History of Hardin county, Iowa, together with sketches of its towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 56

Author:
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1002

USA > Iowa > Hardin County > History of Hardin county, Iowa, together with sketches of its towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 56

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That the school is doing a great good cannot be doubted by any one familiar with its workings. Agood common school education is given the inmates, which, to many is all the instruction ever received. Many are taken away from the school on account of the importunities of parents, too soon to reap the advantages they would receive from the instruction given. In reference to the discharged boys and girls, the trustees say in their report to the General Assembly:

"Permit us again to call your attention, and that of the people of the State, to the duty of all good men and women to give aid and comfort, employment and support to our boys and girls. When they leave

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the school it is oftentimes a critical period in their history. . It is an experiment fraught with peril. While in school they form correct ideas of life and duty; they adopt good principles and form good habits; by being controlled they have learned to control themselves. And in order that the good work here commenced may successfully progress, they need the wise counsels of kind and sympathizing friends. Some of our boys and girls are welcomed by parents or friends into safe, good homes. But others, 'alas! have no home,' and encounter many rebuffs and heart-crushing disappointments, and fail to find that aid that their - honest endeavors to do well, demand. Many people are inclined to think that having been bad once, they are always bad, and that there is no such thing as reformation. This idea should not prevail anywhere. Succor the erring, reclaim the criminal, and en- courage them in their efforts to lead useful and honorable lives, that shall be an honor to the State, and a credit to the founders and labors of the Iowa Reform School.

"It is a pride that we can travel through- out the State and find a goodly number of our boys and girls leading virtuous, indus- trions, and happy lives. While some may now be in prison, others may have met the fate of Charles Howlett, yet we think that three-fourths of those sent to the Reform School are saved. And while reunions of families, soldiers, and college students are common occurrences, we shall favor in the near future, a reunion of the inmates and officers of the lowa Reform School.

"One hundred and forty-four girls have been admitted, and eighty-one discharged. Eight hundred and one boys have been

admitted, and six hundred discharged since the organization of the school, three- fourths of whom are now earning an honest living, are now producers, not con- sumers, respectable and useful members of society. A gathering together of all these former inmates of the school would be an occasion of rejoicing-would be encourag- ing to the State that has founded and so generously supported the school, and to the officers, whose labor of brain, heart, and muscle has produced such beneficent and satisfactory results."

The health of the inmates of the school is good, the Superintendent attributing it in a great measure to the systematic regu- larity of working, playing, bathing, eating, drinking and sleeping. Every boy bathes, and all under-clothing and bed linen are changed at least once a week. In refer- ence to the purpose of the school, the Superintendent says:

"That the school has done and is doing great good, is shown by the large percent- age of boys who have had the benefit of its influence, who have come up from a childhood of vice and vagrancy into a well informed and respectable manhood. We want this thing to continue and the good results to increase. But it takes time and money to accomplish this. The strictest economy should be practiced in the man- agement of the finances of such institu- tions; but in the application of this prin- ciple, great care should be used that a parsimonious policy be not substituted for that of true economy. This would be entirely foreign to the humane principles on which the school was founded, and would cause the philanthropic hearts conceiving the idea of such a school for Iowa to throb

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with pain and disappointment; therefore, we urge that the judicious expenditure of money for some other things than simply teachers, food and raiment, is essential to the accomplishment of the good results that are so much to be desired.

"In pursuance of this idea, we have, within the last few months, placed upon the boys' tables, neat, but inexpensive castors, and have substituted queensware for the worn and dingy tinware hitherto in use. We have also placed upon the walls of the boys' dining-rooms and school- rooms some appropriate pictures, and have made some other little additions to the attractiveness of the school-rooms; and will, with your consent and approbation, continue to make such improvements, from time to time, as our limited means will admit. Such improvements add very ma- terially to the homelike appearance and attractiveness of the school; and while thèy cost the State but little, are of great value to the children here, many of whom have no homes but this."

With reference to the schools, the Super- intendent remarks:

" Our schools have been, for the past year, efficient and progressive. They bave had a liberal supply of books and material. The branches taught are, of necessity, the common ones only, there being no demand for a higher course of study.

