text:
St. Ansgar, Iowa

St. Ansgar is a city in Mitchell County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,160 at the 2020 census.

History
St. Ansgar is named for the patron saint of Scandinavia, a French Benedictine monk who Christianized much of Denmark, Sweden, and northern Germany between 830 and 865 A.D. The town is the site of First Lutheran Church of St. Ansgar, a pioneer Norwegian Lutheran Church founded in December 1853 by Rev. Claus Lauritz Clausen, who was commissioned by the Lutheran Church of Norway to form congregations for Norwegian immigrants in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. The St. Ansgar church, congregation and town served as a center for the dispersion of Norwegian immigrant settlers north across the border into Minnesota and on into western Iowa from the mid-1850s into the late 1870s. Rev. Clausen formed 21 additional congregations. First Lutheran Church of St. Ansgar, a graceful building constructed of limestone quarried from the banks of the nearby Cedar River and native hardwoods, is the oldest continuously active Lutheran congregation west of the Mississippi River (Booklet published by the First Lutheran Church of St. Ansgar on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the congregation, 1853–2003; available in the Iowa State Historical Society collection, Iowa City, Iowa, and at the church.)

Pastors in the Church of Norway received university training in census record keeping; the current parish keeps copies of congregation records continuously from founding to the present, making these records a significant genealogical resource.

A fortified stone outbuilding locally called Fort Severson, 5.5 miles northwest of St. Ansgar near Carpenter, Iowa, was built in 1867 by settlers associated with the Clausen settlement anxious about the continued presence of Dakota Indians traveling through the area along the Deer Creek and the Cedar River. The settlers fears were animated by the killing of settlers during the Spirit Lake Massacre in 1857 and the Dakota Uprising of 1862. The distinctively fortified building, which functioned both as a barn and a fort, is the sole surviving example of many that were built.

Geography
St. Ansgar is located at 43.37889°N, -92.91944°W (43.378814, -92.919576).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.03 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,107 people, 468 households, and 303 families living in the city. The population density was 1074.8 PD/sqmi. There were 506 housing units at an average density of 491.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.2% White, 0.3% Asian, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 468 households, of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.5% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.3% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age in the city was 45.2 years. 23.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.9% were from 25 to 44; 24% were from 45 to 64; and 26% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.7% male and 53.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,031 people, 447 households, and 282 families living in the city. The population density was 1,320.7 PD/sqmi. There were 471 housing units at an average density of 603.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.61% White, 0.19% Asian, and 0.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.19% of the population.

There were 447 households, out of which 21.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% were non-families. 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.70.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 17.9% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 31.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females, there were 77.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,977, and the median income for a family was $46,667. Males had a median income of $28,704 versus $20,294 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,100. About 6.6% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.6% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is within the St. Ansgar Community School District school district.

Notable people

 * Ryan Hannam (born 1980) NFL player
 * Claus Lauritz Clausen, founder of Saint Ansgar, surveyed the area in 1853; Norwegian Lutheran minister

title: St. Ansgar, Iowa


text:
Stacyville, Iowa

Stacyville is a city in Mitchell County, Iowa, United States. The population was 458 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Stacyville was platted in 1856. It was named after its founder, Homer I. Stacy.

Geography
Stacyville is located at 43.43694°N, -92.78306°W (43.436910, -92.783011).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.53 sqmi, of which 0.51 sqmi is land and 0.02 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 494 people, 223 households, and 123 families living in the city. The population density was 968.6 PD/sqmi. There were 255 housing units at an average density of 500.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.4% White, 0.8% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 223 households, of which 18.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0% were married couples living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.8% were non-families. 39.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 26% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.10 and the average family size was 2.80.

The median age in the city was 51 years. 18.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 17.3% were from 25 to 44; 24.6% were from 45 to 64; and 33.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 469 people, 211 households, and 121 families living in the city. The population density was 1,055.9 PD/sqmi. There were 228 housing units at an average density of 513.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.79% White and 0.21% Asian.

There were 211 households, out of which 19.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were married couples living together, 3.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.2% were non-families. 38.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.03 and the average family size was 2.66.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.4% under the age of 18, 3.0% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 37.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,544, and the median income for a family was $36,944. Males had a median income of $26,528 versus $26,667 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,831. About 2.6% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.1% of those under age 18 and 1.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is within the St. Ansgar Community School District school district.

Visitation School, originally serving grades K-12, occupied a main building that opened in 1923 and a gymnasium. In 1968 the high school closed, making it a K-8 school. The school closed in 2003. The main building became the site of the Stacyville Memories Museum while the Stacyville Community Center and the Kids Care Daycare Center occupied the gymnasium. In 2012 it was announced the main building was to be demolished, with the museum going to the Stacyville Library, though the gymnasium would remain.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Stacyville, Iowa


text:
Blencoe, Iowa

Blencoe is a city in Monona County, Iowa, United States. The population was 233 at the 2020 census.

An early settler from Blencoe, Canada, named the town.

Geography
Blencoe is located at 41.93194°N, -96.08167°W (41.931871, -96.081742).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.76 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 224 people, 99 households, and 70 families living in the city. The population density was 294.7 PD/sqmi. There were 116 housing units at an average density of 152.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.9% White, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.4% of the population.

There were 99 households, of which 23.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.5% were married couples living together, 16.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.3% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.63.

The median age in the city was 49.7 years. 18.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.3% were from 25 to 44; 30.8% were from 45 to 64; and 23.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.4% male and 53.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 231 people, 110 households, and 68 families living in the city. The population density was 309.3 PD/sqmi. There were 117 housing units at an average density of 156.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.13% White, and 0.87% from two or more races.

There were 110 households, out of which 21.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.3% were non-families. 35.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.10 and the average family size was 2.71.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.9% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 16.0% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 34.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,556, and the median income for a family was $40,833. Males had a median income of $35,250 versus $18,438 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,841. About 4.7% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.9% of those under the age of eighteen and 2.5% of those 65 or over.

Education
West Monona Community School District operates public schools serving the community.

title: Blencoe, Iowa


text:
Castana, Iowa

Castana is a city in Monona County, Iowa, United States. The population was 107 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
A post office has been in operation at Castana since 1865. Castana was platted in 1886 by the railroad. The name Castana was selected by an early settler who believed it to be a Latin word meaning "chestnuts".

