A Sequential History of How Tanglewood Came To Be
Tanglewood was the name of a Western Missouri farm where most of my growing occurred. It had existed, in name in 1869, and so named by my great-grandfather, David William Laughlin – not to be confused with several who came along in future generations carrying the same name.
But the trail, so to speak, began on an Ohio farm during the very early years of Nineteenth Century – 1812.
My great-great-grandfather, James Laughlin served in the War of 1812. After serving approximately two years, he and his son, Robert, were released and returned to the Ohio farm. The United States Government was broke, and unable to pay the soldiers for their duties. Knowing that, James concentrated on his farm, and continued to do so for the next forty years, until one autumn day a letter arrived.
The Iowa portion of the Louisiana Purchase was complete, and one-hundred sixty acres were set aside for him, by name, as payment for his service in the War of 1812. As a veteran, he had one year to lay claim to this land, a period one year ahead of when Iowa would be opened to the public at large. He was not required to homestead this property. Instead it was offered at $1.25 per acre.
With the summer crops already harvested, James and my great-grandfather, David, set out on horseback to inspect this land that was offered. And when they returned a discussion ensued: Should they, or should they not take advantage of this offer?