USA > Iowa > Des Moines County > The history of Des Moines county, Iowa, containing a history of the country, its cities, towns, &c., a biographical directory of citizens, war record of its volunteers > Part 71
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Crane, S. Pickard, B. P. Bishop, L. B. Allen, D. D., J. S. Robert, A. D. Bush, J. Lee, J. M. Wood, G. W. S. Bell, W. R. Woodruff, C. Bush, T. M. Ind, S. W. Marston, W. J. Cochran, J. W. Coggshall, G. J. Johnson, Morgan Edwards, W. A. Eggleston-25 in all, with 6 licentiates. The visiting breth- ren present were: Elders I. J. Stoddard, of the Assam Mission, India ; Dexter Smith, of the State Convention, and E. C. Cady, of St. John, N. B.
At the thirtieth anniversary, or the sixth of the Burlington Association, held in Burlington, a committee of five were appointed to try to effect a union between this and the Keokuk Association, and the committee recommended that the following churches be dismissed to form the Washington Association, viz. : Richmond, Washington, Columbus City, Davis Creek and Ainsworth-5 churches with 365 members. This was virtually a third division of the Asso- ciation.
The thirty-fourth aniversary was held in New London in 1872, and is especially worthy of note, because of the presence of Rev. J. E. Clough, of Ongole, India, who was educated in Burlington University, where he was con- verted, baptized, and afterward ordained in 1864. Here he still holds his membership. He had then returned to us after an absence of less than eight years, during which time he had baptized about 2,000 Tellagoos. He came home seeking for health, $50,000 for the Ram-a-potam Seminary and four new men for the Tellagoos Mission. Here the first subscription was made toward that $50,000, all of which was afterward raised; and the three things sought by Bro. Clough were granted in the good providence of God. It may be well also to mention here the fact, that soon after the thirty-ninth anniversary, held in Danville in 1877, Miss R. A. S. Norwood, of Burlington University, left to engage in mission work in Swaton, China. Thus has Burlington been most highly honored in having two such noble representatives in the foreign field.
It may be well here to mention the names of Pastors of the different churches since the division of the Association in 1859. At Danville, J. B. Knight, Eli- jah Russ, S. West and R. King. At Pisgah, Isaac Leonard, W. E. James, S. Brimhall, H. Burnett, I. J. Penny. At Washington, A. Edson, Charles Thompson, A. Pratt, H. A. Braden, A. Scott. At First Mount Pleasant, M. Sutton, Elihu Gunn, W. L. Brown, R. W. Benton, L. M. Berry, J. F. Mer- riam. At Burlington, P. P. Bishop, A. F. Willey, D. F. Carnahan, J. B. Ful- ler, L. W. Hayhurst, J. E. Hopper and J. C. Hurd, M. D. At Jefferson, J. Lee, J. D. Wilson, L. Frescoln, J. Warren, D. Simmons, George Berry. At Richmond, C. Thompson, A. C. Sangster, E. Ward. At New London, John Warren, M. Edwards, R. King, H. H. Parks, J. W. Hoffman, B. F. Goldsby I. H. Denton. At Columbus City, W. R. Woodruff, J. L. Cole. At Marion Township, Charles Thompson. At Flint River, E. Russ. At Huson, Moses Parker. At Davis Creek, J. W. Coffman, A. W. Sutton. At Fairfield, Isaac Leonard, C. Darby, C. B. Egan, J. R. Shanefelt, J. II. Storms, J. Frey, H. W. Thiele. At Second Mount Pleasant, J. D. Wilson, William Webster, J. H. Handy, A. M. Colston, William Washington. At Brighton, J. C. Burkholder, D. Morse, H. H. Parks. At Second Burlington, John Warren, E. Burkett, G. C. Corey, William Webster, G. W. Shelton. At Ainsworth, A. W. Sutton.