Geography
Castana is located at 42.0725°N, -95.90833°W (42.072518, -95.908266).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.93 sqmi, all land. The city is located 10 mi from Onawa and 39 mi from Sioux City.

Academic research
The Western Iowa Experimental farm, a part of Iowa State University, is located just outside Castana. There research is carried out in beef cattle, swine, forage and the effects of fertiliser on soya beans and corn.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 147 people, 68 households, and 37 families residing in the city. The population density was 158.1 PD/sqmi. There were 78 housing units at an average density of 83.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.7% of the population.

There were 68 households, of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 45.6% were non-families. 42.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in the city was 38.3 years. 26.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 17.7% were from 25 to 44; 33.3% were from 45 to 64; and 13.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.7% male and 46.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 178 people, 77 households, and 47 families residing in the city. The population density was 192.2 PD/sqmi. There were 84 housing units at an average density of 90.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.31% White, 1.12% Native American and 0.56% Pacific Islander.

There were 77 households, out of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.7% were non-families. 32.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.2% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 21.9% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,000, and the median income for a family was $32,500. Males had a median income of $24,000 versus $15,417 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,327. About 20.4% of families and 25.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.9% of those under the age of eighteen and 13.3% of those 65 or over.

Education
Castana is within the Maple Valley–Anthon–Oto Community School District.

The community was originally a part of the Castana Consolidated Independent School District. The lower level of a building constructed in 1888 was the first classroom area. In 1897 a permanent $12,000, three story Castana Normal School building opened. An addition was completed in Summer 1911. The school district acquired a teacher's residence hall in 1920; that building also housed classes for several grades.

In 1935 and 1936 the Castana Consolidated School, the final school building in Castana, was built by the Sioux City company Beuttler & Arnold, funded by a $36,818 Public Works Administration grant and a $45,000 bond. It opened for classes on September 7, 1936. In November of that year the school district sold the previous school to the city government for $1,000, and the building was razed. The 1935–1936 school was renamed the Castana Community School in 1954.

The district began sending high school students to the Maple Valley Community School District in Mapleton and to Onawa in fall 1962. Castana joined the Maple Valley district along with Danbury in 1968. The merged district did not use the teacher's residence and sold it in 1970. On July 1, 2012, the Maple Valley district consolidated with the Anthon–Oto Community School District to form the new Maple Valley–Anthon–Oto district.

Notable people

 * Richard D. Kisling; served as the third Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
 * Dale Swanson, racing driver

title: Castana, Iowa


text:
Mapleton, Iowa

Mapleton is a city in Monona County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,165 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Mapleton was platted in 1857 when the railroad was extended to that point. It was named from its location near the Maple River.

Between 7:20 and 7:30 p.m. on April 9, 2011, a rated EF3 wedge tornado ripped through the western half of Mapleton. Early reports said that 50–60% of the town had been damaged or destroyed by the tornado which appeared to be 3/4ths of a mile wide. No serious injuries were reported. Businesses were damaged, and several homes were destroyed.

Geography
Mapleton is located at 42.16417°N, -95.79111°W (42.164049, -95.791110). It is situated on the Maple River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.60 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,224 people, 537 households, and 300 families residing in the city. The population density was 765.0 PD/sqmi. There were 631 housing units at an average density of 394.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.8% White, 0.9% African American, 1.0% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6% of the population.

There were 537 households, of which 24.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.0% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.1% were non-families. 41.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the city was 49 years. 24.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16.6% were from 25 to 44; 25.1% were from 45 to 64; and 29.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.1% male and 52.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,416 people, 582 households, and 346 families residing in the city. The population density was 881.1 PD/sqmi. There were 648 housing units at an average density of 403.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.94% White, 0.07% African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.14% Asian, and 0.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.56% of the population.

There were 582 households, out of which 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.4% were non-families. 38.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 26.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 18.7% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 18.9% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 36.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,479, and the median income for a family was $38,063. Males had a median income of $27,344 versus $18,158 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,516. About 6.5% of families and 11.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.1% of those under age 18 and 16.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Maple Valley–Anthon–Oto Community School District operates public schools serving the community.

Established in 1858, East Mapleton Township School was the first school in the area. The independent school district was established on May 5, 1880. A $2,200 bond approved by voters on June 15, 1880, resulted in the construction of a new school established on a site acquired for $200 on August 31, 1880. Another new building opened around 1903.

The Mapleton Consolidated School District, which operated the Mapleton Consolidated School, formed on July 12, 1916. The district purchased land for another new school, funded by a $95,000 bond that passed 280–70 on April 12, 1917, in August of the same year. The new school opened in October 1918. A vocational building funded by a $17,000 bond passed in 1926 finished construction in January 1927.

In 1955, Mapleton Community School District, as it was now known, absorbed the Ticonic Independent School District, serving Ticonic. An addition connecting both existing buildings in the Maple Valley School, funded by a $300,000 1957 bond, was completed in 1959. The school had 620 students and 39 teachers around that time.

The Mapleton Community School District merged into the Maple Valley Community School District in 1961. On July 1, 2012, the Maple Valley district consolidated with the Anthon–Oto Community School District to form the new Maple Valley–Anthon–Oto district.

Notable people

 * Garfield Wood, inventor, motorboat and hydroplane pioneer
 * Arthur Carhart, conservationist
 * John F. Raper Jr., United States Attorney for District of Wyoming
 * Rev. Vine Victor Deloria, first Episcopal priest of Native American heritage to serve in the Diocese of Iowa
 * Richard D. Kisling, 3rd Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
 * Tyler Walsh, Comedian

title: Mapleton, Iowa


text:
Moorhead, Iowa

Moorhead is a city in Monona County, Iowa, United States. Moorhead stands along the Soldier River. The population was 199 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
A post office was established at Moorhead in 1872. Moorhead was platted in 1899. The city was named for J. R. Moorhead, a first settler.

Geography
Moorhead is located at 41.92306°N, -95.85056°W (41.923003, -95.850688).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.32 sqmi, all land. Moorhead's mayor until 2000 was Ivan Nielsen.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 226 people, 105 households, and 63 families living in the city. The population density was 706.3 PD/sqmi. There were 117 housing units at an average density of 365.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.2% White, 0.4% African American, 0.9% Asian, and 0.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 105 households, of which 18.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.0% were non-families. 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.68.

