USA > Iowa > Delaware County > The history of Delaware county, Iowa, containing a history of its county, its cities, towns &c., a biographical directory of its citizens, war record of its volunteers > Part 61
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In 1857, Bolsinger & Moreland built a steam flouring-mill, which, in 1867, was purchased by James Caskey and James Cole, and subsequently Cole sold his interest to Michael Stegner. In 1874, Mr. Stegner died and Mr. Caskey became sole proprietor. This mill is what, in miller's parlance, is called a "two run" mill, and its capacity is about fifty barrels a week.
The Colesburg pottery was built by David Roberts, in 1857. The building was destroyed by fire in 1859, but was rebuilt in the same year, when E. Jones became the owner. Afterward it was purchased by Stegner & Stillinger, who sold to F. A. Grimes and R. C. Currie, the present proprietors, about 1871. Grimes & Co. have made many valuable improvements.
The clay obtained here is peculiarly adapted to this kind of business. Wood is obtained in abundance at very low figures. In a word, they have all the facilities for manufacturing a superior article as cheap as any factory in the country. They employ quite a number of men. Very fine patterns of differ- ent kinds of hanging baskets, jelly cups, bowls and other articles too numerous to mention, all of which are very ably designed and perfect in finish are made at this establishment. The proprietors intend to manufacture 100,000 flower pots during 1878.
Dr. R. Stedman established a cheese factory at Colesburg, about 1873, which was successfully operated until 1877, when it was suspended.
535
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
EDUCATIONAL.
The first school house in the county was unquestionably built at the " Col- ony," near the present site of Colesburg, but there are some differences of opinion in relation to the precise date of its erection. Jacob B. Moreland, Esq., states positively that a school house was built of logs in 1839 or 1840; that Mrs. McClelland taught the first school in the Fall; that the building was burned about two months after school commenced ; that Mrs. McClelland after- ward taught school in James Cole's cabin, and that in 1842 another school house was built in which Maria Phillips taught the first school in the Summer of that year. Hon. Joel Bailey's field notes of the survey of the school house lot of one acre, April 8, 1842, is the only record to be found relating to the matter. Judge Bailey states that he distinctly recollects a house built of round logs that was standing on that lot when he made the survey, and he thinks it must have been built at least a year previous. Lawrence McNamee, Esq., and Silas Gil- more, Esq., concur in the statement that the first school house was built in 1842 of hewed logs, and that Miss Phillips taught the first school in it, that Summer; that Mrs. McClelland taught in the same house in the Summer of 1843, and that she did not apply for the school until that time; that in the Winter of 1843-4, William Hall commenced a school, but before the term closed the build- ing was burned, and Mr. Mallory's house, just over the line in Clayton County, and, that from that time until another school house was erected in 1853, James Cole's cabin was used for school purposes, and was called the old school house.
In the Summer of 1853, it is stated that a school house was built in the Colesburg District by Augustus H. Mallory, contractor. In 1872, the present commodious school house was erected by Messrs. Bolsinger & Knee, in which John Kennedy was the first teacher. It is a fine graded school, and only first class teachers are employed. In May, 1878, the teachers were A. G. Savage, Principal, and Maggie Myers, Assistant.
RELIGIOUS.
The " Colony " is entitled to the honor of the first religious services in the county, in 1839, when Simeon Clark, a worthy and eccentric man, and an earnest exhorter of the Methodist persuasion. His principal occupation was that of bee hunter, but while hunting for honey, he neglected no opportunity for exercising his gift, and in 1839 held religious services at the " Colony "- some authorities state in a log cabin occupied by several young men. The first ordained minister to preach in the township is said to have been Rev. Barney White.
Congregational Church .- This church was organized December 5, 1846, by Rev. James Hill, in the old school house (J. Cole's cabin). The members were J. A. Reed, John W. Potts, David Malvin, Mrs. Eliza Potts, Catharine Malvin, Mary Black, Samuel Malvin and Sarah Malvin. At this meeting, J. A. Reed was elected Moderator ; J. W. Potts, Scribe (?) ; David Malvin and J. W. Potts, Trustees ; D. Malvin, Clerk. The first Pastor was Rev. J. Hill, who remained until 1847, when he was succeeded by Rev. E. V. Turner.
