USA > Iowa > Scott County > History of Scott County, Iowa > Part 103
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LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP.
in all. Then followed a long interval, from March 28, 1841, to Nov. 27, 1847, during which time some of the members removed elsewhere and the place was destitute of Presbyterian preaching, with the exception of an occasional sermon by Rev. Clelland, of Davenport. Nov. 27, 1847, another session and another Lord's Supper was observed, and a few more members added to the church. The officiating minister on the occasion was the Rev. G. S. Rea, a new minister who had come to Davenport. On Monday following the service Mr. John Moore was duly elected,ordained and installed as ruling elder in the church, making another besides Mr. Jack.
The town having changed its name from Berlin to LeClaire, at a congregational meeting it was resolved to change the name of the church, and to petition the Presbytery of Iowa to grant the request and to change the name from Berlin to LeClaire, which request was granted. On April 27, 1850, the communion was administered by the Rev. James D). Mason, the next minister of Davenport who succeeded Mr. Rea. On this occasion several new members were received into the church, mostly by certificate. In August, 1850, a church building was commenced. By this time the members had increased so as to be a ground of thankfulness and enconrage- ment, yet they were all comparatively poor, and their edifice was built in proportion to their means. It was a frame building. 24 x 32. One hundred dollars were received from the Board of Missions and 875 by subscription, and the rest was furnished by the time, labor and means of Elder James Jack, to whom the credit of this building is largely due. The church was finished in May, 1851; though small. it was a considerable effort for the little church at this time, and was a vast improvement on the previous state of things. In September, 1850, during the time the house was build- ing. the Lord's Supper was again administered by the Rev. J. D. Mason, and four members received into the fellowship of the church by certificate.
We now arrive at the time when the church enjoyed the privilege of a settled pastor. The number of members at this time was about 40.
There are no records of anything until May 25, 1851, when a session was held, the Rev. J. D. Mason, moderator, at Princeton, five miles farther up the river, the two charges to be at present under one minister, and the said application being granted, the Rev. Hugh Hutchinson, and Mr. JJames Jack, elder, the Rev. J. D. Mason being absent, the committee, appointed by the Presby- tery, met at Princeton by appointment, on Sabbath, Nov. 12, organizing a new church, by the name of " Princeton Presbyte- rian Church;" 12 members were received from the Le Claire church, and five new members, making 17 members composing the organization. Three elders were duly elected and ordained, viz .: Denton D. Culbertson, Samuel Knox, and John L. Gast. The Lord's Supper was adminstered to the young church. The church now enjoyed the privileges of a settled pastor. Appli-
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
cation having been made by the session to the Presbytery which met at Le Claire in October, 1854, that a new organization be formed.
The First Congregational Church of Le Claire was organized by the Rev. J. A. Recd, agent of the A. H. M. Society for Iowa, on the 1st of September, 1849, in the basement of the Baptist church. Eleven persons united in forming this church. Publie service was held in the north room, under the Baptist meeting-house (not then finished), alternately with the Baptists until the summer of 1850, when, by agreement, the alternation of the church proper for four years with our Baptist brethren was received.
A union Sabbath-school was also held there every Sunday, until the formation of a Congregational school, which was organized in their new church in December of 1853, and was by them contin- med in that building until the house was burned down on the 12th of April. 1874, at which time the school was in a prosperous con- dition. the average attendance for the year previous having been 90. The school afterward met in Christian Chapel, until the Presbyterians opened their new house in January, 1875. The school was then removed there, and its name changed from the Le Claire Bible Sabbath-school, to the Union Bible Sabbath- school.
The church building erected by the Congregationalists was a frame structure, 42 x 26 feet, with a seating capacity of 140. The cost of the lot and ercetion was $1,065, $300 of which was furnished by the Congregational Union, the balance being given by friends in Le Claire and members of the church. There is now on file a full and particular account of all money re- ceived and expended, showing by whom given, and to whom paid, an example all intrusted with the expending of other people's money would do well to follow. The building had, a few months before the fire, been insured for $500. in the American Central Insurance Company, which was promptly paid by that company. Failing to secure the aid necessary to enable them to build again, and the Presbyterians having recently re-organized their society, and taken steps to creet a place of worship, and most of the members of the Congregational church having ex- pressed a wish to unite with them, a special meeting of the Con- gregational church was called to consider the propriety of dis- banding, at which meeting, held on the 22d of July, 1874, it was unanimously voted to disband the church organization. The money received from the insurance was ordered to be disposed of as follows: $300 to be paid over to the Congregational Union, in repayment of the money advanced by them to aid in building the church, and the remaining $200 was given to the trustees of the Presbyterian church to aid them in procuring a bell. The lot was donated to the A. H. M. Society. The organ was given to the Sunday-school; the seats, windows, etc., saved trom the fire, were given to the Presbyterian church. Daring the 25 years the
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church organization existed, 86 persons were received as members the number by deaths, removals, etc., was reduced to 17 at the time of its dissolution.
