History of Johnson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, and its townships, cities and villages from 1836 to 1882, Part 44

Author: Johnson Co., Ia. History. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Iowa City, Iowa.
Number of Pages: 980

USA > Iowa > Johnson County > History of Johnson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, and its townships, cities and villages from 1836 to 1882 > Part 44

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

THE WESTERN STOCK JOURNAL AND FARMER.

This paper was originally started at Cedar Rapids, in May, 1872, and was published by the "Farmers' Publishing Co.," with W. J. Abernethey as editor. In September, 1873, Col. John Scott became editor; and in July, 1874, Alexander Charles, of Cedar Rapids, appears as editor, asso- ciated with Col. Scott-the latter retiring November, 1874. October, 1875, the name of this paper was changed to the "Farmers' Stock Four-

374

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

nal," Mr. Charles as editor, until August, 1876, when J. T. Mitchell was taken in as associate editor. In September, 1876, Prof. S. A. Knapp, editor and owner of the Fine Stock Gazette, of Vinton, Iowa, consolidated his paper with the Farmers' Stock fournal, and changed the name to the Western Stock Fournal and Farmer. In January, 1877, removed to West Liberty, and soon thereafter Mr. Charles sold his interest to Prof. Knapp, and in June, 1877, returned the paper and material to Cedar Rapids. In May, 1878, Z. C. Luse, of Iowa City, who had been a contributor to said paper for several years, became president of the "Journal Publishing Com- pany," and associate editor, and in September, 1879, became the editor and business manager, the entire stock being owned by Judge Z. C. Luse & Son, of Iowa City. In March, 1880, Judge Luse moved the fournal to Iowa City, and sold a half interest and organized a new company, under the name of the "Stock Journal Publishing Company," with Judge Z. C. Luse as president, Cary R. Smith, vice-president, L. H. Jackson, secre- tary, John N. Coldren, treasurer, Hon. J. P. Irish; L. H. Jackson and Z. C. Luse, executive committee; with Judge Z. C. Luse as editor and busi- ness manager, and Cary 'R. Smith as associate editor. In November, 1881, Judge Luse, on account of ill health, sold his interest to the other stockholders and resigned his position as editor and business manager, and was succeeded by Cary R. Smith, his associate. Soon thereafter the Rev. O. Clute, of Iowa City, purchased an interest and became associated with Mr. Smith. Editorially the fournal was ably conducted by these gentlemen until April, 1882, when a majority of the stockholders sold out to the Homestead Company, of Des Moines, to which place the paper was taken, and is now under the management of the Hon. B. F. Gue.

THE VIDETTE REPORTER.

A monthly paper called the Reporter, was started in October, 1868, as a representative publication by the University students. In 1873 it was issued part of the time semi-monthly. Each University class appointed one editor, and they together elected a manager.

In the fall of 1879 another University paper (monthly) called the Vidette, was started by the Zetagathian and the Hesperian societies. After one year the societies declined to carry it; then it was continued as a private enterprise, and published weekly during 1880-81, by S. B. Howard and A. T. Horton.

In the fall of 1881, these two papers were merged into one, and called the Vidette Reporter. The first number of this new issue was dated September 17, 1881, and it was published weekly by a company, consist- ing of S. B. Howard, C. N. Hunt, F. O. Newcomb, I. B. Richman and A. J. Craven.

The first number for the collegiate year 1882-83, was issued on Satur- day, Sept. 16, 1882. The editors were-S. B. Howard, of the class of 1883; I. B. Richman, class of 1883; Rush C. Lake and J. T. Crischilles,

375

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

class of 1884; C. W. Wilcox, class of 1885. The paper is printed in eight-page form-four columns to the page-at the Republican office; weekly; $1.00 per year. It is a private enterprise.

Slovan Americky, Bohemian, semi-monthly. This paper is published by J. B. Letovsky & Son, is independent in politics, and has a circulation of about 2,000 throughout the State. Size of sheet 28x+3. Was started in 1869.

The Anti-Monopolist was a small paper published at Iowa City, by J. G. Schom & Co., first issue was Sept. 20, 1873, and the last issue was Nov. 26, 1874. It was the organ of the Anti-Monopolists of Johnson county. That party was well organized and had a full ticket in the field in 1873. J. G. Schom now edits the Marengo Democrat. He was born in Johnson county, Iowa, April 1, 1842.

