• Article Photo. This is one of many photos from Judge Tobin's original slide show about 'Nesswe Neppe.'
    This is one of many photos from Judge Tobin's original slide show about 'Nesswe Neppe.'
  • Article Photo. This poem discusses the beauty of the area near Tobin's Cabin.
    This poem discusses the beauty of the area near Tobin's Cabin.
  • Article Photo. This letter discusses the history and pronunciation of 'Nesswe Neppe.'
    This letter discusses the history and pronunciation of 'Nesswe Neppe.'

Although the flood of 2008 destroyed the historic cabin that once belonged to Judge John Tobin, the Benton County Conservation Naturalists are doing what they can to preserve the lessons that John Tobin learned from the area the Native Americans called “Nesswe Neppe.”

That word refers to the three waters that came together north of Vinton, where a stream and small bottomland bayou join the main channel of the river. It was there, decades ago, that John Tobin heard the message that inspired him to become a leader in the conservation movement.

Naturalists Karen Phelps and Aaron Askelson discussed Tobin’s story of "Unga Chuk of Nesswe Neppe," and the day he spent with Chief Poweshiek. It was that chief who rode with Tobin to that part of the river, where Tobin later would build that cabin. There, Poweshiek warned of the environmental damage the white people were doing to the land.

“Our job is as much about history and heritage as it is about nature,” Phelps told the audience who had gathered at the Nature Center. While going through some historic items, Phelps discovered the audio tape cassette and a slide show that Judge Tobin had made to share with local organizations decades ago.

Those slides and the recording were transferred to a DVD, which the audience saw Tuesday. Some members of the audience had known Judge Tobin in their younger days; one recalled his weekends as a young child, when he would go fishing with the judge who once served as the national president of the Izaak Walton League.

Phelps and Askelson also discussed the area where Tobin’s cabin was located. Now, all that remains of the building is its fireplace. There is also another cabin there, commonly known as the St. Claire Cabin, along with a trail for horse riding. The Tobins and St. Claires donated that land to the county.

An archeological study of that area indicated that Native Americans lived in that area for at least 700 consecutive years, according to a review of artifacts found there. Phelps said many more items may be buried under the sand, but it would be very costly to conduct a more thorough archeological study.

Phelps and Askelson are available to share this DVD at other venues, and some residents have asked for copies.

For more information, contact Benton County Conservation at 319-472-4942 or via email to: info@bentoncountyparks.com