The median age in the city was 51.4 years. 16.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.9% were from 25 to 44; 31.4% were from 45 to 64; and 27.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 232 people, 111 households, and 72 families living in the city. The population density was 742.9 PD/sqmi. There were 121 housing units at an average density of 387.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.14% White, 0.43% Asian, and 0.43% from two or more races.

There were 111 households, out of which 22.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.1% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.64.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.1% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 20.7% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 27.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,042, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $31,875 versus $19,167 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,644. About 6.2% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.3% of those under the age of eighteen and 18.5% of those 65 or over.

Schools
Moorhead is within the West Harrison Community School District.

It was previously served by the East Monona Community School District, which maintained its school in Moorhead. On July 1, 2004 the East Monona district was dissolved, with portions going to other school districts. The City of Moorhead was reassigned to West Harrison.

title: Moorhead, Iowa


text:
Onawa, Iowa

Onawa is a city in, and the county seat of, Monona County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,906 at the time of the 2020 Census. It is the largest town on the Iowa side of the Missouri River between Council Bluffs and Sioux City.

History
Onawa was named for a character mentioned in the poem The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Onawa was platted in 1857, and the railway arrived to the city in 1867. The city is known for having the widest main street in the continental United States.

Onawa was the site of a prisoner-of-war (POW) camp for captured German soldiers between 1944 and 1946. Historical documents indicate there were never more than 50 POWs in camp. A larger camp existed near the central Iowa town of Algona, and housed as many as 5,400 German POWs.

Geography
Onawa's longitude and latitude coordinates in decimal form are 42.027490, -96.096513.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.19 sqmi, all land.

Onawa is located in the Loess Hills region of western Iowa, a unique geological and environmental area. Nearby are such natural areas as Lewis & Clark State Park, Preparation Canyon State Park, and the Loess Hills State Forest.

2010 census
As of the 2010 Census, there were 2,998 people, 1,345 households, and 756 families living in the city. The population density was 577.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,519 housing units at an average density of 292.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.4% non-Hispanic White, 0.4% non-Hispanic Black or African American, 1.7% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 1,345 households, of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.6% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.8% were non-families. Thirty-eight point nine percent of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age in the city was 44.8 years. Twenty-three point two of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.8% were from 45 to 64; and 24% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.5% male and 52.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,091 people, 1,329 households, and 796 families living in the city. The population density was 629.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,452 housing units at an average density of 295.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.86% White, 0.03% African American, 1.16% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.03% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. 1.07% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,329 households, out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.3% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.1% were non-families. 35.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.89.

Population spread: 22.8% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 25.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,796, and the median income for a family was $41,250. Males had a median income of $27,981 versus $20,292 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,928. About 3.3% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.9% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
West Monona Community School District operates public schools serving the community.

Culture
The Eskimo Pie was created in Onawa in 1920 by Chris Nelson, an ice cream shop owner.

Notable people

 * E. Wight Bakke, educator; born and raised in Onawa
 * John Stevens Berry, attorney and author; born and raised in Onawa
 * Ken Carlson, politician; lives in Onawa
 * Kristine Jepson, opera singer
 * Neil E. McNeil (Oklahoma), attorney and justice of Oklahoma Supreme Court, born in Onawa
 * Wayne M. Ropes, businessman and Iowa Secretary of State; born and raised in Onawa

title: Onawa, Iowa


text:
Rodney, Iowa

Rodney is a city in Monona County, Iowa, United States. The population was 45 at the time of the 2020 census.

Geography
Rodney is located at 42.20472°N, -95.95139°W (42.204834, -95.951446).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.16 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 60 people, 29 households, and 17 families residing in the city. The population density was 375.0 PD/sqmi. There were 31 housing units at an average density of 193.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.0% White, 8.3% Native American, and 1.7% from two or more races.

There were 29 households, of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.4% were married couples living together, 17.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.4% were non-families. 41.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.07 and the average family size was 2.76.

The median age in the city was 45 years. 28.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.3% were from 25 to 44; 21.7% were from 45 to 64; and 28.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 74 people, 33 households, and 19 families residing in the city. The population density was 444.3 PD/sqmi. There were 37 housing units at an average density of 222.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.65% White and 1.35% Native American.

There were 33 households, out of which 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.4% were non-families. 39.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,250, and the median income for a family was $47,500. Males had a median income of $38,036 versus $27,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,254. There were no families and 5.7% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 11.8% of those over 64.

Education
Rodney is within the Maple Valley–Anthon–Oto Community School District.

Rodney was initially a part of the Rodney Public School District. There were several initial school buildings before a permanent school facility in northwest Rodney opened in the early 1900s. As of 1900, 75 students were enrolled, and this increased to 116 in 1925. For a period students in grades 1–10 attended school in Rodney while those finishing high school moved on to Mapleton or Smithland. The school system began sending all high school students to Smithland after it removed high school grades in 1947, and it paid the corresponding high school tuition from 1955 until the end of the district, when the residents voted to join the new Maple Valley Community School District in 1960. That year a private individual purchased and razed the Rodney School, and the students began attending Maple Valley schools in 1961. On July 1, 2012, the Maple Valley district consolidated with the Anthon–Oto Community School District to form the new Maple Valley–Anthon–Oto district.

title: Rodney, Iowa


text:
Soldier, Iowa

Soldier is a city in Monona County, Iowa, United States, along the Soldier River. The population was 184 at the time of the 2020 census.

Soldier was so named from a nearby unmarked grave of a soldier.

Geography
Soldier is located at 41.98472°N, -95.78°W (41.984598, -95.779916).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.29 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 174 people, 88 households, and 48 families living in the city. The population density was 600.0 PD/sqmi. There were 111 housing units at an average density of 382.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.8% White, 0.6% African American, 1.1% Native American, and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.9% of the population.

There were 88 households, of which 17.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 3.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 45.5% were non-families (a household of one person or only unrelated persons). 38.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.98 and the average family size was 2.58.

The median age in the city was 52.5 years. 16.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16% were from 25 to 44; 36.8% were from 45 to 64; and 23.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.4% male and 50.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 207 people, 103 households, and 59 families living in the city. The population density was 696.6 PD/sqmi. There were 113 housing units at an average density of 380.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.55% White, 0.97% Native American, and 0.48% from two or more races.

