The history of Dubuque County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., Part 89

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical
Number of Pages: 964

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About this time David and John Edwards settled in the village with their families. They came from Pennsylvania, and the latter opened a hotel late in the winter, near the present site of the Baptist Church. The tavern was afterward known as the Graffort House, but was destroyed by fire about the year 1862. During the building of the hotel, a young man named Fisher, employed thereon, was taken with typhoid fever and died, his death being the first to occur after the town was laid out. On December 10, 1855, a son was born to Silas Moore and wife, the first in the settlement. He was christened Jacob Berdine Moore, and still lives. George Van Cleve and Sarah McCune were married about this time, reputed the first in the town. Some others settled at Epworth the same year, and, by Christmas, the population had increased to about twenty-five persons.

Soon after the town was laid out, emigration began to tend in this direction. The Alexanders were among the first ; J. V. McCune was included among the additions made in 1855, also, Silas Moore, who built the hotel now presided over by himself, standing on Main street, near the Methodist Church ; William Magill built a residence beyond Moore's present residence, likewise Philip Keagy, who established a home opposite the residence of the late Otis Briggs. Thomas G. Briggs, Hezekiah and Hiram Young erected brick houses, and other improvements were perfected this year. The railroad from Dubuque had

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been surveyed and staked out, and its construction was progressing rapidly. In short, the most incredulous began to realize that Epworth was on the high- way to municipal dignities, and no doubt was felt but that the town would, in a brief period, rival, in population, wealth and importance, adjoining towns which the railroad had been instrumental in developing.

These anticipations were fully confirmed during the succeeding year. Indeed, 1856 was a season of unexampled prosperity, which had the effect of encouraging the hopes of residents in Iowa beyond comparison or precedent. The tide of emigration poured its volume of settlers into the State in large numbers, and with ceaseless regularity. Once across the Mississippi, they dis- tributed themselves in all portions of Dubuque County, and the population of every township was increased almost daily. 'The natural effect of this and other causes intimately connected, was to elevate the spirits of residents, without regard to age, sex or condition, and inspire them with confidence in the future. A series of improvements were inaugurated, the merchant rejoiced at the measure of his business, and the husbandman felicitated himself on the abun- dant harvest awaiting the sickle. All interests combined to accord a promise of success, and failure was scarcely considered, much less apprehended.

How these high hopes were dashed by unfulfilled promises and failing ventures that came with the panic one year later, are matters of record with which the most obtuse are familiar.

In Epworth, business crowded the ordinary duties of daily life; from 1854 to 1857, the township was overrun with new arrivals, and " prairie schooners," in countless numbers, thronged the highways. In the latter year, gloom and . discouragement succeeded hope and prosperity.

Among those who came in 1856, was E. G. French, who afterward taught the first school in the town (he gardened for the Dubuque market), Jacob Waynant, the Rev. S. T. Wells, Frank Richardson, who opened a harness shop; A. S. Atkinson, who became the village blacksmith; W. W. Wilkinson, Dr. W. B. Fox, etc., etc. J. H. and Edward Dodson opened a store in Rickett's building, near the corner of Main and Center streets ; Alexander & Co., a store just west of the brick store, and adjoining them was the hardware store of Stephen Young; the Dodsons built residences on Main street; Clark Alexan- der put up a blacksmith shop, and Edward Tuttle, residing in a house to the south of the brick store, was the village painter ; west of him lived J. T. Will- iams and family ; O. J. Metcalf lived near the seminary ; David Edwards on upper Main street, west of H. Young's place of residence, and the Rev. Wells on the lot now occupied by Timothy French.

