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New Wine Township	Taylor Township	Cascade Township
White Water Township	Vernon Township	Peru Township
Center Township	Washington Township	Prairie Creek Township
Liberty Township	Concord Township	Dodge Township
Iowa Township	Dubuque Township	Jefferson Township
Table Mound Township	Mosalem Township

New Wine Township (township 89 north, range 2 west) did not have an early existence as such, but was made a part of the Upper Catfish precinct and voters were required to poll their votes at John Regan's house. In 1839 it became a part of Hewitt's precinct. In 1843 what is now New Wine Township became parts of the townships of Liberty and Iowa, both of which then had much larger extent than in 1911 (see elsewhere herein). In 1849 what is now New Wine was made the Western half of Iowa Township. On January 11, 1850, the present New Wine Township was given an independent existence.

The vicinity of Dyersville was first settled about 1837-8 by the Whitesides--Abraham, William, John and Mack. Hewitt, Henry Mouncey, Thomas Riggs and a little later John Christoph, Thomas Finn, Theophilus Crawford and others arrived. Many of the first settlers of this part of the county came almost directly from the counties of Somersetshire and Devonshire, England. Life here then was rude and wild, and privations and hardships were numerous and often appalling.

In 1847 James Dyer bought the land at Dyersville. James Dyer, Jr., came in 1848 and James Dyer, Sr., and William Dyer arrived the following year. Rev. William Trick arrived in June, 1849. He preached the first sermon in the place. In 1850 the Dyers projected a town at the present site of Dyersville, but for some reason delayed definite action. About this time other settlers located near, among, whom were Henry Popham, James Plaister, Robert Whiting, John Gould, John Bailey and others, who had previously settled at Dubuque. In the winter of 1850-51 some half dozen of the residents headed by the Dyers, had the town laid out and at once it began to assume shape and promise. George Hyler, James Plaister and A. Limback built early residences. Judge Dyer, in 1853, resided at Main and Chestnut streets, where he had a store, and at the start the Dyers planned a saw mill and a grist mill, and built both. A Mr. Collins was an early resident. In 1853 the Dyers built a log bridge over the river, which was used until 1869. In 1853 Orsemus F. Foote bought a half interest in the grist mill in course of construction, and at once began to erect a hotel--a two-story brick, which for many years was an immense advantage to the village and a great accommodation to the traveling public--just what was needed. In 1854 a postoffice was established here, other brick stores were built, shops sprang up and soon the farmers could get here about all the supplies they required. A little later a Masonic lodge was organized and met over the store of Henry Popham. In 1855 cholera took away several lives and spread terror over the whole community. Six deaths occurred in one day. Doctors Cainer, Warmouth and Jones ministered to the wants of the sick, refusing to leave.

The postal route from Dubuque to Dyersville was established in March, 1853, at which time the latter village contained about 350 or 400 inhabitants. A good saw mill, run by water power, was already in operation. A large flour mill, a church, several stores and about a dozen dwellings were being erected. The Dubuque Express, in writing of the founder of this village, used the expression: "Judge James Dyer, an intelligent, temperate, active, enterprising and thoroughgoing business man of English birth." In June, 1853, Mr. Stanton, of Dyersville, exhibited in Dubuque a good specimen of slate from the premises of Judge Dyer, near Dyersville. In 1855 Caleb C. Chester was postmaster at Dyersville. In October and November, 1855, James Dyer & Company advertised for sale building lots in the village of Dyersville, twenty-six miles west of Dubuque. He said: "We offer for sale building lots in this village, suitable for residences, shops, stores, etc., at very low prices, conditional on early improvements being made on them. Being on the straightest road to Independence, Cedar Falls, Fort Dodge, etc., and containing fine water power mills, hotel, churches, stores, lumber yard, etc., great inducements are presented to those wishing to find a permanent stopping place." In December, 1856, John Stanton, of Dyersville, advertised that there were wanted in that town 10,000,000 brick, tinners' tools and one crocker machine. A brickmaker was wanted to open up business.

In the Weekly Express and Herald of December 3, 1856, a correspondent--H. C. K.--gives the following account of Dyersville, the information being furnished by Judge Dyer, T. F. Allen, Dr. Ford and others: "Dyersville is situated near the western edge of Dubuque county, twenty-seven miles from the city of Dubuque, on the banks of the north fork of the Maquoketa river, which winds through the town. Bear creek empties into the river at this place. The country surrounding is the best farming district in Dubuque county; the soil is rich and strong. The town was laid out by Judge Dyer, from whom it derives its name, about four years since, and now numbers over seven hundred inhabitants. It is not yet incorporated, but soon will be. It has thus far labored under the disadvantages of river and railroad facilities, and goods and lumber have been wagoned at a high cost, consequently the population of the place has been seriously kept back by the want of houses and hotel accommodations, and hundreds who have come to settle have thus been compelled to go elsewhere. The prospect of the speedy completion of the Dubuque & Pacific Railroad to this point has given a surprising impetus to all building operations. The town plat is nearly a mile square and contains over 500 acres. The town is owned principally by the Iowa Land Company and Judge Dyer, who offer the most liberal inducements to business concerns and home seekers. The rails for the railroad will be laid to this point by the middle of December or the first of January. As soon as the railroad shall be completed here this town will be made the starting point for all the stage lines to the westward and northward, thus avoiding the heavy grades near Dubuque. At least eight stages will arrive and depart daily, besides many extra vehicles. It is estimated that there is a daily average of four hundred teams on the different roads which converge into Dubuque, and that all must concentrate here. Already a fine brick station and freight depot have been erected here. Two new hotels are being built. The Western and Northwestern Stage companies are building stables. The proposed Northwestern & St. Paul Railroad will likely connect here with the Dubuque & Pacific. Talk of building a branch railroad to Colesburg, about twelve miles away, is indulged in. Among the new buildings recently erected or now under way are the following: Station and freight depot, Dyer's hotel, John Young's hotel, William Dyer's commission house, Dyer's stable for the Western Stage Company, same for the Northwestern Stage Company, same for Pierce & Hannum of Dubuque, F. J. Stanton's planing mill and sash factory, and the following projected buildings: Railroad engine and repair shop, Presbyterian church, Episcopalian church, graded school building to cost $2,000. There were standing, the Methodist church, Rev. Lee; public school, Mr. Gano, teacher; Young Ladies' Select school, Mrs. B. Douglas; Iowa Land Company, incorporated December, 1855, R. B. Mason, president; T. F. Allen, secretary; offices of the Dubuque & Pacific Railroad. Three hotels were in operation, conducted by H. P. Rice, J. Olney and W. Hatch. In operation was a large grist mill, owned by Judge Dyer; it was one of the largest and most complete flouring mills in the state. It was operated by water power from the river. The race was nearly a mile long and cost $8,000. T. J. Stanton and Bailey & Co. conducted saw mills. Among the stores were the large one with departments, owned by Judge Dyer; D. C. Salisbury, dry goods; D. S. Smith, druggist and deputy postmaster; A. Hoynck, grocery; J. Waldor, grocery;John Young, furniture; Richard Green, furniture; John Dyer, harness; H. Popham, wagons; A. Hoynck, bakery; Bethell, Toogood & Wilkinson, brewery; Page & Day, stores. The physicians were S. L. Lord and E. Covell. The only lawyer was H. B. Allen. There were blacksmiths, tailors, shoemakers, brick yards and stone quarries. There were many fine residences in the place. Business lots on Main and Union streets were worth from $5 to $15 a front foot; lots for private residences were rated from $50 to $150 each. About a mile from town was the fine farm of W. L. Randall, who was one of the largest wool growers in Iowa, owning at this time 1,500 sheep.

"In addition to my statistics of Dyersville property, I would wish to notice that a large addition has been made about a year since on the east side, which is called East Dyersville. This was laid out by John Stanton, F. Stanton and Miss Green, and plats recorded. On the East Dyersville plat are several fine dwellings, one furniture and general store, one wagon-maker's shop, and contracts are being made for the erection of a dry goods store, turner's shop and a bakery. The railroad and stage roads run through it. The county roads from Rockville, John's Creek, New Wine and Bankson, concentrate here. Richard Gadsen and John Stanton have deeded a lot for school district No. 7; it will be ready in the spring. The ladies of Dyersville have established and manage a public library. It is yet in its infancy, but standard works are on its shelves; Miss Green is the president. This addition is laid out in fine sized building lots and are offered to actual settlers on liberal and easy terms." --(H. K. C. in E. & H., December 3, 1856). The Clarendon hotel at Dyersville was kept by Mr. Jackson in 1857. On July 25, 1857, the Jesup lands--2,520 acres--lying near Dyersville, in Delaware county, were offered for sale here at public auction. The sale was for the purpose of closing up the Jesup estate. In October or November, 1857, the Dyersville Mercury was first issued by F. I. Stanton. It was neutral in politics and its motto was "Devoted to Iowa, the Union and Ourselves."

In the winter of 1857-8 a lyceum was conducted in Dyersville, and a Masonic lodge was organized there. John Young made an assignment during the panic of that year.