Having determined to build a church, on the 20th of May, 1848, John Brown, Samuel Malvin and John F. Schunk were appointed a building committee to superintend its erection. The building was located on Main street, about two blocks north of the post office. The building was erected in 1848-9: was com- pleted and dedicated by Rev. E. V. Turner, November 3, 1849. Mr. Turner retired from the pastorate in 1854, and was succeeded by the Rev. M. Graves, followed by Revs. Parlen and Mathews and Amos Jones, the present Pastor.
536
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
The old church building was sold in the Spring of 1867, to James M. Potts, who converted it into a dwelling house. It is now occupied by the Misses Jaeks as a millinery store. The Society rented the Cumberland Church, and occupied it until November, 1875. June 19, 1874, the Society determined to ercet a new church, and appointed John D. Knee, Joseph Chapman, Bruce F. Cuniken, William Gilmore, Samuel Peck and P. S. Malvin a building committee. The building was completed and dedicated November 14, 1875, by the Pastor, Rev. E. L. Mathews. Rev. Mr. Jones, the present Pastor, assumed charge of the parish July 1, 1876.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the school house near where Colesburg now stands, in the Fall of 1842, by Rev. Barney White, assisted by Rev. Simeon Clark. Thomas Cole (deceased) was first Class Leader, and John Nagle and Missouri Dickson, Stewards. The first Board of Trustees were George Gilmore. Henry Klaus, William Bragg, Hezekiah Hubbard and Perry Perkins. In 1849, Rev. John L. Kelly was Pastor. The present church edi- fice was built in 1849, and dedicated in the Fall of that year by Rev. Geo. B. Bowman, and Rev. George Larkin became Pastor. The present Pastor, Rev. C. F. MeLean. took charge October, 1877. Present Trustees, Thomas Cole, Perry Perkins. W. S. Page, I. N. Lockridge and E. L. MeNamee.
The first M. E. Sunday School in connection with the church was organized in the Summer of 1850, with Perry Perkins as Superintendent. Present Super- intendent, Rev. E. L. McNamee.
The Catholic Church, at Colesburg, built a church in April, 1857, during the pastorate of Rev. Michael Lynch. Another and the present one was erected in the Summer of 1877, Rev. Bernard Coyle, Pastor.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was built in 1859, and a congrega- tion organized in March, 1860, with Rev. P. H. Crides as Pastor, and C. Bol- singer, T. S. Davidson and P. C. Bolsinger, Trustees. Number of members, seventeen ; Elders, three. Succession of Pastors : Revs. L. L. Lorrimer, J. H. Milholland, J. H. Todd, B. Hall and S. M. Hunt.
I. 0. OF O. F.
Colony Lodge, No. 50, I. O. of O. F., was organized U. D. August 17. 1853, by Alexander D. Anderson, G. M. The charter members of the lodge were S. T. Dickson, Jacob B. Moreland, George W. Bush, John W. Strader, and Alonzo H. Mallory.
The officers elected and installed September 16, 1853, were Jacob B. More- land, N. G .; John W. Strader, V. G .; George W. Bush, Secretary ; Samuel T. Dickson, Treasurer ; John R. Jones, I. G .; A. H. Mallory, P. G.
Officers installed, January 1, 187 <, were John C. Wood, N. G .; Benjamin Lindsay, V. G .; W. Chapman, Sec'y: C. A. Tobie, P. S .; Joseph Grimes, Treas .; J. K. P. Bolsinger, O. G .; Charles Westbrook, I. G .: James Knee, W .; T. J. Lockridge, Con .: F. C. Nichols, R. S .; George Diekson, L. S. to N. G .; James Prentice, R. S. and A. W. Rea, L. S. to V. G. Meetings every Saturday night.
MASONIC.
Constellation Lodge, No. 67, A., F. ยง A. M., organized U. D. August 22, 1855. The charter members were Israel Otis, J. A. Kooker, A. H. Eaton, P. C. Bolsinger, Levi Shepard, D.G. Kindell, J. W. Clark, J. Wright and J. Mc Williams. Israel Otis was installed W. M .; J. A. Hooker, S. W .; A. H. Eaton, J. W.
