text:
South English, Iowa

South English is a city in Keokuk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 202 at the time of the 2020 census. It is named for the English River.

History
South English was incorporated in 1892 and named after the English River. In 1863 an incident occurred near the community when a pro-southern minister was shot by supporters of the Union. This incident has since become known as Tally's War or the Skunk River War.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.30 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 212 people, 88 households, and 58 families living in the city. The population density was 706.7 PD/sqmi. There were 101 housing units at an average density of 336.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.1% White and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.

There were 88 households, of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.1% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.98.

The median age in the city was 37.3 years. 29.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26% were from 25 to 44; 29.7% were from 45 to 64; and 11.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.8% male and 46.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 213 people, 96 households, and 60 families living in the city. The population density was 695.2 PD/sqmi. There were 109 housing units at an average density of 355.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.06% White, 0.47% from other races, and 0.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.94% of the population.

There were 96 households, out of which 21.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.7% 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 2.84.

Age spread: 23.9% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,429, and the median income for a family was $51,071. Males had a median income of $30,750 versus $30,192 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,833. About 3.1% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.6% of those under the age of eighteen and 15.4% of those 65 or over.

Education
It is within the English Valleys Community School District.

title: South English, Iowa


text:
Thornburg, Iowa

Thornburg is a village in Keokuk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 45 at the time of the 2020 census. Its sole enterprise is the Tri-County Community School, a public school serving grades K-12.

History
The Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway built a 66-mile branch to What Cheer via Thornburg in 1879. The town was founded by the railroad and named in memory of Major Thomas T. Thornburgh, who died in the Meeker Massacre. By 1881, Thornburg was at the junction of the line to What Cheer and a branch to Montezuma.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.20 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 67 people, 27 households, and 20 families living in the city. The population density was 335.0 PD/sqmi. There were 29 housing units at an average density of 145.0 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 100.0% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5%.

Of the 27 households 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, 14.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.9% were non-families. 22.2% of households were one person and 7.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.80.

The median age was 42.5 years. 22.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21% were from 25 to 44; 34.3% were from 45 to 64; and 14.9% were 65 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 84 people, 33 households, and 22 families living in the city. The population density was 426.9 PD/sqmi. There were 36 housing units at an average density of 183.0 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 100.00% White.

Of the 33 households 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples living together, 3.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% were non-families. 27.3% of households were one person and 12.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.14.

The age distribution was 19.0% under the age of 18, 16.7% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% 65 or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 115.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 119.4 males.

The median household income was $45,313 and the median family income was $42,500. Males had a median income of $26,250 versus $20,536 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,954. There were 9.1% of families and 4.9% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 50.0% of those over 64.

Education
The Tri-County Community School District operates local area public schools.

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

title: Thornburg, Iowa


text:
Webster, Iowa

Webster is a city in Keokuk County, Iowa, United States. The population was 94 at the time of the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.32 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 88 people, 41 households, and 24 families living in the city. The population density was 275.0 PD/sqmi. There were 50 housing units at an average density of 156.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.5% of the population.

There were 41 households, of which 22.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.7% were married couples living together, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.5% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% 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 2.71.

The median age in the city was 43.5 years. 17% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.9% were from 25 to 44; 34.1% were from 45 to 64; and 14.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 54.5% male and 45.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 110 people, 44 households, and 31 families living in the city. The population density was 367.0 PD/sqmi. There were 47 housing units at an average density of 156.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White.

There were 44 households, out of which 38.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.6% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.3% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% 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 3.03.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.9% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 15.5% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,958, and the median income for a family was $42,500. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $24,063 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,519. There were no families and 3.9% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 13.8% of those over 64.

title: Webster, Iowa


text:
What Cheer, Iowa

What Cheer is a city in Keokuk County, Iowa, United States. It is a former coal town, and from the 1870s to the early 1900s was one of the major coal-producing centers of Iowa. Its greatest recorded population was 3,246, in the 1890 census. The population was 607 in the 2020 census.

Naming
What Cheer was founded in 1865 as Petersburg, named after Peter Britton, its founder. This name was rejected by the Post Office, forcing a change of name. Joseph Andrews, a major and veteran of the American Civil War, suggested the name "What Cheer," and the town was officially renamed on December 1, 1879.

Sources differ as to why the name What Cheer was chosen. The phrase what cheer with you is an ancient English greeting dating back at least to the 15th century. One theory of the name is that a Scottish miner exclaimed What cheer! on discovering a coal seam near town.

A more elaborate theory suggests that Joseph Andrews chose the name because of one of the founding myths of his native town of Providence, Rhode Island. According to the story, when Roger Williams arrived at the site that would become Providence in 1636, he was greeted by Narragansett Native Americans with "What Cheer, Netop". Netop was the Narragansett word for friend, and the Narragansetts had picked up the what cheer greeting from English settlers. It is possible that the connection between What Cheer, Iowa and What Cheer, the shibboleth of Rhode Island, was merely coincidental - the entries for these subjects are adjacent but not connected in the 1908 edition of the Encyclopedia Americana.

What Cheer has frequently been noted on lists of unusual place names.

History
Robert Forsyth, born in Kilmarnock, Scotland, came to America in 1857, and made his way to Rock Island, Illinois, where he arrived penniless. He worked for most of a decade as a coal miner before coming to Petersburg, the future What Cheer. In the 1870s, he began buying coal lands around town, mostly on credit. When the railroad came to town, he leased his land to the coal companies and bought into a local drug store, eventually operating stores in What Cheer, Mystic and Jerome, Iowa. Other Scots from the Kilmarnock region (Ayrshire) also settled in the area. Robert Orr came in 1875 after working in the coal mines of Colchester, Illinois. His son Alexander went on a successful career as a mine owner in Mystic.

The Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway (BCR&N) built a 66 mi branch to What Cheer in 1879. With the arrival of the railroad, the What Cheer coalfield quickly became one of the most important coal mining centers in Iowa. The Starr Coal Company had over 200 employees and could produce 1,000 tons of coal per day. By 1883, they were operating three mines and took over several others. When, in 1884, the Chicago and North Western Railway built its line through What Cheer to Muchakinock, there was a further expansion of mining in the area.

Local Assembly 1474 of the Knights of Labor was based in What Cheer and had a membership of 65 in 1884. On Oct. 15, 1884, 500 miners in What Cheer went on strike, demanding higher wages. The established wage was 3 cents per bushel, and the miners demanded an additional half cent. The state militia was put on alert, but after 6 weeks, the miners accepted a quarter-cent raise. This strike cut coal production in the What Cheer significantly.

