The county of Crawford is twenty-four miles north and south by thirty east and west. It contains twenty Congressional townships, or a superficial area of 720 square miles, and lies on the Western Slope, the second county east from the Missouri River, in the fifth tier from the northern and southern boundaries of the State. It is well watered by running streams, the largest of which is the Boyer River, which traverses the county diagonally from northeast to southwest, entering five miles west of the northeast corner, and passing out three miles east of the southeast corner. East Boyer River, its most important tributary, enters Crawford from Carroll County, flows in a southwesterly direction, and unites with the main stream at Denison, a little southeast of the center of the county. Other important tributaries , among which may be mentioned Beaver Creek. A branch called East Soldier also passes through the northwestern part of the county, with a by no means inconsiderable tributary called Spillman Creek. Willow River waters a considerable portion of one township in the southwestern part of the county. All of the above streams are small, with the exception of the Boyer River, but all afford an abundance of water for stock throughout every season of the year. In a number of places fine springs are found, and good well water is obtained at moderate depths. The water of the running streams is excellent for drinking and domestic uses, and is usually clear and cold.

The finest groves of timber are on the Boyer and East Boyer Rivers, a number of groves being scattered along some of the smaller streams, however. The largest body of timber in the county is Mason's Grove, beginning about 2,000 acres along the east side of the Boyer River. Dunham's Grove, on the East Boyer, six miles east of Denison, contains about 300 acres of timber, among which is a quantity of black walnut. In other parts of the county are groves of good timber, principally on or near the Boyer River. The timber lands of the county aggregate about sixteen sections, or 10,240 acres—about one acre of timber to each forty-five feet of prairie. the following varieties are included: Black oak, burr oak, black walnut, black and white hickory, linn, hackberry,

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soft maple, ash, elm, cottonwood, cherry, etc. The shrubberies are principally ash, sumac, hazel, pith-alder, etc., which generally grow in the valleys, or about the edges of the timber. Wild fruits grow in abundance; there are plums, grapes, raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries, cherries, crab apples, wild currants, and occasionally blackberries. In consequence of the scarcity of native timber, many of the farmers have planted groves of silverleaf maple, cottonwood, black walnut and box elder, all of which have grown with astonishing rapidity; so much so that the former boundless expanse of prairie has within a few years become dotted with beautiful groves, which ere long will re-arrange the nature of the country, as they have already diversified and improved the landscape, affording, moreover, as great additions to the principle of utility as they have already made in the direction of ornamentation.

The surface configuration of the county is rolling, the divides separating the streams being bulky masses of earth which sweep down into the valleys over beautiful declivities from the undulating plains above. Near the headwaters of the streams the surface is more rolling and broken than on the main divides, in a few places being too uneven and precipitous for successful cultivation. The soil is almost uniformly composed of the light colored, fine, silicious [siliceous] material of bluff deposit peculiar to the Missouri Slope, is of great fertility, and is in places largely mixed with sand. The Boyer Valley is probably unsurpassed in Iowa, is capable of a cultivation which is being rapidly brought about, and which when brought to the condition assured in the near future, will present one of the most attractive farming portions of the State. Compared with the size of the stream, the valley is wide, and has a deep, rich soil, well adapted to the production of the finest crops of corn, wheat, oats and other kinds of grain. Extending, as it does, some thirty miles through the county, it embraces a large area of land of unsurpassed fertility. It must not, however, be understood that the upland prairies are sterile, as the greater portion of them is but little inferior to the bottom lands. The best upland prairies are in the east, north and northwest portions. In the smaller valleys and ravines extensive accumulations of black soil or vegetable mould are often found, which probably came from the washing of the ravines from adjacent slopes, which bear evidence of having been thus denuded of their coating of dark humus. The enthusiastic lover of nature can scarcely picture a more pleasing landscape than that afforded by the valleys of the Boyer Rivers, viewed from the upland ridges at almost any point along their courses, overlooking miles of their park-like valleys, embellished with clumps of trees, well improved farms, orchards, rural homes, and tasty villages.

