The First Fifty Years
1881 - 1931
A collection of references concerning the people of Henderson and Anderson Township gathered for the Centennial of the Town of Henderson
Sources:
Mills County Tribune
Glenwood Opinion
Malvern Leader
Botna Valley Times
Henderson Times
Federal Census 1880
Mills County History 1881
Farm Creek Cemetery Dedication
Mills-Fremont Atlas 1910
Mills County Men Who Answered Their Country's Call
Church Messenger 1951
Abstracts of Land
THE COMMITTEE:
|
Beverly Smith Boileau
Bette Rieken Byers John Paul Neva Yeager Slump Judy Coppock Magers Minnie Gravett Allensworth Art Fritcher |
1881
An order is filed with the Mills County Recorder by the County Board of Supervisors which officially changes the name of the Town of Potter to the Town of Henderson. The town, being unincorporated, comes under the jurisdiction of the Board of Supervisors. Joel Woods and wife gave to The Public 40 acres in the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 10, Township 73, Range 40, where the town of Potter was located. The first train of the C.B. & Q. wended its way up the branch road July 4, 1880, and the town, originally laid out several blocks east of the railroad, was moved closer to the railroad.
The 1880 federal census report showed the population of the town of Potter living in 4 households. In the 1st was Joel Woods, age 48, his wife Sarah, their five children, and a boarder by the name of R.W. Wright, age 35; in the 2nd was Walter Hicks, age 28, and his mother Isabella, age 60; in the 3rd was John Barr, age 25, his wife Mary, their daughter Bertha, a boarder named Charles Vandruff and a servant girl named Mary Turner; and in the 4th household was Eli Carr, age 27, his wife Ida, age 22, and their daughter Viola. Joel Woods was a farmer. Walter Hicks was a railroad section hand, John Barr was a grocer and Eli Carr was a carpenter.
First class of the M.E. church forms. Services held in the depot and in the Starrett Hall for the present.
County history is published, giving sketches of the following residents of Anderson Township: A. Baumgartner, T.F. Brammeier, James Bone, Jacob Coppock, J.E. Devore, Mrs. Rebecca J. Holmes, R.D. Kayton, B.E.F. Kelley, G.W. Newman, Gerhard Nellen, James R. Owens, George Parker, S. Pruden, Valentine Plumb, H.H. Quimby, W.B. Wilson and Joel Woods. Woods came to his farm in 1875. His farm originally numbered 255 acres, 40 of which were laid out in the town called Henderson.
1882
Editor of the Malvern Leader visits the prosperous young town of Henderson and finds business of the place represented by Starrett & Hougas, A. Baumgartner, Thomas Phillips, Darner & Workman, Richard Thomas, Woods Brow., Williams & Lester, John Barr, L.B. Carter, Sidney Pitt, Mesdames Knowles & Blakely, Miss Delia Barr, John Shamblin, J.C. Phillips, Ed Hay, R.A. Morton, S.A. Tipton and Dr. Knowles.
Joel Woods deeds a lot in Henderson to the trustees of the M.E. church for $1 which Woods then turns over to the church as a donation. Contractors for the new church are Eli Carr and Tom Phillips. The new church, costing $1,500, is dedicated November 3.
1883
A number of citizens of Henderson have met at the residence of Joel Woods and organized a Mutual Protective Association. The object of the society is to recover stolen property and to capture and punish thieves.
1886
Christian Church established in Henderson, having previously organized at Kilgore school 3 miles west of town February 24, 1877. Lots and church building used by the Lutheran Society are sold by Joel Woods and wife to the Trustees of the Christian Church for $1,500 in October. Elected at this time are J.J. Ewing and R.N. Morton as elders; D.A. Williams, R.A. Adkins and J.A. Stonebraker as deacons; and Mrs. E. Lawrence as clerk.
1887
The school, a two-story frame structure, is built at a cost of $2,800.00.
Farm Creek Cemetery, though in use long before this is surveyed and platted in April by Seth Dean, Mills County Surveyor. The grounds are dedicated to the public use as a cemetery on April 7 by Trustees Joel Woods, J.A. Boswell and A. McClenahan. An entry in an early abstract shows the five acres of the cemetery were originally set aside for a church and cemetery. Earliest burial in Farm Creek Cemetery is that of Angeline Shinn, born July 3, 1849, died May 8, 1850. Other early burials are those of Augustus Richards, a veteran of the War of 1812, who died December 10, 1851 at the age of 71 years; Allen T. Shinn, born 1812, died 1858; and Juan Badham, son of Samuel Badham, died 1859, age 2.
1888
The Red Oak Sun, August 10, 1888
Sunday School Picnic Near Henderson
HENDERSON, Aug. 7 - The Sunday school picnic convention held in Magee's grove, 2 1/2 miles east of Henderson, on Thursday of last week was a very successful and profiting one. Sunday schools of Lincoln township, and from Wheeler's Grove, Henderson and Emerson were present, as well as members of other schools. The Henderson band was in attendance and made some good music. There was an organ on the ground, and the singing by the Emerson, Henderson and two Welsh schools of Lincoln township was very fine. Seats were provided for 400 people, but 600 or more were in attendance. J.A. Shuey, of Red Oak, presided, and addresses were made by Revs. Beetley of Toledo, Ia., J.F. Lyle, of Emerson and W.J. Beck, of Macedonia, and by Polk Smith and Mr. Shuey. Mr. Smith did good work in arranging for the convention...getting out the attendance and making the convention the grand success it proved to be.
Sunday School Rally at Macedonia
MACEDONIA, Aug. 7 - The Sunday school picnic held near here last Friday was a big thing, one of the biggest things of the kind ever held in this part of the State. At 10:00 a.m. a procession of 1,000 Sunday school pupils and workers marched to Tompkins' grove, where they were joined by some 200 other citizens. There were seats for 800. On a large platform, 12 by 60 feet, which was partly covered and beautifully decorated with evergreens, flags, banners and mottoes, were seated the speakers, the choir and the Macedonia band. The following Sunday schools were present: Henderson, Oakland, Carson, Wheeler's Grove, Lone Star, Box Elder, Christian, Latter Day Saints, Pleasant Valley and Macedonia. Hon. B.F. Clayton presided at the meeting. Addresses were made by Mr. Clayton, Revs. Geo. Wright, J.T. Mumford and W.J. Beck, of Macedonia; Joseph Wells, of Council Bluffs, and L.J. Murch, of Malvern, Sunday school missionaries, and J.A. Shuey, of Red Oak, secretary of the Montgomery County Sunday School association. The music was inspiring, led by the Macedonia band and joined in by the large assemblage, the woods ringing with sweet melody. A basket dinner was a not unimportant feature of the occasion.
1891
It has recently been discovered that the water from that famous Artesian well of K.P. Duysen's in Anderson Township has pronounced medicinal qualities. Some of the residents of that neighborhood are bottling the water and using it in place of their usual pills and bitters.
The town council has purchased a small lot from Henry Darnell just south of Joe Maynes' barn on Dilley Avenue where they are hauling bricks for a "calliboose." It will be 10 x 12 and all brick with a steel lining and have two compartments. It is also planned to build a city hall on the lot for council meetings and elections.
The Rural Free Delivery mail route opened up for business in Henderson. Fred Carter is the carrier and has about the finest mail wagon in southwest Iowa. It is furnished by James Carse, Henderson's implement and wagon dealer. A special agent of the government was in Henderson earlier to lay out the routes. The territory lies in Mills, Montgomery and Pottawattamie Counties and over 80 mail boxes have been ordered already.
The Ladies' Cemetery Association has raised funds for a fence for the cemetery. Mr. McClenahan has ordered the fence, solid steel throughout and of extra good quality, at a cost of $272.00.
C.E. Evans, the patriotic blacksmith, put up an iron pipe flag pole at the Post Office Building. It was used for the flag which was half-masted with crepe in honor of the late President.
1893
After a hard battle the town of Henderson is incorporated, to the joy of one side and the great disappointment of the other. The majority in favor was one, the same majority that was against incorporation last year. In the town election held May 4 the following were elected on the Citizen's ticket: Mayor, A.S. Paul; Treas., M.C. Harover; Recorder, Dr. Art Folsom; Assessor, Tom Phillips; Councilmen Joel Woods, E.M. Schafer, R.M. Adkins, James Bone, C.E. Irwin and H.F. Wilson.
Ordinances for the town are printed by the Mills County Tribune at Glenwood in a neat little 12-page booklet. The wisdom displayed by the city fathers in their municipal legislation would do credit to a town much older and much larger. There will be a one-dollar tax levied on each male dog and a two-dollar tax on each female dog. Also to be noted is the ordinance explaining that anyone caught telling fortunes in the town of Henderson will be fined anywhere from $3 to $100.00.
1894
Farm Creek Independent School District to build a new school, proposed cost to be $800.00. Bids should be left with the secretary of the School Board, Hayden Carter.
1895
Anderson Township Assessor's Books Show: J.D. Robbins, largest land owner; Elmer Braden, largest corn yield, 33 1/2 bushels to the acre; J.C. Pleak, largest winter wheat acreage; T.A. Hougas, the champion spring wheat producer; Mosley Chase, the most rye; Daniel Hougas, the most, in fact the only, buckwheat; Marion L. Evans, most thoroughbred horse producer and Thomas Young, first honors on mules, having seven head. Four tie for honors in poultry raising: Mrs. L.A. Plumb, Abel Cary, Jr., Ed Slump and L.W. Southern. Ed Slump easily takes the lead in egg production with 1800 dozen. Hayden Carter leads with turkeys; C.C. Oaks, largest butter producer. There are two fine Churches in the Township, one the Farm Creek Church owned by the Latter Day Saints; the other, Wesley Chapel, owned by the Methodists.
