Ida County is in the fourth tier of counties from the northern boundary of the state, and is the second east of the Missouri River. It contains 432 square miles or 276,480 acres. The Maple River runs through the county from northeast to southwest. Its principal branches are the Odebolt and Elk, flowing in from the east, and Battle Creek from the west. Soldier River flows westward through the southern tier of townships. There are many smaller streams draining the county in all parts. The valleys of the streams are unsurpassed in fertility of its farming lands. Maple River, in this county, furnishes several mill sites. The general character of the surface is undulating or rolling prairie, though no portion is too broken for cultivation. The soil in the valleys is a dark mould, in many places from three to six feet deep. The uplands contain more clay, and are well adapted to the raising of wheat and all the cereal crops. This, like other counties in this part of the state, has but a limited supply of timber. We have it on authority of the county surveyor that this county has only about 1,000 acres of natural timber, abut ne-half of this being in Ida Grove, which is situated on Maple River in about the enter of the county. It is mostly oak, walnut, linn, elm and hickory. the white or soft maple skirts the borders of the streams in many places.

Among the wild fruits, the plum, grape, gooseberry and strawberry are found. Stock-raising and dairying succeed well in this county, as it is unsurpassed for pasturage or hay. The wild grass known as the blue-joint predominates in the valleys, and in many places the yield of hay is as high as four tons per acre. Fine well water is found in almost any locality by digging to a moderate depth, rarely exceeding twenty-five feet. No regularly stratified rock formations appear at the surface. The only rocks obtained in the county are the boulders. An abundance of material suitable for the manufacture of brick is found in all parts of the county. The bluff deposit, which overspreds the entire county, has been successfully used for making brick of a good quality. The principal productions are wheat, oats, corn, rye and potatoes. All kinds of vegetables and root crops common to the latitude succeed well. The various kinds of small fruits are easily raised, as well as some varieties of cherries and apples.

The first authentic account of the early settlement of Ida county was that, in 1854, of Robert Townsley and Edward Smith, who

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built a cabin and raised a small crop of sod corn. During the same summer Samuel King settled about a mile further down the valley, and broke up a small farm. These, however, proved to be but transient settlers.

The first permanent settlement of whites in Ida County was made in Ida Grove, on Maple River, in 1856. The settlers were E. Comstock, from Michigan, and Judge John H. Morehead, whose family still resides at Ida Grove.

The county was organized in 1858. The first election was held at Ida Grove in August of that year, when the following officers were elected: John H. Morehead, County Judge; J.S. Loveland, Treasurer and Recorder, and B. Warren, Clerk of the District Court. At this time the population of the county was only about forty persons. Since that the population has increased very rapidly and in 1880 was 4,382. The county has settled very fast within the past two years and 5,500 may now be considered a low estimate of population. The present county officers are: Isaac Bunn, Clerk of the Courts; Wm. Jones, Auditor; F.W. Tibbetts, Treasurer; T.S. Snell, County Surveyor; E.L. Worcester, Recorder; F.A. Eastman, Sheriff; Dr. A.t. Baker, Coroner; Mrs. A.H. Smith, Superintendent of Schools; J.G. Freeman, Chairman; John Bunn, James Taylor, Board of Supervisors.

The first child born in Ida County was Ida Grove Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Smith. The first death was a child of the same family. The remains were taken to Smithland, in Woodbury county, for interment. The first railroad, a branch of the Chicago & Northwestern, crossed into Ida County August 21st, 1877, and is now extended as far west as Mapleton, In Monona County, Ida County has fair prospects for another road through to Ida Grove soon—the same one passes through Sac City and Sac County.

IDA GROVE

The county seat of Ida county was, previous to arrival of the railroad, in the fall of 1877, situated on the north side of the railroad track and Odebolt River. After the appearance of the railroad at this place, a new town sprang up on the south side of the river, which was christened Ida Grove. This town is now the county seat, and is located on the northeast quarter of section 15, township 87, range 40. The village commands a fine views of the beautiful valley of Maple River. It is about twenty-eight miles from Denison, Crawford county.

Upon one of the high ridges near the village there was formerly an extensive Indian encampment, where the remains of buffalo, elk, deer, and other game are still scattered over the surface, or half embedded in the soil. The course of a deeply worn Indian trail is said to have been a great highway for the natives, who only a few years ago occupied this portion of the State.

