Monona Township
(page 1022-1027)
This is township 95 north, range 5 west.
It contains thirty six full sections, and is bounded on
the north by Allamakee County on the east by Giard
Township, on the south by Wagner, and on the west by
Grand Meadow. About seven-eighths of the township is high
rolling prairie, and the remaining part timber. The
highest point of land in Clayton County is said to be in
Monona Township. The divide between the Turkey and the
Yellow Rivers runs throughout it. Bloody Run drains about
one square mile on the east, and branches of Robert's
Creek drain it on the south. Hickory Creek runs through
the northwestern corner of the township. The quality of
soil is equal to the best that can be found in the West,
and consists of black clay loam, with loose clay
sub-soil, which, with thorough farming, produces
excellent crops of all kinds of grain and grass.
On the 13th day of July, 1840, P. P. Olmsted and his
brother David set out from Prairie du Chien across the
Mississippi in search of a home. After one or two days'
journey, they concluded to make a claim in what is now
Monona Township. Returning to Prairie du Chien, they
purchased an outfit for keeping house, and then settled
on their claim. They were the first white settlers in
Monona Township. About two miles northwest of their
location, was an Indian village, with a population of 200
Winnebagoes, whose chief was Whirling Thunder. There was
also a farm of about forty-five acres connected with the
village and cultivated by the Indians. This farm had been
broken and fenced by the United States Government in
1838. They found the Indians peaceable, but never
regarded them as very agreeable neighbors. Their first
experience concerning the character of their neighbors
was derived a few days after they had completed their
cabin. Some of the Indians called during the absence of
Mr. Olmsted and brother, and carried away all their bed
clothes and provisions.
The next October, Whirling Thunder and his band moved to
Fort Atkinson, where the whole Winnebago tribe of
Indians, numbering about 3,400, were being moved, most of
them from Wisconsin, for the purpose of compelling them
to occupy the neutral grounds, according to stipulation.
The Indians often crossed their reservation lines,
however, and visited the whites. Speaking of the Indians,
Mr. Olmsted says:
"We were often visited by the Indians, who were
friendly and peaceable. On two or three occasions only
did they show any disposition to injure us. About the
first of August after we had completed our cabin, brother
David went to Grant County, Wis., where he remained about
two weeks leaving me alone to work on our claim, and
during his absence eight or ten Indians, of both sexes,
came into our cabin and asked for food. I gave them what
I had cooked, but which did not appear to satisfy them.
One of them commenced searching the cabin for more food,
which did not surprise me or cause me any alarm until I
discovered that he held in his right hand a butcher knife
with blade drawn, which he tried to conceal under his
blanket, but which I discovered probably in time to save
my life, for as soon as I saw it and noticed the manner
in which he held the knife, I was satisfied that he
intended to take my life, and I immediately stepped to
one corner of the room and caught hold of an ax, which
was the best weapon within my reach, and told them to go
out of the house, which order was obeyed with some
apparent hesitation.
"About the first of the following November, brother
David and myself being at our cabin together, seven
strong-looking Indians came from the west, and upon
speaking with them we discovered that they intended
mischief. The first words spoken by them were threats to
burn our cabin. After hearing their threats we bolted the
door. They did not show any weapons, and I think they did
not intend to injure us, but as soon as we shut the door
against them, they commenced trying to break it down by
throwing their weight against it. About the time they
commenced trying to break down the door, Mr. Schnider,
then employed as blacksmith at the mission near Fort
Atkinson, came along with his team, and the Indians
withdrew from the house. Knowing that Mr. Schnider had
been employed by the Government for several years, and
could converse with the Indians in their own language, we
requested him to stay with us that night and try to
persuade the Indians to be peaceable and not further
molest us. Mr. Schnider very kindly complied with our
request, and succeeded in preventing any further attack
upon our premises. "What the result would have been
had not Mr. Schnider come along just at that time, I am
unable to determine. Had the Indians persisted in their
attack upon our cabin we should have defended it to the
utmost of our power, but they might have overpowered us
and our lives been sacrified. I shall ever remember with
gratitude the timely aid rendered us by Mr. Schnider, who
afterward settled in and became a respected citizen of
Giurd Township."
In February, 1841, S. Cummings and wife, with, three
children, removed into the township. Mrs. Cummings was
thus the first white woman to live in Monona Township.
