USA > Iowa > Shelby County > Past and present of Shelby County, Iowa, Vol. 2 > Part 6
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Rev. J. B. Hummert, the veteran priest of Earling, has prepared a num- ber of pamphlets and has written to some extent for the local press.
W. C. Campbell, of the Harlan Tribune, and P. B. Brown, of the Shelby County Republican. write so clearly and well on very many topics of general interest that they are frequently quoted by the daily and weekly press of
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Iowa. Their best work rises to the dignity of something more than the commonplace "hack-work" of the average weekly newspaper. Much of the local history of Shelby county has been well told by them in their newspapers issued from week to week.
Editor J. C. Lunn, of the L'acgteren, has occasionally written historical articles for his journal on topics of the Danish settlements of Shelby county.
Rev. P. C. Nelson, a former Cuppy's Grove boy, is the author of a num- ber of creditable short poems and other literary compositions.
B. W. Hon, of Polk township, has shown some talent for the composi- tion of verse.
From the Shelby County Record, issued in the seventies, the author found this rather clever piece of writing by E. J. Currier, who owned the farm in southwest Harlan later owned by M. K. Campbell, and following his ownership, by W. W. Wheeler. and now known as College Heights:
"EDITOR RECORD: I see by your paper that I am billed for a concert. Issacharlike. I generally do whatever I am asked to do if I can do it with a clear conscience. Instead of the concert. however. I will give a matinee lasting from five o'clock A. M. to eight o'clock A. M .. at my home in Lincoln township.
PROGRAMME.
"Song, 'Five O'clock in the Morning.' by Mr. Chanticleer. Chorus, 'The Morning Light is Breaking.'
"Chorus, by P. Chicken and family, 'Spring is Coming."
"Song. by Mr. G. Ander, 'The First Quack.' (Comic).
"'Meet Me by Moonlight Alone,' sung by Mr. Thomas Cat, Esq.
"Baritone Solo by Profundo Basso, 'Get Up.' (Sung in characters, but not in costume, and very comical.)
" 'Sparkling Duet' ( upon the cook stove), by Miss F. Ire and Miss S. Wood.
"Equine chorus, 'Feed Me Till I Want No More.'
" 'Give Me Three Grains of Corn, Mother,' by Porcine Troupe.
"K. O. Wapsie, Esq., from West Liberty, has been requested to sing, but it is feared his cold will prevent.
"Prof. T. H. Under, the celebrated bass soloist, has been invited to participate in the exercises, and will. no doubt, come, unless he is unavoidably detained at his winter home in the South.
"Closing piece, 'Come to Breakfast,' by A. Bell.
"E. J. CURRIER."
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CHAPTER XX.
MUSIC.
The Earling German Cornet Band, a famous pioneer musical organ- ization of Shelby county, was organized February 18, 1890. The names of the members of the band at its organization are: John Langenfeld (leader), J. P. Miller. Theo. Scheuring, Ulrich Albers, F. W. Wilwerding. Rev. J. B. Hummert, John Altman. N. V. Kuhl, William Muenchrath. Nick Funk, Jake Weiland, John Weiland (deceased ), John Kuhl, John Loeltz, John Muenchrath, Frank Theile ( deceased ), Christ Weiland, J. N. Kuhl.
This famous band has had the good fortune to retain as members throughout its nearly a quarter of a century of existence, four of the charter members, as follows: J. P. Miller, Theo. Scheuring. Ulrich Alberts, F. W Wilwerding. F. M. Gross has been a member for twenty years.
The present members of the band are J. P. Miller, Theo. Scheuring, Clrich Albers, F. W. Wilwerding. F. M. Gross. J. J. Langenfeld, Nick Bissen, Albert Langenfeld, J. D. Shaben, Nick Freund, Henry Freund, Henry Biecker, John Bayer, Joseph Gross, John Langenfeld, Jr., and Joseph Schimeroski.