Stone suitable for building purposes is not abundant, the only quarry worked in the county being situated about four miles

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southwest of Denison on a branch of Buck Creek. It is a species of limestone that answers for ordinary purposes. There are indications of the same formation in Spring Grove, Burnt Woods, and at other points in the county. Clay and sand suitable for the manufacture of brick, are sufficiently plenty, and a number of handsome brick structures have been erected in Denison and other localities. No veins of coal have been found as yet in this county, and it is probable that, if the productive or lower formation of the coal measure underlies the area embraced in Crawford County, it is at so great a depth beneath the surface as to render its development for the present impracticable.

The soil and climate are well adapted to the production of wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, beans, peas, potatoes and other vegetables and grains indigenous to the Temperate Zone. The yield of spring wheat, which is the variety principally raised, has been from fifteen to forty-five bushels to the acre, with a probable average of about twenty-five bushels. Comparatively few farmers have engaged in the cultivation of tame grasses, but it has been fully demonstrated that timothy and blue grass will succeed well, while clover also does reasonably well, so far as it has been tried. There is a number of orchards in the county, which have been yielding for a number of years, and which give promise of assured success in the future, which is destined to become one of the important industries of this section. Cherries, vines and all small fruit do well, growing luxuriantly and producing excellent varieties of fruit.

The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad enters Crawford County a little north of the center of the eastern boundary line, and running southwest down the valley of the Boyer, a distance of over thirty-one miles, makes its exit near the southwest corner, affording good communication with the eastern and western markets.

In May, 1849, Cornelius Dunham, of Jackson county, Iowa, brought Fanklin Prentice and his wife to the county, and left them at the place known as Dunham's Grove, on East Boyer River, about six miles east of the present town of Denison. Mr. Prentice built a cabin for Dunham, who came with is family in the autumn of the same year, accompanied also by a man named Reuben Blake. This was the first settlement in Crawford County. The same year, Prentice took a claim at the mouth of Otter Creek, on Boyer River, near Mason's Grove. The next settlers were Jesse Mason and family, and George J. and Noah V. Johnson, all of whom came in June, 1850, and settled at Mason's Grove. In the autumn of this year, Levi Skinner and Calvin Horr settled at the same place. The next settler was Thomas Dobson, in the spring of 1851, who also settled at Mason's Grove. In the autumn of 1853, Edward Howorth with his sons, Edward and Daniel, located at a place called Three Bee Tree Grove, in the southwest part of the county, not far from the present thriving town of Dunlap. In

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1854, the settlement at Mason's Grove received the following additional members: Benjamin Dobson, A.r. Hunt, D.J. Fowler, Clark Winans, B.F. Wicks and E.W. Fowler.

During the same year Benjamin Dobson erected the first saw mill at this place, and the following persons located in other parts of the county: John Gilbreath, John R. Bassett, and Moses and Daniel Riddle, at Coon Grove, four miles south of the present town of Denison; Mathias Didra, at Buck Grove, in the southern part of the county; Charles Kennedy and Robert D. Butterworth, at Three Bee Tree Grove, and William H. Jordon, at Lost Grove, near the present town of Crawford, on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. John A. Dunham and Rufus Richardson came the same year. Those mentioned were all the early settlers in the county up to 1855, during the spring of which year the following came: Reuben and John Vore, S.C. Dow, S.J. Comfort, Cyrus B. Whitmore, John Poordy, Isaac B. Goodrich. S.B. Greek, S.S. Sisley, John Sisley, Edward Van Vleet, James Slater and H.C. Laub. The last named settled at Mason's Grove, and the others in various places in the county. In 1856, there were but few additions to the settlers, the following, with their families, it is believed, comprising all: George C. King, William J. Todd, John B. Huckstep, Edwin Cadwell, Tracy Chapman, Morris McHenry, Esan McKim, and Joseph Brodgen, all of whom located at Mason's Grove; and R.B. Alexander, S. Bell, B.B. Bishop and William Wilkie, who settled in the southern and southwestern parts of the county. Hon. J.W. Denison came to the county in the autumn of 1855, and during that year and the next, selected a quantity of land for the Providence Western Land Company, and in September, 1856, commenced the settlement of the town of Denison. He brought with him Francis Reynolds and John B. Swain, who erected a steam saw and grist mill in the new town.