At Mount Carmel, H. Burnett, E. Crane. At Goldsby, I. H. Denton. At New Sweden, Peter Colson. At Beulah, D. Simmons, George H. Berry. At South Hill, Burlington, J. D. Fuller, L. D. Benedict, - Fish. At Spring Creek, A. F. Sharpnack, M. T. Lamb, Joel H. Austin.
Thus since 1859, there have been twenty-four different churches in the Asso- ciation, with about sixty different men as Pastors.
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY.
First Baptist Church was organized April 1, 1849. The twelve following persons were its constituent members, viz .: Rev. G. J. Johnson, William B. Ewing, William R. Hinkley, Hannah Chamberlain, Mary Kitchen, Ann Bridges, Kitsey Martin, Benjamin Gore, Kitty Gore, Aaron Chamberlain, Harriet Smith, Susan Holdridge.
On the same day the following persons, who had been received as candi- dates for church fellowship, were baptized : John M. Webber, John Bridges, Mary Garret and Arville McGuire, at the close of the morning service, and at 6 o'clock on the evening of the same day, George Van Beck and Adaline Van Beck were baptized by the first Pastor, Rev. G. J. Johnson.
The first pastorate continued for five years, when, after an interval of a few months, it was formed again and continued about four years longer, closing Sep- tember 1, 1858. Rev. P. P. Bishop then became Pastor, and held the office for one year and nine months, resigning June 2, 1860. The Church was then without a Pastor six months, when Rev. A. F. Willey became Pastor December 16, 1860, continuing this relation for three years and nine months. resigning October 1, 1864. He was succeeded by Rev. D. T. Carnahan, April 2, 1865, who resigned November 3, 1866. Then came Rev. J. B. Fuller, February 10, 1867, remaining until January 1870. Rev. L. W. Hay- hurst then supplied the pulpit for one year, and, at its expiration, February 3, 1871, accepted of the pastorate, resigning in February, 1872, when, after a short vacancy in the pastorate, Rev. J. E. Hopper accepted of the office, March, 1872, and began work the following month, April 19, 1872.
The present church edifice was built during the pastorate of Rev. G. J. John- son, at a cost of about $9,000. The largest additions to the Church were dur- ing the pastorates of Johnson, Willey and Hopper. In all over one thousand persons have been enrolled members of this Church.
There are now four Baptist Churches in the city, and church and school property held by Baptists in the city worth $80,000. The Church has erected a pleasant and commodious parsonage on West Hill. The present membership of the congregation is about two hundred and fifty, which is presided over by Rev. J. C. Hurd, who succeeded J. E. Hopper as Pastor. Connected with the Church is the Sunday School, the Women's Foreign Missionary Society and the Ladies' Benevolent Society.
Roman Catholic Societies .- Catholicity had an early start with the youth- ful village. now the flourishing city of Burlington. The old St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, on Fourth and Columbia streets, was commenced about the year 1840, by Rev. Father Mazrezelle, first Pastor, by direction of the vener- able Bishop Loras, of Dubuque, who dearly loved this infant city at that time.
The second resident Pastor was the Rev. Father Reffee, an Alsatian by birth : the old, old settlers remember him with affection. Having early ac- quired a fair knowledge of the English language, he ministered to the spiritual wants of the numerous German, Irish and French Catholics of this city for several years. Dodgeville Mission was also attended by him.
In January, 1854, Rev. Michael Kinsella was sent by Bishop Loras to take charge of the English-speaking portion of St. Paul's congregation, Father Reffee continuing Pastor of the German Catholics. Shortly after, a division of the church effects was made between the Irish and Germans, Bishop Loras presiding. In abont one year, the German Catholics built the St. John Baptist Church on Division street, and moved into it for divine worship, with Father Reffee as their Pastor, leaving Father Kinsella sole Pastor of St. Paul's.
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY.
After the first eighteen months of his missionary life, Kinsella was called, reluctantly, against the will of his Bishop and the people of St. Paul's, to Allamakee County to take charge of mine missions. He was succeeded in St. Paul's by Rev. Matthew Harmon.