One of her children whom she brought with her, and who
was born in Giard the November previous, was afterward
Mrs.Oscar Collins. Mr. Cummings died in 1843, and Mrs.
Cummings subsequently became wife of P. P. Olmsted.
In the early summer of 1841, the two Olmsteds sold claim
to John Rowe, and they then selected claims, on a part of
each of which the village of Monona has been built.
During that summer P. P. Olmsted built a hewed log house,
which was the first house built in the village. In the
fall he sold his claim to A. T. Depue, bought his
brother's claim, and erected a frame house 16x30 feet.
This is believed to have been the first frame dwelling
built north of Prairie La Porte and Millville. In the
spring of 1842, C. B. Grey built a blacksmith shop which
he P.P. Olmsted carried on that year. Among their
customers were: Asaph Griswold and James Carlin, who
resided southeast of Garnavillo; Elisha Boardman, John
Downie, H. D. Brownson, and Jeremiah Gould, residing at
and near where Elkader been built; John and Thomas
Linton, living near Yellow River and Joel Post, of
Postville,
During the following summer, E.D. Button (afterward of
Clermont), E. Bonnel and John Roberts settled in the
township, all of them unmarried men. The same year two
rival whisky shops were started, known as Sodom and
Gomorrah. In 1844 Mr. Bushnell and family, P. B. Moore
and family, and John Zimmerman, came to Monona Township.
By 1847 the population of the township was about forty.
In the summer of 1840 a man by the name of Howard came to
the township and erected and operated a hotel near where
the Ten Mile House now stands. He was a gambler by
profession and the year following his arrival killed a
man named Sanders, of Giard Township. This was the first
murder in the present limits of the country. Howard fled
the country and was never afterward heard from.
James King came in 1841, and purchased the house that was
erected by Howard, but subsequently located about two
miles west of where Monona now stands. He was a native of
Canada West but had lived at Prairie du Chien. After
remaining here several years he returned to Canada. But
Canada manners, Canada customs and Canada climate did not
suit him, so he again came to Iowa and located at
McGregor, where he remained until his death. John Rowe
came the same year and purchased the claim of the Olmsted
Brothers, known as the Cold Springs. Here he remained
about three years, when he sold out and located on the
southeast quarter of section 23, where he remained a few
years, selling that and buying a place on Hickory Creek.
Shortly after buying this place, he sold out and removed
to Minnesota, where he is at present residing.
John Bull was another locating here in 1841. He was from
Pennsylvania. After remaining here a short time he went
to Wisconsin, where he married, and a few years later
returned to this county and settled near Garnavillo,
where he resided until his death.
The same summer C. B. Guy and Robert Tucker, the latter a
discharged soldier, came and located a claim, which was
subsequently known as the V. H. McNeil place. In the
summer of 1842 Guy built a blacksmith shop in company
with P. P. Olmsted, and ran the first blacksmith shop in
the township, and the first north of Turkey River. People
came from Elkader and Garnavillo for their work. Guy
subsequently removed to McGregor, and from there to
Postville, where he still resides. Tucker remained here
until 1849, when he went to California, and on
return-took up a claim in Wagner Township, and
subsequently one in Mendon Township, where he died.
A. T. DePugh moved in late in the summer of 1841, and
settled the northwest quarter of section 13, purchasing
the same of P. P. Olmsted. He was from Michigan.
On the 7th day of June, 1847, Monona was named by a vote
of majority of the people who met for the purpose of
organizing the township. The name was intended to be
after the Indian maiden who, tradition said, when
separated from her lover by her father, leaped from a
high rock into the Mississippi River. It was afterward,
when too late, discovered that Winona was the name
intended. When first organized, Monona Township extended
east to the Mississippi, and north and west to the
neutral line. About one-fourth of what is now Monona
Township was formerly included in the neutral ground.
Jedediah Barker and Patrick Cain were the first Trustees,
and J.C. Stults the first Township Clerk.
In the summer of 1847, Reuben Gregg, John Gregg, B.
McGonigle, Joseph Degraw, and their families, and A.
Scott came into the township.
The Winnebago Indians were removed in 1848, to Minnesota,
which opened the northwestern part of Monona to
settlement by the whites, as well as a vast and fertile
country north and west. At this date commenced the true
and rapid prosperity of Monona Township. Prior to that
date settlement was slow, owing to the presence of the
savages.
In 1849 a postoffice was established at Monona, and P. P.