There were 103 households, out of which 16.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.5% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.7% were non-families. 37.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.01 and the average family size was 2.49.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 17.9% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 30.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,344, and the median income for a family was $37,841. Males had a median income of $24,479 versus $14,375 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,877. About 7.0% of families and 16.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 23.6% of those 65 or over.

Education
Charter Oak–Ute Community School District operates public schools.

Soldier was previously in the East Monona Community School District. On July 1, 2004, the district was dissolved, with portions going to different districts; Soldier was reassigned to Charter Oak–Ute.

title: Soldier, Iowa


text:
Turin, Iowa

Turin is a city in Monona County, Iowa, United States. The population was 72 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Turin was platted in 1887. It was named after Turin, in Italy. A post office was established at Turin in 1887, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1996.

Geography
Turin is located at 42.02083°N, -95.9675°W (42.020792, -95.967541). It is situated near the confluence of the Little Sioux and Maple rivers.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.09 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 68 people, 33 households, and 19 families living in the city. The population density was 755.6 PD/sqmi. There were 38 housing units at an average density of 422.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.1% White and 2.9% African American.

There were 33 households, of which 21.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.5% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.4% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.06 and the average family size was 2.68.

The median age in the city was 52.5 years. 19.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 2.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.1% were from 25 to 44; 29.5% were from 45 to 64; and 29.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 54.4% male and 45.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 75 people, 34 households, and 24 families living in the city. The population density was 892.4 PD/sqmi. There were 39 housing units at an average density of 464.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.67% White and 1.33% Native American.

There were 34 households, out of which 20.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. 20.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.52.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 18.7% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 30.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $23,750, and the median income for a family was $21,875. Males had a median income of $24,792 versus $16,875 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,094. There were 21.2% of families and 21.6% of the population living below the poverty line, including 52.6% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
West Monona Community School District operates public schools serving the community.

title: Turin, Iowa


text:
Ute, Iowa

Ute is a city in Monona County, Iowa, United States, along the Soldier River. The population was 338 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
A post office called Ute has been in operation since 1876. The city was named after the Ute people.

Geography
Ute is located at 42.04972°N, -95.70583°W (42.049711, -95.705879).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.39 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 374 people, 179 households, and 102 families living in the city. The population density was 959.0 PD/sqmi. There were 209 housing units at an average density of 535.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.7% White, 0.3% African American, 0.5% Native American, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 179 households, of which 21.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.1% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.0% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.70.

The median age in the city was 49.8 years. 19.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16% were from 25 to 44; 31.5% were from 45 to 64; and 25.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 378 people, 183 households, and 112 families living in the city. The population density was 956.7 PD/sqmi. There were 201 housing units at an average density of 508.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.74% White and 0.26% African American.

There were 183 households, out of which 19.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.3% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.07 and the average family size was 2.61.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 17.7% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 19.6% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 33.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,875, and the median income for a family was $36,250. Males had a median income of $31,000 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,650. About 7.5% of families and 9.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.0% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Charter Oak–Ute Community School District operates public schools.

title: Ute, Iowa


text:
Whiting, Iowa

Whiting is a city in Monona County, Iowa, United States. The population was 745 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
A post office called Whiting has been in operation since 1873. The city was named for Charles E. Whiting, a local farmer.

Geography
Whiting is located at 42.12556°N, -96.15194°W (42.125645, -96.151962).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.00 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 762 people, 313 households, and 195 families living in the city. The population density was 762.0 PD/sqmi. There were 340 housing units at an average density of 340.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.7% White, 0.1% African American, 1.6% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 313 households, of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.7% were non-families. 33.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.76.

The median age in the city was 49 years. 20.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.3% were from 25 to 44; 28.2% were from 45 to 64; and 27% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 43.4% male and 56.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 707 people, 301 households, and 189 families living in the city. The population density was 705.1 PD/sqmi. There were 316 housing units at an average density of 315.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.60% White, 0.99% Native American, 0.28% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.56% of the population.

There were 301 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.8% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.2% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 18.5% from 45 to 64, and 21.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,212, and the median income for a family was $43,365. Males had a median income of $31,827 versus $23,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,284. About 6.8% of families and 8.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.6% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Whiting Community School District operates local public schools.

Media
The movie Children of the Corn was filmed mostly in the vicinity of Whiting.

Notable people

 * Ken Carlson (born 1951), member of the Iowa House of Representatives

title: Whiting, Iowa


text:
Albia, Iowa

Albia is a city in and the county seat of Monroe County, in southern Iowa, United States. The population was 3,721 at the 2020 census.

The city of Albia is known for its historic square and city-wide Victorian Architecture. Albia is also known for the annual "Restoration" days celebration which commemorates the refurbishment of the square and the town which began in the mid-1960s.

History
Albia was incorporated as a town in 1856. The town was named after Albia, New York, the former home of an early settler.

On Feb. 14, 1893, there was a coal mine explosion in the Chicago and Iowa mine, about 2.5 miles west of Albia. This room and pillar mine had opened around 1877. By the time of the explosion, mining extended more than 1,000 yards from the hoisting shaft, and the mine employed 60 miners and 20 other men. One miner was killed outright and seven died later of their injuries, after a "shot" (gunpowder charge used to bring down the coal) ignited a dust explosion in the mine. This was one of only two major mine disasters in Iowa between 1888 and 1913.

In the early 20th century, the region around Albia was dotted with coal mining camps and company towns. Of these, Buxton, 9 miles north of Albia, is the most widely studied. It had a large Black population. Other former coal camps in the area include Hiteman, Bluff Creek, Lockman, Coalfield, Hocking, and Hynes.

The growth in membership in the United Mine Workers union, as shown by the following data, is a useful measure of the importance of mining in the region. In 1902, UMW Locals 692 and 793 in Albia had an aggregate membership of 216. By 1912, UMW Locals 407, 782 and 793 in Albia had an aggregate membership of 338 (about 7.2% of the 1910 population). Miners in Hiteman, 5 miles northwest of town, joined the UMWA in 1898; between 1902 and 1912, membership grew from 450 to 688. Miners in Hynes, 7 miles east, joined the UMWA in 1896; between 1902 and 1912, membership grew from 330 to 543.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.19 sqmi, all land.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Albia has a hot-summer humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfa" on climate maps.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,766 people, 1,540 households, and 960 families living in the city. The population density was 1180.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,763 housing units at an average density of 552.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.5% White, 0.3% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.

