USA > Iowa > Story County > A history of Story county, Iowa: Carefully compiled, from the earliest settlement to the present, March 1, 1887. > Part 29
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CALLANAN COLLEGE.
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1
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA. 291
AUDITOR OF STATE:
Lyons
2010-1000
Guelich 1010
McReynolds (Pro.) 5
TREASURER OF STATE:
Twombly.
2012-1008
Campbell 1004
Mickelwait (Pro.(.
3
ATTORNEY GENERAL:
Baker
2008-998
Mackey
1010
Rogers (Pro.).
4
CLERK OF SUPREME COURT:
Pray
2014-1011
Theophilus 1003
4
SUPREME COURT REPORTER:
Ebersole
2010-1007 1003
Wolf (Pro.).
4
CONGRESSMAN :
Conger
1937-850
Carpenter
1087
DISTRICT JUDGES:
Miracle
.2037-1022
Stevens
.2006-991
Weaver
.2006 -- 991
Doud .
1015
Beacher (Pro.)
1
COUNTY ATTORNEY:
Dyer
.1727 -- 485
Martin
1242
CLERK DISTRICT COURT:
Wilson
1996 -- 974
1022
Wood
RECORDER:
Ingram
2038-1061
Longsdorf
977
SUPERVISOR:
Burgess
Golly
1964-912
-(Nov. 2, 1886.)
.1052
Howard (Pro.)
Bradley .
292
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
CONGRESSIONAL.
The following is the vote of this district for Congressman, the vote of Story and Polk being official and that of the other counties as unofficially reported:
CONGER.
CARPENTER.
Story
1937
1087
Polk
5423
4993
Dallas
2067
1978
Marion
2200
2476
Warren
1896
1841
Madison
1657
1855
Total
15180
14230
Conger's majority 950.
DECORATION.
Monday was Decoration Day and it was duly and appropriately observed by Jason D. Ferguson Post, No. 31, G. A. R., assisted by the citizens of the town and surrounding country. The exercises were commenced with a sermon at the Methodist Episcopal Church, on Sunday, by Rev. Jeffry, who treated the subject in grand shape. Monday was ushered in in good shape; the day was clear and the sun shone bright, yet it was not hot, making all nature in its love- liest aspect .- Long before noon the streets commenced to fill with parties from the country, who came to participate in the exercises. About one o'clock the G. A. R. assembled at their hall, under direc- tion of Commander Gillispie, assisted by Comrades Alfred Goodin and A. K. Banks, and proceeded to the street escorted by their martial band. Company G, I. N. G., was waiting for them, with their band, when they proceeded to the public square, followed by the Nevada brass band with a vast concourse of citizens, the Nevada public schools, and, in fact, by an increasing multitude, including fair maidens who had been appointed as floral bearers and loaded with their garlands.
When the square was reached the crowd took seats, which had been prepared, and was called to order by Comrade T. C. McCall in a few choice and fitting words of tribute to those whom we were to honor by the acts of this day. Music was interspersed through- out the services from beginning to end. The prayer was made by Rev. Reid, after which Judge H. C. Henderson, of Marshalltown, was introduced to the assembled crowd as orator of the occasion. His discourse was a fine one and was listened to throughout with marked attention, and may be truly said to be one of the finest that was delivered on that day in any section of our common country.
After the proceedings at the square were over the procession was again formed and proceeded to the cemetery, which being reached
1
293
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
the committees proceeded to decorate the graves of those who were laid within its bounds. Each grave was decorated with a wreath of fine flowers and a cross of evergreens, making a neat and tasty display. The following were the names of the ex-soldiers, whose graves were decorated, being all buried in these grounds, so far as known. If any have been missed in the Nevada or Catholic ceme- teries, the fact should be reported that it may be remedied the next time:
Dr. A. Patton.
Alba Hall, war 1812,
D. L. Stephens,
John W. White,
George Adams,
Frank Bobo,
Thos. Richardson,
J. Fetterhoff,
Q. A. Boynton,
George Schoonover,
Wm. Talbott, war 1812,
Frank Daniels,
P. F. Chauncey,
R. Lyman,
S. M. Chenoworth,
Joseph Middaugh,
L. Irwin,
John Confare,
being eighteen in number.
