Lucas County Genealogical Society

Caleb Olson on Jeopardy

2012-02-02T08:07:00.002-06:00

Chariton High School senior, Caleb Olson, has been nominated to be a contestant on Jeopardy. He will be participating in a teen tournament for high school students. The taping is done in Los Angeles on February 19.

Caleb is the son of Pastor Paul and Denise Olson of Chariton. Paul is the Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Chariton.

Since the last two rounds of the show are being taped in April, Caleb was not sure when the show would be telecast.

In order to be nominated to be on "Jeopardy," Olson said he took an on-line test and did an interview in Kansas, MO.

Who Do You Think You Are? February 3 7:00 p.m. NBC

2012-01-27T16:52:00.003-06:00

From the Irish Civil War to the American Revolution and from the African Nation of Cameroon to the Republic of Bulgaria. Season 3 of Who Do You Think You Are: will take you all over the world and inside the fascinating family histories of 12 celebrities.

Episode 1: Martin Sheen learns how family members in Ireland and Spain stood up for their beliefs during times of war

Episode 2: Marisa Tomei travels to Italy to discover the truth behind the rumor about her great-grndfather's murder.

Tune in throughout the rest of the season to watch Blair Underwood, Reba McEntire, Rob Lowe, Helen Hunt, Rita Wilson, Edie Falco, Rashida Jones, Jerome Bettis, Jason Sudeikis and Paula Dean.

Mary Reeves Memorial

2012-01-05T20:51:00.002-06:00

There will be a memorial service for Mary Reeves, 66, of Russell, who died, Friday December 30, 2011 at the Greater Regional Hospice Home in Creston. There will be no public visitation. Memorials may be made to the Chariton Christian Church furnace and air conditioning fund. Online condolences may be left under the obituary category of http://www.powersfh.com/.

Memorial Service

Saturday, January 07

11:00 AM Chariton Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

1100 Ilion Avenue Chariton, IA 50049

Mary Louise Reeves, daughter of Mary Ellen (Ansley) Reeves and William Clinton Reeves was born April 4, 1945 in Chariton, Iowa. She graduated from Chariton High School in 1963. She moved to Des Moines and began to work for the Internal Revenue Service. Later in 1965, she began her career with the Social Security Administration holding many different positions with her favorite being a Data Review Technician, serving 42 years before retiring in 2007. After retiring, she moved to Russell, Iowa to be near family. Mary was a member of the Chariton Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where she held the position of Deaconess; she was an active Russell museum volunteer, active in the local genealogical society, local cemetery board and active in her favorite scrapbooking groups.

Mary Louise Reeves

2011-12-30T18:01:00.003-06:00

December 30 -- Mary passed away the evening of December 30th. We will all miss her so much. We were all blessed by her friendship -- by the joy she showed when sharing good news with her, her compassion for us when we were in pain -- her loyal loving spirit, which she shared everytime we were together. Thank you God, for giving us such a good friend.

Frank's blog - http://lucascountyan.blogspot.com/2011/12/mary-louise.html

From Darlene and Sheryl:

We have losted a great friend and sister: Mary Louise‏ went with the angels at around 10:30 Friday Dec 30, 2011 May she send all of the answers to our genealogy problems.

God rest her soul. More later on services.

Sheryl

Note: She is being cremated. I think they are planning the services for Saturday, Jan. 7, 11:00am, at the Christian Church with lunch to follow. If this is not correct, I will e-mail you back. The family has asked that there be no flowers, instead Mary Louise had many projects going so they would like the memorials to go in her memory to one of these projects. One that she was working hard on recently was the furnace fund for the Christian Church. She was appointed curator at the Russell Museum so there are projects there. We now have another "Genie Angel" to look over us.

Darlene

Donation to Circle of Life Hospice

2011-12-15T11:18:00.000-06:00

On Friday, Dec. 9, the US Bancorp Foundation donated a $1,000 check to Circle of Life Hospice in Chariton. The money will be used towards the completion of the tree planting being done at Legacy Lodge Hospice House. So far 17 trees have been planted at Legacy Lodge and six more large trees will be planted. At the left is Chariton US Bank Branch Manager, Bob Stump, presenting the check to Circle of Life Administrator, Sherry McDonald. (Bill Howes photo).

Attention!! Genealogical Research Room Move

2011-11-15T12:10:00.003-06:00

On the lower level of the Chariton Library, the music room has always taken up the largest part of the area. Recently the books and videos have been moved upstairs leaving a large open area. The Lucas County Genealogical Society has been invited to occupy this space.

If you try to visit the genealocial research room and no one is there, you will need to check in upstairs and obtain a key to enter the research room.

The volunteers who have always been there to help researchers will still be there to help, but the group is working on setting up volunteer hours to assist you.

The front doors will remain open, as will the doors from the north-side parking lot. The area to the stairs, the elevator, the meeting room and the restrooms will still be accessable.

Be patient, volunteers are working to get accessability back to normal. Once everything is arranged, the inconvenience will be worth it.

William M. Johnson, Civil War Vet gets Flag

2011-11-15T07:09:00.006-06:00

At 1:10pm, to honor it being 110 years since William Johnson died, the American flag was placed on the Civil War marker by Darlene Arnold and at 1:11 on 11/11/11 it was waving to honor this long forgotten Vet. He passed away on August 4, 1901. A ceremony was held on Veterans day, 2011 at the Chariton Cemetery. 30-35 people were at the event to honor him.

Chariton American Legion Post #102 Commander, Don Garrett (second from left) read a prayer in honor of Johnson at the ceremony. Pictured below, from left are Legion members Dave Amos, Don Garrett, John Murphy, Melvin Grismore and Mary Katherine Laird.

Some people shared their feelings before the flag was placed on the marker. Chariton resident, Ursula Bingham spoke and said, "I'm not a veteran but my husband Clint is. I'm really proud of Darlene Arnold and Mary Ruth Pierschbacher for digging into this story about William and making this possible," she said.

Darlene Arnold and Mary Ruth Pierschbacher from the Lucas County Genealogy Society in Chariton, did the research and discovered where Johnson was buried in the Chariton Cemetery and that the grave was unmarked. Darlene obtained a Civil War marker from the Veterans Affairs in Chariton to put on his grave.

Johnson's great-grandson, Phi Pastoret, will be in Chariton on Memorial Day 2012 when a bronze military plaque should be in place at his gravesite. Darlene also said that Johnson's great-great granddaughter, Cheryl Nedberg of Indiana might also be in attendance on that day.

(Photos by Bill Howes)

Long Lost Civil War Soldier

2011-10-28T17:27:00.006-05:00

I have been on a mission to find a lost Civil War Soldier. A month ago I was contacted by a fellow in Arizona, Phil Pastoret, looking for his gr-gr-grandmother who supposedly was buried at Brownlee cemetery, according to her obit. Mary Ruth and I met with him, when he was here and went to Brownlee to witch out the graves. We asked him about his gr-grandparents. His gr-grandmother is buried in Wisconsin. He knew nothing about his gr-grandfather. The soldier's name was William M. Johnson. When we looked for him we found his obit, saying he was in the Chariton Cemetery (no stone). But in the 3rd quarter newsletter I had put in an article about a Chariton man having 2 wives. This was him. So, it took us on a very interesting journey. The article indicated that when he went off to the Civil War he just didn't show back up. Now after indepth research we find that is not so and there is a longer, more amazing story which I hope to have in the 2nd quarter newsletter next year.

Anyway, we are having a get-together at the Chariton Cemetery on Veteran's day at 1:00 p.m. for anyone that can come. The Legion will have members there and they are going to have a short service, with TAPS. I went to the VA office here in Chariton and got a Civil War marker and a flag. Pass the word to anyone you think would be interested and if you can, come join us. Bill Howes from the paper will be there. The Lucas County Historical Society will use their camcorder to tape this. It should be very touching. If you have any thoughts or ideas, just send me an e-mail at lucasgene@hotmail.com. This grave is straight down the road west from the main gate, before the first corner.

"For the first time in 110 years, a flag will fly on the unmarked grave, in the Chariton Cemetery, of Civil War soldier, William M. Johnson, on 11-11-2011, Veteran's day. William M. Johnson died August 4, 1901. Thru the efforts of William M. Johnson's great grandson, Phil Pastoret, and with the help of two local genealogists, Darlene Arnold and Mary Ruth Pierschbacher, this was accomplished. At 1:00 p.m. we will meet for the Legion presentation, and at 1:10, 110 years after his death, a flag will be put on his Civil War Marker and at 1:11 p.m. on 11-11-11 a flag will be blowing and we will honor this Civil War soldier."

Thanks, Darlene Arnold, Lucas County Genealogy Society

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Bill Howes, from the Chariton Herald Patriot, wrote another article on November 10, 2011, with a photo. The following are exerpts from this article along with the picture.

William Johnson's service to his country seemed to have gone unrecognized since the Iseminger American Legion Post, of which he was a member, held a military service for him following his death in August 1901. Even though a service was held, no marker was put on his grave.

Johnson's military service and grave were recently tracked down by persistent and diligent work of two local genealogists, Darlene Arnold and Mary Ruth Pierschbacher. Both are long time members of the Lucas County Genealogy Society. Arnold recently put a Civil War marker on Johnson's grave to commemorate his service.

Pictured is the Civil War marker that was recently put on Civil
War veteran William M. Johnson's grave in the Chariton Cemetery.
Longtime Lucas County Genealogy Society member, Darlene
Arnold and Johnson's great-grandson, Phil Pastoret put the marker
on his grave. An American flag will be flown on the marker for the
first time in a special ceremony on Veteran's Day. (Bill Howes photo)

On Veteran's Day services were held at Johnson's gravesite. The Chariton American Legion Post #102 did a short service then played Taps. Arnold placed a flag on the Civil War marker on Johnson's grave. Many residents from Chariton attended this ceremony.

Through the efforts of Pastoret along with Arnold and Pierschbacher the process of finding out about Johnson started when Pastoret contacted the genealogy group about finding Pastoret's great-great grandmother, Phoebe (Boylan) Johnson. Phoebe is buried in Brownlee Cemetery just north of Williamson.

Arnold then looked up William's obituary in her archives of the Chariton Newspaper. His obituary stated that he was a Civil War soldier and was buried in the Chariton Cemetery. When Arnold and Pierschbacher looked at their cemetery book, Johnson's name wasn't in there. So they then looked at the Chariton City Hall's records and they found him.

Check Donated to Food Bank

2011-10-27T11:26:00.000-05:00

Dr. Phillip Sundquist (right) donates a $400.20 check to the Inter-Church Council Ministry Center's Food Bank recently. Accepting the check on behalf of the food bank is Ministry Center Director, Cheryl Downard (in center). Pictured at the left is Chariton Chamber Executive Director, Shantel Dow. (Bill Howes Photo).

Blacksmith Shop at Lucas Co. Historical Museum

2011-10-18T17:01:00.001-05:00

At the Museum's open house held on October 15, the new blacksmith shop was open for the public to see. The building has a blacksmith shop in the front and a workroom in back that's used for making museum displays and for storage. (Photo and story by Bill Howes).

The Chariton High School Building and Trades class under the direction of instructor Jeff Tordoff built the outside of the building. Former Lucas County Historical Museum Director, Jerry Book, along with his son, Vern, Larry Shriver and Bill Marner did the dirt work for the building.

Jim Secor helped level off the inside of the building and put down some of the floor. Bob Ulrich, Rodney Peterson and Marner did most of the inside work on the building.

The building was financed by a generous gift from Lynn Johnson, the former president of Johnson Machine Works in Chariton. It was also paid for by grants from the South Central Iowa Community Foundation. (SCICF).

Lucas County Law Center

2011-10-06T14:09:00.001-05:00

The new Lucas County Law Center, 48559 Hy-Vee Road, just south of the Hy-Vee maintenance garage, held its open house the weekend of Oct. 7 - Oct.8, to show off its beautiful new building to the public. In the picture above is the view of the east side of the building where the entrance is located. The new law center is a 24-hour holding vacility with four holding cells. They moved into the new building between October 22 and October 24

Ukrainian Festival Celebrates Cultural Diversity

2011-09-22T23:40:00.001-05:00

Chariton's Ukrainian community celebrated its's second annual Festival on Saturday, September 17. The weather was cool with scattered showers, but that did not stop the courthouse square from filling up with people. Home cooked Ukrainian food was displayed on a large table including home-cooked traditional perogies, some breads, cabbage rolls, borsch, blintz and a variety of other choices. To wash the food down there was a Ukrainian soft drink known as "Kvass".

Accordians and other musical instruments, native to the Ukrainians, were played giving live music to the crowd. Children and adults were dressed in traditional attire and a speaker shared Ukrainian history.
(Article in the Herald-Patriot, September 22, 2011, was written by Sandra Knebel)

Thomas/Schuholz Clothing Store Sign

2011-09-22T00:04:00.001-05:00

Andy Towle, a former resident of Chariton, is seen holding the sign he brought back to Chariton. The old sign is in very good condition. The sign was donated to the Lucas County Historical Society for safe keeping where it will be displayed for all to see. The picture is very clear and easy to read. The clothing store was later known as Halden and Thomas. The store was located on the northwest corner of the square where the Gold Boutique is now. $700 was raised to purchase the sign which was in the Nashville Antique Archaeology store in Tennessee. When Mary Stierwalt heard about the sign, it sparked her interest and she wondered how the money could be raised to purchase the sign. In talking with Mary Greubel Nance from Oskaloosa, a former CHS graduate, Greubel Nance suggested that 700 people each chip in $1 apiece to buy the sign. The response was very good and it didn't take long to raise the money.

Open House for The New Public Safety Center/Holding Facility

2011-09-08T23:36:00.000-05:00

The upcoming open house for the new public safety center/holding facility will be on October 7 and October 8. The new law center is located on Hy-Vee Road. Dates for the open house will be Friday, October 7 from 4-7pm and Saturday, October 8, from noon to 4pm. On October 24 and October 25 and possibly the 26th all furniture will be moved to the new facility. On Oct 26 the telephone and radio service will be transferred.

New Tourism Lucas County ads

2011-08-25T14:56:00.000-05:00

Tourism Lucas County has added another tour package to the half dozen that have been the attraction for bus tours over the last few years. Ads for "Murder, Lynching and Witching" will begin to appear in travel magazines within the next few months.

The new tour, which is expected to be one of the most popular will begin at Get Mugged, located in the same building where the lynching of Hiram Wilson took place on July 6, 1870.

While the visitors are having their coffee at Get Mugged, Buzz Malone author of "The Lynching of Hiram Wilson" will be present to tell the story of how Sheriff Gaylord Lyman was shot by Hiram Wilson and how the citizens took the law into their own hands and lynched Hiram Wilson. Malone will be glad to sign his book for those who are interested.

A visit to Douglas Cemetery along historic Blue Grass Road, will not let visitor's see the stone for Hiram Wilson because he was buried in an unmarked grave somewhere on the hill in Potter's Field, but they will be greeted by the ghost of Oliver W. Coffman, an Iowa Calvary soldier distinctive because he is among the few Civil War fatalities buried in Iowa.

Visitors will get a tour of the Genealogy area of Chariton's Dale Carnegie Public Library with the opportunity to peek into not only family histories, but also local, state, and national history.

After lunch the tour will go on to the Chariton Cemetery where they will visit the final resting place of Sheriff Gaylord Lyman, followed by a very unusual experience - "witching". Water witchery was very popular in finding underground water,but there is also grave witching. Lucas County Genealogy witchers will guide visitors to marked and unmarked stones and let the visitors experience the amazing gift of witching graves - which will reveal the gender of those buried as well as whether the deceased is a child or an adult.

All bus tour schedules allow ample time for visitors to stroll around the Courthouse Square and check out the surrounding businesses.

CHS Class of 2001 Reunion

2011-08-25T14:15:00.000-05:00

The Chariton High School Class of 2001 will have their 10-year reunion Friday, September 23 after the Homecoming parade at Carpenter's Hall. All who were ever in the class are encouraged to attend. Food and beverages will be available and no reservations are required. For more information contact Ben Wantland at 641-203-2516.

Old Clothing Store Sign

2011-08-25T14:14:00.000-05:00

Charitonians Trying to Bring Back Old Clothing Store Sign to Chariton

A group of Chariton people are working to bring a sign back to Chariton. The sign hung in the Thomas/Schuholz Clothing Store, which was later Halden and Thomas, for many years. The store was located on the northwest corner of the square where the Gold Boutique is now.

The sign is now in Tennessee in the Nashville Antique Archaeology store and has a price of $700. The wording on the sign says "Buy Your Lee overalls from Thomas & Schuholz Chariton, IA".

The Charitonians believe that if 700 people would commit $1 each toward the sign, that it could be brought home. Of course, larger donations would also be accepted. A page on Facebook titled "If You Grew Up in Chariton, Iowa, you will remember." Andy Towle, who lives in Tennessee saw the sign and told his parents. His parents posted the Facebook page.

If Charitonians are successful in raising enough money to purchase the sign, then Andy would bring the sign home when he comes home for a class reunion at homecoming the weekend of Sept. 23.

Donations for the purchase of the sign are being sent to Mary Stout Stierwalt, 120 N. Grand, Chariton, IA 50049. No checks will be cashed until the financial goal of $700 is met.

Cinder Path Monument for Dwaine Clanin

2011-08-07T19:32:00.009-05:00

This picture below is of Dwaine Clanin's monument, that has been placed at the trail's beginning in Chariton by his widow, Hazel and the Lucas County Conservation Board, to honor him for his work in creating the Cinder Path, a 13.5 mile trail that follows an abandoned rail bed from southwest Chariton down along the river and then up across some prairie on down to Humeston.


Click on picture to enlarge

Words on back of monument:

Dwaine's passion was working on the Cinder Path. His leadership and unselfish commitment towards conservation and recreation stewardship played a major role in his ability to convert the abandoned Burlington Northern Railroad into the first Rails-to-Trails area in the State of Iowa. Dwaine Clanin's dedication to the Lucas County Conservation Board will be forever appreciated and never forgotten.

The first rails-to-trails project in Iowa was the Cinder Path when it was built back in 1974. Back then it was a real challenge when land owners were upset that long-haired and dangerous hippies might be passing near their property. Others wanted the trail diced up into small strips so they could own the land and keep the unwanted out. The first settlers would have been appalled at the idea of owning the woods and hills, prairies and river valleys. Mother Earth owned herself, they thought. Differences of opinion such as these resulted in much conflict and many sorrows and we still hear some of it today.

Redwood benches with concrete bases, outhouses and small shelters were scattered along the trail. Rubberized matting was laid across bridge planks so bicycles could negotiate them more easily.

Below is a map of the Cinder Path.

Historic Preservation Commission

2011-07-12T22:43:00.004-05:00

Alyse Hunter, Melody Wilson and Frank Myers of the Historic Preservation Commission of Lucas County were present to ask for permission and help from the county in erecting a sign with names of those people buried at County Home Cemetery, which is in section 13 of Whitebreast Township.

The sign will replace a current marker at the cemetery and will be purchased with funds from the Historic Preservation Commission tour. Supervisor Larry Davis made a motion to allow the sign to be put up with the assistance of County Engineer, Todde Folkerts.

All supervisors voted in favor of the motion and it passed. The Historic Preservation Commission members also asked if there were county ordinances pertaining to historic sites or buildings in Lucas County. They also talked about the Main Street Project which focuses on economic development within the context of historic preservation.

The Jerry Wells Cabin

2011-06-30T11:03:00.007-05:00

Going east on Hwy 34, do many of you recognize the black and white cabin that sits between Nick Cattell's apartments and the Frontier Trading post?

Click on picture to enlarge

I have only been in Lucas County for eleven years and have been trying for quite some time to find out more about this cabin that used to sit buried behind trees and thick brush until recently when Nick started clearing the land surrounding this very interesting building.

There is no road going into the property so it makes it hard to get very close to the cabin. Nick is trying to get that problem taken care of. In fact he has big plans for the area surrounding this cabin. More on that in the near future.

Jerry Wells did not build the cabin. It was built in the 1940's by someone else and then Jerry purchased it sometime in the 1950's and had the start of Lake Vista Restaurant in it just long enough to build the new Lake Vista log sided building next door. Maybe you ate there years ago. Bonnie Stone remembered eating their steak dinners.

This picture to the left shows the cabin in 1958. You may notice that in this picture Hwy 34 is even with the restaurant and the cabin. These pictures were taken before the road was lowered.

The picture to the right shows the Lake Vista Restaurant in 1958. This building is now part of Nick's apartments next to the cabin. The siding is different and it is attached to the other apartments, so it is hard to recognize.

In 1974 the Poush's bought the restaurant and added a lounge.

In 1959, Jerry Wells built the Lake Vista Motel. He borrowed $1,200 from George Gartin at First State Bank in Chariton. The Motel was built with reclaimed lumber from the Mallory Castle. You could rent a room for $2 a night in 1959 and 1960. When the roads got so muddy they were impassable, Jerry would go into town and bring people out to the restaurant and the motel in the trailer he pulled behind his tractor. Road construction was being done on Hwy 34 and sometimes vehicles could not get through. This was the time when crews were lowering the Highway in that area.

