Bear Creek Township

Bear Creek was among the first settled in the county, settlements having commenced as early as 1846.

It is of regular congressional township size, No. 80, and range 14, one of the four central townships of Poweshiek county.

Its present population, according to the census of 1880, including the town of Brooklyn, is 1,984, with 431 legal voters. Exclusive of Brooklyn Bear Creek has a population of 748.

The surface is mostly rolling, there being two creeks running from west to east through the township. The one which flows through the northern portion is called Big Bear Creek, and the one which flows through the central southern portion is called Little Bear Creek. There was formerly considerable timber in the northeast. Brooklyn is the only post-office, and there is no store except here.

The leading productions are corn, wheat, oats, barley, flax, potatoes, apples and hay. Cattle, horses and hogs are raised in great numbers, and fitted for the market. The education and moral standing of the people is of true Iowa character. The farmers are industrious, and many of them have attained independent circumstances. The farms are well fenced, wire, hedge, and board being used in about equal proportions. There are in the township four wind-mills, one saw-mill, one sorghum-mill, two brick kilns, and eleven school-houses.

The main line of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad runs through the township east and west, and Brooklyn is the station.

John J. Talbott was the first settler in the township. He came with his wife and children from Holmes county, Ohio, to Jefferson county, Iowa, in the fall of 1845, and on April 7, 1846, arrived in the eastern part of what was afterward called Bear Creek township, and settled on section 13, two years before Poweshiek county was organized. He staked out a claim of 160 acres before the land was in the market or had been surveyed by the government. The grove where he lived is now called Talbott's Grove, formerly Snook's Grove.

The second settler was Robert Manatt, who settled on section 14 in the spring of 1849, coming originally from Holmes county, Ohio. Mr. William Manatt also came the same spring, and settled on section 14. He was a native of Holmes county, Ohio.

The fourth settler was Charles Coffin, who, in 1849, took a claim on section 24 or 25.

Before Bear Creek township was organized there was created what was known as Bear Creek precinct, composed of nine townships, viz.: Jefferson, Madison. Sheridan, Chester, Grinnell, Malcom, Bear Creek, Warren, and Lincoln. The first election in this precinct occurred at the house of Henry Snook, on the first Monday in April, 1848. Mr. Snook's house is about three miles east of Brooklyn, in the edge of Warren township. At that election seven votes were cast, and every voter in those nine townships was there save one. The names of those who voted are: John J.Talbott, Henry Snook, George Snook, J. C. Talbott, Robert Talbott, Stephen Bunker, Jonathan Bunker. Mr. Jacob Snyder was the only voter in the precinct absent from the polls.

Of these pioneers, John J. Talbott died February 20, 1849, Henry Snook died a little later. Joshua C. and Robert Talbott both are still living in the township. George Snook lives in Iowa county. The Bunkers returned to Michigan in the fall of 1848.

The first post-office was in the house of Mrs. Mary Talbott, and her son, Joshua C. Talbott, was the first postmaster. It was established in 1849, and there were at that time ten families that received their mail here. Mr. Talbott continued postmaster till 1854.

The first school was taught on section 13, in the winter of 1854-5, by Robert Shimer, for $14.00 per month, having an attendance of about thirty-five scholars.

The first regular physician was Dr. Edward Barton, who came from Ohio in the year 1852, and in the year 1865 moved to Kansas.

Edward Aldrich, from New York, was the first lawyer. He came in the year of 1861, and died very suddenly in the fall of 1863.

The first death in the township was the pioneer and veteran, John J. Talbott. He died February 20, 1849, and was buried on section 13, where his ashes still rest within the little burial place, occupied by only four other graves. He it was who braved the privations and experiences of a frontier home, built the first log-house for himself and family, and no person was turned hungry from his friendly door, not even stranger or Indians. On the day he died the Indians, of whom many were encamped in the timber near the cabin, came about the house, wailed and lamented piteously, covered their faces with their blankets, and made many other signs of deep grief, for the loss of him they had known to be their friend. He lived one mile east of the present site of Brooklyn.

The second death was a mover's child. The neighbors made it a coffin and gave it a quiet resting place by the side of the first grave. The names of the others buried there are John Farqnhan, David Farquhan, and a man whose name is unknown. These graves are on section 18. There are three graves on section 17.

Isaac Drake was among the first settlers of Warren township; came in the spring of 1854, June 11.

The first marriage in the township was William Wallace and Rosa Ann Talbott, in May, 1852, the rite being solemnized by the Rev. Collins. This couple now reside in Colorado.

The first birth was Sarah Manassa Manatt, daughter of William and Mary Ann Manatt; born March 14, 1851. She now lives in Perry, Iowa.

The first minister in the county now lives in Brooklyn, Rev. J. B. Hardy a Methodist clergyman of sixty years. He held the first public religious exercises in the county in the spring of 1844, at the log cabin of Mr. Satchell, four miles south of Montezuma.

EARLY INCIDENTS

In the early days the settlers obtained their supplies by wagon from Muscatine, ninety miles away.

