Woodburn, Iowa History

Seed House Corner

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F.M. Keeney's son, Leon, in suit closest to the car

courtesy of Clare Keeney, loaned from Bob Keeney (Leon's son)

This building was on the large north lot as you turn down onto the main street into Woodburn. For many years in the early days, a blacksmith shop was located here. In 1911, F.M. Keeney built the large seed house.

F.M. Keeney & Sons - Farm Feed & Seed 1911 - 1922
Frank Boor - grain house 1922 -
Davenport Garage - Cecil Davenport 1946 - late 1948 or early 1949
Addison "Junior" Huss - storage for his Pioneer Seed Corn sales - late 1960's or early 1970's
Kayot Kampers - 1970's
storage for Iowa Furniture Wholesale 1970's & 1980's
This building was destroyed by fire in the 1970's, a metal building was put up that was destroyed in a windstorm in the 1980's

Telephone office

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Bruffey Rooming House, later the telephone central office

probably Sally (Johnson) and John Bruffey on the porch

Lot 29, across the street from the current post office

Bruffey Rooming House -

Mr. & Mrs. John Bruffey ? - 1913

Telephone office - J. Ed Oliver 1913 - 1915

Telephone office - Art Ecklund ? - 1920’s

Telephone office - Ella (Oneall) Davenport 1930’s?

Telephone office - Linda Lee 1940’s? - 1950?

Woodburn Fire Hall 1980’s? - present

Prior to 1913 the telephone exchange was in Harken's Clothing Store, then in J.Ed Oliver's home from 1910-1913. In 1904 there was a large fire in the business district and newspaper noted the telephone exchange owned by W.D. Harken & Son was burned out, but the switchboard was saved.

Phone directory from late 1950's - early 1960's?
Click once on it, then click again when it brings it up and it should be readable.

Newspaper ads

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Ball teams

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Woodburn Black Bear Chargers

Girls’ basketball team of 1931-32
Back – Celesta Marquis, Alene Davis, Marcella Marquis, Mr. Wetzler (John), Oma Bales, Elizabeth McClure.

Front – Wilma Jane Kellogg, Joy Mackey.

1937-1938 Basketball team
Back: Mr. Oliver-coach, Johnny Mason, Merle "Red" Gardner, George Ochanpaugh, Glenn Mason, Edward Smith.
Front: Jackie Evans, Russell Heston, Cecil Davenport, Earnest Herndon.

1947-1948 Boys’ Team

Back: Mr. Agans-Coach, Marion Powell, Dennis Ochanpaugh, Stanley Woods, Darrell Davis. Front: Clare Keeney, Norris Davis, Stanley Steele, Jimmie Wilson, Dean Gardner.
Their record was 19-7. They took second place in the Mormon Trail Tournament and second place in the Sectional Tournament.

1949-1950 Girls’ Team

Back: Mrs. Lillian Davis - Chaperone, Joanne James, Evelyn Dixon, Barbara Webb, Joyce Peterson, Pearl Weaver, Janice Ewoldsen, Mr. John Agans - Coach.

Front: Rosalie Bishop, Anne Heston, Gloria Marquis, Darlene Deemer, Twyla Gardner, Roberta Norman. Not pictured: Kathryn Reynolds, Coleen Brothers, Bernita Webb, Naomi Duree. Their record was 8-12.

Woodburn Bank

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There was no bank in Jackson Township until 1895. Until that time, some merchants had loaned money at the prohibitive rate of 24%. In the Osceola Sentinel dated March 16, 1893, it was noted in the Woodburn items that the safe for the bank arrived last Thursday and business will soon begin. (We have not been able to locate where the bank was at this time, but Benjamin Coppock‟s obituary stated that the bank started in 1893). A reference to this first bank was also found in the Osceola Democrat on August 2, 1900, where it is mentioned that Ben Coppock is remodeling the old bank building and making a dwelling out of it.