The present leader of the band is Theo. Scheuring. It has had but two leaders in its history, John Langenfeld. Sr., one year, and Theo. Scheuring throughout the remaining period. The band has played on many famous occasions. It was present at Council Bluffs upon the return of the Firty- first Regiment of Iowa soldiers who had served in the Philippine War ; it was present at the laying of the corner stone and dedication of the Shelby county court house ; has often played at carnivals, picnics. Fourth of July celebra- tions and at fire tournaments held at Harlan, Manning. Templeton. Dedham, and Mapleton, Defiance, Panama, Portsmouth and Persia. In September, IQII, it played at a shooting tournament held at Bow Valley, Cedar county, Nebraska. It also played when the famous Baughn hose team returned after having won the belt three times. The band has also played at most of the large weddings in the colony for the last twenty years and at many political meetings of the surrounding towns.
The band has at all times been composed of Germans, all Catholics and
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all Democrats, and every member of the organization has been able to speak. read and write both English and German. All have been true and loyal citizens of the republic and highly respected residents of Shelby county.
EARLY MUSIC IN HARLAN.
In 1892 the Harlan American issued a special edition devoted to Harlan history. An interesting article contributed by an anonymous writer to this paper was the following, which gives in a readable way mich history of the development of music in Harlan :
"As we east our last lingering look into this bag, methinks I catch strains borne upon the air of Harlan's first band, which was organized in .March. 1876-centennial year. At the great centennial celebration as the band goes marching into Billeter's grove, for the first time before the public. we hear the strains of the first tenor. George D. Ross : second tenor, T. B. Burr ; first B-flat, D. D. Downs; second B-flat, Harry Howell : first E-flat. R. E. Lloyd : second E-flat, Henry Carl: first alto. Pryor Tinsley; second alto, Thomas Blair ; baritone, Martin Bridgeman : bass drum, Lafe Thompson; snare drum, Warren Smith.
"The first vocal organization was what was known as the Old Folks Musical Association, so-called not because it was composed exclusively of elderly people, but because some of them were instrumental in forming the society. The organization was effected in the fall of 1875 and consisted of the following members: George Ross. Will Bergstresser, D. D. Downs, R. E. Lloyd. E. J. Currier, Henry Carl. Charles Hubbard. J. H. Louis and wife, Samuel Potter and wife. M. K. Campbell and wife, Mrs, Oscar Downs, and the Misses Irene Kimball, Belle Cass and Fannie Wortz. The association had a leader elected each month and met weekly at the homes of the different mem- bers. This society was very modest and never aspired to very lofty heights, never even appeared in public, but the members of this pioneer 'singin' skewl' can now look back to the old days with something like sacred reverence and sigh for another chance to display their skill on the gamut. Though they made no public display of their powers. yet their aid was frequently invoked for church gatherings, celebrations, etc. This experience also gave them considerable musical proficiency and many of our earlier church choirs were made up largely by recruits from this initial musical organization. Though their efforts were in vain, they were not lost.
"In 1887 the following members constituted a band: Steve Morrissey, (29)
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Jay Wyland. Herman Noble, Will Holcomb. Gus Moore. Jim Jones, Menzo Fretz, Arlie Parker. Cliff Warren, Charles Keyser. Ben Fisher, Fred Black- stone. They too have disappeared-too good to live. the old saying, 'the good die young,' but perhaps in the end their efforts may not have been in vain. Perhaps 'tis well we can not always see what the end may be. In 1890 another band appeared on the scenes in all its youth and beauty. Its members are: Gus Moore. solo B cornet : Lem Stanley, first B clarinet : Herman Noble, solo B clarinet ; Milt Smith, third alto: Louie Crammond. second cornet : Art Bowlin, solo alto : Pearl Downs, solo E cornet. Sam Gar- low, second alto: Will Holcomb, tuba: Herb Garlow, second tenor; H. B. Gish, first B cornet : Ed Bennett, baritone: Harry Cisna, base drum; Ben Fisher. snare drum: Mr. Bigelow, first tenor. This band shows an encourag- ing persistence in playing that they derive a private enjoyment. If they fail to exhibit heroic spirits, they show their pluck and 'tis said, 'pluck is a hero."