The Talbott boys often made wolf traps in the winter, and in this way caught and destroyed many of those treacherous animals. The wolves were so bold when hungry that they have been seen to come near the house and chase the chickens about the yard in the middle of the day.

One day five men with guns and horses hunted wild hogs; they succeeded in shooting one, which weighed over two hundred pounds, it being very fat.

While in hot pursuit of a deer on April 10, of the year 1847, Robert Talbott leaped a slough, and the horse though unusually nimble and swift of foot, accidentally stumbled and fell, breaking its neck and killing it instantly.

A man named Kirk Vincent, coming from Illinois, and going west with his cousin, Claiborne Showers, a lad of seventeen years, murdered the boy in the year 1862, near Brooklyn, then went to that place, bought a new hatchet, and with it cut off the head of his victim, and hid the head by the side of a log and covered it with leaves and bark.

One evening in the spring of 1859 a soldier in the regular array, by the name of Roene, while in the old " Wood's Tavern," in East Brooklyn, drew a large pistol and shot William Haws through the heart, then turned and put a bullet through his own brain. The two men lay dead upon the floor, side by side. William Haws was a lawyer in good standing and worthy the respect of all.

There was a severe wind in August, 1872, which completely destroyed the Marles school-house, situated on section___.

CITY OF BROOKLYN.

It is beautifully located on high ground, overlooking the railroad and Little Bear Creek. It is situated in the eastern central portion of Bear Creek township.

The population, according to the United States census for 1880, was 1,236. The town extends over much ground, a portion being south of the creek, which is called South Brooklyn. From the limits of the corporation on the northeast it extends nearly two miles to the southwest

It has four district parts, the "Old Town," on the extreme northeast, "Broadway," a little further southwest, "Depot Town, or "West Brooklyn," as it is sometimes called, and "South Brooklyn." The strife which these different sections have maintained while endeavoring to secure the business and influence has formed an interesting epoch in the history of the city, and proved the financial ruin of more than one of its worthy citizens.

Brooklyn is situated on the main line of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, 105 miles west of Davenport, and is at the end of two divisions, the "Eastern Iowa Division," which extends from Brooklyn to Rock Island, and the "Central Iowa Division," which extends from Brooklyn west to Stuart The city is well represented in all departments of business usually found in places of its size.

At present it contains 5 churches, 2 school buildings, 2 banks, 3 hotels, 6 genera] stores, 8 grocery stores, 2 hardware stores, 2 drug stores, 7 blacksmith shops, 3 wagon shops, 4 carpenter shops, 2 book stores, 4 grain elevators, 3 lumber yards, 1 mill and elevator combined, 1 livery, 2 harness shops, 1 public hall, 1 clothing store, 1 new6 stand, 2 jewelry stores, 5 meat markets, 1 bakery. 2 restaurants, 1 photograph gallery, 1 music store, barber shops, 1 depot, telegraph office, baggage room, 7 ministers, 6 doctors, 2 dentists, 6 lawyers, 2 insurance agencies, 1 printing office, 2 tailor shops, 1 wire-barbing shop, 2 coal yards, 4 millinery and 2 dress-making establishments, 2 shoe shops, 1 furniture store, 2 paint shops.

The following order will show the preliminary steps in the organization of Brooklyn into a city corporation:

"State of Iowa,"

"Poweshiek County,"

" To Thomas J. Holmes, George H.. Blakeslee, Henry G. Cummings, Sanford Suits and James D. Haile;

" You are hereby notified that, in pursuance of a petition and plat signed by A. J. Wood and some sixty other citizens of the town of Brooklyn, and presented to the Circuit Court within and for said county, for the purpose of incorporation, you are appointed commissioners and authorized to at once call an election of all the qualified electors residing within the territory embraced within the lines as described and platted in the petition now on tile in my office.

" Witness: John W. Cheshire, Clerk of said court, with the seal thereof hereto affixed at Montezuma, this 6th day of March, A. D. 1869.

"John W. Cheshire,"

"Clerk Circuit Court."

The first election for the town of Brooklyn was held April 5, 1869, when it was decided to incorporate said town. The first election for officers was May 29, 1869.

The following named persons have held the office of mayor:

1869, L. L. Littlefield; 1870, Thomas Rainsburg; 1871, S. M. Gibbs; 1872, S. M. Gibbs; 1873, W. T. Sharp; 1874, B. M. Talbott, and J. D.

Haile; 1875, William Ballantyno; 1876, W.T.Sharp; 1877, R. C. Gibbs; 1878, R. 0. Gibbs; 1879, H. S. Cook; 1880, H. 8. Cook.

License was granted saloons in 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1874, 1876, 1877.

No license was granted in 1873, 1875, 1878, 1879,1880. There were many "whiskey" prosecutions in 1878.

On the 26th day of May, 1875, there was a great fire in the city, destroying over sixty thousand dollars' worth of property. Two large grain elevators, a blacksmith and wagon shop, a warehouse, corn cribs, lumber yard, and agricultural implements were totally destroyed. Another fire occurred July 29, 1879, when three 6tore buildings were burned, the estimated loss being about $4,000.

