Valley Township, History
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Some Early History ~ Valley Township

Valley Twp. Plats

1865
1875
1902
1965
1985

Part 1.
Early
Part 2.
1875
Part 3.
Towns
Part 4.
First
Part 5.
School
Part 6.
Church
Part 7.
Cem.
1902
Dir
Ref.
Notes

Click on thumbnail for larger view! (This is the 1875 Valley Twp. Plat) [REF:#7]
Valley Township, is the extreme northeastern township of Page countv. is congressional township 70, range 36 west. It is bordered on the north by Montgomery county, on the east by Taylor county, on the south by Nodaway and Nebraska townships, and on the west by Douglas township. It is a very well improved section, having many of the wealthiest farmers in the whole county. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway traverses the. township from north to south, en route from Villisca to Clarinda, with the village of Hepburn located on section 20. The Nodawav river courses its way in a direct north and south direction. Along this stream here and there is found considerable timber. The broad valley on either side is an excellent and well improved farm district. Valley was at one time known as Dyke township, after one of the first settlers within its limits It has been known as Valley since 1858, when it was changed bv County Judge S. F. Snider.

1. EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first wliite man to invade Valley township for the purpose of making for himself a home was Alexander Dyke, b. 1801, VA. who came in the early part of 1850 and settled on Section 16, where he remained until his death in March, 1880. [REF:#1]
The next to settle was S. F. Snider who came in 1851 and settled for a time on section 28. He was afterward elected county judge. [REF:#1]

In E. MILLER, book [REF:#9] states: DYKE Township Alexander DYKE settled in this Township at an early day perhaps before some of those all ready mentioned in Nebraska. Next after DYKE, Mr. S.F. SNYDER bought the claim now [1876] known as the 'Chase Farm' of James FOSTER, in 1851, Mr. SNYDER having sold his claim in Tarkio Twp.
In the year 1858 the name of 'Dyke Township' was changed to 'Valley Township' by the County Court, and Confressional township No. 70 North, range 36 west, was included. [REF:#9, Pg20]

 Reuben Trout, b. 1830, OH     came from Ohio, September 28, 1853,
 Dr. William Graves     had come previously and settled on the north line of the county. He afterward moved to Hawleyville and practiced for a time but later moved to Indiana.
 Tilman Loveless, b. c1811, Kentucky     also settled on the north line and remained until 1864, when he removed to Missouri and there died.
 Alic. M. Tice, b. c1820, Ohio     settled in 1853 on section 36. He died on section 22 in 1887.
 Ezra Heady, b. c1821, Indiana     took land on section 27.
 F. W. Higgins,     settled on the north part of the township.
[ Not in 1860 Census ..prs ]
 Reuben Coffman, b. c1822, Virginia     settled on section 16, remained several years and finally removed to Kansas, where he passed away.
 Andrew Jackson Petty, Sr. b. c1826, Indiana     was also a settler on section 16. He afterward removed to Indiana.
 James Insco    came about 1854, [ Not in 1860 Census..prs ]
 Louis VanDevender, b. c1794, Virginia     came about 1854.
 Henry Beavers, b. c1817, Virginia     settled on section 21 and in 1862 removed to California.
 Hugh Moffitt, b. 1821, North Carolina,     came as early as 1854,
 William Copeland, b. c1818, Ohio     came about 1852. Copeland's Grove was named in his honor.
 Nathan Orme, b. c1836, OH.     came in the fall of 1856, and his father William Orme, b. c1806, MD. came. William Orme was known as Squire Orme, he being a justice for many years. He died in 1868. Jesse Orme came in 1856.
[ Jesse Orme, Not in 1860 Census ..prs ]
 Napolean Swim    came prior to 1855, settling on section 25, where he remained for five years.
[ SWIM Not in 1860 Census ..prs ]
 Jonathan Snider,     son of Judge Snider, was also an early settler.
 L. H. Wilder     came in 1856, settling in the center of the township. He was an early county clerk.
 The Rounds family    came in 1856, Solomon, Levi and James. The father, who also came, was a veteran of the war of 1812. Joshua Rounds came a year later.
[ ROUNDS Not in 1860 Census ..prs ]

