USA > Iowa > Marshall County > The History of Marshall County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., a biographical directory of citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc > Part 58
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There are two notices to the " Stockholders of the Marshall County High School Company." E. H. Chapin, President ; Thomas J. Wilson, Secretary; one to those who have taken stock in it "payable in material or labor," who are called upon to come forward and make some arrangement in regard to the kind of material they desire to furnish, or the manner of work they are ready to perform. The second is to the same stockholders, who are notified that "the Board of Directors have this day levied a second installment of twenty- five per cent., the same to be collected within sixty days." Then P. C. Hol- comb has a large cut of a cooking stove, and follows it with a schedule of "cave troughs, conductors, spouting, sink lining, copper wash-boilers, skimmers, riddles, pans, tea-kettles, pails, tops for chimneys, stove-pipes, tubes, etc." And II. C. Knapp, of La Fayette, states that he will sell groceries lower than can be found anywhere else. And further on, J. Fisher gives a half column to his " Ready-Pay Store," where all kinds of produce will be taken in exchange. And lastly, H. H. Seymour, under the head of "Lost," describes a promissory note "executed in February last, by Jotham Keyes and George W. Voris to Emory Truesdell. There was $101 due on said note when it was lost," and all persons are forbidden to purchase said note, as he has never sold it.
473
HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
CHURCHES.
The religious history of Marshalltown forms an interesting part of the record, not only of the development of the place, but of the county as well, for the influence of the various societies was far-reaching. The introduction of the refining and civilizing element of regular worship is one of the most conspicu- ous eras in the annals of a county.
We place the several societies in their chronological order.
'The Methodist Episcopal Church .- This society was first organized as the Marshalltown Mission. In 1851, Rev. S. Dunton, familiarly known as "Father Dunton," then of Iowa City, being aware of the needs of Central Iowa for missionary work, determined to undertake the founding of a mission here. Father Dunton acted under the Rev. Decimus Young, Presiding Elder of the Iowa City District, Iowa Conference, three years before the organization of the Upper Iowa Conference. Late one night, in 1852, he reached a cabin on Linn Creek, occupied by Mr. Ralls, chilled and hungry from his long ride on horseback, for that was the only means of locomotion in the "saddle-bag period." After enjoying the hospitality of Mr. Ralls, he made an attempt to go onward to Marietta, but after traveling, perhaps twenty miles, and trying to cross the creek, the high water having swung the only bridge from its position. he was obliged to return to Iowa City and wait a more favorable opportunity. Late in the Spring he came back and organized a class, or rather the first church in Marshall County, at Mr. Griffith's, at the corner of Le Grand Township.
The names of the official members of that year, as nearly as can be remem- bered, were Isaac Griffith, Allen Dingy, Henry Starry, Andrew Jackson Smith, J. Hestwood, and two men of the name of Bruce. The mission had, during the first year, an appropriation of $75, of which the Presiding Elder received $25, and the remaining $50 went to Father Dunton, which, with $2 (quarter- age) made $52, which was the entire salary of this pioneer of Methodism. He remained in charge one year, and reported at its close fifteen members. The Marshalltown Circuit, at this date, included Marshalltown, Albion, Marietta, Timber Creek, Three Mile Grove, Le Grand and Indiantown, in Tama County.
Rev. John Stewart, of the Iowa Conference, succeeded Father Dunton, and remained on the circuit for one year. 3 Rev. Wm. Armstrong was appointed to
the work in 1854, and also remained but one year. Little is recorded of his ministerial work. In the Fall of 1855, Father Dunton was re-appointed to the circuit, and had a prosperous year. He had a revival at Marshalltown, and accessions to the church all over the work. This year the Upper Iowa Confer- ence was formed, and Marshalltown passed under its jurisdiction. Father Dunton remained this time but a single year.
In the Fall of 1856, the Rev. A. T. Shinn was appointed by the Upper Iowa Conference, Rev. J. M. Rankin being Presiding Elder. Brother Shinn was a quaint and forcible preacher, and had been at one time temporary Chap- lain of the House of Representatives. The following is his prayer upon that occasion : "Great God, bless the young and growing State of Iowa; bless her Senators and Representatives ; bless her State officers; give us a sound currency, pure water and undefiled religion, for Christ's sake, Amen." Brother Shinn remained one year and a part of another at this work, and was then stricken with mental aberration. He left his duties and moved with his family to Nebraska, where he died. Sister Shinn is still a worthy claimant upon the Fifth Collection Fund of the Upper Iowa Conference.
