USA > Iowa > Chickasaw County > History of Chickasaw and Howard Counties, Iowa > Part 37
USA > Iowa > Howard County > History of Chickasaw and Howard Counties, Iowa > Part 37
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School house fund
$ 1200 00
. Teachers fund.
3000 00
Contingent fund.
1500 00
$5700 00
C. I. WHITE, Secretary.
L. E. SMITH, President.
The following is the course of study for the high school grade in the Cresco school. It is given as a specimen of the high class of education and culture given at this temple of knowledge ..
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432
HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
JUNIOR YEAR-FIRST TERM. Latin or review of English grammar. Arithmetic or Phyisology. SECOND TERM.
Latin or Word analysis.
Elementary Algebra.
Physiology, one-half term.
Physical Geography, one-half term.
THIRD TERM.
Latin or drawing. Elementary Algebra.
Physical Geography.
MIDDLE YEAR-FIRST TERM.
Latin or Chemistry. Elementary Algebra.
Natural Philosophy.
SECOND TERM.
Latin or Zoology .. Rhetoric and composition.
Natural Philosophy, one-half term.
Constitution of the. United States, one-half term.
THIRD TERM.
Latin or Geology. Rhetoric and composition.
Geometry. *
SENIOR YEAR-FIRST TERM.
Latin or Astronomy.
English and American literature.
Geometry and higher Algebra.
SECOND TERM.
Latin or Book-keeping. General History. Higher Algebra. .
THIRD TERM.
Latin or Political economy. Botany. General History. Elocution and Composition throughout the course.
435
HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS.
We are told as early as 1855, the Methodists held religious ser- vices at Vernon Springs, as is detailed elsewhere.
The first church edifice erected in the town of Cresco, was of this denomination , and was built during the year 1866. It is a neat frame structure, capable of seating about three hundred peo- ple, and is furnished in good style. The cost of the building, as originally constructed, was about $3,000. For the first few years it appears that the services were held by the preachers on the cir- cuit, but in 1870 the church was made a station, and a regular pastor was among the appointments, Rev. J. Riddington appears to be the first of these.
The date of his first efforts being 1870. He held the position but a short time, when he was succeeded by Rev. C. F. McLain, who was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Brocksome.
This gentleman was quite a favorite with his congregation and the. community generally, and remained as pastor of the flock, until 1874, when he was displaced by Rev. J. Dolph, who occupied the pulpit until October, 1876, when Rev. J. L. Paine took his place. Rev. George Elliott was the next, and the date of his appointment, appears as being January 1, 1880. He held this until December 1. 1881, when the present pastor, G. W. Pratt succeeded him. There is a fine Sabbath school connected with the church, which has a fair regular attendance.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This church society was organized, July 20, 1867, under the name of Grace church.
The first rector was the Rev. J. Rambo, to whose untiring energy the church owes its existence. The church edifice was erected during the year 1868, and is a neat and handsome struc- ture 24x34 feet in size, and is capable of seating some one hundred and fifty persons.
The funds for the building of the church, some $2.200, was mostly contributed by friends of the same denomination in the east. The bell was a donation from the famous banker, Jay Cooke, of Philadelphia.
There is a fine, pleasant parsonage, connected with the church. Rev. C. S. Percival, is the present rector.
The Congregational church of Cresco, is an outgrowth of the
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436
HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
church at New Oregon, or more properly speaking is the same church removed to its new quarters. September 7, 1856, Rev. J. W. Windsor, organized the the church at New Oregon.
The infant organization numbered sixteen members at its incep- tion, it grew and strengthened with years, and became the leading church. .
Mr. Windsor remained pastor, until 1866, and then resigned and was succeeded by Rev. S. D. Peet, who, however, did not long stay, for we find, that during 1868, Mr. Windsor was recalled to the scene of his labors.
It was during his second pastorate, that the people seeing that the majority of their members were emmigrating to the neighboring town of Cresco, determined upon removing the church there.
Accordingly in 1868, the building was removed to that place, and enlarged by the addition of twelve feet to the front and a bel- fry erected thereon.
The reorganization of the society now became necessary and a meeting was called for that purpose, and the object came into effect, and the edifice dedicated October 25th, of the same year, Rev. Samuel P. Sloan, McGregor, delivering the dedicatory ad- dress.