After this duty had been performed the balance of the work was attended to. Frank Burdick read a poem, which was timely and quite well executed, after which Company G fired a salute, giving a good specimen of volley firing, and one much to their credit. The next was the benediction, after which the procession was reformed and all returned to town and dispersed to their various homes.
Very many graves in the cemetery were decorated with flowers, and in a very neat and tasty manner. Quite a number of the sol- diers' graves had already received a large floral offering before the committee reached them, and were thus doubly remembered. Thus did our citizens show their appreciation of those that served their country in hours of trial and the dark hour of almost despair at times. The testimony is given that all party feeling is laid aside at least for one day in the year, and all unite on one common level to do honor to those who have simply anticipated the other veterans in reaching the other and popularly supposed to be better land, and who took their lives in their hands upon many a bloody field that the nation should remain intact and not be dismembered, at the hands of a band of traitors, whom misguided clemency permitted to remain in our midst.
The number in attendance was quite large. far larger than has ever before been assembled on a similar occasion. Each and all appeared to enter into the various parts of the program with a determination to make it a success, and such only.
Thanks are due to the various committees for what they did, and to Mrs. Bixbie for the care and forethought in arranging the flow- ers for the services, and to the concourse for the kindly attention to the suggestions made them. Each one on dispersing to their
294
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
homes wished that all present might live to attend many more such gatherings before the All Wise Architect shall summon them to the region beyond the river of life, from which there is no return. -(May 30, 1886.)
SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVENTION.
There was a very interesting Sunday School Convention held at the church, in Bloomington, Sunday, November 7th. The conven- tion was opened with a song led by the superintendent, T. J. Miller. After the reading of a chapter of scripture by T. B. Howland, Pres. Ingalls explained the lesson in a very instructive and compre- hensive manner. The afternoon session was opened by singing, and a short praise service led by T. B. Howland. The topic, " What is the greatest need of the Sunday School " was discussed by G. H. Spencer and others. Rev. J. Fegtley discussed the topic, "The relation of parents to the Sunday School." This, it is need- less to say, was ably handled. The speaker took the very sensible view, that parents should bring the Sunday school into the home; that they should. assist the children in the study of the lesson by reading, by conversation and by whatever means they have at hand; finally, they should supplement these means by attending Sunday school with them. A good interest was manifested throughout the day, and we trust that good results will follow. May the Master add his blessing in this grand work .- (Nov. 1886. G. H. SPENCER.
MEMORIAL DAY.
SUNDAY.
General satisfaction seems to be the sentiment from all who attended the exercises in the hall on last Sabbath morning. The hall was full to the doors. All were on time and the audience was not disturbed by late comers or early goers. The Sons of Veterans had entire charge of the arrangement of this service, and much credit is due to them for the beautiful appearance of the hall and the systematic manner of seating the large audience. The Sons of Veterans attended the service in a body, under the command of Capt. Pickett, and presented a fine appearance with their new silk flag. The services were conducted by Rev. H. J. Everly, assisted by the local pastors and Prof. Wynn. The singing was by a double quartette selected from the different church choirs, with Dr. Meredith as leader. The selections were appropriate, and excel- lently rendered. The sermon by Rev. Everly was rich in thought- pertaining to the day and its duties, but we refrain from any extended synopsis of it, as we hope to give it to our readers in full next week. It is proper to say that it received general commenda- tion from the entire audience.
295
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
MONDAY.
Memorial Day was observed by Ellsworth Post, G. A. R., with the same order of exercises as has been usual on former years. The response to the invitation of the Post by the citizens of Ames and the surrounding country was most hearty, making the aggregate attendance much larger than that of any former year. The stu- dents of the college added materially to the interest of the occa- sion-their fine band-uniformed and armed battalion of cadets, together with the novel but attractive and well drilled brigade of young ladies, were features that received well merited praise from all observers. Frank Bently Post, of Gilbert, was present in fine form, and J. L. Geddes Camp, Sons of Veterans turned out fifty members and a more manly body of young men would be hard to find in any town. The Parade was formed on Onondaga street in the following order:
1. College Band.
2. Battalion of Cadets-Major W. B. Hunter.
3. Ellsworth Post, G. A. R .- Com. Loughran.
4. Frank Bently Post, G. A. R .- Com. McFarland.
5. Drum Corps.
6. J. L. Geddes Camp, Sons of Veterans-Capt. J. H. Pickett.
7. Spear Brigade (Ladies)-Capt. J. Rush Lincoln.
8. College Artillery with piece.
9. Orator of the day, in carriage.
10. Citizens in general.
In this order the column marched to the cemetery where a hol- low square was formed and the appropriate ritual of the G. A. R. was conducted by the Ellsworth Post.
