USA > Iowa > Black Hawk County > The history of Black Hawk 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 > Part 45
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For 1875-First Ward, R. Russell, G. W. Barnes; Second Ward, J. Tay- lor, Frank Neely (resigned November 3d, and W. A. Crouther, elected to fill vacancy); Third Ward, John McCabe, M. Ricker ; Fourth Ward, Adam Ros- gen, Andrew Thompson (to fill vacancy), W. Russell (resigned end of first year), D. B. Stanton (resigned April 5th).
For 1876-First Ward, G. W. Barnes, Frank Neely; Second Ward, W. A. Crowther, James Ellis ; Third Ward, M. Ricker, John Palfreyman ; Fourth Ward, Adam Rosgen, D. R. Weaver.
For 1877-First Ward, Frank Neely, H. Nauman; Second Ward, James Ellis, G. J. Mack ; Third Ward, John Palfreyman, F. S. Morrill ; Fourth Ward, D. R. Weaver (resigned November 7th), Louis Lichty (elected to fill vacancy), T. W. Place.
For 1878-First Ward, H. Nauman, Frank Neely ; Second Ward, G. J. Mack, C. J. Maynard ; Third Ward, F. S. Morrill (resgned May 8), John T. Moran, W. W. Miller; Fourth Ward, T. W. Place, Lewis Lichty.
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
EDUCATIONAL.
The first school house in Waterloo was about 16x22 feet, built of logs, on Lot 8, Block 7, on Jefferson street, between Fourth and Main. It was stand- ing until 1877, when it was removed to give place to a brick stable. It was erected in the Spring of 1853, and the first school in it was kept by Miss Eliza May, afterward Mrs. Isaac Virden. This log school house was used on the Sabbath for church, the Baptists, Presbyterians and Methodists occupying it alter- nately.
In 1860, a school house was built on the site the present one now occupies.
March 19, 1866, in accordance with an order of the Township Trustees, an election was held making West Waterloo an independent school district, and electing the following Board : S. D. Shaw, President: I. S. Shaw, Vice Pres- ident; E. R. Ware, Secretary ; D. W. Foote, Treasurer; P. J. Barber, P. Smith, D. B. Stanton, Directors
In 1871, the present school house was built by Jacob Reichards : cost nearly $20,000, and was first under the care of Mr. Hood, Principal. The present Principal is W. H. Robertson.
The first school on the East Side was taught by O. E. Hardy, m the Winter of 1854-5, in a house then occupied by Myron Smith, but which was afterward a part of the Key City House. Afterward, Hardy transferred the school to a small building in the rear of Colburn & Geddes' marble shops.
The Know-Nothings of that day used to assemble in the same building, which was subsequently used for a store by James Evans.
The first school house on this side was a grout building, erected in 1855, on what is called Church Donation Block. It was used as a school house until 1862. Schools were thereafter taught in private buildings until 1864, when a brick school house of four rooms was erected on Block 40, in which C. O. Knepper taught the first school.
The Independent School District of East Waterloo, was organized in April, 1866, with the following first Board : O. E. Hardy, President; Lewis Lichty, Vice President . R. A. Whitaker, Secretary ; M. H. Voorhees, Treasurer.
The primary school house in the Third Ward was built in the Fall of 1869, and Miss Hattie Wainwright employed as one of the first teachers.
The present school building on Block 76, Fourth Ward, was built in 18-, and its first Principal was Prof. J. K. Sweeney, who still occupies the position.
Prairie Home Seminary .- In 1862, Miss Anna Field, a graduate of Mt. Holyoke Seminary, erected a large and handsome brick building at the head of Main street. designed both for school and dwelling purposes, and in the same. year opened the " Prairie Home Female Seminary," which became widely and popularly known as an excellent and well-managed institution. It continued as a female seminary until 1874, when young men were admitted and " Female" was dropped from the name. The average attendance for the past year was about forty-five. Common school branches are principally taught. Miss Field is still the Principal of the seminary.