The year closed with a balance to the credit of the inhabitants, and its boom was prorogued into 1857, but dire calamities followed in its wake. The rail- road was completed early in the spring, and the depot erected soon after, when trains began to course the iron track. This improvement was made under the direction of Hiram Young, and still survives, a sample of the mechanical excel- lence employed in those days. The Epworth Seminary was completed at a cost of $6,100, subscribed by the citizens of the vicinity. J. V. McCune built a house, now constituting a part of the private residence of Dr. Jackson ; Dr. B. Bowman and others did likewise, the latter's house is now occupied by Dr. Keeler. During the summer, lands sold higher than ever before, lots bringing $200 each, and property in the vicinity of the seminary $125 per acre. It is a notable fact, which must not be omitted, that in all deeds to purchasers a stipu- lation was contained providing that no house should be erected for the sale of liquors, nor would the sale of the "ardent" be permitted upon any consideration,

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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY.

either nominal or valuable. To this careful and providential provision is due in a great measure the morality of the town and its exemption from disorder and crime. And there is no town in the West where so substantial blessings exist. The foresight of the pioneers has returned to bless the inventors, and, while other towns have suffered from the effects of dram-shops in their midst materially and morally, Epworth has rejoiced in its deliverance therefrom.

Along in the fall of this year, the panic, with all its attendant concomitants of poverty and suffering, was experienced. Farm lands lay idle, and in some cases unoccupied. Business languished and gradually yielded to the inevitable. There was no money, the only medium of exchange being the scrip issued by the Harbor Associations in Dubuque, and that put forth by the South-Western Railroad Company, which, in view of the uncertain condition of affairs was all but worthless.

But there was still a silver lining to the dark cloud which hovered above the people. E. G. French began the first public school opened in the town. It occu- pied the upper floor of the building on Main street now used by that gentle- man for mercantile purposes, and he, with the assistance of Miss M. Webster, aided in the training of 100 pupils of both sexes. The spiritual welfare of the people was cared for by sermons and Sabbath schools, and though times were hard and the inhabitants pecuniarily short as pie crust, disease and death and the horrors of starvation did not add to the surrounding gloom.

Among the prominent men who settled in the town this year was Dr. E. Jackson, the pioneer homœopathic physician. Benjamin Goodrich opened a shoeshop, and other interests were cultivated, nurtured and sustained.

Between 1857 and 1863, save the year of the breaking-out of the war, were the most discouraging years ever experienced by the inhabitants. Busi- ness was prostrated, and, though some building was done, including the Pres- byterian Church and Kidder's mill, the prospect was extremely disheartening. There was no money in the country. Farmers who harvested crops were unable to market them because of the absence of a circulating medium. Merchants, for the same reason, were unable to buy or sell their commodities. The most terrible distress was, apparently, impended. In 1859 or 1860, Robert Wil- mott opened the only store ventured from 1859 to 1861. In the latter year, Metcalf & Vibber started in the house now occupied by E. G. French. Such was the dullness prevailing, that no one was safe in undertaking any venture calling for the assistance of capital.

In 1861, the breaking-out of the war revived trade for a season, and gave a temporary impetus to business, in the fitting-out and provisioning of volun- teers. And no section, of the resources of Epworth, provided more abundantly for the cause, both in men and money. Taylor Township furnished 135 men, and $2,116 in cash. from 1861 until the dawn of peace brought with it the glad tidings of great joy.

After the first excitement was over, business settled back into its channel of sluggishness. As the contest continued, the demand for supplies held by farmers and cultivators increased. At first, these were at odd times, gradually growing in frequency, until, in 1863, it seemed as if the denials and privations to which the inhabitants had been committed for years, were about to give way to a holiday of plenty. The crops were constantly on the move, and merchants found it almost impossible to keep pace with the wants of their cus- tomers. Lands increased in value, and a portion of the farmers who had abandoned their cultivation because of the excessive supply of productions, returned to the harvest-field re-invigorated by their absence. The town began

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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY.

to revive under these benign influences, and that better days had come, indeed, was a conclusion both gratifying and universal.

At the close of the war, business receded from its advance, in a measure, and so continued until Black Friday was recorded among the calamities that have taken flight. In 1863, it. should be mentioned, P. Keagy succeeded E. G. French as a "storekeeper," opening in the house vacated by Metcalf & Vibber.

In 1867, the Union Store Company, on the co-operative plan, was organ- ized. French's building was repaired and refitted for its occupation, and a prosperous commencement was made in October of the year mentioned, the business being in charge of John Randall as agent. He acted in that capacity till early in 1869, when the Company shares were bought up by John Randall and William Johnson, who continued the business, under the name of Randall & Co., until the summer of 1874, when the same was sold out and its affairs closed up. The next store to offer inducements for public patronage was opened by Hezekiah Young, in Metcalf's building. He removed to the brick store, in 1875, and is still in possession.