In 1871, Rev. Mr. Windsor, again resigned his charge, much to the dissatisfaction of the congregation, who all loved and admired him; Rev. Mr. Southworth was then called to the pulpit. The · latter gentleman presided over the destinies of the flock, until the 21st of January, 1876, when Rev. A. S. McConnell was called and assumed the position of spiritual guide to the congregation. His initial sermon was preached about the middle of February, and and was one of the finest efforts heard for some time. The church continues yet under his able ministration, and is in a flourishing condition.
This society is noted as having a very fine choir, which adds to the attraction of the church services, and delights the true lover of fine music.
The bell that hangs in the belfry, and calls the worshipper to services of the church was presented to the society by a friend in New London, Conn., and is noted as being the first bell ever hung in a church tower, within the limits of Howard county.
The first organization of the Roman Catholic church in the
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437
HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
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county was at New Oregon, but as the society was not of long duration the records have entirely dissappeared and hence the date is lost in the mists of the past.
In 1871, Rev. Father M. A. McCarty, succeeded in . organizing the church anew.
The church edifice was erected in 1872, and is a neat specimen of church architecture. It is 24x48 feet in size and cost $3,000 to build.
Farther McCarty still continues to minister to the spiritual wants of his flock, and is loved and revered by all, with whom he comes in contact.
The congregation is not very large, but the regularity with which the duties of the church are attended speak well for their devotion.
There is also a German Lutheran church organization, located here who have erected a fine edifice in the eastern part of the town. Of this society we have no notes.
The Baptist church of Cresco is of comparatively recent origin. In April, 1878, a society of this denomination was organized, of which Rev. E. W. Green seems to have been paster.
They had no church building but appear to have worshipped in Prices hall, but with nothing like any regularity, it being of a spasmodic nature, running along nicely for a few months then suffering a suspension of a like time and again resuming services. This gave great dissatisfaction all around, and in 1881, it was de- termined to reorganize on a different basis. This was accordingly done and on the ordination, of Rev. A. H. Carman, he was called upon to act as the pastor. Under his able leadership, the little band has grown to quite respectable proportions and is in a flour- ishing condition.
In 1882 the church edifice was erected and dedicated as a house of worship November 5th, of that year. This structure although small in dimension, being but 28x42 feet, with a vestry 14-20, is one of the finest in the city. In architecture it's a simplification of the Elizabethan gothic order, and the effect produced is beautiful. S. H. Clark was the contractor and erected the structure for $2,- 700.
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Inside, the building, presents a fine appearance, with its stained glass windows, making "a dim mysterious light," that superin-
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HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
duces to religious thoughts. A good Sunday school is also at- tached to the church. and is well attended and conducted and is looked upon as the nursery of the future church.
I. O. O. F.
Cresco lodge, No. 269, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized during the spring of 1874, with ten charter members, viz: John G. Stradley, S. T. Irvine, G. M. Harris, C. S. Maxson, C. F. Webster, J. F. Webster, M. S. Powell, J. J. Saulsbury, N. Pull- man, and D. W. Owen.
J. G. Stradley was the first N. G., and G. M. Harris, secretary.
The present officers are: Robert Blackman, N. G .; George Pratt, V. G., and J. Welsh, secretary.
The lodge is reported to be in a flourishing condition, number- ing among it many members, some of the most substantial men of the county. The finances, as is usual in the order, are in excellent shape, and bright days seem to be in store for it.
MASONIC.
Cresco lodge, No. 150, A. F. and A. M., is an outgrowth of the New Oregon Lodge, which was moved to the town of Cresco, March, 1870.
The officers at that time were: M. M. Moon, W. M., and W. H. Patterson, secretary.
After its removal the membership increased rapidly, and we are informed that the efficiency of the work is remarkably creditable, and that the prosperous condition of the lodge is owing to the energy of the master. The present secretary is G. M. Harris, and the worshipful master, M. M. Moon.
Shiloh chapter, No. 64, R. A. M., was organized August, 1871, and has a healthy growth. M. M. Moon was the first H. P., and W. M. Fogo, secretary.
WORKMEN.
Howard lodge, No. - , A. O. U. W., was organized July 26, 1876, and officers elected, as follows:
S. A. Stone, P. M. W .; M. M. Moon, M. W .; C. I. White, G. F .; M. L. Luther, overseer; C. J. Webber, recorder; S. L. Smith, receiver; C. F. Webster, financier; H. S. Loomis, guide; E. E. Bertrand, I. W .; Jasper Bottsford, O. W .; B. F. Stone, M. M. Moon, and C. I. White, trustees.