The Lake Vista Motel building is still there on Hwy 34, but it looks quite different than the above picture. If you look to the west from Nick's apartments you will see the building, but it is now painted gray. One family purchased the building and it is their home

This old barn (shown to the left) sits near the cabin and is still in fairly good condition. Underneath the barn is a basement where they used to milk cows.

While Nick was cleaning out the cabin and the barn, he found lots of interesting objects. There were lots of wooden hand carved decoys, old coins, old newspapers, handwritten journals that had been written back in the 1890's, trunks full of clothes and even an old wedding dress.

Nick is still in the process of cleaning up the old building, but someday soon maybe he will allow people to come in and take a look at it. Next time you are driving east on Hwy 34, just after you pass Lake Ellis and before you get to the Frontier Trading Post, take a look to your left and see if you can spot the cabin up on the hill.

Chariton Leader has New Website

2011-06-28T18:32:00.002-05:00

The Chariton Newspaper has a brand new website that went on-line June 10.

"We've been working with Town News for about six months developing our new website," said publisher Dave Paxton. "It is loaded with new features and our plan is to create a really interactive site for the people of Chariton." To go to the website click here: Chariton Leader Newspaper The new website has new advertising opportunities for businesses as well as a feature that includes the weather, markets, calendars, photo gallery and even a place for video.

"As we continue to improve the contents, people are really going to like it," said Paxton.

Mary Sandy School Teacher at Expo

2011-06-23T17:35:00.000-05:00

The Lucas County Historical Society held their "Echoes From the Past" living history expo at the Lucas County Historical Museum on June 17. Mary Sandy (pictured) played the schoolteacher in the Puckerbrush School where she gave the Great Lucas County History Quiz. (photo by Bill Howes).

Lucas County Historical Society Expo "Echoes of the Past"

2011-06-21T14:31:00.003-05:00

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Come To The Fair

2011-06-16T15:05:00.001-05:00

The Lucas County Fair runs from July 30 through August 4th, 2011. The judging of the open class for Genealogy will take place Monday, August 1. The judging will begin at 1:00 pm. Entries may be entered on Sunday evening, July 31 or from 8:00 am until noon on August 1. I will be at our Genealogy booth both of those times to receive your entries. To save time at the last minute, who would know better than I, you may return your completed entry forms to the extension office any time after July 1. If you turn in your forms early, the tags will be printed out so all you need to do is attach them. You may bring entries in until 12 noon on August 1. As many of us know, that can work, but takes time to fill out the tags by hand. ( I am making it my goal to have mine all printed out ahead of time this year. Any one want to take odds on that?).

Entries are in the fair books or may be found on line at Fair Book (look down right hand side of page - 2011 Lucas County Fair Book - Open Class - Page 25). I have left a number of books in the Genealogy office or they are available at the Extension Office. I will also bring some to our next meeting on July 11, 2011. Please feel free to enter as many projects as you wish, one per class. If you enter more than you complete, there is no penalty and we will take that off your list prior to judging. I do encourage you to think "Big" when brainstorming possibilities. Remember each item should have a written 4 x 6 card or one page typed sheet attached describing information about the person(s) or object and the genealogical connections or significance to the exhibitor. Using research to answer an unknown question about your family can be challenging and very exciting.

We have Best of Show for both adult and youth categories. Best of Show winners have been selected form numerous categories such as: Organized Collection of Genealogical Research Material, Family Record Book, Ancestral Home, Personal Items (violin, carved wooden shoes), Ancestral Photo, Misc. Photo, Family Poster and Visual Displays and more. Pink ribbons are given for all items considered for Best of Show. The Photograph Class; Books and Legal Documents; Heirlooms and Artifacts are popular entries. Genealogical Research Material, Pictures of Life in Early Lucas County, Posters and Visual Mixed Displays are less populated. Youth may enter not only in the Youth Class but also in Adult Classes if they choose.

Jay DeYoung, our fair judge, will present the program for our July 11 meeting. He will bring more of his fair entries from the past and is willing to share ideas or brainstorm your potential works in progress or field questions about research ideas or preservation.

I will also bring the sign up sheet for times you are willing to man our booth. Be thinking about possibilities. See you all at the meeting or at the fair. If you have any questions call me. My home phone, with answering machine, is 641-862-4448. See you before or at the fair.

Ev Brightman

The Frontier Trading Post

2011-06-14T12:21:00.001-05:00

One mile east of Chariton, Iowa on Hwy 34, the Frontier Trading Post is located. This unique store sells gifts, western items, antiques, live bait and tackle, tools, home decor and more.

On Saturday nights the Soda Pop Saloon has live music, dinner and dancing. This is a family western style soda pop bar, decked with western decor and soda pop memories.

Norm Paulsen started the Frontier Trading Post on 7th Ave in Chariton and about seven years ago moved out to the present location on Hwy 34. He has been in business a total of ten years. The main building consists of about 3200 sq. ft. of space. You will be surprised at the low prices on the items throughout the store.

The Hook, Line and Sinker bait and tackle shop is one of the largest bait and tackle shops in Southern Iowa. They offer a wide variety of poles, reels, tackle and more, plus the lowest prices around. Check out the mural on the east side of the bait house. There are many pictures of successful fishing stories on their brag board. Norm is always ready to make a "good deal".

Be sure to check out their website at: Frontier Trading Post

In the near future the Lucas County Tourism Center will provide visitors with tourism information for Lucas and surrounding counties.

"Trottin for Taylor"

2011-06-08T17:08:00.008-05:00

This morning on my way into Chariton, I passed an interesting sight and stopped to talk to the riders and take some pictures. There was a chuck wagon and two horseback riders in the group. On the chuck wagon cover was printed "Trottin for Taylor", "Raising Awareness for Batten Disease."


Click on picture to enlarge

Tammy Mohr and her husband have a grandson, now seven, who has a rare neurological degenerative disease know as Batten Disease. The disease comes in one of four forms and in every case is fatal. Taylor has the Late Infantile form for which there is no cure. With this disease, the arteries are hooked up backwards and the blood flows from his heart to his lungs and back to his heart, without traveling to the rest of his body, thus he does not receive the oxygen his body needs to survive. He underwent surgery in Children's Hospital at 10 days of age and overcame that obstacle with complete recovery.

He seemed to have overcome the disease until he was 2½ years old, when he started to have childhood development issues. Now at 7, Taylor is bedridden, blind, on a feeding tube, cannot walk or talk and his limbs are contracted. He does seem to remember the happy times he enjoyed until he was two. When talking about those times, a smile will appear on his face.

Tammy and her crew left her home in Ute, IA June 1 on horseback, accompanied only by a chuck wagon and anyone who wanted to ride along with them. The trip is planned to take two weeks. They are spending this evening at the Russell Sale Barn and tomorrow will continue to Rathbun Lake Landing. From there they travel on Hwy 2 into Centerville. Farmington is the destination after that. If you would like to ride along or just visit with them maybe you could find them along this route.

The following information was taken from the brochure Tammy gave me as we stood and talked along Hwy 34 on the outskirts of Chariton. Their goal is to ride across Iowa from the Missouri River eastward to the Mississippi River to raise awareness plus funding for further research for Batten Disease. Batten Disease is so rare that there are less than 1,000 children affected worldwide. Dr. Beverly Davidson at the University of Iowa, who is one of the leading scientists in America, is researching Infantile and Late Infantile forms of this disease. All monies raised will go to the University to aid in their research. There are other places throughout the US that conduct research, but they focus more on the juvenile form of the disease. Funds are very limited, so without money to expand research, there is little advanced treatment for children like Taylor who are slowly dying a little every day.

I know this is hard to read, but we forget how lucky we are until we meet someone who is not so lucky. They are lucky to have this wonderful child in their life, but know without help and answers to their prayers, they will not have him too much longer. Any donations received will be given to the University of Iowa. Please feel free to call them at 1-800-648-6973 or Tammy at 712-885-2535 for further information about the ride, route or any other questions you may have. For additional information about the disease itself you may visit http://www.bdsa.org/. Tammy Mohr's address is 42883 270th St. Ute, Iowa 51060. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Historic Register Nomination Presented

2011-05-26T14:52:00.001-05:00

Fred and Sherry Steinbach and the Chariton Historic Preservation Commission invited the public to hear architectural historian Molly Myers-Naumann give her presentation of the nomination of the Steinbach home to the National Register of Historic Places.

The presentation was Monday May 2, 5:30pm at the Steinbach home. The home, a William Perkins design, was recently featured in a special section of the Chariton Herald-Patriot. It was built in 1918 by Chariton entrepeneur J.T. Crozier and is being nominated for placement on the national register of Historic Places.

The nomination is part of a district placement which includes five other buildings in Chariton designed by Mr. Perkins, already listed on the National Register.

On the same day, at 12:30pm, CHPC hosted a walking tour of the historic business district. The tour was started on the south steps of the Chariton Public Library. The gazebo on the courthouse lawn was the rainy day venue. Molly Myers-Naumann conducted the tour as part of National Preservation Month.

James Crozier (J.T.) came to Chariton from Ohio in 1878. He leased a building on the southeast corner of the Chariton square in 1886 and opened a general store. He sold a variety of wares including groceries, dry goods, yard goods, sewing machines, and chickens by the dozen. Crozier and his second wife, Mollie Penrose, were parents of three children. The Crozier's lived on 4½ acres where the Steinbach's house sits. The acreage housed the home, a barn, orchard and garden. Mr. Crozier continued in business until his death in 1936.

Photos of the Chariton Cemetery were recently entered into the photo gallery of the national Register of Historic Places. The cemetery was listed on the NRHP in 2010. You may view the photos at National Register of Historic Places

"American Pickers" visit Pierce's Pumpkin Patch

2011-05-20T11:59:00.003-05:00

Click on picture to enlarge

An article covering this story appeared in the Chariton Leader, May 17, 2011, written by Bill Howes.

TV Show "American Pickers" placed Pierce's Pumpkin Patch in the spotlight recently when it paid a visit to John and Joy Pierce's Pumpkin Patch, one of our local landmarks in Lucas County. The purpose for the visit was to film an episode and to wander around and buy some unique antique items. Pierce's Pumpkin Patch is located 12 miles north of Chariton along Highway 14.

John and Joy loved meeting "The Pickers", Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz and found them to be very down to earth and enjoyable people. No one was quite sure when the episode will air and said that it may be in the next three or four months. The new season for the show starts in July. It did finally air on September 26, 2011 at 8pm on the History Channel. Also some members of the Columbia Fire Department appeared.

"American Pickers" airs on the history Channel Monday evenings at 8pm central time. Mike and Frank search for unusual antiques, purchase them and restore them back to their original state. The filming at Pierce's took four hours last Tuesday, May 10, from 2-6pm. There were people from the show at their operation for eight straight hours. They filmed the operation and asked a lot of questions. Mike and Frank are both Iowa boys and they were just super and down to earth. Mike and Frank have a resale shop in LeClaire, Iowa called Antique Archaeology.

Mike and Frank came rolling into their farm with five vehicles including a motor-home, a U-haul truck and three vans including their trademark van. There were at least 10 people from the show present. Two finance people keep track of the things Mike and Frank buy and how much they cost.

SHOWS CREW IMPRESSED WITH 50-lb TURKEY

John and Joy's 50 pound bronze Tom Turkey was very impressive to the show's crew. They have had Tom for five years and he's on display for kids to look at during pumpkin season. The crew filmed that turkey for 15 minutes. The cameramen got in the pen with it and got as close to it as you could with the turkey strutting the whole time. They said the Tom would make the show.

A fold-down bathtub and some advertising signs got Mike and Frank's full attention. The tub is from the 1880's. This is a tin bathtub in a wooden frame that fits up against the wall. They bought a couple of the signs advertising businesses in Chariton. The hanging license plates that belonged to John's granddad also were liked. The plates span 60 years from 1914-1974. Some framed newspaper articles which hang on the wall in a shed and are from World War II also drew their interest.

Congratulations Lucas County Health Center for 50 years of Service

2011-05-05T17:36:00.000-05:00

The April 26, 2011 Chariton Leader Newspaper had a large article about the 50 year anniversary of the Lucas County Health Center with pictures. Pictures showed the inside of the new health center with its modern state-of-the-art nurses station, lobby, patient rooms, new-born incubators; original hospital board of trustees, officers of the Memorial Hospital Foundation, hospital supporters and the present day staff. There were several articles about patients and the wonderful care they have received through the years from the doctors and the staff at this modern day medical facility.

The first baby (girl) born in this facility was delivered by Dr. Loren Hermann to Mrs. Raymond Nelson. She was the 8th child for the Nelson family. To the Nelsons went an array of gifts sponsored by Chariton and area merchants. More than 60 merchants participated in the "First Baby Contest" and the gifts ranged from discounts on home appliances to supplies of baby foods, formula, baby blankets and other articles. In addition to the first baby gifts, a six-months supply of baby food and a $5 gift was given the second child born at the new hospital. An example of the fine equipment available for the care of the new-born was this nursery incubator, one of two in the hospital. A second became available later in the surgical suite.

In the picture to the left, officers of the Memorial Hospital Foundation inspected the contributor's book. Simple memorial plaques provided a background. Left to right are: John Woodman of Russell, 1st Vice-president, H.V. Levis, President, F.B. Ryan, 2nd Vice-president, John D. Baldridge, Secretary-Treasurer, all of Chariton. The Foundation is a non-profit organization founded to give financial support to the hospital. Annual meetings, election of officers and financial needs will be its continuing purpose.

Members of the memorial hospital Board of Trustees, pictured to the right, met in the dining-meeting room in the basement of the hospital and they managed construction and equipping of the 35 bed unit. Clockwise at the table, beginning at the front left, are Fred Curtis, Walter Coop, of Russell, chairman Delbert James, secretary Oliver Kent, Oran Garrett, Lloyd Cottingham and Troy Irving. On the original board, in addition to James, Curtis, Kent and Garett, were Dean Ferguson, Earl Wright and Arthur Keller.

Miskimin Donates Buggy to Lucas Co. Museum

2011-03-31T14:40:00.002-05:00

This article appeared in the Chariton Herald-Patriot newspaper on Thursday, March 31, 2011, written by Bill Howes.

This past Friday, Northridge Assisted Living resident, Helen Miskimin, donated a rare item to the Lucas County Historical Society Museum in Chariton. Miskimin, who turned 97 on Tuesday this week, donated a baby buggy and doll that came over from Germany with her mother in the late 19th Century.

Helen's mother was Teresa Biesemeyer and she came to the United States from Germany in Jan. 1891 when she was five years old. The buggy and doll came over with her and the doll's name is Teresa Rose.

The doll's name comes from both Helen's mother and grandmother as her mother was named Teresa and her grandmother was named Rose. The buggy and doll will be put in the Lucas County Historical Museum along with a small story about it.

Along with the donation that was made last Friday, two men, Martin Biesemeyer, who's Helen's nephew and lives in Indianola, and Fred Steinbach, who lives in Chariton and is on the Lucas County Historical Society Board, interviewed Helen about her family and their journey to Lucas County and their life here in the early 1900's.

"The Lucas County Historical Society has started an effort to interview seniors about their families to find out about their journeys to Chariton and to talk to the seniors themselves about their own lives in Lucas County to get a feel about life in the county in the early 20th century," Steinbach said.

A year ago the Lucas County Historical Society Board received a grant large enough to purchase a laptop and a camcorder that allowed them to do this interviewing project.

Steinbach explained how the interviews done with people like Helen help keep the histories of families alive who once lived here in Lucas County. "I asked Helen about her family. They're all gone now, but she still has their story to tell. She told stories of the 1920's and 30's and the hardships people went through in Chariton during the Great Depression," he said.

The interview with Miskimin took a half hour to 45 minutes and will be put on a DVD and archived in the museum. The interview will be available for future use including many years down the road for any one who's interested in seeing it.

"If someone in the future wants to look at the interview, we'll have the historical record that tells about the people who lived during that period in the early 1900's," Steinbach said.

"Hopefully we can do this year after year so that 200 to 300 years later, there will be this first person record of what these people's experiences were in the early 1900's and beyond, which would be like a continuous history of the county," he added.

City Moving Forward to Acquire Charitone Hotel

2011-02-24T12:31:00.002-06:00

written by Sandra Knebel, Chariton Herald Patriot Feb. 24 and Mar. 1, 2011

Receipt of an engineer's report regarding the structural integrity of the Charitone Hotel reinforced rather than redirected the Chariton Ciy Council's decision to acquire title. The attorney for hotel owner, Charles Thomas, asked the Council to withdraw their legal action based upon a structural engineer's report.

In the letter, this was stated, "While I acknowledge the report is not a complete bill of health, it certainly does not paint the picture of a building that constitutes a public nuisance under Iowa law. In fact, the report largely speaks to the contrary."

"Overall the building is in fair condition with some elements of the building being in poor condition. There appears to be significant issues with the roofing on the building which has allowed a large amount of moisture to infiltrate the building through the years. This has caused a significant deterioration and damage to the wood roof structure. It is my understanding that this moisture damage caused one of the wood roof trusses to bow downward significantly and thus pushed some of the exterior masonry off the wall on the south side of the building. These roof trusses have been jacked up and a new temporary wood stud wall constructed beneath them. This appears to have stabilized the roof and prevented any further damage to the exterior walls. This roof structure, in my opinion, will need to be replaced with a new structure.

"The condition of the floor structure varies to its condition. The fourth floor has the most deterioration and corrosion that is noticeable. The water that has infiltrated the building has caused some areas of the concrete floor to fall off and has caused corrosion in the steel channel beams....There were small isolated areas of significant corrosion observed. In two locations, the steel beams have corroded all the way through the member and have fallen away from the floor above."

In the engineer's final paragraphs he notes, "A note of caution is that the longer the water is allowed to enter the building the faster the structure will continue to deteriorate. It may reach a point in the near future where the deterioration is so widespread that it may not be able to be repaired."

It was not necessary for the council to take further action since the legal papers have been served and the engineers report provided no firm basis for a change in direction.

It is Meyer's hope that there will be no cost to the City. "My goal would not be to have the city spend money on it," he said, "That does not mean that we won't have to. I am hopeful that there will be funding support if the city is able to acquire title. My point has always been that until someone locally owns it, we can talk about all the plans we want, but it is just talk. The real issue now is not the cost, which would only be insurance, but how the owner responds to the litigation."

"Who Do You Think You Are?" TV Series Returns

2011-01-30T12:35:00.015-06:00

NBC has announced it is starting Series 2 of "Who Do You Think You Are?" on February 4th at 7:00 pm. Should be another interesting season. This show is sponsored in part by Ancestry.com.

Travel through time and deep into the family stories of eight fascinating celebrities as they solve centuries-old mysteries, uncover long-lost family ties and make shocking discoveries about their ancestors.

Week 1: February 4th, NBC at 7 p.m. - Vanessa Williams

Vanessa will travel into her family's past with a visit to her father's final resting place.

Week 2: February 11th, NBC at 7 p.m. - Tim McGraw

This episode will show Tim's connection to George Washington

Week 3 and 7 (this was a repeat): February 18th NBC at 7 p.m. - Rosie O'Donnell: Rosie travels from Jersey City to Ireland on an emotional ride to discover her mother's roots.

Week 4 and 6 (this was a repeat): February 25th NBC at 7 p.m. - Kim Cattrall: Kim unlocks the 70-year-old mystery behind her grandfather's abandonment of his young family.

Week 5: Lionel Ritchie: Great music runs deep! Lionel unravels the ancestral mystery of his beloved grandmother, a music teacher.

Week 8: Steve Buscemi: March 25th at 7 p.m. - Follow Golden Globe winner Steve Buscemi as he travels from Brooklyn to Pennsylvania and on to the battlefields of Virginia in pursuit of an ancestor with a dark and mysterious past.

Others to be featured are:

Gwyneth Paltrow: on April 1, at 7 p.m. - She digs into her family's past and finds a surprising connection to her spiritual roots, a new appreciation for her great-grandmother and ancestors on the island of Barbados.

Ashley Judd on April 8 at 7 p.m. - Ashley sets out to discover the truth behind her family's tall tales. Her search leads her to an ancestor who faced tragedy in the Union Army and an incredible connection to America's first settlers.

Lucas County Public Safety Center

2011-01-25T11:50:00.000-06:00

Progress is moving right along on the new public safety center/holding facility being built on Hy-Vee Road in Chariton. The picture above shows the building. The center will have four holding cells, all on the west end of the building. Two of the cells will be double bunk cells. The communications center which includes the dispatch area will be back in the storm shelter area of the building. Early spring is the goal for completion.

