USA > Iowa > Page County > History of Page County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc. : a biographical directory of many of its leading citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, history of Iowa and the Northwest, map of Page County, constitution of the state of Iowa, reminiscences, miscellaneous matters, etc > Part 62
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The following, from the articles of incorporation, will enable the reader to better understand the nature of the educational phase of the colony:
"ART. 5. The money raised from the sale of lands shall constitute an educational fund, of which one fourth part may be used for the erection of buildings for the Amity College as the board of trustees shall judge necessary.
"ART. 6. Of the remaining portion of the fund the interest only shall be used for supporting professors and teachers in the various departments of the institution, and a library, philosophical, chemical and astronomical apparatus, and other necessary and incidental expenses connected with the general good of the institution.
"ART. 7. The institution shall be of such a character as to give to both sexes the opportunity of acquiring a liberal education. The manual labor system to be encouraged and adopted as far as practicable."
In 1859 the college owned 6,945 acres of land, situated as follows: 680 acres in Cass county, 1,665 acres in Page county, 4,600 acres in Missouri The only building owned by the college at this time was a frame house 22 by 28 feet, and one story high. But during that year was begun the. erection of a brick building 40 by 50 feet, and two stories in height.
The first class in the academic department was organized in 1857 by Prof. George P. Kimball, of Wheaton, Illinois. The number of students was thirty, about three-fourths of the entire number being males. It was an unfortunate circumstance for the school that Professor Kimball's health obliged him to resign his position at the close of the year. It might be proper here to remark-though Professor Kimball's case was the excep-
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
tion-that no school has so thoroughly tested the inadvisability of frequent changes in the teaching corps than Amity.
The successor to Mr. Kimball was Prof. Armour, a new York man and an excellent teacher, under whose administration the institution seemed to take a new lease of life. He infused some of his own enthusiasm among the students, reorganized the academic department, succeeded in estab- lishing a literary society, and was rapidly placing the school in the front rank, when the trustees dismissed him-at the end of the year-and en- gaged Prof. William Nelson to fill the vacancy Possibly, nothing con- tributed so directly to weaken the status of the school than this impolitic act. The dismissed professor immediately organized a select school and to him went many of the former pupils. In 1860, however, the trustees re-en- gaged him together with his wife, a finely educated and refined lady, and the new building, now nearly completed, was occupied. The number of students had increased to forty-five, representing besides Iowa, the states of Missouri and Kansas. Prof. Armour retained his position until 1862, when ill-health necessitated a change of climate, and he went to his old home in New York. With his resignation the academic character of the school ceased. From 1862 to 1864, the college was absorbed in the public schools, under the principalship of J. W. Mckinley. During the follow-
ing year, 1865, there was no school as the records indicate. But in 1866 a new plan was adopted, and the buildings leased for five years to a com- pany of men who assumed all financial responsibility, making good any deficit from their private funds. Recognizing the administrative ability of Prof. Armour, the association employed him, with his wife to conduct the school, in the hope it would finally prove a success. Notwithstanding the able management of the school it did not prove successful, and at the end of the third year the managment was entirely assumed by Prof. Armour, his salary being what he could realize from the school. He remained in charge of the school until the expiration of the lease given to the associa- tion.
In the fall of 1871 the school was again reorganized under the control of the trustees, with Hamilton White as president. Another change was deemed necessary for the winter term, this time the Rev Marion Morri- son took charge of affairs and continued his relation to the school in that capacity until the end of the year.
The institution was now in a condition that, to insure success, demanded immediate and decisive action. The school had been in operation for fif- teen years, and was, substantially where it began. The demands of the times were becoming more pressing, the need of thoroughly educated men and women more urgent, the interests of the town demanding stren- uous and competent activity. Something must be done and the trustees again stepped to the front, determined this time to make the right move.
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
They felt it was essential, the securing an able man to promise perma- nency, that to receive the best advantages to the school it was necessary to place at its head a thorough scholar and disciplinarian.