The bank as we knew it was built by Mr. Earl Black, who contracted to build in June of 1895. It was completed the same year. C.A. Twyford was the president in 1895 with Coppock serving before him, John Voris was president in 1904. On January 8, 1914, William Voris resigned as assistant cashier. Miss Margaret K. Childers, assistant cashier at Iowa State Bank, with five years banking experience, took his place. John A. Voris, cashier, stayed at his position. Minnie Reeves worked for John Voris, and took over when he died on March 29, 1914. The officers of the bank in 1923 were: W.B. Tallman, Pres.; J.E. Shepherd, Vice Pres.; Margaret K. Childers, Cashier; Marie Donner, Cashier. Others connected with the bank were John Coppock, Lewis Crist and Fred Reinig (who was president at one time).

John Voris

Osceola Sentinel, August 9, 1932

Woodburn Bank Seeks "Waivers" Closes at Noon Monday as Osceola Bank Halts to Secure Agreements

When the Iowa State bank in Osceola closed to secure depositor’s agreements Monday morning it was conceded that the bank at Woodburn would find it necessary to do the same thing. For a time it was thought it might weather the storm but by noon Monday withdrawals became heavy and the directors decided to close. At the present time plans are being worked out along similar lines to those in Osceola and it is thought that that bank, too, will be reopened under the depositors agreement plan. A mass meeting was to be held there Tuesday morning and work of securing the "Waivers" started. The citizens’ committee is as follows: Fred Davis, S.E. Hootman, Harve Porterfield, L.L. Stedwell, Chester Wilson, and Gus Fuller.

On August 24, 1932 the bank reopened with accounts under $25.00 released in full. Only 20% of anything over $25.00 could be withdrawn and they had to agree to leave the money in the bank for three years. As far as everyone remembers the bank closed shortly after this for good. It was then used as the post office and Gurnea Marquis' barbershop. Marvin Pollard had "Pollard's Potluck" store in it in the mid-1970's. Unfortunately, this building was torn down in the 1980's.

Grocers

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City Meat Market, north of where the taverns later were

Floyd Heston at Marquis' Grocery, where the Hole in the Wall restaurant later was

(William) Lawrence Marquis ran a meat market in Woodburn around 1911 and a grocery store in Woodburn for several years in the late 1930’s – early 1940’s.

Dorothy Evans at Marquis' Grocery

In June, 1935, Orville Gardner and his father, Gilham, opened Gardner and Son Grocery, located where the current Post Office is. The grocery later moved to where the Wilson Grocery Store was that wrapped around the bank and Orville and wife, Vera, owned the store. One thing the family remembers is the store being robbed in the 40’s. The robbers took 100 lb. sacks of potatoes, emptied shoe boxes, and spilled flour all over the floor. The thieves were traced to California. No money was at the store, Orville always took it home and hid it around the motor of the refrigerator. Some employees of the store were Faye Weaklend, Leola Jenkins, Ernest Carder, Mike and Eva Webb and family, and Gilham, Orville, Vera, Dean, Twyla, Don and Kay Gardner. They had a big truck and had a cream and egg route to the farms, which Mike Webb helped drive. Grocery orders were called in and delivered on the route. The truck was used to pick up groceries at the warehouse in Des Moines, haul stock to packing houses, haul coal, and to move families. Seasonal trips were made to Colorado for peaches, Muscatine for cantelope, Indianola for apples, and watermelon from elsewhere. The store closed in the fall of 1953. Orville, Vera, Kay, Phillip and David moved to California in May, 1955.

Webb Grocery, Mike and Eva Webb

same location as Marquis Grocery

In 1944, Mike worked for Gardner’s Grocery, driving a grocery truck and also picking up cream and eggs. Eva clerked for them. After leaving the employment of the Gardners, Mike worked for Russel Boor, Willie Davenport, Seth Hootman and Edward Horton. From 1948 until 1949, Eva operated the E and H Cafe. In December, 1949, they bought the grocery store from Clifford “Punch” and Mary Lou Mason. They operated the store until health forced them to sell in 1959.

Grocery store was at the Bowen Drug Store location, in operation from 1953 to mid-1970's.

Owned at different times by Finley Atherton, Al Newton and Mark and Vicki Binning.