Iowa State Conservatory of Music .- Established in 1877, by E. W. Burn- ham. It is conducted in the second and third stories of Burnham's Opera House, where everything is admirably adapted for the purpose. The Conserv- atory employs two learned musicians as teachers, and has an average of about one hundred students.
Burnham's Opera House .- Erected in Fall of 1877, and, although not possessing the external grace and beauty of some similar edifices, its interior is
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
singularly adapted to the purposes for which it was built. Its stage is one of the largest in the State, and the main hall has a seating capacity of 1,000 people. The scenery was painted by F. L. Lowell & Co., of Chicago. The Opera House was opened by the Emma Abbott Concert Troupe, in November, 1877.
The Cedar River Institute .- Established in Waterloo about 1875, by Mrs. C. L. Billings, who was an excellent teacher, but was compelled to suspend on account of ill health, at the close of 1877.
Our Lady of Victory .- The school of the above name is located at Water- loo, and is conducted by the Sisters of Charity, B. V. M. It was first opened in August, 1872, and has proved quite a prosperous venture. As is the rule in Catholic schools, special attention is given here to music, languages and deport- ment. (See Catholic Church.)
RELIGIOUS.
First Baptist Church .- A Baptist Church was organized in 1853, without ยท any regular Pastor. The first service was held in a log school house near the residence of George R. Crittenden. Rev. Mr. Bicknell, a local minister, and Elder Knapp, of Cedar Falls, held services occasionally.
The first Pastor was Rev. J. C. Miller. Under his pastorate, services were held in what is now known as Capwell's Hall.
In September, 1857, Rev. A. G. Eberhart commenced his labors with the Church, and on the 12th day of April following, the society was incorporated under the laws of Iowa. The original incorporators were Nelson Ayers, T. I. Messick, Henry Sherman, Nehemiah J. Randolph, William C. Clough, Rufus Ordway and Reuben Rush.
During the first few months of Mr. Eberhart's ministry, services were held in what was then known as Benight's Hall. Soon after the society was incor- porated, they purchased their present house of worship of the Presbyterian so- ciety. Mr. Eberhart remained with the Church some four years, and left it in a very prosperous condition.
Rev. Frank Miller succeeded Mr. Eberhart as Pastor, remaining only a short time, and was followed by Rev. C. Billings Smith, who continued with the Church some two years. After Mr. Smith's resignation, Rev. William L. Hunter supplied the pulpit some time before his ordination, and after it, remained with the Church nearly four years as its Pastor. He had the pleasure of seeing the Church increase largely in numbers and influence. He was followed by Rev. William Tilley, who remained one year, and was succeeded by Rev. E. K. Cressey, who resigned after terminating his first year. Rev. A. G. Eberhart was again called, but was obliged to resign in a short time on account of ill health. Rev. A. A. Russell followed Mr. Eberhart, but his labors were soon brought to a close on account of failing health. He was succeeded by the pres- ent Pastor, Rev. Richard Garton.
The Church records were burned with the house of Dr. A. B. Mason, there- fore we cannot give the number received into the church by baptism and other- wise during the twenty-two years of its existence.
The present membership is about two hundred and fifty. The church and society are in a very prosperous condition, sustaining one of the largest Sabbath schools in the place, with a large library. The Church now numbers about three hundred and fifty.
The present officers are as follows : Pastor, Rev. Robert Garton ; Deacons, E. G. Baker, II. M. Van Buren, H. N. Ayers, Samuel Hall, C. P. Jones, A.
