History of Cass County, Iowa; together with sketches of its towns, villages, and townships; educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of old settlers and representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, and a brief review of its civil, political, and military history, Part 53

Author: Continental Historical Company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 918

USA > Iowa > Cass County > History of Cass County, Iowa; together with sketches of its towns, villages, and townships; educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of old settlers and representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, and a brief review of its civil, political, and military history > Part 53

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).

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CONGREGATION OF PLEASANT TOWNSHIP.

This society was the first to organize in the township. Rev. W. H. W. Reese effected an organization in January, 1871. The following were among the early mem-

bers: Frank Sherwood and wife, E. M C. Mansfield and wife, Robert D. Adams and wife, Clark Ingraham and wife, Simon Proctor and wife, Bethany Printz and wife, and Jane Proctor. Frank Sherwood was the first class leader and R. D. Adams, stew- ard. The following have preached to this congregation: Revs. W. H. W. Reese, J. W. Adair, William Abrahams, W. S. Kinney, J. W. Both, William Arm- strong, W. R. Douglas, J. P. Evans, J. W. Gibson, William Patterson, and J. W. Coc. B. A. Fassett, is the present pastor. Meetings are held regularly, and considerable interest is manifested among the members of the class.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, OF MASSENA TOWNSHIP

Was organized in September, 1877, with Rev. E. Kendell, pastor. Services were held at the Whitneyville school house and continue to be held at that place every two weeks. Rev. Austin Crooks is the present pastor. Among the first member- ship were the following: T. B. Nichols and wife, V. C. Whip and wife, R. D. Taylor and wife, Charles Edwards, H. C. Clemons and wife, John Boots and wife, A. H. Nichols, Elias Mason and wife, and James Porter.

BUCK CREEK METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, PYMOSA TOWNSHIP.

The class of this denomination was first organized in 1861, and as there was no public building then in the neighbor- hood, the meetings were held in private houses. In the summer of 1863, a school house was erected on section 7, and ser- vices were held therein for many years. In the summer of 1874, under the pastor- ate of Rev. W. H. W. Reese, a long-cher-

423

HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

ished plan was consummated by the erec- tion of a tasty and substantial church building, at a cost, including all improve- ments, of about $3,000. The location of this building is the southeast corner of 'section 7. It was dedicated in October, 1874, by E. M. H. Fleming, presiding elder. The present officers of the church are: U. Joyce, Edwin Harris, stewards; E. Butler, class leader; E. Butler, J. W. Butler, A. T. Harris, U. Joyce and P. Taylor, trustees. The church at present has a membership of seventy-five. There is preaching every two weeks, with Rev. George Clammel as pastor. A Sabbath school organization exists in connection with the church, with Mrs. Julia Rogers as superintendent.

FIVE-MILE GROVE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

This society was organized in August, 1881, by Rev. L. M. Campbell, with the following among the original members: Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Gingery, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Everett, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Crouch, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Lamb, Mr. and Mrs. L. G. Everett, Mr. and Mrs. John Gingery, Mrs. Bolton, Mr. and Mrs. James Warren, Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Hyatt, Findley Mitchell, William Hall, Francis Everett and Ambrose Pellett. The first officers were: W. S. Everett, steward; G. W. Gingery, class leader; J. W. Lamb, John Gingery, Ambrose Pellett, James Warren and W. S. Everett, trus- tees; John Gingery, president; J. W. Lamb, secretary; W. S. Everett, treasurer. The officers are the same at the present time. Services were held at first in the school house of district No. 8, but in the summer of 1882, a commodious church

building was erected at Five-Mile Grove, at a cost of $1,300. It is 26x32 feet in dimensions. It was dedicated November 8, 1882, by L. M. Campbell, at that time pastor at Audubon. D. C. Adams was the pastor of the church at that time, and preached his first sermon after the dedica- tion of the building. The present pastor is Rev. E. J. Brooker. Services are held every two weeks. The present member- ship of the church is about thirty-five. The condition of the society is flourish- ing

HIGHLAND METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, BENTON TOWNSHIP.

The class of this society was first or- ganized in 1864,at the old Highland school house, by Rev. John Gates. The first members were: Cornelius Deedes and wife,and Henry McDermott and wife. The organization was effected by the choice of C. Deedes as class leader, and Henry Mc- Dermott as steward. Rev. John Gates was the first pastor. The membership of the society gradually increased until, in the summer of 1874, they were strong enough financially to erect a church of their own. A location was chosen at the southeast corner of section 2, and a build- ing 30x40 feet in ground area was erected, at a cost of $1,000.

