MALCOM TOWNSHIP

The position of this township is central, being No. 80 north and range 15 west.

Flowing east, Little Bear Creek passes through sections 19, 20, 21, 28, 27, 26 and 25; and Big Bear Creek, in the same direction, flows through sections 5, 4, 3, 11 and 12.

The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad follows the course of Little Bear Creek, making a station by the same name as the township, in the southeast corner of section 26.

With Sheridan on the north, Bear Creek on the east, Pleasant on the south and Grinnell on the west, it lacks none of the advantages afforded by a large farming district on all sides. The surface and soil are all that could be desired, being adapted to garden products, grain and fruit The rapid development of the resources of the township has been due largely to superior railroad advantages and its central geographical position.

The township officers are:

Trustees—W. W. Wheeler, W. A. Vernon, Milo Torrey.

Justices of the Peace—G. S. Tabor, L. E. Cardell.

Clerk—N. F. Bates.

Assessor—A. P. Meigs.

In 1880 it contained a population of 1,073, and 232 voters.   The real estate is valued at $271,841, and the personalty at $60,567.   The road tax last year was 3 1/2 mills.

L. W. Zinc, a German, who settled on section 14, in 1854, was among the first settlers.  Mr. Zinc moved farther west several years ago.

Church Meigs came from Linden, Vermont, and in the spring of 1854 took a claim in section 14, but made no permanent settlement until the following spring.

James Motherall came in 1855 and settled in section 10. He removed west several years since.

Edmund Cardell came from Washington county, Vermont, and settled in section 14.

The first settlements were on what is known as the " State Road," which runs from Iowa City to Des Moines.

P. P. Raymond came from Vermont and in the spring of 1855 settled on section 15.  Mr. Raymond is now a banker in the village of Malcom.

The first white child born in the township was a daughter of L. W. Zinc.

The first permanent physician was J. W. McDowell, who came from Princeton, Illinois, in the year 1867, and still resides in Malcom. The first doctors who practiced in the township were Ruben Sears and John Conaway, of Brooklyn.

The township was organized in 1859, and the first officers were:

Trustees, H. D. Arnold, C. B. Martin, II. Provos; clerk, S. Bates; assessor, Robert Motherall.

The first meeting of the board of trustees was at the house of Edward Cardell.

SCHOOLS.

The first school was taught by Mrs. Patience Wallace, at the house of Church Meigs, in the year 1855.  There were six children in attendance.

The first school-house was built by the settlers in section 23.

Now there are nine good school-houses and eleven good schools in the township.  We have been able to obtain the names of the teachers:

No. 2, S. B, Wallace; No. 5, Miss Josie Jones; No. 6, Miss Ida Whitsett; No. 9, Miss Jennie Moss; No. 7, O.J. Laylander, Prin.; Mrs. H. V. Hilliker, Assist.; Miss Helen Shirland, Assist.; J. W. Remine, Secretary School Board.

In the independent district of Malcom City there are 136 pupils registered and 169 of school age; ten months of school; $1,250 paid teachers; $3,100 worth of school property.

POST-OFFICE.

The postmasters here have been in the following order: W. J. Johnson, appointed December 19, 1866; J. £. Johnson, 1868; J. U. Duffus, 1872; Thomas Cady, 1874.

GERMAN TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH.

The church building is situated on the northeast corner of section 4, on the Sheridan township line.

It was organized on the first day of November, 1867, with C. C. Schultz, H. Broders, F. Lange, II. Barenfnss, F. Schultz, Q. Buchanan, J. J. Schultz, C. Ridasch, F. Lisker, H. Schultz, J. Knoebel, F. Paulsen, as original members.   The present membership is thirty-five.

The frame church was built in the year 1867, at a coat of $1,000, and was dedicated by Rev. F. A. Boden, now in Kellogg, and Rev. A. Rhen.

Rev. J. Meyer is present pastor.

Mr. J. J. Schultz gave the land for the church and it was through his efforts, together with C. C. Schultz, Fred. Schultz and a few others, that the church was built.

THE MALCOM FAIR.