In 1886, the What Cheer Coal Company began to consolidate the local mines, buying up the Starr Coal Company and the Granger Coal Company. In 1887, they employed 1,100 miners, and they continued to operate until 1899. From 1885 to 1901, the Crescent Coal Company was an important local producer.

In 1891, the BCR&N Railroad's Iowa City Division, serving What Cheer, carried 38,080 tons of coal, by far the most important commodity carried by that line. In 1892, mines along the BCR&N (all of which were in the What Cheer region) loaded 129,316 tons of coal.

On May 1, 1891, the miners of What Cheer and many other mining towns went on strike for the eight-hour day. 1000 men walked off the job in What Cheer, but returned to work defeated on June 16. On August 15, 1896, the miners struck again over several small grievances. The strike lasted 10 to 12 weeks. Local 841 of the United Mine Workers union was organized in What Cheer in 1897, and in 1902, it had 200 members.

The first industrial development in What Cheer was driven by the needs of the coal mines. In 1890, What Cheer was home to three firms making mining drills, Walker & Thompson, Enterprise Manufacturing and the newly formed What Cheer Drill Company. Within the decade, the What Cheer Drill and Miners' Tool Company was selling equipment in mining districts around the nation. Alexander Walker, originally with Walker & Thompson filed numerous patents on mining equipment, most of which were assigned to the What Cheer Drill and Miners' Tool Company, later named the What Cheer Tool Company. In 1903, the Starr Manufacturing Company, American Mining Tool Company and the What Cheer Tool Company agreed to a union wage scale with the International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths. At the time, the blacksmiths local 259 had just 17 members. In 1907, the Volunteer Brick and Tile company was operating its own coal mine to fuel its kilns. The mine had a steam hoist to lift coal 40 feet from a coal seam from 4 to 5 feet thick. The Lea Brothers' mine in north-central What Cheer also had a steam hoist and still shipped some coal by rail. The remaining mines in the area were all small, using horse-gins to operate their hoists.

By 1909, there were only a few mines left in the county, all producing coal for local consumption in What Cheer. The decline of What Cheer's mines in the 20th century was reflected in declining union membership. In 1912, Local 841 of the United Mine Workers, based in What Cheer, had only 18 members.

The What Cheer Clay Products Company strip mined local coal into the mid-century, but in their case, coal was a byproduct. Their primary source of clay was the 8 to 12 foot (2.5 to 4 meter) underclay found immediately below the coal. What Cheer Clay Products was organized in 1911. The plant cost $300,000 to build, and was seriously damaged by a fire in 1917. Despite this, by 1920, the company was expanding, purchasing a new Dragline excavator in order to work their clay pit.

Geography
The central business district and the larger part of the town is located on the north-east bank of Coal Creek, a tributary of the North fork of the Skunk River. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.24 sqmi, of which, 1.22 sqmi is land and 0.02 sqmi is water.

Transportation
Iowa Highway 21 runs north–south through What Cheer. The city's northwestern outskirts border G29 Road.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 646 people, 293 households, and 164 families residing in the city. The population density was 529.5 PD/sqmi. There were 347 housing units at an average density of 284.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.6% White, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.2% of the population.

There were 293 households, of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.6% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.0% were non-families. 38.9% 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 2.20 and the average family size was 2.95.

The median age in the city was 45.3 years. 23.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.5% were from 25 to 44; 28% were from 45 to 64; and 22.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.8% male and 52.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 678 people, 307 households, and 182 families residing in the city. The population density was 559.4 PD/sqmi. There were 345 housing units at an average density of 284.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.38% White, 0.29% Native American, 0.15% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.44% of the population.

There were 307 households, out of which 22.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.7% were non-families. 36.2% 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 2.21 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 21.8% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 23.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,292, and the median income for a family was $36,500. Males had a median income of $30,859 versus $22,917 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,613. About 8.6% of families and 11.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.8% of those under age 18 and 11.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Tri-County Community School District operates local area public schools.

Notable people

 * Betty De Boef, Iowa State Representative and resident
 * Frank Hayes, president of the United Mine Workers, 1917–1920, born in What Cheer in 1882
 * B. J. Palmer, the developer of chiropractic was born in What Cheer in 1882.
 * Ed Thomas, raised in What Cheer, was NFL high school football coach of the year in 2005

In fiction
What Cheer is the hometown of the title character in Marguerite Young's enormous novel Miss MacIntosh, My Darling (1965). In a 1993 interview, Young claimed to have been unaware that What Cheer was genuine.

What Cheer is also the setting in the novel, "The Home For Wayward Clocks," written by Kathie Giorgio, published by The Main Street Rag Publishing Company in 2011. ISBN 978-1-59948-255-2

title: What Cheer, Iowa


text:
Algona, Iowa

Algona is the county seat of Kossuth County, Iowa, United States. The population was 5,487 at the 2020 census. Ambrose A. Call State Park is located two miles southwest of the city.

History
Algona was founded in 1854 and was named after the Algonquian word for "Algonquin waters".

Between 1869 and 1875 the community was the location of Algona College, an institution sponsored by the Methodist Church.

In 1894, Algona, along with other Iowa communities such as Dysart and Wesley, became part of the project known as the "Orphan Trains". As New York City saw booming immigration, it also inevitably saw a rise in the number of orphans in its asylums. Unable to provide adequate care for them, it saw fit to ship nearly 100,000 westward to start a new life with families across America. Algona itself welcomed nearly 100 orphans into the town, many of whom remained lifelong residents.

From 1902 to 1906, Algona played host to the Algona Brownies, an African American barnstorming baseball team and interracial team the first two seasons. Despite being declared Western champions in 1903, the team disbanded as an interracial team that same year. The Algona Brownies were an independent interracial baseball team that played in the 1902 and 1903 seasons. They primarily made up of former members of the Chicago Unions, Columbia Giants, and Chicago Union Giants teams. After 1903, the team makeup changed from having both black and white players to a team of only black players. That year, their final year, they won the Western championship, defeating the Chicago Union Giants in a challenge playoff.

The Henry Adams Building, designed by Louis Sullivan in 1913 is located at the northwest corner of East State and Moore streets. Although not designed to be a bank, the building is nonetheless considered to be one of Sullivan's "Jewel Boxes," a series of banks built in the Midwest from 1909 through 1919.

Algona was the location of a German prisoner of war camp during World War II. From 1943 to 1946 Camp Algona held nearly 10,000 prisoners, many of whom were put to work on farms that had family fighting overseas. As a main camp Algona had numerous sub-camps with a couple dozen in Minnesota. A museum now commemorates the camp's history including a nativity scene created by the POWs.

