The following in regard to the early history of Calmar, as well as incidentally of Conover, is gleaned from a contributor to Sparks' History:

"In the early part of the year 1854, the first building was erected in Calmar by Peter Clawson and Alf. Clark, natives of Sweden, who came from California about that time and located at this place. This building was little more than a shanty, but served the double purpose of a variety store and dwelling house, Clark & Clawson being the occupants and the first merchants of the town.

"John P. Landin, my informant, tells me that the town site, surveyed a little later in the season-himself helping to carry the chain-and was then platted and dedicated to the public, by Clark, the owner of the land. On the completion of the survey it was found that the store stood in the center of Main street. Before winter, however, Clark & Co., had erected three other buildings of more pretentions a hotel, the Calmar House, which burned down in August. 1873, a store, on the site now occupied by P. Olson's building, and a saloon, which stood on the ground now occupied by the Huston House.

"Clark & Co. ran the new store, one Henry Miller the hotel, and Hans Gulbranson the saloon, while Landın served for some time in the capacity of hostler in the hotel stable. On account of the scarcity of shingles in the river markets at the time, the hotel was roofed in the first instance with canvas, or sheeting, and so remained for several months. Landin dug the first well in town, during the same year. It was sunk in the public square. On the 9th of July, 1854, says Landin, before I ever saw Calmar, or the site where it stands, I stopped at Fort Atkinson, ate supper, stopped over night and breakfasted next day with Squire Cooney. After hoeing corn awhile as an equivalent, I inquired of the squire if there was any of my countrymen in the vicinity, and he told me that there was one by the name of Clark keeping store at Whisky Grove, and I came up here. It was my first day in Calmar. Whisky Grove, it appears, was a name often applied to this locality in those days.

"The town was by Clark named Marysville, and went by that name for about one year, when a postoffice was located here, and, on account of there being another Marysville in the State, the name was changed to Calmar. This latter name was also of Clark's choosing, and was given in remembrance of his native town of Kalmar, situated on Kalmar Sound, on the southeast coast of Sweden. Clark was the first postmaster, and his successors have been P. M. Stanberg, D. S. Lovejoy, and John Scott, the present incumbent.

"In the year 1855, Landin erected a wooden building on the site now occupied by the Clawson & Landin Block. In that building he opened up a grocery business and sold whisky and beer-the latter he brewed himself in an underground cave near by. A large percentage of his sales were paid in butter and eggs. At that time he paid from six cents to nine cents per pound for butter, and three cents per dozen for eggs. Whisky sold for five cents per glass, so that for only one dozen and eight eggs a man could get a 'square drink,' and if a customer wanted a 'nog' it was common for the trader to throw in the egg 'free gratis.'

"In the year 1868, work was commenced on the Iowa & Dakota branch of the Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, with Calmar as its eastern terminus and junction with the main line. During the year, track was laid as far as New Hampton, considerably increasing the trade of the town, and adding to its importance as a shipping center as the road was pushed further into the interior. During the next year the Decorah branch was built, but for a year thereafter the trains of that branch did not run farther east then Conover, since which time Calmar has been the eastern end of their run and the point of passenger transfer. But, as already stated, these trains still make a stay at Conover.

"In the year 1869, under the provisons of the Municipal Incorporation Act, Chapter 51, Revised Statutes of 1860, Calmar was made an incorporated town, and was duly organized by the election of municipal officers in March, 1870. John Scott was elected Mayor, and was re-elected in 1871. In 1872 John W. Tower was elected Mayor, and in 1873-4, the citizens chose S. V. Potter to fill

that office. In 1875 the mantle was worn by A. E. Manchester, and E. Pennington is the present incumbent. Since the incorporation of the town, several miles of sidewalks built, Town Hall erected, and many other public improvements made.

"The Free Masons have a lodge in Calmar with a membership of forty-five. Their hall is over the post office, and is neat, commodious and well furnished. The lodge is out of debt, and its growth and influence in our town has been rapid and beneficent. The Sons and Daughters of Temperance also have a lodge here, and although organized only about a year ago, it has about forty active members, and is doing a good work. Their hall, on the upper floor of the Anderson-Landin block, is large, and well arranged.'

The flush days of Conover village, which is nine miles from Decorah and three from Calmar, and situated where the Decorah branch leaves the St. Paul and Minneapolis branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Ry., are pictured in the preceding description. But it still has 168 inhabitants by the census of 1880, an elevator, a general store, hotel and other business. C. J. Thompson is railroad and express agent.