On July 4, 1872, Marshal N. M. Zimmer shot with a revolver a railroad hand in trying to quiet a disturbance. The man shot recovered.

Mr. R. O. Shimer built the first dwelling-house in Brooklyn in the spring of 1855, and Dr. Reuben Sears, in the fall of 1854, kept the first store.

EARLY HISTORY

In the year 1849 Mr. James Manatt laid out a town of sixteen lots in w. hf. of se. qr. of section 14, Bear Creek township, about sixty rods northwest from the present Methodist Episcopal brick church. This was the very first step toward the location of the present town of Brooklyn.

Mr. Joseph Allman purchased two lots, and in the spring of 1850 built thereon a frame house, and the town was then called " Greenville." The motive in locating a town at this place originated from the desire of Mr. Allman, who had just come from the east, to settle within the limits of a growing western town. It will be proper to state here that the town of Greenville never contained a half dozen buildings.

The next movement was conducted by Dr. Reuben Sears, who purchased two acres of land at $30.00 an acre, situated about sixty rods northeast of the M. E. Church, as it now stands. Then a portion of the two acres purchased by Dr. Sears was laid off into lots and sold for small sums. There was much conjecture about the name it should have. Some proposed to name it from one of the largo cities of the East, " New York " or "New Philadelphia," while others protested, saying " it would kill the town." At this time Dr. Sears obtained the attention of the little company, and persuaded them to accept the "modest name" of "Brooklyn," which they all cheerfully did, and since that time no person has desired to change the name, or been ashamed of it. At the time it received its name it contained only five houses. This part laid out by Robert Manatt and Dr. Bears, was afterward called the " old town." Mr. Manatt laid out building lots, and platted and recorded considerable of the old town. R. O. Shimer purchased one-half acre, and it was laid out at the same time. As soon as the railroad came up the creek, the business began to tend in the direction of the depot, which was three-quarters of a mile southwest. It first began to center on Broadway, then, owing to price of lots and other causes, nearly all the business centered in West Brooklyn, or Depot Town, as it is often called. Mr. William Manatt laid off considerable of Depot Town, and Mr. T. J. Holmes & Son also sold a considerable number of lots for business houses.

The ground on the northwest corner of Front and Jackson streets, now covered with business buildings, and forming the trade center of the place, was bought from William Manatt, the original owner, by F. D. Verstraeten in 1863, for $30.00.

Mr. Joshua C. Talbott laid out forty acres on the south side, which is known as Talbott's Addition, and Col. Leonard Skinner laid out thirty acres on the south side, which is known as Skinner's First and Second Additions to Brooklyn.

T. J. Holmes & Son built the first grain warehouse and office in Brooklyn in the summer of 1862. This was not only the first in Brooklyn, but the first grain-house on a railroad located one hundred miles west of the Mississippi River in any of the States. Mr. Holmes built the first grain elevator at Marengo, also at Homestead station.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

Organized September 24, 1859; original members: Morris S. Miller and wife, Antoine Shultner and wife, R. S. Miles and wife, J. O. Miles and wife, G. D. Bross and wife. The organization was aided by Rev. J. C. Miles. There followed a council of sister Baptist churches which convened November 3, 1859, to recognize this branch of Zion. Of that council Bro. Oliver Langworthy, of Grinnell, was moderator. Services of the church were help in a school-house just south of the town. The next pastor was Rev. Samuel Miles, then followed Rev. Mitchell, O. M. Merrick, J. By water, A. H. Post, J.R. Miller, J. Kissell, the present pastor. Rev. J. Kissell commenced his pastorate labor March 15, 1880. The present membership is twenty-three. The Sunday-school meets even* sabbath, at noon, with an average attendance of forty-five. Superintendent, H. S. Cook; Assistant Superintendent, Cyrus Neff. The church was built in the summer of 1873, at a cost of $2,000.

ST. MARK'S CHURCH

The articles of incorporation of the parish of St Mark's Church, Brooklyn, Iowa, were drawn up February 14, 1871. Episcopal services had been held previously, beginning May 8, 1870, by the Rev. W. T. Currie, resident at Newton; also, on the 30th of November, in the same year, the ladies interested in his work organized the "West Brooklyn Dime Society." This society has been eminently successful in its efforts, and has proved a most efficient auxiliary to the parish in many ways, providing for current expenses, purchasing lots, and contributing largely toward building and furnishing the present beautiful church edifice. The first parish meeting was held in the office of T. J. Holmes, Esq., the pioneer churchman of Brooklyn, on Easter Monday, April 10, 1871. The first vestrymen were, E. Tinker, C. H. Libby, T. J. Holmes, E. B. Holley, J. A. Spencer, J. H. McMurray, D. Sterling, C. S. Newcorab, and W. T. Holmes. T. J. Holmes was elected senior warden, and E. Tinker, junior warden. As shown by the records the first gift to the parish from abroad was from Jonathan James, Esq., of New York City, a brother of Mrs. Ti J. Holmes. It consisted of two handsomely bound books, UA Parish Register" and " Pariah Minutes," The parish was admitted into union with the convention of the Diocese of Iowa, at tho eighteenth annnal meeting, held at Council Bluffs, May 30, 1871.