Post Office

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Elsie Lowe, postmistress - when the post office was across the street from current location

Phyllis (Davis) Wright, postmistress when it was in the bank building 1930's - 1974

Gurnea Marquis was appointed postmaster at Woodburn on July 1, 1944, and worked in the post office for 15 years. Lowa became a clerk in the post office in 1945. Her starting wages were $330 a year. She worked with Gurnea there for the next fourteen years until his retirement in 1959.

Phyllis Wright worked at the Woodburn post office starting in 1963, was appointed postmaster at Woodburn in 1973 and worked there until September, 1990. Sherri (Rodda) Reynolds is the current postmaster.

Woodburn Post Office, 1995

Modern Street Scenes

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Post Office, Fire Hall, Martin's Hall - later the locker (no longer standing), Cottrell's Station

Community Building

Masonic Lodge

The Hole In the Wall and The Spot

Lumberyard - 1980's (no longer there)

Cottrell & Son(s) Gas Station

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The gas station was built on this lot in Woodburn in 1922 or 1923 by Bill McClure and was operated by Rufus Allen. It was purchased by Glenn Cottrell in 1928. Cottrell’s son, Tom, worked at the station until he went into the Navy. Upon returning from the service in 1946, he went into partnership with his father. It was a Standard station until the mid-1960’s, when it became a DX station. Tom took over the station entirely when his father retired in 1967. He remodeled the grease and back room and poured a cement drive. Tom and sons ran the station from 1967-1990’s. It is no longer in use as a gas station, but is still owned and maintained by Tom’s wife, LaVera, and sons.

Barbershops

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Hiram Mikesell, Will Fowler, C.R. Hoagland, Roy Hugel, Elmer Mackey and John Coppock were also early barbers.

John DeVore cutting Wayne O'Neall's hair

Many remember John DeVore as the town barber for many years of Woodburn and Ottawa, and later Osceola. John, Fern, and Beverly moved to Ottawa from Weldon in 1933 or 1934. Fern was from Woodburn originally and John had barbered there before their marriage. John owned and operated a barbershop on the north side of Highway 34 at Ottawa. At that time, there was a barbershop, grocery store and gas station, another gas station on the south side of the highway and a telephone office at Ottawa.

John spent many long hours at the barbershop. He was at the shop by 7:00 a.m. and never left before 9:00 p.m. or so. Even then, he would sometimes just get home and a carload of men from Humeston and Derby would come and he would go back to the shop. He was there six days a week and clean-up was done on Sunday.

Gurnea's barbershop in the old Woodburn Bank building -

note the high top boots on the customer.

Gurnea Marquis was a barber all of his life. After cutting the children’s hair, he would give them 5 cents for an ice cream cone. He never charged the preachers for their hair cuts and shaves. When living in the Methodist parsonage, they rented upstairs rooms and boarded school teachers. Later they started a cafe on the south side of Main (Sigler) Street. The barber shop and cafe were located in the same building. If Gurnea was not busy barbering, he would help Lowa in the cafe.

Ottawa

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A history of Woodburn would not be complete without a history of the town of Ottawa, as this small town was the forerunner of Woodburn. In fact, many of the buildings at Ottawa were moved to Woodburn when that town sprung up as a result of the western movement of the railroad. The railroad followed the natural valley which was about a mile south of Ottawa, resulting in the demise of Ottawa.

In 1854 Benjamin Coppock and his brother, Lindsay, came to Clarke County and entered land. Benjamin had 200 acres and Lindsay 160 acres, the town of Ottawa being founded on Benjamin’s 200 acres. At the time the Coppock brothers arrived in the county, there was only one house between them and the town of Osceola. On May 2, 1855, Benjamin and Catharine Coppock deeded land to the town of Ottawa on sections 14 and 23. The town plat shows a layout with nine blocks, the center one being a public square. Lots were 132 feet deep and most were 66 feet wide with streets that were also 66 feet wide.

