USA > Iowa > Harrison County > History of Harrison County, Iowa : its people, industries and institutions, with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families > Part 18
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THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS CHURCH.
Up to the killing of Joseph Smith, Jr., in the pail at Carthage, Illinois, June 27, 1844, the doctrine of polygamy had not been taught by the Mormon church, but upon that sect being driven from Illinois and Missouri, and going into "winter quarters" at Florence (just north of present city of Omaha), it began to be noised around that it was likely that a separation must soon take place between two factions in the church. Brigham Young assumed the presidency of the church, by the authority of only a part of the "Twelve" which was not satisfactory to many of the membership of the Mormon church. His views on polygamy were known to some and were distasteful to them. However, it was not until in August, 1852, at Salt Lake, Utah,, that President Woung made it known to his people that there- after polygamy would be one of the tenets of faith, and that the same had come to him by a revelation.
At Florence, Nebraska, when the division in the Mormon church arose, in the winter of 1847 and 1848, there were many in the company who had been in "winter quarters" that dissented themselves from President Young and remained along the Missouri river, settling many parts of southwestern Iowa, including Pottawattamie, Harrison, Shelby, Crawford, Cass, Fremont and Mills counties, lowa. This territory was then considered, and is today, "the finest country in the state." No tongue can tell, no writer's pen portray, the hardships and cruel vicissitudes of fortune endured in those carly days by the band of "Apostate" Mormons (as the Utah Mormons styled these
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people) who for their consciences, deserted Brigham Young and his polyg- amous devotees, upon reaching the Missouri river, in the early forties. Truly, these people "came up through great tribulation." The Mexican War came on in 1846, when, though not really citizens of the territory or state, they shouldered their guns in defense of this country. As a general rule, this church ( Latter-Day Saints-Reorganized ) has furnished the best of patriots and substantial citizens in both times of peace and times of war, have been builders of a great empire on this the beautiful western lowa slope.
Let it be said to the credit of these people that they have always been active and radical in their measures toward putting down polygamy in this country. They have had representatives at Washington at almost every session of congress, doing all within their power to bring about the overthrow of this dangerous, damnable doctrine, wherever it is sought to be practiced or proclaimed, within the shadow of the flag of our Union. Indeed, they have been wideawake while other denominations have been asleep to the dangers of such teachings. What has been accomplished in legislative halls, along these lines, has been largely through the efforts of this the Reorganized Chuch of Latter-Day Saints. Let it ever stand as a monument to them, whether you agree with their own peculiar religious teachings or otherwise, for these things all thinking people must give them the credit justly due to them.
FIRST RELIGIOUS SERVICES.
The first religious services in St. Johns township was by the Mormons in 1850. It appears that these meetings were held in the log "tabernacle" erected in "Tennessee Hollow." This seems from best obtainable accounts to have been the first place and time in Harrison county where these people worshipped in a public manner.
The first place in Harrison county, at which a branch of the Reorganized Church of Latter-Day Saints was organized was at Union Grove, August 21, 1859. This branch claimis the distinction of being the only one in the county ( up to 1888) at which the general conference met. This branch was styled "The True Branch of the Latter-Day Saints." They held that the Brighamites were the "apostates" and not themselves. David Jones was chosen president of this early branch. Among the pioneer members may be found on the records such names as H. S. Smith, Samuel Wood. Wallace W. Wood. Samuel Diggle, T. Thomas and Charles Kemmish.
The second place to organize was at Little Sioux, in the fifties. The records are lost, or misplaced, and hence the exact date is not known. In
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ISSS it had more than two hundred members, had a good frathe church building, which was erected about 1869, costing one thousand two hundred dollars. Rev. J. F. McDowell was president in ISSS and William Stuart, clerk. J. C. Crabb was among the early members there and is about the only one of the pioneer band left there, but the society is strong and is doing great good. Early presidents were Silas W. Condit, Edwin Mitchell, David Gamet and Geo. M. Scott. D. Hutchins is now serving.