On the 27th of August, of the same year, the first Bishop of Iowa (the Rt. Rev. H. W. Lee, D. D.) made his visitation to the parish, and confirmed twelve persons. The Rev. W. T. Currie closed his official connection with St. Mark's Church May 5, 1872, and on the 22d day of the following September his brother, the Rev. Samuel Currie, resumed the services, and continued in charge about two years. After his resignation occasional services were held by the General Missionary of Iowa, the Rev. F. E. Judd, until the first of December, 1877, when Mr. Judd became rector of the parish, and services were maintained without interruption. These services were held in Central Hall, which had been rented for the purpose. On Easter Sunday, 1877, the interest of the people in providing a church building was tested by an offering, which, to the surprise of all, amounted to $3,226. This sum included $600 given by the ladies' dime society. This society had previously purchased and embellished with trees two lots, most desirably located, and in the center of these lots the vestry proceeded at once to build the church. The work was begun with the resolution that not one cent of debt should be incurred by the parish, and this resolution has been adhered to most strictly. Through self-denying liberality, and most persevering effort, the church was so far completed as to be ready for the Easter services of 1878. Its dimensions are seventy feet by thirty, with a stone basement, eleven feet in height, under the entire building, which has been finished for Sunday-school and parish purposes.

The superstructure is of wood, having, instead of the usual frame, a succession of arches, springing from the foundation, according to an original design by the senior warden, T. J. Holmes, Esq., who is himself a practical builder. The plans, however, were wrought out in detail by Mr. U. T. Jocelyn, of Des Moines. The interior calls forth unusual admiration on account of its extraordinary combination of elegance with simplicity and utility. The nave is capable of seating comfortably four hundred persons, and if necessary over five hundred could be accommodated. The acoustic properties are perfect. The stained glass windows, furnished by Messrs. McCully & Miles, of Chicago, are marvels of beauty, both in design and delicacy of color. The amount expended thus far is about $4,000, and about $1,000 more will completely finish and furnish this inexpensive yet very beautiful church edifice.

The only aid sought outside of the parish has been toward completing and furnishing the chancel, which is the first memorial placed in an Iowa

church to Iowa's first bishop, who himself held the first prayer book service in Brooklyn. Among the adornments of this chancel are, a beautiful communion table, the gift of the second bishop of Iowa, two very handsome pedestals for vases, painted and presented to the present rector by Mrs. J. B. Dougherty, of Muscatine, and an elegant memorial vase, given by the friends of the late Miss Harriet T. James, a sister-in-law of the senior warden.

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The following, in itself giving the early and modern history of the church, was read by Mr. William Ballantyne, an elder, at the quarter centennial celebration, May 20, 1880:

" In the frontier settlements of our country the school-house generally precedes the church building, and frequently, under the necessitous circumstances of early settlements, while used for a place of secular instruction during the week, is often used for religious worship on the sabbath. Those of us who have lived in the wooded parts of our country still remember with interest the primitive log school-house where the surrounding settlers gathered together for sacred service on the sabbath. These were the days of primitive styles of dress, when primitive music was sung, and where the sermons preached were probably just as effective as they are now. In the original school-house in this town of Brooklyn, on the 20th day of May, 1855;just twenty-five years ago to-day - five men and seven women assembled together and entered into organized Christian fellowship, professing their belief and personal interest in the common doctrines of evangelical faith, and under the form of church government denominated Presbyterian."The names, as they stand on the original record, are as follows: Reuben Sears, and his wife, Cyntha Ann; Robert Manatt, and his wife, Margaret; Braddiah Cummings, and his daughter, Mary Frances Cummings; John Fry, and his wife, Barbara; Henry Broadbrooks, and his wife, Almira, and their daughter, Ann Elizabeth; and Margaret Scott - twelve in all. Out of this number Braddish Cummings was chosen ruling elder. Of the original members three have died, and are buried in our cemetery; five have been dismissed, and gone to other parts of the country; three are with us tonight; and the aged elder, now in his four-score and fourth year, confined to his couch in infirmity and weakness, body wasted, and mind almost gone, unable to understand or to appreciate the fact of our meeting here tonight. The minister who officiated at the organization was the Rev. W. W. Woods, of Iowa City, assisted by Rev. James Lowry.

"The brethren who have served in the ministry of the gospel to this church are Revs. Robert Holstone, Alexander Lemon, who commenced his labors on the 15th of September, 1857, and closed them on the 15th of March, 1859. A. D. Chapman, commencing his labors on November 1, 1859, and closing in the fall of 1867. W. D. Ballantyne was ordained and installed on December 11, 1867, and continued a little over two years. Then in March, 1870, Edwin C. Haskell was invited to supply the pulpit, and having accepted, he continued until the spring of 1872, a space of two years. In April of the same year a call was extended to Rev. A. W. Haynes, which was accepted, and he continued in the work till the fall of 1875. During the winter of 1875-76, we were served by President George F. Magoun, of Iowa College, and his son Rev. F. Magoun. In the summer of 1876, we had the services of A. S. Leonard, a student of Lane Seminary. During the winter of 1866-67, there was no lack of religious services.