Dle Williams CEDAR FALLS
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
J. Edwards ; Clerk, E. V. Hayden ; Treasurer. J. Taylor; Collector, C. F. Morrill ; Trustees, D. F. Crouse, Robert Williams, John Sine, J. E. Chapman, A. J. Edwards, S. Bagg, I. Taylor; Sabbath School Superintendent, H. T. Roberts : Assistant Superintendent, G. D. Frink. Connected with the church is a Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, officered as follows : Mrs. D. F. Crouse, President ; Mrs. C. K. Howe, Vice President ; Mrs. D. B. Ames, Sec- retary ; Mrs. W. H. H. Becker, Treasurer. The Ladies' Benevolent Society : Mrs. D. Z. Hartman, President ; Mrs. Kate Frink, Vice President; Mrs. W. H. H. Becker, Secretary ; Mrs. Frank Ricker, Treasurer ; and also the Young Ladies' Home Mission Society : President, Miss Sadie Waychoff; Vice Presi- dent, Miss. O. Right; Secretary, Miss T. Magnis. The Church is in a pros- perous condition.
The Congregational Church .- At a meeting convened at the school house in Waterloo on Saturday evening, August 23, 1856, by those interested in the principles of Congregationalism, Rev. Oliver Emerson, agent of the American Missionary Association, was called to the chair, and John H. Leavitt was chosen Clerk. 1
As a result of this meeting, a council was called for the purpose of organiz- ing a church, September 24th, of same year, Rev. G. H. Woodward, of Toledo. Moderator, and Rev. A. Graves, of York, Scribe. The meeting was held in the log school house.
The council were unwilling to advise an increase in the number of churches in town without prayerful consideration of the subject. But this was before the slavery question had been settled by the war, and when some branches of the Presbyterian system were maintaining a complicity with "the slave power ; " and also at a period of the adoption of the " Church Extension Scheme," which finally resulted in breaking up the old union principles between Congregation- alists and Presbyterians.
Had the present comity and good feeling between the two denominations existed twenty years ago, it is very doubtful if the Congregational Church of Waterloo had been organized. Among reasons given for the formation of the new society (many of which are now dead issues and not wisely revived), the originators say, " We wish to adhere to the faith of our fathers, because a depart- ure from it by so many of our brethren has injured the cause of truth, by giv- ing occasion to the representation that this course is a confession on their part that their principles are not worth maintaining."
In an account of the organization, a writer in the Congregational Herald says : " The village of Waterloo is beautifully located on the Cedar River, about ninety miles from the Mississippi, on the line of the Dubuque & Pacific Rail- road. Two and a half years since, it consisted of a dozen log cabins. It now embraces more than twelve hundred souls, and is rapidly increasing in popula- tion and wealth. In illustration of the rapidity with which the village and vicinity are advancing, it may be stated that five saw-mills are constantly in motion to supply building material, besides a large quantity of fine lumber brought from the Mississippi. The little Church now organized are in pressing need of a faithful minister ; they think themselves able to pay one-half his salary, and, with assistance for a short time, will be able to assume his entire support."
The original members were: Abram P. Hosford, J. P. White, Cynthia White, L. B. Worcester and wife, and John H. Leavitt. The Deacons first chosen were : J. P. White and L. C. Sanborn. The first Clerk was John H. Leavitt, and first Pastor, Rev. T. S. La Due. The society first held its meet-
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ings in the old log school house on Jefferson street, afterward, in Benight's Hall, corner Fourth and Commercial streets, and in Capwell's Hall, corner Fifth and Commercial.
In December, 1856, the Church was duly and wisely incorporated, "for the purpose of taking charge of the financial interests of the Church," "the incorpora- tion to commence January 1, 1857, and continue twenty years, with the right of renewal." The incorporators were : A. P. Hosford, L. B. Worcester, L. C. Sanborn, J. P. White and J. H. Leavitt. There is no record of any infirmity or inadequacy of this body politic to provide for its own wants and interests.
The present site of the church was occupied in 1857, the lower part of the edifice being used till 1862, when the upper part was finished and occupied without essential change till 1872, when both stories were thrown into one, and an extension of twenty feet added. The first pipe organ was brought to Water- loo by E. W. Burnham, Esq., in 1864, and placed in this church. It is a small but sweet-toned instrument, and now adorns the Congregational Church at Independence. Mr. Burnham purchased the great organ in 1872, which is rented by the society. In 1869, the society built a commodious parsonage on the corner of Washington and Fourth streets ; this was first occupied by Dr. Geo. Thacher, Pastor, subsequently President of Iowa State University. According to the records, the first member admitted to the Church upon profession of faith, was Mrs. Wheeler, now Mrs. Wm. Robinson. The first baptism of adults was Mary Manwell, and of infants, Roger Leavitt.
