Tama County >> 1883 Index

History of Tama County, Iowa
Springfield, Ill., Union Publishing Company, 1883.

B

Unless otherwise noted, bios were submitted by Dick Barton.

HENRY T. BALDY, M. D.

The Toledo Tribune

This was the first newspaper established in Tama county. It came to public light through its first issue on April 21, 1856. M. V. B. Kenton was the editor. The avowed principles of the paper were independent, although in practice it was republican. Its size was a six column folio, all home print, and started out with a fair advertising patronage considering the condition of the country at this time. The files for the first year have all been lost. Sometime during the year Mr. Kenton sold the office to H. T. Baldy, and returned to Ohio, his native State.

Mr. Baldy was a physician by profession, and a man of good ability, but he knew comparatively nothing of the newspaper business. He was a good writer, however, and was full of push and energy.

In the Tribune's issue on April 22, 1857, Mr. Baldy says:

"Fellow citizens of Tama county: As the first volume of the Tribune is about to close, we wish to say a few words in relation to our paper, and to the course we intend to pursue in the future.

"As an inducement to you, fellow citizens, to continue your subscription for the next year, and to make it satisfactory to all parties and creeds, we will commence with the second volume to publish an Independent paper. We think this is the best means to allay party excitement and restore harmony, now that the presidential election has passed by, and party politics about ceased. We hope this will meet the

approbation of all.

* * * * * * *

Fellow citizens, will you sustain your county paper? We think we shall have your approving smile and generous aid. The press is certainly the index of your intelligence, and will be the exponent of your views. We have labored under many disadvantages; first, we are no priner; in the next place we have had a very cold office to work in during the winter, so that our paper at times, has not presented as good an appearance as we could have wished.

It has been uphill business thus far, but our motto is "Go Ahead."

The inscription which he placed at the mast-head was: "A Family Journal - Devoted to Truth, Justice, Humanity and the news of the Day."

... Mr. Baldy in a short time, sold a share of the paper to T. W. Jackson, and in August, 1857, it was purchased by George Sower, now one of the proprietors of the Marshall Times and E. B. Bolens, a lawyer, the paper being run in the name of Mr. Bowers.

...

"The Pioneer Doctor" By H. T. Baldy, M. D.

Voltaire says a physician is a very unfortunate man, as he is expected to keep the people well, when they violate the very laws of their existence every hour of their lives.

The life of a physician is no sinecure, as all who follow the profession well know - true there is a funny side in the practice of medicine, as well as a serious one.

Twenty-five to thirty years ago, it was rather a serious matter to be a physician - and to make the long and lonesome rides, through this then newly and sparsely settled country - when there were scarcely any roads, and no bridges, and you were frequently lost on the wide expanse of prairie, and often floundering in sloughs - to find your horse deep in the mire, and it was with difficulty that you could get out - sometimes your vehicle broken or your saddle girth or your harness torn - this was the funny side very often. We mostly rode on horseback in those days, as there were nothing but bridle paths in many parts of the country, but more especially up and down the Iowa river and also up and down Deer Creek, where the paths would more frequently follow along the streams, which were very crooked, and had to be crossed quite often. We were also obliged to ford the Iowa river, which was often very high and dangerous, especially in the night. The writer remembers once in having gone across the river to see a patient who wished to be bled. After we had seen the person and performed the operation, we hastened to return home as we saw a storm approaching, or rather a blizzard from the northwest. The rain and sleet commenced to pour down, and when we arrived at the river, we found it had risen quite rapidly, but as we had a large powerful horse we entered the stream and with whip and voice urged him through. Our vehicle was whirled around almost ahead of the horse, but we succeeded in keeping our seat, and getting over all right.

As our little boy was with ns, we hurried home to get his boots off, as they were frozen to his feet, but did him no injury - with the thermometer 20 or more degrees below zero. That was a serious ride.

The people were generally friendly and did everything they could to make us comfortable, in their small log cabins, with scarcely room for their own families. Sometimes the doctor had to sleep as best he could - sit up all night in a chair.

The most disagreeable rides were those up and down the Iowa river,, as the paths or roads ran down the large bottoms covered with a rank growth of grass almost as high s the horse, which at night, or after a heavy shower of rain, would be very wet, and you would get your clothes quite wet, and then sometimes you would be chased by wolves, bitten by mosquitoes, and almost scared to death, by the snakes, which often came into the cabins, and would lie near the stove to keep warm, or climb upon the flour sack or even the beds - we have seen them.