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The first postoffice established in the county was located at Ida, and for years this was the only one.

The old town of Ida was laid out in 1871 by S.W. Hobbs. The new town was laid out by the Blair Town and Lot company in 1877, and is situated on the left bank of the Maple River, about five miles from the geographical center of the county. Isaac Bunn built the first house in Ida Grove. Selling that almost immediately, he erected the second, and still later the third house in the town. the first brick building was erected by Chaffee & Williams, in 1880, and is the one in which the Pioneer office is now located. Since then a number of massive brick structures have been erected, and the town is fast building up with large and substantial brick buildings.

The first child born in the town, was Sarah, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Macomber.

The first store was opened by Engstrom & Smith as a hardware store.

The town was incorporated April 26th, 1878. H.A. Miller was elected the first Mayor, and J.W. Reed, Recorder. The first Trustees were: T.S. Snell, W.P. Evans, J.O. Engstrom, Calvin Bailey, and L. Tinkle. The present town officers are: Frank Burns, Mayor; Frank W. Shearer, Recorder; A.L. Houser, J.E. Jurgenson, J.H. Stough, Trustees, and R. Johnston, Assessor.

The Ida County Pioneer was the first paper published in Ida Grove. During the winter of 1872, Robert Wilkinson, Frank Burns, C.P. Lund, C.C. Brown, Geo. E. Johnson, H.H. Lund, M.G. Aldrich, R.H. Campbell, W.J. Wagoner, W.P. Evans, W. Wilkinson, James F. Wilkinson, C. Hathaway, Isaac Bunn and E.B. West, formed themselves into a stock company for the purpose of purchasing material and publishing a newspaper at Ida. The necessary money was raised, and W.P. Evans, took charge of the publishing. The first number, then as now, was called the Ida County Pioneer, and the first issue was on Thursday, March 3d, 1872, from the upper story of the Court House. The paper was a six-column folio, Republican in politics and began with a circulation of 150. It was printed in long primer type, upon an old poster press, known among older Iowa journalists as "Old Muley," the press upon which J.N. Dixon, the "blind editor," published his first paper, the Indianola Journal. It had also done service in the early days of Des Moines journalism on the Iowa Statesman and State Register. Immediately after the first sheet of the Pioneer was printed, it was taken by E.B. West, the County Auditor, down stairs and presented to the Board of Supervisors, who were then in session, and was made by them the official paper of the county. Within two or three months after the first issue of the paper, W.P. Evans purchased the shares of all the stockholders and became sole proprietor. On the 27th day of August, 1874, Evans sold the Pioneer to C.B. Chaffee and George T. Williams,

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who enlarged the paper to a seven-column folio. In the spring of 1876 Chaffee & Williams sold and "Amateur" press and purchased a large stock job type and a new quarto-medium "Star" jobber, and in 1877 purchased a new Washington press. April 4th, 1878, the Pioneer was enlarged to an eight-column folio. In the spring of 1881, Chaffee & Williams sold the Pioneer to Theron Akin, who suppressed the paper. About the 1st of April, 1881, W.P. Evans re-established the Pioneer, purchasing a large office with four presses. the present proprietor continued the publication until December, 1881, when he leased it to Suiter & Simpson, two practical printers, who are the present editors. It is one of the official papers of the county, is a seven-column quarto and has a circulation of 1,200.

The Maple Valley Era is a Republican paper, and was started by L. Stanfield and C.N. Clark, august 22d, 1877. This paper was started as a five-column quarto, but October 18th, 1877, it was enlarged to an eight-column folio. March 22d, 1879, L. Stanfield sold his interest to the junior partner, C.N. Clark, who changed the day of publication from Wednesday to Friday. Mr. Clark then added to the office a quarto-medium Gordon jobber, and a new invoice of type. In March, 1880, the paper was again enlarged, this time to a nine-column quarto. L.T. Chapin purchased a one-half interest in the Era January 1st, 1881, and it is now run under the firm name of Clark & Chapin. It is a Republican paper, and one of the official papers of the county. It has a circulation of 1,000 copies.