The officers for 1878 are S. G. Knee, W. M .; T. E. Everett, S. W .; R. C. Currie, J. W .; J. B. Jacobs, Sec'y ; P. C. Bolsinger, Treas .; Thomas Lockridge,
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
S. D .; Amandus Rea, J. D .; G. W. Rea, Tiler ; Steward Adams, S .; John Platt.
I. O. OF U. W.
Banner Lodge, No. 134, A. O. of U. W., was instituted November 2, 1877, in Odd Fellows' Hall, with fifteen charter members. The first officers were John Platt, P. M. W .; J. B. Jacobs, M. W .; F. A. Grimes, F .; J. B. Bush, O .; R. C. Currie, Recorder ; E. R. Latta, Financier ; Richard Wilson, Receiver; William Creglow, G .; J. D. Kerchheck, I. W .; D. A. Page, O. W .: R. C. Currie, J. B. Bush, E. R. Latta, Trustees.
Present officers : F. A. Grimes, M. W .: J. B. Bush, F .; Amos Jones, O .; R. C. Currie, Recorder ; Wm. Creglow, Financier; R. Wilson, Receiver; E. L. McNamee, G .; J. D. Kirchheck, I. W .; G. A. Mueller, O. W .; J. B. Bush, E. R. Latta, E. L. McNamee, Trustees.
THE FIRST ELECTION.
The first election in Colony Precinct was held on the first Monday in Au- gust, 1841, when the people voted for location of the county seat and for county officers.
The Judges of the Election were appointed by the Dubuque County Com- missioners, and were David Moreland, Thomas Cole and Missouri Diekson.
There are no records now accessible to show the number of votes thrown at this election.
At the next general election, on the first Monday in August, 1842, Ezra Hubbard, David Moreland and Wm. Montgomery were Judges of Election.
It eannot now be ascertained how many voters exercised the right of suffrage, as the poll books are lost, if indeed any were kept. At the election it is said that William Montgomery was elected Justice of the Peace and James Ruther- ford, Constable.
BUSINESS INTERESTS OF COLESBURG AND COLONY, 1878.
Attorney, J. Chapman, 1852. Blacksmiths, W. S. Adams, 1854; Oliver P. DeLong, 1869. Carriage Maker, C. E. Schaffer, 1868. Druggists, T. Cole, 1872. Dry Goods and Notions, S. G. Knee, 1866; T. Cole, 1849; P. C. Bol- singer, 1851. Millinery, Misses Jacks, 1871. Harness Shop, T. F. Loekridge, 1870. Flouring-mill, J. Caskey, 1865. Undertaker, I. N. Lochridge, 1872. Furniture, D. Knee, 1870. Hardware, J. V. Bush, 1875; Wilson & Chapman, 1876. Hotel, Centennial Hotel, by Benj. Funk, 1876. Physicians, Dr. R. Steadman, 18 -; Dr. C. A. Toby ; Dr. Averitt ; Dr. Way. Saw mill, Hol- scher & Prentiss, 1876.
HOPKINTON.
(South Fork Township.)
About March 1, 1838, Thomas Nicholson built a cabin on Section 13, Township 87, Range 4 (now South Fork Township), and with his family lived therein for a year or a little over, when he sickened and died, in March, 1839. His widow was lonely and indisposed to endure the hardships of pioneer life, and when Leroy Jackson came to the place in March, 1840, and proposed to buy her elaim, she assented with alacrity. Jackson asked the Nicholson family to give him the metes and bounds of his new farm, to which they answered they were selling him "all he could see." Mr. Jackson returning to Dubuque,
538
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
during the Summer, persuaded Henry A. Carter to join him, which he did. Jackson returned to his Nicholson purchase, with his funily, in November, 1840. During the Winter. he built a hewed log house for Carter, who moved into it in March, 1841.
Sarah B. Carter, daughter of Henry A. Carter, was the first white child born in this locality in 1841. In process of time, she became the wife of - Hale, Surgeon U. S. A. Mrs. H. Carter died in 1844, the second death, Mr. Nicholson being the first. The second birth was that of Henry C. Jackson, in 1844. Mr. Jackson is now Recorder of Delaware County.
