USA > Iowa > Clay County > History of Clay County, Iowa, from its earliest settlement to 1909 > Part 22
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GEORGE GOODWIN PERKINS.
George Goodwin Perkins, the third pastor of the church, was born in Pitsfield, New Hampshire, from which place his parents removed when he was a child, to Exeter, New Hampshire. Here for more than a half a century his parents resided. This was his home until he became of age and went into Massachusetts for study and work.
He was educated in the schools and in an academy of his native state. Later he pursued literary and scientific studies in Middleboro, Massachusetts. He also studied theology in Massachusetts. His first ministerial work was of a home missionary character in the counties of Worcester and Franklin, in Massachusetts. He was ordained at East Douglas, Massachusetts, March 27, 1857, by the Wesleyan Methodist Conference. In 1860, he united with the Massachusetts Plymouth Association of Congregational Ministers. The follow- ing is the record of his time and place of ministry :
Pastor at Lakeville, Massachusetts, 1861-63 ; pastor at East Taunton, Massa- chusetts, 1863-66; pastor at Kidder, Missouri, 1866-71; pastor at Hamilton, Missouri, 1871-75; pastor at Ames, Iowa, 1875-80; pastor at Avoca, Iowa, 1880-83; pastor at Spencer, Iowa, 1883-90; pastor at Rock Rapids, Iowa, 1890-93 ; pastor at Blair, Nebraska, 1893-97 ; pastor at Rodney, Iowa, 1897-99; pastor at Rogers, Arkansas, 1899-1902.
At the beginning of Mr. Perkins' pastorate in Spencer the parsonage was enlarged to about double its original size. The house of worship was too small, especially for the Sunday school. At this time the planning, toiling and sac- rificing for the new building began. No definite action was taken except to secure lots upon which the church now stands.
Before the close of Mr. Perkins' work the debt upon the parsonage was removed, and improvements were made of the parsonage property. During the latter part of his ministry Mr. Perkins preached occasionally at the Harmony schoolhouse.
Since leaving Rogers, Arkansas, his last charge, Mr. Perkins has lived at Moline, Illinois, having completed nearly half a century in active work of the ministry. Such as he can look back upon an active, useful life, spent in faithful, loving service.
In March, 1856, Mr. Perkins married Emily A. Cleveland at Princeton, Massachusetts. There have been eight children, six of whom are living: Mrs. William Kimball, Lincoln, Nebraska; Mrs. W. H. Kennedy, Chicago, Illinois ; Mrs. C. H. Ainsworth, Moline, Illinois; Mr. S. A. Perkins, Tacoma, Wash- ington, Emily M. Perkins, Moline, Illinois ; Mrs. C. C. St. Clair, Marshalltown, Iowa.
JOHN OLIVER THRUSH.
Rev. John Oliver Thrush, the fourth pastor of the church, was born on a farm near Keyser, Mineral county, West Virginia. At the age of sixteen years he began his studies in normal school at Fairmont, where he graduated two years later. He then entered Lebanon Valley college, taking and complet- ing the classical course. In the fall of 1885 he entered the divinity school at Yale, graduating at the end of three years.
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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
He then became pastor of the Congregational church at Postville, Iowa, where he was ordained September 20, 1888. He was pastor of the Congrega- tional church at Postville for a little more than two years, when he resigned to take a year of post-graduate study at Johns Hopkins university.
In February, 1891, Mr. Thrush accepted a call to become pastor of the Congregational church in Spencer, which position he filled for a little over eight years. In April, 1889, he accepted a call to the First Congregational church of Webster City, where he is still pastor.
In the early years of Mr. Thrush's ministry in Spencer a new church was built at a cost of about $6,000. The work of the church building was com- menced in 1892. A year later came the completion of a beautiful and commodious house of worship, which was dedicated early in June.
Then followed the era of large congregations, a flourishing Sabbath school and general prosperity. During Mr. Thrush's pastorate one hundred and seventy names were added to the church roll. The church found in him an impressive speaker, an able leader, and an earnest Christian. In 1899 his resignation was reluctantly accepted.
Shortly after coming to Spencer Mr. Thrush was united in marriage with Ada E. Brown, of Rockford, lowa. Their three children are Waldo Brown, Carol and Marion.
GLEN A. TAYLOR.
