USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume I > Part 17
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The Friends have maintained their church at Hesper since an early day. Many of the pioneer settlers were members of that faith and they were men of sturdy character. They and their decendants have died or moved away, but their places have been taken by others who zealously uphold the faith. In the chapter on towns and townships will be found a sketch of Springwater (Canoe township). by Mr. Edgar Olson of Faribauh, Minnesota, and printed in the Decorah Repub- lican of August 21, 1909, at the time of the Home Coming. In it are mentioned the names of many of these Quaker pioneers.
The Seventh Day Adventists are represented by a congregation at Burr Oak that has had a long existence. Accessions to their ranks have been numerous, though the services of a pastor have not been maintained at all times. During the past two years services have been held in Decorah and a small congregation has been organized.
At Castalia the United Brethren have a prosperous church, and services are held by the Christian Scientists in Decorah, so it may be truly said that Winne- shiek county is not lacking in churches or devotion to religious work. As a general rule the various denominations contribute liberally to the support of benevolences such as home and foreign missions, etc. The work of the Sunday school is maintained by most of the organizations, and societies of Christian Endeavor, Epworth League and Luther League flourish in many of the towns.
At the present time there is no Baptist congregation in the county. In 1890 the society organized a church in Decorah which flourished for a time and built a church building, but for several years it has been inactive and the property reverted to the state organization. The Unitarians were also active in Decorah for some years during the 'gos and up to four or five years ago. Last year their church home on Main street was sold to the Decorah Lodge of Elks, and during the present year it has been remodeled and enlarged into a lodge home.
CHAPTER XIX
PATRIOTIC AND FRATERNAL SOCIETIES
PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES
But three patriotic societies may be said to exist in Winneshiek county at the present time, though four have had organizations.
On May 8, 1883, Colonel Hughes Post, No. 168, G. A. R., with its Woman's Relief Corps, was organized. In selecting a name the boys in blue honored the memory of one of the early volunteers from Winneshiek county-Col. D. H. Hughes-whose record and date of death will be found in the military history given elsewhere. Maj. Charles H. Hitchcock was the first commander. Capt. E. I. Weiser was the second commander, serving consecutively for ten years. Then in succession of one year each the commanders were L. L. Couse, L. L. Cadwell, Patrick McCusker and H. 1. Coffeen. Captain Weiser was again elected and served until his death on October 2, 1902. Altogether he was com- mander for fourteen years and he was beloved as was no other among the mem- bers of the post. On his death L. L. Couse, as senior vice, again took the com- mander's chair and served four years thereafter. L. L. Cadwell, the present commander, has served since January 1, 1907.
The Relief Corps has enjoyed a prosperous existence. It has grown steadily, and particularly in late years its membership has been augmented. Miss Jessie McKay, one of its prominent workers, served for two years as treasurer of the state organization.
The Sons of Veterans was the third patriotic body to be organized locally, but its charter has been permitted to lapse.
Garfield Circle, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, was formed four years ago and is a thriving organization. Although one of the younger circles in Iowa it has already received recognition, Mrs. Mary J. Couse of Decorah having served as its state president for the year that closed in June.
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES
Of the fraternal societies that maintain lodges within the borders of Winne- shiek county, two stand out prominently-the Masons and the Odd Fellows.
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The Masons have lodges in Decorah, Calmar, Ossian, Frankville and Burr Oak. To Frankville belongs the distinction of having the first Masonic lodge. At just what date Union Band Lodge No. 66 was organized we are unable to state, but Sparks' History of Winneshiek County said, among other things, "As an illustration of the importance Frankville attained when at its acme it will only be necessary to state that the Free Masons of Decorah used to go to the former place to hold lodge meetings." It is known that Frank Teabout was instrumental in the organization of the Frankville lodge, consequently it is safe to assume that the date was in the early '50s.
Decorah Lodge No. 98 was the second in order, but it became extinet in 1861. In 1866 Great Lights Lodge No. 181 received its charter. Taking them in their numerical order Arcturus Lodge No. 237 of Ossian was the next to be organized. Copestone I.odge No. 316 of Calmar followed and Cement Lodge No. 567 of Burr Oak was the last. The dates of organization of the Ossian, Calmar and Burr Oak lodges are unknown to us. King Solomon's Chapter No. 35. R. A. M .. was organized in Decorah in 1867; Beausaunt Commandery No. 12 in 1869, and Decorah Chapter No. 73. O. E. S .. came into being in 1888. These lodges have experienced liberal accessions to their membership and the lodges are all in a healthy, growing condition. The fraternal spirit is ever in evidence whether in lodge room or elsewhere.