Spillville village, three miles west of Conover, and twelve miles southwest of Decorah, is situated on the southwest bank of the Turkey River, and has 340 inhabitants. The plat was recorded by Joseph Spielman, proprietor, May 7, 1860. Joseph Spillman, or Spielman, who lived there in 1851, was the first settler, and had a mill. The flouring mill, now one of its prominent institutions, was built by Henry and Lyman Morse, the well-known Bluffton pioneers, before they left for California. It was afterward operated by Norris Miller, now of Decorah. It is now owned by the Spillville Mill Co. Frank Nockles' brewery is another prominent enterprise. J. J. Hang, postmaster, has a general store, and there are other branches of business. S. W. Sanders & Son, Decorah, have a branch store there. Spillville is the center and headquarters of the Bohemians of the county, who flock in crowds to the large Bohemian Catholic Church there, in the forenoon, and after services all go to the beer saloons and enjoy themselves in their old country style-but there is rarely drunkness on the occasions. The Spillville band and orchestra is famous, and is often called to Decorah on public occasions.

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP

adjoins Decorah township on the south. The C., M. & St. Paul Ry. runs across its southwestern corner. It has no village nor postoffice, its most convenient ones being Decorah, Calmar, and Ossian. Population, 1,837. The township was settled in June, 1850, by what are claimed to be the first Norwegian settlers in the county. An account of this settlement-that of the Erick Anderson party in June, of Nelson Johnson and party in July, and of Engebret Peterson Haugen, in October of the same year, are given in a previous chapter relating to early county history, and need not be repeated here.

FRANKVILLE TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE.

Frankville is the eastern township of next to the southern tier of townships. The census of 1880 gave it a population of 970. Of these 158 are in Frankville village, in the southeastern corner of the township, and 12 miles southeast of Decorah. Woodside postoffice is on the road to Decorah, about 4 miles from Frankville. Spark's History says:

"In 1851-2-3 the county was deluged with a healthy immigration. They were men noted for their integrity, perseverance, and a determination to succeed. They came in their covered carts drawn by oxen, with the family support hitched on behind in the possession of a good milch cow. A great many of these men found their homes on Washington Prairie. The earliest pioneers were the Hawkes, Moses Hostetter, J. Callendar, Christopher Anderson Estrem, Wm. Padden, the Rosa family, Jacob Duff, Walter Rathbun, and others. These came in 1850 or early in 1851. Among the number who drifted into the county in the years 1851-2 were J. T. Atkins, the Beards and Cutlers, John and James D. McKay, Joel Pagin, Wm. Birdsell, Philip Husted, Isaac Birdsell, Erick Olson Bakke, James B. Schenk, and others too numerous to mention. This immigration had the effect to change the wild prairie of a year or two previous into the garden of Winneshiek County. The construction of houses was carried on until they dotted the prairie from every conceivable point of the compass. Deer were numerous, prairie-chickens plenty, the small streams abounded with speckled trout, while larger fish were to be obtained from the Iowa River. With these, and what they were able to raise, it would seem these hardy pioneers fared sumptuously.

"Along with the tide that rolled over the country in 1851 was a man noted for his wealth. energy and perseverance. He came to stay, bringing with him a herd of cattle. Among others who preceded him was one Timothy Fuller, whose claim he purchased and settled on. This man is known all over the country as Frank Teabout, the founder of Frankville.

"In 1852. Frankville was little more than a trading point, at which lived the only inhabitant and proprietor, Mr. Frank Teabout; but about this time an event transpired which gave to it life and brighter prospects for the future. A commission had been appointed to locate the State road for the benefit of immigrants seeking homes in Northwestern Iowa and Southern Minnesota. Frankville secured the road.

The location of the road is the greatest event in the history of Frankville, for without it, in all likelihood, the place would never have been anything more than the residence of Mr. Frank Teabout. As it is, Frankville is a pleasant village, and at one time figured conspicuously in the history of the county.

It was near night when the commission arrived at Mr. Teabout's residence, and they of course accepted his hospitality until the next morning. On the next day Mr. Teabout lead the commissioners to Decorah, they declaring their line of march to be the location of the new road. There were other parties besides Mr. Teabout who studied self-interest in the location of the State road. Among the number was John McKay. He secured the passage of this desired highway through his farm. Mr. McKay had the same ambition for a town that actuated his neighbor. His first work in that direction was the establishment of a postoffice, which was effected on the discontinuance of the Jamestown office. He also secured the location of a store at this place. This town bore the name of Trout River, and at one time was a strong competitor of Frankville. The postoffice was continued at this place for nearly two years from whence it was moved to Frankville. It is claimed that this move was effected through a compromise entered into between the respective founders of the two towns.

Immediately on the location of the road, as if by magic, a town grew up about the nucleus that had previously been built, and was given the name of

Frankville. Frankville very soon became the great center of attraction. Moneek became discouraged, and moved the greater part of its worldly effects up to the new town.