The decoration of the graves was performed by Officer of the Day, T. J. Miller with detail, assisted by sixteen misses-daughters of soldiers. The young ladies deposited the flowers and flags, and rendered an appropriate song at each grave. Responses were made at the graves by comrades Christman, McMichael, Wilson, Moul- ton and Cramblet. The column then reformed and proceeding to Condit's Grove participated in the program as previously published.
Very general satisfaction was felt with all the exercises at the grove and each deserves special mention but we lack space to par- ticularize.
The overture by the college band was finely executed and each selection of vocal music was new, of a high order and finely ren- dered. Com. Tilden welcomed the citizens as follows:
Friends, as commander of Ellsworth Post, I welcome you to this public service. It is dear to every soldier. Decorating the graves of our departed comrades is an outward act, but calling to mind their lives and the scenes through which they passed is of much deeper significance. Let the day lose none of its present features, but let it become more and more a season of memories. This day
296
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
is dedicated to patriotism. We cannot have a more important les- son than love of country and devotion to the country's good.
The dead whom we honor, sleep their last sleep, no music and no words can touch their hearts, "no sound can awake them to glory again." It is the rising generation that need the lessons of this day; so for one day the plow stands in the furrow, the busy ham- mers are at rest and the marts of trade are silent. Here and all over our beloved land is heard the tramp of veterans marching to the last camping ground of their comrades who sleep; nor come they here alone for the millions of patriot hearts that beat respon- sive to the echo of their arms now beat in sympathy with the honors which we bring. Here are the widows and orphans, the grey haired fathers and the Spartan mothers of the dead, and their presence deepens in our hearts the memory of our departed com- rades who rest in yonder cemetery or in unknown graves. It is to those who fought and won, to the living and the dead; to those who fought and failed, and here come to rejoice with us in the dawn of a better day; that our country should be kept on the road of progress, toward the goal of the greatest human weal.
The evils that we overcome were vast, but the evils that we face to-day are numerous and great.
The passions of men still trample upon liberty and law. The disturbances of the old world pervade our changing population, and endanger more and more that purity of life, without which popular government by and for the people cannot stand.
I think we need to magnify the functions of law if we would prevent crime, awe the vicious and inspire confidence in the hearts of all good citizens. I once read a statement that one of the New York regiments was composed of men of foreign birth, spoke eleven different languages, but when the bugle sounded the line was formed, and when the order came to charge all moved forward, and no man questioned why. This was to do and die. So may we all move forward to the command of the law and the music of the Union. Let us cultivate the sentiments of temperance, justice and peace. The Norwegians, proud of their native hills, inscribe upon their Rex dollars, temperance, virtue, probity, and whatever is of good report let the world learn among the rocks of Norway; so let us in this grand and noble commonwealth of Iowa not only assume to be, but be the very eagle's nest of all that makes man noble, great and free.
Hon. John L. Stevens, in behalf of the citizens responded as follows:
Commander and members of the Grand Army of the Republic! On behalf of the citizens here assembed I take pleasure in thanking you for the kind welcome extended to us.
We recall to-day many tender memories of years gone by, many which bring grief to our hearts.
We see fathers, sons, brothers and lovers forming in line at their
297
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
country's call. Wives, mothers, sisters and loved ones taking their last long loving and lingering look as the dear ones march away.
We remember how often, in the years that followed, sad news came filling many a home with a gloom that still remains. News of death upon the battlefield, in the hospital, and in the rebel pris- ons. These are some of the sad memories of the great war. Mem- ories which as loyal citizens we hold sacred for they contain a les- son of patriotic devotion to country. A sentiment which lies at the foundation of liberty itself.
