USA > Iowa > Henry County > Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 79
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head but a short time, and was succeeded by Rev. Lucien W. Berry, D. D. From the beginning those who have been at the head of the institution were as follows :
Hon. James Harlan, first President; Rev. Lucien W. Berry, D. D., President and Professor of Mental and Moral Science in the Faculty, 1855-57; Rev. Charles Elliott, D. D., who added to the above the chair of Biblical Literature and Theology, 1857-61; Rev. George B. Jocelyn, A. M., who was also Professor of Mental and Moral Science, and English Language and Literature, 1861-62. After the resignation of President Jocelyn, Rev. W. J. Spaulding became Acting President, by virtue of his office of Vice President, and stood at the head of the Faculty during the college years of 1862-64; Rev. Charles Elliott, D. D., LL. D., again became President, and Professor of Sacred Literature and Theology, in 1864-66; Rev. Charles A. Holmes, D. D., also Professor of Mental and Moral Philoso- phy, 1866-69; James Harlan, LL. D., 1869-70; Jolin Wheeler, D. D., also Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy, 1870-75; W. J. Spaulding, Ph. D., also Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy, 1875-84; J. T. McFarland, D. D., 1884 to the present time.
Never in the history of the institution has it been more prosperous than at this writing. From a small beginning it has grown to be one of the most popular schools of the State. During the session of 1886-87, there was an enrollment of 338 pupils, and up to February, 1888, there had been a slight increase over the previous year. Contracts have been let for the erection of a new building at a cost of $35,000, and for remodeling the old one at a cost of $3,000. The new building will be erected just east of the old one. It will contain a chemical and physical laboratory, a number of reci- tation rooms, and a chapel with a seating capacity of 1,400.
German College.
N 1870 the Southwest German Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church appointed a commission to locate a German college, and during a session of the Iowa Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, held at Mt. Pleasant in October, 1871, Dr. Wheeler suggested to Rev. F. Stoffragen, a member of the Southwest German Conference, who had been appointed to bear fra- ternal greetings to the Iowa Conference, that Mt. Pleasant was just the place. The Trustees of the university appointed Dr. Wheeler and Prof. Willey a committee to secure this location, and at a ses- sion of the German Conference held at Warrenton, Mo., March 20, 1872, the Doctor presented a propo- sition offering free tuition in the university, five acres of land, and a college building three stories high, 40x60 feet in dimensions. The Conference at its next session, held at Quincy, Ill., Sept. 9, 1872, accepted the proposition to locate the college at Mt. Pleasant, on condition of an endowment being raised of not less than $20,000. This sum was raised within six months.
On the 25th day of July, 1873, Bishop Jesse P. Peck broke ground for the erection of the college building, and on the 29th day of August following, Dr. Wheeler laid the corner-stone with appropriate ceremonies. The building was finished, and the college dedicated Sept. 22, 1874, by Bishop IIaven. From that time to the present the college has been in successful operation, and has in connection with the university done a grand work. While con- nected with the university, it is independent in finances and control.
Howe's Academy.
HIS is another institution of learning in which the citizens of Mt. Pleasant have just pride. Prof. Samuel L. Howe located on a farm near Mt. Pleasant in 1841, and in the winter of 1841-42 taught a term of school in a log cabin. A year or two later he moved into the village and opened a school in the old jail building, subse- quently removing to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and finally, in 1845, moving into a building erected for the Mt. Pleasant High School and Fe- male Seminary, of which he was the head. Until his death, which occurred Feb. 15, 1877, Prof. Howe conducted the school, assisted at times hy his children, whom he trained as teachers. The im-
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press of his mind was left upon many persons who have become prominent in Iowa and elsewhere. He was a thorough and a successful teacher. Since his death the school has been conducted by one of his sons, and at this time is in a most flourishing con- dition, with a very large attendance.
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Whittier College.
HE Society of Friends, which has a large membership in Salem and vicinity, soon af- ter the close of the great Rebellion took steps for the formation of a college association, and on the 17th day of May, 1867, an association was duly incorporated. Its members having great ven- eration for the Quaker poet, John G. Whittier, be- stowed upon the institution his name, and hence Whittier College. The Friends kindly offered the upper story of their meeting-house, located in the suburbs of Salem, which was fitted up and furnished for the reception of students, and the first term was opened in April, 1868, with Prof. John C. Woody, and Mrs. Mary C. Woody as Principals of the male and female departments. The Board of Directors of the college subsequently purchased the build- ing, which they remodeled and fitted up for school purposes.