But after seventeen months' absence, Rev. M. Kinsella was recalled to St. Paul's. Now the active life of the young priest had full scope. Schools for his parish children was his motto; by collections and travel he kept two paid teachers with schools in the church basement, and when he had but one, he taught himself in person. In the mean time he wanted permanent schools, or Sisters devoted to schools for life, and to procure means for this object every sacrifice was overcome. Without residence or place of rest, renting a room from the venerable Madame Wetzler, he, by the raffle of his gold watch, Lives of Saints, many volumes of books and other means, saved up $840 to procure a Sisters' dwelling and schools. About this time, the Third Street Chapel (Presbyterian) was for sale. It was at that early day the pride of the city-a thing of beauty. The congregation of St. Paul's bought in this Third Street Chapel, Father Kinsella paying in his $840 on the first payment. Now his wishes were realized. The name was transferred to the new St. Paul's and the old church remodeled and partitioned, and five Sisters of Charity of B. V. M. placed there. The schools flourished, and before long nine Sisters were on active duty. Laying aside all religious prejudices, the schools of the Sisters were patronized by the wealthiest, the most influential and refined citizens in the place.
In 1861, Rev. M. Kinsella was called by Rt. Rev. Bishop Smith, of Dubuque, to Muscatine and then to Garryowen. In both places he built and established Sisters' Schools. He was succeeded in St. Paul's, Burlington, by Rev. J. B. Donelan, who continued its Pastor until his death. Father James, as he was familiarly known, was beloved by all classes, irrespective of creed or country. He built the steeple on St. Paul's Catholic Church, and also a dwell- ing-house for the Sisters, and died December 28, 1869.
About one year previous to his death, his church being too small, the parish was divided ; the ground was purchased and the new St. Patrick's Church erected on West Washington street, at that time one of the lone and romantic places of the city, Father Lee being its Pastor. On the death of Father Doll- elan, in 1869, Father Moran became Pastor of St. Paul's Church. In 1872, Rev. T. F. Gunn succeeded Father Moran in St. Paul's Church, and continues its present Pastor. Father Gunn is a most zealous and energetic priest, and has shown by his works what energy and perseverance can do. His zeal for the promotion of his schools caused him to purchase very expensive grounds, on which he erected the beautiful Academy of our Lady of Lourdes, and into which the Sisters and pupils moved, in 1877.
In 1870 or 1871, Father Lee, of St. Patrick's New Church, became de- mented. The church was closed, with a heavy debt, but the creditors were gentlemen, who neither pressed nor asked until a successor was sent. On the 20th of December, 1871, Rev. Father Kinsella for the third time was returned, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Hennessy, D. D, of Dubuque, to take charge of St. Pat- rick's Church.
Father Kinsella, than whom few love Burlington better, commenced on this new field of labor with a double will, with an unfinished church and wild grounds and in debt. His first work was to procure Sister teachers from St. Paul's, who came every morning and returned each evening, the schools being held in the church basement. Every sacrifice was made by him and his people
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to pay off debts ; he even raffled his own mare and buggy, realizing therefor $500. Now the grounds and buildings testify to the above. A costly addition to the church, all neatly finished, was made, a large pastoral residence was built, and, one year ago, a large and substantial building, the Academy of the Immaculate Conception, was erected, where seven Sisters and one hundred and eighty pupils teach and study. Number of families, about one hundred and sixty.
Academy .- The Academy of Our Lady of Lourdes belongs to St. Paul's Catholic Church, and is located on Fourth street. The ground upon which this new and imposing educational building stands was purchased in 1875. The work of construction began in 1876. The building was completed and the school opened in the summer of 1877. Only female scholars are admitted to this institution. It is calculated both for boarders and day scholars, and the higher branches are taught by eight Sisters of Charity of the Order of the Blessed Virgin. A parochial school for girls is also taught here. In all, there are 175 pupils.
