Washington County, Iowa
History, Records, Facts and Genealogy

Washington was created on January 18, 1838 from Unorganized Territory, Henry , Louisa, Muscatine Counties. The County was named for George Washington, the first president of the United States. The County Seat is Washington.

Counties adjacent to Washington County are Iowa County (northwest), Johnson County (northeast), Louisa County (east), Henry County (southeast), Jefferson County (southwest), Keokuk County (west). Washington County Cities and Towns Include Ainsworth, Brighton, Coppock, Crawfordsville, Kalona, Riverside, Washington, Wellman, West Chester.

Washington County was originally named Slaughter County, after William B. Slaughter, secretary of the Territory of Wisconsin. Residents of the county did not like the sound of Slaughter and therefore changed the name to Washington, in honor of George Washington, 1st president of the United States. The county was established and originated in 1839.

The first county seat was located at Astoria. The only building present in the town was an unfinished log cabin that served as the courthouse. Locating commissioners were appointed to locate a county seat that would be suitable for present day, as well as future, county business. The town of Washington was chosen in the summer of 1839. A temporary courthouse, which lasted eight years, was erected at a cost of $759. It was two stories high, with native oak and walnut used in its construction.

A second courthouse was begun in February 1845 and completed in July 1847. It was a small brick building, complete with a center spire. This building was in use until 1868, when it was deemed unsafe and torn down. The county business was then conducted in the Everson's Opera House until the third courthouse was finished in 1887.

This third courthouse cost a total of $75,000 to construct and furnish. It is constructed of pressed brick for the walls and stone for the large basement. It has granite columns and stone for trim, both of which came from Ohio. The courthouse also contains a large 181-foot tower, complete with the former Washington Academy clock. Over the years this clock became worn down and unreliable for the time. The Washington County Historical Society raised the needed funds, with the help of the Carlton "Tug" Wilson estate, to refurbish this 100-plus-year-old monument. See also County History for more details.

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Extended History

Slaughter County was created in January, 1838, and embraced a portion ofthe territory now included in the counties of Louisa, Muscatine and Henry.It was named for William B. Slaughter, Secretary of the Territory ofWisconsin. The county-seat was located at Astoria where the first courtswere held in 1837 by Judges Irwin and Williams. the citizens of the countywere dissatisfied with the name which had been secured through themanipulations of the obscure official whose name it bore and, upon petitionthe Legislature relieved them by changing the boundaries of the county andnaming it Washington.

It is believed that the first white settler was Adam Ritchey. He came fromWarren County, Illinois, in the Fall of 1835, accompanied by a friend, andexplored the country from the Mississippi River to the western border ofwhat is now Washington County. At that time the only white man in thecounty was an Indian trader known as "Joe Smart," who kept a trading housenear the mouth of main Crooked Creek. After completing their explring trip,Ritchey and his companion returned to Illinois. In Fegruary, 1836, Mr.Ritchey again came to Iowa, accompanied by two brothers and two or threeother men, all of whom staked and "blazed" out their claims. The othersthen returned home, but Mr. Ritchey remained six weeks, to make rails andput up a shanty to live in. He then followed, but returned in May, bringingwith him his oldest son, and daughter, Sarah, a girl of thirteen years. Thedaughter kept house, while father and son broke thirty acres of prairie andplanted it with corn; then all returned to Illinois to prepare for a finalmove to their new home. On the 9th of October, 1836, Mr. Ritchey and hisfamily arrived on their claim for permanent settlement. This was in thesouth part of what is now Crawford Township, near the Henry County line.During this season, David Goble, Sr., and his family, including two sons,Harrison and David, Jr., settled north of Mr. Ritchey, on Long Creek, inwhat is now Oregon Township. Isaac Pence and family settled near Ritchey,and two young men from New Jersey, Milo Holcomb, and John B. Bullock,located on Crooked Creek, within the present township of Marion. In theFall of 1836, Richard Moore and family, with three other families, locatedin what is now Washington Township, about three miles from the presentcounty seat. On the way, one of their party, a Mrs. Mastelier, died at theclaim of Isaac Pence. Richard Moore and John Maulsbey made a coffin of"puncheons," or split logs, the best they could do, as no lumber could beobtained. Here ends the catalog of white settlers in Washington County forthe year 1836. In 1837 we find the names of William and Amos Moore added tothe number near Crooked Creek; Lauman Harvey a little southwest of the siteof Washington, and one or two families in the vicinity afterwards known asBrighton. In 1838 there was considerable increase of settlement, and aboutthis time we find the names of Thomas Baker, Nelson Ball, Joseph Field,Dennis Marks, J. B. and G. W. Teas, Joseph Neil, John W. Neil, Joseph B.Davis, Thomas and Nathan Baker, Orson O. Kinsman, John B. Houston, RobertRisk, Almon Moore, Simon P. Teeple, John Crill, W. B. Thompson, ThomasWilson, William Ayres, William Bassey, John Lyon, Matther Morehead, JesseHiatt, Thomas Ritchey, Abraham and John Hulock, William L. Harvey, NathanGriffith, George Parks, John Stout, John Grimsley, Daniel Powers, WilliamM. Fancher, among the residents of the county.

