USA > Iowa > Madison County > History of Madison County, Iowa, and its people, Volume I > Part 45
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park commission, under whose administration, with the appropriations which will be sought, the park will not only be one in name, but also in fact.
ROCK CITY CEMETERY
The cemetery belongs to the city and came into being in the year 1850, when an acre of ground was purchased by the pioneer citizens of Winterset for burial purposes. The committee of citizens, of which A. D. Jones was chairman, re- ported favorably on the selection of an acre of ground that had been examined, "in the neighborhood of said town." The report also showed that the committee "Resolved that the Winterset cemetery be located on or near the northeast corner of the claim belonging to one Davis, on a ridge southeast of Winterset, which continues out from the residence of A. D. Jones, and consists of one acre of land, lying south of a certain oak bush, as designated by said committee. All of which is submitted for the action of this committee."
The land was used and pretty well taken up as the years passed by. More space was needed and but quite recently the cemetery was enlarged. This new part has been modernized to considerable extent by the construction of driveways and cement walks, the latter leading from the foot entrance through the new section to the old. The presence of landscape gardening in this silent city indi- cates in many places the loving care and remembrances of those left in this vale of tears. Rock City Cemetery is one of the city's cherished possessions and is under the management of an association formed for the purpose of looking after its interests.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK
Winterset has a quartet of the strong, reliable financial institutions that make for confidence in local business circles and assure credit and standing abroad. The National Bank of Winterset was the first bank established, being organized under the new national banking laws in 1865, by Dr. C. D. Bevington, Joseph J. Ilutchings, W. W. MeKnight and others. C. D. Bevington was the first president and retained that position until his death in 1903. W. W. MeKnight took the cashiership at the time of the organization and retired therefrom in 1877. Judge Frederick Mott succeeded Doctor Bevington in the' presidency and retired but quite recently, to take up his residence in Des Moines. Other men of prominence have been connected with the institution, of whom may be mentioned W. S. Whedon, who for a number of years occupied the responsible position of cashier.
From the beginning this bank has been a popular depository and its business has increased as the years rolled by. After the expiration of its first charter the concern was reorganized as the First National Bank, and now has a capital of $50,000. By its last report, published October 31, 1914, the sum of $20,000 was shown as a surplus fund, and the total deposits were $276,000.
The home of the First National is on the corner of Court and First streets and the officials are: President. P. J. Cunningham; vice president. J. E. Ham- ilton : cashier, W. E. Grismer : assistant cashier, Rex Spooner. In January, 1915. W. E. Grismer resigned and Engene Wilson was chosen cashier.
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MONUMENTAL PARK, WINTERSET Dedicated October 7, 1867
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK
This is a banking house based upon the confidence of its patrons and a sound financial system of conducting business. It was organized in 1872. J. J. Hutch- ings was the first president and D. E. Cooper cashier. S. G. Ruby, one of Madison County's leading lawyers and United States consul to Belfast, Ireland, served faithfully and well as president of the bank and later Dr. J. H. Wintrode, whose recent death was a sad and tragic one. James P'. Steele, a leading member of the bar and an old settler, is the present high executive officer, while Wilbur J. Cornell has been cashier a number of years. The Citizens National is in a brick building standing on the northeast corner of Jefferson and First streets. The capital stock is $50,000 ; surplus and undivided profits, $35,000; deposits, $377.836.
THE MADISON COUNTY STATE BANK
The Madison County Bank was established in 1889, with a capital of $25,000. On September 25, 1905, the bank was reorganized with a capital stock of $70,000. This institution has a substantial standing in the community and has its home on the southeast corner of the square. Official list is as follows: President, E. E. McCall ; vice president, Charles McMillan; cashier, Nelson Bertholf ; assistant cashier, A. L. Stout. Capital stock has been increased to $100,000; surplus. $100,000 ; deposits, $597,000. In January, 1915, the bank was incorporated as the Madison County State Bank.
WINTERSET SAVINGS BANK
This bank commenced business October 22, 1902, with A. B. Shriver, presi- dent; Luther Fox, vice president; F. D. Campbell, cashier; W. E. Grismer, assistant cashier. Capital stock, $25,000, which was increased to $50,000 in 1904.
