USA > Iowa > Linn County > History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time, Volume I > Part 38
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Homes were often called upon to open their doors to strangers in town, who often were indueed by the warm hospitality and good fellowship to invest their money and join hands and build up Cedar Rapids. When a large function was given all the friends assisted. Dishes and table linen and services were offered. We could not hire a eaterer to come and prepare refreshments and serve a com- pany. Our friends were the helpers.
The home of William Greene was also one with open doors. It stood on the corner of Third street and B avenue. It was not a large house, but a very hos- pitable one. Later William Greene built a beautiful house in the block where
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A. C. Taylor, Dr. Ruml and Dr. Kegley now live. The grounds covered the whole block and were laid out with landscape effect. It was a beautiful place, and many fine entertainments were given there.
The Higley brothers, Harvey, Wellington, Mort and Henry, in the early days, lived in small homes, but that did not deter them from keeping up their end of social life. Lucy and Jennie Higley were fine cooks and charming hostesses. Mort and Wellington were jolly good fellows and every one knew they were sure of a pleasant time when invited to their homes, no matter whether it was to a church social, or a big "standup" party as they were ealled in those days.
S. L. Dows' first home was like those of the rest of the pioneers, small, but hearts were large and no one extended a more cordial welcome to their friends than Mr. and Mrs. Dows. After they built their new home on First avenue, many brilliant affairs were given by them.
The home of George C. Haman, on the corner of A avenue and Fifth street, is an old land mark. Mr. and Mrs. Haman have lived there for over forty years. Their children were born and brought up there, and like many pioneer homes, it has been the seene of many festivities and good times.
The home of the late John Weare, with its large family of young people, will always be remembered by the old settlers.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Belt, now owned by Mrs. George W. Bever, was the scene of many enjoyable house parties. Friends from eastern cities and prominent people throughout Iowa were entertained there. Mrs. Belt loved to entertain the elergy.
The entertainments given by Judge and Mrs. Greene were the erowning social events of early days. The home and estate were outside of town, but that was no obstaele to their entertaining. Judge Greene was ready for every emergency and the home was characteristic of the man. He was broadminded, warm hearted, foresighted, generous and philanthropie, and his home was con- dueted on these plans. His first house on his beautiful estate, Mound Farm, was not large, but he always found a way to entertain his friends and visitors to Cedar Rapids. For example, he had a house party of friends and wished Cedar Rapids people to meet them. He was at the time building some buildings to shelter his sheep, of which he had a great many. So he put floors in the building preparatory to entertaining his guests and friends. He found on short notice that if he expected to have the only good musie in town he must take it next day. He and Mrs. Greene talked the matter over and decided to have the party. They sent word to the other members of the Greene family and intimate friends what they expected to do and they all eame to their as- sistanee. Early in the morning Mrs. Belt made out the list and the family delivered the invitations. Mrs. Belt and Mrs. William Greene baked all the eakes. I don't know just how many picked strawberries, but Mrs. Greene told me that eighty quarts were pieked and hulled that day. Mrs. Greene superin- tended the making of the ice cream and the decorating of the building. Special train serviee over the Dubuque and Southwestern was arranged to bring the guests from a central point to the sheep pens. All was in readiness and the host and hostess ready to receive their guests at eight o'clock. It was a most enjoyable event, and is still recalled with pleasure by the old settlers. It is safe to say that with the conveniences of today, such a social affair could not be gotten up in one day. Later when Judge Greene built his large house on the crowning point of Mound Farm, in the center of the beautiful grounds which he had been ten or more years preparing Mr. Paddington, an English gardener, had it in charge. Every kind of shrub and tree that could be grown in Iowa was planted. The place for situation and beauty could not be equaled in Iowa, and the grounds were the most beautiful. When Judge Greene had the walls up and ready to roof. a tornado tore them down. But nothwithstanding this
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discouragement, his house was built and furnished with the richest furnishings of those days. Three thousand dollars worth of oil paintings hung on the walls. All the furnishings were bought in New York City. When all was complete, he opened it with a most brilliant house warming. As Judge Greene always considered Cedar Rapids and her citizens in whatever he did, all were bidden, as were many of his friends throughout the state, to the opening of his new house. The beautiful impression of the illuminated grounds and house and the cordial hand-clasp of welcome from host and hostess that thrilled each guest with good fellowship and heartfelt appreciation were never forgotten. Indeed it was an evening of rare pleasure.