Mr. Carter secured the mill privilege on the Maquoketa and Mr. Jackson the one on Plum Creek, two miles distant, both erecting saw-mills in 1844, and the settlement progressed so rapidly that they laid out the town of Hopkinton in 1850.
In 1855, a good number of the Western home-seekers found their way to Hopkinton.
In 1856, more settlers came than could be well accommodated at that time. About this time, Rev. W. L. Roberts, D. D., a very able and noted divine of the "Covenanter " faith, located at this point, and through his influence many members of his denomination came and settled, not only in Hopkinton, but on the surrounding prairies within scope of his preaching.
Bowen Collegiate Institute was located and established in the year 1865, deriving its name from C. T. Bowen, Esq., of Chicago, who made a very liberal donation toward its establishment. Prof. Allen, of Dubuque, was its first Principal, and continued in that capacity for several years. [See Educational. ]
During the flood in the Maquoketa, June 27, 1865, the saw-mill at South Hopkinton was moved from its foundation, and the bridge spanning the river washed away.
POLITICAL RECORD.
The town of Hopkinton was incorporated in March, 1874. The election was held in Lathrop's Hall, on the 3d of March, and 132 votes were cast, of which 92 were for incorporation and 39 against. The first officers elected were as follows: Mayor. Isaac Smith ; Recorder, John A. M. Hall ; Trustees, James McArthur, H. A. Carter, James T. Williamson and G. H. Crawford, all of whom qualified. The first ordinance passed was entitled, " An ordinance to create the offices of Marshal, Treasurer and Street Commissioner, and to pro- vide for their election."
The second was " An ordinance regulating licenses," and provided that no person should sell any goods, wares or merchandise, horses or other animals, or any other property at auction within the corporate limits, without a license, and fixed the penalty at $5, and excepted any sale made by Marshal or Constable through legal process. It also provided that no person or persons should open, keep or exhibit any theater, circus or exhibition of any kind, charging admit- tance fee, without first obtaining a license for the same, the penalty being fixed at not less than $5, or more than $20, excepting sacred concerts, literary or scientific exhibitions or lectures.
At a meeting of the Council, April 3, 1874, an ordinance was passed mak- ing the corporate town of Hopkinton a separate road district, and authorized the Marshal to supervise said streets and roads, and to collect the road poll-tax.
Ordinance No. 4, " An ordinance for the protection of the public peace," provided for the punishment by fine of any person breaking the peace, or in- juring or defacing signs, fences, awnings, or other property situated within the limits of said corporation.
539
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
Ordinance No. 5, " An ordinance to define the powers and duties of the Town Marshal," provided that he should search out and report any violation of the ordinances to the Mayor or some Justice of the Peace. It also impowered him to call upon any citizen for assistance in arresting any law-breaker, and fixed a fine of not less than $5, or more than $20, on any citizen refusing to render such assistance.
At a meeting of the Council, April 7, 1874, C. F. Shimeal was appointed Marshal; J. G. Diffenderfer, Street Commissioner; William H. Taylor, Treas- urer-fixing the bonds of the Marshal at $500, Street Commissioner same, and Treasurer $1,000.
April 18th, " An ordinance to impose a tax on dogs," fixing the tax at $1 upon each male dog and $2 upon each female dog, and any person failing to pay such tax was liable to a fine of not less than $1 or more than $5. It fur- ther provided that any person owning or keeping a female dog, and allowing her to run at large when in heat, should be liable to a fine of not less than $1 or more than $5.
April 25, 1874, P. H. Warner was appointed Street Commissioner, upon failure of J. G. Diffenderfer to qualify.
May 5th, the Council passed an ordinance entitled, " An ordinance to im- pose a poll tax," making it incumbent upon every able-bodied resident of the town, personally or by a sufficient substitute, to work on the public highway (how long the record saith not), under the supervision of the Street Commis- sioner, and each man failing to do so was liable to have an extra day's labor imposed for each day's neglect to appear.
July 13th, the Council passed " An ordinance to prevent the discharge of firearms within the corporate limits of the town."