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HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
The unexpired portion of Mr. Shinn's year was supplied by Rev. C. G. Truesdell, then a local preacher at Iowa City, subsequently an efficient member of the Upper Iowa Conference, and now a member of the Rock River Conference.
In 1857, the Sabbath school of the M. E. Church of Marshalltown was formed and H. C. Henderson elected its first Superintendent, which position he held for twelve years. In the Fall of 1858, the Rev. C. Babcock was appointed to this work and remained only one year. During the ministry of Mr. Bab- cock the famous county seat fight occurred between Marietta, the old county seat, and Marshalltown. In this contest Mr. Babcock took sides with Marshall- town, thereby incurring the most bitter displeasure of the citizens of the former place, who not only refused to hear him dispense to them the word of life, but also gave him severe personal abuse, a warning to all preachers of the Gospel not to enter into ordinary political squabbles or local fights, continually liable to arise in any community. At the end of his first year he was succeeded by Rev. L. Truesdell, in 1859, who remained two years, and was the first preacher of the charge who made any written record. He says, among other things: "There being very imperfect records of Marshalltown circuit, and some of the former Pastors being dead. it was impossible to secure information proper to be recorded in this book, prior to 1859. I have, therefore, only recorded the names and conditions as I found them upon my arrival, and as this appointment was the first made at this station, and as there had never been a legally incorporated Board of Trustees, or correct minutes of any proceeding, I therefore thought best to make up the record from the best information I could get without refer- ence to any former administration, and only record such names and facts as are personally known to me."
The present church building enterprise was inaugurated by Mr. Truesdell. prior to this period. The preaching was done in the school house and in the Court House. From records and reports it is gathered that the church, about this time, began to take on more organic form than at any time previous in her history, and that the pastorate of Brother Truesdell was a successful one. He was succeeded by the Rev. J. K. Fuller, who entered upon his work in the Fall of 1861, and remained one year. Nothing special occurred during his ministry. His audiences were good. his sermons instructive and his influence in the town salutary. He remained only one year, and left the church in a good condition.
In the Fall of 1862, the Rev. Thomas Thompson was appointed to Mar- shalltown. No special interest manifested itself during his one year's stay.
Rev. J. M. Rankin received his appointment in the Fall of 1863, and continued in it for two years. He had been previously Presiding Elder. The Rev. A. B. Kendig entered this charge in 1864, and during his year, the church passed through a revival. The parsonage property south of the church was sold this vear, but was regained again in 1873, by Rev. S. A. Lee. He was succeeded by Rev. S. N. Fellows in 1866. ITis influence among the young people was good, and his work was attended by a marked revival. This gentleman received the appointment of Professor in the Iowa State University, which he accepted. and resigned his pastorate. His resignation was very much regretted by church and community.
Rev. 1. K. Tuttle came in the Fall of 1867, and remained two years. The parsonage property north of South Mam street was purchased this year and afterward exchanged for the one sold during Mr. Kendig's administration. He left the church in a good condition.
Rev. H. S. Church came in the Fall of 1869. His ministry gave general satisfaction.
aoh VEiding EDITOR MARSHALLTOWN REPUBLICAN
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HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
The Rev. Richard Swearengen was appointed to the charge in the Fall of 1870. He was regarded as a very able preacher, and carried the church through one of the most critical periods of her history. He remained two years and left the city universally respected by all.
The Rev. Simon A. Lee came in the Fall of 1872, and remained two years and did as faithful work as was ever performed by Pastor in Marshalltown. The church was largely increased in membership and its financial condition was greatly enhanced.
Rev. John Clinton arrived on the ground October 18, 1874. He decided to inaugurate steps to improve and add to the present church property. On the 19th of September, 1875, the addition and remodeling of the church having been completed, it was dedicated. The cost attending this work, including fur- nishing, was about $5,500, a very small portion of which had to be raised on the day of dedication.
Rev. S. W. Heald came in October, 1877, and has been a faithful laborer. A large revival has been held during his administration, and the Church is generally progressing.
The above history was chiefly compiled by Rev. John McClinton, and is taken from the records of the Church.