"In May, 1867, Mr. Leonard returned, and was ordained and installed the following September. In two years from that date the pastoral relation was dissolved and our next supply is now seated on the platform. During all the twenty-five years of this church organization, there have been received into church fellowship 263 persons - exactly 100 males, fifty-six by letter and forty-four on profession of faith; 163 females, eighty-eight by letter and seventy-live on profession of faith. At a meeting of the Presbytery held in Brooklyn on the 19th day of April, 1867, twenty-nine members were disjoined from this church and organized into the Presbyterian Church of Malcom. Of the number who have died and the number who have been dismissed, we cannot give the correct figures, but at the meeting of the Presbytery, held at Muscatine a few days ago, we reported a membership of 125. The names of those who have served in the eldership are: Braddish Cummings, Samuel F. Pryne, Shipman Newkirk, Z. P. Wigton, Win. Morrison, Charles Gordon, James Ballantyne, Leander L. Smith and William Ballantyne; the last named three are the only ones now in office."

The church commenced service in tho old school-house near the present residence of Mr. Foster, but in the fall of 1867 the church obtained possession of another school-house by purchase for $600, refitted it at a cost of about $50 more, then in the spring of 186S enlarged it at a cost of $620.

The old building and site was sold for a little over $300 and divided for dwelling-houses, one part was moved away and is now occupied as the residence of E. O. Parker. The other part still stands on the old site and is used as a dwelling by Mr. James Walker.

The present church edifice is a fine structure, on a commanding site, and an ornament to the city. The church was commenced in the spring of 1874, and finished the same fall at a cost of $3,000. The seating capacity is about 300. It was dedicated by Rev. A. G. Martyn preaching the sermon and A. W. Haines, the pastor, assisting in the services. The clergymen of the other denominations in the city were in attendance, and also aided.

The sabbath-school meets every sabbath at noon, with an average attendance of 100. Names of Superintendents: W. D. Ballantyne, E. O. Parker, Frederic Jayues, A. L. "Wigton, Mrs. F. A. Shaw, and John C. Ballantyne, the present incumbent. The school, us also the church, are in a nourishing condition.

The following, found in the Davenport Gazette, in regard to the exercises of the quarter centennial celebration of May 20, 1880, will be of interest to the reader:

"Brooklyn, Iowa, May 21.

" Our Presbyterian Church celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of its organization, its 'silver wedding,' so to speak, last evening. The members of the church and congregation, with a goodly number of their friends and well-wishers from all the other churches, assembled in their house of worship, which was very tastefully decorated with wreaths and flowers, and the exercises were opened by the choir with a s thanksgiving anthem.' A prayer was offered by the Rev. A. G. Martyn, of Malcom, and an excellent address was delivered by Rev. Wm. R. Henderson, of Iowa City, his subject being ' Church growth, its nature and the best means to promote it.' Dean William Ballantyne followed with a short but comprehensive history of the society, and closed by introducing Mrs. T. M. Francis, one of the 'charter members,' who read a serio-comic essay, in which she embellished the facts and figures given by Mr. Ballantyne in a manner that gave the audience a pretty good idea of the changes that had occurred during the years gone by. Rev. A. D. Chapman, of Malcom, who was among the earliest workers in this part of the vineyard and pastor of this church for a period of eight years, responded to an invitation in remarks calling up many memories of long ago. In response to the toast 'Our Church Household,' Mrs. McDowell, of the Presbyterian Church of Malcom, which was organized about ten years ago, many of its original members having been drawn from the Brooklyn society, read a paper demonstrating the fact that though the old-time household is divided by distance, it is united in spirit and good works. The pastor, Rev. T. H. Candor, offered the sentiment, 'Our Sister Churches,' to which happy responses were made by the Rev. D. C. Smith, of 'Grace' Methodist, and Rev. F. E. Judd, of 'St. Mark's' Episcopal Churches. Mrs. Susie McCulloch, in a few well chosen remarks, presented to the church, on behalf and in the name of the ladies of the society, a beautiful marble-top communion table and an elegant and complete silver communion service; a very appropriate gift, and one that will ever serve as a memorial of this anniversary. Mr. T. J. Holmes, being called upon as an old citizen, and a former colaborer in both the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches, responded in a manner that showed he had not forgotten the events that occurred in tho years that are gone. The pastor of the church then thanked the audience for their good will and kind wishes, as evidenced by the large number present, as well as by the remarks of the speakers; after which a duet, entitled 'Hearth and Home1 was sung, and Rev. A. D. Chapman pronounced the benediction. The exercises were interspersed with excellent music, by the choir, and altogether the celebration of this twenty-fifth anniversary was an event that will be remembered by all who participated therein as one of great interest, and unalloyed pleasure."