The past decade has not been fruitful of events in the history of this quiet country hamlet that will immortalize its founders or electrify the world. But as a retreat from the city for the overworked and exhausted sentinel in profes- sional or mechanical ranks, it offers the inducements of quiet, social, edu- cational and refined influences ; to him whose ambition is measured by resources rather than inclinations-a home where contentment, happiness and a comfort- able competence may become the trinity of rewards the future will unfold ; to all a home into which the sunshine of days unborn may be reflected, redeem- ing promises recorded, beautifying the present and lighting up the future with their rays of purity.

On March 1, 1880, Epworth was incorporated as a town, and to-day enjoys the dignities of municipal exaltation, with the following officers elected on that day : J. M. Kirkpatrick, Mayor; Joseph Fogg, Recorder ; J. B. Albrook, John W. Foster, Timothy French, T. J. Briggs, William McKinlay and Dan- iel Durham, Trustees.

No town hall has yet been erected, but, no doubt, the time when its spire will pierce the clouds is not far hence.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- The oldest religious body in the town was organized as early as 1851, with Thomas G. Briggs and wife, Otis Briggs and wife, Alfred Garner and wife, A. H. Van Anda and wife, Joseph Smith and wife and others as the moving spirits in the cause. The first services were held in February of that year, in a small schoolhouse on the farm of Otis Briggs, where the Rev. Joel B. Taylor officiated as Pastor, who preached the first sermon in the vicinity of Epworth.

Early in 1853, a small frame church was erected by the congregation, at that date having been increased to twenty-five members, on the corner of Center and Main streets, at a cost of about $1,000, and was dedicated in December following by the Pastor, Mr. Taylor, above mentioned. Here services were held until 1870, when the present brick structure was put up, at an expense of $6,300, and dedicated on the 25th of November, 1871, by Elder H. W. Reed.

The church is supplied with an organ ; the congregation numbers about two hundred communicants, and the church property is valued at $10,000.

The following Pastors have served from the organization of the church to date : The Revs. Joel B. Taylor, John Kelly, H. W. Reed, David Haven,

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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY.

Joseph Cameron, Thomas Thompson, Lewis Ashbaugh, W. H. Miller, C. Isham, S. M. Bronson, R. W. Keeler, John Laverty, W. G. Moore, H. W. Houghton, L. H. Hartsough, J. N. Platt, J. M. Ferris, J. B. Albrook and R. Swearingen, the present incumbent.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH .- On the 6th of June, 1856, this organization was perfected through the labors of John V. McCune and family, Jacob B. Waynant and wife, Joseph Scott and wife, R. S. Alexander, D. K. Alexander, John Alexander and others, numbering in all about twenty-five. Services had been theretofore held in the Methodist church building, and so continued until the church of the society was built. Service was held in the basement of the new edifice on the first Sunday in June, 1859, by the Rev. S. T. Wells, who occupied the pulpit for a number of years, and dedicated the church proper on February 19, 1860. The number of worshipers from this date began to increase, though of late years there has been a falling-off in point of membership, until to-day there are twenty-three names on the roster, with church property valued at $500.

The following is the list of ministers: The Rev. S. T. Wells, the Rev. Mr. Carsons, Rev. Mr. Potter, Rev. Mr. Bailey and the Rev. John Fisher, now in service.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH was organized in March, 1866, with Luther Mason, T. H. Davis and wife, Benjamin Goodrich and wife, Leonard Wright and wife, Mrs. Chapman, Widow Goodrich, Mrs. Pratt, Daniel Durham and wife, and several other charter members.

For six years, worship was enjoyed in the houses of members and elsewhere, but, in 1872, the present church was erected and the society obtained a local habitation as well as name. The first minister was the Rev. James Hill, of Cascade, who has been succeeded by brethren engaged in the cause in the fol- lowing order : Revs. J. C. Johnson, C. W. Skemp, L. M. Whiting, H. D. Weaver and D. H. Hall, now the Pastor.