Dyersville was located in a burr-oak opening on the Maquoketa river. In 1856-7 its population doubled. In the summer of 1857 seven stores were going up at one time--also a score or more of dwellings. There were three brick yards there. The Methodists were building a church to cost $10,000. Their old building was sold to the town and converted into a public school house, with L. Gano teacher. Randall Brothers conducted a banking business there--the only one in the place. There were one drug store, one hardware store, one tin shop, two wagon shops, one harness shop, two furniture stores, three blacksmith shops, three hotels, four dry goods stores and six groceries. The Clarendon House, owned by Judge Dyer, cost $30,000. A large warehouse was owned by B. P. Power & Co.--(Times, August 3, 1857).

The completion of the Dubuque & Pacific railroad to Dyersville in 1857 was an important event and at once caused the village to grow rapidly. The Clarendon hotel was erected about this time by Judge Dyer, and was leased by him. The railroad was continued westward, but the panic of 1857 fell upon this community as upon all else and business was dull and improvement languished. It was about this time that Henry and Barney Holscher and Rev. W. H. Heu di Bourgh located, the latter being a member of the Congregational church. He at once began to secure subscriptions for a church of that faith, and ere long the same was built. In the end he opened a large property near the village.

In April, 1858, the editor of the Dyersville Mercury published a strong appeal to the people of that village and vicinity to come forward and assist him to maintain his paper or he would be obliged to move his outfit to some other place. Owen McGee shot and killed Jerry Kelly at Dyersville in September, 1858. The house of Daniel Higgins, near Dyersville, was burned September 25, 1858,and was a total loss.

In March, 1859, Mr. Stanton, editor of the Dyersville Mercury, boasted that he had a "smattering knowledge" of the following tongues: Hebrew, Greek, English, Douay, Latin, Italian, French, Flemish and Spanish.

The Herald called Stanton "the Douay editor," and rejoiced when he was beaten by a printer named William Corbett.

"Piles on piles of airy nothings, gossamer castles, were upreared on the frail base of the imagination--on the cornerstone of a single isolated but almighty dollar."--(Stanton in Dyersville Mercury). "Git eout!"--(E. & H., June 25, 1859).

The Fourth of July, 1859, was publicly celebrated at Dyersville; thirteen, guns were fired at day break. A procession marched to wooded grounds, where L. M. Gano read the Declaration; B. F. Fotterall delivered the oration, and Colonel Rickard, of Dubuque, also addressed the assemblage. There was good music by Professor Flude and others. The military band was a feature. The day ended with a ball at the Clarendon hotel.

In describing the 4th of July (1859) celebration at Dyersville the Mercury said: "The anniversary of that glorious day which gave a distinctness to all the energies of the patriots of '76, that gave a soul-stirring earnestness to all the noble deeds which they accomplished & that struck the keynote of the heart-strung sympathies of a people whose children and children's children should hand down to posterity this heirloom and eternally entailed heritage of heaven directed nobility; at early morn the reverberating echoes of distant hills, where awakened from their apathetic slumber, the vales of the North Maquoketa gave birth to echoes whose like was never heard since Jehovah's thunders called them into being. Here a grand federal salute greeted the ear which, with hundreds of happy throats, swelled the baptismal anthem, making the welkin ring again with its awakening echoes."

In April, 1861, the citizens of Dyersville voted as to who should be postmaster of that town, and John Dyer won by two majority. Dyersville was established in 1861 as an independent school district under the code. George Rebman's house, near Dyersville, was burned down August 14, 1864. The family was absent. Two farmers, George Kruepfel and Mr. Leopard, were held up and robbed near Dyersville in September, 1865. They were on horseback when two men with pistols held them up. Kruepfel handed over $100. A boy with them had 10 cents which they took. Jerry Boland built the Dyersville bridge in 1865. In June, 1865 a party of four or five persons were drowned at Dyersville. They had attended a wedding at Colesburg and on their return, while attempting to cross Bear creek, which was greatly swollen, were drowned. They were Mr. Storker, Mr. Adam, Mrs. Adam and child, and perhaps others.

In January, 1866, Dyersville shipped 3,720 hogs, which, at $10 per hundred, were worth $93,297.20. A flood, in February, 1867, swept away the wagon bridge at Dyersville.

In April, 1868, Rev. R. Swearingen and Rev. J. W. Hanson debated at Dyersville the question of future state, the former maintaining the doctrine of endless punishment and the latter that of universal salvation; they did not settle the question. In 1868 among the leading business houses of the place were T. D. Hall, store and hotel; Chesterman & Trick, agricultural warehouse and hardware store; Collins & Schemmel, an agricultural warehouse; W. Dyer, extension to elevator; Moreland & Kramer, a new store; Halscher Bros., grain elevator, which was previously owned by J. B. Hawley; Limbeck & Co., store; Moreland & Stocker, store; Rohenkohl & Son, store. John Dyer was postmaster about 1865-6, but it then passed to D. L. Smith.

The following is a summing up of Dyersville in 1869: Clarendon hotel, 70 to 80 rooms, built by James Dyer in 1856-7; Congregational church, Rev. H. L. Chase; Methodist church, Rev. J. McCormick; Roman Catholic church, Rev.. Fr. Kortencamp; Lutheran, supplied from Dubuque; public graded school, N. W. Boyes, principal; merchants, A. Limbeck & Co.; Halscher & Bro., hardware; J. B. Hawley; Raper & Trum; Collins & Schemmel; F. Luthners, woolen factory; Chesterman & Trick, Robelcol & Kramer; John Dyer, etc. There were two grain elevators, two breweries, Doctors Kepler, Tremain, Miller and Menges; J. D. Alson, lawyer; A. Kroffl, Gadsden, Halscher & Co. and Sexton, grain buyers. At this date Dyersville was one of the largest shipping points for its size in the state. Immense quantities of hogs, grain and wild fowl were sent to market. There were three lumber yards, grist mill of J. Schemmel & Co., Masonic Lodge No. 132.

In 1870 a new bridge was built to take the place of the one washed away a year or two before.

In 1870-1 Dyersville and Cascade had rival baseball teams that met on more than one desperately fought field; they also had rival billiardists. In one baseball game played at Dyersville April 1, 1871, the score was Dyersville 50, Cascade 26. In 1873 Rose & Son founded the Dyersville Commercial. In 1880 Charles E. Sloop became connected with it; the sheet was Democratic.

Dyersville was incorporated in 1872; the new town started as such with a population of about 1,000; forty-nine persons petitioned to have the place incorporated. William Trick was elected mayor; J. A. Limback, treasurer; John Morley, recorder; A. Limback, C. C. Chesterman, D. S. Smith, A. Kropfl and A. Muehe, council.

The large Howe truss bridge at Dyersville was erected in 1874 at a cost of $4,500.

The Teutonia band was in existence in 1874. On the question of a new school house to cost $7,000, in 1874, the vote of the corporation stood--for the house, 115; against it, 87. The building was duly erected; it was of brick and stone, 44 x 56 feet. By 1875 the leading streets were macadamized and put in good condition, sidewalks were built and other needed improvements made from the license fees of the saloons; the license was $100 annually. The following is a summing up of the town in 1875: Merchants, A. Limback & Co., Holscher Bros., William Trick, John Christoph, the Godsdens, the Schemmels, David Smith, Nick Till, Bunker, Burley, Morley, Rohenkohl, Alsop, Rose and others. In October the new brick school house was nearly finished, at a cost of about $8,000, and with a capacity of about 400 pupils.

In December, 1895, the Farmers' State Bank of Dyersville organized and prepared to do business on Main street, their building costing $4,800. The officers were Adolph Lange, president; John B. Utt, vice-president; Ben Schemmel, cashier. Business was begun in January, 1896. In 1904 the city had two banks, six general stores, three hardware stores, four manufacturing plants, three grain elevators, two wholesale liquor houses, two breweries, one creamery, four lawyers, two real estate offices, three physicians, three milliners, excellent graded and parochial schools, and Catholic, Methodist, Episcopal and Lutheran churches.

In 1881 A. Limback & Co. conducted a large creamery. The German State Bank was established in 1886, with a capital of $25,000, of which $15,000 was owned by Dubuque capitalists. In 1889 Dyersville had two newspapers, a bank, was a famous hog market, had 254 business houses of all kinds, and in 1888 had spent a total of $210,295 in buildings of all sorts. In that year the total business of the German State Bank was $1,250,000. In business enterprises there was invested about $1,000,000.

The total postoffice business was $15,695. The Catholic church was one of the finest in Iowa and cost about $115,000. The News Letter was established in 1888-9.

The Hickory Valley Creamery Company was incorporated in 1891, and Richard Barry became president. This year the News Letter and the Commercial were official organs of the county; Chris Smith edited the latter. In 1893 the town erected its city hall and engine house, 40 x 112 feet, and duly dedicated it on October 24. Hon. John B. Utt was orator. In 1896 Henry Steffen sued Mayor D. A. Gehrig for $10,000 damages for assault; upon committing the assault the mayor promptly pleaded guilty before a justice and paid a fine of $1, but this did not satisfy Mr. Steffen. The Dyersville Canning Company was established in 1900; in 1902 it put up 150,000 cans of corn. The Harvest Home picnic in 1906 brought out a large crowd. A fire in August, 1907, destroyed about $30,000 worth of property. In 1909 the Waterloo Canning Company leased the establishment of the Dyersville Canning Company. The First National Bank of Dyersville opened its doors in January, 1910, with Frank L. Drexler as president.