The ministers who have supplied the Church, are as follows : Revs. Thomas S. La Due, John S. Whittlesey, Orville W. Merrill, Smith B. Goodenow, Edward S. Palmer, W. H. Marble, George Thacher, D. D., late President of the State University ; Alfred A. Ellsworth and Henry S. DeForest. The pastorate of the latter terminated in April, 1878, since which time the Church has been destitute of a Pastor.
The Deacons have been : A. P. Hosford, L. C. Sanborn, L. B. Worcester, J. P. White, H. A. Lane, M. L. Burnham and J. H. Goodrich.
Clerks-John H. Leavitt, O. W. Merrill, H. A. Lane, C. T. Ingersoll, H. Belden, J. H. Goodrich and M. K. Cross.
The Sunday school was not organized till the second or third year after the Church, and has been superintended, for one year or more, by H. A. Lane, A. P. Hosford, Geo. Ordway, J. H. Leavitt, H. W. Knapp, F. E. Churchill, C. W. Von Coelln, Dr. G. J. Mack, and others for a shorter term.
The Church now numbers about 230; the Sabbath school, 150. The officers of the Church and society are : Pastor, - -; Deacons, Dr. M. L. Burnham, J. H. Goodrich, Esq., Mr. Henry A. Lane; Clerk of the Church, Rev. M. K. Cross; Superintendent of Sunday school, Dr. G. G. Mack ; Secretary, Schuyler Mitchell ; Librarian, E. S. Cobb.
The first Trustees of the society, incorporated April 16, 1874, were: J. H. Leavitt, G. W. Gilbert, N. S. Hungerford : Clerk of the society, J. H. Preston. Present Trustees : W. W. Forry, Dr. G. J. Mack and C. P. Hunt; Clerk, J. H. Preston.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church .- The first Episcopal service ever held in Waterloo was on Sunday, Aug. 3, 1856, at which time Rt. Rev. H. W. Lee, then Bishop of the Diocese of Iowa, made his first visit to this place. Services were held in the morning at Capwell's Hall, on the West Side, and in the Grout school house, on the East Side, in the afternoon. In the evening, a meet- ing was held at Capwell's Hall, and an organization of a parish effected under the name of St. Thomas'.
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The names of the persons subscribing to the Articles of Association were Charles Fiske, James S. George, J. C. Hubbard, J. H. Wilkins, William Had- dock and Edmund Miller, and the first vestry elected consisted of the above gentlemen, with the exception of Mr. Haddock. Mr. George is the only one of the above now a resident of Waterloo.
The first officiating minister was Benjamin R. Gifford, who commenced his labors the following year, the society holding its services in Day's Hall, on the East Side. Mr. Gifford remained with the society until some time in 1859. Services were also held at Capwell's Hall. on the West Side, and at the Court House occasionally, until the completion of Russell's Hall, when that was se- cured by lease.
Rev. W. F. Lloyd succeeded to the rectorship in 1860, and held regular services in Russell's Hall, and continued as Rector until 1864. At a meeting held April 6, 1863, the name of the parish was changed from St. Thomas' to St. Mark's, for irregularities in the organization under the former name. At the termination of Mr. Lloyd's term the society was without a Rector for some time, occasional services being held by Rev. Henry C. Kinney, who also offici- ated at Cedar Falls.
Rev. W. T. Campbell was called in October, 1866, and remained with the parish for about one year, services still being held in Russell's Hall. In June, 1867. Rev. S. D. Day was called to minister to the parish, and in the year fol- lowing, the present church edifice was commenced. The Building Committee consisted of the Rector, R. Russell and A. T. Lusch. The foundation was not finished until late, and the frame was raised Sept. 21, 1868. The work was prosecuted as fast as possible, much of the plastering and inside work being completed during the Winter.