There were 1,540 households, of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.7% were non-families. 32.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.98.

The median age in the city was 40 years. 25.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.5% were from 25 to 44; 24.5% were from 45 to 64; and 19.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,706 people, 1,531 households, and 943 families living in the city. The population density was 1,184.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,708 housing units at an average density of 546.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.92% White, 0.32% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.24% from other races, and 0.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.84% of the population.

There were 1,531 households, out of which 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.4% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.97.

Age spread: 25.1% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 22.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,728, and the median income for a family was $41,607. Males had a median income of $33,025 versus $20,933 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,843. About 4.3% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.1% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Albia Community School District operates public schools serving the community.

Activities
In Albia, there's the "Monroe Aquatic Center", "Washington Park", and the "City Park". The aquatic center has two water slides, low dive, high dive, children's area, basketball hoops above the water, and lockers. The city park includes a basketball court, a baseball field, a tennis court, and a playground with swings.

Notable people

 * George Bennard (1873–1958), composer of "The Old Rugged Cross"
 * Nathan E. Kendall (1868–1936), politician and U.S. Representative from Iowa's 6th congressional district and the 23rd Governor of Iowa
 * John Judge (born 1944), politician, served in the Iowa State Senate
 * Patty Judge (born 1943), politician, served Iowa as State Senator, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, and Lieutenant Governor of Iowa

 * Johnny Miler, né Miletich (1910–1976) Boxer, 1932 Summer Olympics. Defeated Joe Louis in amateur bout
 * Wendell Nedderman (1921–2019), college administrator, president of The University of Texas at Arlington from 1972 to 1992
 * Theodore Bolivar Perry, politician
 * James Stevens (1892–1971), musician and writer, most notably Paul Bunyan
 * Fred Townsend (1862–1918), politician and Iowa legislator, football player
 * Josiah T. Young (1831–1907), politician - Iowa Secretary of State, legislator and newspaper editor; mayor of Albia

title: Albia, Iowa


text:
Lovilia, Iowa

Lovilia is a city in Monroe County, Iowa, United States. The population was 472 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Lovilla was laid out in 1853.

Coal was known north and south of Lovilia in the early 1900s, and there were scattered "country mines" in the area.

On March 30, 1953, there was a dust explosion at the O'Brien Mine, a coal mine near Lovilia. Two men, including the mine foreman, were in the mine to fire the black-powder shots at the end of the work shift. Both were killed in the blast. Volunteers from Lovilia went into the mine and brought out the bodies, and then the owner of the O'Brien mine, along with three officials of a nearby mine and an employee went underground to investigate. Of the five, only two survived; the others were overcome by bad air. The ensuing investigation determined that the dust explosion was caused by a blow-out in two of the blasted holes. A blow-out occurs when the force of the explosion blows the stemming out of a hole instead of breaking up the surrounding material. In the case of the O'Brien mine, the stemming used was a mix of coal dust and clay.

In 1972, the Lovilia Coal Company was operating one of the last two underground coal mines in Iowa. The mine employed 21 workers and produced 245,000 tons of coal that year. This was a room and pillar mine.

In 1985, the Star Coal Company of Lovilia was the largest employer in Monroe County, Iowa, with 150 employees. Coal production was 500,000 tons per year, about 80 percent of Iowa's total coal production.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.50 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 538 people, 207 households, and 149 families living in the city. The population density was 1076.0 PD/sqmi. There were 228 housing units at an average density of 456.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.4% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, and 0.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.7% of the population.

There were 207 households, of which 36.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.0% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.11.

The median age in the city was 34 years. 29.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.8% were from 25 to 44; 23.4% were from 45 to 64; and 14.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.1% male and 50.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 583 people, 228 households, and 163 families living in the city. The population density was 1,160.8 PD/sqmi. There were 247 housing units at an average density of 491.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.97% White, 0.17% African American, 0.17% Native American, and 0.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.17% of the population.

There were 228 households, out of which 39.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.5% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.5% were non-families. 26.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 31.4% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 17.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,577, and the median income for a family was $39,038. Males had a median income of $31,538 versus $19,712 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,978. About 6.4% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.8% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

Government and infrastructure
A building constructed circa 1901 became a post office in the 1930s. On October 4, 1965, a privately-owned building that was to be leased by the U.S. Postal Service as a post office started construction. The post office facility opened in 1966.

Education
Albia Community School District operates public schools serving the community.

title: Lovilia, Iowa


text:
Melrose, Iowa

Melrose is a community in Monroe County, Iowa, United States. The population was 110 at the time of the 2020 census. Melrose is known as Iowa's "Little Ireland". As such, the majority of the 130 population are Irish Catholics.

History
Melrose was platted in 1866 when the railroad was built through that territory.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.01 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 112 people, 51 households, and 34 families residing in the city. The population density was 110.9 PD/sqmi. There were 67 housing units at an average density of 66.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.4% White, 0.9% Asian, and 2.7% from two or more races.

There were 51 households, of which 13.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.7% were married couples living together, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.3% were non-families. 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.71.

The median age in the city was 54 years. 16.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.2% were from 25 to 44; 30.3% were from 45 to 64; and 25.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.6% male and 46.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 130 people, 56 households, and 38 families residing in the city. The population density was 153.7 PD/sqmi. There were 67 housing units at an average density of 79.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.69% White, 0.77% Asian, 0.77% from other races, and 0.77% from two or more races.

There were 56 households, out of which 21.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.8% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.1% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 18.5% under the age of 18, 12.3% from 18 to 24, 15.4% from 25 to 44, 34.6% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,583, and the median income for a family was $32,917. Males had a median income of $30,417 versus $25,417 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,507. There were 25.6% of families and 21.1% of the population living below the poverty line, including 44.0% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
Albia Community School District operates public schools serving the community.

Sports
The 1937 Melrose Shamrocks were the Iowa state high school basketball champions. With an enrollment of only 66, the Shamrocks were the smallest school ever to win a single-class state basketball title in Iowa. The team finished their season 33–0, the first undefeated boys basketball team in Iowa history. In 2012, the Des Moines Register recognized the Shamrocks as one of the ten best State tournament teams in Iowa history. The Shamrocks made the State boys' basketball tournament again in 1938, 1950, and 1959.