J.H. Moorehead was the first postmaster in Ida Grove, he having received his appointment in 1860. He was succeeded by W.P. Evans, who was appointed late in the year of 1872. C.N. Clark is the present incumbent. It is a money-order office.

The first Court House of Ida County was built in the town of Ida in 1871, and was nearly completed before another building was begun on the town site. January 12th, 1877, the Court House was burned, together with most of the county records, and for three years afterwards the county offices were kept in small buildings rented by the county. During the latter part of the year of 1879, the present Court House was built on a contract by which the county had the privilege of renting or buying at certain figures. The Clerk removed to the new building in December, 1879, and the other office followed in January. The upper story is used for court purposes, and the lower part for various county offices. The cunty purchased the building in 1880. The population of the town may now be estimated to be from 1,200 to 1,500, and it is fast increasing.

The business of Ida Grove may be classified as follows: Six general stores; three grocery stores, one clothing store, one boot and shoe store, two restaurants, three drug stores, two banks, two furniture

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stores, three hardware stores, four millinery stores, three meat markets, two jewelry stores, three elevators, one grist mill, four saloons, three hotels, three lumber yards, four agricultural implement depots, five livery stables, four harness shops, two barber shops, four blacksmith shops and four wagon shops, one plow factory.

The Ida Creamery was established in the spring of 1882, and is operated by Mauer Bros. they have a commodious brick building 20x32 feet, with a wing 14x30, which is frame. This creamery has a capacity of 1,000 pounds per day. It is situated one-half mile from the town and is operated on the cream-gathering plan. Its internal arrangements are of the most modern plan.

CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES

M.E. Church Society—The Ida Circuit was originally part of the Smithland Circuit, but was detached from this circuit in 1869, and formed into the Maple River Circuit. In 1875, it was again divided and called Ida Circuit. The first pastor who traveled this section when within the bounds of the Smithland Circuit was Rev. L. Taylor, who included in this work what is known as the Sioux City District. Taylor was succeeded by Rev. Seymore Snyder, and he by Rev. Adams, who in turn, was succeeded by Rev. Barker, who was the last preacher on the circuit before it was divided. Maple Circuit included a point on Soldier Creek, Mapleton, Battle Creek and Ida Grove. Rev. L.H. Woodworth was placed in charge, and was succeeded by J.P. Hauxhurst, who was appointed to Ida Circuit in 1871. In Septemeber, 1872, Ida Circuit was set off from the Maple Circuit, and Rev. Harrison Bailey was appointed pastor, and was reappointed in 1873. He was followed by Rev. L.H. Woodworth. In 1875, Mr. Bailey was again appointed to this charge, and was succeeded by Rev. W.B. Hastings. At the session of the annual conference, in September, 1876, Ida was attached to Fort Dodge district, with Rev. Edwin Hobbs as pastor. Ida was made a separate charge in September, 1878. Rev. C.B. Winter afterwards took charge and was followed by Rev. Henry Brown, who is the present pastor. The church building, located on Moorehead Avenue, in Old Town, is the pioneer of the houses of worship. It is 32x45 feet, and contains 250 sittings. It was erected at a cost of $1,900. It was dedicated in NOvember, 1878. The parsonage was erected in the fall of 1881. It is 16x26 feet, and cost $700. The church membership is about eighty. With the church is connected a Sabbath School, with an average attendance of fifty pupils. H.B. Pierce is Superintendent.

Baptist Church Society—Organized August 16th, 1879, by D.D. Proper. rev. J.W. Daniels was the first pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. C.E. McManis, who took charge in July, 1881,

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and who is the present pastor. The officers of the church are: W.H. Bliss and R.H. Dawson, Deacons; Albert Needham, Clerk; F.R. Moorehead, Treasurer. The Society now numbers about forty members, and has a Sabbath School with an average attendance of fifty pupils, with D.H. Sanford as Superintendent. The church was built in 1880. It is a large frame building, 30x50 feet, with a side vestibule 10x16 feet. The whole is surmounted by a belfry. the basement is fitted up to contain a robing room and a baptistry. The building was erected under the supervision of Rev. J.W. Daniels. The seating capacity is about 350, including gallery. It is of the Gothic style, furnished with handsome stained glass windows, and is quite an ornament to the town.

