USA > Iowa > Benton County > The history of Benton County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., a biographical directory of its citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics > Part 50
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The foundation of the brick building was laid in the Spring of 1863, and everything pertaining to the enterprise was prospering finely, when the small- pox broke out in the neighborhood and Eld. Sawin was called suddenly to finish his fondly chosen work on earth.
Mrs. Sawin, and her brother, Lauren A. Scott, A. B., of Vermont, agreed to fulfill the contract made by Rev. Mr. Sawin, the subscribers being anxious for the continuance of the school.
The responsibility of collecting the funds and superintending the building now devolved upon L. Marsh, Trustee.
Total number of certificates issued.
415
HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY.
A substantial and commodious building was erected and completed, and the school continued by Mr. A. Scott and Mrs. Sawin.
In 1865, Eld. Whitman leased the buildings, and for several years he and his wife kept a good school.
Again Mrs. Sawin and Mr. Scott took charge and continued the school until 1872.
At that time, Prof. J. G. Craven, A. M., became Principal and proprietor, and, assisted by various members of his family, has since conducted the school. Prof. C. began teaching in 1840, graduated in Miami University in 1845, was, during thirteen consecutive years, successfully engaged as Principal of a high school in Indiana, and has taught in various places in Minnesota and Iowa, and, probably, has prepared a greater number of young gentleman and ladies for teaching and for college than any other teacher in Benton County.
Superintendent Shortiss had rejected 40 per cent. of applicants for certifi- cates until he held an examination in Irving. Eleven of the pupils of the In- stitute were examined, two received first-class certificates and nine second-class.
Supt. Sterrett, of Tama County says, "The uniform success and ability with which the pupils of Irving Institute have taught in the schools of this county, prove that they have had thorough and careful training."
The pupils of this school, who have gone to college or to the State Univer- sity, have uniformly taken high positions in their classes.
Beauty of location, thoroughness of instruction, the low rate of board and tuition, the absence of saloons and places of vice are strongly in favor of Irving Institute.
BLAIRSTOWN ACADEMY.
The original projectors and most liberal contributors to the institution bear- ing the above name, were Rev. George Herring, Uriah Keck, Henry Miller, Caleb Carter, Isaiah Morris, G. B. Crandall, Henry Bell, Amos Dean, and Jas. Brain.
The first Board of Trustees was composed as follows : Rev. George Her- ring, Uriah Keck, Henry Miller, James Brain, Rev. W. J. Hahn, and G. B. Crandall.
Four acres of ground were procured in the southeast part of the town for a building site, in 1868, and the construction of the building was begun in the Spring of 1868. The structure, which is 75x90 feet in size, and two stories high, was inclosed and roofed during the Summer. The building, which had cost $4,200, was formally dedicated to the cause of education October 1, 1872, Amos Dean, Esq., of Blairstown, making. a suitable address on the occa- sion, followed by remarks from Rev. Mr. Shoutz, of Tipton, his theme being " Christian Education."
The first term began about the same time, with Rev. W. J. Hahn, an Evan- gelical minister, as Principal, and Loyd Fording as Assistant.
It can only be stated in a general way, that the attendance at the first term was excellent, but this bright augury of success was only illusory.
A considerable indebtedness had been left on the building. and the Evangel- ical Society, which had assumed the oversight of the school, proved to be unwill- ing or unable to relieve the incubus of debt. Accordingly, the Sheriff became the custodian of the property, and it was sold to W. S. Shon. in 1870, who owned it about a year, during which time no school was held.
In 1872. Rev. Mr. Raile, of the Classis of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, bought the property in behalf of that body, and the building was
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HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY.
remodeled at a cost of about $3,000. Rev. Mr. Raile remained at the head of the school till 1875, when he withdrew, and was succeeded by Profs. Faulk and Martin, who conducted the school for about a year, but with indifferent success.
Growing weary of a property that was proving burdensome to them, the Classis, in 1876, disposed of the building and grounds to Prof. John McCarty, under whose skillful and business-like management, the Academy has steadily grown in favor and prospered as well. The attendance during the Winter term of 1877-8 was 76.
It is a pleasure to be able to state that the utmost cordiality of feeling exists between the people of Blairstown and the Principal of the Academy. With this important help to support him, it is safe to predict prosperity to the school while it remains under his control.
Prof. McCarty was born and partly educated in Ireland. He completed his studies in Fort Edward Collegiate Institute, in New York State, wherein he taught for a year before coming West. He was Principal of the public schools of Vinton three years, before taking charge of the academy, and left the Vin- ton schools much improved by his administrative ability.