There were a few years when fancy dress parties were all the rage. The first one given was in the home of Colonel Merritt and was novel and beautiful. Colonel and Mrs. Merritt were charming entertainers. Colonel Merritt built the house where Dr. J. H. Smith now lives. It was bought by John W. Henderson. He and his handsome and cordial wife entertained hospitably. After Dr. Smith owned the house, he and his wife dispensed hospitality lavishly and state politi- cians were often their guests.
The Daniels home was another of the hospitable homes, where many large parties were given especially for the pleasure of the younger set.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Cook was for several years the largest and most modern in the city. Mrs. Cook, with her charming daughters, gave many elegant parties The house was built by I. N. Isham. He only occupied it for a few years and sold it to H. G. Angle, who lived there one year. J. S. Cook then bought it and lived there many years. Now it is used for the National hotel annex.
In the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. West, children as well as their older friends, found a warm welcome. The little folks loved to congregate there and entertainment and refreshments were always provided for them. "Papa and Mama West," as the children called them, were never too busy to answer all the questions asked by their young friends, who were always made to feel thor- oughly at home.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Rock was one of hospitality and of culture and refinement. as well. No woman ever did so much toward the education of the young people in early days as Mrs. Roek. She was also a great worker in the church and is the only living charter member of Grace Episcopal church.
The first church wedding was in the little Second Presbyterian church. It was the marriage of Mr. George C. Haman and Miss Louise Wolf. It was at five o'clock in the morning, and the wedding breakfast was at 4 o'clock. The reason for having the wedding at this unseemly hour was that the bride and groom were going east and there was only one train a day left town, and that was at six in the morning. The attendants at the wedding were Mrs. M. P. Mills, nce Coulter ; Mrs. Portus B. Weare nce Risley ; Mrs. Taylor, nec Earl, and Miss Carpenter. bridesmaids. The groomsmen were Mr. James L. Bever, Mr. Carter Berkley, Mr. Mortimer A. Higley and Dr. Lions.
The first large publie affair in Cedar Rapids that gathered together all the people of the town, all in the state who could get here and some from Chicago and the east, was in June, '59. The occasion was the completion of the first railroad into Cedar Rapids. It was the Chicago, Iowa and Nebraska, now the Chicago & Northwestern. The citizens had looked forward to this for many years, and it was a financial struggle to get it through, but when it was com- pleted there was great rejoicing. A great celebration was given. The tables for the banquet were spread where now stands the Masonic Library, and the George B. Douglas home. The women prepared all the edibles and with the assistance of the young men and girls, served the banquet. The men took charge of the speeches, parade and music. The depot was then in the lower end of
UPPER WAGON BRIDGE, CENTRAL CITY
HENDERSON BRIDGE AT CENTRAL CITY
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town, about Twelfth avenue and Fourth street. The speeches were made there. At the finish the marshals of the day formed all in line and marched to the grove where the banquet was spread, and it is needless to say the feast was enjoyed. I fear there were not twelve baskets full left. The climax of the ocea- sion was a ball given at Daniels's hall, that stood where the Masonie Temple now stands. It was a brilliant affair and the dancers tipped the light fantastic toe until the rosy dawn was breaking. The weary dancers weuded their way home on foot, the girls in tarlatan gowns and white kid slippers. Public carriages were scarce, and the new and only bus had gone to meet the early train. Thus ended the largest public social event up to that time.
