Tales from the Aisles
By Mickey Thomas
Historical Tidbits II
Here are some more tidbits of Osceola history from the Aug. 2, 1951, Centennial Issue of the Osceola Sentinel and the July 30, 1959, 100th Anniversary Edition of the Osceola Sentinel.
Acquired Osceola for $100
Clarke County paid George W. Howe and Seth Richards $100 for the original 160 acres that made up the original city of Osceola.
First “Chills and Fever” Doctor
Early Clarke county settlers, like residents today, found need for a doctor to look after their chills and fever and other ailments. Dr. Jerome Bartlett was the pioneer physician of the county. He settled in Green Bay Township in 1851 and practiced until his death in 1864.
De-tail Pigs
In 1887 it was suggested that pigs be “de-horned” of their tails, as the tails get muddy and are hard to carry. A man in Lineville said it can be done with three men and a cross-cut saw. The pig hardly notices it and can be caught laughing out loud in two or three hours afterward.
103 School Houses in 1884
In 1884 their were 3,597 enrolled in public schools of which 82 were frame school houses and 21 brick school houses. Total value of schools: $81,000. The county school library had 67 volumes. The receipts for school house fund, $5,319.31; fuel costs $2,564. There were 46 male and 143 female teachers. Average monthly teacher pay: males $36.10; females $26.50.
Bicycle Club Formed in 1887
A bicycle club was organized in Osceola in 1887, numbering among their members Lloyd Simmons, Charles Hall, Dave Goldsmith, C. W. Dibble, Tim Bonney, Tom Jeffreys, and others who had hardly decided. They sent for their wheels and received them within a short time. The next thing suggested was tri cycle club for girls, and the thought was expressed that horses would soon be a thing of the past.
Hook and Ladder Company Organized 1873
The Osceola Sentinel reported that a meeting of citizens was held on Friday evening for the purpose of organizing a Hook and Ladder Company. The names of 34 members were enrolled and the following officers were chosen: Captain, A. S. Johnson; first lieutenant, T. H. Brown; second lieutenant, E. E. Rankin; secretary, H. C. Ayers; treasurer; A. S. Ferguson. Those who wish to become come members must send in their names to be voted upon by the company.
Saloon Keeper Called a Nuisance
Courts in Osceola have been called on to rule upon many things. This happened in July 1869. The Osceola Sentinel stated, “Bishop, saloon keeper near the depot, was arrested last Saturday on the charge of being a nuisance and was brought up before the Justice on Tuesday, who waived examination until the next term of court, where the thing will be sifted down to whether he really is or ain’t.”
Superior Stone
It was said that the hard lime rock taken out of Clarke County is superior to that in Des Moines. Ward Township had a dozen or more quarries in operation in 1886. The principal ones are three miles northwest of Osceola.
New Horse Drawn Hearse
The Osceola Sentinel on May 7, 1869 announced, “Mr. Ridgeway has ordered a $200 hearse to satisfy his already large business, and accommodate the public. Hereafter, we shall not be compelled to follow our deceased friends to the cemetery on a lumber wagon.”
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