In January, 1875, J. G. Diffenderfer was elected Assessor.
At the second election, held at the Mayor's office, March 1, 1875, J. G. Diffenderfer was elected Mayor ; B. A. Barnes, Recorder ; J. G. Diffenderfer, Street Commissioner ; M. R. Harding, Assessor; I. P. Cramer, Marshal; P. H. Warner, P. H. Westcott, E. W. Harvey, Charles Lathrop and James L. Williamson, Trustees.
March 12, 1875, by vote of Council, P. J. Wolcott was appointed Treas- urer.
April 25, 1875, the Council imposed a tax of five mills per dollar on all tax- able property in the town, and passed a resolution allowing $1.50 for a man, and $3 per day for a man and team, in working out poll tax.
For 1876, Mayor, J. G. Diffenderfer ; Recorder, William R. Williamson ; Trustees, G. H. Crawford, H. C. Merriam, J. T. Williamson, C. S. Barker and Charles Lathrop : Assessor, S. G. Backus : Street Commissioner, A. L. Bort : Treasurer, C. E. Merriam : James McArthur was appointed Marshal.
October 30, 1876, on vote of the Council, Hugh Matthewson was appointed City Marshal.
For 1877, Mayor, W. H. Martin ; Recorder, James C. Campbell ; Trustees, W. P. Gerry, W. B. Morgan, G. H. Crawford, A. F. Kirkwood, James F. Williamson ; Assessor, P. D. Smith ; Street Commissioner, T. N. Williamson ; Treasurer, W. R. Williamson ; O. C. Abbott was appointed Marshal. T. N. Williamson resigned, and J. G. Diffenderfer was appointed to fill the vacancy.
For 1878, Mayor, F. M. Earhart ; Recorder, James C. Campbell ; Trustees, James T. Williamson, A. F. Kirkwood, W. P. Gerry, C. F. Shimeall, P. D. Smith : O. C. Abbott was appointed Marshal.
540
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
BUSINESS OF 1878.
Banks. Exchange Bank of Hopkinton by F. N. Earhart, organized 1877. Hotel, Central House, by A. C. Tapping. General Stores, Barker & Camp- bell. 1877; C. E. Merriam & Co., 1866; J. HI. Campbell, 1847. Boots and Shoes. Joe Bernhard, 1876 ; P. O. Joseph, 1863; Drug Stores, Williamson & McBride, 1877: H. Livingston, 1874. Hardware, J. G. Wallace, 1872. Furniture, A. F. Kirkwood, 1865; A. Kirkwood, 1855. Undertaker, A. Kirkwood, 1854. Restaurant, Charles Abbott, 1877. Millinery, Misses M. & N. Dawson, 1876 ; Barker & Campbell, 1877. Harness and Saddlery, C. F. Shimeall. Notaries Public, P. H. Warner, 1868; M. Harmon, 1874 ; J. C. Campbell, 1877. Meat Market, C. E. Reeve, 1862. Flour Store, James McArthur. Blacksmiths, G. H. Crawford, 1861; W. P. Gerry, 1876; J. H. Williamson. 1878. Wagon Makers, John Dunlap, 18 -; R. J. Schlemlein, 1874 ; H. M. Pearce, 1876. Lunber, P. D. Smith, 1875. Livery Stables, Lough & King, 1875; N. Loop, 1877. Elevators-there are two, one built by Campbell, Williamson & Co., in 1873, present owner, J. T. Williamson ; the other was formerly at Sand Spring and moved here by John Stevenson in 1863; now in the hands of creditors. Photographers, Warner & Pearce. Surveyor, P. II. Warner. Physicians, W. H. Finley, 1859; P. Byam, 1865; Seth Byam, 1878 ; J. H. Warmouth, 1876. On September 6, 1867, the first freight shipped from Hopkinton was one car load of wheat, in Co. car 111, and consigned to Tyng & Brotherson, Peoria, Ill. The first Station Master was A. F. Stickney, followed by W. E. Davis.
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OF HOPKINTON.