Iowa City Volksfreund, German paper, was established in 1874, and was edited and published by Henry Brede, until Jan. 1, 1880, when he died. It is now under the management of Mrs. Henry Brede. It is cir- culated in the city and county, having a subscription list of about 650. The paper is an eight column four page sheet, and is printed in the Republican office. It is the oldest German paper in the county.

THE OXFORD JOURNAL.

In the spring of 1877 a paper called the Herald was started in Oxford by Messrs. Witter & Holton. Mr. Holton soon afterward withdrew from the paper, and it was published the remainder of the year by G. S. Witter. In the spring of 1878 George Trumbo bought the subscription list and good will of the Herald, and about May 1st, he started the Oxford four- nal, a weekly five-column newspaper, which was printed on a half- medium "Peerless " job-press. That means that his press was so small that he could only print one page at a time, letting one-half of the news- paper sheet flop outside of the press while taking the impression ; and this required each sheet to go through the press four times before it was ready for delivery. In April, 1879, the office was purchased by Wilson & Templeman, who bought new presses and new material and enlarged the paper to a seven-column all-printed-at-home-paper. Then, on the 1st of January, they further enlarged it to an eight-column folio, or thirty-two columns in all. About the first of March, 1881, I. M. Temple- man bought out his partner, J. W. Wilson, and became the sole proprie- tor as well as editor. The fournal is an independent republican paper, and has won a good name among its compeers for outspoken vigor and ability. It has also proved itself diligent and enterprising as a local sheet, wherein lies the real home success and value of such a paper. In its issue of December 4, 1879, which was a six-page edition, they published a very complete sketch of history of Oxford and its business firms.

THE OXFORD DEMOCRAT

was organized in December, 1880, and commenced publication January

376

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

26, 1881. Hon. L. R. Wolfe, H. Vanderlip, Joel Linkhart, and Louis Wagner were the stockholders. The local interests of the democratic party required that they should have a newspaper of their own, and not be dependent on a republican editor for all their newspaper favors. In September some change became necessary on account of the business manager of the company moving away, and accordingly, on October 1st, the paper and printing office passed into the hands of M. W. and G. Trumbo, who now conduct it. It is a seven-column weekly folio, devoted to democratic politics, and the local interests of its home com- munity.

THE IOWA CITY POST,

German, was started in 1881, and the first issue dates April 1, of that year. It is edited by Max Otto, and published by Otto & Fieseler. Size, 22x28. The circulation is over 1,500, mostly throughout Johnson and adjoining counties. It is democratic in politics. Office in the "Press" building.

THE IOWA METHODIST,

published monthly, by H. H. Fairall. Started in June, 1882; size, eight pages, 16x12. Circulation about 1,000 throughout the State. Printed at the Republican office. H. H. Fairall, D. D., editor; S. M. Fellows, D. D., associate editor. Seventy-five cents per year.

THE SOLON REAPER.

Solon, the "capital of the State of Big Grove," blossomed out in a sprightly and wide-awake newspaper of her own, on July 28, 1882. Pub- lished weekly by J. F. Kohler, editor and proprietor. Politics, independent. Subscription, $1.50 a year. Size 24x35 inches; seven columns to the page.

STOCK JOURNAL.

A publication devoted to live stock interests was published awhile at Iowa City, by Luse & Co., and then transferred to the Iowa Homestead and Western Farm Fournal office, (Ex-Gov. Gue's establishment), at Des Moines, in 1882. [No particulars furnished.]

LIBRARIES.

The University students are fond of calling Iowa City the Athens of lowa, because of the amount of classical study going on here. It may also well be called the Alexandria of Iowa, because of the three great libraries established here, to-wit: The Masonic Grand Lodge library, the State University library, and the State Historical Society's library.

THE MASONIC LIBRARY.