The first class graduated from the institution in 1871, since which time a large number of persons have been sent out from the institution, and are now filling responsible positions elsewhere in the school-room, at the bar, and in the pulpit, to say nothing of that large number who have adopted farming as a profession.
Early on the morning of Dec. 4. 1885, the col- lege building and contents were entirely destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of many thousands of dol-
lars. The bricks of the old building were not cold before the school was organized in the meeting- house, and the citizens of Salem had determined to rebuild. But the work of raising the means to build was a difficult one, on account of poor crops and other adverse circumstances, but the amount was secured, and in the fall of 1886 the foundation walls were laid, and in July, 1887, the brick work was commenced, and the building completed in November, 1887. The college opened for business Nov. 16, 1887, with Prof. A. J. Beddison as Prin- cipal.
The institution has accommodations for 150 stu- dents, and is well adapted for the purposes for which it is intended. The building is 40x50 feet in size, with a square tower 20x20, is built of brick. and is three stories high, including mansard roof. It is a tasty and commodions building, and reflects great credit on those who have labored so hard to secure its construction. While nominally an insti- tution of the Friends, others have assisted in its building.
Public Schools.
R ROM the report of the Superintendent of Publie Schools of the county, it is learned that in the fall of 1887 there were in the county 81 frame school-houses, 27 brick, and one stone school-house, with an appraised valuation of $253,480. During the year 5 4 male and 192 female teachers were employed, who received average com- pensation, males $32.49 and females $24.94 per month. In the county there were 3,128 males, and 3,057 females of school age, of which number 4,925 were enrolled in the public schools. The average cost for each pupil per month was $2.45.
mele
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ress.
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HE power of the printing- press is universally aeknowl- edged, and its influence ean hardly be estimated. This is a reading age, and almost everything eminating from the press is eagerly devoured, whether it be good or bad. It is the Archimedean lever that moves the world, and as such only the best productions should be cireulated. Too much eare can- not be exercised by parents and those in authority that only the pure in literature finds a place in the homes of the people. Heury County has reason to be proud of its newspapers, which have ever been among the best, and wielding an influence not alone in the county but throughout the State.
The first paper established in this county was the Iowa Free Democrat, the first Free-Soil or Abolition paper issued west of the Mississippi River. It was founded at Ft. Madison, Lee County, and moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1848, by D. M. Kelsey. In 1850 Prof. Samuel Luke Howe seeured control of the paper, and it was then issued from the academy of which the professor was the head. The pupils and sons of the Professor did the mechanical
work of the office. After a precarious existence of a few years its issue was suspended.
At the present writing, in April, 1888, the follow- ing papers are issned in the county : Mt. Pleasant Journal, the Free Press, Mt. Pleasant Herald, Evening News, Mt. Pleasant; Winfield Beacon, Winfield; New London Sun, New London Eclipse, New London. Each of these is a worthy represent- ative of the people of the county. Other papers have lived, flourished for a time, and then died a natural deatlı.
The Mt. Pleasant Journal.
NE of the leading and most influential papers of Southeastern Iowa is the Mt. Pleasant Journal, which under the name of Observer, made its first appearance in 1856, with G. G. Galloway as editor and proprietor. Like all other country newspapers it had a precarious existence for several years after its establishment, and changed hands frequently, each sueeessive firm running it until, somewhat discouraged, they would elose it out. The office was owned in turn by Elliott & Mahaffey, D. S. Elliott, and Elliott & Edwards. While controlled by the latter firm, the name of the paper was changed to the Home Journal. Continuing it awhile under the latter name, the firm then sold it to G. W. Edwards, who subse- quently took a partner, the firm of Edwards &
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Snyder engaging in its publication. T. A. Bere-' man was its next publisher, who sold it to Richard Hatton. The latter changed its name to the Mi. Pleasant Journal, and continued its publisher till his death. G. W. McAdam became a third pro- prietor, and in turn, E. W. Brady. John F. Leech and John Teasdale have each held a third interest. The Hatton heirs were bought out by Mr. McAdam, and the paper was published by him until the winter of 1879-80. when J. W. Palm purchased a third interest, since which time the publication of the paper has been continued by MeAdam & Palm. It is issued every Thursday, and in politics is a staneh Republican sheet, with nothing of the mngwump in its makeup. The birth of the paper was cotem- poraneous with that of the Republican party, and it has never wavered from the support of Repub- lican principles. A bright, clean sheet, it has always exerted a good influence in county and State. In connection with the Journal establish- ment is an excellent job office and a book bindery.
