(See Map ) It is well known to students of Iowa history that the ter- ritory included within the limits of the present State of Iowa belonged to the Territory of Michigan from 1834 to 1836, and to the Territory of Wisconsin from 1836 to 1838; also that the period of the Territory of Iowa dates from 1838 to 1846, and the period of Statehood from the later date to the present time.

It has not seemed necessary in the following paper to note which of the foregoing periods the history of each county has spanned.

When the date of establishment has been given it is comparatively easy for the reader to determine this matter for himself.

Since the first counties were established in Iowa in 1834, it has seemed even less necessary to enumerate the different terri- torial and foreign jurisdictions of which the territory of the present State formed a part prior to that date.

It was customary to attach newly created counties to older ones, at first merely for revenue purposes, later for judicial, revenue, and election purposes.