The Ottawa Post Office was established June 30, 1855, and operated until 1867. Catharine Coppock sold land on August 18, 1855, to School District Two for the Ottawa school. This school was located on lot 8, block 7, and was built of logs. Methodist Church services were held in the school after its construction. The first known church services were held by the Methodist denomination in the Lindsay Coppock home in 1854. Their minister was Rev. Allen Johnson, of Chariton. The first Catholic priest, Father Michael, passed through the community on a trip further west in 1858 and celebrated Mass in the home of John McDonough.

Dr. T.S. Harding located in Ottawa in 1857 or 1858, and carried on farming and practicing medicine until his death in 1882. He was also something of a preacher. During the Civil War, Dr. Calvin Blythe located at Ottawa, and later continued his practice at Woodburn.

In 1870, businesses listed in section 14 of Jackson Township were A.S. Funk, lumber dealer and merchant; J.W. Wright, wagon and carriage manufacturer. By this time, the town of Ottawa was but a few buildings, most of them having been removed to the new town of Woodburn. A survey of Ottawa in 1875 shows a far less grandiose town than originally planned.

In later years at the Ottawa site, there was a barbershop operated by John DeVore; a restaurant operated at different times by these people: Andy and Cleo Gwinn, Harold Stearns, and Mervin and Marilea Poths; a gas station (Sinclair for several years, later Conoco) operated by Bernard Baker, Russell Page - who purchased it in 1931, Wilbert “Gup” Smith, Monty and Marge Grimm, 1961-1962, and later Donny Hall. The gas station was a building that had been moved in from Jay. This gas station was the last remaining business, and was later used as a repair shop by Donny Hall, then as a feed store operated by Randy Wright and finally by Rex Marker. Hon Riley had an implement store at Ottawa.

The old U.B. Church was on the southwest side of the intersection between Hwy. 34 and R69, down the road from the intersection. It had been used as a community building after services were discontinued and dances were held there. They also brought in a portable platform that was used as a skating rink by the church. The church was bought by Earl Mason in 1931 and made into his garage business. Herman Ewoldsen had a filling station in this southwest corner also - it was farther west on what is now Hwy. 34. The switchboard office, the Ottawa Telephone Office, was run by Fern Mason DeVore out of their home in this corner section also. The switchboard was located in the middle of their living room. This was a 24 hour a day job and someone always had to be there. They had 20 lines and each customer on the line had their own numbers of long and short rings made by turning the crank on the switchboard and moving the switch to control the length of ring.

Cleo Gwinn

Nicknames

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Nicknames

Floyd Blank - Katzy

Glenn Blank - Fat
These Blank brothers were often called "The Katzenjammer Kids"

Russel Boor - Pete

Carl Carson -Tub

Condon Clark - Fisbie

Leland Cline - Debs

Glenn Cottrell - Red

Darrell Davis - Diz

Loren Davis - Deacon

Steve Davis - Ears

Leo Duree - Wimpy

Margaret Duree - Sugar

Ralph Duree - Toad

Wylla Duree - Billie

Dwayne Ewoldsen - Slats

Dwight Ewolden - Parsons

Wayne Fleming - Bus

Joe Feehan - Onion

John Frizzell - J.R.