The ladies belonging to the society rendered valuable and efficient services in raising funds, and through their exertions most of the adornments were pro- cured.
The first service held in the church was held in the latter part of February, 1869, Mr. Day preaching the first sermon to a very large congregation. He retained his connection with the parish until 1871.
For several months after Mr. Day's removal, the parish was without a Rec- tor. Rev. J. E. Ryan was called late in 1871, but did not commence his labors until January, 1872, and is still the Rector.
R. Russell was elected a member of the vestry in May, 1858, and has been continued in that office ever since-over seventeen years. Jas. S. George was a member from the organization until 1865, and for a number of years was Clerk. J. P. Evans also had a long service as Vestryman. C. A. Farwell was first elected in 1861, and continued a member of the vestry until 1868. Messrs. William Snowden, H. B. Allen, R. A. Whitaker, J. L. Cooley, H. W. Sill and Morris Case were among the earlier members of the vestry. Rev. Mr. Rvan is still presiding.
First Methodist Episcopal Church .- Among the first Methodists of this city were Mr. James Virden, George W. Hanna and Mrs. Mullan. In 1852, there was a regular appointment for " circuit " preaching at James Virden's house on the East Side. Waterloo was made a station in 1855. Rev. A. Cole- man was Presiding Elder, and Rev. S. W. Ingham, Pastor. Mr. Ingham was a local minister, much beloved, and an earnest preacher. When the first school house was built, the preaching service was held there.
During the year, an extensive revival occurred, and over one hundred were added to the society. A Mr. Daggett, who taught the school, and who was a
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
local preacher in the church, rendered the Pastor efficient aid in the work. The meetings during the revival were held in the old brick seminary, corner of Bluff and Ninth streets, West Side. Among others who joined the Church, as the fruit of the revival, were Mr. Benjamin Stewart and wife, and Mrs. G. W. Miller, who still remain in the society.
Rev. J. G. Witted was appointed to the station in 1856, and occupied as the place of worship the stone hall then owned by John McD. Benight, now occupied as an office by Dr. Mack. The salary of the Pastor at that time was $760, and all paid. This certainly was much to the credit of the society.
The following persons composed the Board of Stewards for that year : John McD. Benight, Guy R. Benight, G. W. Hanna, Stephen Bush, Benj. Stewart and Mr. Hewett. E. V. Cooley and John C. McIlmoil were Class Leaders.
In 1857, Rev. Mr. Sessions was Pastor, with the services held in Capwell's brick hall. A good revival was enjoyed this year. He was followed by Rev. H. Hood, for the year 1858, and Rev. E. A. Hill, in 1859, succeeded Mr. Hood. In 1860-61 Rev. R. Ridlington was Pastor. During his pastorate, the society prepared to build a house of worship, and before his removal the lot was purchased and the foundation laid. The Trustees of the society at this time were : Stephen Bush, Edmund Miller, G. W. Hanna, H. C. Drew, Benj, Stewart and Isaac Parmenter.
Rev. Mr. Holmes followed Mr. Ridlington, in 1862, and this year the church was inclosed. In 1863, Rev. Wm. M. Sampson was appointed Pastor, but remained only a part of the year, the Rev. Dr. Thomas filling out the time.
The basement of the church was occupied during the Winter of 1863-4. and in the Autumn of 1864, Rev. Bishop Scott presided over the deliberations of the Upper Iowa Conference, which met in this city, and held its sessions in the basement. At the close of the Conference, Rev. Dr. John Bowman became Pastor. During his year of service the society was divided and the Church on the East Side was formed and their house of worship erected.
Rev. S. A. Lee was the minister for 1865-6, and during his pastorate the church building was finished and dedicated, and the society was blessed with a gracious revival.