Walt O'Connor and Jim Thynne from the 1937 team and Donald Knowles, a 1942 Melrose graduate, were inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame. In March 2012, the Iowa High School Athletic Association inducted Coach Ad Hlubek into the Hall of Fame as a coach. In May 2012, the Iowa House of Representatives officially congratulated the 1937 Melrose Shamrocks basketball team on the 75th anniversary of their championship. The resolution recounted the accomplishments of the 1937 team and encouraged "all Iowans to follow its example in striving to accomplish goals that seem impossible." In late 2012, the city of Melrose, erected a monument in the center of town honoring the 1937 basketball team and its selection in a Des Moines Register poll as the top team in the first 100 years of boys’ basketball in Iowa.

Notable People

 * Thomas E. Martin Former U.S. Congressman

title: Melrose, Iowa


text:
Coburg, Iowa

Coburg is a city in Montgomery County, Iowa, United States. The population was 26 at the 2020 census.

History
Coburg got its start following construction of the railroad through the territory.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.29 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 42 people, 13 households, and 12 families residing in the city. The population density was 144.8 PD/sqmi. There were 13 housing units at an average density of 44.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.2% White and 4.8% from two or more races.

There were 13 households, of which 38.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% were married couples living together, 15.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 23.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 7.7% were non-families. 0.0% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 3.23 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the city was 30 years. 31% of residents were under the age of 18; 16.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.1% were from 25 to 44; 26.2% were from 45 to 64; and 7.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 54.8% male and 45.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 31 people, 12 households, and 9 families residing in the city. The population density was 106.9 PD/sqmi. There were 14 housing units at an average density of 48.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 12 households, out of which 50.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.7% were married couples living together, and 16.7% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 35.5% under the age of 18, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 35.5% from 45 to 64,. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 72.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 122.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,750, and the median income for a family was $31,875. Males had a median income of $28,750 versus $19,375 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,329. There were 11.1% of families and 21.2% of the population living below the poverty line, including 35.3% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
The Red Oak Community School District operates local area public schools.

title: Coburg, Iowa


text:
Elliott, Iowa

Elliott is a city in Montgomery County, Iowa, United States, along the East Nishnabotna River. The population was 338 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Elliott was founded in 1879.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.42 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 350 people, 147 households, and 95 families living in the city. The population density was 833.3 PD/sqmi. There were 168 housing units at an average density of 400.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.1% White, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 147 households, of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.7% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.4% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.98.

The median age in the city was 39.6 years. 26.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.6% were from 25 to 44; 28.2% were from 45 to 64; and 13.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.9% male and 51.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 402 people, 163 households, and 117 families living in the city. The population density was 981.1 PD/sqmi. There were 179 housing units at an average density of 436.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.25% White, 0.25% Asian, and 0.50% from two or more races.

There were 163 households, out of which 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.4% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 17.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,528, and the median income for a family was $35,114. Males had a median income of $28,750 versus $20,441 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,018. About 11.6% of families and 14.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.7% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Griswold Community School District operates area public schools.

Notable people

 * Elvin Bishop, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, a founding member of the historic Paul Butterfield Blues Band
 * Janet Thompson, basketball player

title: Elliott, Iowa


text:
Grant, Iowa

Grant is a city in Montgomery County, Iowa, United States. The population was 86 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Grant is named for Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States. Its commercial district, which was developed from 1871 to 1952, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.75 sqmi, of which 0.74 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 92 people, 41 households, and 27 families living in the city. The population density was 124.3 PD/sqmi. There were 54 housing units at an average density of 73.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White.

There were 41 households, of which 17.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.5% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 19.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.59.

The median age in the city was 52 years. 13% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.8% were from 25 to 44; 35.9% were from 45 to 64; and 25% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 102 people, 46 households, and 32 families living in the city. The population density was 137.3 PD/sqmi. There were 60 housing units at an average density of 80.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.06% White, 0.98% African American, 0.98% Native American, and 0.98% from two or more races.

There were 46 households, out of which 21.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.0% were married couples living together, 4.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.4% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.69.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 17.6% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 29.4% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $21,806, and the median income for a family was $42,917. Males had a median income of $20,625 versus $36,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,461. There were no families and 10.8% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
The Griswold Community School District operates area public schools.

title: Grant, Iowa


text:
Red Oak, Iowa

Red Oak is a city in, and the county seat of, Montgomery County, Iowa, United States, located along the East Nishnabotna River. The population was 5,362 in the 2020 census, a decline from the 6,197 population in 2000.

History
Red Oak derives its name from Red Oak Creek which flows through the community and was noted for the red oaks on its banks. The first settlers arrived there in the 1850s. In 1865 it became the official county seat of Montgomery County and the courthouse which had been in the middle of the county seven miles northeast in Frankfort, Iowa was towed to the community during a snow storm. That courthouse remained in place until the current Montgomery County Courthouse was built in 1891. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1869 the community was officially founded when the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (called the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad at the time) arrived. The community was named Red Oak Junction by the railroad on March 20, 1876. The junction was a line off the main Chicago to Council Bluffs, Iowa line that went to Nebraska City, Nebraska and on to Lincoln, Nebraska. The Junction name was dropped in 1901 although the community continues to celebrate its history each summer in Junction Days. In 1903 a depot was opened by the railroad. Preservation efforts for the depot have been enacted since 1993. Today it is the Restored BN and World War II Museum celebrating the community's disproportionate casualties during World War II and other wars, significant military heritage and community pride in service to country. The depot is one of nine places in Montgomery County on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Montgomery County, Iowa.

Darwin R. Merritt, born in Red Oak on April 12, 1872, graduated third in his class from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland on July 1, 1897. On February 15, 1898, he perished in the explosion that sank the USS Maine (ACR-1) in the harbor of Havana, Cuba. His body was later recovered and interred in Evergreen Cemetery in Red Oak.

The community suffered, in a national per capita comparison, a disproportionate number of casualties in the Civil War and World War II.

In the American Civil War, the area provided more Union troops per capita than any other in the state. Company M (which also included residents from Montgomery County) had 160 casualties among its 250 members; 52 men were killed in action.