The church was dedicated by Rev. An- drews. Rev. Couffer preached the first sermon in the new church.

The congregation now has a member- ship of about twenty, and they attend worship in their church every two weeks.

The officers are now as follows : Henry McDermott, class leader; Charles Milhol- len, steward; James Brown, O. B. Brown; C. Deedes and H. McDermott, trustees.

424

HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

The pastor at the present time is Rev. Norton.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF BEAR GROVE TOWNSHIP

Was initiated at a meeting of Christians of that denomination, which was held in 1873 or 1874, at the school house, now in district number nine. Among the mem- bers of the first class, that was organized at that time, were the following : Mrs. O. P. Viersen, L. D. Marsh, Charles Fisher, William Farmer and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Freak, Miss Mary Freak, Miss Minnie A. Freak. The first class leader was Wir- liam Farmer. Rev. Mr. Carlton was the first minister. Services were held every two weeks in the school house in district number three until the church was erected. The present minister is Rev. J. B. Harris, of the Lewis church. This edifice, which is used in common by this congregation and the Congregational denomination, was erected in the spring of 1878. Charles II. Hebing, with his accustomed liberality, donated an acre of land on section 16, for . the purpose, and on this the building was put up. It is a neat frame structure, 40x28 feet in ground area, and cost $1,200. When the church was completed it was free from from debt, money sufficient to meet all the bills, having been paid, which is highly creditable to the community.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF EDNA TOWNSHIP,

Was first organized in 1854, at the resi- dence of W. S. Townsend, by Rev. James Rand. A class was organized, composed of the following members: W. S. Town- send and wife, Andrew Ames and wife, John Erwin and wife, and M. Erwin, who

was class leader. The organization has been continued regularly, and now hold services at the Edna Grove school house.

VICTORIA METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH Was organized at the school house is dis- trict No. 6, in 1873, by Rev. William Stamp. The first members of this organ- ization were : J. A Hill and wife, J. M. Laing and wife, Rev. William Stamp and wife, J. D. De Tar and wife, George Davis . and wife, and James Bell. J. M. Laing was appointed class leader, and J. A. Hill, steward. This class has continued to meet regularly at the school house since its organization. The differ- ent ministers who have preached for this denomination are Revs. Prime, Reed, Ken- dall, Laing, Matheny and Todd. Rev. Porter is their present pastor, and the membership now numbers twelve. Dur- ing the summer season a Sabbath school is carried on, with Mrs. H. E. Hill as su- perintendent.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF ATLANTIC.

This society was organized at a meeting held on the 29th of March, 1869, by Rev. C. C. Baird, a missionary, with the follow- ing members : Perry Disbrow, Harriet Disbrow, Clarissa Disbrow, J. C. Livings- ton, Simon Smith, Lucy Smith, Alice Cav- anaugh, Jacob Armantrout, Mrs. J. Ar- mantrout and A. S. Churchill. For the first year they rented the use of the Pres- byterian church and held meeting there on alternate Sabbaths. For the balance of the time, until the building of their church, meetings were held in Odd Fel- lows' hall. In the spring of 1874, the house of worship was completed on the corner of fifth and Elm streets, at a cost

425

HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

of $3,500, including the price of the lots. The church was dedicated the same year, with appropriate ceremonies, by the pas- tor, Rev. A. Stott. The church has now a membership of seventy-four. The first pastor was Rev. B. II. Braisted, who offi- ciated for about a year, and was succeeded in 1872, by the Rev. A. Stott, who re- mained three years. The pulpit was next supplied by Rev. A. J. De Lano, whose term of service was one year. Rev. E. C. M. Burnham was the next to minister to the spiritual wants of the congregation, coming as a supply for three months, but remained fifteen months. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. S. M. Wheeler, of New York, who filled the position of pastor for one year. Rev. J. F. Ileilner came to the church as pastor in 1880, and remained nine months, and was followed by Rev. II. J. Pratt. This gentleman filled the pulpit for one year, although in bad health. He was a native of New York. where he was ordained and preached for some time. From there moved to Dixon, Illinois, and filled the pulpit of a church there for eleven years. From there he went to Emmett, Iowa, and then to Atlan- tic. He was a man of good ability, and greatly respected, and was an ardent worker in the canse of his Master. He died in Atlantic, in January, 1883. The present pastor, Rev. D. H. Simpson occu- pied the pulpit for the first time, in Janu- ary, 1884.