" The teaching here is a peculiar work. Many teachers who would do good work in the common school, would fail utterly in ours. The teacher here must possess the tact, perseverance and patience to con- trol, instruct and interest a school of truants, for the boys who come here are almost invariably from that ' class who

could not be kept in school at home, and would grow up to manhood in vice and ignorance if they were not subjected some- where to a species of compulsory educa- tion. .

"They are not wanting in intellectual ability. On the contrary, they possess native powers of mind equal to the average boy in our common schools. But they are sadly wanting in the disposition to apply themselves earnestly to study. Hence the necessity for the greater tact on the part of the teacher to control, instruct, and interest, than is essential to successful teaching in our common schools.

" Every boy is required to attend school four hours each school day during our school months. Consequently, every boy committed here, who remains any consid- erable length of time, will go out with a. common school education .

" Right here on this point, I wish to call your attention to the fact, that, in my judg- ment, many of the boys are released from the institution too soon; not having yet attained that degree of scholarship which would fit them for the ordinary business transactions of life, We would, therefore, recommend that you raise higher the standard of scholarship to which you re- quire the boys to attain, before granting them a "leave of absence," and then adhere strictly to it, except in cases where there is a strong probability that the boy will attend some other good school after leaving this one."

A fair library is at the disposal of the inmates of the institution, and all are encouraged to read. Many of the leading papers of the State are also furnished by the publishers.

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

The following named are the officers and employes of the Institution, with salaries paid each, per year:

B.J. Miles and wife, Supt. and Matron. . $ 1 200

D. M. Crouse, Assistant Superintendent. . 620

W.F. Hewitt, family manager. 420 J. W. Stephens, family manager 480

C. F. Stephens, family manager. 360

Wm. E. Whitney, farmer. 300

E. B. Eckhard, stock man. 300

J. B. Wilson, steam-fitter and engineer. . 420

D.J.Dickinson, shoemaker. 300

H.B. Shelling, baker. 240

T.E. Evans, night watchman 240

Miss E. A. Woods, teacher. 300

Miss Ollie Mace, general work. 216

Mrs. D. M Crouse, dormitory work. 180

Mrs. Wm. E. Whitney, tailoress 180 Mrs. Laura Brown, kitchen 180

Miss Ella F. Brink, kitchen. 180

Miss Sallie Wright, laundress. 180

Mrs. Lucy Babcock, dining-hall. 180

Miss Lillie Williams, dining-hall 144

Miss Cora Cook, dining hall. 144

There were 115 boys admitted to the institution from October 1, 1879, to Sep- tember 30, 1881. Since the opening of the school, 801 boys have been admitted, 600 of whom have been discharged, leaving 201 inmates September 30, 1881.

B. J. Miles, Superintendent of Iowa Reform School, was born in Miami county, Ohio, in 1848, where he lived till the fall of 1863, when he came to Iowa with his parents, who settled in Lee county. Mr. Miles has had much experience in connec- tion with this institution. He became connected with it in 1872, as teacher, in which capacity he continued three and one-half years. He then resigned, and went to Indiana, where he was connected with a similar institution for one year. He was then offered by the Board, the Assist- ant Superintendency of this institution, which he accepted. He was appointed Superintendent November 1, 1880, suc- ceeding E. H. Winans.

That Mr. Miles is eminently fitted for the position he occupies, there can be no question; under his able, efficient and hu- mane management, the wayward and un- fortunate youth finds a home, whose influ- ences point to a better manhood. .

Mrs. Miles, the Matron of the institution, is a native of Henry county, Iowa. She has had considerable experience in the institution.

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE PRESS.