The years from '61 to '65 were years of great anxiety and all the entertain- ments given were to gather the forces to make all we could to get delicacies for our soldiers who were fighting in the Civil war. The women, as always, did their part. Mrs. Ely, with her loving heart and her capable leadership, directed the younger women. Dramatie entertainments were given by the young people. I recall some of those who took part: The Misses Carrie and Kate Ely, Dr. Lions, William Berkley, J. H. Haman, Miss Laura Weare, the Misses Coulter, Miss Earl, Miss Risley, Mrs. Dr. May, William Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Haman, Hall, Wood, Stibbs, and Carroll. The rest of the men had all gone to the war and most of these finally went. Sociables and fairs were then held to raise money. There were days and nights of sewing and packing barrels to be sent to the seat of war. These were the days when all personal sacrifice was a pleas- ure. When the war was over and the pall of horror was lifted, the first joyful events were given in honor of fathers, husbands, brothers and lovers home from the war. Days and nights were spent making flags and banners, twining arches that were placed over the street, cooking of good things. Nothing was too good for the soldier boys. When the tables were spread in the grove the returned soldiers, led by Colonel T. Z. Cook, Colonel Merritt, Colonel Coulter, and General Jack Stibbs marched up the street. Many were searred and lame and with emaeiated faees. The bullet-riddled flags were carried at half mast for those who fell in the battle or died in southern hospitals. Our tears of joy were mingled with tears of sorrow. For a year or two afterwards all entertainments were given to raise money for soldiers' widows and orphans. Parties and fairs of every description were given.
A colonial ball was given in '59, in which Colonel T. Z. Cook and Colonel Merritt and General Jaek Stibbs came in military costume. All three were handsome men with soldierly bearing. All who attended this ball were in eol- onial dress. To me it was the most beautiful social function of those days. There were a number of beautiful women and handsome men who looked well in colonial style of dress.
This party was given at Carpenter's hall Tuesday evening, March 1, 1859, and was for the benefit of the Mount Vernon fund. The patronesses were Mesdames Wm. H. Merritt, H. G. Angle, S. C. Koontz, Wm. Greene, J. G. Graves, W. B. Maek, C. B. Rowley, H. W. Perkins, S. D. Carpenter.
The committee on arrangements was composed of Win. H. Merritt, II. G. Angle, R. R. Taylor, W. B. Maek, D. M. McIntosh, Lawson Daniels, Edward J. Smith, Hon. Geo. Greene, S. D. Carpenter, Wm. Greene, John G. Graves, T. Z. Cook, H. B. Stibbs, T. S. McIntosh, Wm. Berkley.
In '69 and '70 there was a fine course of lectures by Bayard Taylor, Henry Ward Beecher, Barnum, J. G. Saxe and other noted lecturers. The money raised was used to fit up a small public library which was in eirculation for a number of years.
Judge Greene built a fine opera house and always gave the use of it for enter- tainments for charity and the ladies gave a great many affairs. It was not nn- nsual for them to make one thousand dollars at one entertainment, for everything
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was donated and people attended entertainments of that sort better then than they do at the present day. Years ago towns in the vicinity of twenty miles returned social courtesies. In the winter of '68 Iowa City and Cedar Rapids got very friendly. A party of young people were invited to a ball given at the Kirkwood in Iowa City. The weather was cold, the snow deep; but bob sleds were rigged up with buffalo robes. This party started out early, but owing to the deep snow and an upset or two, it was late when they arrived. But they had a pleasant time and returned late next day.
Marion and Cedar Rapids were very cordial to each other. When the homes of I. N. Preston. Mr. Twogood. and Preston Daniels were opened with social events a number of Cedar Rapids people were invited and these families gave beautiful parties.
CHAPTER XXXII
Southern Influence
In every frontier community we gauge the settlement by the influences which predominate. Thus we have the Buckeye, the Hoosier, and New England ele- ments in certain states and communities, making these local influences more or less marked traits of character, according to the size of the settlements, and also the temperaments of the settlers. In an early day there arrived in Linn county a number of people from South Carolina, who located here and influenced the social side of this frontier settlement in a marked degree. These families settled here in 1849: The Legare, Bryan, McIntosh, Stoney, and other fam- ilies. The Legare family came from John's Island, about ten miles from Charleston, where they had lived for several centuries, being of an old French Huguenot family, which had removed to England and from there emigrated to America. It was here, or rather in Charleston, that Hugh Swinton Legare was born in 1789, the mother being of Scotch descent and related to Sir Walter Scott. Hugh Legare first obtained a private education from a Catholic priest, later graduating from the University of South Carolina. He embarked in 1818 for France, later taking up studies in Edinburgh and on the continent. After a stay of two years he returned to America to take charge of his mother's plan- tation. Not until 1822 did he begin the practice of law in Charleston; he also edited the Southern Review, and in this journal advocated views opposed to nullification. His attitude on this question brought him into prominence, and he was elected attorney general of the state. While in Washington he met Livingstone, then secretary of state, who offered him a position as minister to Belgium, which he accepted. After his return to America he was elected to con- gress in 1836, but was defeated for re-election in 1840 on account of his oppo- sition to the sub-treasury bill. He was rewarded by President Tyler with a place in the cabinet as attorney general, and for a time acted as secretary of state. He died in 1843, one of the best known public men of his time.