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HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
The lodge has had an almost uninterrupted course of success, and is rated very high in standard. The present officers are:
Jerry Barker, P. M. W .; W. M. Wildman, M. W .; M. M. Moon, foreman; W. C. Brown, overseer; John Farnsworth, receiver; John E. Peck, recorder; Geo. H. Kellogg, financier, Frank Sayre, guide; G. B. Watts, I. W., and A. G. Genshaw, O. W.
THE LAND LEAGUE
was organized January 2, 1882, by the Celtic-American citizens, who almost to a man belong to it. The object is to have a more concerted action for the relief of their oppressed brethren, across the sea, and to countenance the legal efforts of Ireland's people to throw off the galling yoke of hated Albion. The officers are P. F. O'Malley, president; R. J. McHugh, vice-president; J. H. Foster, secretary, and P. Connolly, treasurer.
TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.
There has been a Good Templar lodge, in Cresco, organized about the year 1874, which arose, flourished and met its demise along with many other such societies. It would seem that all the institutions for the improvements of the morals of a com- munity, are but short-lived. Several attempts have been made to resuscitate it, but have been abortive.
Social Temple of Honor was organized November 25, 1881. The presiding Templars, Miss Violet E. Truman, and J. F. Webster, with Mrs. M. M. Moon, and Walter Doan, as recorders.
The Father Matthew Total Abstinence Society, a temperance organization under the auspices of the Roman Catholic church, was organized in the fall of 1874. It owes much of its success to the untiring efforts of Father McCarty, who is ex-officio, the leading spirit. Although having .but a small beginning it has grown grandly, and now numbers eighty-five members. The officers are:
D. A. Lyons, president; Bernard Dougherty, vice-president; Daniel Barnes, secretary, and P. F. O'Malley, treasurer.
This organization has done more good than any other temper- ance body in the town, and deserves all the credit due it.
LEGION OF HONOR.
A lodge of this organization was instituted in Cresco, September 19, 1879, and is in a flourishing condition. The present officers are: President, Wm. Wilbraham; financial secretary, John E.
440
HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY,
Peck; recording secretary, C. F. Webster; treasurer, Charles I. White. 1
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
As early as the winter of 1857-8 the citizens of Howard county essayed to form an agricultural society, and during the summer of 1858 an organization was' effected. In the fall of that year the fair was held under its auspices at Howard Center. It seems, however, that the country was not settled enough to support the society, and the whole matter was abandoned and the organization disbanded. In 1866 another effort was made in the same direc- tion, and a company was formed under the same name-Howard County Agricultural Society-but it suffered the same fate as its predecessor, and soon was numbered with the things that were. Things remained thus, until in 1871, a new organization was made, and as the old saying has it, "three time is the charm," this was a success and a grand one at that, in fact it is said, that no similar society in the state is established on a better or niore substantial basis than this. Its fairs and exhibitions have been a flattering success from the very beginning. The officers, in 1875, were: C. F. Webster, president; John E. Peck, vice-president; John Stein- man, secretary; Jesse Barber, treasurer. The present officers are: T. P. Davis, president, and C. F. Webster, secretary.
The society owns some ten acres of ground, beautifully laid out, with good buildings, sheds, pens, etc., and a remarkably fine floral hall. Everything owned by the company is paid for, and with money in the treasury they can bid defiance to any adverse fortune. .
THE OLD SETTLERS SOCIETY
was organized in 1869, with Darius Seeley as president, and H. D. Noble as secretary. The first annual gathering was held the same year, at Gillett's Grove, Judge M. V. Burdick delivering the address. In 1871 the second meeting was held at Lime Springs, there being none held in 1870, and was largely attended, W. Dobson being the principal speaker. The society have held annual meetings every year since, and is in a fine and healthy state, and the gatherings are largely attended by the pioneers, who there retail to each other the stories of "old times," and tell those marvelous hunting yarns they so much delight in.
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441
HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
CRESCO DRIVING PARK ASSOCIATION
was at one time one of the most successful organizations of the kind in northern Iowa. It was organized in 1872, and on its inception purchased some eighty acres of land about a mile from the town of Cresco.
A mile track was laid out, which was said to be one of the best in the state, and the grounds were 'enclosed. After a few years, however, the interest declined, and but little is said about it at present. The Howard county agricultural society own ten acres in the center of the grounds, and to them is due the fact of the preservation of the grounds and fences.
BANKS.