Early in the sixties the Raglan branch was formed, but it went down, and, June 3, 1871, was united with the Magnolia branch. February 23, 1863, a branch was formed at Bigler's Grove, and, April 27, 1865, the name was changed to Morning Star branch. This faded out in December, 1872, and the membership went to the Magnolia branch.
.Another branch was formed at Twelve Mile Grove, April 24, 1864, and continued ten years, when the membership transferred to Six Mile Grove branch. The last mentioned branch was organized April 3, 1870, and con- tinued for fifteen years, being discontinued December 5, 1885. An organi- zation was effected at Reeder's Mills in 1870, continuing until May, 1874.
October 14, 1877, the Whitesboro branch was organized as Buena Vista charge, and kept up until July, 1879, when it disbanded.
Sometime in ISTS a branch was formed in Raglan township, called Pleasant View, but in 1883 it disbanded and went to Magnolia.
The Evening Star branch. of Morgan township, was organized March 26, 1872, and discontinued in IS82.
February 13, 1887, a branch was started on the Willow, in Magnolia township, known as Willow branch. It had forty-eight members in 1888. Twenty-six years ago the following was reported for this church in Harrison county :
Little Sioux membership, 207; Union Grove, 33; Magnolia, 167; Spring Creek, 90; Willow Valley, 48; Logan, 59; total in county, 604.
MAGNOLIA BRANCH.
The Magnolia branch was formed March 17, 1870. In 1890 it had a membership of one hundred and eighty-nine. The first services were held at a school house. The church was erected in 1874. It was a frame structure thirty-two by fifty-eight feet, and it was dedicated by President Joseph Smith. Among the presidents of this church may be recalled Phineas Cad- well, who served thirteen years. Charles Derry, Donald Maule, one year, after which came .A. M. Fyrando, in 1888, serving until 1907. Then came
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J. S. McDonald, in 1957-08-09; Alma M. Fyrando, 1910-11-12; J. S. McDonakl. 1913: Alma M. Fyrando, 1914.
At one time this branch numbered two hundred and ninety-three, and was a great power for good in the community. On account of deaths, re- movals, and the formation of branches at Logan and Woodbine, many mem- bers were taken from Magnolia, where now the membership is one hundred and ninety, including many farmers' families surrounding the village of Mag- nolia.
Among the early members may be recalled the families of Donald Maul, George J. Blackburn, Lucius Merchant. Jonas W. Chatburn (county judge ), Stephen Mahoney, A. W. Lockling, Hosea Pierce, L. W. and N. B. Alexander. Caleb Shutts, C. W. Lamb, P. R. Shupe, J. A. Adams, Phineas Cadwell, Henry Garner.
Of the local church missionaries may be remembered well such men as Magnus A. Fyrando, who went to Sweden, Norway and Denmark in 1875. and remained two years, thence to Utah, where his life was endangered by the opposition of the dominant church there. Others were Elder Charles Derry, now of Woodbine, Elder George Montague, Elder J. F. McDowell, Elder D. R. Chambers, Elder J. R. Lambert, and Elder J. F. Mintun.
At Mondamin the church was organized March 12. 1899, with charter members as follows: Samuel Johnson and wife, Mrs. Joseph Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. William Stuart. Parley Gamet, John P. Garner, James E. Gunsolley. John Pratt, Mrs. Agnes Iden. Mr. and Mrs. William Davis, Mrs. David Gamet, Mrs. William Coffman, Mrs. William Clinkenbeard, Mrs. Frank Pierce, Mrs. Daniel Morrow, Mrs. Lydia Johnson, Mrs. Mary Will- iams, Mrs. Jasen Tutsler, Mrs. Henry Garner, Mrs. Sarah Drake, and David, Henry, Rose and Emma Case.
William Stuart has been serving as church clerk ever since the formation of this branch. A frame building was bought of the independent school district of Mondamin, in 1888, and moved and placed in good condi- tion the same year. Its value was one thousand dollars, including the lot. This branch now has a membership of eighty-two. The ministers who have served here are James E. Gunsolley, John P. Garner, Everet E. Gamet.
