USA > Iowa > Fayette County > Past and present of Fayette County, Iowa, Volume I > Part 49
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Relief Lodge No. 138, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organ- ized under favorable auspices, by G. W. Fitch, district deputy grand master, assisted by a large delegation of visiting brethren from Round Grove, Ran-
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dalia and Auburn lodges. Thirty-five candidates were initiated, the lodge officers elected and installed, and a fine banquet fully discussed. This organ- ization grew strong and prosperous, having the field of fraternalism entirely to itself for ten years or more. It was a live, working lodge during its years of activity, and still maintains its organization with a fair membership.
But the organization of Windsor Lodge No. 542, Ancient Free and Ac- cepted Masons, wrought havoc with the Odd Fellows, in that there was not a sufficient population of eligible and willing subjects within the jurisdiction of the two lodges, to properly sustain both organizations. Many of the leading members joined the Masons, and apparently lost their interest in the Odd Fel- lows fraternity. But we will let Grand Master Clements tell the story of Windsor Lodge No. 542.
Hawkeye has had a number of prominent physicians, but we will leave the discussion of this matter to the chapter on the Medical Profession in Fay- ette County, as appears elsewhere in this volume.
Barring only the town of Westgate, Hawkeye is the youngest town in Fayette county, though Wadena was incorporated a few months after Hawk- eye, but that town had a nominal existence for forty-five years before the first building was erected on the site of Hawkeye. Westgate was incorporated in May, 1896, and this village, like Hawkeye, came into existence as the out- growth of railroad building through the place. Both have had a phenomenal growth, and each is located in the center of splendid contributory territory. Hawkeye has cut off, mostly from West Union, a vast area of country trade, and many people in Banks, Bethel and Windsor townships, who formerly did nearly all of their trading at the county seat, now seldom go there except at tax-paying time. And the interception of this trade has been the life of Hawkeye, to the detriment of her older and formidable rival.
EDUCATIONAL.
As previously intimated in this chapter, the first school accommodations of the village were at the Hull school house, a barren and unsightly location a mile and a quarter to the north of the embryo city. For a time the children traversed the prairie road, in winter obstructed with snow, and in summer waded the tall, wet, grass, for there was but little travel over the road, and it was only a blind track, almost obliterated by the luxuriant growth of wild grass. Finally the patrons of the school petitioned the township board to be set off into another district, or to have a second school provided at township ex- pense. The second of these propositions was the only one upon which the board took action, and really was the only one over which they had jurisdic- tion. This they peremptorily denied, and the aggrieved patrons took appeal
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to the county superintendent of schools. He heard the case on the ground, being well informed as to the needs of the town, and the inconvenience of school attendance of small children at the Hull school house. After a patient hearing, continuing two days, he reversed the action of the township school board, and ordered them to sustain a school in Hawkeye. Politically speak- ing, the county superintendent got more than one "black eye" because of his interference in this matter, as the writer can fully verify!
But the Hawkeye school was established and housed in a little frame build- ing, inadequate to the needs of the district, even from the first. Eventually, however, the independent district of Hawkeye was separated from the district township, and a school house was built by the corporation consistent with the needs of the growing town. This is a handsome brick building with four rooms now occupied for school purposes. Its estimated value is eight thou- sand dollars. During the school year ending in July, 1909-the latest official report-there were nine months school, taught by one male and four female teachers, the former receiving a salary of sixty-five dollars per month and the latter an average of forty-three dollars and seventy-five cents each per month. There are two hundred and seventy persons within the bounds of the district between the ages of five and twenty-one years, of whom one hun- dred and forty-eight were enrolled in the school. There were twenty non- resident students enrolled above the ninth grade. The average daily attend- ance in all departments was one hundred and twelve. The tuition fees con- tributed by the non-resident students was one hundred and eighty-nine dollars and seventy-one cents, and the total average cost of tuition for each pupil in the school was two dollars and fourteen cents. The disparity between the school enumeration and the number actually enrolled is accounted for, in a measure, by the absence of some of the older students in attendance at higher institutions of learning. Then the radius is a wide one-five to twenty-one- and few students attend even the high schools as late as their twenty-first year. Many of the girls are married (and some of the boys) and other cares than the matter of elementary education absorb their thoughts.