First in order of time is the Masonic library, which was started in 1845, by Prof. T. S. Parvin, with the small beginning of three volumes-but this small nucleus has proved a very prolific nest-egg. The library went on

377

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

increasing slowly, but steadily fiom year to year, and catalogues of it have been published in 1849, 1854, 1858, and 1873. The Grand Lodge in 1882 purchased for $4,000 a library said to contain 5,000 volumes-a large pro- portion of them having some quality of special Masonic interest. This was known as the Bower library, collected by R. F. Bower, of Keokuk, who died in May, 1882. At the time of his death he held the highest office known to Royal Arch Masonry in the United States. Prior to this accession the Masonic library was reckoned at 3,000 volumes. A great deal of the new material added consists of unbound magazines, journals, reports, pamphlets and monographs. And many of those as well as of the bound books, are duplicates of works already in the library. Hence Prof. Parvin only computes the library now at 5,000 volumes, besides the unbound matter, above referred to. It is a matter of marvel, and well worthy of historic note, that from the small beginning of three volumes which he himself donated in 1845, this work has gone on without inter- mission for more than thirty-seven years, entirely under the care and man- agement of the same faithful hand. It stands now the largest Masonic library in the world, and the only one listed in the reports of the National Bureau of Education at Washington.

During the summer of 1882, Prof. Parvin had commodious rooms fitted up in the block on Clinton street next south of the Opera House, with shelves and cases for the proper arrangement of the whole collection, including the Bower addition. But before this the books had to be "piled in head-over-heels," for want of room. It is now in good shape-a credit to the Masonic order and the pet pride of its members.

THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY.

The first inkling we get of there being a library here is on July 6, 1857, when Frederick Humphrey was elected professor of mathematics, and was "also appointed librarian of the University." The current expenses for the year ending November 1, 1857, "including appropriations for the library, apparatus, and all other objects, were $8,577.91." This would indicate pretty strongly that the library didn't get very much money.

In February, 1859, a committee reported that there were 484 volumes in the library, purchased at a cost of $676.81. The books were thus clas- sified:

Theology . 14 vols.

Jurisprudence, government, and politics 48

Science and arts 145

Belles-letters 90

History 187

At this time Theodore S. Parvin, then of Muscatine, was elected to be curator of the cabinet of natural history and librarian. He was instructed to have a room prepared in the University building for the library, and to procure the books donated to the University by the state.

378

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

During the year 1860-61, the sum of $600 was spent for replenishing the library, and it was then reported as containing 1,500 volumes. In December, 1861, the secretary of the University board was made ex officio librarian. May 4, 1864, the faculty was authorized to appoint a librarian.

In an itemized list of expenses for the year ending June 20, 1858, we find:

Library $750

Removing library to another room. 50

It appears that for some years the library was entrusted to some relia- ble student of advanced standing, but in June, 1879, Mrs. Ada North was appointed librarian of the University, and still holds the office. She had previously served seven years as state librarian at Des Moines. During the summer vacation in 1882 adjustable alcove cases were put into the north half of the University chapel, and the general library was removed from the central building into the chapel building. This change gave more room to the law and natural science departments, which was imperatively needed, and it made the library more convenient and available for its own uses.

The catalogue announcement of 1881-82 estimates the general library as now containing about 14,000 volumes in charge of the librarian. The law library is given at 2,700: the scientific library, and the two medical libraries ( Allopathic and Homeopathic), ought certainly to count up 2,000 more, which would make a total of 18,700 library volumes connected with the University. And the number is now rapidly increasing every year from State and United States, and Smithsonian publications, and those received from other States and countries by exchange, besides fre- quent purchase of new books, and the annual binding of about seventy American and European periodicals that are taken for the reading room. Twenty-five newspapers, mostly Iowa dailies and weeklies, are regularly donated by their publishers to the reading room.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY LIBRARY.

The State Historical Society was established by act of the legislature, January 25, 1857. $250 were appropriated towards its library, and $500 per annum were allowed besides, for rent of rooms and other necessary current expenses. No catalogue has ever been prepared of either its library or its collection of relics and curiosities. Its secretary of ten years ago, Dr. Huff, claimed 30,000 volumes in the library, and 20,000 speci- mens in the museum. But this claim is so preposterously extravagant as to make the whole thing ridiculous. A report published officially on De- cember 1, 1859, says, "our library contains about 2,000 volumes." The next report, which was for the two-year period ending December 1, 1861, says, "the shelves show an increase of about 450 volumes." The next report is dated December 1, 1863, and says: "Number of volumes received

379

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

the last year, 460. Papers, pamphlets, etc., 152." Again it says: "Whole number of books in the library, 2,204." We also find this statement: "Articles for the cabinet-minerals, 14; flags, 5; portraits, 120; curiosi- ties of nature and art, 49; total, 18S." The last report, that of December, 1881, does not give any figures, but gives us a "glittering generality" in these words: "Our already extensive and valuable library."