A destructive F3 tornado killed two people and destroyed a large part of Algona on June 28, 1979, about 7:15 PM. The tornado moved in a south-southeast direction through Algona. Severe damage was done to the central business district and a number of homes were rendered uninhabitable. Near F4 damage was reported in some locations. There was about 15 minutes' warning and the tornado sirens were sounded well before the arrival of the tornado. The fact that it was still daylight also contributed to the relatively low death count from this destructive storm.

In 2003, Algona drew national attention when it announced the purchase of the world's largest Cheetos puff. It was meant as a plan to bring tourism to the town to see the puff by a local radio DJ.

Geography
Algona is located along the East Fork Des Moines River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.51 sqmi, of which 4.49 sqmi is land and 0.02 square mile (0.05 km2) is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 5,560 people, 2,499 households, and 1,495 families living in the city. The population density was 1238.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,711 housing units at an average density of 603.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.2% White, 0.5% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 2,499 households, of which 25.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.3% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.2% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% 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 2.79.

The median age in the city was 46.2 years. 21.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.8% were from 25 to 44; 27.1% were from 45 to 64; and 24.3% 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 5,741 people, 2,434 households, and 1,550 families living in the city. The population density was 1,279.4 PD/sqmi. There were 2,640 housing units at an average density of 588.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.38% White, 0.09% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.24% from other races, and 0.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.71% of the population.

There were 2,434 households, out of which 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.3% were non-families. 32.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.92.

Age spread: 24.5% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 21.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,207, and the median income for a family was $41,210. Males had a median income of $31,504 versus $20,667 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,979. About 7.9% of families and 10.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.9% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
There are two school systems in Algona. The Algona Community School District oversees the public school system. Algona High School has students from Algona Middle School, as well as students from several nearby towns, including grade-shared districts and from open enrollment. The public elementary schools in Algona are Lucia Wallace Elementary, Bryant Elementary, and Bertha Godfrey Elementary School.

The Catholic school system is made up of Bishop Garrigan High School (named after the first bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sioux City) and Seton Elementary (named for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton).

Utilities
Utilities are provided by the Algona Municipal Utilities, which is directed by a five-member board of trustees appointed by the mayor. Drinking water is pumped from the Buried Sand and Gravel-Dakota aquifer and treated before being distributed to customers. Wastewater is collected and treated, and billed based on water usage. Stormwater impact fees are flat rates based upon the customer type.

Electricity is produced at the George Neal Generating Plant in Sioux City, Iowa, Whelan Unit 2 near Hastings, Nebraska, and the Iowa Distributed Wind Generation Project southeast of Algona. AMU is also a member of North Iowa Municipal Electric Cooperative Association. The AMU purchases power and distributes it to customers in Algona. AMU has also provided cable, internet, and phone service since 1997.

Notable people

 * Paul Bell – politician
 * Dick Dale – singer on Lawrence Welk television show
 * Lester Dickinson – U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator from Iowa
 * Steve Doocy – co-host of Fox & Friends, Fox News
 * Curt Hanson – educator and politician
 * Denis Menke – Major League baseball player and coach
 * Mike Mercer – National Football League kicker and punter
 * Brad Nelson – Major League baseball player
 * Mary Jane Odell – Iowa Secretary of State
 * Elizabeth Bunnell Read – journalist and suffragist
 * Paul Seiler - Played in the American and National Football Leagues for the New York Jets and Oakland Raiders
 * Eric Swalwell – Congressman Dublin, CA, father was police chief Algona, Iowa
 * J.L. Wilkinson – owner of Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Baseball League, member Baseball Hall of Fame
 * Audi Crooks - basketball player for Iowa State University

title: Algona, Iowa


text:
Bancroft, Iowa

Bancroft is a city in Kossuth County, Iowa, United States. The population was 699 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Bancroft was platted in 1881. It was named for George Bancroft, an American historian, government official, and diplomat.

Geography
Bancroft is located at 43.29278°N, -94.21694°W (43.292791, -94.217063).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.55 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 732 people, 311 households, and 189 families living in the city. The population density was 1330.9 PD/sqmi. There were 360 housing units at an average density of 654.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.8% White, 0.1% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.1% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.3% of the population.

There were 311 households, of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.2% were non-families. 36.0% 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 2.26 and the average family size was 2.94.

The median age in the city was 44.9 years. 25.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20% were from 25 to 44; 24.3% were from 45 to 64; and 25.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 808 people, 339 households, and 208 families living in the city. The population density was 1,484.2 PD/sqmi. There were 372 housing units at an average density of 683.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.50% White, 0.37% from other races, and 0.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.24% of the population.

There were 339 households, out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. 37.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.9% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 22.3% from 25 to 44, 18.3% from 45 to 64, and 27.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,055, and the median income for a family was $35,625. Males had a median income of $29,688 versus $18,929 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,312. About 9.1% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.7% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is a part of the North Kossuth Community School District.

Notable people

 * Joe Hatten, MLB pitcher
 * Denis Menke, MLB player, coach, and two-time National League All-Star
 * Randy Rahe, college basketball coach

title: Bancroft, Iowa


text:
Burt, Iowa

Burt is a city in Kossuth County, Iowa, United States. The population was 418 at the 2020 census.

History
Burt was platted in 1881 when the railroad was extended to that point. It was named for Horace G. Burt, a railroad official.

Geography
Burt is located at 43.19806°N, -94.22167°W (43.198075, -94.221616).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.44 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 533 people, 206 households, and 130 families residing in the city. The population density was 1211.4 PD/sqmi. There were 232 housing units at an average density of 527.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.9% White, 0.2% African American, 0.4% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.3% of the population.

There were 206 households, of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.6% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.9% were non-families. 32.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.05.

The median age in the city was 38.2 years. 26.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.9% were from 25 to 44; 26.8% were from 45 to 64; and 15.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.2% male and 53.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 556 people, 223 households, and 148 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,294.2 PD/sqmi. There were 243 housing units at an average density of 565.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.64% White, 0.18% African American and 0.18% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.54% of the population.

There were 223 households, out of which 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.1% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 31.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,625, and the median income for a family was $39,464. Males had a median income of $28,833 versus $21,364 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,727. About 9.3% of families and 17.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.3% of those under age 18 and 33.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by the Algona Community School District. It operates Algona High School.

Burt Community Schools previously served the community. The district, which had athletics teams known as the Bears, served the population for elementary, middle, and high school education until 1989. After that date, student participated in whole-grade sharing with nearby Sentral High School. On July 1, 2001, the Burt Community School District consolidated into the Algona district, which now serves students of all ages.