Olmsted was appointed Postmaster. A store was started the
same year by T. A. Olmsted and P.P. Olmsted. At this time
many new settlers came in, among them Matthew Thompson,
Andrew Thompson and their families, John McAndrew and
family, Francis and Hugh Carr and David Drummond. In the
summer of 1848 Monona, Grand Meadow and Marion Townships
were surveyed, and in 1850 the land was offered for sale
and was rapidly purchased by emigrants, but very little
being bought by speculators. Since 1851 the population of
Monona Township has increased from 100 to 1,500.
The first school was taught by Miss Wiltsey in the summer
of 1845, in a part of P. P. Olmsted's house. In 1849 the
first school-house was built. It was a frame building,
and was located in the northeastern part of the village.
RELIGIOUS
Zion German M. E. Church, of
Monona, was organized bv Rev. Fred. Smith in 1869. The
first members were as follows: Jacob and Sarah Christian,
Peter and Julia Christian, William and Barbara Brinkman,
Valentine and Mary Bernhardt, John and Mary God, Frank
and Elizabeth Hupfer, Philip Hines and wife. The first
Trustees were William Brinkman, Peter Christian and
Philip Hines. The ministers of the society have been as
follows in their order: Peter Helwig, Carl Schuler,
Rodall Frigenbaum, August Limburg, Henry Caste, August
Brumm and H. Caste.
The present Trustees are Peter Christian, William
Brinkman and Jacob Christian. They have a small frame
church, 30 x 40, which cost $1,170. The first
Superintendent of the Sunday-school was Philip Hines; the
present one, Peter Christian.
Clydesdale Colony
(page 1022-1027)
In 1850 several families in
Scotland united for the purpose of emigrating to America
in a body. Landing in this country, they came West and
selected land in Monona Township. The Clydesdale Colony,
as it was known, was composed of James Freebairn and
family, John McAndrew and family, James Love, John Jack
and family, John Davy, Robert St. Clair and family, David
Drummond and family, Andrew Anderson and family, John
Campbell and family, John McHuffy, John Craig and family,
and Alex, McKinsley. James Freebairn was President of the
colony. Among those now living are David Drummond and
Andrew Anderson. The rest have passed away, but among
their descendants are found some of the best citizens of
Clayton County.
Village of Monona
(page 1027-1030)
The most important village
to-day in the township is that of Monona, which was laid
out in July, 1851, by Ezra Hurd, County Surveyor, for P.
P. Olmsted, B. B. Harding, Silas Egbert, Daniel Brown and
J. T. H. Scott. It is situated on the south half of
section 12, township 95 north, range 5 west. New Monona
contains part of sections 11 and 13, in addition to the
above. It was surveyed May 1, 1856, by Norman Hamilton,
for Paul Egbert, Orpha Depue, H. E. Howe, T. G. Slitor,
Joseph Degraw, P. P. Olmsted and B. M. Fonda. In 1867
Elijah Boley made an addition in the northwest corner of
section 13.
Monona has had a varied existence, sometimes being
prosperous and again apparently lifeless. Its situation
is pleasant, and it is surrounded by as fine farming
country as can be found in the State.
A store had been established here in 1849 by T. A. &
P. P. Olmsted, for the benefit of the community
surrounding. This was the beginning of the mercantile
trade, which is now represented by a number of good
substantial firms.
T. A. Killen & Co., who do business here, carry a
large and varied stock of general merchandise, and occupy
a room 70 x 22.
The business was established in 1868 by T. A. Killen and
Paul Egbert, who continued until 1872, when John Killen
purchased the interest of Mr. Egbert, the firm now
consisting of T. A. and J. Killen.
The oldest drug store, the old reliable one of the place,
is that of C. A. Dean, established in 1856. He bought out
P. P. Olmsted in the general store and added a full stock
of drugs. He is also Postmaster, and has been since 1861.
William A. McGonigle is a druggist, who commenced
business in 1881. His line of drugs, books and stationery
is up to the demand of the times and community.
The business now carried on by Cortis & Howard was
established in 1875 by Cortis & McNeil, and continued
by them for two years, when Mr. Cortis became sole
proprietor, but soon after taking as a partner F. H.
Howard. The firm carries a stock of general merchandise.
A. M. Davis is the present hardware dealer of the
village. The business was established in 1867, by E.
Boley, who controlled it till 1867, when Mr. Davis became
proprietor.