The following persons held the office of pastor: Revs. H. L. Buller, H. W. Cobb, L. R. White, J. L. Marsh, A. Alvord, D. N. Boardwell. A. Harper, and W. II. Hayward.
The Church of Christ at Le Claire .- On the third Lord's day of December, A. D. 1843, a small number of individuals, male and female, gave to each other the hand of fellowship, pledging thein- selves to God and to each other to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ, to take the word of God as the only rule of faith and practice, and as a congregation took upon them- selves the name of Church of Christ, inceting at Le Claire.
James Brownlee, of Long Grove, Scott Co., Ia., having preached the gospel among us. mainly through his instrumentality, being accompanied with Brother William Davenport, the above organi- zation was effected, in December, 1843, with the following origi- nal members: Phillip Suiter and.Hannah Suiter, Ira F. Smith and Nancy Smith, William MeGinnis, Griswold Vanduzer and Louisa Vanduzer, Mary Ann Suiter.
In February, 1846, Stevan Burnett visited the church and preached the gospel. Milo M. Pollock and Mary Ann Polloek were united by letter of commendation.
Early in 1846 the church was called together, and came to the conclusion to build a house to worship in, and the same fall was ready for occupation.
In the years of 1846 and 1847 Charles Levan was called as an evangelist. In November, 1847, N. A. MeConnell commenced to labor among them as an evangelist. The Lord, through his instru- mentalities, added quite a number to the church. In 1853 and 1854 Dr. Getchell titled the pulpit. In 1856 Ephraim Phillips was employed by the congregation.
The first elder of the organization was Wm. McGinnis, who filled the position for the first 10 years, and also held the office of secretary and treasurer.
The first deacons were Griswold Vanduzer and Ira F. Smith.
First pastors: Charles Levan, 1847; N. A. McConnell, 1847; Dr. Lusey, paid the church several visits; Ephraim Phillips, 1856, who supplied the pulpit some three years, and quite a number taken into the church; G. W. Sweeney, 1863-1864, and through his preaching quite a number came into the church; W. D. Swaim, in 1874; N. A. Smith, in the latter part of [1875, remaining two years; N. C. Wilson. Their present pastor is Joseph P. Martindale. Meeting regular every Sabbath.
Their old church, which was built in 1846, becoming unfit to hold services in, they sold it and bought an editice of the Presbyterians. The building is a frame structure, and has a capacity of seating 400 persons. The original cost of building was $1,200, but they have expended some 400 more. William MeGinnis took an
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
active interest in the welfare of the church. The present elders are Wm. MeGinnis. W. P. Hadley, J. C. M Ginnis. The present deacons are J. W. Arnold and Evans Penry. There is a member ship of between 30 and 40 working members. They have a Sabbath school connected with the church, having an attendance of about 70 on an average. The present superintendent of the Sabbath- school is Rev. Martindale.
MOUNT PLEASANT EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
BY F. R. SCHERER.
This congregation was organized by the writer in May, 1862, with 14 members, who had previously held their church connec- tion at Salem's Church. From the time of our location here in 1856, we had preached in "Jones' school-honse" every two or three weeks, and at other convenient points, for the accommodation of the above members who were too far from the church to attend regularly there.
In the wisdom of man, in the fall of 1861, we and the Methodists were deprived of preaching in "Jones' school-house." At this time " greenbacks" were among the things that never had been to any considerable extent, if at all, and every thing very low; but we determined to have a house where we could worship God accord- ing to our conscience, under our own " vine and fig tree," "none daring to molest or make afraid." To this end we purchased the Inmber, hoping to be able to complete the church that fall, but the weather prevented it until spring. The largest cash amount paid by any one person previous to the dedication was $10. After pro- uring the material, being alone responsible for the erection of the church, and having but precious few dimes, we de- termined to experiment on the house of the Lord. We bought a chisel, borrowed a few augers, took our old hatehet and went to work to make the joints, etc., and have them come together as near as possible as the work of the " great temple" did. In this, not being carpenters, we succeeded somewhat commend- able. Borrowing a " stone hammer" and making a trowel of a stont shingle, we prepared a resting place for the former work and put it on it. This done, and to make a proper " finishing touch," we procured the services of Lacock, of Davenport. At the dedica- tion, May 20, 1862, the debt of some $450 was easily liquidated. Dec. 25, 1865. we commenced a meeting in this church that lasted 49 days, and the result added 34 members to the church, aside from those added to other churches.