The first librarian, 1857, was John Pattee, of Iowa City, afterward Colonel of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry Volunteers, and also State Auditor. The librarian in 1SS2 is Col. S. C. Trowbridge, of Iowa City; he estimates that there are about 1,500 volumes of bound newspaper files now in the library. The records do not show, and he would not venture a guess at the total number of volumes now in the library, or of specimens in the cabinet. This bistorian thinks the library at present contains between 3,000 and 4,000 volumes, one of them dating back to the thirteenth cen- tury, and others one, two and three hundred years old. The upper rooms of the new iron front building on Washington, between Linn and Dubuque streets, erected in 1862, were specially designed for the use of the His- torical Society, which had for some years occupied an old stone building near the corner of Burlington and Clinton streets. But really this library ought now to be added either to the State University library at Iowa City or else to the State library at Des Moines, so that it could be catalogued and properly cared for.

STATE LIBRARIANS.

Governor Robert Lucas was one of the pioneer settlers of this county, being even a member of the historic " Land Claims Association," before the government had ever run a section line in the county. And again, Prof. T. S. Parvin has been so long and favorably known as an honored citizen of Iowa City that " luck for him is luck for us." Now, here is a venerable document to which both of these worthy men of Johnson county were particeps criminis, as the lawyers say, and hence its right to be here made of record:

ROBERT LUCAS, Governor of the Territory of lowva .- To all to whom these presents may come, greeting :

Know ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity and ability of T. S. PARVIN, I have nominated and appointed him librarian of the territory aforesaid. And I do hereby authorize and empower him to execute and fulfill the duties of that office according to law: to have and to hold the said office, with all the rights, privileges and emoluments there- unto belonging, until the end of the next session of the legislative assem- bly, unless the governor of the said territory, for the time being, should think proper sooner to revoke and determine this commission.

In testimony whereof, I have caused these letters to be made patent, and the great seal of the territory to be hereunto affixed.

Given under my hand, at Burlington, the tenth day of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine, and of the inde- pendence of the United States of America the sixty-third.

[SEAL.] By the Governor,

ROBERT LUCAS.

380

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

This was a State office, and of course when there was a change of administration there was a new set of men all around. We next find Mr. Parvin appointed librarian of the State University in 1859, and he at once began to organize order out of chaos in that small nucleus of a great bookery.

Prof. Parvin seems to be a constitutional library builder, for in addition to the above, and also to a vast amount of labor and assistance given toward the library of the State Historical Society, we find that as early as 1844 he had actually commenced with the small beginning of three books to establish the Masonic Grand Lodge library of Iowa. Thus for thirty- eight years he had steadily and faithfully worked at that favorite project, and now lives to see this child of his own thought and indefatigable industry known and recognized as the largest, finest and most complete Masonic Library on this continent, or indeed in the world. Thus the name of T. S. Parvin is indissolubly linked with the rise and progress of three great libraries which give an Alexandrian fame to Iowa City.

The present librarian of the University, Mrs Ada North, was appointed State librarian at Des Moines by Gov. Samuel Merrill, Sept. 14, 1871; and she was re-appointed by Gov. C. C. Carpenter, May 1. 1872. On Nov. 1, 1875, she submitted a report to the legislature which consisted chiefly of a complete history of the State Library up to that time. [This report may be found in Vol. 1 of Iowa Documents, 1876.] When John H. Gear became Governor, it suited his political interests to make a change, and Mrs. North was superseded as State librarian by Mrs. S. B. Maxwell, July 1, 1878. In June, 1879, Mrs. North was appointed libra- rian of the State University, and came to Iowa City at the opening of the session in September, since which time she has filled the place well and satisfactorily. Mrs. North's father, Rev. N. M. Miles of Des Moines, graduated at Yale College in 1831, and Princeton Theological Seminary in 1834. She graduated at the Ohio Female College, near Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1859. Her husband was secretary to Governor William M. Stone, 1864 to 186S, and died in 1870.

381

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

CHAPTER VI .- PART 2. EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.

First Schools and Colleges .- Public Schools .- Local History of the State University .-- Johnson County People in other State Institutions.

FIRST SCHOOL.