2. Patrons of Page Co., Andreas Plat Book - 1875 [REF:#2]
 LName ,  FName
P.O.
Sec.
Acres
 Occupation
Came
to IA.
 From
Sta.
 ARBUCKLE ,  James  VILLISCA
12
192.00
 FARMER & STOCK RAISER
1858
 LANARKSHIRE
SCOT
 BEAVERS ,  S.  HEPBURN
22
240.00
 FARMER & STOCK RAISER
1875
 N/A
N/A
 BRYSON ,  John  VILLISCA
26
280.00
 FARMER & STOCK RAISER
1859
 LANARKSHIRE
SCOT
 BUSEY ,  John A.  HEPBURN
22
204.00
 FARMER & STOCK RAISER
1852
 CRAB ORCHARD
KY
 CRESWELL ,  D.C.  VILLISCA
6
76.00
 FARMER & STOCK RAISER
1848
 LOUISA CO.
IA
 INGRAM ,  Silas  VILLISCA
28
80.00
 FARMER & STOCK RAISER
1854
 SCOTT CO.
VA
 KRDELBAUGH ,  S.H. [Dr.]  VILLISCA
29
165.00
 PHYS. & FARMER
1855
 CLERMONT CO.
OH
 ORINE ,  Nathan  VILLISCA
36
240.00
 FARMER & STOCK RAISER
1854
 BELMOUNT CO.
OH
 OSBURN ,  William  HAWLEYVILLE
36
230.00
 FARMER & STOCK RAISER
1853
 MORGAN CO.
OH
 ROBBINS ,  O.G.  HEPBURN
18
112.00
 FARMER & STOCK RAISER
1854
 CAYUGA CO.
NY
 TROUT ,  R.F.  HEPBURN
20
210.00
 FARMER & STOCK RAISER
1853
 HIGHLAND CO.
OH
 UNDERWOOD ,  C.C.  VILLISCA
2
120.00
 FARMER & STOCK RAISER
1871
 HIGHLAND CO.
OH
 WOLF ,  William  HEPBURN
18
40.00
 FARMER & STOCK RAISER
1857
 INDIANA CO.
PA

3. TOWNS; VILLAGES; MILLS, POSTOFFICE

VILLAGE OF HEPBURN:
Click on thumbnail for larger Platt! Hepburn, named in honor of Colonel "Pete" Hepburn, of Clarinda. It was a station on the Clarinda branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincv Railway. It is eight miles north of Clarinda and some less south of Villisca. It was platted in January, 1873, on section 20. It is of but little business consequence, yet makes a good market and trading point for the farmers of Valley township. The first to engage in merchandising at this point were Messrs. Growling and Sunderman. The first house was erected by Mr. Field.[REF:#1]
Possible Record Problem! In [REF:#8] states Hepburn, was established in the early 1860's and most of the property was owned by David RENNICK, it became a town on Dec 09, 1872

In its early years, Hepburn had the following stores and businesses;
Post Office, bank, three (grocery stores, two restaurants, a veterinary, and three doctors. Three churches were the United Presbyterian "Mission" in 1879 with nine members, Christian in 1889 with 32 members and the Methodist in 1887 with 25 members.
There was a livery stable, blacksmith, hog yards, stock yards, lumber yard, hardware store, butcher, automotive repair shop, elevator, two hotels, two lodges - the IOOF Lodge was instituted in 1885, and a saloon. Two coal mines were just outside the city limits. Two schools operated at different times and two telephone offices served at separate times. The railroad depot on the CB8Q, the town hall and jail are still [1977] standing. [REF:#8]

BANK:
Hepburn's bank. The Farmers Savings Bank, was built in 1903 on the^corner of 2nd and Railroad Streets. In 1920, the bank's officers were E.D. Winter, president; Swan Swanson, vice-president; O.G. Hamilton, cashier.
On February 19, 1910, the Farmers Savings Bank was robbed. The owner, John Swanson, lived four buildings north of the bank and when he heard an explosion, he ran down stairs and out onto the porch, Then he stepped outside, one of the robbers told him to get in the house or he would blow his head off. He tried to get in but the night lock was on. He pounded on the door until his wife let him in-to call for help. But the phone lines had been cut. The robbers got away with only a few cents, failing to open the large safe. [REF:#8]