The first births in the county were David and George Jesse Mason, twin sons of Jesse and Eliza Ann Mason born in 1852. The first marriage ceremonies took place at Mason's Grove, October 12th, 1853, at which time and place Rev. Thomas Dobson united in marriage George J. Johnson and Elizabeth Ann Mason, Noah Johnson and Jane Masin, Calvin Horr, and Elizabeth Mowery. The first death was that of John A. Dunham, in the winter of 1854-5. The first entry of Government land was made August 21st, 1854, by John Gilbreath. The first school house erected was at Mason's Grove, in the autumn of 1856, in which Morris McHenry taught the first school, a term of three and one half months, commencing November 4th, 1856. The first sermon was preached Sunday, October 19th, 1856, by Rev. William Black, of the M.E. Church, and the same day, after the sermon, the first religious society was organized, with seven members, as follows: George C. King, Mrs. E.R. King, O.S. Wright, Tabitha Wright, John B. Huckstep, Martha A. Huckstep, and Rufus Richardson

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The first Sunday School was organized at Mason's Grove, under the auspices of the M.E. Church, with twenty pupils, on the 7th day of January, 1857, George C. King, being the Superintendent. The first lawyer was S.J. Comfort, who was also the first acting Prosecuting Attorney. Dr. David McWilliams was the first physician.

Up to April, 1855, Crawford County was attached to Shelby civil purposes. At the April election of that year the following county officers were elected: E.W. Fowler, County Judge; Thomas Dobson, Clerk; A.R. Hunt, Treasurer and Recorder; D.J. Fowler, Sheriff; Isaac B. Goodrich, School Fund Commissioner; Cyrus Whitmore, Prosecuting Attorney; Samuel Kennedy, Surveyor; L.S. Kinner, Coroner; John R. Bassett, Drainage Commissioner. At this time there was but one election precinct in the county, all the votes being cast at Coon Grove, in what is now Denison Township. New county officers were chosen at the following August election, at which time John R. Bassett was elected County Judge. Judge Bassett transacted his first official business September 3rd, 1855, on which date he acted upon a petition for a county road, refusing to grant the petition for reasons set forth in the record as follows:

"I set the road petition aside on these grounds: In the first place, I cannot find out that there were notices as the law prescribes in three public places in the county. Secondly, the notices not agreeing with the petition. Thirdly, and the greatest objection, is that there was no one offered to enter bonds for the security of the payment of the Commissioner, providing the road was not finally located. For these objections I hereby set the road aside and pronounce not in accordance with law."

On the 3d of December of this year, the Judge, Clerk and Recorder met and reported their accounts of moneys received from August 1st to December 1st, the Judge having received $5.75; Clerk, $3.00; Recorder, $8.70; Total, $17.45. They made and equal division of the amount and appropriated it toward the payment of their salaries. William L. Henderson, having been appointed surveyor and agent to select the swamp lands, made his report December 5th, 1855, and was allowed $150 for his services.

The first estate administered upon was that of Cyrus B. Whitmore, John Vore being appointed administrator. The location of county roads constituted a large proportion of the business of the County Judge. Judge Bassett continued to serve in this capacity up to the organization of the Supervisor system.

The following persons constituted the first Board of Supervisors: Thomas Dobson, Milford Township; Henry C. Laub, Denison Township; Daniel Howorth, Union Township. Daniel Howorth was President, and S. J. Comfort, Clerk of the Board.

The Court House at Denison was completed in the autumn of 1858. It is built of brick, 30x40 feet, and two stories high. The

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various county offices are in the lower story, and the upper story is used as a court-room and for various public meetings. The cost of the building was about $6,000. It is located in the center of the public square, a beautiful rolling track of ground, which is enclosed by a neat fence and planted with finely growing trees. Good bridges have been erected on all the principal roads over the streams.

Abut five miles below Denison, in the Boyer Valley, there is a semi-circular group of ancient artificial mounds. There are about nine of them, situated on a plateau or table rising above the lower bottom. They are about five feet above the general level of the ground. Another similar group is located on the second bottom at the mouth of Paradise Creek. Human remains have been found in some of them, showing that they were burial places.

