USA > Iowa > Union County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 2 > Part 47
USA > Iowa > Ringgold County > Biographical and historical record of Ringgold and Union counties, Iowa, vol. 2 > Part 47
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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The Regular Baptist Church was organized in August, 1872, with eighteen members, Rev. W. P. Pattison. of Red Oak, being their pastor. Ile resigned in December. 1873, and the society had no psyching until January, 1875. when Rev. Mr. Newell assumed the pastorate. which he held for six months and then removed to Villisca, Iowa. Rev. J. D. Burr came in 1877 ani remained till IS>1, during which time the society built a church at the corner of Maple and Mills streets, at an e .. penditine of 85.000. Rev. A. Hertzog filled the pulpit from 1882 to 1884, and Rev. H. C. Nash, the present pastor, came in the antnam of 1884. The membership of the church is 120. W. P. Patt has been for five
years past the superintendent of the Sunday- school, which has an attendance of about 100. The officers of the church are: Deacons, C. J. Colby, W. F. Patt, John Hinchey, George Brotherton and George Morgan; trustees, C. J. Colby, Richard Stront, John Hlinchey, E. J. Lichty and G. D. Newcomb; elerk, Louie R. Delmege; treasurer, George Brotherton.
Ecangelical Church .- This is one of the oldest churches in Creston, being established as a mission as far back as 1870, the Rev. A. D. Kooker being its first minister. In 1871 the Rev. W. King was detailed to conduct the mission, who was succeeded in 1873, by the Rev. E. B. Utt, and in 1874 by Rev. A. J. Myers.
In 1875 Rev. T. Monismith being appointed to the mission, it was judged advisable to build a church, and, on due consideration, a subscription list was circulated with such snc- cess that a suitable lot was bought and a fine church erected thereon, which was dedicated in the month of February, 1876, by the Rev. D. H. Kooker, of the Des Moines District. About the time the church was dedicated a society was organized, which now comprises about fifty members. The church proporty is valned at $2,500.
The Christian Church was organized Ang- ust 15, 1875, with nine members, and Elder T. V. Berry ministered to it for some time. Services were held at his residence for some time, and then a lot was procured and a neat church erected in the northwestern part of the city, at a cost of 81, 500. which was opened for public worship in 1877. Rev. J. P. Roach is the present pastor. The membership, which is largely in the country, ix 150.
St. John's German Evangelical Church is on the south side. It has lifty members and seventy-five Sunday-school scholars. A parochial school is attached, and here about twenty-five children are instructed by the pas- for. The church property is valued at $8.000.
The United Presbyterian Church has fifty-
HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
five members and seventy Sunday-school scholars. The church property is valued at $1,800. Rev. Mr. Lafferty is the present pastor.
The Episcopalians and Unitarians have or- ganizations, but no church buildings and only occasional services.
The Swedes have three religious organiza- tions-Lutheran, Methodist Episcopal and Baptist. The two former have church build- ings.
SECRET ORDERS.
Creston has a large number of secret socie- ties, all the principal organizations and many not so well known being represented. The leading order is of course Masonry, which is now fifteen years old in the place. Bunker Hill Lodge, No. 302, A. F. & A. M., was or- ganized March 20, 1871, and chartered June
5. 1872, with eight meiabers. Three years later, June 10. 1874, Eureka Chapter was formed, with eleven members. Dethna Con- mandery, K. T., was organized by dispensa- tion October 11, 1876.
The other great order. Odd Fellowship, was even earlier in planting its banner at Creston, for Creston Lodge. No. 207, I. O. O. F., was organized November 7, 1870, by D). D. G. M., N. W. Rowell, of Afton. The other branches of Odd Fellowship have since been organized, and a second lodge of Masons was some time ago found necessary.
Among the other organizations are the Grand Army of the Republic, Knights of Labor, United Order of American Mechanics, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, Broth- erhood of Locomotive Engineers, Ancient Order of Unitel Workmen, Seven Wise Men, Knights of Pytbias and Druids.
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VILLAGES.
