USA > Iowa > Jackson County > Annals of Jackson county, Iowa, Vol 1-6 > Part 43
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When the writer hereot first visited this building in 1856, its condition as to the two upper floors was shocking. Students from abroad had not flocked in in crowds as was expected, the rear building seemed to be ample for all demands: the four rooms in front had none of them been finished or furnished; and were catch-alls for all manner of rubbish; upstairs some of
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the doors had been torn from thier hinges; the fine walnut balustrade in the main hall, leading to the upper stories was half wrecked, and the rooms above were filthy in the extreme and untit for occupancy.
All this condition of things grew out of the fact that the institution was ahead of the public demands of the times. The "Academy" corpora- tion was bankrupt and overwhelmed with debt. It had borrowed money which it could not pay. A mortgage given on the property to secure its debts in whole or part, was finally foreclosed, and the entire property fell into the hands of the Independent District by purchase for a comparative- ly small sum.
On gaining possession of the property, the Independent District finished up and furnished and occupied the four ground floor rooms; the old, brick school property on West Platt street was sold for $200; the brick school-house and lot in the old number one was soid. both being no longer needed. Up to about this time the district had been renting a room for the lower grade pupils of the northeastern portion of the city. A lot was purchased and a brick one story building was erected in the First ward where the present First Ward Primary stands.
In 1859 a want was felt for a school of higher grade than those already established, and the original Academy building was rented for that pur- pose and Mr. C. D. Mead was employed as the first teacher of the new school. He also acted as principal of all the schools.
For some reason Mr. Mead did not give entire satisfaction to the board of directors, although a scholarly and very ecxellent man in every way. He is still living in Vermont, in declining health and retired, after having spent a long and useful life as a teacher of the higher grades. The writer hereof succeeded Mr. Mead as the second principal, and mounted the pedagogical throne in the Fall of 1861, at the munificent salary of $40.00 per month.
As illustrating the economical ideas of those days in connection with school management, it may be added, that the principal at that time was required to conduct and teach a large school of sixty or seventy pupils and to superintend the conduct of all the other schools at the same time. He had to purchase at his own expense the lump chalk used on the blackboads of his room, for chalk crayons were then a new invention, costing seventy- tive cents a box, and deemed a luxurious extravagance. He had to sweep the floor of his own room or cause it to be done; build his own tires and ring the school bell; and for this janitor work, he was allowed twenty-five cents per week, which sum was all the janitor service the district paid for. For some time last past, the District has been paying $1185 per year for janitor service alone and it pays for all the blackboard crayons used besides, don't you forget it.
I think the old three story square "Academy" building with its square tower, was the most unsightly public structure in an architectural point of view, to be found on the western continent : and yet, no doubt, its builders pointed to it with honest pride. One day in about 1865, fortunately, the lightning struck that tower, and knocked it into more or less confusion. Regarding that tower in a philosophical way, there was always some ques- tion what it was originally constructed for. It was a square box in the
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center of the roof. I have heard it suggested in the old days, that the "Academy" trustees intended, when a professor of sufficient learning could be had, to use it as an astronomical observatory. That eminent professor never came and no one knows what the world of science has lost thereby. When the lightning struck this tower, there was doubt whether the bolt was intended as a signal of Divine wrath at the untoward pride of its desingers and builders, or merely a condemnation of the negligence of the trustees in allowing the lower end of the lightning rod to hang dangling for some years by the side of a third story window instead of being buried in moist earth, as authorities, like Downing of Andrew, always insist on.
It is certain that the school trustees deemed that tower as well as the third story of the building neither ornamental nor useful and caused both to be removed, also the old one story structure in the rear. The second story was fitted up with two large rooms, and the "Academy" building thus remained until torn down in 187.6.
The first record book of the Maquoketa school district contains its rec- ords to February, 1863. The present writer has carefully inspected its pages, and finds that of all the persons who in any way participated in any of its proceedings up to that date, as officers, teachers, or voters, only two are living anywhere in this vicinity; one, this writer, and P. A. Wolff formerly a director, now living at Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Maquoketa, Iowa, Jan. 24th, 1907. ·
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Personal Estimate of Dr. Holt.
