USA > Iowa > Jefferson County > History of Jefferson County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume I > Part 44
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I want my shoats to run And fatten in the street, So I can make some money Sellin' of their meat. For buyers-there's a host; And when they want a slice The men who feed them most Shall pay the highest price.
As yet the annoyance lay largely with sheep and swine on account of the diffi- culty and expense of fencing against them. This led to the making of a legislative distinction between them and cattle. In 1872, the General Assembly required that they be kept under restraint at all times by their owners, thus relieving the general situation. In consequence it was some years before the need of the "stock law" began to be felt and the demand for it to grow insistent. In 1879, "Golden Rule," a pseudonym indicative of the argument advanced, and Frank Switzer advocated it in public communications. In 1882, there was aroused sufficient sentiment to bring about its submission to the voters at the general election. It was supported by Lewis Fordyce and opposed by Edward Davies and Jacob Funk. The principal objections to it were that weeds would take the roads and that cattle could not easily be driven to market or from place to place. The inertia of custom and habits of thought could not be overcome. There were 1,155 votes cast for the law and 1,635 votes cast against the law.
Although public opinion still condoned the use of the highways as common pastures, the utterances against the practice became more pronounced. To the farmers coming long distances to Fairfield, especially in winter, it was an aggra- vation provocative of strong speech and ill-temper. Their corn and hay, brought along for their own animals, were a constant temptation to the cows of the city, whose instinct to take advantage of this fortunate food supply was not deterred by any respect for the ownership. "For forty-one years," exclaimed John A.
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Ireland at the Farmers' Club in February, 1887, "I have never had the assurance that when I came to town my horses would get the feed I brought for them." The matter was reaching an acute stage. In the fall, the question was again sub- mitted. There were 1,726 votes in the affirmative and 1,278 votes in the nega- tive. It was carried in the townships of Walnut, Penn, Blackhawk, Polk, Fair- field, Buchanan, Lockridge, Round Prairie and Liberty, in the precinct of Brookville and in the Third and Fourth wards of Fairfield. It was lost in the townships of Cedar and Des Moines, in the precinct of Batavia, and in the First and Second wards of Fairfield. The complete step forward had been taken at the end of twenty years.
In 1866, there originated in the District of Columbia the secret society "Patrons of Husbandry." The separate subordinate bodies of which it was com- posed were designated "Granges." Its members were called "Grangers." Briefly stated, it sought to develop a better and higher manhood and womanhood, to promote sociability, to foster mutual understanding and cooperation, to buy and sell without the intervention of middlemen, to discountenance the credit system, to encourage home industries, and to substitute arbitration for litigation. Its aims were educational and cultural. About 1871, it entered Iowa. For a few years it enjoyed great popularity, due in part to its principles and in part to the influence and energetic work of Gen. William Duane Wilson, its chief official organizer.
The growth of the order in the state was rapid. In 1872 and 1873, more than thirty granges were established in Jefferson County. The numerals of Batavia Grange, No. 284, and of Cedar Ridge Grange, No. 1656, the two probably in- stituted less than a year apart, measure the general progress in organization.
In October, 1873, local Grangers celebrated a "Harvest Festival" on the Fair Grounds south of Fairfield. Much was made of the occasion. Several thousand persons attended. The mottoes on the banners expressed their feelings and aspirations. "The teaching of the Grange is the hope of the country." "By in- dustry we live, by honesty we thrive." "Farmers glory in their occupation." "Agriculture is the mother of all the arts." "Equal and exact justice to all men, special privileges to none." "Farmers to the front, politicians take back seats." "Grangers, the day is dawning." "Free trade and farmers' rights." "The farmer pays for all." "We feed the masses." "More brain work and less muscle." "Good husbandmen have faith in God." "Agitation of thought is the beginning of wisdom." The movement, to them then seemingly so full of promise, was fast approaching the breaking point.
For selfish, personal and partisan purposes, it was attempted to lead Grangers as such into the hazardous paths of politics. The betrayal could not be accom- plished. Then was formed the anti-monopoly party which attained some transient successes. But the tide of discontent was already ebbing. The Grange, too, was losing its hold upon the class it was meant to benefit. Its decline was almost as sudden as its rise had been. The laws of human nature were too deeply seated long to be outwitted and upset by men's cunning devices.
