History of the Arkansas Valley, Colorado, Part 36

Author: O.L. Baskin & Co
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : O.L. Baskin & Co.
Number of Pages: 1080

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The society in this city now numbers sixty- five-a good showing, is in good standing financially, and possesses a neat and handsome church on East Seventh street, which was erected at a cost of $4,000: The society, it will be seen, is a flourishing one, and is to be con- gratulated upon the fact that it possesses some of the most highly honored residents of the city.

THE METHODIST CHURCH.

The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Leadville was organized by Thomas A. Uzzell, a young man just from Indiana Asbury Univer- sity, February 1, 1878. At that time there was no religious society in the young mining camp. Mr. Uzzell came over from Fairplay, where he was then stationed, secured a small log cabin, just in the rear of what is now the Grand Hotel, in which to hold religious services. He then went to the few families living in the camp, and to the saloons and gambling houses, and invited the people to church. At the first serv- ice the house was crowded to overflowing. These services were kept up every evening for some weeks, when a society was organized of about ten members, and a Sabbath school of about thirty. While these meetings were in progress, a subscription paper was passed by the young pastor and his brother, who had come over from Fairplay to help him, for the purpose of building a suitable house of worship, and $2,000 was subscribed. Almost every man in the camp put his name down, either for money or work. William H. Stevens gave four

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lots on the corner of Spruce and Third streets' where the church now stands, with $200 cash. Gov. Tabor gave the chandeliers. Capt. Cooper gave the bell. The church building, which was a neat little frame, 25x45, was begun March 1, 1878, and was dedicated free from debt July 5, 1878, by Presiding Elder J. H. Merritt. The building and its furniture cost the society about $2,000. About the time the church building was started, the society was turned out of the cabin, and from that time until the church was completed they worshiped in saloons, barns and private houses, wherever they could get a place. Mr. Uzzell had many funny experiences in establishing his church in Leadville. In soliciting aid for this new enter- prise, he stepped into a saloon on Chestnut street and stated his business. Every man, including the bartenders, put their name on the paper, with a handsome sum opposite. When all were through, one man said : " Now, Parson, have something to drink." "No," said the parson, " I never drink." " But," said the bum- mer, "we have patronized you, and you must patronize us, for we have no use for a preacher who will not drink." The parson again refused to drink, when the bummer seized him by the collar to compel him to drink, and there would have been a regular Peter Cartwright knock- down if the bartender had not interfered and helped the parson out of his difficulty.

The same day an old miner saw Mr. Uzzell with his subscription paper, and learning from a friend what his intentions were, became very much excited, ran into a saloon and said, " The devil take the country, the Methodists are building a church."

The bell was placed in its present position late one Saturday evening. But very few people in and about Leadville knew anything about it. Early on Sabbath morning the par- son seized hold of the rope, and Old Indepen- dence bell never got a worse shaking up than this one. The people were very much aston- ished, and thought that during the night they had wandered back to their homes iu the States.

One man was standing away up on the mount- ain, where the Iron Mine now is, when the first tone of the church bell fell on his ears. He dropped his pick, took off his hat and listened. Then turning to one of his comrades said, " Bob, I'll be darned if Jesus Christ hasn't come to Leadville, too."

The church becoming too small, in June, 1879, an addition, 25x45, feet was built, and the whole church was seated with pews, put up in Den- ver. The rapidly increasing population made the church still far too small to accommodate those wanting to attend divine services, and in Jannary, 1880, Rev. Uzzell added another ad- dition 20x45 feet. This being insufficient to accommodate the crowds who came to church, in August, 1880, another addition 20x30 feet was added. The church will now seat about 1,000 people, and is filled at every service. The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Lead- ville is now one of the best in the Colorado Conference.