The First Presbyterian Church organized on the 15th day of March, 1858, with about thirteen members-Rev. James Gordon, Pastor. John Fisher, Jr .. and James Fairman were elected Elders, and John Fisher, Jr., Clerk. Rev. James Gordon preached at stated times for a period of from two to three years. In February, 1862, the records of the Church were destroyed by the burning of the store of John Fisher, Jr. In the Fall of 1862, an auxiliary society was organized, under the name of the First Presbyterian Society of Marshalltown. Rev. L. H. Loss, more commonly known as De Loss, being the minister in charge of the Church. In the Spring of 1864, through the efforts of Mr. De Loss, the Church and society took steps toward the erection of a house of worship. A loss of from ten to fifteen hundred dollars, through the rascality of one of the contractors, caused the work of building to drag. The house was completed and dedicated in November, 1865, at a cost of nearly twelve thousand dollars.
On July 12, 1865, Rev. Mr. De Loss departed this life. He is remem- bered as a man of great ability and energy and large public spirit. The Cem- etery Association is chiefly indebted to him for its organization. Rev. H. H. Kellogg accepted a call to the pulpit August 29, 1865. The officers at this time were: W. C. Ranney, V. V. Draper and J. H. Bradley, Elders ; J. H. Bradley, Clerk. Membership, January 1, 1865, fifty-two. Rev. Mr. Kellogg
remained in charge of the Church until January 1, 1868. Membership, Jan- uary 1, 1868, 126. Officers-W. C. Ranney, J. H. Bradley, N. Gillespie. Chester Clark and B. K. Adams, Elders ; B. K. Adams, Clerk. Rev. Joshua Cooke supplied the pulpit from January 1, 1868, to January 1, 1869. Rev. H. B. Goodale was installed as Pastor of the Church on July 4, 1869. He remained with the Church, as Pastor, until April 27, 1873. Rev. W. W. Thorpe was called to the Church May 19, 1873. His services as Pastor con- tinned until October 15, 1876. Rev. J. M. Carmichael has occupied the pulpit since February, 1877. Membership, April 1, 1878, 177.
The Baptist Church .- A meeting of Baptists was held at the residence of Delos Arnold, in Marshalltown, August 25, 1863, at which the " First Regular Baptist Church of Marshall" was organized. On this occasion, Rev. J. B. Peat acted as Moderator, and G. S. Eddy as Clerk. The following persons L
478
HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
were present and put in their letters from other churches, and constituted the first membership: Henry James and wife, A. Leroy and wife, A. Stone and wife, Delos Arnold and wife, S. Remington and wife, Hannah Geitgy, Elizabeth Wickersham, Mary Randall and Catherine Lodge. The Church maintained regular meetings and received accessions from time to time, although without a Pastor or honse of worship. until January 3, 1865, when a call was extended to Rev. A. F. Willey, of Burlington, who accepted the pastorate and took charge of the Church in March of the same year. The first public meetings were held in Woodbury Hall, and later in the Court House. Shortly after Mr. Willey's arrival, a Sunday school was organized.
During the month of May of the same year, a lot was purchased on Church street, south of the square, at a cost of $500, and a subscription paper was cir- culated to secure funds for building a house of worship. Very little was done that season toward building. Rev. Mr. Willey was continued as Pastor the next year (1866); and in March, a plan was adopted and authority was given a committee to proceed with the erection of the fine ediffice which now graces the central part of the city. The structure was not completed until the Spring of 1868. Its cost was $17,500.
In 1866, the membership had increased to fifty-nine. In May of this year, Pastor Willey was prostrated by sickness, and resigned his charge. On the 16th of December, same year, a call was extended to Rev. O. A. Holmes. He accepted the call, and remained with the Church until November 4, 1871, when he resigned. During his pastorate, the church building was completed, and dedicated April 5, 1868. Rev. N. F. Ravlin preached the sermon of dedica- tion. During this period, the Church had increased largely in membership and influence.
In February, 1872, Rev. Lyman J. Fisher accepted a call from the Church. and continued his labors successfully until January, 1874, when, by reason of ill health, he was led to resign. In September, 1874, Rev. D. N. Mason ac- cepted the pastorate, and occupied the pulpit until December 31, 1875. Dur- ing the Spring of 1876, Rev. J. C. Hurd was called, and labored diligently until May, 1878, when he resigned.
At present, the Church is without a Pastor. It has a membership of about two hundred, and a handsome church edifice.
St. Matthew's (Episcopal) Church, Marshalltown .- The first religious serv- ices held in Marshalltown (and probably the first in Marshall County), accord- ing to the usages of the Protestant Episcopal Church, were held on the first Sunday in November, 1863, in Woodbury Hall, morning and afternoon, by the Rev. X. A. Welton, then Rector of Gethsemane Church, Iowa Center.