COAL MINES:
Remains of a coal mine located at the west city limits of Hepburn can still [1977] can be seen on the south side of Page County road J20. It was owned by J.A. Lawson. A smaller mine, south of town, can only be seen^by those coming from the south by change in color or land. John Cram was owner.
While the mines were open, Hepburns population was over 100. Families lived in sheds, some no larger than a normal small bed room. Some are still in use as garages or for storage. [REF:#8]

MAJOR FIRE:
The burning of the CO-OP elevator,was the biggest fire in Hepurns history. The last elevator was moved in from New Market, but has recently [1977] been torn down. [REF:#8]

MAYOR:
Hepburn has had six mayors since 1944: John Crain, Chris Sims, Andrew Williams, Art Gray, Jesse Stephens, and presently [1977] Lou Parsons.
The present town council consists of Marie Sump, clerk- treasirer; Jesse Stephens; Don Miller, Leonard Sump. Harold Minard, and Paul Wilson. It is known that in the first years, Hepburn had its own sheriff. The towns jail still [1977] stands behind the town hall. [REF:#8] ' ......

POPULATION
During the coal mine operations, the population of Hepburn was over 100; In 1920, the population was 112. Since the closing or the mines the population has declined. In spite of the dispute over the census count in 19709 the count has been officiLlv set at 38 in 1970. An increase to 43 was seen in 1971. But in January of 1975 the population now stands at 37. [1977] [REF:#8]

MILLS:
At an earley day tbere was a steam saw MILL located about a mile north-east of Hepburn. It was on Section 27 and was called the "LATTY Steam Mill" and from it came much of the early day hardwood lumber.
E. P. Bager built a water buhr-mill south of Hepburn in 1875, which was burnt in 1881. It was replaced by a very large mill with six run of improved buhrs but this was destroyed by fire in 1887.

POSTOFFICE:
Prior to railroad days there was a postoffice established northeast of Hepburn, known as Meed postoffice, with 0liver G. Robbins, b. c1820 in NY. as the first postmaster on Section 18. [REF:#1]
The office at Hepburn was opened in 1873. Hepburn's post office was first located on the corner across from its last location, two buildings north of the town hall. The first postmaster in the Hepburn post office was John Groeling, appointed on November 13, 1873, one year after Hepburn became a town. The post office had two small routes, one going to the other side of Bethesda. The last full time postmistress was Florence Robinson, who retired in February of 1937.
Selma Forst taking over as acting postmistress. The post office closed on July 14, 1967. [REF:#8]

ODD FELLOWS LODGE:
Hepburn Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., No. 442, was instituted in January 1885 by six persons. The first officers were:
H. Reed, N. G.;
C. J. Carison V.G.;
C. B. McColm, secretary;
S. S. Heady, treasurer.

      Third Annual Director Dec. 01, 1896 - Hepburn, IA.

 Last ,  First  Occupation  # in Family
 ARMSTRONG,  A.W.,  Real Estate Agent  3
 ANDERSON,  Lars  Laborer  1
 BRIGGS,  W.C.  Teacher  3
 CHACE,  A.G.  Retired Farmer  4
 CHARLSON,  C.J.  Merchant  3
 DODDS,  David, Rev  Minister, U. Presb. & Doctor  3
 FALK,  Alfred  Merchant  3
 FALK,  Gust  Retired Farmer  2
 FALK,  A. G.  Merchant  1
 FALK,  Lee  Postmaster & Merchant  3
 FINNEY,  A.C.  Merchant   1
 JONES,  A.R.  Laborer  2
 LEDEN,  Peter  Wagon Maker  2
 LEDEN,  Olaf  Blacksmith  4
 LADEN,  Hans  Farmer  1
 LAWSON,  J.A.  Farmer  3
 LOGHRY,  J.H.  Laborer  5
 MARQUIS,  E.D.  Farmer  2
 MONTGOMERY,  J.F.  Stock Buyer  2
 PENDERGRAFT,  E.A.  Laborer  5
 RHAMY,  J.F.  Laborer  3
 SWANSON,  Jonas  Retired Farmer  2
 SWANSON,  Swan  Farmer  1
 SHIPMAN,  A.B.  Minister  5
 SAMS,  S.G.  Doctor  2
 SCOTT,  R.H.  Railroad Agent  2
 SPARGUR,  A.W.  Blacksmith  5
 TROUT,  J.R.  Farmer  4
 WIRES,  W.R.  Section Farmer  4

