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 "Samuel Conally, Sr., and Benjamin Wilson came into the township in 1851. In the two families, there were twenty-two persons; and they are all living except one. Thomas Conally went to California and died; all the rest remained in Iowa and lived. Mr. Conally lives on the land he then bought. He is eighty-eight years old, and I believe is the oldest person in the township, and is one of the few survivors of the war of 1812.
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"Samuel Conally, Jr., lives in the first frame house that was built in the township. It is the house where George Gilbert formerly lived.
"W. S. Johnson came in the spring of 1852, and William Stuart, in the fall of the same year; both located on the ridge. Mr. Johnson was at one time a Representative in the Iowa Legislature. He died a few years ago, in Connecticut, where he had gone for the benefit of his health. He leaves three sons in Wyoming, and one (the Doctor) in Connecticut. Mr. Stuart was the first Postmaster in our township. The post office was at his house, and was called Pierce; it was established in 1853. As before mentioned, Mr. Stuart went to California and died.
"William Ingles came that year, and located in the east part of the township. Walter Trimble and James Tabor came the same year. The former is dead; the latter lives in the southeast corner of the township, on a well-improved farm, and is said to have the largest orchard of any man in the State. John Russell and John Sim were among the immigrants that year. The former lives in Clay Township, but the prominent offices he has held make him familiar to us. He has been a member of the Legislature several terms, and Speaker of the House of Representatives and State Auditor. In the fall of 1879, he was elected State Senator, to represent Jones and Cedar Counties. His companion, John Sim, lives on the farm he bought from Uncle Sam, near Onslow, and is spending the decline of his life in ease and retirement. He is one of the noblest works of God-an honest man.
"Truman Eastman, the father of Joel, was among the arrivals that year and located on the ridge; he died several years ago. His widow still lives on the old homestead.
"Nathan Potter, Joseph and Hiram Wheeler, and Charles Gardner came in 1853.
"Mr. Stingley located the same year on S. G. Franks' farm, and Widow Seals on the land now owned by Charles Johnson and W. J. Brainard. John Miller came that or the next year, and bought and improved the west part of R. B. Hanna's farm. The house has been removed.
"Benson Stunkard and S. J. Pence also came this year. The latter planted the first large orchard in the township, and, unlike many others, he stays to enjoy its fruits. E. B. Nims came that year, and located where his widow now lives. William Tasker was also one of the settlers who came in 1853. He lived on a farm a little east of Onslow, a lonely bachelor, until he found grace with Paul. His brother, John Tasker, came soon after, and has been much interested in county politics, and has been a member of the House of Representatives. Elijah Edwards, on Beers' Creek, was among the first settlers of the township. Old Mr. Paul, the father of all the other Pauls and of both of the Taskers' wives, came about the same time, and located on what is now called South Prairie. He spent the decline of a well-spent life honored and respected, and surrounded by more children grown to mature years than often falls to the lot of man. He died at the house of his son John, some years ago, at the age of seventy-eight. The evening before he died, he sent for me to come and see him. When I sat down by his bedside, he said, with his native politeness, 'I do not wish to take any medicine; excuse me. I sent for you to come and tell me how long you thought I would probably live.' The fluttering pulse told me that life was fast ebbing, but his mind was clear and serene. No tremor shook his frame at the thought of death's cold embrace. He had laid his treasures 'where moth and rust do not corrupt.' Before the morning sun had shed his rays on the beauties of earth, the spirit of Henry Paul had gone to the realm of everlasting life. I have thus sketched some of the early settlers up to the organization in 1854. The rapid increase after that prevents further details.
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"Most of us, ere we reach the half-century stake in Wyoming's progress, will have finished our course. A few of those in middle age will be permitted to linger on the threshold of the second half-century of our history, among the increased beauties, enjoy the more exalted privileges, and appreciate better the early sacrifices of those who were pioneers in molding, fostering and directing the early career and institutions of the township of Wyoming." |
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OFFICIAL ROSTER
1873-Mayor, M. H. Calkins; Recorder, T. E. Patterson; Treasurer, E. Perkins; Marshal, L. V. Brainard; Street Commissioner, J. W. Milner; Trustees-B. H. White, D. L. McDaniels, S. W. Johnson, T. M. Wilds and W. J. Brainard.
1874-Mayor, M. H. Calkins; Recorder, C. S. Gilbert; Treasurer, J. B. McGrew; Street Commissioner, J. W. Milner; Marshal, J. H. Countryman; Assessor, L. F. Hartson; Trustees-S. W. Johnson, B. H. White, D. L. McDaniels, T. M. Wilds and W. J. Brainard.
1875-Mayor, John Waite; Recorder, T. E. Patterson; Treasurer, W. T. Fordham; Street Commissioner, John A. White, Sr.; Assessor, A. B. Holmes, Trustees-D. L. McCaniel, W. J. Brainard, T. M. Wilds, S. W. Johnson and Lansing Hoyer.
1876-Mayor, J. A. Bronson; Recorder, P. D. Swigart; Treasurer, A. B. Holmes; Trustees-W. H. Holmes, A. M. Loomis, M. H. Calkins, W. J. Brainard and O. L. Thompson.
1877-Mayor, J. A. Bronson; Recorder, P. D. Swigart; Treasurer, O. M. Watson; Assessor, Ansel Bronson; Street Commissioner, William Ireland; Trustees-W. J. Brainard, A. M. Loomis, A. E. Spitzer, T. R. Marshall and H. Arnold.