The next were held in the same place, in the evening of August 15, 1864, by the Rt. Rev. H. W. Lee, Bishop of the Diocese, assisted by the Rev. C. S. Percival, then Rector of Grace Church, Cedar Rapids. These services were well attended, and the musical portion impressively rendered by a volunteer choir.
From this time, occasional services were held by Bishop Lee and the Rev. Mr. Percival, until the latter part of the year 1867, when, on the 18th of December, the first meeting was held looking toward a permanent organization. This meeting was held in the office of C. W. Fracker, who was appointed a committee to solicit funds for the support of a clergyman, the rent of a place of worship and other necessary expenses.
The meeting at which the parish was formally organized, was held at the office of C. W. Fracker, the Rev. C. S. Percival presiding, on the 23d of
479
HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
March, 1868. Articles of Incorporation were adopted, the parish was duly organized under the name of St. Matthew's Church, and the following persons were elected as the first Vestry : Herman Howe, C. W. Fracker, A. C. Abbott, E. G. Sleight, J. H. H. Frisbee, Win. W. Williams and C. C. Lytle. Mr. Howe was chosen Senior Warden ; Mr. Fracker, Junior Warden ; Mr. Abbott, Treasurer ; and Mr. Frisbee, Clerk.
On the 10th of May, 1868, the Rev. C. S. Percival, having been informally in charge of the organization from the first, was duly chosen Rector of the parish, at a salary of $500 for services every other Sunday, he being employed as Missionary at Tama City, on the alternate Sundays. This arrangement was continued until the close of the year 1869, when his constant services were received at a salary of $1,100 per annum. Thus, within two years of the time of its organization, the parish became self-supporting, with a Rector constantly employed. This achievement, unprecedented in the history of the Diocese, did not fail to receive the hearty congratulations of the Bishop and of the Diocesan Convention.
The Vestry, soon after the organization of the parish, secured (first by rent and afterward by purchase) the Lutheran Church, on River (now State) street, and continued to occupy it as a place of worship during the rectorship of the Rev. Mr. Percival, which terminated on the 1st of January, 1871.
At that time, the parish consisted of sixty-five families, ninety-two commu- nicants and a congregation numbering in all above 200 souls. About the 1st of March, 1871, the church on State street was sold to the Swedes for $2,000, the mortgage on the same amounting to $1.500. Soon after this, a lot was purchased on Church street, and measures were immediately taken for building thereon a stone church to cost about $8,000. On the 29th of August, 1871. the Rt. Rev. Bishop Lee, assisted by the Rev. Samuel Edson, of Cedar Rapids, and the Rev. C. S. Percival, then of Independence, laid the corner stone of the new edifice with impressive ceremonies, in the presence of a large concourse of people.
The opening service in the new church was held about a year from that time, viz., on the 14th of July, 1872, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Lee, assisted by the Rev. T. B. Kemp, then of Oskaloosa. The rectorship of the parish continued vacant until the following month (over a year and a half in all) when the Rev. W. F. Morrison received and accepted a call to the position of Minis- ter in Charge. This arrangement continued about ten months, i. e., till the 12th of June, 1873, when the Parish again became vacant.
About this time, the Rev. R. D. Brooke, of Davenport, received and accepted a call as Rector, but did not enter upon the duties of his office until the following September. Mr. Brooke held the rectorship but one year, when he accepted a call to another field of labor.
After a vacancy of nearly two years, the Rev. C. T. Stout, of Fort Dodge, accepted a call to the Rectorship, in the latter part of June, 1876. This clergyman held the position of Rector a year and nine months, resigning the same on the 18th, of March, 1878. Since that time the parish has again been vacant, although the Rev. C. S. Percival, the founder and first Rector of the parish (now Principal of Percival Academy, Marshalltown, and Missionary at Ames), holds divine service every other Sunday.
The frequent change of Rectors, the short pastorates and the long vacancies, together with the heavy debt (amounting now to nearly $6,000), have told sadly upon the prosperity of the parish. Fears have been expressed that the property (one of the most beautiful churches in the Diocese) may be irredeem- ably alienated, and even that the organization may be given up. But it is
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HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY. 1
devoutly to be hoped that so great a disaster will, in some way, be averted. During all their discouragements, the parishioners have kept up a prosperous Sunday school, averaging sixty or seventy scholars ; and a parish that maintains a live Sunday school is very far from being dead.
The following well-known gentlemen compose the present Vestry : C. W. Fracker, C. Holmdale, A. C. Abbott, E. G. Sleight, J. E. Deitrich, A. F. Havadon and S. P. Knisely. The first two named are the Wardens ; Mr. Deitrich is Secretary, and Mr. Knisely is Treasurer.
