USA > Iowa > Scott County > History of Scott County, Iowa > Part 35
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The effort for a college, however, was not abandoned, and in June, 1846, it was decided to locate at Davenport, " provided the citizens would raise $1,500 for buildings, and furnish certain specified grounds for a site," and the members of the association pledged
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
themselves to raise $100 each. Twelve trustees were elected to secure a college charter, who incorporated themselves, with others, under the general incorporation law of the Territory, Burlington, June 4, 1847, at the last meeting of the association. Although the amount named had not been yet subscribed ( $1,362 and 13 lots seenred ) the college was located at Davenport, and a building re- solved npon, " not to execed in cost $2,000." The members pledged themselves to meet within one year any deficiency in the necessary funds up to the amount of $600. In 1848 a professor of languages was secured ( who wasalso principal of the preparatory department ) on a salary of 8500 per annum, and the preparatory department opened Nov. 1, 1848. In 1850 there were 26 students in Latin and eight in Greek. The first freshman class of six was admitted to the college department that fall. In 1854 the first senior class of two was gradnated, and there were 109 names on the catalogue. In 1856 there were 139. The professorship of mathematics was filled in 1851, that of natural science in 1853, and that of mental and moral science in 1855.
The work of raising funds was found, on the plan substituted for the original one, almost impossible to carry forward, though temporary agents were often appointed for the State and for the East. In 1849, at the meeting of the Congregational Association at Davenport, there was subscribed $442.65, all but four of the subscribers being ministers. The wives of the ministers, anxious to share in the enterprise of founding this college resolved to raise $100 out of their own resources, and $70 was subscribed by 14 persons who were present. At the meeting in Muscatine in 1852 the ministers again subscribed $153, and at the meeting in Mount Pleasant in 1853 a subscription was made of $711. P. W. Carter, of Waterbury, Conn., gave that year $5,000 to endow the pro- fessorship of languages. In 1856 Rev. E. Adams, agent of the college, secured about $11,000 on subscription, a large part of which was realized. The Society for Western Colleges made ap- propriations from time to time to the amount of ahont $6,000 for current expenses.
The college was never attached to any ecclesiastical body. Like the New England colleges, its charter required neither instructors nor trustees to belong to any particular denomination. Although nearly all its support came from the Congregationalists, it had both trustees and instructors of other denominations. Presbyte- rians were in the first board and the original " Iowa College
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HISTORY OF SOOTT COUNTY.
Association," and took part in the proceedings down to 1852, when the Des Moines Presbytery proposed to undertake the founding of a professorship, on condition that it should be "always subject to the control of the presbytery." The trustees responded that they would be happy to have the professorship endowed on the principles " upon which the members of the Des Moines Presby- tery and the Congregational Association of Iowa united in found- ing the college, and the rules and regulations that are usually adopted in the endowment of professorships in literary institu- tions." Nothing was done by the Presbyterians, and they grad- ually ceased to be members of the Board of Trustees.
The original site of the college was on the bluff in Davenport overlooking the river. In 1854, the city having laid out a street through the grounds, destroying their use for college purposes, and declining to vacate it on request of the trustees, they were obliged to remove to a new location farther back. A fine stone building was there erected, and a boarding-house of wood. The new grounds were of great beauty, containing nearly 10 acres, part of which, however, was granted to the public for adjacent streets. In 1857 the city took steps to extend a street through these grounds, and in 1858 it was decided to dispose of them and again remove. The funds of the college were insufficient to make needed improve- ments or sustain the faculty, now consisting of four professors; the unsettled condition of things prevented progress, and in 1859 the property was sold to Bishop H. W. Lee and others for an Episco- pal college, the first of the proceeds being devoted to liquidating the debts.
Rev. Erastus Ripley, B. A., became connected with the college in 1848 and acted as principal of the preparatory department and professor of Greek and Latin, retaining the former position until 1851 and the latter until 1858.
Rev. H. L. Bullen, Professor of Mathematics, was called to that position in 1851, and served until 1858.