Crawford County's present population is fully 15,000. there are 458,333 acres of land in this county, the valuation of which, for 1879, was $2,747,198; for 1880, $3,752,648; value of lots, $220,-590; of personal property, $458,214; of railroad property, $326,-646. The property valuation for the present year is not as yet obtainable, but there are certain indications of a most highly gratifying increase. There are thirty and on-half miles of railroad in the county, and two hundred miles of telegraph wire.

the present county officers of Crawford County are: A.D. Moloney, Auditor; G.W. Heston, Clerk of Courts; L.M. Cornwell, Treasurer; M. Smith, Recorder; J.D. Jones, Sheriff; E.M. Ainsworth, Superintendent of Schools; M. McHenry, Surveyor; A. McMartin, Chairman Board of Supervisors.

Crawford County's population in 1880 was 12,413; the total vote of the county for Governor at the election of 1881, was 2,136.

DENISON

The county seat of Crawford County is situated a little south of the center of the county, at the junction of the Boyer and East Boyer Rivers. A portion of the town, rising upon the slopes adjacent to these streams, commands magnificent views of the valley of the Boyer, with its rapidly improving farms, the railroads, lines of telegraph, groves of timber, and other objects, adding variety and beauty to the scene. The railroad passes along the southern edge of the town, where it makes a bend directly southwest, leaving Denison well situated as a trading point for a large district of country unsurpassed in fertility. Its agricultural resources, when developed, cannot fail to make Denison a point of great importance. It is one hundred and fifteen miles from Des Moines, eighty from Fort Dodge, seventy-five from Council Bluffs, seventy-five from Sioux City, and forty-five from the Missouri River.

As stated in the general history of the county, the town was laid out in 1856, by J.W. Denison, from whom it derived its name, and at that time became the county seat. The town plat
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embraces about 700 acres, the general size of the lots being 50x150 feet, the principal streets being one hundred feet wide and the others eighty. Handsome and eligible blocks have been reserved for public parks and other public purposes. Quite a number of elegant residences and business blocks have been erected, which would reflect credit upon any city in Iowa.

Among the first settlers were Francis Reynolds and John B. Swain, who put up the first saw and grist mill in the place; R.W. Calkins, O.S. Gates, F.W. Vuescher, Jacob Whitinger, Morris McHenry, J.F. Seagrave, and Eli Baer. Mary Louise Seagrave, born November 13th, 1856, was the first birth in the town, while the first death was that of a child of Francis Reynolds.

There is no reason to doubt that the population of Denison at the present time is fully, if not more than, two thousand. The town was incorporated in 1875. Its first town officers, after incorporation, were: A.F. Bond, Mayor; A. Carpenter, Recorder; J.L. McClellan, Marshal; L. Corwell, Treasure; C.H. DeWolf, C.F. Cassaday, John Seemann, Ward Matthews, W.J. Wagoner, Councilmen. The following are the present officers: R. Heffelfinger, Mayor; D.L. Boynton, Recorder; L. Cornwell, Treasurer; William Braddy, Marshal; C. Green, W.J. Wagoner, L.F. Carr, J.B. Romans, P. Miller, G.W. Heston, Councilmen; George A. Smith, Assessor.

Denison has two banks, the McHenry Bank, of which William A. McHenry is proprietor, and the Crawford County Bank, R. Heffelfinger, proprietor—both of which do a prosperous business.

The Germania Opera House, owned by the Germania Society, is a roomy and well built structure with a foundation of heavy masonry, cost from seven to eight thousand dollars, and is in every way creditable to the community.

The brickyard belonging to Cornelius Green manufactures on an average a half-million bricks per annum.

There are seven flouring mills in Crawford County, one at Dow City, one two miles southwest of Denison, one at Denison, one at Vail, one at West Side and two at Deloit.

The Luney Bros. some time since inaugurated a series of enterprises, which reflect great credit, both upon themselves and the community. Their steam flouring mill was started in 1880, and has a capacity of about 1,000 bushels of wheat per week. This mill has three run of stone, and manufactures an excellent quality of flour. They have also in operation an extensive agricultural implement factory and foundry, from which they turn out plows, bells, shafting for mills, and, in fact, anything and everything in the line of first-class establishments of this kind.