Harold Garris - Sockin

Monty Grimm - Jake

Roger Grimm - Rod

Floyd Heston - Butter

Jesse Jenkins - Jigs

Merle Jenkins - Muzzy

Leola Jenkins - Susie

Arthur Johnson - Nick

Orville Lamb - Fat

Herman Martin - Foxy

Clifford Mason - Punch

Floyd Mason - Johnny

Verle Mason - Beak

Virgil Mason - Duck

Ivyl Mason - Doc

Herschel Oehlert - Dutch

Clay Paulsen - Sap or Rag Arm

Charles Rodgers - Pete

Donald Rodgers - Pooch

Lucile Mackey Roe - Cricket

Edward Smith - Tubby

Wilbert Smith - Gup
Stanley Steele - Bud

Floyd Webb - Mike

Floren Westbrook - Bud

Floyd Wilson - Short

Harley Woods - Sac

Clarence Wright - Cotton

Darlene Wright - Dolly

Gene Wright - Fat

Jim Wright - Curly

Kenneth Wright - Colonel

Kermit Wright - Mutt, Joker, Digger

Phyllis Wright - Fitz

Randy Wright - Dude

Rick Wright - Duck

Railroad and Depot

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When the railroad originally came to the area south of Ottawa, Woodburn was the home of the Irish railroad workers. Later there were Mexican workers that lived down the track past the stockyards in old boxcars without wheels. At one point in the prosperous days of the railroad, there were five passenger trains a day that stopped at Woodburn. The passenger cars of the trains had iron framed seats covered with matting. They were heated by a small wood stove in one corner, with the fuel piled behind the stove.

The earliest reference we could find to the depot was in the Osceola Sentinel dated January 1, 1891, in the Woodburn items. “The burning of the depot last Tuesday night created quite a sensation for awhile but fortunately the wind did not blow and the other buildings were saved. It is not known how the fire originated.” In the February 5th issue of that year it is noted that the new depot is almost completed.

Orland Starbuck was an early depot agent at Woodburn for thirteen or fourteen years, and probably left around 1913. He then transferred to West Burlington, and later was appointed agent at Osceola. He died tragically of pneumonia at the age of 38 in 1918 in Osceola, leaving a wife and five children. Orland was an Irishman, whose hometown was Tyrone, Iowa, where he was laid to rest.

Fred Stover was the next depot agent, who came to Woodburn about 1913. He and his wife had one child, Wade, before they came to Woodburn and four more children later. In the days that Fred ran the depot, it was open 24 hours a day. The depot agent came on duty at 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Two operators worked the second and third “trick” (what we now call a shift). These ran from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight and then from midnight to 8:00 a.m. These men were all telegraphers and had to report every train to the Dispatcher that came through, even if it did not stop.

Osceola Sentinel, January 4, 1900

The citizens of Woodburn are signing a petition to have the railroad company put in an underground crossing west of town where Mr. Darlington and Mr. Davis were killed last week. If the company would do that it would be a good thing for all concerned. The trains run so fast going west in order to make the hill at Woodburn that the crossing will always be a dangerous place as long as time lasts.

1966 train wreck, contained 190 proof spirits.

Numerous men saved some of the contents for future use, rather than let it

contaminate Whitebreast creek. Yes, I'm sure they were worried about the purity of the creek!

Woodburn Homecoming

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Woodburn Homecoming was started as far as we can find after World War II. At first Homecoming was celebrated for two days, then later it went to a one-day celebration. They used to have a large carnival come to town and set up. In the 1930’s the Hatcher Players would come and put on tent shows. They charged 10 cents admission. Once you got in, they would keep charging another 10 cents to get a better seat. Part of their act was “Cliff Carl and Comedians”. Cliff would join in with the Woodburn Band and play saxophone. He later went on to have a show at WHO radio.

In the Methodist Church history, the ladies have recorded that in 1937, 25 cents was charged for a dinner consisting of creamed chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, sliced tomatoes, and pie. Now there are activities scheduled Friday night before, with the main celebration on Saturday with a parade and activities all day, and usually a horse or tractor pull on Sunday afternoon.

Woodburn Band - members at one time were the Crists, Terhunes, Dorothy Evans, Ed Johnson, John Lowe

Woodburn Fire Dept - includes Gus Fuller, Wilbur Penick, Edwin Wilson, and Glenn Cottrell, Fire Chief.

Peggy Frizzell, who led our parades for many years!

Steve Davis on his pony, Sandy. Help identify others please!

Cottrell & Sons entry - Dwight "Parsons" Ewoldsen and Tommy Cottrell

Darold McCauley and his pony hitch. Roger "Rod" Grimm is with him.

