On the corner of 155th and Underwood Ave is the intersection known by locals as Niles Corner. Niles Corner is a section of Niles Township in Floyd county Iowa - formerly known as Platts Corner. The township was named by the early settlers after Niles, Michigan.
The first to locate in Niles Township was J. H. Pitcher, who came in 1853. The first actual settlers to come and remain were: J.B. Dawley, Joseph Beckwith and E. K. Ash, who all located there in 1854. They came from the states of Michigan, New York and Indiana.
The first couple to be married in the township were J. H. Pitcher and Frances L. Dutcher on January 18, 1856. However, they were married in Charles City as there was no justice of the peace in Niles township at that time.
The first child born here was Emily J. Beckwith, May 13, 1855, daughter of Joseph and Lucinda (Wood) Beckwith.
The first death was that of Mrs. N Dutcher, in September, 1856.
In 1858 Joseph Beckwith sold a parcel of land for $10 to Niles Township and Floyd County to become school No. 1 of Niles Township. This was located one mile east of the corner. Church services were also held in the building.
The corner’s first general store, which also had living quarters, was owned and operated by Herbert B. Waters. Some time after 1881, a post office was located in the store as well, and Waters served as its postmaster. Herbert was married to Josephine Beckwith, daughter of Joseph Beckwith.
J. H. Pitcher January 27, 1829- April 1899 (aged 70) is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City, IA.
J. B. Dawley June 10, 1809- June 22 1899 (aged 90) is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Floyd, IA.
Joseph Beckwith June 1, 1821- June 17, 1898 (aged 77) is buried at Beckwith Cemetery in Nilesville, Floyd County, IA near Cowell which is still active today. Mr. Beckwith donated the land for this cemetery. If you continue East on 155th Street for about 1 1/2 miles you will see it.
E. K. Ash September 30, 1819- October 16, 1899 (aged 80) is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City, IA
This cache was placed by permission from land owner.
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There is a special prize for the FTF that will be clearly marked.
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