The first legislative assembly which convened on Iowa soil met atBurlington, Nov. 10, 1837. Iowa was then known as Wisconsin Territory. Thislegislature passed an act for the organization of the County of Slaughter.The organization does not seem to have been perfected, however. There areno further records to tell of the existence of Slaughter County, save theminutes of one or two terms of court. On the 7th day of May, 1838, HisHonor David Irvine, Judge of the Second Judicial District of Wisconsin,appeared on the scene, and proceeded to open court at a place said to beAstoria, under a large oak tree. Thomas Baker was appointed clerk. A UnitedStates Marshal was present, and summoned a grand jury, who deliberated in aneighboring slough. The officers and jury received an allowance of pay forone day's services, which was the only business transacted, and the courtthen adjourned until next term. The second term of court was held Oct. 22of the same year, under proclamation of the Governor, by Judge JosephWilliams, and the record says: "No persons appearing, either as parties,attorneys, or jurors, the court was adjourned to the next term." There wasneither sheriff nor clerk present, by virtue of election, and in theabsence of any record of election, it is presumed that the county was stillwithout officers.

The inhabitants did not like the name of Slaughter, and twice petitionedthe legislature for a change, and on the 25th day of January, 1839, thefirst legislature of Iowa Territory passed an act establishing the Countyof Washington, changing the name from Slaughter, appointing John Gilliland,of Louisa, Thomas Ritchey, of Henry, and William Chambers, of MuscatineCounty, Commissioners to locate the seat of justice, locating the seat ofjustice temporarily at Astoria, and attaching to Washington County all theterritory west of it for judicial purposes. Under this act there wereelected, in April, Joseph Neil and Joseph B. Davis, Commissioners; ThomasBaker, Clerk; Nathan Baker, Judge of Probate; John B. Houston, Treasurer;Almon Moore, Recorder; Milo Holcomb, Sheriff; John Crill, Coroner.

The commissioners held their first meeting the 5th day of May, 1839, at thehouse of Richard Moore, a place now about four and a half miles southeastof Washington, and divided the county into six townships, or electionprecincts, as follows: East Fork, voting place, the house of John W. Neal;Crooked Creek, voting place, Milo Holcomb's house; Skunk River, electionsto be held at the house of Orson O. Kinsman; Walnut Creek, voting place,the house of Robert Risk; Washington Township, voting place at Washington,the seat of justice; and English River, place of holding elections, thehouse of Simon P. Teeple. All of the territory more recently known asHighland Township, and the greater portion of Jackson, was leftunorganized, as it was then the popular notion that these large prairieswould never be inhabited. Could they behold this region to-day, convertedinto most productive farms and dotted with houses and barns, they wouldlook upon the transformation as truly wonderful. The last ten years haswrought a great change in the mind of the western emigrant in relation tothe practicability of utilizing the great prairies.