Since its organization the Winterset Savings Bank steadily increased in favor and today, after its short existence, its report required by the laws of Iowa, under which it operates, shows a very comfortable condition of affairs. The capital is $50,000 ; surplus and undivided profits, $45,000; total assets, $300,000. In May, 1914, the bank moved into a new home, a two-story modern brick building, standing on the northeast corner of the square. This is the handsomest business structure in Winterset. The bank's officials are: Luther Fox, president ; G. N. Skinner, vice president ; M. E. Smith, cashier.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
The public library, which is at home in the beautiful building, a gift from Andrew Carnegie and the heirs of Dr. Bevington, is remotely the outgrowth of the temperance revival of 1877, 1878 and 1879. As a result of this temperance movement, it was resolved to establish a library. J. S. McCaughan, Doctor Bev- ington, Henry Wallace and others subscribed liberally and used their influence to secure other subscriptions. The money so collected was invested in books, and these were put into the keeping of the Young Men's Christian Association. The books were kept in the room of the association and loaned to readers. After
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the Young Men's Christian Association disbanded, the Woman's Christian Tem- perance Union took charge of them and room was secured in the courthouse, Miss Orpha Adkinson giving much of her time gratuitously to the care and loan- ing of the books. This association of ladies also disbanded about 1885 and the books were handed over to E. R. Zeller, then county superintendent. Ile kept the books in his office during the entire four years of the incumbency of that office and loaned the books and kept trace of them. About January, 1890, the movement for the establishment of a permanent library was first agitated by Mrs. S. J. Gilpin and Rev. HI. C. Herring, pastor of the Presbyterian Church ; they were the most aggressive movers in the enterprise. Subscriptions amounting to some $500 were received, and the lots occupied now by the Anthes Broth- ers lumberyard were donated by Eli Wilkin. The lots were sold for $250, and a public entertainment was given at the old Knights of Pythias Hall for the purpose of raising more money and dedicating the library. Refreshments were served and the following program was carried out : Remarks by president. Rev. C. L. Nye; Books that Build Men Up. E. R. Zeller; My Novel, A. M. Welch ; Triumphs of the Press, W. O. Lucas; Dedication of the Library, H. C. Herring.
Quite a sum of money was secured at this entertainment, a number present each subscribing ten dollars, which, added to the sum realized from sale of tickets, amounted to some hundreds of dollars. Rooms were secured in the second story of the building now owned by S. E. Catterlin, on the west side of the square. Mary Cassiday, who had interested herself in founding the library, was appointed librarian, which position she has efficiently filled till the present time.
Early in 1891 the question of voting a tax for the maintenance of the library was agitated and at the election in the following March of that year the proposi- tion was submitted to the voters of the city and the result of the vote was 233 for and 198 against the proposition.
In the year 1900 Colonel Cummings erected a building on Court Avenue, west of the postoffice, which was leased for the library, and the books were moved there in November of that year.
Some years ago, when Andrew Carnegie first began to distribute some of his surplus wealth for the purpose of erecting library buildings in various parts of the country, an application was made to him for the donation of $10,000 10 erect a library building here. In course of time, a reply was received agreeing to the proposition, and the heirs of Doctor Bevington donated the ground on which to build at. A very substantial and commodious building was erected in 1905. which was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on the 10th of June. The building was completed and paid for in full out of Carnegie's donation, but the question of furnishing it then confronted the trustees, who decided to solicit donations from the citizens. This work was done chiefly by Charles McMillan and C. T. Koser, who secured $1.601.79. This sum was ample to furnish the building in the very best manner, and with what was left over, quite a considerable amount was used in the purchase of hooks.
The Carnegie Public Library Building, both from an exterior and interior view, is very pleasing to the artistic eye, and a most inviting place for the men. women and children of this community. The management meets with the ap- proval of the city and all patrons and the general interest in this institution in-
PUBLIC LIBRARY, WINTERSET
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CHAPTER XLVIII FRATERNAL BODIES OF WINTERSET
EVENING STAR LODGE, A. F. & A. M.
On June 8, 1904, Evening Star Lodge celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its charter, and on that occasion the gifted and venerable brother, T. C. Gilpin, read an interesting and comprehensive history of the lodge which he prepared. This is a valuable contribution, not only of the events transpiring pertinent to the fraternal organization mentioned, but it also preserves the names of many pioneers who lived in Winterset and vicinity. Among them were early mer- chants, lawyers, physicians, educational instructors, and men of affairs, both in business circles and on the farms.
