THE PICTURESQUE McCOY HOUSE

One of the houses featured in “Picturesque Algona” is that of Civil War veteran Dr. Henry C. McCoy and his wife, Sarah.  Located at 503 E. McGregor, it is a lovely two story home.  Trees surround the house as pictured in the book with the front sidewalk enclosed in a canopy of branches.  Trees still line the sidewalk today providing ample shade.

Introducing the McCoys

Henry C. McCoy was born in Ireland in 1839.  He came to America at the age of 12.  It appears that he was orphaned before moving to America and was sent to live with an uncle, but conflicting information was found about this period of his life.  In any event, he lived in New York City for a while, later settling in Wisconsin where he received his education and began medical school. He enlisted in the 31^st Wisconsin infantry volunteers at the end of his first year of medical school.  He was chosen to serve as hospital steward for his regiment and was later made assistant surgeon of the Third Tennessee Cavalry.  He served for three years in the army, including being captured and imprisoned at Meridan.  He was honorably discharged in July of 1865.

His wife was a native of Ireland, too, having been born Sarah Ann Patterson on December 13, 1839.  Her parents, Samuel and Sarah Patterson, were from Antrim, North Ireland.  They came to America in 1852 and settled in Columbia County, New Jersey.  Seven years later they moved to Monroe, Wisconsin, where Sarah completed her education and became a school teacher.  It was there she met Henry and they were married in 1864.

After the war, Henry went on to finish his medical degree at Northwestern University.  He practiced for several years in Footeville, Wisconsin.  The McCoys, along with their two daughters, Josephine and Louise, came to Algona in 1870.

Part of the Community

Dr. McCoy had a lively practice while in Algona and was well respected.  One of his obituaries states, “As a physician no man was more devoted and self sacrificing.  He did not count personal ease or comfort when he could do anything for his patients.”  The doctor had several different offices downtown and for a period shared office space with Dr. Garfield.  However in 1897 he moved his office to his home.

The McCoys were a welcome addition to the life of the community.  He was very active in the G.A.R. both at the local level where he was tireless worker and at the national level where he was appointed aide de camp to the national commander three times.  Sarah devoted much of her time to the Women’s Relief Corps helping Civil War veterans and their families.  Dr. McCoy served on the board of the public library and he also worked to attract manufacturing enterprises to Algona and actively sought out railroad companies to secure the best service to the community.  He was an active democrat and in 1884 ran for congress from this district.  Well known in state political circles, he was mentioned as a candidate for the office of lieutenant governor a few years later.

In 1886 the doctor was presented with a beautiful gold-headed ebony cane by his friends in recognition of all of his service to the community of Algona. The presentation came as a complete surprise to the humble doctor who was so overcome by emotion that he was only able to utter a simple “Thank you.”  That cane became one of his most highly prized possessions.

The McCoys’ two daughters brought much love and affection to their parents and made the house a joyful place.  Josephine, the oldest affectionately known as Josie, and her sister, Louise, were not quite two years apart in age, but were enrolled in school together graduating from Algona High School in 1886.  They both were exceptional students and later became teachers.  Both girls attended the Northern Iowa Normal School and University of Minnesota.  Josie spent some time studying in the Minneapolis Conservatory of Music.  Louise went on to obtain her master of literature degree from the University of Minnesota. 

Heartbreak

The girls were very close – almost inseparable.  They were able to secure positions at the same school in Lake City, Minnesota, for their first year of teaching during the school year of 1893-4.  Well loved by their students, the young women enjoyed their tenure there.  Toward the end of the school year, however, tragedy struck.

The two sisters were invited one evening by two young men to accompany them on a boat ride on Lake Pepin.  Lake City is located on the western shore of that lake.  It was a lovely still evening and the surface of the lake was perfectly smooth.  Josie was accompanied in one boat by Mr. Walter Holmes who was a cashier of Merchant’s Bank of Lake City and Louise rode in a separate boat with the other man.  The boats became separated after a while and Mr. Holmes began to row across to the Wisconsin side of the lake.  Josie decided that she wanted to try her hand at rowing when they were about a half mile from shore.  At the same time she stood up to change seats, another boat went by, causing a wake which capsized the boat.