The school apparatus in the Hawkeye schools is valued at one thousand dollars. The city having a free public library of fifteen hundred volumes, and available to all, no special effort has been made to accumulate a school library, except reference books. Of these there are a hundred volumes.
Some excellent instructors have been employed in the schools of Hawk- eye, whose efforts have always been sustained by the intelligent people of the community. This is one of the accredited high schools whose graduates are eligible to matriculation in the higher institutions of learning under state jurisdiction.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST.
It is the purpose to include under the above title anything of historical value or interest which cannot well be classified in other departments of the work; and at the same time to hold the chapter open to record any important events which may occur subsequent to the closing of the department in which they properly belong.
In this connection, with apologies to the reader for introducing irrelevant things, we wish to call attention to the fact that no effort has been made in this work to record names of officials, or church and lodge officers of the present day ; for we regard such as too transitory to have value in an historical publication. Names of officials of the towns, lodges, churches and schools of today would be of no historic value in six months from now! Completed his- tory, which is unchanging, and, if ever reliable, remains so, is what the student most desires. If in the mention of pioneer business men or industries, this rule has been disregarded, it is because the individual, or industry with which he was connected has continued from pioneer days in the locality down to the present time. County and state officers are also made an exception, for the reason that the chapter on "Official Honors" would seem very incomplete without mentioning the present incumbent.
This volume is the culmination of nearly two years of continuous labor, assisted by a corps of from three to six men, schooled in the work. Besides the author's connection with this department, in the collation, arrangement and writing of this volume, and much of the other, he has spent forty years in close observation of Fayette county affairs; and has had a well-defined ambition to sometime record the results of his study and observations, in the form of a county history. The work is now in the hands of the people in whose interest it was prepared. We realize it is imperfect, and may be lacking in some im- portant features, but of that we are not assured. It is to be hoped that the reader and critic will take into account some of the hindering causes which had to be met, and could not always be surmounted. The pioneer period in the history of Fayette county is well-nigh a thing of the past, and lingers
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only in the memory of the few survivors of that far-away time. These have generously contributed of the wealth of their experiences, and materially as- sisted in making the work a fairly complete representation of early days. To all such we tender our most sincere thanks, and hope that none will be dis- appointed with the results of the united efforts, conscientiously rendered, in the preparation of the work.
WVe feel that . we are under lasting obligations to the general public for the generous financial support accorded to the enterprise, and the encourage- ment given at its inception, which had much to do with attempting such an herculean task. It is not enough to say that the editor and publishers are thankful to all those who have contributed special articles to the work, for we feel that every reader and patron is under like obligations to them for their generous contributions. The value of the work as an historical memoir is greatly enhanced by these special articles, and we take pleasure in making grateful acknowledgment of these services. The ladies and gentlemen who have contributed to this department, from the wealth of the knowledge which they possessed, have spent much time and effort in preparing their material, and have rendered the services without thought of recompense. This gener- osity only emphasizes their interest in the success of the publication.
