History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 110

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1316

USA > Iowa > Butler County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 110
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 110

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SEC. 10. The society shall hold annually, on the first Wednesday and Thursday of October, a cattle show and general fair. The place of hold- ing said fair to be designated by the board of managers.

The board of managers shall have power to call extra or special meetings, by publishing notice of the time and place of said meeting in the newspapers of the county, for at least two successive weeks previous to the time of holding of such meetings. Seven members shall consti- tute a quorum for the transaction of business.

SEC. 11. The board of managers shall have annually, a meeting on the first Monday of July, for the purpose of appointing committees on premiums.

SEC. 12. The fiscal year of this society shall commence on the first day of January, and close

on the last day. of December, of each year, at which time the terms and duties of all the of- ficers elected at the annual elections shall close; and the officers elect shall take their place, at which time also the books, records, papers and other property of the society shall be, trans- ferred in proper order, by the out-going officers, to their successors, and the terms and duties of the officers elected at the semi-annual election shall close on the last day of June, and the offi- cers elect shall commence on the first day of July, each year; provided that all officers shall hold their places until their successors are elected

SEC. 13. This constitution may be amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members present, at any annual meeting of the society, provided that notice has been given at a previous regular meeting, that said proposed amendments will be presented.

FIRST FAIR.

The first County Agricultural Fair was held at Waverly, on the 7th and 8th days of October, 1857. The premiums con- sisted mostly of diplomas, several copies of the Northwestern Farmer, and of cash of different amounts, ranging from fifty cents up to $3.00. Chinese sugar-cane and superior blooded stock were especially no- ticeable entries.

BREMER COUNTY FARMERS' CLUB.

This association was organized on the 16th of March, 1870, at Waverly. W. H. Jay was elected president, and Jonathan Freeman, secretary. The object of this as- sociation was also to advance the members in agricultural pursuits and enlightenment as to farm knowledge. Others who were interested in founding it, beside the officers named, were W. H. Jordan, B. M. Reeves, W. P. Harris, Norman Reeves,

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

and others. Meetings were held once each month at Lashbrook's Hall, in Wa- verly, and for a time, quite an interest was manifested in its welfare; quite a library was accumulated, but finally the novelty wore off, and its members did not evince interest sufficient to support it, and the library was turned over to the Grange, or Patrons of Husbandry, and the organiza- tion cased to exist. The Grange has since turned the collection of books over to the city of Waverly.

BREMER COUNTY INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

This association was organized and in- corporated at Waverly, on the 21st of June, 1875. Among the incorporators were C. C. Keeney, W. H. Smith, Ed Knott, H. S. Burr, J. B. Barber, Frank Bulckens and Peter Fosselmann. The articles adopted declared that the corporation should con- tinue for the space of twenty years, but should have the right to perpetual succes- sion; it should have a common seal and. have the right to sue and be sued. The capital was fixed at $10,000, but the power was left that it might be increased at any regular meeting of the stockholders. The first officers chosen were as follows: Ed- ward Knott, president; G. W. Nash, secre- tary; N. B. Ridgway, first vice-president; Henry Heine, second vice-president; direc- tors, J. B. Barber, Amon Fortner, Peter Fosselmann, Clark Fairfield, M. M. Wat- kins, R. S. Bentley. The secretary and treasurer were required to give bonds in the sum of $3,000, to be approved by the president.

Section nine of the by-laws adopted, de- clared that "the capital stock should be divided into shares of $100 each, and the

certificates issued therefor should be transferable by endorsement, when re- corded by the secretary.

The first fair of the association was held in the fall of 1875, at Waverly, and was in every sense, a decided success. The officers named managed this exhibition. Every year since that time a fair has been lield with like success.

The Eighth Annual Fair of the associa- tion was held at Waverly on the 19th, 20th, 21st and 22d days of September, 1882. An extensive and liberal premium list was prepared and the fair was largely attended and interesting.

The officers at the time-who are the present ones-are as follows:

President, Ed Knott; vice-president, J. H. Bowman; vice-president, W. L. Stock- well; secretary, W. R. Bowman; treasurer, H. S. Burr; directors, Ed Knott, George Stephenson, S. R. Hunt, Henry Heine, L. L. Lush, J. C. Garner and E. Taylor.

THE BREMER COUNTY FARMERS' MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY.

By Matthew Farrington.

At a county meeting of the Granges in Bremer county, held sometime during the fall of 1874, M. Farrington, of Maple Grange, spoke upon the subject of fire and lightning insurance. He insisted that there should be in this county, a Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company. He declared that he had paid his last dollar to enrich a stockholding insurance company and that when his present policy expired, if no farmers' company was organized, he should be an insurance company by him- self, that he would be the president and his wife the treasurer. David High, of

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

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Janesville Grange, and C. R. Hastings, of White Oak Grange, endorsed the senti- ment uttered.