1897
First class graduates from the high school (11th grade): Jesse Owens, Pearl Pierson, Ralph Creamer, Claude Owens, Elmer Harlan, Edna Priest, Anna Asell and Lena Baumgartner.
1898
City Assessor, T.D. Phillips, reports $5,200 in new buildings for the past year; total personal property valuation is $70,444.00. The good people of Henderson move around in 33 vehicles of various kinds, drawn by 66 horses, while 29 cows furnish milk for the inhabitants.
Second High School Commencement held at the Irwin Opera House with two graduates: Ward E. Shafer and Edna J. Pierson. The Henderson schools finish a successful year under the able supervision of Professors E.H. Hamilton and W.B. Woods, and by Mrs. O.H. Marsh and Miss Pearl McClenahan.
In visiting with Dan Hougas we learn it was 1856 when he hove in sight over the rolling hilltops up Henderson way. He used to drive 40 miles to see his neighbors. He told us when Lincoln first ran for the presidency in 1860 there was one Democrat in Anderson Township and he kindly consented to stay home and not vote, but now the township is Democratic by several majorities.
1899
Old time citizen of Henderson, D.T. Musselman, moves to Rock County, Nebraska; came to Mills County in 1866; has lived in Henderson the last 18 years.
The Henderson merchants—Thomas, Shafer, Cook and Sturgeon Bros.—have a merry war on eggs. Henderson merchants are paying from 11 to 13 cents while grocers in neighboring towns are offering but 10 cents.
Assessor Maxwell of Anderson Township reports the average value of land in Anderson Township a trifle less than $39 dollars per acre. The most valuable land is a 5-acre tract belonging to Joseph B. Viner which has been assessed at $120 an acre. There are 143 persons in the township eligible for military duty.
The graduating class is the largest in the history of the school. There are 18 - 12 girls and 6 boys as follows: Guisa E. Redman, Myrtle Esterquist, Jesse G. Loving, Edna Dorr, Abner Clark, Hattie Paul, Pearl Cary, James M. Hamilton, Ethel M. Boileau, Bessie M. Hollingsworth, Stella May Stewart, Marion D. Maxwell, Edna McClenahan, Ray Pierson, Grace Badham, Claude E. Wilson, Katie Wilson and Milburn C. Turner. Commencement exercises will be on Friday and Saturday nights next week.
1900
Woodmen have the biggest blowout ever held in Henderson - about 250 people crowd into Irwin's Hall where the entertainment was held. Henderson's lodge is one of the largest and most prosperous of the order in Iowa.
C. R.M. Adkins is appointed Marshall of Henderson. They couldn't have made a better choice. Henderson has been cursed for some time with a lot of bad boys as witnessed by the abominable egg-throwing episode recently.
Henderson's leading businessmen and others have subscribed $400 in tickets for telephones and the Iowa Telephone Co. has agreed to put in the system as soon as arrangements can be made.
W.H. Harbor has sons to be proud of - Ora, age 17, and Arley, age 15, farmed 50 acres north of Henderson last spring and have managed so well they will clear 50 bushels of corn to the acre.
A brilliant affair was the Thanksgiving dance in the Irwin Hall. Over 100 people danced and in addition there were 60 or 70 spectators present. It was nearly five o'clock the next morning before the last loiterer retired, all declaring they had had a grand time.
Peter Asell, the section foreman on the Carson Branch, made a business trip to Red Oak on his new railroad velocipede.
Officers are elected for the Farm Creek Cemetery Association. They are: Mrs. Cady Phillips, Pres.; Mrs. Eva Craig, Vice-President; Miss Anna Asell, Secretary; and Miss Mae Paul, Treasurer.
1901
Fifteen of the good citizens of Henderson had a lucky escape from what might have been an expensive "gold brick" scheme. These gentlemen were: George C. Wilson, J.B. Fickel, C.E. Irwin, C.C. Oaks, R.S. Stewart, T.R. Stewart, J.B. Viner, A. McClenahan, Joe Williams, M.A. Plumb, M.F. Dilley, Harmon Evans, Dud McClain, William Stidd and P. Jamison. These good men had agreed to pay $3,000 for a high bred Percheron horse, but when the animal came, the seller refused to guarantee the animal to be all right; thus, the 15 gentlemen each paid $2 toward the man's expenses and he was to take the horse back to Ohio or wherever he came from.
High School graduates this year are Ola G. Stewart, Clarence M. Workman, L. Maude Kiger, Lawrence A. Paul, and L. Rausa Taylor.
Joel Woods is arranging for a mammoth fish pond to be located on his farm on the Botna River west of Henderson. There is a loop in the river which can easily be cut off from the main stream and will give an area of two acres for the pond.
1902
The Henderson Herald, published by S.W. Young, suspends publication in April and in December the first issue of the Henderson Echo is before us. It is a 6-column folio, printed at the Leader office in Malvern. Clarence M. Workman is Editor.
Uncle Jimmie McGee, age 77, who came to this County in 1850 before the government surveyed the land, grows reminiscent and tells us that when he first came to this locality he walked to Council Bluffs, trundling a wheel barrow full of stuff all the way. Many times he walked to Glenwood and labored a few days about town at 50 cents a day. Now he is a thrifty farmer with a host of happy descendants.
1903
Walter B. Woods announces himself as the Democratic candidate for County Superintendent of Schools. A Henderson resident from birth, he is well known throughout the County. Honoring him you will but be honoring Henderson, honoring Henderson you will but be doing your duty, doing your duty you will vote for Walter B. Woods.
For the spring term of school in Anderson Township, now in progress, we find Mollie Lyon teaching at the Benton school, Carrie Luther at Farm Creek, Jennie Wilson at Anderson, Edna Dorr at Fairview, Minnie Rhoads at Union Valley, T.R. Potts at Box Elder, Lida Cooper at Pickerel and Gertrude Geopforth at Oaks.
The annual reunion of Latter Days Saints of Southwest Iowa is to be held in the Hougas grove three miles northeast of Henderson and will run from August 22 to August 30. A carry-all will be running from the city to the grounds at regular intervals. A large number of tents have been provided for the occasion and many campers are expected to come from a distance.
1904
New Farmers National Bank Opens Doors for Business October 20 -- Officered as follows: A.S. Paul, Pres., C.E. Irwin, Vice-Pres., M.C. Turner, cashier; Directors, in addition to the foregoing, R.S. and T.R. Stewart, and George C. Boileau. The building is a 2-story, 24 x 50. A K. P. hall is on the second floor. Including fixtures, and all, the structure cost $6,500.00.
Two-day shooting tournament is held in Henderson. Frank Weatherhead won the big prize shoot, W.H. Fickel was second, Warren and Cheyney of Glenwood tied for third and Will Brown was fourth. But for a fierce northwest wind much better scores would have resulted.
James Carse has his new brick implement store far enough along to store his buggies and wagons. He has also built a fine 8-foot cement walk-in front as have Maynes & Parker in front of their meat market.
1905
Merchants are in a prosperous condition. We visit the town and find the affairs of the town well protected by Major J. Dilley; Recorder Homer Fickel, Treasurer C.E. Irwin and Aldermen W.H. Harbor, L.W. Triplett, E.S. Evans, J.H. Parker, Joel Woods and J.S. Carse. The lumber business is cared for by Mrs. Elizabeth Phillips and her son, T.D., the business established in 1885 by Thos. Phillips, Sr., who died in 1895. Ralph Creamer, the liveryman, is doing a healthy business. E.S. Evans, "the city blacksmith," came here in 1891 and by close attention to business has been able to buy a home and his shop building. J.S. Carse began selling implements nine years ago and has just completed his new building. Dr. W.D. Craig, a graduate of the Iowa City Medical College, came here in 1894 and has built up a good practice. The meat trade of the town is done by Maynes & Parker. They also buy and ship livestock. J.H.B. Gordon, while new to the town, is not a new man to the harness business as he has worked at it over 44 years. His son, H.E., does professional fancy work pertaining to the harness trade. Richard Thomas first saw the town in 1883, just three years after it emerged from Joel Woods' corn field. He first worked as boot and shoe maker, is a prosperous merchant now, owns his own brick store building and carries a stock of general merchandise. C.E. Irwin, the city druggist, came here in 1885. He recently took "Dal" Redman into partnership; owns his 2-story brick building, the second floor of which is used as an opera house. H.F. Wilson settled here in 1891, engaged in the hardware business, and has bought himself a comfortable home and store building. A.S. Paul, the pioneer stock dealer, came to this County in 1867 and he seems to have acquired enough of this world's goods to keep the wolf from the door for some time. He wore the blue during the war under the colors of the 95th New York. C.S. Swaney began a general merchandise business here three-and-a-half years ago. He has a good trade and also supervises the large farm of Mosley Chase, Esq., just east of town. W.H. Harbor came to this town in 1881 and engaged in farming. He now is a junior member of C.E. Irwin & Co., grain, coal and exchange business. A.H. Harbor is a dealer in butter, eggs and poultry and also is engaged in raising fine Barred Plymouth Rock chickens.
Because of his ten years of faithful service as Clerk of Anderson Township, George Fickel was presented with a handsome rocking chair last week, the presentation taking place at Cook's store.
Miss Grace Barr of Council Bluffs was visiting her cousins, Misses Bessie and Nellie Hollingsworth recently. She is a daughter of John Barr and enjoys the honor of being the first child born in Henderson. She is a musician of ability and sings at the First Presbyterian Church in Omaha every Sunday.
Fifty-two years ago there was a male child born in a log cabin near where the town of Henderson now stands. This child was christened Milton Richards. He has grown to be a grandfather and has never lost his citizenship in Anderson Township in all this time.