Glen A. Taylor, who succeeded Mr. Thrush as pastor of the church, was born in Denmark, Iowa, July 7, 1860. He united with the Denmark church-the first Congregational church in Iowa-at the age of twelve years.
His preparation for college was made at Denmark academy, and he entered Williams college in the fall of 1881, graduating with the class of 1885. Following his graduation from Williams, he spent one year at Chicago theological seminary. He later entered Yale divinity school, from which he graduated in 1889. After a year of post-graduate work at Andover Mr. Taylor began his first pastorate in Stuart, Iowa. Previous to this time he did several years of home missionary work in Nebraska.
He was ordained in Stuart, Iowa, November 19, 1890. Here he remained as pastor for nine years, when he received a call from the Congregational church at Spencer. Three years later he was called to the Congregational church at Emmetsburg. Here he remained two years. Failing health compelled him to close his work in October, 1904, much to the regret of his entire church. He is now living on a farm in Denmark.
During Mr. Taylor's pastorate in Spencer needed improvements were made on the church property. The interior of the church was beautifully frescoed and the exterior repainted. Cement walks were laid in front of the church and the parsonage repaired. In three years sixty-nine members were received into the church.
Mr. Taylor is a scholarly man of great ability, who is thoroughly devoted to his work. He has spent a number of vacations studying at Chicago university and Harvard divinity school.
In 1890 Mr. Taylor married Flora Wetmore, a graduate of Iowa college and
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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
of Wesley college in music and languages. They have two daughters, Miriam, born in 1891, and Esther, born in 1898.
ERNEST ELLSWORTH DAY.
Ernest Ellsworth Day was born at Mazeppa, Wabash county, Minnesota.
He prepared for college at the preparatory department of Carleton college, at Northfield, Minnesota, entering the fall of 1888. He spent his freshman year at Carleton, after which he spent a few months at Williams college, at Williams- town, Masachusetts. Returning to Minnesota, he entered the state university, graduating in 1895. After a year spent in the pastorate at Lyle, Minnesota, he entered Yale divinity school, graduating from that institution in 1899. August Ist the same year he began work as pastor of the Open Door Congregational church in Minneapolis. He had supplied a number of various pulpits in Minnesota during his vacations.
He was ordained to the gospel ministry October 24, 1889.
September 20, 1900, Mr. Day married, at Denver, Colorado, Miss Florence M. Coleman.
In the fall of 1902 he accepted a call to the Congregational church of Spencer, beginning work October Ist of that year. Since that time the Congre- gational rooms have been finished and furnished, the kitchen equipped with all modern improvements, the parsonage and grounds improved, and the sidewalk enterprise of 1905 carried out. Mr. Day is an inspiration to the church in all its departments, and is maintaining the high ideals of Christian living.
SPENCER'S SEWERAGE SYSTEM.
No community can have a perfect system of water works without sewerage, and this fact became apparent to the citizens of Spencer within the past few years. Sanitation alone demanded sewerage, if for no other reason; but there were many other reasons for the improvement, and today Spencer has a splendid system of twenty-two thousand one hundred and thirty-one feet, not including laterals, which cost the taxpayers $32,352.56. The money has been well spent, and as the demand arises more will be constructed. The sewerage system, with the splendid waterworks system of the city, gives to Spencer a character abroad that tends to her ultimate benefit. Those looking for a residence city always make inquiries in regard to these things. The city that has a good waterworks and sewerage system, first class schools and a moral, intelligent, progressive people is the place the most sought after by the parents who have children to rear properly, and who not only enjoy but demand these modern blessings .. Such a place is Spencer, and her citizens are proud of it.
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS OF SPENCER.
The citizens of Spencer are proud of their town and there is a spirit abroad among them to build wisely and well. This is shown by the number of substantial modern and costly business blocks, the handsome new courthouse, beautiful resi- dences and well kept streets. In the matter of sidewalks the city excels. There are now laid in Spencer two hundred and thirty blocks of cement walks, and so
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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
well laid and constructed that no expense need be expected on them for many years to come. Added to the walks should be the one hundred and twenty-three crossings, made of cement and substantially laid.
SPENCER ELECTRIC LIGHT PLANT.