During our labors here we have added, aside from those who organ- ized, 56 members, a number having removed, etc .; there are but about 40 left. It is truly remarkable that during our labors of 11 years as pastor of these churches, but two members have been removed by death.
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LE CLAIRE TOWNSIIIP.
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI.
CONTRIBUTED BY A MEMBER.
The Associate Reformed Presbyterian congregation of Le Claire Prairie was organized May 21, 1849, the original membership be- ing 12. The first elders were: William JJamison and William MeCool.
The first pastor was Rev. J. B. Clark, who served the church very acceptably for two years, at the end of which time he was killed by lightning. The second pastor was Rev. S. MeKee, who served for two years, till 1859.
For the satisfaction of persons not familiar with the origin of the United Presbyterian Church, it is proposed to give a brief ret- rospeet of certain ecclesiastical changes, which gave rise to the denomination now known by that name.
Early in the last century immigrants came from Scotland and the North of Ireland, known as Seceders, or Associate Presbyte- rians, and others of substantially the same faith, known as Cove- manters or Reformed Presbyterians. Both being weak, and there being no good reason for continued separation, a union of the two was effected in 1782; and by combining their former names the denomination was thenceforth known as Associate Reformed Presbyterian. Thus originated that branch of the Presbyterian family in which the congregation was organized.
But, unhappily, the union of 1782 was not satisfactory to all There was a remnant of each of the former bodies that refused to unite; and this remnant received considerable accession by immi- gration from abroad. Hence, there resulted three denomina- tions instead of two. Both the Associate and Associate Reformed bodies had prospered during the former half of the present cent- ury; and after considerable time spent in negotiation they uni- ted in 1858, and assumed the name United Presbyterian.
The United Presbyterian Church now consists of nine Synods, one of which is on the Pacific coast; 61 Presbyteries, one of which is in Egypt and one in India. Two denominational colleges and several academies are sustained; also two theologieal seminaries in this country besides one in Egypt. Two foreign missionaries are maintained by this body, that of Egypt having been unusually successful. Two schools are sustained among the freedmen, and the home missions are extensive. This brief sum mary of the denomination may suffice.
Since the union of 1858 the congregation has been known by the new name of United Presbyterian. In 1860, Rev. S. S. Ralston, D. D., became pastor; these relations have continued to the pres- ent time, 21 years, concord and unity having generally prevailed ; and a good measure of success.
Encouraging aecessions have been realized every year; and the congregation would have become quite large, could the people have been retained; but emigration has depleted its strength.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
Many went West in search of cheap lands. The present member- ship is abont 120.
The church editice was originally 32 x 40 feet ; to which an ad- dition of 20 feet was made to the west end in 1866.
Monthly collections are taken in the congregation, and weekly collections in the Sabbath-school, manifesting a commendable lib- erality in sustaining the boards of the church. Also a ladies' missionary society has been operating for over 20 years, whose annual contributions have ranged from about $50 to $100. The session now consists of Elders Thomas MeConnell, James Long, J. O. Jamieson
METHODIST CHURCH.
BY R. W. COATES.
Methodism has ever been on the march, with the great motto : "The field is the world, and the world my parish." It has been an important factor in the growth of the country, and as far back as the memory of the oldest citizen there are interesting reminis- censes of Methodist preachers, and their methods of religious work. The church records were imperfectly kept in the earlier days, hence the value of memory in the old settlers' filling the blanks, which oceur in the records. The first mention of the M. E. church in Iowa was in 1835. Two years later it was intro- duced into this vicinity, then a Territory. The first Methodist preacher in Le Claire (before it was called Le Claire) was Rev. Mr. Hobert. The first organization of the church liere was in 1839, with Rev. Mr. Holman pastor, and ever since it has had a regular pastor or supply, and in many respects, for over 40 years, has passed a useful career. Much of valuable history of the growth of Scott County is connected with this church, its mem- bers and ministers. We give below the names of the ministers who have served the church as pastors since 1839 : Rev. Holman, Joel B. Taylor, Rev. Simpson, Rev. Burris. Sidney Wood, Joseph Maxon, So.omon Ingham; J. C. Smith, from 1852-'3; D. N. Holms, 1854-'5; S. C. Freer, 1856.'7; E. C. Wortz, 1858-'9; Rev. Faulk- ner, 1860; Bro. Guyberson, 1861; Andrew, appointed pastor 1862; Rev. Mr. Henderson 1863-'4; Emory Miller, 1865-'6; Rev. Bro. Catlin, 1867; Elias Van Sandt (a supply), 1868; Landen Taylor, 1869; L. S. Kiagle, 1871-'2; J. F. Baker, 1872,-'4; E. G. Waite, 1875-'6; J. F. Wilcox, 1877-'S; W. O. Glassner, 1879; R. W. Coates, 1880-'81. The following have served as presiding elders : H. W. Reed, B. Weed, J. Bowman, Andrew Coleman, J. C. Ayres, A. J. Kynett, R. W. Keeler, Emory Miller, S. Andersou, W. Frank Paxton and W. Lease.
n. I Serien
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LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP.