J.J. Ewing speaks of the anti Horse Thief Association in Henderson's early days. He was president and says the members were pledged to use all efforts in their power to bring evil-doers to justice even if it required the sacrifice of a good horse. The members were bound to pay all expenses incurred.
Five young people graduate from the Henderson High School, namely Ida Wilson, Ethel Kiger, Sherman Stonebraker, Arley Harbor and Dick Morris. The present enrollment of the school is about 75 and Professor R.E. Davenport leads the school.
Isaac Wilson is the first man in Henderson to buy an automobile. He steamed into town last Saturday with a "buzz wagon" and created a big excitement. The machine is about 6-horse power and was bought second-hand in Council Bluffs.
1906
Henderson Mutual Telephone system is under way with about 100 phones in use and new ones being added every day. The Central is in the Carse block with George Pritchett in charge as the operator.
N.G. Cook has sold his stock of general merchandise to Sturgeon. Mr. Cook has been in business in Henderson for 20 years. Ed Noe has purchased the Sam Houser restaurant. James I. Wilkinson has just bought the J.A. Stonebraker residence and 10 acres adjoining for $3800.00. He will move to town soon from his farm south of Henderson.
Watson S. Cooper has a warm spot in his heart for the old Courthouse in Glenwood as he helped haul the dressed stone for the building from his father's old quarry south of Henderson.
The Citizen's Bank, of which M.C. Harover is President, and W.H. Fickel Cashier, was entered by robbers, the safe blown to pieces and about $2,000 taken. The burglars escaped with a team and buggy. Previous to the robbery the robbers had stolen Dr. Gowdy's driving team and after robbing the bank, drove to Hastings where they abandoned the team.
Sim Triplett, Jacob Coppock and Robert Pierson expect to go to Vicksburg to attend the unveiling of the monuments to Iowa soldiers which takes place November 15.
The Malvern Leader has collected names of Mills County people residing here for 50 years or more. The list for Henderson is A. McClenahan, 1848; Mrs. Daniel Hougas, 1846; A. Badham, 1852; W.R. Cooper, 1851; and James McGee, 1848.
If the history of Mills County is ever properly written, it will no doubt record Old Trader's Point, the first town to be established within its borders, though a portion of the town is now in the Missouri River. Mrs. Dan Hougas came to Trader's Point at the age of 2 with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert McClenahan, in July of 1846, making her Mills County's earliest day settler. She moved with her mother to the vicinity of Henderson nearly 50 years ago. Her brother, August McClenahan, and her sister, Mrs. George Skank, born at Trader's Point, also now live near Henderson. It is altogether possible that the latter two are the oldest native-born residents of Mills County. Mrs. Hougas' father died at Trader's Point and is buried in the old cemetery at Council Bluffs. An uncle of Mrs. Hougas, Silas Richards, her mother's brother and the father of Milton Richards, was also an early-day pioneer and owned the old historic block house at Council Bluffs once used by the United States as a fort. Mr. Richards is also buried in the old cemetery at Council Bluffs.
1907
Jud Coppock is in the box for the Henderson baseball team this season and his brother, Al, stops them back of the bat in good shape. In the game between Henderson and Hastings on the Emerson diamond, the boys from up the river had on their war paint in crimson richness and were in great fighting trim, beating Hastings 9 to 1. The line-up for Henderson was A. Coppock, J. Coppock, H. Workman, Maxwell,, Turner, Morris, C. Workman, Wilson and Phillips.
W.H. Harbor lets contract for new elevator.
New Methodist Church is dedicated in February, the cornerstone having been laid in 1905. Building costs were $5,000.00.
The town of Henderson and Anderson Township have gone into partnership in a public building at Henderson. Located near the town calaboose, it is 22 x 30 feet and built of cement blocks.
1908
Schoolhouse, a 2-story frame structure, goes up in smoke. When the fire was discovered the flames were darting out of the windows and none of the contents could be saved. The last bond was taken up and paid only a few weeks ago. Building and contents were insured for $3,000.00. The Irwin and K.P. halls and a third building will be pressed into use for the remainder of the school year.
Officers of the Mutual Telephone Co. for this year are Robert Harding, Pres., William Houser, Vice-President, and G.W. Boileau, Secretary.
Newly elected officers for the Methodist Sunday School are Prof. Essex, Supt.; Mrs. W.D. Craig, Ass't Supt.; Miss Maggie Harbor, Sec'y; and Miss Ina Harover, Organist.
1909
Bay View Club to give a play for the benefit of the lecture course. Don't fail to attend "The Spinster's Convention." In the cast will be Mrs. Paul, Maude Kiger, Flora Wilson, Mary Maxwell, Mrs. Workman, Agnes Hockenberry, Mrs. Essex, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Curran, Mrs. Phillips, Ruby Whittlesey, Maude Turner, Bessie Hollingsworth, Miss Crossthwaite, Mrs. Lentz and Mrs. Craig.
1910
Thirty-seven leading farmers of Mills County have a Henderson Post Office address: Jacob Bare, A. Badham, F.C. Babbitt, G.W. Boileau, Oscar Braden, W.L. Brown, Herbert Buck, William Castor, Fred Carter, E. Carlstedt, John Cunningham, Nis Duysen, W.A. Ewing, G.M. Galbraith, J.L. Graham, Daniel Hougas, T.A. Hougas, W.M. Houser, T.S. Kilgore, Henry Maxwell, Mrs. A. McClenahan, R.W. McClenahan, Charles McGee, Lydia A. McGee, E.V. Norton, J.A. Norton, J.M. Oliver, W.M. Oliver, G.W. Pickrell, W.L. Pollitt, F.G. Skank,, C.E. Slump, T.R. Stewart, Sim Triplett, J.B. Viner, J.R. Viner, Charley Walker, C.I. Wilkinson, O. Wilkinson, J.A. Wilson, and V.L. Wilson.
Henderson Times does a story, "Henderson, As It Is Now." Lists Sturgeon Bros., Adams & Harding and Richard Thomas in general merchandise; H.F. Wilson in hardware; J.S. Willard, a line of hardware, furniture, tin work, harness and rugs; Workman & Co. doing a hardware business; J.S. Carse and William Workman in the implement business; L.W. Triplett with a complete line of pumps, tanks, windmills, etc.; C.M. Rose, the Proprietor of the City Hotel; J.C. Goss with a neat restaurant and carrying a line of tobaccos and confections. Citizen's Bank, the older institution, having operated close to 20 years, is ably commanded by M.C. Harover as Cashier and G.T. Harover as Ass't Cashier. (The Farmer's National Bank, still young, is covered in other columns.) Lumber wants are looked after by T.D. Phillips; livestock business handled by A.S. Paul, J.H. Parker and William Cain; wagon workers and blacksmiths are J.E. Briggs and O.A. Harney. W.H. Harbor is the city's grain and coal man. R.E. Creamer is our connecting link with the outside world with his livery and feed barn and he keeps good teams and rigs. Alva Harbor operates the only poultry and produce business. U.G. Hockenberry, the barber, has given more people "close shaves" than any other man in the community. O.E. Farrington is Proprietor of the meat market; E.M. Duke represents the real estate profession and is notary public. Henderson is represented in the professional line by Drs. W.D. Craig, A.S. Gowdy, and Dr. Perley. George W. Wilson operates the automobile "doctor shop" and Clyde Edmondson operates a dray and transit line.
Great automobile show held in Henderson in conjunction with the baseball tournament and annual Odd Fellows picnic. Upwards of 100 "machines" were there. Henderson has the reputation of being the largest auto-owning center in Mills County with some 50 cars.
Charles Byers, our enterprising young farmer west of town is to build the first residence in Mills County to be constructed entirely of cement blocks. It will be a 10-room affair. The blocks are made by T.D. Phillips who has the honor of constructing the first cement block building in Mills County which was built on his premises in Henderson in 1908.
A Ladies Aid Society is formed at the Methodist Church.
1911
Federal census of 1910 just completed shows the population of Henderson to be 240 in 1910; 244 in 1900, a loss of 4.
Claude Wilson is Champion Corn Husker of the World, averages 43 ears per minute for 10 hours.
1912
Baseball team is organized for the season with J.C. Loving as Manager and A.P. Phillips, Captain. Among the players who expect to make the team this season are A.A. Coppock, Homer Wilkinson, Jud Coppock, H.A. Workman, A.P. Phillips, M.D. Maxwell, Will Houser, Gwynn Harover, Sam Phelps and Ralph Viner.
The town votes 39 to 1 for electricity. The Central Engineering Co. of Glenwood is granted a 20-year franchise. There will be 16 street lights, one on every corner. Wiring the town will begin soon. A number of people will have their houses and businesses wired.
1913
Watson Cooper attended a reunion of Crocker's Brigade at Clarinda. The Brigade was organized April 27, 1862, and had 37 battles and sieges to its credit.
Henderson is one of the largest shipping points in this section. Freight forwarded in a year's time consisted of 229 cars of livestock and 85 cars of grain.
1914
Ice harvest is on full blast at Henderson, the ice being secured from Farm Creek where a dam was built and everything prepared last fall. Robert McClenahan has rigged up a saw that is run by a gasoline engine. Several auto loads go out every day to see it in action. He is thinking of having it patented.
Henderson has its first Chautauqua this summer, 25 progressive businessmen having signed up with the Britt Chautauqua System for a 6-day series. More than ordinary interest was accorded the Boileau Concerteers for the reason that Ralph Boileau was once a resident here. The main tent was placed east of the schoolhouse park and the park itself used for camping. The tent blew down during Sunday night's storm and the program was given in the M.E. Church until Tuesday when a new tent arrived. The W.C.T.U. ladies had a rest tent on the grounds.
Dr. R.L. South, a native of Cass County, Iowa, and a recent graduate of the Kansas City Veterinary College, starts a veterinary practice.