4. FIRST EVENTS. None per [REF:#1]

5. See: SCHOOLS.
The first school was held in a log cabin built for that purpose on section 27, in 1853. Myron Quimby was the first teacher. As the township became settled much attention was paid to educational matters. The wages then paid were from fifteen to twenty dollars per month. Many of the brave soldiers who went forth from Page county lived and attended the pioneer public schools of Valley township. Many went "forth to do battle and many are now slumbering in a soldier's grave in a southern clime. The township is now [1890] provided with good school buildings, there being nine in all.

Souvenier from School District No. 1, Valley Township, Page County, Iowa
Sep 07, 1896 to Feb 26, 1897 [PFP-II, 3, Pg7 Sep 1977
Presented by Nettie ALLCOTT, Teacher
Carol CARLTON; Ada CASTEEL; Eda HOLLIS; Ethel HOLLIS; Fred HOLLIS; Myrtle HOLLIS; Nora HOLLIS; Ora HILLIS; Alice MURPHY; Anna MURPHY; Burt MURPHY; Jennie MURPHY; May MURPHY; Elbert ORME; Delford ORME; Frank ORME; Josie ORME; Nelie ORME; Ora ORME; Ralph ORME; Vera ORME; Lola PORTLOCK; Cline ROBE; Glenn ROBE; Mabel ROBE; Allen RUCKER; Beryl RUCKER; Blanch STRAIGHT; Ethel STRAIGHT; Maude STRAIGHT; Zeda STRAIGHT;

6. CHURCHES
Valley township has always been guided by a moral and religious element.
North Grove Methodist Church [on Sect. 25]
was formed in 1859. Originally services were held at the schoolhouse but in 1877 a church was completed and dedicated by Rev. B. F. Crozier, at a cost of two thousand dollars. In 1890 the congregation consisted of 70 members.
Click on Thumbnail for larger Photo! The North Grove Cemetery is next door.
The original 1859 members were
William Orme and wife Elizabeth,
John A. Busey and wife, Jane
Henry Beaver and wife, Mary J.
A. Beaver and wife, Unknown [Not in 1860 Valley Twp. Census?
C. Kennett and wife, Unknown [Not in 1860 Valley Twp. Census?
0. F. Henshaw and wife Unknown [Not in 1860 Valley Twp. Census?
Mrs. Caroline Osborn, wife of William

Rose Hill United Brethren church [Section 31]
was formed in 1868, with nine devoted members:
George Hagley and wife,
S. Markel and wife,
William Sullivan,
Maria and Sarah Shepherd,
L. Markel and
Samuel Wolf.

In 1873 a frame chapel was erected in the southwestern part of the township, at a cost of six hundred dollars.
The Rose Hill Cemetery is next door.

Hepburn United Presbyterian Mission
was formed March 16, 1879 under the pastoral care of Rev. D. DOODS There w�e nine otiginal members In 1878 a church edifice was erected at Hepbum at a cost of seven-teen hundard dollars This is a two-story structure 24' by 40'.

Christian Church [Section 22]
was formed in 1889, with 32 members, with Rev. Isaiah MOFFITT, as Pastor.