There is no instrumentality, not even excepting the Pulpit and the Bar, which exerts such an influence upon society as the Press of the land. It is the Archime- dian lever that moves the world. The talented minister of the gospel on the Sabbath day, preaches to a few hundred people; on the following morning his thoughts are reproduced more than a thousand fold, and are read and discussed throughout the length and breadth of the land. The attorney at the Bar, in thrill- ing tones, pleads either for or against the criminal arraigned for trial, often causing the jury to bring in a verdict against the law and the testimony in the case. His words are reproduced in every daily that is reached by the telegraphic wire, and his arguments are calmly weighed by unpreju- diced men and accepted for what they are worth. The politician takes the stand and addresses a handful of men upon the politi- cal questions of the day; his speech is re- ported, and read by a thousand men for every one that heard the address. Sud- denly the waters of one of our mighty rivers rises, overflowing the land for miles and miles, rendering thousands of people homeless, and without means to secure their daily bread. The news is flashed over the wire, taken up by the Press, and known and read of all men. No time is lost in

sending to their relief; the Press has made known their wants, and they are instantly supplied. "Chicago is on fire! Two hun- dred millions worth of property destroyed! Fifty thousand people rendered homeless!" Such is the dread intelligence proclaimed by the Press. Food and clothing are hastily gathered, trains are chartered, and the im- mediate wants of the sufferers are in a measure relieved.

The power for good or evil of the Press, is to-day unlimited. The short-comings of the politician are made known through its columns; the dark deeds of the wicked are exposed, and each fear it alike. The con- trolling influence of a nation, State or county, is its Press; and the Press of Har- din county is no exception to the rule.

The local Press is justly considered among the most important institutions of every city, town and village. The people of every community regard their particu- lar newspaper or newspapers as of peculiar value, and this not merely on account of the fact already alluded to, but because these papers are the repositories wherein are stored the facts and the events, the deeds and the sayings, the undertakings and the achievements, that go to make up final history. One by one these things are gathered and placed in type; one by one the papers are issued; one by one these

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

457

papers are gathered together and bound, and another volume of local, general and individual history is laid away imperish- able. The volumes thus collected are sifted by the historian, and the book for the li- brary is ready. The people of each city or town naturally have a pride in their home paper. The local Press, as a rule, reflects the business enterprise of a place. Judging from this standard, the enterprise of the citizens of Hardin county is indeed commendable. Its papers are well filled each week with advertisements of home merchants and of its business enterprises. No paper can exist without these advertise- ments, and no community can flourish that does not use the advertising columns of its local Press. Eachi must sustain the other.

HARDIN COUNTY SENTINEL.

The people of Eldora early realized the necessity of having a newspaper in their midst to advocate the interests of the place, and of the entire county; to adver- tise to the world the superior advantages of Hardin county. Early in 1856 they purchased the material for an office, which they leased to O. M. Holcomb, who soon brought out the first number of the Hardin County Sentinel, a seven column folio; its first issue bearing date March 22, 1856. The name of J. D. Thompson appeared as editor. The following salutatory appeared:

"To-day we present to the public the first number of the Hardin County Sentinel, a paper devoted to the true interests of the county, and the public generally-free front all issues, whether political, sectarian or sectional; but truly independent.

"From the rapid increase of the popu- lation of our county, its advancement in wealth and importance, its central position, its many natural and local advantages, and the accumulating items of interest and im- portance to all, we have considered our- selves justified in attempting the publica- tion of a weekly newspaper; hoping from our knowledge of the enlarged and en- lightened views of the inhabitants, a gen- erous support and hearty co-operation in our endeavors to be of service to the public.

"The influence of the Press has become of the first importance. The time has been when statesmen and their opinions controlled it, and few were fearless enough to place in jeopardy their popularity by a hasty opinion expressed upon any import- ant political question, without first know- ing the position their Senator or Repre- sentative intended to occupy. But now the reverse. It has become not only the faithful chronicle of the daily news, but a successful combatant against error-an independent, fearless advocate of right. And such we shall endeavor to make our own. Its columns will ever be open for controversies of public interest, so long as properly conducted; but as we have con- sented to publish an independent paper, we shall endeavor to maintain it as such. We have consented to let our individual opinions upon many points become subject to the interests of all, and no one can ex- pect that articles purely political, sectarian or personal will be allowed a publication. No wrong, however cloaked, either in po- litical or sectarian garb, shall pass by un- noticed and without just and independent rebuke. Bigotry, superstition and fanati-

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

cism will ever find in it an open and fear- less antagonist, ever ready to do battle in the right. While it advocates no political or sectarian principles, still we shall ever feel it our duty to mention such subjects as may be deemed interesting, and will ever encourage and sustain sentiments of true patriotism, let them be found in what- ever party they may, and will firmly sup- port whatever is truly Christian, meritori- ous and praiseworthy in every and all de- nominations and sects.