The grounds of the association, with headquarters at Malcom, are three- quarters of a mile south of town. They are closely fenced, containing a race course, buildings for agricultural and mechanical exhibit, judges' stand, and are fitted up in good style. Ample accommodations are furnished for stock. The fairs held each fall have been uniformly successful, the animals, garden and field products being of the highest order, and these fairs have done much to promote good feeling and emulation among the farmers of the county.

REMOVAL OF COUNTY SEAT.

For several years a continued movement has been on foot to bring the county seat from its present location at Montezuma, to Malcom. Having in mind the benefits which would accrue to them, the citizens have used every endeavor for the furtherance of that object. Malcom is within a mile and a half of the geographical center of the county, and is also about the center of population. As now situated tho county seat is more easily accessible for the inhabitants of the two southern tiers of townships, the population of which, by the census of 1880, is 8,361, as against 10,521, the population of the two northern tiers.

The people of Malcom are exceptionally energetic and alive to their interests, and it is only the preponderance of sentiment for other reason against moving it, that has kept tho court-house where it is. But as the northern part of the county contains the greater number of inhabitants, 2,160 more, as the census shows, its convenience should be consulted, and when the time shall come when new buildings are erected, the county seat will doubtless be moved somewhere on the line of tho Rock Island Railroad. In the summer of 1880, when the subject of removing the county seat to Grinnell was being agitated, and canvassers from that city were out with petitions, Malcom, not one whit behind, sent out men with remonstrances and petitions, and promised as much as Grinnell, the donation of a finished court-house and site therefore to the county.

But the people of the county were so divided in opinion as to whether it should be moved at all, or if moved, whether it should go to Malcom or Grinnell, that a majority for removal to either place could not be procured. Doubtless the subject will rest until the growth of the county business and the natural decay of the buildings shall render necessary tho erection of a new court-house, jail, etc. If, as now seems highly probable, a railroad should be built from Montezuma to Malcom, the southern part of the county would be put in closer communication with this town, and its desires in this respect furthered.

HOW ONE OF THE EARLY SETTLERS TELLS HER STORY ABOUT SEEING JOHN BROWN.

" Of the eventful mornings that came and went in the spring of 1859, one will ever remain a pleasant memory to me. One day in the early spring of that year (I cannot now recall the exact day) a rumor ran through the settlement that John Brown, better known throughout the West as Ossawattamie Brown, had arrived in Grinnell with a small band of fugitives from Missouri on his way to Canada. Grinnell at that time was known far and wide as an important station of the underground railroad, Hon. J. B. Grinnell, receiver; and there was a standing reward of a large amount offered by the leading slaveholders of Missouri for the head of that gentleman. Happily his head still rests upon his broad shoulders, and consequently the reward has never been claimed. The party remained for several days at Grinnell for recuperation and rest, when their journey was resumed. Knowing that their route would bring them past my residence I, with the curiosity peculiar to my sex, as well as the sympathy that I felt in the movements of the old hero, waited his coining. It was a clear and bright morning, a brisk, cool breeze played over the broad prairie, the winding paths of which were those of the wildest freedom. About eight o'clock my watchfulness was rewarded, and walking to the gate I awaited their approach.   The wagon containing the fugitives was closely covered, the gloved hands of the driver being all that was visible. A little in advance rode John Brown on horseback, and upon him my interest centered. He passed closely enough to where I stood for me to have grasped his hand, and I have always regretted that I did not offer him mine; I lowly bowed, which salutation was respectfully returned. I shall never forget his appearance: it was truly patriarchal. An expression of weariness and anxiety rested upon his features, but over it all, from his clear, bright eyes, gleamed out the determination and will of his resolute spirit. No word passed between us, but the warm 'God bless you,' in my heart, was earnest and sincere; and I honored him as much in his protection of those five refugees as I should have done had he been leading a host from bondage to the land of promise. I soon after heard of the safe arrival of the party in Canada. The short, yet eventful, career of Brown after this is well known. The raid at Harper's Ferry, tho arrest and imprisonment, the trial, and the last scene in the tragedy, have furnished a chapter in the history of the nation.