David S. Sheldon, Professor of Natural Sciences, was chosen in 1853, and served ¿with ability till the college was disposed of, and is still connected with Griswold College, in Davenport.
Rev. Daniel Lane, Professor of Natural Philosophy and Meta- physics, commenced his labors in 1855, and served till 1858.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
GRISWOLD COLLEGE.
As early as 1856 the Episcopal members of the diocese of Iowa began to discuss the subject of establishing among them an educa- tional institution under the auspices of their church. The support- ers of this movement were led by the bishop of the diocese, Dr. Henry W. Lee, who earnestly pushed the project from its incep- tion. A committee was appointed by the diocesan convention who reported the following year in favor of establishing a seminary of literary and theological learning. The " standing committee " was authorized to entertain propositions with reference to the loca- tion of such a seminary, and report to the next convention. No report was made to the next convention, however, owing to a mis- understanding as to whose duty it was so to report. Some thought the "standing committee " meant the standing committee of the diocese, while others supposed that the standing committee on edu- cation was the one referred to. In the light of subsequent devel- opments, this delay proved fortunate; for, had the report been made in 1858, the convention would have been committed to a proj- ect requiring many years for its execution.
The convention of 1859 met in Trinity church, Davenport. An elaborate report was made, setting forth the different plans that had been proposed, and recommending to the serious considera- tion of the convention an offer which had been made to them of a college already established. This referred to Iowa College, lo- cated in the very city in which the convention was sitting and whose trustees were willing to sell the property to the diocese. Iowa College was newly started, and the trustees were impelled to sell for the following reasons: The lack of co-operation on the part of the community; the tempting offer of land and money made on con- dition of the removal of the college to Grinnell; and an indebted_ ness of $25.000. The removal of Iowa College to Grinnell and the purchase of its Davenport property by the diocese have resulted most fortunately to all concerned. The price was fixed at $36,000. The name of " Griswold College" was adopted, in honor of Bishop Griswold.
Griswold College was organized with three departments, -- pre- paratory, collegiate and theological,-and the preparatory depart- ment was opened Dec. 12, 1859, under the charge of the Rev. F. Emerson Judd, assisted by Prof. D. S. Sheldon. The latter had been a professor in Iowa College, and was prevailed upon to remain with the new institution, where he continues to-day, in the capacity
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
of dean of the faculty, and professor of mathematics and natural science. Few can be as interested in the past, present and future of the college, which has been the scene of his self-sacrificing and arduous labors for so many years, as the efficient and time-honored Prof. Sheldon. It is the work of such men as he within the college and Bishop Lee without (in raising funds and arousing the interest of the denomination), that has built up Griswold College and made it what it is to-day. During this first year of its history the library of Griswold was begun, with the promising number of 1, 200 volumes. The bright prospects of the college, particularly in its financial condition, were somewhat darkened by the great war of the Rebellion, which closed the doors of many older colleges and discouraged peaceful projects throughout the nation. In 1862 the trustees reported a debt of $15,000; but this was entirely paid the following year, by the strenuous efforts of the Rev. Silas Totten and Rev. Chas. B. Stont.
The success of the enterprise was now insured, and Griswold College prospered. In 1866 the report of the trustees was hardly more than a series of congratulations. The first item was the pro- posal of David J. Ely, of Chicago, to endow a professorship in the theological department with $20,000, reserving the right to name the first incumbent. This offer was gratefully accepted and Rev. Willis H. Barris was confirmed as " Ely Professor of Ecclesiastieal History." He has held the position ever since to the great advan- tage of the college and the church. A lady in New York also gave $10,000 toward the endowment of another professorship, to be named after the late Dr. Anthon. The bishop of the diocese was nominated and confirmed as " Anthon Professor of Systematic Di- vinity." Two other donations were made in 1866, and reported to this same convention. Valuable additions were made to the
library at the same time. The convention of 1866 also accepted an offer from the trustees of a piece of land on which to crect a bishop's church. This was the initiatory step which led to the con- seeration, June 18, 1873, of one of the finest churches in the West.
