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 63
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The Presbyterian Church was organized in 1856, by Rev. James Gordon, now residing in Tecumseh, Kansas. There were ten members, Archibald Alison was one of the first Elders, and has ever since held that place. Mr. Gordon remained in charge for five years. At the close of his ministrations there were thirty members on the rolls.
In 1861, the Church was changed from Presbyterian to Lutheran, with Rev. A. M. Geiger in charge, who was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Shafer. At this time the Seminary was in the hands of the Lutherans. and Messrs. Geiger and Shafer were at the head of the institute during their respective pastorates. In 1865, Dr. L. Sternburg succeeded Mr. Shafer in his dual office.
In 1868, the Church was re-organized by Rev. H. H. Kellogg, then of Mar- ' shalltown. Dr. Sternburg remained in charge for some months after the latter change, and then removed to Ft. Harker, Kansas, where he is still residing, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at that place. Rev. John Summers next took the lead of the Albion society, and remained there for four years, when he died. Rev. Isaiah Reed next was Pastor, for eighteen months, when Rev. W. R. Smith took the place vacated by him, and retained his pastoral relations for one and a half years. He was instrumental in building a church edifice which cost $3,000. The present Pastor, Rev. David Chapman, late of Philadelphia. moved to Albion in the Winter of 1877-8. Sixty five members were added that Winter, by a revival.
The Disciple Church .- In 1871, the Disciples living in and about Albion thought it best to organize a church in town rather than to go out three miles into the country and meet at Bethel, as they had hitherto done. Elder H. A. McConnell was preaching at Bethel and it was under his ministrations that the Albion Church was organized. At first only about twenty members of the old Bethel Church went into this organization. Subsequently others moved their membership to the town Church. Bethel lost in the first " swarm " some thirty or forty members. These were, however, faithful workers in their new field and have grown up to a present membership of about one hundred. In 1872 the Church built a neat frame meeting house 36x48. The Church had as their preacher in 1872-3, a young man of the name of John L. Needham. In 1873, he died. In 1873-4, Elder J. G. Enull was their preacher. He was fol- lowed by Elder A. Hickey, who preached one year. The Church enjoyed monthly visits from Elder F. M. Bruner, President of Oskaloosa College, in 1876. With the beginning of 1877, Elder F. Walden began his labors as Pastor, and continues in that capacity to the present. Since their present Pas- tor began his labors, about fifty have been added to the Church. The present membership is about one hundred. The officers are: Ira R. Arney, A. T. Hall and M. MeLelland, Elders ; J. M. Burkhart and D. G. Bishop, Deacons. Elder F. Walden, Pastor.
Society of Friends .- The original settlement of Friends was made in Ban- gor Township at an early date. The post office was called Western Plain, and was established long before the town of Bangor was planned. The Society goes back to 1854, at which time James Owens, Abijah Hodjins, Jacob Kinser and John Hockett were leading members. The first marriage celebrated under the rites of the Church was that of Enoch Lewis and wife. August 21, 1856. The latter couple moved to Albion and are now among the leading members of the Society of which we write. In 1873-4, meetings were held in Albion, with Mrs. Hannah Lewis as the prime mover. Abram Stanley and wife were the first Friends to locate in the vicinity of Albion, and with Enoch Lewis and wife, William T. Adell and wife, Elijah Stanley and wife, Milton J. Hussey
513
HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
and wife, and Hannah, Elizabeth G. and Hannah N. Lewis, formed a society in that town. Meetings were held at various places until October, 1877, when the Society purchased the school house vacated upon the completion of the new school building, and converted it into a house of worship. The present Trustees ees are Lancaster Bell and Enoch Lewis. The Society is in a prosperous condition.
POST OFFICE.
Although the town was originally called La Fayette, the post office was Albion from the date of its location, owing to the fact that there already was a La Fayette in the State. The office was established in the Fall of 1853. H. H. Seymour was the first Postmaster. E. Alford succeeded him. Then Thomas Parnell held the place. He was succeeded by Geo. E. Keyes. Gideon Wheeler was appointed in 1866, and still retains the office.
MASONIC.