Dyersville, in 1910, was lighted by electricity, had fire department, opera house, two or three banks, two weekly newspapers--Commercial and News Letter--many excellent stores--dry goods, hardware, clothing, boots and shoes, jewelry, drugs, groceries, etc., saloons, lumber yards, physicians and surgeons, shops of all sorts, dentists, marble works, lawyers, undertakers, contractors, mills, furniture, photographer, churches for the Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans and Methodists, a malting company, etc.

The village of New Vienna was first settled in 1844 by Fred Rohenkohl, H. Tauke, John Fangmann and H. Weichmann. It was first platted as New Wein. Henry Schemmel was first postmaster. About 1846-7 Mr. Fangmann built a saw mill on the river; in 1865 a grist mill was erected near. About 1848 Frederick Rohenkohl started the first store. Henry Schemmel & Brothers established a woolen mill about 1849. John Klosterman taught the first school The woolen factory and flouring mill were destroyed by fire in November, 1863; nearly 3,000 bushels of wheat were burned; the loss was about $13,000; a large quantity of wool was destroyed; the property belonged to the estate of Joseph Schemmel. Frank Knippling was interested in the property and lost heavily. New Vienna was incorporated in 1895 in response to a petition signed by thirty-two citizens. There were polled 56 votes, 42 for the incorporation and 14 against it. The officers elected were John Vorwald, mayor; J. W. Schaetzel, recorder; H. Huberty, J. Kerper, John Wessels, Jr., A. Lange, T. B. Boeckenstadt and Joseph E. Erdmann, trustees.

In 1904 New Vienna had three general stores, one hotel, one harness shop, one furniture dealer and undertaker, one brewery, one restaurant, one physician, one blacksmith, and two wagon shops.

Taylor Township (township 88 north, range I west). This portion of the county was quite early settled--had election precincts and road districts for several years prior to the creation and organization of the township proper. The voters in 1838 went to the house of Jacob Hamilton, on the Great Maquoketa, to vote. The first settlers had to go to Dubuque to get their mail, but in 1840 received it at what is now Cascade. In September, 1840, it was made a part of White Water election precinct, and in December of the same year was assigned to the first county commissioner's district. As originally created in February, 1843, it was part of four townships, which cornered at sections 20, 21, 28 and 29 (see elsewhere herein). It thus remained until February 7, 1849, when Taylor Township was created and then embraced the present Dodge Township. On January 11, 1850, Taylor was cut down to its present boundaries, and elections were ordered held at the house of Peter Melingner.

This portion of the county contained good citizens. Daniel Hogan arrived in 1837. Other early ones were the Wilmotts, Briggs, Kidders, Johnsons, Youngs, Walkers, McKees, Hatches, Wilsons, Grafforts, Kehoes, Smiths, Dickinsons, Shermans, Kennedys, Grays, Jennings, Greenwoods, Murphys, Tracys, Healeys, McDermotts, Striefs and many others.

In 1854 the famous "boiling springs" of this township first became generally known. There were originally seven large springs flowing into a common outlet and all furnishing enough water power for several mills. Mr. Smith became the owner of them in 1854; later Mr. Sherman became associated with him and soon they had one of the best stock and grain farms of the county.

Epworth originally comprised forty acres and was laid out by Dr. William Johnson and the village was named in honor of the birthplace of John Wesley. The first residents were Hezekiah Young. Otis Briggs and Zephaniah Kidder, who were there in 1855, a short time before the plat was made. Hiram Young was there early also.

The postoffice of Hogansville, named for Daniel Hogan, was established about 1840 at what is now Epworth, but no village grew up there until the survey of the railroad in 1855. In the spring of that year eighty acres were platted and the name of the postoffice was changed from Hogansville to Epworth.

The proposed construction of the Illinois Central railroad (known through this county in 1855 and later as the Dubuque & Pacific railroad) was the cause of the platting, settlement and growth of Epworth. Several years earlier a store at Drake's, about one mile east of Epworth, was opened by Benjamin H. Wilmott; in the spring of 1855 he moved his store to Epworth. Mr. Kidder erected a building and started a store. E. G. French built a small hotel and also opened a small store. After a short time Robert Wilmott succeeded B. H. Wilmott in charge of the store. Otis and Thomas G. Briggs began burning bricks in 1855. The village grew rapidly. David and John Edwards opened the Graffort House the first year. It was well kept and became favorably known. E. G. French taught the first school in 1855-6. Other early residents were J. V. McCune, Silas Moore, William Magill, Philip Keagy, Jacob Wynant, Rev. S. T. Wells, Frank Richardson, A. S. Atkinson, a blacksmith, Dr. W. B. Fox, W. W. Wilkinson, Mr. Alexander, J. T. Williams, O. J. Metcalf and David Edwards.

J. H. and Edward Dodson conducted an early store; so did Alexander & Company. Edward Tuttle was a painter. Epworth Lodge No. 84, A. F. & A. M., was founded in 1856. In 1857 Dr. E. Jackson, a homeopathist, was here, and Benjamin Goodrick conducted a shoe shop and store.

On July 4, 1857, the Methodist Sunday schools for Dyersville, Bankston's Prairie, Center Grove, Rockdale and the Union met at Epworth with the Sunday school there to celebrate the day. The Epworth school received the others at the station. All marched to Seminary Grove, where the Declaration was read by Dr. William Johnson, of Epworth, and addresses delivered by Rev. P. E. Brown and Rev. E. L. Stout, both of Dubuque.

In September, 1857, the Times contained the following account of Epworth: "lt now numbers some 350 inhabitants and is daiIy increasing. There are many inducements to settle here. There are four stores in the place. A tinware and stove depot, owned by S. Young, and a very fine boot and shoe establishment, carried on by Goodrich & Watkins. The Methodist society have a nice church in the place. The Presbyterians are now building a fine house of worship. The new academy, now nearly completed, is a beautiful structure and admirably adopted to the purpose for which it is designed. Its cost, when completed, will be nearly or quite $8,000, and it must ever be an ornament to Epworth. We are informed the institution will open sometime in November. There are two hotels here. One is kept by J. D. Graffort."--(Cor. Times, September 5, 1857.

At Epworth in 1858 wheat was reported half a crop; potatoes were infected with rot. A new and fine steam flouring mill was being erected, to which a saw mill with power for lathes and cabinet shop, was attached. The owners were Ridder & Chesterman. The main building was 30x40 feet and cost $10,000. The seminary was in a flourishing condition, with goodly attendance. Examinations of the public schools were satisfactory.

Bethel cemetery is one and one-half acres, donated by James McGee for burial purposes. Most of the early Protestant settlers of that locality have been buried there, the first interment being that of Joseph Jenkins in 1856. After that it filled up rapidly until about 1875, when the early settlers began to disperse. Bethel church was erected about 1855, opposite the cemetery, on an acre of ground donated by John Hilman, and was used for worshiping purposes most of the time until 1875, while it was left vacant until 1884, when sold to I. L. McGee and removed off the ground and used for a barn. The few members left were transferred to Farley parish.

The Fourth of July was celebrated at Epworth, the academy pupils under Rev. Keeler leading. Rev. Robert Collier delivered an address there. Rev. Mr. Brush, president of the Upper Iowa University, also delivered an address. At the celebration in the woods D. N. Cooley, of Dubuque, delivered the principal oration.

From 1860 to 1865 the following were at Epworth: Shoe store by Benjamin Goodrich, mill owned by Mr. Kidder, academy, two or three churches, excellent public schools, a moral atmosphere superior to any in the county; the big store of Robert Wilmott, another by Metcalf & Vibber, another by P. Keagy, blacksmiths, carpenters, stone and brick masons, milliner, etc. In 1867 a large co-operative union store was established, owing to the high prices and hard times. In 1861 Silas Moore was postmaster. He conducted a hotel, the Graffort house having been destroyed by fire in 1859. J. D. Graffort, of Dubuque, had owned this house, which was conducted by Mr. Osborn at the time of the burning.

Previous to 1870 the seminary was the property of the Upper Iowa Conference, but in that year it fell to the ownership of the Methodist church. In 1879 Epworth was incorporated upon the petition of thirty-five residents. At this time they claimed not less than 300 population. At the incorporation election eighty-three votes were polled, fifty-six for incorporation and twenty-seven against incorporation. The town has a regular corporation tax. The officers in 1880 were J. M. Kirkpatrick, mayor; Joseph Fogg, recorder; J. B. Albrook, John W. Foster, Timothy French, T. J. Briggs, William McKinlay and Daniel Durham, trustees. Iowa Lodge No. 324, I. O. O. F., was instituted in 1875, and Epworth Lodge No. 1351 A. O. U. W., in 1877. The Epworth Seminary Association was incorporated in 1880.

Epworth now has Baptist, Catholic and Methodist churches, a bank, excellent schools, several general and special stores, hotels, liveries, physicians, milliners, grocery and hardware stores, contractors, lumber yards, barbers, dressmakers, teachers, stock dealers, drug stores, farm implement shops, etc.

Farley.--It seems that Joseph G. Wilson, in the fall of 1852, was among the first to locate at what is now Farley. He erected a frame house. Lawrence McGuigan located there in 1853. When the railroads were built in 1856-7 he sold out to the Iowa Land Company and the latter at once platted the village. The place was named in honor of Jesse P. Farley, of Dubuque, who was actively and prominently connected with the construction of both railroads. The village at once began to grow, Daniel Hill, E. A. Irwin, Dennis Sullivan, John Kimball, John Lehee, the Walkers and many others being among the first residents. The Sherman house was built early.