How or when Astoria got the designation of the county seat has never beenrecorded in history, nor is it written among the records of WashingtonCounty. It passed away with the territory of Wisconsin, and SlaughterCounty, which gave it birth. Its location even is uncertain, except that itwas within the present limits of Oregon Township. According to tradition,it was laid out in 1838, and one building of logs was erected, sixteen feetsquare, and designed for a court house, but was never finished.

Thomas Ritchie and John Gilliland, two of the commissioners appointed tolocate the seat of justice, selected the southwest quarter of section 17,township 75 north, of range 7 west, as the county seat. It was namedWashington, and the board of commissioners at their second session, June13th, 1839, formally adopted the name. This session was held at the houseof Nathan Baker, and, like the previous one, was a special session, and itstransactions completed the work of organization.

The quarter section chosen for the seat of justice was entered by thecounty and surveyed into lots during the month of June, 1839. Here theboard of commissioners held its first regular session on the first day ofJuly, 1839. At this session the clerk was ordered to advertise a sale oflots in the town of Washington, on Monday, August 19. The commissionersplaced a valuation upon each lot to be considered the bid of the county.The terms of sale were one-eighth cash, the balance in equal payments -six, twelve, and eighteen months. Twenty-four lots were sold at an averageprice of $38.15. In April, 1840, the clerk was authorized to sell lots toany person who would erect thereon a good and substantial frame house notless than sixteen feet square. Another public sale was held on the 16th dayof June, 1840, at which twenty-eight lots were sold, averaging $30.75 each.The highest price paid was $72.

September 7, 1839, an order was made for erecting a temporary court house.The contract was awarded at a public letting to Joseph Neil for $759, andJuly 8, 1841, the building was accepted, the board deducting $100 from thecontract price for improper workmanship. The building stood on the cornerof the square. In 1842 a wooden jail was erected at a cost of $1020, andused until it became untenable. Feb. 18, 1845, a contract was made withAlex. Lee for the erection of a court house, which was completed on the 7thof July, 1847.

It is related that when Adam Ritchey, the pioneer settler of the county,announced his intention of crossing the Mississippi and seeking a home inIowa among the Indians, the pastor of the church of which he was a memberattempted earnestly to dissuade him from the rash act. Failing in hispurpose, he delivered himself about as follows: "You may go, but I warn youthat no good will ever come of it, and you will receive punishment for it,for you are deliberately leaving your church and communion, going awayamong the heathen, and the Gospel will never cross the Mississippi!" Comingfrom any other place than Illinois an Iowan of the present day wouldscarcely believe such an opinion possible even at so remote a date as 1836.

Milo Holcomb and John B. Bullock, immediately on their arrival, commencederecting a saw mill, on Crooked Creek, which was completed in 1837. In 1839it was furnished with burrs for grinding corn and buckwheat. This wascertainly the first mill in the county.

During the early settlement of the county the Sacs and Foxes were quitenumerous and had a village of nearly six hundred souls near the site ofWashington. This they abandoned in 1838, and located near Skunk River, at aplace afterward named Sandy Hook. The latest account of them is nearWassonville, where they occupied territory until 1843. The only incidentthat threatened a collision between them and the white settlers occurred in1842. The settlers became excited by a report that the Indians encampednear Wassonville held a white woman in captivity. A company of about thirtymen, tolerably well armed, proceeded to the spot. They were unable todecide among themselves whether the woman was white or a dusky daughter ofthe forest; they agreed, therefore, to take her to one side, away from theinfluence of the Indians for her decision. Upon proceeding to carry outtheir purpose some of the Indians leveled their guns upon the intruders,who met the demonstration in the same manner. The woman was secured, butchose to return to the Indians, and the affair ended without bloodshed.

In early days the settlers received all their mail via Wapello, LouisaCounty. A Mr. Higbee was the first mail-carrier, and usually performed histrips semi-monthly, on foot, sometimes carrying the mail in his hat, untilthe increase made it necessary to carry a mail-sack.