His remarks resulted in the appointment by the meeting, of a committee of three, eonsisting of M. Farrington, of Maple Grange, David High, of Janesville Grange, and Charles R. Hastings, of White Oak Grange, to draft and report a plan for a Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company. The committee was so widely seattered that there was not opportunity for conference, and therefore that labor was performed by the first named.

At a future meeting of the Granges, held during the winter of 1874-5, the re- port, signed by all the committee, was read by the chairman, and, after discus- sion, was endorsed by the meeting. This meeting, on motion, authorized M. Far- rington to call a public meeting for the purpose of organizing sueh a company.

A meeting for the purpose of organiz- ing a Farmers' Mutual Insurance Com- pany was called at Tripoli, Martinsburg, March 9, 1875. At this meeting, Hon. John Chapin was ehosen ehairman, and M. Farrington, seeretary. The plan drawn up was discussed, but, owing to the un- favorable weather and the few in attend- anee, it was judged not proper to organ- ize, and the meeting adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock, A. M., March 23d, 1875, at school house No. 9, in Warren Towil- ship.

Again the weather was not propitious, still the attendance was better than at the previous meeting. Truman Churchill was chosen ehairman, and M. Farrington seeretary. The articles of association and by-laws, reported by M. Farrington were

diseussed and adopted separately. The meeting then proceeded to the election of offieers for the first year with the follow- ing result: M. Farrington, president; Isaac Trumbauer, vice-president; Israel Freeman, secretary; Jonathan Freeman, treasurer; W. W. Beal, T. Churchill and C. A. Mohling, direetors.

The two last named were not members of the Grange. The viee-president was a member of Palm Grange; the seeretary and treasurer were members of Waverly Grange, and W. W. Beal was a member of Franklin Grange.

The articles provided that the company should not be responsible for any losses until $100,000 worth of property was in- sured. It required some time to be pre- pared with the necessary books, and blanks before polieies could be obtained. The see- retary and viee-president were put to work to survey and insure, and on the 5th of the following May, the risks exceeded $100,000. On that day the officers published a pro- elamation stating, that from that day, the company would be responsible for loss or damage by fire or lightning, to any mem- ber of the association. After this the surveys were made by the secretary. The amount of risks were continually increas- ing as farmers beeame aware of the exis- tenee of the organization.

The first annual meeting was held at school house No. 8, in Warren, Mareh 4, 1876. The officers eleeted were: M. Far- rington, president; C. A. Mohling, vice- president; Jonathan Freeman, secretary; Benjamin Areher, treasurer; John Mohl- ing, W. W. Beal, Henry Klages, direetors.

On October 24, 1876, the risks of the Company amounted to $491,600.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

On March 3, 1877, the second annual meeting was held. The officers elected were as follows: M. Farrington, presi- dent; C. A. Mohling, vice-president; Jon- athan Freeman, secretary; B. Archer, treasurer; John Mohling, Henry Lehmann, W. W. Beal, directors.

At this meeting the Articles were amended so as to hold the annual meeting on the first Saturday in October.

On October 6, 1877, the third annual meeting was held. The officers elected were: M. Farrington, president: C. A. Mohling, vice-president; Jonathan 'Free- man, secretary; Wm. Cornforth, Treasurer; W. P. Sterling, A. Carstensen, C. R. Hast- ings, directors.

On January 1, 1878, the risks amounted to $777,440.

The fourth annual meeting, (October 5, 1878,) elected the following officers, viz :--- M. Farrington, president; C. A. Mohling, vice-president; Jonathan Freeman, secre- tary; W. Cornforth, treasurer; A. Cars- tensen, J. Kasemeier, C. R. Hastings, directors.

On January 1, 1879, the risks in force amounted to $1,015,690.

The fifth annual meeting (October 4, 1879,) elected the following officers, viz :-- M. Farrington, president; C. A. Moliling, vice-president; Jonathan Freeman, secre- tary; Benjamin Archer, treasurer; A. Carstensen, John McRae, C. R. Hastings, directors. ^

Risks in force January 1, 1880, amounted to $1,254,935.

The sixth annual meeting (October 2, 1880,) was without the required quorum, and by the Articles of Association the same officers held for the ensuing year.

Risks in force January 1, 1881, amounted. to $1,322,545.

