History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 140

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 140
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 140

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).

The Sabbath School now in existence in this church, was organized in December, 1879. Mrs. Mary B. Smalley is the super- intendent, and J. P. McCord, assistant superintendent. There are on its roll about forty names.

On Sunday, January 15, 1865, a meeting of persons desirous of forming a Congrega- tional Church was held at the court house in Waverly, Dr. Guernsey, of Dubuque, presiding as chairman. It was resolved, ~ that, in the opinion of the meeting, the time had come when a Congregational Church should be organized in the com- munity, and that several persons had ex- pressed themselves as desirous of uniting in such an organization. W. H. Jay, W. B. Goodhue and Thomas Downing were appointed a committee to prepare rules for the church. The following resolution was adopted:

Resolved, That we engage in this enterprise . with feeling of entire kindness towards existing churches in this place, and with the simple pur- pose and desire to do our part in what seems to us-the best and most efficient way for the further - ance of the Redeemer's Kingdom.

The council called to recognize this church, met May 5, 1865, at the Episcopal Church. There were present front Con- gregational Church in Dubuque, Rev. J. Guernsey, delegate; Waterloo, Bro. J. A.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

Cobb; Cedar Falls, Rev. I. B. Fifield, pastor, and Bro. J. Porter, delegate; Brad- ford, Rev. J. K. Nutting, pastor, and J. Smith, delegate; Charles City, Rev. D. Bodwell, pastor.

The services were held at the court house, at 7 : 30 P. M., when the council pro- ceeded to recognize the church. The ser- mon was preached by. Rev. J. Guernsey, D. D., of Dubuque. W. H. Jay and G. H. Curtis were subsequently elected deacons.

Steps were taken to erect a house of worship, which was completed and dedi- cated February 4, 1866, Rev. Lyman Whit- ing, of Dubuque, officiating.

Rev. E. L. Palmer was called as the first pastor, by unanimous vote of the church, March 2, 1865. He was succeeded by Rev. M. K. Cross, who began his labors Octo- ber 24, 1867, remaining until December 31, 1870, when he resigned. Rev. W. H. Rice was then called, July 24, 1871, and served until May 5, 1872, when he resigned, on account of failing health. September 2, 1872, Rev. J. G. Spencer was called. He remained until July 5, 1874. Rev. R. M. O'Neil was his successor, beginning his labors November 3, 1874. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. G. R. Ransom, who re- mained about four years, when Rev. S. M. Case, the present pastor, was called.

The original members of the church were: Sarah Jay, James W. Jay, Sarah B. Morse, George H. Curtis, Eliza W. Wil- liams, Lydia Briggs, Willianı B. Goodhue, Mary H. Goodhue, Thomas Downing, Jane Downing, Louisa M. Fiske, Laura M. Riggs, Emmons Johnson, Lucy Johnson, Emily A. Strong, Rev. E. S. Palmer, Maria B. Palmer, Mrs. E. A. Brown, Emma Case,

Mrs. A. C. Moulton, Mary Williams, Addie Williams and H. C. S. Weldon.

The present officers of the church are : Thomas Downing, Caleb Morse, H. N. Dubois, deacons; H. S. Burr, Mr. Marsh and O. A. Strong, trustees; M. F. Spal- ding, treasurer; O. A. Strong, secretary. The Sabbath School has a general atten- dance of eighty-five.

The first meetings of the Evangelical Association were held at private houses and in the court house. The first sermon was preached by Rev. John Schmidt, now of Minnesota. In 1871, the congregation built a house of worship on the west side of the river, at a cost of $2,000. The church will seat, comfortably, 200. There is at present a membership of about forty- five. The trustees are: John Wile, James Bucher; steward, John Schmidt. Their present pastor is Rev. J. F. Berner; class leader, James Ebly. The original mem- bers of this congregation were: F. Nide- meir and wife, J. Wagner and wife, J. Haase and wife, C. Stamm and wife, T. Pattas and wife, Jacob Appley and wife, and a Mrs. Miller.