One product of the agitation was the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Union of Jefferson County. This was organized in 1874, probably in February, with Smith Ball as president and P. I. Labaugh as secretary. Its object was to insure de- tached farm property against loss by fire at a nominal cost for administration. It was a practical revolt against high premiums and against the partial payment
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of losses suffered. It prospered. It is still maintained, amply justifying the wisdom and faith of its founders.
For a number of years, temperance, as a matter of sociological concern, remained in a dormant state. In the fall of 1873, a sign of its awakening was evinced in the organization of the Fairfield Temperance Association. This society passed in February, 1874, into the United Temperance Association of Fairfield, which, doubtless for the better handling of its funds, was incorporated. The object of the latter was to overcome that form of intemperance "especially resulting from the use of beverages of distilled spirits, wine and beer," to dis- seminate "temperance principles by lectures, addresses, and the circulation of temperance literature," and to cooperate "in sustaining such laws for the sup- pression of the traffic in intoxicating drinks and of intemperance as may be in force in the State of Iowa." Its officers were: William Elliott, president; Rev. E. H. Waring, first vice president; Dr. J. V. Myers, second vice president; J. A. Herring, treasurer; Rev. Reed Wilkinson, secretary; and Rev. W. M. Sparr, Rev. J. H. Miller, Rev. Carson Reed and Rev. A. Hickey, managers.
This manifestation of conscious and deliberate effort betrays the deep feeling of which it was the product. A little later, a few zealous women, following an example set them by "Mothers" in Ohio and Indiana, visited the saloons and held in them short services of song and prayer. One dealer, Robert Locke, was in- duced to quit the business. His stock of liquors was purchased and ceremoniously poured out in the street. Spectacular performances of this kind were soon abandoned. On March 30th, at the Presbyterian Church, a Ladies' Temperance League was formed. It adopted as its motto "In God we trust." It set out as its aim "The abolition of all intoxicating drinks from our community, and help to the sufferers from intemperance." Its officers were: Mrs. A. R. Jordan, presi- dent; Mrs. J. H. Miller, vice president; Mrs. William Elliott, treasurer; and Mrs. Carson Reed, secretary. It met weekly at the Congregational Church to listen to papers and addresses and to determine its lines of action. At its instiga- tion, the issuance by the County Board of Supervisors and by the City Council, of permits to sell intoxicants was assailed by petition. The endeavor failed in the immediate design, but drew lines, provoked discussion, and strengthened sentiment against inebriety.
Four years slipped by and left no visible gain upon the evil. Indeed, in 1877, the sales of liquor in Fairfield were reported as "excessive." The restrictions of law were regarded apparently with cool indifference. One saloon, forbearance refusing longer to be outraged, was closed as a nuisance. Then, on March 28, 1878, under the auspices of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, a memorable meeting was held in Wells' Hall. It touched spark to tinder. The excitement was contagious. In a few days a thousand persons were wearing blue ribbons and were pledged to total abstinence. To promote the effectiveness of the work, the Fairfield Temperance Union was instituted with Rollin J. Wilson as president, Miss Anna Kerr and A. Loomis as vice presidents, Miss Clara Mus- selman as secretary, W. B. Murray as treasurer, and A. A. Judson, O. L. Hackett, A. J. Sheridan, O. S. Weeks and Mrs. Mary M. Woodward as an executive committee. Within a month there was a membership of more than two thousand. It offered a friendly hand to men addicted to drink and helped many to over- throw their unhappy habit. Its weekly gatherings, when speeches, songs and
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appropriate readings renewed its conquering fervor, were thrilled with reports of reformation among acquaintances and friends, who often bore testimony in person. Its field of labor was extended to the country. It stimulated "The North Prairie Amateurs" and others dramatically inclined to stage "Ten Nights in a Barroom," so that this play and its moral became generally familiar. It pro- vided and supported a free reading room. Its influence raised the fee for a license in Fairfield to $300, a material increase. Under the stress of its crusade, the number of lawful saloons dropped from eighteen to five.
Taking note promptly of the possible political consequences of the "Blue Ribbon" agitation, the republicans in their state platform, presumably prepared by James F. Wilson, asserted "that personal temperance is a most commendable virtue in a people, and the practical popular movement now active throughout the state for the promotion of temperance has our most profound respect, sym- pathy and approval." In 1879, they so far advanced their position of mere com- mendation as to favor "submitting to the people, at a special election, a constitu- tional amendment prohibiting the manufacture and sale of all intoxicating liquors as a beverage within the state." After this pronouncement, there could be no avoidance of the issue with honor. The legislatures of 1880 and 1882, both under republican control, took the proper steps to keep faith. On June 27, 1882, an amendment, as proposed by the first of these bodies and agreed to by the second, was voted upon by "the qualified electors."