1915
W.H. Harbor to embark in the manufacture of flour. He will erect a building for that purpose and install machinery that will manufacture 25 barrels of flour daily. The building will be of brick and the power will be electricity.
1916
An Alumni Association is formed at a meeting of 30 former graduates. A committee consisting of E.M. McGrew, A.G. Hougas and M.D. Maxwell was appointed to draft the by-laws. Henderson High School is 19 years old and has an alumni membership of over 100. The first Alumni officers elected are President, J.G. Loving; Secretary, A.G. Hougas; Treasurer, G.T. Harover.
The Hay Creek Bachelor's Club is organized with 21 members. Meetings will be held in Township Hall. Officers of this soon-to-be-famous club are John Frye, President; Champ Harover, Secretary; Ed Davis, Treasurer; Art Phelps, General Director. This is exclusively a uni-sex organization and ladies are therefore barred. If any member ever discloses the secrets of the club to his sweetheart, he will be compelled to set up cigars for the entire club and wear women's toggery 3 nights in succession. The object of the club is to promote skill in the ancient, honorable and strenuous game of checkers.
1917
At the flag raising ceremony in Henderson the first assemblage of the day was at the schoolhouse grounds where an address was given by Gen. Stone of Glenwood. The flag raising was held at the main four corners in the city where a pole for the new flag had been placed in the center of the street intersection. A number of Civil War veterans participated and the flag was hoisted to the strains of "The Star Bangled Banner" by the Glenwood Band. Free lemonade was served by smiling maids and the town altogether did herself proud.
Henderson branch of the Council Bluffs Red Cross needs more in their yarn fund. Anyone who wishes to donate or become a member should contact the Secretary, Mrs. George C. Wilson. President, Mrs. Craig, reports they have sent their second shipment of completed articles to headquarters at Council Bluffs consisting of sheets, pillow cases, towels, bed socks, and bandages along with the following knitted articles: 13 pair socks, 9 mufflers, 4 pair wristlets and 6 sweaters.
Citizens are urged to form Vigilance Corps. Are to classify all residents: 1. Loyal; 2. Disloyal; 3. Doubtful; 4. Unknown. If further designation is needed, classify: 1. Alien enemy; 2. Pro-Germany; 3. Anti-Government. Send the list to your local police department, local representative of the Department of Justice and Army and Navy Intelligence. This urging comes from the American Defense Society.
In March a fire starting in the cob room of the Harbor elevator destroys the elevator along with 10,000 bushels of grain. It is rebuilt and reopened in August.
Postage is raised from 2 cents to 3 cents for letters, and postcards raised from 1 cent to 2 cents.
Prohibition in Iowa is made permanent. Iowa voters hit John Barleycorn a death blow at the special election in October. Henderson votes 106 for and 43 against. Manufacture and sale of liquor is prohibited within the borders of the state.
1918
Wilburn Houser pays $160 an acre for the Roy Swaney farm of 187 acres.
Dallas McGrew is honored at Ames with a silver "Success Cup" for great success in his line of work. He was selected from 102 men for his civil, social, financial and agricultural activities.
Mills County Taxes: Anderson Township pays $41,199.65; Town of Henderson pays $3,888.22.
World War Ends: Henderson proves its patriotic feelings when peace news reaches here. A big jubilee is held in town with all the bells and whistles brought into use, the school children assisting. At night huge bonfires are built in which effigies of the Kaiser and Crown Price are burned to the acoompaniment of shotguns and anvils.
1919
Soldiers are welcomed home at Glenwood. Anderson Township delegation led by township chairman, E.M. Duke, a Spanish War veteran in the uniform of that day. They had a beautiful float representing a battleship and several decorated cars following.
An order is filed with the Mills County Recorder by the County Board of Supervisors which officially changes the name of the Town of Potter to the Town of Henderson. The town, being unincorporated, comes under the jurisdiction of the Board of Supervisors. Joel Woods and wife gave to The Public 40 acres in the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 10, Township 73, Range 40, where the town of Potter was located. The first train of the C.B. & Q. wended its way up the branch road July 4, 1880, and the town, originally laid out several blocks east of the railroad, was moved closer to the railroad.
The 1880 federal census report showed the population of the town of Potter living in 4 households. In the 1st was Joel Woods, age 48, his wife Sarah, their five children, and a boarder by the name of R.W. Wright, age 35; in the 2nd was Walter Hicks, age 28, and his mother Isabella, age 60; in the 3rd was John Barr, age 25, his wife Mary, their daughter Bertha, a boarder named Charles Vandruff and a servant girl named Mary Turner; and in the 4th household was Eli Carr, age 27, his wife Ida, age 22, and their daughter Viola. Joel Woods was a farmer. Walter Hicks was a railroad section hand, John Barr was a grocer and Eli Carr was a carpenter.
First class of the M.E. church forms. Services held in the depot and in the Starrett Hall for the present.
County history is published, giving sketches of the following residents of Anderson Township: A. Baumgartner, T.F. Brammeier, James Bone, Jacob Coppock, J.E. Devore, Mrs. Rebecca J. Holmes, R.D. Kayton, B.E.F. Kelley, G.W. Newman, Gerhard Nellen, James R. Owens, George Parker, S. Pruden, Valentine Plumb, H.H. Quimby, W.B. Wilson and Joel Woods. Woods came to his farm in 1875. His farm originally numbered 255 acres, 40 of which were laid out in the town called Henderson.
1882
Editor of the Malvern Leader visits the prosperous young town of Henderson and finds business of the place represented by Starrett & Hougas, A. Baumgartner, Thomas Phillips, Darner & Workman, Richard Thomas, Woods Brow., Williams & Lester, John Barr, L.B. Carter, Sidney Pitt, Mesdames Knowles & Blakely, Miss Delia Barr, John Shamblin, J.C. Phillips, Ed Hay, R.A. Morton, S.A. Tipton and Dr. Knowles.
Joel Woods deeds a lot in Henderson to the trustees of the M.E. church for $1 which Woods then turns over to the church as a donation. Contractors for the new church are Eli Carr and Tom Phillips. The new church, costing $1,500, is dedicated November 3.
1883
A number of citizens of Henderson have met at the residence of Joel Woods and organized a Mutual Protective Association. The object of the society is to recover stolen property and to capture and punish thieves.
1886
Christian Church established in Henderson, having previously organized at Kilgore school 3 miles west of town February 24, 1877. Lots and church building used by the Lutheran Society are sold by Joel Woods and wife to the Trustees of the Christian Church for $1,500 in October. Elected at this time are J.J. Ewing and R.N. Morton as elders; D.A. Williams, R.A. Adkins and J.A. Stonebraker as deacons; and Mrs. E. Lawrence as clerk.
1887
The school, a two-story frame structure, is built at a cost of $2,800.00.
Farm Creek Cemetery, though in use long before this is surveyed and platted in April by Seth Dean, Mills County Surveyor. The grounds are dedicated to the public use as a cemetery on April 7 by Trustees Joel Woods, J.A. Boswell and A. McClenahan. An entry in an early abstract shows the five acres of the cemetery were originally set aside for a church and cemetery. Earliest burial in Farm Creek Cemetery is that of Angeline Shinn, born July 3, 1849, died May 8, 1850. Other early burials are those of Augustus Richards, a veteran of the War of 1812, who died December 10, 1851 at the age of 71 years; Allen T. Shinn, born 1812, died 1858; and Juan Badham, son of Samuel Badham, died 1859, age 2.
1888
The Red Oak Sun, August 10, 1888
Sunday School Picnic Near Henderson
HENDERSON, Aug. 7 - The Sunday school picnic convention held in Magee's grove, 2 1/2 miles east of Henderson, on Thursday of last week was a very successful and profiting one. Sunday schools of Lincoln township, and from Wheeler's Grove, Henderson and Emerson were present, as well as members of other schools. The Henderson band was in attendance and made some good music. There was an organ on the ground, and the singing by the Emerson, Henderson and two Welsh schools of Lincoln township was very fine. Seats were provided for 400 people, but 600 or more were in attendance. J.A. Shuey, of Red Oak, presided, and addresses were made by Revs. Beetley of Toledo, Ia., J.F. Lyle, of Emerson and W.J. Beck, of Macedonia, and by Polk Smith and Mr. Shuey. Mr. Smith did good work in arranging for the convention...getting out the attendance and making the convention the grand success it proved to be.
Sunday School Rally at Macedonia
MACEDONIA, Aug. 7 - The Sunday school picnic held near here last Friday was a big thing, one of the biggest things of the kind ever held in this part of the State. At 10:00 a.m. a procession of 1,000 Sunday school pupils and workers marched to Tompkins' grove, where they were joined by some 200 other citizens. There were seats for 800. On a large platform, 12 by 60 feet, which was partly covered and beautifully decorated with evergreens, flags, banners and mottoes, were seated the speakers, the choir and the Macedonia band. The following Sunday schools were present: Henderson, Oakland, Carson, Wheeler's Grove, Lone Star, Box Elder, Christian, Latter Day Saints, Pleasant Valley and Macedonia. Hon. B.F. Clayton presided at the meeting. Addresses were made by Mr. Clayton, Revs. Geo. Wright, J.T. Mumford and W.J. Beck, of Macedonia; Joseph Wells, of Council Bluffs, and L.J. Murch, of Malvern, Sunday school missionaries, and J.A. Shuey, of Red Oak, secretary of the Montgomery County Sunday School association. The music was inspiring, led by the Macedonia band and joined in by the large assemblage, the woods ringing with sweet melody. A basket dinner was a not unimportant feature of the occasion.
1891
It has recently been discovered that the water from that famous Artesian well of K.P. Duysen's in Anderson Township has pronounced medicinal qualities. Some of the residents of that neighborhood are bottling the water and using it in place of their usual pills and bitters.