The first Catholic families who settled in the vicinity of Waverly were: John J. Smith, W. O. Smith and family, L. Selbig and family, Charles Fosselmann and fam- ily, Mrs. Tyrrell, mother of Mrs. Cava- naugh; Nicholas Cavanaugh and family, and Fred Cretzmeyer. The first priest was Father Tracy. The church was organized in October, 1856, and soon after arrange- ments were made for the erection of a church edifice. Some time in the fall of 1868, their brick church building was com- pleted. at a cost of $6,000.

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

The first regular priest was Father John Shields, who took an active interest in building up the church.

There is at present a membership of forty families, who support the church.

Father Coyle has charge of the congre- gation at present. -

They have a Sabbath School in connec- tion with the church, Father Coyle super- intendent, with an average attendance of about forty.

EDUCATIONAL.

The first school taught in Waverly was in 1854, by Charles Ensign, now of Butler county.

The first school house was erected in Ward No. 1, in 1855, and was a two story stone building. It was torn down years ago.

In the spring of 1858, the township of Washington was organized as a district, and on the 15th of May of that year, the first meeting of directors was held. The board was called to order by Edward Tyrrell, president, and roll shows that the following directors were present: Butler S. Freeman, S. H. Curtis, Samuel Patter- son and Thomas Glenn. It was ordered that B. S. Freeman be authorized to hire Miss H. F. Curtis as teacher. B. F. Per- kins was clerk of the board at this time.

At the next meeting, B. W. Johnson was appointed secretary, to fill the vacancy oc- casioned by the resignation of Perkins, and E. C. Moulton was chosen permanent secretary.

Waverly continued as a part of the district township until 1866, when it was organized as an independent district. The first meeting of the board of directors for

the independent district was held on the 16th day of April, 1866. There were present, Rev. T. F. Thickston, in the chair; Rev. John Stone, David Clark and J. K. L. Maynard. On motion, George W. Rud- dick was appointed secretary in place of Louis Case, who refused to qualify. The members who were not present were N. P. Ellis, president, and E. Johnson, treasurer. At a meeting held shortly afterwards, it was resolved that "the directors be appoint- ed a committee to employ teachers, grade the schools, and to introduce such text books as they might think for the best interest of the schools." Also, that the wages of male teachers be $45 per month, and female, $35, for the primary schools.

In 1868, the school houses in the Third and Fourth Wards were erected, and orders were drawn to the amount of $3,500.

In the spring of 1871 the city was divided into five wards, and in this shape it still remains. Wards No. 1 and 4 are on the east side of the river, the former on the north, and the latter on the south side of Bremer Avenue. On the west side of the river are wards No. 2 and 3, the former on the north, and the latter on south side of the same avenue. No. 5 is beyond these, near the depot. There are now five build- ings for school purposes, one in each of the wards, except No. 5, and including the high school building. The latter was erected in ward 3, in 1872-3, at a cost of $22,000. It is an elegant, three-story brick.

In the five buildings there are twelve schools, named as follows: First Ward, lower room, Washington school; upper room, Jefferson school; Second Ward, lower room, Franklin school; upper room,

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

Garfield school; Third Ward, lower room, Webster school; upper room, Sumner school; Fourth Ward, lower room, Lincoln school; upper room, Adams school; first grammar room, Whittier school; second grammar room, Longfellow school; third grammar room, Taylor school; fourth gram- mar room, Bryant school; High school, Irving school.

There are fifteen teachers employed, three males, and twelve females. The number of pupils in the city school, exclu- sive of High school, is 621.