Four teachers assist Prof. McCarty in the Academy : Mrs. Perthemia McCarty, Preceptress ; John Janss, German and Telegraphy ; Miss Mary A. French, Vocal and Instrumental Music ; Mrs. Elsie Spier, Instrumental Music.
The following testimonial, given to Prof. McCarty in 1877, by citizens of Blairstown, indicates the esteem in which the Academy is held by those who are best acquainted with its management :
The undersigned, residents of Blairstown and vicinity, take pleasure in giving their testi- mony to the satisfactory success with which Prof. McCarty and his excellent wife have conducted the academy under their proprietorship and management during the past year. And we would recommend the institution as worthy the patronage of such parents as desire to give their sons and daughters an education to fit them for the various spheres of usefulness that lie open before them in our growing country. The patrons and friends of the school cheerfully accord to Prof. and Mrs. McCarty the merit of first class educators. And we have no hesitancy in saying that all pupils entrusted to their guardianship will not fail to receive thorough instruction in all branches of learning they may pursue, and proper care for their good morals.
TILFORD ACADEMY.
In the Summer of 1858, an effort was made by the people of Vinton to secure an institution of learning in their midst, it being understood that the Presbytery of Iowa were looking for a site for a college. Cedar Rapids had got a little ahead in the race, and Parsons' Academy was located there.
The people of Vinton were not quite disposed to abandon the project en- tirely, for in September, 1858, a meeting of the stockholders of the Vinton Collegiate Institute was held, at which time Rev. N. C. Robinson, President ; Joseph Dysart, Secretary ; Trustees, John E. Palmer, David B. Keys, J. C. Traer, John S. Tilford, Dr. H. B. Clingan, Joseph Young and John Shane.
The second term began November 30. In the prospectus, the announcement was made that instruction would be given in algebra, geometry, surveying and bookkeeping.
A. C. Williams was the Principal of the school, which was continued a term or two longer, but the stockholders became indifferent to the enterprise, and no attempt was made to erect a building. Nothing further was done toward founding an advanced school until the Winter of 1870-71, when Mr. J. S. Tilford, who had a heavy mortgage on the grounds of the Agricultural Society, proposed to donate the grounds to be occupied by an educational institution. Some negotiation had already taken place with Mr. Tobin, and in March, the
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HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY.
arrangement was consummated by the Trustees of the Agricultural Society uniting in a deed tranferring the grounds owned by them to Mr. Tobin, on the condition that he would build thereon and conduct an academy for the term of five years.
The foundation was completed in May, and 525 trees had been set in the grounds. So rapidly was the work prosecuted, that the dedicatory exercises were held on Saturday evening July 30, Rev. S. A. Knapp giving the address on that auspicious occasion.
At the close of the dedicatory exercises, which included a chorus from the oratorio of "Creation," and prayer by Rev. G. W. Brindell, Mr. White, the master-builder, presented the keys of the building to Prof. Tobin in a few fitting words, the latter accepting the trust in a graceful address.
The dimensions of the building are 32 x 48 feet ; the basement has a height of 10 feet ; the first story, 11 feet ; the second story, 12 feet and the third stoay, 9 feet seven inches. In the first story is the main hall, a room 32 x 40 feet, lighted by eight large windows. In the second story is another room of the same dimensions as the one below. The music-room and studio are in the third story. The exterior appearance of the building is very pleasing, the third story being a mansard, and a high belfry surmounting the edifice.
The subsequent progress of Tilford Academy is noted in Mr. Tobin's biography, in another place, to which the reader is referred.
THE PRESS.
The Vinton Eagle .- January 10, 1855, number one of volume one of the Vinton Eagle made its appearance. It was published by Lyman & Co., Fred- erick Lyman, editor; Stanley C. Foster was the "Co." Its motto: "Inde- pendent in everything;" its price, $1.50 in advance. It was a six-column quarto. The editor, in his salutatory says : " After realizing innumerable, un- expected, vexatious delays of time, and a consequent waste of money ; after shifting from pillar to post for want of better Winter quarters, liable at every turn to be cut loose and turned adrift from our temporary moorings, we have at last been successful in securing, three-fourths of a mile from town, an excellent, though temporary halting-place, by which arrangement we have actually stolen time sufficient to 'catch breath,' and, by close application during the hours of daylight (our office is transformed into a church and lodge-room evenings), suc- ceeded in presenting to the public this first, but imperfect, specimen of an Eagle. * * We shall more than fulfill all former promises embodied in our prospectus, by excluding from our columns either Democratic, Whig or Abolition lies and bombast."
