USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume I > Part 28
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The lodge has from time to time received gratifying honors from the state and national lodges and Mr. Carl F. Kuehnle served a term as grand chancellor of Iowa, presiding over the convention at Le Mars, in August, 1894. Mr. Kuehnle also served as representative in the Supreme Lodge for twelve years. This lodge faithfully performs it duty, not only to living members but to those de- parted. Its annual banquets have for many years been prominent features of Denison's social life. The list of its members who have died is as follows: P. N. Luse, October 19, 1885; L. R. Marshall, January 28, 1888; C. B. Ramsey, September 15, 1892; Alden McArthur, July 9, 1894; J. H. Schoonover, Decem-
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ber 19, 1895; T. S. Luney, January 29, 1896; H. W. C. Wilroth, August 30, 1896; S. D. Cone, February 29, 1898; W. M. Cornwall, April 5, 1898; O. C. McAhren, October II, 1901; A. A. Runkle, February 13, 1902; A. D. James, June 10, 1902; Andrew Stewart, December 1I, 1902; F. J. Young, March 9, 1906; I. E. Scobe, August 23, 1907; Joseph Hird, May 16, 1908; Samuel Lu- ney, September 22, 1909; L. A. Sewall; and J. B. Romans, December 7, 1910.
The official roster for the present year includes the following; John Kott, Chancellor Commander; W. E. Kahler, Vice Commander; W. E. Terry, Pre- late; A. C. Green, Master of Work; E. F. Zucker, Keeper of Records and Seal; John E. Shaw Van, Master of Finance; J. B. Lyon, Master of Exchequer ; Hugo Gebart, Master at Arms; P. J. Klinker, Inner Guard; P. I. Christensen, Outer Guard; and A. C. Green, W. W. Ferguson, and D. L. Boynton, Trustees.
THE WOODMEN OF THE WORLD
The Woodmen of the World held their first meeting on Thursday evening, October 16, 1895, when the following were elected as charter members of Hawk- eye Camp, No. 76: W. A. Ackley, C. H. Bolles, Henry A. Cook, Art Folsom, E. Gulick, T. W. Garber, Hugo Gebert, W. W. Holmes, M. A. Harding, M. E. Jones, C. C. Kemming, W. R. Kirkup, Henry Kelly, M. E. Leise, O. C. Mc- Ahren, M. M. McAlpin, Frank O'Dell, A. Oswald, W. C. Rollins, E. H. Swasey, Gustave T. Slegemann, Henry Stuck, E. T. Stokes, George A. Smith, Christian Otto, Hans Thiesen, W. C. Van Ness, H. W. C. Wilroth and J. J. Wieland. The following officers were elected: W. C. Van Ness, Council Commander ; H. A. Cook, Advisory Lieutenant; George A. Smith, Clerk; M. E. Jones, Banker; O. C. McAhren, Escort; Henry Kelly, Watchman; T. W. Garber, Sentry; W. W. Holmes and Arte Folsom, Camp Physicians; M. M. McAlpin, H. A. Cook and Frand Odell, Managers; and H. A. Cook, Henry Kelly and M. E. Leise were appointed a committee on by-laws.
The following members have died: Andrew Stewart, William , E. F. Sperry, H. W. C. Willroth, G. W. Garrett, C. R. Dixon, Dr. C. H. Balles, H. L. Graham and O. C. McAhren.
The officers for 1911 are John Sillitor, Sr., Council Commander; F. M. Gibson, Adv. Lieutenant; John A. Sillito, Banker; John Rollins, Clerk; Ben Haffard, Watchman; W. L. Hill, Sentry; R. P. Plimpton, Physician; and B. H. Foderberg, M. A. Harding and W. C. Van Ness, Managers.
The Woodmen of the World are in flourishing condition and have the larg- est membership of any lodge in the city. Their meetings are well attended and the interest in the lodge has been well sustained ever since its origin.
THE GERMANIA VEREIN.
The Germania Verein is the name of a society founded April 1, 1881, for the purpose of unifying the German speaking people and providing a suitable place of meeting. The first meetings for organization purposes were held at the courthouse in the spring of 1881. Funds were raised by stock subscriptions, and a public hall which for several years has served Denison as its chief place
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of amusement, was erected at a cost of seven thousand dollars. Peter Dresser was the architect and Mr. Charles Evers the contractor.