In the early days of Cresco, in 1868, Aaron Kimball and John Farnsworth established a banking house, under the firm name of Kimball and Farnsworth, with a capital large enough for the wants of the community at that time. A course of strict integrity . and honorable dealing has built up the concern, until, to-day, it is noted for its soundness and financial ability. The bank occupies quite commodious quarters on Elm street:
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In 1873 A. D. Wright established a banking house also, but it was short-lived and exists no longer.
October, 1877, witnessed the opening of the Howard county bank, then owned and operated by Kerby and McHugh, the latter being the resident manager. After a very successful run of busi- ness, in July, 1880, John McHugh purchased the interest of D. R. Kerby, his partner, and under his able management and talented financiering the bank has won a front rank in the moneyed in- stitutions of the county. A large insurance business is also trans- acted in connection with the bank, and the neat and stylish office on Elm street seems the beau ideal of a banking room.
ELEVATORS.
These are among the most noteworthy institutions of Cresco. One, that of Bassett, Huntting & Co., was built in 1872, at a cost of $17,000, and is one of the finest steam elevators on the line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, and has a storage capacity of 50,000 bushels of grain. The other, equally fine and large, is operated by Gilchrist & Co.
HOTELS.
It would seem that the first hotel in the town of Cresco; was the
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442
HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
old Mansfield house, afterwards known as the DeNoyelles house. This was destroyed by fire, and on its site arose the present Strother house. This is the largest of the hotels in Cresco, and the town can boast of quite a number, and is one of the finest in the northern part of the state. It is a large, three-story brick veneered edifice, trimmed with cream colored Milwaukee brick. It is large, roomy and commodious, and fitted up with all the modern improvements. The building was erected in 1876, by W. Strother, and was opened for business New Years night, 1877, under the management of Priest and Shaw, to whom it was leased. In April, 1877, however, Mr. Shaw withdrew from the partnership, going to Charles City, D. H. Priest still retaining the lease and operating the hotel, until December, 1879, when W. Strother, the · owner, assumed the control, which he continues to the present time, meriting the encomiums of the traveling community, who so largely patronize the house. A mention of the house without speaking of the gentlemanly clerk, Sidney W. Hart, would be like the play of Hamlet with the prince left out.
The Webster house, on upper Elm street, is likewise an old landmark in the town's history, and in its early days was kept by J. F. Webster, from whom it derived its name. J. J. Mason is now and has been for some time the "jolly host," and the house enjoys a good share of business.
The Dilworth house was erected in 1876, by John Dilworth, its present owner, who has successfully conducted it since it was first built. Neat and commodious, and operated in first-class style it enjoys considerable popularity.
The Van Slyke house is also another of the fraternity of hotels, and holds its evel with its compeers.
SHIPMENTS.
An indication of the importance of Cresco as a shipping point, will be found in the following statement:
Shipment of grain and produce from Cresco, via the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, during the year 1882:
Pounds.
Wheat
1,791,700
Barley
3,272,940
Oats
8,979,480
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HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
Corn
7,267,300
Potatoes
551,300
Grass seed.
1,048,560
Flax seed
2,214,010
Flour
701,900
Mill feed
502,330
Dressed hogs
55,270
Hay
280,000
Eggs
20,140
Butter
775,570
Poultry
43,000
Horses.
140,000
Horned cattle
665,500
Live hogs
3,860,000
Sheep
60,000.
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444
HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
CHAPTER IX.
FOREST CITY TOWNSHIP; LOCATION; EARLY SETTLEMENT; ORGANI- ZATION; FIRST SCHOOLS; POSTOFFICE, CHURCHES, AND MILLS; VILLAGE OF LIME SPRINGS, FIRST SETTLERS; MILL; TOWN OF. LIME SPRINGS STATION, FIRST MERCHANTS, MECHANICS, ETC .; ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS; SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, SOCIETIES, ETC., ETC.
Forest City formerly was known as Foreston, and occupies town one hundred, range twelve, west, and is the second in the northern tier of townships. For the facts, in regard to this town, . we are indebted to the Cresco Times. In the issue of that paper, July 6, 1876 it is stated, as follows:
"The first settlers that claimed the vacant lands and homes of the red men, were R. S. Buckminster, J. Knowlton, John Adam and R. E. Bassett, Ben and George Gardner, Oscar Chesebro, the three Mortimers and others, who all came in the year 1854.
"The precinct was organized from Vernon Springs in the fall of 1856; C. S. Thurber was elected justice of the peace, and Edward Bassett, town clerk. The whole number of votes cast at this election was forty.