We will relate an odd incident about a lady and a water-melon. She had eaten part of the melon, then laid the two halves together, and put them on a box, on the outside of the house, thinking the snakes would not find it; but the next day when she was about to eat the balance of the melon which she had also wrapped up in a table cloth, she had no sooner opened the melon when there lay a large rattlesnake inside. She instantly screamed and threw the melon, cloth and all, and ran up the creek, still screaming, when, thinking that there was no one within a half mile or more, she returned, and with a hoe killed his snakeship, which had seventeen rattles.

The ague along the river bottoms was almost thick enough to cut with a knife, so to speak, and the settlers were often severely afflicted with those diseases, no doubt caused by the dense growth of vegetable matter, and the breaking up of the soil, producing a very great amount of vegetable decomposition, which was deleterious in its effects. Now for a little amusing incident.

Some twenty-five years ago, we were called one night to see as old lady, the wife of Patrick Dowd, a "rale ould Irish gintleman," living about seven miles off; went and found her suffering some from pain an sleeplessness. When we arrived there the old gentlemen came out, bid us good evening, and says "Doctor alight and come into the castle," which consisted of sod for the lower story, and was covered on the top with boards, which seemed to answer for a hen house. After we had relieved the troubles of the old lady by some medicine, an she dropped off into a nice sleep, we were invited to remain for tea, which we did, of course. The old gentleman said to his son-in-law, John Egan, and his son Frank, "Boys take a fowl off the roost;" they proceeded to do so, went overhead, and after a few moments Mr. Dowd said, "Boys don't take a shank-hi." The fowl was cooked in due time, of which we ate heartily and drank some tea, when we left for home, driving back in the dark and crossing a little bridge made by laying two boards lengthwise for the wheels to run on, and the horse to pass between, across the ditch.

The practice of medicine is hardly as pleasant at the present day, as it was in the early settlement of the county, notwithstanding the great inconvenience of long and lonesome rides, there was less competion and hard feelings, than there seems to be at present. The pe ple seem to be more difficult to get along with. It requires much skill and tact to hold your patient through an attack of disease, provided it should happen to continue a few weeks or months. This is owing a good deal to meddling with the sick by outsiders. No doubt many may mean well, but it is injurious to the patient, and unjust to the physician.

The medical profession is an honorable one if conducted in an honorable manner. John Quincy Adams said it was the most "honorable of all professions." The doctor certainly feels proud to relieve the pain and distress of his patients; to soothe the dying pillow, and to comfort the afflicted friends. But the people are sometimes imposed upon by pretenders, who claim to cure all the "ills flesh is heir to," and to raise the dead, but we think the days of miracles have passed - are there too many doctors, or has the profession lost all honor? The people seem to be growing weaker and wiser, but at the expense of rigorous health - the system of cramming in school does not fit the young man for a useful life, nor the young woman to be a good staunch helpmeet. Was the boy bright and clever, that was sufficient reason for the forcing and cramming him - so far however as strictly goes, the boys have a certain conservatism about them that prevents them from committing suicide by excessive brain work. The poor girls, with their finer organizations are the unfortunate victims. How often does the doctor have interesting lady patients, who talk beautifully, as they recline upon the sofa, but who, when married and mothers of a single child, probably are unequal to the task of a household, or the care of a family.

Our great grandmothers got their schooling during winter months, and let their brains lie fallow for the rest of the year. They knew less of Euclid and the classics, than about housekeeping, and about how housework should be done, but they made good wives and mothers, and bore sturdy sons and buxom daughters and plenty at that.

From the age of eight to fourteen our daughters spend most of their time, either in the unwholesome air of the recitation room, or pouring over their books, when they should be at play, when released from school, within a year it may be she becomes engaged to some unwary youth, who, bewitched by her face, and charmed by her intelligence, sees not the frail body, and butterfly down, he weds her to find she has brought him a dower of ill-health, with a large outfit of headaches, and spineaches. Unequal to the task, she at first tolerates, and then loathes the domestic ties; the trouble follows, both unhappy whether they remain together or not, or obtain divorces, and change mates, the Doctor being a perpetual witness to the vices and follies and their fatal results. Some may say doctors are opposed to education. Not so. But we do not believe in educating the mind at the expense of the body, thereby producing a weak and effeminate race of people. Therefore less cramming in school, more out-door exercise, and riding on horseback and walking, also invigorates the body, develops the muscular system, strengthens the nerves, promotes the health, and appetite, and is a great pleasure to the persons so inclined. Planting trees, shrubbery, and otherwise beautifying our homes, than which nothing can be more pleasing and satisfactory to ourselves and to those who admire such things - and who does not?