The contest locally was warmly waged. The advocates of prohibition con- ducted a systematic campaign. The saloons, of which there were ten in Fairfield and perhaps several elsewhere in the county, put up an earnest opposition. The decisions rendered in the various precincts are exhibited in the subjoined table :
Townships.
Vote for Amendment.
Vote Against Amendment.
Majority for Amendment
Majority Against Amendment. 128
Walnut
24
152
. ..
Penn
277
46
231
Blackhawk
120
50
70
Polk
106
107
. ..
I
Locust Grove
98
109
. ..
II
Fairfield
518
359
159
. ..
Buchanan
153
33
120
...
Lockridge
149
104
45
. ..
Round Prairie
73
87
. ..
14
Cedar
35
68
. ..
33
Liberty
132
52
80
...
Des Moines
89
117
.
. .
28
Totals
1,774
1,284
705
215
The townships, it will be observed, divided evenly. The amendment, however, received a majority of 490 votes out of 3,058 votes cast. In the state at large it was adopted by a majority of 29,759 votes. On July 29th, it was proclaimed by Gov. Buren R. Sherman "a true and valid part of the constitution of the State of Iowa."
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In theory and in law prohibition was accomplished.
In October, Judge Walter I. Hayes of the District Court, in a case brought before him in Scott County, declared the constitutional amendment invalid be- cause improperly enacted. In January, 1883, the Supreme Court of Iowa, on an appeal, affirmed the decision. There was much outcry at 'what was termed the subversion of the popular will. A rehearing was obtained in April, when James F. Wilson, John F. Duncombe and C. C. Nourse unsuccessfully argued for a reversal of the original opinion.
Through the door opened by this procedure, the question was boldly intro- duced into the arena of partisan politics. The democrats advocated "a well regu- lated license law." The republicans recognized the moral obligation requiring the passage of laws to "provide for the establishment and enforcement of the principle and policy affirmed by the people at the non-partisan election." The latter triumphed and in March, 1884, wrote the prohibitory sentiment in the statutes. This enactment was vigorously attacked by the liquor interests. In March, 1885, its constitutionality was sustained.
On June 14, 1884, the Fairfield Temperance Alliance was established for the purpose of securing obedience to the legislation in restraint of the traffic in liquor. Rollin J. Wilson declining the presidency, Henry C. Rainey was chosen to fill the position. The other officers were: W. W. Junkin, vice president ; John W. Burnett, secretary ; and Thomas Bell, treasurer. The organization after- ward became more elaborate. In 1887 and 1888, the period of its greatest activity, the officers were: Henry C. Rainey, president; Perry King, vice president; John W. Burnett, secretary ; and George Heaton, treasurer, with whom were associated as township vice presidents, H. Gorsuch of Walnut, Louis T. Hill of Penn, W. H. McCracken of Blackhawk, F. M. Stephenson of Polk; Edwin Tuller of Locust Grove, W. B. Murray of Fairfield, Loren Clark of Buchanan, E. Sampson of Lockridge, Elijah Billingsly of Round Prairie, George B. Phillips of Cedar, Samuel H. Watkins of Liberty, and C. J. Fulton of Des Moines.
A rule of conduct contrary to the idea of "personal liberty" held by a large number of people and cutting squarely across the personal habits of many in- dividuals is not accepted without a struggle. It was met in this instance both with secret violation and with open defiance. Its boldest and most persistent enemy in the community was Louis Suess, who conducted a brewery. In March, 1885, his stock of beer and wines was seized and destroyed. In July, 1886, the opera- tion of his brewery was enjoined as a nuisance where alcoholic beverages were sold to "minors, drunkards and drunken men." In August, he secured a restrain- ing order from the United States Court, and then sought from the Board of County Supervisors a permit to make sales "for mechanical, culinary and sacra- mental purposes only," which they refused to grant. For something like a year, taking advantage of every legal technicality which could be employed, he played hide and seek in the various courts with the prosecuting officers. In July, 1887, he was driven into a corner and heavily fined. Failing to keep an agreement to desist from further infractions until the law's constitutionality was determined in the Federal Court, early in 1888, he was brought to bar charged with many separate offenses. His prosecution was ended under a stipulation to pay a fine of $100, dismiss his appeal to the Supreme Court of Iowa, and pay all costs, both in state and United States courts, and "not to engage directly or indirectly in the
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manufacture or sale of beer or other liquors contrary to the laws of the State of Iowa." For this compromise, Rollin J. Wilson, the county attorney, was severely criticised, largely, it may be suspected, because the course pursued by Suess had alienated sympathy for the loss in use and value imposed upon his property. This was the end. Suess dismantled his brewery and removed from the state. Since that date, though covert "holes in the wall" and "bootleggers" have occasionally plied their occupation, there have been no saloons in the county. Better than any comment could do, the fact expresses and explains the character of the people who maintain it.