The total number of children attending all the schools in September, 1882, was 811, of which 349 were boys and 417 girls. The average cost of tuition per month, for each scholar, is $1.28. The total value of school property in the city is $40.000. The number of volumes in the library is 340. Three terms, of thirteen weeks, are held each year. In January, 1883, the follow- ing named comprise the corps of teachers : W. F. Cramer, superintendent of city schools, and principal of High school; G. G. Sampson, assistant principal ; grammar grades, Miss Kate Webster, Miss Lottie Smilie, Miss Sarah Cadwallader, Mrs. Mag- gie J. White ; primary, Miss Emma Smith, Miss Anna Smith, Miss Julia Coop- er, Miss Jennie Barker, Miss Clara Hazlet, Miss Mary L. Barker and Miss Ettie Pal- mer. The city superintendents have been, in order : W .. B. Waterbury, C. C. Kucp- per, D. C. Chamberlin, H. L. Grant and W. F. Cramer. The present superinten- dent, Mr. Cramer, came to Waverly, in 1880, resigning his position as principal of the High school in Cedar Falls, where he had been for a year.

The present school board is composed of the following named gentleman : W. R. Bowman, president, term expires in March, 1883 ; W. R. Knight, term expires March, 1883; C. H. Cooper, term expires March, 1884 ; H. H. Gray, term expires March, 1884 ; H. S. Munger, term expires March, 1885 ; L. L. Lush, term expires March, 1885. secretary, A. H. McCracken ; treasurer, H. S. Burr.

Non-resident children may be admitted to the Waverly public schools, when there are vacant seats, by paying the following rates, in advance, to the treasurer: ward schools and grammar school, per term, four dollars ; high school, five dollars.

There was also established, some years since, a German Lutheran College. They have a good building, and the institution promises something for the future; but, as yet, is in its infancy.

F. Eichler, a teacher in the German col- lege of Waverly, was born on the 22d day of January, 1855, in Hungary, Austria. When he was twelve years, old his parents emigrated to the United States, locating in Cairo, Illinois. Two years later, they removed to St. Louis, Missouri, and, at the expiration of eight years, to San Fran- cisco, California, where they at present re- side. The subject of this sketch attended, and was confirmed at the German Evan- gelical School, of Cario. Subsequently, he removed to Clayton county, Iowa, and thence to Galena, Illinois, where, for four years, he attended an Evangelical Lutheran College. He then returned to Clayton county, and afterwards, attended a theolog- ical seminary, and in 1875, was ordained. His first call was from Dixon, Illinois, and there he preached to a small congregation

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

and also taught school. In 1878, he lo- cated in Jackson county, Iowa, where he taught music and English for about one year, and then settled in Waverly, Bre- mer county, being employed in the Ger- man college. Mr. Eichler was married in 1879, to Anna E. Schwarz, born in Buffalo, New York. One child-Alfred-bright- ens their home.

HARLINGTON CEMETERY.

This city of the dead is situated on the south half of the southwest quarter of section 2, township 91, range 14, west of the fifth principal meridian, the west line being a drect continuation of West Water street. The south line being the section line between section 2 and 11 in said township. It is beautifully laid out, with circular drives fourteen feet wide. The work of platting was done by Mr. H. S. Hoover, by direction of H. H. Conse and Caroline Conse, his wife, who were the owners of the property, and was recorded on the 30th day of October, 1865.

SOCIETIES.

Tyrrell Lodge, No. 116, A. F. and A. M., was instituted June 2, 1858, with the fol- lowing named officers and Master Masons: Thos. Downing, W. M .; G. C. Wright, S. W .; W. W. Brown, J. W .; Theodore Hazlett, Treasurer; Geo. W. Maxfield, Secretary; L. B. Ostrander, Sen. D., Ed- ward Tyrrell, Jr. D .; Nicholas Tyrrell, Tyler. J. S. Harris, Wm. Battams, John Tyrrell, H. F. Beebe, Wm. B. Hamilton, Geo. W. Briggs, Walter Wood, W. P. Harmon, Theodore Hullman, Jas. P. Olds, S. H. Curtis, A. P. Goddard, John Ran- yan, Geo. W. LeValley, P. B. Foster, S.