The W. G. Long residence was burned in May, 1863. The movement of the Good Templars against the liquor interests in 1868 was notable. The citizens were determined to keep out the grog shops. In October, 1863, the cornerstone of the Catholic church at Farley was laid; 300 persons were present. Father McGauran celebrated mass and Father Maloney, of Holy Cross, conducted the services of dedication.

In 1872 the Stoll elevator at Farley burned down. It contained sixteen carloads of grain.

By 1869 there were at Farley the following improvements: Norling & Fitzgerald, store; A. C. Walker & Co., store; Vibber & Co., store; McGee Brothers, store; A. Maryatt, store; Catholic and Methodist churches, pastor of the former, Rev. Fr. McGauran, and of the latter, Rev. Mr. Houghton, from Epworth; three hotels; A. Gillespie, teacher; W. B. Dubois and W. H. Tuthill, lumber dealers; Samuel J. Thompson, agricultural implements; H. Stoll, elevator; Smith & Kephart, cheese factory, etc.

In 1871 the Farmers' Harvest Home assemblies commenced. They were held in the woods near town and drew large crowds and were the means of uniting the people in the cause of industry, education, morality and good citizenship. Alexander McKee was president in 1871. The next year Robert Wilmott served as such and A. C. Walker was secretary. The "home" has been held often ever since. In 1886 P. F. Walker was president. As many as 6,000 people have been present at the annual meetings. In 1875 a big fire at Farley destroyed the railway machine shops. In September, 1875, the Methodist Episcopal church was dedicated by Rev. E. K. Young; it cost about $4,000. In 1879 Farley was incorporated as a town, thirty-six persons signing the petition. At the election seventy-two voted for incorporation and fifty-seven against it. The Ryans, of Dubuque, contemplated a packing plant at Farley, but it did not materialize.

A very destructive fire at Farley in January, 1896, caused the loss of over $25,000 in property. Among the losers were Loomis, Vibber & Heald, Ransom, Newton, Ewen, Cattron, Plunkett, Asquitt, Bank of Farley and several societies. The Loomis opera house block was almost wholly destroyed.

Farley in 1910 had Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, graded schools, two banks, two newspapers--Advertiser and News--general stores, and stores of hardware, drugs, jewelry, milliners, etc., restaurants, hotels, liveries, doctors, lawyers, dentists, furniture, harness, real estate, lumber yards, shops, water works, undertakers, live stock dealers, etc.

The Farley State Bank was organized June 26, 1906, with a capital of $25,000. B. E. Loomis and J. B. Cook solicited subscriptions to the stock. There are about seventy stockholders, mainly farmers. On January 1, 1907, the deposits amounted to $35,436.82; on January 25, 1911, they were $264,572.65. The first officers were J. P. Sanner, president; B. D. Heald, vice-president; F. S. Ferring, cashier, and they still manage the institution. The bank pays 4 1/2 per cent on time deposits.

Farley was incorporated in 1879, with A. C. Walker, mayor; R. L. Vibber, treasurer; Charles A. Joseph, recorder; J. F. Wilmott, street commissioner and marshal; A. T. Garner, J. J. Wilson, L. N. Arcouit, D. Moynihan, S. Goodale and Solomon Carpenter, trustees. The city has a library association. Nearby are the famous Farley quarries of building stone.

Kidder Siding is a small place in the northeast part, and Placid another in the southeast part.

Cascade Township (township 87 north, range 2 west) was organized as road districts and election precincts before the township as such had an official existence.

As an election precinct it was Great Maquoketa in I838 and elections were held at the house of Jacob Hamilton. It was also called White Water precinct. In August, 1839, elections were held at the house of Joseph Hewitt. Patrick Finn, James H. Kirkpatrick and Willis Thompson were judges of election. The military road was built in 1839 and thereafter Cascade had a postoffice of its own. Arthur Thomas was postmaster at the "Falls" in 1840. In 1840 the township was in the third county commissioners' district. As first created, in 1843, the township embraced parts of the present townships of Cascade, White Water, Taylor and Dodge. It was given its present boundaries in 1849.

Nicholas Delong was the first settler of Cascade township. He first came in 1834, when he plowed a small tract and planted it in corn. The next spring he returned and sowed a field of wheat. In 1836 he brought out his family, consisting of wife, daughter Susan and five sons, William, John, Parley, Jacob and Perry. His cabin was located on the present townsite. John Sherman arrived about 1836 and bought a part of the water power and in partnership with Arthur Thomas about 1837 erected the first flouring milI and began business. At the same time they established a store and built a hotel. The next year the Delong brothers built the first saw mill about two miles above. Previous to his arrival here Nicholas Delong had been a miner, probably at Dubuque and perhaps at Galena. In about 184I Caleb Bucknam, whose daughter married G. G. Banghart, bought the Delong property, and in 1842 laid out the village. Alvin Burt, Peter Summers, Egbert Macomber, C. O. Freeman, Elan Rafferty, Lyman Dillon, Mahlon Lupton, John Rafferty and Asa Leek were all early settlers of this township. L. A. Styles was postmaster--about 1842. W. W. Hamilton arrived about 1842. G. G. Banghart kept a large general store. Judge Taylor was here early.

Joseph Dean, Caleb Bucknam, Levi A. Styles, Peter Knoop, W. W. Hamilton, Arthur Thomas, Alonzo Meecham, Asa Leek, Nathan W. Dotan, John Gibson were all useful citizens.

The citizens of the North Fork of Maquoketa, on February 17, 1838, assembled and organized for the protection of their preemption rights and for the regulation of their claims. They adopted a constitution and assumed the name "North Fork of Maquoketa Association" for the mutual protection of settlers' claims on government lands. No settler could have more than three quarter sections of land. No person under sixteen years could hold a claim. The following were the officers: Charles W. Harris, president; Webster M. Dowell, vice-president; Francis M. Hamilton, secretary; Abraham Daniels, Samuel Groff, John Hanley, Fielden Braden, James Hoffman, Thomas Owens, E. Richardson, Vincent D. Smith and James B. Powell, grand committee.

The water power was the origin of Cascade, both of the name and the village. The military road, after 1839, was extensively traveled and caused Cascade to grow. Caleb Bucknam bought out the Delongs about 1840 and laid out the west town. Lyman Dillon owned the saw mill and G. G. Banghart opened a store. James Cooley was here early; also the Powells, Hamiltons, Smiths and McGintys. Mr. Bucknam donated land to the Catholic and Protestant churches and to their cemeteries. In 1842 the place was called West Cascade in the records of the county. About this time a road was established from Cascade westward to the county seat of Delaware county. The act of February 16, 1842, declared the Big Maquoketa a navigable highway. A large temperance meeting at the house of Arthur Thomas in 1842 organized with twenty persons and with William Collins as president. The Methodists organized in 1841 and erected a church in 1844. The Congregationalists built in 1845.

About fifty Irish families, just over from Europe and now at St. Louis, sent one of their number, a young Irishman, to Dubuque county to select a location for all of them. He selected points along the Maquoketa in the southwestern part of Dubuque county. --(Bloomington Herald, June 10, 1842.) A mass meeting of the citizens of Cascade was held at the Methodist church in that village on January 29, 1848, to take into consideration the expediency of making Cascade a point upon the contemplated Dubuque & Keokuk railroad, according to the charter granted by the last legislature. William Johnson was chosen president of the meeting; Joseph Dean, vice-president, and N. P. Cook and W. S. Hall, secretaries. The following committee to draft resolutions was appointed: Dr. B. F. Dewey, George Banghart, John McGinty, James S. Hamilton and Joshua Johnson. The meeting was addressed by George Banghart, C. O. Freeman, Dr. B. F. Dewey and Rev. L. H. Woodford. The resolutions warmly favored the selection of Cascade as a point on this contemplated railroad line.

In I847 William Lawther & Co. conducted a large store in Cascade. The leading hotel at this date was managed by Henry Miller. William W. Hamilton, a Scotchman and a lawyer, was here early and became very prominent.

At a large railroad meeting in Cascade in December, 1852, G. G. Banghart served as chairman and Dr. G. W. Trumbull as secretary. W. S. Hall, T. S. Denson, L. Barnett, Lemuel Litton and Alfred Darling were present. The inhabitants here were endeavoring to secure the Dubuque & Pacific railway, or any other. The McGinty-Clark murder and suicide occurred near Cascade in 1855. By August, 1856, the village had a population of about 450 people. McCann was hotelkeeper. At this date there were seven or eight merchants, the big flour mill owned by the Chews, saw mill, brick yard, private schools, the academy, mechanics, blacksmiths, etc. James Hill laid out a large addition to the village. John Bates resided here.

In an examination before David F. Barr, justice, at Cascade, in June, 1857, Michael Flanigan was given a preliminary trial for the murder of James Newell by striking him on the head with an ax handle. Both resided in Jones county. The defendant was bound over to court in the sum of $4,000, on the charge of manslaughter. Bail was furnished. The alleged crime was committed at Francis M. McNally's grocery. Charles Winchel, a storekeeper, saw the blow struck. William Bucknam, a shopkeeper, was a witness. At this date Ruthorp owned a shop, Taylor had a store and Dr. Baker practiced medicine, also Dr. Beman. Frank May's brewery was
there in 1856.