The first school in Johnson county was established by Jesse Berry, in 1840, in a small frame building, situated on College street, Iowa City. This house was still standing, in October, 1882, being then in use by J. B. Schofield as a rag carpet weaving house. The building is sided with oak clapboards which were split and shaved by David Cox, Esq., who now lives in Pleasant Valley township, on the site of the old Poweshiek Indian village and Gilbert's trading house. [See diagram on page 207.] He also made the shingles in the same way. The original floor and the laths were also split lumber instead of sawed. The house is only one story high; stands on the north side of College street between Clinton and Capital streets; was used for some years as sheriff's office, and for other public purposes; is an interesting relic and landmark of the city's early days; and is probably the oldest house now standing in the city.

MECHANICS' ACADEMY .- [NOW, MERCY HOSPITAL.]

In 1841 the Mechanics' Mutual Aid Association was organized by the mechanics of Iowa City. James M. Ball was president, and Thomas Combe, secretary. They applied to the Legislature for a donation of land on which to erect a building exclusively for school and library pur- poses. They were given the half block next east of the city park, where Mercy Hospital now stands; and in 1841 the Association erected the two- story brick building, which now forms the front or westward of Mercy Hospital. The Association failed ultimately to comply with the terms of the grant, and hence the property reverted to the State. In 1860 the Uni- versity board leased this building for a term of five years, for the use of the Normal department, at an annual rental of $300; but by an act of the General Assembly, March 26, 1866, it was donated to the University.

When the building was erected, it was said to be the finest school building then in the territory of Iowa. The corner stone was laid on June 14, 1842. There was so much public interest and enthusiasm about it that the occasion was made a general gala day, as will be seen from the following newspaper report published at the time:

LAYING OF THE CORNER STONE OF THE MECHANICS' ACADEMY.

"Tuesday last [June 14, 1842,] was a proud day for the members of the Mechanics' Mutual Aid Association of this city. Agreeably to invitation, the citizens assembled about 2 o'clock, in the temporary State-house, for the purpose of forming a procession and marching to the building, to wit-

382

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

ness the ceremonies of laying the corner stone of the Mechanics' Academy. Business was suspended and all classes left their occupations, and devoted the afternoon to the recreations attendant upon the occasion.

" The procession formed about 4 o'clock, and after marching through the principal streets of the city, proceeded to the ground. At the head of the procession we noticed different clergymen of the city, next came the invited guests of the association, then the officers of the association, the teachers and children of the different schools, and a large concourse of cit- izens brought up the rear. The choir of the Methodist Protestant Church lent their aid in the entertainment."

The following was the announcement of the opening of the school:

"The trustees of the Mechanics' Academy of Iowa City beg leave to inform the public that they have made such arrangements as will enable them to open the female department of the institution on the first Monday of June next [1843]. The services of an accomplished lady, favorably known as teacher, both here and elsewhere, have been secured, and so long as she remains principal of the female department, parents can have no excuse for withholding their patronage. The academy edifice is beau- tifully situated on the east side of the park, in the center of the city. It is entirely new, and the superiority of its size and style of architecture never fails to attract the favorable notice of strangers. Surrounded by prairie scenery too splendid for description, and favored by a pure and salubrious atmosphere, this institution enjoys advantages seldom combined. The trustees assure the public that every exertion will be made by the Mechanics' Mutual Aid Association, to render their academy the first and best literary institution west of the Mississippi.

IOWA CITY COLLEGE.

This is the next in order of time. There was an "academic mania" in Iowa City from about 1842 to 1845, and so many crazy starts were made that they fizzled each other out, and all came to naught at last. The fol lowing official report explains itself:

At a meeting of the board of trustees of the Iowa City College, held On the first Monday (3d day) of April, A. D., 1843, present, Rev. James L. Thompson, John M. Colman, Geo. B. Bowman, William C. Reagan, Edward K. Hart, Anson Hart, Augustus E. McArthur, Curtis Bates, John Demoss, Leonard Jewett, Peter H. Patterson, Robert Hamilton, Jesse Bowen, Stephen B. Gardner, and James P. Carleton, who were all duly sworn in pursuance to the charter, by Fernando H. Lee, a justice of the peace in and for Johnson county, territory of Iowa.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Johnson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, and its townships, cities and villages from 1836 to 1882, Part 44

Author: Johnson Co., Ia. History. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Iowa City, Iowa. Number of Pages: 980

Author: Johnson Co., Ia. History. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Iowa City, Iowa.
Number of Pages: 980