The Rev. A. T. McDill, A. M., was the man selected for the place, and the result has shown how wisely. He was graduated at Monmouth Col- lege, Illinois, was a man of unspotted reputation and of scholarly attain- ments. He entered upon the presidency of the institution in the fall of 1872, and at once reorganized the school on a collegiate basis. A normal course was added to the curriculum, and the outlook bade fair for a pros- perous career for Amity. Nor was this promise misleading. Students began to pour in, and an era of greater prosperity began. During the fall of 1873, the number of students necessitated the employment of an- other teacher, and one who was a specialist in mathematics. The choice fell upon Prof. Grimes, a former student of Iowa College, a proficient in his chosen branch, and a genial, whole-souled teacher. Under the admin- istration of President McDill the attendance on the college became so great that it was necessary to enlarge the college building, and steps were immediately taken to make the accommodations equal to the demand. Accordingly, in 1876, two additions, in the form of wings north and south, each 23x30 feet and two stories high were completed, thus securing ample and pleasant accommodations for the students. In 1876-7 the attendance upon the college was 106. This, in itself, is a sufficient indication of the favor in which the school was held, and the esteem and confidence which the faculty had engendered. But at the close of the year 1877, after a service of five years-years of toil and successful service-President McDill resigned, and Amity was again without a head. But the trustees at once placed the mantle he had so worthily worn upon the shoulders of the Rev. S. C. Marshall, a man eminently qualified for the position. He graduated with honor at Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio, in 1856. He also graduated at the Theological Seminary at Alleghany City, Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1860. After a short pastorate, at Hoboken, New Jersey, he was elected to the chair of ancient languages in his alma mater, in which position he remained for five years During that period he became identified with the educational work of the county as a mem- ber of the board of examiners. His experience in educational work in Ohio was a very suitable preparation for the work to be done at Amity College.
The college has been and still is steadily improving under the present administration, both as regards the thoroughness of the work done and the number of students in attendance. Two classes have been graduated in the scientific course. Though not large they are doing much in making a good reputation for the college. Prof. Davis, a member of the gradu
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
ating class of 1879, is now professor of natural sciences, and bids fair to become distinguished in that department.
The faculty in 1880 is as follows : Rev. S. C. Marshall, A. M., presi- dent and professor of ancient languages and ethics ; Adam Grimes, pro- fessor of mathematics and political science ; N. Y. Davis, B. S., professor of natural science ; Rev. Henry Avery, A. B., adjunct professor of latin and english literature. Miss Nettie E. Doig, instructor in music ; W. W. Phipps, instructor in penmanship.
In 1877 the financial showing of the college was good, as seen from the following statement :
Interest bearing credits.
$22 000
Cass county lands (580 acres.) .
7 000
Missouri lands. 1 800
Unsold town lots. 8 000
Cabinet and apparatus
800
Total $39 600
The district schools of Amity village were for a long time identi- fied with the interests of Amity College, being at once absorbed by it as its history shows. The first district school in the village is said to have been taught by a Mr. Cox, who returned subsequently to Illinois, from whence he had come.
There are at present in the township ten school houses, indicating the estimate of the people in the matter of free schools and fair rudimentary education.
To Amity belongs the honor of being the first township in the county to celebrate independence day. The occasion was July 4th, 1864, at Col- lege Springs, with the assistance of nearly 1,200 persons. The Rev. Dowthet was orator, and W. R. Loughlin was martial of the day. This township also led in purely literary matters, since, in the winter of 1858- 59 the first literary society was organized at College Springs. A paper was edited by the society, under the management of Smith Woodmanse and a lady who afterwards became Mrs. A. R. Anderson.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
Only a few facts concerning the Methodist Episcopal church can be gleaned. The society owns a frame building, erected in the year 1873, at a cost of $1,800. The church has been served by the following pastors : W. J. Beck, W. S. Hooker, J. M. Conrad, B. Shinn and George F. Brand. The present membership of the society is seventy-seven, (77.)
