Biographical history of Page County, Iowa, containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each; a condensed history of Iowa, with portraits and biographies of the governors of the state; engravings of prominent citizens of Page County, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families; and a concise history of the county, the cities, and the townships, Part 43

Author: Lewis and Dunbar, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis & Dunbar
Number of Pages: 946

USA > Iowa > Page County > Biographical history of Page County, Iowa, containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each; a condensed history of Iowa, with portraits and biographies of the governors of the state; engravings of prominent citizens of Page County, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families; and a concise history of the county, the cities, and the townships > Part 43

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).

AMITY COLLEGE .*

This successful institution of learning is located at College Springs and in Amnity Township, Page County, Iowa. A colony was first contemplated in the early part of 1853, by tlie Rev. B. F. Haskins, who suc- ceeded in interesting various other influential persons in the enterprise. The original idea was the establishment of a colony of Chris- tian families on a plan that should insure a " permanent fund for an institution of learn- ing of a reformatory character." To bring about this end a circular was issued, headed, ' A PLAN FOR A COLONY OF REFORMERS." Among other arguments set forth in this cir- cular were the subjoined:

" The State of Iowa and Territory of Min- nesota present to the the Christian's view a large field of promising usefulness. Here are large tracts of land as yet, alniost, with- out an occupant, which will soon be occupied and thickly inhabited; and this appears to be the spring-time, preparatory for sowing thie seeds of truth, with the prospect of an abun-

*These data were selected by the present President

424

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

dant harvest; thus the infancy of those parts which are yet to receive character; and now, by timely effort, with the guidance and bless- ing of God, a character will be given that will promise security and permanence to the cause of Christ; and to do this, as far as may be, it is proposed that a colony be fornied for religious and educational purposes. Individ- uals who may feel like engaging in the un- dertaking, are to become shareholders. One hundred dollars shall constitute a share. When $7,000 have been subscribed, a com- mittee shall be chosen by the shareholders. The business of such committee shall be to explore the unoccupied parts of Iowa or Missouri, or both, as may be thoughit nec- essary for the suitable location of the pro- posed colony. * *

* The land purchased shall be Government land, and in the most suitable portion of such tract shall be laid out a town. The remainder to be platted into ten, twenty and forty-acre lots. So much of the land as shall be necessary to pay off the shareholders shall be appraised at $5 per acre, and every shareholder may re- ceive, in land at valuation price, to the amount of his share. To each share there shall be attached a scholarship of five years' gratuitous instruction in the institution of learning that may be established from the fund raised as proposed, which may be used, rented, or sold at the pleasure of the share- holder. * *

* The institution shall be of such character as to give both sexes the opportunity to obtain a liberal education. The manual-labor system shall be encouraged and entered into as far as practicable."

This circular succeeded in arousing an in- telligent interest in the enterprise, and the friends of the movement hield several meet- ings. In the latter part of Marclı, 1854, a committee consisting of W. J. Woods, James McQuinn and B. F. Haskins, was appointed

to explore those portions of Iowa deemed most desirable for the location of such a col- ony. This exploring tour began April 12, 1854, and extended over Black Hawk, Wash- ington, Keokuk, Iowa, Benton, Linn, Buch- anan, Clark, Tama, Marshall, Jasper, Polk and Warren counties. In Black Hawk County they met Aaron Dow, who agreed to put in $1,000 if they would change the stipulated appraisment of lands from $5 to $2.50 per acre, which was done at their next meeting.

In February, 1855, the capital of the com- pany was increased from $7,000 to $30,000 and the name changed to the " Western Indus- trial and Scientific Association." At that meeting were elected for officers: President, Rev. J. Cross; Corresponding Secretary, George Davis; Treasurer, W. J. Woods.