There is but one secret society in Albion : Damascus Lodge, No. 268, A., F. §. A. M. Began work under dispensation September 13, 1869. Charter granted June, 1870, with the following first officers : S. E. Burroughs, W. M .; E. C. McMillan, S. W .; Wm. Denbow, J. W .; J. U. Heacock, Treasurer ; Charles C. Berry, Secretary ; Henry Hill, S. D .; E. Hill. J. D .; J. H. Rey- nolds, Steward; G. Wheeler, Tiler. The present officers are ; J. S. Hixson, W. M .; A. S. Wylie, S. W .; D. W. Randolph, J. W .; H. S. Patrick, Treas- urer ; U. L. Patton, Secretary ; J. N. Howell, S. D .; L. Mckinnon, J. D .; J. Moran, S. S .; J. Rolston, J. S .; J. Gruber, Tiler. Membership, fifty-seven.
GENERAL ITEMS.
The present business interests of Albion are : One dry goods store, five groceries, one boot and shoe store, one drug store, one furniture store and cabinet shop, one painter, one carpenter, two blacksmith shops, two wagon shops, two barbed wire fence shops, one nursery and two elevators. The latter are the leading business enterprises in the place. Patton & Rolston and W. D. Post are the respective owners, and deal extensively in grain, cattle, hogs and lumber.
There are three physicians in the town.
THE ALBION SEMINARY.
The leading denominational, or independent educational institution in this county is the Albion Seminary, which is conducted by and under the general patronage of the Methodist Episcopals of the Upper Iowa Conference.
The Seminary became the property of the Methodists in 1872. The Articles of Incorporation were dated October 4th of that year. The name by which it is designated was then chosen, and the property placed in the hands of fifteen Trustees, five of whom are annually replaced, the new members entering upon a three-year term of office.
The realty was conditionally transferred by Mr. T. Swearingen to the Board of Trustees, but in the name of the Albion Seminary, so that the title is not vested in individuals.
The first Board consisted of T. W. Tucker, John Bowman, D. R. Randolph, J. Montgomery, C. F. Clarkson, E. Lewis, F. M. Robertson, G. H. Troutman. S. A. Lee, D. Hatton, J. C. McVay, J. B. Tailor, J. B. Ralston, U. Eberhart and E. J. Coffin.
514
HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
This Board chose C. F. Clarkson for President ; Uriah Eberhart and S. A. Lee, Vice Presidents ; Enoch Lewis, Secretary ; J. B. Rolston, Treasurer.
The gentlemen proceeded to secure a sufficient sum to endow the Seminary, and for the first two years the records show a vigorous fight for life.
The property occupied by the Seminary is the building originally erected for the Marshall County High School, and the eight lots of land upon which the edifice stands. The history of this venture is related further on in this chapter.
The first session of school began in the Fall of 1872, with Samuel G. Smith as Principal ; Misses Abbie Gifford and Lizzie Roberts, Teachers, and Mrs. . Cripps, Instructor in Music.
The second year began with Mr. Smith still in the Principal's chair ; John Sanborn, Teacher of Mathematics ; G. T. Cowgill, Assistant; Lizzie Roberts, Teacher of English ; Mary Marine, Teacher of Music ; J. B. Ward, Mrs. M. R. Ward and W. T. Adell, of the Faculty.
The first catalogue issued was for the year ending June 16, 1875. The faculty then consisted of: Samuel G. Smith, Principal and Professor of Lan- guages ; John Sanborn, Professor of Mathematics ; Miss Anna Carter, Teacher of English ; Rev. Wm. B. Frazell, Teacher of Physiology ; Henry B. Cour- sen, Teacher of Music : J. B. Carpenter, Teacher of Vocal Music ; R. L. Rowe and W. T. Adell, Commercial Department ; Miss Elizabeth Roberts, Primary Department.
The attendance was :
SEMINARY DEPARTMENT.
Sophomores
9
Freshmen.
20
COLLEGE DEPARTMENT. 12
First year
SEMINARY PREPARATORY.
Seniors 85
Juniors. 69
Commercial. 21
Music.
28
Total 244
36
Counted twice.
Students in attendance. 208
The general scope and design were set forth as follows :
1. To furnish an English education to a class of students whose early advantages were few, and yet whose age and general development enable them do to work more rapidly than is possible in our graded schools.
2. To prepare young men and women for admission to the classical college courses of higher institutions.
3. To afford a general education and culture to those who desire more than a common school education, and yet are compelled to accept less than a regular course.
4. To give to all who may come under its influence such an intellectual and moral bias as shall tend to make them well balanced men and women.
The corporation then valued its property in building, grounds, notes, etc., at $25,000, $8,000 of which was productive.