Chariton Waterworks

2011-01-24T11:53:00.002-06:00

From the History of Lucas County, Iowa, 1978 Book

In 1901 the city began seriously to consider building a waterworks. Originally it was proposed to bring the water into town from wells on the Chariton River Bottom southwest of town. One proposal was to have the steam engine pump water after midnight to fill the storage tank. Then operate an electric generator in the daytime to furnish electricity for the town. After many failures to secure enough water from wells that was good enough to drink and cook with, the council at last decided to use a reservoir east of town. For the first time the city was headed in the right direction and although many experiments were made to find adequate water, the final result was something to be proud of.

By the end of 1916, we read in the paper of that time, "The final source of water was a large impounding reservoir three miles east of Chariton. It had a drainage area large enough to permit the taking of 500,000 gallons daily during three successive dry years. Should supply Chariton adequately even if the city should triple in size. Cost of the dam, filtering plant, pump station, pipeline, etc. was estimated at $10,000. This would extend the present plant to all parts of the city for private use and fire protection. The filtration plant will cost $18,000, but will insure such purity of water that none can complain. Soft water is also better for steam boilers. Also in the paper, "the city water system is almost completed, the last work now being put on the filtration system. All have past inspection. Chemists find the water pure, the result of the latest process, thanks to the up-to-date filtering plant."

Thus after 16 years of trying we find Chariton with her own "good" water system.

The system in 1978 now includes a ground storage tank and pumping station in the east part of town. Also an elevated tank on the east side and another elevated tank io the northwestern end of town. These two tanks were in addition to the original storage tank behind the city hall. With the old city lake, and two backup lakes, Lake Morris and Red Haw Lake, it now seems we should have enough water.

Chautauqua Assembly 1903

2011-01-23T18:15:00.001-06:00

I don't know how many of you have taken a look at one of our blogs: Chautuaqua Assembly, Chariton, The blog does not include the entire booklet, but it does include the pictures of Lucas County. If you want to see the entire booklet, it is available at the Lucas County Genealogy room at the library.

On Monday, January 31 at 9:00 p.m., Channel 11, KDIN, will be showing a 1 hr. and 10 min. documentary entitled: "Chautauqua: An American Narrative". This documentary will show the history and impact of the Chautauqua Institution, founded 135 years ago in Western New York.

Sounds interesting.

Medicare to cut Doctor's pay by 25%

2011-01-21T15:14:00.003-06:00

I faxed this article to the Letter to the Editor of our local newspaper three times, once the end of November, and twice in December. They have never printed it even though I talked to them and they assured me it would appear.

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Please read this carefully if you are on Medicare. This appeared in an email I received from AARP the end of November.

Don't let Congress Drive Doctors Out of Medicare

AARP believes seniors have earned their Medicare and the security of knowing they'll be able to see the doctors they count on. Unfortunately, doctors who treat Medicare patients will receive a 25% pay cut in 2011 unless Congress acts before the session ends in early December. I realize the December session is over, but I think it is still an important enough problem, a letter could still be sent to let them know how you feel.

This cut is happening because over 10 years ago, Congress created a flawed payment system that can no longer pay doctors what it costs to care for seniors. If Congress doesn't stop the cut, many seniors could lose their doctors or be unable to find a new one when they need it. That's why AARP is working to stop this cut so seniors can have the security they've earned.

Send the message below telling Congress how you feel. Let your elected leaders know you want them to stop the cut so you can have the peace of mind to keep seeing your doctors.

Send to: Rep. Richard Arnold 26875 407th Street Russell, IA 50238
and to Sen. Paul McKinley 21884 483rd Lane Chariton, IA 50049
(Below is an example of what you can say)

I'm writing to urge you to stop the cut to Medicare doctors.

I've worked all my life to earn my Medicare and the security of knowing I'll be able to keep seeing the doctors I count on. But now, I'm worried because unless you take action before Congress adjourns in December, Medicare doctors will receive a 25% pay cut in 2011, which will mean my doctor will no longer be paid what it costs to treat me. As one of my representatives in Washington, I believe you have a responsibility to seniors to keep doctors in the Medicare program. And, even though this election focused on the disagreements between Democrats and Republicans, making sure seniors can see their doctors is something we can all agree on.

Thank you. (sign your name and mail it today, PLEASE)

------------------------------------------------------------

While I was in my Doctor's office at the Chariton Family Medical Center today, I noticed a poster stating a similar message and I became concerned for everyone in this area that has a doctor at this facility. It doesn't mean they won't see us anymore, it just means they want our attention and help to correct the possible problem.

------------------------------------------------------------

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!
Lynne Wilson, Russell

Hopefully the cut can be prevented.

The Iceman Cometh

2011-01-06T19:35:00.002-06:00

In the Chariton Herald newspaper dated November 26, 1896 there was a small article regarding the construction of the icehouse. A mammoth icehouse, 30 x 70 feet, 16 feet high, is being constructed by the Chariton Ice Co. at the fair grounds. The old house at the electric light station has been removed. By the new arrangement, capacity for 400 loads more than before has been secured.

September 28, 1976 the Chariton Leader provided this story:
A daily ritual, when the Chariton Ice Company was one of the community's primary industries and employers, was the placing of the "Ice Card" in the window. The printed card had large numbers on each side, 25, 50, 75, and 100. The number up was the block weight the homeowner needed that day.

Horse drawn wagons, until the later days of the delivering of ice, carried large grooved blocks. The grooves indicated approximate size and permitted the driver to chisel off a 25lb. block with ease.

In the hot summer months, neighborhood children followed the ice wagon daily to secure cool chips for eating.

Icemen had to have strong backs to carry heavy blocks into homes or upstairs apartments. Many homes arranged an outside door opening into the "Ice Box" to facilitate delivery and to avoid a daily cleanup of water that melted from the ice.

The Chariton firm operated until the early 1940's, approximately 35 years, when every home had acquired a modern refrigerator.

Strangely, today firms across the United States successfully market manufactured ice through supermarkets and other outlets for those needing more ice than can be made at home.

Around September of 1976 the icemen cometh no more in Chariton and the last vestige of their presence, the old icehouse, is being razed.

The Bob Stone Companies, which have owned the former icehouse on Brookdale Avenue for several years, are now removing the half that constituted the storage area. The manufacturing and locker portion of the plant, constructed of concrete block, will not be razed now, but may be later.

The contractor who undertook the job of removing the storage area said, "It was really insulated, with sawdust and cork,"

September 6, 2001, the Chariton Herald-Patriot headlined the following news:

Fire Destroys Old Icehouse

by Bill Howes
The building known as the Old Icehouse, located in the 1200 block of Brookdale Avenue, was destroyed by fire late Monday afternoon. The one-story concrete building was originally built in the early 1900's to store ice in before refrigerators were invented. It is not known at this time what caused the fire and the cause is still being investigated by the Iowa State Fire Marshall's Office and the Chariton Police Department.

The building has been empty and unused for years. The last person to own it was rural Chariton resident Paul Umbenhower who owned it during part of the 1970's and most of the 1980's. Umbenhower used the building mainly for storing seeds. Umbenhower owns Chariton Feed and Grain Inc. in Chariton.

Chariton Volunteer Fire Department first assistant fire chief Brian Davis said that several people living near the icehouse reported the fire. Davis said that people living near the building saw children playing in the area around it before the fire. "It's our understanding that the building was used by some children in town as a hangout," Davis said.

The fire department was dispatched at around 4:13pm. Upon their arrival the entire roof and building were engulfed in flames. Davis said that the main reason the building burnt so quickly was that it was insulated with sawdust. "That's what they used for insulation in the old days. Sawdust burns very fast," Davis said. The ice that was stored there in the early 1900's was packed in sawdust.

Davis said that the fire department's first firefighting effort was hampered because the first hydrant they attached to on Brookdale wasn't working. Then they attached to a hydrant near North Park and also shuttled water in through their tankers. In addition to putting out the fire, Davis said they removed some trailers from the property and put out some grass and debris fires near the Coop owned fuel tanks southeast of the building.

The fire department spent about two hours putting out the fire. If anyone has more information about the fire, they should contact the Chariton Police Department or the Chariton Volunteer Fire Department,

New Blog Page Added "Lucas County People"

2011-01-06T19:30:00.002-06:00

Be sure to check out the new Blog page that has been added. The very bottom selection on the blog list to the right, I have added a Blog called "Lucas County People". Or you can click here: lucascountypeople-newspaper.blogspot.com Let me know what you think. Thanks, Lynne

City Water Becomes a Reality

2011-01-02T10:55:00.010-06:00

Written by John Pierce - Chariton: The Early Years - July 28, 1992

Chariton residents longed for city water from the first franchise election in 1896 until water became a reality in March of 1907.

At the final franchise election on June 11, 1906 an apparent first in Chariton history occurred. Women were allowed to vote. Of the 871 people voting, 207 were women. Carriages were run by the ladies to bring other ladies to vote.

Digging on the water system started quickly. A digging machine could cover two blocks a day but was limited to the street. The narrow alleys had to be dug by hand where only one-half block a day was dug.

Water for the waterworks system was to come from a huge well. This well was sixteen feet in diameter and thirty feet deep. The well was located at the corner of 15th Street and Armory Avenue.

An attempt was made to secure water from the big reservoir just built in 1905 by the railroad on the west edge of Chariton. The railroad declined to let Chariton use the water.

The Chariton water tower was filled March 14, 1907. The 150 foot structure contained 100,000 gallons of water and is still in use today.

The first use of the water system for a fire occurred in April of 1907. Two frame buildings on the east side of the square adjoining the alley to the south caught fire. Four Eddy fire hydrants installed at the corners of the square proved to be very valuable. A hose was run from the southeast corner of the square with water on the fire before the fire engine could reach the scene.

Charitone Hotel Title Sought

2010-12-28T12:03:00.000-06:00

The Chariton City Council voted 4-1 to continue the process of acquiring title to the Charitone Hotel. The same process that has been used successfully in the past to acquire other properties in Chariton that have been declared a nuisance under the law will be used here.

The city attorney has not had further communication from the owner or his attorney since the last council meeting. If the city is successful in acquiring the property, it also acquires any liabilities associated with the property.

Charitone Hotel Owner Misses Deadline

2010-12-28T12:02:00.002-06:00

This article appeared in the December 9, 2010 Chariton Herald Patriot. Written by Sandra Knebel.

Dec. 1, 2010 was the deadline for the owner of the Charitone Hotel, Charles Thomas, to provide to the Chariton City Council a current report from a structural engineer approved in advance by city officials stating that structurally the hotel is stable and does not pose a risk of harm to the public.

The deadline was set at the council meeting on Sept. 20, 2010 after Thomas and his attorney, Steven Huff, attended a public hearing for the purpose of declaring the property a public nuisance according to city ordinance. The report was an opportunity to overturn the council's resolution made at the conclusion of the public hearing to declare the property a nuisance.

At the council meeting Monday evening, council members learned that not only was no report received, but it appeared that no serious strides were being made in that direction.

City attorney, Verle Norris, told the council they had a choice of a civil nuisance abatement action of moving forward with action to acquire the property under Iowa Code Section 657. He said if the council pursues the latter action, the city would have to take any and all responsibility for liabilities such as asbestos and environmental conditions. The upside would be that the city wold not hve to pay for the property.

After a very short discussion, Norris was asked to review the alternatives and provide a report on the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing action.

Electric Plant Gets Early Start in Chariton

2010-12-26T10:51:00.001-06:00

Written by John Pierce July 28, 1992

The electric light plant was put into operation in December of 1889. Before electricity, Chariton residents depended upon kerosene lamps, candles, carbide lighting systems or their own power plants ran by gasoline engines. Whatever system was used, Chariton residents saw a lot of darkness.

The electric light plant was located at the east end of Braden. It contained a 280 horsepower steam powered boiler and a 100 horsepower high-speed engine with two dynamos.

The cost of building the light plant was estimated at $13,000. But the ending figure was in excess of $21,000. Fifteen hundred dollars was the cost of building the pond and acquiring the land.

The area is now known as Yocom Park, but has been known as East Park, Flatt Park, Lake Como and simply the electric light plant pond.

The area the lake covered included the present ball field and the tennis courts. The lake didn't fill with water until the fall of 1890.

The lake was a source of pleasure at once. Jim Crowley of the Schreiber Carriage Works constructed a pleasure boat twenty-six feet long. This boat was intended for the use of parties on Lake Como.

The lake was also a source of tragedy. On July 4, 1898, Chariton residents along with people all over the country were celebrating news of the Spanish-American War.

People awoke to the sounds of fireworks as the residents were in a most festive mood. Fireworks were legal at the time but the mayor proclaimed no fireworks between 9a.m. and 4 p.m.

A big afternoon was planned at Lake Como. A recreation of Admiral Dewey's battle with the Spanish at Manila was to be staged.

Small battle ships made of wood and manned by local youngsters were launched in Lake Como. The ships were armed with firecrackers and rockets.

On one ship was manned by fifteen year-old Harley Gartin, the son of ex-sheriff and Mrs. Charles Gartin. In the excitement of battle with the large crowd cheering wildly, no one noticed young Gartin's ship catch fire. It is likely that his clothes also caught fire and he was forced to jump into Lake Como.

Albert Stuart saw Harley in the water and tried in vain to rescue him. All efforts were to no avail and his body was recovered 50 minutes later.

The electric light plant was not an instant success as not everybody chose to hook up to this new system. Smith H. Mallory as always took progressive leadership by installing electric lighting at the Opera House in March of 1890.

Within five years discussion centered on whether the plant should be sold or continue to be run by the city quite often at a loss. The cost of running the plant in 1903 was $7,300, while receipts brought in only $5,500.

Impure water from the pond caused yearly repair of pipes and boilers. In 1895 the cost just to deliver coal to the plant was $600. The complaint was also that the light plant had been built too far from the business district.

In 1904 the piston head on the big engine broke. Burlington was the closest place to get one made. The old piece was shipped out by rail; the new piece was made and shipped back.

All this took over a week, meaning anybody in town who used lights from the light plant did not have them. The light plant was a source of lights but at times was not too dependable.

As a result, customers were slow to convert to the new system.

Light poles were first placed upon the square, but starting in 1896, the poles were removed to the alleys.

in 1922 the Chariton Improvement Association recommended the light poles be painted. The first six feet of the poles were painted black. Then the next four feet were painted white.

By 1906 the light plant began to show a profit. A second heavy copper cable was strung to the alley behind the Bates Hotel. The first line ran south to the Glen residence. It was now much more accessible for residents to hook up. Most of the power up to that time was by steam or gasoline engine.

1904 saw meters required in businesses or residences where more than three lights were in use. Prior to 1904 a user could request a meter or pay a flat rate.

The flat rate was set at 15 cents per 1000 watts and shortly dropped to 10 cents per 1000 watts.

Beginning in 1905 patrons were required to go to City Hall to pay their electric bill. Day power also came in 1905. Prior to 1905 the light plant was in operation only from dark until midnight.

The electric light plant had a steam whistle which was used to call linemen when trouble occurred on the line. This would be considered an early paging system.

One long whistle followed by a short blast meant trouble on the commercial line. The long whistle followed by two short blasts meant trouble on the north residential line. The long whistle followed by three short blasts meant trouble on the south residential circuit.

Fires were also covered by one long continuous blast. One Chariton resident noted in 1904 that when an alarm of fire is given, "Engineer Rose will cut loose with the ragtime whistle and keep up the music until the dead are awakened or until the living are entirely satisfied with the performance."

Smith H. Mallory

2010-12-22T15:16:00.000-06:00

If you haven't visited this website, you may find it very interesting. http://www.chariton.blogspot.com/

Early Lucas County: Who were the first settlers here?

2010-12-21T03:50:00.001-06:00

Another story written by John Pierce in the Chariton Leader, Tuesday, May 11, 1993.

Lucas County was formed in 1846 by the division of Monroe County; which lies directly east of Lucas County. Monroe County at that time was known as Kishke-Kosh County. There were not many objections to this name change.

Lucas County was organized on January 13, 1846 and was named for Robert Lucas, the first territorial governor of Iowa.

Much of the above history can be found in the various history books of Lucas County. One fact this writer would like to examine concerns the first settlers of Lucas County. Notice I said settlers, because more than one claim can be made for this honor.

William McDermitt, long recognized as the first permanent settler of Lucas County, arrived at the eastern edge of this new wilderness in September of 1847. McDermitt had settled at Pella but felt crowded by the Dutch and had moved on to the frontier. He settled in Cedar Township and established the town of LaGrange.

McDermitt died in Chariton on July 31, 1875, but not before he helped shape the direction of Lucas County.

One story reveals the hardships of those early pioneers. This would have happened around 1847-48. McDermitt stated that upon awakening one cold winter morning, the worst of all things, the fire had gone completely out. In those days with no matches available, an ever-present fire was a life saving necessity.

McDermitt stated that the only thing to do was hitch up the oxen and load up a big kettle filled with chips of wood. The nearest neighbor was 7½ miles away. This ordeal lasted all day in knee-deep snow, but points out the extreme necessity of something we now take for granted.

A party of Mormons established a camp at Chariton Point in the fall of 1846. Chariton Point is located around ½ mile southeast of the courthouse on the bluegrass road. There is a rock marker at this point, which is near the Orie Noah residence. The Mormons left in June of 1847 thus were not permanent settlers of Lucas County.

At least four other individuals settled in Lucas County before William McDermitt. James Brandon arrived in western Monroe County on May 10, 1843. Thomas Brandon, James' son recalls when he was 16; they broke the prairie and planted nine acres of sod corn. Getting the corn in the ground was more important than the erection of a log cabin, which came later.

In the summer of 1843, Brandon recalled how three men came from the west from what was later Lucas County. The three men described themselves as bee hunters from Missouri. The Missourians had crossed the Chariton River several miles west of the present town of Chariton.

The Missourians had to leave a lame horse near Chariton Point and told the Brandon's they could have the horse if they wanted to go doctor it. The Brandon's followed the Missourians wagon trail to Chariton Point. The horse was found but couldn't be doctored and had to be left behind

In the fall of 1843 or spring of 1844, the John Ballard family settled near the Brandon's at Dodge's Point. Dodge's Point is now known as Iconium in northwest Appanoose County.

Ballard stayed at Dodge's Point until the spring of 1846. At that time Ballard moved northwest and settled near English Creek in what later became English Township, Lucas County.

When the government surveyors came through Lucas County in 1847, they noted a small farm and cabin located in the east ½ of the northwest ¼ of section 12 in English Township. The surveyors noted that the John Ballard family lived there.

John Ballard stayed but a few years before moving to Kansas where he died in 1859. Some reports say he was killed by Indians while on his way west to search for gold. John Ballard, perhaps the first settler of Lucas County, but always a true pioneer.

We might note that the surveyors record show that brothers Peter N. Barker and Daniel Barker were living in sections 11 and 14 of English Township in October of 1847. There was a camp and the beginning of a house for Peter Barker and a house at Daniel Barker's. No further record of the Barker's could be found after 1851.

One early incident, which relates to an early settler, was recalled by Thomas Brandon. This incident happened in December of 1844. A Mr. Ingram lived near the Brandon's and Ballard's in western Monroe County. Mr. Ingram went to Missouri for corn and meal. Before Ingram could return a knee-deep snow fell causing him to veer further west than he intended.

As no roads were established at this time, one can only imagine trying to find the right route in the heavy snow. Ingram was supposed to return by where Moravia is now located but ended up northwest of Russell. At least northwest of where Russell came to be.

When Ingram came to English Creek, near where John Ballard later settled, he discovered smoke and a small shanty. Barely alive and with badly frozen feet and hands, Ingram was nursed back to health by persons unknown.

This leads one to believe an unknown pioneer was the first settler of Lucas County. Perhaps Daniel Barker was already at his claim and nursed Ingram back to health.

Thomas Brandon later tried his hand at pioneer life by trading two heifers for land to be left behind by three Mormon families who were moving on in June of 1847. Brandon lived there for a year selling out to one William S. "Buck" Townsend.

John Pierce is among many who are confused to who is the first settler of Lucas County.

John Pierce

2010-12-10T11:05:00.002-06:00

I have been featuring articles written by John Pierce the past few weeks, so I would like to introduce you to John if you don't already know his story. Most of these articles appeared in the early 1990's in the Chariton Leader Newspaper. If you would like to read more of these stories of early Lucas County, you can do so at the Lucas County Genealogical Society room in the lower level of the Chariton Public Library on Braden St. in Chariton, Iowa. Ask for the book "Chariton - The Early Years" by John Pierce.

--------------------------------

John Pierce, who lives in rural Marion County between Chariton and Columbia, has been a history buff since his high school days.

Born in Chariton, John has compiled an extensive collection of historical information on the Chariton area. He also has direct family ties to the Lucas County Historical Society; his mother, Marlene Stevenson, was the curator.

He has given talks on local history to various area groups.

Mormon Trail Passes Through Lucas County

2010-12-09T01:45:00.000-06:00

This is another article written by John G. Pierce. It appeared in the Herald Patriot on January 24, 1991.