Religion
There are two churches in Burt, both of the Protestant faith: St. John's Lutheran Church and Burt Presbyterian Church. A third church, United Methodist Church, was closed in September 2009 and a fourth church, the Full Gospel Church, closed in 1990. The cemetery that serves Burt is located on the far north end of town.

Community groups
There are several community organizations in Burt. The Burt VFW, Lion's Club, Women's Club, Playground Committee, Summer Celebration Committee, and the Burt Library Board are all influential in planning activities and keeping the town active.

Notable people

 * Bob Thaves (1924-2006), cartoonist

title: Burt, Iowa


text:
Fenton, Iowa

Fenton is a city in Kossuth County, Iowa, United States. The population was 271 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Fenton was platted in 1899. It was named after former New York State governor and senator Reuben E. Fenton.

Geography
Fenton's longitude and latitude coordinates in decimal form are 43.216375, -94.426509.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.34 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 279 people, 130 households, and 76 families living in the city. The population density was 820.6 PD/sqmi. There were 168 housing units at an average density of 494.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.6% White, 0.7% African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.4% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.4% of the population.

There were 130 households, of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.5% were non-families. 40.0% 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 2.15 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the city was 49.6 years. 20.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16.1% were from 25 to 44; 30.8% were from 45 to 64; and 25.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.7% male and 51.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 317 people, 157 households, and 89 families living in the city. The population density was 909.7 PD/sqmi. There were 170 housing units at an average density of 487.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.11% White and 1.89% Native American.

There were 157 households, out of which 22.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.3% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.7% were non-families. 41.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 28.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.02 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.1% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 28.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,714, and the median income for a family was $38,571. Males had a median income of $25,000 versus $17,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,154. 6.4% of the population and 5.4% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 7.4% of those under the age of 18 and 5.3% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Arts and culture
The town is well known for its annual Sweet Corn Days held the last weekend of each July.
 * Annual events

Education
North Union Community School District operates public schools. It was previously served by the Sentral Community School District. The Sentral district merged into North Union on July 1, 2014.

title: Fenton, Iowa


text:
Lakota, Iowa

Lakota is a city in Kossuth County, Iowa, United States. The population was 267 at the time of the 2020 census. Prior to 1919, the town was known as Germania.

History
The present town of Lakota was originally named Germania. The original town site of Germania was surveyed and filed for record by the Northern Iowa Land and Town Lot Company, August 26, 1892. The town received its name from the German heritage of many of the early settlers in the area. In 1918, the hysteria of World War I was sweeping the country. Residents couldn't change their origin to protect themselves from the popular hatred of the time, but they could take the stigma of all things German from the town by wiping its name off the map, which they did. An election was held on October 1, 1918, to vote to change the name of Germania to Lakota. A canvas of the votes showed there were 48 yes and 32 no votes cast. Mayor J. Gus Thaves filed the certificate changing the name to Lakota at the Kossuth County Courthouse on October 16, 1918. However the name was not officially changed by the post office until August 5, 1919. The town was renamed Lakota, an Indian word with several different translations. Some say Lakota means "beautiful prairie" or as other translations say Lakota means "plenty", others say it means "allies".

Geography
Lakota is located at 43.37806°N, -94.09417°W (43.377953, -94.094274).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.19 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 255 people, 119 households, and 71 families living in the city. The population density was 1342.1 PD/sqmi. There were 136 housing units at an average density of 715.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.1% White, 0.8% Native American, 3.9% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.9% of the population.

There were 119 households, of which 18.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.3% were non-families. 37.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.72.

The median age in the city was 48.4 years. 19.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 15.6% were from 25 to 44; 31% were from 45 to 64; and 24.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.4% male and 48.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 255 people, 118 households, and 71 families living in the city. The population density was 1,334.7 PD/sqmi. There were 141 housing units at an average density of 738.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.43% White, 0.39% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.53% of the population.

There were 118 households, out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 38.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.9% 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 2.85.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 24.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,917, and the median income for a family was $43,500. Males had a median income of $30,357 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,572. About 14.7% of families and 19.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.1% of those under the age of eighteen and 28.1% of those 65 or over.

Education
It is within the North Iowa Community School District, which was established on July 1, 1996, by the merger of the Buffalo Center–Rake–Lakota Community School District and the Thompson Community School District. On July 1, 1992, the Lakota Community School District merged with the Buffalo Center–Rake Community School District to form the Buffalo Center–Rake–Lakota district, and that district merged into North Iowa in 1996.

Notable people

 * Don I. Wortman, federal government executive
 * Paul Ukena, opera singer.
 * Timothy Ley, hematologist and cancer biologist

title: Lakota, Iowa


text:
Ledyard, Iowa

Ledyard is a city in Kossuth County, Iowa, United States. The population was 121 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Ledyard was platted in 1884. It was named after Ledyard, Connecticut, birthplace of Iowa governor William Larrabee. Ledyard was incorporated as a city in 1895.

Geography
Ledyard is located at 43.42111°N, -94.16056°W (43.421009, -94.160446).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.33 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 130 people, 65 households, and 39 families living in the city. The population density was 394.0 PD/sqmi. There were 82 housing units at an average density of 248.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.2% White and 0.8% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 65 households, of which 16.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples living together, 3.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.0% were non-families. 40.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.00 and the average family size was 2.64.

The median age in the city was 56.2 years. 17.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 1.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 15.3% were from 25 to 44; 28.5% were from 45 to 64; and 36.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.4% male and 54.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 147 people, 73 households, and 42 families living in the city. The population density was 448.4 PD/sqmi. There were 85 housing units at an average density of 259.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.32% White, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.68% of the population.

There were 73 households, out of which 17.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.2% were married couples living together, 2.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.1% were non-families. 39.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.5% 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 2.70.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 17.0% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 27.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,500, and the median income for a family was $33,750. Males had a median income of $29,375 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,512. About 11.1% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 33.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is a part of the North Kossuth Community School District. It was formed on July 1, 1978 by the merger of the Swea City and Ledyard school districts.

title: Ledyard, Iowa


text:
Lone Rock, Iowa

Lone Rock is a city in Kossuth County, Iowa, United States. The population was 146 at the time of the 2020 census. The city is named after a large boulder.

Lone Rock calls itself "The Neatest Little Town in Iowa."

History
Long before any settlement took place here, the unusual (175 ton) boulder was used as a landmark for travelers. Lone Rock was platted in 1899 when the railroad was being built through the neighborhood. In 1970, the lone rock was moved to the new location by blasting it into four pieces and reconstructing the pieces inside the community.