St. John's Catholic Church was organized by a separation of the Germans from the Irish, effected by Father J. G Reffe, in 1855, and the construction of the church-building was commenced in 1856 and completed the same year. The congregation at this time consisted of about forty or fifty families. One year after the church was finished, a good, substantial brick building was con- structed for the purpose of establishing an elementary school, which is now con- dueted by four Sisters of Charity of the Congregation of Notre Dame, and one male teacher, Frank Mayrhofer, who is also organist of the Church. The school is divided into four classes, and has a present scholarship of about three hundred and thirty. In 1873, the St. John's Academy building was cominenced by Father Fendrick and completed in 1875. The present attendance of the Acad- emy consists of twenty scholars, who are instructed by one class teacher, one music and one female work teacher, all of whom are sisters of Notre Dame. In 1876, the entire church property, including a fine brick residence for the accommodation of the Pastor, and not spoken of before, was given by Bishop J. B. Hennessy, of Dubuque, to the Jesuit Fathers. The property described is valued at $50,000. Rev. Father Neubrand is the present Pastor of the con- gregation, which is now about two hundred families strong.
First German Evangelical .- The First German Evangelical Church, of Burlington, was organized in 1841, by Jacob Wilhelm, Seibert Magel, Conrad Pfeiff, Balthasar Schmitt, John Philip Kriechbaum, George Blickhahn, Louis Teuscher, Henry Fehling and Fred Funck. The first Pastor was Rev. Mr. Rieger, who came in 1841, and stayed till the spring of 1844. The first meet- ing-place was in the garret of a house on the corner of Main and Columbia
streets. In 1844, Rev. H. A. Eppens became their Pastor, and remained until April, 1849. In or about the year 1847, their place of worship was changed to a room over what is now Carpenter's jewelry store, corner of Third and Jefferson streets, where they continued to worship till 1850. In 1849, Rev. Theodore H. Dresel became Pastor, and so continued until July, 1855. On the 19th of July, 1855, the present devoted and beloved Pastor, Rev. Freder- ick Fausel, from the Theological Seminary of Marthasville, Mo., became Pastor, and has continued ever since to minister to his people with success and uniform satisfaction.
In 1850, their present elegant and commodious house of worship, situated on the southwest corner of Columbia and Sixth streets, was begun. It is a brick structure, original size 40x60 feet, with stone basement, and with taste-
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY.
fully and beautifully finished interior, in imitation rosewood. A semi-circular. gallery runs around the east end of the audience-room, in which is a fine organ, and all the appointments of the house are such as becomes a temple devoted to the worship of the Almighty. In 1869, some additions were made to the edifice, including an extension of twelve fect to the main building, and the erection of a steeple ninety-two feet high. The house occupies a commanding position, overlooking a large part of the city, the river, etc. ; will conveniently seat about seven hundred people, and cost $12,000. It was dedicated April 6, 1851, Rev. Christopher Young, of Quincy, Ill., preaching the sermon from John, xxi, 1-5. Rev. M. Kroenlein, of Franklin Center, Iowa, Rev. Conrad Riess, of Muscatine, Rev. J. G. Shinn, of the Burlington Presbyterian Church, and Rev. William Salter, of the Burlington Congregational Church, assisted at the dedication, which was a joyful occasion to the faithful members and friends of the Church.
In 1849, the Church was re-organized by changing some and adding new articles to the Constitution, and at present is in a most flourishing condition. Soon after the re-organization, the Church was incorporated by an act of the State Legislature. The present membership includes the heads of cighty families, representing not less than four hundred members in all, including children. The Sabbath school connected with the Church has an average attendance of about two hundred members, and is accomplishing happy results. The present Superintendent is Henry Berges ; Librarian, Louis Blaul. In the basement of the church a day school is conducted eleven months of the year, supported by private tuition ; present teacher, Charles Grueninger. About eighty pupils are now in attendance. There is also connected with the Church a Mutual Aid Society, organized in April, 1856. It now has ninety-four members, each of whom, when disabled by sickness, receives $4 per week, and at the death of any member, his funeral expenses are paid, to the amount of $25, and the widow or orphans left by him, receive $300 from the Society. This Church is one of the most active and harmonious in the city, and during the many years it has been blessed with the ministrations of the present able and worthy Pastor, Rev. Mr. Fausel, the society and congregation have greatly . increased.