Denison is in every respect, mechanically, professionally and in a business way, as well in the attractive as in the substantial elements of a progressive community, worthy to be the county seat of the rich and fertile county of Crawford.

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The business establishments of Denison may be classified as follows: Six general merchandise establishments, three groceries, two furniture and cabinet making establishments, one boot and shoe store, two harness shops, one hardware store, two blacksmith shops, one wagon factory, one wagon and blacksmith shop, two hardware and agricultural implement stores, one agricultural implement depot, two restaurants, five hotels, four insurance agencies, one flouring mill, one brick-yard, one manufactory of agricultural implements, one foundry and machine shop, three millinery stores, one music store, two banks, four real estate agencies, three drug stores, two printing offices, one book store, one clothing store, two meat markets, one bakery, four stock and grain dealers, three lumber dealers, one creamery, two grain elevators, etc.

The Crawford County Bulletin was started in November, 1873, by Stephens &l Daniells. A.B. Keith purchased Daniells' interest in April, 1874, and in June, 1876, became sole proprietor. The Bulletin is a nine-column folio, and has a circulation of 1,200 copies. It is the Democratic organ of Crawford County, and is ably conducted.

The first newspaper published in Crawford County was established October 1st, 1860, by J.W. Denison, and was named the Boyer Valley Record. It was a twenty-eight column sheet, Republican in politics, and continued about a year and a half. The next paper was the Denison Review, the first number of which appeared May 3d, 1867, under the management of Money & Stephens. In the autumn of 1868, Money disposed of his interest to R.W. McNeal. In 1874, the paper came into the possession of Hon. J. Fred. Meyers, who conducted it until the latter part of February of the present year. Under Mr. Myers' able management the paper achieved an extensive reputation. His successors, the Messrs. Wrigley Bros., are gentlemen of capacity, and have already evinced an ability to fully maintain the Review's excellent reputation. Mr. Meyers has been Postmaster of Denison for a number of years, was formerly a resident of Washington, D.C., has an extensive acquaintance, and has occupied many positions of honor and trust. The Review is Republican in politics, and issues both English and German editions. It is a model of typographical neatness.

CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES

First Baptist Church—Organized in 1858, by Rev. J.W. Denison. the successive pastors were: Revs. George Scott, R. Dunlap, A.M. Duboc, J.B. Hawk, A. Robinson, the latter gentleman having present pastoral charge. The present membership is 120. The church building was erected in 1865, has a seating capacity of about 200, and cost, with grounds, $7,000. It is located on the corner of Sweet and Chestnut streets. The present church officers are: J.D. Seagrave, S.W. Plimpton,

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Deacons; E.S. Plimpton, Clerk; Mrs. S.W. Plimpton, Treasurer; W.A. McHenry, J.R. Bassett, E.S. Plimpton, Trustees. The Sabbath School has an average attendance of about one hundred pupils. Its officers are E.S. Plimpton, J.D. Seagrave,Associate Superintendents; M.E. Jones, Treasurer; Nellie Strong, Secretary.

Methodist Episcopal Church—The present pastor is Rev. D. Austin. This society has over one hundred members. Its present officers are L.M. Shaw, C. Green, R. Heffelfinger, J.b. Romans, Trustees; H.c. Laub, Recording Steward; L.W. Shaw, Treasurer. the Sabbath School numbers about one hundred pupils; L.M. Shaw is the Superintendent. The church building was erected about the year 1865, at a cost of $1,800; its seating capacity is 350. Rev. William Black, the first pastor, was succeeded by the following; Revs. Mr. Glassner, Edwin Satterlee, M.D. Collins, W.E. Smith, Mr. Glanville, B. Shinn, Mr. Waynick, Mr. Fegtly, E. Sage, Asa Steeth, J.B. Wilson, Mr. Beck, and the present pastor.

