles, or 320,000 acres. In population it was the third county in the state in 1870, and in its agricultural and commercial facilities it has few superiors in Iowa. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The first settlement by a white man was six miles above Keokuk, by a French trader named Lemoliese, in 1820. Soon afterwards Doctor Samuel Muir, a surgeon of the United States army, made a settlement at Keokuk. In 1829, Doctor Isaac Garland settled at Nashville, where he was joined by Isaac R. Campbell the next year. Captain James White made a claim on the present site of Montrose. In the Fall of 1832, Peter Williams made a settlement on the present site of the City of Fort Madison. In the Fall of 1833, John M. Forest made a claim at the point now known as South Augusta. Wm. Skinner settled in Jefferson Township in 1834. Alexander Cruikshank became identified with Lee County on the 4th of March, 1834. He settled on the farm where he now resides. In 1836 J. C. Parrott, present post master of the city of Keokuk, came to the county the same year. From this time settlements were made more rapidly, as 1838 shows a population of 2,838, which was increased in 1840 to 6,095, as shown by the United States census of that year. ORGANIZATION. As will be seen from the history of the state, the Territory of Iowa was, in 1834, attached to Michigan, and at that time consisted of two judicial divisions, or counties, Des Moines and Dubuque. Burlington was the seat of justice for the Des Moines district. Iowa was more generally organized into counties in 1836, and Lee County was then formed. The survey was commenced in this county the same year, and completed the following year. This became part of Wisconsin Territory in 1836, and in the first territorial legislature John Box was the representative from Lee County. The courts were held at Fort Madison until 1843, when, by special act of the legislature, the seat of justice was transferred to West Point, where the first court was held in April, 1843. In the Fall of 1845, by vote of the citizens, the county seat was restored to Fort Madison, its present location. By an act of the Legislature of 1839-40, two commissioners had been appointed to select a site near the geographical center of the county. They located it at Franklin, but no improvements were made or courts held at that point. By a special act of the Legislature of 1855, a court with concurrent jurisdiction was established at Keokuk. The officers of Keokuk are deputies, that being considered a branch office; separate juries being chosen for each district. THE HALF-BREED TRACT. The Sac and Fox Indians had been in possession of the soil now included in Lee County long before it was opened to settlement in 1833 by the ratification of the Black Hawk treaty of 1832. Prior to this time many of the agents and employes of the American Fur Company and others intermarried with these tribes, producing a race of half-breeds. Some of these half-breeds adopted the habits of civilization, others retained the manners of the Indians. On the 4th of August, 1824, a treaty was made at Washington in which 119,000 acres situated in the south part of the present County of Lee was reserved to the half-breeds, investing them with a right to the soil, but without the power of transferring it. By an act passed by Congress, January 30, 1834, a title was made to the half-breeds in fee simple. The law poorly defined the boundaries of the tract, and the personal rights of the owners in relation to partition. Hence conflicts and quarrels arose on all sides. To decide the validity of adverse claims, and to partition them among the claimants or sell them for the benefit of the actual owners, the Legislature of Wisconsin Territory passed an act on the 16th of January, 1838, appointing Edward Johnston, Thomas S. Wilson, and David Brigham commissioners to settle these difficulties in accordance with the intention of the law. The commissioners met at Montrose and summoned the claimants to appear before them and prove their claims. The session continued until the next session of the Legislature, when the act under which they labored was repealed. It gave authority to the commissioners to collect from the owners of said lands the amount of their just bill for services, and their claim by the repealing clause, was made a lien on the lands. At the August term of the District Court of Lee County two judgments were obtained, and in due time the entire tract was sold at sheriff's sale to Hugh T. Reid. Reid sold more or less at different times, and his title was reversed by the Supreme Court of the United States in December, 1850. Previous to this decision another class of titles arose, based upon the "Decree of Partition" issued by the United States