Two months later on B. F. Haskins, W. R. Powers and J. E. Branscom were ap- pointed to explore Kansas, north Missouri and southern Iowa. They reported in favor of the latter section, and a new committee located lands and filed articles of incorpora- tion and then made the name Amity College. The first trustees were: J. T. Atkinson, Benj. F. Haskins, John Cross, William R. Powers, Aaron Dow, Mark Morse, W. J. Woods. In January, 1856, the names of Silas Thomas, C). Adams, Andrew Turney and W. A. Bates were added. Silas Thompson was chosen President; B. F. Haskins, Secretary, and Mark Morse, Treasurer of the Board.

W. J. Woods, Mark Morse and Joseph Cornforth attended to the survey of the lands and town site, called " Amity," now College Springs.

For the purpose of forever preventing the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors, the shareholders instructed the board to in- sert in every deed of land and town lot a provision effectually prohibiting the same,

425

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

and no liquors have ever been handled on these lands.

In 1859 the college owned nearly 7,000 acres of land; in Page County it had 1,665 acres; in Cass Connty, 680 acres; in Missouri, 4,600 acres. The only building owned at that date was a frame structure 22 x 28 feet, one- story high. During that year, however, a brick structure 40 x 50 feet, two-stories high, was commenced.

The first class in the academic department was organized in 1857, by Prof. George P. Kimball, of Wheaton, Illinois. The number of students was thirty, three-fourths being males. At the close of the year Prof. Kim- ball was forced to resign on account of his health. He was succeeded by Prof. Armour, a New York man and an excellent edncator, and built np a lively interest, but unfortu- nately the trustees dismissed him at the end of a year and engaged Prof. William Nelson to fill the vacancy. Prof. Armour at once organized a " select school," and soon drew many pupils from the college. This folly soon ended, and Prof. Armour was, together with his wife, re-engaged in the college, in 1860. He remained two years, and failing health caused him to return to New York State. With this the academic character of the college ceased. From 1862 to 1864 the college was absorbed in the public schools. Nothing was accomplished in 1865, bnt the year following a new plan was adopted, and the property leased for five years by a com- pany of men, who assumed all financial re- sponsibility. These men engaged Prof. Ar- inour and lady to conduct the school, hoping it would prove a success. But such was not true, and at the end of the third year Prof, Armour took the school for what he could realize from it.

In 1871 the school was again organized under the contral of the Trustees, witlı Ham-

ilton White as president. Another change was made in the winter: Rev. Marion Mor- rison took charge of affairs, continning until the year's end.

The time had come when some decisive act must be taken. The college had spent fifteen year's history and had made no great mark in the educational world. So again the trustees stepped to the front, determined this time to make the correct move. The Rev. A. T. McDill, A. M., was selected for the controlling light and proved very successful. He was a gradnate of Monmouth (Illinois) College, a man of high character and scholarly attain- ments. He became president in the autumn of 1872, and at once organized on a collegiate basis. Scholars came in rapidly and the school demanded the services of Prof. Grimes, of Iowa College. In 1876 more building room was needed and the north and southi wings were added; they were 23 x 30 feet. In 1876-'77 the attendance was 106. At the close of 1877, after five years' toil, President McDill re- signed, when Rev. S. C. Marshall took his mantle. He graduated at Muskingum Col- lege, Ohio, in 1856; also at the Theological Seminary at Alleghany City, Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1860.

In the spring of 1883, Rev. S. C. Marshall resigned the presidency of Amity College. In August of the same year the board elected tlie Rev. T. J. Kennedy, D. D., President, who took charge September 1, of that year, and still continues in the office.

Dr. Kennedy was born in Pennsylvania, in 1832, was graduated at Franklin College, Ohio, in 1852, at the United Presbyterian Theological Seminary of Xenia, Ohio, in 1858; served in the pastorate at Jamestown, Fredericksburg, Olio, Steubenville, Ohio, and Des Moines, Iowa. His experience in teach- ing, first in the common schools, and after- terward in academies and a ladies' seminary

426

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

which he conducted successfully, and finally at Amity College, altogether extended over eighteen years. From his alma mater he received the title of A. M. in 1856, from Westminster College the title of D. D. in 1877, and in 1888 was chosen Fellow of the "Society of Science, Letters and Art," of London.

