Early Washington County Temperance and Historical Society History
The article recalls the 1859 organization and quick failure of a county historical society in Washington, and details Washington division No. 67 Sons of Temperance founded 1850 with members like A Spillard J F Rice N Littler and J L L Terry. It notes temperance lectures by Judge Old Joe Williams and the group’s success before disbanding in 18%.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
W. J. Case
Joe’ Williams
Williams
Washington
The
Sons of Temperance
Andrew Spillard
J. F. Rice
H. Wallingford
Ira A
A. Spillard
Worth Patriarch
Worthy
N. Littler
C. §. Cleaves
J. L. L. Terry
Thompson McElroy
J. M. Norwood
A. J. Disney
Inside Sentinel
KE. B. Covert
Outside Sentinel
Messrs
Terry
Baldwin
Jackson Township
R. B. McMillan
A. N. Miller
William Latta
J. S. Reeves
Judge Ross
Robert McElroy
Whalen Merchant
John E. Malin
Quinine Trade Tale From Early Iowa Settlement
A panic about typhoid in 1847 near Washington Iowa sparked widespread fear and reliance on quinine for chills and fevers. A village merchant attempted a small quinine order to test demand, only to be told Muscatine druggists could spare three ounces, prompting a long standing joke about the scarce remedy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Crawfordsville
Winfield
James Ritchey
Martin Deege
Ritchey
Burlington
Muscatine
Washington
Remark on Living Members of Historic Organization
The speaker notes that despite the long time elapsed, only a few members of the organization remain alive and among the citizens, describing it as remarkable that so many have survived.
Sketches of Early Masonry in Washington County
N Littler outlines the 1851 organization of Washington lodge No 26 A F and A M its charter and early officers led by Gen N Chipman plus the spread of secret societies in the town. The piece also recounts a dubious clandestine lodge INITIATION practices and an anti tobacco society anecdote before noting the year end reflection on the ride.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aounty Historical Society
Washington
Thomas H. Dinsmore
Gen. N. Chipman
Norman Everson
J. G. Cowden
Norton P. Chipman
Washington Lodge
Grand Lodge
N. Chipman
Robert W. McElroy
J. T. Sales
Eleazer Clemmons
George H. Jennison
Wm. Fisher
J. K. Walker
Gen. Chipman
W. M
R. W. McElroy
J. W
Old Town House
Chipman
Brighton
Crawfordsville
Richmond
Dayton
Ainsworth
Riverside
Washington County
Odd Fellows
Ed Clemona
Josephus
Clemens
al Dewey
Hilly Wilson
G. C. Vincent
County paper plans to resume writings after holidays
The editors express gratitude and announce plans to resume weekly writings after the holidays, though not every week. They intend to continue collecting and preserving unwritten county history with cooperation from old settlers and willing readers.
Sickness and health in early Iowa settlement years
The article recalls the severe early sickness in 1837 to 1846 amid pioneer life in Iowa, noting fevers and ague, scarce medical care, and slow recoveries. It cites Rev George C. Vincent, Hon. Wm. B. Lewis, Dr. Rousseau, Dr. McClelland, and others, highlighting 1846 as the last year of general sickness.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
United States
George C. Vincent
D. D
Washington
Robert
Mary Walker
Thomas
Jane Vincent
James Allen
John Gilmer
Dawson
Alexander
Matthew
Joseph
Wm. B. Lewis
Brighton Township
Rousseau
George Brokaw
Norman Everson
California Gold Rush Emigration and Its Hardships
The article recalls the 1849 1850 gold rush era detailing the westward exodus via overland trails and ocean routes, the perilous journeys, and the harsh conditions faced by pioneers. It notes the surge of wealth seekers, the challenges of guides and terrain, and the mixed outcomes for fortunes, morality, and regional economies.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
California
Council Bluffs
Missouri River
St. Louis
Buelah Land
Pacific Coast
Great Western
Pike's Peak
Black Hills
Early Land Sales Sparked Speculation and Land Rush
The piece recalls the early push to establish land offices, the rush of settlers to buy titles, and the rise of speculators who funded buyers at high interest. It notes veterans forming protective groups, the decline of land interest as timber and prairie lands were claimed, and a 1842–1855 era of rampant speculation with land warrants sold to agents who financed buyers with bonds and high rates.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington County
Iran
Fairfield
Iowa City
Congress
Mexico
Local Office Resumes After Illness Absence
Margaret Limerman returns to work in Dr. W L Alcorn's office after a three week illness. Mrs Ward Gilliland filled in during her absence. Mr and Mrs J J Anwyl traveled from Crawfordsville yesterday to shop.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Margaret Limerman
W. L. Alcorn
J. J. Anwyl
Crawfordsville
Also Mentioned on This Page
Vincent
Mr. Smith
Gazette
Informa
Sarah Foliot
Great West
West
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