District Court for the Territory of Iowa on the 8th of May, 1841. This provided for the partition of one hundred and one shares, and that each claimant should be content with his lot. These lots were drawn and the plats of, the same filed in the recorder's office, October 6, 1841. These titles are now generally secure, either upon their legal merits or by compromises effected prior to the decision of the Supreme Court. The state laws of 1841 in relation to these lands was sustained by the United States Supreme Court in 1854. COUNTY OFFICERS, 1875. WILLIAM P. STAUB, Clerk of District and Circuit Courts. C. L. ALLEN and J. D. HUFF, Deputies of District and Circuit Courts. JOSEPH A. PEASE, Sheriff. JAMES POLLARD and J. G. ROURKE, Deputy Sheriffs. A. L. COURTRIGHT, Treasurer. THOMAS ALLEN and T. W. LOWRY, Deputy Treasurers. J. C. BLACKBURN, Auditor. HENRY BANK, Jr., Recorder. V. BUECHEL, Deputy Recorder. WESLEY C. HOBBS, Superintendent of Public Schools. T. GOODENOUGH, Coroner. WM. A. DONNEL, ELIAS OVERTON, and A. L. CONABLE, Board of Supervisors. ******* KEOKUK Is situated on the Mississippi River, at the foot of the rapids, two hundred and twelve miles above St. Louis. Its commercial facilities are equal to those of any other city of the state. In addition to its water navigation it has several lines of railroad diverging from it in various directions. Its substantial railroad bridge across the Mississippi was completed in 1871. This is a combined railroad, carriage and foot bridge. "The Des Moines Rapids Improvement" on the Mississippi River is a canal, about nine miles in length, for steamboats to pass through, thus obviating the dangers of navigation heretofore existing during low water. This work of the General Government will be completed the present year. EARLY SETTLEMENT. Doctor Samuel C. Muir erected the first cabin in 1820. Moses Stillwell, with his family, settled in 1828; also, at the same time, Amos and Valencourt Van Ansdal. Margaret Stillwell wife of E. R. Ford, of Keokuk, was the first white child born here. This birth occurred in 1831. About this time the American Fur Company had a trading post here, but they soon removed to other headquarters. Doctor Muir and Isaac R. Campbell became their successors. Campbell, in addition to his merchandizing, kept the first "tavern" in Keokuk. About this time, 1831, John Gaines, William Price, Alexander Hood, William McBride, and Thomas W. Taylor were added to the population. The first death was Doctor S. C. Muir, of cholera, in 1832. The town was laid out in 1837. INCORPORATION. On December 13, 1847, it was first incorporated as a city. The first officers installed, January 10, 1848, were; Mayor, W. A. Clark; Aldermen: James Macklay, W. C. Read, Wm. Holliday, H. Bassett, John W. Ogden, and J. M. Houston. Since that time it has made a fair and substantial growth. It has a population of nearly 15,000. It contains four banks, several wholesale jobbing houses, good hotels, and is well represented in the various manufacturing and mercantile interests. It does a large business in pork packing, and in the lumber trade. The present Mayor of Keokuk is Ed. Jaeger; S. S. Curtis, Clerk; J. F. Bower, Treasurer; A. J. Hardin, Marshall; John Gibbons, City Attorney; and Charles W. Taylor, Recorder. EDUCATION, ETC. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk is one of the oldest and best conducted institutions in the state. It was established in 1850, and is now under the efficient management of Professor J. C. Hughes, M.D., Dean of the Institute, who is assisted by an able corps of professors. A large number of medical practitioners have graduated from this college. The capacious college building is one of the most substantial edifices of the city. A good collection is found in the college museum. The city has six public school buildings, well finished and furnished with the modern improvements for the comfort and convenience of their numerous pupils. Keokuk may with propriety feel proud of her public schools. The present public school Board of Education consists of some of the most substantial citizens of Keokuk. By a judicial and careful selection of teachers the schools of the city are rendered highly prosperous, and are well attended. Keokuk has a variety of churches numbering over a score and containing some elegant as well as substantial edifices. The Keokuk Library Association (J. Henry Westcott, Secretary) was established in 1863, and now numbers 7,200 volunteers. As it contains a large number of standard works it is a popular resort, as well as a source of great intellectual value to its numerous visitors. The St. Peter's Catholic Library (Reverend A. Trevis, President; R. P. Miller, Secretary) was established in 1874. Although comparatively in its infancy