Geography
Lone Rock is located at 43.22139°N, -94.325°W (43.221359, -94.325090).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.12 sqmi, all land.

Lone Rock is north of Iowa Highway B19 and west of U.S. Route 169.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 146 people, 75 households, and 47 families living in the city. The population density was 1216.7 PD/sqmi. There were 82 housing units at an average density of 683.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.3% White and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 75 households, of which 16.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.3% were non-families. 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.95 and the average family size was 2.47.

The median age in the city was 56.8 years. 15.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 2.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16.5% were from 25 to 44; 33.6% were from 45 to 64; and 32.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.6% male and 51.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 157 people, 75 households, and 42 families living in the city. The population density was 1,368.3 PD/sqmi. There were 83 housing units at an average density of 723.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.09% White, and 1.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.64% of the population.

There were 75 households, out of which 24.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.3% were married couples living together, 4.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.7% were non-families. 42.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 33.3% 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 2.86.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.9% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 16.6% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 31.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,896, and the median income for a family was $36,875. Males had a median income of $26,023 versus $22,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,205. About 4.8% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.1% of those under the age of eighteen and 3.6% of those 65 or over.

Education
North Union Community School District operates public schools. It was previously served by the Sentral Community School District. The Sentral district merged into North Union on July 1, 2014.

title: Lone Rock, Iowa


text:
Swea City, Iowa

Swea City is a city in Kossuth County, Iowa, United States. The population was 566 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Swea City was platted in 1892; it was then called Reynolds. In February 1893, the name was officially changed to Swea City. Swea City was petitioned for incorporation on December 11, 1894 with a population of 161. Several objections were filed with the reasons for objection listed as, "One, the judges of the election administered the oath to themselves swearing in each other; and Two, the words 'for incorporation' were written on one ballot while 'against corporation' was written on another ballot." It was implied that the choice needed to be available on a single ballot in order to be valid. Later a second petition was filed this time on April 19, 1895 and the election was held at a schoolhouse. Each ballot had "For incorporation" and "Against incorporation" printed on them. The vote was 34 in favor of incorporation and 1 against, and the city was incorporated.

Geography
Swea City is located at 43.38361°N, -94.30917°W (43.383677, -94.309177).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.74 sqmi, all land.

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

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 536 people, 258 households, and 147 families living in the city. The population density was 724.3 PD/sqmi. There were 314 housing units at an average density of 424.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.5% White, 0.9% African American, 0.4% from other races, and 0.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population.

There were 258 households, of which 22.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.0% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.0% were non-families. 38.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.72.

The median age in the city was 48.4 years. 21.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16.4% were from 25 to 44; 30.8% were from 45 to 64; and 24.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.6% male and 52.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 642 people, 292 households, and 176 families living in the city. The population density was 871.5 PD/sqmi. There were 330 housing units at an average density of 448.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.35% White, 0.16% Asian, 1.71% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.65% of the population.

There were 292 households, out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.7% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.4% were non-families. 36.6% 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 2.20 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.2% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 25.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,250, and the median income for a family was $40,417. Males had a median income of $29,444 versus $21,765 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,937. About 5.3% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.5% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Swea City is a part of the North Kossuth Community School District, which was formed on July 1, 1978 by the merger of the Swea City and Ledyard school districts.

title: Swea City, Iowa


text:
Titonka, Iowa

Titonka is a city in Kossuth County, Iowa, United States. The population was 511 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Titonka got its start in the year 1898, following construction of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway through that territory. Titonka is a Sioux name meaning "big black (buffalo)".

Titonka was incorporated on February 1, 1898.

Geography
Titonka is located at 43.23667°N, -94.04194°W (43.236534, -94.041839).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.28 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 476 people, 223 households, and 114 families living in the city. The population density was 1700.0 PD/sqmi. There were 264 housing units at an average density of 942.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.7% White, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Pacific Islander, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

There were 223 households, of which 20.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.0% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 0.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 48.9% were non-families. 47.5% 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 1.99 and the average family size was 2.85.

The median age in the city was 52.4 years. 20.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 16% were from 25 to 44; 24.7% were from 45 to 64; and 34% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.0% male and 54.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 584 people, 250 households, and 148 families living in the city. The population density was 2,092.2 PD/sqmi. There were 279 housing units at an average density of 999.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.32% White, 0.17% Asian, and 0.51% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.51% of the population.

There were 250 households, out of which 24.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.4% were non-families. 38.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 25.2% 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 2.94.

In the city the population was spread out, with 21.4% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 20.9% from 25 to 44, 16.8% from 45 to 64, and 34.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 75.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,147, and the median income for a family was $44,125. Males had a median income of $26,500 versus $19,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,594. About 3.9% of families and 5.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.9% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by the Algona Community School District. It operates Algona High School.

It was a part of the Titonka Consolidated School District until July 1, 2014, when it consolidated into the Algona district. The Algona district, which took control of the Titonka school building, was scheduled to sell it to the Titonka city government on January 12, 2015.

title: Titonka, Iowa


text:
Wesley, Iowa

Wesley is a city in Kossuth County, Iowa, United States. The population was 391 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Wesley was founded April 13, 1872 and incorporated on March 26, 1892.

Geography
Wesley is located at 43.0875°N, -93.99306°W (43.087557, -93.993140).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.58 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 390 people, 171 households, and 110 families living in the city. The population density was 672.4 PD/sqmi. There were 197 housing units at an average density of 339.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.5% White, 0.3% Asian, and 0.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.3% of the population.

There were 171 households, of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.9% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.7% were non-families. 31.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age in the city was 42.4 years. 22.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.8% were from 25 to 44; 24.1% were from 45 to 64; and 21.5% 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 467 people, 189 households, and 130 families living in the city. The population density was 811.4 PD/sqmi. There were 200 housing units at an average density of 347.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.14% White, 0.86% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.86% of the population.

There were 189 households, out of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.2% were non-families. 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.5% 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 3.04.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.8% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 22.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,688, and the median income for a family was $47,500. Males had a median income of $30,568 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,225. About 6.3% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.6% of those under age 18 and 13.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Lu Verne Community School District serves the community. Since 2015 Lu Verne sends its secondary students to the Algona Community School District, which operates Algona Middle School and Algona High School.

Corwith–Wesley Community School District served the community until it dissolved on July 1, 2015. That district operated a school in Wesley and Corwith–Wesley–Lu Verne High School in Corwith.

In 2009 the Wesley campus closed since the district had been sending students to Lu Verne. The district sold it to the city government, which primarily used it as a storage center, and had removed the school's utilities.