German Evangelical Zion Church was organized the 13th of March, 1864, with the following constituent members : H. Hoelscher, G. H. Biklen, G. Bischoff, S. Magel, F. Funck, J. Wilhelm, C. Kassel, P. J. Paul, M. Gutekunst, E. Wehman, H. Schnicker, J. Hohl, F. Schwarz, C. Aspelmeier, C. Andre, William Lalk, W. Schlick, J. P. Kriechbaum, H. Keitzer, M. Goetz, H. J. Gugeler, G. Lemberger, J. Jaeger, H. W. Wehman, F. Flad, D. Schwarz, W. Schultheis, J. Keitzer, J. C. Woellhaf, G. Blaese, K. Wolkenhauer, J. Hammer, George Kriechbaum, L. Bauer, F. Schildt, J. Wollman, B. Jugenheimer, F. G. Klein. The first officers were : Elders, H. Hoelscher, C. Andre, W. Lalk, W. Schlick and G. Bischoff; Trustees, S. Magel, J. P. Kriechbaum, F. Funck. The congregation worshiped in Marion Hall until August, 1865, when the present edifice was dedicated on the second Sunday in August. The corner- stone was laid August 16, 1864. The present officers are : Elders, H. Hoelscher, C. Andre, G. H. Bikler, G. Bischoff, M. Gutekunst ; Trustees, George Kriechbaum, Chris. Wehmeier, Aug. Kriechbaum. The first min- ister was J. Zimmerman, who is still in charge of the congregation. A Sun- day school was organized with the Church. The day school, supported by the Church, with two teachers, M. F. G. Klein and Miss Emma Klein, has an attendance of about one hundred scholars. The Church at present has a mem-
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bership of sixty-five families, or about three hundred persons. The value of the Church property, including the parsonage, is $25,000.
First German Baptist Church .- This society was organized in July, 1869, by Rev. John Kohrs, with eleven members, from families newly arrived from Germany. For some time they met in the church of the American Baptists, until their neat and new house of worship, at 1303 North Oak street, was com- pleted, in 1870. Rev. Mr. Kohrs remained Pastor until April, 1877, and was succeeded by the present Pastor, Rev. Frederick Holzen. The first Deacon was H. Ricker, and he and D. Theilengerdes and F. Jordan are the present Deacons and Trustees of the Church. The number of members at present is 130. The Sabbath school has about 140 members, of which Chris. Jordan is the Superintendent.
St. Lucas German Evangelical Church .- This society was organized in the year 1877, by a number of former members of the First German Evangel- ical Church, on North Hill, assisted by Rev. Frederick Fausel and Rev. R. Zimmerman. Their new and elegant church-building, size 60x40 feet, on the corner of South and Fourteenth streets, was begun in September, 1877, when the corner-stone was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, Rev. Fausel and Rev. Zimmerman officiating. It was dedicated May 5, 1878, by the same ministers, assisted by the then and present Pastor of the Church, Rev. D. Ankele. Forty families are attached to this congregation.
Connected with the Church is a day school, taught at present by the Pastor, in the basement of the church. There is also a Sabbath school, with about 120 members. The building cost about $5,000; will seat 500 persons ; has a fine cabinet organ ; a bell weighing 1,200 pounds, made at Cincinnati, Ohio. The house is neatly constructed and handsomely furnished.