Pottsville was the name given to the first postoffice established in thecounty. Its euphonious name was given in honor of Mr. John B. Potts, forhis activity in securing its location. David Goble, Sr., was postmaster,and kept the office at his house.

The first term of court held in the county after complete organization andunder Iowa law, was June 17, 1839, by Judge Williams. A grand jury wasempanneled, but found no indictments. The first case of record was anaction for trespass. Three hundred dollars damages were claimed of MiloHolcomb by Joseph Field and Dennis Marks; but the case was settled atdefendant's costs. J. B. and G. W. Teas and Isaac Van Allen are mentionedas attorneys present.

The majority of justice was first represented in the county by AdamRitchey, who held a commission from the Territorial Governor as Justice ofthe Peace. In the Summer of 1837 he performed the first marriage ceremonyin the county for Harrison Goble and Lydia Osborn, who, with their friends,came to the "Squire's" on horseback.

The first child born in the county of white parents was Elizabeth Ritchey,daughter of Adam Ritchey and wife, born June 12, 1837.

The first store-room in the county was erected by Milo Holcomb, near VanDoren's mill.

The first preaching was by Rev. Samuel Douthet, a missionary of theAssociate Presbyterians, in February, 1837, at the house of Mr. Ritchey.Meetings were continued two weeks.

In 1841 Mr. Pickerell established a ferry across the Shunk River in thevicinity of his mill, where the Brighton Mills now stand. Here were erectedthe first flouring mill and the first woolen mill in the county.

In December, 1839, Joseph Adams built the first house in this town. It wasa double log house; one part 14x16, for a dwelling, and the other part,16x16, for a blacksmith shop. Both apartments were occupied before theclose of the month. The next building was also a double log house, onestory and a half high, erected for a hotel by Daniel Powers, and occupiedas such by him in March, 1840. During the month of May, following, JohnDaugherty started a store in a part of the hotel building. In the sameyear, came Almon Moore and family. He also engaged in mercantile business.Amos Emory came the same year, and went into the grocery and liquor trade.After this the growth of the town was gradual and slow for several years.

The first physician in Washington, was Doctor George H. Stone. Wlliam Casewas the first lawyer; John Jackson the first justice of the peace, andThomas Baker the first post master. The first child born in the town wasMargaret Adams, daughter of Joseph Adams and wife, born September 22, 1840.A young man by the name of Everetts, was the first person interred in theWashington graveyard, in the Winter of 1839-1840. The first religiousservices at or near the town, were conducted by Reverend J. L. Kirkpatrick,who organized a Methodist Society at the house of William L. Harvey, aboutone mile southwest of town, on the 20th day of October, 1839. At the dateof organization it numbered about fifteen members.

The first newspaper established was the Washington "Argus", Lewis F.Walden, proprietor, and J. F. Rice, editor. It was a respectable sheet inappearance, and edited with considerable ability. In politics it wasDemocratic. It was discontinued inside of two years. The next attempt toestablish a newspaper, was in 1856, when the Washington "Press" was startedby A. R. Wickersham as editor and proprietor. It was independent inpolitics, but of strong anti-slavery proclivities. It subsequently became aRepublican paper, and has so continued.

In June, 1855, Honorable N. Everson opened an exchange and deposit bank,and in 1857, Shaw, Rigour & Co., opened a similar institution, which firmwas shortly succeeded by William H. Jenkins & Co. Both institutions gaveplace to, and were succeeded by, the Washington Branch of the State Bank ofIowa, which began business April 19, 1859, with a capital stock of $50,000.George A. Green was President, and H. M. Holden, Cashier. The Directorswere - James Dawson, Joseph Keck, John W. Quinn, G. A. Green, and George C.Stone.