Early World War II battles claimed a disproportionate number of soldiers from Red Oak, although the final casualty statistics tend to disprove the oft-repeated statement that Red Oak suffered more losses per capita than any other American community. In the Battle of Kasserine Pass in February 1943, forty-five soldiers from Red Oak alone were captured or killed; more than 100 telegrams arrived in Red Oak saying that its soldiers were missing in action. In recognition of Red Oak's casualties, the city's name was given to a "victory ship". The SS Red Oak Victory has become a floating museum in the shipyard where it was built, in Richmond, California.

The old Burlington Northern depot has been transformed into the Restored BN Depot and World War II Museum telling this history.

The Red Oak School District was established in 1870, while Webster Eaton first published the Red Oak Express newspaper in 1868.

Geography
Red Oak is located at 41.01167°N, -95.22722°W (41.011681, -95.227227).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.01 sqmi, of which 3.95 sqmi is land and 0.06 sqmi is water.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 5,742 people in 2,481 households, including 1,475 families, in the city. The population density was 1453.7 PD/sqmi. There were 2,887 housing units at an average density of 730.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.3% White, 0.3% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 1.4% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.2%.

Of the 2,481 households 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.7% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.5% were non-families. 34.9% of households were one person and 16.8% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.90.

The median age was 42.2 years. 24.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.2% were from 25 to 44; 26.6% were from 45 to 64; and 20.1% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.6% male and 52.4% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 6,197 people in 2,670 households, including 1,650 families, in the city. The population density was 1,684.7 PD/sqmi. There were 2,985 housing units at an average density of 811.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.42% Caucasian, African American African American (U.S. Census), 0.11% Asian (U.S. Census), 0.50% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.11% from other races, and 0.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.15%.

Of the 2,670 households 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.6% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.2% were non-families. 33.8% of households were one person and 16.8% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.89.

Age spread: 24.6% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 20.8% 65 or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.9 males.

The median household income was $30,098 and the median family income was $37,007. Males had a median income of $28,942 versus $20,047 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,793. About 7.9% of families and 10.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.8% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over.

Hospital
The Montgomery County Memorial Hospital (MCMH) is located in Red Oak. MCMH is a modern 25-bed facility with birth to hospice capabilities. MCMH management puts an emphasis on health care for the local community inside the hospital and with programs outside of the hospital.

It began as Red Oak Hospital when Dr. B.F. Gillmor opened a 15-bed hospital in 1920. In 1931 it was renamed the Murphy Memorial Hospital in honor of a bequest of $40,000 from Thomas D. and Ina C. Murphy. In 1941 a 26-bed hospital was built in a new location, with an addition in 1951. In 1961 a long-term care unit, named Highland Acres, was constructed. In 1978 in a special election voters approved of Montgomery County taking ownership of Murphy Memorial Hospital. The facility then became known as Montgomery County Memorial Hospital. In 1989 a new hospital was built and in 1993 a Physicians Center was added.

Education
The Red Oak Community School District operates local public schools.

Points of interest

 * Red Oak had a horse-drawn streetcar system from 1882 to 1901.
 * It has a transmitter for the Iowa Public television system.

Notable people

 * Dennis Ashbaugh, painter
 * James R. Bennett, Secretary of State of Alabama 1993–2003, 2013-2015
 * Lou Blonger (1849–1924), Wild West saloonkeeper
 * Johnny Carson (1925–2005), entertainer, host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
 * Clyde Cessna (1879–1954), founder of Cessna Aircraft Company
 * Horace E. Deemer (1858–1917), Chief Justice of Iowa Supreme Court
 * Thomas Harlan Ellett (1880–1951), New York City architect
 * Joni Ernst, Republican member of Iowa Senate, junior member of the United States Senate
 * Ida M. Evans, short story writer
 * Kenneth A. Evans (1898–1970), Republican member of Iowa Senate 1937-45 and Lieutenant Governor of Iowa from 1945 to 1951
 * Kurt Griffey (1968), Guitarist for Creedence Clearwater Revisited.
 * Raymond Hatton (1887–1971), actor
 * Elvin Hutchison (1912–2001), running back for the Detroit Lions and National Football League official
 * James E. Kearney (1884–1977), Roman Catholic bishop
 * Dick Kenworthy, Major League Baseball third baseman for the Chicago White Sox
 * John Milton Killits (1858–1938), United States federal judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio from 1910 to 1928
 * John Logan (poet) (1923–1987), poet and professor
 * Smith McPherson (1848–1915), Iowa Attorney General from 1881 to 1885
 * L. Welch Pogue (1899–2003), aviation attorney and chairman of the now-defunct Civil Aeronautics Board.
 * Stephen Shortridge, actor
 * Con Starkel (1880–1933), Major League Baseball pitcher for the Washington Senators
 * Duane Thompson (1903–1970), actress in silent films
 * Nellie Walker (1874–1973), sculptor best known for statue of James Harlan in National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol
 * Fred Lawrence Whipple (1906–2004), astronomer, creator of the Whipple shield and Professor of Astronomy at Harvard University from 1950 to 1977

title: Red Oak, Iowa


text:
Stanton, Iowa

Stanton is a city in Montgomery County, Iowa, United States. The population was 678 at the time of the 2020 census.

Stanton was first settled by Swedish immigrants. Stanton is best known for its two water towers, the tanks of which are painted and shaped like a giant coffee pot and coffee cup (billed as "the largest Swedish coffee pot in the world"). These also allude to the fact that Stanton is the hometown of actress Virginia Christine, best known to television viewers as "Mrs. Olsen" in classic commercials for Folgers.

History
Stanton was laid out in 1870.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.92 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 689 people in 268 households, including 190 families, in the city. The population density was 748.9 PD/sqmi. There were 299 housing units at an average density of 325.0 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 99.9% White and 0.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.1%.

Of the 268 households 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.3% were married couples living together, 5.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.1% were non-families. 25.7% of households were one person and 13.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age was 48.7 years. 21.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.9% were from 25 to 44; 30.1% were from 45 to 64; and 25.3% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 44.0% male and 56.0% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 714 people in 271 households, including 188 families, in the city. The population density was 803.9 PD/sqmi. There were 285 housing units at an average density of 320.9 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 98.7% White, 0.6% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 0.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6%.

Of the 271 households 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.0% were married couples living together, 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.3% were non-families. 28.0% of households were one person and 15.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.01.