The Faculty for the college year 1875-6 consisted of John Sanborn, Princi- pal, Mathematics and Latin ; Rev. J. S. McIntyre, Science and History ; H. B. Coursen, Music and Bookkeeping ; Miss Ida M. Gause, Drawing and Paint-
515
HISTORY OF MARSIIALL COUNTY.
ing ; Miss Lizzie Roberts, English and Penmanship ; W. T. Adell, Commercial Department; Clara G. Swearingen, W. K. Williams and Minnie R. Beach, Assistant Teachers ; Clara G. Swearengen, Librarian.
The attendance was :
NORMAL DEPARTMENT.
Senior Year
1
Middle "
4
Junior .. 24
COLLEGE PREPARATORY.
13
Seniors
71
Juniors
56
Music
48
Total. 217
Counted twice.
32
Students in attendance. 185
The Faculty for 1876-7 was as follows : Prof. John Sanborn, A. M., Prin- cipal, Mathematics and Latin ; Rev. John S. McIntyre, B. S., Science and History ; Miss Adalena N. McCormac, Music, French and German ; Prof. Geo. H. Blanchard, Commercial Department ; Miss Jennie M. Beasom, Draw- ing and Painting ; Jessie B. Swearingen. Almira J. Hedges, Primary ; Laura Fallas, Librarian.
The attendance fell off during the year to the following :
NORMAL DEPARTMENT.
Senior Year
3
Middle
5
Junior
15
COLLEGE PREPARATORY.
First Year.
10
Seniors.
52
Juniors
60
Music ..
55
Commercial
28
Total
228
Counted twice.
73
Students in attendance. 155
The Faculty for 1877-8 was : John Sanborn, A. M., Principal, Mathemat- ics and Latin ; Prof. Edward P. Fogg, Science and History ; Miss Adalena N. McCormac, Music, French and German; Prof. Charles H. Taylor, Commer- cial Department ; Miss Jennie M. Beasom, Drawing and Painting ; Miss Sarah C. Coble, Primary ; M. I. Swearingen, Librarian.
The attendance was increased during this year, notwithstanding the institu- tion of an excellent public school in the village. The classes were made up as follows :
NORMAL DEPARTMENT.
Senior Year
?
Middle "
3
Junior
14
COLLEGE PREPARATORY.
Second Year
3
First
6
First year.
SEMINARY PREPARATORY.
SEMINARY PREPARATORY.
516
HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
SEMINARY PREPARATORY.
Seniors
39
Juniors 38
Music. 80
Commercial
37
Total.
222
Counted twice.
47
Students in attendance
175
The present year, beginning September 5th, 1878, opens with good cause for courage on the part of the friends of the Seminary. The building has been repaired and is now a pleasant place of recitation. A portion of the building is rented to students, as lodging rooms.
The Faculty now consists of the following-named ladies and gentlemen : Rev. W. F. Barclay, A. M., Principal, and Professor of Mental and Moral Science and Language; Edward P. Fogg, Professor of Mathematics and Science ; Mrs. Jessie Fogg, Assistant ; Mrs. Jennie Doron Barclay, Teacher of Elocution ; , Teacher of Music, French and German ; Prof. E. P. Fogg, Teacher of Commercial Department.
Rev. Uriah Eberhart is President, and D. W. Randolph, Treasurer, of the Board. Prof. Fogg has charge of the Seminary building. An era of pros- perity is about to begin, we have no doubt, since the Conference has manifested a strong disposition to work in the interests of the institution. The checkered history of the school is to end in a satisfactory manner. The people of the county should labor to attain the object in view, and fully realize the import of the old adage, " all's well that ends well."
EARLY HISTORY OF THE PROPERTY.
A sketch of the origin of the school building now used by the Methodists will not be uninteresting. Like all other matters of the decade of '50-'60, the omnipresent county seat fight enters largely into the record of the insti- tution.
There are several items of contemporaneous history necessary to mention, as explanatory of the conditions upon which the school was conceived and created.
The county of Marshall had received from the State a large quantity of lands known as swamp lands, and as such transferred by the United States Government to the State of Iowa, which lands were designed to redeem un- tillable lands, by devoting the proceeds of the sales thereof to the draining of swamps and sloughs. The total value of the swamp land appropriation in this county was something over $50,000 originally. At the date of which we write, there was still a large amount standing to the credit of the county. Nature had been generous with Marshall, however, and arranged a plan of drainage far su- perior to that of the most skillful civil engineer. The hills and valleys of the county had performed the work so essential to the health and prosperity of man. The county found its fertile acres free from standing water, and still had a rich fund in the treasury. The fund could not be drawn out to the relief of any other account without special action of the Legislature, and to that source of remedy the eyes of the people were turned.
