Woodburn, Iowa: Early Town History

The iron horse was slow in reaching southern Iowa. For nearly twenty years after its first settlement, Clarke County communicated with the outside world only by stage lines. The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad came into Clarke County in 1867. It was decided to steer its course through the natural valley south of the town of Ottawa. In days of slow transportation, this inconvenience of a mile was a hard blow for the merchants. Most of the merchants and residents immediately moved to Woodburn. In July of that year, the railroad came as far as what is now Woodburn, at the fork of the Brush and Gooseberry creeks. It is said that the little town that sprang up around the railroad station was called Woodburn because of the great piles of wood that were placed along the track near the station to fuel the engines. This was the only station in Jackson Township. The first train arrived in Osceola from the east on January 15, 1868.

The town, containing 22 lots, was laid out in the autumn of 1867 on 40 acres of land owned by the railroad and became known as Sigler’s Addition. Sigler’s Addition was named after H.C. Sigler, the first banker in Osceola, who was perhaps the one who had the greatest influence in bringing the railroad through this part of the county.

The first building in Woodburn, according to Clarke County history, was a store owned by J.L. Tedrow and O.L. Palmer. Later, W. J. Smith bought out Palmer. The first hotel was built by Haywood in 1868. John L. Morrison was the first blacksmith, and later built Swan’s Hotel. T.E. Johnson, J.R. Felger, and W.S. Randolph were the first carpenters. John W. Boden owned the first harness shop, established in 1873. D.N. Smith built a grainhouse in 1868 and also sold salt. J.L. Tedrow was the first grain buyer. The first residences were built for J.L. Tedrow, Irwin Parmenter, J.E. Chapman and Alf Hardin. The first school was taught by E.M. Lash.

On June 11, 1878, the town of Woodburn was incorporated. The Mayor was E.T. Knight who served until 1881. The Trustees were C. Blythe, Henry Garris, H.R. Means, G.W. Smith, and W.S. Lowe. The Recorder was C.P. Garris and Postmaster was Joseph L. Tedrow, who served for 10 years.