The Mormons started their westward trek on February 6, 1846 from Nauvoo, Ill. Led by Brigham Young, this Mormon Pioneer Trail crossed 11 counties in southern Iowa.

This first rail across southern Iowa is now in the process of being recognized by the National Park Service as a Pioneer Historic Trail.

Finding the initial trail to be rough in nature, the Mormons who followed were advised to try a more northerly route. This is when the Mormon exodus rolled through Lucas County.

Starting near Iconium in Appanoose County, the northern trail took off in a northwesterly direction, reaching Lucas County about two miles north of the Wayne County line. It should be noted that the area near Iconium was then known as Dodge's Point, and previously, Ballard's Point. The northern route cut through the southwest tip of Monroe County.

The accompanying map shows not only the main route through Lucas County, but two other trails to the north and the northeast. There is also a short branch trail which runs south of Russell.

The northeast trail may have led to a Mormon settlement just east and north of Attica in Marion County.

The band of Mormons that settled near Attica left Nauvoo on January 20, 1846. They arrived near the present town of Attica in March of that year, where around 100 Mormons stayed and planted crops.

It was of this last settlement that a photograph was said to have been unearthed in the 1850's. This photograph was said to show the golden tablets that Joseph Smith claimed to have found in New York in 1830. This photograph could be seen at the Iowa State Historical Building in Des Moines, according to curator E.R. Harlon, as reported by a 1930's Knoxville newspaper.

The other norther trail crossed into Marion County, just west of Newbern and then passed into Warren County.

The main trail in Lucas County was used by the Mormons from 1846 to 1852. However, many others were also using this trail. Early settlers of the bounty and emigrants on their way to points west also followed the trail.

This main trail went in a northwesterly direction to Russell after entering Lucas County. The trail then went mostly west to Chariton, passing the site of the current airport before heading southwest towards Last Chance.

The trail then heads toward Smyrna in Clarke County. At Smyrna a trail heads south to Garden Grove in Decatur County.

At Garde Grove, much work and restoration has been accomplished on the Mormon settlement at that site. Paul and Karla Gunzenhauser have worked several years identifying grave and cabin sites. Portions of the old trail can also be seen. It is well worth a drive to see the wonderful results of their work.

The trail in Lucas County was mentioned in the 1847 government surveyors notes. These notes mark the exact location where the trail crossed section lines. In between the section lines, one has to use their imagination and common sense to "see" the route.

This writer and Ernie Edwards with map in hand, retraced the route across Lucas County. We retraced by driving in a pickup on the closed road, but got a good feel of how the trail crossed Lucas County.

One amazing fact was the ridge that crosses Lucas County. I had the impression that wagon trains had to go up and down hills, just to cross the county.

The only true "hill" and "valley" was southwest of the airport in section 33 and 34 of Whitebreast Township. This area is known as Grave Hollow.

A Mormon reportedly died of a broken neck, sustained in a fall from a crowded wagon. Verle Reynolds tells of a nearby cemetery that could be his place of burial.

There is a branch of the trail that starts near Greenville in Washington Township. This trail was probably used after 1849 and heads west-northwest, joining the main trail near Salem Cemetery.

Surveyors notes on this branch of the trail do not exist. My other trail hunting partner, Charlie Turner of Columia and I "mapped" it out one evening. Charlie used to run the Gamble's Store in Chariton, which qualified him to hunt for trails.

Following some vague directions and a little common sense, one could find the probable route.

This last trail crosses Honey Creek, west of the old settlement of Greenville. It is believed that two or three Mormon children are buried on the hill just west of Honey Creek.

N.W. Kendall recalled a 1911 Chariton leader article, telling about 15 or 20 Mormon wagons camped in the area for several weeks. The graves remained as the wagons treked on westward.

Chariton Point was the name given the settlement located on the northern most bend of the Chariton River.

Six Mormon families totaling about thirty people elected to settle here in the fall of 1846. That first winter, these hardy Mormons wintered in lean-to shacks along the Chariton River. They cut elm and lynn trees for their cattle to feed on.

In the spring of 1847, these Mormon families moved from the banks of the Chariton River to where the timber meets the prairie. There, six log shanties were erected. A rock now marks the general location of the site.

This rock was one of two such markers erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution, in cooperation with the Historic Department of Iowa in 1917. The other marker rock is on the lawn of the Lucas County Courthouse in Chariton.

The Mormons who settled at Chariton Point sold the land to Thomas Brandon in June of 1847. Brandon relates how he tracked three heifers for their claim.

Brandon further related how the Mormons livestock hadn't survived the winter very well on the bark and small branches of the elm and lynn trees.

No one can say for sure how many Mormons crossed Lucas County on their westward trek. One early settler recalled counting as many as 300 wagons in a single day in 1851.

Other early settlers noted that 100 to 150 wagons being seen was an every day occurrence. If there were five Mormons to a wagon, that would mean between 500 and 750 Mormons a day were passing westward.

Henry Giffinger noted that 25,000 to 40,000 Mormons probably passed through Lucas County. That figure would probably be hard to dispute.

As of this writing, only two names of Mormon settlers at Chariton Point have surfaced. Thomas Brandon relates how he did business with a Mr. McGuff when he traded for the land at Chariton Point.

One David Rowland, a much married Mormon, was supposed to have wintered at Chariton Point. The body of a Lafyette Sherwood lies in the Last Chance Cemetery. Sherwood was a Mormon who reportedly died in 1851 after being kicked by an oxen, about one mile west of the Goshen Church. Other Mormon burial sites are supposedly located at Salem and the old cemetery at Chariton Point. There are undoubtedly other burials along the Mormon Trail, which has been described as the longest cemetery in the world.

The above map shows the route taken by the Morman travellers, from Nauvoo, Ill., to settlements in the western United States. The solid black line shows the main route taken by most of the parties. The dotted lines show branches of the trail, possibly to temporary settlements in Iowa.

Early Years - Lucas Co. sees large gatherings

2010-12-05T23:15:00.002-06:00

This article was written by John L. Pierce and appeared in the newspaper on July 17, 1997. There was an editor's note at the beginning.

(Editor's note: The Chariton RABGRAI Hospitality Committee has suggested that Friday, July 18 become "Time Day" as area residents prepare for what may very well be the largest number of people ever to assemble in Lucas County. In keeping with the spirit of the day, the following article outlines some of the history of Lucas County as it pertains to large gatherings of people).

By John Pierce

With the coming of RAGBRAI and the tremendous throngs of people associated with it, one begins to wonder if this will be the largest crowd to assemble in one place in Lucas County.

Today's Early Years story looks back at some of the crowds of yesteryear. Most large crowds gathered because of entertainment or joyous concerts.

The Fourth of July has been met with much enthusiasm through the years. It is the longest running celebration in Lucas County.

In the 1850's and 1860's the Fourth of July was usually celebrated with a barrel of whiskey and firing of guns in the air. The more whiskey that was consumed, the more gunfire there was heard.

At least some of these celebrations included a horse race along the Chariton River. Later celebrations turned more to fireworks and carnivals. Fourth of July Celebrations probably peaked in the early 1940's.

An estimated 12,500 people celebrated in Chariton in 1940 Another 10,000 people witnessed an enlistment of 16 Chariton men into the Navy on July 4, 1942.


Armistice Day Parade held on Nov. 14, 1918

Another patriotic occasion with a huge crowd was on Armistice Day, November 14, 1918. Lucas County residents lined the inside and outside of the Chariton square to witness a red, white and blue parade.

From the accompanying picture appears there were almost as many people in the parade as watching the parade.

Other occasions that brought hundreds or thousands of people together were Chautauqua's, revivals, GAR encampments, Farm Bureau picnics, county fairs, corn husking competition and sporting events.

Meetings

Chautauqua's flourished in the first 20 years of the 20th century. Speakers from across the country gathered to lecture on a wide range of subjects. Chautauqua's were well planned and surrounded by much publicity.

Revivals were more spontaneous than Chautauqua's but equally well attended. A temporary building would be erected on an empty lot and the revival would last several days. Sadie Ansley of Russell remembers a revival held in an empty lot on the east side of the square toward the south end around 1910.

GAR

Grand Army of the Republic held encampments throughout the State of Iowa. Widely popular in the 1880's and 1890's, they faded away as the old Civil War veterans faded away. By the time the last encampment was held in Lucas County only 45 veterans registered. The year was 1921.

Presidential Visits

Two Presidential visits brought out the people. The first was in 1898 when President McKinley attracted a huge audience when he delivered his address.

The Spanish-American War had just been resolved and President McKinley was immensely popular.

Feelings ran so high that when McKinley was assassinated in New York in 1901, a local blacksmith was run out of town, threatened by gunfire and a rope. The unfortunate gentlemen had been overheard stating that he was glad McKinley was dead.

President Harry S. Truman drew a crowd estimated at 7,000 people at a whistle stop in Chariton. This was in September of 1948.

Visitors

An early crowd that will be forever a part of Lucas County history was also the most violent crowd ever to assemble in Lucas County. This incident took place in July of 1870 shortly after Sheriff Gaylord Lyman was gunned down by Missouri horse thief Hiram Wilson.

Some local citizens wanted to hang Wilson as soon as he was caught, but cooler heads prevailed. Wilson was lodged in a second story room of the old brick courthouse. One resident of Chariton said the noise from the crowd outside the courthouse was like the wind blowing. The noise would come and go.

Bolstered by the inevitable keg of whiskey that was so abundant in those early days, the crowd broke down the courthouse door and lynched Hiram Wilson out of the second floor window.

County Fairs

On a tamer note fairs have drawn a big audience. Whether it was the 4-H Fair at Derby or the County Fair at Chariton. The first County Fair was in 1856 and was held on the Rogers farm just southeast of Chariton. These county fairs shouldn't be confused with the 4-H fairs held at Derby that were later moved to Chariton.

The county fair was held on Osceola Avenue in the west part of Chariton from 1866 to 1880. After 1880 the fair was moved to North of Curtis Avenue and west of Highway 14 until the fairground was sold in 1903.

Agricultural Draws

Farm Bureau picnics that were held at the May Grove four miles east of Chariton were another occasion for people to get together.

Funerals

On a more somber note, two funerals stand out for their large attendance. One was the funeral for Dayton Piper, brother of the late Bob Piper.

Dayton was a popular and well-known businessman of Chariton who collapsed and died while delivering the homecoming address of 1946. Between 2,700 and 2,800 people attended his funeral.

The other funeral was for the untimely death of John Bentley. The 36-year-old Bentley was on an adventure of a lifetime, the gold rush of 1898 at Nome, Alaska, when he was killed.

Bentley's father was A.T. Bentley, an early resident and longtime blacksmith of Chariton. Early newspaper accounts say the majority of Chariton residents met the train bearing the body of John Bentley.

There have been big crowds in other parts of the county as well. Russell's fall festivals have drawn tremendous crowds through the years. Derby, Williamson and Lucas have had their share of large crowds also.

Largest thus far

However, by far the biggest crowd to assemble in Lucas County for any reason appears to have happened on Aug 2, 1924. Estimates range from 20,000 to 30,000 people who paraded around the Chariton square and then rallied at Chandler Ball Park.

The occasion was a Ku Klux Klan rally. Klansman from all over Iowa, some in white hooded sheets, descended upon Lucas County. Freddie Chandler remembered being caught in a traffic jam while trying to get home.

Freddie, his brother Mickey, and their parents were in a buggy and were headed south on the old dump road to their home place. The Klansman were rallying at the Chandler Ball Park which was located west of the dump road and south of present Highway 34.

The Ku Klux Klan, while racial in origin, appears to have been more vigilante in nature in Iowa. The Klansman took it upon themselves to police elected officials and keep an eye on local affairs. The local chapter was strong enough that the old United Presbyterian Church on North Grand Street was purchased for a meeting place in 1924. Area headquarters were apparently located in St. Joseph, Mo.

Certainly not everybody belonged to the Ku Klux Klan and several people were vocal their opposition to it. Henry Gittinger, editor at the Chariton Newspapers, reported on the Klan activities but also poked much fun at the "Hooded Ghosts from Goblinville."

The Ku Klux Klan also held a rally at Chariton in 1922, but 1924 was the larger rally. Hope Gilrou recalls the later rally. She stated her dad wouldn't let her go uptown while the Klansman were here.

Osceola and Melcher were also strongholds of the Klan. The Ku Klux Klan was at its peak in popularity during the 1920's but by the 1930's very little trace remained.

William Henry Gibbon

2010-12-02T23:50:00.002-06:00

He was born January 31, 1832 at Ellicott's Mills, Md. He spent three years working in a dry good store as a clerk before he began reading medicine under his uncle Dr. Quinton Gibbon.

William H. Gibbon graduated with honors from Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia in 1857. The following year Dr. Gibbon came to Chariton. He married Laura H. Gibbon at Beaver Dam, Wisc. in 1861. They had one child, Anna.

Two months after their marriage, Dr. Gibbon was commissioned as an assistant surgeon of the 15th Iowa Infantry. He was promoted to surgeon early the following year.

Dr. Gibbon and the nearly 1000 men of the 15th Iowa Regiment wintered in Keokuk. Dr. Gibbon was in charge of the hospital with a measles outbreak one of the most serious of their problems. There were 335 men down with the disease, and 20 soldiers died from it.

While treating many wounded, Dr. Gibbon and his makeshift hospital amongst the battles of the Civil War, became separated from his regiment along with the wounded. They were attacked by an advancing line of Confederates and forced to flee. Dr. Gibbon noted that he was a good runner as a boy, but never felt as satisfied with his speed as on this occasion. While this group was fleeing, they came upon four abandoned cannons and with the help of Dr. Coynyne of St. Louis commenced firing at the rebels. Dr. Gibbon and his squad then regrouped and fell back to Pittsburgh Landing. Dr. Gibbon and the 15th Iowa Regiment saw plenty of action. Besides the Pittsburgh Landing, there was Corinth, Shiloh and they were on Sherman's March to the Sea.

Dr. Gibbon told of visiting a friend who was in ill health during the siege of Atlanta. While they chatted, Dr. Gibbon noted one could hear the occasional pink of a rebel bullet landing in the nearby dirt.

Less than 10 minutes after Dr. Gibbon left his friend, a stray bullet killed the friend.

One other occasion that characterizes the trials accompanying that Great Rebellion concerns Dr. Gibbon and his wife Laura. Dr. Gibbon was captured in the swamps of Louisiana in September of 1863. He suffered greatly from malignant dysentery and was delirious at times.

Upon hearing of her husband's capture and suffering, Mrs. Gibbons obtained a flag of truce from Gen. McPherson. With the general's escorts accompanying her they reached the rebel camp after much delay and danger. The rebels proved very difficult to manage and only by the clever strategy of the escort commander were they able to escape.

Dr. Gibbon was in an ambulance while the rebels pursued the group firing upon them until the rebels were outdistanced.

In 1879 the Doctor built the Gibbon Drug Store on the northeast corner of the square. The brick building pictured here still stands in 1991 and was occupied by the Klaassen Health Mart.

Dr. William Henry Gibbon died October 2, 1895. Ben Johnson of Keosauqua was the only member of the 15th Iowa regiment present at the funeral. Johnson confided that during the War when he was exhausted from disease and hard marching, that Dr. Gibbon insisted he ride the doctor's horse while the good doctor walked.

After the death of her husband, Laura Gibbon ran the drug store until October of 1912 when R.W. Ady purchased it. Laura Gibbon gave much time and labor to the marking of the Mormon Trail. She died December 24, 1915.

Two Early Sheriffs Shot Down

2010-11-28T03:22:00.000-06:00

Two of Lucas County's four sheriffs between 1870 and 1889 were shot down in the line of duty.

Gaylord Lyman and William B. Ramsey were shot down when attempting to make an arrest. George F. Holmes served nine years, and Joe R. Landes served eight years with both retiring from office.

Sheriff Ramsey was in the second year of his term when he was shot down by John M. McGinnis near Freedom, which was located eight miles southwest of Chariton.

Prior to March 1888, John M. McGinnis had been considered an industrious, honest and law-abiding man. In March 1888 McGinnis had been judged insane and taken to the asylum at Mt. Pleasant.

He escaped in September of 1888 and fled to Missouri. McGinnis came back to the Freedom neighborhood in the spring of 1889 and started working for J.G. Stafford.

Several people later testified McGinnis appeared to be of unsound mind in his actions and conversations.

McGinnis had threatened to kill Park Inobuit, James Burley and Andrew J. Swainey. His also threatened W.O. Woods, a neighbor who later went to Chariton and filed charges.

The date was June 28, 1889. Sheriff Ramsey was issued a warrant at 9 p.m. Two constables, Dennis S. Myers and Eugene Nafus accompanied Sheriff Ramsey to the home of Henry Blous (who was guardian for McGinnis).

The whole party then proceeded to the Stafford farm, arriving there around 3 a.m. Apparently the three lawmen rode horses from Chariton, getting into Blous's buggy for the last part of the journey.

On the buggy ride, Blous testified that "Sheriff Ramsey handed me a revolver and told me if I get into a tight place, all I had to do was pull the trigger."

Upon their arrival at the Stafford farm, Blous and Myers went to the south side of the barn. Ramsey and Nafus went to the north side of the barn. McGinnis and three other hired men were sleeping in the loft of the barn.

The lawmen waited for daylight, at which time Sheriff Ramsey called for the boys to come down from the loft. C.J. Wisser, Elmer Stafford and Henry Catron did, but McGinnis remained in the loft.

Elmer Stafford told Ramsey that McGinnis was armed and that he slept with a revolver under his head. Stafford also told Ramsey that McGinnis would shoot.

Blous convinced McGinnis to come down from the loft. Sheriff Ramsey, Nafus and Blous then met McGinnis at the north door of the barn. As Ramsey talked, McGinnis brought his left hand from behind his back with his revolver in it.

Ramsey stepped back saying, "Don't shoot, John," but McGinnis pulled the trigger of his 44 British Bull Dog, fatally injuring Ramsey.

Nafus then shot McGinnis, injuring him slightly. McGinnis turned to his left, shooting Nafus in the side and wounding him seriously.

McGinnis then turned and aimed at Blous, who drew his revolver and shot McGinnis in the forehead. McGinnis died shortly after 9 a.m. June 29, 1889.

William B. Ramsey was born in Ohio March 1, 1844 and came to Lucas County in 1855. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in the 3rd Iowa Cavalry.

His first wife was the daughter of William Skidmore. They had three children. His second wife was the daughter of O.S. Frazier. They had four children the eldest being 14 years of age. Ramsey was buried in Liberty Township June 30, 1889.

Matilda Lyman, Sheriff Lyman's Wife

2010-11-28T02:16:00.000-06:00

The sheriff was born January 10, 1828. He was elected Sheriff in 1861 when he defeated John May 541 to 486. The last time Lyman was elected, in 1869, he defeated W.J. Hall 895 yo 596. He was elected four times.

George F. Holmes succeeded Lyman on July 25, 1870 and was sheriff until 1879.

One more note on the horse thief Hiram Wilson, concerning the horse: the horse was stolen from Fabius, Marion County, Mo. It was 15¼ hands high, cream colored, had four white feet, saddle marks and a dark mane and tail.

The picture to the right shows Mrs. Matilda Lyman, standing in front of her residence. She was the wife of Sheriff Gaylord Lyman.

The house appears to be a common example of the 1860's. It had a plain board fence and wooden gate around the house. The chimney has loose bricks laying on the roof and the wooden shingles appear to be of low quality. There is a wooden sidewalk running by the house.

Several prominent people had more elaborate houses with picket fences and at least neater shingles. Their houses appeared to be painted, with some carving and shutters were common on the windows.

Sheriff Lyman's house had no shutters and didn't appear to be painted, but the sheriff was probably underpaid.

Mrs. Lyman's maiden name was Conat and she was born in Pomeroy, Meigs Co., Ohio February 8, 1834. She died on the same day in 1911, Mrs. Lyman had much tragedy in her lifetime.

Her husband was shot down at the age of 42. Two of her five children preceded her in death and her sister Matilda Stephens died at age 38, leaving seven children.

Original Armory Building Also Serves As A Garage And Even As A Skating Rink

2010-11-25T18:03:00.002-06:00

This appeared in the Chariton Leader, Tuesday, March 10, 1992, written by John Pierce

     Company H of the Iowa National Guard was organized in April of 1895. Col. Warren S. Dungan was the driving force behind the placing of a Guard unit at Chariton.
     Col. Dungan came to Chariton in 1856. A practicing lawyer, Dungan was active in many county civic and political affairs. He was an eloquent speaker and was called upon whenever a crowd gathered.
    Col. Dungan also strived at every occasion to preserve history, requesting the citizens of Lucas County to send their family histories to the newly organized Lucas County Historical Society of 1901.
    This society was the first county historical society in the state, with Col. Dungan being elected president in 1902.
    Dungan was elected state representative in 1861, but resigned when the Civil War erupted. He was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel, and served with distinction from September 1852 until May of 1865, when he was made brevit colonel of volunteers.
    Col. Dungan was mustered out of service in July of 1865 and returned to law practice in Chariton. He was again elected to the Iowa Legislature as a Representative in 1880 and 1882.
    Dungan was elected state senator in 1889; and, while a member of the Twenty-third General Assembly, drafted the bill to place the battle flags of the Iowa Civil War regiments in hermetically sealed glass cases in the capitol.
    This bill was passed the next session of the Iowa Legislature.