The second volume commenced with Lyman & Traer, editors and publishers, but the partnership only lasted for a short time ; it was dissolved February 13. 1856, when W. W. Hanford purchased Lyman's interest and assumed the editorial and business management. August 6th, J. C. Traer withdrew from the concern, and Mr. Lyman took some interest in the office, it is not quite clear what. February 4. 1857, Messrs. Hanford & Lyman disposed of the Eagle to Stoughton & Dysart, both citizens of Vinton. June 13th, Mr. Stoughton vacated his half of the tripod to Thomas Drummond. August 29th, Mr. Hanford returned to the office, and Mr. Dysart withdrew. Soon after, Mr. Drummond became editor, and remained for about three years. Mr. Han- ford continued most of the time as sole owner. until January 1, 1871, when J. W. Rich purchased the interest which he still retains. In 1876, Bernard Murphy, who had learned his trade in the Eagle office, purchased Mr. Han-
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HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY.
ford's interest. The Eagle, it is seen, has existed for twenty-two years, and has been a sound concern since its first establishment. It has been a Repub- lican in politics, except during its first year.
Benton County Democrat-This paper was ushered into existence October 2, 1856, with D. B. Pyne as publisher; Nathan Bass, political editor; and James Wood as local editor. But soon after, the paper collapsed; for of the thousand dollars that had been promised to pay for the material nothing had been paid, and of the 200 subscribers, only forty had paid their subscriptions, while Judge Douglass, who had been active in soliciting Mr. Pyne to start the paper, was "hedging " by giving a large share of his patronage to the Eagle. Pyne held the material till toward Spring, when he started the paper again, but soon after sold the office to James Fowler and Henry Price. July 3, 1859, Price took his share of a big tax list and withdrew. May 21, 1859, Fowler sold the concern to John Alexander and I. Van Metre, who conducted it with much ability, Van Metre doing the editorial work. August 11, 1859, Alexan- der sold his share to D. B. Pyne.
This was in the heat of a bitter political canvass, during the progress of which a pugilistic encounter took place between Van Metre and Drummond, in which the latter is said to have been worsted. Just prior to election, the Demo- crat occupied a whole page in reciting the wrong-doing of the Republicans, as viewed from the opposition stand-point. In the article is a spirited cartoon of a messenger started for Marengo, riding face backward on a mule. But spunk and sarcasm could not save the election, and October 20th the editor "threw up the sponge," remarking that " events have transpired," etc. A nearly com- plete file of the Democrat has been preserved at the Eagle office, and those who were active in politics twenty years ago, will find much to interest and amuse them by turning over its pages for an hour.
Belle Plaine Transcript .- This paper was established about the middle of December, 1866 by N. C. Weiting. It was a folio sheet, with seven columns to the page, and was Republican in politics. February 14, 1867, he sold the office to W. W. Yarhan and William Nixon. A few months afterward, the concern passed into the hands of S. S. Farrington, who improved the paper very much in the local department. March 4, 1869, Mr. Farrington disposed of the Transcript to D. H. Frost, who had formerly been a partner in the owner- ship of the Vinton Eagle. Mr. Frost changed the name of the paper to the Belle Plaine Union. The paper has ever since remained under the exclusive management of Mr. Frost, who has the deserved reputation of being one of best informed and most finished political writers in the State. The Union has a good circulation in Southern Benton, and in Tama, Iowa and Powesheik Counties. The Union is Republican in politics.
Belle Plaine Review .- This journal was established by S. S. Farrington, October 9, 1874. For a few weeks he had a partner, but the latter soon retired leaving Mr. Farrington sole owner. The Review is a five-column quarto paper, and has done an excellent business since its beginning. Mr. Farrington is still the proprietor. The paper is Republican in politics.
Blairstown Independent .- The Herald was the first paper established at Blairstown. The first number was issued about March 1, 1869, by W. H. Wheeler, the paper being printed, however, at the People's Journal office, at Vinton. It is remembered that Mr. Wheeler and the publisher of the Journal differed diametrically as to the propriety of sending ex-Gov. Stone to Congress in 1870, much space being occupied in the Herald by matter that Mr. Wheeler could not indorse. The Herald ran along about a year, when it was suspended
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HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY.
by Mr. Wheeler's removal from the place. The Independent was established by S. P. Grover, about Jan. 1, 1876, who soon after transferred it to L. H. Barnes, who did not develop into a thorough-paced financier. He failed. J. P. Wallace soon after bought the property, which has proved to be a good invest- ment in his hands. The paper is a five-column quarto sheet, and enjoys the respect of its patrons.