At Logan a branch was organized February 20, 1887. by Elder Charles Derry and Phineas Cadwell. The charter members were Phineas Cadwell, William R. Davison, Hannah M. King, Nellie J. Kennedy, Rosella Yocum, Ruth Cadwell, William C. Cadwell. John H. Smith, Mary E. Oliver, Frances J. Smith, Alberta Lampher, David W. Kennedy, Lester Adams, Benj. F. Smith, Adele Card, Charles S. Kennedy, Carrie S. Baker, Lillie _1. Williams.
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Anna M. Davison, Neph Yocum, Thomas D. Smith, Sarah M. Haner, Ida E. Johnson, Lenora Cadwell, James Haner, J. C. Johnson, Mina L. Baker, Cynthia C. Lampher, Mary A. Johnson. Millie B. Davidson, Charles S. Oliver. Arthur A. Baker, Mary A. Moore, Sally AA. Young, Cornelia 1. Cutler, Edna E. Baker, John B. Baker. Merrett E. Kennedy.
The various presidents of this branch have been Phineas Cadwell. J. C. Johnson, W. R. Davison, P. Cadwell, A. A. Baker, J. C. Johnson, James A. Donaldson, A. A. Baker, C. R. Smith, W. R. Adams, W. W. Baker, Sidney Pitt, Sr .. and W. R. Adams.
The present total membership is one hundred and eighty-three. In 1887 a good frame church was erected at a cost of one thousand six hundred dollars. It was remodeled and enlarged in I9H and a furnace was placed in it, all costing in improvements one thousand eight hundred dollars.
PISGAII BRANCH ESTABLISHED.
The Pisgah branch of the Latter-Day Saints church ( reorganized ) was formed December 6, 1902, with thirty-five charter members. The organizers were Frederick A. Smith, minister in charge, H. N. Hansen and Charles Derry: Joseph Lane was elected presiding elder; Charles Vredenburg, pre- siding priest : and H. 11. Oviatt, presiding deacon. The present officers are, Joseph Lane, presiding elder; John P. Lane, presiding priest: John Shearer, presiding teacher; Paul Faris, presiding deacon; John II. Vredenburg, finan- cial clerk, and Cora Hoyt, secretary. The present membership is one hundred and fifty-two.
Early in the spring of 1901 a church building was commenced and was finished during that summer. Charles Derry, of Woodbine, preached the first sermon in the new church . edifice, Sunday, October 20, 1901. The dedi- cation took place September 21, 1902, Joseph Smith and Charles Derry having charge. The building, Jot and fixtures cost two thousand eight hun- dred dollars. A fine library has been added for the benefit of the young. people of the community. George Meggers is superintendent of the Sunday school which has a membership of one hundred and fifty-five. Prior to the building of the church. Sunday school was held in the Jones school house, near Pisgah.
In Cass township, in 1870, the Latter-Day Saints organized a branch, but it was later removed to Woodbine.
Spring Creek branch of the Latter-Day Saints ( reorganized) was formed October 19, 1876, with charter members as follows: David Cham-
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bers, Sr., David Chambers, Jr., Mary Chambers, Louisa Chambers, William Chambers, Jonathan McKee, Sr., Martha McKee; Thomas Mckee. Elizabeth McKee, Martha MeKee, Jonathan McKee. Jr., Percilla MeKee and Sarah Fry. In 1891 the membership had reached one hundred and eight. _ 1 neat frame building was erected for church purposes in 1884, costing two thousand four hundred dollars. This branch of the church is situated in Washington township, and is within the village of Persia.
The present total membership of this branch is one hundred and forty- five.
The presidents of this branch have been William Chambers, David Chambers, Joseph Seddon. Frederick Hanson, 1900; Joseph Seddon, 1901; Sidney Pitt, Sr., 1904: Joseph Seddon, 1905; Sidney Pitt, Sr., 1910; Joseph Seddon, 1911; Sidney Pitt, Sr., 1913; Joseph Seddon, 1914.