GRACE M. E. CHURCH

At present the Methodist Episcopal Church is the leading church of the place. The present membership, including probationers, is three hundred. The church edifice is a large and beautiful brick structure, situated on high ground overlooking the town. It cost $9,000. Rev. D. 0. Smith, a man of marked abilities and Christian worth, has just closed his labors with the church. Four physicians, two dentists, one lawyer, twelve other business men and several leading farmers are supporting members of this church.

It was organized as early as 1853, but there are records only from February 3, 1855. The first meetings were held at the house of Mrs. Mary Talbott, one mile east of Brooklyn. Among the original members we find the names of William Melvin, John Swaney, Edward Griswold, James Barnes and Mary Shimer. The frame church, which was built in 1858, cost $2,800. The present brick house of worship was dedicated December 23, 1877, by Rev. Bishop E. G. Andrews, assisted by Revs. D. C. Smith, Dr. G. N. Powers, J. H. Reasoner and the pastor, W. G. Thorn.

The following pastors have served the church: Revs. Collins, George Bamford one year, A. O. Baruhart one year, F. M. Slusser one year, Rev. Caseboer, P. F. Brasee, J. R. Carey one year, J. T. Simmons one year, C. P. Reynolds one year, C. Morey one year, C. P. Reynolds three years, C. S. Jennis two years, J. B. Hardy one year, O. P. Light one year, L. P. Causey two years, W. G. Wilson one year, W. G. Thorn three years, E. L. Schreiner one year, and the present pastor, D. C. Smith, one year.

The church has enjoyed several religious awakenings, one in particular in the winter and spring of 1877, under the direction of Rev. W. G. Thorn, the pastor at that time; great numbers were added to the church. It was the largest revival in the history of the church.

The sabbath-school meets every sabbath morning at 9:30 o'clock, with an average attendance of 153, but the whole number belonging to the school is 231. There are twenty-one officers and teachers. There has, during the past year, been raised by the school the 6um of $45 for missionary purposes, and $95 for the benefit of the school.

During the past year the school has held several public missionary meetings. Mr. O. F. Dorrance is now Superintendent and Mr. Ira Thompson Secretary.

BROOKLYN CHRONICLE

Brooklyn, Poweshiek county, Iowa. Established September 9, 1875, by W. H. McFarland as editor and proprietor. Mr. II. L. Dodge leased the office of W. M. McFarland and became editor and publisher September 1, 1879. Mr. Dodge came with Mr. McFarland from Mt. Pleasant, aided in the establishment of the Chronicle in 1875, and with the exception of a vacation of about four months in the summer of 1878, was foreman till he became publisher. Under the head of "our first issue" September 4, 1879, appears Mr. Dodge's characteristic salutatory:

"After four years of almost unceasing labor in another capacity on the Chronicle, we assume the editorial chair. We are well aware that our path will not be smoothed by others for us to travel over, but instead, if we wish a smooth path in our journalistic career, much depends on our own efforts to shape the path, that we may have as few places to trip and stumble as possible. We don't believe much in making promises, but we will say this, that we will use our best endeavors to keep the Chronicle up to the high standard it has attained under the editorial management of Mr. McFarland. Our aim will be to make it a first-class live local paper. We will try to make your interests and ours identical, and not antagonistic. We will claim the right to hold opinions, and on proper occasions, to express them; yet at the same time, those who may differ with us on any matter will be allowed a hearing through our columns. We will ask for your patronage and expect to give you value received. We don't want you to give us a cent more than you think our labor benefits you, for we will not be a party to turning the Chronicle into a pauper mill. While our articles may not be as finely finished as some would like them, we will make them as plain as we can, and so they can be understood, if we do have to leave off the last coat of varnish. In politics the paper will remain Republican. With these few crude thoughts we leave the matter in your hands, respectfully soliciting that patronage you think we deserve."

There was a weekly paper started here by W. G. Campbell, editor, in 1866, and probably no year since that date has Brooklyn been without a newspaper, though it has often changed its name, political principles and editors; C. E. Leland, editor of the Brooklyn Journal after Mr. Campbell, then followed E. A. Day, A. L. Wigton, R. P. Childs, Henry Martin (an Anti-monopolist), B. A. Ward, G. N. Sherburne (an (Independent) and U. Mitchell (a Democrat).

Since 1875 the paper has been conducted in a business-like manner, it's circulation increased and its influence widened. The politics of the paper is Republican.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The common school, which is such an honor to the State, finds in the pubic schools of Brooklyn no backward step. There is here general appreciation of education and honest pride in having all the rising generation well fitted for the active responsibilities of life. Only within quite recent date have the people of Brooklyn enjoyed privileges of good graded schools which they now enjoy. Until 1870 no good graded system prevailed, and since that time all that could be desired has not been fully realized. Organized as an independent school district in the spring of 1868, the principals and presidents of tho school boards have been as follows:

YEAR . PRINCIPAL. PRESIDENTS.

1868...............J. D. Haile.................Geo. W. Blakeslee.

1869 .............. " ...............................Geo. W. Blakeslee.

1870............... " ...............................E. Blanchard.

1871.............. " ...............................E. Blanchard.

1872..............Amos Hiatt.................R. Talbott.

1873..............George F. McClellan.........E. Blanchard.