The Methodist church
was formed at Hepbum in the fall of 1887, with a membership of 25 persons. A parsonage was furnislled in tne in the fall 1889.
Rose Hill United Methodist Church
is one of the area's smallest congregations, but is also one of the most dedicated, seldom having trouble raising funds to keep "The Church on the Hill" in full operation.
Located six miles north of Clarinda on Wall Street (North 12th) the church's distinction to the passing puBlic is the rotating brass cross which is lighted every night. One physical aspect of the building is that one does not have to climb steps to worship there. Cars can be driven to the front door. The church has 20 to 25 members.
One of the traditions of the women's group over the years has been a Christmas cookie tea. It was begun at the home of Mrs. Laura Fessler, who served the church as pastor from 1941 to 1965, with the proceeds from the freewill offering to go to the Otterbein Home in Ohio for retired ministers and members. Then when it became too large to hold in a home, it was moved to the church.
After the number of members able to work on the event became too few, the teas were discontinued.
The church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1968 while Carl Cummings was pastor.
Nine people formed the Rose Hill United Brethren Church in 1868. It was united with the Evangelical Church in 1946, finally becoming a United Methodist Church in 1968.
The name Rose Hill was chosen because of the abundance of wild roses growing on the hill. The first building was used until 1891, when it was moved across the road east to be used as a granary. The present building was built for $1,700 and was dedicated in January of 1892.
The women's organization was not begun until 1915, Millicent McNeal being the first president.
The congregation owned a parsonage from 1917 to 1947. An annex was added at the front of the church in 1967, the work done by Earl Royer, chairman, Joe Copelin, carpenter, Clemmeth Crussell, Jasper Crussell, Carl Cummings, Victor Pollert, Calvin Williams, Donald Williams, Jimmy Williams, and Ralph Williams.
Finances are not a problem because we tithe and have faith the Lord will provide. Everyone connected with the church works for its behalf and money comes in when we need it. For example, in 1967 when $2000 was needed for a new roof, word spread among the members and the money was all given without solicitation.
Considerable amounts have been received as memorials, also Recently the Sullivan family presented the stained glass windows to the church and earlier the Ed Williams family had given the cross.
The small congregation has been encouraged to consolidate with others at various times, but strives to maintain its independence as long as possible. Some of those who attend there today are direct descendants of the church's founding fathers. The present minister is Rev. Jerold Irvin of the Clarinda United Methodist Church.
[Source: PFP-II, #, Pg. 13. Sep 1977 Author Unknown]

7. Cemeteries
FAIRVIEW CEMETERY, Sec. 22
NORTH GROVE CEMETERY, Sec. 25
ROSE HILL CEMETERY, Sec 31

8. 1902 Directory

  SOURCE NOTES & REFERENCE
 [1.  BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY, IOWA - 1890,
by W. L. Kershaw, 1st. Published in 1890, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 854 pages.
 [2.]  ANDREAS'S ATLAS and BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES - 1875,
Published by Mr. Andreas in 1875.
 [3.]  EARLY LAND ABSTRACTS - Council Bluffs Early land records from 1853 to 1858.
 [4.]  IOWA - PUBLIC LAND DISPOSAL, by Roscoe L. Lokken; Published in 1942 by The State Historical Society of Iowa.
 [5.]  THE UNITED STATES AT LARGE, Vol. 10, pp. 26, 714, 715. The western boundary of the Chariton District was moved two ranges west in 1855 ...prs
 [6.]  PAGES FROM THE PAST
Page Co., Quarterly, Published from 1976 to 1982.
 [7.]   Plat Book of Page Co., IA. 1902
Published by Northwest Publishing Company, 1902. Engraved by Ballet & Volk, 27 S. 6th Street, Phila., PA.
 [8.]  PFP-Vol II-3, Pg7
Sep 1977, Personall interviews with Fred GRAHAM, Rena BLAKESLY, Foirence ROBINSON
at Page County Auditors Office, Clarinda, IA. ...prs
 [9.]   The History of Page County, Iowa. 1843-1876
by: Elijah MILLER, Published By Clarinda Herald Book & Job Office, in 1876

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Mrs. Vera B. (Duncan) WILSON, 1896-1988, age92yrs - Click on Thumbnail for larger Photo! These records are part of the "Genealogy Computer Package" *** PC-PROFILE *** Volume - II. DUNCAN & Related Families© Compiled and self Published in Oct. 14, 1993 by Paul R. Sarrett, Jr. with the assistance of my late mother Mrs. M. Lucille (WILSON) SARRETT. (1917-1987, age age 70yrs) & My Grandmother: Mrs. Vera B. (DUNCAN) WILSON (1896-1988, age 92yrs) The "Work-Books" were compiled by listing the various families, born, married, died, and a history of that family branch. In 1996 I started "Up-Loading" this material on the now called Friends of Page Co., site...prs
Would like any corrections of additions on thes Families!

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 Friends of Page County, President
Text - Copyright © 1996-2011 Paul R. Sarrett, Jr.
Created: Dec. 01, 1996; Nov. 15, 2000;  Sep. 25, 2002;  Oct. 26, 2004;  Sep. 05, 2007;  Apr. 02, 2008;  Sep. 10, 2011;