Welcome to the Iowa - Reference Books

Early Settlement and Growth of Western Iowa or Reminiscences - Rev. John Todd. An abundance of names and dates pepper this very readable book which has been enhanced by verification, correction and additions. Rev. Todd's richly textured portrayal of the land and its inhabitants, combined with the hardships and hazards of travel in the mid-1800's make this narrative come alive. A biographical sketch spans Rev. Todd's entire life, with emphasis on his pioneer work, his ministry, his Civil War record, his missionary work, his effort for temperance, and his work at Tabor College. Tabor was a prominent participant in the Underground Railroad and its inhabitants were involved in the Anti-Slavery Struggle. "No other town outside of Kansas had more to do with the 'Free-State struggle' than did Tabor, Iowa." Conflict with pro-slavery Missouri is related in numerous incidents, ranging from bogus pro-slavery legislature to destruction of buildings and murder. Capt. John Brown's efforts to free the slaves, and his involvement with Tabor is the focus of an entire chapter. These sections are followed by an account of the 1857 search for a congregational element, a brief history of the college movement at Amity and a very detailed section on Indians in Iowa. A synopsis of Rev. Todd's life is also included. (1906) reprint, 203 pp., portrait, original fullname plus subject index, paper, $23.50 #T513

A History of Crawford County, Iowa - Surname index, list of Century Farms, railroad history, 660 family histories, 621 pages $62.50 #IOW102

Heritage of Hancock County - Surname Index, 1896 township plats with landowners, history arranged by township, 674 family histories, 417 pages $60.00 #IOW103

The History of Howard County, Iowa - Surname index, pictorial and cemetery sections, 606 family histories, 383 pages. #IOW104

History of Mitchell County, Iowa - Surname index, sections on veterans, agriculture including Century Farms, cemeteries including some lists of burials, 644 family histories, 484 pages. #IOW105

History of Pella, Iowa, 1847-1987, Vol 1 - Surname index, letters written by early Dutch settlers, lists of veterans, 817 family histories, 676 pages $45.00 #IOW107

A People with Convictions:A History of Sioux Center, Iowa 8170 - 1991 - pictorial section of old settlers and homes, newspaper headlines over the years, stories by local writers, pioneer living and early farming, includes the four neighboring townships in Sioux County, 778 family histories - 689 pages $64.00 #IOW109