The present members number thirty-four, and the property of the sect is estimated as worth $500.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH was first organized about 1861, by John Trow- bridge, Francis Rogers and wife, Aaron Wood, wife and daughter, Ephraim Story and wife, and twenty others. The church on Center street was built and preaching had for six years, when the society was abolished. In 1873, its re-organization was effected, and E. T. C. Bennett called to the pulpit.

The church is at present without a Pastor, though the congregation still maintains its organization, having about twenty members.

The Rev. Charles Rowe officiated as minister, under the dispensation of 1861, after whom came the following: Revs. E. T. C. Bennett, Mr. Martin, Mr. Crocker, Mr. Muller and N. L. Applegate. The church property is valued at $300. There has been no settled pastor since the departure of Mr. Apple- gate, in 1878.

EPWORTH SEMINARY .- Located in the southwest part of the village are the academic groves of the township. This seminary was the outgrowth of a social entertainment at the residence of Otis Briggs, in the year 1856. Among the guests were : Prof. G. W. Briggs, A. M., Principal of the seminary at Auburn- dale, Mass .; Thomas G. and Otis, his brothers; the Rev. H. W. Reed, James Johnson, Dr. W. Johnson, Z. Kidder and H. Young. Prof. Briggs suggested the establishment of an institution of learning at Epworth, which was readily sec- onded, and a project set on foot, headed by the gentlemen present. A beauti- ful elevation southwest of town, containing eleven acres, was selected, and the

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erection of a substantial three-story brick building begun. The contract for this was taken by D. Edwards, an old citizen of Epworth, who delayed not until he had erected the same and transferred the building to the proper authorities. This was greatly facilitated through the liberality of Mr. H. Young, who advanced funds for the necessary materials. When completed, the building was furnished and made ready for the reception of students.

The third story was arranged for a dormitory, and appropriated to the occupation of young ladies, about thirty-five of whom it accommodated, the gentlemen boarding in town. The balance of the building was divided into recitation and professors' rooms.

In the fall of 1857, the Rev. John Pollock opened the institution and pre- sided over its varying fortunes for nearly two years. He was succeeded by the Rev. R. W. Keeler, A. M., who had recently resigned the presidency of Cornell University .. His administration, covering a period of five years, was a decided success. At the end of this time, the institution, which had been carrying a burden of debt, was sold under foreclosure proceedings; soon after, the Rev. Mr. Jewett, a Presbyterian minister, secured possession for a consideration of about $3,000, and opened a private school. During the war, the attendance of students was comparatively small. All thoughts were directed to the front, and educational matters were lost sight of. After a precarious existence of about five years, Mr. Jewett sold the building and grounds to R. A. Babbage, of the Merchants' National Bank, Dubuque, in whose possession it continued for about two years, when, under the leadership of the Rev. H. W. Houghton, it was purchased by the citizens of Epworth and deeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church, to be used forever, for school purposes. The formal presentation to the conference occurred in 1870, and the Rev. J. H. Rigby, A. M., B. D., was appointed Principal. The building was thoroughly refitted, and, under his care, the institution enjoyed a good degree of prosperity. Failing health, however, com- pelled him to resign in 1873, the Rev. Adam Holm, A. M., being appointed his successor.

Mr. Holm improved the condition of the school, which prospered until the hard times of 1877-78, when he resigned and went West. In the fall of the latter year, the Rev. J. B. Albrook was appointed Principal. He at once entered upon the discharge of the duties with enthusiasm, and gathered about. him a select corps of assistants, Mrs. Albrook assuming the duties of Precep- tress, and soon all was bustle and activity.

The building was thoroughly repaired, new appliances were substituted, and everything placed in the best possible shape. The results have equaled the most sanguine expectations. Within two years, the attendance has increased 120 per cent, the grade of the school has been raised, and its prospects for future usefulness greatly enhanced.

The following are its objects as set forth in the last prospectus :

It is established for the purpose of furnishing at as little expense as possible :

1. A substantial English education to a class of students whose age and general develop- ment enable them to do work more rapidly than is possible in our graded schools.

2. A thorough preparation for teaching in the public schools of the State.

3. A general education and culture to those who with less than a college course must meet the stern requirements of our advancing social and business life.