A grand mass meeting to be held at Cascade July 25, 1857, was called to consider the proposed new constitution. The best speakers from Dubuque were advertised to be present. Resolutions against the proposed new constitution were passed. In July, 1857, a mob of over 300 men surrounded the dwelling of Jack Parrot, of Cascade, intent on hanging him on the charge of horse stealing. At this time Parrot was constable of the township.

Cascade in 1858 had a population of nearly 1,000. Over seventy-five new buildings, it was claimed, were erected in 1858. They were built on both sides of the river. The falls in the river gave rise to the name Cascade, and were about nine feet high. There were two large mills at the town--a flouring mill on one side of the river and a saw mill on the other. There were four large dry goods stores, one drug store and several grocery stores. There were four churches already up and two more being erected. A large brick academy and a brick public school were in flourishing condition. There were five blacksmith shops, three wagonmaker shops, two cabinet shops, besides carpenters, shoemakers, tailors, etc. --(Ed. Acsac in Dubuque Herald; the name reversed spells Cascade.) In 1858 Cascade Academy was under the superintendence of Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Wilson, A. M. The fourth session of this school began Monday, September 7, 1858. Instruction in all branches usually taught in colleges was given. The tuition was from $4 to $8. The trustees were Anthony S. Chew, G. W. Trumbull and W. W. Hamilton.

In July, 1858, wheat near Cascade was not over half a crop; oats were injured by rust, but the corn prospect was good. The Cascade Juvenile Vigilance Committee enforced the hog law--they penned up about thirty head at one time and asked owners to pay charges and take them away. The Cascade Philomathean Society held regular meetings; the Masons had just organized, and despite the hard times and uncertain currency about twenty new dwellings were erected in 1858. The Catholics were about to commence on a new church there, the Methodists already had laid the basement of their large brick church in the eastern part.--(Cascade cor. E. & H., July 20, 1858.) A tornado swept through the county about two miles west of Cascade in July, 1858, prostrating crops and timber. Cyrus Goff was a brick manufacturer; Hastings and Scott were at work in the "gold mine" near Cascade; the Irish neighborhood near Cascade was in a prosperous condition.

In 1858 Thomas Palmer was indicted for keeping a gambling house at Cascade. He kept a saloon there. He was found guilty by a jury in the District court before Judge T. S. Wilson. In 1858 there were three new mail routes extending out from Cascade: from Cascade to Iowa City, from Cascade to Tipton, from Cascade to Wyoming. In August there were eight mail routes coming into or passing through the village.

The academy at Cascade was conducted by Professor Wilson in 1858. During the spring term there were about seventy pupils in attendance. While out hunting with a party of men a Mr. Connelley, of Cascade, accidentally shot a young man named Banghart with a full charge, but did not kill him.

On July 4, 1862, Cascade turned out to celebrate. The Declaration was read by Prof. C. W. Von Coelin and speeches were delivered by M. B. Mulkern, Austin Adams and J. M. King. Washington's farewell address was read by Doctor Trumbull. Simon Chamberlain was postmaster in 1863.

The following citizens of Cascade, in August, 1864, notified the public that the new Cascade Academy, with the ablest and most experienced teachers, would be open for the reception of students September 15: G. W. Trumbull, John Taylor, G. G. Banghart, W. S. Hall, T. J. Chew, T. Litton and L. and L. Benham. Prof. J. Nolan, A. M., was principal. Sixty students were enrolled by November 1.

In 1864 the paper mill two miles from Cascade was established by Mullally, Hutchins & Co. They first made wrapping paper, mainly from rye and oat straw, but later advanced to printing paper. The main building was 30x40 feet and two stories high. McNulty was connected with the company. He seems to have secured Hutchins' interest. Their paper was on the market in Dubuque in November and was exhibited at the county fair. In October, 1869, the mill was destroyed by fire caused by the explosion of a kerosene lamp. The loss was estimated at $30,000.

The Spring Valley mills on section 26 were built in about 1870 by F. Gilleger and had three run of stone.

In December, 1866, there was published in the Dubuque Herald the following description of Cascade abridged: Cascade is on the Maquoketa river, where there were falls about ten feet high, with power sufficient for forty or fifty pairs of buhrs. The town was in a heavily timbered section and was surrounded with a well settled and prosperous farming community. The Cascade flouring mill, owned by T. Chew, but leased by Crane Brothers, had four run of stone. T. Chew ran a saw mill; Thomas Crawford & Co. ran a cabinet factory; there were several stores and shops; German Catholic church, Rev. M. Lynch; Irish Catholic church, same pastor; a new Catholic church just finished, 100x50 feet, built of stone; new Methodist church, Rev. Wortz; Baptist church, Rev. Reas; New Presbyterian church, Rev. Sawhill; Second Advent church, Rev. Huff; Cascade Academy, R. G. Gislon, principal, and two district schools.

In November, 1867, Cascade had a population of about 1,000, seven dry goods stores, seven groceries, three drug stores, three hotels, three schoolhouses, six churches, a large grist mill, a saw mill, two cabinet and other shops, three wagon and carriage makers, four blacksmiths, four shoe shops, a distillery, doctors, lawyers, etc. In 1868 one span of the Cascade mill, then under construction, fell into the river, carrying down eight men. No lives were lost, but the property loss was about $2,500. The Cascade Pioneer was established early by C. H. Monger and did a great deal to build up the town and improve the community under J. W. Baldwin.

September 19, 1878, was a great day for Cascade. The first ground was turned on the narrow gauge railroad which extended from Bellevue to that town. About 2,500 people were present when John W. Tripp threw the first shovelful of earth. A large procession, under Chief Marshal R. R. Creston, paraded the streets and marched out to the grove, where the speaking took place. Fred O'Donnell was orator of the day, but speeches were also made by Gen. L. A. Wright, Dennis A. Mahony, Dennis O'Brien, Mr. Tripp and others. The first locomotive arrived at Cascade in December, 1879.

The stock fair held at Cascade in 1880 was well attended and a success. Many excellent animals were exhibited. At this date, December, 1880, the village was incorporated as a town. There were 161 votes, of whom 128 favored incorporation and 32 opposed it. In 1881 a squad of people at Cascade tarred and feathered a man, whereupon he commenced suit against them for damages. In 1886 a new bank was established, with B. B. Richards, of Dubuque, as president.

The fair at Cascade in 1891 was attended by 5,000 people on the best day. It had already given fame to this little town. "No man's land," at Cascade, began to be famous about this time. The five hundred yard law concerning liquor selling was the cause in this town, situated in two townships, in two counties and on the two sides of the river. There was almost open war between the Jones county officials and the saloonkeepers of Cascade. The Cascade opera house was built in the early nineties. The Cascade bank and the Farmers 'and Merchants' bank gave much needed accommodation to business men. In 1894 the Cascade water works were put in for $10,792 by the Smedley Manufacturing Company. Two hose carts and about 1,000 feet of hose were secured. The corporation tax in 1895 was $1,082.45. The Cascade Light & Power Company was established in 1895 with D. M. Finley president. It began with a capital of $7,000 and with about twenty-five to thirty lights.

In December, 1895, thirty-six of the heaviest shippers of Cascade--merchants, live stock dealers, foundrymen, mill owners, lumbermen, liquor dealers and other shippers--petitioned the State Board of Railroad Commissioners, asking that the railway service be improved. Twenty-six carloads of corn for Cascade were not forwarded for want of cars. A short crop necessitated the importation of this grain.

In 1896 the Cascade Courier was established by Bruce Baldwin. The county joined Cascade in 1897 and both held a joint fair that was a signal success. This was the sixth successful fair held at Cascade. There was a good track and a number of fast horses A baseball tournament was scheduled, with prizes of $100, $60 and $40. Five thousand people attended. The fairs of 1898 and 1899 were successful, though interest began to wane.

Cascade in 1904 had a water system, electric light plant, two newspapers--Pioneer and Katholischer--Cascade mills, two banks, two creameries, one railroad and German Catholic, Irish Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist churches.

Cascade in 1910 had five churches, public and parochial schools, two banks, two weekly newspapers, many general stores, grocery, hardware, drug, clothing, boot and shoe stores, hotels, restaurants, mills, saw and flour, physicians, lawyers, milliners, shops of various kinds, saloons, builders, band, creamery, electric light plant which cost $7,000, an insurance institution, lumber dealers, city water works, opera house, telephones, live stock dealers, livery, undertaker, jewelers, marble yards, barbers, real estate dealers, photographers, etc. It is one of the best towns of its size in the state.

White Water Township (township 87 north, range I west) was settled early, among the first residents being Jacob Hamilton, Robert Rogers, Peter Summers, Matthew W. Hutton, John Graham, William C. Olmsted, Christopher Drew, John A. Kennedy, Thomas W. Phatigan, James McDermott and others.

In the fifties considerable gold was found along White Water creek in the black sand and doubtless could be found at this day where the black sand is. Fillmore was established as a postoffice in 1850 and William Heitschew was the first postmaster. Quite a large village grew up there in time and increased in population after the construction of the railroad. It now has a store or two, mechanics, a co-operative creamery, etc.

Gray's mill, in White Water township, one mile from White Water bridge and twenty miles from Dubuque, was offered for sale in July, 1855. It had two run of French burrstones; also a quarter section where the mill was located, 100 acres of adjacent prairie, a tract of timberland, two dwellings and other buildings were offered in lots to suit purchasers.