The two were able to place an oar across the boat as it lay in the water.  Josie grabbed one end and Holmes the other.  They shouted for help and Holmes even fired a pistol, but to no avail.  The icy water caused hypothermia to set it and Josie complained of numbness and cramping.  She struggled to maintain until she could no longer hold on and she sank beneath the water.  Holmes managed to keep his hold on the boat and he was later rescued.

Louise had returned to their boarding house around 9 p.m. At first she was not distressed that Josie had not yet returned, but by 11 p.m. she was frantic.  Organizing a group to search the shore, nothing was found.  It wasn’t until 8 o’clock the next morning that Louise received the terrible news.  Although very little hope of finding the body was given, experienced searchers dragged the lake and at 5 o’clock that afternoon, Josie’s body was recovered.

Henry and their pastor, Rev. W. E. Davidson, traveled to Lake City and brought Louise home along with Josie’s remains.  The funeral was conducted from the McCoys’ residence.  The home was filled with flowers including a special design of tea roses entitled “Gates Ajar,” from her students at Lake City.

The Family Moves On

Josie’s sudden passing cast a pall of grief over every member of the family.  Louise could no longer bear to teach at Lake City and it was at this time that she decided to go back to school for her master’s degree.  She then took a position as principal of the high school at Waseca, Minnesota from 1896 to 1901.

Dr. and Mrs. McCoy attempted to return to their life as best they could.  Sarah turned to her work as a volunteer at the Congregational Church and the Women’s Relief Corps to give her purpose.  Henry continued the practice of medicine and his volunteer efforts as well.

It was in March of 1901 that Dr. McCoy made a sixteen-mile ride in the country to visit a patient.  By the time he returned home, he was not feeling well and took to his bed.  The illness quickly turned into pneumonia, followed by heart trouble.  Henry C. McCoy passed from this life on March 19, 1901.  His funeral was held at the house and was largely attended.  Both the G.A.R. and the Masonic Lodge sent delegations and in honor of his many years of service on the board, the public library closed on the day of his service.  He was buried in Riverview Cemetery next to Josie.

Louise McCoy

With her mother now widowed, Louise came back to Algona.  She was appointed to take her father’s place on the library board and in 1902 began teaching in the high school.  Miss McCoy soon became a favorite teacher.  She organized the debating team and instituted the class play.  She spent many evenings directly working with declamatory students and created the Delta Sigma for training in extemporaneous speaking.  During the flu epidemic in 1919 Louise contracted influenza which damaged her heart and left her in a weakened state.  For two years her health continued to decline, until she died on October 11, 1921, once again shrouding the house in sadness. 

Sarah McCoy now found herself all alone.  She moved to the home of her brother, James Patterson, here in Algona where she lived until the following May, when she passed away at the age of 82.  She was buried in the family plot at Riverview Cemetery beside the rest of her family members.

Although not survived by any descendants, the McCoy family has not been forgotten in Algona.  Their name lives on.

Until next time,

Jean (a/k/a Kossuth County History Buff)

If you enjoyed this post, please don’t forget to “like” and SHARE to Facebook.  Not a Facebook user?  Sign up with your email address in the box on the right to have each post sent directly to you.

Be sure to visit the KCHB Facebook page for more interesting info about the history of Kossuth County, Iowa.

Reminder:  The posts on Kossuth County History Buff are ©2015-16 by Jean Kramer.  Please use the FB “share” feature instead of cutting/pasting.

HAVENS F. AND MARY WATSON

I often find myself complaining about having to go to the grocery store—sacrificing 20-30 minutes each week to replenish my refrigerator and cupboards with necessary items.  Lately though, I have been thinking about the pioneers who braved the elements to settle here.  No quick run to the store for them.  For the early settlers, getting supplies was a major undertaking.  From the arrival of the Call brothers in July of 1854 until the summer of 1856, there was no mercantile or supply store of any kind within a 50 mile radius of Algona.  Many settlers traveled to Cedar Falls for provisions.  The nearest source of goods was at Fort Dodge where Major William Williams ran a supply store out of the fort. 

By 1856, Major Williams deemed there to be enough settlers to open a mercantile in Algona.  That summer, the Major sent H. F. Watson to manage the store for him.  

