(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 |
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came from Ohio, September 28, 1853, |
Dr. William Graves |
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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 |
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also settled on the north line and
remained until 1864, when he removed to Missouri and there died. |
Alic. M. Tice, b. c1820, Ohio |
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settled in 1853 on section 36. He died on section 22 in
1887. |
Ezra Heady, b. c1821, Indiana |
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took land on section 27. |
F. W. Higgins, |
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settled on the north part of the township.
[ Not in 1860 Census ..prs ] |
Reuben Coffman, b. c1822, Virginia |
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settled on section 16, remained several years and finally
removed to Kansas, where he passed away. |
Andrew Jackson Petty, Sr. b. c1826, Indiana |
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was also a settler on section 16.
He afterward removed to Indiana. |
James Insco |
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came about 1854, [ Not in 1860 Census..prs ] |
Louis VanDevender, b. c1794, Virginia |
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came about 1854. |
Henry Beavers, b. c1817, Virginia |
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settled on section 21 and in 1862 removed to California. |
Hugh Moffitt, b. 1821, North Carolina, |
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came as early as 1854, |
William Copeland, b. c1818, Ohio |
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came about 1852. Copeland's Grove was named in his honor. |
Nathan Orme, b. c1836, OH. |
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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 |
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came prior to 1855, settling on section 25, where he
remained for five years.
[ SWIM Not in 1860 Census ..prs ] |
Jonathan Snider, |
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son of Judge Snider, was also an early settler. |
L. H. Wilder |
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came in 1856, settling in the center of the township. He
was an early county clerk. |
The Rounds family |
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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:
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.
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]
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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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