HAIR, JAMES T., Ed.
Iowa State Gazetteer, Shippers' Guide and Business Directory.
Chicago: Bailey & Hair, 1865

Howard County, Page 211

Is situated in the northern tier of counties, and the third west of the Mississippi River. It was organized in 1855.

The Turkey River heads in the centre of this county. The south fork of the Turkey or Crane Creek, as it is generally called, flows through the centre of the county in a very direct southeasterly course. It is a clear rapid stream, furnishing good water-power, which has been improved in many places. The Upper Iowa River pursues a winding course through the northern tier of townships running with a generally eastern direction. The southwestern portion of the county is imperfectly drained by the head waters of the Wapsipinicon, which flow through a level and rather marshy region; it is, however, through this low country quite heavily skirted with timber. The region between the valleys of the streams is gently rolling prairie, destitute of timber, which is generally confined to the edges of the streams. The soil is usually very fertile.

The McGregor Western Railroad, at present completed to Conover, in Winneshiek County, is located through this county, and it is expected will soon be in running order.

NEW OREGON, is the county seat, and is situated on the Turkey River, in the eastern part of the county. The river affords a good water-power at this place. The town contains four general stores, one drug store, one hardware store, etc.

VERNON SPRINGS is on Turkey River, in the eastern part of the county, and on the proposed line of the McGregor Western Railroad. It contains two churches, Baptist and Methodist, two general stores, and one flour and saw mill. Population, 200; of township, 450.

HOWARD is a post village in the township of the same name, eighty miles northwest from McGregor. There are here two general stores and one saw mill. The township s chiefly prairie, with a rich muck soil. Population of the township, 200.

HOWARD CENTRE is on the Turkey River, twenty-three miles from Conover, a station on the McGregor Western Railroad. It has one general store. Population, 50.

OSBORNE is a post office in Albion Township, in the northeastern portion of the county, six and a half miles from New Oregon. The township is situated on the south side of the Upper Iowa River, ascending gradually to a large and fertile prairie, well adapted to farming purposes. The soil is a light loam, with a clay sub-soil. The river affords several good water-powers. The mineral resources and produce shipments are very small. Population of township, about 300.

EATONVILLE is situated in Chester Township, in the northern portion of the county, eight miles northwest of McGregor. It has one Presbyterian Church. Population of township, 100.

LIME SPRING is in the northern part of the county, on the Upper Iowa River, and has one general store.

The remaining post offices and villages, Busti in the southwestern part of the county, Foreston, on the Upper Iowa River, in the northeastern part, and Saratogain the central portion.

Contributed by Cheryl Siebrass, Iowa History Project, Jan 2026.