In 1867 still further improvements were made, and more money was raised. Literary and missionary societies were established, and a steady increase of students, especially those having in view the ministry, was reported by the trustees. The Griswold Collegian was also started. In 1869 the trustees reported the resignation of the President, Rev. Dr. H. N. Powers, whose administration con- stituted the most successful portion of the college history. Hc
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
was snceeeded by Rev. Edward Lounsbury. The acquisition of a valuable mineralogieal cabinet, and important additions to the library, were also reported. In 1871 the Crocker Professorship was endowed, with 821,000. In 1872 financial difficulties arose which compelled the temporary suspension of the collegiate de- partment. The death of Bishop Lee occurred about this time, and it was not until the advent of a new bishop, in 1876, that Griswold again opened its collegiate course.
Since that time much has been done for the benefit of Griswold, and it occupies a higher position than ever before. The property has been put in repair, the grounds have been tastefully graded and enelosed, the library has been inereased to 7,000 volumes, and the cabinet has been made more complete. A gift of $5,000 by D. J. Ely, of New York, has resulted in the addition of a beautiful build- ing near the cathedral. Between the cathedral and the college stands the noble soldiers' monument. The foundation of an en- dowment for the support of the president has been made, and in June next (1882) the Bishop Lee Memorial Hall, built by gifts made by the well-known Jay Cooke, of Philadelphia, will be opened to theologieal students. The catalogue of this year records the ad- dition to the permanent ehairs of " The John David Wolfe Professor- ship of Ancient Languages," and "The Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Professorship of Homileties."
The trustees have entrusted to their eare the following productive and unproductive property:
Crocker endowment,
$22,500
Prof.'s house, valued at
$ 2,000
Anthon
11,500
Ely house
7,000
Ely 66
20,000
Lib., 7,000 vols. 46
5,000
President's
3,000
Cabinet and appa- ratus
5,000
College building
15,000
College lands
6,500
Pres.'s house
12,000
College chapel
3,000
Total
$213,000
College site, valued at
$100,000
Thus permanent property to the amount of over $200,000 has been secured, of which friends in the East have contributed a little more than half. With these means in their hands there have been graduated from the college 24 in arts, fonr in seienee and 23 in theology, while fully 1,000 pupils have had the advantage of the preparatory department. The theological graduates are laboring in 13 dioceses. Two have gone as missionaries to foreign lands. The college graduates are filling important positions in various parts of the country, with eredit to themselves and the institution where they receive their intellectual training.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
It should be remembered by the friends of the Episcopal Church that Griswold College is the only college under their control in the valley of the Mississippi and Missouri, offering the facilities for higher education and maintaining a standard equal to the older institutions at the East. It is in view of this, and the fact that it has too much property that cannot be diverted to other nses, that the eight bishops holding the 10 sees or jurisdictions lying between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, have united in ac- cepting the position of official " visitors" of Griswold, and in ac- cording to it a recognized place as the Church college of the vast territory over which they preside. Griswold has undoubtedly a bright future before it, and will occupy a high place, not only in its own Church, but among all classes and denominations in the West. In view of this recognition of the college as the Church college of the dioceses and jurisdictions of Iowa, Minnesota, Mis- souri, Nebraska, Kansas, Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Montana, efforts are being made for raising $100,000 to fully equip the institution for efficient work.
The course of study in the scientific and theological departments is three years long; that in the classical department, four years. The curriculum is fully up to the standard of collegiate education, and the drill of a full course is of inestimable value. The year is divided into two terms, called Advent term and Easter term. The Advent term extends from the second Thursday in September to the last of January, and the Easter term from the first of February to the fourth Wednesday in June. Each term consists of two quarters, with a vacation of one week at Christmas and Easter. The present number of students is about 60. The faculty numbers 11, of which the Rt. Rev. Win. Stevens Perry, D. D., LL.D., is president.
CHAPTER VII.
POLITICAL.
The political history of a people is ever an interesting study, especially is this the case in a free land, where, in the eye of the law. all are upon an equality, and where even the humblest has the opportunity of reaching the highest office recognized by the laws of the country. In this chapter it is the design to give, in a short space. the various general, and, as far as possible, the local, issnes entering into each campaign, together with the official vote of a portion of the officers voted for at each general election.