The people owe certain duties to the physician, and the physician owes certain duties to the people. We rememember once sleeping on a few boards in a cabin loft, as they were generally called, for a few hours after being up all day and night, we had to be pushed up through a small hole, kept our overcoat on, and when somewhat rested we sprang down through the opening to partake of some food, when we started for home. We lived well in those days; did not, of course, have many of the modern delicacies such as canned fruits, but we had good substantial food, such as corn and wheat bread, pork, eggs, beef prairie-chickens, which were very abundant in those days, and venison, as deer were plenty. There was also an abundance of wild fruit, such as plums, crab-apples, cherries and other varieties, which our good wives prepared for their families. We think such a diet was more conducive to health, not troubled so much with those modern diseases as dyspepsia and indigestion.

...

In Tama county there was an increase of the vote over 1863, amounting to a total of 1261. The congressional contest through this county between Josiah B. Grinnell and Ira C. Mitchell was very heated. On one occasion during the campaign the two candidates were engaged in a joint discussion in the Methodist church at Toledo. During J. B. Grinnell's speech there was some disturbance caused by some one in the audience calling "Boots! Boots! Free speech!" etc. "Yes," Mr. Grinnell finally replied, "you believe in free whisky, too!" But this did not stop it. When Mr. Mitchell replied, his speech was full of bitterness and sarcasm regarding the Republicans and the war, which he claimed they had caused; asked the mothers if they wished to send any more of their sons and husbands to be slaughtered on southern soil. He here paused a moment, when the audience were electrified at seeing Mrs. Doctor Baldy take the floor. Her youngest brother had just a day or two before left to join the army, and she had stood his talk as long as possible. She began with a scathing rebuke, declaring him a liar in his statements, and a traitor to his flag and country and wound up by stating that she was willing that her dear ones should go to conquer and subdue the rebels and she would risk taking care of herself and defending her home from the traitors and comrades who remained behind. When the meeting broke up a friend of the lady whispered to her that she had better be careful as a lot of secession women were waiting at the door to whip her. Mrs. Baldy stepped to the door, and said loud enough to be heard by all: "If any one wants anything of me, let them come on, - I'll throw them right over the meeting-house!"

...

Henry T. Baldy, M. D., became a member of the medical profession of Tama county in November, 1854, and is the oldest Toledo physician. He is the son of Christian Baldy, a farmer, and Mary Tomlinson, and was born on the 29th of December, 1819, in Catawissa, Columbia county, Pennsylvania. The name is an Italian one, and was originally spelled Baldi. During the thirteenth or fourteenth century, the family were driven by wars from Italy to Germany, from whence the ancestors of Henry T. came to this country. About 1830, Christian Baldy moved to Sunbury; two years later to Newfane, Niagara county, New York, and in 1835, to White Pigeon Prairie, Michigan, the son aiding his father in all these places at farming, receiving only a common school education. In 1840, Henry T. concluded to become a physician, read medicine with an elder brother, Peter L. Baldy, at Constantine, Michigan; then seeing that his father was likely to lose his property unless he received aid, returned to the farm and worked four years, thus freeing the property from incumbrance. He then resumed medical studies, attended lectures at the Rush Medical College, Chicago, in the winter of 1847-8, and the next winter at Louisville, Kentucky. Commenced practice at Constantine in February, 1850; and at the end of two years, went to California, doing poorly at mining but well at trading; returned in July, 1854, and the following November, located at Toledo, where he still lives. He was married in December, 1857, to Mrs. Elizabeth B. Miller. Dr. Baldy is rather below the average height of men, but is active, energetic and enterprising. He is a Republican with Whig antecedents, but of late years has done but little more than vote. Years ago, he was very active in politics, and in 1858, published the Toledo Tribune, the first paper in Tama county. He published the first delinquent tax list in the county.