A. C. Norton, photographer, commenced business here in
1872, and at the expiration of the first decade, finds
his business in a satisfactory shape. He is also a dealer
in clocks, of which he has in stock a fine line.
The manufacturing interests of Monona are centered in a
steam grist mill, erected in 1875, by F. L. Wellman. It
is two stories in height, and 75 x 36 feet in size. The
building was erected at a cost of $1,500. The machinery
in the same is valued at $2,000.
SECRET
SOCIETIES.
The secret and benevolent
societies of Monona are the Masonic and United Workmen.
Clayton Lodge, No 70, A. F. & A.M.., was organized
March 30, 1854, under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge
officers of the State of Iowa. The first meeting was held
in the hall above the postoffice, with the following
officers and members present: John Northrop, W. M.;
William S. Scott, S. W.; Moses Teeters, J. W.; C. N.
Atwood, Treasurer; Charles Bates, Secretary; William
Crawford, Tyler; H. H. Soule, Chaplain. The lodge
continued to grow in membership and influence until the
next annual communication of the Grand Lodge, held June
5, 1856, at which time a charter was granted. The first
officers elected under the charter were: John Northrop,
W. M., William S. Scott, S. W.; C. A. Dean, J. W P. B.
Mason, Treasurer; T. R. Comstock, Secretary; B. H.
Olmsted, S. D.; E. H. Fowler, J. D.; S. M. Wilford,
Tyler; Rev. James Stout, Chaplain. The lodge has had on
its rolls the names of 166 members. The following named
have officiated as W. M. since the organization of the
lodge: John Northrop W. S. Scott, C. A. Dean, J. T. H.
Scott, P. B. Mason, F. D. Hinckley, Rev. Moses Polley,
William Mott, E. L. Rice, J. R. Milliman, and E. J.
Dailey. This lodge furnished ten volunteers for the Union
army during the Rebellion— T. H. Barnes, M. W.
Barnes John Everall, A.L. Payne, T.A. Olmsted, J. G. Orr,
J.A. Reed, Theodore Sherman and Willoughby Wells. The
present officers of the lodge are: E. J. Dailey W. M.;
Thomas Sherman S. W.; James Watkins, J. W.; John Killen,
Treasurer; Moses Polley, Secretary; William Brown, Tvler;
Rev. Moses Polley, Chaplain.
Monona Lodge, No. 172, A. O. U. W., was organized June
10, 1878, with the following named officers and charter
members, seventeen in all: Silas Egbert, P. M. W.; Fred.
L. Welliman, M. W.; J. H. McGonigle, Foreman; Chas. A.
Strobridge, Overseer; John Killen, Recorder; P. P.
Olmsted, Jr., Financier; Paul Egbert, Receiver; George
Egbert, Guide; John A. Thompson, Inside Watchman; Henry
J. Rudel, Outside Watchman; A. M. Wheeler, F. H. Howard,
Dr. H. T. Schneider, Dr. C. H. Hamilton, A. C. Norton,
William Smith. The lodge is now in good financial
condition, with money in its treasury, and has a present
membership of twenty-four. One death has occurred in the
lodge —A. M. Wheeler. The following named are the
present officers: John Killen, P. M. W.; Henry C, Howe,
M. W.; George Egbert, Foreman; J. H. Barnes, Overseer;
John Woodard, Guide; C. H. Hamilton, Recorder; H. T.
Schneider, Financier; F. H. Howard, Receiver; H.J. Rudel,
Inside Watchman; F. L. Wellman, Outside Watchman.
Northern Light Lodge, No. 156, I. O. O. F., was organized
Oct. 17, 1867, by Grand Master William P. Sharp, assisted
by William Garrett, Grand Secretary, with the following
named charter members: L. G. Ireland, E. L. Rice, Harvey
Murphy, Jonas Degraw, A. A. Frendy and F. F. Winters;
ancient members, J. R. Powers and Elijah Bailey. The
following named were elected and appointed first officers
of the lodge: L. G. Ireland, N. G.; E. L. Rice, V. G.; L.
S. Butler, Sec.; H. Murphy, Treas.; Moses Polly, C.; A.A.
Frendy, W.; J.R. Bowers, R. S. N. G.; E. Boley, L. S. N.