MALCOM VILLAGE.

This thriving town is situated in section 26, only a mile and a half from the geographical center of Poweshiek county. It is beautifully located on elevated ground on the direct line of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, and bids fair to become one of tho best business centers of the county. It is a child of only fourteen years growth, and already contains a population of five hundred, two fine churches, one school-house, one bank, one hotel, one post-office, one depot, four large brick buildings, three general stores, one grocery, one hardware, two drug stores, one dry goods store, two blacksmith and two wagon shops, one livery, one harness shop, one lumber yard, one grist mill, two grain elevators, one public hall, one cabinet shop, one bakery, one meat market, three dressmakers, one telegraph office.

In the year 1863 the 0., R I. A P. R. R. pushed through the county. In the year 1866 Mr. Z. P. Wigton laid out a town plat, and tho first buildings were erected tho same year by Mr. W. J. Johnson, of Davenport. Depot, grain-house, and other buildings followed each other in rapid succession.

April 23, 1872, an election was held to decide the question of incorporation.   Tho vote was for incorporation by over three-fourths majority.

The first city officers elected, May 15, 1872, were as follows:

Mayor, W. A. Vernon; Recorder, W. R. Akers; Treasurer, B. Osborne: Trustees, G. W. Griffin, W. J. Johnson, I. G. Wilson, W. W. Osborne, J. H. Duffus.

On the morning of May 6, 1877, a destructive fire broke out on the east side of Main Street, sweeping in its ruthless march almost the entire portion of the street. Three grocery stores, one furniture store, one hardware store, one meat market, one jewelry store, one dwelling, the town hall (in which was the Masonic lodge), and several other buildings, in a short space of time were destroyed by the fire.

There are two churches, the Presbyterian and the Methodist.

The year 1877 was a red letter in the history of Malcom progress. The sound of the hammer and the saw, and the click of the trowel was heard day by day, early and late. Brick store-rooms, several prominent dwellings, and numerous other improvements were the result. New sidewalk has been laid and the streets graded. Old buildings have been refitted and adorned with paint.

The city officers are:

Mayor—F. P. Hubbard.

Assessor—J. W. Remine.

Marshal—J. W. Remine.

Recorder—H. V. Hilliker.

Treasurer—W. A. Vernon.

Trustees—P. Broadbrook, L. G. Bodum, V. S. Wilcox, Thos. Cady, W. E. Gould, J. H. Duffus.

Another destructive lire broke out June 6, 1879, and destroyed two saloons and one hotel.

A fire destroyed the barn of Mr. W. R. Akers, burning two horses, October 9, 1879.

It has been thought that these fires were the work of an incendiary.

On September 3, 1880, I. Q. Wilson's grain elevator was burned, together with two horses.

THE MALCOM GAZETTE

This journal is published every Thursday by the editor and proprietor, Jas. H. Duffus. It was established a number of years ago, but discontinued for reasons mentioned in the salutatory of the present editor, which follows. Mr. Duffus is eminently a good citizen, watching closely the interests of his town, and is always in the lead advocating improvements. If the town had more of such live, enterprising, wide-awake men, its prosperity would be certain. The paper is Republican, and devoted to the interests of the party. It has a good advertising patronage from the business men of Malcom and other towns of the county. Its subscription list is increasing; and as the paper is becoming better appreciated its sphere of influence and usefulness is constantly enlarging.   Mr. Duffus' salutatory, in the edition of December 6,1877, is as follows:

"In resuming, after the lapse of several years, the publication of the Gazette, a few words of introduction may be fitting.   The cessation of our paper at the close of volume three was occasioned by tho limited patronage of the newly settled town and county.  Since last issue of the paper great changes have occurred.  From being a hamlet of a few houses, Malcom has grown to be a flourishing town of about 800 inhabitants, a point of large and constantly increasing trade.   Situated as it is, in the center of Poweshiek county, the garden spot of central Iowa, for a long time the need of a local newspaper has been felt to properly represent our business interests in the way of advertisement, and to be the medium of communication for local as well as general news. To meet this growing demand we begin again the publication of the Gazette, Vol. 4, new series, and greet our readers in this first issue.   We arc aware that our neighboring towns of Montezuma, Grinnell, and Brooklyn, have papers of more or less standing and patronage. With due deference to these feeders at the public crib, in the shape of county advertisements, we arc forced to say that they have at best but inadequately represented our business interests, and sometimes, with partisan spirit, opposed them, and that there are local interests at Malcom demanding a town paper.  We desire to make a local paper, full of items of interest to our citizens and the country around. To this end we invite the co-operation of our people generally.  Send in every item that will enliven the local column. While we hope to present each week a summary of general news, our constant aim will be to present a home paper that you cannot afford to do without.   On all occasions we shall advocate the claims of Malcom. Believing, as we do, that our town is justly entitled, as no other town in the county is, by reason of centrality to the county seat, we shall, from time to time, press these claims upon the public mind, and defend them against the ungenerous rivalry of neighboring towns. Our columns shall be used to promote the best interests of the community, not only seeking its business prosperity, but its higher advancement in religion, temperance, and social well being. While we are Republican in politics, in many respects our paper will be independent upon political issues, and we shall feel free at all times to criticize party management and corruption in Nation and county, whether it be found in Republican or Democratic ranks. Thus, then, the Gazette greets its readers, and hopes, as a permanent enterprise, to receive a welcome in your homes from week to week."

SOCIETIES.

Masons.—Lilly Lodge, No. 254, A. F. and A. M., was organized October 23, 1868, with Geo. S. Tabor, E. L. Cardell, C. A. Harrah, James E. Johnson, C. A. Uhl, Geo. Gibbs, A. S. Meigs, Thomas Cady, F. E. Bodine, and N. H. Blanchard, as charter members.

The following board of officers were appointed:

E. L. Cardell, W. M.; James E. Johnson, S. W.; Thos. Cady, J. W.; Geo. Gibbs, Secretary; 0. A. Uhl, Treasurer; Geo. S. Tabor, S. D.; N. H. Blanchard, J. D.; A. S. Meigs, Tyler.

The lodge is in a healthy financial condition. It has, in connection with Royal Arch Society, erected a handsome brick structure, two stories high, and furnished in first-class manner. The building was completed at a cost of about $3,500, and is the handsomest one of the kind in the county.

Royal Arch Masons, No. 50, Hyssop Chapter, was organized September 20, 1869, in McDowell's Hall, with G. S. Tabor, M. E. H. P.; E. L. Cordell, E. R.; I. G. Wilson, E. S.; John Gower, C. H.; James Johnson, P. S.; George Gibbs, R. A. C; J. H. Duffus, M. T. V.; A. L. Ingalls, M. S. V.; A. S. Meigs, M. F. V.; James E. Johnson, Secretary; A. S. Meigs, Treasurer; M. A. Malone, P. S. A meeting was held under dispensation. It is now in a flourishing condition, with a good financial standing.

Knights of Honor.—Malcom Lodge was organized July 9, 1879, in the L O. O. F. Hall, with W. A. Vernon, B. R. Meigs, W. A. Carter, H. V. Hilliker, George Spaulding, Fred. Schultz, C. A. Chapman, L. E. Cardell, Alex. Duffus, F. P. Hubbert, E. O. Tabor, A. C. Blizzard, J. W. McDowell, Wm. Scott, Wm. Johnson, B. J, Martin, J. W. Remine, Clark Varnum and E. G. Terwilliger as charter members. The Grand Dictator then administered the obligations to those present. The following board was chosen: Clark Varnum, Dictator; F. P. Hubbert, Vice-Dictator; L. E. Cardell, Assistant Dictator; A. C. Blizzard, Past Dictator; II. V. Hiliiker, Reporter; E. 0. Tabor, Financial Reporter; W. A. Vernon, Treasurer; J. "W. Remine, Chaplain; Alex. Duffus, Guide; E. G. Terwilliger, Guardian; B. Martin, Sentinel; J. W. McDowell, Medical Examiner; W. A. Vernon, F. P. Hubbert, J. W. Remine, Trustees.