The names of persons contributing special articles, and the subjects upon which they have written, appear below : Mrs. Anna Holton and Almon Davis, "Alpha and Vicinity"; Mr. and Mrs. John Owens, "The Catholic Church in Fayette County"; Rev. J. L. Paine, three articles, "Churches" and "Schools of Fayette," and the "Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad in Fayette County"; Rev. G. Blessin, two exhaustive and comprehensive articles, "Ger- man-American Citizenship," and "History of the Lutheran Church in the County"; Dr. O. B. Dodd, J. P. Webster and J. M. Burnside, reminiscent his- tory of Waucoma and Eden township; Hon. James Cooney, "Recollections of Arlington"; Hon. D. W. Clements, "History of Freemasonry in Fayette County"; Hon. W. E. Fuller, "Fayette County Lawyers-the Bench and Bar", also a valued counsellor on any matters pertaining to pioneer history or events ; Hon. A. N. Hobson, a wise adviser on early historical events, and con- tributor of special biographies of deceased men; Hon. William Larrabee, Sr., "Monuments, Statuary, etc., of Clermont," and a history of personal experi- ences when "Lost in a Snow Storm," in 1856; Hon. G. D. Darnall, M. D., ex- tracts from his "Early History of West Union"; Dr. J. W. McLean, super- vision of the article on "The Medical Profession"; Mr. F. Y. Whitmore, his- tory of the Baptist church ; Hon. C. B. Hughes, history of the Methodist Epis- copal church; Hon. Carl Evans, history of the Presbyterian church ; Col. J. W.
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Bopp, "The Development of Agriculture, Horticulture and Stock-raising"; the "Development of Out-Door Art," and general assistance all along the line of progress; Hon. Christian Miller, "Early History of Pleasant Valley," and the development of various modern industries at Clermont ; Rev. J. W. Dick- man, D. D., "History of the Upper Iowa University"; Joseph L. Scallan, county auditor, assistance in examining county records, and the use of his official reports in the collation and arrangement of historical data ; D. H. Tal- madge, the "History of the Fayette County Press"; Hon. John D. Shaffer, general assistance and hearty co-operation ; the Fayette Reporter, "A Story of Pioneer Life"; Mrs. Sarah Maynard, "A Pioneer's Sketch of Fayette County."
The press of the county has been uniformly interested and courteous. The columns of the newspapers were always open and unrestricted in the presentation of explanations, and public notices, pertaining to the work. For these courtesies, and the generous support accorded, we are truly thankful, and believe that the newspaper fraternity in the county will find the "Past and Present of Fayette County, Iowa," a valuable acquisition to their refer- ence libraries.
In closing this article introducing the "Miscellaneous Chapter," we wish to make acknowledgment of the fact that this is the only "Preface" or "Fore- word" with which the author will burden the reader; and while such an ar- rangement is not in accord with the usual custom in such matters, it is in accord with his ideas as to where such announcements should be made. We desire that this record of unselfish co-operation and kindly assistance shall go down to posterity as a part of the history of Fayette county.
A PIONEER'S SKETCH OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
"A Pioneer's Sketch of Fayette County," by Mrs. Sarah Maynard, though in part a repetition of what appears in other chapters, is reproduced here because of its general historical value and the noble sentiments expressed by the author.
The first schools taught in the county were private or subscription schools. The first superintendent of schools was S. W. Cole, who held the office for several years. The first school taught in West Union was in the winter of 1851-52 by James Boale, who taught six months for one hundred dollars. [This was the second school in West Union, the first being taught in the win- ter of 1850 and '51-EDITOR.] Mr. Boale was examined for the position by J. W. Rogers, in his field, with hoe in hand, standing beside a crooked rail fence with "all out doors" for a room. Mr. Boale stood on the other side of
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the fence, passed a short and satisfactory examination and gave good satisfac- tion. In Fremont township N. W. Spears taught during the winter of 1856-7 in his own house at a salary of ten dollars per month. When a heavy storm came he kept his pupils all night. Seventeen were enrolled, some of them going a distance of three miles. In Putnam township the first school was taught by Mrs. Rowley, who received one dollar per week. In 1876 the aver- age compensation per month to male teachers was thirty-nine dollars and seventy-five cents, to females twenty dollars and eighty-six cents.