Havens F. Watson and Mary Livingston Watson

Havens F. Watson

In his mid-20s at the time, Havens Watson was a well educated man.  Born near Syracuse, New York, in 1829, he was the son of a Baptist minister.  He attended the Mexico Academy in Mexico, New York, and the Fulton Seminary in Fulton, New York, following completion of his regular public school training.  He then took up the teaching profession and became principal of the schools at Marcellus, New York, for nearly two years.  After a short stint working in a mercantile in Syracuse, he started westward.  He worked at various jobs in Illinois, Ohio, and New York during the next several years.  However in 1855, he once more heard the call to go west and this time he brought his young bride.

Mary (Livingston) Watson

Mary Livingston had been born October 7, 1834, in Syracuse, New York.  Both parents had died by the time she reached the age of 7.  A kindly family took her in.  She received a public school education where she met Havens.  In March of 1855, they were married.  I would guess that the photo picturing her with the long ringlets in her hair was taken around the time of her marriage.  Although she appears young and vulnerable, my research reveals a woman who demonstrated outstanding strength and generosity throughout her life. 

The newly married couple came at once to Fort Dodge where they lived for a year.  They were then sent by Major Williams to the settlement sometimes known as Call’s Grove, officially known as Algona.  Watson set up shop in a board shanty located on the site of the Moore cabin.  In addition to running a supply store, he was appointed postmaster that fall and distributed mail from that location.  Mr. Watson began building the first frame building on the town site which would be used both for shelter for him and his family and for the store.  This building was located on the block where the Carnegie library building now stands in Algona.  It later became part of the home owned by Captain and Mrs. W. H. Ingham that stood for many years on that block. 

It was fortuitous that the Watsons had moved into their home that fall.  Their first winter in the community (1856-57) was unrelenting and unforgettable.  Extremely cold, the snow began early and continued throughout the season.  Heavy snowfalls came so often that soon houses and stables were covered over.  Many citizens did not leave their homes during the duration of the winter.  The locals became very concerned with the condition of a young couple, Joseph and Nancy Thompson, who lived just east of town.  They knew that their supplies would not last the winter and if the bitter weather continued they would not survive.  The Watsons offered to share their home with the young couple and sent a messenger to ask them to move to town until spring.  The Thompsons began their arduous trip of approximately two miles early in the morning of Christmas Day and arrived late that evening, long after dark.  Joseph and Nancy often spoke of the warm reception they received from Havens and Mary Watson. 

The Watsons became an integral part of the community.  H.F. served as the first sheriff in the county in April of 1857 and later that same year was elected county treasurer and county recorder.  When the Algona Reading Club was formed in 1857, Mary was one of the original members.  Members would read various selections at each meeting and this group went on to put together the “Algona Bee,” a social paper combining local news and other literary works by the residents.

Indian fears and the Northern Border Brigade

Due to several encounters with Indians in the area, residents were always anxious regarding their safety.  This anxiety turned to alarm following the receipt of the news of the Spirit Lake massacre.  Two forts were built—one in Algona and the other in Irvington—to provide protection.  With the mill sawing night and day to produce enough lumber, the Algona stockade was constructed around the Town Hall which was located at 120 East State Street.  As the construction proceeded, Havens Watson, along with Abe Hill and W. Skinner, traveled to Fort Dodge to obtain ammunition.  Rumors of sightings of large bands of Indians were running rampant and everyone was on edge.  It must have taken a lot of courage to set out on such a trip, not only fearing for your own safety, but also leaving your loved ones behind knowing of the potential danger of attack.  How worried Mary must have been, watching her husband ride off, leaving her to care for and protect their children.  Luckily, Havens made it back safely.

In 1862, the day after the first volunteers left Irvington to enlist in the Civil War, word arrived of the massacre of settlers at New Ulm.  When the Northern Iowa Border Brigade was formed in September of that year to protect the inhabitants of northern Iowa, Havens Watson enlisted.  He was soon on his way to Estherville to help construct Fort Defiance.  

