SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP

This township is situated in the southwest corner of the county, and comprises an area of thirty-six square miles. The north fork of Skunk River flows through the township, entering the west side at about the middle and pursuing a southeasterly course, passes out at its southeast corner. This is the largest stream in the county, and furnishes water power for several good mill sites. Some portions of the township are extremely broken, yet it is fertile and good farming land.

The first settlement was made in 1846. James McDowell, "William English and Conrad Swaney were the first settlers, coming directly from Ohio, originally from Pennsylvania. ' Mr. McDowell took a claim on section 26, Mr. English on section 23, and Mr. Swaney on section 21. For several years few settlers resided here, and when trial came it was met heroically. On one occasion death entered a family, and the father, leaving the heart-stricken mother with the remains of her dear one, started out to inform their nearest neighbor, who lived over two miles away. Their coffins were made from basswood, and stained with elderberries. Supplies were obtained, many times, a hundred miles distant on the Mississippi River. Snow fell three feet deep during the winter of 1847-8, and all roads were completely blockaded, producing great distress among the settlers.

The first marriage was Charles Russell to Miss Mary Casteel, in 1853, by Joseph Robertson, justice of the peace.

In the year 1847 occurred the first death. The body was interred in the Sugar Grove burial ground, in the south part of the township. The place where these first burials took place is now in the center of a large corn field.

The first school was taught by the neighbors, in turn, two weeks each, in a private house situated on section 22, near the center of the township. William English, however, was the first teacher, and his pupils numbered fourteen.   Mr. English died in 1880.

The first school-house was built on section 22, by the neighbors, without expense.

Tho first regular physician was Dr. Thompson, who came from Scotland, but he has moved to Fremont county, Iowa.

The first minister was a Methodist, by the name of Chrill, who held meetings in his own cabin.

The first weaving was by Mrs. Permelia Orcutt, with a kind of loom yet used in the neighborhood.

The township now has a population of 1,165, with 255 voters, according to the United States census of 1880.

It has one cheese factory, situated four miles southwest of Searsboro, and two flour mills, both situated on Skunk River, one owned by J. H. Fish, on section 19, the other owned by C. C. Robinson, on section 35.

Searsboro is the only independent school district. There are seven sub-districts.

The first election held within the bounds of what is now Sugar Creek township, was at the house of Alfred Reynolds, on the 2d day of April, 1849. There were twenty votes cast. James McDowell, Thomas Rigdon and Richard Cheeseman were elected trustees; Richard B. Ogden, treasurer; E. J. Williams, clerk; William E. Palmer and David M. Rutledge, constables. It seems from the records of that election, that Chas. B. Rigden was acting township clerk. Tho poll-book was certified by Thomas Rigden, Nathaniel Lattimer and James McDowell as judges of election.

There are now in the township eight school-houses, four churches, two grist-mills, one sawmill; two iron bridges span North Skunk, one for wagons and one for railroad. There are two creeks, English and Sugar Creek, which empty into North Skunk.

The present township officers are:

Trustees—Riley Case, Samuel Gamer, A. J. Binegar.

Justices of Peace—Thos. Applegate, Jno. Mincer.

Constables—Isaac Brees, A. 0. Huston.

Assessor—Samuel Tuckham.

Clerk—Thomas Morgan.

SEARSBORO

This little town is situated on the Central Railway of Iowa, near the northern border of Sugar Creek township. It contains a hotel, depot, elevator, corn-cribs, stock-yards, large school-house, two churches, wagon shop, livery stable, blacksmith shop, three dry goods stores and seven other stores representing various kinds of trade and business. There are at present residing here, two practicing physicians, one lawyer, two teachers and one minister. The surface of the ground is very rolling and broken. The school-building is situated to the northeast on the hill; contains two departments at present, but there will soon be an increase.

M. E. CHURCH

The Searsboro M. E. Church was organized in 1869, under the leadership of Rev. J. D. DeTarr with the following original members: EL W. Winder, Mary Winder, John Golden, Elizabeth Golden, Robert Mitchell. The present church edifice was built in the fall of 1877, and dedicated January 24,1878. The dedicatory services were conducted by Rev. D. 0. Smith, Presiding Elder Oskaloosa district, assisted by Revs. E. L. Briggs, L. 0. Housel, S. R. Ferguson and tho pastor, S. 0. Smith. The church is an ornament to the little village, and source of pride to Christian people. It cost $1,000. Pastors have occupied the pulpit as follows: Rev. J. D. DeTarr, 1869; E. P. Mitchner, 1870; George Nulton, 1871 and 1872; S. R. Ferguson, 1873, 1874 and 1875; W. R. Stryker, 1876; S. C. Smith, 1877, 1878 and 1879. The conference year ends in September, 1880. The present condition of the church is prosperous. The present membership is eighteen. Searsboro was a part of Lynnville circuit till the fall of 1876, when it was organized into Searsboro circuit, being the headquarters of live appointments, viz: Searsboro, Blue Point, Ewart, Forest Home and Browntown. Rev. W. R. Stryker was the first minister in charge of the circuit as it now is, and he remained one year. The present pastor has now completed his third year, having accomplished great good.

CATHOLIC CHURCH.

It was constructed in the fall of 1873, is situated on the hill overlooking the village of Searsboro.  The membership is about 150.

THE WEST LIBERTY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

The church is situated on the road leading from Searsboro to Montezuma, at the eastern border of Sugar Creek township.   The church was organized November 4, 1857, by Benjamin Lockhart with the following members: Sherwood Allen and wife, Jacob Rivers and wife, R. F. Steele and wife, John Holiday and wife, Isaac Holiday and wife, Lewis Holiday and wife, James Hyatt, John Mclntire, George Holiday, Philip Will and Susan Will.  The present neat little church was built in the spring of 1867, at a cost of $1,200, and was dedicated by A. Reynolds.   The pastors have served as follows: Fielding White, A. Reynolds, who is present pastor, and G. T. Johnson, who preached only part of a year.   First elders: Jacob Rivers, Sherwood Allen.   Present elders:   R. F. Steele, John Snyder, Jacob Rivers.   Clerk: Jno. Steele.  There is a burying-ground by the side of the church.

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