(Read Before Jackson County Historical Society by Dr. A. B. Bowen.)
Few localities held out to the prospector and the pioneer greater at- tractions for future homes than this stretch of hill and dale, upland and prairie, timber land and river bottom that constituted Jackson County in the early days.
Its wealth of resource bordering the "Father of Waters" were sufficient- ly alluring to attract men of all temperaments and inclinations. The toil- ing home seeker here found congenial surroundings and achieved success and fame in subduing the wilderness and carving out a heritage and a home. There was not lacking those of baser motives who infest new domains, giv- ing the confines of civiliaztion their preference over old established and law abiding communities which offer better facilities for preying upon the ac- cumulating resources of industry and toil. Our sister town of Bellevue was the headquarters of this gang of outlaws, while the whole country around suffered from the depredations of these midnight marauders. But thanks to the eternal vigilence of our pioneers, law and order triumphed, and the enemies of good government were forced to seek more congenial localities for their illicit depredations.
This locality presided over by the Jackson County Historical Society was never lacking in resource for honest toil. It is true in their nocturnal slumbers no one dreamed of oil wells or gushing fountains of crude petro- leum. Nor is it clear that our pioneers indulged in hopes of traffic and transportation over trolley lines or interurban roads, in palace cars with lightning as a motive power. But despite all these engines of modern civil- ization, attractions innumerable for their varied inclinations and tastes abounded.
The great belt of primeval forests, with its wealth of resource was ever in evidence. Our deposits of lime stone, with their inexhaustible supply of building material. The water-power furnished by innumerable streams. While above all Nature's broad acres furnished untold mines of wealth in its virgin soil.
The Red man abandoned this happy hunting ground, so typical of the Indians heaven, with sad hearts, after Black-hawk had exhausted their re- sources. For this was a sportsman's paradise, and they like their successors felt,
"The labors of life their joys best lend,
Where the rolling prairies and forests blend."
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To the pioneers is not a little of this prosperity due, for they builded better than they knew. Our pioneers had in their ranks men of unselfish propensities, men like John E. Goodenow, Nature's noblemen, whose unsel- fish devotion to the homeseekers, prompted them to forget self-interests and the accumulation of wealth, that would have enriched posterity.
The log cabin tavern presided over by Mr. and Mrs. Goodenow in the early days, was ever the home of the wanderer, and the homeseeker, his capacity or inclination to settle his bills made little difference with the philanthropic landlord. Some travelers of note also found lodging here, for no less a personage than Stephen A. Douglas was once a guest at this famous hostelry.
But the life of the pioneer was not devoid of comfort. Their social gatherings were of a primitive type and enjoyable. The ox-cart, farm wag- on and sled furnished ample means for locomotion and transportation.
"In the cradle of hardship genius rocks her biggest children."
Among the pioneer physicians of Jackson County, Harrison Holt M. D , was perhaps the best known and his varied accomplishments, broad culture and sagacity of intellect attracted friends and made him a conspicuous and valued citizen of this inland communitfy. He seemed actuated by motives of kindness and consideration for the feelings of others, and an urbanity of manner so unusual in modern civilization, (where avarice and greed are so conspicuous), were among the predominating characteristics in the life and character of Harrison Holt M. D. Such unusual traits of character attract the attention of the busy world and provoke criticism from envious rivalry but""truth crushed to earth will rise again, " and envious criticism of rec- ognized merit has little power to detract.