The Verein was for many years the leading German organization of the county. It maintained a school for the benefit of the German children and for teaching the German language. It was to teach this school that Professor J. F. Harthun, now editor of the Zeitung, first came to Denison. The society made various improvements in the opera house from time to time and finally had it established on a good paying basis. When the citizens of Denison organized for the purpose of building a hotel, a hospital and an opera house the Germania Verein deeded its property to the Denison Improvement Association, taking stock in the association as payment. The proviso was made, however, that the Verein should have control of the property until such time as work on a new opera house in its place should be commenced. As the opera house project has been allowed to languish the Germania Verein remains in possession of the premises. The ground upon which the building stands was later sold to the' United States for the purpose of the erection of a postoffice building. This building has also been delayed and it is probable that the opera house will re- main at its present location for some years. While the need of better facilities for public gatherings at this time is very apparent, still at the time of its erec- tion the Germania Halle was a great accession to the town and it has served its purpose well. The present officers of the Verein are, Frank Faul, President ; Hugo Gebert, Vice President; Peter Krauth, Secretary; Louis Evers, Treas- urer; Dr. F. Mueller, B. Brodersen and Christ Otto, Trustees; and B. J. Sib- bert, Manager.
THE MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA.
Denison Camp, Modern Woodmen of America, No. 315, was organized in 1887, with a membership of 20. R. Hefflefinger was the presiding officer, C. F. Cassady, Clerk and Scott Wilson, Banker. The camp boasts that it is the oldest society of its kind in Denison, and it has done very much for the welfare of its members, both the living and the dead. The present membership is seventy-six, and its officers now are: Wm. Dannells, C .; F. H. Bolton, A. D. V .; A. Schwartz- enbaugh, Banker; A. G. Myers, Clerk; F. C. Marshall, Escort; Dr. W. T. Wright, Physician ; E. T. Cochran, A. L. Rogers and F. C. Marshall, Managers.
THE MYSTIC WORKERS OF THE WORLD.
Anabel Lodge, number 856, Mystic Workers of the World, was organized at Denison on April 10, 1908, by state deputy E. E. Farley. This organization is primarily one for mutual insurance and has its headquarters at Fulton, Illinois. The first officers were as follows: Prefect, C. H. Johnson; Monitor, H. M. Godberson; Secretary, A. R. Hill; Banker, Mrs. Emma S. Meyers; Physicians, Dr. P. J. Brannon and Dr. C. W. Carr, Marshal, John McGrath, J. R. Matlock; Sentinel, Miss Ida Servoss; Supervisors, Herbert Allard, Dr. P. J. Brannon and C. H. Johnson. On January 25, 1909, Mr. Fred Conery was elected Prefect and on his resignation April 12, 1909, Mr. Chas. K. Meyers was elected
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to that office, and was such at the time of the writing of this history. The lodge secretaries succeeding Mr. Hill were Mr. John H. Cook and Mr. John Ruster- holz. On the resignation of Mr. Rusterholz in September, 1910, his duties were assumed by the Prefect, Mr. Meyers. As the primary object of the organization at Denison was to secure, for the membership, life insurance and certain accident benefits, rather than the formation of a new social order, no attempts were made to have regular stated meetings. All meetings have been held in the Review hall. The membership on July 1, 1911, was thirty-five, all in good standing.
THE GERMAN BROTHERHOOD.
One of the potent factors in Denison life is the German Brotherhood. This was founded April 17, 1886, by a number of our prominent German citizens who had served in the army of the Fatherland. The object of this organization was to promote friendly intercourse among the members and to perpetuate German ideas and the German tongue. The first president was Mr. Theodore N. Peter- sen. The organization continued for a number of years as a military brother- hood but later the name was changed as given above and the society was made to include all citizens of German descent. The society now numbers about 150 members. Benefits are paid to the families and the society is in splendid finan- cial condition. In 1900 three lots were purchased and in 1903 a hall costing $2,000 was erected. In 1906 a park of 41/2 acres was purchased and these prop- erties are all owned by the society without indebtedness. The present officers are President, J. F. Harthun, who has held the office for seventeen years; Vice President, John Pump; Secretary, C. H. Wendt; Treasurer, F. Faul.
THE GERMAN LANDWEHRVEREIN.
The German Landwehrverein was organized July 12, 1908, and is an organ- ization of German Veterans who have served in the German army and received honorable discharge therefrom. The society is affiliated with the Westliche Kriegerbund, an association of twenty-six lodges, in Iowa, Nebraska and neigh- boring states. The objects of the society are much the same as those of the German Brotherhood. The membership is 110. The society is particularly proud of its handsome flag which is of hand embroidered silk and which was imported from Germany at an expense of more than $150.00. It is said to be the finest flag in the northwest. The officers of this society are, J. F. Harthun, President ; Henry Otto, Vice President; John Holst, Secretary; John Pump, Treasurer ; and Herman Koenekamp, Flag Bearer.