The Baptist and Presbyterian con- gregations of Atlantic organized a union Sabbath school in 1871, which, however, ran but a short time. A. S. Churchill was the superintendent. On its dissolu- tion, a Baptist Sunday school was at once

organized in the Odd Fellows' ball, as this was in 1872, the year previons to the building of the church. This has pros- pered well, and during the year 1884 has had an average attendance of about one hundred. The present superintendent is A. S. Churchill, and Brenton IInghes is assistant superintendent. Mrs. S. B. J. Bryant is secretary and treasurer. The following corps of able teachers are en- rolled at the present: Samuel Harlan, Mrs. J. S. Harlan, Rev. Mr. Simpson, Mrs. Dr. Dolson, Christian Jacobson, Brenton IInghes, Miss Emma Weightman, Miss Miriam Smith, Mrs. S. B. J. Bryant, and W. B. Jordan.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF LEWIS Was organized in 1859, with fourteen members, among whom were the follow- ing named: Samuel Disbrow and wife, Perry Disbrow and wife, J. W. Brown and wife, James Dyer and wife, and Mrs. Wells. Rev. William Golden was the first pastor, and he continued in that position until the spring of 1861, when Rev. E. W. Ilall was installed, and served about two years. Revs. C. C. Baird, James Morris and William F. Ar- nold have also been pastors of this con- gregation. The services at that time were beld in the old court house at Lewis, which is now occupied as a dwelling. In 1863 a church building was erected at a cost of $2.500. The material for the edifice was hauled from Nevada, Story county, the nearest railroad point, a dis- tance of one hundred and twenty-five miles, with ox and horse teams. The edi- fice was dedicated by Rev. J. C. Otis, of Glenwood, now deceased, in the winter of

426

HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

18634. The first deacon was Perry Dis- brow, and J. W. Brown acted as first clerk.

THE NEWLON'S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH.

This society was organized at the house of J. T. Martin, in the northeast quarter of section 12, on January 17, 1872, by Rev. C. Brooks, assisted by Rev. J. Cur- rier, from Harlan, Shelby county. There were six members, comprising the follow- ing: J. T. Martin and wife, H. A. Liston and wife, Mrs. Sophronia Whisler and Mrs. Richardson. Mrs. Martin was the first clerk, and IIenson S. Liston the first deacon. This class met for a time in pri- vate houses, and after the schoolhouse was built for district No. 1, they held ser- vices there. The society was reorganized July 17, 1872. The following pastors have preached to the society: Revs. R. R. Hanley, - Morris, A. J. Cushing, W. F. Arnold and - Corbett. Messrs. H. Story, H. S. Liston and W. T. Reed are deacons, and Charles Bibb is clerk. There are now sixteen members.

THE METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH OF MARNE

Was organized in 1870, at what is now known as Marne station, by Rev. B. F. Peerman. The first organization of this denomination in Cass county was effected at the Eight-Mile Grove, in the fall of 1869. Rev. B. F. Peerman was pastor of the circuit four consecutive years, and was succeeded by Rev. J. R. Pershal, as pastor, in the fall of 1873. Bro. Pershal was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Dolerbide in September, 1874, and in the autumn of 1875, Rev. B. F. Peerman again became pastor, and was retained until the confer-

ence session of 1877, when he was suc- ceeded by Rev. Nelson, who was released in December of the same year, and Rev. J. H. McNally became pastor. Rev. D. T. Beckwith took up the duties of pastor in September, 1878. During the year of Bro. Beckwith's pastorate, a comfortable parsonage was built in Marne, and the beautiful church building, where so much good has been done, was begun. In Sep- tember, 1879, Rev. Wm. Remsburgh be- came pastor, and during the year the church building already mentioned was completed. The annual conference held its sessions in this church, September 15 to 21, 1880, and the society and com- munity reflected great credit on itself by the manner in which it sustained the conference. At this session, the society at Marne asked to be set off from Atlantic circuit and be made a station, but through some technicality their wishes were denied, and Rev. Wesley Sparks became pastor of the circuit. He was well re- ceived, but was not physically able to supply all the appointments. At the con- ference of 1881, the Marne class was set off as a station, and Rev. J. E. Rouze was appointed pastor. The station prospered under the ministry of Bro. Rouze, who remained two years, and was succeeded in September, 1883, by Rev. W. M. Van Vleet, who was re-appointed in 1884. There are now thirty members of the station in good standing, and with the present respect and good will manifested by the town and vicinity towards this church, its prospects for the future are bright.

HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

427

CATHOLIC.

The first Catholic services in this county were held at the residence of Patrick Blake, on section 5, Washington town- ship, in 1858. On that occasion, Father Platt came from Fort Des Moines, and held mass. Later, Father Dexter, from Omaha, visited this locality.

ST. MALACHI CATHOLIC CHURCH, ATLANTIC.

