Woodbury County, Iowa
History, Records, Facts and Genealogy

Woodbury was created on January 15, 1851 (Organized in 1853) from Unorganized Territory. The County was named for Levi Woodbury, a governor of New Hampshire, United States Secretary of the Navy, United States Secretary of the Treasury, and Justice of the United States Supreme Court. The County Seat is Sioux City.

Counties adjacent to Woodbury County are Plymouth County (north), Cherokee County (northeast), Ida County (east), Monona County (south), Thurston County, Nebraska (southwest), Dakota County, Nebraska (west), Union County, South Dakota (northwest).

Woodbury County Cities and Towns Include Anthon, Bronson, Correctionville, Cushing, Danbury, Hornick, Lawton, Moville, Oto, Pierson, Salix, Sergeant Bluff, Sioux City, Sloan, Smithland.

The original name of Woodbury County was Floyd County, in honor of Sergeant Charles Floyd of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He died of an illness and was the first white man buried in Iowa. Floyd was then replaced by Wahkaw County when the county was established in 1851. The county was established in 1851 as one of 50 new counties organized by the Legislature. The first county seat of Wahkaw County was Thompsonville, a small village set up by the early settler William Thompson. It never really developed and the village eventually disappeared.

Woodbury County became the official name on January 12, 1853 in honor of Levi Woodbury, governor of New Hampshire, U.S. senator and Secretary of Navy and Treasury. In 1853 the Legislature chose the town of Sergeant's Bluff as the first county seat of Woodbury County. The county elections were then held in the home of William Thompson, 17 votes were cast, and the offices were kept in the homes of the officials.

In the spring of 1856 a vote was taken to relocate the county seat. Sioux City, which was platted in 1854, beat out the towns of Sergeant's Bluff and Sergeant's Bluff City. In 1857 a contract was awarded for the construction of the first courthouse of Woodbury County, but for some reason the contract was canceled, and the county offices remained scattered. Later in 1857 the county voted to authorize a $75,000 bond issue for a courthouse. The first courthouse of the county was completed in 1858 at cost of $70,000. It was three stories high and was constructed of brick.

This building was used until 1914, when it was decided that the population had outgrown it, and a new one was needed. The county approved more than $500,000 for the new courthouse and later decided to sell the old building and property. The cornerstone was laid on July 10, 1916, and the construction was completed on March 1, 1918. The building consists of Roman brick and granite and is beautifully decorated with sculptures over the doors and on the 157-foot-tall tower rising from the middle of the building. Around $400,000 was spent on the restoration of the building, and in 1973 the building was included on the National Register of Historic Places. See also County History for more details.

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Extended History

From the A.T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa, 1875

Woodbury County is situated on the western border of the state, in the third tier from the north line. It is twenty-four miles north and south, by from thirty to thirty-six miles east and west, embracing a superficial area of about 832 square miles, or 432,480 acres. About 146,000 acres of this land is Missouri River bottom, of great fertility, and unsurpassed for agricultural and grazing purposes. This bottom is from six to ten miles in width and mostly above high water mark in the Missouri River. Although apparently nearly level, it is dry and susceptible of easy tillage. The soil is a deep loam, with a sufficient proportion of silicious material to render it retentive of moisture, while it seldom remains for any length of time so wet as to prevent the farmer from giving attention to his crops. Immediately adjacent to the valleys are the bluffs, forming a narrow belt usually too much broken for cultivation, but a short distance back the land becomes gently rolling, and is well adapted to farming purposes. The Missouri, one of the great rivers of the continent, forms the western boundary of the county as far up as the mouth of the Big Sioux River. Thence, to the northwest corner, a distance of about five miles, the latter stream marks the western boundary. The principal streams flowing through the interior are Floyd, east and west forks of the Little Sioux, and Maple Rivers. Perry Creek is also a stream of considerable size. All these streams flow through rich and beautiful valleys, and receive many small affluents that completely drain the entire surface. The Little Sioux and Floyd Rivers furnish water power for machinery. There is a deficiency of native timber in this, as in other counties of this part of the state. There are some groves of valuable timber, however, bordering the Missouri and along the Big and Little Sioux Rivers. The varieties common are cottonwood, hickory, oak, walnut, elm, and maple—the first named largely predominating along the Missouri River. It has been found that many kinds of timber may be easily propagated, and when planted on the prairies make a rapid growth.