At Woodbine the Latter-Day Saints are strong in numbers. Here the society was formed in August, 1888, with seventeen members, and within three years had increased to eighty-four. This branch was formed by Elder Charles Derry. The same year a neat frame church building was crecad in a central location, on Weare street, between Stanton and Lombard streets. The building, which is still in use, seemingly as good as when it was con- structed, is twenty-eight by forty-six feet, and cost two thousand dollars. Its opera chair seats accommodate about two hundred and twenty-five per- sons. It may be stated in passing that among the most influential factors of this branch of the Latter-Day Saints church is the well-known pioneer merchant, S. B. Kibler, who officiates in the absence of Charles Derry, who is a man of God, beloved by all denominations for his faithful, loyal work in the church of his choice. He founded this branch.
The society had. in the spring of 1914. a membership of two hundred and ninety-five. This church, unlike most others, has no stated and paid ministers. Two or three missionaries sent out by the general conference, at its session in April each year, cover the Little Sioux district of seven counties. The missionaries who have lived at Woodbine during the past thirty years were J. R. Lambert, H. O. Smith, J. F. Mintum and Charles Derry, the latter living in Woodbine now. A goodly part of the preaching and church work is done by the laity, who labor either on the farm or in the business places of the town, filling pulpits evenings or on the Sabbath day. Like Paul, they labor and care for themselves, that they may not be a burden to the church.
The record up to sumner, 1914, show there were branches of this church in Harrison county at the following points: Logan, Missouri Valley,
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Mondamin, Little Sioux, Pisgah. Magnolia. Persia, Woodbine, Evergreen, and Bigler's Grove. The total number in all branches of this church in 1914 was placed at one thousand six hundred and sixty-five.
At Missouri Valley the branch of this church was organized November 5. 1893. by David Chambers, assisted by Alma M. Fyrando, of Magnolia. The membership now numbers one hundred and ten. The charter members were Hattie Parker. A. L. Parker, Barton Parker. Eleazer Davis. William H. Kinder. H. G. Parker. H. L. Fry. T. H. Parker, Irine A. Parker, Charles E. Heath, G E. Fry, Henry Fry, Ida Parker, Lucinda Fry. Rilda Parker, Pearl Parker, Charles Davis. Inez Parker.
The presidents of this branch have been T. H. Parker, William F. Donaldson. A. L. Parker, H. L. Fry, C. F. Pratt, G. E. Fry, I. W. Hirst, D. R. Chambers and J. R. Fry.
THE BAPTIST CHURCHES.
The first account of preaching services by this denomination was in 1858, when Elder John Case preached at the residence of John Deal, in old St. Johns ..
The first Baptist church was formed at Logan in 1867, in the month of July, when an informal meeting was held. The church organization was perfected on August II, of that year, by the following members: Stephen Crow, Elizabeth Crow, Marcus Crow, Byron Crow, L. B. Rudasill, G. Baum- worth. Rev. George Scott officiated at the organization, which was held at Magnolia. In 1890 the membership was one hundred and twenty-seven. Early in 1891, five more were added to the church. Upon to the last date, covering a period of nearly a quarter of a century, there had been but eleven deaths in this society. One hundred and fifty-seven had been taken into the church by baptism and one hundred and twenty-four by letter. In 1867, a neat frame edifice was erected on Sixth street, costing one thousand two hundred dollars. In 1878, on the same block with the church a parsonage was built at a cost of nine hundred dollars. Among the pastors who have served this church should ever be remembered-Reverends L. E. Rock- wood, E. G. O. Groat. B. F. Colsby, George Scott. J. E. Sanders, J. E. Carter. J. F. Bryant, and Arthur Scott. The more recent history is not ob- tainable.