The town council has purchased a small lot from Henry Darnell just south of Joe Maynes' barn on Dilley Avenue where they are hauling bricks for a "calliboose." It will be 10 x 12 and all brick with a steel lining and have two compartments. It is also planned to build a city hall on the lot for council meetings and elections.
The Rural Free Delivery mail route opened up for business in Henderson. Fred Carter is the carrier and has about the finest mail wagon in southwest Iowa. It is furnished by James Carse, Henderson's implement and wagon dealer. A special agent of the government was in Henderson earlier to lay out the routes. The territory lies in Mills, Montgomery and Pottawattamie Counties and over 80 mail boxes have been ordered already.
The Ladies' Cemetery Association has raised funds for a fence for the cemetery. Mr. McClenahan has ordered the fence, solid steel throughout and of extra good quality, at a cost of $272.00.
C.E. Evans, the patriotic blacksmith, put up an iron pipe flag pole at the Post Office Building. It was used for the flag which was half-masted with crepe in honor of the late President.
1893
After a hard battle the town of Henderson is incorporated, to the joy of one side and the great disappointment of the other. The majority in favor was one, the same majority that was against incorporation last year. In the town election held May 4 the following were elected on the Citizen's ticket: Mayor, A.S. Paul; Treas., M.C. Harover; Recorder, Dr. Art Folsom; Assessor, Tom Phillips; Councilmen Joel Woods, E.M. Schafer, R.M. Adkins, James Bone, C.E. Irwin and H.F. Wilson.
Ordinances for the town are printed by the Mills County Tribune at Glenwood in a neat little 12-page booklet. The wisdom displayed by the city fathers in their municipal legislation would do credit to a town much older and much larger. There will be a one-dollar tax levied on each male dog and a two-dollar tax on each female dog. Also to be noted is the ordinance explaining that anyone caught telling fortunes in the town of Henderson will be fined anywhere from $3 to $100.00.
1894
Farm Creek Independent School District to build a new school, proposed cost to be $800.00. Bids should be left with the secretary of the School Board, Hayden Carter.
1895
Anderson Township Assessor's Books Show: J.D. Robbins, largest land owner; Elmer Braden, largest corn yield, 33 1/2 bushels to the acre; J.C. Pleak, largest winter wheat acreage; T.A. Hougas, the champion spring wheat producer; Mosley Chase, the most rye; Daniel Hougas, the most, in fact the only, buckwheat; Marion L. Evans, most thoroughbred horse producer and Thomas Young, first honors on mules, having seven head. Four tie for honors in poultry raising: Mrs. L.A. Plumb, Abel Cary, Jr., Ed Slump and L.W. Southern. Ed Slump easily takes the lead in egg production with 1800 dozen. Hayden Carter leads with turkeys; C.C. Oaks, largest butter producer. There are two fine Churches in the Township, one the Farm Creek Church owned by the Latter Day Saints; the other, Wesley Chapel, owned by the Methodists.
1897
First class graduates from the high school (11th grade): Jesse Owens, Pearl Pierson, Ralph Creamer, Claude Owens, Elmer Harlan, Edna Priest, Anna Asell and Lena Baumgartner.
1898
City Assessor, T.D. Phillips, reports $5,200 in new buildings for the past year; total personal property valuation is $70,444.00. The good people of Henderson move around in 33 vehicles of various kinds, drawn by 66 horses, while 29 cows furnish milk for the inhabitants.
Second High School Commencement held at the Irwin Opera House with two graduates: Ward E. Shafer and Edna J. Pierson. The Henderson schools finish a successful year under the able supervision of Professors E.H. Hamilton and W.B. Woods, and by Mrs. O.H. Marsh and Miss Pearl McClenahan.
In visiting with Dan Hougas we learn it was 1856 when he hove in sight over the rolling hilltops up Henderson way. He used to drive 40 miles to see his neighbors. He told us when Lincoln first ran for the presidency in 1860 there was one Democrat in Anderson Township and he kindly consented to stay home and not vote, but now the township is Democratic by several majorities.
1899
Old time citizen of Henderson, D.T. Musselman, moves to Rock County, Nebraska; came to Mills County in 1866; has lived in Henderson the last 18 years.
The Henderson merchants—Thomas, Shafer, Cook and Sturgeon Bros.—have a merry war on eggs. Henderson merchants are paying from 11 to 13 cents while grocers in neighboring towns are offering but 10 cents.
Assessor Maxwell of Anderson Township reports the average value of land in Anderson Township a trifle less than $39 dollars per acre. The most valuable land is a 5-acre tract belonging to Joseph B. Viner which has been assessed at $120 an acre. There are 143 persons in the township eligible for military duty.
The graduating class is the largest in the history of the school. There are 18 - 12 girls and 6 boys as follows: Guisa E. Redman, Myrtle Esterquist, Jesse G. Loving, Edna Dorr, Abner Clark, Hattie Paul, Pearl Cary, James M. Hamilton, Ethel M. Boileau, Bessie M. Hollingsworth, Stella May Stewart, Marion D. Maxwell, Edna McClenahan, Ray Pierson, Grace Badham, Claude E. Wilson, Katie Wilson and Milburn C. Turner. Commencement exercises will be on Friday and Saturday nights next week.
1900
Woodmen have the biggest blowout ever held in Henderson - about 250 people crowd into Irwin's Hall where the entertainment was held. Henderson's lodge is one of the largest and most prosperous of the order in Iowa.
C. R.M. Adkins is appointed Marshall of Henderson. They couldn't have made a better choice. Henderson has been cursed for some time with a lot of bad boys as witnessed by the abominable egg-throwing episode recently.
Henderson's leading businessmen and others have subscribed $400 in tickets for telephones and the Iowa Telephone Co. has agreed to put in the system as soon as arrangements can be made.
W.H. Harbor has sons to be proud of - Ora, age 17, and Arley, age 15, farmed 50 acres north of Henderson last spring and have managed so well they will clear 50 bushels of corn to the acre.
A brilliant affair was the Thanksgiving dance in the Irwin Hall. Over 100 people danced and in addition there were 60 or 70 spectators present. It was nearly five o'clock the next morning before the last loiterer retired, all declaring they had had a grand time.
Peter Asell, the section foreman on the Carson Branch, made a business trip to Red Oak on his new railroad velocipede.
Officers are elected for the Farm Creek Cemetery Association. They are: Mrs. Cady Phillips, Pres.; Mrs. Eva Craig, Vice-President; Miss Anna Asell, Secretary; and Miss Mae Paul, Treasurer.
1901
Fifteen of the good citizens of Henderson had a lucky escape from what might have been an expensive "gold brick" scheme. These gentlemen were: George C. Wilson, J.B. Fickel, C.E. Irwin, C.C. Oaks, R.S. Stewart, T.R. Stewart, J.B. Viner, A. McClenahan, Joe Williams, M.A. Plumb, M.F. Dilley, Harmon Evans, Dud McClain, William Stidd and P. Jamison. These good men had agreed to pay $3,000 for a high bred Percheron horse, but when the animal came, the seller refused to guarantee the animal to be all right; thus, the 15 gentlemen each paid $2 toward the man's expenses and he was to take the horse back to Ohio or wherever he came from.
High School graduates this year are Ola G. Stewart, Clarence M. Workman, L. Maude Kiger, Lawrence A. Paul, and L. Rausa Taylor.
Joel Woods is arranging for a mammoth fish pond to be located on his farm on the Botna River west of Henderson. There is a loop in the river which can easily be cut off from the main stream and will give an area of two acres for the pond.
1902
The Henderson Herald, published by S.W. Young, suspends publication in April and in December the first issue of the Henderson Echo is before us. It is a 6-column folio, printed at the Leader office in Malvern. Clarence M. Workman is Editor.
Uncle Jimmie McGee, age 77, who came to this County in 1850 before the government surveyed the land, grows reminiscent and tells us that when he first came to this locality he walked to Council Bluffs, trundling a wheel barrow full of stuff all the way. Many times he walked to Glenwood and labored a few days about town at 50 cents a day. Now he is a thrifty farmer with a host of happy descendants.
1903
Walter B. Woods announces himself as the Democratic candidate for County Superintendent of Schools. A Henderson resident from birth, he is well known throughout the County. Honoring him you will but be honoring Henderson, honoring Henderson you will but be doing your duty, doing your duty you will vote for Walter B. Woods.
For the spring term of school in Anderson Township, now in progress, we find Mollie Lyon teaching at the Benton school, Carrie Luther at Farm Creek, Jennie Wilson at Anderson, Edna Dorr at Fairview, Minnie Rhoads at Union Valley, T.R. Potts at Box Elder, Lida Cooper at Pickerel and Gertrude Geopforth at Oaks.
The annual reunion of Latter Days Saints of Southwest Iowa is to be held in the Hougas grove three miles northeast of Henderson and will run from August 22 to August 30. A carry-all will be running from the city to the grounds at regular intervals. A large number of tents have been provided for the occasion and many campers are expected to come from a distance.
1904
New Farmers National Bank Opens Doors for Business October 20 -- Officered as follows: A.S. Paul, Pres., C.E. Irwin, Vice-Pres., M.C. Turner, cashier; Directors, in addition to the foregoing, R.S. and T.R. Stewart, and George C. Boileau. The building is a 2-story, 24 x 50. A K. P. hall is on the second floor. Including fixtures, and all, the structure cost $6,500.00.
Two-day shooting tournament is held in Henderson. Frank Weatherhead won the big prize shoot, W.H. Fickel was second, Warren and Cheyney of Glenwood tied for third and Will Brown was fourth. But for a fierce northwest wind much better scores would have resulted.
James Carse has his new brick implement store far enough along to store his buggies and wagons. He has also built a fine 8-foot cement walk-in front as have Maynes & Parker in front of their meat market.