Dungan Procures Guard Unit

    In 1893, Col. Dungan was elected Lieutenant Governor of Iowa. It was during his term as lieutenant governor that Col. Dungan was able to procure a guard unit for Chariton.
    Dungan had tried unsuccessfully for several years to acquire the guard unit, but as lieutenant governor he was able to pull the right strings.
    H.O. Penick was the first commander of Company H and soon had his men drilling for the public to see. Company H was usually requested to march in the Fourth of July celebrations.
    With equipment arriving from the state, plans were made for an Armory building. A site was selected two blocks south of the square on Main Street.
    Now known as Main and Armory, the building sat on the southeast corner of the intersection where the Richard and Kaye Stout home is presently located.
    The Armory faced west, with the cornerstone being laid Sept. 19, 1895; and the dedication taking place on Dec. 20, 1895.
    One item of note concerning the temporary headquarters of Company H, it seems a bull was running loose on the square on a hot day in August of 1895.
    Upon turning a corner of the new courthouse, this bull caught his reflection in a basement window on the northeast corner. The bull apparently took a dislike to this newcomer and promptly charged, breaking a window in what was described as the temporary meeting place of Company H.
    Company H was called to active duty in the Spanish American War, and also hosted two encampments in the Fifty-Fifth Iowa National Guard.
    Both encampments were held at the Burlington reserve grounds west of Chariton, now the Country Club area. The first encampment was called Camp Lincoln and was held in July of 1909.
    The second encampment was called Camp Castle and was held in July of 1913. Company H was mustered out of service in May of 1915.
    Should Company H cease to exist, the Armory was to be sold, with the money going toward the proposed Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

Armory Begins New Career

      With Company H now mustered out, the Armory began a new career. It had always hosted dances and, later, basketball games, now it became a roller skating arena as noted in the ad, which appeared on this page in the newspaper.
    By the end of 1919, the Armory had become a garage with H.E. Gookin as proprietor, Ross Stevenson and Paul Laing were partners in the Armory garage by 1925, with Laing buying out Stevenson in 1926.
    Paul Laing then ran the Armory garage until Miller Ream bought him out in 1941. Laing went on to become a deputy sheriff and then sheriff of Lucas County.
    Paul's brother, Dean, worked for both Paul and Miller Ream at the Armory garage.
    The Armory burned on Dec. 31, 1943. The building was a total loss with damage estimated at thirty thousand dollars. Miller ream lost 13 cars including six 1942 models.
    Others losing cars included Dr. A.L. Yocom, Juanita Cooper and Andy Bradford, all of Chariton, and H. Whitlatch of Columbia and Harold Ginsburg of Ottumwa, who lost a motorcycle and side car.

    John Pierce, who lives in rural Marion County between Chariton and Columbia, has been a history buff since his high school days.
    Born in Chariton, John has compiled an extensive collection of historical information on the Chariton area. He also has direct family ties to the Lucas County Historical Society; his mother Marlene Stevenson , was the curator.
    He has given talks on local history to various area groups.

Where the Big Coffee Pot could be found

2010-11-24T08:05:00.000-06:00

This picture shows another Chariton business, Joseph A. Brown's Stoves, Tin and Hollowware Store. It was located north of the northwest corner of the square on what was then Harrison Street (now called Main Street). It was easy to find in Chariton as an ad of that era encouraged shoppers to find the store at the sign of the "Big Coffee Pot."

North Side of Chariton Square 1869

2010-11-20T07:58:00.000-06:00

The North side of the Chariton square as it was in 1869. Starting on the west end of the square was the A.D. Gray grocery store. Like several of the merchants of this era, he handled a variety of items including boots and shoes. A washtub hung by the side of the door.

The second door of the A.D. Gray building housed the dental office of Doctor J.L. Hagin. A small sign to the right of the doorknob said, simply, DENTIST.

The second building had no identification on it, but since W.H. Huyek had an auction business and a consignment shop on the north side - and with several articles stacked in front of this building - we might hazard a guess that this was his place.

A sign on the third building said that it was a law office. In early 1869, Chariton had nine law firms, helping a young and growing community understand laws and define justice.

Information taken from ads placed at that time help to reveal who was located in the law offices.

J.W. Wilkerson, George P. Walker, Branner and Baker and E.E. Edwards were all located in the old brick courthouse. W.H. Maple and E. M. Thorpe and Sons were on the west side of the square.

A.H. Stutsman was on the southeast corner of the square, upstairs, Warren S. Dungan was on the northeast corner of the square, upstairs.

That leaves the north side location to the Stuart Brothers of Chariton and Albia, whose ad said they would practice in all Courts of Southern Iowa and in the Supreme Court.

The Stuart Law Firm remained in business from March 1860 to November 1961. Judge William C. Stuart and his family donated all the pictures John Pierce used in his articles about the history of Chariton. This book remains at the Lucas County Genealogy Society and is available for reading. The pictures and articles in this blog came from this book.

The fourth building was Mrs. M.A. Hatcher's Millinery store - or, as her ad stated, an Emporium of Fashion.

There are several possibilities as to what was in the fifth building.

The Lyman and Cook and Co. had a bank located on the north side. In addition, Jesse Lewis had a general contracting business with a shop located on the north side, and Mr. B. Horn had a house and sign painting shop located on the north side.

The fifth building hardly looks like a bank, but it would be only speculation as to who was located there maybe then as now, an empty storefront?

The sixth building was the L.F. Maple Book Store, dealer in books, wallpaper, window shades, stationery and notions. He also stated that he had a fine circulating library. By December of 1869, Maple had located to his more familiar spot on the west side of the square.

Lucas County Courthouse

2010-11-16T00:10:00.000-06:00

The second Lucas County courthouse replaced the old log courthouse built in 1850. It was located on the east side of the square just south of the alley. Jack Jennings and his Turner's clothing store was located in this building when John Pierce wrote these articles.

In June of 1858, the citizens of Lucas County voted 588 to 71 to build a new courthouse on the public square. This brick structure would be sixty foot square, two stories high with a bell tower, and was to have cost around thirteen thousand, five hundred dollars to build.

Actual costs pushed this figure closer to twenty thousand dollars. The builder was W.T. Wade, with County Judge Ethan Gard supervising. Under Judge Gard's direction, the foundation was made of logs. This was something new in architecture and proved to be the building's undoing.

After about ten years, cracks appeared in the walls to the extent that many believed the building would collapse. Sheriff Gaylord Lyman rented a church where court was held.

When the courthouse didn't collapse, court was again held there until 1891. On November 11, 1891 the Board of Supervisors ordered county offices to be vacated. Supervisor A.M. Wheeler was appointed to find suitable rooms, which he did at a cost of one thousand dollars per year.

The records and offices were relocated to the upper story of the Dewey block, which was the east end of the south side of the square. This arrangement continued until the present courthouse was completed in 1894.

The picture of the second courthouse shows the north and west side. The second floor of the south side is where Hiram Wilson, murdered of Sheriff Lyman, was hung.

"Men, Whiskey, and Women" 1868 Conspiracy Foiled

2010-11-12T05:41:00.001-06:00

by John G. Pierce

Much information for the following story was taken from the Dec. 10, 1868 Chariton Democrat with Jonathan Faith as editor. The Democrat offices were located upstairs in the old brick courthouse. Subscription rates were two dollars a year, in advance.

A Plan to Murder, Burn and Rob Chariton

With several strange men congregating in Chariton in the fall of 1868, local citizens became suspicious. The Civil War had been over but a mere three years, during and immediately after which raiders had burned and robbed several towns in nearby Missouri and Kansas.

With such history in mind, one can see how the suspicions of the citizens of Chariton were well founded. The strangers, incidentally, were most noticeable around the Opposition House.

Four places were targeted for robbery: The Courthouse safe, Frank Stewart's Store, the Bank (which would be either the Lyman, Cook & Co. bank or the F.W. Brooks and Co. bank) and finally the Opposition House itself.

The plan began to unravel, however, when a cook in the Opposition House overheard gang members discussing blowing open the Courthouse safe.

Sheriff Gaylord Lyman was notified, and while concealed in the kitchen, overheard conversations between two of the perpetrators about robbing the bank.

Later, when authorities were satisfied their suspicions were correct, four people were arrested (although several others were also believed to be involved).

During the trial that followed, two people turned State's Evidence: Mary Jane Boyd, wife of a convict and apparently a "lady" of the Opposition House and J.H. Carr, the bar tender at Musselman's Saloon.

Thomas Bliss, described as an old resident of Chariton, was tried and acquitted. Only Edmund Holden was convicted. He was 23 years old and apparently a drifter.

Testimony during the four-day trial revealed that Holden was going to shoot Musselman when he robbed his place, and that Holden was to get $1,000 to blow open the Courthouse safe. Holden further stated that he was used to this kind of business.

In his closing statement, Holden stated "that bad whiskey, bad company and damned bad women had got me into this scrape."

Early Growth, Prosperity reflected in 1869 Chariton Square

2010-11-08T06:57:00.009-06:00

This building, owned by Joseph Brown, housed two businesses: the Brown and Pritchet Meat Market and the office of the Chariton Patriot. Located on the northwest corner of the square, this was considered a "new" building.

The Brown and Prichet Meat Market, was located downstairs and was apparently a popular gathering place. Possibly the picture was taken on a Wednesday as people gathered for the latest news, or maybe a fresh load of meat was due in that day.

The office of the newspaper, the Chariton Patriot, was located upstairs of this "new" building and the paper was published every Wednesday. Terms of subscriptions were two dollars a year, in advance. George B. Ragsdale was the editor and Moses Folsom was the proprietor.

Russell Iowa Historical Society

2010-11-07T12:43:00.000-06:00

Be sure you check out the new blog for the Russell Iowa Historical Society. Click on the following link. russelliowahistoricalsociety.blogspot.com

Our Family History Rooms at the Chariton Library

2010-11-06T12:25:00.001-05:00

The Chariton Public Library is very proud to have a wonderful organization in its Family History Room in the basement of their building. This organization, The Lucas County Genealogy Society, has gathered and kept records on residents in Lucas County since 1976.

There are hundreds of family history books, a well indexed list from local newspapers (which is on the Internet and available to everyone at http://www.chariton.lib.ia.us/use-the-library/genealogy2/npindexmain ) military books, pictures and much more. The response to this on-line site has been amazing.

These two rooms are very crowded, so last summer several of the volunteers met at the library for a "Clean-up Day". They cleaned shelves, moved stuff around and now have a little more room.

The Family Sheets and/or Family Histories are now on the south wall and wrap around on the West wall for about a foot. The Military books and records are now in the north room. The other states items are now back in the stack room as they weren't being used. They are still in the process of getting all the other things that were on the south wall into the north room or on the west wall.

They think it is a big improvement and hope everyone will come see the changes. They can now accommodate researchers better, which they really enjoy doing.

The information in this room would not be available if it were not for the volunteers. The organization is very proud of these people and all they do to keep the information organized. They work constantly adding more and more to this collection.

Be sure you schedule a visit to this part of the Library the next time you are in Chariton.

City of Lucas Park

2010-11-04T17:53:00.002-05:00

The wind has been blowing some pretty strong gusts across most of Iowa this week and we all know it is finally getting temperatures down near normal. While driving along Hwy 34 through Lucas yesterday I noticed the glistening waves on the small pond in front of the Lucas City Park. (I am not sure of the name of this park; it might be the John L. Lewis Park because there is a sign with his name on it in the park). Anyway here is a picture I thought some of you might enjoy.

City of Chariton

2010-11-04T15:19:00.001-05:00

Origin of Name of This City
Annals of Iowa for October, An Historical Quarterly, Gives the Answer

FROM NOTATIONS OF 1804

Lewis and Clark in Their Famous Expedition, went up Missouri River and Noted Chariton River in Diary

This article appeared in the November 10, 1927 Herald Patriot Newspaper

In 1804 when the Lewis and Clark expedition went up the Missouri river and passed the mouths of the Chariton Rivers they noted the name in the diary they kept describing their trip. In the "History of the Expedition of Lewis and Clark." by Elliott Coues, the original diary is published and the editor makes notes. On the origin of this name we quote from Vol. 1, pages 19 and 31 as follows:

June 10th, 1804 we passed Deer Creek and, at the distance of five miles, the two rivers called by the French, the two Charatons; a corruption of Thieraton (read Charretin), the first of which is 30, the second 70 yards wide.

June 24, 1804, we passed at eight miles distance, Hay Cabin Creek, coming in from the south, about 20 yards wide, and so-called from camps of straw built on it. To the north are some rocks projecting into the river, and a little beyond them is a creek on the same side, called Charaton Scarty - that is, Charaton like the Otter.

This word has never been satisfactorily explained; certainly the explanation attempted in the text is itself a misprint or other blunder. It might be either Charieton or Chariatan; the former is given on page 347 of the orig. ed.; the latter would match Gasconade, as applied to another river. The various forms in which we find it add to our perplexity. Thus it is the Cheraton of Collo in 1796; Charieton is Perrin du Lac's style in 1805; Lewis' map of 1806 has Charliton; Clark's 1814, prinis the two Charatons; Brackenridge 1814, gives Chareton or Chariton, p. 211 and p. 265; Long, 1823, Charaton; Nicollet's map, 1843, Chariton; some of the spurious Lewis and Clark books make it Chareturn; Gass strikes out for himself with two Charlottes, p. 16; Pike, 1810, is satisfied with two Charlatans; Lapie, 1821, has but one river, which he calls R. des deux Charlatans. I only discovered what it ought to be on consulting L. and C.'s MSS. (see note under date of June 24th.) The name has now settled into the form Chariton for both rivers, for the county, and for a town. The two rivers were formerly distinguished in French as Grand and Petit Charletons (so Perrin du Lac); they have also been called a Great and Little, and West and East. They are probably the pair of rivers called les rivieres aux racines by D'Anville, 1752, though his map runs them separately into the Missouri. These rivers reach the Missouri through Chariton county, with Howard county adjoining at the confluence. The Chicago and Alton R.R. crosses the Missouri a little below this point, and both Charitons are crossed above by the Wabash, St. Louis, and Pacific R.R. The streams are sort of straight, north and south, parallel with many branches of the Grand River, which comes into the Missouri a little higher up. This is the main drainage into the Missouri of the rise to 1,000 to the west and the north. East of the Charitons the drainage is into the Mississippi.

See note at the date of June 10th. Since that was penned, I have come into possession of all of the original manuscripts of Lewis and Clark, which Nicholas Biddle had when he wrote his book, and several other field notebooks, which were at the time in the hands of President Jefferson. These throw new light on the puzzling word "Charaton." On June 10th Clark wrote: "passed the two rivers of the Charietons, which mouth together;" on June 24th he wrote: "Charreton Carta," as the name of the creek now in question. Lewis' MMS, yield us "Charetton" in one place and "Shariton" in another. Now when ABiddle struck these snags he upset, and wrote a letter to Clark (now before me) dated July 7th, 1810, asking: "What is the real name and spelling of the stream called Sharriton Carta and also the two Charietons? Get some of the Frenchmen at St. Louis to put them down exactly as they should be printed." Clark's reply I never saw; the upshot as above printed has hitherto defied conjecture. But the meaning is now clear. For "Charaton Scarty:" read Charretins ecartes, i.e., two creeks, each named Charretin, which are separated or divergent in their courses though emptying together into the Missouri. There are a pair of creeks in Clay county, Mo., which exactly answer this description, and are in just the right place. Then for the attempted explanation, "like the Otter," read simply, "like the other," i.e. like the two other rivers called by the same name, having one mouth, though they are separated (ecartes) in their courses. The word Charretin (also Chartin) will be found in any good French dictionary. It is a derivative of Charrette, which we have seen before as a place named on the Missouri.

Chariton Square Looked Different in Late 1860's

2010-11-04T15:17:00.002-05:00

In the late 1860's Chariton was in a period of rapid growth and change. The railroad had come through Chariton in 1867 and the Civil War had ended a couple of years before that. Wooden structures were being built to house businesses that were rapidly coming to this town. Two brick buildings belonging to Matson and another to O.L. Palmer were located on the square. Matson's was located on the west side of the square, while Palmer's was on the east side.

The picture above shows the east end of the north side of the square. None of the buildings are now standing. The first building on the right was a hardware store, followed by an empty lot.

Wm. McDermit's boot and shoe manufacturers occupied the third lot. The fourth lot housed the Alex Rogers' furniture manufacturers. If you were to look close you might see two straight-back chairs dangling from the furniture store front.

The fifth lot housed the G.W. Black Hardware Store, and it and the empty lot next door are still in the G.W. Blake family via the Blake Johnson Family.

An unknown business occupied the seventh lot. The "new" building, on the final lot, belonged to Colonel Dungan, and was occupied by M. Schworn's General Merchandise business.

The Opposition House, located in the building on the Northeast corner of the square and was of special interest. Thomas Musselman ran the hotel, restaurant, saloon and apparently a "house of ill fame." It was located where the Charitone Hotel is now. (There will be more about the Opposition House in following stories).

A few additional points regarding the photo: In 1869, the street on the north side of the square (now Court Avenue) was called Madison. Also, it is interesting to point out the board fence and hitch rail around the courtyard. The fence was necessary at that time to keep hogs, cattle and horses out of the courthouse yard. There was also a wooden boardwalk across the street.

Directly north of the old brick courthouse was something unusual - but most certainly a necessity in 1869: a double outhouse.

The Richmond Family of Chariton

2010-11-02T18:12:00.007-05:00

This is a story about Romulus Rufus Richmond and his wife Lillie Jones Green.

Lillie was born in Missouri on July 4, 1862, the daughter of slave parents, but was buried in Chariton, Iowa. Lillie's grandmother, Charity Green was born in Kentucky in 1800 and was sold several times as a slave. Mrs. Green died at the age of 103 in Omaha, Nebraska.

In order for her father to escape from slave owners, he was sent further south. Lillie managed to escape with her grandparents and five aunts and uncles.

On December 29, 1880 R.R. married Lillie Jones Green in Wisconsin. The Richmond's came to Chariton in 1887 from Lancaster, Wisconsin. Romulus and Lillie were the parents of ten children, Scott, Grace, John, Lillian, Joseph, Henry, Macco, Tom, Booker and Florence, also known as "Petey". They made their home at 224 South 11th Street and she continued living in this home after Romulus past away.

Lillie worked as a cook for almost 50 years in the Burlington Depot Hotel and the Railroad Café, both in Chariton.

In addition to being a minister, Mr. Richmond was an inventor of some note. He was the holder of 3 United States Patents including an automatic machine gun and 2 cemetery burial devices.

His first patent of April 2, 1895 was for an apparatus to lower or raise a coffin into a grave with the use of straps and cables.

His second design, patented December 8, 1896, was an automatic rapid firing machine gun. The gun was capable of firing 200 shots a minute.

Another invention was a machine that cut and mined coal with the aid of cranks. The machine did the work of three men.

Richmond's third patent was for a burial device and was awarded to him by the US Patent and Trademark Office on March 30, 1897. This invention was used to separate the yellow colored earth from the black dirt, so the black dirt could be used on top of the grave.

These burial devices were of much help to Mr. Richmond during his tenure as sexton of the Chariton Cemetery.

Romulus R. Richmond died before 1910. Several family members are also buried in the Chariton Cemetery.

Daughter Grace Shilton Richmond died in February 1904. After graduating from Chariton High School in 1901, Grace became a teacher and taught in Missouri. She died as a result of a cold that she received while attending the funeral of her fiancé who died in a mining accident.

John Richmond died in 1932 at the age of 47. He was a WWI veteran and was gassed and wounded in battle.

Shortly before brothers Tom and Booker were inducted into the army during WWII, their sister Lillie Nevada Richmond passed away in January 1942. Lillie was born October 7, 1888 and was a member of the Christian Science Church.

Henry was a Sgt. in WWII and served in France and Germany. He died in January 1946, following an automobile accident.

Macco Richmond served as Lt. in France for 2½ years in WWI. A train east of Chariton hit him in February 1954.

Tom Richmond, like his brother Henry, was a mechanic. He was also a WWII veteran. He died at age 55 in September 1957.

Just 2 weeks after Tom died, Booker, the last living son of Romulus and Lillie Richmond, died in Des Moines just 26 days before his 53rd birthday.