Its membership number 300, including some of the most devout and energetic workers in the country. No church in the State has more power or spirituality. The Sabbath school numbers about 300 and is a model school.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The Presbyterian Church, on Fifth street, be- tween Harrison avenue and Pine, has one of the finest locations in the city, being within half a block of Harrison avenue and the court house and new post office. It was organized with thirteen members in June, 1878, by Revs. Shel- don Jackson, Lewis Hamilton and H. L. Jane- way. Mr. Janeway was placed in charge of the mission, his support coming from the Board of Home Missions. The present building was commenced in December, 1878, but was not completed until May. 1879, when the first serv- ice was held in it. In August, 1879, Mr. Jane- way was compelled to leave the field on account of his health, to the great regret of the congrega- tion, which had grown steadily under his minis- trations. During September of that year the pulpit was filled by Rev. H. B. Gage. In Octo- ber the church was without a Pastor. On the 1st of November Rev. H. W. Clagett, of St. Louis, Mo., who was at that time laboring as an evangelist, visited the church for the pur- pose of holding a meeting of two or three weeks, but with no thought at that time of making Leadville his home. The result of his visit, however, was a call being extended him by the church to become its Pastor. Mr. Clagett, after some deliberation, accepted the call, and is the present Pastor of the church.

The history of this church has been one of uninterrupted prosperity from the time of its

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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.

organization. In the little over two years of its existence, its membership has grown from 13 to 115 members. From the commence- ment of Mr. Clagett's ministry, it has been en- tirely self-supporting. During the past year the ladies of the church have purchased the parson- age property, at a cost of $1,350. It is one of the most comfortable cottages in the city, and located on Capitol Hill, in the finest residence part of Leadville. The church building has been completed at'a cost of about $3,000. It is lighted with gas, heated with furnaces, has a beautiful carpet on the floor, and is one of the handsomest church rooms in the State, and is crowded every Sunday. In the rear of the union building is the lecture room and the Pastor's study, both of which are very comfort- ably fitted up. Not least among the improve- ments made during the past year is the hand- some twelve-hundred-pound bell, whose clear, sweet notes, ringing out upon our mountain air every Sabbath morning, reminds its hearers of their Eastern homes. The church is out of debt. In the spring of 1881, Mr. Clagett was compelled to resign on account of the ill health of his wife.

ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH.

St. George's Church ( Protestant Episcopal ) was first organized two years ago, services be- ing held in the old court house and the high school building, corner of Third and Spruce streets, by W. P. Miner, who was licensed by Rt. Rev. J. F. Spalding, D. D., as lay reader

until such time as a regular clergyman could be obtained. Rev. C. H. Marshall, of George- town, took charge of the parish in September, 1879, but was compelled to resign on account of sickness in his family after a short pastorate of about three months. Rev. T. J. Mackay, of Central City, was called to the charge of the parish, and entered upon his duties December 12, 1879. The congregation since that time has worshiped in the Tabor Opera House, and has enjoyed a season of unprecedented success, large congregations assembling every Sunday, completely filling that beautiful edifice. The new church, at the corner of Fourth and Pine streets, was begun in the month of September, 1880, and is now rapidly approaching comple- tion. It will be the finest and largest church edifice of the denomination west of Omaha- save the Cathedral now in course of erection in Denver. The building is built of wood, gothic in design, and will accomodate 500 worshipers. The entire cost of the building when completed will not fall far short of $10,- 000, and the building committee, consisting of the Rector, A. J. Shouse, Senior Warden, and Thomas Kendrick, Junior Warden, may justly feel proud that they have such a beauti- ful and churchly edifice for such a small out- lay of money. The membership at present is about 150 communicants, and when the new church is completed the society will enter upon a new era of prosperity under the lead- ership of the present Rector, Rev. T. J. Mackay.

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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

I' N the natural sequence of events, the school- house closely follows the church. The missionaries of the faith precede the teacher but a short time; and as families are gathered together under the teachings of the Gospel, they begin to think about the necessity of providing the means of education for their children. It is frequently the case in mining districts that the schoolhouse precedes the church, but this is only so when families have been formed in outside districts of no particular prominence ; but religion and education go hand in hand, and there is rarely any very great difference of time in their advent.

The history of the schools in Leadville is as wonderful as that of any other department of the city. Amid all the rush and bustle of its early existence ; amid all the absorbing strife for wealth, and the exclusion of all distracting interests that might interfere with money- getting, children had no sooner commenced to make their appearance in the camp, than there was found some one to call attention to the fact, and to suggest that something should be done in the way of educating the children, and keeping them off the streets. Several efforts were made to secure aid in establishing a school without result; but those interested did not despair, and continued until success crowned their efforts. As they look upon the present school system, with a schoolhouse that is an ornament to the State, an efficient corps of teachers, and a progressive and efficient school board, they have the best of reasons for con- gratulating themselves upon those early efforts.