1905
Merchants are in a prosperous condition. We visit the town and find the affairs of the town well protected by Major J. Dilley; Recorder Homer Fickel, Treasurer C.E. Irwin and Aldermen W.H. Harbor, L.W. Triplett, E.S. Evans, J.H. Parker, Joel Woods and J.S. Carse. The lumber business is cared for by Mrs. Elizabeth Phillips and her son, T.D., the business established in 1885 by Thos. Phillips, Sr., who died in 1895. Ralph Creamer, the liveryman, is doing a healthy business. E.S. Evans, "the city blacksmith," came here in 1891 and by close attention to business has been able to buy a home and his shop building. J.S. Carse began selling implements nine years ago and has just completed his new building. Dr. W.D. Craig, a graduate of the Iowa City Medical College, came here in 1894 and has built up a good practice. The meat trade of the town is done by Maynes & Parker. They also buy and ship livestock. J.H.B. Gordon, while new to the town, is not a new man to the harness business as he has worked at it over 44 years. His son, H.E., does professional fancy work pertaining to the harness trade. Richard Thomas first saw the town in 1883, just three years after it emerged from Joel Woods' corn field. He first worked as boot and shoe maker, is a prosperous merchant now, owns his own brick store building and carries a stock of general merchandise. C.E. Irwin, the city druggist, came here in 1885. He recently took "Dal" Redman into partnership; owns his 2-story brick building, the second floor of which is used as an opera house. H.F. Wilson settled here in 1891, engaged in the hardware business, and has bought himself a comfortable home and store building. A.S. Paul, the pioneer stock dealer, came to this County in 1867 and he seems to have acquired enough of this world's goods to keep the wolf from the door for some time. He wore the blue during the war under the colors of the 95th New York. C.S. Swaney began a general merchandise business here three-and-a-half years ago. He has a good trade and also supervises the large farm of Mosley Chase, Esq., just east of town. W.H. Harbor came to this town in 1881 and engaged in farming. He now is a junior member of C.E. Irwin & Co., grain, coal and exchange business. A.H. Harbor is a dealer in butter, eggs and poultry and also is engaged in raising fine Barred Plymouth Rock chickens.
Because of his ten years of faithful service as Clerk of Anderson Township, George Fickel was presented with a handsome rocking chair last week, the presentation taking place at Cook's store.
Miss Grace Barr of Council Bluffs was visiting her cousins, Misses Bessie and Nellie Hollingsworth recently. She is a daughter of John Barr and enjoys the honor of being the first child born in Henderson. She is a musician of ability and sings at the First Presbyterian Church in Omaha every Sunday.
Fifty-two years ago there was a male child born in a log cabin near where the town of Henderson now stands. This child was christened Milton Richards. He has grown to be a grandfather and has never lost his citizenship in Anderson Township in all this time.
J.J. Ewing speaks of the anti Horse Thief Association in Henderson's early days. He was president and says the members were pledged to use all efforts in their power to bring evil-doers to justice even if it required the sacrifice of a good horse. The members were bound to pay all expenses incurred.
Five young people graduate from the Henderson High School, namely Ida Wilson, Ethel Kiger, Sherman Stonebraker, Arley Harbor and Dick Morris. The present enrollment of the school is about 75 and Professor R.E. Davenport leads the school.
Isaac Wilson is the first man in Henderson to buy an automobile. He steamed into town last Saturday with a "buzz wagon" and created a big excitement. The machine is about 6-horse power and was bought second-hand in Council Bluffs.
1906
Henderson Mutual Telephone system is under way with about 100 phones in use and new ones being added every day. The Central is in the Carse block with George Pritchett in charge as the operator.
N.G. Cook has sold his stock of general merchandise to Sturgeon. Mr. Cook has been in business in Henderson for 20 years. Ed Noe has purchased the Sam Houser restaurant. James I. Wilkinson has just bought the J.A. Stonebraker residence and 10 acres adjoining for $3800.00. He will move to town soon from his farm south of Henderson.
Watson S. Cooper has a warm spot in his heart for the old Courthouse in Glenwood as he helped haul the dressed stone for the building from his father's old quarry south of Henderson.
The Citizen's Bank, of which M.C. Harover is President, and W.H. Fickel Cashier, was entered by robbers, the safe blown to pieces and about $2,000 taken. The burglars escaped with a team and buggy. Previous to the robbery the robbers had stolen Dr. Gowdy's driving team and after robbing the bank, drove to Hastings where they abandoned the team.
Sim Triplett, Jacob Coppock and Robert Pierson expect to go to Vicksburg to attend the unveiling of the monuments to Iowa soldiers which takes place November 15.
The Malvern Leader has collected names of Mills County people residing here for 50 years or more. The list for Henderson is A. McClenahan, 1848; Mrs. Daniel Hougas, 1846; A. Badham, 1852; W.R. Cooper, 1851; and James McGee, 1848.
If the history of Mills County is ever properly written, it will no doubt record Old Trader's Point, the first town to be established within its borders, though a portion of the town is now in the Missouri River. Mrs. Dan Hougas came to Trader's Point at the age of 2 with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert McClenahan, in July of 1846, making her Mills County's earliest day settler. She moved with her mother to the vicinity of Henderson nearly 50 years ago. Her brother, August McClenahan, and her sister, Mrs. George Skank, born at Trader's Point, also now live near Henderson. It is altogether possible that the latter two are the oldest native-born residents of Mills County. Mrs. Hougas' father died at Trader's Point and is buried in the old cemetery at Council Bluffs. An uncle of Mrs. Hougas, Silas Richards, her mother's brother and the father of Milton Richards, was also an early-day pioneer and owned the old historic block house at Council Bluffs once used by the United States as a fort. Mr. Richards is also buried in the old cemetery at Council Bluffs.
1907
Jud Coppock is in the box for the Henderson baseball team this season and his brother, Al, stops them back of the bat in good shape. In the game between Henderson and Hastings on the Emerson diamond, the boys from up the river had on their war paint in crimson richness and were in great fighting trim, beating Hastings 9 to 1. The line-up for Henderson was A. Coppock, J. Coppock, H. Workman, Maxwell,, Turner, Morris, C. Workman, Wilson and Phillips.
W.H. Harbor lets contract for new elevator.
New Methodist Church is dedicated in February, the cornerstone having been laid in 1905. Building costs were $5,000.00.
The town of Henderson and Anderson Township have gone into partnership in a public building at Henderson. Located near the town calaboose, it is 22 x 30 feet and built of cement blocks.
1908
Schoolhouse, a 2-story frame structure, goes up in smoke. When the fire was discovered the flames were darting out of the windows and none of the contents could be saved. The last bond was taken up and paid only a few weeks ago. Building and contents were insured for $3,000.00. The Irwin and K.P. halls and a third building will be pressed into use for the remainder of the school year.
Officers of the Mutual Telephone Co. for this year are Robert Harding, Pres., William Houser, Vice-President, and G.W. Boileau, Secretary.
Newly elected officers for the Methodist Sunday School are Prof. Essex, Supt.; Mrs. W.D. Craig, Ass't Supt.; Miss Maggie Harbor, Sec'y; and Miss Ina Harover, Organist.
1909
Bay View Club to give a play for the benefit of the lecture course. Don't fail to attend "The Spinster's Convention." In the cast will be Mrs. Paul, Maude Kiger, Flora Wilson, Mary Maxwell, Mrs. Workman, Agnes Hockenberry, Mrs. Essex, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Curran, Mrs. Phillips, Ruby Whittlesey, Maude Turner, Bessie Hollingsworth, Miss Crossthwaite, Mrs. Lentz and Mrs. Craig.
1910
Thirty-seven leading farmers of Mills County have a Henderson Post Office address: Jacob Bare, A. Badham, F.C. Babbitt, G.W. Boileau, Oscar Braden, W.L. Brown, Herbert Buck, William Castor, Fred Carter, E. Carlstedt, John Cunningham, Nis Duysen, W.A. Ewing, G.M. Galbraith, J.L. Graham, Daniel Hougas, T.A. Hougas, W.M. Houser, T.S. Kilgore, Henry Maxwell, Mrs. A. McClenahan, R.W. McClenahan, Charles McGee, Lydia A. McGee, E.V. Norton, J.A. Norton, J.M. Oliver, W.M. Oliver, G.W. Pickrell, W.L. Pollitt, F.G. Skank,, C.E. Slump, T.R. Stewart, Sim Triplett, J.B. Viner, J.R. Viner, Charley Walker, C.I. Wilkinson, O. Wilkinson, J.A. Wilson, and V.L. Wilson.
Henderson Times does a story, "Henderson, As It Is Now." Lists Sturgeon Bros., Adams & Harding and Richard Thomas in general merchandise; H.F. Wilson in hardware; J.S. Willard, a line of hardware, furniture, tin work, harness and rugs; Workman & Co. doing a hardware business; J.S. Carse and William Workman in the implement business; L.W. Triplett with a complete line of pumps, tanks, windmills, etc.; C.M. Rose, the Proprietor of the City Hotel; J.C. Goss with a neat restaurant and carrying a line of tobaccos and confections. Citizen's Bank, the older institution, having operated close to 20 years, is ably commanded by M.C. Harover as Cashier and G.T. Harover as Ass't Cashier. (The Farmer's National Bank, still young, is covered in other columns.) Lumber wants are looked after by T.D. Phillips; livestock business handled by A.S. Paul, J.H. Parker and William Cain; wagon workers and blacksmiths are J.E. Briggs and O.A. Harney. W.H. Harbor is the city's grain and coal man. R.E. Creamer is our connecting link with the outside world with his livery and feed barn and he keeps good teams and rigs. Alva Harbor operates the only poultry and produce business. U.G. Hockenberry, the barber, has given more people "close shaves" than any other man in the community. O.E. Farrington is Proprietor of the meat market; E.M. Duke represents the real estate profession and is notary public. Henderson is represented in the professional line by Drs. W.D. Craig, A.S. Gowdy, and Dr. Perley. George W. Wilson operates the automobile "doctor shop" and Clyde Edmondson operates a dray and transit line.