Doc and Sylvia Bowen

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Dr. Fred Bowen was born at Chillicothe, Iowa, on April 4, 1875, and received his diploma June 21, 1901, from Rush Medical College in Chicago. Dr. Bowen is the doctor that Woodburn remembers the most, as he practiced here for over fifty years. While waiting for his license to practice from the State Board of Health, he looked around for a suitable location and finally selected Woodburn. On October 1, 1901, he opened his office. In 1903, he bought the Trent Drug Store in Woodburn, which was on the north side of main street, and where he operated the rest of his years in Woodburn. In 1904, Bowen bought out Landes and was sole owner of the drug store. The only time Dr. Bowen was not on duty was during World War I, when he volunteered for service in the Army. Armistice came soon after his enlistment and he was back at his practice in a few months. He served the community for over 50 years.

In December of 1902, he went to Chicago - the news items reported “rumor has it he will not return alone”. When he returned, he had his bride with him, Agnes Mary Sullivan, of New York. Agnes was born May 14, 1873, in New Jersey to Robert and Sarah Maine (Porher) Sullivan. She passed away September 29, 1930, after suffering a paralytic stroke earlier that summer. Agnes is buried at the Woodburn Cemetery.

On November 10, 1941, he married Sylvia Mae “Sylvie” Smith, daughter of Elmer and Mary (McClure) Smith. She was born February 2, 1885, and lived all of her life in Clarke County except for two years when the family lived in Russell, where she graduated. Her parents were Elmer and Mary (McClure) Smith. Sylvie was a member of the United Brethren Church. Many remember Sylvie for the great cherry Cokes she made at the drug store and her enthusiastic cheering at ball games.

Infirmities caused the doctor to announce his retirement after 50 years of service to the town, in 1953. The town showed their appreciation in a retirement party at the school gymnasium, and 300 people attended. Dr. Bowen passed away on June 3, 1953, at Veterans Hospital in Des Moines. Sylvia passed away on January 11, 1963, at the Clarke County Hospital. They are buried at the Woodburn Cemetery.

Early Doctors

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Dr. Calvin Blythe was born August 25, 1832, in Harrisburg, PA, the son of Calvin Blythe, Sr. who was an attorney. He studied medicine at Newport, Ohio, and graduated in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia. He received his diploma on November 3, 1852. His first practice was in Wapello City, Iowa. During the Civil War, he located at Ottawa, and later located in Woodburn where he contined his practice. In 1886, he was listed as having the only drug store in Woodburn. He and the Masonic Lodge built the large two-story building on the corner of Sigler and Vine in 1888. The Masonic Lodge occupied the upper story of this building for many years, and Dr. Blythe had his drug store below.

Dr. M.T. Martin, from Illinois, located at Last Chance in Lucas County, Iowa, after serving in the Civil War. He later came to Woodburn where he practiced medicine and also operated a drug store. His Iowa certificate was issued September 15, 1886, at which time he was 46 years old, and had been practicing 23 years, 21 years of which were in Iowa. In February of 1901, he purchased Dr. Lawrence’s drug store. Dr. Martin’s home is what is now the Mary Linderman property at 700 Sherman Street. He later had a drug store down the hill east from his home.

In 1878, a Dr. Sawyer located in Woodburn, but moved elsewhere after two years.

Dr. James Proudfoot practiced in Woodburn from 1879 to 1882, when he moved to Indianola.

Dr. T.S. Harding located in Ottawa in 1857 or 1858, and carried on farming and practiced medicine jointly until his death in 1882. He was also something of a preacher.

Dr. E.J. Lawrence, physician and surgeon, located in Woodburn in April, 1895. He opened a drug store in Wm. Clark’s building on the corner opposite Blythe’s drug store.

Dr. William Festus Swisher from West Virginia, received his diploma on April 14, 1892, from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. He was located at Woodburn from 1894 until he was murdered there in 1898. He owned the livery stable for a time, and his office was on Main Street (Vine). This new office buiding had been

built in 1896. Earlier that year, on March 12, 1896, he lost his wife of only 11 months, Matie. She passed away after an illness of only 3 days. She was the only child of Mr. & Mrs. T.V. Dailey. In 1898, the Doctor erected an office on his lot north of the livery barn. It was while returning to this office one evening that he was murdered. No one was ever charged with the murder. Local lore has that Harry Carson's wife was often sick, and he thought the doctor was visiting her in an unprofessional manner and so shot him. But this was never proven.