Presbyterian Church Society.—This society was organized in 1873, by George R. Carroll. Rev. A.E. Smith was the first pastor and took charge in 1878. The present officers of the church are: John A. Lytle, Alex. Hartly and F. Sampson, Elders. The society now numbers sixty-four members. There is a Sabbath School with an average attendance of ninety pupils. H.W. Rule is the Superintendent. The church was erected in 1880. It is a neat frame building 30x50 feet, with a tower 8x8 feet, and 60 feet high, and a recess back of the pulpit 5x9 feet. It contains 150 sittings, and cost about $3,000.

Catholic Church Society—Was organized about 1879, and has a membership of about sixty families. Rev. Father Norton is the pastor. The church was erected in 1879. It is a frame building 30x40 feet, and has about 250 sittings, and cost $2,400.

Ida Grove Public School—This is an independent school district. The school building is a fine structure, erected in 1881. It contains six rooms and a basement, and is heated by two furnaces. It was erected at a cost of 11,000. There are three teachers employed, and an average attendance of 100 pupils. Prof. O.E. Smith is the principal, Miss Bertha Barker and Retta Dawson assistants. The present school board are: I. Kennedy, President; D.A. Grosvenor, E.L. Worcester, L. Tinkle, S.B. Higgins and Isaac Bunn, Trustees; F.W. Shearer, Secretary.

Kane Lodge No. 377, A.F. & A.M.This Lodge was instituted July 8th, 1876, and the charter was granted June 8th, 1877. The charter members were: Matt. M. Gray, W.M.; O. Waterman, S.W.; Chas. Beers, J.W.; W. Vankirk, S.D.; E.S. Bigelow, J.D.; T.S. Snell, Secretary; Calvin Bailey, Treasurer; A.A. Stowell, Tiler. These were also the first officers. The officers now are: S.B. Carr, W.M.; W. Vankirk, S.W.; G.F. Barnes, J.W.; H.A. Worcerster, Secretary; Noah Williams, Treasurer; W.J. Scott, J.D.; and E. Whitcomb, Tiler. The Lodge now has a membership of thirty-seven, and meets once in each month. The Lodge contemplates building a hall this year.

Ida Grove Lodge No. 74, V.A.S.—Instituted August 23d, 1881, by Mr. Maltbie. The first officers are: S.B. Higgins,

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Rector; D.N. Goodell, Scribe; J.C. Higgins, Questor; P.H. Hillman, Usher, and Mr. Machahan, Speculator. The Lodge numbers nineteen members and meets the first Wednesday in each month. The present officers are: P.H. Hillman, Rector; J.B. Williams, Scribe; Isaac Bunn, Questor; Harry Shamo, Usher, and Frank Wright, Speculator.

Ida County Agricultural Society—Organized March, 1875. The society has thirty-five acres of grounds, situated three-fourths of a mile from town, and the best half-mile track in Ida County. The grounds are all enclosed with a close board fence, and have a nice floral hall, sheds, etc. This society holds its fairs annually.

BATTLE CREEK

Battle Creek, which is situated on the Maple Valley Branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, about forty-five miles from the junction, is located in the centre [center] of the beautiful Maple Valley, and was laid out by the Blair Town and Lot Company, in 1877, on lands purchased by the company from W.J. Wagoner, of Denison. Located as it is, it presents a fair appearance from all points on each side of the valley. The soil is fertile and productive, and the town is located in a rich farming country. The depot was built in 1877.

Frank E. Beckwith moved the first house into the town in 1879, which building was used as a boarding-house. Charles Havens built the first house constructed in the town and used it as a saloon. The first store was opened by John Nott in the spring of 1880. William Warner soon after opened a store. Sam. Warnock was the first to engage in the lumber business. John Nott was appointed the first postmaster and has held the position ever since. John Holcomb was among the earliest settlers and was the first to engage in the hotel business.

The town was incorporated in December, 1880, and A. Bassett was elected the first Mayor; W. Jones, Recorder, and J.M. Boles, John Nott, William Warner, W.H. James, Sam. Warnock, and Peter Amerman, Councilmen. The population of the town is now estimated to be between 400 and 500 people. The present town officers are: A. Bassett, Mayor; J.C. Walter, Recorder; A.V. McKown, Sam. Warnock, W.E. Churchill, John Nott, B.c. Bowman and Hugh Smith, Councilmen.