His respect for the opinion of his patient even though the patient might have been whimsical, sometimes amounted to a decided condescension. There was none of that austerity of manner in the make-up of Dr. Holt, which we so often find associated with egotism, but a frank, friendly. cor- dial greeting that recognized a degree of merit in everyone. Few practi- tioners of the healing art were ever more devoted to the best interests of their patients than Dr. Holt, and though time and progress have made many changes in pharmacology and accuracy of diagnosis, yet his capacity to discriminate disease in the absence of modern instruments of precision like the fever thermometer, the hypodermic syringe, the microscope, or the X-ray, was based on clinical knowledge acquired by experience and observa- tion-the world's best teachers. And his therapeutics were of the quality that inspired hope and confidence.
More than a generation has passed since Dr. Holt ceased his labors in this community, yet his name is often quoted by those who appreciated his skill and kindness and were the recipients of his professional attention. Some in this audience were met at life's portals by his kindly administra- tions and welcome, while not a few had their sufferings ameliorated and the span of life prolonged by his timely interference. His devotion to his pa- tients was exemplified in his last illness, for he was stricken with his mor- tal sickness at the bedside of a patient on a cold winter's night, at a lonely
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farm house in the country. Like the Roman soldier stricken at the post of duty.
My observations of Dr. Holt are, he possessed two rare traits of char- acter, in an eminent degree, honesty of purpose and gentlemanly in man- ners.
Harrison Holt M. D. was born at Andover, Mass , A. D. 1815. He was educated at Phillips College in his native place from whence he went to Bridgetown, N. J. and engaged in the capacity of teacher in ao academy. At this time he commenced the study of his chosen profession which he completed at Jefferson Medical college, Philadelphia He first located in practice at Mt Jackson, Shenandoah Co., Virginia, where he remained five years. Many of his patients there represented a money valuation, as he was in the employ of planters who were slave owners.
Dr. Holt left Virginia in 1848, came to Iowa, settled in Dubuque and had editorial charge of the "Miners Express" newspaper till 1852, when he, with others, established the Dubuque Herald which he edited with ability -
and success for several years In 1855, he accepted an appointment in one of the departments in Washington, where he remained till 1860 when he re- turned to Iowa, located at Maquoketa and renewed the practice of his pro- fession with ablity and success.
In each and every calling Dr. Holt attained success. As an editor he established a reputation as one of the most accomplished writers. Occa- sionally giving vent to his eloquence in public speeches, making him the champion of his politicial party. Dr. Holt was scarcely in his proper ele- ment as a medical practitioner, although he was one of the most accom- plished and successful physicians.
Statesmanship was the field that nature seemed to have marked out for him. In this field he might have inscribed his name high on the roles of fame and left a memory to be emulated. But his ambition was not realized. An admirer of the Dr.'s abilities, quoted the well-known lines of Shakes- peare :
"There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune."
That might be all true replied the doctor, but the same author says:
"There's a Providence which shapes our ends rough, hew them as we will," thus implying that his destiny was settled.
A contemporary said of him, "Dr. Holt combined in an eminent degree, those social qualities which attract and retain friends. Genial, courteous, sensitive and the soul of honor, he was ever mindful of the feelings of those about him, while his fine personal appearance, happy command of language and great general information rendered him the most agreeable of compan- ions. In his warm, ardent nature impressons took deep and lasting hold, making him a true, firm friend. He left a very large social circle, bereft of one of its most valued members."
"But perhaps it still is better that this busy life is done,
He has seen old views and patients, disappearing one by one. He has learned that death is master, both of science and of art;
He has done his duty fairly and has acted out bis part."
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bar bear that part of Itford, whille the others b the pile M lamber
Mobs in Jackson County.
(Written for the Jackson County Historical Society by Levi Keck.)
Having been requested to tell my experience with mobs in Jackson County on this occasion, I will briefly relate some of the events which came under my personal observation.