CLUB LIFE-WOMEN'S CLUBS.
If the history of the social and literary life of Denison did not take an ac- count of the clubs, it would indeed be incomplete, for these two phases of life are largely carried on by the means of clubs. The pioneer club of Denison is the Friday club, founded after the World's Fair in Chicago, which in so many ways gave an impulse toward culture to the people of the west. The first meeting of
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the Friday club for organization was held with Mrs. Sears McHenry and the constitution and form of organization were adopted, which, although the club soon outgrew them, served for a beginning. The first regular meeting was held with Mrs. Van Ness. As it was shortly after the death of Oliver Wendell Holmes, the program was devoted to him. Miss Grace Meyers wrote the first paper, a sketch of Holmes. The next year, the first annual banquet was held at the home of Mrs. C. F. Kuehnle, with Miss Meyers as toastmistress. The banquets of the club have always ranked as the most brilliant social events of Denison and the members declare that no expense or trouble is too great. The programs of the club have been varied, but for the last three years they have been making a very thorough study of Shakespeare, under the leadership of Mrs. Harry Carpenter. The first president of the Friday club was Miss Meyers. The coming year will find the club under the presidency of Miss Brodersen. The Friday club cook book is a distinctive feature of this club's outside work. Three cook books have been published and have always had a large sale.
The next literary club to be formed was the Womans' Club, the first meeting being held February 3, 1902, at the home of Mrs. W. H. Laub, who was elected president. Mrs. Holmes was the first Recording Secretary, Mrs. R. A. Romans, Vice President, Mrs. Gulick, Treasurer, Mrs. Garrison, Critic. In the beginning the club read Stoddard's Lectures, but as they gained in confidence they began doing original work and no club does better or more thorough study. A travel program will be carried out for the coming year of 1911-12. Miss Lessie Mar- shall is president of the club. The Woman's Club banquet is a feature of the social calendar for the month of February. Mrs. L. M. Shaw is an honorary member of the club and has been since the beginning.
In October, 1904, the Shakespeare reading club was formed at the home of Mrs. E. T. Cochran, and she was the first president of the club. Mesdames Cochran, Hope, and Seeley were the originators of the club which at first num- bered but six members. It has now been increased to eighteen. The club meets in the evening and the members have had a very successful study of Shakes- peare, giving, from time to time, very novel entertainments to their friends. Mrs. Armstrong is the present president. In 1907 the Current Event club was formed, the first meeting being held with Miss Meyers. The object of the club has been as its name implies, a study of current events and a desire to be posted as to the present trend of the world's affairs. It has also had much to do with the civic improvement of Denison and has interested itself in many reforms. One of the distinctive features of the club is its annual Christmas tree, held in the club room for children whose Christmas otherwise might be meager. It is one of the most beautiful movements ever undertaken by a club and has given pleasure untold to many children. Mrs. E. W. Fellows was the first and most brilliant president of the Current Event club. Mrs. Barber will be the president for the coming year, 1911-12. A drinking fountain has been installed by the Current Event club and by them presented to the city.
In social clubs Penelope was the first to be formed and it has had an un- broken record of pleasure and social good times. Mrs. U. G. Johnson, now of Redfield, So. Dak., and Miss Grace Meyers were promoters of this club, the membership being limited to the fancy work class. Penelope was started in
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1898, the first meeting being held with Mrs. U. G. Johnson. Mrs. J. P. Conner was elected president, a position she has held ever since, the most unique honor ever paid any woman in Denison. Mrs. W. J. Scriver was secretary up to the time of her death, an event much mourned by the club, which suffered a severe loss in the death of this member. Penelope is limited to 25 members, and has no dues.
Coffee Club had its beginning as have so many popular clubs, at the home of Mrs. W. H. Laub. The organization came about informally, but has proved to be a most delightful social feature. Mrs. Laub was the first president. The membership was first limited to eight, but it has been enlarged to ten members. Miss Meyers is the present head of the club.