G.; J. Degraw, R.S. V. G.; William Brown, L. S. N. G.;
Moses Polly, Chaplain. The lodge has had a very
successful career, and has initiated ninety-six members
since its organization, numbering at the present time
forty in good standing. The following comprises the list
of Past Grands: L. G. Ireland, E. L. Rice, J. R. Bowers,
H. Murphy, L. Butler. E. Boley, A. Elmore, Wm. Brown Jed
Barker, Matthew Thompson, J. F. Thompson, F. L. Wellrnan,
James Love, M. Polley, J. Hicks, R. W. Randall, Wm.
Horrobin, A. C. Norton, David Grube, H. T. Schneider,
James Gregg, H. Gilster, E. Green and Henry Heman. The
hall which the lodge occupies was purchased for the sum
of $2,000, of which amount every dollar was paid, and the
lodge is out of debt and in good condition financially.
The present officers of the lodge are: E. L. Rice, N. G.;
Peter Grube, V. G.; J. R. Bowers, Sec ; E. Green, Treas.;
H. Gilster, W.; F. L. Wellman, C.; W. Brown, O. G.; W. R.
Brown. I. G.; Warren Cassady, R. S. N. G.; H. Downing, L.
S. N. G.; R. P. Oliver, R. S. V. G.; A. Williams, L. S.
N. G.; E. L. Rice, F. L. Wellman, H. Heman, Trustees.
Village of Hardin
(page 1030-1031)
The village of Hardin was
surveyed in January, 1854, by S. P. Hicks, County
Surveyor, for Leonard B. Hodges and others, on the
northwest quarter of section 6, township 95 north, range
5 west. West Hardin was added in 1855 by Leonard B.
Hodges, and another addition was made in 1858 by David
Dickerson and C. E. Dickerson.
Previous to the survey and platting of the village a
store and several dwelling-houses had been erected, and
the prospect was deemed good for the building up of a
most flourishing town or city. Surrounded by a splendid
agricultural country, which was fast filling up with an
enterprising people, everything seemed to favor the
owners of the land and cause them to make an effort to
win a prize by the sale of town lots, and affording a
market for the large amount of produce that would be
raised by farmers in the neighborhood.
The first store was opened by A. D. Frazer, one of the
original proprietors of the place, in 1851, and in the
spring of 1852 R. T. Burnham brought on a large stock of
goods. This may be said to be the beginning of the new
town. With the growth of the town the mercantile trade
increased, so that in 1855 there were five stores where
complete stocks of general merchandise were kept for
sale; while at the same time all other trades were
represented. No town in the northern part of the State
was then in a more flourishing condition.
The name of the first man running a blacksmith shop in
the place has been forgotten by the early settlers living
in 1882, but Robert Montgomery came at an early day and
operated for some years.
The first religious service held in the place was in a
log school-house two years before the village was laid
out. Rev. Mr. Bishop, of the Methodist Episcopal church,
officiated. The first house of worship controlled by this
influential body of Christian workers, was originally
erected for a wagon shop, but purchased and fitted up for
divine services. This was probably the first class
organized in the Northwest.
The town of Hardin was so named in honor of Colonel
Hardin, of Illinois. As already stated, it was at one
time a very flourishing place, but the building of the
railroad about two miles south left it "out in the
cold," and from that time forward it began to
decline until to-day it has but little left to show where
once a pleasant, thrifty and enterprising village once
existed. The business of the place is now represented by
Julius C. Beedy, who is the Postmaster and merchant.
Village of Luana
(page 1031-1033)
The village of Luana is on the
line of the C., M. & St. P. R. R., and was surveyed
December, 1867, for Wm. S. Scott, proprietor, and is
situated on section 8, township 95 north, range 5 west.
Additions were made in 1871, by Alpheus Ernst, and in
1872 by Asher Adams, S. E. Adams, J. M. Truman, H. M.
Truman, J. M. Chapman and S. M. Chapman.
The town was so named in honor of Mrs. Scott, the wife of
the proprietor, whose Christian name was Luana. Previous
to the survey being made there was a frame house erected
upon the site in 1853 by Jacob Zimmerman. After platting
the village the first house erected was by E. P. Oliver.
The first store building erected was by William Mott.
The first stock of general merchandise was by Thomas
Comstock.
The first blacksmith was David Jennings.
The first wagon-makers were Daily & Luddington.
The first shoemaker was was Watson Askew.
The first school-teacher in District No. 3, of which
Luana is a part, was Andrew J. Felt.
The first religious services held in the neighborhood
were by Rev. J. R. Cameron, of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
The postoffice was established in 1864, James M. Chapman
being the first Postmaster. The present Postmaster is A.