Dr. Claude Martin Walker, son of William F. and Irene V. (McMullin) Walker, was born August 20, 1873, in Indiana. He received his diploma on May 12, 1898, from the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons. He had been located at Woodburn since April, 1898, at which time his office was in Dr. Swisher’s old office on Vine. He purchased Dr. Swisher’s new office building in 1899, and moved it to the west side of the Star Hotel on Sigler St. (He had also purchased this hotel in 1899). On October 21, 1900, at Osceola, he married Jennie Bonar Nance, daughter of Mosco V. and Lua (Bonar) Nance. They had a daughter, Helen, born March 31, 1902, in Woodburn. In September, 1901, he bought a house and lot south and west across the street (west of Cottrell’s Station). Dr. Walker used some rooms of the house for his office. In June, 1902, he also purchased the livery barn, but sold it and his practice in October, 1902. His practice was purchased by Dr. Willey of Blockton, IA. Dr. Walker later practiced medicine in Kellerton, Iowa, for forty years before his death on March 2, 1945. He and Jennie are buried at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Osceola.

Dr. Willey and his home

Dr. Wade Willey from Davenport, Iowa, received his diploma on April 6, 1898, from the Iowa College of Physicians and Surgeons at Des Moines. He came to Woodburn in 1902, after purchasing Dr. Walker’s practice, home and office. His home was the house that is now across the alley east of the present post office. Dr. Willey practiced in Woodburn until 1921, when he and his family moved to Dallas, Texas.

Churches

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Woodburn St. Mary's Catholic Church

The property at the crest of a hill where St. Mary’s Catholic Church now stands was purchased in 1868. This church was founded out of the desire of the Irish railroad workers to have a suitable place to gather for worship, and in the beginning served some 36 families of Irish railroaders.

The energetic priest who served pioneer families in the diocese, Father Bernard P. McMenomy, built a small church in 1870 at a cost of $1,200. This frame building was demolished a few years later by a summer storm. The determined parishioners built a very sturdy church on the same site using native oak 2” x 6” scantlings and sheathing. This church is twice the size of the old church.

The church was remodeled in the 1960’s under the leadership of Father Lawrence Burns. The installation of a new altar which faced the people, was one of the most noted changes. The parish was served by the Leon Team Ministry from 1971 to the discontinuation of services in 1981. Today the church is called the Historical St. Mary’s Catholic Church and has been restored by a dedicated committee of Woodburn area residents and friends. The outside of the building is much the same as it was when constructed. The inside is furnished as it was when services were discontinued.

Woodburn Methodist Episcopal Church

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized within 6 months after the village of Woodburn was started, with J.L. Tedrow being the prime mover. The first services were held in the railroad station-house. The frame church was built six months later at a cost of $1,200. Some of the early pastors were: Revs. Harris, Kennedy, D.O. Stuart, Martin, Kern, M. Allen, C.W. Brewer, A. Hancox, Gyer, Mark, Moore and F.P. Evans.

On Jan. 8, 1870, Mr. Tedrow, W. Gitchel and Alpheus Hardin, trustees, bought part of lot 45 of the original town of Woodburn for the sum of $35. On March 7, 1881, the remaining portion of lot 45 was purchased for the sum $100. By the year of 1886 the membership of the M.E. Church was about 75. Services were held every two weeks, and about 100 people attended regularly. The Sunday School superintendent was James A. Clark, who had moved to Woodburn in 1875, opening a restaurant and grocery.

On Nov. 16, 1875, the trustees bought lot 26 to be used as a parsonage. This house on Main Street is now owned by Dwight and Wanda Ewoldsen. About 1904 a new parsonage was erected on the north half of lot 45 and the original one was sold in 1905.

In 1914, during the ministry of Forrest Perkins, a two week revival was held. Many people made their decision to follow Christ and joined the church. Baptism was by immersion in the old fishing hole in Whitebreast Creek southeast of Woodburn. After this revival the Epworth League was organized and young people attended the meetings that were held on Sunday evening before the church service.
The Ladies Aid met each week to quilt, raising money to pay the minister and repair the parsonage. They also served lunches at farm sales and election dinners, and held bazaars and plays to raise money in the 1920’s and 30’s.