The business of Battle Creek may be classified thus: Three general stores, two drug stores, one harness shop, two meat markets, three hotels, one bank, one furniture store, two saloons, three lumber yards, three agricultural implement depots, two millinery stores, one elevator, one barber shop, two blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, one delivery stable, one restaurant.

Battle Creek is situated in the heart of an excellent farming country, and is undoubtedly destined, if one may judge the future

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by the past, to become one of the most important business points in Western Iowa. Its growth has been rapid and vigorous, and still continues, and all fair-minded people who have given the subject consideration, will coincide with us in the view give.

The Battle Creek Times, a neat seven-column folio weekly paper, was started by Hugh Brannan, April 23d, 1880. Mr. B. ran the paper but three months, when the material was bought by S. Warnock and W.E. Roberts, who hired John Jones to run it. It was afterwards leased to J.L. Kroesen, now of the Wall Lake Journal. S.W. Young purchased the paper in the fall of 1881, and is now editor and proprietor. It is Republican in politics, and has a circulation of 550 copies.

CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES

M.E. church Society—The M.E. church Society of Battle Creek was organized Marcy, 1881. The first pastor was Rev. O.L. Neville, who was succeeded by the present pastor. Rev. F.M. Luce. The first officers were: H. Haworth, M.L. Branch, F.M. Lewis, and A.B. McKown, and are still serving s=as officers of the church. The society now numbers about twenty. It has a Sabbath School in connection, with an average attendance of forty pupil. M.L. Branch is the Superintendent. The church building was erected in 1881-2, and was dedicated February 26th, 1882. It is a neat frame structure, 26x40 feet, and cost $2,000.

Presbyterian Church Society—Organized June 13th, 1879. The first officers were: E.P. Smith, G.W. McWilliams, R. Warnock, James Preston, and John S. Piffer. Rev. A.E. Smith was the first pastor. The present officers are the same as the first. The present pastor is J. C. Gilkerson. The church building was completed in 1880. It is 26x40 feet, and cost $2,000.

Battle Creek Public School—Wilson Jones taught the first school in the town. The district is still a sub-district of Maple Township. The present school building was moved from outside the limits into the town, and formerly used as a town hall. It was converted into a school building a few years ago. The present school board of Maple Township consists of ten directors, one from each sub-district. S. Beard is President, Wilson Jones is the Secretary, and A. Stowell Treasurer. The Battle Creek School numbers eighty-five pupils. Wilson Jones is principal, and Mrs. E. Warner, assistant.

Samaritan Lodge, A.F. & A.M.—Dispensation was granted March 21st, 1881. The first and present officers are: G.W. Hoskins, W.M.; J.P. Creager, S.W.; W.E. Churchill, J.W. The charter members were: P.K. Taylor, A.V. McKown, H. Lampman, Wm. Warner, H.S. Squyer, J.C. Stoughton, A.R. Graiser,

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A.C. Hoyt, J.L. Richardson, Smith Waite. The society meets once each month, and has a membership of about twenty.

Battle Creek Lodge No. 202, A.O.U.W.—This Lodge was instituted August 15th, 1879. The charter members and first officers were: A.A. Stowell, Foreman; R.K. Cameron, P.M.W.; I.N. Goin, I.W. C.W. Oxwood, O.; H.N. Davis, Rec.; W. Jones, Financier; A.L. Brockway, Rec.; P.K. Taylor, G.; A.A. Nauman, I.W.; B. Graiser, O.W. The present officers are: J.Nott, M.W.; W. Jones, P.M.W. and Rec.; R.A. McWilliams, Foreman; A. Lampman, O.; C.F. Sufeld, Rec.; J.I. Rogers, G.; J.F. Snyder, I.W.; A. Nauman, O.W. The society now numbers about fifteen members, and holds its meetings every Saturday night.

IDA GROVE

A.T. Baker, M.D., was born in Jackson county, Ia., in 1847. He began the study of medicine at an early age, graduated from the Iowa State University in the class of '76. the same year he located at Webster City, where he soon built up a large and lucrative practice. He moved to Ida Grove in 1879, and is ne of the leading physicians of the county.