M. Bronson. The office is a money-order office.
The first hotel in the place was kept by William S.
Scott, who continued the business for eight years.
Jacob Buck is one of the principal dealers now in the
place. He opened a stock of general merchandise in 1879,
and has since been identified with the place.
C. A. Strowbridge is the druggist of the place, and
carries a stock equal to the demand.
The Methodist Episcopal church at Luano was organized by
Rev. J. R. Cameron in 1867. Robert P. Oliver was
appointed Class-Leader; John Lawcock and W. S. Scott were
elected Stewards. In 1868 the society contemplated
erecting a house of worship, and the following named
persons were elected Trustees of the church: Wm. S.
Scott, Luther Nichols, Benjamin Bettys, J. M. Chapman,
Geo. W. Oathout, Jas. Adams, John Lowcock [note spelling
difference earlier in paragraph]. These with the stewards
and class-leader were the first officers of the church.
The first religious services were held in a brick
school-house, which then stood about half a mile west of
town, but has since been removed.
The following are the names of the pastors who have had
charge of Luano church: J. R. Cameron, first appointed in
1865, three years; A. G. Wood, part of one year; Wm.
Cobb, two years; J. O. Hazelton, two years; G. L.
Garison, one year; C. Cressy, two years; H. H. Hammond,
one year; C. H. Taylor, three years; E. Ketchum (present
incumbent), now in second year. There has been scarcely a
year since its organization that has not witnessed some
new accessions to the membership of the church; but the
revivals especially noteworthy, occurred during the
pastorates of J. R. Cameron and W. Cobb. Large numbers
were converted and united with the church under each of
these pastors. At the close of Mr. Cobb's pastorate the
membership numbered 105, the largest membership that the
church has ever had at any one time. The foundation of
the present house of worship was laid in 1868, and the
building finished in 1870. It is 34 x 60 feet, and cost
$4,000.
The present officers of the church are: Pastor, E.
Ketchum; Class-Leader, Wm. S. Scott; Stewards, Wm. S.
Scott, Geo. W. Oathout, John Lowcock; Trustees, Wm. S.
Scott, John Lowcock, I.D. Olmsted, Geo. W. Oathout, D. I.
Farnham, A. McKellar, J. M. Chapman.
There has been such a large emigration from this region
west ward that the church during the last five years has
sustained a loss of seventy-six members by removals. The
present membership is fifty-six.
A Sunday-school was held in the brick school-house each
summer from 1857 to 1867. Stephen H. Thompson was the
first Superintendent. Since the organization of the
church, the Sunday-school has been held winter and
summer. The present officers are: Superintendent, Guy
Higby; Assistant-Superintendent, Mrs J. M. Chapman;
Secretary, Nellie Russel; Librarian, Edward Dailey;
Treasurer, Mrs. L. L. Von Berg. Enrollment, sixty-three.
Average attendance, forty-seven.
School History of the District
Township of Monona
(page 1033-1036)
During the summer of 1845 the
first school ever taught in the district township of
Monona was taught in a dwelling-house owned and occupied
by P. P. Olmsted in the present village of Monona, Mrs.
Wiltsee having been employed as teacher. The following
year a school was held in a small building owned by John
Bull, and afterward owned by Reuben Gregg, and used by
him as a carpenter shop, and located on the lot now
occupied by the Monona House. Miss Gay was employed as
teacher. A school was taught here for several terms
previous to the organization of a school district and the
building of a school-house.
Until 1855 no schools had been held outside of the
village of Monona within the limits of the present
district township of Monona. During this year a school
was taught in the present district now known as
Sub-district No. 2, Miss A. L. Winter teaching a few
pupils in a dwelling-house occupied by her father, Mr.
Jacob Winter. In 1857 and 1858 schools were taught in the
same district in a small log building owned by Harvey
Green, and that had been previously used as a saloon.
Miss Priscilla L. Winter and Miss Clementine Fonda taught
here.
During the winter 1854-1855 a school was taught in a
small building owned by W. S. Scott in the village of
Luana. The irrepressible A. Felt, afterward editor of the
Nashua Post was employed as teacher.
In 1856 the first school-house erected within the present
limits of the district township of Monona, was built half
a mile west of the town of Luana. Through the energy of
its citizens, and Board of Directors, composed of W. S.