Christian Church .- Sometime about the year 1853, a few adherents of the denomination, including D. P. Henderson, Mr. Matlock, Joshua and Arthur Miller, organized a society in this city. A lot was purchased, but no building was erected; and after a struggle of two years, the organization ceased. In May, 1870, Mr. C. C. Miller became a resident of the city, and finding a few others here of like religious adherence, and feeling the need of agreeable church associations, he undertook to effect an organization. And, as a result of united effort. the present Christian Church of Burlington was organized, October 11, 1870, at the residence of Ann Harris, on North Main street, with twenty-two members. aided in the organizing by Elder S. T. Shortess, then of Vinton, Iowa. Messrs. C. C. Miller, A. Abbott and Ranson Trobee were chosen Elders. at the meeting for organization, and the following-named persons, at the same time, became members of the infant Church: Ranson and Elizabeth Trobee, Alexander and Mary A. Abbott, George R. and Emeline M. Scott, Thomas Hinkson, Thomas Barr, George Knesram. A. Muzzy, Mary E. Muzzy, James A. Duvall, Japhet Hand, Rachel E. Hand, L. F. Smith, Sarah Allen, Ann Harris, Elizabeth Harris, C. C. Miller, Charity A. Muzzy, Mrs. A. C. Smith, Sallie Ann Hand. At the next regular meeting, Mary Cornwell, L. Kate Ewords, Mrs. Lizzie Phillips, Mrs. Hinkson. Mrs. Catherine Miller and Mrs. Duvall were added to the society.
In the fall of 1870, the society went from the residence of Ann Harris to a small room in the old Court House (Marion Hall), where they worshiped during the winter of 1870-71. They then occupied the Reformed German Church building on Market, between Sixth and Seventh streets, until January, 1874, when they bought the Olivet Congregational Church property, on Bound- ary street, paying therefor about $4,200, which they now own and occupy. For
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY.
some time, they were without a regular Pastor, and the public teaching from the organization till the spring of 1874 was done by Elder C. C. Miller. In the fall of 1872, Elder John Errett visited the Church and preached for them about a week. They were next successively visited by Elders J. C. Hay, F. M. Bruner and G. T. Carpenter. In December, 1873, State Evangelist J. B. Vawter came and remained until February, 1874, during his stay holding a very successful meeting and adding about twenty-five new members to the Church. Elder H. H. Black was then engaged, who began his labors in May, 1874, and remained about seven months. Elder C. S. Blackwell was next engaged, beginning his work May 29, 1875, remaining one year and about three months. The next effort to have regular preaching was in April, 1878, when the present Pastor, Elder L. S. Wallace, began his labors and is doing good service.
The Bible school in the Church was commenced when they met in the Mar- ket street house, and continued until the summer of 1877, with C. C. Miller, Superintendent, until June, 1874, when R. A. Givens was selected and remained in that office uutil it was abandoned, but was revived the first of the present year.
The present officers of the Church are as follows: Elders-R. A. Givens, William M. Cornwell, Thomas finkson. Deacons-Phillip Cronk, Samuel Murch. Board of Trustees-C. C. Miller, Chairman, George R. Scott, R. A. Givens and Thomas Hinkson; Church Treasurer-C. C. Miller. The Trust- ees were appointed in December, 1873, the Elders and Deacons in June, 1874, and all hold their respective offices at the pleasure of the congregation. The present number of members is about seventy, and the Church is increasing in strength and usefulness.
Swedish M. E. Church of the Northwestern Swedish Conference: In 1857, a class was organized among the Swedish settlers, between four and five miles west of Burlington, by Rev. P. Newberg. Among its first members were John Pearson and wife, C. P. Peterson and wife, J. P. Ericson (died in 1877) and wife, Andrew Carlson and wife and Mrs. Margaret Staff. A small church was built in 1861, in which the following have officiated as Pastors : Peter Newberg (who organized the society at the close of his second year's serv- ice), two years; N. Peterson, four years ; Joseph Osterlund, two years ; P. Newberg, one year ; J. E. Berggren, three years ; A. Wahlgren, one year ; P. Long, one year, and A. G. Engstrom, one year. During this period, it was connected with the society at New Sweden, Jefferson County, Adolph New- berg having been for several years a local minister of the society.
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