The Oskaloosa herald., 1905-06-08

dred of its population IN this county.
Tho Durfee mining camp, on sections
10 and 30, has a population of between
three and four hundred, White City
has Eve hundred: tho Cricket mines
have one hundred and hfty, and the
Eypiand mines about the same popula.
tion. These mining camps vary In the
number Of their population az the do
mand for workmen il slow or active.
The township has 1Ot farms whose
value IL s2f7 1923, and personal proper
ty TO the value Of s6o,307. Its popula.
ton an last reported by the county
auditor was 2,4o0.
Lincoln Township.
Lincoln township includes a terrific
ry outside Of the city of Oskaloosa.
The line marking It's bounds extends
In a somewhat zigzag form about the
city, taking In several sections from
the northeast corner OF Garfield. ItI
was created for the convenience Of the
property holders adjoining the city
limits. II is scarcely necessary to
mention that this little township bears
the name Of the great freedom-loving
Lincoln. II has a population Of five
hundred, with 1f5 farms, whose value
ls $S3,626. The value Of It's personal
property is $69,527
Madison Township.
The township lines we're u by the
government surveyors In 1S43, and the
section lines four years later, This
township received its name from
James Madison, who war the nations
chief executive during the War OF
1912.
The south fork Of the Skunk river
divides the township into North and
South Madison. The south part of
the township was settled first, Sam.
ue1 Coffin, Jerry Llbbey, ~Greenberry
Comm, Simon Johnson, BENJAMIN
Crispin, VIM. Windsor, Enoch Shoe
make and John Padgett were among
the early settlers south Of the river.
The district north Of tho river was
for many years a hunting ground.
John and Robert Mitchell, Milton
Cro0kham and a few others had
things their own way for years, on
tho north bottom. Az already stated,
the first school in Madison township
was taught by VIM. LAurance, In his
own claim cabin. Like all Of the
early schools II was n subscription
school, but well ordered and effective.
A spelling school In those days was
counted n greater luxury than an
opera OF today.
The settlers in this part Of the coun'
~ are said 10 nave attended the land
sales Mt Iowa city, going on foot in
companies and bands together under
the club laws for protection.
From the earliest period there has
been a deep religious sentiment
among tho people Of South Madison.
In some instances extreme and radical
views have been taught.
The Duncan Il Peck mill started In
this township in 1S43, and It's wheels
have been kept moving almost con
ytantIy ever since. Sixty.two years Ia
q long period 10 have furnished bread
10 the children Of men who have come
within Its circle. Few II any mills In
the county have contributed 10 much
10 It's civilization and comfort. This
min ia spoken Of by all tho old set
tiers as the Upper Mill" A raw mill
was in operation at this place before
tho grigt mill started, and IL Is gen
| orally conceded did the first work OF
that kind in the county. A quarter Of
q century ago IL was counted n fine
piece Of property. Of later years II
has not aspired 10 do 80 extensive O
business. II IN now owned by j. y,
Whitmore.
The people OF North Madison have q
good shipping point in tho village OF
Lacey on the Iowa Central railroad,
Just across tho township line Mrs.
Helen Bailey, n daughter Of Simeon
Johnson, who came % tho township In
1917, has written q number OF enter
tanning letters about the early settle
ment and pioneer customs Of those
early years. Mrs. Bailey still resides
In Madison township In sight OF the
home owned and occupied by her faith
er'g family. She has been an intclli-
gent observer, not only OF her own
nelghborhood, but Of the great west
from tho days when II was q wilder
ness, These personal observations
and r~ccollections are the very best
material 81 which history II made.
Monroe Township.
This township IL named for the au.
thor of the Monroe Doctrine and
Ii the seventh Of our townships which
are named for presidents Of the Unit.
ed States.
Among the first settlers Jacob
| Johns, James Bridges, Henry Wymorc,
william Kimberly, John Baker and
Thomas Ldnsley. Jacob Johns IA
said 10 have been the first man To
break the soiL lie located on Sec.
ton thirteen In the southeastern part
of tho ownsbip. and Don made for
| himself b good farm, which he en-.
gnvnA far many yoaYn All ~ tho III.