Ed. H. Barnes, stock dealer, was born in St. Albans, N.Y.; moved to Manchester, Ia., in 1855; was there engaged in business for twelve years. He went to Waterloo, where he engaged in the hotel business; then went to Yankton, Dak. He built the telegraph line from there to Fort Sully. In 1871 he came to Ida county, Ia., and was elected sheriff in 1872.

L.G. Blair, photographer, was born in Ill.; moved to Wis. when quite young, and in 1876 moved to Denison, Ia. He came to Ida grove in 1879, and established business. He has a branch establishment at Odebolt; is prepared to do first-class work at low prices.

O.J. Blodgett, attorney at law, Is a native of N.Y.; moved to Warren county, Iowa, in 1868; was admitted to the bar in 1880, and located in Ida Grove in 1881; is now one of the leading attorneys of Ida county.

Isaac Bunn, clerk of the courts, is a native of England; came to America in 1851 and located at Cleveland, O.; removed to Dubuque, Ia., in 1856; thence to Ida Grove in 1871, where he engaged in wagon-making and blacksmithing. He was elected to his present office in 1874, and has been re-elected each term since.

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L.T. Burd, attorney at law, was born in Pa.; moved to Ill. when quite young. He read law in the office of the Hon. J.W. Mcdill; came to Ida Grove in Jan., 1882, and opened an office.

Buxton & Clark, reals estate, loan and insurance agents. The firm is composed of Will. B. Buxton and C.J. Clark; they were formerly engaged in mercantile business at this place; sold out and engaged as above in 1881. They also have a complete set of abstracts.

Clark & Hubbard, real estate, loan and insurance agents. Mr. Clark is a native of Wis.; moved to Butler county, Ia., in 1868, and engaged in farming. He engaged in the real estate and insurance business in 187 6 and two years later moved to Ida Grove, where he engaged in business as above. George C. Hubbard became a member of the firm in Jan., 1882.

Matt. M. Gray, attorney at law, was born in Hancock county, Ill., in 1850; moved to Mo. and engagedin the practice of the law. In 1872 he came to Ida Grove; opened the first law office in the town, and in 1873 was elected county auditor, which office he held until 1876; then was obliged to resign on account of his large and increasing law business. He has been associated in business with Hon. R.T. Shearer.

G.H. Gingrick, of the firm of G.H. Gingrick & co., dealers in general hardware, is a native of Ohio; came to Iowa in 1878. He moved to Ida Grove and engaged in present business with A.M. Gingrick, who is also a native of O.; came to Iowa county, Ia., in 1856 and to Ida Grove in 1880. They carry a large and well selected stock of hardware.

E.c. Heilman, of the firm of Heilman & Moorehead, physicians and surgeons, was born in Scott county, Ia. He graduated from the Ohio Medical College in the class of '77. G.C. Moorehead is a graduate of the Iowa State University, class of '79.

L.D. Ingman, of the firm of Dean & Ingman, dealers in dry goods, clothing and carpets, was born in Ohio; came to Cedar county, Ia., in 1859. He enlisted in 1861 in the 5th Ia. Inft., was discharged in 1864, and returned to Cedar county, where he engaged in the mercantile business. He came to Ida Grove in 1880, and engaged in business as above.

William Jones, county auditor,is a native of Wis.; came to Ida county, Ia., in 1876, and engaged in teaching until elected to his present office in the autumn of 1881.

Arthur L. Moore, of the firm of G.A. Edmunds & Co., dealers in general merchandise, is a native of Va.; came west in 1870, and in 1875 located at Sioux City, and was employed in the wholesale department of the dry goods house of Tootle, Livingston & Co., for six years. He then established present business. They carry a stock of goods that would be a credit to a much larger city; also have a branch house at Correctionville, Ia.

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J.H. Macomber,attorney at law, was born in Piscatquis county, Me. Was admitted to the bar and practiced law in his native state until 1876; he then moved to Ida Grove, where he opened an office and resumed the practice of law.

H.H. Moorehead, manager for the Green Bay Lumber Co., came to Ida county, Ia., in 1856. He engaged in the mercantile business in the spring of 1869, which business he continued until 1878. In 1880 he engaged as above.

H.H. Perry, proprietor of Ball's Hotel, is a native of Ill.; moved to Marshalltown, Ia., in 1868, and engaged in the mercantile business. In Dec., 1881, he became landlord of the above house. This hotel is a first-class house, has large sample rooms, and all the comforts required by travelers.