26.3% are under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 23.2% 65 or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.3 males.

The median household income was $36,607 and the median family income was $46,136. Males had a median income of $30,625 versus $20,852 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,628. About 3.7% of families and 6.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.4% of those under age 18 and 4.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Stanton Community School District operates public schools.

Notable People

 * Virginia Christine, film actress, was born in Stanton.
 * Joni Ernst, member of the United States Senate

The Little White City
Stanton is commonly known as the Little White City. Although commonly believed to be in reference to almost everyone painting their house white, the nickname originated from railroad conductors. The town had a small white painted train depot, in contrast to most being plain, brown, treated wood.

title: Stanton, Iowa


text:
Villisca, Iowa

Villisca is a city in Montgomery County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,132 at the time of the 2020 census. It is most notable for the unsolved axe mass murder that took place in the town during the summer of 1912.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.90 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,252 people, 525 households, and 331 families living in the city. The population density was 658.9 PD/sqmi. There were 614 housing units at an average density of 323.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.4% White, 0.2% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.0% of the population.

There were 525 households, of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.6% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.0% were non-families. 31.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the city was 42.6 years. 23.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.3% were from 45 to 64; and 22% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.5% male and 52.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,344 people, 576 households, and 347 families living in the city. The population density was 703.9 PD/sqmi. There were 636 housing units at an average density of 333.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.81% White, 0.07% African American, 0.30% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 0.37% from other races, and 0.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.37% of the population.

There were 576 households, out of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.6% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.0% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 22.8% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 24.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,694, and the median income for a family was $34,345. Males had a median income of $28,500 versus $20,292 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,067. About 9.3% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.8% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

Villisca axe murders
On the night of June 9, 1912, the Moore family and two guests were brutally murdered with an axe, though it was only on the morning of June 10, 1912, that they were found in their home by a neighbor and Ross Moore, the brother of Josiah Moore.

Josiah B. Moore and Sarah Montgomery were married on December 6, 1899. They had four children: Herman, Katherine, Boyd, and Paul. Joe was a prominent and well-liked businessman. By 1912, the Moore Implement Company (a John Deere Company franchise) was a solid competitor with other Villisca and area hardware stores, including the Jones Store owned by his former employer, F.F. Jones. Sarah was active in the Presbyterian church and assisted with Children's Day exercises. On the morning of June 10, 1912, Joe (43) and Sara (39), their four children, and two visiting children (Lena and Ina Stillinger), were found bludgeoned to death with the Moores' own axe. Their unsolved murders began a chain of events that split the borough of Villisca and forever changed the course of the town's history and the lives of its inhabitants.

Education
It is within the Villisca Community School District. Residents are zoned to Southwest Valley High School, operated by the Corning Community School District, and shared with the Villisca district as part of a grade-sharing agreement.

title: Villisca, Iowa


text:
Atalissa, Iowa

Atalissa is a city in Muscatine County, Iowa, United States. The population was 296 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Atalissa was platted in 1859. It was named by its founder, William Lundy, for a mining town in California, which in turn was named for an Indian queen Atalissa.

From 1974 to 2009 Atalissa was the home of a few dozen intellectually challenged men who worked in a nearby turkey processing plant. They lived together in an old schoolhouse and were taken each workday to the plant, and after expenses were taken out, were paid no more than $65/month. They were removed and relocated by state agencies in 2009, after being found to be living in unacceptable conditions. A 2013 verdict awarded the men a total of $240 million in damages, since reduced to $50,000/man. The men's plight had a profound effect on social services in Iowa, and their experiences and subsequent court case was the subject of the documentary film The Men of Atalissa.

Geography
Atalissa is located at 41.57167°N, -91.16667°W (41.571568, -91.166707).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.14 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 311 people, 111 households, and 85 families living in the city. The population density was 2221.4 PD/sqmi. There were 122 housing units at an average density of 871.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.2% White, 0.3% Asian, 2.3% from other races, and 3.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.4% of the population.

There were 111 households, of which 39.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 23.4% were non-families. 17.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.05.

The median age in the city was 34.4 years. 27.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.4% were from 25 to 44; 26% were from 45 to 64; and 10.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.3% male and 53.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 283 people, 113 households, and 80 families living in the city. The population density was 2,119.8 PD/sqmi. There were 120 housing units at an average density of 898.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.94% White, and 1.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.41% of the population.

There were 113 households, out of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.4% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.2% were non-families. 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,875, and the median income for a family was $43,929. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $24,583 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,269. About 6.0% of families and 9.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.9% of those under the age of eighteen and 11.1% of those 65 or over.

Education
The West Liberty Community School District operates local public schools.

title: Atalissa, Iowa


text:
Conesville, Iowa

Conesville is a city in Muscatine County, Iowa, United States. The population was 352 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Conesville was once a depot on the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway. It was named for Beebe Stewart Cone, a prosperous landowner. Beebe S. Cone had previously established himself as a co-owner of a distillery in Conesville, Ohio. The distillery burned down in 1857, but was not rebuilt by him. By 1870, Cone had established himself as a notable farmer in Orono Township in Muscatine County, Iowa.

Geography
Conesville is located at 41.37944°N, -91.35028°W (41.379323, -91.350211).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.36 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 432 people, 132 households, and 105 families living in the city. The population density was 1200.0 PD/sqmi. There were 153 housing units at an average density of 425.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 57.6% White, 0.7% African American, 1.6% Asian, 38.2% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 63.0% of the population.

There were 132 households, of which 52.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 15.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 13.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 20.5% were non-families. 15.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.27 and the average family size was 3.66.

The median age in the city was 29 years. 35.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 30.6% were from 25 to 44; 16.7% were from 45 to 64; and 7.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.3% male and 47.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 424 people, 133 households, and 100 families living in the city. The population density was 1,147.7 PD/sqmi. There were 144 housing units at an average density of 389.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 78.77% White, 0.24% Asian, 20.28% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 58.96% of the population.

There were 133 households, out of which 42.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.1% were non-families. 18.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.19 and the average family size was 3.62.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 36.3% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 14.2% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 126.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,464, and the median income for a family was $30,000. Males had a median income of $28,000 versus $19,167 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,097. About 11.1% of families and 13.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.3% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Conesville, Iowa