F. Beebe, D. M. Cool. No lodge in the State has probably had a more prosperous existence than Tyrrell Lodge. Composed, as it has been, of the best men in Waverly, it has experienced none of the difficulties encountered by many societies. The members of the order here are earnest and enthusiastic in the work, and know how to extend a brotherly hand to those needing assistance. The following named have served as Masters of the lodge since its organization: Thomas Downing, 1858 -1865; G. W. Ruddick, 1866; W. V. Lucas, 1867-1873; J. K: L. Maynard, 1874; D. C. Chamberlin, 1875 ; W. V. Lucas, 1876 ; C. H. Cooper, 1877, to the present time. Its present officers are: C. H. Cooper, W. M .; A. H. McCracken, S. W .; A. J. Bessmer, J. W .; L. L. Lush, Treas- urer; F .H. Schlutsmeyer, Secretary; Wm. Hathaway, S. D .; Benjamin Speaker, J. D .; J. M. Andrews, Tyler. The pres- ent membership of the lodge is 113.

Nicholas Tyrrell, to honor whom the lodge was named, was born in Westmeade county, Ireland, in 1776, where he grew to manhood, learning the trade of a mason. He followed this business, in his native county, until he was 22 years of age, when he came to America, and settled in New York. Here he continued at his trade until 1841, when he removed to McHenry county, Illinois, where he resided until 1857, when he came to Iowa, and settled in Washington township, buying a large tract of land. He lived on his land, a greater part of the time, until the death of his wife, in 1862. When not engaged in farm work, he worked at his trade of mason. Mr. Tyrrell was married about 1805, to Miss Ann Highland. When quite

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

a young man, he joined the Masonic fra- ternity, and was strongly attached to the order. When the lodge was started at Wa- verly, Mr. Tyrrell being the oldest of the charter members, was honored by having it named after him, and probably no man in Bremer county, did more for Tyrrell lodge than did Nicholas Tyrrell. His whole heart and soul was wrapped up in Free-masonry, and he spent much of his time and money for the advancement of the cause, and at the time of his death, he willed to the lodge a tract of land near Waverly, valued at about $1,600, for the purpose of building a lodge room. Mr. Tyrrell died in 1872, at the ripe old age of 96 years. Three score years and ten of that time he was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a truer or more faithful man than "Father Tyrrell" never bowed at the altar of Free-masonry; and when, by old age, he was taken away, he was buried with Masonic honors, and probably the largest Masonic funeral ever held in Bremer county, was held over the remains of "Father Tyrrell."

There is also a flourishing-Chapter in Waverly-Jethro Chapter, No. 24. It was first organized under dispensation, with the following named officers:

T. Downing, H. P .; G. C. Wright, K .; N. Tyrrell, S. ; G. W. Maxfield, Sec .; G. W. Maxfield, C. H .; W. P. Harmon, P. S .; H. F. Beebe, R. A. C. ; S. B. Wheeler, M. 3d V,; J. P. Harris, M. 2d V .; J. Gould, M. Ist V .; J. Tyrrell, G.

The following named were the first officers under the charter :

T. Downing, H. P .; G. C. Wright, K .; N. Tyrrell, S .; H. F. Beebe, Treasurer; G. W. Maxfield, Secretary; W. P. Harmon,

C. of H .; G. W. Maxfield, P. S .; H. F. Beebe, R. A. C .; L. J. Thomas, M. 3d V .; J. Gould, M. 2d V .; J. Tyrrell, M. Ist V .; W. Wood, Guard.

Herdman Lodge, No. 74, K. of P., was instituted April 27, 1882, by E. H. Hibben, G. C., with the following named as charter members:

J. M. Andrews, J. B. Barber, C. H. Cooper, E. C. Cooper, G. N. Cooke, W. H. Coats, W. S. Chapman, F. M. Downing, W. A. Douglas, E. A. Dawson, E. C. Den- nis, Henry Eifert, G. M. Foster, W. R. Knight, Henry Kessler, Ephraim Kinne, Frank A. Lee, H. L. Mosher, C. W. Man- tor, C. Neuhaus, W. T. Rogers, W. E. Spencer, Adolf Schwarz, John Sager, C. D. B. Sitzer, W. H. Tyrrell, H. O. Thies, John Warner, Ed. Wearne, C. H. Wilcox, and J. B. York.

