Kanawha, Iowa

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The town was founded in 1900 when the rail line came in.
This bird's eye view, including the depot, catches the town fairly early in its history.
The picture is from a post card that was not postmarked.
There are a few cars parked on Main street in the background but it looks like horses carry the freight.
Roger Peters collection

Roger Peters collection

4/11/2003 My grandfather, Elmer Morris, was the section foreman for the railroad, stationed in Kanawha. My cousins and I enjoyed going for a ride on the handcar that the workers took out to work on the track between Kanawha and Belmond. He retired around 1950. I think they closed down the old depot at about the same time. He bought the building and tore it down piece by piece and built himself and Granny a little house which still stands at the west end of Second Street. Of course, back then they didn't have street names. Railroad service to Kanawha continued with the stationmaster having his office in a small metal building which was erected near the site of the old building. My uncle, Bab Morris, could probably tell you a lot more. He is still living in Kanawha. (Herschel Morris) Kathryn VanderPloeg Route 1, Box 138B Stratford, OK 74872

My father and family lived in Kanawha, Iowa and other small towns in the area in the late 1800's and 1900's. My father has told of many trips he would take by train to Goodell to visit his grandparents. I am not sure of any photos of him on the train, but I am also interested in knowing more about the railroads. He would sit with the conductor, since his parents entrusted my father to him on the short trip. He loved going back and forth. Family names were Africa and Duryea and both lived in the area from about 1880's.

All I can add at this time is my father and his family lived in Kanawha, Iowa in the 1800's and 1900's. My grandfather, Henry McClay Africa, was the Postmaster at one time and my grandmother owned a millinery shop. Her name was Franke Keziah Duryea Africa. There children were George Arnold, Guyan Kennedy, Esther Ruth, Henry Duryea and James Arnold( my father). I know I have letters from my Aunt and father and photographs that I will go through to see if I can find any information that may be of interest. I also recall that an uncle was a doctor in the area. I will have to look up the name. Also, granddad was an active Mason. Kenneth C. Africa - Sonoma, California - email: rgkca@vom.com - submitted: 03/29/2002

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