In 1873, the dilapidation of the courthouse aroused a sense of insecurity. Com- plaints of its condition went unheeded. In January, 1875, the grand jury reported it dangerous and unfit for public use. In April, Judge L. C. Blanchard, declining to risk lives under its roof, requested the supervisors to provide another place for holding court. They complied by renting Jordan's Hall. With this condemna- tion as a spur to action, a new building to be completed within a cost of eighty thousand dollars, was proposed. The proposition, submitted as required by law at the general election, was rejected by the voters as extravagant. Similar pro- posals, the cost to be kept within fifty thousand dollars, were offered the voters in 1876 and in 1877 only to be overwhelmingly defeated. Wet seasons, poor crops and hard times just then encouraged economical views. During these years Wells' Hall served for a courtroom. Harmony Church was next purchased for this purpose. In 1879, the question of a courthouse, within a cost of fifty thousand dollars, was again put upon the ballot. There were cast 772 affirmative votes and 2,006 negative votes. In January, 1880, the "old ruin" was abandoned to owls and rodents, the various offices being removed to such quarters as could be found for them. In March, the grand jury called attention to the precarious situation of records and documents. The warning brought about some temporary precau- tions to insure their preservation. In the hope that it would furnish a solution to the perplexing problem in Jefferson County, an amendment to the statute relating to expenditures for public improvements which would permit them to be passed upon at special elections, was adopted by the sitting General Assembly at the instance of Senator Sanford M. Boling. It was believed that voters would be more easily influenced or more generously disposed when not subjected to political entanglements. The belief was tested at a special election in March, 1881, when a grant of authority to erect a courthouse within a cost of fifty thousand dollars was asked for. Debates in the country literary societies stirred up a lively interest in the subject. The denial was emphatic. There were but 644 votes for it to 1,401 votes against it. Fairfield Township alone returned a favorable response. After this dismal failure, the matter was long trea ed with neglect and indifference. A petition, circulated in 1889, favoring a courthouse with additional grounds to cost within seventy-five thousand dollars, was derisively dubbed an "old chestnut." With the amount reduced to sixty-five thousand dollars, the matter was referred to the voters at the general election. Although it was shown that the tax involved could not be burdensome and that an expense could not be legally contracted in excess of the sum specified, the measure was lost by a majority of 227 votes. It was approved, however, in the townships of Walnut, Fairfield, Buchanan and Lockridge. A feeling sprang up that the odds were changing. The choice of Elmer A. Howard, a democrat, to be a member of the
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Board of County Supervisors, removed the excuse for partisan hostility. Ac- cordingly at a special election held on November 20, 1890, it was once more put up to the electors to decide whether or not, at a cost within seventy-five thousand dollars, a courthouse should be built, and whether or not additional ground should be purchased. An organized effort was put forth by leading citizens to have the entire plan sanctioned. Their reward was a majority of 323 for enlarging the site and a majority of 328 for building. In securing funds, the supervisors wisely determined to offer the necessary issue of bonds to residents of the county. Although containing a provision for optional redemption at any time, they were promptly subscribed for and taken up at a premium. The architect selected was H. C. Koch of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For superintendent of construction Thomas L. Hoffman was chosen. On February 10, 1891, a contract was closed with Theodore Peterson for the erection of the edifice, which was located in the center of block three in the old plat of Fairfield. On April 28th, the work of excavation began. On July 4th, under the direction of Clinton Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M., the cornerstone was laid with the impressive ceremonies of the Masonic order. Appropriate historical addresses were delivered by Daniel P. Stubbs and Charles D. Leggett. On December 29, 1892, the structure was ac- cepted from the contractor. An itemized official report shows $73,630.87 as the total expenditure. On January 20, 1893, occurred its dedication to public needs. In these exercises the prominent figures were Daniel P. Stubbs, Elmer A. Howard, J. S. McKemey, R. D. DuBois, John R. McElderry, M. A. McCoid, Robert F. Ratcliff, and I. D. Jones. At last the records of the county, on which titles to lands and rights to roads are largely dependent, were safely and securely housed.