Booker T. Richmond graduated from Chariton High in 1925 and went on to attend Coe College, Grinnell College, Marquette University and the University of Iowa Law School. In 1930, he passed the state bar exams with the highest score of the 15 Iowans to take the test at that time. He played basketball and football at CHS. He was a member of the undefeated debate team at U. of I. He practiced law in Mason City and Des Moines. He was also a WWII veteran. Booker was born just a few months before Booker T. Washington spoke at the Chariton Chautauqua in 1904

Florence Blanche Richmond was the last surviving child of R.R. and Lillie. Many of us knew her as "Petey". She died at her home on September 17, 1979 at the age of 85. She was born in Chariton and lived all her life in this vicinity. She attended school through the 8th grade but did not further her education so that she might help her mother and younger brothers and sisters of which there was a civil engineer, a school teacher and an attorney. "Petey" never married. She gave of her time and love to those who needed her; never expecting anything in return. If there was stress or sickness in the neighborhood she was always ready to lend a helping hand. She was a firm believer in God and read her Bible daily.

The Richmond children stayed close with their mother long after their father died.

Lillie celebrated her 78th birthday in 1940 with a large party attended by her many friends. She died in 1952.

I referred to a compilation written by Melody Wilson of the Chariton Historic Preservation commission in 2008, for this information. It appeared in the Richmond Family History Book at the Lucas County Genealogical Society room in the basement of the Chariton Library.

----------------------------------------------------

From the Chariton Leader - Nov. 4, 1947

Ex-Slave Tells of Wisconsin Flight in the 1860's

Chariton Woman Tells of Early Experiences

Last summer Mrs. Lillie Richmond took her annual trip to her old home in Wisconsin. While

there a reporter for the Lancaster, Wis., Herald interviewed her and we are reproducing it with the permission of the publisher.

By Mrs. David Chichton

Lancaster, Wis. - Meet Aunt Lillie Richmond, an ex-slave and proud of it. Aunt Lillie was 85 on July 4 and she says, “All I know about slavery is what my folks told me. It’s kinda like something out of a story book.” But the familiar story told and retold among her own people, makes her heritage of freedom seem very precious. She was double proud also to have two of her sons in World War I and one in World War II.

Aunt Lillie’s home is in Chariton, Ia., where she owns a comfortable house earned by 25 years of cooking in Maggie Downard’s railroad café. When summer comes she gets a longing for her old home near Lancaster and there’s always a warm welcome waiting for her at the Bemtown township farm where three generations have lived, now occupied by her niece, Mrs. Dick Lewis.

History for Centennial

Mrs. Lewis is writing for the Wisconsin Centennial a history of her people, some of whom have been in Wisconsin ever since it became a state in 1848. Aunt Lillie is helping her with the little details which come to mind about her arrival as she sits and quilts or mends. “She’s a beautiful seamstress,” says the niece. “When she comes, I get caught up on my sewing like magic."

In Missouri, back in 1862 when she was born. Aunt Lillie relates, “Freedom was sort of in the

air, Black folks were sort of getting restless. Not that they weren’t treated all right. They had no complaint. I’ve heard grandfather say so many and many a time. It was just that they were restless and wanted to be on their own."

So they saved and saved, pennies, two-cent pieces, three-cent pieces and nickles and dimes, until one day, among them, they had $50. That was their stake, and a lot of money. That night, Grandfather John Green and Grandmother Lillie Green, and their five grown children, Hardy, Tom, Amy, Francis and Sarah, and grandmother’s brother, Tom Smith, struck out for the north and freedom, walking, all except baby Lillie, who was carried in her grandfather’s arms.

Their immediate destination was St. Louis, where grandfather had gone numerous times with loads of apples. After walking all night one of the boys, by “hook or crook, Aunt Lillie says, came up with a team and wagon. Elated, they piled in, but then troubles were not over.

They were helped here and there, by friends of the underground, but they also heard that the Bushwackers were on their trail. They made the best time they could but were beset with anxiety every mile of the way, for fugitive slaves were fair prey for a lawless element that roamed the countryside during the war years in Missouri.

Finally they reached St. Louis safely, Grandfather went to a man he had sold apples to for years and knew to be honest and friendly. “Grandfather said he wanted to ask a favor and the man said he would be glad to be of service, “ I want some one to see to it that this team and wagon is returned to the plantation,” Grandfather said.

“The man smiled and said, John, if you took a dozen teams and wagons it wouldn’t pay you for what you justly have coming to you.” But grandfather would have none of that and made the man promise to get the team back to the plantation, which he did.” Aunt Lillie said.

First Train Ride

The Greens boarded a train, the first they ever had been on. They landed at Dunleith, now East Dubuque. They spent their first winter on a farm near Bloomington. Some of the boys fought in the Civil war. In 1870 they bought the homestead now occupied by Mrs. Lewis and her husband.

Aunt Lillie’s husband, dead for many years, was Romulus Richmond. He studied for the

ministry and preached for some years. They had 10 children, whose raising fell largely upon Aunt Lillie’s broad shoulders. She is wise in the use of common medicinal herbs and homemade remedies. “I had to be,” the laughs,

When the children were old enough she went to work in the railroad café, where it was nothing at all to turn out 30 to 40 pies in the forenoon in addition to the regular cooking. Her smile was known up and down the line and there was genuine regret when she retired three years ago - Grant Co. Herald.

Elizabeth and Gifford Tuttle Interview Stories

2010-10-19T19:58:00.003-05:00

Continuation of Elizabeth Tuttle Stories from the tapes at the Lucas County Historical Society as transcribed by Darlene Arnold at the Lucas County Genealogical Society and which appeared in their newsletter - October/December 2010.

Fred Gay's statement was: One thing that interests me when talking to you earlier was the different advertisings. The different ways you advertised, through the newspaper and by using your store windows. You put a lot of time into those. Number one, the "Tuttle Talkies".

Elizabeth: There was a very efficient and timely man in our Hardware Association. He always tried to make suggestions to help someone. I don't know who it was that suggested I write them in rhyme. So, of course when I looked around the hardware store I found something that would rhyme with something over there. He said I wish you could get a good heading for your ad. So I tried and it ended up "Tuttle Talkies" and I asked the newspaper if they would make us a plate and they used that for years and years and I still have stacks of the "Tuttle Talkies". Every week we run them and people are awfully kind and thoughtful and thousands of people speak words of kindness to us. People would say, "Hey, I like your 'Tuttle Talkies', I always read them." We said our farewell in "Tuttle Talkies" style. Our departure of the business - It was a time of sadness and happiness all mixed together.

We are both from farm homes. We know that indoors and outdoors hardware is needed. I think that if a man needs a bolt to fix that plow I could get it for him. He was always thankful that I could go get him the right size that he wanted. Then he could go on his way rejoicing and he could get his work done. Now everyone had to get there work done. I will tell you something beautiful. I think when we put an electric range in the home it raised the standard of our home considerably. I went to the factory to take training especially in the electric cookery. I could tell this lady, or each lady, what she needed to know when she bought the range. I could tell her how much water to use in cooking. Another thing was the waterless cooker. It was a very human thing. It reaches into daily life, morning, noon and night. There was almost everything they could buy at our store. Sometimes the lowliest utensils would be so necessary in a home. I enjoyed people telling me what they needed and how they wanted to use it. I could then select something and get them what they needed because I had studied these myself. I went to Chicago to the Merchandise Mart and various manufactures were there, and I could buy a half dozen of this and four dozen of that and I always enjoyed finding new things that would make life easier, more helpful and there was a pride in using a good utensil. I loved to give demonstrations, how to use the cookware. How to cook without water in the waterless cookware. I would serve it to the ladies as we had demonstrations in the back of the store and we just had a great time. I could show them what the new items would do. Of course being raised on a farm I knew what was needed. I enjoyed telling the people about that.

It was hard for us to make up our minds to leave the business. The customers were all our friends and we had been serving them all these years and serving them the best way we could. We enjoyed it and we loved to be useful in this world. It was not about the money it was about the friendship. Look at all the service and happiness you can bring to all the people in your area. That is where you get your satisfaction.

In our side yard there is a dogwood tree that grows and each year it blooms. I was a teacher and I loved literature and I loved to give it to the children when I found a special gem and the legend of the Dogwood is a very special gem of literature. Mrs. Shirley Yocom, a good friend of mine, was a Sophomore teacher and I talked to her and told her I would like to invite her Sophomore classes to come over when the Dogwood tree blooms and tell them the story of the dogwood tree and I would serve them cookies and punch. She thought that would be fine. Her classes are 40-minute classes and that gives them time to come over, if they hurry, and I would take them out to the Dogwood tree and give them the legend.

This is the legend - At one time when the earth was much younger than it is now the Dogwood tree was the very strongest tree in the forest. It was so strong that when evil men wanted to kill God's only son, they decided to kill him on the Dogwood tree, so they nailed him on with terrible spikes through the palms of his hands and through his feet and left him there to die. And this Son of God had a very sensitive nature and in his agony he felt that the tree was suffering with him. So he said to the tree, "From now on you will not be a strong tree, your limbs will be small and knotty and prickly and rough and your flowers will have red spots on them and people will remember." And so he died on the tree.

I had 500 copies of the legend made and we would take them by classes and I would take them out and tell them the story and have them come up and look at the little limbs and the flowers. They were not as big as my arm and they are rough and knotty and wouldn't hold any weight at all. Then I took them in and served them cookies and punch and I would pass the paper out with the legend printed on it. They always remember me in some sweet way. I don't want them to spend their money on me but they will do it. This last time they sent me a 9-foot long thank you, about 36 inches wide, with all their names written on it. There were 6 classes with 20 per class so that was about 120 pupils and all had signed their names with some little sweet note on it. I almost broke down when I received it. It was all roled up and tied with a bow and I said to Gifford, "What is this?" And he said it was from the class and it was this beautiful card sweet thank you.

That was one of the loveliest things I feel I could do for people and I wish I could do more.

Elizabeth and Gifford Tuttle Interview Stories

2010-10-17T12:17:00.030-05:00

This is the continuation of Fred Gay's interview with Elizabeth and Gifford Tuttle.

Fred asked Elizabeth to explain to him the day they were married and why that was a unique day in American History.

Elizabeth - We were married June 28, 1914 and that was the very same day that Archduke Ferdinand, of Austria, was killed by Serbian students. (Fred said - For many young people, they may not know that this is what started WWI.) Until the day that we were married the whole world was at peace but since that day it has always been in pieces. Sure enough the war did go on. Of course we didn't start it but it was remarkable that it started that very same afternoon.

I taught school until the time that I knew we were going to move to Iowa. I enjoyed it so much and I really liked to do it and it was my profession. Gifford didn't object to it so I kept on teaching.

The city of Chariton has what is called a square. There is a large park in the middle and the business houses were on the four sides of the square. The north side seems to have always been the best side of the square. There were good stores all around but the north side has always been considered the best. This store was about in the middle on the north side, a double front hardware store. Just the perfect location for anyone that wants to improve their business and to keep it active and have people come in. The traffic is always good on the north side of the square. We had large windows and we could put our large coal or wood burning kitchen ranges in there. Of course they had a reservoir on the side.

There were a lot of walking farm engines. Not riding, but walking. You think about how long ago that was, 1923. It was a fine location and we thought we had the finest location in the state of Iowa. That is, we thought that it was very good for us and we got all the traffic that ever came to town. The other stores on the north side also did good. The dry good stores, and Pipers and a fine big grocery store and a drug store. We thought we were in the Garden of Eden.

It was a very exciting time to be in business. Everything went well and we were harmonious among ourselves. Gifford had the good judgment to get a couple of his nephews to work for us. Gifford's two brothers had sons and then I made a trip to western Kansas all by myself to ask Lawrence to come and be in business with us. He did and then Chester joined us and they were perfect hardware men. They loved the work and they prospered by it. It was all very interesting. We look back at a most harmonious business life in Chariton. We are pleased with it. As I said, we loved Chariton and wanted to stay here. We like the people and it is enjoyable. We are just happy.

In the late 1920's electricity which brought changes in appliances. We still sold some kerosene lamps as it didn't start all at once. It was gradual. That seemed to be nature's way or the human's way. It started slow and that was good for everybody.

Elizabeth and Gifford Tuttle Interview Stories

2010-10-14T09:30:00.002-05:00

Fred Gay – KYRS news department’s “Under the Looking Glass” is continuing our oral history interviews. He interviewed both Gifford and Elizabeth Tuttle, but I am only using Elizabeth’s interview in this blog. These two were in Chariton in the hardware business for over 35 years. They became locally famous, not only for the kind of store that they had but the service they provided and some of the interesting things that came out of that store. I thought it would be interesting to look at the hardware business and their lives.

Elizabeth - I was born on a farm in Missouri. My brother and I walked to our country school, which was a mile and three quarters, but we didn’t mind, as our young legs were good and strong. We went summer and winter and I graduated from the 8th grade and I knew that I wanted to be a teacher, which I had wanted since I was a little girl. I wanted to go to Rockport High School and I did and I wanted to work for my board. I found a nice place in a nice home with nice people and I stayed there and worked for my board in Rockport. Then when I graduated I took the county examination for teacher. I applied for a school within riding distance from home and I was hired and I stayed there two years. I had from one of my high school teachers the thought that after you have taught two years it might be well to move on and move into another neighborhood and have a new, wider experience. I respected my teachers and their thoughts. I thought I would follow that although I had two very fine years at that school. I went over to another direction in the county and applied for a school over there. I got it and I stayed there two years and all those years were happy teaching.

Meanwhile, my brother and I had walked to our Sunday school a mile away and never missed a Sunday unless the snow was too deep. I loved our little church and I had joined as a little girl. About the time after I had finished teaching four years, our little Presbyterian Church went out of business. The smaller farms had been sold to larger farms. We had big, big farms around there and they owned lots of land. That depleted somewhat the population and closed our little church. Of course my brother, mother and I would go to another church. We had lost our father by this time. So we went to a church in the opposite direction and mother didn’t always go. It was the custom there, since the minister drove out from Tarkio and delivered his sermon, it would be too much for him to drive the 15 or 16 miles back to Tarkio to get his dinner. So, it was the custom among the congregation to take him to a home to dinner. The ladies league would meet and whomever was presiding would say, OK, who is going to take the preacher next Sunday. Someone always volunteered. We had been going there some for sometime and I had not yet offered because there seemed to be so many other offering before me and one day I said, “We will host the minister the next time.”

So, we went into the church and had our Sunday school and then here came a strange man, it wasn’t Rev. Tiney??, so we took that in stride because at times there had to be a substitute. This was a young man. Tarkio had a college there and there were many students. It was a fine religious college. Here was a young man that came out to take the pulpit. I had said I would take him so I approached him and said that we were inviting him out to lunch today. And he said “Thank You.” I said we would be out to our buggy and you will see us, and you may follow us with your buggy. So he followed us and when we got to our place I quickly went in to tell mother so she could put another plate on the table. I told her there was a young man from the college to have lunch with us. He was very nice and said he enjoyed the lunch and he had to be on his way because he had a 16-mile drive back to Tarkio. We told him goodbye and it was our pleasure for us to have him as it was all in a days work.

In the next few days my mother received a very nice letter from this young man. His name was G.R. Tuttle. He thanked her for the nice dinner and enjoyed being in our home. I was always brought up to be very courteous and that I should write him back. I did and I will let the rest up to your imagination. He is sitting right across the table from me as he has always been. We have had a really happy life.

What is a Bloomer Dress?

2010-10-11T10:21:00.002-05:00

From the December 6, 1894 Chariton Herald

What is a bloomer dress? A lady gives the following explanation: “The bloomer dress is a pair of trousers very baggy at the knees, abnormally full about the pistol pockets, and considerably loose where you strike a match. The garment is cut décolleté at the south end, and the bottoms tied around the ankles, or knees to keep the mice out. You can’t put it over your head as you do your corsets, but you sit on the floor and pull it on just as you do your stockings – one foot in each compartment. You can easily tell which is the right side to have in front, by the buttons on the neck band.”

Lucas County's Fair Genealogy Open Class - August 2, 2010

2010-10-10T18:36:00.004-05:00

Even though I was not here for the fair this year, I know many of you attended. I would like to put Ev Brightman’s comments on this blog. These were taken from the Lucas County Genealogy Society Newsletter – Oct-Dec 2010.

My hope was to involve the community including youths in the open class. This year was a reflection of that hope. We had fourteen participants entering sixty-four items. Of the fourteen, four were members of our society, seven were adult non-members including three first time exhibitors and three youths, two were first time exhibitors. There were a variety of entries all well done. One new exhibitor entered after watching his wife and children’s past entries. Another entered some wonderful documents, which she had rescued, from an elderly relative’s trash bags that were ready for the burn pile. I am sure it makes us all shudder to think how much is lost and thankful for preservastion of our histories. The Best of Show in the youth category went to Nathanial Marts. He made a large replica of his great grandfather’s barn. He began with two by fours. The detail was amazing. Best of Show in the adult category was my entry of a Miscellaneous Photo of my father, George Butrum, and I age eight, with his pride and joy, a 1952 Chevy five-window cab truck. It was one of the photo’s I used a his visitation in 2000. I gave the same pictures to my son’s last Christmas with dye cast models of that picup I found in a woman’s clothing catalogue of all places.

Elizabeth Tuttle Interview Stories

2010-10-10T11:01:00.002-05:00

How the Title Came About

Years ago Fred Gay interviewed Gifford and Elizabeth Tuttle while using a cassette player. As we have all learned through experience, magnetic tape media does not last forever like we hoped it would.

Darlene Arnold at the Lucas County Genealogical Society has been transcribing the tapes belonging to the Lucas County Historical Society and putting them on digital media in order to preserve these important interviews. There are many.

In the upcoming weeks I will be placing excerpts from the Tuttle's interview on this blog. I hope you enjoy reading them.

The first one explains how Elizabeth Tuttle chose the title to her famous book.

How I came to get the title to my book "To Get A Prairie Chicken". I have been a staunch believer that the hand of God is in the prayers of men. I have seen it so many times and I have to believe it even if I didn't want to believe it.

When I was a child I was never any good at naming a pet on the farm, we had little dogs, little calves and little colts. The rest of the family had to name them. I didn't even name my doll. I just called her "Dolly".

When we got the green light from the publisher, it almost paralyzed me because I had no title for the book. I agonized over that for a few days and one day I was in the kitchen prparing our dinner and all at once, like an arrow had hit me, it came - To Get a Prairie Chicken - and I knew I had it.

Those words are really in the book because of the Badger family. When they came into this area and even after they got settled close by, probably down south of Chariton, there were several wagons traveling together and they all went there own ways going where they had family or relatives. But the wagon that came north had a family in it and one of the members of that family was named Alec and he was a young man. He got out of the wagon and walked behind some distance. They kept saying, "Alec, why don't you come and ride." "No," he said. "I want to get a Prairie Chicken". And when I was writing that, it never dawned on me that would be the title. I never thought of it until a power above myself said it to me and that is how the title came to be.

We talked about what we wanted to do with the money from this book and the first thing is I want the proceeds from the book to be used for handrails at the museum. They are really needed.

Andrew Dillman

2010-10-09T11:49:00.000-05:00

The Andrew Dillman (1790-1872) Family Bible

Don and Joye Dillman sent a letter with the booklet they gave to the Lucas County Genealogy Society.

This Bible was presented to Andrew Dillman (1790-1872) in 1848. The Bible information is important to Lucas County genealogists research as it records the birth of an early emigrant to Lucas County, Iowa. It is also unique and will be of interest to others due to its hand drawn elements and dedication page inscriptions.

There are three Andrew Dillmans associated with this Bible. The owner, Andrew Dillman (b. 11 Oct. 1790, PA) was the son of Revolutionary War Patriot Andrew Dillman (DAR Ancestor A036109; b. 21 Oct 1753 PA, d. 21 May 1823, KY). The owner of the Bible was the father of Andrew Dillman (B. 11 Oct 1827 IN, d. 6 Apr 1866 Lucas County, IA) who moved with his wife Elizabeth (Eliza) Frances Henderson and four children to Oakley, Iowa in 1856 or 1857, and was buried in Niswender Cemetery, when he died in 1866.

As described in the booklet, the Bible was discovered in a Goodwill Store in Indianapolis, IN, in 2009. It includes unusual inscriptions as well as birth/death info that may be of interest to anyone researching the Dillman family, five generations of which have lived and owned land in Lucas County. Andrew’s sister, Julia Dillman Finley, whose birth is recorded in the Bible and her husband David Finley purchased land in Lucas County near Andrew, but Julia returned to Indiana with her Iowa-born children after the death of her husband 9 July 1863 in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Genealogy Room Greatly Appreciated

2010-10-08T15:34:00.003-05:00

She Discovers why she visited the Chariton Library

This letter was written to the Editor of the Chariton Newspaper and appeared in the paper on September 23, 2010.

Hello, my name is Barbara Timmins, and I'm from Altoona, Iowa. My dad lived in Chariton from 1933-1943 when his family moved to Des Moines. Dad died on Dec. 2, 2009. My dad thought family history was very important and told my brothers and me many stories from when he was growing up, both in Chariton and in Des Moines. I have a wonderful story for you about an experience I had in Chariton in July of this year. I thought I'd share it with you.