Under his adminstration Amity College has been making progress and widening her influence every year. The course of study was revised in 1883 and enlarged; the disci- pline of the college, which seemed very lax, was brought up to the required grade of efficiency, and in 1885 the commercial de- partment was instituted. In 1888 a financial agent, the Rev. W. A. Campbell, was ap- pointed, who immediately went to work to increase the endowinent fund, and still con- tinues to prosecnte the work. Under his agency the endowment has been raised to about $40,000.

New college buildings were erected in 1883, not large but very handsome, commo- dious and comfortable. They are neatly finished and furnished, heated throughout by steam.

Meantime, large additions have been made to the museum, which now numbers 4,000 specimens, classified and neatly labeled, and to the college library, which numbers 2,000 volumes. The apparatus, too, since 1883, has received valuable additions, and the general appearance of the college grounds, or campus, has been greatly improved.

In 1884 the literary societies, by recom- mendation of the president, were disbanded and new societies, under new constitutions, were organized, whichi still continue in a prosperous condition. This year (1890), the new catalogue shows another revision and en- largement of the course of study, adding one year more to the scientific course, and making

all the courses equal to those of any first-class college, either East or West.

The present faculty, whose names are given below, have been selected with the greatest care and each professor and teacher is a specialist in his own department. It is the purpose of the present management to keep up the high standard and reputation of the college for the best government, the best scholarship, the best teaching and training as well as the best development and culture, all of the best moral character.

At present this college maintains six de- partments - Classical, Scientific, Normal, Commercial, Musical and Art, and is patron- ized by over 300 students. The following persons constitute the present faculty : Rev. T. J. Kennedy, D. D., F. S. Sc., President, and Professor of Mental and Moral Philoso- phy and Latin.

S. S. Maxwell, M. S., Professor of Natural Science.

E. B. Skinner, A. M., Professor of Mathe- matics and Political Science.

L. A. Sahlstrom, A. M., Professor of Greek and Modern Languages.

Mrs. Adelaide Coe Skinner, Ph. U., Professor of English Literature and Didac- tics

Miss Hallie Patrick, Instructor in Prepara- tory branches; Miss Jennie Littell, Instructor in Painting and Drawing.

O. J. Penrose M. Acct's, Principal of Amity Commercial College and Professor of Book-keeping, Commercial Law and Business Practice.

Miss Hallie Patrick, B. Mus., Instructor in Instrumental Music.

Mrs. O. J. Penrose, Instructor in Elocu- tion, Type writing and Short-hand.

Miss Damaris Wright, Instructor in Vocal Music and Voice Culture.

Ernest B. Skinner, A. M., Librarian.

427

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

Rev. W. A. Campbell, A. M., Financial Agent.

F. W. Dunlap, Principal of Academy at Greenwood, Missouri.

This college was chartered under the laws of the State, in 1871, with university powers, and has anthority to confer all academic de- grees and honors. The Alumni now number nearly 100.

A flourishing academy, subordinate to the college, is conducted at Greenwood, Missouri, by Prof. F. W. Dunlap, an Amity student.

The present board of trustees are: J. A. Reid, President; T. A. Prest, Secretary ; J. W. Mckinley, Treasurer; C. B. McClelland, Christopher Hart, George Mccullough, A. B. Milner, Rev. M. B. Sharp, Frederick Nelson, J. B. Laughlin.

428

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

BUCHANAN TOWNSHIP.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

B UCHANAN, one of the earliest settled parts of Page County, is now confined to congressional township 67, range 36 west, and contains about thirty-two sections of land, a portion of the lower tier of sec- tions being cut by the Missouri State line, on account of variations in the several boundary surveys. Buchanan is south of East River Township, west of Taylor County, north of Missouri State line and east of Amity Town- ship. It derived its name from an army officer who was drowned near Hawleyville, about 1833, while trying to cross a stream in higli-water time. For many years subse. quent to its organization, the south half of its domain was included in and paid tribute to the State of Missouri, until by act of Con- gress the matter was finally settled and the present southern boundary line established.