Scott and S. H. Oathout, they succeeded in building a
commodious and substantial brick school-house that for
nineteen years fully met the wants of the district. John
Ufford taught the first school. During this year Miss
Angeline Tibbetts taught a school in the place, then
known as Clydesdale, in a small log-building still
standing on the farm owned by James Thomas. During this
year also the citizens built a small school-house within
the district, now known as Sub-district No. 5, and
employed Charles Ford to teach the winter term of
1856-1857.
In 1857 James Parker, E. Rowland, Robert Killen and E. F.
Boyles organized a school district in the northeastern
part of Monona Township, embracing a part of Monona
Township and a part of Franklin Township in Allamakee
County, and employed Miss Angeline Tibbetts to teach a
few pupils in a house occupied by Mr. Tibbetts. In 1858
the School Board of which employed E. F. Boyles to build
a small frame school-house in said district at an expense
of about $350, and employed Miss Angeline Tibbetts to
teach the first term.
Until 1858 there had been but little unity of action in
respect to school matters within the township; but under
the "New School Law" the township was organized
into sub-districts.
The first meeting of the electors of the district
township of Monona, for the purpose of electing
school-officers, was held in the village of Monona on the
3d day of May 1858.
The whole number of votes cast was eighty-eight, of which
H. C. Martin received for President, eighty-five; P. P.
Olmsted, two; O. D. Bowles, one; J. T. Mott, received for
Vice-President, eighty-seven; E. B. Hutchinson,
Secretary, eighty-eight; Silas Egbert, Treasurer,
eighty-eight. Wm. Mead and T. G. Slitor, Judges.
The first meeting of the Board of Directors of the
district township, was held May 11, 1858, and was
composed of the following persons : P. P. Olmsted, Thomas
Glass, W. S. Scott, L. Seymour, W. G. Alexander and E. F.
Boyles.
On June 2S, 1858, was held the first meeting of electors
of Monona Township, for the purpose of voting a tax to
defray the expenses of schools. A tax of four mills upon
a dollar was voted.
Sept 6, 1858, was held the first meeting of the electors
of the township for the purpose of voting a tax for
building school-houses. A tax of five mills upon a dollar
was voted.
In 1858 a district was organized in the southwest part of
Monona Township, now known as Sub-district No. 4, and
during the winter 1859 Miss Rosie A. Glass taught a
school in her father's dwelling-house, receiving as
compensatien [sic], $15 per month.
During the year 1861 the Board of Directors divided the
District Township into seven sub-districts, the
boundaries of which have remained essentially the same to
the present time.
Under the direction of the Board of Directors in 1871 Mr.
James Parker was authorized to build a frame school-house
in sub-district, joint one at an expense of $800. In
Sub-district No. 2, there were no permanent
accommodations for holding schools until 1862. Previous
to this time schools had been taught in several different
places. During this year I. P. Winter, E. F. Boyles and
Alexander Gilchrist were authorized to have a frame
school-house built in said district at an expense of
$450, and R. M. Slitor was employed to teach during the
winter term of 1862-1863.
SUB-DISTRICT NO.
3 [LUANA]
The old "brick
school-house" in Sub-district No. 3 being too small
to furnish suitable accommodations for the growing
necessities of the place, the Board of Directors
appointed a committee composed of S. H. Thompson, Wm.
Mott and David Grube to relocate the site for a
school-house, and build a two-story frame building, which
was completed and furnished at an expense of $2,500.
At the present time commodious and well arranged
school-houses have been supplied to all the sub-districts
of the township, and by the judicious management of the
various Boards of Directors, the schools have produced
practical results that will compare favorably with the
best schools of the rural districts.
VILLAGE OF MONONA
After a district was organized
for the village of Monona and adjacent territory, a small
school-house was built, daring the year 1849, upon a lot
south of, and adjoining the lot of the present
school-house in the village of Monona.
As the demands for more ample accommodations required a
larger building, during the year 1854 a large two-story
brick building was erected, that for several years met
the wants of the district.
Until the year 1867 the village of Monona was a part of
the district township.
As the district deemed it necessary to re-locate and
build a new school-house, during the year 1869 the
present school-house was built, a large two-story brick
building, at an expense of about $17,000.
VILLAGE OF HARDIN
In 1858 Hardin became an
independent district, and is composed of parts of Monona,
in Clayton County, and parts of Post and Franklin
Townships in Allamakee County. During the present year a
commodious frame building will be erected amply
sufficient to meet all the wants of the district.
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