" A paper will do much in bringing into notice the many advantages which we pos- sess in common with our neighboring counties, over the East, and do more to- wards attracting hither emigrants from the East seeking homes in the West-increas- ing our population; therefore, ensuring a more rapid development of the latent re- sources within our county, which needs but capital and labor to be of incalculable benefit to all; increasing the business of the merchant, ensuring a ready market for the farmer, an increasing and sure demand for the labor of the mechanic, and the ser- vices of members of all professions.

"Now, in conclusion, let us ask, do we need such a paper-can and will we sus- tain one? First, we have a population numbering nearly, or quite, 2,000, and rapidly increasing; fine prairie, pure water and coal in abundance; in fact, all that can be desired for a rich agricultural district. We claim to be industrious, energetic and enlightened. Then, in view of these facts, no one will say that we need it not. Sec- ondly, can and will it be sustained? Will you in return' for the many benefits you receive from its columns, and for the time

we devote to your interests, pay your money towards a re-payment?

" A few hundred paying subscribers will sustain the paper and enable us to go on in hope-otherwise, the undertaking must fail, the paper.die, and become a reproach upon the public spirit and intelligence of our citizens. The future alone will deter- mine."

The first issue of the Sentinel appeared as a six-column folio. This was explained by the editor as arising from the fact a smaller size paper was shipped than ordered. As railroads and fast expresses had not reached Eldora, it could not be exchanged. The second issue appeared, the size inten- ded-a seven column folio. The first number contained an original story by John M. Smith, of Eldora, entitled "Cora Summer, or the Hunter's Stratagem, a story of the early settlement of Illinois." Mr. Smith was a painter by trade, who occasionally dropped the brush and took up the pen. Whether he had an idea of becoming the equal of Dickens, Sir Walter Scott, or J. Fennimore Cooper, is not known; but a new paper in the West must have its original story, and Mr. Smith con- tributed one to the Sentinel.

The editorial matter in this number is scarce, being comprised in three or four articles besides the salutatory. Thomas Downs was found frozen to death about four miles from his residence in Down's Grove, in the northeast part of the county, which gave the editor a chance to deliver a short temperance lecture. The coroner's jury returned a verdict of "frozen to death in consequence of intoxication, and the person or persons furnishing the liquor were accessory to his death." The editor

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

not only charges the rumseller with being accessory to his death, but also the whole people, who do nothing to enforce the law against selling intoxicating liquore.

The proceedings of a public meeting are given which was held in Pleasant township, newly organized. Luther Nott was made chairman, and D. T. Rising, Secretary. Alpheus McIntyre was recom- mended for School Fund Commissoner, and John M. Smith for Sheriff. A record of the weather was given, showing that from December 23, 1855, to March 12, 1856, the thermometer never marked above zero. Only four days did it stand at zero, from which it descended to 24 degrees below. The record was furnished by John M. Smith.

The advertisers were as follows: J. D. Thompson, attorney at, law, Eldora; J. H. Gower, Bros & Company, bankers, Iowa City; Drs. J. F. George and J. H Cusack, physicians, Eldora; John M. Smith, sign painter, Eldora; Eastem House, by D. F. Ellsworth, Eldora; J. W. Jones and Speers & Smith advertised themselves as · wholesale and retail dealers in staple and fancy dry goods, while the Edgington Brothers modestly set forth they were dealers in dry goods, etc .; M. Hulbert was the stove dealer, while Morris Frisbie was the dealer in jewelry; Rucker & Wilson were the carpenters and joiners; Lewis E. Wise was land agent; Engle & Stansbury wished to do the blacksmithing for the county, and C. M. Rinkle desired to clothe the male bipeds of the community. M. C. Woodruff, land agent at Iowa Falls, had a card, while J. Burly, of Columbia, Tama county, announced himself in the same business. The Union House, Rock Island,