The township is watered and drained by the Nodaway rivers and Buchanan Creek. The East and West Nodaway form a junction on section 7. There is considerable broken land in the township and a good amount of native forests, within which the first settle- ments were effected.

At first Buchanan embraced the south half of the county and Nodaway Township the northern half, but Buchanan assumed its

present forin and size in October, 1860, by order of County Judge Swinton, who cut it down to its present territory by making otlier civil townships.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

It is in this township (as now defined) that we find the first events of settlement in Page County. It was here that the white man ventured to make for himself a habitation even before the Indian wigwams had all dis- appeared. The honor-for such it is-of effecting the first settlement in the county- likewise Buchanan Township-belongs to the Farrens family. D. M. Farrens claims G. W. and H. D. Farrens came to Buchanan Township in 1841, and that he (David Farrens) came in 1842; but records in the hands of H. D. Farrens show that the settle- inent was made in 1842: hence the settle- ment of the three Farrens must have been made in 1843. However, many still contend, and may be correct that the first settlement dates froni 1841. William Hardee, who came-he says-March 28, 1842, and settled on section 1, believes the first settlement should be 1841. The location of the first house was on section 27 and it still stands.

429

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

Larkin Thompson moved into the township about the same time that Hardee came.

In 1845 Pike Davidson, Jacob Bottenfelt, John Snodgrass, Robert Snodgrass, Daniel and John Duncan, came about the same time.

John Griffey and Thomas Nixson came in 1850.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first person born of white parents in this township and county was Oliver Perry Hardee, generally known as Perry Hardee, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Hardee, born September 16, 1842.

The first white woman in this township and the county was Miss Elizabeth Farley, who married William Hardee. She was also the mother of the first child.

The first marriage was that of George Far- rens to Miss Martha Holland, November 12, 1844.

The first postoffice in Buchanan Township was established in 1851, known as Center postoffice. G. W. Farrens was first post- master.

The first settler to go on the prairie to make a home was Samnel Nixson. The tim- ber-men all told him he would freeze or starve to death, but forty years have rolled by and still he lives and is among the most prosperous men of Page County. He drove fat steers to St. Joe, Missouri, thirty years ago and sold them at $3.00 per hundred.

He also planted the first vineyard in Page County.

The first trail ever broken by a white man was in 1843, when G. W. Farrens, one wet season, hitched four yoke of oxen to a tree- top and dragged it over hill and dale to Mary- ville, Missouri.

Mr. Farrens is peculiarly situated, as he has lived in two States, three counties and two townships and yet never removed. It has come about on account of the Iowa-Mis-

souri boundary line trouble and the re-organ- izing of townships.

SCHOOLS.

Though not even fairly educated them. selves, many unable to read and write, yet the first settlers saw the need of schools, and in 1844 a log school-house was built on sec- tion 26, in which bothi school and occasional religious services were held. From that re- mote day to this the good people of Buchanan have always been foremost in promoting educational inatters in Page County.

In 1890 the total enrollment of pupils was 236. There are seven excellent school build- ings in the township. The best of teachers are employed.

RELIGIOUS.

The clergy early found its way into the wilds of Buchanan Township, at first being represented by Rev. Johnson, of the Meth- odist faitlı, who held the first religious serv- ice at the house of Ephraimn Johnson.

The Three Forks Nodaway Baptist Church was organized May 16, 1858, by Rev. S. J. Lowe. The original members were: W. P. Dougherty, I. E. Stout, Willis Allenbaugh, E. Dougherty, Nancy Stout, Ann Miller, Elizabethı Allenbauglı.

Among those who preached for this society were Revs. Lowe, Lambert, Cobb, Bullock and Simmons. In 1880 the church had a membership of forty-two, but at present it is not in a flourishing condition.

For further church history see " Town of Braddyville."