1874................. " " " .................H. G. Cummings.

1S75................. " " " .................W. Hibbard.

1876.................A. L. Shattuck...............H. G. Cummings.

1877.................A. T. Free......................W. Hibbard.

1878.................J. P. McCammon............O. F. Dorrance.

1879................T.H. Bradbury..................W. H. Cummings.

1880.................Miss Jennie Shrader..........C. H. Libby.

"W. T. Holmes has been the treasurer since its organization. Present teachers: Principal, Miss Jennie Shrader; room No. 1, Miss Maggie O. Wright; room No. 2, Florence Sargeant; North Brooklyn, room No. 3, Allie G. Woods; room No. 4, Mary D. Ballantyne. South Brooklyn, room No. 2, Mr. J. E. McCarty; room No. 1, Mies Sarah M. Francisco. Broadway, Miss Maggie L. Davidson.

SOCIETIES.

Odd Fellows. - Brooklyn Lodge, No. 114. Organized February 3d, 1858, with five charter members, viz: George Miller, L. S. Shields, W. S. Guffy, D. S. Ensor, James Motherell. The first initiate was Robt. Talbott. The society owns property to tho amount of over ten thousand dollars, including a large brick block, with store-rooms and offices, and a spacious and elegantly furnished hall for the use of the order. The main hall is sixty-five feet long and twenty-four feet wide, and furnished in the very best style, adorned with emblematic carpet, frescoed walls and ceiling, chandeliers and other improvements. There are three ante-rooms. The building was erected in the summer of 1875, and tho hall was dedicated on the 26th of April, 1876. The order meets every Saturday evening. There are ninety-eight active members. The following is a list of the present officers: I. N. Drake, N. G.; M. Nebel, Vice G.; J. O. Stober, Treasurer; W. T. Sharp,

Permanent Sec.; J. P. W. Freed, Recording Sec

Brooklyn Encampment, No. 36, I. O. O. F. - Was instituted October 21, 1868, and now numbers thirty-eight active members. It holds its meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month, in Odd Fellows' Hall, and is one of the best working organizations of the kind in central Iowa.

Good Samaritan Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F. - Daughters of Rebekah. Was instituted October 22, 1874; meeting the first Saturday afternoon of each month, in Odd Fellows' Hall; numbers twenty-five active members, and together with the subordinate lodge and encampment, keeps the banner of Odd Fellowship unfurled in the community and the principles of that noble order in constant practice.

Masons. - Corinthian Lodge, No. 174, A. F. and A.M. Organized June, 1864; chartered June, 1865. Regular communication first Wednesday evening on or before full moon, in the Odd Fellows' Hall. Present number of working members, fifty. Present officers: E. Happy, W. M.; J. A. Flaig, S. W.; M. McKone, J. W.; O. H. Libby, Treasurer; E. O. Parker, Secretary; G. W. Dalby, Senior Deacon; J. E. Mousley, Junior Deacon; Edward Phillips, Tyler. Names of Worshipful Masters, with date of election: June, 1864, Robert Davidson, three years; June, 1867, R. C. Shimer, one year; June, 1868, Thomas Rainsburg, three years; June, 1871, S. B. Frum,one year; 1872, A. J. Wood, one year; June, 1873, G. W. Dalby three years; June, 1876, J. B. Henion, two years; June, 1878, W. EL Price, one year; 1879, Geo. Phillips, one year; 1880, E. Happy, present incumbent.

A. O. U. W. - Bear Creek Lodge, No. 175. Organized the 2d of September, 1878. Present membership, 44. Meetings every Monday night, in Odd Fellows' Hall. Present officers: J. B. Seeley, Master Workman; C. C. Drake, Past Master Workman; Alexander Wood, Foreman; B. Shimer, Overseer; E. J. Applegate, Recorder; W. H. Cummings, Financier; Geo. Phillips, Receiver; L. J. Owen, Guide; T. M. Francis, Inside Watchman; F. A. Beall, Outside Watchman. The following persons have held the office of M. W. in the order of their names: J. W. Lantz, one term; J. E. Mousley, two terms; C. C. Drake, one term; J. B. Seeley, present incumbent.

Brooklyn Veteran Union. - Organized June 30, 1877. It meets on the first Tuesday afternoon, in the months of February, May, August and November. The present officers are, W. E. Small, Commander; Donald Frazer, Vice Commander; E. O. Parker, Treasurer; W. T. Holmes, Secretary. Executive committee: W. E. Small, Geo. Phillips, W. T. Holmes, John T. Scott, Ira T. Martin. There are at present ninety-eight enrolled, representing eighty-five different army organizations. Some who wore the gray have enrolled. The society is different from anything the writer has before known. Its success as a permanent organization is assured, and Brooklyn may well boast of its merits. Its objects may be best understood from the following extracts from its constitution:

"We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, having faithfully served our country as soldiers, sailors or marines, and been honorably discharged from such service, desiring to preserve and strengthen those kind and fraternal feelings which bind us together, and to perpetuate the memory of the dead, do ordain and establish the following rules and regulations for the government of this association:

"This association shall be known as the "Brooklyn Veteran Union."