Illinois, desired patronage, and so made their wishes known through the Sentinel. Eldora Lodge, No. 77, I. O. O. F., placed its card before the public in the same man- ner. Rev. J. R Lawrance, on account of having accepted a call to become pastor of some Illinois congregation, advertised personal property for sale. . Reed, Gordon & Company, wanted the people owing them to settle at once. S. G. Win- chester gave notice that he would supply all with pure drugs, patent medicines, etc. E. E. Rathbone and D. A. Cobb, carpen- ters and joiners, also let themselves be known through the same medium. Several legal notices also appeared.

Of Mr. Holcomb, the first publisher of the Sentinel, but little is known. He was a printer by trade, and a man of some ability. After disposing of his interest in the paper, he spent considerable time in prospecting for gold in this county, and then drifted off to the south part of the State. The last known of him he was employed in one of the newspapers of Washington, Washington county.

James Speers succeeded Mr. Holcomb as publisher, and also- became editor in place of J. D. Thompson, in 1857. After running the paper something less than one year, he sold one-half the office to J. D. Hunter, who in a short time purchased the other half, and became sole proprietor. The attention of the reader is called to a sketch of Mr. Speers under the head of "State and County Representation," and of Mr. Thompson, in the Judicial chapter.

Previous to Mr. Speers' administration of the paper, it had been independent in politics, but when he came into possession of it, he made it Republican. The princi-

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ples of the Republican party have ever since been boldly advocated by the paper, to the present time.

J. D. Hunter, who purchased the office from Mr. Speers, continued its publication for five years, or until 1863, when he sold the office and good will of the paper to M. C. Woodruff, who continued its publica- tion. Mr. Hunter was a good newspaper man, and had many friends throughout the county. He was honored with public office, and served his constituents faithfully. He left Eldora for Iowa Falls, where he remained a few years, and from thence went to Webster City, where he now re- sides. He is one of the proprietors of the Hamilton Freeman, the leading Republi- can paper in that county.

Mr. Woodruff continued the publication of the Sentinel, at Eldora, until November, 1865. In the issue for November 15, un- der the heading, "To our readers, and the people of Hardin county," he says:

"This week will be the last issue of the Hardin County Sentinel at Eldora. Next week we move our concern to Iowa Falls, and, as soon as we can establish order out of the chaos attending removal, we shall move on again with renewed vigor and energy. A due regard to the opinions and interests of our readers, and the people generally, prompts us to give our reasons - for this change of locality.

"1. Possessing a weakness common to all mankin 1, to-wit: a disposition to acquire 'worldly things,' especially greenbacks, and in the exercise of our best judgment, be- lieving that there are stronger and more permanent inducements, and a better pros- pect for business and money-making at

Iowa Falls than at Eldora, we have finally concluded to move.

"2. Relying upon the Sentinel as the means for the acquirement of the aforesaid cash, etc., we believe that its real worth will be enhanced by being published in a market town-the leading town in the county-which will soon be the western terminus of the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad, and the telegraph line by its side. Iowa Falls, all will concede, must soon, if not now, be able to furnish more general and local information than Eldora, or any other town in the county. The mass of our readers are farmers, and look upon Iowa Falls as their future market town, and hence the local intelligence re- specting the market prices of their various products, which is one of the chiefest duties of a country newspaper, will be of far more value to them. And we are free to say that its value to us will be measured by its value to our readers. Every addi- tional facility for securing all kinds of in- teresting information, of both a general and local character, will increase its value to our readers and its profit to us. 'In the future, as in the past,' we shall leave no means untried to make the Sentinel a welcome visitor in every family in the county.

"3. The little hope we once had of railroad communication between this place and the outer world has fled, and the pros- pects for some years to come of any marked improvement in the business or develop- ment of the town are not, to our mind, extremely flattering-certainly not if the past four years are any index to the future. This being the case, we regard it as our duty to our patrons, as well as to ourself,

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History of Hardin county, Iowa, together with sketches of its towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 56

Author: Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1002

Author:
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield IL : Union Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1002