"The First Baptist church of Woodbine, Jowa," was founded January 29. 1870, chiefly by members who had letters from other places, many (14)
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having formerly belonged at Logan. Rev. J. E. Rockwood, pastor at Logan, officiated as moderator and L. E. Eccleston was made clerk. The charter members were, Stephen Crow, Elizabeth Crow, Franklin and Marcus Crow, Joseph N. Chapman, Elizabeth Chapman, Edmond Benton. Thomas Butler, John Benton, L. E. Eccleston, Rosanna E. Eccleston and Lucinda Foster.
A church edifice was erected in 1882, and dedicated the same year. It was a frame buikling veneered with brick, and stood on the corner of Broad and Weare streets, facing the former. Its cost was one thousand four hun- dred dollars. Later the society moved the first church to the southern part of town and it is now used as a residence. They then, in 1899, erected their present frame building, on the site of the old church. The new church cost five thousand five hundred dollars and seats three hundred persons easily. Among the pastors and supplies have been Reverends J. E. Rockwood, E. G. O. Groat, B. F. Golsby, Ira E. Kenney, A. J. Delano, J. C. Carter, T. F. Thickston, William F. Grey, Dixon Given, Harry Ferguson, George Hough- ton, Thomas Ure, J. F. Woods, R. L. Ludlam, F. D. Kennedy, E. F. Lilly, George Jones, W. E. Wilkins, Amos Weaver, I. W. Place, E. O. Galpin, Thomosson and F. J. Jorden.
. The church now has a membership of thirty-eight. There have been many deaths and removals, which have weakened the society, but there are still a few faithful members who hope to continue the work here. This church was first admitted into the "Western Iowa Baptist Association" in 1870.
At Missouri Valley, the First Baptist church was formed October 1.4, 1877, by the following constituent membership: E. J. Cobleigh. Mrs. E. A. Cann, T. B. Berkley, Mrs. N. D. Berkley, M. H. Goltry, Charles Berkley, Mrs. Hattie Chapman, Mrs. Laura Blake, Mrs. E. Augusta Livingston, Mrs. T. C. Berkley, Mrs. S. Z. Hileman, Miss M. L. Berkley, A. Carlton and Miss Jennie Berkley.
In the spring of 1883. the contract was let for the construction of a church building, which was erected and dedicated on Sunday, July 8, 1883. Its cost was one thousand dollars. In 1891 the membership of this society was thirty-three and its property was valued at three thousand dollars, in- cluding a parsonage, erected in 1891, for one thousand one hundred dol- lars. The church building was situated at the corner of Huron and Sixth streets. Among the pastors who served the first decade were Reverends J. M. Bay, William Sears, Ira E. Kennedy, who donated one hundred dollars towards building the church; William E. Randall, T. F. Thickston, J. B. Murch, John Bordenham, F. M. Smith and Reverend Taylor. At present
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the society is small. but very active and spiritual. Every member does his part toward making the work of the church a potent factor in the city.
In 1905 the reports give an account of only two Baptist churches in this county.
At one time there was a Baptist church at Dunlap. It was organized July 27. 1872, by the following charter membership: E. G. O. Groat, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Ostrom, Mrs. M. J. Ostrom, Mrs. Pickett, S. J. Kelley and Mrs. G. W. Chamberlain. The society was never large, and the members had a hard struggle to keep up the church. However, in 1879, they erected a neat brick church building on Iowa avenue. On account of deaths and re- movals the congregation became weakened and could no longer keep a pastor. Later, the building was sold to the Lutheran society, which still owns and occupies it.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHIES.
In 1905 there were reported two churches of this denomination in Harrison county. One of these was at Woodbine and one at Missouri Valley.