With Havens gone defending the settlers, Mary remained behind to keep both the business and home fires burning.  She proved that she was an equal partner to Havens in every way.  In addition to caring for their children, she managed both the store and the post office in his absence.   During these years, she befriended everyone.  She would visit the sick and help those in need.  At one time a fever struck the family of Dr. Kellogg who lived at Cresco, which was four miles south of Algona and west of Irvington.  Learning of their dilemma, one evening Mrs. Watson walked to their home (which included fording the river), sat up all night taking care of the ill and then walked back in the morning, not missing her household duties.  

Life in the growing community

Upon his return from service as First Sergeant with Company A of the Northern Iowa Border Brigade, Havens returned to his store.  In 1857, he had moved his store to the Lewis Smith building which sat west of the courthouse square on the site now known as 101 North Hall Street.  Now he moved it to the site beside the log hotel known as the St. Nicholas where the city hall currently stands.  It was moved for the last time a few years later to the south side of courthouse square, where it remained until he retired from the mercantile business.

H.F. served several terms as a county supervisor and was active in the political arena.  He purchased a farm in 1870 which he actively operated until he finally retired and moved to Algona.  The Watsons raised three children, two daughters, Lida and Lura, and a son, Ed.    

Following many years of service to her family and community, Mary Watson passed away March 9, 1900 after a short illness.  Many of the remaining pioneers gathered for the service held at her home despite the almost impassable roads.  There was not one in attendance who did not recall her many acts of self sacrifice in the early times.  Mrs. Watson was remembered as kindly, affectionate, helpful, cheerful and industrious.  Her services were held at their home and her body laid to rest in Riverview Cemetery.

Havens continued to reside in Algona until 1913 when at the age of 84 he moved to Chicago to live with his daughter, Lida Cole.  While out for a walk in July of 1914, he was hit by a passing car.  Several ribs and his collar bone were broken and his head was badly cut.  Unconscious, he was taken to the hospital where his identity was unknown.  His daughter later found him and he was brought to her home where he died.  His remains were returned to Algona where he was buried beside his beloved wife.

As some of the earliest settlers, the Watsons witnessed the changing of the vast wilderness to a progressive and prosperous city.  The bravery with which they faced the challenges and the compassion they showed to their neighbors and friends placed them among the most honored and respected citizens.   A quote from Mary Watson’s obituary sums it up.  “It was a band of the best people this country has produced that formed the early settlement of Algona. . .”

Until next time,

Kossuth County History Buff

If you enjoyed this post, please don’t forget to “like” and SHARE to Facebook.  Not a Facebook user?  Sign up with your email address in the box on the right to have each post sent directly to you.

Be sure to visit the KCHB Facebook page for more interesting info about the history of Kossuth County, Iowa.

Reminder:  The posts on Kossuth County History Buff are ©2015 by Jean Kramer.  Please use the FB “share” feature instead of cutting/pasting.

A WINTER HUNTING TRIP IN 1857

This past Monday night, a ground blizzard suddenly developed.  The wind roared across the prairie sending all loose snow airborne, reducing visibility to a few precious feet.  I was home, but my husband was at a meeting and it took him a long time to make it through the elements until he was arrived safely. During storms of this nature, my mind invariably turns to the pioneers and how they survived the cold and snowy winters of northern Iowa.  I never cease to admire their adventurous spirits and survival skills.

I thought it might be a goodtime to share a good winter story I stumbled upon while doing research for another project.  In 1901 William Ingham presented a paper at the Old Settlers’ Meeting in Bancroft.  In the following excerpt from that presentation, Ingham describes an elk hunting trip in the dead of winter.  Ingham is accompanied on this adventure by Thos. C. Coville (Covel) and William S. Campbell with whom he shared a cabin on the prairie.

        While at Fort Dodge in February, 1857, I met William S. Campbell, who had just come from Pennsylvania.  He seemed to be a sturdy young fellow and well fitted to meet whatever might happen while out on a tramp, so that I made him a proposal to join me in an elk hunting trip for antlers, still hoping we might find the ones I had first seen on Black Cat creek.  On getting back to our cabin plans were formed and everything gotten ready for Covel, Campbell and myself to start out on the first warm day and go to Buffalo Grove, where a large band of elk were reported to be wintering.  A fine morning soon came, so that about 11 o’clock we were off on our snow shoes, each with his light snow sled loaded with an independent outfit, in order that each could take care of himself in case of separation.  The air was very still and uncomfortably warm, until about 8:00 o’clock when we felt a sudden puff of air which repeated several times from the northwest told us of what might be expected.  I only had time to get the course to the grove in plain sight with a pocket compass before the grove disappeared and then we soon found ourselves in the midst of one of the grandest storms of the winter with some seven or eight miles yet to go. 