The first services of this denomination were held in Atlantic about 1870, by Rev. Father John F. Brazil, then pastor of the church at Des Moines. The church edi- fice was erected in 1872, and is a frame structure. It was originally 30x50 feet, one story high, but in 1882 the building was enlarged to seventy feet in length. Father Monahan attended the church for the first year, but in 1873, he was suc- ceeded by the Rev. Father Edward Gaule, who was the first resident priest, and to whom the society is greatly indebted for its present prosperous condition. When he first came here, to celebrate mass, there was no parsonage, and he was compelled to live at Dallas Center, but in 1874 a parsonage was, built when he took up his residence here. Father Gaule has been the means of having large additions made to the church edifice. In 1874, pews, altar and organ were put in, and the furniture for the altar purchased. When the build- ing was enlarged in 1882, a new altar was erected, however. When Father Gaule first took charge of this little flock, there were about forty families composing the congregation, but now there are over one hundred, and the church is rapidly in- creasing. Father Gaule deserves the thanks of his congregation for his efforts in their behalf, both spiritual and physi-

cal, and he is quite popular with all classes in the community.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF EDNA,

Was first organized in 1876, when Rev. Father Gaule celebrated the first mass at the residence of Timothy Saunders. Meet- ings were afterward held in the school houses in districts No. 5 and 9. In 1883 an edifice was erected on some land in section 22, where four acres was donated to the organization by Timothy Saunders. Rev. Father Gaule, the present pastor, was the first to conduct mass in the new church. At present, there are about thir- ty families belonging to this denomina- tion.

PLEASANT TOWNSHIP CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

When this church was first organized, the meetings were held in a school house a short distance over the line in Mont- gomery county. Rev. James Conran or- ganized the society there with nine mem- bers, whose names are as follows: E. A. Guess and wife, Andrew Powell and wife, Joseph Ilarlan and wife, J. H. Lohman and wife, and Mrs. Myron Botts.

The first elder was E. A. Guess, and J. H. Lohman and Andrew Powell were the first deacons.

The class met in the school house bc- fore mentioned until 1879, when they re- moved to Elliott. In the meantime the members had been planning for the erec- tion of a church edifice of their own, and their design was consummated in 1883, by the erection of a commodious and sub- stantial church building, on the southeast quarter of section 34. It is a frame struc- ture, of good design, and cost $2,400. It has a handsome tower, in which is a bell purchased at a cost of $165. On the com-

428

HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

pletion of their new house of worship, the society discontinued their meetings at El- liott, and have ever since held them in their own building.

The congregation has about forty mem- bers at the present time. Rev. E. J. Stan- ley administers to the spiritual welfare of the flock at the present time.

There is a Sabbath school in connection with the church, of which J. A. Lohman is superintendent. It has weekly meet- ings.

J. A. Lohman donated to the society the land on which their building stands.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF EDNA TOWNSHIP Held their first meetings in a vacant log cabin, on section 21, in 1859. Some of the first ministers of this organization were Revs. James Hellman, Benjamin Mapes, and Zachariah Lawrence. In Aug- ust, 1859, a class was organized, among whose membership were the following: Samuel Whisler and wife, Asa Walden, Zachariah Keith and wife, Edward Porter and wife. The following were the first officers of this organization: Samuel Whisler, deacon; Edward Porter, steward; Asa Walden, clerk. This class met for worship in the grove during the summer seasons, and in houses during the winter time. When the school house on section 20 was erected, they held services here until it was destroyed by fire, since which time they have met at the Reno school house. Rev. Z. M. Wright is the present pastor.

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

The church edifice used by this congre- gation in Atlantic, is a neat frame one, and was dedicated in 1877, shortly after it

was erected. Owing to an entire absence of records it is impossible to give any his- tory of the society. Rev. J. Deckman is the present pastor.

The Five-Mile Grove Union Sunday school was organized in 1878, at the old school house in District No. 8. It was held during the summer season only, till 1881, since which time it has been held every Sunday. The school has a good membership. J. W. Lamb is superin- tendent; J. E. Everett, treasurer; Findley Mitchell, secretary; Mary Gingery, chorister.

THE GERMAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH OF ANITA.

This congregation was organized in the spring of 1882, with Rev. E. E. Miller as pastor. The original members were: V. T. Weigant, M. E. Weigant, Andrew Weigant, A. C. Weigant, G. M. Dacken, A. E. Dacken, C. W. Fillenworth, A. C. Dacken and Barbara Karras. V. T. Weigant was the first, and is the present leader. In August, 1883, the society pur- chased the building formerly owned and occupied by their Methodist Episcopal brethren, in which they hold service every alternate Sabbath, and prayer meetings every Sabbath. The church has quite a fair congregation and a full membership of twenty-six. Rev. E. E. Aschenbrenner is the present pastor.