The seventh annual meeting (October 1, 1881,) elected: M. Farrington, president; C. A. Mohling, vice-president; Jonathan Freeman, secretary; Thomas Lashbrook, treasurer; A. Carstensen, John McRae, C. R. Hastings, directors.,

Risks in force, January 1, 1882, amoun- ted to $1,375,095, and exceeded the amount of any similar company in the State.

On the 6th day of March following, Mr. Freeman, in consequence of severe and protracted illness, tendered his resignation to the board of directors, of the office of secretary. He had long, faithfully and acceptably performed the duties, being annually.and unanimously elected. The board, though regretting the necessity, felt compelled to accept; looking about for some one to fill the vacancy, they desired the president to take that position. He therefore tendered his resignation which was accepted, and he was at once chosen secretary for the remainder of the term. Mr. Freeman was then chosen president for the remainder of the term, but his health not permitting him to discharge the duties, they were performed by the vice- president.

The seventh annual meeting (October 7, 1882), elected the following officers, viz: C. R. Hastings, president; C. A. Mohlings, vice-president; M. Farrington, secretary; Thomas Lashbrook, treasurer; S. F. Shepard, O. C. Harrington and A. Carstensen, directors.

The company, still leading all similar insurance companies in the State of Iowa, carried risks on January 1, 1883, amount- ing to $1,510,830. .-

Me Farringtone

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

CHAPTER XVI

OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.

One of the most enjoyable affairs is the re-union of the pioneers of any given locality. For the purpose of providing for stated re-unions, associations of old settlers are formed in almost every county throughout the length and breadth of the land; especially is this true in all the States west of the Allegheny mountains- States that have been settled during the present century. These associations have done and are doing much for the preserva- tion of historical events, and as such are surely commendable. The lessons of the past teach us the duties pertaining to the future. The fires of patriotism, the love of country or of home, is strengthened by a narration of such important events as tend to stir the blood or quicken to life those divine affections in man. Many a youth has chosen the life of a soldier from reading the accounts of the great battles and glorious deeds of an Alexander, a Hannibal, a Napoleon, a Wellington, or our own brave and noble Washington. The lists of statesmen have been aug- mented by the example of a Pitt, a Web- ster, a Clay, or Calhoun. Patriotism and love of country have been awakened by reading the sublime utterances of Patrick Henry, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. The love of home, love of parents and

kindred have been strengthened by oft- told tales of aged fathers or mothers, especially of that pioneer father or mother, who toiled early and late, hard and long, in order to give their descendants the priceless boon of a home of plenty and of peace, of refinement and love for God and humanity.

The pioneers, in gathering together in these annual re-unions, seem to live over again the early days. Their eyes sparkle and they grow young as the fading remi- niscences of other days are recalled. As well stated by a speaker-himself a pio- neer-at a meeting in a neighboring county:

"You come together with varied emo- tions. Some of you, almost at the foot of lite's hill, look back and upward at the path you have trod, while others, who have just reached life's summit, gaze down into the valley of tears with many a hope and fear. You, gray-headed fathers, have done your work; you have done it well; and now, as the sunset of life is closing around you, you are given the rare boon of enjoyment, the fruits of your own labor. You can see the land won by your own right arm from its wilderness state, and from a savage foe, pass to your children, and your children's children -- literally 'a land flowing with milk and

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

honey;' a land over which hovers the white-robed angels of religion and peace; a land fairer and brighter and more glorious than any other land beneath the blue arch , of Heaven. You have done your work well, and when the time of rest shall come, you will sink to the dreamless re- pose with the calm consciousness of duty done.

"In this hour let memory assert her strongest sway; tear aside the thin veil that shrouds in gloom the misty past; call up before you the long-forgotten scenes of years ago; live over once again the toils, the struggles, the hopes and fears of other days. Let this day be a day sacred to the memory of the olden time. In that olden · time there are, no doubt, scenes of sadness, as well as of joy. Perhaps you remember standing by the bedside of a loved and cherished, but dying wife-one who, in the days of her youth and beauty, when you proposed to her to seek a home in a new, wild land, took your hand in hers and spoke to you in words like this: 'Whither thou goest, I will go, and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; when thou diest I will die, and there will I be buried; the Lord do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part me and thee.' Or, perhaps, some brave boy, stricken down in the pride of his strength; or some gentle daughter, fading away in her glori- ous beauty; or some little prattling babe, folding its weary eyes in the 'dreamless sleep.' If so-if there are memories like these, and the unbidden tear wells up to the eye, let it come, and to-day one and all shed a tear or two to the memory of the 'loved and lost.' "

FIRST MEETING.