The educational interests of the State have always been jealously watched ; so much so that discretion has not always been manifested. The methods some- times resorted to, to aid a good cause, have been pronounced unconstitutional. Thus it was that the establishment of a high school by direct taxation, as pro-
517
HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
posed by the Legislature, at about the time now referred to, was set aside, practically, by Justice Wright's decision that direct tax could not be levied and administered upon like other county funds. The rendering of this opinion, be- ing contemporaneous with the events soon to be recited, was a governing cause in the effects now to be written about
The Legislature passed a bill providing for the employment of the unneeded swamp land funds, in such counties as Marshall, for the "erection of county buildings or for other improvements." This law was approved January 25, 1855.
A subsequent Legislative enactment introduced the plan of establishing in- stitutions of learning in counties of a certain size ; the schools to partake of the character of the present Normal Department of the public schools.
The theory upon which these schools were to be sustained involved direct taxation, a plan which did not meet with general approval. The system was passed upon by the Supreme Court, as alluded to herein, but at a date subse- quent to the action of the people in this county.
Upon this portion of the history of the movement, there is great obscurity. We can find no one who remembers the details of proceedings clearly enough to warrant recital as facts, nor are there any records extant. We give what appears to be an approximation of correctness, but do not represent the account as absolutely reliable. We have consulted with many of the original partici- pators in the affair, and experience no slight surprise at the remarkable una- nimity of bad memory concerning the incidents of this part of the county history.
Judge Smith informs us that during the year 1857, or about that time, a vote was taken by the people on the question of the establishment of the school, but a negative decision was the result.
At this period, the county seat fight was raging, and the town of Albion stood as an intermediate power, holding the two factions-Marietta and Mar- shalltown-in check. As Albion went, so went the battle. It was exceedingly natural that the little town should feel its oats, and play the Bismarck in the contest.
Marietta saw its golden opportunity, and at once offer proposals to her neighbor. There may have been no definite agreement between the leaders of these towns, but it seemed to be understood that, if Albion would vote for Mar- ietta, the latter would raise $3,000 for the high school, and donate it to the good cause.
Such an alliance could not be kept a secret, of course, and Marshalltown soon heard of the plan. Mr. Woodbury at once blocked the game by raising the amount by voluntary subscriptions, considerably above the sum proposed by Marietta.
Notes were issued by both parties, and Albion set to work to raise a fund of her own. The result of the negotiations was that Albion voted for Marshall- town as county seat, and the victory was won by the latter. Of this matter we speak fully in the chapter on the county seat conflict.
After the election had passed off favorably to Marshalltown, the notes given for the school began to trouble the minds of the makers thereof. How to effect a compromise with Albion and become relieved of the embarrassing obligations, was the prevailing study with the shrewd Marshalltowners. Nor was Marietta far behind in the desire to open up a new lead. " There were giants in those days," we sincerely believe ; for a patient delving among the records of the County Court and the swamp land books, shows that the imputation of dullness cannot be truthfully made against the men engaged in the manipulation of the matter at this stage of the proceedings.
1
518
HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
It the year 1858, the public school system of this State was so arranged that an advisory organization, known as the Board or Presidents, existed herein, and was composed of the several Presidents of the School Boards in the county.
During the session of the Legislature in 1857-8, a bill was passed, and ap- proved March 12, 1858, authorizing the creation of an institution of learning, to be called a " high school," but to embody the plans and principles of what is now known as a normal school.
In 1858, the Board of Presidents resolved to establish a high school in this county. The question first to be decided was the important one of location. At this point in the history the veil is lifted from the apparent, and the writer finds himself facing that which was once secret-the motives of those who con- ceived the construction of the school. We have no doubt that there was an honest desire on the part of the Board to benefit the youth of the county by insuring greater educational advantages ; but there was an undercurrent beneath the smooth surface of the transactions of that body.
Prominent among the members was the ever-active G. M. Woodbury, who was personally interested in the notes, and who regarded the interests of Mar- shalltown as his own.
If the writers of those notes could be relieved at no expense to the county, and the high school still realize as much or greater benefit from some other plan, there surely was no harm in the inauguration of a new scheme.