The Lathrop House, an impressive three-story frame building, was built by Philip Lathrop in the year 1854. This hotel was well provided for, and did a good business. The building was destroyed by fire in the winter of 1857-8. Mr. Lathrop was absent at the time of the burning of his house, at Des Moines, lobbying through a bill asking the location of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Frankville, the people of that place pledging land and material in aid of its construction. Mr. Teabout replaced the building destroyed, by another, which long afforded hospitality to the traveler.

Much of the early success and prosperity of Frankville is justly accredited to its founder, Mr. Frank Teabout. He possessed wealth, and lavished it on the various enterprises that benefited his town. In 1852 he built the Presbyterian Church, and gave it to that denomination-the first house of worship built in the village. This church edifice was early occupied by Rev. D. W. Lyon, a preacher who divided his time between McGregor, Monona, Frankville and other points.

As an illustration of the importance Frankville attained when at its acme, it will only be necessary to state that the Free Masons of Decorah used to go to the former place to hold lodge meetings.

In 1854 Mr. Teabout built a saw-mill at a cost of $1,500. This mill did a good business, its owner finding a ready sale for all the timber it could saw. The mill was sold to Mr. Cutler. No trace of it remains to-day. In 1856 Mr. Teabout built a large steam grist mill, of two run of stone, at a cost of $10,000. The mill, during the first few years of its existence, was a financial success. It was finally sold by the proprietors to Messrs. Beard and Cutler, who transferred the machinery to the Spring Water Mill, on the Canoe. Parties used to come from Southern Minnesota to get their grist ground at this mill.

The Methodist Church was built in 1873. This denomination had held services previously in other buildings. To the Rev. Mr. Webb is said to belong the honor of being the first minister of this denomination to. officiate in the place. Frankville continued to prosper until the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad cut it off; then came its decline.

On the 10th of June, 1881, the hundredth anniversary of Leonard Cutler, of Frankville, the father of James B. Cutler, the first postmaster, was observed at the residence of James D. MeKay, in Frankville. His children present were James B., David E., and William Cutler, of Osage, and Mrs. James D. McKay and Mrs. W. D. Smith of Frankville. Mr. Cutler was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and twenty-one members from Decorah were present. Judge M. V. Burdick delivered an address, which was responded to by James. B. Cutler. Though his eyesight has failed him and his hearing impaired, the veteran centenarian is still living. He was born in Remington, Vt., June 10, 1781, and has twenty-three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Of his thirteen children, nine are living, one of them being Leonard Cutler, formerly of Decorah.

Another of the hale and hearty old men of Frankville is S. B. Cavin, who though over four score years, is still as stout and vigorous as many men thirty or forty years younger. His son J. A. Cavin, keeps the store there, Frankville Hall being in the upper story.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP

is the southeastern township of the county; population, 797. Like Sumner, which borders it on the north, it is purely agricultural. It has no villages. Navan postoffice is in the southwestern corner, and New Albany postoffice in the central western part. Fort Atkinson is its nearer postoffice on the east. Like Sumner, the country is rolling prairie, the forests being mostly in the southwestern part, and the remainder of the township comparatively free from timber, except as planted. The inhabitants are a mixture of Americans, Germans, Irish and Bohemians. The history of the early settlement of Fort Atkinson, just across the township line, is also to a certain extent a history of the settlement of Jackson township, especially as Jackson was not separated from Washington township till 1882. The name of Joseph Spillman, first settler of Spillville, is the only one from Jackson township on the first county tax list-that of 1851. Jackson township is crossed diagonally in a southwesterly direction by the I. & D. division of railroad, Jackson station being established about a year ago, near the center of the township, where the recently completed Davenport branch leaves the I. & D.

WASHINGTON

TOWNSHIP-FORT

ATKINSON-FESTINA,

SPRINGS.

OR TWIN

The census of 1880 gave to Washington township, the second in the southern tier, a population of 1,509. Of these, 435 were in Fort Atkinson village, and 117 in Festina Postoffice, better known as the village of Twin Springs. The first voting precinct of the township is at Festina, and the second at Fort Atkinson.

There was a single house of entertainment, a kind of saloon, at Twin Springs as early as 1850 or 1851. Twin Springs village was platted, and the plat recorded Oct. 17, 1856, by Andrew Meyer and wife. It lies in It lies in a beautiful valley five miles south of Calmar. Here is located the brewery of A. F. Gartner, two general stores, and other branches of business. The German Catholic church here is a very large building, and has a school connected with it. The village also has a public school. Fort Atkinson village, in the northwestern part of Washington township, near the western line, took its name from the fort of that name, as detailed in the previous pages of county history. Of the old fort, which stood on a hill overlooking the site of the present village, a portion of one building remains. It is about seventy feet of the old settlers' building, and is now occupied by three families. Turkey River, which runs southwesterly through the township, furnishes the power for several mills. Beard & Sons, of Ice Cave Creamery, Decorah, have a branch creamery at Fort Atkinson, and the various branches of business are well represented. There are four churches, and a good graded school.