The first school house built in this district was constructed of logs, and situ- ated at the edge of a small grove called Scotch Grove, about midway between Hopkinton (then a small settlement) and the Scotch settlement, in order that children from both settlements could attend. It was put up by the settlers, who, in the Winter of 1849, hauled the logs and constructed the building themselves. The first teacher was a Miss Beard, from Vermont, who opened it about the 1st of May, 1849, and continued one term. She was followed by Mr. Wilson, who taught about one year. The building was then sold and the school removed to the village and kept in an old wagon shop until 1855. They then, by private subscription and the money received from the sale of the log building, built & small brick school house (the first brick house in the county),. the lot being donated by Mr. Jackson, and the structure built by Mr. Tate. The first teacher in this house was a Miss Eaton, from Vermont. In March, 1865, the district was organized by the election of the following officers : President, H. A. Car- ter : Vice President. J. G. Diffenderfer ; Treasurer, Edmond Davis ; Secretary, A. Nash ; Directors, C. A. Bell, G. H. Crawford, G. Merriam. March 13th, they voted a tax of five mills on all taxable property in the district for school purposes. At that meeting, they appointed Messrs. G. Merriam, Leroy Jack- son and A. Nash a building committee, with instructions to have another school house completed by the 1st of October, 1865. But the committee, instead of building, purchased the old Presbyterian Church for $500, and made it into a school house. It stood on the lot adjoining the small brick school house, and was used as a higher grade school. These two constituted the school houses of the Independent District until 1875, when they were both removed, and the Board of Directors, at an expense of nearly $7,000, erected a new brick build- ing on the two lots, and purchased one-half of an acre lot to add to the grounds.
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
The building contains four school rooms, and employs four teachers. The first teacher was Prof. Coulter, Principal.
CHURCHES.
The Reformed Presbyterian .- About the year 1854. Mr. James Kilpatrick, with his family, settled at Hopkinton, but with faint hopes of seeing a congre- gation of Reformed Presbyterians growing up around him. A few others of the same church connection came, and the first sermon by a Reformed Presbyterian minister was preached by the Rev J. Neil, in April, 1855. An article pub- lished in the magazine of the church, setting forth the advantages to be gained in settling here, by those in the East, who were looking for Western homes, induced others to come.
Dr. Roberts, once Pastor of a congregation in Baltimore, and afterward of a congregation in Sterling, New York, came to Hopkinton in the Fall of 1855. The following Spring, the congregation was organized with about twenty or twenty-five members. Messrs. Whittaker and Gilmore were chosen Elders, and James Kilpatrick, Deacon. Shortly after the congregation was organized, its numbers were increased by about half a dozen families from Canada. Dr. Roberts preached to the people until about the year 1859, when he was installed Pastor of the congregation. During these years, the congregation had no church building, but held their services in a school house. But continued increase and prosperity gave the people ability to erect a church, which was ready for occu- pancy in 1859.
On December 7, 1864, Dr. Roberts, who had labored among this people since the organization of the congregation, was suddenly called away from earth to heaven. In his death, not only this church but the whole community suffered a great loss.
After the death of Dr. Roberts, the congregation had no settled Pastor until 1868, when D. H. Coulter, a young man of great promise, was ordained and installed as Pastor. Mr. Coulter continued in this pastorate until the Fall of 1874, when he was released at his own request, having been called to another field of labor.
On the 15th of June, 1875, R. C. Wylie, who had just completed his studies in the seminary, was ordained and installed Pastor of the congregation.
In the month of April, 1876, one of the most important events occurred in the whole history of the congregation. It is well known that this denomination is often called "Covenanter," from the fact that they hold the solemn league and covenant of Scotland, England and Ireland to be binding on those repre- sented in it, so far as it binds to moral duties. A covenant, embodying the principles held by this denomination, was prepared by a committee appointed by Synod, and was sworn and subscribed by Synod in May, 1871, and all con- gregations in the entire body were directed to do likewise. This act was done by the Hopkinton congregation in April, 1876, as before stated. We believe the effects of this deed have been good. At least there is more Christian life among the people and more Christian work is done than before. The congrega- tion now numbers 106 members. The ladies have a missionary society holding monthly meetings, consisting of twenty-five members. They have also organ- ized a ladies' prayer meeting, which meets weekly.
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