On the 14th of May, 1804, Captains Lewis and Clarke, with forty-two men, under the direction of the War Department of the Government, started from their encampment at the mouth of Wood River, in what is now the State of Illinois, to explore the Missouri River and the unknown regions of the Northwest. After many strange adventures, and the accomplishment of a thousand miles of their journey, on the 18th of August they landed on the Nebraska side of the river, nearly opposite the southwest corner of the present County of Woodbury, where they held a council with a party of Ottoe and Missouri Indian Chiefs. On the morning of the 20th the Indians mounted their horses and left, having received some presents from the whites. On the 19th, in camp at the place where the council was held, Sergeant Charles Floyd, of the expedition, became very sick and remained so all night. The next morning, however, which was Monday, August 20, the party set out on their journey up the river. Having a "fine wind and fine weather," they made thirteen miles, and at two o'clock landed for dinner on the Iowa side of the river. Here Sergeant Floyd died. About one mile farther up the river, on the summit of a high bluff, his body was buried with the honors due to a brave soldier. His comrades marked the place with a cedar post, on which were inscribed his name and the date of his death. About one mile above, a small river flows into the Missouri, and here the party encamped until the next day. Captains Lewis and Clarke gave this stream the name of Floyd's River, to perpetuate the memory of the first man who had fallen in their expedition. The next day they set out early, passed the bluffs, now within the limits of Sioux City, which are mentioned in the journal of Patrick Gass, a member of the expedition, as "handsome, pale colored bluffs." Willow Creek and Big Sioux River, the latter just above where Sioux City now stands, are also mentioned. During a great freshet in the Spring of 1857, the turbulent Missouri washed away a portion of the bluff, so as to expose the remains of Sergeant Floyd. The citizens of Sioux City and vicinity collected the remains and re-interred them some distance back from the river on the same bluff. Our map shows the exact location.

The title of the Indians to the land in this portion of Iowa became extinct in 1847, and in the Summer of 1848, forty-four years after the burial of Sergeant Floyd, a single pioneer, named William Thompson, settled at Floyd's Bluff—the first white man who became a permanent settler of the county. In the Autumn of the same year his brother Charles and another man followed and spent the Winter there, being, at that time, the only white men in the county. Anticipating an immense immigration, he laid out a town here and named it in honor of himself—Thompsontown. Like other western towns, this for a while was supposed to be the point. To give it an air of business, and aid in its development, he erected here his cabin, and, on the organization of the county, in 1853, this was made the county seat. It was a sort of post for Indian traders for some years, but the city lots were too steep for cultivation or for building, and, unfortunately, there was no place for a landing on the bank of the river, and the stakes are all that now remain to mark the progress of the town.

In May, 1849, Theophile Brugnier, a native of Canada, but of French descent, settled at the mouth of Big Sioux River, about two miles above where Sioux City now stands. Three years before he had visited the spot and made selection of the location. In 1835, at the age of twenty Brugnier left Canada and went to St. Louis, where he had an uncle who was a member of the American Fur Company. Under the advice of his uncle he engaged in the service of the company, but remained in their employ only a short time, when he joined the Yankton Sioux Indians and married a daughter of the somewhat distinguished chief, Hu-yan-e-ka (War Eagle). He became a prominent man in the tribe, and acquired great influence among them. After remaining with the Indians, and sharing the fortunes of the tribe for some ten years, he concluded to change his manner of life, and notified the tribe of his intentions. Accordingly, with his faithful Indian wife and children, he left the post of the American Fur Company and came down the river and settled, as above stated, at the mouth of Big Sioux River. War Eagle, the Indian father-in-law of Brugnier, died at his house in the Fall of 1851, aged about sixty-five years. He was a noted warrior among the Sioux, but always a friend of the whites. He was first recognized as a Chief of the Yankton Sioux by Major Pilcher, the Indian agent. About the year 1830 he was for some time employed as a pilot on the Upper Mississippi. His remains, with those of his two daughters, one of them the deceased wife of Mr. Brugnier, now repose on the summit of a lofty bluff on the Iowa side of the Big Sioux River, just above its mouth. Here are also the graves of several other Indians, as well as whites—eight or ten in all. From this romantic spot may be seen for many miles the broad winding Missouri with its noble valley, the far-off Blackbird Hills in Nebraska, with the intervening plains, islands and groves, and a portion of the rich bottom lands of Dakota, stretching as far as the eye can reach between the two rivers toward the northwest.

In the Fall of 1849, Robert Perry, a man of somewhat eccentric character, but of fine education, removed from Washington, D.C. and settled on the small creek which meanders through Sioux City, where he remained two years, and then removed elsewhere. The creek now bears his name. The next year Paul Paquette located at the crossing of Big Sioux River, about two miles above the mouth.