THE ODD FELLOW'S
It is a matter of doubt as to whether the Masons or the Odd Fellows were the first fraternal order to establish a lodge in this county. but it is a matter of definite knowledge that Moneek Lodge No. 58. I. O. O. F., was instituted at Moneek on October 26, 1854. with Abner DeCon as its first Noble Grand. When the death-knell of Moneek was rung by the establishment of the Military road to Frankville, permission was granted to remove the lodge from Moneek to Ossian. This was in 1855. In November, 1857, another removal was granted and this time the lodge was established at Decorah. Its name was changed to Winne- shiek Lodge No. 58, and it so remains. Today among the men who were mem- bers of the lodge in the '50s there remain Philip Husted, who joined in 1856, and Alonzo Bradish, who joined in 1858. George Draper joined in 1868, Jacob Ammer in 1875. R. F. Gibson, who was a member of the Odd Fellow's in Ohio as early as 1851, joined by card in 1876.
On October 15, 1880, Decorah Encampment No. 133 reclaimed a surrendered charter and once more came into existence. On October 20, 1809. Oneonta Rebekah Lodge No. 175 was organized.
The only other Odd Fellow's lodge in the county is located at Burr Oak. For a lodge located in a rural community the Burr Oak lodge is one of the large and prosperous ones of the state. They have owned their lodge hall for a good many years. L'sona Rebekah lodge is the auxiliary at Burr Oak, and this lodge as well as the lodges in Decorah are enjoying prosperity in its best fraternal sense.
THE EAGI.I.S
A lodge of this order was organized some years ago in Decorah, but its life was brief and the charter was long since surrendered.
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BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS
The Elks lodge of Decorah-Decorah Lodge No. 443-may be rightly con- sidered something more than a local organization. It was established on June 22, 1899, and has grown steadily. Its membership embraces many of the prominent business and professional men of Decorah and includes residents of other towns in the county as well as good representations in Waukon, West Union and cities in other nearby counties. Two years ago the lodge took up the question of securing a permanent lodge home and negotiations were opened for the purchase of the Unity church building. The building was acquired early in 1912 and plans were perfected for remodeling and enlargement. These are now nearing com- pletion and it is the expectation of the lodge that they will soon be dispensing good cheer and extending the hand of fellowship to visiting brothers in their new quarters. The building, which cost over ten thousand dollars, is located on the northwest corner of Main and River streets, just outside of the business district and is admirably adapted to lodge requirements. Its present membership is about two hundred and fifteen.
THE OWLS
The Owls is the youngest fraternal order to be established in the county, the Decorah nest being the only representative. It has lodge rooms in the Hutchinson building on Washington street and a membership of about eighty.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS
Lodges of this society are maintained in Decorah and Calmar. The Calmar lodge is the older of the two. A quarter of a century ago a lodge was organized in Decorah, but after a short existence surrendered its charter. In 1902 a new charter was sought and on September 5th the lodge was organized. It has since been maintained, its growth being not large, but steady and substantial.
OTHER SOCIETIES
Scattered through the county are a number of lodges of the various mutual insurance companies. First and foremost among them is the Modern Woodmen of America, which is likewise the oldest. There are also healthy lodges of Wood- men of the World, Brotherhood of American Yeomen. Degree of Honor, Macca- bees, the Catholic Order of Foresters, Royal Neighbors and possibly others.
I
WINNEBAGO STREET, DECORAH
WATER STREET LOOKING EAST, DECORAH
CHAPTER XX
CITY OF DECORAH
The following sketch was prepared by A. K. Bailey for Anderson & Good- win's Atlas. It is now adopted, with such corrections as a lapse of eight years requires :
White men may have camped on the site of the city of Decorah, the shire town of Winneshiek county, previous to June 10, 1849, but, if so, they left no evidence of their visit. Tradition refers to such visitors with the hint that they were of the class that prefers the borders of civilization to civilization itself.