The F. H. Club was formed in 1910 at the home of Mrs. Aug. Moeller, with Mrs. J. Phil Jones as first president. The club is social in character and very helpful. At each meeting it assists the hostess with work that she has provided for them. Each year the members contribute to the Christian Home at Council Bluffs. The F. H. supper is always an excellent feature and the members have a record of very enjoyable meetings. The S. S. Club defies classification for it comes either under the head of a social or a literary organization. The club has had a splendid growth and is largely intended for the social life of the business women of Denison, many of whom are engaged during the entire day and a large part of the evenings. The plan of meeting together for supper in the club room originated with Miss Meyers. The possession of this club room made the club possible and it has a flourishing membership of thirty members, composed of the business girls of Denison. The members have charge of the menu in rota- tion and the program is provided in the same way. Miss Ollie Towne was the first president of the club. Miss Effie Norris is the president for the year 1911. The guest nights of the S. S. club are noted for their originality. We doubt if any club in Denison is more appreciated or fills a greater place in the lives of its members.
CHAPTER XXIII.
CHURCHES
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DENISON.
By Mrs. Chas. K. Meyers.
In the research necessary to compile a history of the fifty-four years exis- tence of the Baptist church in Denison, Iowa, many items of interest came to light, among them these facts. In the autumn of 1855, Rev. Jesse W. Denison came to Crawford county as agent for the Providence Western Land Company, and during that year and the next, selected large holdings of land for the com- pany. In 1856 commenced the settlement of the town which in due course of time was named Denison after its enterprising agent. He was then in the prime of a vigorous manhood, energetic, and with ample means at his command, and naturally became the honored and efficient leader in public affairs, and the pro- moter of all things pertaining to its best welfare.
Scarcely were the lands located and the town site selected when Mr. Denison began to provide for educational advantages and church privileges. A school- house 14x20 was built by him on the beautiful rising ground now within the W. A. McHenry residence plot. This was an open hill-top affording an unob- structed view of the surrounding country in all directions. The building stood alone, on the most elevated portion then occupied in the town, and could be seen for miles around. Previous to this, Mr. Denison had held meetings and preached in the old Denison House, the only building of a public character in the town. When the school house was finished, religious services were at once established regularly in this new, and, at that time commodious building. Mr. Denison also preached in Mr. S. E. Dow's log house in Union township, in what is now known as Dow City. Mr. and Mrs. Dow were the pioneer Baptists of Dow City where they served the church faithfully for fifty years. Useful and helpful though these meetings were, Mr. Denison was planning for something more permanent and kept talking of the organization of a church. This seemed to some impossible, to others as not likely to be successful; a few were particu- larly favorable, while many thought that a lasting organization could not be ef- fected. But he was persistent; kept talking about it and would not be dis- couraged and finally announced that a meeting would be held to consider the
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organization of the First Baptist Church of Denison, Iowa. He then secured the promise of attendance from all that he could, and when the appointed time came, the meeting was well attended, and the matter of taking proper steps for such an organization was placed in Mr. Denison's hands to formulate and present to an adjourned meeting. This meeting occurred sometime in August of 1857, but it was not until October 31, 1857, that the organization was effected, with the following persons as charter members: Rev. Jesse W. Denison, Thomas H. Manners, Mrs. Isabella Manners, Wilson B. Manners, Margaret J. Manners, Ann M. Manners, Oscar S. Gates, Joseph D. Seagrave, George W. Calkins. Albert F. Bond.
On Sunday, November 1, the public exercises of the occasion occurred, Rev. J. W. Denison preaching the sermon of Recognition and S. F. Wallace of Ban- gor, Maine, giving the charge to the church. This was the beginning of "our church," small indeed, having little prestige, but moderate talent, and few in numbers. They all were assured of present benefit, were happy in the posses- sion of privileges and associations and blessed in the presence of the Master and in the assurance that they were doing what they could. The Sabbath serv- ices, Sunday School, and Prayer Meetings were often of a tender and spiritual character. Earnest effort and devotion were surely receiving the Divine ap- proval. The school house was often crowded, and a beneficent influence flowed from this center.
On March 5, 1858, a society was organized in connection with the church, composed of persons in the community who were not church members yet who were favorable to the cause of Christ and would cast their influence on the Lord's side. It was thought that such co-operation with Christian people would tend to win them in heart as well as hand to their Savior, and influence their children to lead Christian lives. This society commenced with eleven members, was numerously added to as time passed on, but with the growth of population and the organization of churches of various denominations in town and the adjacent country villages, the need for such a society ceased, and it was discontinued on March 29, 1863.