I came to Iowa in the fall of 1855 and settled at Andrew in this county. At that time one William Barger was confined in the old stone jail in An- drew awaiting his trial for the murder of his divorced wife in Bellevue, about a year prior to that time, as I was informed. Some time after this he had a trial in this county, the result of which I am not familiar with, but afterward on the application of his attorney a change of venue was granted, and the cause transferred to Clinton county, and Barger was taken to Clinton county and contined in the Clinton county jail at DeWitt. (I will speak further of him hereafter. )
On March 27th, 1857, one John Ingle was murdered in Farmers Creek township, his body being found three days later. He had been shot in the back of the head. One Grifford having been seen with Ingle on the day of the murder was immediately arrested after the body was found. on suspic- ion and was held to the District Court to await the action of the grand jury and was taken to Andrew and confined in the county jail at that place.
At that time I was clerking in Mann & Barnhart's store in Andrew, and on the 11th day of April, 1857, at about one or two o'clock in the after- noon a large crowd of men marched into town in double file. I had just re- turned from dinner and was seated alone, in the rear of the store at the time, when the door opened and a crowd of men entered the store, and they kept on coming until all the space between the counters was completely fill- ed, the leader of the crowd aksed if I had any rope and I answered in the affirmative and showed him the several different sizes of rope which we had on hand. He selected one which he said would answer the purpose, and one of the men taking the end of the rope proceeded to the front of the store and out into the street, and when they concluded that they had enough, ordered me to cut the rope, which I did. All of the crowd then left the store, ut in a few minutes several of them returned and asked for some black cloth. . I showed them some black alpaca, which they said was all right and I cut off what they desired (about a yard) and not waiting to have the goods wrapped up, left the store. They did not pay for the goods and I was too modest to ask them to pay under the circumstances.
I then went to the door to ascertain what was going on, as I had not seen any of the crowd before these men entered the store. Soon after I went to the door I saw the crowd going from the jail toward a pile of lum-
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ber near where the Presbyterian church now stands (I afterward learned that part of the mob had gone directly to the jail to secure Grifford, while the others had gone in search of a rope). When they came to the pile of lumber they halted and I then learned that they had broken down the jail door and had taken out the prisoner.
The crowd, or rather mob, remained a short time at the lumber pile, then proceeded to a crooked oak tree standing on a vacant lot nearby. By this time nearly all the citizens of Andrew, including myself, had collected near the spot, anxious to learn what was going on. Arriving at the tree, the rope was adjusted about the prisoner's neck, and Grifford was given an
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opportunity to speak. He confessed that he had murdered Ingle, and said David McDonald and Henry Jarrett wanted to have Ingle put out of the way and had offered to pay him One Hundred and Fifty Dollars if he would put him out of the way. He said McDonald and Jarrett were equally guilty of the crime as himself, and that if he had to suffer the penalty for the crime, they ought to suffer the same penalty. After his confession and after pray- er had been offered for the prisoner by Rev. Babcock, a Methodist minister, the piece of Alpaca before mentioned, was tied over his eyes, his hands se- cured behind his back, the rope thrown over a limb of the tree, J. K. Lan- dis of Iron Hill, the leader of the mob, called his men to the rope, and the
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unfortunate man was drawn into the air, the rope secured and the body left hanging for about an hour, and was then taken by the mob and buried. This was my first experience with mob law.
Barger, during all this time, was contined in the Clinton county jail at DeWitt, having previously had a trial in that county, at which trial a ver- dict of guilty of murder in the first degree was returned by the jury, but subsequently, one of the jurors made affidavit that he had formed an opin- ion before he was selected as a juror, in consequence of which the verdict was set aside, and a new trial granted.
On the night of the 28th day of May, 1857, a body of about sixty armed men composed mostly of the men who composed the mob that had hanged Grifford, and with the same leader, proceeded by wagon and on horseback from this county, to DeWitt, where they arrived early the next morning. and proceeded directly to the jail where they secured from the jailer the keys to the cells in which Barger and one Carroll, also of Jackson county, were contined, (Carroll was awaiting his trial for the murder of a German at Lamotte).
The cells were unlocked by the mob, and Barger and Carroll were taken out and placed in wagons and taken to Andrew, where they arrived between ten and eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the same day.