I had a list of things I wanted to look at from this database. When we got there, the woman said to me, "Do you know, you can look at these newspapers in Des Moines at the Historical Building ?" And I said, "Well that's okay, I needed to go to the cemetery, too, so it was okay I traveled down here."

I was in a back room in the basement of the Chariton Library, sitting at the microfilm machine and to my right was a bookshelf with Chariton school yearbooks, and information about Chariton schools, etc.

There was this one binder, black or dark blue, I can't remember. It was nothing fancy. It had a paper taped to the spine that said "Chariton School Photos," and I could tell that there were some plastic sleeves inside with photos stuck in them.

Again, nothing fancy, but my eye kept getting drawn to this binder. I had looked inside a few yearbooks and one big binder with information about Chariton schools, but I finally gave in and took the binder off of the shelf. I decided that there must be a reason for me to look at this darn binder.

So I opened it up, and on the first page, first photo, is a group of kindergarten or first graders, and in the front row, center, is my dad.

I took the binder out and showed it to my mom, and told her that was the reason I was to come to Chariton and sit in that little room! It's like my dad was there with me, egging me on to look inside this plain binder, because he knew he would be there looking back at me.

There are no names or dates on this photo or the three following it. I've sent the photo to my dad's best friend growing up to see if he is in the photo as well and if he can shed some light on when it was taken, or other names of children in the photo.

What Does the Future Hold for the Hotel Charitone

2010-10-08T10:02:00.003-05:00

A momentous time in the history of Lucas County occurred in November 1923 when the majestic Hotel Charitone opened its doors. Local architect William L. Perkins, designer of many of Chariton’s buildings, out-did himself with this beautiful multi-storied work of art. The hotel was equipped with all the conveniences of the day, including tile floors, a telephone in every room and the finest restaurant in town. The hotel not only provided quality housing for the traveling public, it served as a place for local social affairs.

As happens through the years and for a variety of reasons, people began looking elsewhere for answers to their needs. Thus a magnificent facility, the Hotel Charitone, started to deteriorate and ended up on the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance as one of the most endangered sites in Iowa.

The Hotel Charitone, in 2006, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significant association with the development of Chariton as a county seat

Then someone came along with a vision. In May of 2003, Charles Thomas of Shellsburg, Iowa, unveiled plans for a costly renovation of the Charitone Hotel, while he was speaking at the Lakeview Golf and Country Club. About 50 residents were on hand at the event hosted by the Chariton Chamber and Development Corporation. He planned to start renovations before the end of 2003 or shortly after the beginning of 2004. The plans called for fifteen assisted living apartments planned with a full spectrum of amenities.

Today, the Hotel Charitone stands abandoned, mothballed, and in significant decline. Over the last few years, a portion of the bricks detached from the facade and fell to the sidewalk below. Although the owner took steps to prevent additional damage, including stabilizing the walls, covering the windows with plywood, and blocking the sidewalk with a plywood fence, the building continues to decline. The community, chamber, city officials, and others are discussing the immediate future of the building. Due to safety concerns, the discussion revolves around demolition. However, the building is an important landmark within the community and should be rehabilitated to create added value to the downtown business district. The owner wants to rehab the building, but is having difficulty with financing the work needed.

As a result of meetings held throughout 2010 and the vote on September 20th, the Chariton City Council voted unanimously to declare the Charitone Hotel to be a nuisance and to require its owner to provide the structural engineer’s report by December 1. Depending upon the findings in the report, the Council could give Thomas an extension to abate documented nuisance conditions.

Charles Thomas, his son and his lawyer were in attendance at the September 20th Council meeting and even though the Council members continued to view the Charitone Hotel as an eyesore and a magnet for trouble, Thomas, his wife and son and their attorney, continued to view it as an opportunity.

Why the Name was Selected - Charitone

2010-10-08T10:00:00.001-05:00

From the June 26, 1923 Chariton Leader

It Preserves the Sentiment of History and is

Pleasing and Romantic

The question may be asked why did W.D. Junkin select the name "Charitone" for the new hotel. And the answer would be for the best of reasons, in the first place it is a monument to local history, and in the second place because it identifies itself with the town in which it is built without sounding prosy and commonplace. Could you have picked out a prettier name than "Charitone"? Note the rhythm and soft accent. It is a French name and has been associated with this part of Iowa and northern Missouri ever since civilization began to push farther out into the wilderness - when yet the tribes inhabited the wild lands bordering the stream making its grand sweep thru Lucas County, and thence to the south east, emptying into the Missouri and thence its waters are carried to the sea. Many generations ago, even at the dawn of the new west, an adventurous trapper and trader among the Indians by the name of Pierre Charitone first penetrated these whilom wilds and the river bore his name, except that the English version pronounce it "Chariton", dropping the final "e", but the origin has never been lost sight of. And finally when the capitol of Lucas County was located it was a happy thought to designate it by the name of the river, which bore its tidewaters towards the gulf. And so now that the new hotel is christened the return is made to the original historic "Charitone". When it is opened to the public there will be this romance of history cling about it and the traveler who seeks its comforts and hospitality will be linked to the past as though it were a voice that had spoken.

2010-10-01T17:06:00.027-05:00

Iowa's Governor From Russell - Nathan E. Kendall

This article was taken from the 1967 Landmarks In History

Centennial History Book written by Charles Wright

     Two of the thirty-eight governors who have served the state of Iowa have come from our own Lucas County. The thirty-fifth governor, Republican Leo Hoegh, who served Iowa from 1955-57 was from Chariton. And although the histories list Albia as the home of Iowa's twenty-fifth governor, Republican Nathan E. Kendall, he was actually born south of Russell in the neighborhood known as Greenville in 1868. "Nate", as he was called, worked on his father's farm and attended rural school in this neighborhood until early manhood. His parents were early settlers in the county and the few books that they owned were read and re-read by the future-governor until they were worn and dog-eared. Having learned shorthand he then entered a law office in Albia where his career began.    In 1887 he was admitted to the Iowa Bar. He later served for a term as city attorney in Albia and then became the Monroe County Attorney. He became known as a brilliant speaker and, when he was 31, was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives. He served there for ten years and was named Speaker of the House for the 32nd General Assembly.
     Next Kendall became a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1909-13, serving the old 6th district of Davis, Jasper, Keokuk, Mahaska, Monroe, Wapello and Poweshiek Counties. Here, too, he was a recognized debater and orator. In earlier life he wrote and memorized his speeches but in later years he abandoned that practice and even spoke without notes. Kendall was re-nominated to run for Congress in 1913 but withdrew from the race following an attack of heart disease. He was not active in politics again until he ran for governor of our state in 1919.
     Kendall was elected Governor of Iowa in 1920 and was re-elected to a second term in 1922. The First Lady of Iowa was the former Belle Woden of Centerville, Iowa, whom he married in 1896. She died in 1925 in Naples, Italy, while the couple was on a world tour. Traveling had been one of Kendall's favorite activities and it was on another of his trips that he met Mrs. William F. Bonnell of Cleveland, Ohio, who became the second Mrs. Kendall.
     Kendall had two hobbies--red neckties and horseshoes. Early in his career he had formed the habit of walking along Albia's country roads and he never passed up a horseshoe along the way. They were kept for good luck and displayed in his Albia law office. The Governor also loved baseball and fishing.
     His sense of humor was well known and many anecdotes are told about him. One of the Governor's favorite stories on himself concerned his sixty-third birthday. On this day he ate lunch as was accustomed at a certain table in Younker's Tearoom in Des Moines. The management somehow learned it was his birthday and a large bouquet of roses was on the table with birthday greetings. The waitress who took his order asked, "Governor, is this your birthday?" He replied that it was. "How old are you, Governor?" she asked. He related that he looked her straight in the eye and coolly replied "83 years old". "My goodness," she replied, "I wouldn't have believed it--you don't look a day over 73!"
     Kendall died suddenly at his home in Albia in November 1936. He was sitting in his chair listening to the election returns with his dog lying asleep beside him when apparently stricken by a heart attack. After services in Des Moines his body was cremated and his ashes buried in Albia.

-----------------------------------------------------

Among the illustrious citizens of Russell was one to receive the highest honors of our state.

Nathan E. Kendall (known as "Nate") was born March 16, 1868 and raised in the Greenville neighborhood east of Russell. Taking his school teacher's word for it, Miss Susan Day, Nate was the most mischievous youngster in the school as well as the most brilliant. Later in life this spontaneous good humor and energy made him into the man that the whole nation admired.
Mr. Kendall married Belle Wooden of Centerville, and started as an attorney at Albia, later serving two terms as prosecuting attorney for that county. He served ten years in the Iowa Legislature from Monroe County and four years as Member of Congress from the old Sixth District. In 1920 he was elected Governor of Iowa, and served four years in that capacity, being a strong, fearless executive.

Men of Prominence from Lucas County - 1930

2010-09-30T14:27:00.002-05:00

Appeared in the Chariton Leader June 3, 1930

This County has Men of Prominence

Many Famous People in the list of “Who’s Who”, were Born in Lucas County, Iowa

Lucas County has been the birthplace of a number of people who have become famous and have brought honor to their home county.

Miss Grace Blouse, now of Creston, recently gave us the following names of these native born, who are listed in “Who’s Who In America”.

Nathan E. Kendall, ex-governor of Iowa and ex-congressman, is now of Des Moines.

Dr. Roy Gittinger, Dean of the State University of Oklahoma, at Norman.

Lester J. Dickerson, Algona, Iowa, Lawyer, politician, congressman, and a present candidate for the office of United States Senator.

Charles L. Bartholomew, Minneapolis, Minn., cartoonist, son of the late Col. and Mrs. O.A. Bartholomew. He is dean of the Federal School of Illustrating and Cartooning at Minneapolis, and his cartoons are extensively used in this country and in Europe.

John L. Lewis, Indianapolis, Indiana, who has been president of the United Mine Workers of America for several years, and his wife is a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J.C.F. Bell of Lucas.

John H. Morehead, Falls City, Nebraska former state senator and congressman from Nebraska. He is now governor of that state.

Chas. L. Robbins, Iowa City, Iowa, professor of education on the New York City Training School for Teachers from 1910-1918, and since then employed in the same capacity at the State University of Iowa. He is also an author and a magazine contributor.

George E. Raitt, Pasadena, California, was the Secretary for the United Presbyterian War Commission in 1917-1918. For the past nine years he has been Superintendent of Missions, California synod.

Mortimer Wilson, New York, City, musician, composer and conductor who wrote the symphonic score for “The Thief of Baghdad”, “The Black Pirate”, and other Douglas Fairbanks’ motion pictures. His wife was formerly Miss Bettie Lewis, daughter of the late Evan and Corilla Copeland Lewis.

Rev. Frederick B. Palmer, now of Denver, Colorado, a former pastor of the Baptist church here for several years, is also listed. He is now executive secretary of the Colorado Baptist State Association, having filled that position for eighteen years. He was born in Mahaska County.

Joe Mitchell Chappie of Washington, D.C., a nephew of the late J.C. Mitchell, and a relative of Mrs. Nettie Douglass, of east Linden Avenue, is well known to many Chariton people, but was not born in this county. He is now editor of the National Magazine of Boston, Mass., also a writer and lecturer.

Local Architect, William Perkins, Dies

2010-09-26T00:01:00.002-05:00

From the Chariton Leader, Aug 13, 1957

W.L. Perkins Dies Following Heart Attack

William L. Perkins, 70, prominent Chariton architect and engineer, died Monday morning at Yocum hospital following a heart attack suffered Friday. A long-time resident of the community, Mr. Perkins had returned earlier in the week from a vacation with his wife when he suffered the attack.

Services are now being arranged by the Beardsley Funeral Home. Rites are pending the arrival of a son, Lt. William L., USN, who is stationed in Okinawa Island. Also surviving are his wife, a sister, Mrs. W.E. Merrihew of Nevada, Mo., and a brother, Albert of Mobile, Alabama.

Through his many years as city engineer, practically all civic improvements completed since his arrival in Chariton, were made under his direction and supervision. He served as city engineer and had held posts on the airport commission and other local appointive offices.

As engineer and architect, he supervised construction and planning for East park, the city hall, Masonic Temple, Ritz theater, Yocum Hospital, the Chariton Newspapers building, street improvements, airport construction, water department details including the physical improvements at city reservoirs such as spillways and pumping stations.

As the Secretary of the National council of Architectural Registration Board, Mr. Perkins approved the contracts of training in colleges and universities offering architecture and approved examinations by state boards and certified architects for work in various states. He also maintained a permanent registry of architects in Iowa, and served as secretary of the Iowa Board of Architectural Examiners.

The municipal airport was one of his great interests and in this instance he turned over engineering fees received from the federal government to the airport fund, giving his services without remuneration.

Mr. Perkins was frequently the center of controversy as his position inevitably involved him in many projects of a controversial nature. He was seldom concerned, friends testify, feeling such matters were the “price of progress.”

“Few individuals have so left their imprint on Chariton or are likely to do so in the future as Mr. Perkins,” close friends commented following his death. “He was proud of his service to the community.”

Distinguished in state as well as local Masonic circles, he held numerous high positions. His illustrious Mason career included serving as Grand Master of Iowa, 1945-1946; Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Iowa and Chapter 22 of Chariton; Past Grand Treasurer of Grand Commandery of Iowa; Past Grand Master of the Chariton Blue Lodge; Past Secretary of York Rites Bodies of Iowa, the Commandery and Blue Lodge; a member of the Scottish Rites or Consistory; past Secretary of the A.F. & A.M. No. 63 of Chariton; a member of the honorary Red Cross of Constantine and a member of the Shrine as well as the Council and Commandery. He was a chief organizer of Council No. 42 of Chariton and was a 32nd degree Mason.

William L. Perkins, Local Architect Receives Profession's Top Honor

2010-09-23T16:29:00.000-05:00

Appeared in the Chariton Leader on May 23, 1950

Last week, at its annual meeting at Washington, D.C., the American Institute of Architects conferred the highest honor of its profession on William L. Perkins of Chariton, IA.

This is the Kemper Award and it is given for the architect giving the most distinguished service in the profession during the preceeding year.

Perkins is the first man to receive this honor. The award was established in 1948 and last year no architect was judged as worthy of receiving it.

This comes as a distinct honor to Perkins – not only being the first man to receive it, but also indicates the esteem in which he is held by his fellow architects.

The recipient is chosen by the board of directors of the American Institute of Architecture and is chosen as being “the architect giving the most outstanding service to the profession of architecture in the United States during the year.”

Only one such selection is made in one year.

Soon To Hold Special Day in Chariton

2010-09-23T13:00:00.003-05:00

Chariton Leader
September 24, 1929

The First Lutheran Church Will Celebrate 60th Anniversary, and Gives a Brief Sketch of its History.

By Rev. E.J. Earlandson, Pastor

     The sixtieth anniversary of the First Lutheran church of Chariton will be celebrated with special events and services October 4, 5 and 6. Thus for over half a century this church has sought to serve this community with the preaching of the word of God.
     First Lutheran Church was organized November 3, 1869, with the late Rev. M.F. Hokanson, then of Munterville, Iowa, presiding. There were thirty charter members at the time of whom only one is now living, Mrs. Augusta Johnson, who resides a few miles from town.
     There being no resident pastor at first, services were conducted by visiting pastors and lay-preachers. The first regular pastor was the late Rev. M. Frvkman, a graduate of Augustana Seminary, then located in Paxton, Illinois. He was ordained to the ministry in June 1875. It was in this year also that property was secured and the old church was built. After serving his first charge until 1880, Rev. Frykman resigned and moved. In 1882 the next paste, the late Rev. A.J. Ostliu, then of Mayville, New York, accepted the call here with an annual salary of $400 and parsonage, which had just been built, a small building, only 20 by 26 feet. In 1884 he resigned and left.
     A vacancy then occurred until 1886, when Rev. P.A. Edquist accepted a call and filled the pulpit here until his resignation in the summer of 1889. During the vacancy, which then occurred, various theological students served the church for longer and shorter periods until Rev. G. A. Swanburg received the call and became pastor on his ordination in June 1891. The young pastor entered upon his work here and to Rev. Swanburg falls the distinction of having served Fist Lutheran Church longer than any other pastor either before or after him. He served here until his resignation August 8, 1900, and is at present serving Trinity Lutheran Church, Wankegan, Illinois. Mr. Swanburg’s successor was the late Rev. J.P. Borg, who began his work here with the turn of the century, 1900. It was during the pastorate of Rev. Borg that the present inviting and serviceable church edifice was built at Eighth street and Roland avenue in the year 1903. the corner stone was laid on May 4, 1903 by the Rev. Dr. A. Northem, then president of the Iowa conference and at present superintendent of the Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa. In 1907 Rev. Borg tendered his resignation to the congregation and left.
     On June 5, 1907, Rev. O.A. Elmquist was called and entered on his work here Reformation day, October 31 of the same year. After an energetic pastorate here of about two years, Rev. Elmquist resigned and left in April 1910. The next incumbent was Rev. S. C. Franzen, who served from May 1910 until the autumn of 1913. During his charge the present cotamodious parsonage was built and other improvements were made.
     The third pastor to serve First Lutheran Church as his first charge was Rev. Frank R, Carlson, who was ordained in June 1914, and immediately began his work here. His term of service extended until 1916, when he resigned and left for Kewanee, Illinois. Rev. Carlson is at present serving Tabor Lutheran Church, Chicago, Illinois.
     For a few months Rev. J.O. Lindquist served the church during the year 1918, but left for duty as U.S. Army chaplain in which capacity he is still serving at Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio.
     Rev. C.A. Johnson served First Lutheran Church from 1918 until 1924, a period of six years. He is at present serving the Lutheran congregation at Attica, Indiana, and Danville, Illinois.
     Rev. Carl Lundgren served this congregation form 1925 until May 13, 1928, when he moved to Sheffield Pennsylvania. During the summer of 1928, the congregation was served by Rev. E.J. Erlandson, who was then a theological student. On January 1, 1929, a pastoral call was issued to him to become pastor of the church on his ordination. Rev. E. J. Erlandson was ordained June 9, 1929, in connection with the Augustana Synod convention, held in Rockford Illinois, and his pastorate here August 4, 1929. Rev. Erlandson is the fourth pastor to serve this congregation as his first charge.
     The Anniversary festivities on October 4,5 and 6 are fittingly planned as an observation of the passing of another decade in the history of the work laid down on this community by First Lutheran Church; and this congregation is ever ready and willing to serve this community in the future in helping individuals to live better lives—better because Christ-filled.

Perkins Apartments

2010-09-15T21:52:00.003-05:00

I had just left the Genealogy room at the library and decided to drive around Chariton a little bit before heading back to Russell. I was on 8th street and was turning my head back and forth when I spotted a two story red brick building nestled among some very high trees. I turned around and went back to Lucas Street and pulled in front of this very interesting building. I knew it was old, but had never seen any pictures of it before. I knew it must have some history. I called Darlene Arnold and she found several articles. I will post them to the blog on separate weeks. (Lynne Wilson)

The first one is titled: Perkins Apartments and was written by Faith Boyce and was given at Chapter OS, P.E.O., Chariton, Iowa on October 17, 1994.

When I started to work on this program back in those hot days of last June and July, when I wanted to stay indoors where it was air-conditioned, I was surprised to find there was no mention of the Perkins Apartments or the architect, builder William Perkins, in the library, the Lucas County History Book, Lucas County Pictorial Book, Bob Piper's book or Mrs. Tuttle's book, "To Catch a Prairie Chicken"; although Mr. Perkins' name was mentioned in the Lucas County History book article on the Masonic Lodge as having served the Grand Lodge of Iowa as Grand Master in the years: 1944-1945 and 1946.

What information I did receive was from: John Baldridge, Helen Miniskin, Adalaid Stoko Krocker, Joe Rhudell, Catherine Cross, Bonnie Stone, Irene Fuller and the most information came from Lucille Judd. Mrs. Krocker who now lives in Kansas City, said she was a very small girl probably three or four years old and living next door, when the apartment was built in the early 1920's probably around 75 years ago at 736 Lucas Avenue.

When first built, it was a one-story duplex and then probably, ten years later a second story was built on, with two 2 bedroom apartments on the first floor and two 2 bedroom and 1 one bedroom apartment on the second floor and the one bedroom apartment was between the two bedroom apartments. Each apartment has a large living room with a dining area in one end, two (or one) bedrooms, kitchen and bath with laundry facilities and storage in the basement. The building is of brick and stone outside and the inside walls are of concrete. Helen said it was impossible to drive a nail in the wall without drilling a hole first. The windows have steel frames with very little wood used on the inside, making the building as fireproof, as possible. There is a cement archway at the left side of the building leading into the backyard. The backyard is still lovely, after all these years, with the original large curved back cement bench with the side pieces embedded with rock, a cement stone arch, birdbath, fireplace and large trees making a canopy over the yard. This makes it a lovely, cool place to be on warm afternoons and evenings. At the east corner of the back yard, is a small two-story office building with an outside stairway to the second floor which was added to the building when the offices of the National Council Architect Registration Boards was moved here. Abe Hass has his law office in this building. Next to the office building is a one-car brick garage.