The most characteristic item we have encountered in the Marshall County Times is the one given below, which appeared November 10, 1858. It is par- tially explanatory of itself, but the modest lack of knowledge manifested by the editor is peculiarly naive. To those whose memories are refreshed by this chapter, the item will be exceedingly amusing :
At the meeting of the Board of Presidents some time since, that body determined to establish a High School under the new law, but without expense to the county in the erection of suitable buildings. They accordingly elected a Board of Trustees, viz. : G. M. Woodbury, William Di- shon, William H. Howard, L. W. Lockwood, John C. Hopkins, Jacob Glass and Isaac Ringland, and left the door wide open for competitions in donations as inducements to the location of the school. Several meetings of the Board were held with a view to locating the institutioa, but without arriving at any conclusion, until last Saturdy the die was cast in favor of our fair sister Albion (late La Fayette). The Board accepted the proposition of that town to erect buildings for the school at that place without expense to the county, worth not less than $5,000. We con- gratulate Albion upon her good fortune, and trust she may soon rejoice in the realization of her highest hopes from the benefits of Marshall County High School. Her liberality is praiseworthy, and we take pleasure in commending the enterprise and public spirit of her citizens.
To carry out the plan of the Board of Presidents, they formed themselves into a High School, for purposes of negotiation. Albion organized a Marshall County High School Company, becoming incorporated under the State laws, and issued stock at $25 per share.
The following agreement was entered into between the two bodies :
ARTICLE OF AGREEMENT, made and entered into by and between the Mar- shall County High School Company, of the county of Marshall and State of Iowa, of the one part, and "The High School of the county of Marshall and State of Iowa," organized and erected into a body corporate under the act of the Legislature of Iowa, entitled "An act for the public instruction of the State · of lowa," approved March 12, 1858, of the other part witnesseth :
That the said Company hereby covenants and agrees with the said High School of the county and State aforesaid, that in consideration of the location of said High School by the Trustees thereof at the town of Albion, in said county, and other good and sufficient consideration the said Company thereunto moving, the said Company shall and will erect, build and complete at the
519
HISTORY OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
proper cost and charges of said Company, and without expense to said county, suitable buildings for the use and purposes of said High School, of the value of five thousand dollars, said buildings and the lots of ground (eight in number) on which the same shall or may be erected by said Company shall be conveyed wholly to said High School, free from all incumbrance when completed, and to be the absolute property and estate of the said High School so long as the same shall be used for the purposes of said High School ; the buildings to be erected according to plans to be furnished by the Board of Trustees of said High School, said plans to require an outlay, as nearly as practicable, of five thou- sand dollars. And that the said High School, in consideration of the erection and conveyance of the buildings and lots, or lot, as hereinbefore mentioned and specified, is and shall be located by the Board of Trustees thereof at the town of Albion, in said county and State, with all the powers, privileges and rights conferred upon it by law, except as to the levying of taxes for the erec- tion of buildings for the immediate use of said school by the County Judge.
It is mutually agreed and understood by and between the parties hereto, that the said Company shall erect the buildings as aforesaid within two years from the date hereof, and convey the same immediately to the High School upon its completion. And if the parties shall disagree upon the estimate of the value of the buildings, as provided for in the first part of these articles, then the said Company shall select and appoint one arbitrator and the Board of Trustees of said High School shall select and appoint another, and the two thus selected and appointed shall select and appoint a third, and they or a majority of them shall determine the matters in dispute-said arbitrators all to reside out of the the county of Marshall, and be otherwise disinterested.
In witness whereof, the parties have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals this 8th day of November, A. D. 1858.
EDWIN N. CHAPIN, President Marshall High School Co. THOMAS J. WILSON, JR., per E. N. C., Secretary M. C. H. S. Co.
G. M. WOODBURY,
President of the High School of the County of Marshall, State of Iowa.
I. J. TEAGARDEN, Secretary.
For some reason, this contract did not hold good ; possibly because of a lack of accompanying bond. At all events, the first agreement was supplanted by the following, which shows that Mr. Chapin had retired from the Presidency of the Company, and had been succeeded by Thomas Swearingen :
THIS CONTRACT, made and executed in duplicate, the 25th day of January, A. D. 1859, between the Marshall County High School Company of Albion, Iowa, organized and erected into a body corporate under the act of the Legis- lature of Iowa-Chapter 44 of the Code-of the First, and the County of Marshall, State of Iowa, of the Second part,
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