Notable person

 * Showboat Fisher, Major League Baseball player.

title: Wesley, Iowa


text:
Whittemore, Iowa

Whittemore is a city in Kossuth County, Iowa, United States. The population was 497 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Whittemore was platted in 1878 in anticipation of the railroad being built through the neighborhood.

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 504 people, 223 households, and 135 families living in the city. The population density was 1200.0 PD/sqmi. There were 250 housing units at an average density of 595.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.0% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.8% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6% of the population.

There were 223 households, of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.1% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.5% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.5% 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 2.99.

The median age in the city was 39.2 years. 26.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 3.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.4% were from 25 to 44; 26.7% were from 45 to 64; and 18.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.0% male and 49.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 530 people, 229 households, and 135 families living in the city. The population density was 1,268.3 PD/sqmi. There were 250 housing units at an average density of 598.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.62% White, and 0.38% from two or more races.

There were 229 households, out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.0% were non-families. 38.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 25.3% 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 3.12.

27.9% were under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 22.5% from 25 to 44, 16.2% from 45 to 64, and 25.7% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,111, and the median income for a family was $37,031. Males had a median income of $30,104 versus $17,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,669. About 2.8% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.0% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by the Algona Community School District. It operates Algona High School.

Parks and recreation
Whittemore has two parks: Noah Park and Siems Park. Noah Park, centrally located, features a playground with slides and swings and a baseball diamond, while Siems Park is located approximately two miles outside of town and features fishing, camping, a shelterhouse and a small playground. The city also maintains a swimming pool.

title: Whittemore, Iowa


text:
Donnellson, Iowa

Donnellson is a city in Lee County, Iowa, United States. The population was 885 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Fort Madison-Keokuk Micropolitan Statistica Area.

History
What would be Donnellson was first surveyed by H. A. Summers for Esten Donnell, for who the town would be named. Esten’s son, W. R. Donnell helped construct the first buildings in Donnellson, and served as the railroad agent and post master. The town would begin to grow after the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad passed through to town. Donnellson was incorporated on October 25, 1892. At this time Donnellson was around 120 acres and 200 residents.

In 1897 Donnellson had had its first firehouse. From 1900 to 1910 the town grew quickly, with a telephone system, cheese factory, electric light plant, and water system being constructed.

The first school in Donnellson was built in 1915. Donnellson, plus the surrounding communities of Argyle and Montrose, is served by the Central Lee Community School District, which was consolidated into one location in 1986.

Donnellson is home to the Lee County Speedway, a 3/8 mile dirt oval racetrack.

Geography
Donnellson is located at 40.64333°N, -91.565°W (40.643399, -91.565081).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.26 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 912 people, 378 households, and 226 families living in the city. The population density was 723.8 PD/sqmi. There were 415 housing units at an average density of 329.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.0% White, 0.1% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.4% of the population.

There were 378 households, of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.2% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.2% were non-families. 35.4% 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 2.29 and the average family size was 2.98.

The median age in the city was 41.1 years. 24.2% of residents were under 18; 7.9% were between 18 and 24; 22.6% were from 25 to 44; 25.1% were from 45 to 64, and 20.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 963 people, 386 households, and 270 families living in the city. The population density was 1,208.8 PD/sqmi. There were 415 housing units at an average density of 520.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.65% White, 0.21% African American, 0.31% Asian, 0.31% from other races, and 0.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.93% of the population.

There were 386 households, out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.8% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.8% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 25.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 78.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,316, and the median income for a family was $41,500. Males had a median income of $34,125 versus $24,688 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,336. About 4.3% of families and 3.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.7% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Donnellson, Iowa


text:
Fort Madison, Iowa

Fort Madison is a city and a county seat of Lee County, Iowa, United States along with Keokuk. Of Iowa's 99 counties, Lee County is the only one with two county seats. The population was 10,270 at the time of the 2020 census. Located along the Mississippi River in the state's southeast corner, it lies between small bluffs along one of the widest portions of the river.

History
Fort Madison was founded as the location of the first U.S. military fort in the upper Mississippi region. A replica of the fort stands along the river. Sheaffer Pens were developed and made in Fort Madison for many years. The city is the location of the Iowa State Penitentiary—the state's maximum security prison for men. Fort Madison is the Mississippi river crossing and station stop for Amtrak's Southwest Chief. Fort Madison has one of two remaining double swing-span bridges on the Mississippi River, the Fort Madison Toll Bridge, the other being the Government Bridge in Rock Island, Illinois. It has a top level for cars and a similar level for trains; it is also the world's largest.

The Fort Madison Downtown Commercial Historic District is a collection of well-preserved historic storefronts from the late 19th century. Along with this is the Park-to-Park Residential Historic District. The Historic Park to Park District is a seven block long, three block wide section of homes that represent the Gothic, Victorian, and Tudor era. With a rich variety of architectural styles like Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Eastlake Stick, Richardson Romanesque, Queen Anne, and Tudor. With two of the six parks within the District. It is on the National Historic Registry.

The Original Fort Madison (1808–1813)

The city of Fort Madison was established around the site of the historic Fort Madison (1808–1813), which was the first permanent U.S. military fortification on the Upper Mississippi. Fort Madison was the site of Black Hawk's first battle against U.S. troops, the only real War of 1812 battle fought west of the Mississippi. It was also the location of the first U.S. military cemetery in the upper Midwest. The fort was named for James Madison, fourth President of the United States.

Fort Madison was one of three posts established by the U.S. Army to establish control over the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase territories. Fort Madison was built to control trade and pacify Native Americans in the Upper Mississippi River region. The other two posts were Fort Belle Fontaine near St. Louis, which controlled the mouth of the Missouri, and Fort Osage, near what is now Kansas City, which controlled trade with western Native American tribes.

Location of the Fort
A disputed 1804 treaty with the Sauk and affiliated tribes led to the U.S. claim of control over western Illinois and parts of what is now Iowa. To establish control, the U.S. Army set out to construct a post near the mouth of the Des Moines River, a major trading route into the interior of Iowa. Not finding suitable land near the mouth of the Des Moines, the expedition also considered land near Quashquame's Sauk and Meskwaki village at the head of the Des Moines Rapids, a choke point of trade and transportation on the Upper Mississippi below modern Montrose. Again, this land was not considered suitable for a fort. The Army settled on a location several miles upstream at what is now the city of Fort Madison.

First called Fort Belleview, this post was also soon deemed inadequate. It was poorly situated at the base of a bluff next to a deep ravine, areas from which enemies could safely fire at the fort. Its construction led to resentment among the local Native Americans, especially the Sauk: They considered the 1804 treaty invalid, the fort threatened established trading networks, and American trade goods were considered inferior to French or British goods.