Scott County was organized in 1838, and Iowa was a Territory for eight years thereafter, still the people did not lose sight of the political issues that were then being discussed throughout the nation. At this time party lines were being tightly drawn for the first time in the history of the Union, and although enjoying none of the rights of a State. the people of the Territory were looking forward to the time when they would be admitted into the Union and be as independent as any of the older States. Therefore, from the beginning, political organizations were effected, and the various local campaigns turned upon the political questions and political predelictions of a party nominated for office, more than upon his personal qualification, or personal popularity.
1838 .- The first election participated in by the voters of Scott County. after its organization, was for members of the Legislat- ure and a delegate to Congress. William W. Chapman, David Rorer, Peter H. Engel and B. F. Wallace were the candidates for the latter office. This county was Democratie and gave a majority for Mr. Engel, and also for the Democratic candidate for the Legis- lature.
1839 .- The campaign of 1839 attracted little attention, being only for members of the second Territorial Legislature and county officers.
1840 .- No previous political campaign in the history of this country can be compared with the "hard-cider campaign" of 1840. William H. Harrison was for the second time honored by his party -- the Whig-with a nomination for the presidency ; Martin Van
(386)
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
Buren was nominated by the Democracy for re-election. The hard times that existed during the entire administration of Van Buren caused many to desire a change, with the hope that the change in the political administration of the Government would bring about prosperity. Taking advantage of this state of affairs, the Whigs seemed to be inspired, and went into the campaign with such spirit as almost paralyzed their opponents, although tlicy made a gallant fight. Mass meetings, held at central points, were at- tended by thousands of people ; many coming a long distance in Inmber-wagons, camping out, and enduring many hardships, -but enthusiastic in the cause. Campaign songs were introduced, and doubtless contributed much to inspire the people, and in the elec- tion of Harrison. As a specimen of the songs of the time the following are given :
A GOURD OF HARD CIDER.
Let Frenchman drink claret and sweet muscadine, And Germans drink hock on the banks of the Rhine; But give me to quaff, with friends warm and true, A gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe.
John Bull may get drunk on his beer and his giu, Till he can't leave his seat or spit over his ehin ; But if that's in the world on which I'd get blue, 'Tis a gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe. - Let the Don swill his port, and smoke his cigar, And Pisanos suck Tiffin and drink " Bolivar ;" But we in log cabins such trash will eschew For a gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe.
With praties and whisky let Pat fill his maw, And Donald get blind on his smoked esquebaugh ; Mc Fingal ne'er drank, nor did Brian Boru, A gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe.
In the White House, Van Buren may drink his champagne, And have himself toasted from Georgia to Maine; But we in log cabins, with hearts warm and true, Drink a gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe.
Old Jove has drank nectar for time and a day, To drown the dull cares of his heavenly sway; But if he'd be wise, he'd try something new- Drink a gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe.
Hurrah for old Tıp !- from his side we'll not shrink, To our rights, and our laws, and our country, we'll drink, Success to the banner of "red, white, and blue," In a gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
SONG OF TIPPECANOE.
Air-Old Rosin the Bow.
Come, let us all join in a chorus, And shout it along as we go, Our song the bright prospect before us, And the hero of Tippecanoe.
When the savage invaded our border And thousands most shockingly slew, Hle drove them with death and disorder On the banks of the Tippecanoe.
When the British and Indians united, Believing they'd conquer their foe, Most bravely Fort Meigs saw recited The scenes of old Tippecanoe.
For an age he had served them in earnest, And ever was faithful and true; And our country's now reaping the harvest Which was planted by Tippecanoe.
From seclusion the people now call him To come out before them anew ; For one single term to install him Our President-Tippecanoe.
The Vannies have chuckled, denying That Harrison ever will do; But, astounded they hear the whole nation Hurrah for old Tippecanoe.
The Republican banner is waving, Unfurling its folds to the view ; Patriots ! let your motto be "Union," And rally round Tippecanoe.