When Mrs. Perkins moved to California several years after the death of Mr. Perkins, the apartment building was sold to Melvin Tuttle, who sold it to Bob Comb's and Bob Stone. It was then sold to Mr. Moody, then to the National Bank, and to Bill Pardock, the present owner. All through the years, the building has always been fully rented.

Mr. Perkins designed many buildings in Corydon, Knoxville, Chariton and other surrounding towns. He was the architect for the Masonic Temple dedicated in 1937 and Lucile Judd thought he was the architect for the City Hall, High School, Yocom Hospital, Legion Hall, Porter Smyth's stucco house, and other brick buildings and homes in Chariton. He liked to work with brick, stone and cement always insisting that the 'Best Brother's', Clyde and George, do the brick laying, as they were the best in the business. He was also instrumental in getting Red Haw State Park built with the CCC camp and saw that trees were planted.

Lucille Judd had gone from her home in Colorado to visit an aunt in Chicago and found work as a typist-secretary in the offices of The National Council Architect Registration Boards and it was there she met Mr. Perkins, as well, as other prominent architects, among them Frank Lloyd Wright who visited the offices several times.

The office of the National Council Architects Board had offices in Chicago and was formed by the University of Illinois when the need was found for an organization to examine and license the many graduating architects wanting to begin practice. Mr. Perkins was often in the Chicago office and when the director became ill, Mr. Perkins became the director and moved the offices to Chariton around 1940 bringing Lucille and his office assistant to manage the offices. The first floor of the building was the States office with the second floor the National office. It was a busy place, hiring Catherine Cross, Flo Palmer Burley, Lucille and Mr. Perkins' assistant to handle all the work. Each applicant had to submit a resume and record of schooling, 4 blueprints, and 4 pictures of the completed work of the buildings. This was then typed up in order, the pictures and blueprints taken to a local photography shop since there were no copiers in those days and then the entire resume and pictures were taken to the newspaper print shop to be printed. It was then brought back and put in folder form in the States office and then sent upstairs to the National Office where the material was checked, notarized and a copy kept in the National office. Then a copy was taken to the Post Office and sent by registered mail to the architect wanting to be certified and licensed.

After several years, the office was moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Lucille remembered one time when Mr. Perkins was working at his drafting board in the upstairs office that had windows all around for light... a fly kept bothering him, and he reached for something to swat it and absentmindedly picked up a hammer and hit the fly on the window breaking it out. She said Mr. Perkins was a wonderful, kind boss. I remember him as a short, stout, pleasant man. Mrs. Perkins always called him Sunny. Joe Rhudell remembers when Mrs. Perkins would open the window in their upstairs apartment and call him to lunch by yelling "Sunny, lunch is ready", not bothering to use the telephone. They had one son, Bill, who was a graduate of Annapolis Naval Academy. Mrs. Perkins was a tall, erect, regal looking lady with beautiful long gray hair that she wore in waves around her face with a round low bun at the back. She wore beautiful large hats to church and was a faithful worker in the Methodist Church and DAR. She loved to drive and was always picking up people in her large, shiny black Ford that never had a speck of dust or dirt, inside or out. She was a beautiful seamstress and all her life sewed for others. She made darling children's clothes, a dozen at a time for Bidwell-Riverside Mission in Des Moines, several times a year, from material she furnished or friends bought for her, or from churchwomen. They were beautiful little dresses that looked like they came from an exclusive children's shop.

When Mrs. Perkins could no longer care for herself, she moved to a retirement home in California to be near her son and his family. She remained there until she died a year ago, at the age of 103. She still did sewing of little dresses and other handwork for others until she lost her sight, at around 90 years of age. She had lost her husband, son and daughter-in-law but has two surviving grandchildren.

I feel the Perkins family was a prominent part of Chariton history and should have been mentioned somewhere in the books about Chariton history. Faith Boyce.

Frank Myers has more about William Perkins on his blog "Lucascountyan". September 14. Preservation Sunday.

I will be submitting more about William Perkins in future articles. Lynne

Lucas County Agriculture in the 1930's

2010-08-21T18:08:00.001-05:00

This article was copied from the History of Lucas County 1978 book.

The period of the 1930's was one of depression, plagues of insects and drought, but one with the birth of many new ideas.

Most of the homes had no electricity or modern heating systems; they were heated by coal and wood heaters, which stood in the middle of the living room and the cook stove was in the kitchen. Light in the home was furnished by a kerosene lamp. Most homes were not insulated so it took many wool comforters to keep warm in the winter. There was no indoor plumbing so it meant many trips to the little house out back. Water was carried into the house in a bucket for drinking and for bathing or doing the family washing. For laundry the water was heated in a copper boiler on the cook stove. Many women washed on the board; the lucky ones had a washing machine run by a gasoline motor.

Everyone raised a big garden and most farms had orchards and strawberry and raspberry patches. Hundreds of quarts of fruits and vegetables were canned or kept in caves for winter use. They also butchered and cured or canned their own meat for winter use. Most farmers milked several cows and raised a large flock of chickens. They would sell the surplus eggs and cream and buy groceries and clothing for the family. This was called 'trading' because the grocer was usually the one who bought their eggs, butter or cream and also the one who sold them the groceries.

Social life centered around the one-room rural school houses, the country churches and the neighborhood clubs. Entire families participated in these events and it was a time of real 'togetherness'. The Chevrolet and the Model A Ford were the main sources of transportation in the rural areas but there was also very good train service in the 1930's. Boys and girls walked to school; rode horseback or occasionally drove a horse hitched to a buggy.

A familiar summer scene at threshing time in the 1930's. Men identified in this picture to the right include Harold Horner, Arthur Cain and son, Keith Sellers, Thomas White, Otis Agan and Orlan (Slim) Sellers.

In the early 1930's most of the farming was done with horses. The farmer would keep from eight to ten horses to do the fieldwork. He would have his mares bred in order to raise his own replacement stock. It was not unusual to see a team working in the field with a little colt running along side its mother. The farmer would stop at regular intervals to allow the colt to nurse. On extremely hot days it was necessary for the farmer to stop often to rest his horses. By the end of the 1930's, some tractors were being used in the area. The first tractors had steel wheels.

The harvest was an interesting time. Each farmer cut and shocked his own grain. Next the threshing crews moved in. Neighbors brought grain wagons, bundle racks and extra men to help with the threshing. While the men threshed the activity in the house was to prepare the huge meal to feed from 18 to 25 men at noontime. Many of the neighborhood women helped each other prepare the mounds of potatoes, gravy, salads, pies, cakes, meat and gallons of iced tea. Often the men worked late and there was an evening meal to prepare. It was really a time of hard work, fun and fellowship.

Picking corn in the fall was another long chore, which often lasted several weeks. Many wives helped their husbands with this work. They would rise early, take care of the chores and be in the field by sunup. Other farmers would hire men to help them with the husking and would pay them 3¢ to 5¢ per bushel picked plus their noon meal. Corn was so cheap (about 10¢ per bushel) that they often used it for fuel. All the corn had to be picked by hand and also scooped into the crib by hand. The young man who could husk and scoop one hundred bushels of corn in one day was very much in demand.

Prices in the 30's were quite different than today. Hogs were as low as 2½¢ per pound, cattle were 5½¢ per pound. Land prices were $25 to $40 per acre. If it sold for $40, it was exceptionally good land. Machinery was comparable in price. A new corn planter cost $75, a cultivator $35, and disc $50 and a new grain binder could be bought for $250.

Insects and drought also plagued the farmer in the 30's. Cinch bugs ate the corn crop in 1934 despite all the trenches of creosote that were poured. Grasshoppers ate the hay and corn crops in 1936. It was also extremely dry in these years. No one had knowledge of insect sprays at this sad time in our history.

By the late 1930's new conservation practices, fertilizers and lime began to appear. Lime and fertilizers were applied to meadows and the contouring of many fields began. There was also some mechanization starting in farming. Rumbles of rural electricity were being heard. New sources of credit were coming into being, such as Production Credit and Farmer's Home. Administration to help the farmer meet the demands of growing population for their food needs. Thus the 30's are just another stepping stone of progression in the development of agriculture in Lucas County, Iowa.

Vacation is Over!

2010-08-21T10:29:00.002-05:00

Arizona was hot, but not as humid as here, so the 112 degree temperatures were bearable. My experiences there included a rattle snake, a tarantula, a scorpion, a horrific dust storm and dairy cows being cooled with fans and a mist of water. All part of Arizona living. I am glad to be back in beautiful "green" Iowa. I will start getting some articles posted as quickly as I can.

Russell "A Town of Pride and Progress" (continued)

2010-08-06T00:16:00.000-05:00

This is a continuation of the stories about Russell from last month. These articles appeared in the Russell Union-Tribune (unknown date).

The first school taught in Russell was in the Summer of 1869, by Miss Julia Scott. It was taught in a building erected for a residence on the lot where the blacksmith shop of E.C. Lewis stood. In the winter of 1869-70, James May taught in the Presbyterian Church building, which was enclosed but not completed. In 1872, R.R. Fogg erected the first school building in Russell, a wooden structure, upon the same grounds where the school now sits. The winter of 1873-74, Andrew Day taught in that building, which a few years later became too small to accommodate the children of the village, and in 1885 an addition was built to it the same size as the original structure. This was used for school purposes until the year 1898, when the first brick school building was erected. In 1913, the present structure was erected. The Methodist church was organized in 1872 by Rev. W.R. Wood, who was the minister in charge of this circuit.

In conclusion, we salute you Russell, the finest town in the state of Iowa. Long may you live and progress.

Lucas County Law Enforcemen Center

2010-07-23T00:19:00.001-05:00

From the History of Lucas County 1978 book

The residents of Lucas County are privileged to have, combined under one roof, the Chariton Police Department and the Lucas County Sheriff's Department. These two law enforcement agencies were centralized into what is now known as the Lucas County Law Enforcement Center located on Linden Avenue in Chariton, Iowa in 1973.

Formerly, the Chariton Police Department was located in an 8x8 - ft. room in the Chariton City Hall building. There was just enough room to house the office of the Dispatcher and his radio. Before radios came into use in the Chariton Police Department in 1966, the city police officer on duty -- yes there was usually only one officer on duty at a time -- was summoned to the City Hall by means of a red light located on the courthouse tower. When a call was received requesting the assistance of a police officer, the Dispatcher switched on the red light on top of the courthouse and the officer who was trained to be always attentive to that light, responded by contacting the Dispatcher at City Hall.

During the service of 'Mac' McBride as Chief of the Chariton Police in the early 1940's, an automobile was purchased by the City for use by the Police Department as a patrol car. Before that time, the officer, after seeing the red call light on top of the courthouse and after contacting the Dispatcher by telephone, would call a taxicab to take him to those places where he was needed -- that is, an accident scene, an unsettled home with arguing family members, a fire or the scene of the crime.

The Sheriff's Office, before the formation of the Law Enforcement Center, was located on the east side of the first floor of the courthouse in a room presently occupied by the County Assessor. The Sheriff and his family formerly lived in the building, which now houses the new Law Enforcement Center. Behind the former sheriff's residence was the County Jail and the sheriff's wife usually cooked the meals for the prisoners in the jail. After the remodeling of the Sheriff's residence in the new Law Enforcement Center, the former county jail was overhauled and updated and now serves as the holding facility for prisoners of both the Chariton Police Department and the Lucas County Sheriff's Department.

The Sheriff is the Principal peace officer of the county, Mainly, through the efforts of Sheriff Wayne Swanson, City Manager Bernard Aulwes, the Lucas County Board of Supervisors and the Chariton City Council, the Lucas County Law Enforcement Center became a reality.

Today the Lucas County Law Enforcement Center is a good example of two governmental agencies with a common goal working in harmony for the people of Lucas County.

Piper's Grocery

2010-07-16T00:16:00.007-05:00

Joseph Lincoln Piper and his wife came to Iowa from Illinois about 1890 and settled on a farm near Clio. Soon after this he bought a general store in Oakley and began a lifelong career as a Lucas County merchant. Several days a week he drove a huckster wagon, selling groceries and other merchandise to farm families near Oakley.
     When his brother Rob came to work for him, Joe L. went to work part of each week for the railway mail service. (In 1978, we have no passenger service to Chariton, but many freight trains). Then, Mr. Piper got on the north branch of the C.B. & Q. (now the Burlington Northern) at Oakley, rode to Chariton, took a passenger train to Chicago where he boarded the mail coach on the train to Omaha, working the mail on the way. He then rode the mail car on the passenger train bound for Chariton and then home to Oakley on the North Branch.
     In 1900, Joe L. sold the Oakley store and moved his family to Chariton to 1118 Ashland, which was the family home until Mrs. Piper's last illness. He and his brother, Rob, opened a grocery in the north part of the Hollinger building on North Main and Joe L. continued part time in the mail service.
     In 1903, he bought the Stanley building at the east end of the north side of the square, going into business on his own again. Piper's Grocery and Market is still active in the same location at this time.
     In a few years time he had bought land for feeding cattle and had built his own slaughterhouse. He opened a bakery, which specialized in fine pastries, as well as a variety of breads. He shipped bread by train to Melrose, Derby, Humeston, Corydon, Allerton, LeRoy, Garden Grove and Coin, Iowa on the south branch of the C.B. & Q. and the T.P. & W.
     Free delivery has always been a part of the business, and in those days of little refrigeration and few telephones, there were two deliveries a day, six days a week. A 6 a.m. each day, Theodore Peterson, Emil Larson and Elmer Patterson left the store with order books and a list of customers to see. By 9 a.m. the orders were filled and groceries on the way by horse and wagon. Then Joe L. advertised that he would install a phone for any of these people and pay one half of the monthly fee as long as they remained his customers.
     Every other week, two wagonloads were delivered to the people at No. 1 mine five miles northeast of Chariton. One wagon carried groceries and one carbide for the miner's lamps and other non-food items. Gas rationing in W.W. II put an end to daily delivery, and we are now delivering two days each week.
     In 1922, the building was enlarged to cover the half block. The store itself was a half block long with the market and big cooler at the back. Another entrance on the east was a loading dock for groceries, and extra stock went by freight elevator to the basement.
     Early each Saturday morning, Joe L. put out a 'Line Call' to each of the party lines in turn saying 'Piper's Store will pay -- cents for eggs today' and give the price to be paid in cash or trade for chickens, butter, cheese, etc. Piper's script money was used for those who brought in more produce than they could use that day in trade and still wanted the higher trade price. Often several farm families at a time would buy fresh meal and would sit together around the elevator or the egg candler to visit before going out to spend the remainder of their Saturday in town.
     Pipers roasted their own blend of coffee and also Jumbo peanuts in the shell. Each Christmas, they sold hundreds of trees. With the basement full of trees and with trees standing throughout the long store, the fragrance of trees, baked goods, coffee and peanuts is still recalled by the 'old timers'.
     Mr. Piper, (Joe L., as everyone called him), died very suddenly in the summer of 1936. The bakery was closed in 1936.
     Bob Piper and his wife, Ruth, with John as their teacher, learned to make homemade candy. This has become a major part of the business since that time, with candies shipped all over the world. In the last few years a basket shop has been an interesting addition to Piper's Food Market.

Lucas County Care Facility

2010-07-16T00:05:00.001-05:00

From the History of Lucas County 1978 book

On March 11, 1859 Lucas county obtained possession of a farm belonging to George W. Piper. Mr. Piper was one of several men that had provided bond for the release of Richard Roe who had been convicted of horse stealing. After Mr. Roe had been released on bond, he disappeared and failed to appear for his indictment. As a result, Roe's bondsmen were held responsible. To compensate for Roe's disappearance, the County made an execution levy on Piper's farm and was successful in purchasing the land at a Sheriff's sale.

This farm was intended to be used as the county poor farm, but for some unknown reason was never used as such. In 1866 the county purchased 135 acres, near the town of Russell, from Mary C. Adams. In payment for the land, the county conveyed to Mary Adams the farm, which had previously been obtained from George W. Piper.

The County Board of Supervisors submitted a proposition to the people to erect buildings on the Adams farm. The voters rejected this proposition by a margin of 36 votes for, 656 votes against.

At the September, 1869 session of the Board of Supervisors, the committee reported that they had sold the Adams farm for $3,500 and that they found the William Skidmore farm favorable as a location for the County Poor Farm. This farm was offered for sale for $10,500 and the farm and buildings were believed to be suitable for a poor farm. The county had sufficient funds on hand for the purchase and no additional levy was necessary to pay for the land. When the question was put before the voters in 1869 it was approved.

That same year, L. Stanley was placed in charge of the Poor Farm and remained there until 1871. Josiah Critchfield was then named superintendent by the Board of Supervisors.

In 1904, The Board of Supervisors found it necessary to build a new house on the farm. The lowest bidder for this work was Alonzo Hoagland, an architect from Chariton. The total cost of the County Poor House including such things as heating, drainage, and the architecture fee was $17,200.

When first built, the Lucas County Home was used to provide housing and work for "poor" Lucas County residents. Thus it became known as the County "poor farm". Today the Lucas County Care Facility provides residential facilities for the mentally ill, mentally retarded or indigent persons. The original concept of the county poor farm no longer exists.

The present Lucas County Care Facility is located on the northwest edge of Chariton. The facility includes a 200-acre farm, farm buildings, machinery, and the homes. The steward is Alvin Cooper and Matron, Ruby Cooper.

1890 Census

2010-07-09T16:14:00.001-05:00

Taken from Ancestry newsletter of November 2008. Jana Lloyd is editor.

A Fire Destroyed the 1890 Census, But It Doesn't Have to Destroy Your Search
By Jana Lloyd 17 November 2008

Some said it was a cigarette. Some said it was a conspiracy. But no one really knows for sure what started the fire on January 10, 1921, that destroyed a large portion of the 1890 U.S. federal census.

What everyone agrees on is this: it was a tragedy of immense proportion.

The census, with critical historical information on more than 6 million people in the U.S., was being stored in the basement of the United States Commerce Department. The other census records were inside a fire- and water-proof vault when the flames started, but the 1890 census was sitting just outside its protective walls.

Firemen rushed to the scene to put the fire out, but what wasn’t already destroyed by fire and smoke was drowned in water: 25 % was said to have been destroyed by the flames; 50 % by the smoke and water that followed it.

And what happened to the remaining 25 %? Most of it was shuffled around from place to place until it was finally destroyed in the 1930s.

WHAT CAN I DO TO FIND MY FAMILY IN 1890?

Don’t despair. While nothing can replace the invaluable information lost with the destruction of the 1890 census, there is still hope for finding your family.

Years ago, Ancestry.com started an “1890 Census Substitute” that contained what was left of the 1890 census, plus a few state censuses and other miscellaneous records. In the past month, we’ve added more than 1,000 city directories from the 1890 time period, including 50 million new names total. And more state censuses are slated to be added around February.

Mark Twain listed in an 1890-era city directory for Hartford, Connecticut.

You can visit the U. S. City Diretories page to see a complete list of the new city directories. Or, visit the 1890 Census Substitute page to search the entire Census Substitute, including the new directories.
Oh. And one more thing. While the fire that destroyed the 1890 census was a terrible disaster, it did have at least one good result: outrage at the destruction led to the construction of the National Archives, a permanent place of refuge for our nation’s historical documents—a place intended to protect all our important records from ever meeting the same fiery fate.

Holder's Shoe Repair

2010-07-09T00:05:00.001-05:00

From the History of Lucas County 1978 book

George Thomas Holder, Jr. Mr. Holder, known throughout the community as "Tommy", has been repairing shoes here for 43 years. Tommy is a graduate of the School for the Deaf at Council Bluffs, Iowa.

While in Council Bluffs, he learned the shoe repairing business, working four years in the school shop. Then he returned here to work at $10 a week in the Earl Clark shop. After two years, he moved into the Donald R. Spaulding Shop.

When in 1946, Spaulding moved to Colorado, he sold the shoe repair shop to Tommy. It was a large room in the rear of the Brown Shoe Fit Store. The shop served a constant stream of patrons.

In 1963, Tommy built a one-story brick building on the southwest side of the square, and moved his repair shop there. It is equipped with all the modern power equipment. However, the old shoeshine stand is still here and used daily.

Tommy was born, July 10, 1917, in Chariton, Iowa, the son of George T. Holder and Pearl Collver. His father was a railroad worker. His grandfather, William A. Holder, was born in Tennessee and came to Iowa in 1877; first settling in the Knoxville area and then moving to Lucas County.

December 24, 1939, Tommy married Edna Manley. Edna was born April 6, 1921, at Hiteman, Iowa, daughter of Joseph Manley and Ada Evans. Edna was also a graduate of the School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs. Tommy and Edna were the parents of four children: George T., Jo Anne, Carol and Joseph. Edna passed away March 11, 1974 at Chariton. Tommy is now married to Leona Anderson.