A little more than half a century ago, eight wise men from the East traveled due west to find a home in and near the then little hamlet of Winterset, Iowa,- D. C. McNeil, of Illinois; G. A. Beerbower, of New Jersey; George Bennett, of Illinois ; John A. Pitzer, of Kentucky ; Addison Knight, of Massachusetts ; John Scott, of Indiana; Richard P. Bruce, of Kentucky; and S. L. Burlingame, of Ohio. These men having received Masonic light, and being bound by fraternal ties in their eastern homes, instinctively demanded alliance and fraternity in their new home. For such purpose, on the 12th day of August, 1853, they met in the back room of John A. Pitzer's store, the one-story log house which stood where Brother Cole's jewelry store is now situated. They had received a dis- pensation for which they had previously petitioned from the Grand Lodge of lowa, empowering them to organize a Masonic lodge, to be called Evening Star Lodge, under dispensation. The organization was perfected by the appoint- ment of D. C. McNeil. W. M .; G. A. Beerbower, S. W. ; George Bennett. J. W .; John A. Pitzer, treasurer; Addison Knight, secretary: J. G. Scott, S. D .: R. P. Bruce, J. D .; S. L. Burlingame, tyler.
Daniel Campbell seems to have been the only high private present. and Samuel Gorront, of Cincinnati, Ohio, as a visiting brother. Brothers Knight, Pitzer and Beerbower were appointed a committee on by-laws, who reported the same evening a code of by-laws, which, with some slight amendments since, has been signed by all the successive members of this lodge. These eight worthy brothers organized for work and dissemination of Masonic light to others, for we find that on this first evening a petition for the degrees was presented from Leonidas Pendleton, who was the first one to be made a Mason in the new lodge. Franklin Walker, Irvin Baum, Joseph J. Hutchings and others followed by initiation close after, and John Leonard, W. W. MeKnight, Isaac L. Tidrick, Calvin Ballard and others on demits from their eastern lodges, until a goodly number of good and true men were thus associated. That back room of the log house very soon
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became too strait for the little company, when the place of meeting was changed to one room of the second story of a brick building long used by J. E. Smith as a grocery store. That also became too cramped for their increasing members and again they removed to the third story of the Pitzer Hotel, now known as the St. Nicholas. That was their Masonic home for several years.
The Grand Lodge of Iowa, after examination of the work done by the new lodge under dispensation, on June 8, 1854, while in session at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, granted them a charter. This was signed by James L. Hogin, grand master; George Acheson, deputy grand master; I. M. Williams, senior grand warden; Aylotte R. Cotton, junior grand warden; and T. S. Parvin, grand secretary. This charter is still sacredly preserved and has been present at every meeting of our lodge since it was granted.
The granting of this charter, the giving of the number, forty-thrce, to the lodge, and the taking off of the adolescent title "Under Dispensation," constitute the principal reasons for the observance of this semi-centennial.
The new lodge, under its charter, did not reorganize until its regular meeting, July 7, 1854, when McNeil as W. M., informed the lodge that their charter had been received; that under Masonic usage the old officers holding under dispensa- tion must vacate their respective offices and the lodge proceed to the election of new ones. This resulted in the election of the following persons who were to hold the positions for one year: J. G. Scott, W. M .; D. C. McNeil, S. W .: G. A. Beerbower, J. W .; John A. Pitzer, treasurer; John Leonard, secretary ; Franklin Walker, S. D .; Joseph J. Hutchings, J. D .; Leonidas Pendleton, tyler. These officers were duly installed by D. C. McNeil. J. G. Vawter and D. Lamb were the first victims under the new regime.
I find that a meeting was held on the next evening, July 8th, when they decided to appoint a committee to confer with a similar committee from the order of the Sons of Temperance, relative to the joint use of the hall. The record does not state whether such arrangement was made, but we may presume it was, because of sundry motions to collect rental from the rather tardy Sons.
The lodge again removed from their home in the Pitzer Hotel to the third story of a brick building, now a part of the Bevington Block, which was used as a Masonic Hall for many years.
In May, 1855, a petition from the Masonic brethren of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was presented to our lodge, asking consent for the organization of a Masonic lodge in that city. Neither Greenfield, Lewis, nor Atlantic, were known Ma- sonically at that early date, and Winterset, ninety miles away, was the nearest Masonic lodge. I need hardly say that their request was cheerfully granted and the grand master of the state duly notified of such consent.