Great automobile show held in Henderson in conjunction with the baseball tournament and annual Odd Fellows picnic. Upwards of 100 "machines" were there. Henderson has the reputation of being the largest auto-owning center in Mills County with some 50 cars.
Charles Byers, our enterprising young farmer west of town is to build the first residence in Mills County to be constructed entirely of cement blocks. It will be a 10-room affair. The blocks are made by T.D. Phillips who has the honor of constructing the first cement block building in Mills County which was built on his premises in Henderson in 1908.
A Ladies Aid Society is formed at the Methodist Church.
1911
Federal census of 1910 just completed shows the population of Henderson to be 240 in 1910; 244 in 1900, a loss of 4.
Claude Wilson is Champion Corn Husker of the World, averages 43 ears per minute for 10 hours.
1912
Baseball team is organized for the season with J.C. Loving as Manager and A.P. Phillips, Captain. Among the players who expect to make the team this season are A.A. Coppock, Homer Wilkinson, Jud Coppock, H.A. Workman, A.P. Phillips, M.D. Maxwell, Will Houser, Gwynn Harover, Sam Phelps and Ralph Viner.
The town votes 39 to 1 for electricity. The Central Engineering Co. of Glenwood is granted a 20-year franchise. There will be 16 street lights, one on every corner. Wiring the town will begin soon. A number of people will have their houses and businesses wired.
1913
Watson Cooper attended a reunion of Crocker's Brigade at Clarinda. The Brigade was organized April 27, 1862, and had 37 battles and sieges to its credit.
Henderson is one of the largest shipping points in this section. Freight forwarded in a year's time consisted of 229 cars of livestock and 85 cars of grain.
1914
Ice harvest is on full blast at Henderson, the ice being secured from Farm Creek where a dam was built and everything prepared last fall. Robert McClenahan has rigged up a saw that is run by a gasoline engine. Several auto loads go out every day to see it in action. He is thinking of having it patented.
Henderson has its first Chautauqua this summer, 25 progressive businessmen having signed up with the Britt Chautauqua System for a 6-day series. More than ordinary interest was accorded the Boileau Concerteers for the reason that Ralph Boileau was once a resident here. The main tent was placed east of the schoolhouse park and the park itself used for camping. The tent blew down during Sunday night's storm and the program was given in the M.E. Church until Tuesday when a new tent arrived. The W.C.T.U. ladies had a rest tent on the grounds.
Dr. R.L. South, a native of Cass County, Iowa, and a recent graduate of the Kansas City Veterinary College, starts a veterinary practice.
1915
W.H. Harbor to embark in the manufacture of flour. He will erect a building for that purpose and install machinery that will manufacture 25 barrels of flour daily. The building will be of brick and the power will be electricity.
1916
An Alumni Association is formed at a meeting of 30 former graduates. A committee consisting of E.M. McGrew, A.G. Hougas and M.D. Maxwell was appointed to draft the by-laws. Henderson High School is 19 years old and has an alumni membership of over 100. The first Alumni officers elected are President, J.G. Loving; Secretary, A.G. Hougas; Treasurer, G.T. Harover.
The Hay Creek Bachelor's Club is organized with 21 members. Meetings will be held in Township Hall. Officers of this soon-to-be-famous club are John Frye, President; Champ Harover, Secretary; Ed Davis, Treasurer; Art Phelps, General Director. This is exclusively a uni-sex organization and ladies are therefore barred. If any member ever discloses the secrets of the club to his sweetheart, he will be compelled to set up cigars for the entire club and wear women's toggery 3 nights in succession. The object of the club is to promote skill in the ancient, honorable and strenuous game of checkers.
1917
At the flag raising ceremony in Henderson the first assemblage of the day was at the schoolhouse grounds where an address was given by Gen. Stone of Glenwood. The flag raising was held at the main four corners in the city where a pole for the new flag had been placed in the center of the street intersection. A number of Civil War veterans participated and the flag was hoisted to the strains of "The Star Bangled Banner" by the Glenwood Band. Free lemonade was served by smiling maids and the town altogether did herself proud.
Henderson branch of the Council Bluffs Red Cross needs more in their yarn fund. Anyone who wishes to donate or become a member should contact the Secretary, Mrs. George C. Wilson. President, Mrs. Craig, reports they have sent their second shipment of completed articles to headquarters at Council Bluffs consisting of sheets, pillow cases, towels, bed socks, and bandages along with the following knitted articles: 13 pair socks, 9 mufflers, 4 pair wristlets and 6 sweaters.
Citizens are urged to form Vigilance Corps. Are to classify all residents: 1. Loyal; 2. Disloyal; 3. Doubtful; 4. Unknown. If further designation is needed, classify: 1. Alien enemy; 2. Pro-Germany; 3. Anti-Government. Send the list to your local police department, local representative of the Department of Justice and Army and Navy Intelligence. This urging comes from the American Defense Society.
In March a fire starting in the cob room of the Harbor elevator destroys the elevator along with 10,000 bushels of grain. It is rebuilt and reopened in August.
Postage is raised from 2 cents to 3 cents for letters, and postcards raised from 1 cent to 2 cents.
Prohibition in Iowa is made permanent. Iowa voters hit John Barleycorn a death blow at the special election in October. Henderson votes 106 for and 43 against. Manufacture and sale of liquor is prohibited within the borders of the state.
1918
Wilburn Houser pays $160 an acre for the Roy Swaney farm of 187 acres.
Dallas McGrew is honored at Ames with a silver "Success Cup" for great success in his line of work. He was selected from 102 men for his civil, social, financial and agricultural activities.
Mills County Taxes: Anderson Township pays $41,199.65; Town of Henderson pays $3,888.22.
World War Ends: Henderson proves its patriotic feelings when peace news reaches here. A big jubilee is held in town with all the bells and whistles brought into use, the school children assisting. At night huge bonfires are built in which effigies of the Kaiser and Crown Price are burned to the acoompaniment of shotguns and anvils.
1919
Soldiers are welcomed home at Glenwood. Anderson Township delegation led by township chairman, E.M. Duke, a Spanish War veteran in the uniform of that day. They had a beautiful float representing a battleship and several decorated cars following.
Veterans' names taken from the Henderson news in the Malvern Leader:
|
Abramson, Forrest
Arnold, Glen Bailey, D. R.C. Bigelow, C.H. Briggs, Merrill Brooks, Albert Carlson, Gilbert Clark, Luther Coppock, Walter Davenport, Grover Denlinger, Eli Denlinger, Paul Duysen, Ben Elam, Merle Fickel, Ward Goodell, Charles Harover, Champ Hickman, Roy Kindig, Harry Kindig, Russell McClamon, Charles Merritt, Amos Morris, Allen Morris, Dick Parker, Clinton |
Paul, H.A.
Phelps, Art Phelps, Walter Pickenpaugh, Dee Pitts, Lee Skank Plumb, Ralph A. Rank, M.L. Rush, Ed Saar, Forrest John Saar, Paul Saar, S.E. Sivetts, James Smith, Forrest Smith, Raymond South, Dr. R.L. Sowers, Earl Viner, Ralph Walker, Frank Webster, Lee Wight, C.A. "Bob" Wilhelm, Thomas Wilson, James R. Wright, Glen Wyant, Ben |
Additional names from a booklet
"The Mills County Men Who Have Answered Their Country's Call"
|
Carlson, Seth
Wilkinson, James T. Wilkinson, Marion |
Names of Military burials at Farm Creek Cemetery for WW I (1981)
|
Christoffersen, Martin
Davis, Alva Glen Gillfillan, Lee Linthicum, Jim Peterson, Ed Phillips, Donald |
Priest, Harold I.
Ryan, Orlow G. Summers, Homer R. Titterington, Lloyd Webb, Charles Maxwell Wilkinson, Robert |
(The above list is not in any way to be considered a complete list of the veterans of WW I.)
1920
Henderson holds first Memorial Day exercises. A procession met at the M.E. Church and autos and a truck took the people to the cemetery where the graves of 7 Civil War veterans and 1 World War veteran were decorated with wreaths and flags. The services were in honor of Lloyd Titterington, the first World War veteran buried there.
1921
Free movies are offered in Henderson, Lee Gillfillan being one of the original sponsors. Bench-type seats are built but many people watch from their wagons, buggies and cars.
1922
School holds 25th commencement exercises. The Class of '22 consists of Merrill Slump, William Cain, Jr., Gayle Boileau, Edith Pollitt and Zula Slump.
1925
$35,000 Fire Sweeps Henderson - Started in the Harney Garage on the west side of the street. Fire companies from Red Oak, Oakland, Malvern, and Glenwood all hurried to the scene. Fred Workman came with Glenwood's fire company on the wild night ride across the county on their high-powered Stutz fire truck, reaching here just 42 minutes after the call was put out. A large 2-story frame structure owned by the Baumgartner estate, housing the plumbing and radio shop of Orlo Harris, also burned. Mr. Harris is building an up-to-date oil and service station in the burned area.
The big fire promoted interest in a Fire Department and fire fighting equipment for the town. They have decided on a chemical truck with water equipment and have purchased a GWW of the Wilson Truck Company of Henderson with a power and speed that will get them most any place in a pretty short time. The money has already been raised, $5,000 - $950 voted by the town and the rest raised by popular subscription in town and surrounding territory. G.W. Wilson is first Fire Chief.