Trinity Episcopal Parish—Organized in 1875, by Rev. William Wright. Rev. C.S. Fackenthall is the present pastor. The membership is about thirty-five. The church building was erected in 1875, is 28x40 feet in dimensions, the total cost being not less than #3,000. Roger Hayne was the first Senior Warden, and Henry Gower, the first Junior Warden. At present J.G. Wyant is Senior Warden, William Rain, Junior Warden. The Society is free from debt. In July, 1877, the church building was blown from its foundations by a tornado, two other church buildings also being moved from their foundations on the same night, one of them, the Catholic church building, being occupied by the congregation, who were holding services at the time. Trinity Church is located in east Denision, on the south side of Broadway. The Sabbath School has about fifty members. J.P. Fitch is the Superintendent; Miss Gracie Myers, Secretary; Miss Blanche Stone, Treasurer.

The Catholic Church Society—This Parish was organized by missionaries more than twenty years ago. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Kelley, of Omaha. The church building was erected in 1872. It is a frame structure and cost $1,700. The congregation having made arrangements for the building of a fine brick structure during the coming season, the money for which has been already secured. The estimated cost is $4,000. Rev. M.C. Lenahan, of Vail, is the present pastor. Services are, for the present, held every alternate Sunday.

The German Lutheran Society—Rev. G. Haar is the present pastor of this prosperous church organization. As stated elsewhere, the church edifice is a brick building formerly used as a school house. It is very neatly and comfortably furnished. The organization of the society dates back from eight to ten years.

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The Presbyterian Society—The present pastor of this society is the Rev. J.J. Franklin. The church edifice was erected in 1872, at a cost of $1,775. Although the membership is not so large as that of the Baptist or M.E. organizations, yet the society is in a substantial and encouraging condition.

The Public Schools—Prior to the organization of the Denison independent school district, Tracy Chapman, Michael Riddle and A.D. Moloney, composed the Board of School Directors of a section of country embracing the entire county, with the exception of Union and Milford Townships. The first teacher of whom the writer has information was H.C. Laub, who was followed by I.T. Martin, John Funk, and Miss Jennie Haskell. The first school house was a frame building, about 14x20 feet in dimensions, situated on the hill in East Denison. This building has long since ceased to be used for school purposes, and has been moved so many times as to make further trace of its whereabouts indefinite. A brick school house was next built, which is now used as a church building by the German Lutheran Society. The independent school district was organized about ten years since. The first Board of Education was composed of the following gentlemen: Dr. William Iseminger, Morris McHenry, E.S. Plimpton, W.J. Wagoner, and two others., whose names the writer was unable to learn. A.M. McNeal, an attorney now living in St. Louis, was ther first teacher after the independent organization. He was followed by Rev. Mr. Gunnison, a Baptist minister, who was succeeded by a Methodist clergyman, whose name the writer was unable to learn. Z.T. Hawk was the first regular Principal of the Denison schools. He had three assistants. Under his management, the Denison schools first took definite form, were graded, and began the systematic and thorough development of which the citizens of the town are justly proud. There are now two school buildings. The first, a large brick structure of four departments and two stories in height, was erected in 1872, at a cost of $16,000, which figure, however, it is proper to add, is conceded to be altogether disproportionately large in comparison with the real value of the building. It is located in the western part of town, southwest of the Court House, and is known as the West Side building. The second school building was erected in 1877. It is a two-story frame, having two large rooms, is about 28x48 feet in dimensions, and cost in the neighborhood of $2,500. It is located near the center of town, and is known as the East School building. The total enrollment of the district, at the last enumeration, was 369 pupils; the average attendance is about 300. It is more than probable that another school building will be added during the present year. The present corps of teachers is as follows: Prof. M. Booth, Principal; Miss Nettie M. Dick, Grammar School, West; Miss Lillie Barr, First Primary, West; Miss Hattie McAhren, Second Primary, West; Miss Kittie Barr, First Primary, East; Mrs. Mary

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Wade, Second Primary, East. The present Board of Education is as follows: C. Green, President; W.J. Wagoner, E.S. Plimpton, William Iseminger, Albert Palmer, John Seemann; C.F. Bond,Secretary; R. Heffelfinger, Treasurer.