On September 7, 1860, a miniature tornado swept across White Water, Prairie Creek and Washington townships, leveling fences, stocks, trees and houses. Its course was from northwest to southeast. No lives were lost.

Jacob Hamilton lived at or near Hempstead or, as the postoffice is called, Fillmore. Here in very early times the settlers came from many miles around to vote. Jacob Kitler lived near him. The bridge at Hempstead was built in 1861. This place, no doubt, was named in honor of Governor Hempstead, a Dubuquer.

Vernon Township (township 88 north, range I east) was settled at an early date. It was made a part of Catfish precinct in 1838 and voters were obliged to go to the home of John Paul to cast their ballots. In September, 1840, it was made a part of Regan's precinct. In February, 1843, it was divided among four townships (see elsewhere). On February 7, 1849, it was created with its present boundaries and named Mount Pisgah, but late in the same year the name was changed to Vernon.

Among the first settlers were the Grahams, Younts, Newells, Sparks, Sloans, Moores, Jordans, Champenoys, Moheisers, McCants, Snodgrass and Averinghams. From 1849 to 1853 many families, attracted by the monastery, came here to reside, among whom were James and Patrick Murray, George Brown, Frank Burns, Peter McLaughlin, Patrick Madigan, Michael Merrigan, John McGrath, Patrick Walsh, Peter French, Edward McDonnell, Thomas Logan, Michael Nolan, Martin McCarthy, James O'Hagen and Thomas Grace.

Peosta was laid out in 1853 by Simeon Clark and Elisha Brady on a tract of thirty acres. Among the first residents were Simon Clark, S. Hildebrand, who opened a store; Milo Burleridge, W. W. Miller, A. W. Beodell, a store; William Oldridge, Mr. Dunn, Mr. Brasher and others. Methodist, Presbyterian and Campbellite churches were started early. A hotel was built in 1857. During the Civil War the Union Leaguers effected an organization, and previously had organized as a home guard. This was one of the few spots in the county to be loyal to the administration of President Lincoln (see elsewhere). At a loyal flag raising here in 1861 Alfred Thomas addressed the audience. The flag was lowered to half mast as a mark of respect to Senator Douglas. This little village has had at all times a few business houses for the surrounding farmers' convenience, and has a population of about 150.

The monastery of the monks of La Trappe is in this township (see elsewhere for an account of this interesting community). As early as 1853-4 the monks began to raise fine stock, securing several fine animals from Kentucky. They owned and raised Durham and Devon cattle and did much to improve the breeds in this county.

Brother Murphy, of the monastery, was one of the largest hog dealers in the state. He took from near Cascade several thousand head in November, 1867. They were fattened for market. He shipped away about 300 a week for some time.

In 1860 the monks of La Trappe raised upwards of 5,000 bushels of wheat on their farm at Melleray, in Dubuque county.--(Herald, August 22, 1860.)

In 1853 William Potts was postmaster at New Melleray, on the Cascade road. His house was a favorite resort for picnic parties from Dubuque.

In Vernon township, eight miles from Dubuque, in April, 1863, was a den of wolves which had multiplied from year to year until they numbered nearly or quite fifty animals. They were fierce and had become very bold, attacking pigs, lambs, calves and even persons. During the winter of 1862-3 they often entered the door yards and barn yards of Mr. Courtney and others and battled with his dogs for domestic animals. A young lady belated was attacked but managed to elude them and reach a place of safety. Sportsmen of Dubuque were asked to go there with dogs and guns and hunt and kill the pack.--(Herald, April 22, 1863.)

Peru Township (township 90 north, range 2 east and part of township 91 north, range 2 east) was among the first to be settled. The village of Peru was founded in 1833; in fact, earlier than that year, notwithstanding the occupancy by the Indians. Elections were ordered held at the house of General Gehon in Peru village in 1834, at the time Michigan territory was formed. General Gehon was one of the first county supervisors, in 1836. The village was at first thought to be a rival of Dubuque, and was ordered surveyed under the act of Congress, and elections were held there regularly, but in 1838 were held at the house of Myron Patterson. At this date also Durango was made an election precinct and the polling place was the residence of J. Devin. Both Peru and Durango were election precincts in 1840. The Peru township created by act of February, 1843, embraced all of the present Peru and parts of the present Jefferson, Center and Dubuque (see elsewhere). The township, as it is at present, was cut down in February, 1849.

Among the first settlers were Francis Gehon, Thomas McKnight, M. Patterson, M. W. Powers, Augustus L. Gregoire, Samuel Morris, Tuck Baker, Samuel W. Barrington, Thomas Carroll, B. B. Bushee, Felix McBride and Mr. Brayton. Chester Sage and B. B. Bushee were at Sageville and there was established in 1833 the first saw mill in the county. The following year buhrs were added and corn was ground. Thomas McKnight operated a hot-air furnace at Peru. Gen. Francis Gehon conducted a large general store at Peru--sold hardware, dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps, groceries, queensware, etc. M. W. Powers established a large store there about 1834 and sold liquor. Presley Samuels located at Durango (sometimes called "Timber Diggings") in 1834 and about the same time Thomas McCraney, John R. Ewing, Nehemiah Dudley and Richard Marston located near him. When Wisconsin territory was created in 1836, Francis Gehon was appointed marshal. Michael W. Power was postmaster at Peru in 1838. "Kentucky" Anderson died here "with his boots on" about 1838. He was shot under great provocation by Adam Sherill. Ambrose Eagle settled here in 1837. Francis Gehon assisted in taking the territorial census in 1840 and was paid $350 at the time and $150 at another for his services. Presley Samuels was postmaster for many years at Durango. J. H. Thedinga settled early at Peru. The hopes of Peru and Durango expired when it was seen by 1836 that Dubuque was the coming city. After that neither advanced beyond a small country hamlet, with a store or two and a few mechanics, though at one time the settlement of many miners at Durango promised large and substantial growth.

It was during the forties that the race track at Peru began to be used by the sporting men of Dubuque, but nothing notable occurred there until the fifties. The races were at their best in 1858. In April, Iowa John beat Roan and Spot in a mile trotting race for a purse of $25; best time 2:54. In July the horse General Washington beat the horse Bay for $75. At the same time Lucy Harris defeated the Maid of Pittsburg in a trot, three best in five, for $50; best time 2:57. Lunkhead defeated Brown Pete and Iowa John. Other horses were Peosta, Curly Jane and Julien. In August, 1858, J. Leyden was killed at the track by William Dailey. In a running race Fox beat Wild Bill in a half mile for a purse of $200; time, 54 seconds.

The postoffice at Sageville was established in the forties, but was discontinued there during the Civil war. August Heber was postmaster in 1862. Bridges were built at Peru and Sageville from 1859 to 1863. In October, 1865, Samuel T. Whitehead committed suicide at Durango.

Henry Myers, of Peru township, killed a wildcat on his farm in February, 1862. It measured three feet ten inches from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. It had killed about twenty chickens and several geese.

Thompson's mill, near Sageville, was a prominent industry for many years. The land passed to J. A. Rhomberg many years afterward. The villages of Peru, Durango, Sageville, Zollicoffer Station, Edmore Station, Ainsworth Springs and Specht's Ferry are small centers.

Center Township (township 89 north, range I east) was settled in the early thirties. The first settlers voted at Dubuque, but in 1839 this portion of the county was constituted Paul precinct for voting purposes.

In 1843 it was made a part of Julien, Jefferson, Concord and Center townships. In February, 1849 it was given its present boundaries.

Among the first settlers in Center township were William Morrison, John Morgan, Thomas C. Judd, E. McDowell, Martin Haggard, Peter R. Benner, James Kimbrel, John M. Moore, David Haggard, William Stratton, Elisha Brady, Felix W. Flaherty, Thomas B. Wilson, William D. Scott, D. M. Buie, Samuel Wells, Antoine Loire and P. L. Sharp, who arrived before I845; also Louis Fettgather, C. F. Humke and the Bahls. The township had an abundance of good timber and limestone. Considerable charcoal was burned early. During the fifties there were built three saw mills and two grist mills.

The village of Dacotah was founded early in the fifties as a result of the survey for the Dubuque & Pacific railroad. The first lots offered in March, 1854, sold for $25 each; in May they were worth $200. It was to be the first station west of Dubuque and grew rapidly. In 1855 its name was changed to Centralia. The county agricultural society met there in the fall of 1854 In June, 1855, the place had three stores, several mechanics, a postoffice and a population of about 200. "This village now contains 200 inhabitants. The present prospects indicate that in less than ten years the county seat of Dubuque county will be established at Centralia."--("A Citizen," in E. & H., June 6, 1855.) In I863 the postoffice there was suspended. At an early day, P. Lattner & Brother opened a woolen mill on the Little Maquoketa, three miles north of Peosta. They paid the highest price for wool and carded, spun and wove woolen garments, etc. The residence of James Hood was burned in October, 1852, by an incendiary. In the fifties a big barbecue and harvest home was held at Twin Springs and was attended by 2,000 people. The speakers were Alphons Matthews, Dr. J. P. Quigley, T. J. Paisley, C. J. Rogers and Andrew Bahl. William Stratton donated the land at Centralia. It has the Cathoiic church, several stores, hotels and among the business men there have been William Morrison, Mr. Rittenhouse, Antoine Loire, A. D. Anderson, Louis Blew, Felix Flaherty, Mr. Philbrick and others. Lattner and Lora are small hamlets.