There are many still living who carry a load of grief for their loved ones; some are among us to-day. We sympathize with them and we honor their dead, for they are our dead also. We pay them a loving tribute of respect, and teach our children to revere their memory and to emulate their patriotism. Other memories to-day fill our hearts with pride rather than sadness. Time heals the wounded heart and lessens every sorrow. But time does not dim the glory of national honors. This glory will live though the nation perish. Rome and Carthage have passed away yet every school boy knows the history of their soldiers and their deeds of valor. Thus will future ages listen to the story of brave men who fought our battles, of their many deeds of daring, of the final grand victory which gave us an undivided country, and preserved for future generations this great republic; a nation in which every man, woman and child is equal before the law. Where every ave- nue to success is open free to honest industry and moral worth regardless of rank or wealth. Where titles are despised and oppression unknown. In such a country patriotism is in the very air. It is rooted in every heart. Race, prejudice and sectional hate must yield to it. Political strife cannot destroy it. The Re- public stands to-day the greatest nation on earth, confident of her own strength, the irresistible power of fifty-five millions of free and enlightened people. We feel an honor to be citizens of such a country. We are glad to have lived with those who preserved it for our children. We rejoice to see every people on earth unite in honoring the silent soldier who led you to final victory and whose tomb is to-day covered with flowers from every state in this union. May his words, " Let us have peace" find a response in every heart North and South. Let brotherly love prevail, and let us hope that the republic may never again be convulsed by internal strife, That every section may prosper. That wisdom, patriotism and a broad and generous statesmanship may hereafter, and forever prevail.
Gen. Given feeling obliged to leave by the five o'clock train sub- stituted for his prepared address an extemporaneous speech our only criticism of which is that it was too short. The audience heartily appreciated it and wanted more. The General was partic- ularly happy in picturing the soldier of 1861 to 1865 in camp, on the march or in the battle-and the scenes so vividly portrayed were perhaps as near the reality as is possible for tongue to picture. To appreciate the blessings and profit by the teachings of the day,
298
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
he proposed to show the audience a little of what this grand herit- age cost in suffering and privation. What was brought home was not the empty sleeve, the shattered frame, or the crippled limb, but a glorious country, a genuine nation, the envy of the world, and free, forever free from the damning curse of human slavery. In closing the General referred to the fears sometimes heard that G. A. R. Posts and Sons of Veterans Camps had a tendency to keep alive personal animosities and answered the thought by proving that personal feeling was not an element during the strife, and that it was no feature in their organization. Everybody granted every ex- Confederate soldier all rights and privileges as a citizen that every other citizen possessed, and this sentiment met a hearty response from every soldier present.
The poem, " Reunion," was recited by Miss Moulton in a very efficient manner. After the benediction the different organizations returned in the same order as they marched to the cemetery, a gen- eral good feeling prevailing and each trusting that they had con -. tributed what they could towards doing honor to the heroic dead. The committee having charge of the exercises felt somewhat chagrined that the facilities of the town did not permit them to entertain the college organizations, but they hope to make amends at some future day.
The graves in the Ontario cemetery were decorated in the fore- noon by the citizens, and members of Ellsworth Post. The arrange- ments being mainly directed by Messrs. Foster and McCracken. Comrades Barstow and T. G. Miller, assisted by comrades and citi- zens living in that vicinity held appropriate services during the forenoon at Bloomington cemetery. The exercises at Walnut Grove were conducted on Saturday, and it is reported that they were both solemn and patriotic. Other observances in this part of the county may have been held of which we have failed to gather the report, but enough is recorded to show how rapidly Memorial Day is increasing in the hearts of the people, and that the lessons it teaches receives sympathetic response from every loyal citizen.
POOR FARM.
THIRD DAYS' PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY INFIRMARY INVENTORY.
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 1886.
Board met as per adjournment.
Members all present.
Minutes of yesterday read and approved.
Board went in a body to the County Farm and Infirmary, and the day was occupied in inspecting the same and taking an inventory from which the following is summarized.
Number of inmates in infirmary, sixteen.
299
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
Value of farm (320 acres) and improvements $10,000 00
Value of mules, horses, cattle, hogs, etc. 2,184. 00 Value of grain on hand. 455 00
Value of farm implements, etc. 500 00
Value of household effects, beds and bedding, including
pantry stores, furniture, etc. 789 70
Total. $13,928 70 Adjourned to meet to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.
COUNTY FAIR GROUND.
The County Fair Ground is situated on the west half of the northwest quarter of section 5, township 83, range 22, containing twenty-four acres. It was located on May 7, 1869, for the purpose of a permanent fair ground. There are all the improvements on it now necessary for comfort and convenience. The halls for exhib- iting goods, wares, flowers, drafts, fruits, machinery, everything for exhibition, are suitably arranged for the purposes intended. Stabling and water for horses, cattle, hogs, etc., etc., are bountifully supplied. The track (race track?) is kept in fair condition. The amphitheatre and judges stand are in place, By the report of the Secretary of the Agricultural Society for 1885 we find the following:
STATEMENT NO. 7-ACCOUNT OF FAIR.
