Growth of Union business scene from 1869 to 1880
Grant Barnes opened a general store in 1869, sparking rapid growth in Union. By 1880 the town boasted 44 businesses including grocers, harness shops, blacksmiths, meat markets, hardware stores, a lumber yard, professionals, hotels and services. Earlier establishments included elevators, a restaurant, and coal operations. Contd. on Page 18.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Union
Hardin County
Grant Barnes
B.H. Butterfield
Eldora
T. Harvey Robertson
Steamboat Rock
D. C. Fleming
The
Eldora Coal Co
A. E. Crippen
Indian Scare at Union and Iowa River Bridge Renewal
The 1850 Indian scare near Union involved about 500 to 600 Indians at Indian Town on the Iowa River below present Marshalltown as settlers feared mischief over a garden and corn. In 1866 the Xenia bridge over the Iowa River was floored and strengthened, with Hardin County relying on a single bridge as floods often hinder travel.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Union
Indiantown
Iowa River
Marshalltown
Xenia
Hardin County
Iowa
Population High of 670 In Year 1885
Census figures show Union reached a peak population of 670 in 1885 while the current total 484 marks the lowest since 1875. Totals list 471 for 1875. The Union Star notes a child, Miss Etna Davis, arrived at the station via U S Express from LeClair. She is an orphan placed with her uncle R J Davis.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Union
Union Star
Etna Davis
U.S. Express Company
R. J. Davis
Etna
LeClair
Scott County
Centennial Fourth Fest Events Schedule Preview
A detailed list of June 28 to July 4 activities across South Hardin area including Beard judging Teen Hop Queen contest pageants homecoming services parade horse show films and a big Fourth of July program featuring water fights pony pull model airplanes car auction fireworks and more.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
South Hardin Recreation Area
Town Park
West Minst
Church of Christ
Calvary Baptist Church
Desiderata
Johnson
God of Creation
Sorensen Implement
Sorensen
South Hardin
South Hardin Golf Course
Union Incorporation and Early Development 1870s
Union laid out by R. J. Davis on the southwest quarter section 21 with eight additions by 1881, and post office established in 1869 serving early leaders like Farwell Barnes and J. Q. Adams. Incorporated October 27, 1874 with first officers J. W. Lawrence mayor and J. A. Ingalls clerk. Waterworks ordinance of May 1896 authorized $4,000 bonded debt.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Union
R. J. Davis
O. D. Wood
S. R. Benson
Mr. Rambo
John O. Irvin
Farwell Barnes
J. Q. Adams
D. W. Walker
J. H. Ingalls
E. L. Wood
Mary E. Wood
George Lepley
J. C. Haase
C. E. Wood
Grant Barnes
J. W. Lawrence
J. A. Ingalls
J. L. Barnes
J. A. Boyer
William Bates
F. Barnes
S. J. Arnett
Also Mentioned on This Page
First River
O. B. Chapin
al Mason
Will Dilley
Frank
Lockwood
Will Lawrence
Art Frazier
Will Hauser
Bob Collins
Isom Jessup
Dr. Pearson
John Rokes
Rev. Cordle
Emmett Swearington
Will Sharp
Wade Rodwell
John Whinery
Fred Wood
Dell Humeston
Steve Jessup
Ben Wright
Horace Benson
Plat Union
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!