It was on the above date that a homeseeker's wagon halted beside a magnificent spring that existed for many years several rods in rear of the present "Winneshiek House." That spot became the future home of the Day family. They were Virginians of the enterprising class and were seeking a location with larger advantages than their earlier home had afforded them. This company consisted of the wife and mother of the family (who was also its master spirit ) and three sons. "Mother" Day's keenness of observation had noted that cities and villages were mostly located on living streams or beside considerable bodies of water ; hence she sought that advantage as a desirable addition to good farming lands. In the charming Upper Iowa river valley and the splendid spring beside which the party had halted, it was then and there settled that here was to be the future home of the Day family.
The remains of the largest village of the Winnebago Indians were still in existence. This tribe left their Iowa home reluctantly, but the fiat had gone forth that they must "move on," and the formality of a treaty had settled this question two years previous. Perhaps, nay, probably, the Indian trails that everywhere centered towards this spot had something to do in leading their white successors to the favorite viliage of the Winnebagoes. Be that as it may, the same influences in tutored and untutored minds led to a choice which proved wise and profitable to the whites who succeeded the Indians.
The family of William Painter followed soon after and located close by in the same valley, a little west of the Day homestead, so close that when the village plat of Decorah was made it was located on lands owned by both these pioneers. The tide of traveling land seekers followed them. The Days kept open house.
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Their log cabin became a hotel of widespread fame, at a convenient point on the overland stage route from Dubuque to St. Paul.
In 1851 the county of Winneshiek was organized (as told in the history of Winneshiek county) by John L. Carson, legally appointed organizing officer or sheriff. By the legislative act for organizing the county "Decorah" was named as one of the points to be voted for as the county seat of Winneshiek county. Mr. Carson's certificate (the first paper of any kind in the official records of the county) duly certifies that "on the 7th day of April, A. D. 185t, Decorah was duly elected to be the county seat of said ( Winneshiek ) county." The legal existence of Decorah did not begin, however, until 1853; for it was not until August 17th of that year that William Day made and entered of record a plat and deed of renunciation to public use of the "east half of Decorah," and September 7th following William Painter executed a like plat and deed for the "west half of Decorah." The name was borrowed from the Winnebago Indians. Winneshiek was a distinguished chief of that tribe, and Waukon Decorah was a lesser chief. The name, however, is not of wholly Indian origin, but is believed to have come from the French and Sioux.
The earliest historian of Decorah was Rev. Ephraim Adams, a Congregational clergyman who came to Decorah in 1857 as the first resident pastor. In the Thanksgiving sermon delivered ten years later on "The First Things of Decorah," he drew this picture of the future city in 1851-2:
Let ns see what we have: Three log cabins, one hotel; a lawyer and two merchants, partners in trade; with other families that might be named, though the census would not be large; the water power beginning to be improved ; regular preaching once a month by two different denominations; and a county seat with, of course, regular sessions of the county court.
It was in this year that Decorah postoffice was established, with C. Day postmaster.
In 1853 the first schoolhouse was built. It was located on the lot now occupied by the First Norwegian Lutheran church: and the first teacher was Theodore W. Burdick, who for many years was one of the most prominent citi- zens of the city. For one term he represented this district in the lower branch of Congress.
In 1854, according to Rev. Mr. Adams, above quoted, the three cabins of 1851 had expanded to "a little village of fifteen to twenty buildings, counting hotels, stores, stables, shops and buildings of all kinds." In the years 1854-5 the first Winneshiek House was erected by Wm. Day, on the original site selected by Mrs. Day. In A. D. 1877 this was enlarged, made really a second "Winne- shick," and at the time this is written the third Winneshiek is nearing its com- pletion-a structure such as the pioneers never dreamed of, for railways, electric light and communication, steam heat, and all of the modern conveniences were then unknown qualities.
In 1855 Congress passed a law locating a land office at Decorah. This opened December 24, 1855. and brought hither a throng of land speculators, bankers and others, which gave the town such an impetus that when the census of 1860 was taken the population had grown to 1,219. It is said there were nine bankers and land offices doing business here while the land office was open and as long as any land remained for entry. One of these survived the panic of
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1857, and all subsequent financial perils. The "Winneshiek County Bank, capital $5,000," was opened by two Pennsylvanians-Horace S. Weiser and Thos. J. Filbert. The latter retired a few years later, and the bank was continued by the senior partner until his death twenty years later. "The Winneshiek County State Bank" is the legitimate successor of this pioneer bank, and has now reached its fiftieth year of successful life. Charles J. Weiser, son of the founder, is now the president, and the stock is largely held by him and his two sisters. The original $5,000 of capital has grown to $100,000, with a surplus fund of $25,000, and a property value behind it a hundred times greater than the original fund.