SOCIETIES.
Snow Lodge, No. 44, A. F. 6 A. M., Le Claire .- This lodge was instituted Jan. 4, 1854, under dispensation from the Grand Master of Iowa. The petitioners were J. C. Brotton, Horatio J. Barner, Henry Saddonns, J. C. Smith, T. J. Calloway and Wm. C. Evans. The first regular meeting was held Jan. 24, 1854, J. C. Brotton, W. M .. presi ling. At the meeting on March 10, Ancil Humphreys, Grant Master of Iowa, was present and pre- sided. At this meeting A. H. Davenport, James Gamble and Wmn. H. Hewitt were made Master Masons.
At the meeting of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, June S, 1854, at Mount Pleasant, a charter was granted, and the lodge named "Snow Lodge. No. 44." J. C. Brotton, W. M .; H. G. Barner, S. W. and Hy. Saddonns, J. W. From that time forward the lodge has maintained its organization and held regular monthly meetings. Its presiding officers have been : J. C. Brotton, James Gamble, Carlos C. Applegate, Wm. C. Evans, Charles Kelley, Tho. H. L. Lee, George L. Bolton and J. W. Rambo.
In 1875 they purchased the ground and building on Main street, in which their hall is located. It is valued at $3,000 and free of all incumbrance. Their present membership is 48.
Howard Lodge, No. 55. A. O. U. W., was organized March, 1876, with the following named charter members : M. B. Harris, William G. Scott, Thomas James, G. L. Huntington, J. N. Cox, J. II. Edwards, T. J. Dodds, John Elliott, M. V. Holsapp, Will- iam Suiter, J. W. Rambo, R. A. Edwards, Andrew Stone and Geo. Stacy. The first officers were : M. B. Harris, M. W .; William G. Scott, M. W .; Thomas James, J. F .; G. L. Hunting- ton, O .; J. N. Cox, R .: J. H. Edwards, F .; T. J. Dodds, R. E. C .: John Elliott, Guide; M. V. Holsapp. W .; William Suiter, J. W. Rambo, R. A. Edwards, Trustees. The lodge has always been, and is now, in a flourishing condition, its membership con- stantly increasing, until it now numbers 74 in good standing, and has 8900 in the treasury. Meetings are held every Saturday evening. The following named are the officers the first term in 1SS2: E. Fowler, P. M. W .; A. M. Smith, M. W .: William A. Davenport, G. F .; R. S. Hileman, O .; J. V. Pollock, R .; G. L. Huntington, F. ; James H. Davenport, R. ; Hugo Lumbard, Guide; F. A. Edwards, I. W .; J. Stocker, O. W.
LE CLAIRE LODGE, NO. 35, I. O. O. F. BY DR. JAMES GAMBLE.
A lodge of I. O. O. F. was organized in Le Claire in 1852-'3, and for several years was in a flourishing condition. The late A. H. Davenport and Dr. Jas. Gamble were among its first presiding officers. When in its palmniest days there were 80 members en- rolled. For several years previous to the war of the Rebellion
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
Le Claire shared in the universal business depression of the coun- try, to a great degree. The members of the lodge were mostly young business men or mechanies, and were obliged to seek other fields for the exercise of their business or industrial faculties, so that the members gradually became so redneed that the charter was finally surrendered to the Grand Lodge in 1859.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Richard Bard, hotel keeper, Le Claire, was born in Blair Co., Pa., June 5, 1819. son of Riehard and Elizabeth (Danlap) Bard, who were married in Franklin Co., Pa .. June 3, 1806. There was a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters; four are now living, viz. : William, Harrison, Catherine and Richard. Those who are dead are James, David, Mary, Elizabeth and John. In 1844 Mr. Richard Bard left his home in Pennsylvania and came to Iowa, locating in Scott County, where he entered 120 acres of land, paying Government prices. Coming to the county in limited circumstances. by hard work accumulated a good property and home. He died Jan. 16, 1859. Mrs. Bard died Feb. 12, 1866. The subject of this sketch married Miss Phoebe Livingston, July 8, 1858, a daughter of Hugh and Elizabeth Livingston, of Mercer Co., Pa .. who came West in 1850, and are at present residents of Pottawattamie Co., Iowa. She was born in Mercer Co., Pa., May 17. 1835. The fruits of this marriage are seven chil- dren, viz. : Elizabeth, Adalie, John L., Fannie L., Nettie P., Zelpha and Richard J. Mrs. Bard and two daughters are members of the Presbyterian church. They commenced their early married life on a farm. where they remained for 22 years, when he moved to Le Claire, and embarked in the hotel business, which he has followed since. Has a farm of 80 aeres, all under cultivation, valued at $50 per acre. Mr. Bard ean remember when he first came to the county, of the people living in sod houses, log cabins, and prairie wolves. wild turkeys and deer were roving over the prairies.