In the fall of 1874, the executors of the estate of Lewis B. Parsons, who left, in 1855, a bequest to be "expended in forwarding and endowing an institution of learning in the State of Iowa" under the oversight of the Presbyterian Church, were casting about for a desirable location in order to discharge their trust. The advantages of Fairfield were presented to them by its citizens with their charac- teristic vigor. Numerous public meetings were held in December to awaken interest in an opportunity to grasp both material and educational benefits for the community. The promoters of this movement were Charles Negus, Rev. Carson Reed, George A. Wells, James F. Wilson, William Elliott, Robert A. Young, George Stever, George Craine, C. W. Slagle, D. P. Stubbs, Rev. Reed M. Wilkin- son, John W. DuBois, Rev. Compton Burnett, Charles D. Leggett, James F. Crawford, J. J. Cummings, John A. Spielman, Joseph Howe, W. W. Junkin, Ward Lamson, Robert McElhinny, W. F. Pumphrey and Charles David. The county was thoroughly canvassed by townships for subscriptions to meet the financial requirements. Before the end of January, 1875, an amount in excess of $27,000, mostly in negotiable notes, was raised. The terms of the executors were satisfied. On February 24th, Parsons College was incorporated; or, as the fact was enviously stated, it was "taken off its wheels" and placed upon a permanent foundation.
A beautiful tract of twenty acres lying north of Fairfield was purchased for the campus. Groves of native forest trees increased its charm. In the midst of these stood a handsome old brick house built by Bernhart Henn for his own home. Here, in September, the first students gathered and were assigned to classes. Young women unexpectedly appeared for entrance with the young men.
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There was no excuse to turn them away. The alternative was to receive them as a matter of course. Their coming was welcomed. By this chance, and not by design, coeducation was established.
In June, 1880, the first class was graduated. In 1889, citizens of Fairfield made up $7,000 to replace a shrinkage in the original donation and to relieve a pressing indebtedness. In 1901, Ballard Hall was erected to provide a dormi- tory for girls.
The chapel, begun in 1875, added to in 1882 and again in 1892, when com- pleted, was the commodious and massive structure Ankeny Hall, so called in honor of a generous giver. On August 19, 1902, it was totally destroyed by fire. In dollars, the loss was heavy ; in sentiment and memories, the loss was irreparable.
The calamity was borne with fortitude. Adversity often is a way, rough though it may be, leading to better things. It proved to be so in this instance. Smoke was yet rising from the ashes when the friends of the college moved to grapple with the emergency. Chiefly by acquiring land adjacent to Fairfield on the southwest, platting it as an addition and selling the lots at a stated price, the right of choice among the buyers to be determined by lot, an aggregate sum of $29,500 was obtained.
A system of buildings having been planned in accord with existent and expect- ant needs, Fairfield Hall and Foster Hall, the latter at the expense of ever gen- erous Thomas D. Foster of Ottumwa, were expeditiously erected and on Septem- ber 22, 1903, opened. These were followed in 1907 by the library, the gift of Andrew Carnegie and Thomas D. Foster, in 1909 by the gymnasium, the gift of the trustees, and in 1911 by Barhydt Chapel, the gift of Theodore W. Barhydt.
The successive presidents of Parsons College during this formative and con- structive period were: From 1877 to 1879, Rev. John Armstrong, D. D .; from 1879 to 1880, Rev. E. J. Gillette, D. D .; from 1880 to 1889, Rev. T. D. Ewing, D. D .; from 1889 to 1896, Rev. Ambrose C. Smith, D. D .; from 1896 to 1900, Rev. Daniel E. Jenkins, D. D., Ph. D .; from 1900 to 1904, Rev. Frederick W. Hinitt, D. D., Ph. D .; from 1904 to 1913, Rev. Willis E. Parsons, D. D .; and from 1913, Lowell M. McAfee, LL. D. The presidents of the Board of Trustees were: From 1875 to 1908, Rev. Willis G. Craig, D. D .; and from 1908, Thomas D. Foster, LL. D. This simple but high praise may be properly bestowed upon them all: They were devoted servants to the institution entrusted to their care.
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