During the 1950’s extensive repairs were done to the church. A oil burner replaced the old coal heater, new linoleum and cabinets were put in the kitchen, and the parsonage was shingled. The parsonage was sold in the 1960’s as it was no longer being used. In 1968, the Methodist and United Brethren Churches voted to merge as the United Methodist Church.

In 1971, the stage was centered and it and the aisles were carpeted. A gas furnace was also installed at this time. The large doors that separated the sanctuary from the kitchen were removed for structural and heating reasons. A bathroom and storage room were added in 1975 with the reality of Woodburn’s water system. Donations given in memoriam were used to replace three round windows in the church. Today the church is served by ministers that travel to our small towns.

Baptist

The Baptist Church was built in 1882, at a cost of $1,000, through the efforts of Rev. George W. Smith, the only pastor the church had. It was built in Lot 14 of Coppock’s Addition to Woodburn, and was bought and moved away about 1903.

Presbyterian

The Presbyterian Church was built in 1870 at a cost of $1,600. Some of its members were: W.J. Smith, J.A. Chapmen, J.F. Smith, R.S. Findlay, and N. Porterfield. When the congregation dwindled in the 1880’s and services were discontinued in 1883, the building was to be torn down and moved to Medora. But the townspeople formed a committee and purchased the church at a cost of $200. The building was used as a town hall for a time, and later purchased by the Church of Christ, later the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Woodburn Christian Church - past and present day

The Woodburn Christian Church is affiliated with the Disciples of Christ, and was organized in September, 1889, with 19 charter members. In September 1890, the congregation (then the Church of Christ) purchased what was formerly the Presbyterian Church from the town of Woodburn. The deed was recorded September 13, 1890.

H.E. VanHorn held a meeting in 1905 resulting in 125 new members. At this time, the church voted to have a full time ministry. However, about 60 of the new members moved away within a few months and the full time ministry was discontinued in 1907. Various ministers served at times, and there were periods with no regular services. The Bible School, however, was carried on faithfully although it was few in numbers.

In 1912, A.L. Criley began a three year ministry. The Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor was organized on December 6, 1914. The church was served by a number of ministers on a part-time basis from March, 1915 on. Forrest Richeson served from 1927 until he retired in 1932. He was well known and loved in the area, as was Densmore Peterson, a lay minister from Des Moines, who served the church faithfully from 1963-1996.

A new roof and stone foundation were added in the late 1890’s. In the fall of 1905, the Ladies Aid purchased a bell for the church and members erected a belfry. In the 1920’s a basement was added and a furnace installed which was later replaced with an oil heating system. In the 1960s, the sanctuary was paneled, ceiling tile installed, aisles carpeted, a new, modern kitchen built in the basement, new roof put on and the building painted.

On the morning of May 12, 1970, lightning struck the bell and belfry causing a fire which spread rapidly. The only thing saved was the bell, which was knocked out into the yard and clear of the fire by the force of the lightning. That same evening, members of the church met to plan for uninterrupted services and construction of a new building. The Catholic Church immediately offered the use of their church for services, but because of lack of sufficient space this offer had to be declined. Other churches of the community also generously offered their help and provided materials necessary to the ongoing of church services. Services were held in the Legion Hall and later in the Masonic Hall. On October 18, 1970, the basement was completed enough to hold services there. The new church was dedicated on September 26, 1971.

In the summer of 1975, the building was air conditioned and the bell saved from the fire was erected outside of the church. Lay minister, Densmore Peterson of Des Moines, faithfully served the church for over 30 years until his retirement in 1996. At the present time, Sunday School and church services are held every Sunday morning.

Rev. Densmore Peterson and wife, Marie

Church sanctuary - painting of Christ by Mabel Crist

1971 church choir

Early Town History

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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.

Historical Street Scenes

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Sigler Street looking west