The first church of this faith was organized at Missouri Valley, and the first religious services of the town were held by this denomination in the month of October, 1867, in the dining-room of the American House, later styled the Royer Hotel, by Reverend Little. A church was formed February 13, 1869, having for its first membership J. S. Wattles, Jane M. Wattles, Dr. George W. Coit. Anna A. Coit, Caroline M. Carroll. Mollie A. Ellis, Carrie Du Boies, L. A. Simmons, and Hattie C. Justice. In the summer of 1870, a neat chapel was built, at an expense of one thousand two hundred dollars. In 1887, a parsonage was erected, costing one thousand one hundred dollars. In 1891 the society had a membership of forty-four. At this writing, 1914, the membership is one hundred and twenty-five, and the congregation is in a flourishing condition. In 1898 the present church building was erected at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars. It is a frame structure, vencered with brick.
The pastors who have served in this church have been Reverends W. M. Pelan, from March, 1869, to 1872; H. A. Barclay, November, 1872, to November, 1873; R. S. McCune, March, 1873, to December, 1874; A. N. Darley, May, 1874. to March, 1875; J. B. Welty, 1876 to 1878; C. C. Wellen, from the autumn of 1880, to December, ISSI; S. N. Vail, May, 1882, to April, 1885: N. Chestnut, November. 1885, to September, 1887; P. S. Davis, April, 1888. He was succeeded in turn by Reverends S. T. Davis, W. H. Snyder, James McAllister, S. X. Cross, David Miller.
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In many ways the church life is vastly different in Missouri Valley from that cold day in the spring of 1869. when a handful of believers in the Presbyterian faith, assembled for the formation of a society. They met in a store building, on the second floor, and while it was a sacred day to those people, they were annoyed by the sound of hammer and saw. though it was the Lord's Day. The workmen were busy as at any other time during the week. Building was going on right near the place in which they as- sembled. Added to these noises there was also a worse sound, that of clinking beer glasses, underneath them. These things have all changed and Missouri Valley, as well as all towns within Harrison county, have been added to the "dry" list and saloons are no more an annoyance to the good citizens of the place.
FIRST CHIURCH AT LOGAN.
The Presbyterian church at Logan was formed by seven members, in August, 1869. The faithful few of this denomination in the place were Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Rugg, Mr. and Mrs. C. N. Cad- well, and George Barr. Rev. George R. Carroll organized this church, and . the pastors have been Reverends Henry Gage, T. K. Hedges, J. B. Welty. George R. Carroll. H. C. Gillingham. O. A. Elliott. J. A. Riale, from 1891 to 1895 : supplied until 1896: J. E. Groendyke. 1896 10 1898: J. N. Currens, 1898 to 1904: H. Kremers. 1904 to 1910; J. T. Baker, 1910 to 1912; C. S. Marsolf, 1912-13; William J. Creswell, May, 1914, and still pastor.
In 1877 a neat church edifice was erected at a cost of three thousand five hundred dollars. It stood on the corner of Seventh and Second avenues. In size it was two hundred and twenty-eight by sixty feet and built of wood. It was dedicated by Rev. F. H. Cleland. The present membership of the society is one hundred and fifty.
The First Presbyterian church, of Woodbine, was formed April 24, 1880, with eighteen charter members. The original officers were C. M. Gilkey and L. D. Willett, elders; William HI. De Cou, C. E. Baldwin, John Mann, Sr., C. M. Gilkey and L. D. Willett, trustees. In 1891 there was a membership of sixty-three, and at summer, 1914, there was a membership of two hundred and sixty-five.
A frame church building was erected on the corner of Crocker and Clay streets in the fall of 1881, at a cost of two thousand five hundred dol- lars. It was dedicated by J. B. Welty. Before this, services were held at the Methodist Episcopal church. The first church, a small frame chapel, served until the present beautiful edifice was provided. It stands on the same lots
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as the former church, and a good parsonage has also been built on the same lots. The pastors serving here have been Reverends J. B. Welty. George R. Carroll, R. M. Coulter, D W. Cassatt and O. Brown up to 1891. Since that date they have been Reverends Swank, Fred Lyman. J. E. Snook, Graham, Henry Nicklen, Triem, Elmer Aukerman, S. A. Cross. It should be stated that Reverends Swank, Lyman and Graham were not regular installed pas- tors, but served as supplies and were students from the seminary at Omaha.
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