I. 0. 0. F.—Malcom Lodge, No. 369, was instituted August 1, 1877, by S. G. Funk, S. Scovill, F. Schultz, F. Kissler and T. M. Akers as charter members. The first board was S. G. Funk, N. G.; S. Scovill, Vice Grand; F. Kessler, Treasurer; T. M. Akers, Secretary. They met in the Masonic Hall until October 27, 1877, when they met in their present hall, which is the second floor in a brick building on Main Street. Their nail is elegantly furnished.   The lodge room is 20x40 feet, with two ante-rooms. The present membership is thirty-four, with F. Kessier, Noble Grand; A. L. Shattuck, Vice Grand; Peter Bradbrook, Treasurer; James H. Duffus, Secretary.

THE M. E. CHURCH.

The present imposing church edifice was erected in the summer of 1875, at a cost of $3,000.   It will seat about 325.

The names of the pastors, beginning with the first, are: James M. Coats, William II. Honn, E. P. Mitchener, A. V. Kendrick and James M. Coats.   Rev. Pugh is tho present pastor.

The present membership is increasing, and the church is prosperous.

The sabbath-school meets every week, with a large average attendance.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

In this history, as in all others, we write facts that may be preserved when we are gone. All persons have more or less interest in some church. Members and those who are not have kindly feelings toward a church; the memories of the aged especially delight to linger about the church they have been accustomed to visit in youth and riper years. The name of our old pastor, the words of truth he uttered, the pure example he set, the consolation he gave in seasons of bereavement, are some of the dearest memories of life. In preparing a sketch like this, let us keep in view the passage found in Psalm cii, 18: "This shall be written for the generation to come."

The settlement known as the Yankee settlement, on the State road, in Malcom township, was commenced in the year 1854. In the lapse of two years' time about thirteen families had come and secured homes. During this time and onward till the autumn of 1859 no stated means of grace had been enjoyed in the settlement. Then a prayer meeting was established and carried on by the united influence and efforts of Rev. James Cox, of the United Brethren, and Rev. A. D. Chapman, of the Presbyterian denomination. This prayer meeting was continued weekly through the fall and following winter, and there was occasionally preaching by these two ministerial brethren until the next April (1860), when the organization of a church in Malcom township was proposed by the people. As the persons to be associated in the relation of membership in the contemplated church organization were unacquainted with the form of government and the discipline of the Presbyterian Church, it was proposed that the candidates for membership, unite with the Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn, and that Rev. A. R Chapman request the Presbytery of Iowa City, at its next meeting to applied the name of Malcom to that of Brooklyn, so that henceforth it should be known in the records as "The First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn and Malcom," until some further change might be desired.

The Presbytery granted the request. As the number of members in Malcom township was equal to that in Brooklyn, Rev. A. D. Chapman preached one-half the time in each place. In the spring of 1860 the Malcom sabbath-school was organized and superintended by Mr. H. D. Arnold. It was continued during the summer and suspended in October, and thus it continued till the winter of 1864-5, only in the summer, and the Superintendents were L. E. Cardell and Christian Yaple. After the above date the school continued through the entire year, and Alonzo Wigton was Superintendent for several years.

In April, 1867, the Brooklyn and Malcom branches were separated and made into two distinct churches, and have thus remained.

The church at Malcom grew and flourished under the leadership of Rev. A. D. Chapman. In November, 1868, Rev. Robert Court took charge of the church, and continued as pastor till the winter of 1873-4, when he accepted a call to Lowell, Mass.

The church was completed and dedicated in the summer of 1871. The seats were purchased by the liberality of a man from Indiana, and $100 per year was contributed to the support of preaching by the Brick Church, of Rochester, N. Y. The church was then supplied by Rev. Mr. Kennedy, of Grinnell, until the 1st of May, 1874. In May, 1874, Rev. James Stickel accepted a call to the pastorate.

Mr. G. E. Rice has been Superintendent of the sabbath-school since the winter of 1874-5.

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