Pursuant to notice published in the county papers, about one hundred of the old settlers of Bremer county met at Lash- brook's Hall, in Waverly, on the 29th of March, 1873, for the purpose of renewing acquaintances, talking over old times, and organizing an Old Settlers' Association for Bremer county.

The meeting being called to order, G. C. Wright was called to the chair, and W. V. Lucas elected secretary.

Many interesting reminiscences were related, the speakers being G. C. Wright, W. V. Lucas, Louis Case, Nicholas Cavan- augh, B. M. Reeves, Dr. Burbanks, J. K. Head and David Clark. Among the stories told were one or two at the expense of Ezekiel Ladd, who was the butt of many jokes in the early days of Bremer county. Ladd was deeply in love with one of the fair damsels of Waverly, who did not return his passion. The boys understood how matters stood, and deter- mined to have a little sport at poor Ladd's expense. Word was sent Ladd that the object of his heart's devotion was ready to wed him, and would meet him at a certain place, where they could proceed together to the court house, and there be "solemnly united in the holy bonds of wedlock." By some means some of the lady's clothes were obtained and donned by some of the boys, and he then proceeded to the appoin- ted rendezvous. Ladd was overjoyed, and the couple hurriedly went to the court house, where the ceremony was duly per- formed, witnessed by a number of specta- tors. The poor fellow's disappointment was great indeed, when he discovered the joke that had been played upon him.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

A-committee was appointed to prepare a constitution and by-laws and report at an adjourned meeting.

Everything at this first meeting passed off pleasantly, and all present were happy.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING.

On the 18th of July, 1874, was held the second annual meeting of the Old Settlers' Association of Bremer county, Iowa. The meeting was held in the grove near the Presbyterian Church, in Waverly. At the hour of 12 o'clock, G. C. Wright, presi- dent, called the association to order, and invited Elder H. H. Berrington to offer prayer to the Giver of all good things, which he did in a very feeling and fervent manner. The second order of business was an address by President Wright, set- ting forth the object and claim of the as- sociation.

Dinner was served to all of the old set- tlers and invited guests. After dinner the election of officers took place, which resulted in the choice of the follow- ing: M. F. Gillett, president; John M. Ellis, first vice-president; John K. Head, second vice-president; W. V. Lucas, secretary; William O. Smith, treasurer.

The president read several toasts. "The old settlers of Iowa" was responded to by Colonel James W. Woods in an earnest and interesting manner. Following these exercises was- a social and genial time. The association voted to hold the next annual meeting at Tripoli, in June, 1875. The following persons were present, and herewith we give the time when and place from which they came to Bremer county:

George Kerr, came May 6, 1852, from Monroe county, Ohio.

Pat Baglston, came June 8, 1855, from Butler county, Ohio.

Adam Boodie, came November, 1855, from Rockford, Illinois.

Alfred Boodie, came May 6, 1856, born in Bremer county, Iowa.

James L. Kerr, came May 21, 1852, from De Kalb county, Illinois.

Joseph Wade, came August, 1854, from Lon- don, England

Mrs. Joseph Wade, came August, 1854, from London, England.

A. S. Morse, came March '4, 1855, from Oneida county, New York.

Mrs. A. S. Morse, came Juue 8, 1855, from Co- lumbus, Ohio.

Dr. O. Burbank, came September 12, 1854, from Linn county, Iowa.

Mrs. O Burbank, came September 12, 1854, from Linn county, Iowa.

Rachael Hoffman, came July, 1854, from Frce- port, Illinois.

Leonia Lee, came July, 1854, from Frecport, Illinois.

James Skillen, came April 3, 1853, from Shelby county, Ohio.

Mrs. Jamcs Skillen, came October, 1855, from Linn county, Iowa.

H. H. Burrington, came September, 1858, from Washington county, New York.

F. A. Rowen, came October 23, 1853, from St. Joscph, Michgian

M. Rowen, came October 23, 1853, from St. Joseph, Michigan.

Mrs. M. Rowen, came October 23, 1853, from St. Joseph, Michigan.

Miss Rowen, came October 23, 1853, from St. Joseph, Michigan.

James M. Sturdevant, camc September 10, 1854, from McHenry county, Illinois.

Mrs. J. M. Sturdevant, camc September 10, 1854, from McHenry county, Illinois.

David Hugh, came October 20, 1854, from Clinton county, Iowa.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

Henry Hurmon, came March 10, 1854, from Calias, Maine.

Mrs. Henry Hurmon. came February, 1857, from Calias, Maine.

M. F. Gillett, came May 7, 1852, from Sumer- set county, Ohio.

Mrs. M. F. Gillett, came November 1, 1853, from Steuben county, New York.

Isaac Barrick, came May 7, 1850, from Musca- tine county, Iowa.