In 1854 the project of founding a college was under discussion by the few settlers in Westfield and Fayette. The contributions of the Robertsons and Alexanders constituted almost entirely the resources of the first subscrip- tion paper. The following year the foundation and walls of the first story were laid. At this time the entire population of the county did not exceed five thousand souls. In 1855 the projectors agreed among themselves to place the intended school under the patronage of the Methodist Episcopal church. When conference met in September the tender was made and accepted on behalf of the church. It seems to be a fact that the initiation of the project of founding a college at Fayette grew out of a conversation between Rev. H. S. Brunson and Mrs. Alexander, the gentleman suggesting to her that her youngest daughter should go to Mount Vernon to school. This led to family discussions between Mr. and Mrs. Alexander, and the Robertsons, and it was thought among them that a school could be founded in Fayette. When the idea budded into form Mr. Alexander subscribed the magnificent sum of ten thousand dollars, to which he added seven thousand dollars more and finally, to complete the building, when money could not be had, he deeded four thou- sand acres of land to the college. J. A. Griffith made a proposition to erect the building for fifteen thousand dollars, which was accepted. The name "Collegiate Institute" was adopted, which later was changed to Upper Iowa University.
In 1858 considerable excitement was caused by the discovery of gold near West Union. It was also found in Moine creek, near Arlington, and small nuggets were found on the farm of Mr. Brooks. Gold has been found in various localities in Fayette county. Doctor Parker also discovered traces near Fayette.
The people of Fayette county began to agitate the question of building railroads prior to 1855, but nothing tangible resulted from such agitation until after 1870. In 1871 a route ivas surveyed for the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Minnesota from Cedar Rapids to Postville ; also a line of narrow gauge from Waterloo to West Union. The people were divided, some favoring one route
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and others the other. July 7, 1871, a deputation of officers of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Minnesota visited points in the county and soon convinced . the leading citizens that the company was in earnest and ready to commence operations if proper local encouragement be given. One hundred and thirty- five thousand dollars was the amount asked for. The people proposed to try to raise ninety thousand dollars if the company would agree to build the road for that sum. July 14th a contract was closed between a committee represent- ing the people of the county and the railroad company. Center was the only township that refused to vote the aid required. The first iron rail was laid in the county August 14, 1872, at ten o'clock A. M. The first through train on the Milwaukee division was September 7, 1873. Three years after the completion of the road, which was built by a construction company, there was a foreclosure and sale, when it passed into the possession of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern. In June, 1870, contracts were made for grading, bridging, and tieing a road from Davenport to Fayette. Work on the line in Fayette county was commenced in the spring of 1871. The first car load of freight was received at Brush Creek in July, 1873, and the rails were laid to Fayette September 16th of that year. There are several deep cuts north from Fayette, one near that town being seven hundred feet long and fifty-seven feet deep, through solid rock, and cost over thirty thousand dollars. Several other roads now traverse different parts of the county.
June 1, 1878, occurred one of the heaviest rain storms ever experienced in this county. For several days rain had fallen in large quantities and about eight o'clock in the evening of June Ist it fell in torrents. The Volga rose at least four feet higher than ever known before. Maynard was flooded, the water being five feet above high water mark. At Oelwein the entire town seemed to be in the midst of a raging sea. At least thirty bridges were swept away in the county.
It is impossible to render full justice to the patriotism and spirit of the people of this county in the early days of our country's struggle against rebel- lion, and the liberal contributions to maintain the integrity of this glorious union. It is a proud record, for from their midst went out gallant officers and brave soldiers to aid in the grand struggle for the maintenance and per- petuity of a republican form of government. The first meeting for enlisting volunteers was held in the University chapel at Fayette Wednesday evening, April 24th. The first to enroll his name at this meeting was Jacob Aber- nathy, immediately followed by seventeen others.
The first fair was held October 2 and 3, 1855. The stock, agricultural
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implements, etc., were exhibited on the public square, and the Methodist ยท church was utilized for an exhibition hall.
Although several murders have been committed in the county, in but one instance has capital punishment been administered, and that to a mere boy of eighteen for the murder of an aged couple near West Union.
The county poor, previous to 1864, were provided for by temporary ex- pedients. The young were bound out whenever possible, and the aged were boarded at various places, in their respective townships, at the expense of the county. Since that time a large farm has been purchased and suitable build- ings erected for a home for the county's poor.