Black Hawk lamented over the new fort, and disparaged its construction in his autobiography.

Attacks on Fort Madison
Almost from the beginning, the fort was attacked by Sauk and other tribes. U.S. troops were harassed when they left the fort, and in April 1809, only threat of cannon fire stopped an attempted storming of the fort.

During its existence, several improvements were made to the fort, including reinforcing the stockade and making it higher, extending the fort to a nearby bluff to provide cover from below, and constructing of additional blockhouses outside the stockade. These improvements could not fully compensate for the fort's poor location, however, and it was again attacked in March 1812, and was the focus of a coordinated siege in the following September. The September siege was intense, and the fort was nearly overrun. Significant damage resulted to fort-related buildings, and the attack was only stopped when cannon fire destroyed a fortified Indian position. Black Hawk participated in the siege, and claimed to have personally shot down the fort's flag.

Final siege and abandonment
As the War of 1812 expanded to the frontier, British-allied Sauk and other tribes began a determined effort to push out the Americans and reclaim control of the upper Mississippi. Beginning in July 1813, attacks on troops outside the fort led to another siege. Conditions were so dangerous that the Army could not recover the bodies of soldiers killed outside the fort and troops could not leave the fort to collect firewood. The Army burned outbuildings to prevent them from falling into Indian hands.

After weeks of paralyzing siege, the Army finally abandoned the post, burning it as they evacuated. They retreated in the dark through a trench to the river, where they escaped on boats. The date of the abandonment is unknown, as much of the military correspondence from this period of the war is missing, but it probably happened in September. Black Hawk observed the ruins soon after. "We started in canoes, and descended the Mississippi, until we arrived near the place where Fort Madison had stood. It had been abandoned and burned by the whites, and nothing remained but the chimneys. We were pleased to see that the white people had retired from the country."

United States government had established a a federal fur trade station at Fort Madison in 1808. It was burned down in 1812 by order of the military commander who feared that it would endanger the fort.

Three active battalions of the current 3rd Infantry (1–3 Inf, 2–3 Inf and 4-3 Inf) perpetuate the lineage of the old 1st Infantry Regiment, which had a detachment at Fort Madison.

Fort ruins and archaeology
Early settlers built their homes near the ruins and named the town that grew up around them for the fort. A large monument was erected in the early 20th century at the fort location. Archaeological excavations in the parking lot of the Sheaffer Pen Company factory in 1965 exposed the fort's central blockhouse and the foundations of officers' quarters. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. A replica fort was built several blocks away; much of the labor was supplied by volunteer inmates at the nearby Iowa State Penitentiary.

Preservation and threats to the fort site
The fort site is now the subject of preservation efforts. After the Sheaffer Pen factory closed in 2007, the site was sold to developers. Arguing that Fort Madison is "Iowa's most important historical site", preservationists want to convert the parking lot into a memorial park dedicated to soldiers killed at the fort. So far, no agreement has been reached for its preservation.

Founding of the town of Fort Madison
The first settler at the ruins of the fort was General John Holly Knapp, who in 1832 bought a claim to some land of the fort and built the first building in the fall of the same year, utilized as an Indian Supply Store. Early next spring and his cousin Nathaniel Knapp with family settled there, joined by some other settlers the same year, In June 1835, General Knapp and Nathaniel Knapp, laid out the town of Fort Madison. Due to some land title issues, in 1840 the town was relocated on the same lot lines by the government.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.23 sqmi, of which 9.49 sqmi is land and 3.74 sqmi is water.

Fort Madison is famous for the Tri-State Rodeo, RiverFest, Mexican Fiesta, Balloons Over the Mississippi, Art in Central Park and Annual Lighted Parade.

2020 census
As of the 2020 census, the population of Fort Madison was 10,270, a decrease of 7.1 percent since the census of 2010.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 11,051 people, 4,403 households, and 2,667 families residing in the city. The population density was 1164.5 PD/sqmi. There were 4,956 housing units at an average density of 522.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.3% White, 5.5% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.6% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.7% of the population.

There were 4,403 households, of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 13.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.4% were non-families. 33.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% 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 39.9 years. 21% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.2% were from 25 to 44; 28% were from 45 to 64; and 15.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.8% male and 47.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 10,715 people, 4,617 households and 2,876 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,162.9 PD/sqmi. There were 5,106 housing units at an average density of 554.2 /sqmi. The city's racial makeup was 92.64% White, 2.67% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 2.36% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.44% of the population.

There were 4,617 households, of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.7% were non-families. 33.2% 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 2.27 and the average family size was 2.87.

Age spread: 23.6% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,318, and the median family income was $42,067. Males had a median income of $32,530 versus $21,170 for females. The city's per capita income was $18,124. About 9.8% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.1% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
The W.A. Sheaffer Pen Company was founded in Fort Madison in 1907 by Walter A. Sheaffer. Sheaffer owned a jewelry store, in the back of which he invented a lever-filling fountain pen. Millions of pens were produced. The company was sold in 1997 to the French manufacturer Bic, which closed the Fort Madison plant in 2006, and then to the A.T. Cross Company of Providence, RI in 2014. The Sheaffer Pen Museum in Fort Madison features many exhibits of the company's writing instruments.

Arts and culture
An annual Parade of Lights along Avenue G takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving, following which the lighted floats, sponsored by local businesses and industry, go on display in Riverside Park until after New Year's Day.

The North Lee County Historical Society curated many historic locations in Fort Madison.
 * The BNSF swing span double decker bridge was the longest double decker, swing span bridge in the world when it was constructed in 1927 at 3,140 feet long.
 * The North Lee County Courthouse is the oldest active courthouse in the state, build in the 1840s.
 * The North Lee County Jail was constructed in 1867 and served as a small jailhouse into the 1970s. It is now the site of tours hosted by the city on a Beggars Night celebration every Halloween.
 * Brush College was built in the mid-1800s to replace the log one-room school.
 * The historical society maintains both the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Depot and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway caboose and steam locomotive.

Government
Fort Madison has a Mayor/City Council form of government. The city council consists of a Mayor and seven council members. Five council members are elected from individual wards and two are elected at large. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote. The Iowa State Penitentiary, a maximum security institution for men, is in Fort Madison.

Education
Fort Madison has a Junior College Campus Southeastern Community College (Iowa) located at 1602 Avenue F.

The Fort Madison Community School District, the public school district of the city, has two elementary schools (Richardson and Lincoln), one middle school (Fort Madison Middle School) and one high school (Fort Madison High School).

A section of the city limits lies in the Central Lee Community School District.