The first newspaper started in 1855, and was known as the Decoral Chronicle. In the ensuing few years it had a new publisher almost every year until in 1860 it became the property of W. Bailey & Son. It is now conducted by A. K. Bailey & Son, the junior of that period being the senior of the present time.
The village grew continuously, and in 1857 had aspirations for municipal honors. This resulted in a decision reached by vote of electors on the first Monday in April of that year to incorporate as a town under the state law. Hon. E. E. Cooley was chosen mayor. with full corps of municipal officers.
In 1870 the census disclosed a population of 2,110. This being a sufficient population to make it "a city of the second class," steps were taken to enter that grade of municipalities, and that event was completed by an election in 1871 of Charles T. Allen as mayor, with a council of eight members representing four wards. The boundaries of the city have twice been enlarged, the last time by uniting to it the town of West Decorah, which had been incorporated in 1879. including all that part of the city lying on the west side of the Upper Iowa river. The city has never enjoyed a boom : its growth has been steady and normal, advancing only as fast as the necessities of the surrounding country demanded. In 1860 its population was 1,219: in 1870, 2,110: in 1880, 2,951; in 1900 with West Decorah added. 3.777 : in 1910. 3.592.
Strenuous efforts were made for many years to build up manufacturing enter- prises, but for various reasons most of these were unsuccessful, although large sums of money were expended in the effort. In the meanwhile, without especial endeavor, there grew up an unusual success along a line many communities have expended large sums only to meet failure in the end. The city became an educational center.
In 1862 Luther College came hither. It was founded in 1859-60, and passed its first year in Wisconsin. Then, as now, this county was a center of a numerous, intelligent and generous Norwegian population, and when a permanent location was desired by the Norwegian Lutheran Synod of North America for a high class educational institution Decorah was elected. A beautiful site was provided for it on the western border of the city. While the first college building was being erected the building now used by the St. Cloud Hotel, and one dormitory adjoining it, was ample for the students who first sought its benefits. In 1863 the college grew in numbers as well as enlarged its facilities for doing the work of preparing young men for lives of usefulness demanding culture, intelligence and consecration. A very high percentage of its graduates passed on into the theological seminary, and thence to the service of the Norwegian Lutheran church. In 1889 the first building was destroyed by fire, and for a time removal
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PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIER COUNTY
was contemplated. The final decision of the synod was to rebuild, and out of the trial by fire grew stronger than ever for the great work to be done.
In 1874 John Breckenridge, who had been a successful teacher in the public schools of the city, decided to start an academic school, and in that manner the Decorah Institute was born. It has maintained a very successful career of more than a quarter century ; and the young men and women it has helped to higher positions than they could otherwise have reached are counted by the thousands. Among its graduates are state and county superintendents of schools, teachers, lawyers, doctors, and others filling useful places in the work of the world.
In 1888 Mr. C. H. Valder, another teacher, whose specialty was in penman- ship and business training, conceived the idea of establishing a business college. To this was soon added a normal department. and it. too, has aided other thousands into positions of high rank in the business world. Year after year its enrollment has been upwards of 400; and its graduates are scattered all over the Northwest from Chicago to the Pacific coast. A lesser institution came also without solicitation-the Sisters' School, or Academy of the Immaculate Concep- tion, and its work has been helpful to a large body of youth.
Meanwhile the public school has never been neglected. Step by step a school has been built up that carries its students to the doors of the colleges of the state and the universities of Wisconsin and Minnesota. The school property of the district coequal with the city limits-exceeds in value $50,000. These schools privileges are so highly appreciated that in the winter season nearly a thousand students, not residents of the city, are attracted here for the advantages these institutions afford.