Dennis Barnes, Le Claire, Iowa, was born in Essex Co., N. Y., Dee. 22. 1806, son of Elijah and Sally (Bogur). They were married in Massachusetts where two children were born- Laura and Lucy. About 1796 he emigrated to Addison Co., Vt., where two more children were born-Benjamin and Thomp- son, where he remained about five years. He then removed to North Hudson, N. Y., where two children were born, Sally and Dennis, but shortly moved to Schroon Lake and was among the first settlers in that part of the country, where he re- mained until the breaking out of the war of 1812, when he enlisted and participated in the battle of Plattsburg. He then was ordered to Niagara where he was engaged in the battles of Lundys Lane and Chippeway. His health failing he received a furlough to go home and got as far as Greenbush, went to the hospital, where he shortly after died, leaving a widow with a large
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LE CLAIRE TOWNSHIP.
family of small children in a new country, perfectly destitute. Mrs. Barnes being a woman of enterprise went to work and kept the family together. For her second husband she married Mr. Asa Seamans. She died in Schroon. When Dennis was 19 years old he left his home for Troy. N. Y., when he shipped aboard a sloop on the Hudson River two years. He then shipped on a schooner running between New York and Charleston, S. C. Then made a trip to the East Indies which took him one year. In the fall of 1832 shipped for New Orleans, when he embarked in the steamboat business, which he followed for 11 years. In 1836 married Emily Danforth. of Cincinnati, O. In 1842 came to Scott County, where he engaged in farming for five years. This being about the time of the gold fever in California was persuaded to sell out and go and seek his fortune. After making all the arrangements the man Cody, who was to accompany him, gave up the notion, leaving Mr. Barnes in a condition so he could not go. He finally bought four lots in Le Claire, where he has resided since. Mrs. Barnes died in Cincinnati, O., in 1859, leaving a family of three children, viz .: Albert. Joseph and Laura. For his second wife married Jane Leonard. a widow of George Leonard. She died and he was again married, to Mrs. Mary A. Rambo, a widow of James Rambo, of Le Claire.
Ferdinand Beckel, farmer and stock-raiser, Le Claire, was born in Baden. Germany, Dec. 17. 1817. In 1855 came to this country and landed in New Orleans, then came to Alden where he stopped a short time; from there came to Le Claire where he rented a farm for six years, and in 1860 settled on the place where he now lives. Was married in Germany in 1842 to Catherine Roth. She was born in 1817. The fruit of this marriage was 12 children, viz .: Ferdinand, Charles, Mary. Mariah, Sophia. Hellena, Josephine, Carlina, Max, Wilhimine. Amelia and Herman. They are mem- bers of the Catholic church. Mr. Beekel owns 160 acres of land under a good state of cultivation, valued at $50 per aere. Ferdi- nand was a soldier in the Union army, Second Ia. Vol. Inf .; served three years and was honorably discharged at the close of the war.
George Birchard, retired farmer, was born in Middleton, Sus- quehanna Co., Pa., June 17, 1815, son of Jabez Birchard, who was born in New London, Conn., March 29, 1775, and Polly (Downer) Birchard, a native of Norwich, Conn., born April 22, 1776. They were married in Connecticut, Jan. 27, 1799. One year later they moved to Susquehanna Co .. Pa., where the follow- ing named children were born: Mary M., born Aug. 1, 1801; Jabez A., Aug. 22, 1804; Fannie, Dec. 2, 1806; Charles D., Sept. 27, 1809. George, the subject of this sketch, was married Feb. 11. 1845, to Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Stockwell, of Clark Co., Ind. She was born July 15, 1819. Their married life has been blessed with five children, three living-Charles E. (born Nov. 23, 1845; married Laura M. Edwards, Sept. 9, 1874; they have two children-George R., and Edna), Martha J. (born Aug. 8,
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