The Free Press.
THIS paper was established in 1866, by E. T. White, who continued its publication for nearly two years, disposing of the paper in January, 1868, to O. K. Snyder and Frank Hatton, who changed its name to the Henry County Press. Mr. Hatton retired in May, 1868, and the firm be- came Snyder Brothers. In 1869 Dr. D. W. Robin- son became the owner, while Richard Copeland. Charles Morchons and S. W. Morchead served successively as editors. In 1870 A. P. Bentley became editor. In June, 1872. the office was pur- chased by Edwin Van Cise and James A. Throop. and Jan. 1, 1874, the name of the paper was changed back to the Free Press. In 1877 Mr. Van Cise removed to Deadwood, D. T., and Mr. Throop assumed editorial control of the paper. In 1881, going into the hardware trade, he placed the paper under the editorial control of D. D. W. C. Throop and George E. Throop. In 1882 he purchased Mr. Van Cise's interest in the Free Press, and has sinee been the sole proprietor. In 1885 he dis-
posed of his hardware store, and again assumed the management of the office, D. D. W. C. Throop con- tinning with him as editor. The Free Press is now recognized as one of the leading papers in this section, and politically may be classed as independ- ent Democratic. It has a good circulation and wields a good influence. A good job printing- office is in connection with the paper.
The Daily News.
I N 1875 C. L. Morehous commenced the publi- eation of the Daily Reporter. and continued its publication till October, 1883, when he sokl out to T. MeAdam, who ran it about one year and then sokl to R. C. & W. C. Brown, by whom it was soon afterward discontinued. But Mr. Morehous did not propose to let the city of Mt. Pleasant be without its daily, and therefore in 1885 commenced the publication of the Daily News. As originally printed it was a tive-column folio. but was subse- quently enlarged to a seven-column folio. The paper has had a steady and solid growth, and is now in a very prosperous condition, with an ever- increasing circulation. Charles L. Morchous is an old newspaper man, with an experience second to none in this section of the State, and gets up a No. 1 local daily. Fred D. Morchous is the local edi- tor, and succeeds in gathering up almost every item of interest occurring in Mt. Pleasant or its vicinity.
The Mt. Pleasant Herald.
2 HIS paper was started in the fall of 1880 by Brown & Clark. as a seven-column folio, and at once met with good success. In 1883 it was changed to an eight-column weekly paper, and the proprietors put in a power press on which to print it. In 1884 the office was completely destroyed by fire, not even the books of the concern being saved. Immediately after the fire was organized " The Herald Publishing Company," composed of .1. R. Clark, M. Holland. Thomas Adger, Frank Mat-
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thews, Leonard Farr, W. Hanson, M. L. Edwards, Thomas Knox, and George W. Norton, and the Herald again appeared as au eight-column weekly paper. In 1885 the office was sold to George Spahr & Co., who ran it till 1886 as a Greenback paper, under the management of J. R. Clark. It was then soll to J. R. Hardin, who removed the material of the office to Ft. Madison, Lee County, and consolidated it with the Lee County Repub- lican under the name of the Republican-Herald. Mr. Clark then went to New London and started the New London Herald, remaining there thirteen months. and then removing to Mt. Pleasant, where the paper has since been continued as the Mt. Pleas- ant Herald, under the ownership and management of Mr. Clark. The sympathy of Mr. Clark has always been with the laboring men, being strongly opposed to monopolies. He therefore was an earn- est supporter of the Greenback cause, and in the present contest between labor and capital he has espoused with his whole heart the cause of the for- mer, his paper being the recognized organ of the Knights of Labor of this section of country. The Herald has a good circulation, and is worthy the support of an intelligent people.
Winfield Beacon.