"We have several organizations that could be mentioned: The K. P. quartette-Herman Noble, Frank Parker. Carl Campbell and J. W. Miller : the guitar and Mandolin Club-Carrie Noble, Annie Robinson, Vira Cass and Millie Walters. We also have a Danish band."
SHELBY COUNTY MUSICAL UNION.
The first meeting called for the purpose of organizing a musical associa- tion in Harlan was held March 1. 1875. An address was given by Professor Hotchkiss. Thereupon the Shelby County Musical Union was organized with the following officers: J. V. Brazie. president : vice-president. Mrs. D. D. Downs: conductor, George D. Ross; first assistant, Mrs. Sharp: second assistant, Annie Burke: secretary, Emma Smith ; assistant secretary, Cicily , Chatburn : treasurer, Ella Robinson. Among the early members elected were J. B. Swain, Miss Fannie Worts. Miss Ida Doleman and others.
The duties of the conductor were interesting. It was provided that "it shall be the duty of the conductor to select the music and to assign such parts to the members of the association as in his judgment will contribute most to the welfare of each. He shall criticise all performances and decide what shall, and what shall not, be sung." The object of the association was stated to be "the cultivation of all that pertains to vocal music." The mem- bership fee was one dollar.
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EARLY MUSICAL EFFORTS.
From the very earliest times, apparently, singing schools were highly popular in Shelby county. People met at the school houses in the country and in either the school houses or other public buildings in the towns. It is likely that most of the members of the schools were young people, bent on having a good social time as well as interested in singing. For a number of years singing masters conducted singing schools in Harlan, and it is true that there was a singing school organized in Harlan at about the same time that the first literary or debating society began its existence there. These singing schools greatly helped the singing of church choirs and at public meetings generally.
Of course, in the early days as now, band music especially appealed to the people and the pioneer towns of Harlan and Shelby, and later other towns as they were established, such as Earling and others, took much pride in their local bands and patriotic young men interested in music readily volun- teered to play in such bands. It has, however, with the single exception per- haps of the famous German Cornet Band of Earling, been very difficult for a band to maintain a continuous existence for any great length of time, owing apparently to the fact that our population. especially the young and ambitious men, has been rapidly shifting in this western country.
SINGING SCHIOOLS.
In January, 1873, there was a singing school meeting at the Baptist church in Harlan at 6:30 o'clock one evening each week.
On March 11, 18744, the Harlan Musical Association gave a concert at the Baptist church.
At the French school house in Douglas township in 1875. a singing school was held every Wednesday night.
In February, 1875, Prof. C. C. Hotchkiss was conducting a singing school at Harlan. On February 13, 1875, he together with his scholars gave a concert at the Baptist church. It might prove interesting to some of the people interested in music to know the titles of the solos, songs, choruses and instrumental selections given at this concert. They are as follows: Vocal- "Make a Joyful Noise." "How Lovely is Zion." "Home of Rest." "Soft Floating on the Air," "Touch Not the Cup," "Jennie Lind Song," "When Grand-Mama is Gone," "Gathering Home," "The Old Canoe," "Over the
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Hill to the Poor Ilouse." "The Old College Bell," "Master and Pupils," "Forest Echoes." Instrumental-"Jovial Farmer's Boy," "Home Again Returning," "The Gushing Rill." "Silver Threads Were Golden Then," "The Farmer and the Seasons," "Prairie Home," "Oh! Join this Laughing Lay," "The Trundle-Bed," "Only Waiting." "The Beautiful Hills."
In March, 1875, a musical society had been formed in Harlan, under the name of the Shelby County Musical Union. It was intended for the im- provement of all the members, and all wishing to avail themselves of its benefits were invited to become members. The union met. once each week. This organization is said to have benefitted greatly the singing in all the churches.