Arriving at Andrew the mob went immediately to the same tree on which Grifford had been hanged, with the prisoners. A large number of the citizens of Andrew and surrounding country, having heard of the mob going to DeWitt, had assembled at the place, to witness what subsequently took place.
Barger was asked whether he had anything to say why he should not be punished for the crime of which he was guilty, and as I remember he said he had done nothing wrong, and did not know what they were going to pun- ish him for. He then produced a letter addressed to his attorney, W. E. Leffingwell, which was read to the assembly, the contents of which I do not now remember. After the letter had been read a handkerchief was tied over the prisoner's eyes, his hands pinioned, the rope which was used in hanging Grifford was adjusted, and the unfortunate man was hanged on the same tree on which Grifford was hanged and in the same manner, until he was dead
Then some of the more law abiding citizens of Andrew interceded in behalf of Carroll, showing that he had never been brought to trial for the crime of which he was charged, whereupon it, was put to a vote whether he should be hanged or handed over to the jailer at Andrew to await trial at the next term of the District Court; the latter received a majority of the votes of the mob, and Carroll was lodged in the jail at Andrew, after which the body of Barger was taken down and buried by the mob.
At that time the county was infested with horse thieves and counter- feiters, and it was known that at least fifteen murders had been committed in the county up to that time, and only one murderer had been punished for his crime, and very few criminals had been apprehended and punished " by the law; the people had become exasperated and complained that the criminal law was poorly executed, that criminals in most instances went
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"scott free. " This general sentiment prevailing in the community, I think. was the main cause which led to the lynching of both Gri ord and Barger. a proper enforcement of the law.during this time would undoubtedly have prevented both of these lynchings.
After the hanging of Grifford and Barger the excitement caused by these events soon subsided and nothing more was heard of lynchings or mobs un- til the murder of Samuel S. Cronk whose body was found near Cotton ville on the morning of January 24th, 1867, he having been murdered the night pre- vious. Soon after finding the body of Cronk, Samuel P. Watkins who had been with Cronk on the night of the murder, was arrested but was soon re- leased, there not being sufficient testimony to hold him. The horse which Cronk rode the night of the murder could not be found, though diligent search was made, and nothing of much consequence was accomplished in ferreting out the guilty parties until the sixth day of the following April when a neighbor found the carcass of Cronk's horse in a piece of timber, within a half mile of the scene of the murder, the horse having been tied to a sapling, had starved to death.
Watkins was immediately re-arrested charged with the murder of Cronk and John B. Bucklin and Calvin Nelson were also arrested as accomplices, and taken to the court house in Andrew for preilminary examination before James Thompson, a justice of the peace. At the conclusion of the hearing the prisoners were held to the District Court to await the action of the grand jury, and were imprisoned in the old stone jail in Andrew during the following night.
The failure to find Cronk's horse had led the people to believe that Cronk's slayer had taken the animal and made his escape, and when the car- cass of the horse was found, indicating that local parties had been guilty of the crime, and when Watkins, Bucklin and Nelson were arrested charged with the murder, the excitement was intense and rapidly spread through the county.
It was late in the afternoon when the preliminary examination was con- clud d. During the dav a large crowd had congregated about the Court house in Andrew, while the trial was in progress, the feeling and excite- ment increased, and numerous threats of lynching were heard, but no dem- onstration was made when the prisoners were taken from the Court house to the jail.
That night after the prisoners were lodged in the jail a mob formed and not only watched to prevent the prisoners from being taken away, but plac- ed pickets about the town to prevent word from going out of the events transpiring. Sheriff Belden fearing for the safety of his prisoners sought aid from the citizens of Andrew and the surrounding country, but was only able to secure five men to assist him, J. M. Fitzgerald, T. E. Blanchard, and myself among the number, the names of the others I am unable to re- call. The community at large seemed to be in sympathy with the mob, and refused to assist the sheriff.
Early the next morning the sheriff and the five men above mentioned formed in open order and marched the prisoners from the jail to the sheriff's oflice, which was in the second story of the Court house, as the jail was such
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