HE Winfield Beacon was established in 1881, by J. H. & E. II. Hardin, and by them con- ducted until October, 1882, when it was pur- chased by its present owner, E. C. Hinkle. Its growth has been steady, and it now circulates in more than a thousand homes, scattered through every Western State and Territory. Its continued efforts to build up and strengthen home interests are manifested in many ways, and no enterprise of value to town or county is ever allowed to lag through its indifference. Among the schemes which have originated within its busy sanetum, none is probably greater than the East Iowa District Fair, an institution which promises to be one of the most noted and valuable to the town and country. The Beacon is a live local paper, and is in a prosperous condition, having the united support of the entire community.
The Salem Weekly News.
6 IIIS sprightly sheet was established in 1880, its first number appearing under date Sep- tember 5 of that year. Its publication was commenced by Itiram Armstrong, who subse- quently sold to W. S. Withrow, from whom it was purchased by its present proprietors, D. F. Jones & Son, Jan. 1, 1883. When it made its first ap- pearance, it was a six-column folio, but has since been enlarged to a seven-column folio. This change was made the first year under Mr. Jones. Politi- cally the News is independent. The paper is doing a prosperous business, its circulation having stead- ily increased since it came into the hands of its present proprietors. A good job office is attached, also doing a remunerative business. The News is well worthy the support of the citizens of Salem and vicinity.
The New London Eclipse.
SHIS paper was started Aug. 13, 1887, by Edwin A. Lyman, and in the short time in which it has been published has met with fair success, having a present circulation of 500 copies. The Eclipse is a seven-column folio, inde- pendent in politics, and is devoted principally to local news of town and county. It is issued every Thursday. Mr. Lyman commenced the publica- tion of his paper, knowing nothing of the mechani- cal work of a printing-oflice, but applying himself to the work, and with a natural taste for the busi- ness prints a paper that would do credit to news- paper men of much greater experience. Ile certainly deserves success.
The New London Sun.
N April, 1887, Dover and Lyman commenced the publication of an independent newspaper with the above name, which they issued weekly. The firm continued in existence but a short time, Mr. Lyman retiring, his interest being purchased by his partner, W. S. Dover. The latter continued its publication till the following winter, when C. Dailey hecame sole proprietor, and is now engaged in the publication of the paper. The Sun is a neat paper, and well deserves the patronage of the community where it is published.
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Gehe Insane Asylum.
EW persons visit Mt. Pleasant without tak- ing a look through the magnificent buildings for the insane of the State. Gov. Grimes, in his message to the Fifth General Assembly called attention to the necessity of the State providing some place for the care of its insane. Agreeable to his suggestion, the Legislature appointed a com- missioner and appropriated $50,000 for the erection of a suitable building. On the 17th of March, 1855, the valuable tract of land now occupied by the asylum, containing 123 acres, was purchased for $25 per acre. The Commissioners, Edward Johnson of Lee County, and Dr. Charles S. Clark of Henry County, anthorized by the act, proceeded to visit the best hospitals and asylums in other States, and also procured a plan from Dr. Bell, of the MeLean Asylum at Somerville, Mass., which was afterward substantially followed in the erection of the hospital. The act establishing the asylum and appropriating 850,000 for the erection of the building, advised that the plan determined on by the board should be one that would admit of future enlargement. From the information ob- tained, it was readily seen that the $50,000 appro- priated would be insufficient, and the Commis- sioners determined to erect such a building as the experience of others had proved best, trusting to the good sense and liberality of the Legislature to sustain them in their course.
Henry Winslow, who had been connected with the Insane Hospital of Maine, was appointed to superintend the crection of the building, and entered upon the discharge of his duties Oct. 22, 1855. The building was completed and formally opened on the 6th of March, 1861, though one patient had been admitted one week earlier. While the cost of the hospital was much more than the
original appropriation, there being 8400,000 ex- pended in its erection, it was so constructed that additions have since been made that have not de- tracted from the orginal beauty of design, but rather added to it, and to-day the building presents a most magnificent appearance, while the grounds are handsomely kept.