In 1877 a singing school was in existence at the Fritz school house in Jackson township, with Miss Plummer as teacher.
During the eighties concerts were given at different places in the county by Nannie Duncan and Frank Duncan, blind children of T. P. Duncan, of Bowman's Grove. These children were educated in the Asylum for the Blind at Vinton, Iowa. Among the places where they gave concerts were the George Allen school house on Indian creek in Jackson township. the French school house in Douglas township and the Philson school house in Jackson township. They gave these concerts so early as 1879, part of the proceeds going to aid in building a new Baptist church at Bowman's Grove.
In April. 18SI, a cantata, entitled "Hay Makers," was presented at the Christian church in Harlan by the Shelby County Musical Association, com- posed of the best musical talent in the county. The association had been drilled by Attorney D. O. Stuart, of Harlan, himself a singer of unusual power and ability.
In January, 1885, the young folks of Union township had organized a singing school at the Flaugher school house.
In February and March, 1888, Professor Hubbard had a singing school in Harlan containing a class of nearly one hundred. which at the close of the term gave a concert.
Harlan must have had much musical talent going to waste so early as 1879, since a correspondent, writing from Harlan to the Council Bluffs Bugle, gives an interesting and glowing account of the business of the town and also of the proceedings in the circuit court at this place. The letter winds up as follows :
"Harlan has a band of sweet-voiced young men, who these moonlight nights amuse themselves by taking one of their number, placing him on a wheelbarrow and, equipped with a mouth-organ. he is trundled about the
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streets to the tunes which his musical skill is able to evolve from this humble instrument, while the heavenly choir who take turns at the handles accompany him with voices as well as feet. There is nothing rude or boisterous about their fun-but fun it is."
In April, 1883. Messrs. Potter. Hutt, Miller and McGrew had formed a male quartette to be known as the "Jolly Troubadours."
In January, 1873. Mr. Hartsough was giving music lessons at Cuppy's Grove and also at Harlan.
So early as September, 1878, these persons had purchased new pianos : Thomas MeDonald, B. B. Mastick, J. B. Swain, Thomas Leytham, and per- haps others.
An interesting event scheduled to occur at the Baptist church in Harlan, in February, 1874. was a trial of excellence between three different organs. Mr. Goodyear brought an organ from Windy Knoll and also a person to play it. The contest did not develop ; somebody apparently faltered.
Harlan appears to have organized a brass band so early as November, 1875, for the editor of the Shelby County Record, under date of November 24, 1875, informs the public: "Harlan is to have a brass band-a real live band. The instruments. ten pieces. have been ordered and will be here next week. In view of this mournful fact, we are anxious to dispose of our house and move out into the country four or five miles."
In February, 1879, there were two excellent bands and orchestras in Harlan, one being the Danish band and orchestra. The Danish band secured uniforms from Chicago in the summer of ISSI. In August, 1882, about one hundred of the Danish citizens celebrated the anniversary of the organ- ization of the Danish band.
The Shelby Cornet Band, in December, 1878, was composed of nine members instead of five as when first organized. Shelby appears to have developed an excellent band so early as June, 1879. for in that month the band came to Harlan and gave the people of Harlan some music that was highly praised. During the eighties, Shelby had a fine band under the leader- ship of George H. Rink.
The early eighties seem to have been particularly favorable for the establishment of musical organizations in Harlan. In the fall of 1882 the band boys had organized a fine orchestra of nine pieces. Harlan at that time had two excellent bands, and the Danish people had a musical organiza- tion, established for the purpose of the encouragement and development of music.
In 1884 the Harlan Independent Cornet Band seems to have been com-
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posed of the following members: K. Petersen, leader : Albert DeWild, president ; J. B. Watts, secretary; W. W. Smith, J. Merrill. E. Zimmerman, H. Adkins. E. B. Humphrey, S. Ward, Charles Smith, C. McDowell, F. Will- iams, C. L. Ingvartsen.