In the Spring of 1852, Mr. Brugnier sold a portion of his cultivated land, including what is now a part of Sioux City, to a Frenchman named Joseph Lionais, for one thousand dollars. About this time some difficulty occurred with the Indians at Fort Vermillion, and a small number of French descended the river and made a temporary settlement in the same vicinity. After this no further permanent improvement was made until the Spring of 1854, when Doctor John K. Cook, who had a government contract for surveying, arrived with his party. Being impressed with the eligibility of the place for the location of a town, and the romantic beauty of its surroundings, he and his party immediately located claims. Among those who selected and located claims at an early day in the vicinity of Sioux City, was the brave General Lyon, who fell at Wilson's Creek.In the Winter of 1854-5, the Town of Sioux City was laid out. Among the settlers at that time were the following; Hiram Nelson, Marshall Townsley, Franklin Wixon, G. W. Chamberlain, and Francis Chappel. About this time the Indians became troublesome, and began to steal horses, cattle, and other property. Expeditions were fitted out against them, none of which, however, were attended with bloodshed. In the Spring of 1855, Joseph Lionais sold his land for three thousand dollars, and on this an addition to Sioux City was laid out. It then contained two log cabins, but now comprises the principal business portion of the city. The first stage and mail arrived in Sioux City about the first week in September of this year, a post office having first been established. This event was hailed by the settlers as the beginning of the era of civilization. By Christmas day there were seven log houses, two of them being hotels—the "Sioux City House," and the "Western Exchange." Two stores were opened, one of which was kept in a tent, and the other in a log cabin. Late in the season settlers came in rapidly, and many who could not obtain houses were obliged to camp out. In the Spring of 1856 the population had reached about 150. The land office had been opened here for pre-emptions, October 22, 1855, but the public lands were not offered for sale until May 4, 1857.

By an act of the Legislature the county seat had, in 1853, been located at Floyd's Bluff. In the Spring of 1856 it was removed to Sioux City by a vote of the citizens of the county, the majority in favor of removal being fourteen. The county was organized in 1853.

The first steamboat freighted for Sioux City was the "Omaha," and arrived in June, 1856. Her freight consisted of ready framed houses and provisions. In July of this year a steam saw mill was erected. Mrs. S. H. Casady and Mrs. J. R. Myers were the first women who spent a Winter in Sioux City. Both came in the Summer of 1855. The first white child born in the place was a daughter of S. H. Casady and wife, in 1856.

The first District Court convened in Woodbury County, September 3, 1855—Samuel H. Riddle being the Judge; J. R. Meyers, Clerk; and F. Chappel, Sheriff. But little business was transacted at this term. This county was a part of the Seventh Judicial District. The next court convened November 4, 1856, the same judge presiding.

The county has not yet erected a court house, but is the owner of a brick structure of ample room and accommodations, which is sometimes used as a jail.

SIOUX CITY.

This city is pleasantly situated on the Missouri River, immediately above the mouth of Floyd, and about two miles below the mouth of Big Sioux River. The business portion is on what was a dry and well drained prairie, extending from the river back to the bluffs. It is above the highest floods, and gradually rises as it recedes from the river. The city, however, extends back on the uplands, which furnish many fine sites for residences. The city is favorably situated for commanding the trade of a large district of country. There is an excellent landing for steamboats, and during the season of navigation there is trade with all points on the Upper Missouri River, by means of a line of steamboats. Several railroads center here, and some of them have expended large sums in the erection of machine shops, depots, and other buildings. The place is rapidly attaining commercial prominence.

From Sioux City to St. Louis is 1,010 miles by the river, and from Sioux City to Fort Benton, the head of steamboat navigation, is 1,955 miles.On the west side of the town rises a majestic bluff which the people call "Prospect Hill." This hill rises gradually from the business portion of the city, and abruptly from the Missouri River, to the height of 200 feet. From its summit the spectator looks down upon Sioux City and its suburbs; looking across the Missouri River, southward, he beholds the State of Nebraska with its level plains, majestic groves, and pleasant villages; and two miles westward he sees the huge cottonwood forests of Dakota which border the junction of the Missouri and the Sioux. Man never rested his eye upon a scene combining more richness, freshness, beauty, and majesty.

In 1856 the town contained some ninety buildings and about 400 inhabitants. By an act of the State Legislature, approved January 16, 1857, the town was incorporated; and on the 3d of August of the same year the first election was held. From that time forward the wealth of the city has increased annually from 50 to 100 per cent, and its population has doubled biennially.The Illinois Central Railroad, which runs directly from Chicago to the Mississippi River at Dubuque, Iowa, and from that point across the State of Iowa, has its western terminus at Sioux City.

The Sioux City and Pacific Road was completed to Sioux City in March, 1868.

The Sioux City and St. Paul Railroad was completed in the closing days of September, 1872.

The Dakota Southern Railroad starts from Sioux City and is doing considerable business. The Sioux City and Pembina Road is graded along the bank of the Big Sioux River, and is expected to be soon in running order.

In the Spring of 1855, there were two log cabins on the site of Sioux City. About the 20th of July of this year, the first stage and mail arrived, and was hailed by the settlers as the dawning of a new era. Doctor Cook was the first post master, and was succeeded by Charles K. Smith, who retained the position until the administration of Abraham Lincoln.