NDER the head Early Ilis- tory has been given men- tion of the carly villages of Petersville, Pisgah, West Union, Union City and Highland. These are now enjoying modest prosperity also the villages of Cromwell, Thayer and Kent.
CROMWELL
is situated near the line between Union and Adams counties, and is 195 miles west of Burlington.
It was laid out in 1868, and was, at first, supposed to be the in- tended division station of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad. The first house was built by Thomas Ballard, in the antumn of 1868. W. V. Lemon and E. S. Cresswell opened a general store, under the firm name of Lemon & Cresswell, one month after Bal- lard's arrival. J. C. Williams came a few weeks later, about the first of Jannary, 1800, and opened a general store. G. W. Thurtby opened a large hotel soon after. Immigrants came rapidly, and by June, 1569, there were perhaps 700 people in Cromwell. Then the bubble burst. Creston was made the division station. and scores of investors at Cromwell were disappointed. By the close of the year about 200 people were left in the village, and this has remained the size of the place since. It is a pleasant village, and enjoys an excel-
lent trade, being in the midst of a fine farm- ing country.
The postinasters of Cromwell have been, in succession, W. A. Ballard, J. B. Wilson, J. C. Woodruff, M. W. Purviance, E. Hen- derson and Dr. R. II. Johnson.
A district school was maintained until 1876, when an addition was made to the school building, and the school graded. Two teachers are usually employed. The enroll- ment is abont 100. At present writing S. K. Clark is principal and Belle Harrison, assist- ant. The annual expenditures for school purposes amount to $1,000. The School Board comprises Jacob Geier, President; E. S. Cresswell, Secretary, and W. M. Sparr.
The Congregational Church was organized with eight members' under the direction of the Rev. J. W. Pickett, one of the Home Missionary Superintendents of Iowa, and, after being supplied for some time by the Rev. Hunter (who died in 1872), was presided over by the Rev. E. G. Carpenter, who con- tinned as its minister for two or three years, being succeeded by the Rev. Charles Little, who. after officiating for nine months, was followed by the Rev. W. T. Bartle, who sup- plied with much acceptance until 1876, when the Rev. C. O. Parmenter took charge of the church. Rev. Albert II. Thompson came in 1879, Rev. Dallas D. Tibbits in 1882, and Rov. R. W. Jamison in 1884. In 1875 the society built a hoase of worship at a cost of $2,200. It was dedicated free of debt. The present
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.
membership is 110. George R. Sheets is superintendent of the Sunday-school, which has an enrollment of 140, and a usual attend- ance of from eighty to 100.
The Methodist Episcopal Church created their house of worship in 1876-7. It is a frame structure and cost 82,400. Servicesare held every other Sunday by Rev. A. H. Collins. His predecessor was Rev. J. M. Conrad, and his, Rev. J. H. Sensney. Rev. Clamer was the first pastor. The membership of the society is about sixty-five. Thomas Osborne is superintendent of the Sunday-school. At- tendance, fifty-five.
Canby Lodge, No. 354, A. F. & A. M., was organized July 20, 1875, under a dispen- sation granted by the Grand Master of the State to the eleven signers of the petition for such dispensation. The first officers were J. A. Rogers, Worshipful Master; William Southwell, Senior Warden; George B. Jolin- stou, Junior Warden; O. F. Phelps, Treas- nrer; Thomas Johnston, Secretary. For 1886 George B. Johnston was Worshipful Master; E. S. Cresswell, Senior Warden; J. M. HTimes, Junior Warden; A. S. Bailey, Treasurer; R. H. Johnston, Secretary. The lodge has twen- ty-seven members, and meets Tuesday even- ing on or before each full moon.
Cromwell Lodge, No. 237, I. O. O. F., was organized April 26. 1872, under a dispensa- tion granted by the officers of the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of Iowa, dated April 21. 1572, by JT. A. White, of M. Ayr, with six charter members. After organizing, au dlection was held, by which the following officers were elected: R. H. Johnston, Noble Grand; S. J. Goldsmith, Vice Grand; E. S. Cresswell, Secretary, and M. W. Parviance, Treasurer. At present writing the officers are: J. B. Hamilton, Noble Grand; William C. McDonald, Vice Grand; E. S. Cresswell, Secretary. The lodge meets every Saturday evening, and has fifty-six members. It owns its own hall, and is worth over $2,000.
