Buchanan County
The first settlements in this county was made in 1842, by Ezra G. Allen and William Bennett. It was organized in 1857. In size it is twenty-four miles square, situated in the third tier of counties from the north line of the State, and the third west from the Mississippi River.
The Wapsipinicon River flows through this county from the north-west to the south-east, with many branches, while tributaries of the Cedar River, rise in the south-west. Along all these streams a good supply of timber is found, as well as building stone, and a wide range for stock, while between them are rolling prairies with deep soil of a rich sandy loam.
The streams have gravelly or rock beds, over which the water flows quite swiftly, affording abundant water-power. Oak timber of good quality is more abundant than is usual in prairie sections of country. Limestone is abundant. There are in this county over 300,000 acres of land yet uncultivated.
INDEPENDENCE, the seat of justice for Buchanan County, is a thriving town, with a population of about 1,800 inhabitants. It is pleasantly situated principally on the east bank of the Wapsipinicon, and on the line of the DuBuque and Sioux City Railroad, sixty-nine miles west from DuBuque. The town site slopes gradually back from the river, giving it a very inviting appearance. Near the summit of the ridge, a substantial brick Court House has been erected.
The Wapsipinicon affords an excellent water-power at this point, which is only partially improved, and the adjacent forests furnish a good supply of timber for the manufacture of all agricultural implements, furniture, etc.
Along the banks of the streams, any quantity of stone for foundation and other building purposes can be obtained.
The surrounding country is excellent for agricultural pursuits, the rich prairie yielding large quantities of corn, wheat, oats, hay and other produce, while the river and creek bottoms and timber lands afford an excellent range for stock.
Independence was located during the winter of 1846, by Rufus B. Clark, and now contains ten general stores, nine groceries, two clothing establishments, three boot and shoe, three drug, two book and two hardware stores, two printing establishments, one bank, one foundry and machine shop, one brewery, one lumber yard, one livery stable, two hotels, two flouring mills, together with wagon, blacksmith, carpenter and other mechanical shops.
The Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian and Protestant Episcopal Churches each have organizations here.
QUASQUETON is on the Wapsipinicon River, five miles from Winthrop. It contains three churches, Baptist, Methodist and Congregational, also a lodge each of Odd Fellows and Good Templars. It has one drug store, three general stores, one saw-mill, and one manufactory of wooden ware. Population, 600; of township, 1,600.
FAIRBANK is situated in the north-western part of the county, on both sides of the Little Wapsipinicon River. It contains five churches, Baptist, German Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopal, Methodist Protestant and Presbyterian, also Fairbank Lodge, No. 148, A. F. & A. M. There are three general stores, and one flour and saw mill. The soil of the township is a deep and rich sandy loam, well adapted to agricultural purposes. Limestone is found in several places. The timber on the Wapsipinicon and Buck Creek is abundant, and of excellent quality. There is good water-power at various points on both these streams. Population of the village, 300; of the township, 900.
JESUP is situated on the DuBuque and Sioux City R. R., in the western part of the county, and eight miles from DuBuque. It contains three churches, Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian; also one flour mill, one brewery, one woolen factory, one general store and one banker. Population, 300.
CHATHAM is in the north-western portion of the county, nine miles from Independence. The name of the village is Littleton. "Pleasant Grove Seminary," under the care of Rev. J. D. Caldwell, is located here. There is one church building, O. S. Presbyterian. The United
Iowa State Gazetteer -- Buena Vista Co. Page 116
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Presbyterians, Baptist and Methodists have organizations. There are two saw and flour mills on the Wapsipinicon. Population, 88; township, 640.
HAZLETON is in a township of the same name eleven miles norht of Independence. It has a Methodist Church, one general store and one saw-mill. Population, 60.
WINTHROP is a post village of this county, and station on the D. & S. C. R. R., eight miles east of Independence. It contains two general stores, two grain warehouses, and is surrounded by a fine farming country.
Atlanta, Brandon, Buffalo Grove, Castleville, Erin, Eric, Otterville, Perry Valley, Pine and Sunnyside are other villages and post offices in this county.
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