In a Blizzard

        Our course from now on was at right angles with the wind and nearly so with the ridges of the crusted snow, so that we had no doubt about our ability to safely reach the grove.  We had gotten within some three or four miles, after much work in keeping our sleds on their runners as the gusts of wind would turn them over and over and perhaps have them on their sides or upside down, and much of the time would hold them at right angles with our course; this extra work added to the constant effort required to hold up against the strong wind and not drift from our course, made it tedious work.  As this was Covel’s first trial on snow shoes in a roaring blizzard in which we could hardly see each other, he became confused and decided we were not on the right course and wanted to turn and go with the wind.  When he stopped and refused to follow we told him we would not oblige him to go any farther with us and that we had no time to lose and so must leave him to his own fate with a good bye as we should not see him again.  We started, with Campbell next to me who was to watch and see if he followed.  It was a great relief when Campbell reported he had started on after us, after which he fully recovered so that we heard nothing more about our being lost or anyone else until he discovered the first signs of the grove at about 8 o’clock at night.  In fact we had gotten into the grove before we really knew we were near it.  We had been told where to look for a new cabin built the fall before on the east side of the grove which was soon found.  We were not long in clearing away a place inside in about two feet of snow for our camp.  As the cabin had not been plastered and did not have any floor we built our fire against one end using shakes from the roof, chinking blocks and logs from the gables to keep it up so that by morning it was rather a badly wrecked affair. 

Game Near Bancroft

        During the night the weather cleared so that we found the air in the morning clear and cold.  There was no game in the grove of any kind, as had been reported to us earlier in the winter, so that from here we went to Buffalo Fork and then followed it down to Edward Moll’s cabin at the river without seeing any indications of elk or other game.  There we stopped over night and in the morning Covel told us he had had all the fun he wanted snow shoeing, and we thought so too, and left him with Moll to hunt over the groves nearby.  Campbell and I went west and then bore off towards the lower end of the timber on the river above Mud creek.  Before getting there we saw several foxes and quite a number of wolves sitting about on the prairie, so we felt sure large game was nearby.  When about forty rods from the river, one of Campbell’s snow shoe fastenings gave way so that he was obliged to stop and fix it up.  While he was busy I was looking about and soon discovered a pair of antlers in motion that reached up just above the bank of the river; this was good news for Campbell, as he had never seen or shot a wild elk; when told that the elk was for him and him alone to kill it did not seem to help him any in getting his shoe properly fixed.  When all was ready we started on and soon noticed the elk was going off on the ice at a pretty good pace.  Watch was turned loose, when he soon brought him to bay in the timber and began barking.  We went quite close to the elk that had stopped where the snow was shallow and firm, when Campbell fired his first shot through the head too low down; this made him furious and when I saw him plunging for Campbell, who had no time to lose in getting behind a tree just as the buck struck it with his antlers, it was beginning to be decidedly interesting.  The dog Watch drew his attention again, when he saw me and then Campbell had the chance of seeing me scamper behind another smaller tree just in time as the old fellow’s antlers made their appearance on either side, so that I could have easily caught them and perhaps held him there against the tree until Campbell could have finished his part of the work.  Watch was now called for loudly and drew his attention again when Campbell, who had loaded his gun, made the second shot, striking very near the first, so as not to injure the antlers; I told him to load up again and make another trial, which he refused to do thinking two shots were his full share.  As the elk would be likely to drop in a very short time so that Campbell could say he killed him, I hesitated a few minutes about firing.  Night would soon be on us and as we had considerable work to do in preparing for camp, we could not wait long and so at Campbell’s request I went up close and shot him with my revolver just as he was about to drop.  While dressing him the foxes and wolves began to gather and when done we were surrounded by a hungry set. 