People's Journal .- The early history of this paper is somewhat out of the ordinary run. The Benton County News was first published at Vinton, early in the Spring of 1865, by Frank & Weed, who conducted it for about one year, when they failed and the office passed into the hands of James Wood, Trustee. In May or June, 1868, one Berry, who had gone to Pike's Peak, some years before, and there acquired a competence, came back to Benton County desiring above all things to go to the Legislature. He arranged for the purchase of the dormant News, and it was revived as a Democratic paper and called the Standard. Berry got his nomination without difficulty, and. although he made an energetic canvass and ran ahead of his ticket, he did not attain the object of his ambition. The next year he went to Kansas, and when last heard of, he was a member of the Legislature of that State, and in a position to dic- tate terms to would-be United States Senators. The Standard, with J. F. Pyne as publisher, floated six months, when it was sold to Alfred H. and George Brown, who began the publication of the People's Journal, an eight- column folio paper, Republican in politics, which made its appearance Decem- ber 19, 1868. In 1871, it was changed to a six-column quarto and a semi- weekly established, which was continued for about two years, most of the time with A. H. Brown as sole proprietor. This gentleman had sacrificed an arm in the service of his country and adopted editorial work as a vocation. The paper proved to be a successful venture under his control. April 1, 1872, he disposed of the concern to C. R. Wilkinson & Co., and removed to Nebraska. The People's Journal has grown steadily in business and popularity in the hands of its present owners, who have approved themselves as first-rate managers.
Iowa Fine Stock Gazette .- This monthly journal, whose object is indicated by its name, was established by C. R. Wilkinson & Co., in July, 1874, and proved to be a success from the first number. It was sold to a Cedar Rapids firm a year or two afterward, and is now published in that city.
Benton County Herald .- This paper, which was established by J. F. Pyne & Sons, July 2, 1878, has met with gratifying success so far. It is Democratic in politics, the only paper of that faith in Benton County, which ought to afford a paying field for a venture of this kind. The paper is an eight-column folio sheet, and is published Wednesdays, at Vinton.
Bible Truth Depot .- This establishment (at Vinton) is engaged in the printing and distribution of tracts and religious pamphlets, and has been organ- ized two years. A large variety of tracts have been published, and the num- ber is being constantly increased. T. O. Loiseaux has charge of the office work. Paul J. Loiseaux is business manager.
POST OFFICES IN BENTON COUNTY AND DATES OF THEIR ESTABLISHMENT.
The first offices established in Benton County were :
Vinton, established October 1, 1846 ; Stephen Holcomb, Postmaster.
Marysville, established September 21, 1848 ; John S. Forsyth, Postmaster. Potato Hill, established October 20, 1851; Loyal F. North, Postmaster ; changed to Beulah, November 5, 1852.
Burk, established October 31, 1853 ; Lewis W. Bryson, Postmaster.
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HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY.
Benton City, established December 15, 1854; Wm. C. Stanberry, Post- master.
Taylor's Grove, established January 31, 1854 ; Geo. T. Hendricks, Post- master; discontinued August 26, 1863.
Gwinnville, established February 29, 1856 ; John E. S. Gwinn, Postmaster; changed to Belle Plaine, August 6, 1862.
Linwood, established August 30, 1856; Anson T. Wilkins, Postmaster ; discontinued May 19, 1863.
Shellsburg, established November 24, 1856 ; David Robb, Postmaster.
Woods, established July 30, 1857; Geo. W. Young, Postmaster; discon- tinued September 5, 1863.
Pickaway, established September 1, 1857; Isaac T. Van Metre, Post- master ; discontinued February 27, 1865.
Urbanna, established November 27, 1857; Wm. W. Bartholomew, Post- master.
Williams, established June 19, 1858; John Tanner, Postmaster; discon- tinued March 23, 1865.
Unity, established June 19, 1858.
Gomersal, established November 13, 1858; J. Emrick Flickinger, Post- master ; discontinued May 24, 1864.
Daggett, established December 1, 1860; John F. Daggett, Postmaster ; discontinued October 17, 1862.
London, established January 17, 1861 ; Levi Gassett, Postmaster ; changed to Robin, April 9, 1864.
Blairstown, established July 21. 1862 ; Leonard E. Watrous, Postmaster. Buckeye, established July 28, 1862; Joseph H. Carry, Postmaster.
Mount Auburn, established February 16, 1865; Thos. D. Lewis, Post- master.
Florence, established October 2, 1866; Wm. F. Atkinson, Postmaster.
Luzerne, established August 2, 1870; Matthew L. Nismonger, Postmaster. Paul, established February 9, 1870; John Anson, Postmaster
Spencer Grove, established September 10, 1867; Abner N. Spencer, Post- master.
Summers, established February 8, 1872; Christian Dobel, Postmaster ; discontinued Oct. 22, 1874.