4. A good understanding of the elements of science.

5. Ample qualification to take creditable standing in either classical or scientific course of the best colleges.

Three courses of study are provided-a Scientific, an English and a College Preparatory. For the accommodation of those who are not far enough advanced to enter the regular classes of either course, or who require a more thorough knowledge of the fundamental branches of an

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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY.

English education, classes will be formed in which the most thorough instruction will be given in the common English branches.

The scientific course is intended for those who desire a knowledge of the elements of science without devoting much time to languages, other than their mother tongue. It will be found equal to the corresponding conrse of many colleges.

The English course is designed for those who desire a thorough, systematic English educa- tion ; a preparation for the practical affairs of life. This is a three years' course, and, by the introduction of the "elective" studies as marked, embraces a course of Normal drill which will produce thoroughly equipped teachers for common and graded schools.

The completion of either of the above courses will entitle the student to the diploma of the institution.

The college preparatory course is designed to give adequate preparation for the full classi- cal and scientific courses of the best colleges. It will require two years of diligent, persevering mental application.

Book-keeping, penmanship, telegraphy, vocal and instrumental music, voice culture and harmony are taught by competent teachers.

The following are some of the inducements offered by this iustitution. See especially items 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 12:

1. We have a full corps of good teachers.

2. We give more time to each recitation than can be given in a high school.

3. We have more teachers for the number of scholars. This insures better class drill.

4. We give special attention to those preparing to teach.

5. Our town is moral : No liquor sold within four miles.

6. The free reading-room is supplied with library ; also daily, weekly and monthly peri- odicals.

7. Course of lectures by able speakers free to students.

8. Telegraphy taught at moderate figures.

9. Instruction in instrumental music free, by one of the best teachers in the West. (See Catalogue. )

10. Tuition lower than elsewhere.

11. Ladies can board with the teachers in the seminary building.

12. Boarding, including bedding, wood and lights, reduced to $2 and $2.25 per week.

13. Clubs board themselves, pay room rent, wood and lights for 90 cents to $1 per week, each.

14. Nowhere else can you get so much for the money.

The value of the property is placed at $12,000; and its expenses for the current year are estimated at $1,500.

It is governed by a Board of Trustees, of which Thomas J. Briggs is Pres- ident, and P. Keagy, Secretary. The scholastic year is divided into three terms, fall, winter and spring, with examinations at the close of each. The present average attendance is about two hundred.

SCHOOLS .-- In 1848, a schoolhouse was built on land owned by Joseph Kid- der, one mile southeast of the present town site, where a Mr. Lambert officiated as teacher, his pupils consisting of the youth residing in that district. No change was made in the location until several years afterward, when Mr. McCune purchased the building, and, removing same to the premises south of Thomas Briggs' farm, transformed it into a residence.

In December, 1857, the first public school taught in the village of Epworth was opened in the hall over Dodson's store. E. G. French taught, assisted by Miss M. Webster, and ninety-seven pupils received instruction. The School Director that year appears to have been B. H. Wilmott.

The new school law of the State took effect during the following year, and, in organizing the township, Epworth and vicinity was included in Subdistrict No. 4, embracing Sections 2, 3, 10, 11, and the north half of Section 15.

O. Briggs was the first School Director under the law, followed by R. S. Alexander, who served several years. The school remained over Dodson's store one year, moving then into the building corner of Center and Main streets, where it was kept until the Presbyterian Church was erected, when the basement of that edifice was secured and retained until an Independent district was created, and the new schoolhouse put up. This was commenced in 1867, and so far

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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY.

completed during that year as to accommodate pupils during the winter term. It was finished in the following spring at a total cost of $5,000, and is one of the best-arranged edifices in the county.

The average annual rate of taxation in Subdistrict 4 for eight years was: For teachers' fund, 3 mills ; contingent fund, 12 mills, besides the county school tax of 1 mill ; but a portion of the funds raised in this subdistrict was expended on other schools in the township. The average rate of taxation in Independent District of Epworth, for fourteen years, has been 3} mills, teachers', and 3 mills, contingent, fund, in addition to the regular county tax of 1 mill.

The school is under the direction of a Board of Trustees, the first being composed of eight members, of which S. F. Squires was President, and J. E. Sanborn, Secretary.

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The history of Dubuque County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., Part 89

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Number of Pages: 964

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical
Number of Pages: 964