Devotion Lodge No. 282, A.F. & A.M.—Instituted in 1869. Rev. Shinn was the first W.M.; C.H. DeWolf, the first S.W.; H.C. Laub, the first secretary, and L. Cornwell, the first Treasurer. There were nine charter members. The present membership is fifty-five. Meetings are held Wednesday evenings of each month, on or before the full moon. For the present the Lodge meets in Masonic Hall, over H.C. Laub's place of business. A fine Lodge room is being fitted up in the McHenry block. This Lodge is in a condition of very gratifying prosperity. The following are the present officers: C.H. DeWolf, W.M.; G.W. Stephens, S.W.; M. Goldheim, J.W.; G.W. Heston, Secretary; W.J. Wagoner, Treasurer.

Denison Lodge No. 94, I.O.G.T.—Instituted in 1876. Meetings are held every Tuesday evening in Court House Hall. The membership is twenty-five. The present officers are: D.O. Johnson, W.C.T.; Mrs. H.J. Matthews, W.V.T.; Miss Hattie Harris, R.S.; Miss Hatie McAhren, L.S.; Mrs. E. S. Plimpton, Treasurer; Rev. A. Robinson, Chaplain.

Crawford Lodge, Iowa Legion of Honor—Instituted in 1880. First officers: H.N. Wheeler, President; A.D. Wilson, Vice-President; N.J. Wheeler, F.S.; N.F. Smith, R.S.; N. Richard,Treasurer. Present Officers: A.B Keith, President; James Wygant, Vice-President; N.J. Wheeler, F.S.; M.E. Jones, R.S.; A.D. Wilson, Treasurer. The membership is fifty-two. Meetings are held on the fist and third Thursday evenings of each month in Masonic Hall.

Root Post No. 58, G.A.R.—This Post was mustered in the autumn of 1881, with eighteen charter members, as follows: E.D. Partridge, Geo. W. Heston, W.A. Porter, A.J. Bond, R.L. Wilkinson, A.I. Phelps, S.W. Plimpton, Jr., R.W. Lownes, A. Simmons, Edward Miles, M. Smith, J.S. Gilbreath, W.H. Snow, B.W. Garlough, G.L. Wright, C.A. Lawton, H.S. Gulick, J.G. Vassar. The membership is thirty, and meetings are held on the second Friday evening of each month in Court House Hall. the following are the officers: Geo. W. Heston, Commander; G.L. Wright, S.V.C.; Jud. bond, J.V.C.; I.T. Phelps, A.; S.W. Plimpton, C.; H.S. Gulick Q.M.; E.D. Partridge, S.; R.W. Lownes, O. of D.; Benj. Garlough, S.M.

Denison Lodge No. 151, A.O.U.W.—Present officers: I.T. Roberts, M.W.; John Bayles, Foreman; S.W. Plimpton, O.; A.T. Weld, Recorder; D.H. Gill, Receiver; A. Anderson, Financier; D.O. Johnson, P. The Lodge has a membership of forty-four, and meets the first and third Friday evenings of each month in Masonic Hall.

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Eureka Collegium No. 77 V.A.S. Fraternity—Instituted in the autumn of 1881, with thirty-six charter members. First officers: William Familton, Rector; J.S. Nicholson, V.R.; G.A. Smith, S.; G.W. Heston, Q.; G.L. Wright, U.: L.J. Nicholson, R.; Albert Palmer, V.R. The remaining officers the same as before. Meetings are for the present held at J.S. Nicholson's office, on the first Monday evening of each month.

W.CT.U.&3151;The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Denison is in excellent working condition, and has done effective work for the cause of Temperance. Mrs. H.C. Laub, is the President.

Denison Lecture Bureau—This is an association whose object is to furnish the citizens of Denison Intellectual entertainment by utilizing "home talent." Weekly lectures are given, which are largely attended, and which have been productive of highly beneficial results.

The Public Library—Denison has a public library of quite respectable proportions. The library is temporarily located in the rear of A.Steel's furniture store. Mr. Steel is the Librarian.

Denison Cornet Band—The Denison Cornet Band is composed of twelve members, and is quite a creditable organization. W.J. Wheeler, President; M.E. Jones, Secretary; F. Wahl, Treasurer; William Adams, Leader.

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