" Objects: Those recited in the foregoing preamble. To better enable us to keep in mind those who shared with us the toils and dangers of those days, the record of which forms at once the brightest and darkest pages of our country's history; and to assist such former comrades in arms as may require our good offices, and to extend needful aid to the widows and orphans of those who have fallen.

" Any person who wore the blue during the great rebellion, and can furnish satisfactory evidence of having done his duty in any branch of the military service of the United States during that period; and such of those who wore the gray as are now in full sympathy and accord with, and determined in the future to fully support, the government of the United States, and to encourage the maintenance of our free institutions and the blessings of liberty, equal rights and justice to all men, shall be eligible to membership."

The union has adopted as a uniform the " Sherman " hat, and blouse, and uses the muzzle-loading Springfield rifle musket, a case of which was obtained in New York, early in 1878. Besides turning out in force on the occasion of each annual " Decoration Day," and conducting the exercises at the cemetery, detachments, fully armed and equipped, have attended celebrations at different places in the county.

The union owns a beautifully-located plat of ground in the Odd Fellows' or city cemetery, consisting of six lots, in which one stranger, a comrade from near St. Joseph, Michigan, has already been buried, and upon which it is the intention of the society to erect a soldiers' monument as soon as the necessary funds can be secured.

BAND.

Brooklyn CornetBand. - Organized in tho fall of 1877; ten pieces. F. Mousley, Pres't; F. Manatt, Sec; H. 0. Ball, Treas.; B. Shimer, Leader. Meets twice each week.

MUSICAL SOCIETY.

Brooklyn Choral Society. - Organized in the summer of 1879; twenty-five members. J. B. Carder, M. D., Preset; I. T. Martin, Sec; E. O. Parker, Treasurer; S.W. Corwin, Musical Director; Miss Alda Rayburn, Organist. Holds weekly meetings.

TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.

Blue Ribbon Club. - Organized December 12, 1878. H. L. Dodge, President; R. N. Powers, Sec; E. H. Skinner, Treas. Meets semi-monthly.

COMPANY H, NINTH REGIMENT I. N. G., OF BROOKLYN.

This company was organized April 23, 1878, as regular State militia. Most are enlisted for three years, some, however, for five. They have a good armory, large enough to drill a company at any season of the year. The officers and men are uniformed, armed and equipped. They have attended, under arms, several celebrations at Brooklyn, Malcom and Grinnell. They meet at Central Hall Armory twice each month for drill. They are armed with the best Springfield breech-loading rifles. The enrollment includes fifty-five able-bodied men. The present officers are: E. B. Smith, Captain; E. J. Applegate, 1st Lieutenant; H. E. Herrick, 2d Lieutenant; A. W. Thompson, 1st Sergeant. George Phillips, who recruited the company, and was its first Captain, is now Lieut. Colonel of the regiment, having been elected to that position February 10, 1880.

RAILROAD.

Besides a good passenger depot the railroad company have a freight house, round-house, turn-table and five side tracks. The round-house contains thirteen stalls for engines, and a sleeping apartment, with over twenty cots, for engineers and firemen. There is also a small repair shop in connection with the engine house. Mr. J. E. Mausley is at present over-seer of the engine house and the railroad employees who make this their headquarters. There are daily, except Sundays, two express trains each way, and twelve accommodation and freight trains each way. Mr. J. H. Tucker is the present station agent The railroad was built to this place in the fall of 1862.

POST-OFFICE.

The post-office is now kept by Mr. George Phillips, the postmaster, on the west side of Jackson street. The names of the different postmasters are as follows:

J. C. Talbott from 1849 to 1854. Dr. Edward Barton, a short time. Wm. S. Guffy. Then the post-office was discontinued for about six months. Ruben Sears, two years. S. F. Pruyn. L. S. Shields, 1860. Jas. E. Johnson, 1861-1864. Charles Harrah. Dr. C. E. Rayburn, 1869. David Sterling, 1869. O. Darrance, East Brooklyn, B. M. Talbott, West Brooklyn. George Phillips, appointed August 23, 1873.

BROOKLYN CEMETERY.

The Brooklyn cemetery is situated about three-quarters of a mile northeast of the business portion of the town. It was laid out in 1868 and now contains seventeen acres. The first person whose remains were deposited there was John Manatt. It was used for its present purposes a long time before it was laid out The Odd Fellows now own and control the ground, and Mr. G. K. Satchell is sexton.

The Catholics have a burying ground east of the city and just south of the Odd Fellows' cemetery. It was laid out in 1878.

INCIDENTS.

Considerable of the town of Brooklyn was laid out in the spring of 1855 by Robert Manatt. The first house was built by Robert Shimer, who with Dr. Sears, G. D. Bross and J. H. Harper, were the first settlers.

Dr. Sears, in the fall of 1855, opened a small grocery in an old log cabin, keeping for sale tea, sugar and, in those days, other " luxuries."

Source: The History Of Poweshiek County Iowa 1880
Transcribed and Contributed to Genealogy Trails by Barbara Ziegenmeyer