The First Congregational Church .- Until the Summer of 1868, the Con- gregationalists who came to this place, inasmuch as there was here no church of their own order, attached themselves to the Presbyterian Church. But as they continued to come in considerable numbers, and as the town promised large growth, it was believed that the time had arrived for the organization of a Con- gregational Church. In accordance, therefore, with the custom in such cases, those interested in the enterprise, proceeded to call a Council from neighboring Congregational Churches to meet with and advise them in the matter, and if it should seem best, to aid in the organization of such a church.
In response to the invitation, there were present from the Church in Belle Plaine-Rev. D. Lane, Pastor ; J. Baker, delegate ; Boonsboro-Rev. O. C. Dickerson, Pastor ; Green Mountain-Rev. R. Stuart, Pastor ; J. C. Hopkins, delegate ; Oxford-Rev. H. L. Bullen, Pastor; Geo. Blake, delegate ; also, Rev. J. Guernsey, D. D., Superintendent of Home Missions in Iowa, for the American Home Missionary Society.
By the courtesy of the Baptist brethren, the meeting was held in their house of worship, at 10 A. M., July 9, 1868. The morning session was spent as a meeting for prayer. At 2 P. M., the Council was organized by the elec- tion of Rev. D. Lane, as Moderator. and Rev. H. L. Bullen, as Scribe. At the request of the Moderator A. C. Carpenter, as committee in behalf of those calling the Council, stated in full the reasons for the step now taken, and the need of such a church in Marshalltown. The minutes of all the proceedings. preliminary hereto were read by Honestus H. Johnson. The Confession of Faith and Covenant, proposed to be adopted were also read, and the names of those intending to enter into the organization, with their letters of dismission and recommendation from other churches.
The Council found the various statements and the letters all orderly and satisfactory ; and advised that the organization be made, which was formally done at 8 o'clock the same evening, at the place above mentioned. The fol- lowing are the names of those who constituted the original members of the First Congregational Church of Marshalltown.
Abner H. McNitt and Mrs. Sophronia D. McNitt, Mrs. S. Jeannette Miller, A. C. Carpenter and Mrs. Ann Carpenter, Honestus H. Johnson and Mrs. Anna M. Johnson, Dea. Joseph Greeley, Nathan Wheeler and Mrs. Mary Wheeler, Laura Wheeler, daughter of the above ; eleven in all. Of these, six (at this writing, Aug .. 1878), remain in the Church; three have died ; two have removed from the place.
For a few weeks the young Church met, as they could, in the Baptist or Lutheran house of worship, and had such pulpit supply as they could secure.
In August. they extended a call to Rev. R. B. Bull, of Henry, Ill., to be- come their Pastor, at a salary of $1,000 per year, the Home Mission Society guaranteeing one-half of that sum. The year following, the same Society fur- nished $400 aid, from which time on, the church became self-supporting, having received in all, $900 of Home Mission aid.
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HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
Mr. Bull's ministry lasted but two years, closing Ang. 31, 1870. During the first year, services were held in the Court House ; the second year in Rice's Hall. In the latter part of this year, a movement was made toward building the present house of worship. The lot on which it stands, with the small dwelling in the rear. was purchased on $1,500, and the edifice erected thereon, was put up at a total cost of $3,815.
Rev. W. L. Bray, of Newton, lowa, was immediately invited as the suc- cessor to the pastorate, and entered on his work before October. He was in- stalled over the Church Dec. 22, 1870, and somewhere about the same time, the new house of worship was dedicated. Mr. Bray's ministry continued a little more than three years, or until the close of December, 1873.
For three months following, the pulpit was supplied chiefly by Rev. G. F. Magoun, D. D., President of Iowa College ; a call meanwhile having been ex- tended to Rev. W. Windsor, then of Morrisville, N. Y., who came to the pas- torate March 8, 1874, and who is still with the Church.
In these ten years of its existence, this church has grown to be one of the important religious agencies of the city, and has always proved itself ready for co-operative and aggressive Christian work. More than 100 have been lost to its number by the usual causes, leaving its present membership 154. Its gifts to all Christian missionary and charitable purposes, abroad and at home, for the past seven years, the time during which, record has been kept, have been about $1.300. The society has no incumbrance upon its property, having extin- guished the last remaining arrearages a year ago, and in common with its sister churches in the city, this one also is looking forward to a useful and prosper- ous future.
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