The church services were held in the school house until sometime in 1858, when the court room in the new county house was completed and the Baptists and Methodists used the room alternately until 1868, when the Baptists erected a church edifice which stood on the east side of Main street about mid-way be- tween Broadway and Tremont street. On January 3, 1869, it was dedicated- the first house of worship in Crawford county. In the spring of 1875, business having increased the price of lots very materially, it was decided to sell this lo- cation and buy farther from the business center. This was done and the church building was moved to the corner of Chestnut and Sweet streets. In the spring of 1884, the church found it necessary to build a parsonage on the lot north of the church. The building was completed during the summer and was first oc- cupied by Pastor Avery. As the church accumulated property it became neces- sary to have articles of incorporation, that the trustees might do business legally and these were adopted March, 18, 1884.
On the night of February 14, 1886, after an evening of shivering discom- fort, although the sexton had been trying vainly to heat the church with green
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wood, the edifice was completely destroyed by fire. Saddened but not dis- heartened, the brave little band faced the situation. Through the foresight and generosity of two of the members, insurance had been kept up, and with this for a beginning, a subscription was circulated and funds raised to build the pres- ent church. Meantime the preaching services were held regularly in the Ger- mania Hall, where our Sunday School reached "high water mark"-400-and later in the Episcopal church until the dedication of the building on February 12, 1888. Among the many things destroyed by the burning of our church, none was more bewailed than the bell, for its sweet clear tones were the first to sound from a church tower in the county. It was bought by the help of many Sunday school scholars, as well as many other generous persons, and cost over $400. It was of steel, its weight 750 pounds. The bell fell with the tower and was badly cracked. It was sold to Luney Brothers, who recast it and for a number of years it hung back of the old Presbyterian church in Deni- son, but on the building of their new church it was laid aside until 1906, when Rev. A. G. Martin secured it for the use of a Presbyterian church in Lawton, Iowa, where it was hung in the church tower, with suitable ceremonies of dedi- cation.
At the time of the building of the new edifice the church had two thriving missions, one in Paradise township and the other near Coon Grove from which we received many earnest church members. Three of our young men were granted licenses to preach and supplied these mission stations and also at Char- ter Oak from time to time. These were Robt. P. Plimpton, Harry B. Shilling- ton and Hugh H. Menagh.
As years passed on and our membership increased and our Sunday school classes crowded upon each other, it was found necessary to enlarge our bor- ders, so under the efficient and painstaking oversight of Brother Halver A. Norman, the north wall of the auditorium was moved out 20 feet and the vestry enlarged 12 feet, and another vestibule built. The pulpit and choir loft are now more advantageously located. It has always been the aim of our hon- ored board of trustees to keep the church in good repair, comfortably warmed and lighted, and their endeavors have met with the sincere appreciation of the membership, who have earnestly seconded their efforts. At the present time the church is making extensive improvements, among which is a memorial bap- tistry in memory of Mrs. Sarah Hagensen, who, at the time of her death, left a fund to be used as the church should direct.
The ministers who have served the church and have been our loved under- shepherds are: Rev. Jesse W. Denison, 1862-63; Rev. George Scott, 1863-70; Rev. Robert Dunlap, 1871-73; Rev. Arthur M. Duboc, 1873-76; Rev. J. B. Hawk, 1877-80; Rev. Amos Robinson, 1880-83; Rev. W. H. H. Avery, 1883-87 ; Rev. H. C. Nash, 1887-94; Rev. R. Venting, 1894-97; Rev. F. W. Bateson, 1898-02; Rev. G. E. Morphy, 1902-05; Rev. C. H. Stull, 1905-07; Rev. C. Edw. La Reau, 1907.
The total number of members who have united with the church is 704. There have gone from our church as missionaries to foreign lands, Brother John M. Carvell, to Assam, and Brother Albert E. Seagrave, to Burmah; as home missionaries, Sister Lily M. Plimpton to Texas and later to Utah, and
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Sister Marilla Pettis to Montana. Miss Nellie Strong also did a noble work in Chicago for the few brief years given her and her death was greatly deplored by her fellow workers. Many others have gone out from this church to fill prominent positions in the Master's vineyard.
From W. A. McHenry, who located in Denison in 1865, we glean a few interesting facts concerning the early life of the church. At that time there were but fourteen houses in Denison and church services were held in the office of Mr. J. W. Denison over the Chicago store on the corner of Main and Tre- mont streets, the building which still stands in the same place. Later when meetings were held by the Baptists and Methodists alternately in the court room each Sabbath, Mr. McHenry carried over from his residence a tiny organ and his young bride played chords to lead in the service of song. This worthy young couple were both blessed with excellent voices, and together with those of Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Plimpton a foundation was laid for good music for which this church has always had a splendid reputation.
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