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
First Congregational church of Amity. This society was organized in the year 1857, with the following original members : M. S. Morrow, Joseph Cornforth and wife ; J. P. Johnson and wife ; J. G. Laughlin, J. P. Donaldson and wife ; B. F. Haskins and wife ; ten.
In 1868 a church edifice of brick was built at a cost of $2,500 The building was dedicated in 1868 by a council of ministers and delegates from neighboring Congregational churches. The church has steadily in- creased in both members and influence ; it now numbers a membership of eighty-five. The pastors of the church, since its organization, have been the Reverends B. F. Haskins, John Cross, C. C. Humphrey, D. R. Baker, W. I. Phillips and Henry Avery.
" This church has had a varied experience. It aspires to stand right on questions of reform. It is anti-tobacco. anti-liquor, and opposed to secret organizations, especially Freemasonry. "
The United Presbyterian church was organized in June, 1857. The original members were: J. S. Maughlin, Thomas Maughlin, Mr. and Mrs. John McKissick, Mr. and Mrs. John Latta, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Monsingo, Mr. and Mrs. Robert McLean, and P. M. Hoag-11. Ten years after the organization of the society a frame building was erected, the first cost of which was $2,500; the edifice was subsequently enlarged at a further cost of $1,000. Since the existence of the society, it has en- joyed the pastorate of the following reverend gentlemen: Samuel Anderson, installed in April, 1867, died December 20, 1869, M. Morrison, installed in April, 1871, released October 1, 1876, and Mr. Johnston, installed in Au- gust, of 1877, who is still pastor of the congregation. The present mem- bership is three hundred and fifty souls. Large accessions have been made under each of these several pastors, but the formation of new churches on the outskirts, and the dismission of members to a distance leave the aggregate membership unchanged.
EAST RIVER.
The following well written history of this township was prepared by Mr. V. I. Terry, and read at the centennial celebration held at Clarinda, July 4, 1876:
" The township of East River is located in the east tier of townships, and is the second township from the south. It is bounded on the north by Nebraska township, on the south by Buchanan, on the east by Taylor county, and on the west by Harlan township. It is traversed by the East and West Nodaway rivers from its northern to its southern boundary on the west side, and derives its name from the first named river. It is also
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
watered on the east by Buchanan creek, and through its center by several smaller streams. The surface of the township is beautifully undulating. The streams are skirted by fine timber, embracing nearly all the varieties common to the country between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The soil is a dark, rich loam, from two to three feet in depth, with a firm sub- soil of yellowish clay, sufficiently close to prevent leaching of the soil and not so impervious as to admit of what is termed washing. All the grains, grasses, fruits and vegetables growing in this latitude are here produced in profusion, and are ripened and matured in the highest degree of perfec- tion. The climate is healthful and invigorating. Its belts of timber serve to break the severe blasts of winter and to lessen the force of the tem- pests of summer.
"This territory was originally embraced in what was known as the disputed territory of Iowa and Missouri, and for many years taxes were levied and collected by both states. The dispute was settled in the year 1851, by a committee appointed by the legislatures of the two states, and what is now the boundary established. When the county of Page was laid off into townships, what now comprises the township of East River was embraced in and composed the northern portion of the township of Buch- anan. It remained a part of Buchanan township till the year 1860, when a board of supervisors were appointed, and the township of East River struck off from Buchanan. Mr. Moses Thompson was the member of said board for the East River district.
" The first settlement of the territory now comprising East River was made in the year 1843. Messrs. Jesse Majors, Robert Stafford, Larsh and Moses Thompson, and Charles Gaston settled here in that year. Jeremiah Teeters and Gideon Dougherty settled in the year following. These men with their families were the pioneers of East River township, and had to contend with and endure all the inconveniencies, and what would now be considered urindurable hardships and privations incident to the first settle- ment of a country far removed from market, manufactories and privileges of an older civilization. Nearly all the goods used by these first settlers were brought in by wagons from St. Joseph and Maryville, Missouri, and this continued to be the chief mode by which the settlement was supplied till the railroads were pushed west of the Mississippi.