445
HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
"The first school in the township was taught by Miss Helen Van Leuvan, in the year 1856, and the second was opened by James Morris, in the winter of 1857-8.
"The first postoffice was established at Lime Springs in 1855, A. D. C. Knowlton, postmaster."
The first death in the township occurred in the winter of 1854-5, and was that of John Mortimer, who was the pioneer in the city of the dead.
"The year 1859 seems to have been a year prolific in the forma- tion of church societies. The Baptist being the first to lead off, under the direction of Rev. C. E. Brown, of Vernon Springs, at Lime Springs. The Methodist' following shortly in the wake by organizing two churches, one at Foreston village, and one at Lime Springs, both owing their existence to the energy of Rev. Water- bury, of New Oregon. The Presbyterian denomination not to be outdone, also started churches at each of the above places, in the same year, under the ministration of Rev. A. Craig. The religions revival of that year seemed to have permeated all people, and denominations vied with each other in the formation of societies, and erection of temples of worship.
"For natural beauty of scenery this precinct cannot be excelled. The rocky shores of the Upper Iowa, fringed with the umbrageons shade of primeval trees, the high, rolling prairies spreading like a petrified sea of emeralds, the cosy homes nestling in the beautiful groves that dot its surface, all go to make up a picture not often met with, and where it is the lover of nature stands entranced."
"Along the banks of the river were found the many camping greunds of the aborigincs, and it is told that they were a matter of considerable curiosity to the early settlers, one J. Knowlton, in his seeking over their locality, picking up and preserving a knife lost by some Indian owner.
Fine water powers are within the limits of the township, which have been improved to some extent, 3 mills being erected, one at Foreston, one at Lime Springs (old town), and another about two miles west of the latter place. The precinct contains, besides the villages of Foreston and Lime Springs, the town of Lime Springs Station, the second town in the county in regard to population and business.
The old town of Lime Springs was first settled by Oscar Chese-
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446
HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
bro, and Joseph Knowlton, in the year 1854; here they erected their homes, and gathered around them quite a settlement. In the spring of 1857 the most of the land belonging to some land speculators, O. and W. O. Wood by name, they laid out a town plat.
The country settling up caused quite an influx of merchants and mechanics, and the site soon began to assume the appearance of a village, until two years later, in 1859, it contained two stores, one blacksmith shop, a wagon maker, tavern, school house, and some twelve or fourteen dwelling houses. The names of these early settlers are A. D. C. Knowlton, Joseph Knowlton, M. M. Marsh, C. C. Hewitt, W. O. Cheseboro, H. H. Wells, Oliver Chese- boro, and G. M. Van Leuvan, the latter gentlemen being engaged in the practice of law, and was the first lawyer in the township. The large grist mill was erected in 1859-60, by M. M. Marsh, and was, at the time, one of the best in that section.
This mill is a large three-story structure, partly built of stone and partly frame, and stands on a natural elevation on the banks of the Upper Iowa river, whose current is utilized to propel its machinery. Since its erection by Mr. Marsh it has passed through the hands of several parties, notably that of. I. N. Drake, of Volga City. The Lime Springs milling company, consisting of H. W. Babcock and A. F. Baumgartner,who are the present owners and. operators, and they intend to increase the facilities and extend the business by the addition of newer and more improved machinery.
The water power is first-class in every respect, and is a never failing source of motive power. Four run of stone is the present equipment of the mill, but the early spring will witness the intro- duction of the roller system for making fine flour, when the old grinding apparatus will be used to grind feed for cattle, hogs, and horses.
The same company own some fifteen acres of pasture land, on which are kept some fine stock.
The mill is situated about three-fourths of a mile from the station of Lime Springs, and cannot keep ahead of their orders by run- ning both night and day. ' A large amount of grinding is done for the farmers of the surrounding country, besides the large merchant business controlled by it.
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HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY.
This is almost the only business now in existence at the old town, for when, in 1868, the railroad located the station where it now is, the business of the town naturally gravitated there, until it is almost deserted. Two churches still point their spires heavenward, one belonging to the Baptist, and the other to the Methodist denomination. The latter church seems, in these later times to have the general harmony of the society marred by internal dissensions .. Those of the community who have removed to the station of Lime Springs, desiring to move thither the church edifice, are met by the action of those who remain in the "old town," whose interests are diametrically opposed thereto, and the matter has to be decided by some legal tribunal.
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