In 1887 Cuppy's Grove had a fine string band, which a local correspond- ent said furnished excellent music. In 18S7 Shelby had a ladies' cornet band. with George Rink as instructor.
In November, 1888, the enterprising young men of Harlan had organ- ized a new band (with J. C. Moore as leader), composed of the following persons playing the instruments, respectively named: George Knapp, E- flat horn : Jay Wyland, E-tlat ; J. C. Moore, B-flat: Arley Parker. B-flat ; Herman Noble, B-flat: Iloward Haddock, tenor: Steve Morrisy, tenor; Ed Fisher, alto; Will Holcomb, alto: Charles Keyser, tuba; Fred Blackstone, bass drum; Ben Fisher, snare drum. In March, 1889, Herman Noble was elected leader of this Harlan Cornet Band.
In the early nineties Harlan young people had an organization known as the Harlan Mandolin and Guitar Club. It was composed of George Duval, Lem Stanley, Vira Cass. Carrie Noble, Anna Robinson, Millie Walters, Maude Swain and Bessie Swain.
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CHAPTER XXI.
SOCIAL LIFE.
Hardships and privations, shared alike by the people of the pioneer times, had the natural effect of placing men on a common level, no matter what their previous wealth or social standing had been. The common dangers and inconveniences called for a united courage, the difficult problems of establishing homes, and of making a living under adverse conditions, the long distance intervening between neighbors and between settlements, all contributed to a social life much more unified than that of today. In the fifties and sixties, and indeed much later, young people would drive in lumber wagons, drawn by oxen or horses, many miles to attend a social event. The social activities of the people centered about the literary and debating so- cieties, church festivals, dances, firemen's festivals, the observance of the Fourth of July. Thanksgiving and other holidays, the spelling school. the organization of Good Templars, to which both men and women belonged. the Grange, the Farmers' Alliance. the lodges of Masons and Odd Fellows, the county fair, occasional athletic events, such as baseball. football and horse racing, the threshing of grain, dramatic entertainments, usually by local talent. weddings and charivaris. a few clubs avowedly organized and main- tained for the purpose of social pleasure, teachers' institutes and educational meetings, and for men the various township and county political meetings and meetings addressed by speakers during political campaigns. Each of these furnished reasons for the assembling of the people, and. when once assembled, the pioneers knew how to meet one another freely and without reserve, and knew how to make the best of all such occasions.
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS.
The first observance of the Fourth of July, it is said, was in 1855, on the premises of Nelson Ward, one of the early county judges, then residing in what is now Douglas township. The families present were the Wards, Sun- derlands, Jenkins and Stantons. This was held at what was afterwards called Kibby's Grove. Tradition does not reveal just in what way the Fourth was
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observed, but it is said that a flag was improvised of underwear of the re- quired colors and that there was plenty of whiskey.
, The first celebration at Harlan seems to have occurred in 18;8. The oration on this occasion was given by Stephen King, of Harrison county. A liberty pole was erected. Corn bread, potatoes, onions and hard cider were the principal refreshments. Harlan celebrated again in 1875, and probably several times before that date.
From a newspaper of the time one gathers the following account of the first celebration of Shelby in 1874:
"The Fourth of July is over and gone, and the celebration in James Hawkins' grove, near this place, was pronounced a complete success. The procession formed in the principal street at nine and a half o'clock and pro- ceeded to the grove. marshalled by J. Davis. After arriving at the grove the people were called to order by J. D. Canghran, chairman, and the exer- cises were opened by singing .The Star Spangled Banner,' after which prayer was offered by Rev. William Armstrong, of Avoca. Next in order was reading the Declaration of Independence by R. C. Mclaughlin, after which Rev. J. Knott, of Council Bluffs, was introduced, who delivered the oration of the day. Then came the dinner, which was the most important feature of the day, added to which was a bountiful supply of free lemonade. Several swings were put up, and the people, especially the children, enjoyed themselves to the utmost for a short time, when the assembly was again called to order, and after some singing by the Sabbath school. Rev. Mr. Arm- strong made an address, rich and spicy. There was more singing. followed by some very appropriate remarks by Rev. Mr. Smith, of Harlan, which closed the exercises of the day. We do not recollect of ever attending a Fourth of July celebration where the good feeling existed that was here. There was no quarreling or drinking done, and it was a day long to be re- membered with pleasure by Shelby and vicinity."