The furnishings of the several halls or rooms occupied by the lodge in those early days were somewhat primitive-quite different from the luxurious home now occupied by us, and yet the good brethren did not despise the day of small things, but welcomed each other with heart and hand and joined heartily in the work. Not a few traveled on horseback from six to ten miles to attend the meet- ings, the records showing their attendance fully up to that of the local residents.
I notice a bill for candles which was duly allowed and paid. The record, however, fails to state whether the janitor used snuffers or his index finger and thumb when more light was required. We smile as we hear of the use of tallow
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dips for light, and boast of our incandescent electric globes. Let us beware-our method may be no less primitive to the celebrants of our centennial. May not the late discovery of radium supersede electricity before 1954?
As an indication of the busy work of our ancient brethren, the record shows that on the evening of December 21, 1855, no less than seven petitions for the degrees were received and referred to committees.
On December 27, 1855. the first Masonic supper was had, which the brethren and their families attended. Brother B. F. Roberts delivered an address. The lodge fund was not drawn upon to meet expenses of the banquet, for the record says: "Each member attending to pay an equal portion of the expense." We regret that no menu of that banquet has been preserved, but we may venture the assertion that it was worthy of the good sisters who provided it. Manu- factured victuals, canned goods and breakfast foods were unknown then. So were ptomaine poisoning and appendicitis. Our provisions fifty years ago were home made, wholesome and healthful.
On June 24. 1856, occurred the first public installation, which was held in the Methodist Episcopal Church. W. W. MeKnight was the master at that time. The lodge continued steadily to grow and multiply from its organization, and on January 16, 1875, by order of the grand lodge, it was duly and legally incorporated under the laws of lowa. This was required that it might legally hold title to property, as well as for other requisite purposes.
In February, 1875. the Evening Star Lodge Building Association was or- ganized and issued over two thousand dollars of stock drawing 10 per cent interest. payable annually. The entire issue was at once taken up by the members of the lodge. The shares were $5 each. Interest due on the shares was credited on the annual dues of the holder, so far as it would cancel them; if any surplus it was paid to the holder. .
On May 8, 1876, the lodge purchased the hall and access to it, in which we now assemble. Our deed of conveyance required the lodge to use the hall for at least ten years, after which time they are at liberty to rent or sell their rooms. Interest on the stock was afterwards voluntarily reduced to 6 per cent.
Within the past four or five years the last dollar of the stock has been re- deemed by the lodge and the title is now fully vested in it.
The original cost of the hall was $2.210. exclusive of interest account.
It appears from the old records that no meetings of the lodge were held on November 22. 1861, December 20. 1861, January 21, 1862. and February 20. 1862, four consecutive months. The faithful secretary records, "No meeting. Cause, inclement weather." Is it possible that the lowering of the awful war cloud over our fair land at that time had aught to do with that inclemency ? It is a cause of congratulation that after this partial lapse our faithful brethren never let the altar fire go out during that dark time. They went on with the work. preparing many, who on the field of battle, in hospital or as prisoners of war, blessed the day and lodge in which they were made Masons. On September 5. 1862, our old Masonic brother, as Capt. 11. J. B. Cummings, made application for the degrees. The record says that the applicant wishing to return at once to the seat of war, application was made to Grand Master Thomas 11. Benton, Jr .. for a dispensation to confer the degrees at once. The permission was given and within ten days the captain was duly qualified to travel and receive wages
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as the colonel of the Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry. We rejoice with him that he found his way home and is with us to this day. Dr. William L. Leonard, Fred- erick Mott. O. A. Moser, B. F. Murray, S. G. Ruby, William Pursell. W. R. Shriver, R. A. Stitt and M. R. Tidrick were the fortunate ones who just prior to or during the war were invested with the mysteries of the order and entitled to all its benefits while engaged in the services of their country. Lieutenant J. P. Jones, one of Nature's noblemen, was made a Mason in this lodge, September 17, 1862. He fell and was buried on the field at Allatoona, Georgia, on October 5, 1864. The lodge attended the funeral service in a body at the Methodist Episco- pal Church on Sabbath, January 7, 1865. Our lodge has a long roll of honor of those who were actively engaged in that terrible struggle of 1861-65, who were received after the close of the war. Together we rejoice that our beloved land remains one undivided republic, the peer of nations.