it bids fair to be of lasting benefit to the community. THE PRESS. There are at this time three papers published in Keokuk. The Gate City is published by Howell & Clark. Its predecessor, The Des Moines Whig, was established in 1846. The Keokuk Constitution is published by Thomas W. Claggett. These publish both daily and weekly issues, and are both among the pioneer journals of the state. The Keokuk Post (German) is conducted by Charles Norman. Keokuk has a good representation in the various societies, as there are several lodges of both Masons and Odd Fellows, well represented by the character of their membership as well as by their numbers. The post office is centrally located on the corner of Main and Sixth Streets, and the old pioneer, General J. C. Parrott, who has been a citizen of Lee County for forty-one years, is the present post master. The city is lighted with gas, and has several efficient fire companies. ***** FORT MADISON. The county seat of Lee County, is pleasantly situated on the western bank of the Mississippi River. The town derives its name from a military post established here in 1808. This was evacuated in 1813, and the buildings were burned by the hostile Indians. The first settlement was made in 1832. Among the early settles were Peter Williams, Peter Miller, Jacob Cutler, John Atlee, John Kenedy, James Small, John Walch, Joseph Webster, and Philip Viele, with others who settled prior to 1838. The town was incorporated by act of Congress of July 2, 1836. William M. Corriell and George Cubbage were the commissioners. The Legislature of Wisconsin made it the county seat the same year. The penitentiary buildings located here were erected by the General Government before Iowa was admitted as a state. This work was contracted for in 1838, and completed in the Fall of 1841. It is now a state institution, is ably conducted by S. H. Craig, Warden, assisted by James H. Reynolds and others, with H. Clay Stuart, Clerk. Reverend James Sunderland is the present Chaplain. ORGANIZATION. By a special act of the Legislature, approved January 28, 1848, Fort Madison received a charter, with corporate privileges as a city. The present official list is; A. C. Roberts, Mayor, Ekin Smith, Clerk; B. Rephohl, Treasurer; J. C. Henderson, Marshal; John Huff, City Attorney; and R. H. Heath, Engineer. SCHOOLS. The Fort Madison Academy is one of the best institutions of its class in the state. Besides its primary and academic departments, it gives a classical course, preparatory for college. Reverend C. F. Williams is the present principal, who has the assistance of an able and efficient corps of teachers. The present Board of Trustees are; Jno. Van Valkenburg, John C. Atlee, J. C. Blackburn, E. G. Wilson, Isaac Hale, J. G. Wilson, and R. Crepps. The public schools are conducted by able teachers. THE PRESS. The Plaindealer (J. G. Wilson, proprietor, established in 1851), and The Democrat (Roberts & Schroeder, proprietors, established in 1865), are both ably conducted weekly journals. MANUFACTURES. The most prominent manufacturing interest in Fort Madison is that of lumber. The firm of S. & J. Atlee, manufacture yearly about 9,000,000 feet of pine lumber, 3,000,000 lath, and about 24,000,000 shingles. Weston & Co. manufacture about the same amount of lumber and lath. There are three planing mills in Fort Madison, having a capacity in the aggregate of 9,000,000 feet per annum. The Iowa Farming Tool Co. (W. H. Kretsinger, Supt.), is one of the large manufactories of Fort Madison. With its present commercial facilities, Fort Madison has a fair local trade, all departments being well represented by men mostly of energy and capital. *** WEST POINT was laid out by William Patterson, A. H. Walker, and A. Hunsaker, June 11, 1840. It is a pleasant, thriving village, situated in a rich agricultural district. *** FRANKLIN was laid out March 21, 1840. It was selected by Commissioners J. L. Scott and S. C. Reed, who were appointed by the legislature to select a site for the county seat of Lee County. The land upon which the town is situated was donated by J. Chapman, John Brown, and Thomas Douglas. ** DENMARK was laid off January 17, 1840, by T. Fox, L. Repps, Curtis Shedd, and William Brown. Here is located Denmark Academy, which, under the supervision of Professor H. K. Edson, has acquired a prominence and popularity highly creditable to its friends and patrons. **** MONTROSE was laid out November 10, 1853, by Ed. Brooks, F. E. Billon, D. C. and W. J. Riddick. It possesses many commercial advantages, and now having a fair trade, its growth in the future will be quickened. ****** The other townships and villages of the county are usually quiet centers of trade situated in good agricultural districts. HOME ©2008 Genealogy Trails