His sister, Margaret Swinton Legare, who had been her brother's travelling companion and most intimate friend, in 1849 brought a fortune to Cedar Rapids. She was accompanied by her nephews. B. S. Bryan, Hugh L. Bryan, and Michael Bryan. It is said that nearly $80,000 in cash were at one time invested in prop- erty in this county by this family alone. A large part of this amount was invested in lands and in a woolen mill, which was located near what is now known as the Cooper mills.
Michael Bryan was married to a Miss Dwight, a distant relative of General Marion. She was also wealthy in her own name. A bank was started by the Bryans and the Wards in the early fifties known as Ward. Bryan & Co. 's Bank. This hank failed in the panic of 1857, Colonel I. M. Preston becoming receiver.
Donald M. McIntosh, Mrs. Rutledge, and her sisters, Joanna and Harley, came about the same time and were related to the other families. Many other less prominent southern people during these years came to Cedar Rapids which could boast of a true southern society. Mr. McIntosh erected one of the first brick dwellings in the city and held various public offices. Michael Bryan was alder- man in 1851, while B. S. Bryan was elected city recorder. The Bryans were not outspoken in politics, but McIntosh was a democrat, the aunt, Miss Legare, held to the whig tenets of her illustrious brother, whose speeches and works she
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edited. She was also interested in church work, as well as in the education of women.
Michael Bryan erected a fine residence where the old N. B. Brown homestead is now located. At this house social affairs of the little town were conducted in true southern style, and fortunate was the person who was favored with an invi- tation to visit in the Bryan home. Michael Bryan died here, and the widow with her family returned to South Carolina just preceding the Civil war. B. S. Bryan removed to the coast and is still living in Seattle.
Miss Legare organized a. ladies' seminary, and was an artist of considerable talent. She was also an accomplished musician. It is said that she brought the first piano to the county. However, this claim has been disputed as it is said that the J. P. Glass family brought a musical instrument here in 1846.
In the '50s Miss Legare became the wife of Lowell Bullen, an unele of the Daniels brothers, whose home was in North Brookfield. Massachusetts. They resided at Marion until Mr. Bullen's death in 1869, when the widow returned to her old home in South Carolina, surviving her husband a number of years.
Nearly all the members of the southern society were members of the Presby- terian church, and took an active part in the religious and social work of that people. Mrs. Bullen was kind and considerate. Her dignified presence was enough to give her entrance into any home. She took an active interest in the poor, and was interested in education in general. She loved and revered the memory of her statesman brother, and never forgot what place he held at one time in the affairs of the nation. During the rebellion she felt that her heart would break as she thought of friends and relatives fighting on both sides in that terrible struggle for the preservation of the Union.
A letter received lately from Bryan & Bryan, attorneys of Charleston, South Carolina, throws some light on this subject :
"In reply to your letter of the 10th instant, we beg to say that H. S. and B. S. (Benjamin Simons) and Michael Bryan, of whom you speak, were the sons of Col. John Bryan, a planter of this section.
"He (Col. John Bryan ) married a sister of Hugh Legare, the writer and states- man, and attorney general of the United States. These sons went to Cedar Rapids before 1860.
"Michael Bryan married Harriet Dwight, a sister of my mother, Rebecca Dwight.
"It happened strangely enough, that my father, George S. Bryan, who married Rebecca Dwight, was no relation to Michael Bryan, who married Harriet Dwight. (In other words, the two Bryans being no relation, married two sisters.)
"Michael Bryan had several children, the survivors are Emily Bryan, married Andrews, now living in Abbeville county, South Carolina, with a number of children, her husband being a planter; and William Bryan, whose residence is unknown to the writer.
"Michael Bryan's nephew, Edward Bryan, is also living on one of our Sca Islands, in the vicinity of Charleston, and is a planter. As far as we can ascer- tain, B. S. Bryan of whom you speak, was engaged in banking in Cedar Rapids, and Michael Bryan was engaged in real estate, having built up a portion of Cedar Rapids. He died in Cedar Rapids before 1860, and his family removed baek to South Carolina. They were not Quakers, but Presbyterians, and attended the Cireular church. Meeting street, in Charleston, S. C., which was a branch of the Presbyterian church."