Less than three years ago the population of what is now known as Lake County, before the division making Chaffee and Lake Counties was made, was so sparse, and there were so few children within a circuit of many miles, that the support of schools by the parents of these few Young Americas was simply out of the question. It is true that some of these children were taught the rudiments of an English education by older sisters or brothers, or by their fathers and mothers, but not until.

the month of February, 1878, was a school es- tablished, Mrs. A. K. Updegraff being the first teacher in the confines of what is now Lead- ville. A little log cabin situated on Elm street, in the rear of the lot now occupied by the Grand Hotel, was secured by her, and there she educated the young mind of the youth which then resided along California Gulch, which then was nearly the only ground in this vicinity being worked for mining purposes. Her scholars numbered about thirty ; but just about this time the first rush to Leadville was made, and among the many sturdy seekers for wealth who took up their residences here, and bored and delved in the hills on every side, were many men with families, who desired that the proper educational facilities be secured for their children, who might better be employed in learning something to their advantage than in running about without care or restraint, and becoming familiar with the many glaring im- moralities and becoming affected with the many degrading influences of a mining camp. In accordance with the desires of these many new-comers, in the fall of 1878, the frame building on the corner of Spruce and West Second streets was erected, and the Misses Osborne and Larsh were secured as teachers by Mr. Naylor, who was the County Superin- tendent. At that time there were about sixty enrolled pupils in the schools of Leadville.

Immediately after the division which made Leadville the county seat of Lake County, Mr. Minor was appointed County Superintendent of Schools, taking his office in June, 1879, and serving until October of the same year, when Prof. B. F. Jay was elected by the people, and qualified immediately after election, for a term of two years, his term extending until January, 1882.

Immediately after the qualification of Mr. Jay, the population having increased so rapidly, schools were established in different portions of the city, in rented rooms ; so that during the winter of 1879-80, there were in Leadville twelve schools in successful operation, with

SECOND WARD SCHOOL HOUSE, LEADVILLE COL.

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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.

thirteen teachers. At present there are in the city thirteen schools, and sixteen teachers.

In 1879, it became apparent that the city of Leadville would need a more elaborate system than the one provided under the supervision of the county, and arrangements were made look- ing to the erection of suitable buildings and the adoption of a system of instruction adapted to the demands of a metropolitan community. These plans were not ripened until after the school election of 1880, when steps were taken for the immediate carrying of them into effect. In the fall of 1880, the construction, of the first school building of importance was com- menced. The building is now completed, and is, in every respect, a model. It is patterned after the Twenty-fourth Street School of Den- ver, occupies half a city block on Spruce street, between Chestnut and Second streets, and has cost, including furniture and grounds, not far from $50,000. It accommodates four hundred and fifty pupils, and is finished in a style fully equal to that of the Denver schools.

The school board now having charge of its affairs are Randolph Carpenter, L. M. God- dard, W. P. Thompson, Frank Pryor, J. J. Crook and C. C. Howell. All are energetic business men, familiar with the wants and ne- cessities of the city, and having a pride in bringing up the system to the excellent stand- ard of that of Denver, which is justly regarded as a model for the country.

Besides the new building, there are five others, nearly all of which are rented, and all of which are crowded to overflowing. These will be replaced with handsome structures as rapidly as the means of the district will per- mit, and in a very short time the city will have a just pride in her educational facilities.

There are at present not fewer than thirteen hundred children of school age within the city limits, the average attendance being about eight hundred, with sixteen teachers.

At present the city schools are in a most flourishing condition, under the superintend- ence of W. S. Thomas, who was appointed to that position, some time since, at a salary of $2,000 per year- the teachers under him being paid the sum of $90 per month.