The officers for the first term were:

Henry Eifert, P. C., and Rep. Grand Lodge; Ephraim Kinne, C.C .; H. L. Mosher, V. C .; W. R. Knight, P .; F. M. Downing, M. of F .; G. M. Foster, M. of E .; Frank A. Lee, K. of R. and S .; W. E. Spencer, M. . at A .; Henry Kessler, I. G .; J. M. Andrews, O. G.

Ephraim Kinne served as C. C., from April 27, 1882, to July 1, 1882; H. L. Mosher, from July 1, 1882, to January 1, 1883.

There have been no deaths since organ- ization.

Thirty-two is the total membership since organization, which is also the present mem- bership.

The lodge has been successful, and its present condition is flourishing.

For a number of years there was an organization of Odd Fellows in Waverly,

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

but, from lack of interest, it was finally abandoned.

OPERA HOUSE.

A local paper thus speaks of the Opera House: "The enterprise of a town is man- ifest in various ways. When we see a city with fine residences, beautiful lawns, substantial churches and school edifices, handsome business houses, shaded streets and numerous industries, we are led to be- lieve, and truly, that it is peopled with an enterprising class of citizens.

"In Waverly there are many beautiful and commendable fixtures, many evidences of thrift and progress, but, in nothing is the element more clearly defined than in the presence * of its magnificent Opera House. That is magnificent for a town of this size.

"Many of the first-class cities of the coun- try cannot boast of so good a one. This house belongs to a joint stock company, and is largely the property of the city. The official management of the house is 'vested as follows: President, S. R. Hunt; secretary, J. H. Bowman. The building is of brick, 110 feet in length by 44 in width, embracing an auditorium, with gal- lery, capable of accommodating 800 peo- ple

"In the basement is a large hall, suitable for festivals or dancing parties, and this department is supplied with a kitchen and all the desirable appliances for a complete cookery. The front basement is used by the city as council room, &c. The interior is neatly frescoed and ornamented; the stage is 22x44, is supplied with two ele- gant drop curtains, sliding scenery, and large enough for the presentation of any

ordinary drama. Dressing-rooms, cloak- rooms, &c., are all provided. The entire building is illuminated with gas, and all the modern improvements found in the best halls of the country, are utilized here." This is a feature of which Waverly may well feel proud, and, to the notice of the amusement fraternity we would especially commend it. The location is favorable and the terms of the hall of the most reasonable character."

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Following will be found sketches of many of the prominent citizens of Wa- verly:

Among the early settlers of Bremer county we find Thomas Tyrrell, who was born in Montreal, Canada, September 25, 1833. Shortly after his birth, the family removed to Albany county, New York, and seven or eight years later, to McHenry county, Illinois. At the time of their set- tlement in the last named State, it was one vast prairie, without a single railroad traversing it, nor a bridge spanning any of its streams. In 1853 Mr. Tyrrell, senior, came to Bremer county, Iowa, where he purchased 360 acres of land and settled. Thomas learned the trade of a stone-mason from his father, and has continued to fol- low that occupation through life. In 1853 he removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and while there, became acquainted with, and married Miss Mary J. Babbitt, who was born in Madison county, New York, June 24, 1836. Their marriage took place in 1855, and the same year they came to Bre- mer county, where they have since resided. Four children blessed the union, three of whom are now living-Alice, Emma and

NICHOLAS TYR RELL.

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

1301

David. Mr. Tyrrell's father organized the Masonie lodge that bears his name.