In addition to the above mentioned, a large number of cultured and edneated people came from Maryland, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Who does not remember the aristoeratie and learned A. Sidney Belt, the robust, courtly
BAPTIST CHURCH, PRAIRIEBURG
MILWAUKEE BRIDGE, AT COVINGTON
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old gentleman, Colonel S. W. Durham, the versatile and polite Judge Israel Mitchell, the genial Oxley brothers, and scores of other southern men and women ?
The members of the Legare, Bryan, McIntosh, Durham, Oxley, Belt, Mitchell, and other southern families who located in Liun county did much in changing the manners of this somewhat cosmopolitan community. These familics pur- sued education. The members had traveled much. They were descended from some of the most cultured families in this country. They were social, interest- ing, and entertained much, and it is needless to add that the citizens of the county were not slow in receiving the southern settlers into their homes. The presence of such an influence in the formative period of the county's history wielded an influence which has not been entirely effaced after a period of half a century.
Some time later came the Hart brothers, Jacob A. and Caspar J., and for years the influence of these sturdy men was a power for good in the city and the county. It will be many years before these splendid representatives of the southland will be forgotten. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob A. Hart was a most hospitable one. It was always open to the new settler from the south, and es- pecially to those who came from Maryland, their old home. Their commodious brick dwelling that stood so long at the corner of Second street and Fifth avenue, was a center for long years of true and genuine hospitality. Its doors were never locked against a Marylandcr, and all these felt frce to "come early and stay late." To many a young son of the south Mother Hart was ever the best of mothers, caring for the sick lads, satisfying their hunger with fried chicken and Maryland biscuits - oh, who that once was welcomed there will ever lose the memory of it! Mrs. Hart is yet a resident of this city, spending a ripe old age in dispensing the same well-remembered hospitality, going about doing the deeds of kindness.
Mrs. R. C. Rock, herself a pioneer of 1850, has vivid recollections of beginnings in Cedar Rapids. She knew the Bryans intimately, and also the Legares. She says they were people of culture. Mr. Stoney, the husband of Miss Bryan, was educated abroad, and came to Cedar Rapids in 1852 or 1853. These people were led to locate in the city through the influence of Judge Greene, whom they met in Washington. Mrs. Rock states that at this day it is impossible to estimate what Judge Greene meant to the young city. Through his influence people of means, culture, and learning were induced to come to the city and county. He traveled a great deal, and something good for Cedar Rapids always resulted.
J. J. Snouffer was another Marylander who came to Cedar Rapids in 1850, and for nearly a half century his was a powerful influence in the community. He was prominent in business and political affairs, and was ever a loyal citizen.
Dr. Robert Taylor, one of the prominent early physicians, came from Vir- ginia in 1851. After remaining here a few years he removed to Philadelphia.
CHAPTER XXXIII Some Township History
BERTRAM TOWNSHIP
In the history of Linn county Bertram township has played a conspicuous part, and was at various times about to be the township in which were located some of the most enterprising towns in the county. Ivanhoe, Westport, also known as Newark, and other places are well known names among the early settlers. Their locations have been wiped off the map, so to speak, on account of changed conditions. The following sketch is taken largely from manuscripts and articles written by the late John J. Daniels, one of the old citizens of Linn county, one of the early county recorders, for many years a justice of the peace, and a well known and enterprising eitizen, who was always interested in the old settlers and in the development of historical research in the county in early days. Mr. Daniels says :
"In the early settlement of Linn county the territory now forming Bertram township was selected by the early settlers for very prominent reasons, it having good mill streams, good water, and plenty of good timber near at hand, which was so much needed by the early settlers for building and fencing. Two of the early pioneers were Thomas W. and Sarah Campbell, of Dearborn county, In- diana. They came in the fall of 1838 and settled on the northeast quarter of section 27, and obtained a patent from the United States March 7. 1844. Mr. Campbell was elected the first county treasurer in 1839, and in 1840 his first collection of county taxes for lieenses, ferries, and lands was $985.85. He died February 22, 1876.
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