The schools of Leadville are really marvels of themselves, not only because of their rapid growth, but also because of the discipline to

be seen everywhere, and the harmony with which the pupils and teachers work together. It is a well-known fact that the population is composed of people from all parts of the globe, and from every State in the Union. Coming from such remote and differently located places, it is not surprising to find that no two children have been accustomed to the same systems of school training, which fact renders a thorough understanding between the pupil and the teacher quite difficult to attain, but a visit to any of the schools would lead one to believe that the system adopted by County Superintendent Jay had been inculcated into the minds of the scholars since their first school day-a fact which reflects credit upon the intelligence of the pupils, upon the efforts of the teachers and Superintendent, and upon the system of dis- cipline, which is simple, yet thorough and mild, but yet none the less effective.

That the school fund is sufficient to support the educational institutions of the country, can readily be seen by a glance at the following table of receipts and disbursements for the year ending August 31, 1880 :

RECEIPTS.

Amount received from general fund. $ 8,204 30 Amount received from special fund. 23,348 41 All other sources. 62 25

Total receipts. $31,614 96

EXPENDITURES.

Total expenditures.

$28,615 98

Balance on hand August 31. $ 2,998 98

The above fund was derived by the assess- ment of a general tax of 3 mills for school purposes, while this year, in order to meet the expense of a new and costly schoolhouse, a special tax of 10 mills has been levied in the Leadville or Second District, which will be enough to cover all the expenses and leave a handsome balance in the treasury.

It is the intention of the Directors to estab- lish a high school which shall perfectly fit the pupils to enter into any of the active depart- ments of life, fully prepared to fulfill all the duties of business men and citizens. Accord- ingly, a complete course of instruction has been prepared, and the high school is now in complete working order, with a list of some thirty pupils.

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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY.

CHAPTER XVII.

CIVIC SOCIETIES.

V ERY early in the history of Leadville, those of its new citizens who had been in their former places of residence connected with the various orders familiar to all Ameri- cans, began to agitate the subject of organizing lodges in the city, and as a result it was not long before every order of importance in the country was represented. The existence of these lodges had a noticeably beneficial effect upon the society of Leadville, the frequent parties given under their auspices having the effect of bringing together people who would otherwise have never been acquainted, owing to the reluctance with which acquaintances were formed in the early days of the city. Another feature of the formation of these lodges, was the care of the sick and the burial of the dead. Hundreds of men, coming to Leadville, and unaccustomed to the high alti- tude and changed conditions of life, were taken sick and would have fallen victims to the most horrible suffering, had not their connection with some order brought around them kind and lov- ing brothers, who, with tender hands, smoothed the fevered brows and wet the parched lips, and finally nursed them back to health ; and scores of others would have gone to their graves unmourned, unhonored, and without the knowledge of kindred, had it not been for these same kind and loving brothers, who ministered to them in their last moments, followed them to the grave, and in words of consolation con- veyed the sad tidings to far-off friends and re- lations. In a social and benevolent sense Lead- ville owes the deepest debt of gratitude to the benevolent orders in her midst, and it is grati- fying to note that all are in a healthy and flourishing condition. As an illustration of the good that has been done by them, one lodge alone has expended during the past two years, more than $5,000 in the care of the sick. In the absence of women very many would have died from lack of care, had it not been for these noble instruments of benevolence.

MASONIC.

Ionic Lodge, No. 35, A., F. & A. M., of Leadville, was chartered in the month of No-

vember, 1878, with a membership of thirteen, which has grown to about one hundred, and its success as a lodge since organization has been unprecedented, possessing a surplus of funds in the treasury ample to meet all demands. The officers are : William Braden, W. M. ; H. O. Miner, S. W .; Jay G. Kelly, J. W .; William H. Bradt, Secretary.

Leadville Chapter, No. 10, R. A. M., was or- ganized on the 10th day of January, 1880, and the Mount of the Holy Cross Commandery, No. 5, instituted on the 5th day of May.

A Masonic Hall has been fitted up in most sumptuous style in the new post office block on Harrison avenue, and is now occupied by the different lodges. The members of this order in this city occupy enviable and foremost posi- tions in both the business and social circles.

ODD FELLOWS.

The first lodge of this organization was or- ganized in this city on the 25th of November, 1878, with seven members, aside from the officers, who were: August Rische, N. G. ; H. H. Hewitt, V. G .; A. S. Weston, R. S. ; Albert Lee, Treasurer.