The printing industry is one not fostered by capital that has grown to such proportions that there is no other city of 4,000 people that can compare with it. The location of Luther College in Decorah made this the educational center of the Norwegian Lutherans of America. It also was the main factor in causing the establishment of the Synod Publishing House. This is what its name im- plies in its fullest extent. It is supplied with the best purchasable equipment in type-setting machines, printing presses, and binding implements, and its output, in addition to its church weekly, includes the making of Bibles, prayer and hymn books, theological works, etc. It is equipped for any work the big city offices can do.
The Decorah-Posten is also another great success in the printing art. After years of desperate struggles, Mr. B. Anundsen, its publisher, achieved the enviable position of securing the largest circulation of any Norwegian newspaper printed in this country. Twice a week the Posten sends to over 30,000 patrons the product of a corps of six editors, and an equipment that inchides two per- jecting presses, three linotypes, and other up-to-date facilities of the printer's art. The local newspapers are the Decorah Republican. the lineal descendant of the Chronicle, started in 1855: the Decorah Journal, published by Fred Biermann, and representing the democratic faith ; and the Decorah Public Opin- ion, published by H. J. Green, republican in its faith. Each of these offices has excellent equipments.
The church accommodations of Decorah are large and fully ample for the needs of a city of 5,000 people. There are seven different organizations, all
ACADEMY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DECORAAH
NEW POST OFFICE, DECORAH
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PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
represented in houses of worship. The pioneer church was of the Methodist faith, organized by Rev. Albert Bishop in September, 1851. Its first house of worship was built in 1856, and is now in use as the Boy Scout headquarters and as a gymnasium. The brick building now occupied was erected in 1874. The second church was of the Congregational order, established in June, 1854. Rev. E. Adams became its pastor in 1857, and remained in this relation for fourteen succeeding years. Its first house of worship was erected in 1860 and 1861, being dedicated November 17th of the latter year. This structure gave place to a new and more modern church in the years 1895-6. These were followed in due time by the Catholic, Episcopal, First Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran, German Methodist, Baptist, and United Lutheran (Norwegian ), all save one sustaining pastors and holding regular Sabbath services.
The banking facilities of the city are supplied by the Winneshiek County State Bank, heretofore referred to, the Citizens Savings Bank, organized under state laws, and the National Bank of Decorah, operating under the national bank- ing law. Their business relations with the people of this city and surrounding territory are indicated by the following statistics taken from the last published statements made in compliance with legal requirements :
Winneshiek County State Bank .- Capital, surplus and undivided profits, $206,- 111.49; aggregate resources, $1,656.345.93. Officers-C. J. Weiser, president ; R. Algyer and E. W. D. Holway, vice presidents; A. Anfinson, cashier ; and A. C. Whalen, assistant cashier.
Citizens Savings Bank .- Capital, surplus and profits, $79.416.07; total re- sources, $572.118.50. Officers-E. J. Curtin, president ; Ogden Casterton, vice president ; B. J. Mckay, cashier ; F. E. Cratsenberg and Richard E. Bucknell, assistant cashiers.
National Bank of Decorah .- Capital, surplus and profits, $64,088.90; total resources. $549,522.62. Officers-L. B. Whitney, president ; O. C. Johnson, vice president ; H. C. Hjerleid, cashier ; W. F. Baker, assistant cashier.
Decorah State Bank .- Capital, surplus and profits, $61.382.77 ; total resources, $258,788.71. Officers-R. A. Engbretson, president ; L. S. Reque, vice president ; E. F. Berg, cashier ; Arthur R. Johnson, assistant cashier.
Aggregate resources of all banks, $1.485,997.53.
The railway history of Decorah began as early as 1856 by a local organization known as the Northwestern Railroad Company, but nothing like the whistle of a locomotive was heard inside the borders of the county until 1864. The McGregor Western Railway in time was merged into the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company. In September, 1869, a branch line was built into Decorah, to the intense gratification of all its citizens. There were those, however, who seriously questioned whether it would prove a permanent line. They argued that a daily stage line was ample for all the passenger traffic, and the freight business gave employment to only a few teamsters. Why, they said, one com- bination coach, making a daily trip in and out, would suffice all the needs of the town. Today over that line there are five daily trains in and out, consisting of one or more passenger cars, a combined baggage and smoking car, a U. S. mail coach, and not infrequently trains of a half-dozen or more of freight cars. In 1883 an extension of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway from Postville was secured. This has since passed into the hands of the Rock Island
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