To be up with the times and meet the urgent demands of business men and residents of Spencer, an electric light plant was deemed not only essential but an imperative necessity. Oil lamps at the street corners did not fill the bill, nor did the people want gas. Electric lights were considered the only modern illuminant, and a number of public-spirited citizens determined to make a move for the attainment of their desire. Chief among these was A. W. Miller, at the time president of the First National bank. In 1891, with Franklin Floete, Ackley Hubbard, Dr. Charles McAllister, T. P. Bender, W. L. Bender and eighty-eight others, a stock company was organized and incorporated for the purpose of building and conducting an electric light and power plant. . At the time of the incorporation the capital stock was set at $8,000; in 1894 this was increased to $14,000, and later further increased to $25,000. The officers of the company were as follows: President, Ackley Hubbard ; vice president, A. WV. Miller ; secretary, S. S. Snow ; treasurer, H. N. Smith.
The work of building the plant was at once commenced. The powerhouse, constructed of brick, was located just north of and along the track of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad and facing on Main street. Engines and other machinery, of the best modern construction, were installed, and one arc and one incandescent dynamo set up in their places. Poles 'were erected and wires strung, and before the end of the year the people of Spencer were no longer in darkness, but were supplied with a light equal to the best.
While the lights gave eminent satisfaction to the patrons of the company, the latter, or the stockholders, reaped no benefit. For them there was no profit and, it is said, when the property was eventually disposed of to the city, the stockholders lost all they had invested in the enterprise. In 1901 the electric light plant went into the possession of the city of Spencer, the remuneration therefor being $16,698.63. Since then a number of improvements have been made, new dynamos installed and many new patrons of the utility secured. Today the concern is more than self-sustaining and the product of the plant is second to none in the state. In 1908 a continuous service was inaugurated, so that the light is obtainable at any time, day or night.
WATERWORKS.
After an expenditure of several thousands of dollars Spencer has suc- ceeded in securing good water supply and is well protected in this respect in case of fires. At first a well of large dimensions was sunk to a great depth. A wind pump of commodious size and strength was placed over the well and a large reservoir of the most substantial character, fully enclosed with large wooden timbers, was constructed, capable of holding thousands of gallons of water. The connection was made by a large water main leading through the principal streets, placed at such a depth that sufficient pressure was given to afford good fire
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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
service and throw a stream of good size a distance of over a hundred feet. Smaller mains were laid and a number of patrons used the water in their buildings, drawn from the mammoth well. It was of sufficient capacity to meet all the needed requirements and was regarded as a good protection against any ordinary fire.
As the city increased in population, the demand for water kept pace with its growth. This necessitated the laying of new mains and many connections. It became apparent that the capacity of the works was not sufficient to meet the demands made upon them. New wells were dug, and in 1907 a steel tank of sufficient capacity was erected on high steel supports. The height of the tank gives sufficient pressure to the water to more than reach the top of any building in the city. For emergency purposes a large reservoir has been constructed. The water is pumped into the tank and the reservoir at the electric light station. The Spencer waterworks as now constructed and completed affords to the city splendid fire protection.
COMPARATIVE PROPERTY LIST.
The following list shows the property owned by the city of Spencer, with the actual values April 1, 1906, and also April 1, 1907, after deducting reasonable depreciation and including all repairs and additions for the year :
April 1, 1906. April 1, 1907
Electric light plant (not including cash on hand or
bills receivable)
.$16,552.96
$16.976.72
Waterworks :
Pipe
$10,215.02
$10,210.80
Tank
4,800.00
Wells
1,500.00
1,500.00
Cover on wells.
665.00
631.75
Building
500.00
500.00
Pump
1,056.00
960.00
Hydrants
441.00
409.50
14,377.02
19,012.05
Lot 12, blk. 32, C., M. & St. P. Ry. Add. (City Hall) ..
1,300.00
1,300.00
Lots 3-4, block 18, College Add. (Pest House)
600.00
550.00
Lots 14-15-16, blk. B., Orig. Plat (Public Library, in- cluding fixtures )
12,890.88
13.019.88
Lots 4-5, blk. I., Harrisburg (Gravel Pit)
250.00
200.00
South hose cart house
105.00
100.00
City Scales, including building
300.00
300.00
Riverside Cemetery (unsold lots)
II.I33.00
10.569.00
Riverside Cemetery (tools and improvements)
840.00
798.00
Fire apparatus
2,000.25
2,004.64 .
Street Commissioner's tools
200.00
180.00
Books in Library.
2,668.92
2,668.92
Total $63,218.03
$67.672.51
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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
STATISTICAL INFORMATION.