"The Pottawattamie and Musquakie tribes of Indians were encamped in considerable numbers in the district, upon both East and West Noda- way rivers and upon Buchanan creek from its first occupation by the whites up to 1854, at which time they removed to what was then Kane- ville, now the city of Council Bluffs. In 1854 there were five families in what is known as the forks of the river embraced in the township of East River, and seven families outside of the forks in the district now in the township. These families are estimated at five persons to the family,
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
which gives a population of sixty persons in the year 1854. In 1860, the date of the formation of the township, the population was 260, showing a growth from its first settlement, in 1843, to 1860 of 209 persons. Its pop- ulation is now [1876] 920, which shows an increase in population since its formation, a period of sixteen years, of 660. The whole number of acres under cultivation in 1860 was 5,960, and in the present year it is swollen to 16,545, being a gain of acres brought under cultivation since its formation of 10,585.
" The value of real estate in 1860 was $162,176, and in 1876 $372,844, a gain of valuation of real estate of $210,668.
"The value of personal property in 1860 was $48,885, and in 1876 $125,084, a gain in value of personal property of $78,199.
" Total value of real estate and personal property in 1860 $209,061, and in 1876 $497,928, which shows an increase in the wealth of the township since its formation of $288,867.
"The value of farm products in 1875 was $124,253, and as the south half of the township suffered that year from the ravages of the grass- hoppers, and from the magnificent promise of a crop throughout the en- tire township, it is confidently expected the above figures will the present year [1876] be increased to the figure of $200,000.
" The school facilities of the township, as may be inferred, were very meager and offered limited advantages for education up to the time of the formation of the township, since which time the facilities of education have kept pace in their growth with the general advancement and growth of the township. At the present writing, there arein the township, persons be- tween the ages of five and twenty-one, about 370, and an average daily attendance upon the schools of one hundred and sventy-six. There are now eight schools with sixteen teachers. The value of school buildings, with fixtures, is $3,345. Six of the buildings are seated with patent school seats.
" It is thought it may be fairly stated that in nothing have the people of East River made such rapid strides as in religious worship. At the time of first settlement the Sabbaths were apt to be given over to something like carousing, and the wild whoop of the Indians and answering shout of their white neighbors were wont to break the stillness of the quiet Sabbath, instead of the voice of the man of God. To-day, nearly every denomina- tion of christians are represented in the township, many of them having large societies and regular preaching, the school buildings being com- monly used for this commendable and holy purpose. The Methodist denomination is thought to be the leading one of the township, though some others are quite strong, the denomination of the Church of God be- ing one.
" During the late struggle for the maintenance of this government, for
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
the result of which we to-day return thanks to Almighty God, the people of East River bore their full share; and to-day the heroes of Shiloh and Donelson are probably as fully represented from the township of East River as from any territory of a given population of our magnificent and loved Iowa. The spirit that moved these men in the dark days of the na- tion's life can never be extinguished, and they will ever be remembered by the loyal and patriotic people of East River with feelings of the deepest gratitude and admiration. These men who placed themselves between that awful storm of lead and iron hail and the life of the republic of America, are here to-day, save those who have gone to receive the re- ward of those who. die for men.
" There is one thing more to relate pertaining to the war record of our much loved township. It was during the latter part of the war, when the resources of the government were taxed to their utmost, and calls for aid were made by the different state governments for sanitary supplies, and for the care of the soldiers' widows and orphans, that the governor of Iowa caused a beautiful flag to be offered to the county that should do the most for the soldiers' widows and orphans. Page county was the banner county, and received that flag, and the township of East River was the banner township, and the meed of praise and honor was given her. She was the banner township of the state of lowa in doing for the soldiers' widows and orphans; and her prize-the flag fairly won-reposes in the county building for safe keeping.
HARLAN TOWNSHIP.
BY THE REV. DAVID M'KEE.
This township includes congressional township 68 north, range 37 west. When the independent district of Clarinda was formed they took a small slice off the northeast corner of the township.
SURFACE OF THE TOWNSHIP.