Honorable mention should be made of the veterans of Masonry whom we are glad to know are present to join in the celebration of this semi-centennial. Brother Richard P. Bruce is the only charter member now living. He was born in Girard County, Kentucky, on May 15, 1818, and is now past eighty-six years of age. He was made a Mason, March 6, 1849, in Hardin Lodge, No. 44, Illi- nois-a faithful Mason for fifty-five years. All honor to him. May he be spared to our lodge and this community yet many years.
W. W. McKnight, who has been a Mason for more than fifty years; T. A. Duer, for forty-eight years ; Frederick Mott, for fifty years ; and Joseph Stauffer for more than fifty years, are among the elder Masons and are with us today. We congratulate them for their long and faithful service.
Those who have been honored as worshipful masters of this lodge during the past half century are as follows: 1853, D. C. McNeil ; 1854, J. G. Scott ; 1855-56, W. W. Mcknight; 1857, J. G. Scott; 1858, John Leonard; 1859, W. W. Mc- Knight ; 1860, William Pursell; 1861, D. B. Allen; 1862, Frederick Mott; 1863, A. J. Kendig; 1864, M. R. Tidrick; 1865-66, V. Wainwright; 1867, M. R. Tidrick, 1868-69, V. Wainwright; 1870, H. J. B. Cummings ; 1871, V. Wain- wright ; 1872, T. C. Gilpin ; 1873-76, H. J. B. Cummings ; 1877, A. H. Adkinson ; 1878-79. C. C. Goodale: 18So-81, T. C. Gilpin; 1882, G. W. Hampton; 1883, H. L. Putzel; 1884-86, V. Wainwright ; 1887-89, J. A. Darnell; 1890-92, C. F. Koehler ; 1893-96, Albert Strong; 1897-99, 1. L. Stout ; 1900-01, C. A. Eldridge; 1902-04, L. Lowe.
These several worshipful masters, with the assistance of the wardens and brethren, have welcomed within the portals of this lodge since its organization, more than three hundred and fifty men, who with very few exceptions have proven themselves workmen whom this lodge has been proud to call brethren- who are marked among our fellow citizens as practicing the sublime and moral precepts of our noble order, friendship, morality and brotherly love.
Our lodge has had representatives in the legislative halls of both state and nation, in the grand lodge and chapters of this state, at the bar, on the judicial bench. in foreign lands as the special representative of this country, many in the pulpit and in every honorable calling and occupation ; not one in the peni- tentiary. It is a record of which we may well be proud, as we run over the roll of members from 1853 to 1904, more than three hundred and fifty of them, to
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find not one of whom we may be ashamed to say, he was a Mason. So mote it be in the future.
In 1858 a chapter of Royal Arch Masons was organized, to which a goodly number of this lodge belong, and a goodly number have been made Knights Templar in Temple Commandery at Des Moines. . \ flourishing order of the East- ern Star has also grown out of this lodge, where much of its wisdom and beauty is congregated.
Were it part of my duty as necrological instead of simply historical writer, it would be a pleasing, though sad, duty to call the roll of our honored dead, giving brief mention of their respective lives, the honor they reflected upon our order in return for the honor Masonry conferred upon them. That the record of this lodge has been so well sustained by its membership, is the result of most careful and scrutinizing inquiry and examination into the character and kind of material applying for Masonic honors.
Not every one who has sought to gain admission to our portals has been ad- mitted. Many have knocked at the outer door who sought admission from unworthy motives, only to learn that none but those who are worthy and well qualified can hope to pass the grim tyler who so faithfully guards the inner sanctuary of our mysteries. Though Masons never solicit persons to become members of the order, they are ever ready to welcome the worthy and just as ready to reject the unworthy. Mistakes have been and will continue to be made, both in receiving and rejecting applicants, so long as judgment and con- clusions are fallible. It is better to err in rejection than in reception.
And now having, to the best of my endeavor, performed the duty of historian assigned me by our worthy master. I must still acknowledge the imperfection and incompleteness of my work. This has arisen not from indisposition or want of interest on my part, but from difficulty in sifting from the old and somewhat di- lapidated records, items of interest and importance. I trust the records of the next fifty years will be more carefully preserved, that the historian of 1954 may not have laborious search for whatever hidden treasures he may desire to bring to light on that day.
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