Dr. P. L. BALDY was the first regular graduate to locate at Toledo, the date of his arrival being June, 1854. He was of German descent, but was a native of Pennsylvania, born in September, 1814. He attended the Fairfield Medical School, graduated in 1835, and in February, 1836, removed to Constantine, St. Joseph county, Michigan, where he commenced practice, and remained for a number of years. In 1850, he took a trip to California, but returned within a year, and in 1853, went to Chicago, where he remained until June, 1854, when, as stated, he came west with his family, and located in Toledo. At once commencing practice, he did an immense business, nearly as long as he remained here. He was a man of great reading, quick perception, and of much more than ordinary ability; genial, of pleasant address and social, he made a great many friends among the pioneers. He remained in Toledo until 1863, when he removed to Council Bluffs, from there to St. Louis, near which city he died in February, 1873. His family has been scattered; he has one son living in California. Dr. P. L. Baldy was a brother of Dr. H. T. Baldy, an esteemed old settler of Tama county.

...

Sometime in June, 1856, a man came to Toledo calling himself "Jim Harris," representing that he came from the northern part of the county and had some business to attend to. At Monticello he made a few purchases from the Brush Brothers and passed a suspicious looking $5 bill, upon them. He next came to Toledo, and in a dicker with Tom Murray, left a like bill with him. The Brush Brothers made up their minds, soon after he left, that the bill was counterfeit, and at once started for Toledo to have the fellow arrested. Tom Murray came to the same conclusion, and it came to be noised about the village, that the fellow was a counterfeiter. C. J. L. Foster, a lawyer, hearing the report, and seeing the fellow crossing the public square, started out, called him, and detained the fellow by conversation until an officer arrived and made his arrest. Upon search, $600 of counterfeit money was found in his pockets. The whole Harris tribe, consisting of this fellow and his relations, were a rough set.

In September, 1855, Dr. P. L. Baldy had a valuable horse stolen from him. It had been tied out to pasture and quietly disappeared, remaining unheard of for nearly year. In the summer of 1856, Pete Conklin, a brother-in-law of Harris, drove into old Guinntown, having with him several horses. At this place, the brother of Dr. Baldy's wife was keeping hotel, and the family at once recognized one of the horses as the doctor's stolen one. Conklin imagined they suspected him and feared he would be arrested, so he got rid of a lot of counterfeit money which he had in his pockets by dropping it through a hole in the plastering, and it fell to the cellar, where it was picked up afterward by the landlord. Finally Conklin was told that he had Dr. Baldy's stolen horse, but he strenuously denied it. They persisted, and it was agreed, that, in case the animal recognized an old path which Dr. Baldy's horse had been accustomed to traveling, it should be conclusive that it was the doctor's horse. When the animal came within several rods of the path, he started on a trot and turned directly up it. At this point Conklin tried to escape by making a break for the woods : but he was captured, and taken to Iowa City to jail and the horse returned to Dr. P. L. Baldy. When his trial took place at Toledo, another incident occurred. While the crowd was at the court house, at about ten o'clock at night, some of the horse-thief gang attempted to get up a sensation in another part of town, hoping thereby to cause a stampede from the court house, and thus give the prisoner a chance to escape, knowing that if he could get a single rod's start, he was so fleet of foot, no one in the village could keep in sight of him. At the hour named, Mrs. H. G. Baldy heard some one at her kitchen window, and upon examination it was found to have been raised. After waiting for some time and hearing various noises indicating that burglars were about, Mrs. Baldy finally made up her mind to see what was the matter. She took down the gun, and quietly stepped out of the back door into the pitch-like darkness and drizzling rain. She then went around the house, and a man sprang up from almost directly under her feet and ran away. She then turned to go into the house, and the back door was opened by the girl who exclaimed, "There's a man right behind you!" On wheeling, Mrs. Baldy stood face to face with the ruffian, who held a revolver in his hand. She at once brought the gun to ear, and in the same moment he moved off in the darkness. Dr. H. T. Baldy was sent for, as there was an invalid at the house on whom the shock had had a bad effect, and he came at once from the court house. When he learned what had happened, a company of men were raised, and the surroundings carefully searched; but the intruders had gone. The following day Mrs. Baldy went to the court house and singled out from the crowd the man who had stood in the door-way the night before, with the revolver, and he was accordingly arrested.