The Democracy of the Territory met in convention Aug. 19, and nominated Gen. A. C. Dodge for delegate to Congress, while the Whigs put in nomination Alfred Rich. Dodge was elected. There was also an election for a State Constitutional Convention, which was defeated, the vote in this county being recorded against it.
1841 .- The Whigs opened the campaign by a State Convention at Davenport to nominate a candidate for delegate to Congress. As this was the first convention in the Territory at which a plat- form was adopted. An extract of the platform is given:
WHEREAS, It has pleased the Governor of the Universe, by one of those in scrutable acts, the righteousness of which no man may question, to take from the American people their beloved Chief Magistrate, William Henry Harrison, and transfer him from this to another, and, we trust, to a better, world; therefore,
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
Resolved, That we sincerely mourn over and deplore the loss of one whose ser. vices in every department of society have been so pre-eminently useful. As a citizen, he was beloved for his rectitude and benevolence; as a soldier, distin- guished for his bravery and success; as a statesman, his ability, purity and patriotism were remarkable; as a Christian, he was humble and pious. In short, bis whole character was made up of traits seldom to be found in men occupying the place in society he filled, and is worthy of imitation by all those who love their country.
The Democrats met in convention at Iowa City, June 7, and re- nominated Gen. A. C. Dodge for Congress, and adopted the fol- lowing resolutions:
WHEREAS, The Federalists, or self-styled Whigs, of Iowa, flushed with their recent victory in the presidential contest, and secure in the enjoyment of power, are laboring zealously and perseveringly to affect a revolution in the political character of the Territory, to accomplish which all their united energies will be brought into action at the next general election ; and
WHEREAS, The Democracy here, as well as elsewhere, believing the princi- ples of their party to be based upon the immutable and eternal doctrines of right and justice, feel it to be their duty to maintain and assert them upon all proper occasions, in the hour of defeat as well as when triumphant; and
WHEREAS, By union and harmony, exertion and activity, we can administer a rebuke to the arrogant spirit of Federalism, at our next general election, which, while it will exhibit Iowa to the Democracy of the Union in the most enviable light, will also demonstrate to the enemies of our principles the futility and hope- lessness of their efforts to obtain the ascendency ; therefore,
Resolved, That it is the duty of every Democrat of Iowa, no matter what may be his station in life, to be watchful, vigilant and active in maintaining the as- cendancy of his party in the Territory; and it is earnestly urged upon all that they lay aside local questions and sectional feelings, and unite heart and hand in exterminating their common enemy, Federalism, from the Territory.
Resolved, That Iowa, in defiance of the efforts of the national administration to throw around her the sbackles of Federalism, is, and will continue to be, Demo- cratic to the core; and she spurns, with a proper indignation, the attempt of those in power to enslave her, by sending her rulers from abroad, whose chief recommendation is that they have not only been noisy, but brawling, clamorous politicians.
Resolved, That in the appointment of Daniel Webster to be secretary of the State we see the destinies of our beloved country committed to the hands of a man who, during the late war with Great Britain, pursued a course to which the epithet of " moral treason " was justly applied at the time. In the gloomiest period of the war Mr. Webster was found acting upon all occasions in opposi- tion to every war measure brought forward by the friends of the country; and the journals of Congress and speeches of Mr. Webster clearly established the fact that, though not a member, he connived at and leagued in with the traitorous Hartford Convention.
1842 .- The election in 1842 was for members of the Territorial Legislature and for county officers. No platforms were adopted by either party, but full party tickets were placed in nomination. In this county R. Christie was the Whig and J. A. Birchard the
390
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.
Democratie nominees for the Council, and J. M. Robertson, Whig, and A. W. Campbell the Democratic candidates for representa- tive. The election was very elose, the Whigs electing their candi- dates for the Couneil and House and the Democrats for all the county offices.
At the session of the Legislature for 1841-'42 the subject of ad- mission as a State again eame up, and was relegated to a popular vote, which again defeated the proposition at the August election, the voters of Scott County not yet being ready for a change from a Territorial to a State existence.
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