The History of Neola Township

Neola township is one of the north tier of townships situated between Minden and Bloomer. The land in this township is rather rough when compared with the east end of the county. If affords vast advantages for grazing and pasturing, there being a good supply of the very best of water. The two principal streams are Mosquito Creek crossing the southeast corner of the township and Pigeon Creek the northwest corner. The principal settlements are along these streams. The most part of the township is thinly settled as yet, but most of the land has been sold and will be improved within two or three years. There was but little done toward improvement in the township until the last year or two, but now the people are taking hold with a determination, and are saying by their acts: "We intend to make Neola among the foremost of townships in population and wealth."

The town of Neola, situated in the southeast corner of the township on the C.R.I. & P.R.R., is a lively place, and a good trading point. Beside the C.R.I. & P.R.R., there is another road under construction running from Council Bluffs to the cooler regions of Minnesota, and thence to Chicago.

The schools in this township are small owing to the sparsely settled condition of the country. There are at present five school houses with an enrollment of about 175 scholars. Neola is to have a new school house this fall, one which will add greatly to the appearance of the town. We understand the contract has been let to some Council Bluffs firm, and is to be completed by the 15th of November. The building will cost about $3,000. So you will see Neola is not going to be left out in the cold when it comes to fine school houses.

Among other improvements we might mention Mr. Watkins and Mr. Eckery: both have large and commodious residences under construction, and expect to complete them before cold weather.

Mr. G.W. Rogers is also just completing one of the largest and best barns in the county. Mr. Rogers is one of the largest farmers and stock raisers in this part of the county. He came to Iowa in 1860. When he landed at Council Bluffs he had a yoke of cattle, an old wagon and five cents in money, but as he had taken Greeley's advice, and he thought it best not to give up in despair, so he set to work and in 1872 he settled in Neola township. Not long after he settled here, his wife died leaving him the sole care of five children. "Sweet are the uses of adversity." Mr. Rogers married again in 1878 and has been prosperous ever since. He now owns 800 acres of land in sections 16 and 10, and is well fixed with the necessaries of life.

Hard times! Hard times! Call and see this man and see what he thinks of hard times.

Witt & Vieth, dealers in hardware, furniture and farming implements; any one wishing to buy will do well to call and see them.

Mrs. R.B. Temple keeps a confectionery in the town of Neola, and has been in business a littler over a year. Business honest, upright and increasing. If you want a good meal call and see Mrs. Temple.

Richard Bros., dealers in hardware and agricultural implements have been in the business three years. Mr. Richard owns seven lots in the town of Neola and a farm of twenty-five acres in section 16, township 76, range 42. He came to Iowa in 1865. He was in the late war three years and fifteen days. He belonged to the One Hundred and Forty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was wounded twice, once at Gettysburg and once at the Battle of Wilderness.

Mr. C.B. Stone deals in hardware, agricultural implements, paints, oils, & etc. He has just been moving his building, consequently is not doing much at present, but he has a good trade, and when settled call and see him.

Arthur Ranson, farmer and stock raiser; post office, Neola, owns 240 acres in section 4; came to Iowa in 1879; born in Illinois March 2, 1839; son of A. Ransom of New York; married Julia R. Avery April 25, 1867; daughter of David Avery; has four children; has 100 acres of corn a little above average, being on bottom land; he also owns 812 acres in Minnesota, where he is now buying cattle.

Mrs. Bardsley, the oldest settler, farmer; post office, Neola; owns 80 acres in section 29; came to Iowa in 1850; born in England March 26, 1820; daughter of Chas. Bradley of England; married Jno. Hendbury August, 1840; Mr. Hendbury died in 1851 and she was married to Jos. Bardsley in 1852; has seven children; has 35 acres of corn which looks fair.

G.H. Spencer, farmer; post office, Neola; owns 80 acres in section 27; came to Iowa in 1854; born in Illinois, Sep. 23, 1852; son of Thomas Spencer; a native of England; married Jennie Hunter Feb. 29, 1878; daughter of Lawrence Hunter; has three children; had 8 acres of wheat which yielded 76 bu.; has 55 acres of corn which promises a fair yield.

From a newspaper report in 1881