The fair was held at Nevada, September 15th to the 18th inclu- sive. *
* The show of horses and public school exhibit were particularly attractive. The attendance was good but would have been better had it not rained the night of the second and the morning of the third day. The grounds are in good condition, new improvements made each year and the society prospering. It could be improved, however, if a more general interest was taken, and meetings of the society better attended and suggestions freely made.
Receipts. $1,400 00
Expenses. 425 00
Paid in premiums .
922 75
Paid for improvements 125 00
Value of grounds.
2,700.00
Number members, 240.
And finally, our agricultural society as an index of progress and a stimulator to still better achievements in all rural and related pursuits, should not be overlooked. The society was organized in May, 1869, without a dollar of property; now the society has twenty-four acres of well fenced fair grounds, two large and con- venient halls, a good amphitheater, over a hundred stalls and pens and an excellent half mile track. In view of the fact that this
300
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA.
property is well worth $3,500, that premiums are always paid in full, and that its indebtedness is only $500.
The barn of Mr. L. O. Larson, who resides six miles east of Sheldahl, was entirely consumed by fire early Monday morning last, with all its contents, embracing seven horses, one colt, 4,000 bush- els of oats, 100 bushels of wheat, hay, etc. In his effort to rescue his stock Mr. Larson was severely burned. It is not known how the fire was communicated to the building .- Ames Intelligencer .- (November 4, 1886.)
The Senate removed the injuction of secrecy from the several re- ports in cases disposed of some time ago. In the case of E. D. Fenn, to be post-master of Nevada, vice T. J. Ross, suspended, the Postoffice Committee says that there seems to have been no cause for the suspension of Ross other than that he was a consistent and active member of the Republican party and his suspension was de- sired on that account in order that a member of the Democratic party might be appointed in his stead. The committee finds nothing against Ross and finds Fenn a worthy man .- Ames Intel- ligencer .- (May 27, 1886.)
The destruction, by fire Tuesday morning last, of the Leader newspaper in Des Moines, entails a severe loss on the owners of that paper. The total loss is about $25,000, with $14,000 insur- ance. The Leader will be continued without delay or interruption. -Ames Intelligencer .- (May 27, 1886.)
On Friday word was received here, that Henry Pattee, a former resident here, had committed suicide at Fort Dodge on Thursday. He was traveling for a Dubuque house and had about $1,000 of the money belonging to them. The reason given was gambling .- Ne- vada Watchman .- (May 7, 1886.)
ACCIDENT .- On Friday afternoon as Ed. Silliman and Jesse . Barnes were out on a hunting expedition, and while west of the residence of J. M. Whitney, in Grant Township, they crossed a slough, and in doing so took a boat which was there. Ed took hold of the muzzle of his gun and pulled it towards him. The gun was discharged, the charge entering the left arm just above the wrist and coming out near the elbow. He was brought to town by Mr. Whitney, and Drs. Smith and Farrar called, who took out the pieces of bone and fixed up the sufferer as well as could be expected under the circumstances. The other bone of the arm was saved and can be used, though the arm will remain somewhat stiff. It is serious, but not so bad as it might have been .- (April 10, 1885.)
The mercury has indicated pretty cold weather the past week. Friday morning it went as low as 35 degrees below zero. In other localities near by it run down to 28. At present writing we are having a slight thaw .- Ames Intelligencer .- (Jan. 7, 1887.)
301
HISTORY OF STORY COUNTY, IOWA ..
TOTAL NUMBER OF CHURCHES IN THE COUNTY.
CHURCH BUILDINGS AND DENOMINATIONS.
TOWNSHIPS OF
THE COUNTY.
N. S. Presbyterian.
Cumb. Presbyterian.
M. E. Church.
| M. Prost. Church.
Baptist Church.
Christian Church.
Congregational Church.
Evangelical Lutheran.
U. Brethren Church.
Church of God.
Lutheran Church.
Catholic Church.
Total No. of Churches
Total members reported -A meagre report.
Lincoln
1
1
53
Warren
Howard.
1
1
2 1400
Lafayette
1
2
1
1
5
30
Milford
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