Dryden Barbour came to Tama county, in 1858. He was born in Canton, Hartford county, Connecticut, April 4, 1815. He spent his early years on his father's farm, in the district school, and in his brother's shoe shop, until, at the age of 19, he went to the State of Alabama in the capacity of a Yankee clock peddler. He continued in that business for seven or eight years, in Alabama, Pennsylvania and Ohio, then he returned to Connecticut, and was married to Miss Jane Wilcox, March 16, 1843, who was also a native of Canton. He bought a farm and remained in his native town six years.

In 1849, Mr. Barbour moved to Wakeman, Huron county, Ohio, where he remained nine years. In the spring of 1858, he sold out in Ohio, and moved to Tama county, Iowa. In 1861, he bought the southeast quarter of section 11, in Perry township, one mile east of Traer, where he still resides with his son Henry, who carries on the farm. Mr. Barbour was the father of six children, three of whom, together with their mother, have passed away.

Dr. EDWARD BARTON came to Toledo in the fall of 1856, and commenced practice, shortly afterwards purchasing Harkins' drug store. He was a native of Ohio; had come West several years previous to the time mentioned and settled in Poweshiek county. He was a man about forty years of age, a graduate in medicine, was in good financial circumstances and had practiced about ten years. In about three years he returned to Poweshiek county, where he still lives. He was a pleasant, genial fellow and was well liked.

W. M. BEARDSHEAR was elected President in June, 1881. W. M. Beardshear was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, November 7, 1850. He is the eldest of four children born to John and Elizabeth (Coleman) Beardshear. His ancestors, on the father's side, came from Switzerland, and on the mother's from Wales and Scotland. His parents were enterprising and prosperous farmers. Beardshear chapel, a tasteful and commodious brick church near Dayton, Ohio, stands as a monument of the catholic spirit and benevolence of his father.

The early school training of the son was received in the country schools. He spent his early years on the farm. On January 24, 1865, he enlisted as a private in the 184 th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being but fourteen years of age. He served with his regiment in Alabama and Tennessee. The war having closed he was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, September 20, the same year. The next four years were spent by him in farming. Having become convinced of the necessity of a higher education, in the fall of 1869, he entered the classical preparatory of Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio. While in school he stood well in his classes and had a special liking for the languages, mental and moral science. In January, 1873, he was called from school for a time by the death of his father, and was appointed sole administrator of the estate. Shortly after he was also appointed administrator of a large estate of a deceased uncle. Both of these estates were by him satisfactorily administered. On March 23, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Mandhenk, of Brookville, Ohio, a former classmate in college. Being eager for a complete education, in January, 1874, he entered Otterbein University from which he graduated in the classical course in June, 1876.

In August of the same year, he joined the Miami Annual Conference of the United Brethren Church, and was appointed to Arcanum Mission Station, Ohio. During a ministry of two years on this charge, about eighty persons were added to its membership, and its special and general interests advanced. While here he went as a delegate from Ohio to the International Sunday School Convention, held at Atlanta, Georgia, April 17 to 19, 1878. In the fall of this year he declined the pastorate of this charge to take a special course in theology. In September his name was among those enrolled as juniors in the Divinity School of Yale College. While in the middle year of this school he was, through overwork, taken suddenly ill, and after a protracted illness was advised by his physicians to rest a year.

Having somewhat regained his health, in August, 1880, he accepted the pastorate of Summit U. B. Church, Dayton, Ohio. His stay here was brief. The leading features of the work done was a revival, resulting in upwards of forty accessions to the Church and setting afoot measures for the complete remodeling of the church edifice. He resigned this work in July, 1881, to accept the presidency of Western College, which responsible position he still holds.