1878-Mayor, A. E. Spitzer; Recorder, P. D. Swigart; Treasurer, W. T. Fordham; Assessor, Ansel Bronson; Street Commissioner, John A. White, Sr.; Trustees-J. A. Bronson, J. White, Sr., L. Hoyer, C. S. Gilbert and H. Arnold.
1879-Mayor, R. S. Williams; Recorder, A. L. Trumbull; Treasurer, C. C. Horton; Assessor, Ansel Bronson; Street Commissioner, John A. White, Sr.; Trustees-A. E. Spitzer, A. E. Allen, F. O. Ellison, S. W. Johnson, A. M. Loomis and H. Arnold.
The present officials are opposed to the sale of intoxicating beverages, and no saloons are licensed in the town. There are three churches, one graded school, one newspaper, one national bank, three dry-goods stores, one merchant tailor, one clothing store, one exclusively grocery store, two restaurants and groceries combined, two drug stores, one flour and feed store, two harness-shops, two shoe-shops, two millinery and dressmaking establishments, one furniture store and undertaker, two meat markets, two hardware stores, one livery stable, one lumber-yard, one barb-wire factory, one machine and wagon shop, two blacksmith-shops, one cooper-shop, one barber-shop, one steam flouring-mill, one creamery, one agricultural implement store, two hotels, three doctors, four lawyers, two dentists, one architect and builder, one railroad office, one express office and no saloons.
The people are thriving and industrious, and the prospects of the town flattering. The Wyoming Creamery is situated here, and is a valuable acquisition to the town, which is well situated to secure the trade of a large and fertile agricultural district.
Wyoming Journal-The first newspaper published at Wyoming was in December, 1870, by A. L. Smith, and was called the Wyoming Journal. Smith continued the publication until March, 1872, and then moved his office to Anamosa and began the publication of the Anamosa Journal, the history of which is given elsewhere. After the lapse of a few weeks following Smith's removal to Anamosa, Rev. E. Skinner purchased material and established a newspaper office, and began the publication of a weekly paper, also entitled the Wyoming Journal. Mr. Skinner filled the chair of editor and proprietor for some months, and sold the office to N. W. Woodford, who continued the publication something more or less a year, and abandoned the enterprise, and the office reverted to Rev. Mr. Skinner. For a time no paper was issued, when the office was purchased by Messrs. Hunt & Howard, the publication resumed, but the name was changed to Wyoming News. After a brief period, Mr. Hunt became the sole proprietor, and the publication was continued to the close of the first volume of the News. Again for a time no paper was published. In January, 1875, P. D. Swigart purchased the offices of Messrs. Hunt & Skinner, and resumed the publication of the Wyoming Journal, and still continues as editor and proprietor. Politically, the Journal maintained the principles of the Republican party during its early years of publication, and until the time when Mr. Hunt took control, and during is administration it was neutral on political matters. Since 1875, under the present management, it has maintained an independent standard, and has had but little to say in reference to political matters; Mr. Swigart aiming to furnish a local newspaper for the people of Wyoming and vicinity, and deeming it not advisable or necessary to espouse the cause of either political party. The office of the Journal is well supplied with material in the jobbing department, and enjoys a good local patronage. The circulation, though not large, is increasing steadily; and there is reason to believe that the Journal has secured permanent footing, and will continue to prosper as the years go on.
Wyoming Lodge, No. 147, I.O.O.F.—Instituted January 4, 1867. The first officers were: W. T. Fordham, N.G.; Robert Hanna, V.G.; C. C. Horton, Secretary. Officers for 1879: F. O. Ellison, N.G.; C. C. Horton, V.G.; L. F. Hartson, Secretary; L. J. Richards, Treasurer. The Lodge has a membership of thirty-five, owns its hall and furniture, and has $300 at interest; has on hand about $100, and is in a good healthy condition.
Keystone Lodge, No. 206, A.F.&A.M.—Organized at Wyoming, under dispensation, February 2, 1867, and under charter, June 5, 1867. The first officers under the charter were: O. E. Aldrich, W.M.; A. G. McGrew, S.W.; A. B. Stiles, J.W.; R. Gilbert, Treasurer; Truman Gilbert, Secretary; John A. White, Jr., S.D.; John Paul, J.D.; R. L. McCune, S.S.; C. C. Horton, J.S.; Ed Smith, Tiler. The present officers are: C. H. Johnson, W.M.; C. S. Shepard, S.W.; Charles Pawson, J.W.; C. C. Horton, Treasurer; T. B. Reynolds, Secretary; M. M. Van Horn, S.D.; W. H. Peck, J.D.; H. B. Littell, Tiler. The Lodge has a membership of seventy-one, owns its hall, which is well furnished, and also owns an adjoining hall, which is used for refreshment purposes, etc.
Wyoming Lodge, No. 109, A.O.U.W.—Organized March 29, 1877, and elected the following officers: H. H. Green, P.M.W.; W. J. Chamberlain, F. O. Ellison, G.F.; T. R. Marshall, O.; M. E. Hurd, Recorder; A. M. Loomis, Financier; W. J. Brainard, Receiver; C. C. Horton, G.; E. B. Wherry, I.W.; L. W. Norton, O.W. The Lodge has a membership of thirty-five, and is in good working condition. Since organization, the Lodge has sustained but one loss, that of Mr. W. E. Hurd, to whose widow was paid the sum of $2,000. |
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