Perhaps the most important event in the history of Washington, was thecompletion of the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad to the place, on the lastof August, 1858. The event was celebrated on the 1st of September, of thatyear, by the largest gathering of people that had ever assembled in theplace. Over one thousand visitors from eastern towns met the citizens onthe public square and partook of a free entertainment. Between seven andeight hundred persons arrived on the first passenger train, many of thembeing distinguished railroad men, editors and politicians. The completionof the railroad gave a new impetus to business, especially in the town,which improved rapidly in buildings, and business of all kinds. The UnitedStates Express Company established an office in the place, November, 1857,with A. D. Michael as Agent.

Several attempts were made to incorporate the Town of Washington. In 1855,the attempt was carried as far as the election of officers, but beingirregular was abandoned. In 1857, the Legislature passed an actincorporating the City of Washington, but this was declaredunconstitutional by the Supreme Court. In September, 1858, an attempt toincorporate was voted down. In 1863-4, another effort was more fortunate,and on the 29th of September, 1864, the first town council who took theirseats were elected, to-wit: Mayor, Ralph Dewey; Recorder, L. F. Sherman;Trustees, A. W. Chilcote, V. W. Andrus, James Dawson, Joseph R. Lewis, andWilliam Wilson, Jr.

Washington has an excellent system of public schools, thoroughly graded,which employ ten teachers and a superintendent at good salaries, under anorganization as an independent district. The town also has an academy withquite a large number of students.

The "Washington County Press" owned and edited by H. A. Burrell, whopurchased the office of Mr. Wickersham in 1866, is the oldest paper in theplace. It is Republican in politics; published every Wednesday, and enjoysa prosperous business. The "Washington Gazette", edited by John Wiseman, isan independent journal published Fridays, and has a large circulation andgood jobbing facilities. It was established in 1868.

Washington is one of the finest inland cities in Iowa, and enjoys a largeand prosperous trade and shipping business.

BRIGHTON. - This is a thriving incorporated town in the southeastern partof the county, about eleven miles from Washington, and one mile south ofSkunk River. It is on the Chicago & Southwestern Railroad, with goodfarming lands, timber and building stone convenient. The river here alsofurnishes good water - power for mills.
The other villages and post offices are: Ainsworth, Clay, Crawfordsville,Dairy, Dutch Creek, Lexington, Middleburgh, Richmond, Riverside, Valley,Wassonville, West Chester, White Ash, and Yatton.

Washington County Courthouse

The first courthouse in Washington County was an 18 by 28 foot two-story structure made of oak and walnut lumber. The building cost $759 and was used as a school and religious center as well as for county business.

A second courthouse was built in 1847, but the board of commissioners was dissatisfied with the final structure.

A third courthouse was built in 1887 for $75,000. It is made of locally manufactured brick and is trimmed with white stone. A decorative clock tower stands at the southwest corner. It houses a bell made of bronze, tin, and brass, as well as a 50 pound hammer to strike it. This building still serves the county.

Washington County, Iowa
History, Records, Facts and Genealogy

Records at the Washington County Courthouse

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Washington County Vital Records

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Washington County Census Records

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Washington County Maps & Atlases

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Washington County Military Records

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Washington County Tax Records

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Washington County Genealogical Addresses

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Washington County Church & Cemeteries

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Family Trees & Genealogy Tidbits

Extended History

Washington County, Iowa History, Records, Facts and Genealogy

Records at the Washington County Courthouse

See Also Iowa Land Records, Marriage Records, Court & Probate Records

Washington County Vital Records

See Also Vital Records in Iowa

Washington County Census Records

See Also Research In Census Records & Statewide Records that exist for Iowa

Washington County Maps & Atlases

See Also Research In State Map Collections

Washington County Military Records

See Also Military Records in Iowa

Washington County Tax Records

See Also Research In Tax Records

Washington County Genealogical Addresses

See Also Other Iowa Genealogical Addresses

Washington County Church & Cemeteries

See Also Church & Cemetery Records in Iowa

Family Trees & Genealogy Tidbits

Extended History

Washington County, Iowa
History, Records, Facts and Genealogy