Mrs. Isaac Barrick, came December, 1865, from La Porte county, Indiana.

Robert Boodie, came October 15, 1855, from Cataragus county, N. Y.

Mrs. Robert Boodie, came May 15, 1855, from Chautauqua county, New York.

B. M. Reeves, came September 30, 1856, from Delaware county, Iowa.

G. W. Ruddick, came August 18, 1856, from Sullivan county, New York.

Mrs. G. W. Ruddick, came Juue 1, 1860, from Ashtabula county, Ohio.

James A. Sankey, November 16, 1854, from Holmes county, Ohio.

Mrs. James A. Sankey, came November 16, 1854, from Holmes county, Ohio.

David Clark, came, October 15, 1849, from Delaware county, Ohio.

Mrs. David Clark came in 1357, from Bradford county, Pennsylvania.

John Acken, came May 30 1855, from Sank county, Wisconsin

B. Chittenden, came October 3, 1855, from St. Joseph, Michigan.

Miss Tina, came May 7, 1856, born in Bremer county, Iowa.

Spencer Lee, came September 10, 1857, from Kane county, Illinois.

Mrs. Spencer Lee, came September 10, 1857, from Kane county Illinois.

John McRea, came October 17, 1854, from De Kalb county, Illinois.

Dexter Beal, came June, 1855, from Pittsford, Vermont. .

J. M. Ellis, came April 27, 1855, from Alle- ghany county, New York.

Mrs. J. M. Ellis, came April 27, 1855, from Al- leghany county, New York.

Miss Rosetta Ellis, came April 27, 1855, from Alleghany county, New York.

Mrs. Margaret Fortun, came October, 1855, from Alleghany county, New York.

Ann Fortun, came October, 1855, from Allegha- ny county, New York.

Mrs. Fortun, came July, 1856, from Alleghany county, New York.

Daniel Chittenden, came November 1, 1855, from St. Joseph, Michigan.

Mrs. D. Chittenden, came March 1, 1855, from St. Joseph, Michigan.

John Elliott, came June 23, 1854, from Knox county, Ohio.

Mrs. John Elliott, came June 23, 1854, from Knox county, Ohio.

H. H. Case, came November 17, 1856, from Cataraugas county, New York.

Mrs. H. H. Case, came November 17, 1856, from Cataraugas county, New York,

Miss Hattie Case, came November 17, 1856, from Cataraugas county, New York .

Barney Ingersoll, came October, 1854, from DuPage county, Illinois.

Miss Best Baskins, came June, 1852, from Rich- land county, Ohio.

Mrs. Shaffer, came June, 1852, from Richland county, Ohio.

Felix Cretzmeier, came November 28, 1853, from Columbia, New York.

Mrs. F. Cretzmeier, came November 28, 1853, from McHenry county, New York.

G. C. Wright, came March 17, 1856, from An- droscoggin county, Maine.

Mrs .. G. C. Wright, came February 12, 1857, from Chestertown, Maryland.

W. V. Lucas, came April 26, 1855, from Car- roll county, Indiana.

Mrs. M. V. Lucas, came May 8, 1857, from Marshall county, Illinois.

Bernhardt Berie, came May, 1854, from Tus- carawas county, Ohio.

Miss Berie, came May, 1854, from Tuscarawas county, Ohio.

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

1001

J. K. Head, came September 9, 1855, from Kane county, Illinois.

Mrs. W H. Cook, came November, 1857, from Tioga county, New York.

Daniel Watters, came -, 1853, from Colum- biana county, Ohio.

Geo. A. Michael, came October 7, 1853, from Carroll county, Indiana.

Mrs. A. N. Wood, came November, 1853, from Enfield, New Hampshire.

Stell Terry, came June 3, 1853, from McHenry county, Illinois.

John W. Head, came September 9, 1855, from Kane county, Illinois.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING.

The third annual meeting was held at Tripoli in June, 1875.

The exercises were opened with music by the Nashua Cornet Band. Prayer by Rev. H. H. Burrington.

The president, M. F. Gillett, made a few remarks, welcoming the people to the hospitalities of the citizens of Trip- oli. Being disappointed in getting a speaker, the president announced that short addresses would be made by persons on the ground.

G. C. Wright, W. V. Lucas and H. H. Burrington each made a short speech, with which the audience seemed to be well pleased.

A very appropriate piece was sung by the Tripoli glee club followed, by music by the Sumner martial band, after which an elegant dinner was served. An hour or two was then spent in social chat and a renewal of acquaintances by old set- tlers.

The following named persons became members by paying $1,00 each:

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 110

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1316

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1316