EVANGELICAL ST. JOHN'S CHURCH OF NOBLE TOWNSHIP.

The first meetings of this congregation were held at the house of Christ. Miller, in 1872, Rev. William Buehring conduct- ing the services. The congregation was not at first regularly organized, but the

429

HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

pastor succeeded in effecting a permanent organization after a few meetings, and services were held for a time at the school house of District No. 5, and later at the school house of District No. 2. During 1884, they have erected a church on the northwest quarter of section 15, which cost about $2,800. - It was dedicated Sep- tember 7, 1884. The society has a mem- bership of twenty-four, with IIenry Mil- ler as president and John Meyer as secre- tary. Rev. Francis Buschmann is the present pastor. There is a Sunday school connected with the church, and meetings are held every Sabbath.

GERMAN EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION NOBLE TOWNSHIP.

This society held its first meeting at the house of Christian Knoke, in 1870. The congregation was composed mainly of the German citizens of Noble township, and as they had no regular church building, services were held in the homes of men- bers. Rev. William King was the first pastor who preached to the congregation, and be held services at the homes of Christian Knoke, M. Letz and Joseph Weirich. The first quarterly meeting was held at the house of Michael Letz, in

the spring of 1871. Meetings have since been held in the school house of District No. 2, and later in the school house of District No. 5, with Rev. Klinefelter as pas- tor, who preaches in German and English. He has preached in the latter language in the Eighth District school.

THE GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHI, ST. PETER'S CONGREGATION, VICTORIA TOWNSHIP,

Was organized at the dwelling of William IIolste, Sr., the 1st of August, 1882, and the first meeting of this organization was held at the Center school house, with Rev. Millbrook, of Atlantic, as pastor. Among the first members of this society were William Holste, Sr., and wife; Ed- ward Redihardt, George llolste, Jobn Stieken, Henry Patze, IIenry Kirkman, William Holste, Jr., and wife; John Johanus and wife, Frederick Kirkman and wife, Ernest Knan, Carl Vetterick and T. Barnhardt. William Holste was elected president and Jolin Johanns and T. Barnhardt, deacons; Frederick Kirk man, secretary and treasurer. Meeting is still held at the Center school house every alternate week, with Rev. Carl Bush- man as pastor.

430

HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.

CHAPTER XV.

THE PRESS OF CASS COUNTY.

The inception of journalism dates from remote ages. The institution now known as the newspaper was ante-dated nearly a thousand years by manuscript publica- tions, in which the accounts of public occurrences and familiar gossip was made known to the citizens of imperial Rome seated upon her seven hills. These sheets were known by the name of "Acta Diurna;" but their issues were at all times irregular, and in times of scarcity of news totally suspended, the editor either engaging in some other calling or indulging in the sports of the day.

But little progress seems to have been made for many years in this branch of business until the early part of the seven- teenth century.

Frankfort-on-the-Main claims to have produced within her walls the father of modern newspapers. She claims that Egenolf Emmel, a book dealer and book printer of Frankfort, in the period of that city's greatest literary prosperity, was the first in Europe to issue a newspaper at regular intervals in the shape in which we see them to-day. This honor of priority of newspaper production has been considerably contested, but unsuc- cessfully. Emmel first published a weekly, Frankfurter Journal, in 1615. The Nurembergers say that Wendelin

Borsch published a newspaper in their city as early as 1571 ; but there is no proof that this was anything more than the fugitive leaves which had then become pretty common in the great trading centers of Europe ; and as the English claim their first regular newspaper to have appeared in 1622 and the French in 1631, to Frankfort must be left the honor of Egenolf Emmel, the father of newspa- pers.

The precursors of German newspapers were the small, printed, flying sheets is- sued in the latter half of the fifteenth cen- tury, under the titles Relationen or Neue Zeitung (New Tidings), which, however, only made their appearance at irregular intervals, generally to record some event of more than ordinary note. These re- ports are said to have existed as early as the middle of the fifteenth century; the oldest mentioned are from the years 1457- 1460; though the oldest copy now pre- served in the University Library at Leipsic bears the date of 1494. But these Rela- tions or Tidings cannot be looked upon as the germs of the modern press. The be- ginnings of the German newspapers are to be traced in the written commercial correspondence of the middle ages. The editorial bureaus were the counting-rooms of the great mercantile houses, which had

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: Continental Historical Company, Springfield, Ill Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co. Number of Pages: 918

Author: Continental Historical Company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 918