This township is rolling prairie. It rises gradually from the Nodaway river on the east, and descends towards the Tarkio on the west. Sections 9, 16 and 21 are the watershed of the township. The west branch of Mill creek rises in section 16, and running southwest passes College Springs on the west. The eastern branch rises in section 21, runs nearly due south and passes College Springs on the east.
"No Business " creek rises in section 22, and running in a southeasterly
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
direction, empties into the Nodaway river about one and one-half miles north of the southern line of the township.
Lest coming generations should be in the dark as to how this creek ob- tained its euphoneous name, it is proper to record that report says Wil- liam McClelland, who now resides near it, in attempting to ride over it got mired and had to leave his horse, and when he reached home and told his story his wife asked its name. William emphatically remarked it has no name, but it has no business here. Immediately after his own slight immersion he proceeded to name the creek, and called it " No Busi- ness creek."
Olive branch heads in section 15, and running norht of east empties into the Nodaway river about one mile and one-half south of the north line of the township.
Hutton's branch rises in section 9 and runs first north of east and then south of east, entering the Nodaway a little north of Olive branch. There are small streams emptying into them along their course that furnish stock water for most of the farms.
TIMBER.
Besides the Nodaway timber in the east, there are groves of timber in the township. The largest is Lee grove, in sections 10 and 11, and Pink- erton's grove in section 27. There is timber along all of the streams.
COAL.
There is a vein of coal of about two feet in the township. Four banks have been opened, viz: Aikin's, Ribble's, McLean's and Pinkerton's. It is thought there is a larger vein below. This is now being tested. Mr. Pinkerton is boring to find it. He is down about 400 feet. How much further he intends to go is not known. Report says "he declares if he does not get coal he will go on until he can hear the Celestials gibber- ing on the other side."
SCHOOLS.
There are six independent districts in the township. The first school house was built in district No. 1. It was a log house built in the year 1856. Thomas Turner, Aron Wilson and Wm. Whitihill were the chief architects. These were all from Lee county, Iowa. Many of the most substantial farmers in the township caught the graduates of that old log school house, and they have made most excellent wives. The old log house gave place in the year 1867 to a frame, and that becoming too small, the present large and commodious house was erected in the year 1879. The house is a frame building. It has a study room, a recitation
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
room, and a lunch room for children's clothing, dinner, etc. It is said to be the best country school house in the county.
Fairview school house was erected in the year 1857. The districts in- cluded what are now districts five and six. It was located on the north- east quarter of section 28, near Mr. Wm. C. Brown's residence. The district was divided in the year 1868, and the districts of Pleasant Ridge and Mentor were organized. They have now both substantial frame buildings, 22 by 26 feet.
McNut school house was built in the year 1871. The district embraced what are now districts three and four. It was divided in the year 187 --. No. 3 erected a school house in Page City in the year 187 -. No. 2 was built again on its old site in the year 187 -. The school term in each dis- trict is from eight to nine months each year.
TOWNS.
Page City is situated in the northwest part of the township. It has a beautiful location, and is surrounded by an energetic and prosperous com- munity. The city is well laid out, aand it needs only houses and people to make it a first class city. It has a neat frame church. The building was erected in the year 1867. It is occupied by the Presbyterians, Meth- odists and United Presbyterians, conjointly.
SHAMBAUGH.
This growing village is in the southwest corner of the township. It is situated on the Nodaway river, and on the line of the C., B. & Q. road. It has a flour mill, saw mill, two stores, a blacksmith shop, wagon shop, and a hotel. Wm. McLean and J. Ham deal out dry goods and groceries. M. A. Pierson, M. D., attends the sick. Aikin, Turner and McLean buy and ship hogs and grain. Butler Brothers and J. T. Porter do a large grain business. C/Herriman is the blacksmith.
CHURCHES.
There are two church-buildings in the township-one in Page City; the other the "Covenanter Church." The large hall over McLean's store is also used as a place of worship. With College Springs on the southwest, and Clarinda on the northeast, these furnish church accommodations for all the citizens.
SABBATH SCHOOLS.
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