The city had, on April 1, 1907, 4.748 feet of 4-inch, 9.045 feet of 6-inch, 400 feet of 8-inch and 14,613 feet of 10-inch water mains and twenty-one fire hydrants.
Out of a total of 237 blocks of walk in the city, 209 are already cement and about one-half of the balance have been condemned and will be put in during the summer.
There are forty-six cement alley crossings and seventy-seven cement street crossings (including approaches). already laid, and arrangements have been made to lay fifty more street crossings with approaches this season.
The city had 418 electric lights and 162 water consumers, with prospects for several more the coming season.
There is 18.681 feet of sewer system valued at $28,948.16, with about 1,700 feet to be put in this season.
The public library contains 2.901 volumes besides 500 state and government books and innumerable magazines and periodicals.
FARMERS' ELEVATOR COMPANY.
The farmers of Clay county had long been satisfied in their own minds that the grain buyers were not giving them a "square deal" in handling their grain. They felt positive the elevator companies were making profits to the loss of the producer and it was concluded, after a number of meetings had been held, to form a cooperative company, the members to be farmers of the county, for their mutual benefit and protection. Hence, in 1907, the Farmers' Elevator Company was organized and incorporated at Spencer and capitalized at $25,000. The purpose of the company was the buying and selling of grain, coal, binding twine and hogs; the profits, after all expenses were paid, to be credited pro rata to the members of the company. About one hundred and seventy entered the enterprise as stockholders and the following officers were selected : President, F. H. Black, of Summit Township; vice president, L. E. LaBrant, of Spencer, a retired farmer; secretary, P. N. Larson, of Meadow Township; treasurer, William F. Torbett, of Riverton Township; Andrew Anderson, of Spencer, manager.
July 1, 1907, business commenced by the new cooperative concern in the elevator standing near the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul depot at Spencer, which the company had purchased of the Hunting Elevator Company, of McGregor, Iowa, and from the start the concern has been encouraged to continue its endeavors to save for its members the profits on corn, wheat and hogs that would otherwise go into the pockets of the elevator companies. The start has been a good one and the manager in plain terms gave the writer to understand that the business of the company is bringing in a satisfactory return, both to its officers and members.
SPENCER MILLS.
The Marcellus mill, built by Garrett D. Marcellus, stood on the bank of the Little Sioux River and was run by water power. A large dam was built across the river, but it finally became untenable owing to quicksand. And then, also, the city began thinking of and planning a sewage system and this dan was a
GRACE M. E. CHURCH, SPENCER
THE NEW YOR
NX TILDIN FCUADA IONS
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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
menace to the proper drainage of the city so, after E. H. Tryon and James Bruntlett had purchased the mill and dam, the city authorities bought of them the dam and destroyed it. At this time the Bender Bros. Company was conducting a milling and elevator business, in a mill just south of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad track, on the east side of Main street. The Benders and the other members of the company, which included Tryon and Bruntlett, then organized the Spencer Grain Company. This company continued business in the new mill, to which part of the machinery of the Marcellus mill had been taken, for some time, when the Benders retired, and the members of the concern continued the business under the name of the Spencer Milling Company, which was organized in 1891. Before this, part of the members separated from the concern, and went to Minneapolis, taking with them all interests the grain company had in the elevators belonging to it. Those prominent in the organiza- tion of the Spencer Milling Company were James Bruntlett, A. W. Miller, Jr., Mrs. J. P. Evans, and others, members of the former company. The Spencer Milling Company was capitalized at $25,000. Wirt Bronson is the manager. The Spencer Milling Company also built a sixty-barrel mill at White Lake, South Dakota. The main purpose of this mill is to secure the best quality of hard, winter wheat for the Spencer mill.
The mill of this company is a large four-story frame building, 32x64 feet. The capacity is 150 barrels per day. The mill is equipped with good machinery and seven double stands of rollers. The popular local brand of flour turned out is "The Royal." The company has two representatives on the road and sends its product over the states of Iowa and Wisconsin.
SPENCER ELEVATORS.
Clay county has been and is today one of the banner grain counties of the state and Spencer, consequently, for years past has been a splendid market for cereals. This is evidenced by five large elevators, three on the M. & St. L. rail- road and two on the C., M. & St. P. railroad. At the latter road is the Farmers' Cooperative Elevator and that of the Reliance Elevator Company. At the M. & St. L. are the elevators belonging to the DeWolf & Wells Elevator Company, Skewis & Moen Elevator Company, and the third one is conducted by F. M. Tuttle.