Garrison, established December 12, 1873; Edward M. Lewis, Postmaster.
Watkins, established December 15, 1873 ; Chas. G. Turner, Postmaster.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.
The first meeting to organize the Benton County Agricultural Society was held June 13, 1857; W. F. Kirkpatrick was made Chairman of the meeting, and Joseph Dysart, Secretary. A committee of six, composed of W. F. Kirk- patrick, John Alexander, Jacob S. Hunt, Albert Vannice, P. Adams and Joseph Dysart, was appointed to draw up constitution and by-laws, and to report the same on the 20th. The proceedings came to nothing, however, for no further action was taken, owing, probably, to the intense political excite- ment prevailing at Vinton for a year or so before and after the association was formed.
Better luck attended the next effort, for the Benton County Agricultural and Mechanical Society was organized in June, 1859, with J. H. Shutts as Secretary. Grounds were procured near Vinton, and fitted up for the first fair, which was held October 13 and 14. A very creditable display was made,
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HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY.
especially of horses and cattle; and in the ladies' department the showing was excellent. On the 14th, officers were elected for the ensuing year, as follows : I. N. Chenoweth, President ; G. F. Traer, W. C. Wiley, Vice Presidents ; J. H. Shutts, Secretary ; W. A. Guinn, Treasurer.
The receipts of the Society during the first year were: Memberships, $219.00 ; admission fees, $76.83; sundries, $3.27. The expenditures were $380.38, of which $62.00 went for premiums.
The first fair was held back of the Asylum grounds.
The second fair of the Society was held in October, 1860. The total receipts, including $200 from the State, were $489.86, the amount paid for premiums was $161.30.
The Society went out of existence in March, 1871, the officers uniting in a deed of the Society's interest in the grounds to Professor Tobin.
Soon after, the Vinton Driving Park Association was formed, which suc- ceeded for a year or two, when it died the death of its predecessors, and gave way for the existing society-the Benton County Agricultural Association-the present officers of which are: J. C. Traer, President ; H. T. Smock, Vice President ; W. T. Van Horn, Secretary ; P. M. Watson, Treasurer: J. E. Cobbey, John Beebe, J. H. MeDaniel, S. A. Knapp and G. H. Potter, Direct- ors. Capt. S. H. Dixon, Chief Marshal.
BELLE PLAINE UNION AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The association with the above title was organized at Belle Plaine in 1867, with E. G. Brown as President; and a very successful fair was held in the Fall of that year.
At the annual meeting of the Society, held in January, 1869, the cost of the grounds and fence was reported at $2,933.86, with an outstanding indebt- edness of $2,136.52, protected by the reserve on stock subscriptions of $2,732.05.
A floral hall, 20x60 feet in size, was built for the fair of 1871.
MEDICAL SOCIETY.
The Benton County Medical Society held a preliminary meeting for the purpose of organization, at Vinton, January 26, 1871, which was attended by Drs. Wagner, of Blairstown; Lewis, of Florence; Horton, of Shellsburg ; Lathroy, Boyd, Meredith, Griffin, Clingun and Bergen, of Vinton. A com- mittee having been appointed to frame constitution and by-laws, the Society adjourned till February 16.
PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.
This organization was introduced into Iowa in 1870, and in the next two years spread into almost every county in the State. In addition to the Granges established at Belle Plaine and at Blairstown, which have been mentioned else- where, other bodies were established in nearly every township, some of which are given herewith :
Plow Handle .- Organized at Vinton, March 17, 1871, with W. B. Rey- nolds as Master; John Knapp, Lecturer; S. A. Knapp, Overseer ; A. Kile, Steward ; A. M. King, Assistant Steward ; E. M. Steadman, Chaplain ; J. P. Matthews, Treasurer; George Bergen, Secretary ; John Shane, Gate Keeper ; Mrs. M. H. Knapp, Lady Assistant Steward; Mrs. L. Reynolds, Ceres ; Miss Bessie Whitlock, Pomona ; Mrs. E. L. Slason, Flora.
Homer Grange .- Organized in Homer Township, July 2, 1872, with E. Haat as Master; M. T. Houghton, Oversecr; James Findley, Steward; James
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HISTORY OF BENTON COUNTY.
King, Assistant Steward; G. W. Copley, Secretary ; N. S. Hoon, Treasurer ; H. W. Gruwell, Chaplain ; John Cupid, Lecturer ; A. Wiles, Gate Keeper ; Mrs. Louisa Houghton, Flora; Mrs. J. G. Nutting, Ceres ; Mrs. E. Stamp, Pomona; Mrs. C. Bennett, Lady Assistant Steward.
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