No sooner was the fact of the organization made known than the applications for member- ship were numerous, so that at present the list numbers over seventy names. The gentlemen chosen as officers at the last election, to begin their duties on the 1st day of January, 1881, were : Joseph C. Cramer, N. G. ; Henry Heil, V. G. ; B. F. Jay, R. S .; John Schlagter, Treasurer.

The lodge is in a flourishing condition, and its members are among the best people of the city.

Carbonate Lodge, the second lodge of the order organized in Leadville, was instituted on the 2d of July, 1880, with twelve charter mem- bers. The officers who were first elected, and who are yet acting, are: Joseph Bardine, N. G .; T. S. Kostich, V. G .; D. S. Woodruff, R. S .; Fred. W. Ott, Treasurer ; Mr. Oliver, Perma- nent Secretary.

Although but a new organization, Carbonate Lodge now numbers about thirty-five members,

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and is in excellent condition, and composed of good material.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

The Grand Lodge of the Grand Jurisdiction of Colorado was organized in the centennial year, and now has fourteen lodges under its control, with a membership of over 1,000.

Leadville Lodge, No. 1, was instituted on the 9th day of July, 1879, with a charter list of thirty members ; it now numbers over 100, and is the banner lodge of the State. Its member- ship comprises the most active and respected citizens of this community. The lodge has a magnificent castle hall, owning all the furniture and fixtures, costing over $2,000, and has no debt, and money in the treasury, which is and has been freely used for the relief of distressed Knights belonging to the order. It has expend- ed for the relief of six brothers during the eighteen months of its existence, $1,140, and has paid toward defraying funeral expenses of deceased members, $465. In social matters, the lodge takes a pre-eminent part in our city, and only lately honored six of their newly-mar- ried brothers by a grand entertainment and banquet, in which 250 invited guests partici- pated.

The officers now serving are: Jay G. Kel- ley, P. C .; H. J. Mayham, C. C .; Louis Levy, V. C .; Fred Butler, Prelate ; Louis Scholes, M. of E. ; John Kirby, M. of F .; B. F. Gardner, K. of R. and S .; James Shire, M. at A. ; B. F. Carter, I. G .; I. M. Brown, O. G.

The district is under charge of District Dep- uty Grand Chancellor Sol. Herman, who is the representative of the Grand Chancellor. Its laws are reason and justice. Its cardinal prin- ciples inspire purity of thought and life, and love of truth, and loyalty to the government under which we live. Its intention is "peace on earth and good will toward men."

ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS.

The first establishment of the order in the United States was in New York, A. D. 1826. Since then, divisions have been established in almost every State and Territory in the Union. The first division formed in this State was at Black Hawk, Gilpin Co., June, 1879, with a membership of about eighty. Immediately after, a division was formed in Denver, which contains about sixty members. In the same

month, Division No. 1 was formed in Leadville, which now contains about 230 members. In May, 1880, Division No. 2 was formed in Lead- ville, which numbers about fifty members. Since then, there have been formed two other divi- sions, one in Kokomo and one in Ruby. Its objects are benevolence, and to foster senti- ments of union and friendship amongst Irish- men. The order in this city has paid over $1,000 for sick and burial expenses during the last year. Its motto is: "Friendship, Love and True Christian Charity." It numbers in the United States about 800,000 members, and its ramifications extend over Ireland, England, Scotland, United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Its officers are : F. F. Harrington, State Del- egate of Colorado ; J. J. Quinn, State Secretary of Colorado; J. P. McNulty, State Treasurer of Colorado; Henry Kelly, County Delegate ; David Kelly, County Secretary ; Patrick Early, County Treasurer.

Division No. 1-P. C. McCarthy, President ; Timothy Goodwin, Vice President; David L. Kelly, Financial Secretary ; Thomas Lynch, Recording Secretary ; John Shea, Treasurer.

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History of the Arkansas Valley, Colorado, Part 36

Author: O.L. Baskin & Co Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : O.L. Baskin & Co. Number of Pages: 1080

Author: O.L. Baskin & Co
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : O.L. Baskin & Co.
Number of Pages: 1080