TOWN OF BRADDYVILLE.

This is the most important trading point in the township. A small plat was laid out at an early day by Mr. Braddy. The present plat was effected and made a inatter of pub- lic record in June, 1878-the year in which

430

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway was built through from Clarinda to Burling- ton Junction, Missouri. Its platter was James Braddy. It is located on section 36, and on the bank of the Nodaway River, which affords a mill power at this point. It is now an incorporated place, having a population of about 200 people. It is one of the oldest trading points in the county. There has been a store, a postoffice and blacksmith shop for over thirty years. Among the early dealers here were William Beach, who ran a store in a log house some time late in the " '50s." He was followed by T. B. Blackford, R. H. Dunn, R. C. Mason & Son. John Hart & Co. came in 1875 and are still there.

RAILWAY ERA.

The coming of the railway marked a new era for Braddyville, and in 1879-'80 Good & Gottbrecht were the general merchandise dealers at that time.

In 1880, Dale & Collins opened a hard-

ware store. Butler Brothers and David Dows & Co. bought grain. Hotelling & Crane handled lumber. A. H. Loddington dealt first in furniture. The first to deal in drugs was Raudabaugh & Lawrence. The pioneer hotel was run by J. W. Martin. John Gram, shoe shop; John Castle, harness maker; Stuart Henderson, blacksmith; M. Reed, wagon shop; Mrs. Good and Casy Smith, milliners; Dale & Carson, agricult- ural goods; Blackford & Failyer, livery business.

POSTOFFICE.

A postoffice was established at an early day. William Krout was an early postmaster and was succeeded in the following order: T. B. Blackford, David Kelly, George Kelly, L. C. Lawrence, John Hart, L. C. Lawrence. The office was made a money-order station July 21, 1884. The first order was for $17.20,

sent by John M. King to Sol. Gray, at Will- iamsburgh, Kansas. The number of orders issued to this date is 980, with 1,656 postal notes.

INCORPORATION.

Braddyville became an incorporated town in 1880. The mayors have been as follows:

T. B. Blackford .. . . . 1880 H. A. Black. 1885

C. W. Reece .. . . . .. .1881 H. A. Black. 1886

G. W. Raudabaugh .. 1882 H, A. Black 1887

J. G. Williams. . . . .. 1883 J. B. Crain. 1888

Charles T. German . . 1884 J. B. Crain. 1889

The present town officials are: Mayor, J. B. Crain; Recorder, John Hart; Treasurer, J. B. Crain; Assessor, A. McClure; Councilmen, P. H. Freiermuth, A. F. Large, C. C. White, J. G. Williams, J. Burch, George McCowen.

DEALERS OF 1890.

General Merchandise .- John Hart & Son, J. J. Freiermutlı.

Hardware .- Gray & White.

Drugs .- L. C. Lawrence.

Grocer .- John West.

Furniture .- Gray & White.

Hotel .- D. Furgeson.

Livery .- Lawrence & Dow.

Meat Shop .- J. M. Tinnell.

Blacksmiths .- S. Henderson, William R. Jackson.

Wagon Shop .- William R. Jackson.

Shoe Shop .- Jolin Gram. Agricultural Goods .- Gray & White, - - Freiermuth.

Bank .- J. B. Crain.

Lumber .- J. B. Crain.

Grain .- Gray & White, M. F. Nichols.

Millinery .- Mrs. Laura Hiler, Mrs. James Failyer.

Physicians .- Dr. A. F. Large, Dr. J. G. Williams.

Mills .-- P. H. Freiermuth.

Newspaper .- Braddyville " News." Tin Shop .- Harvey Williams.

431

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

Barber Shop .-- John West. Charcoal Works .- Jolin West.

The Braddyville News commenced its issue January 1, 1890. It is a six-column paper, printed at Clermont, Iowa,-half devoted to each town. Its proprietors are Miller & Grosvenor, who intend putting in printing material at Braddyville soon.