A. J. Case, one of Bremer county's pioneers, was born in Chautauqua county, New York, September 2, 1824 .. When a boy of fourteen years, he, with his parents' consent, started in life for himself, by working out at so much a month, and upon reaching his majority, had twenty-five dollars in his pocket. In 1845, he emi- grated to Kane county, Illinois, where he aeted in a capacity of traveling agent for a wholesale house. He was joined in wedloek, in January of the year 1848, with Miss Julia A. Morris, of Brooklyn, who was born June 15, 1828. Five children have blessed the marriage, three of whom are now living-Oscar F., Prentice A. and W. G. During the spring of 1855, Mr. Case and family came through by team, to Butler county, where he entered 160 aeres of government land, which he imme- diately began improving. In 1857, the water became so high that it submerged his farm, and therefore, the following year he removed to Waverly and embarked in the sewing machine business, during the first few years traveling on foot, and sell- ing a hand machine. Canvassing the ma- chine business over in his own mind, he came to the conclusion that the "Singer" was the best machine. He therefore, in 1861, made arrangements for handling that make, sinee which time, over five thousand have passed through his hands, and he has paid out to that company over $305,000. In 1878, the Singer Sewing Machine Com- pany appointed him manager of a branch office, and he, at the present time, has five counties under his charge. Mr. Case lias had many of the county and town offices

offered him, but has never accepted any, excepting that of councilman for one term.

-J. Q. A. Russell, a native of Chautauqua county, New York, was born February 17, 1824. fle was married in 1855, to Miss Emity J. Stroud, who was born in Geauga county, Ohio, in 1835. Seven children were born to them, six of whom are now living: George H., Hiram J., Sarah J., Ar- thur W., Walter J. and Laura A. In 1862, Mr. Russell removed from Ohio to Hardin county, Iowa, and in the spring of the fol- lowing year located in Waterloo, thenee,in the fall to Waverly, Bremer county, where he ereeted his present foundry build- ing, and let us add, that it is the only one in the town. He has followed that busi- ness since 1855, first embarking in it at Bloomfield, Trumbull county, Ohio, Mr. Russell's father was one of the pioneers of Sheboygan county, Wisconsin.

Keeler Norris, one of Waverly's enter- prising business men, was born in Orange county, New York, August 23, 1820, and is a son of Stephen and Nancy (Hotts- lander) Norris. His mother was a native of Orange county, and was born in 1792. His father was born in the State of Con- neetieut, June 20, 1793, and was a soldier in the War of 1812, participating in the siege of New York. Two years after Keeler's birth, the family removed to Tompkins county, New York, and there his mother died, a few years later. When a young man, Mr. Norris, senior, was very anxious to possess a ecrtain beautiful farm in Orange county, therefore, in later years, he returned to that county and became its owner. His second marriage was with Sarah Burr, who has borne him thrce ehil-

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

dren, two of whom are now living. . He was a member of the Congregational Church, and was the leading spirit in the building of Grotton Seminary, of which he was a stoekholder and also a trustee, for many years. The subject of this sketch was married December 23, 1847, to Miss C. J. Sehoonmaker, a native of Orange county, New York, born March 5, 1824. Seven children have blessed the union, six of whom are now living-Arabella, wife of John Norman, train dispatcher of Waterloo; Henrietta, Fannie, Lizzie, Wil- liam and Charles A. Mr. Norris removed to Kane county, Illinois, in 1855, and thienee, in 1861, to Cedar Falls, Iowa. In 1863, he settled in Waverly, where he has been engaged in contraeting. In_polities he is a greenbacker, and sinee eoming west, has held several loeal offices.

A. S. Mores was born in Oneida eounty, New York, July 13, 1826. He was left an orphan when but a mere boy, both of his parents dying in his native county. But being left alone in the world, at this tender age, he was by no means discouraged, for, having a strong will, he determined to succeed in the world, let what might come. He at once commenced to work on a farm, at the same time struggling to gain an education. But advantages for education, in those days, were so meagre that he eould supply himself with only a limited eommon school education, but this, with his natural ability for business, has made him a thorough-going business man. He eon- tinued to reside in his native eounty until 1855, following farming, carpenter work, and, in faet, anything that he eould lay his hands on, to earn an honest dollar, and when he turned his face westward, he was

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 140

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