Fort Madison also has a Catholic School System, Holy Trinity Catholic Schools, which formed in 2005 from the merger of Aquinas Schools in Fort Madison with the West Point Catholic schools. Holy Trinity High School consists of a junior/senior high school. Holy Trinity Elementary School is a few miles away in West Point, Iowa.

Transportation
Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, has a station in Fort Madison that serves its Southwest Chief route with daily service in each direction between Union Station in Chicago, Illinois and Union Station in Los Angeles, California. Fort Madison is the only Southwest Chief route stop within the state of Iowa. The Southwest Chief crosses the Mississippi River on the Fort Madison Toll Bridge just to the east of town. The span, owned by the BNSF Railway, is the world's longest swing bridge, and it carries both road and rail traffic across the Mississippi River over its upper and lower deck, respectively, between Fort Madison and Niota, Illinois.

In addition to Amtrak, two other railroads serve Fort Madison: the BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) and Union Pacific.

Greyhound Bus Lines stops to pick up or discharge passengers at 5002 Avenue O in Fort Madison.

US Highway Business 61 and State Highway 2 form a single artery that runs east and west through the heart of the city, following the river and railroad tracks. A controlled access US Highway 61 bypass around Fort Madison opened to traffic in the fall of 2011. US Highway 61 connects to US Highway 34, US Highway 218/State Highway 27, State Highway 2, State Highway 16 and Interstate 80 in Iowa; Interstate 72 in Illinois; and Interstate 70 in Missouri.

Notable people

 * Black Hawk, Sauk leader in the 1832 Black Hawk War.
 * Mark W. Balmert, U.S. Navy admiral
 * Brad Bigler, head men's basketball coach at SMSU
 * Ryan Bowen, NBA player
 * James Duderstadt, President of the University of Michigan
 * Todd Farmer, writer, actor, and film producer
 * Bob Fry, professional golfer
 * Kate Harrington, poet
 * Thomas M. Hoenig, chief executive of the Tenth District Federal Reserve Bank, in Kansas City
 * Patty Judge, 46th Lieutenant Governor
 * Jerry Junkins, CEO of Texas Instruments, Incorporated
 * Dick Klein, founder of the Chicago Bulls
 * Jeff Kurtz, member of the Iowa House of Representatives from district 83
 * Dennis O'Keefe, actor, star of films such as Raw Deal
 * James Theodore Richmond, writer and conservationist
 * Aloysius Schulte, first President of St. Ambrose College
 * Walter A. Sheaffer, founder of the W.A. Sheaffer Pen Company
 * John Van Valkenburg, lawyer and politician, Supreme Chancellor of the World of the Knights of Pythias from 1884 to 1886
 * George Henry Williams, United States Senator

Sister cities

 * 🇩🇪 Prüm, Germany

title: Fort Madison, Iowa


text:
Franklin, Iowa

Franklin is a city in Lee County, Iowa, United States. Franklin is noted for its stone and brick Federal architecture, uncommon in Iowa. The population was 131 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Fort Madison–Keokuk, IA-IL-MO Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Franklin (formerly Franklin Centre) was populated in the late 1830s by farmers like Alexander Cruickshank and German immigrants Henry and Jacob Abel. The first schoolhouse would be built on the Cruickshank farm in 1839. The town was laid out on March 21, 1840, by James L. Scott and Samuel C. Reed. They intended the town to be the county seat of Lee County, though never served as such. The city's namesake is Benjamin Franklin. In 1841 John Gandy and Jesse H. Catting were elected to be justices of the peace. In 1842 the first church in Franklin was constructed by the Methodists. Franklin’s growth was aided due to being positioned on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. In the first ever mayoral town election, Preston Nichols (D) was elected mayor. He was a circuit court judge for 36 years before he was appointed mayor of Franklin.

Geography
Franklin is located at 40.66639°N, -91.51194°W (40.666460, -91.511828).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.15 sqmi, all land.

Franklin is located in Cedar Township.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 143 people, 60 households, and 42 families living in the city. The population density was 953.3 PD/sqmi. There were 64 housing units at an average density of 426.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.3% White and 0.7% Native American.

There were 60 households, of which 36.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.0% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% 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 2.74. The king is in a family of 3.

The median age in the city was 40.3 years. 24.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.3% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 15.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.0% male and 49.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 136 people, 57 households, and 36 families living in the city. The population density was 851.3 PD/sqmi. There were 58 housing units at an average density of 363.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.79% White, 0.74% Native American, and 1.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.21% of the population.

There were 57 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% were non-families. 35.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 31.6% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,125, and the median income for a family was $41,250. Males had a median income of $31,042 versus $14,107 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,129. There were 6.1% of families and 5.5% of the population living below the poverty line, including 13.0% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
Franklin is served by Central Lee Community School District.

title: Franklin, Iowa


text:
Houghton, Iowa

Houghton is a city in Lee County, Iowa, United States. The population was 141 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Fort Madison-Keokuk Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Houghton is located at 40.78306°N, -91.6125°W (40.783009, -91.612605).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.31 sqmi, all land.

Houghton is located in Cedar Township and was positioned on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

Economy
The town has more manufacturing jobs than population, which is rare—doubly rare because there are no other towns nearby to supply additional labor. There are a half-dozen plants that account for this, making plastic products, grain storage bins and ready-mix concrete. Houghton was once the junction of two rail lines, both now abandoned, which may have something to do with the origin of its industry. Nevertheless, St. Johns Catholic Church is the most substantial building in town.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 146 people, 62 households, and 47 families living in the city. The population density was 471.0 PD/sqmi. There were 64 housing units at an average density of 206.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.0% White.

There were 62 households, of which 27.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.0% were married couples living together, 3.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 24.2% were non-families. 21.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% 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 2.74.

The median age in the city was 48 years. 19.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.2% were from 25 to 44; 33.5% were from 45 to 64; and 20.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.6% male and 53.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 130 people, 54 households, and 42 families living in the city. The population density was 431.1 PD/sqmi. There were 61 housing units at an average density of 202.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White, and no people in the city were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 54 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.4% were married couples living together, 3.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.2% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.79.

Population spread: 24.6% under the age of 18, 2.3% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 20.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $47,500, and the median income for a family was $54,375. Males had a median income of $31,042 versus $16,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,203. There were no families and 3.1% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
Fort Madison Community School District serves the city; its high school is Fort Madison High School.

Previously the Marquette Catholic School System maintained its elementary school in Houghton; in 2005 it merged into the Holy Trinity Catholic Schools system, which has preschools in St. Paul and Fort Madison, an elementary school in West Point and a secondary school in St. Paul.

title: Houghton, Iowa