I was mustered June 23. 1854. The officers for 1886 are: William H. Reynolds, Com- mander; R. H. Johnston, Adjutant; J. M. Himes, Senior Vice-Commander: 1. A. Sut- ton, Junior Vice-Commander; A. S. Bailey, Surgeon; I. S. Hathaway, Quartermaster; L. L. Goole, Officer of the Day: George R. Sheets, Chaplain. The post has thirty-two members, and meets each Wednesday even- ing on or before each fall moon.
The first physician here was J. B. Wilson, now of Creston. He came here in 1869, and remained till 1872. R. II. Johnston came in 1869, and has been in practice ever since; is the present postinaster. E. Henderson came to Cromwell seven years ago, and has been in practice since. A. S. Bailey has been in practice five years, though in the drug busi- ness for a longer time.
The business firms of Cromwell in August, 1886, are: Bayles & Barr, general store; L. D. Blosser, blacksmith; A. S. Bailey, physician and druggist; F. B. Cochran, gro- cery, meat market and restaurant; E. S. Cresswell, general store; Mrs. Rebecca Coch- ran, hotel; James Gault. grain and coal; Mrs. Greeson, millinery; E. Henderson, physician; R. IL. Johnston, physician and postmaster; S. M. Johnston, harness, boots and shoes; II. Murphy, general store; W. C. McDonald, mill and elevator; Phelps & Pickering, gro- cery; G. S. Pickering, wagon maker; W. M. Sparr, hardware and building material; J. S. Van Doren, grain buyer; Mrs. P. O. Wright, Weaver.
THAYER
is the station farthest east in the county, on the Chicago, Burlington & Quiney Railroad, being located in Jones Township, two miles west of the Clarke County line. It was laid out about the year 1868, the first house being erected by J. II. Reed in October of that year.
The carly merchants of the place were Gib.
John A. Adams Post, No. 195. G. A. R., son & Clarke, Darnam & Raymond, James
Griffin, R. H. Atkinson, La Favre & Atkin. . Catholics have held services a' irregular times sou and George Guy. The first hotel was sir .: 1873, when a small church was built a" this point. Abont twenty families belong to this parish. Father Alvin, of Greston, is the priest in charge. run by J. C. Luca .. The present proprictor is John Loy. The first physician was A. J. Guthrie, who remained until 1874, then went to a medical school, and afterward died at Thayer has a Masonic lodge and a district school. The population does not exceed 100. The business firms of Is86 are: Afton. Dr. James Evans was here one year, and is now in Nebraska. Dr. F. J. Patehin was here 1880-'S, and is now at Nichols, Nebraska. Dr. M. B. Coletrain has now been a resident practitioner for two years.
The Evangelical Church was organized in 1871, and purchased & baffling that had been erceted for a town hall. It was in an un- finished state. The pastors have been Revs. D. H. Kooker, now of Des Moines, who of- ganized the church. E. E. Banta, S. W. Kipplinger, Jacob Rank. J. M. Johnson, S. Hoover, W. King. S. Krell, W. Kleinfelter, William Bates and J. McCauley. In 1871, during the administration of S. W. Kimplinon.
Burd Bros., general merchandise, grain and coal; M. B. Coletrain, physician: Richard Douglas, station agent; Richard Elliott, Ohio House; Hendricks & Strep, general merchan- dise, grain and coal; John Loy, hotel; S. S. Morrow, hardware and agricultural imple- ments; J. C. Stout, postmaster Zahler & Geddes, blacksmiths.
KENT.
Kent is a station on the Creston branch. Two passenger and four freight trains pass here daily. The village contains two general the church was completed and dedicated. . stores, one grocery, one blacksmith shop, Services are held every two weeks. The ; one wagon shop, and about seventy-five in- present membership is twenty-eight. The . habitants.
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