For the past few years these elevators have not been doing the business of former times. The amount of grain brought to them has decreased from year to year and it is now asserted two elevators are all that are necessary. One reason for this is given in the statement that a great amount of grain is now fed on the farms and used in dairying.
SPENCER FIRE INSURANCE COMPANIES.
The Iowa Mercantile Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized in Spencer in 1895 by A. W. Green, Ackley Hubbard, William Flindt, F. A. Hiser, D. E. Knight and others, and the following officers were selected: A. W Green, president ; C. W. Coffin, secretary ; William Flindt, treasurer. The present
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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
officers are: A. W. Green, president; W. H. Golly, of Zearing, Iowa, vice president ; D. L. Ryder, secretary ; William Flindt, treasurer.
This is one of the flourishing concerns of Clay county. It now has about $4,000,000 in risks on a purely mutual plan. The concern insures nothing but mercantile risks and town dwellings and makes a saving, according to its statement, on mercantile risks of 25 per cent. and on dwellings of 50 per cent.
EARLING HOTEL.
In 1887 a stock company was organized for the purpose of erecting a hotel building which would be in keeping with the general prosperity and growth of Spencer, and as a result the present handsome and commodious Earling hotel was completed, at a cost of something less than $20,000, including furniture. The Earling is the leading hotel and is thoroughly furnished throughout, and is an ornament and great advantage to Spencer. There are many reasons why a first-class hotel is a benefit to a town. The first thing a stranger or traveling man wishes to know on entering a place, is the name and locality of a good hotel, whether he wants simply a meal or intends to stay a day or a week or even longer. And in many cases a stranger is either favorably impressed with a town by the class and character of its hotels, or unfavorably impressed with them. Fortunately, Spencer is well provided in this respect. The Earling was built to supply the wants and demands of the traveling public. It is a commodious three-story building with basement, most admirably and conveniently arranged with the latest and most modern improvements. It is heated with steam, provided with electric bells in every room, and supplied with new furniture, carpets and dining room essentials. It is pronounced by the traveling public to be one of the neatest, most substantially constructed and best arranged hotels in the northwest. The first manager and principal stockholder, J. B. Stamp, had, from many years' experience in the hotel business, acquired the faculty of making the guests feel as if they were friends rather than strangers, and at home rather than in a public house. He was one of the most hospitable of hosts, his pleasant manner and general agreeable- ness making him many warm and lasting friends.
The Earling Hotel is now in the possession of E. B. Stouffer & Co .- the Misses Lulu and E. B. Stouffer, and J. A. Beck, nonresidents of Spencer.
INSURANCE.
Clay county has two organized insurance companies, which are doing a most excellent business, and are greeted with favor in all parts of the county. We herewith give a somewhat lengthy detailed account of what they are and what they are doing, in order that the readers may have an idea of their general plan of doing business.
The Farmers' Fire and Lightning Insurance Association was organized Decem- ber 3, 1888, and began business February 1, 1889. It is conducted on the mutual plan, and is more economical than the old line insurance. Only small fees are allowed the officers and agents, and the greatest of care is taken in the risks they insure. A brief comparison of the record of the "stock companies," and the expense entailed, with that of the "mutual companies," will demonstrate very
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HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY
clearly that the latter costs far less. For the year 1888 the average cost to the farmers of Iowa who were members of the "mutual company" was 16 cents on every $100 covered by their policies. During that same time the "stock companies" received from the people of Iowa $4,279,023.34, and returned as payment for losses $1,109,555.77. Another feature of the mutual is that it is prompt. The adjustor can be on the ground soon after the fire, and at once ascertain the loss, if any. So far, this company has not had many losses by fire since its organization. The first loss by lightning occurred June 19, 1899, when five head of steers were killed. They were valued at $90, and within ten hours the adjustor was notified of the loss, and it was paid in full.
Another most satisfactory feature of this company is that it is secure. It is secure because every man who becomes a member is personally responsible for the losses, and every policy issued has, for a faithful performance of what it claims it will do, the backing of the real estate and personal property of the aggregation of farmers who belong to the association. Experience has clearly demonstrated that the farmers who belong to the mutual are prompt and honorable in the payment of their assessment.
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