Washington Township (township 87 north, range 2 east) was among the first settled. The voters first went to Dubuque to poll their votes, and so continued probably until 1840, when the township became a part of Ferguson precinct. In 1843 the township was duly created and named, but then embraced all of the present Washington and portions of Vernon, Prairie Creek and Table Mound. In February, 1849, it was given its present boundaries.

Early in 1857 a petition signed by twenty-five citizens of Washington township, Dubuque county, was sent to the governor, asking him to withhold his signature to an act dividing three school districts (one in Dubuque county and two in Jackson county) for the purpose of forming a fourth. D. Cort was the author of the act, which was passed near the close of the session.

A boy named Lawrence Conley, aged about 14 years, was killed at Buncombe June 30, 1860, by being hurled by a runaway horse with great violence against a rail fence.

Among the first settlers were Jonathan Higgins, who came about 1833. A little settlement was formed around him and was called Higginsport, and a postoffice was established there. Henry Hunter, Mr. Clark and Mr. McAllister came early. Daniel Cort and John Wallace came in the forties; the former was prominent in politics. Zwingle is located on the Cort place. Three Wallaces served in the Union army. Other settlers were the Carpenters, Gaggarts and Cheenys around Buncombe, Dr. I. S. Bigelow, Robert Kennedy, Ulric Leffert, Martin Denlinger, U. S. Deahl, Jacob Wolfe, Mathew Powers, Daniel DeKoven, William Gaul, the Earlys, Watchs, Cotas, Timmins, Kinsellas, Donahues, Stranes, Henry Hunter, Nathan W. Dobon, Michael Malony, Thomas Hurley, Thomas Donohue, Ambrose Meeker and Walter Baker. Christian Denlinger came with Dr. I. S. Bigelow and Robert Kennedy. George Salot had a store in the township very early.

At a meeting of the Democrats of Washington, held at Buncombe September 29, 1858, the following persons were present: Daniel Cort, Joseph Musey, J. R. Foster, C. Denlinger, William C. Simpson, Dr. I. S. Bigelow, D. Kifer, M. D. Cune, R. Kennedy, Jonathan Higgins, John Dunn and Mathew Powers.

"New Flouring Mills.--We are indebted to Messrs Kifer, Bussard & Co. for a sack of very excellent flour of their own manufacture. Their mills are located in Washington township, sixteen miles from here, on Lytle creek. They have experienced workmen and can manufacture just as good flour as can be made anywhere in the Union."--(E. & H., June 21, 1859.)

Buncombe is a discontinued postoffice; a church, school and a business house or two constitute the village. It was discontinued in 1864. Emma is also a discontinued postoffice. A big bridge over Otter creek at Zwingle was built in 1863. In I864 the residence of Daniel Cort was burned to the ground. St. Joseph's church is in this township. In 1892 a sudden flood nearly carried Zwingle away; stores, elevator, wagon shop, blacksmith shop, etc., were washed away. Considerable live stock was drowned. A serious railroad accident occurred near Zwingle in 1907. Two persons were killed and eleven injured.

In December, 1900, the village petitioned to be incorporated, and the next year was duly made a town, with mayor and other necessary officers.

Bennetsville, Sylva and Washington Mills are small places.

Prairie Creek Township (township 87 north, range I east) is one of the best in the county. In 1834 it was made part of the Maquoketa election precinct, the polling place being at the house of Jacob Hamilton. In 1840 the precinct was called White Water, but later in the same year was named Regan's precinct. In 1843 it was made a part of Clinton and Washington townships. In February, 1849, it was limited as it now stands and for the first time was called Prairie Creek.

Among the first settlers were Samuel Litton, James McDennott, Patrick Nagle, Timothy McCarthy, J. D. Dickinson, Mr. Graham, Mr. Maloney, Maurice O'Brien, Jonathan Paul, Samuel Fetters, J. Brombaugh, James Larkin and the Lenehan, Delaney, Ogden, Callahan and Donovan families. Still later came the Duffys, Farrells, Dunns, O'Briens and Coxes.

The old Cox schoolhouse stood where Bernard now is. Of this township Dennis O'Brien, John M. Lenehan, J. J. Dunn and T. F. Phillips distinguished themselves.

The first iron bridge in the county was built over Lytle's creek, this township, in 1873. It cost $1,242. In 1863 Mr. Cox sold in Dubuque twenty-two hogs that averaged over 400 pounds each. He received the highest price then paid--$4.35. J. D. Dickinson, in 1845, bought of the government the land on which the town of Bernard now stands.

In June, 1858, Thomas Donaghue was killed in Prairie township by James Gibbons. The latter was arrested and admitted to bail in the sum of $10,000. Donaghue was drunk and threatened Gibbons, who retaliated by kicking the former several times violently, fracturing his skull. Drs. William Watson and B. McCluer made the post-mortem examination.

Patrick McArdle was murdered here in February, 1864. His wife and son were arrested and tried; the son was acquitted but the wife was found guilty and sentenced to the penitentiary for life, but was later pardoned.

The Litton farm in Prairie Creek township had been purchased and was owned in 1860 by Hon. B. N. Huntington. At first it contained but 200 acres, but was added to by Mr. Huntington until it consisted of 1,020 acres at this date. Ten and a half miles of board fence stood on the farm. Mr. L. S. Wood occupied the farm as a tenant of Mr. Huntington, who lived at Rome, New York. He had 170 acres in spring grain. It was well stocked with highgrade animals.

Bernard is a small town on the narrow gauge railroad in this township. Its origin is due to the railroad. The place was platted in 1896. The next year it became incorporated, twenty votes being polled for incorporation and none against it. The first officers were: Matt Donovan, mayor; Joseph Carrigg, recorder; William McCarthy, assessor; P. M. Fortune, treasurer; Michael Slattery, P. H. Russell, William McCullough, Roger Driscoll, William Russell and Alexander Moriarity, trustees. It now has a population of about 150; has a hotel, three general stores, hardware store, saloon, blacksmith shop, physicians and a few other business concerns.

Liberty Township (township go north, range 2 west) was early a part of the Upper Catfish election precinct, and in 1838 voters were required to go to the house of John Regan to cast their votes. In 1840 it was constituted a part of Hewitt's precinct. As first created in 1843, Liberty embraced the present Liberty and parts of the present Concord, Iowa and New Wine townships. In February, 1840, it was given its present boundaries.

Among the early settlers of Liberty were Peter Pletsch, Matthew McCullough, Peter Duster, Nicholas Colbert, John Linck, John Heidersheid and Michael Wagner.

Luxemberg is also called Flea Hill and the postoffice Allison. Mat. Enders conducted a store there early. Adjacent are many of the most valuable farms of the county. Nick Gotto began to sell goods there about 1870. From 1865 to 1875 about forty-eight families sold out and left this township, the Germans taking their farms. Now the population is almost wholly German. There are now at Luxemberg a store, creamery, smithy, hotel and shops.

Concord Township (township go north, range I west) was early settled. In 1834 it was attached to the Camp election precinct; in 1838 to Regan election precinct and in 1840 to the Hewitt election precinct. In 1843 it was created and named Concord for the first time and then embraced parts of Jefferson, Concord, Iowa and Center. In 1849 it was given its present limits.

Among the first settlers were Thomas Cook, John H. Floyd, N. Montgomery, Joseph Glew, Garland W. Gehon, D. R. Anderson, N. Van Meter, W. J. Anderson, William Rooney, John Sweeney, Richard Nichols, John McQuillen, the Henrys, Cooneys and John Floyd. The oldest postmaster in Iowa resigned in 1869; he was appointed at Pin Oak in 1841. As late as I860 small herds of deer were to be seen in this township.

Holy Cross is also known as Pin Oak and Georgetown. The Catholic church is in the form of a Roman cross and hence the name. Jack Floyd was postmaster there very early. There has usually been a store or two there and a few mechanics. The place was incorporated in 1898; twenty-five persons signed the petition, twenty-one ballots were cast, all in favor of incorporation. John Cripps was elected mayor; J. P. Sweeney, clerk; Michael Clemens, treasurer; William Koeller, W. Arensdorf, Frank Noerges, P. J. Maiers, H. Foxen and Charles Brady, trustees.

The little place called Plum Creek made great pretensions to future greatness in early years. William Plumbe founded there the paper town of Plumbeola, buying the land in 1836, but not doing anything to establish the village until about 1856, when he had it platted and advertised far and wide lots for sale. Prospective buyers were offered shares in the place somewhat after the fashion of a community. Cottage Hill has two or more churches, several stores and mechanics and a postoffice.

Dodge Township (township 88 north, range 2 west) was early a part of Cascade precinct; voters first went to the house of Jacob Hamilton to cast their votes. In 1840 it became a part of White Water precinct. In 1843 it became portions of Iowa and Cascade. In 1849 it was a part of Taylor; in January, 1850, it was given its present limits and named Dodge for the first time. Settlers came in slowly. Among the first to arrive were Jonas Gallahan, Peter Mellinger, Lucius Kibby, Henry Mounsey, Harrison Post, Thomas Riggs, Oliver Funsen and Patrick Flinn. Kibby was an old man when he came here; he claimed to have seen Washington and to have witnessed, when a boy, the battle of Bunker Hill.