Wolves Get the Meat

        Campbell found where a large tree had fallen and lodged in the crotch of another about eight feet high.  He went up on the fallen tree and cut off some small limbs, leaving hooks, then he hung up the quarters so that it would be impossible, as we thought, for the wolves to reach the meat.  The hide and head he carried up still higher and put them in a safe place.  We now made our camp near by a large fallen tree so as to use it for a back log, and while making a fire a wolf passed by not ten feet away, on looking up there was another following close by; picking up the gun nearby I shot him with the promise of no more shooting until our camp was made complete.  The foxes and wolves kept coming so that the night was made hideous by their howling and fighting.  We fired several shots at random among them, which only quieted them for a few minutes when they again went at it with renewed energy, fully determined to have the meat which they seemed to claim rightfully belonged to them as they had been waiting a long time to get it, and time proved they did get it, for when we went after the head and skin we found they had walked up the log and then humped and caught on as best they could until they fell to the ground with a small piece they had broken off.  Round and round they went, and kept it up until all was gotten.  A lynx had also been a party at the feast.

 

How desolate it must have been out on there on that prairie in the middle of a blizzard!  With no lights anywhere to break the darkness, Ingham and his companions used their vast knowledge of nature to survive and thrive in this unsettled region.

Be sure to keep snug and warm when the winter wind blows in your neighborhood.

Until next time,

Kossuth County History Buff    

If you enjoyed this post, please don’t forget to “like” and SHARE to Facebook.  Not a Facebook user?  Sign up with your email address in the box on the right to have each post sent directly to you.

Be sure to visit the KCHB Facebook page for more interesting info about the history of Kossuth County, Iowa.

Reminder:  The posts on Kossuth County History Buff are ©2015-16 by Jean Kramer.  Please use the FB “share” feature instead of cutting/pasting.

THE PICTURESQUE HUTCHISON HOUSE

One of my bosses at my first “grown up” job was Donald Hutchison.  Don was in his late 70’s when I came to know him.  He was a well respected lawyer and a pillar of the community.  He was such a nice person and treated me almost like a granddaughter.  I always thought that if you looked up the word “distinguished” in the dictionary, you would find a picture of Don.  I came to learn that he was the grandson of Ambrose Call.  I was too young to appreciate the significance of that at the time, but now certainly regret the fact that I never questioned him about it in detail.  While looking through the book Picturesque Algona recently, I noticed that one of the homes prominently featured was that of Don’s parents.  It made me curious about finding out more about Don’s family and childhood home.

The House 

The stately mansion built by Archibald and Edith (Call) Hutchison once stood on the southwest corner of the intersection of State and Wooster Street, at 522 East State Street to be exact.  Although this area now contains commercial buildings, at the turn of the 20^th century, grand homes were beginning to line East State Street.

Edith, the daughter of Ambrose and Nancy Call, and Archie Hutchison, a prominent and well respected local businessman, had been married in a lavish ceremony at the home of Edith’s parents on August 31, 1893.  They had taken up residence in a home in the northwest part of town following their return from their honeymoon to the World’s Fair in Chicago.  By 1898, they had two small children and needed more room for their growing family.  Ambrose Call deeded the large lot (equal to a quarter of the whole block) to Edith, builder A. M. Coan was hired and construction began early that spring.  An article published in the Algona Courier on March 18, 1898, stated that Archie Hutchison “will build a $3,000 to $4,000 home on the corner opposite Mr. Ferguson’s.”

From its stone foundation, the house towered three stories high.  A large wrap-around porch with decorative railings and tall white columns graced the front of home. A large chandelier hung in the front entry and a winding staircase led to the second floor.  The house contained many windows, several of which were of stained glass, and a music room was located on the main floor.

The house was also wired for electric lights as a power plant was in process in Algona at that time.  The Hutchisons wanted to be ready for this new service when it arrived. 

The family moved into the home in December of 1898, before the structure was fully completed.  In June of 1899 the outside was painted and it was declared “a residence fit for a king” by the editor of the Algona Courier.  Many trees lined the street area and extensive landscaping was added beautifying the grounds.  The Hutchison children spent many happy hours playing in the large yard and the surrounding neighborhood.  