Henderson Gun Club has a big all-day shoot and draws 35 shooters. The 4 low men on the first 50 targets who drew each a box of shells were Lee Gillfillan, R.W. Casebolt, Lou Barkus and Woods. The 2 low men on the last 50 each received a sack of flour - they were M.G. Leu and John Triplett. Others from the area who competed were Will Viner, A.J. Huntsman and C.A. Wight. One record worthy of especial mention was that of A.J. Huntsman who, though 75 years of age, stood up alongside the younger fellows and beat a whole lot of them.
1926
The Methodist Church celebrated their 45th Anniversary with a 6:30 p.m. reception and a special 7:30 Anniversary Church Service. Highlights of the evening included a sermon by Rev. M.A. Gable, District Superintendent, and a reading of the church history by Mrs. Thomas D. Phillips.
1927
Lee Gillfillan converts his grocery and meat market to a chain store - Red & White Stores. He will remodel the interior and has recently installed a Frigidaire refrigeration system for meats and perishables.
50th Anniversary of the Christian Church is observed from August 20 to August 27, with morning services both Sundays, programs each evening through the week, and a chicken pie supper August 24. According to the pastor, Rev. Noland, all former pastors, all neighboring pastors and the general public are invited.
It takes $98.24 a year to keep the average farm horse - feed, labor in care, housing and interest on investment.
1928
Businessmen have shown a bit of enterprise and have nicely graveled the two main business blocks of town. It is a very commendable piece of work and if it proves satisfactory as now appears, they will doubtless gravel other streets in the future.
Entire student body of the school received inoculations for diphtheria during Christmas vacation. 145 are given the first day.
1930
Henderson holds first free Chautauqua. Had good crowds in spite of rain and they plan to hold another next year. Henderson is the only town in the county yet supporting a Chautauqua.
Mrs. Rhea Sowers is appointed Postmistress at Henderson. Those that have preceded her in the Post Office are John Barr, 1880; Anthony Baumgartner, 1885; Charles Irwin, 1887; Joel Woods, 1889; Alva E. Harlan, 1893; Edward M. Duke, 1905; Samuel E. Owens, 1909; George W. Houser, 1915; Raymond W. Casebolt, 1917; Viva M. Gravett, 1919; Mrs. Mabel C. Sutton, 1920; and Mrs. Flossie H. Casebolt, 1923.
Farmer's National Bank is robbed. Three unmarked men stage a daylight hold-up and get $927.00. Although not the first bank robbery in the County, it is the first bank hold-up. Ass't Cashier John Rainbow and Marion Wise, a customer, were in the bank at the time. The Sheriff was notified about five minutes after the robbers left and a posse of Henderson men started in pursuit immediately, but to no avail.
Basketball team wins its way to the State tournament. The businessmen solicit funds to pay the boys' expenses while there. The Henderson team has won 30 consecutive games this season. They lost in the semi-finals to Davenport. Team members are Viner, Patterson, H. Byers, Houser, R. Byers, L. Wilkinson, A. McPherron, Daugherty, Brown and M. Wilkinson. Their coach is Supt. A.C. Baumgartner.
Graduating Class of 1930: Glenn Brown, Ida May Farrington, Harold Byers, Haver Daugherty, Marlin Wilkinson and Sylvia Wright.
1931
The second free Chautauqua has closed. It was the general verdict that they gave a pretty good program. An effort was made to secure a guarantee for another free Chautauqua next year but not enough guarantors have yet been secured.
Basketball team* loses first round at State Tournament, dropping their game to Boone, 27 to 21. Henderson, one of the smallest schools represented in the tournament, played with the handicap of having no able substitutes as their first-string center, Wilkinson, was out with a broken ankle. Patterson and Byers did all the scoring for Henderson. A large crowd of Henderson fans autoed to Des Moines to see the boys play. The Boone team went on to win the tournament.
*FOR DETAILS CLICK HERE!
Miss Grace Barr of Worcester, Mass., attends the funeral of her mother at Henderson.
Decoration Day is observed at Henderson. The Gettysburg Address is given by Harry Emmett Paul. A.S. Paul and Mr. Goodlow, our two remaining veterans of the Civil War, were given bouquets of roses from the community.
Henderson holds first Memorial Day exercises. A procession met at the M.E. Church and autos and a truck took the people to the cemetery where the graves of 7 Civil War veterans and 1 World War veteran were decorated with wreaths and flags. The services were in honor of Lloyd Titterington, the first World War veteran buried there.
1921
Free movies are offered in Henderson, Lee Gillfillan being one of the original sponsors. Bench-type seats are built but many people watch from their wagons, buggies and cars.
1922
School holds 25th commencement exercises. The Class of '22 consists of Merrill Slump, William Cain, Jr., Gayle Boileau, Edith Pollitt and Zula Slump.
1925
$35,000 Fire Sweeps Henderson - Started in the Harney Garage on the west side of the street. Fire companies from Red Oak, Oakland, Malvern, and Glenwood all hurried to the scene. Fred Workman came with Glenwood's fire company on the wild night ride across the county on their high-powered Stutz fire truck, reaching here just 42 minutes after the call was put out. A large 2-story frame structure owned by the Baumgartner estate, housing the plumbing and radio shop of Orlo Harris, also burned. Mr. Harris is building an up-to-date oil and service station in the burned area.
The big fire promoted interest in a Fire Department and fire fighting equipment for the town. They have decided on a chemical truck with water equipment and have purchased a GWW of the Wilson Truck Company of Henderson with a power and speed that will get them most any place in a pretty short time. The money has already been raised, $5,000 - $950 voted by the town and the rest raised by popular subscription in town and surrounding territory. G.W. Wilson is first Fire Chief.
Henderson Gun Club has a big all-day shoot and draws 35 shooters. The 4 low men on the first 50 targets who drew each a box of shells were Lee Gillfillan, R.W. Casebolt, Lou Barkus and Woods. The 2 low men on the last 50 each received a sack of flour - they were M.G. Leu and John Triplett. Others from the area who competed were Will Viner, A.J. Huntsman and C.A. Wight. One record worthy of especial mention was that of A.J. Huntsman who, though 75 years of age, stood up alongside the younger fellows and beat a whole lot of them.
1926
The Methodist Church celebrated their 45th Anniversary with a 6:30 p.m. reception and a special 7:30 Anniversary Church Service. Highlights of the evening included a sermon by Rev. M.A. Gable, District Superintendent, and a reading of the church history by Mrs. Thomas D. Phillips.
1927
Lee Gillfillan converts his grocery and meat market to a chain store - Red & White Stores. He will remodel the interior and has recently installed a Frigidaire refrigeration system for meats and perishables.
50th Anniversary of the Christian Church is observed from August 20 to August 27, with morning services both Sundays, programs each evening through the week, and a chicken pie supper August 24. According to the pastor, Rev. Noland, all former pastors, all neighboring pastors and the general public are invited.
It takes $98.24 a year to keep the average farm horse - feed, labor in care, housing and interest on investment.
1928
Businessmen have shown a bit of enterprise and have nicely graveled the two main business blocks of town. It is a very commendable piece of work and if it proves satisfactory as now appears, they will doubtless gravel other streets in the future.
Entire student body of the school received inoculations for diphtheria during Christmas vacation. 145 are given the first day.
1930
Henderson holds first free Chautauqua. Had good crowds in spite of rain and they plan to hold another next year. Henderson is the only town in the county yet supporting a Chautauqua.
Mrs. Rhea Sowers is appointed Postmistress at Henderson. Those that have preceded her in the Post Office are John Barr, 1880; Anthony Baumgartner, 1885; Charles Irwin, 1887; Joel Woods, 1889; Alva E. Harlan, 1893; Edward M. Duke, 1905; Samuel E. Owens, 1909; George W. Houser, 1915; Raymond W. Casebolt, 1917; Viva M. Gravett, 1919; Mrs. Mabel C. Sutton, 1920; and Mrs. Flossie H. Casebolt, 1923.
Farmer's National Bank is robbed. Three unmarked men stage a daylight hold-up and get $927.00. Although not the first bank robbery in the County, it is the first bank hold-up. Ass't Cashier John Rainbow and Marion Wise, a customer, were in the bank at the time. The Sheriff was notified about five minutes after the robbers left and a posse of Henderson men started in pursuit immediately, but to no avail.
Basketball team wins its way to the State tournament. The businessmen solicit funds to pay the boys' expenses while there. The Henderson team has won 30 consecutive games this season. They lost in the semi-finals to Davenport. Team members are Viner, Patterson, H. Byers, Houser, R. Byers, L. Wilkinson, A. McPherron, Daugherty, Brown and M. Wilkinson. Their coach is Supt. A.C. Baumgartner.
Graduating Class of 1930: Glenn Brown, Ida May Farrington, Harold Byers, Haver Daugherty, Marlin Wilkinson and Sylvia Wright.
1931
The second free Chautauqua has closed. It was the general verdict that they gave a pretty good program. An effort was made to secure a guarantee for another free Chautauqua next year but not enough guarantors have yet been secured.
Basketball team* loses first round at State Tournament, dropping their game to Boone, 27 to 21. Henderson, one of the smallest schools represented in the tournament, played with the handicap of having no able substitutes as their first-string center, Wilkinson, was out with a broken ankle. Patterson and Byers did all the scoring for Henderson. A large crowd of Henderson fans autoed to Des Moines to see the boys play. The Boone team went on to win the tournament.
*FOR DETAILS CLICK HERE!
Miss Grace Barr of Worcester, Mass., attends the funeral of her mother at Henderson.
Decoration Day is observed at Henderson. The Gettysburg Address is given by Harry Emmett Paul. A.S. Paul and Mr. Goodlow, our two remaining veterans of the Civil War, were given bouquets of roses from the community.