Rockville, in September, 1857, had four mercantile houses, of which D. E. Sawyer & Company conducted one. There was a blacksmith shop, a wagonmaker, a large church, a grist mill and a saw mill. There was excellent water power there. The village was located six miles directly south of Dyersville.

Worthington was established in 1857 by a surveying party and a village was laid out on the farm of David Lovelace. Amos Worthington, for whom the place was named, erected a large store building and opened with a large general stock. Mr. Piersall also built and conducted a store. About 1860 William H. Moore bought out Worthington and became postmaster. Other business men have been L. Tisdale, John Toussaint, J. P. Cousin, W. Lattner, William Lehman, George Welter, John Permantier, B. R. Taylor, C. Nacels, W. W. Cox, C. R. Anderson, M. Kraus, Joseph Dunkle, Peter Baum and many others. The place is now a wide-awake, up-to-date little village. It was incorporated in 1893, thirty-five persons signing the petition. Of the forty-two votes cast at the election, thirty-two were in favor of corporation and ten against it.

Iowa Township (township 89 north, range I west) was attached to Camp's precinct in 1834, to John Regan's precinct in 1838 and to Hewitt's precinct in 1840. In 1843 it was created and named, but then embraced parts of the present townships of Iowa, Center, Taylor and Vernon. In 1849 it was made to embrace the present Iowa and New Wine townships, but in January, 1850, was given its present limits.

Among the early settlers were John O'Connell, Timothy Murray, William Hogarty, Larry Duggan, Michael Ferring, Oliver Funston, Robert Gamb!e, Theophilus Crawford, Edward Flinn, I. H. Kiskpatrick, John Bauttson, P. B. Hogan, Robert Wilson, A. G. Browning, D. R. Anderson, James Hogan, William Emerson, H. Gillespie, Robert, James and David Gowan, Mr. Solly, Henry Decamp, B. F. Johnson, the Stichlers, Hugh Stott, John Garland, Thomas Salmon, James, Edward, John and Maurice Kirby, the Wedeleines, W. J. Anderson, David Anderson, John Anderson, James and Joseph McGee, James Bankston, A. T. Bankston, Willis Thompson (the elder Bankstons and Thompsons served in the Blackhawk war), P. M. Byerly, Isaac and Miles Simpson, Enoch Jewett and Richard Roach. Bankston Prairie took its name from the Bankston family.

Willis Thompson, in January, 1831, crossed the Mississippi at Dubuque on the ice, and remained at the mines one week; he then went east, but in 1836 returned and located on Bankston's prairie, Iowa township. He had served in the War of 1812 and in the Blackhawk war, participating in the battle of Bad Axe, where he killed an Indian and took his blanket. Edward Flinn offered his place for sale in 1838. He was located on the Little Maquoketa, near Simon Clark's saw mill.

Bankston was founded at an early day by Colonel Bankston. He seems to have spelled his name as above, but other members left out the "t." The place has usually had a store and one or more shops. Tivoli is another small place. At Squire's Mills is a school and a Methodist church. This place was founded about 1855 by John Bruner. Metcalf and Squires were there early. Abel Botsford was an early resident. The water power was the attraction. Bankston now has a general store, one or two mechanics, a saw mill, etc.

Dubuque Township (township 89 north, range 2 east) was settled as soon as Dubuque city was settled. It was originally a part of Julien township, which first embraced parts of the present Dubuque, Center, Vernon and Table Mound townships, but was cut down in 1849, as stated elsewhere herein.

Luther Poole, George Pote, Amster Pote, John La Place and Mr. Rettler were here in 1832.

Jesse Yount settled at Center Grove in the spring of 1833 and there his eldest son Allen was born the same year. Jesse had three sons in the Union army. He died in 1865. Michael Dugan was thrown from his horse while hunting cattle about a mile from Dubuque in 1840 and was instantly killed.

In 1833, as soon as the law allowed, there came to Dubuque W. S. Anderson, H. B. Phillips, H. Smead, L. H. Langworthy, Lemuel Cook, Fred Dixon, John Dougherty, H. Rebman, Mathias Ham, J. M. McCabe, John Paul, S. Lemon, H. Gilbert, Pleasant Ewing, William McDowell, J. L. Langworthy, R. Lamont, Thomas Humes, P. O'Mara, J. O'Regan, W. H. Smith, W. B. Whitesides, E. M. Whitesides, M. Dickerson, J. R. Ewing, J. McPheters, J. O'Hara, H. L. Dodge, John Campbell, J. Curran, J. Whittaker, Antoine Loire, Dr. R. S. Lewis, Thomas Gray, J. B. Jordan, T. Gilmore, H. Egan, E. M. Urn, Owen Reilly, Jesse Yount, A. R. Whitesides, E. M. Urn, S. Streeter, J. Hillis, B. Kilbourne, A. and J. Hurd, J. Wooley, R. Murphy, T. Streeter, M. Dickerson and H. L. Dodge.

Asbury is a discontinued postoffice and has a store. Center Grove is a little hamlet with a few business houses.

The present Dubuque township was, previous to 1878, a part of Julien township. Its settlement was coincident with that of the city of Dubuque. It has two conspicuous groves at the date of the first settlement--Wilson's, later Stewart's, and still later Union Park, and Center. From the latter the little village takes its name. The first settlement was almost wholly by miners. A. Balderson was one of the first; he located at Center Grove Spring in 1833 and was at once joined by half a dozen other miners. They explored the old Indian diggings in that vicinity. The natives had worked on the inclines and in a few instances the miners found ladders up which the squaws had brought the ore. George Shannon came early. The township is famous for its mines and caves.

Jefferson Township (township 90, range I east, and part of township 91 north, range I east) was settled at an early date. The settlers first went to Durango and Peru to poll their votes. In 1840 it was made a part of Durango precinct and so remained until 1843, when it was created and named Jefferson, but at first embraced all of the present Peru and parts of Jefferson, Center and Dubuque townships. No other changes were made until 1849, when it was given its present limits.

Among the first settlers were Adam Sherrill, M. W. Power, S. M. Barrington, John Parker, Clement Cannon, Albert Baker, C. T. Barber, William Hale, Isaac Sherill, Garry White, Milton C. McCraney and others. In 1856 a large steam grist and saw mill was put in operation at Plumbeola. Rickardsville is a smart little place, with stores, school, mechanics, etc. Palltown is a discontinued postoffice. Oak Grove creamery is in this township. Waupeton, Sherill and Balltown are small villages.

Table Mound Township (township 88 north, range 2 east) was first a part of the election precinct of Dubuque, but in 1838 was assigned to Catfish precinct, with polling place at the house of John Paul. The opening of the Military road in 1839 assisted in the settlement here. In September, 1840, it was made a part of Ferguson precinct. In February, 1843, it became a part of Julien and Washington townships (see elsewhere) and so remained until February, 1849, when it was given its present boundaries.

Among the first settlers of Table Mound township were James Laughton, John Cunningham, James Fanning, John Sullivan, Daniel Duggan and John O'Regan. Cunningham and O'Regan had an early smelting furnace of the rudest kind. The mines here were very valuable. O'Regan came to the township in 1832--had first come here in 1830--he was thus one of the first settlers of the county. Chauncey Swan was here very early, engaged in mining. At Rockdale very early were Richard and Robert Waller, Richard Bonson, David Hutton, William Hutton and James Pratt. The Huttons built a grist mill here in 1834--the first in Iowa. It was known by both names--Rockdale mills and Dubuque mills. Thomas Lewis was connected with it in 1838, and it later passed to Pratt, Manson, Watters and Bell. It did an enormous business in the fifties. In 1876, during a flood, Rockdale was washed away and many lives were lost. In 1878 several buildings were destroyed by fire. Table Mound is often called Mt. St. Bernard. Foley's grove was a well known place. James Brennan was killed there by lightning in 1863; he had been plowing and ran under a tree for shelter. The first old Catfish bridge was in this township. Rev. Daniel O'Regan died here in 1869; he was educated in St. Raphael's Academy, of which Dennis A. Mahony was principal at one time, and possessed unusual powers of mind. In 1860 a Mr. Walter, an old Tyrolese hunter, shot two deer on the military road in this township. They were sold in the market at Dubuque. The Hessian fly appeared here in 1862. Key West and Bally Clough are small places, usually with one or two business men, religious organizations and schools. Among later residents of this township were William Corcoran, Patrick Aylward, William Powers, Dennis Donovan, James Regan, Maurice Noonan, Lawrence Powers and Edward Fitzpatrick.

Mosalem Township (township 88 north, range 3 east, and part of township 88 north, range 4 east) in early times was attached to Dubuque for election purposes. In 1840 it was a part of Ferguson precinct, and in 1843 it was first created and named and then embraced parts of Table Mound, Mosalem and all of Washington. In 1849 it was cut down to its present limits.

Among the first settlers were Thomas R. Brasher, J. J. Johnson, Jacob Dreibelbis, John A. Walter, Louis J. Dreibelbis, E. S. Morey, Francis A. Hill, Martin Dreibelbis, Oscar Morey, Thomas Berry, John H. Pattillo, Allen S. Heacock, Richard Whetter, Harlow Glass, Salmon Richards, Isaac Havens, Austin H. Smith, the Beckets, Barrys, Gilliams, Murrays, Cooks, Dolans, Gaspers, and Longuevilles. Dubuque's grave is in this township. St. Catherine's church and the cemetery and school are well known improvements. King's postoffice and Massy station were established a few year ago.