One of the chief industries is dairying, many thousand dollars being paid monthly for milk, which is manufactured into butter at the different creameries throughout the county. J. N. Harris was the pioneer creamery man of the county, the first creameries being owned by him. The Long Grove Dairy- man's Association was incorporated under the general laws of Iowa Decem- ber 31, 1875. To insure its citizens against loss by fire and lightning, a mutual insurance company was organized May 2, 1874, and its business has steadily grown till the present time.
In collecting material for this sketch much has been recalled of many al- most forgotten incidents, and while it has taken time and labor, the task has been a pleasant one and we have been forcibly reminded that among the pioneer settlers of a new country, sincere, warm and enduring friendships are formed, friendships that grow stronger and brighter with the passing years. The trials and hardships, privations and inconveniences peculiar to life in a new country, rigidly test not only the physical powers of endurance, but all the kindly, generous impulses of manhood and womanhood. Those were times that tried men and brought out all there was in them, either good or bad. As a rule the men and women who first occupy a new country are bold, indus- trious and self-reliant. Seasons come and go and changes without number have taken place, but amid all, the memory of the friendships and associations of those early years never dims. Raven locks may whiten beneath the snows of many winters ; bright eyes become dim; the fair brow furrowed with age and care and the erect form bow beneath the burdens of accumulated years, but the true friend of "Auld Lang Syne" will never be forgotten.
HARVEST-HOME PICNIC.
The Fayette County Historical and Pioneer Association was organized and held its first meeting at Fayette, on the first of January, 1868. For a number of years this was a feature of considerable interest, and meetings were
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held in different towns throughout the county. The object of such an organ- ization is apparent to all, and it is to be regretted that the association did not have the support of all the people for whose benefit and enlightenment it was brought into existence. But as the early pioneers dropped off, here and there, and the ranks were thinned by deaths and removals, the early interest which inspired the formation of the society was suffered to wane, and the later meet- ings were attended indifferently, and finally the organization was suffered to lapse. The prime movers and organizers of this association were Rev. H. S. Brunson, Rev. John Webb, Col. Aaron Brown, P. F. Newton, Hon. Jacob W. Rogers, M. C. Sperry, Curtis R. Bent, Thomas Kincaid, Samuel Holton, Thomas R. Talbott, Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Dutton, Mrs. James E. Robertson, Horatio Warner-all people who came to the county as early as 1852, and some much earlier. It seemed to be one purpose of the organization to keep an enrollment register, giving the names, date and place of birth, occupation, and date of their coming to Fayette county. This register contains about three hundred names, which, for the most part, include the names of early pio- neers as they will be found in the township histories.
But an association of somewhat similar import, though under a different name, came into existence about the time the formal meetings of the other or- ganizations were abandoned, and has had a prosperous existence for many years. Reference is here made to the "Harvest Home Picnic" which is held an- nually at Klock's Grove, near Fayette. This is an event of great interest among the elderly people, who improve the opportunity thus afforded of renewing old acquaintances and forming new ones. The occasion is enlivened by speeches relating to early history, reminiscent discourses, athletic sports, etc. The best talent procurable is usually secured for at least one address, while the other literary features of the occasion are supplied by "home talent" con- versant with the wishes of their auditors. But probably the crowning event of the whole occasion is the very elaborate picnic dinner, always a necessary and much enjoyed adjunct. A commendable rivalry has been engendered among the young people in the preparation of "goodies" for the table at the "Harvest-Home Picnic." The farmer boys also vie with each other in the production of early melons and fruits for this occasion, which, in some in- stances at least, is about their most enjoyable outing during the summer.
This annual festival has partaken, largely, of the more formal proceed- ings of the County Historical Society, and, to some extent, fills its place. An- other feature intended to perpetuate the remembrance of pioneer days, and im- press the younger generations with an idea of the crude and unwieldy implements used by their ancestors, is exemplified in the "Pioneer Log Cabin,"
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