Childhood Memories

Dorothy, the oldest of the Hutchison children, recalled a favorite memory as part of a story she wrote about when the circus used to come to Algona which was published in the centennial edition of the Algona Upper Des Moines on June 29, 1954.  She reflected as follows:  
      "Smaller shows also came to Algona.   Who could forget the Gentry Brothers' Dog and Pony Show?  It came and went with less fanfare, of course, but the cunning little black and white dogs with their tricks, the tiny Shetland ponies that bounced around the ring, and the monkeys had a big place in our hearts.  We always welcomed that show with enthusiasm, partly because it was almost shown in our back yard.

     "At that time there were no houses between ours, now the Leaneagh house, and Colonel Spencer's house way up on McGregor Street.  What could be a better place for a show?  The ticket wagon was always on the spot where now stands the Zerfass house.  Donald and I spent many hours in with the ticket seller, who bore our presence with fortitude and patience, and wrote our names on the wall."

Archie and Edith Hutchison

Archie Hutchison 

Archie Hutchison was a native of Ireland, coming to America in 1880 at the age of 18.  He first settled at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, where he lived and worked with an uncle.  After three years, he came to Kossuth County working as a farm laborer for several years.  He then purchased a grain elevator in Algona, which he sold shortly thereafter at a profit.  Archie felt that a good education was needed for him to succeed, so he enrolled at Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa.  Being older than the average college student, Archie was even more determined to receive a thorough education.  Following four years of college, he returned to Algona where he went into the real estate and loan business and later became city clerk.  He started to study the law on his own and later passed the bar on his second attempt.  Archie was admitted to practice in 1896. He practiced law for 40 years and both of his sons, Donald and Theodore, followed in his footsteps, become lawyers and joining his practice.

Prior to her marriage, Edith Call attended college at St. Mary's of Notre Dame, Northwestern University and the Art Institute in Chicago.  She taught school in Kossuth County and was teaching at Central School until her engagement.  Employed at a time when teachers were required to remain single, Edith resigned her position to prepare for her wedding.  In the article describing her wedding in the Upper Des Moines Republican on September 6, 1893, it was said that she "has won the love and admiration of all by her womanly traits, pleasant and kindly disposition and admirable character."

The couple was very active in their church and the community.  Archie served as the Algona justice of the peace for over 30 years.  A lifelong Methodist, he was active in building the stone church still serving that congregation today.  Archie was the organizer and largest stock holder of the Security State Bank (which many years later was sold and was known by several other names including First Interstate Bank and United Central Bank).  He also continued in the real estate business and, through shrewd investments, acquired over 1,000 acres of farm land.  At his passing in January of 1938, the Kossuth County Advance wrote, “Mr. Hutchison’s life vividly illustrates the opportunities that the new America offered the young men from the old country.  Coming here with little, he practiced what are now termed the ‘old-fashioned’ virtues of thrift, honesty, and hard work throughout his life, and demonstrated that upon such foundations a successful life is constructed.” A large crowd attended his funeral which was held at the house and burial followed at Riverview Cemetery.

March of progress

Edith deeded the house to her son, Theodore, in December of 1940 and moved

Site of the Hutchison House in 2015

to a smaller home adjoining the property to the south where she spent her later years.  The mansion was sold to Del and Arlouine Leaneagh in 1950 and Edith passed away at the age of 89 on March 2, 1953.  Following a fire which destroyed his downtown grocery store, William Hood purchased the property in March of 1955.  The beautiful old home was razed in May of 1955 to make way for the new Hood’s Super Valu building.  American Marine is now located at this site.

Don Hutchison

Although the march of progress brought the end to this charming old home, I find it fascinating to imagine the memories that were made behind its doors and what the area looked like during the early years of its existence.  It makes me smile to think of Don as a young boy growing up in this stately home and having the run of the neighborhood.  He was a kind and generous soul who I will never forget.

Until next time,

Jean (a/k/a Kossuth County History Buff) 

If you enjoyed this post, please don’t forget to “like” and SHARE to Facebook.  Not a Facebook user?  Sign up with your email address in the box on the right to have each post sent directly to you.

Be sure to visit the KCHB Facebook page for more interesting info about the history of Kossuth County, Iowa.

Reminder:  The posts on Kossuth County History Buff are ©2015 by Jean Kramer.  Please use the FB “share” feature instead of cutting/pasting.