The first officers of the hospital were as follows: Commissioners, IIon. James W. Grimes, Hon. Ed- ward Johnstone, Hon. Ralph P. Lowe, Dr. Charles S. Clark, Hon. Samuel J. Kirkwood, W. II. Postle- waite; Treasurer, Presley Saunders; Clerk, M. L. Edwards; Trustees, Harpin Riggs, Samuel McFar- land, D. L. McGugin, J. D. Elbert, Joseph M. Merrill, John B. Lash, Lincoln Clark, Timothy Stearns, G. W. Kincaid, Thomas Hedge; Superin- tendent, R. J. Patterson, M. D .: Assistant Physi- cian, D. C. Dewey, M. D. ; Stewards, Henry Wins- low, George Josselyn; Matrons, Mrs. Catherine Winslow, Mrs. Anna B. Josselyn.
From the third biennial report of the Trustees the following extract is taken :
"The act for the incorporation and government of the Hospital for the Insane, appointed seven Trustees, two for two years, two for four years and three for six years. The longest term, six years, has not elapsed, yet in this brief space four of the seven have died-Col. Samuel MeFarland, Dr. John D. Elbert, Dr. D. L. MeGugin and Mr. Harpin Riggs. The survivors feel with deep sensibility this fatal and admonitory incursion of death into their nar- row circle; they participate in the grief of the be- reaved families of their late associates, and they lament the loss sustained by lowa of so many citizens whose virtues pointed them out for the work of putting in operation this greatest of the charitable institutions of the State. They cannot refrain from
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
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paying some tribute, slight indeed, to the memory and worth of their departed colleagues. Col. Me- Farland was the youngest member of the board, yet he had attained the foremost rank among the legislators and politicians of the State. He was the author of the law under which we are now acting, and prepared the code of by-laws by which the institution is now governed. No member of the board had more weight or influence than he. When his country summoned him to arms, he obeyed her voice with alaerity, and led his regiment to the field of battle, where he fell, gallantly fighting at its head.
"Dr. Elbert was a pioneer in the settlement of the State; he had been a member of the Territorial Legislature, and President of the Council. IIis generosity, kindness of disposition, and his publie spirit, made him a suitable guardian of an institu- tion of charity, and his cordial good humor made him an agreeable companion in every circle.
"Dr. McGugin occupied the highest rank as a physician, and he devoted his fine talents with zeal to the advancement of medical science and to the improvement of medical education. Ile gave the first impulse to the movement which resulted in the establishment of this magnificent institution. He made a journey in the winter to the capital of the State, to deliver an address before the Legislature, on the necessity of ereeting a hospital for the insane.
"Mr. Riggs was a man of practical and solid sense, and remarkable capacity for the transaction of business. The city of Mt. Pleasant and the county of Henry had employed him in various responsible offices, the duties of which he discharged with ex- emplary fidelity. It was fortunate for the county to have a citizen so upright and so gifted, and it was ereditable to the people to employ him in their service."
On the 18th day of April, 1876, the rear building of the hospital was burned. From a report made by the Trustees, on Oct. 18, 1877, which report was addressed to llis Excellency, Joshua G. New- bold, Governor of Iowa, the following is an extraet : "The burning of the engine-house of the hospital was a calamity unforeseen and of course unprovided for. It placed upon the Board of Trustees what
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they felt to be a grave responsibility, and which would admit of no evasion, but must be met. The boilers, engines and machinery, were either de- stroyed or left without an inclosure or covering. They felt that there was but one course to pursue, and that was to rebuild. It was not a matter of convenience, but of absolute necessity. The erec- tion of a temporary structure was eanvassed and rejected, as being impossible to meet the indispen- sable wants of the hospital during the winter sea- son, as well as being a useless expenditure of money, and as endangering the entire institution. After mature consideration, and advising with Gov. Kirk- wood and other State officers, it was determined to proceed at once to rebuild in a substantial manner, leaving the building unfinished, except so far as necessary to finish, to meet the immediate pressing needs of the hospital. The Superintendent, assisted by Mr. George Josselyn, who had superintended the building of the hospital at Independence, pre- pared plans which were approved by the board, and the work proceeded under the personal super- vision of the Superintendent, who consented to assume that great addition to his duties and respon- sibities, and there has been expended the sum of $32,- 046.43, the details of which are appended to this re- port. »A considerable amount of the sum was not expended upon the building, but was for repairing and replacing machinery destroyed and damaged, and other items. It is believed that for economy in building, strength and durability, as well as for convenience and safety, this structure will compare favorably with any public work in the State. To complete, it will require an expenditure of $5,500. The estimates for proper hospital accommodations were over $39,000.
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