H.B. Pierce, deputy recorder, is a native of Ill.; moved with parents to Cedar county, Ia., in 1865. He moved to Carroll county in 1874, and engaged in school teaching; came to Ida Grove in 1878, where he was principal of the schools for three years. In 1881 was appointed deputy recorder.

E.A. Porter, proprietor of the Porter House, is a native of O.; moved to Guthrie county, Ia., in 1856, and engaged in the grain business. He came to Ida Grove in 1881, and opened the above named house,which was newly furnished. It is a first-class house with good sample rooms.

Patrick Scanlan, agent for the C. & N.W.R.R. Co. at Ida Grove, came to this place in 1881 and took charge of the above office; is also agent for the American Express Co.

William J. Scott, druggist, was born in Pa.; is a graduate of Girard College, of Philadelphia. He moved to Glidden, Ia., in 1877 and engaged in the drug business. In 1879 he came to Ida Grove, and engaged in present business.

F.W. Tibbetts, county treasurer, is a member of the firm of Tibbetts, Thompson & Co., dealers in grain and agricultural implements. He was born in N.H.; moved to Wis. in 1855; thence to Iowa in 1864 and engaged in farming. He came to Ida Grove in 1877 and engaged in business with his brother; the firm soon after became Tibbetts & Tuthill, afterwards became Tibbetts, Thompson & Co. He was elected to his present office in 1881.

O.G. Tremaine, M.D., was born in Oconomowoc, Wis., in 1854; moved to Hamilton county, Ia., in1867. He began the study of medicine in 1877 and graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, in 1880. He located at Ida Grove in Oct., 1881, and engaged in the practice of medicine.

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Dr. J.T. Walker, druggist, is a native of Ind.; moved to Iowa in 1854 and in 1867 engaged in the mercantile business with his father, in Linn county. He studied medicine and in 1872 graduated from the Rush Medical College, of Chicago. He opened an office at Vail, Crawford county, Ia. Came to Ida grove in 1877 and is the pioneer druggist of the place.

A.P. Williams, real estate and insurance agent, was born in Ind.; moved to Benton county, Ia., in 1856. He has been engaged in business in Cedar Rapids and Omaha. Came to Ida Grove in 1881 and engaged in business as above.

BATTLE CREEK

D.R. Archer, real estate dealer and proprietor of the Holcomb House, was born in Ind.; came to Ia. in 1880, and engaged in the real estate business; has sold since about twenty-five thousand acres of land, of which one-third has been to actual settlers.

B.C. Bowman, of the firm of S.H. Bowman & Co., lumber dealers, is a native of Md.; moved to Neb. in 1876; thence to Ia. in 1879 and engaged in the lumber business at Odebolt, Ida Grove, Danbury and Battle Creek.

W.E. Churchill, dealer in hardware and agricultural implements, was born in N.Y.; came to Clarence, Ia., in 1862, and was employed as salesman in a hardware store until 1871, when he engaged in business for himself. He moved to Battle Creek in 1878, and engaged in business as above.

C.P. Lund,dealer in agricultural implements and stock, was born in Denmark in 1834; came to America in 1861 and farming in Wis. In 1870 moved to Ida county, Ia., and in 1877 came to Battle Creek and engaged in stock and lumber business. In 1881 engaged in the above business.

Jasper McArthur, farmer, was born in Linn county, Ia., in April, 1857; came to Crawford county in March, 1878, where he engaged in farming on 145 acres, section 1. His [has?] postoffice in Battle Creek. On Jan. 1st, 1879, he was married to Ella Page, of Linn county. They have one child.

G.W. McIntosh, furniture dealer, is a native of Wis.; came to Ia. in 1869, and engaged as carpenter and builder. He moved to Red Oak in 1873, and to Battle Creek in 1877. In 1881 he engaged in his present business.

John Nott, postmaster, was born in Wis. in 1847; moved to Ida, Ia., in 1874; thence to Willow dale, near the present town of Battle Creek, and engaged in the mercantile business. He was appointed postmaster in 1876; the office was moved to Battle Creek in 1877; he also moved there, having sold his business, and is still in office.

Appendix

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