Dr. Fairall followed Mr. Lee for the year 1867. Rev. U. Eberhart served as Pastor during 1868-9. In 1870-71, Rev. D. Sheffer was the minister, and the society was favored with a good revival. In 1872, Rev. W. Frank Paxton was appointed Presiding Elder, and Rev. S. A. Lee returned as the Pastor. Rev. W. P. Watkins was appointed Pastor for 1873.
In October, 1874, Rev. J. T. Crippen was transferred from the Central New York Conference and stationed over this Church, which then had a mem- bership of about one hundred and eighty. The society owns a comfortable church and parsonage, upon which there is no indebtedness. The Sunday school is in a prosperous condition, with a library, to which has been recently added one hundred dollars worth of books. G. W. Miller is Superintendent, and I. M. Hay, Assistant.
The following compose the present Board of Church officials :
Trustees-C. Brubacher. J. S. Glover, D. W. Foote, J. P. Hummill, W. P. Strayer, G. W. Miller and Samuel Deaner.
Stewards-J. S. Glover, C. Brubacher, H. S. Van Buren, B. McCormick.
A. Anderson, I. Hossman, W. T. Spencer, Benj. Stewart and I. M. Hay.
Class Leaders-W. P. Carpenter and W. W. Evans.
Following Mr. Crippen came Rev. Mr. Allen, who came in 1876 and stayed until 1877, when the present Pastor, Rev. H. O. Pratt, took charge.
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HISTORY OF BLACK HAWK COUNTY.
East Side Methodist Church .- At an early day, it became apparent that the division of the city by the river would necessitate the organization of a second M. E. Church, one on the east side, in addition to the one already in opera- tion on the west side of the Cedar river. Accordingly, the records show that a Board of Trustees was organized and Articles of Incorporation adopted as early as March 22, 1861, by the following citizens : J. W. Hankinson, G. R. Be- night, D. B. Gilbert, Joseph Gorrell, J. W. Ayres, Albert R. Hale and David Edwards. Also that at their first meeting a church was proposed and discussed.
At their second meeting, June 16, 1862, J. S. Barbee, A. C. Bunnell and Thomas Brooks were elected instead of Messrs. Benight, Gilbert and Edwards, and a committee was appointed to inquire into the feasibility of securing church room in connection with the school building then about to be erected in East Waterloo. That being impracticable, at their next meeting, February 21, 1865, it was resolved to proceed immediately to take necessary steps to build a church. The new members of the Board were E. P. Albee. Wm. Gilchrist, R. A. Whit- aker and George W. Hawver. Messrs. Barbee, Hankinson and Hawver. were the Committee to estimate the cost, and Messrs. Hankinson, Gilchrist and Al- bee were to supervise the erection of said building. The size resolved upon was 36x58. Proposals were received, and J. S. Barbee was assigned the con- tract. The church was finished and dedicated by Rev. Dr. Kynett. in Sep- tember, 1865, and Mr. Barbee settled with in October, 1865, paying him in full $4,600. Some of the subscriptions were not paid and had to be advanced, for which a mortgage was given, which mortgage and interest, amounting to some $1,300, was finally raised and paid in September, 1873, freeing the pro- perty from all incumbrance.
The parsonage, which, with the furniture, is valued at $2,500, was built in 1869, under the ministry of Rev. E. L. Miller, the Building Committee con- sisting of Edmund Miller, A. C. Bunnell and William Gilchrist.
The first Sunday school met in a frame building on the bank of the river, known as Evans' Building, officered by John W. Ayers and J. W. Hankinson, at which time J. G. Witted, the sailor-preacher, was Pastor of the M. E. Church in Waterloo; thence to the Court House, with A. C. Bunnell, Superintendent. Afterward, Day's Hall was the Sunday school room, said hall being a brick building on the site where the Reporter Block now stands. The Sunday school remained in Day's Hall until removed to the new church, in September, 1865.
Johnson B. Hewitt was the first Class Leader, a devout and useful man, whose life was finally sacrificed on the altar of his country. Following him in that sub-pastorate were E. P. Albee and A. C. Bunnell, successively.
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