There are six organized Christian Churches in the city—Congregational, Methodist, Episcopal, Catholic, Presbyterian, and Baptist. Each society has a house of worship. The Presbyterians have a fine wooden church; the Catholics have lately erected a large brick edifice.

The principal school building, known as the high school, is a splendid structure, erected at a cost of $35,000. Ten teachers are employed in this building, and it is attended by more than 500 pupils. Another school building has been erected recently at a cost of $11,000. Four teachers will be employed in this building. In addition to these educational establishments there are also three primary schools employing one teacher each.

The newspapers of Sioux City are The Journal, daily and weekly (Republican), published by Perkins Bros.; The Times, weekly (Democratic), published by Doctor C. Krejci. When the population was 1,200 Charles Collins published his Daily Times.

Sioux City was incorporated under an act of the Sixth General Assembly, approved January 16, 1857. The first election for municipal officers was held in August of that year, but the officers elected failed to qualify, and the next election was held April 5, 1858. On this day Henry W. Tracy, one of the persons elected alderman, shot and killed one William Copeland in the streets of Sioux City. Tracy left, and has not since returned. The affair grew out of some excitement relative to the election.

Sioux City has many fine residences and business clocks. The First National Bank is of brick, three stories high. The Academy of Music, of brick, four stories, and contains a public hall which will seat 1,000 persons. This building cost about $45,000.

SMITHLAND - One of the early settlements in the county was at Smithland, on the Little Sioux River, about thirty-five miles southeast of Sioux City. At this place in January, 1857, began, between the whites and Indians, the troubles immediately preceding the Spirit Lake massacre. The Indians made some threats against the whites, which caused the settlers to arrest and disarm some of Ink-pa-du-tah's band. The Indians stole other arms, and passing up the valley of Little Sioux River into Cherokee and Clay Counties, committed further depradations. When they arrived in Dickinson County, they committed the outrages which form so painful a chapter in the history of the state.
CORRECTIONVILLE—Lies in a bend of Little Sioux River, near the line of Ida County. It was settled years ago, when Sioux City was little more than an Indian camping ground, and per force of circumstances still remains a village, though its situation and natural resources would warrant it in becoming a town. A pioneer by the name of Shook came into what is now Kedron Township in Section 1, in 1853. R. Candreau, C. Bacon, and M. Kellogg came the next year. Shook sold out to Bacon, who was the first permanent settler.
WOODBURY. —This village was formerly called Sergeant's Bluff City. The railroad station here is still called Sergeant's Bluff. It is situated on the Missouri bottom, six miles south of Sioux City. It was located in 1856, by Doctor J. D. M. Crockwell and Doctor Wright, of Independence, Iowa. In 1857-8 a newspaper was published here, of which mention has been made. In 1862 the manufacture of pottery was commenced at Woodbury, and the business has been lively and remunerative ever since.
SLOAN. —Fourteen miles from Sergeant's Bluff, twenty-one miles from Sioux City. The land around is rich and excellent for grain and stock raising. J. B. Johnson formed a settlement in 1868, and in April, 1870, Mr. John I. Blair staked the place off in town lots.By the census of 1875, Woodbury County had a population of 8,568, an increase in two years of 1,580.

Woodbury County Courthouse

Sioux City was named as the county seat of Woodbury County in 1856. The foundation for the first courthouse was laid in 1857. In 1878 a fabulous new courthouse that was designed by a Des Moines architect was completed for around $75,000. This courthouse was made of Kasota stone and had elaborate ornamental detail on its exterior.

The third and present courthouse took three years to construct. The huge brick building was completed in 1918. A large multi-storied tower emerges from its center. Sculptured figures representing the Spirit of the Law decorate the main entrance. The inside is decorated with murals by John W. Norton. The courthouse was put in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 because of the architectural uniqueness and sculptured details.

Woodbury County, Iowa
History, Records, Facts and Genealogy

Records at the Woodbury County Courthouse

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Woodbury County Vital Records

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Woodbury County Census Records

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Woodbury County Tax Records

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Woodbury County Genealogical Addresses

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Woodbury County Church & Cemeteries

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Family Trees & Genealogy Tidbits

Extended History

Woodbury County, Iowa History, Records, Facts and Genealogy

Records at the Woodbury County Courthouse

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

Woodbury County Vital Records

See Also Vital Records in Iowa

Woodbury County Census Records

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

Woodbury County Maps & Atlases

See Also Research In State Map Collections

Woodbury County Military Records

See Also Military Records in Iowa

Woodbury County Tax Records

See Also Research In Tax Records

Woodbury County Genealogical Addresses

See Also Other Iowa Genealogical Addresses

Woodbury County Church & Cemeteries

See Also Church & Cemetery Records in Iowa

Family Trees & Genealogy Tidbits

Extended History

Woodbury County, Iowa
History, Records, Facts and Genealogy