BENJAMIN BISEL is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Bedford county of that State February 7, 1817. He received his education in the county of his birth, and was there reared an agriculturist. In 1850 he bought a farm in Salt Creek township, Fayette county, that State, where he lived about two years, and, then purchased another one in Bull Skin township, and removed to it. In 1854 he came west to Illinois, first locating in McLean county, where he resided until 1857, then removed to Will county, and thence, in 1861 to Kendall county. During 1865, he came to Tama county, Iowa, and settled in the northeast quarter of section 30, Geneseo township. He has since improved the land and in 1882, erected the frame house in which he now resides. Mr. Bisel was married in 1844, to Miss Susanna Wonders, who had borne him ten children, seven of whom are now living: Henry, Mary E., Amanda, Alexander, Isaac, Melvina and

ADAM BRUNER, senior partner of the above named firm, is the fifth son of Christian and Sophia Bruner, born in Sandusky county, Ohio, June 8, 1842. His parents came to Iowa when he was but ten years of age. He made his home under the parental roof until in January, 1856, when he was married to Miss Annie M. Fromm and settled in Howard township, where he engaged in farming until 1876. At this time he and his brother Benjamin came to York township and purchased the flour mill with which he is now connected. Mr. and Mrs. Bruner have been blessed with five children: Albert C., Norman C., Agnes T., Clara M. and Howard E. Mr. Bruner is a first-class miller, a man of enterprise and enjoys the trust and respect of his neighbors.

BENJAMIN BRUNER In 1869, Livermore & Beach [Henry Beach, a Methodist preacher] started the building of a mill, which was completed in 1871. Captain Moore, a native of New Jersey, bought Livermore 's interest, and in company with Beach, ran the mill a short time. Then Moore bought Beach's interest. He soon after sold a half interest to his nephew, Charles Moore, and later sold the other half interest to Thomas Carter, who soon bought Charles Moore's interest. In 1879, Captain Moore took his half interest back, and Benjamin Bruner bought the other half and in company they ran it a few months, when it was burned. Mr. Bruner's wife bought Captain Moore's interest and the mill was rebuilt in 1880. It is two and one-half stories high, with a basement 30x37 feet. There are three runs of buhrs and machinery for making first-class flour. It is now run by Benjamin Bruner.

Benjamin Bruner was born November 24, 1841, in Sandusky county, Ohio. His parents were Christian and Sophia Bruner. In the fall of 1851, the family came to Iowa and after spending the winter in Iowa City, came the following spring to Tama county. They first settled in Howard township, and were one of the first families in the county. Mr. Bruner was married, September 30, 1863, to Miss Mary E. Harbaugh, a native of Medina county, Ohio. Immediately after marriage Mr. Bruner settled in the village of Monticello and, in company with his brother, bought his father's mill at that place. In 1869, they sold the mill and Mr. Bruner purchased a farm in Howard township, on which he lived until 1875, when he sold, and bought, in connection with his brother, a flour mill in York township. Four years later, he sold his interest in that mill and bought a half interest in the mill at Mooreville, which he still operates. He has three children: Carl F., John G. and Robert J.

CHRISTIAN BRUNER and his son David F. Bruner and their families came to Tama county from Ohio in 1852, the former arriving in the summer and the latter in the fall, and making permanent settlements. Both had been here in the fall of the previous year. Christian settled in Howard township where he erected the first saw-mill in the county; was largely interested in the platting of Monticello, and was otherwise a prominent man in early times.

... The next settler within the limits now comprising Howard, was Christian Bruner, who erected a cabin on section 33. The interesting details connected with the settlement of this party, will be found in connection with the history of Toledo township.... The first religious services in Howard township were held at the house of Christian Bruner, on section 33, in 1853, by a Lutheran preacher from Iowa City. The next were held at the same place by Rev. Gamon, of the Methodist Episcopal faith, in the same year.

... This [ Monticello village] was one of the very first towns platted in Tama county. It was laid out during the summer of 1853, by Christian and David F. Bruner, and Joseph Brown, upon land entered and owned by Christian Bruner and Adam Zehrung.