July 4 was observed at Harlan in 1877 with the following officers of the day and exercises: President, Platt Wicks ; marshal. John L. Long ; dep- uty marshal. C. C. Redfield ; chaplain, Father McGinnis : reader. H. C. Hol- comb : orator. D. R. Lucas, of Des Moines. Ten o'clock A. M., opening piece by Harlan Cornet Band: prayer and song: Declaration of Independence ; song ; oration ; music by cornet band: dinner ; music by cornet band : toasts; "Qualifications Necessary for the Statesman of 1877." P. C. Truman; "Our Children, their Present and Future," Rev. C. Ashton: "Our County and its Requirements," J. E. Weaver : 'Our . Homes. What They May Be." Rev.
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Gilman Parker. A match game of baseball was played at the close of the exercises.
Arrangements were made for a celebration of July 4, 1882, at the fair grounds. Music was furnished by the Harlan Glee Club and by the Harlan Silver Cornet Band. There were "Mulligan guards." pigeon shooting, foot racing and other sports. W. J. Davis was chief marshal. The fire depart- ment. in full uniform, was out with fire apparatus. Prayer was offered by Rev. A. Jacobs. M. W. Macy read the Declaration of Independence. These toasts, in the afternoon, were responded to by the persons below named : "Early Settlement of Shelby County." Rev. William McGinnis; "The Day We Celebrate." Hon. Platt Wicks: "The State of Iowa." Thomas H. Smith ; "The Laws of Our Country." Cyrus Beard : "The Press," U. S. Brown ; "The Town of Harlan." J. B. Swain; "Parting Salute." J. E. Weaver. Many of the old settlers took seats upon the stand. The Harlan Glee Club, which sang, was composed of Mrs. J. T. Graham, Misses Etta Marybelle, Ella Noble and Letta Swain and Messrs. F. B. Eshelman. Willard Noble and C. P. Hale. The orator of the day was N. M. Pusey, of Council Bluffs. There were fireworks on east Court street and two mammoth platforms were used for dancing. At a shooting match, the purse for eight single balls of forty dollars, was won by Harp Wilson, of Avoca ; second prize, twenty-five dol- lars, won by J. L. Forkner, of Harlan : third prize, fifteen dollars, won by E. Fenger, of Harlan. Purse No. 3. ten single birds, first prize, sixty dollars. won by Harp Wilson ; second prize, forty dollars, by H. D. Swain, of Har- lan; third prize, thirty dollars, by Frank Wyland, of Harlan. Purse No. 4. three pairs double birds, first prize, forty-five dollars, won by Omar Wyland, of Harlan ; second prize, thirty-five dollars, by Mr. Briggs, of Avoca; third prize; twenty dollars, by D. M. Wyland, of Harlan. Purse No. 5, ten single balls, first prize, fifty dollars, won by J. L. Forkner, of Harlan.
Three thousand people celebrated July 4. 1884. in Harlan. The address was made by Hon. Jacob Sims and speeches were made by Attorney D. O. Stuart and by the well-known pioneer preacher. William McGinniss. There was a big dance at the skating rink and there were wheelbarrow and potato races, a sack race, also a greased pole for the boys to climb for a prize of a silver watch given the winner. Tom Kendall received the watch. A greased pig was also caught. The fire department made an exhibition run and put out a fire in a pile of hay which was burning.
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