The mill at this point is a very old one, and one over which the former builder had a long train of litigation with one Lummery, who dammed the Nodaway at another point, and the back-water ruined one of the mill- sites. The case went to the Supreme Court and nearly financially wrecked both parties, but finally it was decided in favor of Mr. Braddy. The present owner will soon put in operation tlie " roller system."

The Bank of Braddyville was opened in 1880 by Good & Webster, who in 1881 sold to Crain, Jefferson and Co., and in May, 1889, J. B. Crain bought the concern and carrics on banking business in a small way, coupling insurance and other branches with it.

SCHOOLS.

The first school-house was erected in 1873 -a one-story 24 x 34 feet frame house, which stood on the bank of the river. The present school building was erected in 1884, at a cost of $2,500. It is 46 x 56 feet, two-stories

high. The present enrollment of pupils is sixty.

METHODIST CHURCH.

Methodism is an old institution hereabonts. Its early history cannot here be noted, but after the railway was -built a few years a neat frame edifice was constructed, 30 x 50 feet, at a cost of $1,500. The present membership is fifty. Among the ministers who have served may be mentioned, Revs. Charles Bur- ley, Adair, Rawls, Flemming and Buckner.

ODD FELLOWS.

College Springs Lodge, No. 228, was re- moved from College Springs in 1879. It reached at one time sixty members, but on account of new lodges at Coin and Blanchard, it now has only twenty-six members. The present officers are: J. B. Crain, N. G .; S. Henderson, V. G .; S. Mann, Treasurer; H. W. Lyons, Recording Secretary.

The Lodge owns their own hall, over Hart's store.

MORSEMAN AND CROOKS.

These were platted towns, on the line of the Wabash Railway, which line was abandoned in 1890 and pulled up. Morseman's plat was on section 17, while Crooks' was on sec- tion 29. The plats are at this date about to be vacated.

CICHOM

٠٠٧٠

& 9 Briller

MrButter

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.

433

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,

ON. WILLIAM BUTLER, one of Page County's foremost and truly represent- ative leaders, is introduced to the reader in this connection.

In sketching the career of a useful and eventful life one [finds no easy task. Unlike the man who has slipped noiselessly through life's warfare and distinguished alone in some oue particular role, is the individual whose influence has touched every branch of trade that comes in the march of a third of a cent- ury, and of whom too much can not be said. Every man makes a record, and all should (and generally do) liave credit for their full measure of superiority, influence and useful- ness. If it is not recorded in print, the traits of character men admire because of their no- bleness and actual worth to the world, are never lost, but are seen springing up in other lives and deeds.

All men have influence and in the degree that they are strong-minded, to such a degree are they felt and duly appreciated by their fellow-man. The lives of men become mer- itorious and recognized as great (in their sphere) by what they have accomplished and not by any fanciful theory they may have entertained and fostered, as the idol of their

heart. Many a well-schooled philosophier was captivated by the wonderful workings of what we call electricity, but none went down in his- tory as great, until Franklin, Morse, and our more modern Edison, left theory and brought to the world practical results which to-day are seen and read by all men. Suffice to say that men attain to true greatness in that they do something for the benefit of themselves and also for the masses with whom they mingle; their works stand as everlasting monuments, in the shadow of which mere marble shafts dwindle into utter insignificance.

No man is better, and also more favorably known by his works, of both a private and public nature, in all Southwestern Iowa, than Hon. William Butler. Especially may Page County point with pride to him of whom this notice is written, and within the space allotted for reviewing the career of so eventful a life, the writer becomes baffled in selecting the most prominent features of his subject history, each seeming to have special bearing upon his well- rounded lifework. However, the reader inay be better enabled to fathom the cause for the inaturing of so successful a man, by first ac- quainting himself with his ancestry, birth- place and earlier years. Mr. Butler was born

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Author: Lewis and Dunbar, Chicago, pub Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis & Dunbar Number of Pages: 946

Author: Lewis and Dunbar, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis & Dunbar
Number of Pages: 946