... The first permanent settlement made in the territory now comprising Toledo township, was effected by Peter Overmire, in March, 1852. Peter Overmire and family, in company with Christian and David F. Bruner with their families, and Widow Hill and family, left Ohio in September, 1851, for the west. They arrived at Iowa City in November, and here they all remained during the winter, some of them purchasing lands in Tama county. In March, 1852, a party set out to move the Overmire family from Iowa City to Tama county. In this party there were Peter Overmire and his family, consisting of wife and five children - David F. Bruner, Jacob Bruner, Samuel Bruner, Henry Lance and young Bruner, a lad fourteen or fifteen years old, who nearly froze to death on the way. They had to bridge Deer creek by laying poles across and then planking it with the lumber that they brought. Overmire took a quarter of section 6, Toledo township. As soon as they arrived, all set to work to put up a little shanty for the Overmire family. This was erected mostly during the night, as it was dusk when they arrived, and stood about on the line between Howard and Toledo townships. D. F. Bruner returned to Iowa City the following day, and the rest, except the Overmire family, followed afterward. Jacob, Samuel and Cristian Bruner, assisted by Henry Lance, then erected a barn and cabin for their father, Christian Bruner, but were unable to raise it until Christian Bruner came in the spring with a number of hands. This, however, was in Howard township, as Christian settled just over the line. Late in the summer he commenced building a saw-mill on Deer creek, which was completed the next spring. It was a building of heavy timber and was run by water power furnished by Deer creek, through the medium of an old fashioned Parker water wheel. It was equipped with an "up and down saw," having a capacity for sawing about 1,500 feet of timber per day and night, when the water was right, but not more than half the time was the water sufficient to propel it. This mill was afterward changed to a flouring mill and provided with the best of machinery J. S. Reedy, son of another pioneer, bought an interest in the mill about the time it was changed. The mill is a four story building, and has a good business. [Solomon Bruner is the present proprietor of this mill.]

... Christian Bruner died in September, 1869. The only members of his family who are yet living in the township are David F. and Solomon Bruner, the oldest and the youngest.

DAVID F. BRUNER

David F. Bruner settled in Toledo township, where he still lives. He was the first treasurer and recorder of the county elected, and in the chapter upon "Representation" a sketch of his life will be found.

... In July, 1853, David F. Bruner, was appointed by the county court, to fill the office until the ensuing election in August. He was therefore the first Treasurer and Recorder of Tama county.

D. F. Bruner, one of the pioneers of Tama county, was born in Seneca county, Ohio, August 28, 1825. He is a son of Christian Bruner, who emigrated with his parents from Pennsylvania to Fairfield county, Ohio, when he was six years old. His mother was Rebecca Foust, a native of Ohio. Her parents settled in Fairfield county before the location of the State capital. Mr. and Mrs. C. Bruner were the parents of six children, four of whom lived to be adults - David F., Jacob, Mary A., Margaret, Samuel and Rebecca, now deceased. Mrs. Bruner died in December, 1832. Mr. Bruner was again married to Sophia Lance, widow of John Lance. They have had five children, four of whom are living - Sophia, Benjamin F., Adam and Solomon. In the fall of 1851, Christian Bruner emigrated to Iowa, and spending his first winter in Johnson county, the following spring came to Tama county, locating on section 33, of Howard township, where he built the first saw mill in the county. Here he remained until his death, which occurred September 13, 1858. D. F. Bruner, the subject of this sketch, was married in Sandusky county, Ohio, February 3, 1850, to Miss Catherine Hill, a daughter of George Hill, of Maryland, and Margaret Youst, of New Jersey. Mr. Bruner came to this State and located in Tama county with his father. Mr. and Mrs. Bruner have been blessed with a family of seven children - Benjamin F., Anna E., teacher in the Toledo schools; Emily E., wife of A. M. Moore, attorney at law, Toledo; Laura J., Orpha K., Edgar D. and Harry L. M. In politics, Mr. Bruner is a Republican. He was appointed the first County Treasurer of Tama county previous to the organization of the same, and, as he says, carried the office in his hat. He also had the office of Assessor and had to travel over what is now embraced in nine townships. He was Justice of the Peace of Toledo township, and at different times has held all the other township offices. He is at present a trustee of the township. He has been engaged in the nursery business for twenty-one years, and has the largest orchard in the county.

... On August 29, 1852, David F. Bruner with his family came from Johnson county, where they had spent the summer, coming with teams and bringing their household goods. Mrs. Bruner's brother, David Hill, came with them. Mr. Bruner settled on section 4, and while building a log cabin lived with his father in Howard township. The cabin he erected stood just across the road from where he yet lives. David F. Bruner and his wife are still living upon their original place.

SOLOMON BRUNER, present proprietor of this mill, came to the State of Iowa when a boy. He was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, April 26, 1846, where he received his education and early training. When seventeen years of age he went to work in his father's mill, becoming a thorough and practical miller, which occupation he made a life business. In December, 1867, he was married to Nancy Reedy, of Fairfield county, Ohio, where she was born April 19, 1850. By this union there were three children - Gerard L., Jesse O. and Ray K.